Aug 27, 2006 10:54 pm US/Central
Obama Inspires Kenyans By His Actions, Message
Celebrity of Obama Helps In Connection to People
by Mike Flannery
NAIROBI, Kenya (CBS) ―
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Barack Obama in Africa
CBS
Barack Obamaconfessed Sunday that he did not expect anything like the massive and adoring crowds he's attracted in Kenya. There was more of the same in a notorious
Nairobi slum.
CBS 2's Political Editor Mike Flannery takes a look at what the extraordinary spectacle might mean for Obama and
Kenya.
After yet another wildly enthusiastic reception -- this time from the residents of Africa's worst slum -- Barack Obama said he's been taken aback by the welcome Kenyans have given him.
"We had got warnings this would be a big deal, but I didn't expect people lining the streets as they were," said Obama about his African reception.
Obama has a special connection to Kenya, land of his father's birth. But barring some major mishap in the final few days, this trip seems certain to enhance his political stature on the world stage and back home.
"I think people feel neglected, and people feel that nobody is listening to them, and people feel that those in power don't care," said Obama. "I don't think that's just here in Kenya, that's in the States. You see it on the South Side of Chicago, the West Side of Chicago or if you go to downstate Illinois."
Here in Africa, he's using his celebrity to deliver a message about the deadly plague that in some parts of this country has infected one-fourth of the population. On Aug. 26, he and his wife got tested for AIDS. Kenyans following his every move are responding.
"Those that didn't do it, are now talking about tomorrow they will do the HIV test," said Obama admirer Esther Wiga. Michael Akayo, another admirer, mentioned Kenyans can follow the example of Obama.
"When I show up, they see me as a possible connection," Obama added. "As somebody who is on television, in the newspaper, he is here now and maybe he's listening to me and maybe he's sincere."
Pretty heady stuff for a freshman senator, albeit one who has so far pulled off an amazing political feat. Obama has managed to maintain a job approval rating of about 70 percent back home, to go with his nearly 100-percent rating here.
On Monday, Flannery will have more on Obama's trip to Africa and corruption.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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