DeKALB | Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-Ill.) decision to explore a potential White House run has created a buzz on campus.

This week, Obama took the first step toward a presidential campaign by forming an exploratory committee which enables him to accept campaign donations legally.

His hesitant announcements on the topic of his candidacy have left many questioning his seriousness toward the campaign.

Obama spokesperson Tommy Vietor could not comment on Obama’s current behavior or possible bid for the presidency.

Kevin Chambliss, vice president of the NIU College Democrats, said Obama is simply being cautious and gauging voter opinions.

“He’s building momentum, and watching desire from the people,” Chambliss said.

Niqui Pasates, a junior political science major, agreed.

“He’s teasing the public. Because he’s a popular figure in the media, he can use that to his advantage when he makes his announcement,” Pasates said.

His popularity has been compared to that of former presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. This has many saying he could be a viable candidate.

“He will have no trouble raising money; he has high name recognition. He’s a rock star,” said Matthew Streb, assistant political science professor. “The other advantage that he has over his two main competitors, [Hillary] Clinton and [John] Edwards, is that he didn’t have to cast a vote to initially support the Iraq war.”

Others say Obama’s inexperience, however, may present a problem in his campaign.

“He has not even served in the Senate three years yet and has no real record to run on,” Streb said. “He also hasn’t run in a brutal campaign like one for the presidency. It is unclear how he will handle the scrutiny that he will face.”

Chambliss also said Obama is reluctant to cause a divide in the Democratic Party by being “too ambitious.”

“Clinton is the forerunner. Obama doesn’t want to split the party. Otherwise, he probably would’ve announced his candidacy a long time ago,” Chambliss said.

On the other hand, a Clinton-Obama team for 2008 would be a smart play for Obama’s political future, Chambliss said.

“It’s the whole idea of being a male but working for a woman in a high position. It would show he feels positive about following a woman in leadership,” Chambliss said.

Some say a minority candidate may still struggle.

“With the current political climate, voters may not be ready for a minority to become president,” said senior sociology major Jordan Henderson. “But I still think he has a good chance if he does run.”

If he does decide to run, the possibility of an Obama win is still in question.

“There is no doubt that he has the charisma, and many believe in his vision; the question will be, is that enough?” Streb said.

Obama will announce his political intentions on Feb. 10 in Springfield.