As the war in Iraq and talks of North Korean nuclear threats continue, many people have drifted their focus to replacing the current presidential administration. With two years left until the 2008 presidential elections, a new name has been hurled into the fight for the oval office by the media and American citizens alike — Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.

Obama climbed the political-respect ladder, creating new hope for American politics. It’s the nation’s responsibility to elect a candidate that will bring a fresh outlook not only to political policies but also bring a resolution to a war that has raged on for far too long. If you’re looking for a politician that can lift your spirits and also get your patriotic juices flowing, then Obama is his name — the right choice for the Democratic Party and the American people in 2008.

The two-year Senator has unknowingly used his youth and exuberance to gain respect from potential voters and many of his peers. From the first time he stepped foot in the Democratic National Convention in Boston and delivered his powerful keynote address, to last week’s Time Magazine cover, Obama has become the fastest-glamorized politician since John F. Kennedy. In a recent interview with Time Magazine, Obama responded to questions of running for president in 2008 with, “When the election is over and my book tour is done, I will think about how I can be most useful to the country and how I can reconcile that with being a good dad and a good husband.” With answers such as these, Obama has made some voters believe that there indeed are honest politicians who care more about the nation’s needs than their votes.

It’s not hard to see why Obama has become a frontrunner for the presidency, even though he has yet to clearly announce his interest. His charisma and energy is reminiscent of former President Bill Clinton’s, who most of America (especially Democrats) still loves. Also, with two introspective books to his credit, including the new “Audacity of Hope” and the countless hours of media coverage given to his trip to Ghana, Obama allowed the public to see a piece of him many politicians only bring out on the campaign trail.

One has to see a glimmer of hope in a man that has relied on truth and understanding as his campaigning strategy instead of the usual, mundane use of attack ads. Even if you are not affiliated with the Democratic Party, one has to love a politician that has Obama’s passion and patriotism. To support Obama is to support the necessary call for change in our current administration. If politics is looking for a fresh start from the big business and terror reports of the Bush administration, this is the right place to start the search. With countless endorsements form his peers and from stars such as Michael Jordan and Oprah Winfrey, how can he be passed over?

Senator Obama has appeal that relates not only to African American voters but the American population as a whole. The presidential calling is his for the taking. While he ponders the idea to run, many in his corner are strategically putting together a plan for the day he says yes. With only two years of experience at the Washington level, it seems that the cogs of change are ready to turn in his favor. If so, Obama should be the name that all voters chant on that election night in November 2008.

Harold Toliver is an opinion columnist for the Northern Star.