While Barack Obama Is Compared to a Rock Star From Whom Only Outstanding Work Can Be Expected, Erik Svane Channels Martin Luther King Jr

As France 24's Natacha Butler and Robert Parsons cover the inauguration ceremonies in Washington, DC (from the station's Paris headquarters on January 20, 2009), Stephen Sawyer, Professor of History at the American University of Paris, joins them in comparing Barack Obama to a rock star from whom we can expect little but outstanding work(s).

Referring to Martin Luther King's 1963 speech before the Lincoln Memorial, a skeptical Erik Svane reflects on the reasons behind (as well as the enthusiasm for) the election of an African-American — both domestically and abroad...

Table of Contents:

• 00:05 Natacha Butler, France 24 host
• 01:30 Erik Svane, representing Republicans Abroad
• 06:00 Robert Parsons, France 24 correspondent
• 07:10 Natacha Butler, France 24 host
• 07:35 Stephen Sawyer, American University of Paris
• 08:45 Erik Svane wonders whether the president-elect hasn't been judged (and hasn't been elected) more because of the color of his skin than because of the content of his character...

See Part I…