The legitimate triumph of an average man

Pregnant women say they’ll name their children after Obama if he gets to the White House. Some journalists and university lecturers have taken to folding their shirtsleeves as they’ve seen Obama do it.

‘Obamania”, as it has become known, has gripped Cameroon.

Obama`s meteoric rise in politics has attracted the attention of millions in Cameroon who admire the senator not only for his African roots but also for his charisma and determination in his presidential quest. In the economic capital Douala and the political capital Yaoundé, Obama has inspired several clubs and intellectual gatherings, where debates about him last into the early hours.

In cities you can see caps, T-shirts, trousers, ties and even headscarfs with Obama’s image, the people’s idol. Most newspapers, and even some radio stations, in the two main towns of Cameroon have become addicted to the Obama syndrome. Widespread debates and conferences consider Obama`s likely domestic and foreign policies if he wins and how they would affect Africa.

For Cameroonians, Obama has proved his mettle as an astute politician and most of his ideas seem to have gained general acceptance. Victory for this young, charismatic and intelligent senator from Illinois would be the legitimate triumph of an average man.

Manyo Benard is a journalist with Spectrum Television (STV) the leading independent TV station in Cameroon. He lives in Douala.