The Chicago Tribune extended warm congratulations to Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson on Wednesday.
However, the publication expressed some astonishment over his reluctance to laud former President Barack Obama, a prominent figure whose rise in politics started right in their city.
Interestingly, Johnson did not hesitate to express gratitude to the divine.
Obama’s absence in Johnson’s acceptance speech raises eyebrows
The editorial board of the Tribune commended Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, who is set to become Chicago’s 57th mayor. They highlighted his talent as an “inspirational speaker” and remarked that for many Chicagoans, “this experience at City Hall will be a first.”
Johnson’s on-stage charisma, which the paper emphasized, is a trait that has been absent in several of his predecessors. However, they pointed out a conspicuous gap in his acceptance speech.
In their words, Johnson made room to mention the divine but, quite remarkably, excluded Barack Obama, undeniably the most significant leader originating from the city.
Editorial: Mayor-elect Johnson found a place in his acceptance speech for God. But not Barack Obama.https://t.co/dwJU4MABqc
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) April 5, 2023
This exclusion, the board observed, underscores the fact that Johnson, now a prominent figure in the Midwest’s progressive movement, harbors mixed feelings about the former community organizer from Chicago and his more pragmatic accomplishments.
Subsequently, the editorial emphasized the passage of time since Obama’s ascent to power, acknowledging that numerous young Democratic voters have only a faint recollection of it.
Tribune reflects on passage of time since Obama’s ascent to power
The Tribune reminisced, “Our city and nation have journeyed far from 2004, when Obama captivated nine million viewers with his memorable keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, propelling his meteoric ascent.”
The paper added that many of Johnson’s ardent supporters were merely in middle school at the time.
Furthermore, the Chicago publication examined Johnson’s progressive credentials, considering their role in his rise to prominence and the potential impact on his forthcoming administration.
Another win today!
“We have ushered in a new chapter in the history of our city,” Brandon Johnson said in his acceptance speech. He called for “investing in what actually works to prevent crime.”
America is speaking via voting.
Hear us roar! #FreshStrong #wtpBLUE pic.twitter.com/B4n2mZnQYe— We HearVoicesOutThere #VoteBlue2024 (@WeHearPodcast) April 5, 2023
What factors contributed to Johnson’s victory in the runoff? The Tribune pointed out several evident reasons.
“For instance, the Chicago Teachers Union, which had provided exceptional support to his campaign, maintained its renowned ground strategy. They rallied the vote, or at the very least, garnered the appropriate votes from the union’s perspective.”
The publication further noted, “Johnson’s perception of his historical role contributes significantly to his impending mayoral tenure in a distinguished American metropolis, where he is expected to lead arguably the most progressive administration in the city’s annals.”
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
