Obama’s Town Hall in Delhi: A Great Speech, But Low on Substance

“President Obama’s responses lacked the substance that I wish they had,” writes Harish Iyer.

Former US President Barack Obama listens to a question during the Hindustan Times leadership summit in New Delhi on 1 December 2017.

(Photo: AP)

As someone who has followed Barack Obama and seen him as a messiah for equal rights, including for the LGBT community, an opportunity to breathe the same air as him was nothing less than a dream come true. Though the air was Delhi-flavoured with particulate poison, the fact that I spent it with Obama made it sweet.

The gathering had around 300 members who were chosen from the around 8,000 who had applied. Though most, like me, were invitees of the Obama Foundation and allies.

Obama’s entry was no less than the plot of a suspense thriller. We had reached the place at 1:30 pm. Obama took the stage at 3:45 pm.

In the interim, his team members announced the proceedings that would take place once Obama took the stage.

A moment of anticipation was raised by the declaration that Obama would join us at any moment.

All of it was so perfectly orchestrated to create a crescendo of emotions the moment Obama hits the stage. Anshul Tewari, Founder of Youth Ki Awaaz, introduced Obama, and he emerged for everyone like me who was waiting with bated breath.

Obama is a gifted speaker. He took to the stage with absolute ease and his casual attitude made him an instant hit with the audience.

The Two-Term President: All Style, Little Substance

Obama addresses the audience at the Hindustan Times summit on 1 December 2017.(Photo: AP)

The sad part for me is that his camaraderie, oratory skills and his quotable quotes are what his charisma seemed limited to in terms of substance.

I have been advised by many a friend not to criticise Obama, but I am a fanboy and have immense faith in him as someone who respects different points of view.

Hence, I dare to share my honest opinion about the event.

In my opinion, President Obama’s responses lacked the substance that I wish they had. People asked questions and his replies were no different to anything we might have thought of ourselves. He was no more than an adept management consultant who doles out intelligent advice.

Though in a world where politicians are so detached from ground realities, it is a welcome change to see Obama aware of the stark truths on the ground. My heart was left yearning for more. What I got, rather, was amazing quotable quotes, but no special points of action that I could follow and charter in our own path.

Like for instance, if I were to take the answer to the question on Section 377 and transgender discrimination posed by my transgender friend Akkai Padmashali, founder of organisation Ondede.

It begins with finding your voice. That’s true for any group that is marginalised. Break down the perception that you are different, so people recognise the humanity in you. This is why art is a powerful tool for social change. Find the right alliances, and then it’s a matter of mobilising political opinions. That’s going to take some time, but don’t lose hope.

Obama’s Response

He didn’t make any comment on section 377 per se, but clearly evaded the question with his nuanced answer that spoke about the marginalisation of minorities.

As a champion of equal rights in the world, I did expect him to mention that section 377 is draconian. I expected him to be more informed.

Generic Responses to Important Questions

The Former US President takes a question during the summit in New Delhi on 1 December(Photo: AP)

When someone asked him, “How do you build consensus?” he responded, “The first thing you do is to listen more than you speak”.

When asked about the loss of jobs due to automation, Obama pointed to the role of teachers.

Most of the answers that Obama gave for various questions were not something that I couldn’t have heard from a good management guru. There was too much beating around the bush and the responses were well-worded, but way too generic.

There was nothing new that he shared. No new ideas, no new views, and no new insights. He packaged everything in tastefully chosen words, with a smile and comfort with the audience that only he can manage.

I always saw Obama as someone who took a stand for equality.

In his new avatar as a leader of the world, not just America, I wished that he took a stand on section 377, I wished he spoke about greenhouse emissions, carbon footprint, and even about patriarchy, equal pay, and other issues in more detail.  

I wished Obama didn’t speak in the binary of boys and girls, when he is aware of other genders that exist. I wished Obama shared more about the plans of the Obama Foundation and the specifics that they are focussed on, in greater detail.

Not Angry, Just Disappointed

The former President’s speech, sounded good, but had little new to offer.(Photo: AP)

This is not an angry reaction because I couldn’t ask him questions. I love Obama. I was mighty amazed at his speech and at his ease in interacting with the audience. This was one of the best moments of my life, to watch my hero on stage. However, I was left asking for more as I saw him, and continue to see him, as a man with a plan of action and not just fancy words.

Perhaps I am wrong, perhaps we will see more of him. And perhaps I would be invited in the future too despite the observations that I made here. That’s what makes Obama, Obama – his ability to listen and respect different points of view.

I can’t speak for all, but all in all, for me, it was a great speech, though I expected more substance. It is Obama after all.

(Harish Iyer is an equal rights activist working for the rights of the LGBT community, women, children and animals. He can be reached at @hiyer. The views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)

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