Welcome back to Totally Motivated your weekly source for motivation, inspiration and power information. I was in Des Moines, Iowa over the weekend and had an opportunity to meet Presidential candidate Hilary Clinton. The security surrounding her was tight, but due to my knowing a couple of the key players, I was allowed to exchange a few words with the Former First Lady.

I found Hilary warm and charming (Unlike her stoic appearance on television). Her handshake was firm, but her hand was soft – the type of hand that hadn’t seen much manual labor – well kept and conditioned. Her eyes spoke to her determination, piercing, and examining, and at the same time, open and approachable.

She seemed to have a good height for a woman, the height of a mother. Her mannerisms were polished, professional and, one could tell, aged in privilege. I went out on a limb and asked permission to give her a copy of my new book, “You Are the Money!” She accepted, looked at the cover of the book, and to my surprise said, “Thank you Wes.”

With perfect timing her aid retrieved the book, and Hilary was ushered through a side door, surrounded by Secret Service personnel. I watched as she gracefully waved farewell to the crowd, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, baring witness to age, beauty, strength, and ambition.

I thought about Hilary-the person, after that encounter. I wondered about the spirit behind the eyes. As public people we learn how to put on a mask and distance ourselves from the stares (and glares) of the always “Probing” fans and foes. I noticed she has learned the art of letting people in to her, without losing her much-needed personal privacy.

Another thought came to mind, one that has made headlines throughout the world, “Can Hilary really win?” I immediately recognized the subtle sexism the question implied. There was no question this person was proficient in her knowledge of politics (Her husband is the former leader of the free world). Her ability to govern is unchallenged. She fought for, won, and serves as the Senator in the largest city in the United States (New York City). And to top it all off, she possesses an independence that, unmistakably, lets anyone know she calls her own shots.

So then, with all the superlatives associated with this great lady why does the question of, can she win, persist? The answer represents one of the lingering stains on the American consciousness. Other countries have had women in charge of the highest post in the land (Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, comes to mind), so why is it such a stretch of the imagination, to think America’s future, would be well looked-after, in the hands of a woman?

I doubt those concerns represent the deep apprehensions held by many relating to a female president. I would venture to serve up a closer connection. There is another candidate who parallels or exceeds Hilary’s images of Presidential-post holding trepidation, and that person is Barack Obama.

Barack is a black man, whose mother happens to be white. His mass appeal has catapulted him into the mainstream, media-scrutinized, public arena. Barack’s bold and smooth political style have made him a Democratic darling, and at the same time, placed a bull’s eye squarely on his Presidential aspirations.

Never in the history of America has the country faced such a dilemma. Up to now, racism and sexism were subjects discussed in settings designed for debate, and only spilled out into full view, due to rare occurrences such as, Attorney Johnny Cochran’s victory in the O.J. Simpson trial.

In a time America is positioned to be the consciousness of the world, representing fairness and equity for all, Her most ugliest secrets are about to play themselves out, for the entire world to see.

If you thought the Tennessee race was vicious (Harold Ford vs. Bob Corker – Senate race), you ain’t seen nothing yet. Wait until the gloves come off and the nasty campaign ads begin. Obama recently had to put the fire out on a misrepresented ad that claimed he attended and participated in a Muslim extremist school, when he was in “Elementary school!” Those claims proved to be false. 

The time has come for change in America, but don’t expect for it to be ushered in on a parade float. Change, like the birthing of a baby, always is accompanied by pain, kicking and screaming. The stasis quo that has remained intact for centuries is now faced with the undeniable onslaught of evolution. The Bible prophesied it this way, “But many that are first shall be last and the last shall be first.” St. Matthews 19:30.

Each of us reacts differently to our encounters with greatness, but what remains constant is our recognition of its uniqueness. Hilary is a unique spirit. She is bold, dynamic, self contained and knowledgeable. She bravely stands before men, squares her shoulders, and with a smile, takes on all challengers.

In the words of Victor Hugo, “Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time has come.” We cannot overlook the statement Americans issued in the recent elections. It was an irrefutable dismantling of “Business as usual.” It was a collective proclamation that the past has failed, and a sobering realization that it’s time for change.     

Until next week – Stay Motivated!

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