The Democratic Party is Take the Lead

In 2006, a movie was released that was part dance, part Zen manual, and all Antonio Banderas. That movie was “Take the Lead,” starring Banderas as international ballroom dancer Pierre Dulaine.

While at its core, the film is a heart-wrenching tale of how youth will respond to the magic of dance, it is, in fact, so much more. “Take the Lead” is not just a Hollywood movie. It is an overriding philosophy.

Between the lines, however, it is a story about the Democratic Party and about Barack Obama’s brave journey to change all that is wrong with the United States of America.

Take the Lead

As the film opens, we see the struggles of ordinary Americans set against the style and class of dancer Pierre Dulaine. People are struggling. Families are collapsing. People cling to anger and violence as a refuse. And the people in charge just don’t get it. But one man understands. Touched by the suffering her car recently endured, Dulaine approaches well-meaning but overwhelmed Principal Augustine James.

Barack Obama was a gifted young man with opportunities as far as the eye could see. But when confronted with the world he saw that he could change it. He would fight for the people.

After teaching a young man the importance of chivalry, Dulaine comes to Woodward with his master plan – he will take the school’s worst offenders, and teach them the magic of dance. Woodward skeptically agrees, mostly because Dulaine acted chivalrous.

The door was opened for Obama at the 2004 Democratic National Convention by a well-meaning but overwhelmed John Kerry. Offered a prime speaking role, Obama took this challenge on with conviction and pride.

On his first meeting with the troubled kids, Dulaine attempts to impress them with his openness and intelligence. When he tells them that he’s there to teach them ballroom dancing, the kids laugh at him. They don’t understand. They are used to how things are, they can’t accept change. Dulane’s first effort to reach his new class is a failure. His enemies scoff at him. He is alone. But he does not know the word “quit.”

Obama’s messege of change was scoffed at, even by members of his own party. He was told that things were the way they were and he had to conform or perish. But Barack Obama does not know the word “quit.”

Dulaine shows his ability to reach across the aisle when he helps a privileged, yet soulful, young girl achieve her dream of dancing well at her cotillion.

Barack Obama has proven his ability to work across party lines, becoming friends and creating dialogue with such Republicans as Chuck Hagel and Joe Lieberman.

With his class of young would-be dancers still refusing to give him the respect he deserves, Dulaine turns up the volume of his message, and begins to slowly show them the intricacies of ball room dance. “How many of you think ballroom dancing is weak,” asks Dulane of his students. “You have been mislead,” answers their cries of weakness. Duhane tells them that ballroom dancing is great for warriors. That it’s great for impressing members of the opposite sex. That it was created in Africa. The kids immediately call him on pandering. Dulaine has his work cut out for him. But he knew that going in.

The fight to get Americans behind him was an arduous one for Obama. But he knew that going in.

Striving tirelessly to reach his students, Dulaine brings out the big gun – he dances. Bringing in one of his students to the detention center he has transformed into a dance studio, Duhane and his partner dance a highly sexual and seductive tango. The kids immediately drop all objections and decide to follow Dulaine wherever he chooses to lead them. He tells them of an upcoming dance competition that offers a spectacular prize.

In 2004, Obama spoke at the DNC as the Keynote Speaker. Immediately Democrats dropped all objections and realized he was someone to follow. When Dulaine dances, as it does when Obama speaks.

Showing off his inclusiveness, Dulaine brings his elite student to the class. While she doesn’t fit in at first, she shows her inner strength and willingness to fight for the cause. They learn that she is one of them. The umbrella widens as the class works on their dance.

Obama constantly showcases his willingness to bring people together.

The students not only become entranced by dance, they begin to add their own vision and beliefs to the enterprise. “Do you like dancing?” the elite girl asks one of the boys. When he responds in the affirmative, she tells him “Then you were made to dance.”

From the moment Obama decides to run for President, his surrogates have had his back.

When a female student brings up her discomfort in allowing a male student to lead in their dance, Dulaine shows he understands women’s strength and their place in his vision: “It is the woman’s choice to accept by following,” said Dulaine.

Faced by a serious challenge in the form of Hillary Clinton, Obama reacts with chivalry, and politely asks Clinton to get off stage and that it is her job to follow.

Coming face to face with their competition for the first time, Dulaine’s team of young dancers sees the true heart of the enemy. They are abused and ridiculed and told to get off the stage. They are belittled by their rich enemies. The kids are crushed and quit.

With John McCain and the Republicans attacking Obama and his dream of change on a non-stop basis, the GOP blows are crushing to many.

Desperate to regain his followers, Dulaine gives them an impassioned speech. They are dancers. They have what it takes to win. And, seriously, what do they have to lose? “I look at this room and all I see is choices. Choices waiting to be made,” says Dulane. The kids quickly agree this is wise thinking and rejoin the fray.

Obama is prepared for the attacks. He has let his followers know that they need to trust him and they will ride it out.

The establishment comes down hard on Dulaine. They see him as a threat. They view him as ridiculous. He is not one of them. Dulaine calls them a bunch of whiners. Then he dances with Principal Augustine James. “You see, if she allows me to lead, she is trusting me,” says Dulane. “More than that, she is trusting herself.” Mesmerized by the dance and unable to refute Dulan’s logic, the establishment relents.

The established rule of the United States is terrified of Obama and the change he plans to bring. They are merciless in their critiques. Sarah Palin enters the scene. Democrats are terrified. But Obama knows how to handle women.

Temptations arise. Loyalties are tested and relationships are forged. Dulaine’s young dancers are ready and focused. They put on their new clothes and head to the big dance competition as one.

From Day One, to his mesmerizing acceptance speech to the long final days of the campaign, Obama has striven to keep unity in his party. They will come to the competition as one voice, strong and united.

Dulaine’s young dancers compete valiantly, determined to prove that their view of ballroom dancing is correct. They showcase their new style and earn respect for their dancing and how they carry themselves. They are a resounding success. They ultimately lose, of course. And while the winners are gracious, going so far as saying it’s a symbolic tie, everyone knows who still has the power. But it makes no difference to the young dancers and Dulane. They have done their best and are empowered. They have claimed a moral victory.

Good work everyone. Hold your heads high, you fought the good fight. Lessons were learned. See you in 2012.

The End.

–WKW

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