Who Is Protecting Candidate Barrack Obama?

By Philip Fernando in Seattle

Seattle, 26 February, (Asiantribune.com): Presidential contender Barrack Obama is surrounded by the best security service the country can provide, very much like what a President gets. Yet “worry” is too soft a word to describe what thousands fear to say. There is a “hush” loud and clear said one supporter. The nightmare of 1968 seared into their memories, the pandemonium of Martin Luther King, John F and Bobby Kennedy flashbacks-as Obama fearlessly mingles amidst the thronging crowds that swell like a river overflowing its banks wherever he traveled. Obama was the first contender to get the protection he needed. His secret service code word is “Renegade” as is the usual style adopted by them to quickly locate well protected targets. Obama does not talk about it very much. He just plans his day like any other candidate.Barack Obama (right) is seen dressed as a Somali Muslim elder during his visit to Kenya in 2006

His winning a series of primaries and getting a coalition of black, white and Spanish supporters has lessened the tension somewhat unlike when he arrived on the scene months ago when even the blacks were not certain about his prospects. But there is always that crazy mind-set to watch for. The inexplicable scenario of someone doing the unthinkable is a nightmare with which the Secret Service operates.

There is an abundance of caution no doubt even though Obama himself does not talk about it. He has been given the protection by the Secret Service during his whirlwind campaigning tours. His security is as good as the best modern technology can provide. He has got used to the surveillance. He invited the Secret Service folks to his home to watch the Super Ball when Obanma took a day off from capmaiging. All leading candidates are entitled to some level of protection as provided by law. Hillary Clinton as first lady had the Secret Service even before she entered the fray. Senator John McCain who was a candidate in 2000 is also very familiar with the rules. Secret service provides a 24 hours watch once the candidates were deemed national contenders.

According to one authority on this subject, Gerald Posner who wrote about the assassinations of Kenney and Kings the risk to candidates Obama, Clinton or McCain is not higher than what the leaders like George Bush or former president Clinton faced in this age. Still others shiver to ponder about the trauma associated with the lives of the leaders like King and Kennedy who brought the message of “Hope.” Like what Obama is doing today. The best protection against unknown terror is the vigilance of the people and there is a surfeit of that since the traumatic events of September 11th.

- Asian Tribune -