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This was a work in progress that was posted as a diary in order to get some feedback. The full opednews article is now available here
A number of (mostly conservative) bloggers have argued that Barack Obama is a kind of human Rorschach test -- that because Obama has, at times (mostly, early in the primary campaign), been somewhat vague about a variety of issues, from late-term abortion to ending the war in Iraq, he is somehow less reliable and trustworthy – as though a clearly-defined and rigid position on complex issues is more desirable.
Utter nonsense, that, but the Rorschach metaphor does have its utility. Because of Obama’s personality (even-keeled, thoughtful, nuanced) and his relatively slim public record, it is indeed possible for very different people to project their own values, needs, and traits onto him. Even the campaign slogans (Hope and Change) call for projection. Hope for what? What kind of change? Each voter can insert his/her own desire and find little in Obama to contradict that vision. But, and this is the key: as with the original Rorschach, the extent to which the American public actually projects its values and needs onto Obama reveals a great deal about the said public and very little about the stimulus.
Moderate conservatives see a person guided by pragmatism, rather than liberal ideology, while liberals see a kindred spirit who has had to make accommodations to the political Center in order to win the election. Take the issue of race relations for example. Traditional liberals are, of course, excited to see a person of color, especially one who identifies as African American, on the cusp of the Presidency and expect him to support a variety of racial justice initiatives, including affirmative action. Neo-conservatives, on the other hand, can point to his self-portrayal as a post-racial (rather than as a Black) candidate, one who transcends the traditional racial divisions and tensions (it helps that Jesse Jackson had taken some shots at him). Surprisingly, there are even "Racists for Obama". No, really! Their agenda is, well, racist, but even they see something in Obama that is to their liking.
The point here is not whether they or anyone else is right or wrong, and it is worth noting that the projective tests in general, and the Rorschach in particular, have no right and wrong answers. The point is that in all elections but particularly in this one, who we agree with and ultimately who we vote for (and why!) provides an unusual window into our social and political selves, including those parts of our selves we usually try to hide and deny.
You may already know your conscious beliefs, but if you want to know your unconscious social and political needs and fears, just take the Obama Apperception Test: If you’re perfectly honest with yourself, what do you see in this candidate? What do you believe about him? The answers offer a rare glance into your own unconscious.
