Indeed, President Obama could have chosen to stay on the sidelines in this matter. That would have been the safe choice. It is what every other president before him likely would have done. In fact, I have to even question whether other presidents would have even been asked their opinion on the matter. I’m sorry Michelle Malkin, I’m not buying the assertion that this was all orchestrated. And by taking on this issue, Glenn Beck, the President should not be labeled a racist. How stupid.

We have the first African American in the White House. And though Mr. Obama should not be judged merely by the color of his skin, we have to recognize that his ethnicity and experiences bring a perspective unseen before by anyone who has held the office. Bill Clinton was given the title of being the first black president, but he is, still, a white man. Mr. Obama could have withheld his feelings, but he was being true to himself and sharing his honest feelings.

As a result, an issue that was controversial, but might have dissipated by now, has dominated our conversations for two weeks. By President Obama offering his take, we have had many discussions about race and the prickly relationship between blacks and the police. I don’t think George W. Bush would have had a summit meeting over beer at the White House with Gates and Officer Crowley. That would have been the safe approach. But we are charting new territory with Mr. Obama. And though it is forcing us to deal right now with an issue that we probably wish would go away, I would argue that we might all be better for it in the end.

And though some might say it isn’t the President’s place to get involved in a local issue, I would differ. Race relations is not a local issue. It’s a festering problem that we need someone to provide us leadership to help overcome or at least address.

By stepping into this, I don’t think that President Obama has overstepped his boundaries. No, I think he has stepped forward and accepted his role as a leader with a different perspective. And for having the courage to do so, I think he should be applauded. But I worry that I am cheering by myself.