The Trayvon Martin case highlights an interesting example of the power of the presidency. Martin was a high school student staying with relatives in a gated Florida community. George Zimmerman shot him in the street as he thought the boy looked suspicious. The police seemingly took Zimmerman at his word and have not arrested him. At first it was thought that this was due to Florida's 'stand your ground' law which allows a pretty lenient definition of self-defence. However, that law only applies in cases where an intruder has entered a property - Martin was shot on the street.
Therefore, it is doubly unclear as to why Zimmerman was not arrested and questioned by the Florida police. The case has sparked a nationwide campaign which prompted the US Justice Dept to launch an investigation into the case.
Now, the point of all this is that, today, the Pres has given a speech very clearly setting the tone for the investigation. He was careful not to claim guilt or innocence of any party, due to the impending investigation, but his tone was very sympathetic to the Martin family. This, I think, is quite a good example of what Pres Teddy Roosevelt called the "bully pulpit". Most touchingly Obama said, "If I had a son he would look like Trayvon," This will probably go down as one of his most famous quotes.
Washington Post
Mark Mardell
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