Prometheus 6

Frederick Douglass, former slave, abolitionist and human rights champion, could have told Obama that there would be days like this.

It's one thing to have a great speaking voice and a commanding presence, as did Douglass -- and, likewise, Obama. It's quite another matter to think you have something important to say. Worse yet, to tell yourself you can be a leader, not just a loyal spear carrier.

Douglass found that out.

In his autobiography, "Life and Times of Frederick Douglass," Douglass talked about his early days as an escaped slave in the North.

The Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society assigned him to travel through part of the state with a white society member to sign up subscribers to the Anti-Slavery Standard and the Liberator.

"I was generally introduced as a 'chattel,' -- a 'thing' -- a piece of Southern property -- the chairman assuring the audience that it could speak."