This page gives an analysis of Obama’s image and story in Time.
Some readers could look at the image of Barack Obama matched with the phrase “The Contender” and see it negatively. Addressing Barack Obama as a contender could be understood in a manner believing that he is no match for his opponents, that he is merely a contender. The portion of the sub-title that read “Has politics changed him?” juxtaposed with his pose could be viewed in an arrogant and devious manner, the alleged face of politics (Tumulty, 2007). The cover possibly hints at the notion of Obama becoming similar to other candidates who he claims to be different than. Critics of his would take the image and projection of power as an inconsistency to what Obama preaches and supposedly stands for throughout his campaign.
