A different kind of campaign

by Brian Reich | 11 May 2008, 2:00am

Much has been made of how Barack Obama has change the way politics is waged in this country.   I don’t believe it, at least not yet.   Yes, Senator Obama’s campaign has used internet to create a significant base of donors.   They have launched a social network for the campaign and delivered tools to tens-of-thousands of activists around the country, not just permitting but encouraging them to organize on their own to advance the campaign cause.   They have talked about hope and collaboration and breaking down political barriers.   But, at the root of his campaign against Senator Clinton (who I support), the same basic political tactics ruled the day.   The tone and rhetoric of his campaign were significantly different than any in my lifetime (and certainly different than Senator Clinton’s tone and rhetoric), but his overall effort was far from complete.
With the primary campaign all but over and Senator Obama inching closer to securing the Democratic nomination, his opportunity to change politics is about to begin.   I expect him to take it.   Seize it.   Use the platform he has managed to secure for himself and his followers to transform this nation in a serious way.   Win or lose, we should come out of this presidential campaign a better nation than when we entered it.   That may be a big burden to shoulder, but Barack Obama has asked for it, and I expect him to take it on.

There are hints that this will happen, but I am still skeptical.   The campaign has launched a 50-state voter registration effort… which will either serve to inspire and increase participation in our democracy, or become one of the largest, most influential political machines in history (or possibly both).   There was talk in this morning’s paper that Senator McCain and Senator Obama were open to the idea of unmoderated debates or joint forums around the country… their barnstorming will either raise the level and quality of the debate about the issues, or serve as another opportunity to paint one camp or the other as unwilling to   engage in a new form of political theater.   What about new policy solutions, instead of a debate over whether the existing ones work or not (they don’t)?   What about a visit by the candidate to all 50 states between now and November (including Alaska and Hawaii), even the ones he isn’t likely to win, because a vibrant democracy comes from participation everywhere, not just the states that are likely to tip the balance in your favor.   And beyond the campaign, if Senator Obama is truly committed to his rhetoric of change, I expect him to start now - not wait until he is elected.   Senator Obama should ask his donors, particularly those who have maxed out, to support worth charitable causes and volunteer their time to help not only his campaign but the neediest in our communities.   I want to see him use his sophisticated technological platform to direct his donors to help UNICEF raise money for the survivors of the cyclone in Myanmar.   I want to see him use his extensive network of activists to solve some of the most vexing problems in our society, instead of waiting for Congress and a new President to tackle it.
Don’t get me wrong - I am a good Democrat and I will support Senator Obama either way.   I will vote for him.   I will donate.   I will tell my friends to do the same.   And I will challenge those who support Senator McCain to explain to me why his Presidency would not be an extension of the awful failures that George W. Bush heaped on us.

But, I want more.   I want more than politics.   I want more than speeches.   I want more than millions of small contributions and stories of people who are inspired. I want real change.   I want improvement.

I want a different kind of campaign. And that starts now.

TAGS : Barack Obama politics