Matt Stoller may be overestimating some of the power of the structure, but his analysis of Barack Obama’s Campaign is certainly worth a read. The issue, which has excited New York Times Opinion Columnist Paul Krugman to no end, is two-fold:
1. What do we get out of Barack Obama’s power structure in practical terms (policies) and
2. What does Barack Obama’s power structure do to existing advocacy groups?
The lesson of Bill Clinton is that popularity and success do not necessarily translate into progressive policies and/or strong groups to support them (Democratic Party or otherwise). These are different times - and the times are ripe for substantive progressive change in areas like health care, the war in Iraq, energy and the economy. But Barack Obama has been running on relatively modest policy proposals throughout the primaries. The question is will Barack Obama live up to his campaign’s promise - or just his campaign promises. There is a big difference.
Comments 3
Obama’s campaign has emerged as the model one in this presidential race. In terms of organization and use of new media (blogs, YouTube, etc.) He has reached a new generation of voters raised in the Internet age. It’s no wonder Obama’s been successful en route to November.
Posted 17 May 2008 at 9:14 pm ¶Hi Audie,
Thanks for the comment!
Really what Obama’s done is the difference between his win and Hillary Clinton winning - it’s also why it’s hard to imagine John McCain having much of a chance, especially in the current climate. Obama’s campaign is in many ways the first modern campaign - taking what Dean (via Trippi) pointed to, fixing it and expanding it. Extremely impressive from that vantage.
Posted 18 May 2008 at 9:46 pm ¶DEAR READERS-
MRS. CLINTON YES, OBAMA NO. I FEEL HE IS TOO RADICAL.
ROBERT JONES
Posted 18 May 2008 at 11:41 pm ¶CONCERNED CITIZEN
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