The Obama Machine
By Alan Stewart Carl | Related entries in 2008 Election, BarackIs it just me, or could Barack Obama be the most skilled politician in a generation? If not more? I’m not talking about leadership, mind you. I’m talking about his ability to navigate this campaign with a poise and seamlessness that we haven’t seen anyone, not even Bill Clinton, manage in a long, long time.
I was willing to assume his victory over Hillary Clinton was as much due to Clinton’s mistakes as Obama’s strengths as a politician. But after Obama’s beautifully stage-managed trip overseas (and a hefty media assist), I have to hand it to the guy: he’s smoother than ice on a bowling alley.
I guess there’s still time for him to make a mistake on this trip but that doesn’t seem likely. He’ll come back glowing even more than when he left. It seems the only chance John McCain has is forcing Obama out of his carefully managed campaign and into unscripted town hall meetings. But that’s not going to happen.
McCain’s chances are fading by the day.
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July 23rd, 2008 at 7:42 am
Barack Obama’s campaign for president is about as brilliant as Chauncey Gardner’s.
“”I serve as a blank screen on which people of vastly different political stripes project their own views”
-Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:53 am
So Jimmy, all these people are just mistaking nonsense for profundity? Why do you hate America?
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:36 am
So Jimmy, all these people are just mistaking nonsense for profundity?
The Obama quote is 100% accurate. Not speaking for Jimmy, but…yes. Obama is as scripted as can be, and dare not leave the shelter of his script for fear of blowing the illusion. When Andrea Mitchell (whose network is already in the tank as cheerleaders) notices you’re doing fake interviews it should be a clue.
Someone’s already made the documentary.
July 23rd, 2008 at 11:13 am
ASC:
It seems a waste of time trying to discuss political skills in an objective manner. The partisans can never see beyond their own partisan blinders.
Obama is a very, very good politician. He doesn’t have Clinton’s empathy, and he doesn’t have Reagan’s ability to marry agenda to charm. But he’s put together an amazing machine. And he’s been very lucky. Which, as odd as it seems, is one of the things we ask of politicians.