Letting Obama Be Obama
Watching the largely favorable national reaction to Barack Obama’s mild-mannered performance last Thursday night, even a hard-bitten, cynical old pol like me must finally give in and admit that Obama understands the dynamics of this race much better than I do. The clincher is that, while I knew the Republicans would create an ad from Obama’s string of “John-is-right-when-he-says . . .” moments, I would never have guessed that – as a message to undecided voters – such an ad is already obsolete.
Like many Democrats, I stand amazed that the race has remained this close this long. And, like many Democrats, I have assumed that Obama’s difficulty in closing the deal – even after eight years of appalling GOP mismanagement – derives in large measure from the twin factors of latent racism and an ingrained American preference for leaders who talk tough and play rough. For me, one of the clearest lessons of the partisan and culture wars of the past 30 years is this: No matter how badly they may screw up, we seem to like Presidents who say “Bring’em on.”
Except maybe that isn’t as true as it once was – and maybe Obama is proving it in this campaign.
It’s not that Obama isn’t a tough guy. No one (let alone a person of color) could get this far, this fast in American politics without genuine toughness and resiliency to match his intelligence and charisma. But, as my wife keeps reminding me, Obama knows that he cannot ever, ever allow himself to appear to be an “angry black man,” so he can’t resort to some of the traditional knockdown moves of American campaigning. Rather than sucker-punch, at most he can only counter-punch – and, sometimes, he just has to stand there and take it.
Yet there’s more at work here than the imperative that a relative newcomer (especially a non-white newcomer) needs to reassure voters of his fundamental thoughtfulness, decency and judgment.
The new insight at work here – the one that keeps Obama serene and even-keeled through the McCain campaign’s frenetic barrage of stunts, lies and taunts – seems to be that the old rules are “inoperative,” and that he, Obama, is writing the new ones.
Now, Obama hasn’t exactly hidden this insight from the rest of us. Back on the night of May 6th, speaking after the North Carolina and Indiana primaries, he said:
[W]e have seen that it's possible to overcome the politics of division and distraction; that it's possible to overcome the same old negative attacks that are always about scoring points and never about solving our problems . . . [W]e know what's coming. We've seen it already. The same names and labels they always pin on everyone who doesn't agree with all their ideas. The same efforts to distract us from the issues that affect our lives by pouncing on every gaffe and association and fake controversy in the hope that the media will play along. The attempts to play on our fears and exploit our differences to turn us against each other for pure political gain . . .
The question, then, is not what kind of campaign they'll run, it's what kind of campaign we will run. It's what we will do to make this year different. I didn't get into this race thinking that I could avoid this kind of politics, but I am running for President because this is the time to end it. I trust the American people's desire to no longer be defined by our differences . . . I've found that while we may have different stories, we hold common hopes. We may not look the same or come from the same place, but we want to move in the same direction – towards a better future for our children and our grandchildren . . . I love this country too much to see it divided and distracted at this moment in history.”
Honest to God – I’m beginning to think that Obama can actually win (and maybe even win solidly) by staying on-message about hope, and cooperation, and the inescapable need to put our differences and our cynicism aside; to come together to solve our common problems as a nation – and as part of the community of nations.
This is what got us so excited about the guy in the first place – and it’s clear he thinks it’s the only way he will be able to govern once he does win.
By the old rules, Obama lost this first debate. That so many people see him as the winner shows us that something really has changed since 2000 and 2004.
So let’s let Obama be Obama. Instead of asking him to score political points – and to drive home the reality that McCain is a grumpy, sour old man who lives in the past – let’s let Obama call Americans to a new era of decency, civility and realistic, tough-minded optimism.
Obama has clearly decided that America is at last sick and tired of the posturing and chest-thumping. I thought I’d never see this day, but he’s making a believer out of me all over again.
Well said, I completely agree. We've been dealing with hard-hitting, nasty, partisan politics for way too long. And I truly believe Obama's right when he says change comes from the bottom up. And finally someone who is standing up for the average folk that keep this country going. It's how it always should've been, but greed and power has been rearing its ugly head for way too long. In order for there to be more peace and prosperity one must realize and work toward taking care of one's neighbor and checking the self-driven attitude at the door. People are fed up, especially younger generations that get it and I do believe change is a comin'! I pray for the people of this country, when it comes time to vote, to not be afraid to choose to walk down that better path. I'm with ya!
Obama '08
No Way
No How
No McCain
ENOUGH!!!!!
September 28, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is no "Obama" for Obama to be. Every layer of that onion is phony, except his ambition to get himself elected.
"Let Obama be Obama" doesn't mean anything except "Let the guy who only wants to get himself elected get himself elected."
This still makes sense, but it isn't the sort of cliché that inspires Obamabots, and without "inspiring" clichés, the guy who only wants to get himself elected wouldn't have a chance to get himself elected.
So after a little refinement, and adding some Hegelian substantiation to the mix, the message of this blog is...
"Let's float yet another "inspiring" cliché to help only-wants-to-get-elected get elected."
"Let Obama be Obama!"
Hurrah?
September 29, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
i enjoyed reading your post...i am optimistically for and working my heart out in my home town for obama, but like many others, i too get a little antsy when obama is not hitting hard enough....i am a political junky, but i have been under this false impression the average american cannot be bothered with facts..they prefer soundbites and hard-hitting below the belt points.....what i conveniently forgot is this is no ordinary election and our nominee is no ordinary guy......
obama will be alright b/c he has faith in the american peoples' ability to use their common good sense..i am doing my best to believe that each of my neighbors will come to similar conclusion...at the end, i expect only a few to sit there crying sour grapes over the primaries and what could have been.....the majority of us will take the bull by horns and ensure that another bush is not elected in office...that is not to say that obama will be infallible or answer to my every whim, but if he is half as committed, visionary and humble in office as he has proven thus far, america and the world will be all the better for it!
Recommended!!!
September 28, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the kind words, Cher. In my blue-collar urban community adjacent to Boston, Obama should win easily -- but that's because we have so many students and a strong progressive base of younger professionals who have moved here in a search for (relatively) less expensive housing. For many of the Irish- and Italian-American families that have been here for two or more generations, Obama remains a harder sell. They liked Hillary Clinton okay, but Obama hits many of their resentment buttons: they think he should "wait his turn," or he's "too elitist." Until I saw the polling data that showed their worldview really seems to be on the wane, I was deeply worried about the impact of similar attitudes among swing-state voters. (After all, it doesn't matter whether Obama wins Mass. by 65% or 58% -- he still gets all the electoral votes.)
Now I'm becoming cautiously optimistic. The noted Massachusetts-based economist Barry Bluestone said the other day: "I used to worry that Massachusetts was exporting so many of its highly educated young people, but now I realize that they've been going to places like New Hampshire, North Carolina and Virginia, and changing the balance out there."
From his lips to God's ear.
Thank you for working so hard in your hometown to make a difference in this crucial election. It's still too close for comfort. Sheer enthusiasm -- especially in mobilizing previously unconnected or disaffected voters -- may determine the outcome.
September 28, 2008 8:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
What I'd like to hear Obama say in the next debate is: "John likes to claim that I'm an elistist. That is ludicrous considering that I am the son of a single mother and from humble origins and that I have one wife, one house, and one car."
September 28, 2008 9:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
"My friends(tm), I would like to point out that while my opponent was avoiding the Vietnam war on an educational deferment, I spent over 5 years without a wife, a house, or a car, and I was so humbled by this experience, I vowed never to revisit it except when necessary for polling purposes."
September 28, 2008 9:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
I admire Obama's calm style, and don't want him to get angry.
But I think at some point he should say "John, you keep saying that I will raise taxes, but pretty much everyone including factcheck.org agrees that is false. Please tell me and the American people why you keep repeating that, when you know it just isn't true."
Not angry, not negative, but just asking a candidate a simple question.
September 28, 2008 9:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I expect something very much like that in the third debate.
In the foreign policy debate, he hit Sen. McCain *hard* over the "You were wrong"-- I expect he'll do the same in the Economy debate.
September 28, 2008 9:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
You got it. Independents in swing states will decided this election. Independents are independent because they hate the partisan bullshit. If Barack can appeal to them while keeping the base out knocking doors, we win.
September 28, 2008 10:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama literally has some community psychiatry experts as consultants for the campaign. These guys have all their bases covered. Trust me. (I'm not on that team, but I know they've got the best!)
It's a wonderful thing to envision winning - and winning with honesty, with hope, with unity.
Peace.
September 28, 2008 10:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is a message of support from all the grandmas
down here in Florida who are working side by side
with all the young people to elect this truly
special man. We've had enough chest thumping and
bluster in the last 8 years and from the McCain/Palin campaign to last several lifetimes. It
is truly time to turn the page and elect a leader
who is thoughtful as well as hopeful - who listens
as well as he speaks and who possesses a vision for
this country that gives me hope for my children and
grandchildren. I LIKE that Barack doesn't speak in
mere soundbites or stoop to anger - his reason,
intelligence and controlled passion are far superior.
September 28, 2008 10:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
It amazes me how Barack Obama continues to prove that he is the smartest person in the room. His pre-war predictions of how Iraq would unfold has been eerily prophetic. He was so much ahead of everyone else on issues of Iran and Pakistan and Afghanistan, that the same proposals that were once scoffed at and ridiculed are now accepted as popular thought and have slowly been adopted by the Bush administration.
Throughout this political campaign when some supporters questioned his strategy, Obama continued to make the correct judgment calls. Even at the Democratic convention when supporters and critics were questioning Obama's decision to allow the Clintons to have two whole nights, and they argued that a catharsis wasn't necessary, Obama stuck to his guns and proved once again that he was right. The Clinton speeches were an enormous success and the catharsis proved to be a uniting factor in bringing democrats together.
Say what you will about Barack Obama, but our guy knows his stuff.
September 29, 2008 12:21 AM | Reply | Permalink
Permit me to paraphrase: He knows how to get a job done.
September 29, 2008 7:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Great analysis. A key point in the debate was actually a case of Obama just standing there and taking it. McCain was ranting on past Lehrer's attempts to bring order, and the camera showed Obama sharing a knowing smile with the moderator. Then, instead of anwering the absurd rant when McCain finally wound down, Obama just waved magnanimously at Lehrer and said, "Please, continue".
September 29, 2008 2:16 AM | Reply | Permalink
Very good post.
What I think lots of folks, and most of the talking hairdos, don't understand, as you point out, is that Obama is keeping to his campaign "strategy". McCain, meanwhile, is pursuing a series of "tactics", intended, as a number of folks and pundits have observed, to capture the news cycle.
And McCain tells us that Obama doesn't "understand" the difference between strategies and tactics.
September 29, 2008 8:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Chris:
What a great way to put it! It's brilliant of you to connect the dots between Obama's deliberate, strategic approach to the campaign in general (and the debate in particular) and McCain's fatuous sally about Obama's alleged misunderstanding of the difference between strategy and tactics.
If the shouting heads had your smarts, they would use this as a major narrative this week. The McCain campaign is all tactics, with little or no consistency in its strategy, while Obama is playing a deeper game tied to a genuine strategic vision.
You've made a telling point, and I hope others pick up on it. Thanks.
September 29, 2008 10:24 AM | Reply | Permalink
Since shortly after the conventions I've become convinced that Obama is one of the most skillful politicians in U.S. history. He always leaves himself room to maneuver, and his strong suit is pacing. If you throw a frog into a pot of hot water it'll jump right out, but put it in cool water and slowly increase the heat and it'll eventually boil to death. Watch for Obama to slowly and steadily increase the heat on McCain/Palin between now and the election, with boiling point arriving November 3. Undecided voters often make their decision in the booth, and Obama is well aware of the timing.
September 29, 2008 8:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm late to the party and just reading your post, but I had to rec and comment that I heartily agree. We hear so much talk about Obama not "sealing the deal," but unless you live in an early voting state, not a single element of the deal will be sealed before the first Tuesday in November. It reminds me of the adage about winning in tournament golf: You can't win the championship on Thursday and Friday, but you can most certainly lose it then. John McCain has been on the national stage for years. If the man with so much experience and charisma (heh heh heh) and such a wonderful, courageous backstory hasn't sealed the deal yet, I'd say the unknown upstart from Illinois has a shot... But ultimately, Bob Barr and Ralph Nader have a shot too: The election is in November!
Again, great post. I've been steadfast in saying that this election will be won on the ground, and judging from the number of people I know who joined me in hitting Virginia this past weekend, our side is putting in the necessary effort...
September 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
While I understnad your logic, you're just fooling yourself. Obama demonstrated in the debate the very same things Gore and Kerry demonstrated against Bush. That Obama let McCain get away time and again without delivering even a faint of a knockout blow is uncconscienable. He has not got what it takes to win if he has to fight for it. That much is clear and it provides ongoing hope for the GOP that their racism and unanswered character assassination will succeed once again.
If Obama wins it will be despite how he has run his campaign, not because of it. After the last two elections, when any casual observer understands the mistakes Gore and Kerry made, for Obama to insist on repeating them is simply naive to the point of stupidity.
I pray he wins, but if he does it will only happen as a result of luck, it will not happen because Obama went out and won it. He is so reminiscent of Dukakis' intellectually sound, but emotionally detached approach it frightens me.
September 29, 2008 10:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Oleeb, I disagree. The difference between then and now is that we've seen up-close the destructiveness of the hard-hitting, saber-rattling approach to politics. A lot of families have people dead or gone. Our reputation around the globe has been destroyed. Our economy is in the toilet. I think the majority of Americans are finally ready to have a thoughtful person in command. I know I am.
September 29, 2008 11:42 AM | Reply | Permalink
We don't have to "let" Obama be Obama. He's running the show just the way he and his advisors see fit. All the armchair quarterbacking is just exactly that. He and his people are the Smartest People In The Room. Period. He beat the heavily favored Hillary who started with 130million and the power core of the Democratic party behind her. This is chess, not checkers,folks. He doesn't need to beat up on McCain for our short-term gratification. Check the polls/focus groups after the debate, he kicked major ass with Undecideds/Independents. We don't have to "let" this man do anything,what we do have to do is FIGHT with him, Get Off Your Ass and fight yourself! Donate/Phonebank/Register/Talk To Friends,Family who may be undecided! We can win this if we all pitch in, if we sit around pontificating, the Grand Old Perverts have a chance to steal this thing. IF WE GET OUT AND FIGHT FOR IT,VICTORY IS OURS!
September 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
ditto!
September 29, 2008 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
Excellent piece. I would like to note, however, that Obama DOES seem to say "Bring 'em on." However, he's also able to do it in a calm, measured way, and to handle "'em," when they arrive, without degenerating into taunts and out-of-balance attacks. And yes, the Independents in particular LOVE that. I just got a note from an undecided friend, that she appreciated Obama's "informative" commercials which didn't even mention McCain.
This guy isn't just book smart (which he is). He's people smart. And he's the tortoise. McCain--and the pundits--thinks it's going to take one Big Thing to "seal the deal," one big sprint, one big moment. While whatever moment hits mid October sure can affect things, I think Obama's done an incredible job at proving that what we want more than anything else is consistency. And he's got a darn good amount of that, especially when you consider that he's a politician.
September 29, 2008 12:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. Listen to this guy.
I've rarely felt such a sense of intellectual disconnect as I have when seeing the pundit coverage of the debate, as well as many of the comments on this site.
Presidential debates are not boxing matches. They're not even really debates. They're *job interviews*. Attacks on the opponent are only effective to the extent that they make you look better, or the opponent look worse, to the hiring committee.
That would be us.
And by "us", I mean those of us who are Independents or who, while sympathizing with one party or the other, don't feel ourselves irrevocably bound to it.
Which one impressed the hiring committee? That's the only meaningful definition of "winning" the debate.
September 29, 2008 1:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fascinating. Given how savvy Obama is, your post made me realize that Obama's "overcome divisions and be nice to each other" strategy is basically a way of doubling down on the societally-imposed limitations he is faced with as a black candidate.
In other words, he took his liability as a candidate (can't appear angry), and made opposing this liability the centerpiece of his entire political persona. That is simply a brilliant strategic move.
McCain did something similar after Keating 5, making himself into a "reformer."
September 29, 2008 3:01 PM | Reply | Permalink