What Does "Change" Really Mean?

Barack Obama has built his whole campaign around change. But he has not yet explained why we need that change. You might think that's a strange criticism because he has theoretically been talking about why we need change this whole time. But in fact, he hasn't; not real change. What do I mean by that?

Change isn't some theoretical concept, it's real. If my shoes are pinching my feet, I need to change them. That's not a global statement about the need for change in an ever fluctuating world. It means my feet hurt.

Right now, America doesn't need some sort of metaphysical change that satiates our society's need for progress in some vague, unnamed way. We need actual change. We need to stop giving away no-bid contracts to connected companies who get rich off our dime. We need to give some relief to the average taxpayer who is being squeezed by his credit card company, high gas prices and stagnating incomes ...

Hold on. Let that sink in. You hear that often from politicians, but they never follow up with what that means or what the reason behind it is. There is a very real reason why your credit card company can charge you usurious interest rates. My credit card company works on a "17 day month." You know what that means? That means that they only give you 17 days instead of 30 to pay your bill because they hope you're late so they can charge you huge late fees and crank up your interest rates.

There were real people that passed real laws that allowed this to happen. So, don't tell me that I am being squeezed by the credit card companies. I know that. Tell me what you're going to do about it. Tell me that you are going to get the sons of bitches. Tell me that you are going to pass regulations that don't allow them to rip us off with 17 day months and 30% interest rates, etc., etc.

The problem is when these issues get real, Democrats get scared. I don't know why, other than the fact that they lack the courage of their convictions and they have been brainwashed by the mass media into thinking that the Republicans are right about everything.

If you go after the credit companies, you are being anti-business. Fuck that! You are being pro-consumer - that's all of the rest of us. Do you have any idea how much people would love you if you went after the credit card company scam-artist mother fuckers?!

If you go after corporations like Halliburton, they will say that you are against capitalism. So what?! Take them on. Halliburton is anti-capitalist. Where did Adam Smith write about no-bid contracts? These people have perverted the system into an anti-free market, pro-corporate lobby scam. Halliburton moved their headquarters to Dubai to avoid US taxes and regulations. Why are they still getting US government contracts? They're no longer an American company. Fuck 'em. I need a politician at least brave enough to say that. That really doesn't take much. Can't we at least get that from our so-called leaders?

Barack Obama needs to stop talking about nebulous, floating on a cloud change. And start talking about how he is going to kick these people's asses. We need someone to take our government back.

On foreign policy, stop trying to prove that you are as "tough" as the Republicans. Read Robert Gates' new National Defense Strategy. It sounds like it was written by John Kerry in 2004. It talks about reducing terrorism to a nuisance and treating it as a crime-fighting problem. If the Pentagon isn't afraid to say it, why are you? Tell the American people even George Bush's Secretary of Defense thinks you're right and John McCain is full of shit.

John McCain voted for torture. He voted to allow the CIA to use some of the same exact torture techniques the North Vietnamese used on him. Think about that. According to McCain's description of the North Vietnamese torture tactics, they would make him stand for hours or use stress positions or do sleep deprivation - all of the things he just authorized the United States government to do. That is despicable. The man has no principles left. There is nothing he won't do to try to win an election. This is a core betrayal of what he claimed was his most deeply held beliefs. He is a liar and a craven politician.

Are you going to let people know that? Or are they supposed to be born with that information a priori? They won't know what kind of despicable sell-outs the Republicans are, if you don't tell them.

So often I run into people who have no earthly idea what the Republicans have done to them. Not to the country at large, but to them. They don't realize that when George Bush declared war on Iraq, he took money out of their pockets by wasting the taxes they pay every month and by greatly increasing the price of oil. They don't know that when Bush runs the deficit up, that weakens the dollar and makes the cost of gasoline go up. Before Bush came into office he promised to "jawbone" the Saudis in to lowering the price of oil; instead the price has more than quadrupled under his watch. Every time Americans go to the pump, they should think, "Fucking Republicans!"

How will they think that or know any of these things if the theoretical opponents of the Republicans don't tell them?

John McCain authorized this war. John McCain allowed Bush to run up these enormous deficits with his irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthiest sons of bitches in the whole country. That isn't class warfare, that's true. And they are sons of bitches because they lobbied to make it happen. They weren't innocent and unexpected benefactors of Republican largesse. The Waltons spent millions on Republicans in order to get billions in tax breaks in return. Those sons of bitches drove up the deficit that weakened the dollar that caused inflation and took money out of your pocket. And they did it to get even richer. Now, is the leader of our party going to let them get away with it? Is he even going to tell the American people how they are being robbed?

There is a real anger in America. There is a real thirst for change. But it isn't about an esoteric, feel-good bullshit change. It's about real change so that the people who have been picking our pockets can stop robbing us. Obama needs to tap into that anger, and direct it to where it belongs. Tell us how you're going to change the country. Tell us why the country needs to be changed. And then tell us about how John McCain participated in this highway robbery for decades. He made a living off a Republican infrastructure designed to rob from the middle class and give to the rich. And now are you going to let him get away with it?

Finally, the American people need to understand in crystal-clear fashion that if they vote for John McCain they will get the same exact Republican policies that have been fucking them for the last eight years (if not a lot longer). McCain voted with Bush 95% of the time last year - what leads you to believe he won't follow 95% of his policies the next year? A vote for John McCain is a vote for a continued ass-fucking. Right now, the American people clearly have not gotten this message. How will they ever get it if Obama doesn't tell them?

Young Turks on You Tube

PS -- I will be hosting Meet the Bloggers this week with our special guest Michael Moore about this same exact topic. The show will be on meetthebloggers.org on Friday August 22nd at 1PM Eastern. We will be talking about Michael Moore's new book "Mike's Election Guide 2008." We'll also be taking your questions for Michael throughout the week on meetthebloggers.org.

Comments

[zcoolman1]

(continued...)
4) change the way politics and government are often influenced by lobbyists and corporate interest. although he still takes a great deal of corporate and special interest money, he also takes a great deal of money from the public, and he has limited association to prominent lobbyists (particularly when compared to other members of government). Also, as seen in his treatment of the illinois exelon nuclear situation, he not only displayed public disapproval of the corporation who had provided his campaign with funding, and he also sought to place restrictions on the company and that would have the nuclear plant disclose any occurrences of leakage, which has been successful.

he is constantly describing what he means by "change", and this is only the beginning of his list.
Perhaps you are too angry to listen. perhaps thats why the polls are so close: people are too angry right now to listen to reason.

to say that his version "change" is an only empty word is quite simply a cop-out, and allows you to avoid doing any research other than the research that shows you how shady the republicans are, which just makes you more and more angry all over again.

[zcoolman1]

you've got to be kidding me!!

if you think obama is only prepared to offer an empty word with no substance, then you need to pay more attention. he is not simply repeating the word "change', he is constantly describing what he means by "change":
1) change the way partisan politics often obstructs productivity in government by finding ways to work across party lines and work together find common ground on issues. He has worked to follow through on this by frequently introducing, sponsoring, and cosponsoring senate bills alongside republicans, such as the Lugar-Obama nonproliferation initiative.
2) change the long-standing trend of government secrecy creates animosity and mistrust that citizens hold towards government. He has worked to follow through on this by pushing the creation of the office of public intergrity (a bipartisan effort) that provides government spending information to the public.
3) change the way bitter election politics become more about lies, character assassination, and as opposed to being about issues. he has followed through on this by confronting misinformation and blocking these "jerry springer", "karl rove" attacks to turn the conversation back towards the prominent issues.

[freethinking]

Here are some ideas about campaigning against the Republican candidate :

http://interactive.zogby.com/fuse/messageview.cfm?start=1&catid=24&threadid=26202

http://interactive.zogby.com/fuse/messageview.cfm?catid=24&threadid=26225

http://interactive.zogby.com/fuse/messageview.cfm?catid=24&threadid=26224

Why Barack Obama is clear on change.

In "normal" elections you have two parties who want to win the election. One is saying I am the best and the other party is replying No, it's me the best.

Real change is when you say we need to unify the Nation and no longer I am the best: work together is opposed to a partisan attitude.

America will win when people are working together, is saying Barack Obama.

The Republican candidate says: I will win, because I will destroy Barack Obama.

[captainspirou]

I believe has the goods and he's waiting for the debates to expose McCain. Nixon had the lead on Kennedy until the debates and there was nothing Nixon could do after.

He's smart and I'm sure the people around him know good political strategy.

[Powderhound522]

BOOYA! PREACH IT!

[PPatt]

I'm not ready to panic or throw in the towel but didn't everyone worry just a little about Obama's "cum-ba-ya" factor and how it might not mesh well with the type of fight that will be needed against a Republican candidate?

He is necessarily in no uncertain terms going to have to paint McCain as the incompetent bungler, challenged to understand the issues, flip flopping tody to whatever will get a few more votes, and a total buffon when it comes to diplomacy...instead resorting to the same sort of sabre rattling brinksmanship and fear tactics as Bush.

This won't exactly be "uniting" with McCain. How could it be?

And he's going to have to show some spine and irritation at McCains insult to the nation rather than insult to Barak Obama. McCain has already done the former and we cannot wait until he does the latter because then it may be too late.

[richardmcnoggin]

I guess free speach and opinion doesnt count on these blogs....I said absolutly nothing offensive in my previously submitted and banned posts....Typical Marxists. If this is posted I will be suprised. NO BALLS Liberals.....

[SkimaskBob]

Go get those motherfuckers Cenk!

[tbone99]

Thank you for this excellent article. It seems that part of a candidates job is to EDUCATE people, not only on his for and against positions but about whats going on that has made him take these positions. I was waitiing for Obama to do that with FISA,being a Constitutional lawyer, but he voted for it under the guise of people just want more secutity. Maybe he should have been up fron and said telecoms want more government money and I'll arrange that they get it.

Why he isn't attacking the flashing neon target called the Republican party? Because he doesn't want to play ofense. His is purely a defensive game.

The truth is he's purposely stayed vague so as to not be tied down.
Its what politicians do, it's clled sleight of hand .

[JMBrodie]

Never have I seen so many folks shoot themselves in the foot with such gusto. If this is what it means to be a Democrat, I've got some real thinking to do.

[notthistime]

thank you JMBrodie. I am sick of it myself. They act as if they never had to fight for something before. Never had to work hard for it. Well this is what happens to most of us . . . . . We have to work hard and persevere. We need all hands on deck to push Obama into the White House instead of back seat drivers complaining and whining every step of the way.

[vinny]

what are exactly are you pushing? a dude who dismisses criticism as cynacism (virginia speech today)... weak...

[mjc]

Think long ago....LOL..almost two years ago Hillary Clinton was laying down her plans, her solutions, and the issues she was passionate about, such as health care, and almost just as long ago Barack Obama was talking about the future, change, a unified America, but no real plans and details. Even as he began to put some of the solutions out there the goals still amorphous. Obama supporters said they were all on his website....., and?......why didn't he address them in the debates or in the speeches he does so well? Lots of advisors in every category doesn't add up to a presidential candidate who can present the results of that advice and that is where Obama is today. That is why he did so poorly in the Warren forum. He seems to hate coming down one way or the other on an issue and can't go into enough detail to explain why. I know I'm worried should he become president because he will have to be more forceful and decisive with foreign leaders and with his own Congressional leadership.

[corsair1917]

I have to admit Obama is losing me. If he picks Bayh, then I really might be gone.
I hate McCain's war mentality with a passion. The idea of McCain being President scares me but Obama is losing me fast. I want some fever and excitement. I really want to get behind this campaign. I am really starting to believe that a Presidential campaign that is two years long is a REALLY REALLY BAD IDEA. I know it's not about fever and excitement and I should be thrilled with his intellect. Finally a smart president... but unless he rallies the voting public like he did before, we are in trouble.
And by the way with Bayh, let's all get out our cardigan sweaters and a warm glass of milk.

[dayala]

same here...McCain is just another anti-intellectual like Bush who needed Cheney behind the scenes
to do his thinking for him, the same will be for McCain.

if he chooses Bayh(who voted for the Iraq war) he might as well throw in the towl now.

[barackobama4prez]

To the author, if you don't get it, you just haven't been paying attention. I have read his plan for America and listened to his speeches so I know how he plans to change the economy, education, energy, foreign policy and other areas he wants to change as well.

[Carnacamarna]

I don't think you get the author's point. Yeah, Obama has these plans and yes they are accessible but whenever you communicate something, you make your message to that it can reach the "idiots" of the audience. I've always thought Obama's message of change was high and lofty. And it is. He'll go into specifics, but he doesn't drive hard at them. It's not a part of his image, and currently he doesn't have enough surrogates doing this. I think that's the point of this post. If he wants his image to be more thanlofty change he needs to bring it to an individual level and drive that. It wouldn't harm him. I think it'd be a lot more effective.

[Veeve]

Hear! Hear!

Progressives need to get it through our thick skulls that 60% of our countrymen and women should in all likelihood be federally mandated to wear a helmet whenever they leave the house! ;-)

Obama does need to get some of his better contrast ads out nationally. After the convention, he will no longer suffer from this fund disparity. McCain is taking public financing, so he has every interest in spending every last dime before his convention. Obama has tens of millions in the bank that can only be used in the general election.

Team Obama also really needs to devise a better national media strategy and work the refs over a good bit. He needs to field better surrogates and get them on every one of the talking heads.

[intelliwoman]

No, the author has been paying attention. Obama is about to lose me and just about eveyone I know.

His "Plan for AMerica" is rhetoric in writing. Its like his books, nice philosophy but ne meat. How is he going to pay for the changes he wants? WHAT CHANGES DOES HE REALLY WANT, SINCE HE'S CHANGED HIS MIND SO MANY TIMES.

What kind of judgment does he show TAKING A VACATION at a critical point in the campaign? Not much, nor does this show much in the expereince aisle either.

I will wait to see who he chooses for VP, mostly as a harbinger of his judgment. If he chooses Bayh, or Kaine, or Richardson I'm gone, and so are at least 5 other people I've spoken with today. The consensus is we made a big mistake, we were sucked into the cult of personality.

We won't vote for McCain. Most just won't bother, and at least 2 - they're moving.

[obamanation31]

Cenk, I agree with you. Obama has been hittling a flat note for a while now. His speech writers are writing very dry generic speeches. He must deliver speeches with show more passion.. I am sold on Obama but for those who still aren't sure about him, he must make a compelling and heartfelt argument similar to his speach on race. I think he needs to grab the americans by the collor and make them take notice and listen.

[vinny]

Screw heartfelt passion; it's time for Obama to layout a coherent democratic platform.

[debrouillard]

Change means Not G W B ush mentality.