The Obama Phenomenon

(Over the past few weeks, as interest has grown in the 2008 U.S. presidential contest, I've been asked by friends from overseas for my opinion on Barack Obama. Could I explain the phenomenon they are seeing on television? Can he win? Here is my response.)

Watching Barack Obama since he first burst onto the national scene with his electrifying speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, through his spectacular three-state tour de force last week with Oprah Winfrey, it is clear that the Obama phenomenon requires both reflection and understanding.

It appears from the excitement he generates that Barack has tapped into a deep vein in the contemporary American psyche. While it is always useful to parse out the positions he has taken on critical issues, and even to weigh in the balance the importance of "experience" versus "judgment," or "change" versus "Washington" - these being the matters discussed by the candidates - they, alone, do not explain the phenomenon we are witnessing. Something more profound is occurring in this election. And it appears to be wrapped up in the person of Barack Obama, himself.

* * *

It was over a year ago that my daughter Sarah spoke to me of her enthusiasm for Barack's still fledgling candidacy. Sarah is a graphic designer and a mother, sensitive and thoughtful about the issues of the day. But like many, she had grown weary of politics and wary of politicians.

She had heard Barack Obama speak and was moved by what she described as his authenticity and clarity. He did not appear to her to be typical. His call for a new approach to politics appealed to her. Quite simply, she said, "He gives me hope."

"Your generation," she continued, "had many such figures," mentioning the Kennedys and Dr. King. "We have not. I want to believe he can make a difference."

Sarah's observations prefigured the themes that the Obama campaign would capture with their ubiquitous signs reading "Change you can believe in" and the simple "Hope" buttons worn by supporters.

* * *

I saw Barack Obama's appeal on display the day he delivered his maiden campaign address before the Democratic National Committee in February of 2007. The other candidates had each delivered their speeches as if cut from the same cloth: a litany of issues and personal promises punctuated by a series of applause lines. When Obama's turn came, he began quietly and thoughtfully, to deliver a discourse on the cynicism that has infected our politics and the need to awaken hope in the electorate that can mobilize the consensus needed to make real change.

As he continued, I looked around the room (which was so quiet you could have heard the proverbial pin drop) and saw something intriguing in the faces of the 600 or so assembled party leaders. Obama was showing respect for them, and they were respectfully listening and reflecting. Interestingly, he used the word "I" a mere handful of times in that address - compared to the more than two dozen times it was used by each of his competitors.

When he finished, the applause was thunderous.

* * *

Reading Obama's autobiography Dreams From My Father helps, in part, to explain the man and the response he is capable of eliciting. Written at 34 (he is 46 now), more than simply telling his story, Dreams is an exercise in self-discovery. In it, he works through the many issues of his complex life trajectory, discovering the meaning of his identity, the role of family and community, and the legacy he inherited from both his mother and his "absent" father.

If he appears at peace with himself, self-possessed and able to "ring true" (to borrow Andre Gide's phrase) it is because, to a remarkable degree, he is. And it appears that it is that very quality that resonates. Watching him on stage, in a crowd, or engaged in a conversation of substance, he looks at ease, unruffled and comfortable, alternately listening and engaging.

In the grueling and sometimes destructive sport of campaign politics, where candidates subject themselves to what are arguably the most brutal of endurance tests (always on call, always needing to be personable and informed, all the while being scrutinized and dissected), Barack Obama appears to remain cool and in control.

* * *

And then there is the matter of race. All of the questions about "will white America vote for him?" or "is he black enough?" point to a single reality, which is that race remains a defining issue in American life.

But then there was the scene of Obama announcing his candidacy on a bitter cold day in Springfield, Illinois before an overwhelmingly white audience of thousands who braved the weather to cheer their state's "favorite son." Or Barack and Oprah one day in Des Moines, Iowa, again before a largely white audience of 18,500, and then the next day before a mixed race audience of 29,500 in Columbia, South Carolina. And in both places they generated the same reaction, the same enthusiasm, the same hope.

To say, as some have, that Barack Obama transcends race, like Tiger Woods, misses the point. Rather, it appears, he embodies the matter of race and helps to reconcile the divide in his person and message.

* * *

Finally, the context is important to consider. After eight largely successful, but embattled and exhausting years, the Clinton Administration gave way to George Bush and seven years of lost opportunities and failed leadership. All of this has left many Americans bitter and cynical. Preying off of fear, anger and division has taken a toll and damaged the spirit of the body politic. Into this arena Barack Obama has issued a call in a different voice - an appeal to the angels of our better selves coupled with the optimism and conviction that change can come. It is this voice my Sarah, and so many others, have heard.

Can he win? His polling numbers are improving daily. In the end, however, the voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada will answer that question in January. But is he real, and does the movement he has inspired matter? The answer to that is self-evidently yes.

Comments

[TishiJo]

I campaigned for Edwards in the last election, but in this campaign was horrified as I heard him apologize for his vote to authorize the Iraq war, then for his vote for NAFTA, and for all the other mistakes he made while in the Senate. I looked forward to the day when Hillary would run, then became horrified that Hillary didnt answer questions, accused others of mudslinging when they compared policy, then used every dirty trick on the front runner with dishonest, dirty politics compounded by Bill Clinton's lies about not supporting the Iraq war. From the first time I heard Senator Barack Obama, I saw his potential for greatness. He inspired me with his integrity, honesty, and vision of possibility. He showed incredible judgment by speaking out against the Iraq war from the beginning. Every answer he gives to our differences whether about gay marriage, or foreign policy speaks from an intelligent and good place with the objective of unity and peace. Obama 08!

[jonnie66]

Recently free ride for Obama from political press corps, and it feels besieged as it has to bat away incessant questions with Obama's significant shifts, flip flopping on issues such as Patriot Act, Defense of Marriage Act, Fast Track trade authority and benefits for same-sex couples. Given how little experience Obama has, its understandable that his campaign doesnt want any kind of focus on his record, These stories clearly raise questions about Obamas electability and serve as a stark reminder about how little the public knows about his positions. The Illinois chapter of the National Organization for Women, Obama said he would vote to repeal the Patriot Act. In 2006 Obama voted for the redrafted version of the Patriot Act that some critics contended made only minor changes to the original law. On Defense of Marriage Act Obama answered No,to the question: "Do you support repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. On Fast Track authority, which requires Congress to vote yes or no and without amendments on pending trade deals, Obama opposes Fast Track authority because it is a usurpation of Congress' role to ensure that negotiated trade agreements serve the best interests of our country, including protection of the environment, worker rights and human rights.In remarks to the Detroit Economic Club in May, Obama said, I plan to be president, so I actually want Fast Track. But I'm willing to constrain myself in Fast Track to make sure that we"ve got strong labor and environmental protections.On benefits for same-sex couples, Obama said, he would need to evaluate the fiscal impact of extending Social Security benefits to same-sex couples that married couples currently receive. Also Barack Obama (D-IL)involved in a suspicious real estate deal with an indicted political fundraiser, Antoin Tony Rezko. Obama also linked to an alleged influence peddling scandal and was nabbed conducting campaign business in his Senate office, a violation of federal law.

[Pat]

Obama fans, please help me. You can't help but like Obama, but...... He voted for the Peru trade agreement. His health care plan depends on the corrupt health insurance industries. He has taken almost as much money from corporate lobbiests as Hillary.

I see "same-o same-o". Where's the change?
So far, Edwards is who I'm leaning toward.

[poopdeck]

I have a problem with the Obama candidacy. If the senator had lived in the Confederate States of America he would have been called a Negro even though two of his grandparents were not. Why does he, or why do his supporters continue to adhere to this idiotic and outdated racist classification by insisting that Obama is the black African-American candidate?

[larry278]

This is a prime example of a pollsters art. It is a stunning collection of, "On the other hand..." & ambiguities.

[CjAzure]

Thank you Mr. Zogby! What an insightful article! When I heard Sen. Obama speak over the summer, I had that same feeling of hope and inspiration that your daughter spoke so eloquently about. I thought myself jaded by all the politics as usual and was actually surprised by my own optimism! He is truly a phenomenon and lives up to his name "Barack" which means "Blessing". I pray this country has the wisdom to elect such an exceptional person as it's leader!
Obama 08!!!

[poopdeck]

Believing in change is like smoking cigarettes. It is less dangerous if you do not inhale. Folks, "cleaning up DC" requires the cooperation of the US Congress (even the immensely popular FDR failed repeatedly) unless you have another imperial president who reigns by decrees just like his predecessor Bush. Other than taking us to wars, presidents cannot bring about much, if any change by themselves unless they do it secretly and in violation of the US Constitution. Is that what you, supporters of Obama, wish to happen?

[Tellmethetruth]

"Sexism is commonly considered to be discrimination and/or hatred towards people based on their sex rather than their individual merits, but can also refer to any and all systemic differentiations based on the sex of the individuals.
Sexism can refer to subtly different beliefs or attitudes:
The belief that one gender or sex is inferior to or more valuable than the other;
Female or male chauvinism
The attitude of misogyny (hatred of females) or misandry (hatred of males); as well as
The attitude of imposing a limited and/or false notion of masculinity on males and a limited and/or false notion of femininity on females, or vice versa.
A feeling of distrust towards the opposite or same sex, most frequently operating at an unconscious level." Wikipedia

Note: some of the bloggers here are acting in a "passive-agressive" behaviors - attacking Clinton using sexist language and then claiming they just don't want her for President. This describes the "the feeling of distrust towards the opposite sex operating at the unconsious level." The distruct stems from fear of women and that something "bad" will happen if a woman is elected President - rationalizing the need to demonize all women using slander to discribe Hillary Clinton.

The reactions on these posts say absolutely nothing about Hillary Clinton, provide no facts or knowledge of her, but present unfounded bias, fears, slander, and sexist name calling of the most unkind, and crueties that speak volumes about the bloggers.

Most of the sexist remarks are from Obama's bloggers. Obama is the only candidate that hasn't publically spoken out against sexist behavior as the other candidate have including Edwards, Biden, Richardson, Dodd, and Kucinich.

If Obama has a positive voice - his bloggers are cancelling it out with sexist attacks on a female opponent.

I find Joe Biden inspirational - too bad he doesn't get more time on the MSM- his Resolution to End the War in Iraq has passed both Houses of Congress and headed to GW Bush's desk to sign or veto this next week. Actions speak louder than words!

[TommyMcCarthy]

The last time a primary in my time zone mattered was when RFK won California to clinch the nomination in May of '68. "Now it's on to Chicago and let's win there..." Brrr.....

At any rate, Jim's daughter Sarah speaks for a lot of younger voters it seems to me. While Sen. Obama would not be my own first choice,if he's the nominee I could enthusiasticlly support him. He's undeniably a highly inspirational figure, particularly for newer voters, and I think his candidacy bodes well for our country. I'm also pround that, so far, we (meaning ALL of us) have managed to NOT make his candidacy all about race, nor Sen. Clinton's about gender.

As an aside, I'd like to think I'm more sympathetic to LGBT issues than %95 of straight people. Even I find myself sometimes wishing my brothers and sisters in that camp would get OVER the McLurkin business. The idea that ANY of the Democratic contenders, (especially Obama) are homophobic is just silly, by my lights.

Fine post by Jim Zogby, as always..............tm (Proctor Panthers '73)

[MTGradwell]

'It appears from the excitement he generates that Barack has tapped into a deep vein in the contemporary American psyche. '

yes, but what does he believe?

'She had heard Barack Obama speak and was moved by what she described as his authenticity and clarity.'

but what does he believe?

His call for a new approach to politics appealed to her. Quite simply, she said, "He gives me hope."

yes, but hope in what?

" I want to believe he can make a difference."

What difference would that be? Specifically?

"Change you can believe in"

change in which direction?

'"Hope" buttons worn by supporters.'

hope in what?

'"will white America vote for him?" or "is he black enough?" ..he embodies the matter of race and helps to reconcile the divide in his person and message.'

Is there more to him than his color? Is there a message behind the face? ... OK, there's a message of "hope". If I said "hope" would you vote for me?

'Can he win? His polling numbers are improving daily. In the end, however, the voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada will answer that question in January. But is he real, and does the movement he has inspired matter? The answer to that is self-evidently yes.'

Yes he can win. Yes he is real. I can buy that. Does the movement he has inspired matter? I don't know. What does it believe? That he can win? OK. Anything else?

[DenverCurmudgeon]

The two main reasons I am supporting Senator Barack Obama:

1. Senator Obama has the best campaign infrastructure in place.(well-staffed offices in 50 states)

2. Senator Obama has raised significant campaign contributions from donors with no agenda other than wanting Barck Obama to lead our country.

[illinoisan]

Obama touches a deep longing for unity and reconciliation. Even traditionally Republican voters I know are ready to vote for him. The support he enjoys transcends issues. Americans of all stripes can sense what it would mean to the country - to the people - if he were elected. I'd love to see some polling data on this.

I'd also like to see some narrower polling on the 2nd choices of Iowan supporters for the second and third tier candidates. If Biden or Richardson, et al couldn't get the needed 15% in their caucuses and their supporters were forced to pick another - who would their choice be? My sense is that it would be the unifying choice - Obama for America!

[rkwbw]

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=23999114

The Obama Express is pulling out!!

[longislandlol]

Amen-- The Zogby family has long held a warm place in my heart-- but now-- my admiration for Zogby's and their polls has really enhanced both my Hanukah and Xmas celebrations-

[OhgReaTone]

Barack Obama has broken the mold. He is a Black leader who does not hang his hat on civil rights. Obama is refreshing because he is not Al Sharpton - and he is not Dick Cheney.
Ohg.
http://thefiresidepost.com/2007/10/11/obama-the-soul-of-black-folk-incarnated/