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The Ho-Hum Obama Revolution
To watch and read the media coverage this week of the democratic race for the White House, one would conclude that the results of the Oregon and Kentucky primaries were the big news.
However, there was another event that said more about where things stand than the vote counting did.
Barack Obama drew a crowd of 75,000 people in Portland over the weekend.
75,000 people. That's one person for every six residents of Portland, there to hear a politician speak.
The New York Times described the crowd as a multitude. When is the last time a multitude came out to see a politician in America? A pope, maybe. Or U2. But not a politician.
What was odd is that other major US dailies failed to treat a turnout the size of a small city at a political rally as anything remarkable, or particularly newsworthy.
The LA Times mentioned it, four paragraphs into a story about Obama's attacks against John McCain on social security, lobbyists and foreign policy.
It was hard to find any reference to the Portland multitude on the Washington Post's site, which also gave greater prominence to the McCain/lobbyist story.
There isn't necessarily anything nefarious or conspiratorial in the corporate media's failure to give the Obama/Portland story more play. Big media like stories about conflict. They like "gotcha" narratives.
But every once in a while we are reminded that there is something extraordinary occurring in American politics, and the nonchalant media coverage of a seismic event, such as what happened in Portland, ought not to mask that.
Remember last year, when people were asking whether Barack Obama would be able to compete financially with Hilary Clinton? You don't hear that anymore.
Obama's unprecedented appeal among, and support from, individual donors has brought Hilary to her knees, despite all her lobbyist money, and unprecedented, stubborn support from American women.
He is on the way to doing the same to McCain and the Republican fund raising machine.
Obama is demolishing conventional political wisdom, and re-writing the book, on how presidential candidates get elected in America.
Perhaps this historical change is getting short shrift because it came upon us gradually, and in two parts.
Howard Dean deserves credit here. He showed the way in 2004, with his internet fundraising/political activism model.
Big media who prematurely bought the Dean story in '04, only to see him implode after Iowa (with big media's help), can be forgiven for being wary of the Obama phenomenon. Seduced once, and left at the altar in Des Moines, they don't want to get fooled again.
However, Dean wasn't the candidate Barack Obama is. It took the Illinois senator, with his gift for high oratory and his message of hope, to galvanize Americans and tap into the true potential of the powerful nexus that now exists between new media and politics.
No race for the White House will ever be the same.
In this marathon primary season, and the news fatigue that has come with it, the news media sometimes lose sight of what's happening out there.
Their instincts have been dulled by cynicism, their view clouded by Reverend Wright, lapel pins and imaginary Bosnian snipers.
Sometimes they need to step back, and take in the big picture.
And this weekend that picture showed 75,000 people, in one of the whitest states in the country, out to hear a political speech by an African-American who is now within touching distance of the highest office in the land, the most powerful job on earth.
And just because the news media, for the most part, had a ho-hum response to that, doesn't mean other Americans should.
This is a revolution. You probably won't see another one in your lifetime.
Enjoy it.
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Obama's campaign so far has been brilliant. He was not supposed to be the nominee. I was certain that Hillary (the DLC candidate) would be the one. And that Hillary would win a love fest with McCain and the marriage of the two parties would be consummated. Ugh! Then along comes Obama and it looks like he's actually gonna take over the Democratic party. It looks like, in spite of themselves, the Democrats have put forward a leader. I wont rule out the DLC until the fat lady sings. They are VERY well connected. But Obama is looking more and more like the inevitable candidate.
Washington and the media haven't figured out how to interpret the changing political landscape yet. Hillary felt entitled to the nomination because she thought it was already decided before the first caucus or primary. How many times did I hear on the news about how much money she had raised or of how many superdelegates who had endorsed her. Obama has changed this. I give $25 per month to Obama's campaign, and knowing there are millions like me gives me hope that we can elect people, not the corporate titans. Obama won't be in their pockets, and I feel that I have more of a stake in this. I don't think Obama can fix everything, but his experience as a community organizer provided him with knowledge of how change happens at the grassroots level (and how to get people organized to do it) and what needs to happen at the local level to improve lives. I know he will disappoint me at times, but I have no doubt that he is a brilliant man who has integrity and who will put our country first. I am ready to be committed to improving our country. I am not a schoolgirl. I am a middle-aged woman, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work to get our country in shape. We have been lacking leadership for a long time. I can't wait to vote for Obama in the general.
That, sister is the message the media still haven't gotten. This is not Obama's revolution it's our awakening. We are the change we've been waiting for. America needs an alarm clock and we've found one at last. Now if we could just get those ladies who feel so strongly that their sister is entitled to the office to understand that the power is shifting to us the people away from the "them" the one tenth of one percent who have convinced so many over the last 30 years that they know what's good for us.
This is not about a brown man against a pink woman. This is the fight to take our country back to democracy. The fight will not be easy because the vested interests will not give up. They will use whatever they can to tear us apart and keep us from the justice and equality we gave up for the comfort of our Television.
Peace, sister.
The follow-up to the Portland rally---which was the Iowa speech on Tuesday night---confirms that this is indeed a revolution! The Iowa speech is one of the most powerful and moving speeches I've ever witnessed! Make no mistake--- this change IS coming. Neither Hillary Clinton nor John McCain can de-rail it. Thank you, Barack Obama, and thank you to the Obama team! And an enormous thank you to all the primay voters who are fed-up with "business as usual", and are turning out en masse to usher this change in! People, you have restored my faith.
Howard Dean is the father of this movement, which started well in advance of the 2004 election. Dean deserves the utmost credit, respect and gratitude for everything he's done to move us forward! To take nothing away from Obama, Gov. Dean is owed a huge debt of gratitute for revolutionizing the way campaigns' are funded. Internet based, fueled by a multitude of small donors. Dean and Obama have cut out the special interests and make this a people powered movement, beholden to no one--- except the People.
Yes We Can Take our Country Back!!!!!!!!!
And you really think Obama hasn't taken big donations? You had better check it out because you are wrong, wronger, wrongest! That rally was pure stagecraft with a popular local rock band on a nice day when people had nothing else to do. His win there was expected anyway and his win didn't even half measure up to Hillary's in Kentucky.
That's ok. We'll keep working at it. The corporate media is a powerful magnet, but we'll keep working for your freedom.
peace.
The media is so terrified of Hillary Clinton calling them biased that they won't even report the news anymore. It's getting disturbing.
MSM nowadays have their own agenda and axe to grind. The most obvious one is China bashing at every opportunity, from toxic toys to toothpaste and what-have-you. China's handling of the aftermath of the earthquake has been better than expected, so what do they do ? Well, they skipped the coverage of all the heads of States attending memorials at the Chinese embassies world-wide, incldung Bush, Brown and the French and German dignitaries. Is this not news worthy ? Or, is this showing too much respect for China, contradicting their projected image of China as a villain and grossly incompetent trading partner ? Punching bags are not supposed to get respect, right ?
The brain washing continues.
You're right, the Obama movement is a revolution. It's also the truly first bloom on a paradigm shift that may have began with Adam Smith, and to a lesser extent, Hume and Locke. That is, the Obama movement somehow, perhaps not consiously, recognizes Smith's "Invisible Hand" as an extraordinary inborn reality which is shared by all of humankind. I call it inner Wisdom, or the Gift of The Universe. But through the centuries it has been referred to many names. Socrates called it Univeral Knowledge, the Tao calls it The Transformation. It's also refered to as Inborn Sanity, The Christ Witin, The Buddha Within, and Being Center, etc.
People from all walks of life are boarding the Obama train. It seems even Warren Buffet, Gates, Soro's and other ultra billionaires who are searching for a new world financial paradigm also embrace the Obama movement. They understand Smith's true teachings and endorse higher taxes for the rich, caring for others, government regulation, monopolies, universal health care, etc... They understand Smith's "Invisible Hand" meant to be applied to commerce, is merely another aspect of humankind's inborn Wisdom, and for centuries mis-interputed by today's capitalists.
Great post Mr. Gizbert.
A revolution it is indeed! There is a picture of Obama with the 75K in Portland that is my all time favorite! It literally brought tears to my eyes. The MSM spins itself into it's own self absorbed cocoon.
Change is coming to America!
Obama 08
I AM enjoying it Richard...And so are the crowds that turn out at Obama events and the posters/bloggers and the volunteer workers for Obama ( I am one of them) and Moveon.org and the millions who voted for Obama ( I am one of them)and the millions who have contributed money to Obama's campaign (I am one of them).
And a big HOOORAUGHHH to Howard Dean for the hard work he has done.
I plan to get out the vote in PA. (where I live and went door to door and made phone calls for Obama) in November and I will attend the inauguration for Barack Obama next year.
OBAMA 08
As an Obama supporter, I can tell you that the movement happens regardless of how media covers it. The power of the movement comes from more than 2 centuries of abuses against the people, and another 5 decades of mindless bickering about finding solutions that are fair yet workable in overcrowded world. I'm not naive enough to say the results of this year_even Obama acknowleges, may or may not enable the changes that need to happen. That will be decided with the public's willingness to enact a few sacrifices, some which haven't yet been discussed.
What we do know is this movement can help society gage to what degree leaders can sense the realities of the collective psyche. I also know that to gage public sentiment based on what the media tells us can cause more problems than its worth.
I say believe what you experience and not so much what media shows you.
What's the big deal? You have a half white, half black candidate that will almost be the next president of our great country. Why does this garner extra media attention. I'm more concerned with my family and my job, than if a non caucasian almost gets to be our next president. Wheres the hype? What is the big deal? Let's really keep this into perspective can we?
The big deal is that this is the most important election of my lifetime.I'm 51.The big deal is that Obama is raising more money than anyone else and the vast majority of it come from people giving less than $200.The big deal is that state after state has record voter turnout for primaries!The big deal is that the internet has changed everything.The big deal is that after a long torpor the people are taking back the country.The big deal is the people charged with giving us the news haven't the brains or the will to see or report on something revolutionary going on right in front of them.The big deal is The good ol' USA is on the midst of a sea change and we have a front row seat.Savor it.
Masterfully written, MI!
MasterfullyInept----- very well put, my friend.
Free Concert by Popular Band Preceded Obama"s Big Rally
By Robert Knight | May 20, 2008 - 17:16 ET
From CNN to the New York Times, the media hyped Barack Obama's Portland, Oregon rally on Sunday, some comparing him to a rock star.
Unmentioned in national reporting was the fact that Obama was preceded by a rare, 45-minute free concert by actual rock stars The Decemberists. The Portland-based band has drawn rave reviews from Rolling Stone magazine, which gave their 2005 album Picaresque four and a half stars (out of five), and another four and a half stars for 2007's The Crane Wife.
How many of the people showed up to hear Obama, and how many to hear the band?
Here's how the local paper The Oregonian, which estimated the crowd at 72,000, reported the rally:
"Obama was the biggest star at Sunday's gathering -- though a popular Portland band, The Decemberists, provided the warmup act. With blue skies and temperatures in the 80s, many in the crowd said Waterfront Park was simply the place to be."
Indie rock Web sites were abuzz with news of the impending concert, which was also announced on the Obama campaign's Web site.
There's nothing wrong with a candidate using celebrity power to draw a crowd, but the media have a responsibility to report their presence. By ignoring the free concert, the Times and other outlets made it appear that 75,000 people were drawn only by Sen. Obama's considerable charisma.
Tripe. Pure, unadulterated, recycled wingnut tripe.
In case anyone here is foolish enough to believe this nonsense -- that 75,000 people in Portland turned out to see The Decemberists (I'll bet there aren't 75,000 in Portland who can NAME that group, much less be inclined to go see it) -- read this first:
http://www.sadlyno.com/archives/9501.html
Yes, this is a revolution. No, recycling half-baked nonsense is not going to stop it.
Even huge bands do not get 1/6th of the population of an entire state to come and see them. Let's be fair here.
SuzieG: Uh---- guess what----- it's nothing new or unusual that a popular band warms up the crowd. Those who were only there for the free concert were also
FREE to leave when the concert was over. They weren't required to stay to hear Obama. So, let's not p*ss on the parade by pretending that 75,000 people were there to "see the band." Ok?
I am not surprised at the media's response. Let's not forget that the media allowed the Pentagon to plant pro-war stooges as Iraq war experts during the run-up before the Iraqi war. Both the pro-war "experts" as well as the media had a lot of stock in war industries. Since the Iraqi war these defense contractor corporations have made billions of dollars largely through war profiteering. It's no wonder the media wants to distort the Obama campaign.
Also, look at the compositin of the media - mostly old white men with gobs of money. Do you honestly think they would support Obama? Truth told, we need to turn away from the media. We have Air America. We also have Mother Jones Magazine, In These Times, and the American Prospect. Let's support media out lets that tell us the truth
Good timing on that event. What was the name of that concert that was going on in the same place at the same time?
The Decemberist, Have you heard of them, because I hadn't before these news stories.
do some reading and you can save yourself from embarrassing posts......this was not about a band.....get your head out of the stars......
There is an indie rock scene in Portland. However, it's not even close to big enough to explain 75,000 people.
Oregon is not one of the most liberal states in the country. Look up some facts. It has a Republican Senator and had a Republican Senator for years before he went bad, it is mixed between rural and urban voters. On January 1, the gap between registered Republicans and registered Democrats was less than 100,000 - a medium sized city. By May 5 - that had switched - there were 89,000 new Democrats - who had switched parties - and those new voters were not for Hillary Clinton - they changed to vote for Barack Obama. THAT is what this article is partly about - and that is significant. In January, the Democrats had 38.8% of the electorate. That is not what I would call a liberal state.
I ma gratified to see that this phenomenon isn't going totally unnoticed. After watching a video of the Portland rally, I wrote this submission to my local newspapers. An excerpt: Barack Obama calls us to our better selves. He speaks of hope, of change and implores us to believe in the graciousness, the inherent goodness our collective selves. We listen and we are moved, thousands upon thousands of us, shedding the shrouds of fear and the narcissism it evokes and embracing the possibilities of a better, safer America. It is like a cosmic tidal wave, this ascendancy of Barack Obama and I don't believe in coincidence. The faithful people of this country are beginning to bring their consciousness back to basics; they are embracing the everlasting concept of hope, change and unanimity of purpose. This is a truly momentous time for Americans. A chance to move forward, to grow wiser and stronger as a nation and as individuals. Senator Obama has recognized the urgent need that faces us and has courageously become our spokesperson, our collective voice. Words do matter, the right words. As Barack Obama repeatedly intones, "This is our time" and indeed it is. Maybe our last opportunity to reclaim our legacy and our humanity.
I agree. AOL shows "top pictures of the day". The day of the huge turn out in Portland they featured Hillary silhouetted against the sky! Duh, what's up with that?
Big corporations are afraid of Obama and his grassroots movement..it is a threat to them. Currently they own Washington...if people get involved and pay attention, they lose their monopoly.
I agree too. Well said. Thanks for your post Jepagey.
We have complained for months that McCain is getting a free ride and now they finally are covering him in a more true-to-reality way and we still complain? There will plenty of time for reflection on the revolution and marveling at the well-run campaign on November 5th. We still have work to do. Lets keep our eyes on the ball here.
The fight has not yet begun. The forces of change will soon meet the power of money and privilege.
Who will win? Do we have the stomach for a real fight? They do.
Well, the main schlock media slept through seven years of the neocon revolution, so it's only fair...
I find it hard to believe that Obama winning in one of the most liberal States in america should be considered earth shaking. If Obama couldn't win in Oregon, he shouldn't even be running. the real news about Portland was by how little Obama won by. Hr should have trounced Hillary by 30 to 36 points. That he didn't bodes ill for him in the GE.
G W Bush got 47% of the vote in Oregon 2004...oregon is not as liberal as you think..it is more independant..sdon't confuse it with San Francisco. Obama beat Hillary in oregon in every group but the 60+
And Hillary winning Kentucky is earth shattering?
What was earth shaking was the size of the crowd that came to hear him speak, 75,000.
Get your fact straight RESIDENTCHIMP. Oregon is not of the most liberal states in America. What are you afraid of?
ResidentChimp:
...first of all, very fitting name...
...secondly, Sen. Obama has broken and continues to break records in US presidential campaigns...from his unprecedented fundraising machine to the ground-breaking crowds that he has been able to draw...all of this, mind you, from being an unknown in the political arena...
...sadly for folks like you, though...you remain in denial about this man, and you choose skepticism and cynicism rather than face the reality of what is happening around you...
...you are not alone...witness the utter shock and denial of the Clintons and their supporters, for this unknown man to come in out of nowhere like Superman and crush them in all of their political fame and "glory"...
...well, you are precisely who this author is talking about...living in and witnessing history being made right in front of you, but denying it and even belittling it..
...your loss...
...as the author says : This is a revolution. You probably won't see another one in your lifetime.
...and neither your denial, nor your belittling or cynicism, will stop it or change it...
...sooner or later, you will have to come around...
Obama 2008!
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Posted May 21, 2008 | 10:18 AM (EST)