Initial thoughts

Super Tuesday has passed. In many ways, I have missed the bandwagon. My guy is ahead in every measurement. My state, California, has already been decided. My reasons for supporting the campaign are no longer my own, but are widely regarded as strong assets within the campaign.

Nonetheless, I fly Wednesday to L.A. I have given up my job and my apartment, leaving good friends and my sister behind, to pursue a cause. I am drawn by potential, not of a new senator to break through political barriers, but of a movement based around admirable ideals... that people generally want a system in which they can be engaged and help themselves, that America has been strongest when viewed as a place of opportunity and optimism, that the social issues dividing America are a poor focus for politics, and that democracy is a system of popular sovereignty. This means that the mandate to rule comes from a universal concensus, rather than a tyranny of the majority.

One of my first stops will be to visit my uncle, who handed me Dreams from My Father in 2004 with a strong personal endorsement of Obama. At the time, I was skeptical, thinking the 2004 convention had been lacklustre, that Obama's comments had been vague and broad, and that a young Senator was receiving slightly too much public attention. Today, I believe those opinions still hold, but that the campaign has distinguished itself nonetheless.

My uncle's endorsement aroused interest, as he cannot be accused of these traits. He has overcome genocide to have deliberate, yet modest political involvement. Uncle Mike was politically inspired by meeting Truman, the post WWII progressive who integrated the military. Truman was originally known for his pragmatism and ability to reason, and assumed the role of a progressive when tough choices forced him to make changes. Through Uncle Mike, Truman's legacy begs the question, how does Obama compare?

Obama's progressiveness is well-recognised, but his pragmatism remains contested. His assets lie in his ability to build a coalition from community organisation, a promising beginning. His focus on making our health care system more efficient and cost effective, rather than simply mandating universal health, is an example of this. However, a personal pragmatism is not enough--he also needs a level-headed team.

My original reservations remain. Is he simply shining through a lack of scrutiny and decent competition? While his rhetoric is impressive, is it too vague? Specifically, would he know how to transform that broad rhetoric into policy? And will his popularity cause distress? He has roused a mob, but can he control it?

These questions should provide perspective when dealing with the religious fervour surrounding the Senator. Navigating through the different coalitions within a $30mil/month campaign will require a Truman-like level headedness and perspective of my own.

To start, I will also visit Jeff, an old friend who promises to show me the ropes for campaigning. Jeff has already worked for Obama in Iowa, Nevada, and California, so his help will be invaluable.

And so, the journey begins...