Obama’s momentum?

Not only is there ample reason to distrust polling “data” in this primary/caucus cycle, but on a certain level even talking about momentum as if people’s decisions are largely based on a herd mentality or some arcane political physics is a dubious proposition, as well.

There is lately an increasing willingness to examine the substance of Obama’s candidacy, possibly driven by his many opponents having claimed he has little or none. The mainstream media cannot plausibly ignore the reality that where he has campaigned he rapidly develops viable support quite sufficient to be competitive. This phenomena is a story, and in the curious world of information, this meta-story of the evolving coverage of Obama’s campaign (and others) itself becomes a focus of coverage, feeding a certain narcissistic tendency of ratings-hungry news organizations and their agents to trumpet and frame their efforts tangentially, distracting from the putative “coverage” they bestow upon information consumers.

To an avid observer the most interesting, relevant aspects of the current campaigns are not typically the media’s description of their own reporting, but rather the concerns behind a detractor’s determined spin. In the case of Obama the new message being spun by detractors (looking for buzz that will achieve the much coveted “traction” in the media) relates to fear over Obama’s perceived momentum. The resulting assault, well suited to soundbite-based reporting, is that Barack Obama is atop a cult of personality.

The Senator is a charismatic speaker, a truly gifted orator. When one sees him in an unscripted situation and witnesses his intellect and compassion in action there can be no denying he is also, in fact, a qualified national leader. His candor is unmatched by any recent politician, his plans and policies are presented in extensive detail for those who really care to look, and he is clearly committed to serving the needs of others.

What Senator Obama is atop is a legitimate challenge to the established order in this country, balanced with his pragmatic realization that to evolve as rapidly yet gracefully as is possible into a new order means working with those in power – not, in the vernacular, throwing out the baby with the bath water. Here is a man risen from adversity and challenges, now ready and willing to use his celebrity to draw attention to, and inspire hope in, a genuine effort to improve the governance, well-being, and opportunities of everybody on the planet – now that is an American dream.