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June 12, 2007
Busting An Obama Myth
Here at Houtopia, we have not chosen sides in the Democratic presidential primary (or the Republican one, for that matter), and are aren't likely to anytime soon. With 8 months or so before anyone actually votes, we'd like to see a great deal more about what the candidates have to offer, whether they can take a punch, think on their feet, etc.
Barack Obama burst onto the presidential scene several months back, and has clearly made quite a splash. He matched presumed Democratic frontrunner Hillary (Rodham - is the maiden name in or out these days - it's hard to keep up) Clinton dollar for dollar in the critically important first fundraising period, and many expect he will outraise her at the next reporting deadline. Obama has also built an impressive small donor base and volunteer organization, both of which could help him enormously in a long primary race. Most important, Obama has shown an ability to inspire voters not seen in the Democratic field since Bill Clinton exited the political stage.
His meteoric rise seems to have stabilized for the time being, though he remains a clear strong second in every poll -- not a bad place to be at this juncture of the race. With 60 to 65% of Democratic primary voters looking for an alternative to Hillary, he is at the moment well positioned to become the beneficiary of the coalesced anti-Hillary vote, if and when it coalesces.
One anti-Obama theme that has slowly developed -- born of his relative youth and scant national political experience, and no doubt quietly encouraged by his primary rivals -- is that the Illinois freshman is long on style but short on substance. (This characterization frankly reminds us more of another candidate in the field - he of the $400 haircut - but that is neither here nor there.) Aside from Obama's inexperience, however, we have never found much basis for this critique.
Sure, Obama was a bit shaky in the first candidate debate, but one could allow for simple nerves being the culprit in his first appearance on the grand stage. The numerous interviews we've watched of Obama over the last year have shown him to be polished, quick on his feet, and far from mistake-prone. We have been impressed.
A piece by Ben Smith up this evening at Politico confirms what we've thought all along -- there's plenty of there there with Barack Obama. Far from a lightweight slickster, the article portrays an Obama eager to engage on the substance of policy. It notes his unusual decision to convene policy experts (of various ideological and interest-based stripes) right from the start of his Senate term. Several went on the record for the piece, and to a person were complimentary of his intellect, curiosity and political understanding of the varying issues under discussion. In other words, plenty of substance to go with the exceptional political chops.
To be sure, Barack Obama must to do more in the coming months to put meat on the bones of his candidacy for president. Smith's article reassures us he at least has the capability to do that, and the fact that it was written demonstrates to us that Obama's people realize it's an issue critical to his nomination (and general election) hopes. We look forward to hearing more from the Illinois senator in the coming months, as well as the other contenders.
Posted by houtopia at June 12, 2007 10:01 PM