My daughter is crazy for Obama. Heck, the half the world is crazy for him. I myself have admired how he has handled himself throughout the primary and now into the (pseudo) general election. During the primary, his message was always incredibly well crafted and carefully managed. For example, McCain indicated at one point that he would keep the troops in Iraq as long as is necessary to ensure victory. Obama, hours later, posits that McCain is the candidate of “perpetual warfare”.
This control and clarity lasted until just a few weeks after Hillary gave up the ghost and now it seems like his message and campaign are in a muddle. There can be no denying he was very successful in Europe recently but here at home it isn’t clear that the trip was a good idea. Obama was speaking to hundreds of thousands over on the continent and looking very presidential whilst speaking in front of the Victory column. McCain was in the dairy aisle with cheese falling on him yet the polls have largely evened up.
I believe it too early to draw a conclusion from all of this. This is pre-season and will be forgotten in a few weeks time but, as in football, a general tone for future direction and success is set during this time and what goes on matters. I’m supporting my Republican brethern but I also believe that this will be a historic election in terms of participation and public discourse. I’m looking forward to it.