Obama Downsizes



The devolutionary impulse -- so large in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union -- has found purchase in the Obama Presidential campaign of 2008. As a response to Obama's inability to connect with white, working-class voters, they have downsized the large arena style rallies that evoked Mick Jagger more than pro-Reagan Dem friendly union organizer. In Indiana we have seen many more scheduled small events, gas station press conferences, impromptu basketball games, and family outings. And, on the subject of family, Obama is touting his Midwestern roots and family values. From Politico:

"It completes an almost 180-degree shift from two months ago, when the Illinois senator jumped from one massive event to another, attracting media coverage that focused more on crowd counts than his message or his biography. Obama’s approach in Indiana has been noteworthy for how far he has strayed from the formulation that, aides say, worked in earlier primary states, but not as much anymore.

"'We were on a steady diet of large rallies,' said David Axelrod, Obama’s chief strategist. 'And that can become a fatty diet.'"

The answer as to whether or not this has any traction with the voters will be tomorrow's Indiana results where Hillary Clinton is unfortunately heavily favored. Northwest Indiana, which should demographically be Obama territory -- NW Indiana (Gary, etc) shares the Chicago media market -- is trending towards Hillary, suggesting a Clinton blowout.

Thanks, Jeremiah Wright! Asshole!