Berkowitz describes why so many missed the Obama surge. I certainly fit within his description.
The key line is:
“Mencken was wrong: somebody did go broke underestimating the taste of the Illinois people.”
Some of us who watch politics become somewhat cynical and jaded about the public. I very much fit in that category and I think the one thing that most people sense about Barack whether they agree with him or not on ideology or policy, is that he is decent and smart. I believe Rauschenberger had the same mojo going, though in a much more lowkey way.
The success of Obama’s candidacy is a great example of why I’m proud to call this state home!
In my opinion, the only thing missing from Berkowitz’ and all other post-election analysis is the realization that folks voted for Obama who had previously never voted (young and old alike), not voted in a primary and/or not voted in a Democrat primary. Add those three segments to the Democrat party faithful and it’s clear his landslide wasn’t just about the Democrats. I know it’s an old cliche but fitting for his growing stature: he is truly becoming a ‘man for all seasons.’ Mr Ryan has his work cut out for him for many reasons.
This is a completely inane question, forgive me — when did David Axelrod join Obama? I saw him continually on the national political shows working for Edwards. I’m just immensely curious since everyone is giving him a lot of credit, but it seems hard to believe he has worked for Obama full time more than the last month.
lapis, i know it was before December because i had a conversation with someone about it at the early December fundraiser at the Hyatt