Last night I attended the Barrack Obama Rally in Houston. I missed the Clinton Rally last week because she held it out in the suburbs and there was no way that I could get there and get back with the bus system here. Pity, because I wanted to see both. (No photos either b/c my camera is stuffed until I get it fixed, hopefully by next week. Sorry!)
A political rally here truly is an all American experience. I didn't have a ticket, so queued for 1.5 hours in the standby queue, but there was enough space. The recent publicity of people waiting outside Obama rallies because they coudn't get a ticket is quite artificial; there was MORE than enough space yet they seemed to only sell enough tickets before hand to look like it was in high demand. The room was full of energy and excitement. There were people screaming throughout the rally, a hand shaking process at the end and a mad scramble to get the signs passed around. Outside they sold badges for as much as $5 (Aus$6) each. You coundn't give Kevin07 away to a non-party member.
What was truly noticable about the crowd was the density of African Americans. There were some whites, a few Hipanic people, but the crowd was dominated by young African American people. This is incredibly racist analysis, but it follows analysis of EVERYTHING HERE. Criminal record cards, school reports; everything comes with an identifier of race. Fast food joints, cleaners, adminstrative roles; they are all staffed by Hispanic and African American people. It's just life in Houston; people really think nothing of it, or are totally resigned to it. What would be interesting to know is just how many people would not have been involved in the institutional political process had Obama not been a serious contender in the race.
For a cynic the whole thing can seem a little empty. He truly is a rhetorical leader. The rally focused on some policy detail, but so much of it comes off contradictory and difficulty to digest. Obama's economic plan details tax breaks for lower income earners, tightening of tax loopholes (a suitably undefined area of economic restriction) and heavy investment in the private health insurance industry to reduce the cost of insurance...AND...bring Democracts, Independents and Republicans together. The fact that his policies are squarely left of most Democrats (let alone Republicans) does not seem to bother his agenda to bring people together...how do you deliver both? He really speaks to the core of my beliefs in most things until he sells out the pro-worker stance by saying he will work with and modify his policies for people who are a polar opposite to him. I don't want what he speaks about to be negotiated with oil magnate elected Republicans from Texas.
But then there's the clincher, no matter waht perspective you are coming from; all we need is HOPE. "Yes, we can." Whether the campaign is honestly grass-roots or not, the one message that can defy any cynicism is the message of hope. It blasts through every negative thought and puts to bed all doubt whether his dreams are achievable or not. It makes the campaign feel like home to people who are despondent, don't care and are simply tired (whether by politics or life in general). He speaks with a connection to every member of their audience and calls for support in 2, 4 and 8 years time. He pleads to have hope, leads with a strong voice. "What are we without hope?" It's a great question...It's powerful, VERY powerful. I feel very privileged to see this before the realities of decision making water down the intensity.The cheering, the energy, the power.
The real feel here in Texas is of an unstoppable campaign, and in many senses it deserves to be so. The Houston Chronicle (www.chron.com) had them level at 45% (Obama) and 46% (Clinton), with a margin of error at about 3%. The polls always narrow when the Obama bandwagon rolls into town, a sure sign of the campaign's unbelievable door-to-door direct campaigning strength. I still do not prefer one candidate over the other, Obama promises much and the message of hope is inspiring but he could be leading America to one of the greatest dissapointments in political history (failing in office or, worse, losing the general election).
Hillary Clinton has been mocked for mocking Obama's positive take and angle on everything, taking the more cynical edge. Her realistic stance is lost in a time when people are deparate to hear that everything will change, whether it is achievable or not. It's a shame because few seem able to articulate their issues with Clinton beyond broad sweeping statements about lies and inconsistency over Iraq. There is something truly disturbing when three people at the rally said they would vote McCain over Hillary, with total honesty. I am not supporting one way or another (but definitely feel reactionary to the Obama bandwagon, although last night I understood the power and it is truly affecting) but switching party votes so easily makes American politics a truly scary game.
Obama should win the nomination but whatever the outcome it is interesting to be in the middle of a campaign with honest differences and perspectives. It really is exciting, something missing from institutional politics for so long.
1 comment:
Thanks mate, really interesting post.
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