January 4, 2008
Obamism: The Politics of Hope in the Year of the Political Independent (Brent Budowsky)
Something great is happening in America and for today, after Iowa, we can call it "Obamism," though it involves movements of history, people and ideas that come in many flavors and are offered by many voices, whose torch may or may not ultimately be carried by Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.).
The real America is back again, rising above the overwhelming negativities of the Bush years and the suffocating banalities of the chattering insider classes who were wrong, yet again, as usual, about Iowa because they are so wrapped up in their insider interests and cocoons that they miss what is happening in the real America.
If there is one proposition I have argued for in my writings over the last two years and my private advice to senior Democrats and the occasional senior Republican, it is this:
Americans will be astonished and amazed at the outpouring of idealism, inspiration, hope and good will that will flow like a mighty river when the Age of Bush is finally ended.
The next great historic political realignment is at hand, comparable to the Democratic realignment brought by Franklin Roosevelt and the Republican realignment brought by Ronald Reagan.
This historic third wave realignment combines:
* the aspirations of progressive Democrats who believe in a party that opposes wrong with courage and principle, and dreams great dreams of what is possible in America,
with
* the huge American center of political independents who want a national unity based on a return to the first principles of Americanism that have been far too often abandoned in the extremism, corruption and radical rightism that will be known by historians as the dark interlude of the Bush Years.
This fundamental and historic realignment includes 98 percent of authentic Democrats, who believe in the traditions of Roosevelt and Kennedy, and more than 70 percent of political independents who will join together in a great movement and new electoral map for renewal and change that is hopefully destined to elect a new president and Congress.
This fundamental realignment will also bring to the new Democratic/independent majority and governing coalition 5 to 10 percent of those who are now Republicans, formerly known by
names such as Bull Moose Republicans under Theodore Roosevelt and Rockefeller Republicans, who no longer have a place in a Republican Party dominated by rightist factions that are outside the tradition of historical and commonly shared American values:
* The use of war for partisanship;
* the contempt for the Constitution;
* the premeditated tearing-apart of national unity and premeditated attacks on domestic enemies;
* the abuse of Sept. 11, 2001, to create fear in the land, which is not only unprecedented from any previous American president but the single most reprehensible, vile and un-American tactic in the history of American commanders in chief from the days that George Washington commanded the Continental Army until the great day when the next American president puts his or her hand on the Bible, takes the oath of office and formally inaugurates the next great era in American history.
* the abuse of fear to justify torture and domestic spying against fellow Americans;
* the disrespect for the separation of church and state;
* the aggressive attacks on checks and balances, judicial review, and constitutional duties of the legislative branch of government.
* the pathological hunger for pre-emptive war, followed by the failure to give adequate support to American troops, followed by the shameless exploitation of under-supported troops as the petty cash of partisan politics.
* the economic policies that do not promote the rising tide that should lift all boats and the harvest of shame from a new tidal wave of "Grapes of Wrath"-type foreclosure;
* the environmental endangerment of the planet by the policies of a president whose representatives are booed and hissed by friends of freedom at a global summit, despite the fact that American leadership to protect the planet is supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans, a strong majority in Congress and a long and growing list of American business leaders and Fortune 1000 companies.
These things and many others violate cardinal rules of traditional Americanism.
Cardinal rules of Americanism that 98 percent of Democrats and more than 70 percent of political independents want restored to the center of American life.
Cardinal rules of Americanism that, once restored, as they soon will be, will unleash the great hopes and great aspirations of a great people in a great nation in ways that will astonish and amaze those who committed these wrongs, those who tolerated these wrongs and those who
falsely tell us these wrongs must always have to be, which is not the American way, has not been the American past and will not be the American future.
For the last 12 hours and the next 24, the World Service of the British Broadcasting Company is beaming to a world waiting to hear this message:
An African-American whose name, Barack Hussein Obama, has already been demeaned by political opponents, has been lifted to a powerful victory in a nearly all-white state by traditional Democrats who stand in the Roosevelt and Kennedy lineage, by a tidal wave of political independents who stood with a Democratic candidate in a Democratic caucus, and by young people who are the future of America, claiming their right to create their future, like the colonists firing the shot heard around the world at Lexington and Concord.
Where the pundits, the experts and the avatars of the establishment were most wrong, of the
many ways they were wrong, is that they were focused on the falsehood that negative attacks
always work, in a country that hungers for a higher form of hope, and they were obsessed with the falsehood that the victory or defeat of this candidate or that would end this campaign in Iowa, when the great truth of the 2008 campaign is that the great debate about the future of America has only just begun.
Let's give a standing ovation to Sens. Joseph Biden (D-Del.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn.), who conducted themselves with honor and brought enormous experience and wise counsel that should have been given far more attention than they were.
Let's hope that Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) views her defeat not as a reason to escalate the tactics that have so alienated political independents, but as an opportunity to liberate herself from insiderism as she has liberated herself from sexism, and thereby make her a better candidate, more likely to be elected, and a better president if she is.
Let's cheer for former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.), who speaks for the voiceless with passion, and for Elizabeth Edwards, a woman of extraordinary courage who stands as the most trusted adviser to the man she loves, in the cause they share.
And whether he ultimately carries the torch, which he may well do, let's understand that Obamism is bigger than Obama, that he has tapped into powerful currents that embody the best of American politics, that he is speaking for the yearnings of the realigning majority of the American people.
Obamism embodies the politics of hope in the year of the political independent, and as the
morning sun shines in Iowa and the attention of the nation shifts to New Hampshire, the era
of Bush has ended, and the great debate, about the future of the greatest nation that God ever put on this earth, has only just begun.
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I sincerely hope that any media coverage of Obama's ethnicity would be reflected in a positive manner.
Iowans have definitely raised the bar in American politics. Whether one is for or against Obama, you must admit that historical implications are overwhelmingly exciting and encouraging. The vote for Obama speaks volumes to the world arena and embodies the notion that "all men are created equal". Now that’s what I call “Change we can believe in”.
Comment by Geeesh — January 4, 2008 @ 9:35 am
This is such a great comeuppance for the pundits! I hope this gets under their (collective) slimy skins in the worst way.
Comment by Rick in Boca — January 4, 2008 @ 9:43 am
Brent;
Well said! I, for one, hope that the message of hope and the vision to see it through will prevail during this campaign season. The false attacks on Obama (ie. being schooled in a Madrassa) have backfired on those that perpretrated them and the voters saw through the smears. Hopefully as the campaign goes on, more people will focus on the substance of the campaign instead of the false attacks. I can only hope.
Comment by Mike Coleman — January 4, 2008 @ 10:31 am
Great post Brent. You have totally nailed it.
Comment by Chris Calbi — January 4, 2008 @ 10:43 am
Brent,
Optimism is fine, but realism is better.
The Democratic Party is currently "owned" by a number of people whose economic and career interests are closely tied to the party.
These people do not need to win elections to keep their jobs as consultants, publicists and all of the other income-producing party connections. They should be held accountable for results, but we all know that the loss of at least four elections has not caused the replacement of some of these people.
If you want change, follow the money. Figure out who is currently at the trough and replace them with actual progressives.
Once you have done the hard work, it's time for the rah rah and the talk of a new day in America (or whatever inspiring cliche seems appropriate).
Comment by GM Pierce — January 4, 2008 @ 11:16 am
I couldn't agree more Rick. Let's start by taking down Chris Matthews, followed by Tim Russert. Matthews is the worst.
GM, I don't get your post.
Comment by Chris Calbi — January 4, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Bingo, you pinned it down there Brent.
It is still amazing, though not surprising, that the corporate media has yet to fully aknwledge the potential ramifications with the Obama blast.
I also notice the resident neocons are pretty quiet. They must be waiting for Rush to tell them what to think.
Comment by Chris in NM — January 4, 2008 @ 1:12 pm
When you state the real America will be coming back, that sums up the left wing philosophy in this country in a big way. Only they know best, and the rest of us are out in left field some where. That whole ideology is insulting to the majority of America and I'm not surprised that liberals everywhere embrace it with open arms.
Comment by Robert Rosencrans — January 4, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Brent Budowsky - The Politics of Hope…
The real America is back again, rising above the overwhelming negativities of the Bush years and the suffocating banalities of the chattering insider classes who were wrong, yet again, as usual, about Iowa because they are so wrapped up in their inside…
Trackback by www.buzzflash.net — January 4, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
[…] Brent Budowsky described how Obama won due to a realignment based upon both independent and Democratic voters embracing liberal values. These are also the same American values upon which this country was founded, and which have been violated under years of Republican rule: The next great historic political realignment is at hand, comparable to the Democratic realignment brought by Franklin Roosevelt and the Republican realignment brought by Ronald Reagan. […]
Pingback by Independents Embrace Liberal Values to Propel Obama to Victory - Liberal Values - Defending Liberty and Enlightened Thought — January 4, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Robert R., you don't get it yet, do you? The majority of Americans ARE liberals, on issue after issue. We don't want militarism, we don't want torture, we don't want corporations owning government, we don't want the 'unitary executive'. We want universal health care, we want social security and we want environmental protection. Moreover, the left of center is now taking ownership of the one central principle that conservatives used to have dominion over: fiscal responsibility. We've had it up to our eyeballs with the neocons. Good riddance.
Comment by orangutan — January 4, 2008 @ 4:23 pm
Great article. I had almost lost hope after the 2004 election. I just could not believe that America could or would re-elect George Bush. But they did. My faith in the American voter was gone. What I thought I knew about America was gone. As I traveled overseas, I got the same story. While they could forgive us for Bush's mistakes for the first 4 years, they just could not forgive us for giving him 4 more. At this point, Obamism is alive and well, although I disagree that someone else could carry the banner. Not in this election. No one else is in his position. No one else embodies the change that he does. Yes, perhaps my hope is restored. Perhaps my disregard for the American voter will be replaced with the new hope of Obamism.
Comment by Al, KS — January 4, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
The past 7 years the nation has been inundated with the politics of fear. We are not a fearful people although the Bush administration did everything to convince us otherwise.
Thankfully we are seeing an emerging politics of hope in an age of change. Obama's win is very encouraging. I know many say they are tired of the way things are done in Washington. Obama's win tonight gives weight to that.
Congratulations Barack Obama. Iam thrilled he won.
Congratulations John Edwards and Hillary Clinton. Both fought hard, but in the end it was Obama who inspired the majority of independents, republicans and democrats, young and old alike to caucus for him.
Congratulations to Mike Huckabee. His victory in Iowa is symbolic that republicans want social change and better days ahead, too. (Although Iam not convinced the changes he proposes are what the voters have in mind.)
Americans are clamouring for change. That being the case Obama is the best contender in the race to bring that about. He has worked his entire adult life for social change: as a community organizer, a civil rights attorney, a Constitutional law professor, a state senator and a US Senator. All culminated his background is impressive. Furthermore it illustrates Obama cares about people. He turned down lucrative job offers preferring to work as a civil servant and likewise his wife, Michelle.
Iowan caucus-goers turned out in record numbers–the highest in history especially new comers. While the democrats brought in 60 % first-time caucus-goers 72 % of Obama's supporters were first-time caucus-goers. Amazing!
It would be a watershed moment if the rest of the country follows suit to participate in the political process. Voting is not only a civic responsibility it is a right and a privilege.
The epoch of a new era filled with hope and inspiration — absent the fear, intolerance and injustices of the past 7 years — is dawning.
Thankfully!
Comment by serena1313 — January 4, 2008 @ 5:16 pm
I think you reserve impeachment for grave, grave breeches, and intentional breeches of the president’s authority…I believe if we began impeachment proceedings we will be engulfed in more of the politics that has made Washington dysfunction,…We would once again, rather than attending to the people’s business, be engaged in a tit-for-tat, back-and-forth, non-stop circus.”
- Barack Obama explaining that lying our country to war, outing an undercover CIA agent, illegally wiretapping its citizens and torturing prisoners denied habeas corpus are not grave offenses.
*** This is the Democratic leader who will set us on the right path? Bring on Kucinich, please.
Comment by Larry from C — January 4, 2008 @ 5:49 pm
Rosienuts (#8) has one thing right; he IS in left field. Or maybe he's marooned on an island of crazed neocons. The parallel universe the neocons are residing in is beginning to collapse like a delapidated building. Yea, good riddance.
Comment by Chris in NM — January 4, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
…Hopefully as the campaign goes on, more people will focus on the substance of the campaign instead of the false attacks. I can only hope.
Comment by Mike Coleman — January 4, 2008 @ 10:31 am
While I usually agree with my fellow Progressives/Independents I must disagree with you here. The campaign is mostly meaningless. Look at how Obama voted. Look at his actions. Look at who gave him his money. That'll tell the story.
Obama supported his MENTOR Joe Lieberman over Progressive Ned Lamont. Obama has funded the Iraq occupation. Obama takes tons of money from Wall Street and Banks. He will owe his soul to these interests. Will he restore Habeas Corpus or will I wake up every morning fearing being named an Enemy Combatant and rendered to a third world country to be tortured for the rest of my life? Will he break up big media and restore the fairness doctrine? Will he propose a real national healh program or instead help insurance companies sell policies? How come he's not discussing these core Progressive issues? Why is he mainly talking about "change" whatever that means? If he wants my vote he's going to have to explain some of these issues.
Comment by Larry from C — January 4, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
It's like the "Mutual Left Admiration Society" here. It's all dribble. American's want Socialized healthcare; bull sh t! American's are not against protecting themselves from her enemies, like Islam, communism, and any other terrorist out there. Pre emption is a solid defense strategy. American's hate torture which is evident why they reject the left in every election. Listening to this crap is the worst torture of all! The left has to lie to get elected. Every position they take is an affront to freedom. You people are nuts and are so disconnected it is pitiful…
Comment by Rich — January 4, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
Unless George W. is held accountable for the wrongs of his administration, we should change the Oath of Office for the next President. George W. has made a mockery of the Oath of Office.
We have to change the Oath to include, Signing Statements which enables them to ignore parts of the Constitution that they don't like. George W. didn't bother working to change the parts he didn't like, he just ignored them. Unfortunately the other two branches of government, don't want to uphold their Oaths either.
Mainstream media has spun fact and spin as equal, leading everyone to believe there are two sides to every issue, fact and spin as equal. Until facts once again represent the truth,we won't have change. Fact is fact and spin is spin distorting facts.
Comment by ConnieInCleveland — January 4, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
Thanks Brent…
Boy do I hope so, your article reads like a campaign ad for Al Gore, so I like it…
But…
As scary as having GWB in charge of the buttons and levers that control my fate has been for the last 7 years, placing it in Mr. Obama's hands, for that is what we do, well, I'm just not there yet.
But I liked his speech last night, I would like to actively support someone I believe in, like I have Al Gore. It's hard to be a political junkie and not have a horse, one with a rider, in the race…
On the other hand Obama is a sitting Senator and my position on that has not changed. At least he isn't from Mass. with the initials JFK… And I'm not sure I buy into this being a "realignment", at least one with a capital "R", where we have to have three textbooks to cover American History and all that…
But I could be wrong, and I would love to be wrong… I've been more wrong than right over the last 40 years, as have all progressives… Or we wouldn't be where we find ourselves today, already at the bottom of that slippery slope and looking for a way back up the hill.
For the moment, at least for this week, I will retain my position and prediction…
DEADLOCK IN DENVER
Dems turn to Gore…
Happy New Year, love ya man…
RGJ/Dallas112263
Comment by Dallas112263 — January 4, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
Any public official who "believes" that Homo Sapiens (along with all other life forms on planet earth) did not evolve through natural selection but, instead, that some nebulous "gawd" just "placed" us here has a seriously medieval mindset. Furthermore, any public official who takes his/her oath of office by swearing fealty to a "higher" sectarian animistic tome has violated his/her oath to uphold the Constitution (with its separation of church and state) before he/she even finishes uttering the empty words that fraudulently claim they will protect and defend it.
Get with the scientific age, Mr. Budowski. If we secular Americans wanted a President who claims to speak with his/her higher-father "gawd" in the middle of the night, we'd vote to confirm Deputy Dubya Bush or Mike Huckabee as Elmer Gantry preacher/monarch for life.
Comment by Michael Murry — January 4, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
Item 6: Cris, my point is simply that too many Democratic candidates are being led by the nose by "consultants" like James Carville.
The DLC gang does not have a very good won/lost record. Mostly they have been losing and this has been going on for way too many years.
To build a functional party, some of these people need to be retired. The money currently going to their 401k's could be better spent hiring some young energetic interns who actually want to win.
Comment by GM Pierce — January 4, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Rich (#17) is totally off his meds. Oh my. Or maybe he's a pure neocon simmering in the Iowa caucus results. Nonetheless, it is becoming obvious the neocons are going off a cliff.
Comment by Lester — January 5, 2008 @ 12:38 am
Sure Americans want "change". Maybe spare change! But they'll get none from any of these candidates.
All inside the political class realize is that for two generations all our resources have been invested in the needs of corporate empire. Were this war in Iraq to fail, the same fate as befell the USSR would come to America. And richly deserved.
I ask other readers: Without abandoning the warfare state, how is change possible?
Chris Herz
chris@vheadline.com
Comment by Chris Herz — January 6, 2008 @ 5:04 pm
GM - the whole point of the DLC is to lose. They're paid hundreds of millions of dollars every election cycle to lose. Just look at Neocon Nancy and Weak Reid preemptively surrendering to the war criminals at every opportunity. The DLC's job is to pretend to oppose the fascists. If the DLC did not exist, a real opposition would form.
Comment by Mike5000 — January 6, 2008 @ 8:35 pm
Agreed GM. Obama seems to be handled differently and very well.
Comment by Chris Calbi — January 7, 2008 @ 10:28 am
Larry from C;
Obviously, you didn't research Obama as you should have. Before the CT primary, Obama did support Joe but after Ned Lamont won, Obama supported his campaign with funds and (I think) an appearance. You are wrong about what he did.
Comment by Mike Coleman — January 7, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
Brent, very well put.
The end of the long road of the Bush administration is almost through! It is about time. Americans need not live in constant fear as we have in the caring hands of Bush. The 2008 election is the Hot topic these days, a site with a great guide is on findingdulcinea.com (check it out).
And it seems that "change" is the buzz word of this election. It is used far too frequently and loosing it's edge. However, Obama has hit it on the nose. He has captured his audience of all types and ages.
Bush better be OUT and Obama IN! It's time for some "change" as they say.
Comment by Andy M — January 8, 2008 @ 4:23 pm