Obama’s bottom-up infrastructure and why it matters
Charlie Burr
I believe strongly how you campaign affects how you govern. That’s one of the reasons I’m supporting Barack Obama.
Obama’s campaign is a model of how Democrats win: leveraging massive grass-roots energy to earn support from new voters, Independents and Republicans from every corner of our state. As Rollling Stone notes, it rejects the top-down, command-and-control approaches of the past. And most importantly, it builds a core of supporters and activists who will continue the fight for fundamental reform long after November’s election.
It’s exciting to watch this campaign attract new people into the process. I’ve heard here and elsewhere how they’re too young, too green, and too star-struck to really know what they’re doing. But that’s not what I saw first-hand a few weeks ago during Washington state’s caucus. Across the river, long-time organizers worked side-by-side with energetic newcomers to deliver a whopping two-to-one victory for Obama both in Clark County and across the state.
Yesterday’s endorsement by Oregon AFSCME means the working men and women of Council 75 –- who understand cost-effective grass-roots organizing like few others –- will join thousands of these first-time activists hitting the streets, staffing phone banks, and knocking on doors for our May primary. It’s a potent combination. And it’s part of a growing coalition built on basic principles of community organizing, amplified by modern technology and peer-to-peer communication platforms.
The recent Rolling Stone’s article, “The Machinery of Hope”, highlights Obama’s winning model:
Over the past year, the Obama campaign has quietly worked to integrate the online technologies that fueled the rise of Howard Dean —as well as social-networking and video tools that didn't even exist in 2004 — with the kind of neighbor-to-neighbor movement-building that Obama learned as a young organizer on the streets of Chicago. "That's the magic of what they've done," says Simon Rosenberg, president of the Democratic think tank NDN. "They've married the incredibly powerful online community they built with real on-the-ground field operations. We've never seen anything like this before in American political history."In the process, the Obama campaign has shattered the top-down, command-and-control, broadcast-TV model that has dominated American politics since the early 1960s. "They have taken the bottom-up campaign and absolutely perfected it," says Joe Trippi, who masterminded Dean's Internet campaign in 2004. "It's light-years ahead of where we were four years ago. They'll have 100,000 people in a state who have signed up on their Web site and put in their zip code. Now, paid organizers can get in touch with people at the precinct level and help them build the organization bottom up. That's never happened before. It never was possible before."
By contrast, Hillary Clinton started this campaign with unparalleled resources: near universal name recognition, the top campaign talent in the country, and the most extensive list of political and fundraising contacts in modern politics. Virtually every advantage Clinton enjoyed in the beginning of this race has been squandered. As Democrats look to an unusually favorable general election environment, we should ask ourselves if we want to apply that same track record of missed opportunity to our coming fight with John McCain.
From Day One, Obama has proven more adept at managing the complexities of running of a modern Presidential campaign. The Obama campaign has been more disciplined, more innovative, and more suited to our changing media landscape. That’s why with more than 80 percent of primary votes cast, Obama leads with more states, more delegates, and more votes.
I believe Hillary Clinton is better than the campaign she’s run. But given our strong field, and a campaign that puts her experience on the national stage at its center, it’s not unfair to judge her on the race she’s running today. With so much at stake, there’s no reason to believe what we’ll get from Clinton in a general election will be any different from what we’ve already seen this primary. That’s a problem for Democrats.
The next President will face complex, acute challenges. Delivering fundamental change on our most pressing problems -- from climate change to health care to getting our economy back on track – will require a tough, unrelenting fight. I believe very strongly that this year’s primaries have shown us that the top-down model of getting things done –- without a progressive mobilization at the grass-roots level -- will not be enough to take on the powerful, entrenched Washington interests who await our next President. The most effective tool the next President needs is the ability to unleash the collective power of millions of Americans to push for real, meaningful change.
If you believe that it will take more than just electing a Democrat this year to enact a bold progressive agenda, ask yourself which candidate holds the greater capacity to capture the energy and imagination of the American people. I am excited that Obama continues to pull votes from Independents, young voters and Republicans. But I’m most hopeful about the wave of activism Obama inspires in so many first-time organizers. That’s how we win in November and that’s how we make progress long after January 20, 2009.
County clerks will mail Oregon ballots in 47 days. Our May election will be the most significant Presidential primary in a generation. As Obama said today in the New York Times, "This is your campaign. This is your chance to make your mark on history.”
I strongly encouraged supporters to dig in and get involved. There's no shortage of work to be done for this critical race. On May 20, you can go to sleep knowing you did everything in your power to elect our next President and change our country.
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1:43 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
I heard last night that the first Obama staffer (an Oregon native!) is on the ground now -- and there's some three dozen more arriving in the next few days.
Game on.
1:47 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
Yes! The talented Jim Nam, who's actually been here since last week. We're also looking for housing for folks coming back into the state. If you'd like to host an organizer, please send me an email at [email protected] or give me a call at (503) 913-5407.
1:50 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
Charlie,
Thanks for the info -- I've been so curious to know how Obama has built such an amazing campaign to rival the seemingly bullet-proof, battle-tested Clinton machine.
We don't have room in our house for an organizer, but I'm happy to help in any other way I can.
Mar 16, '08
The Obama paratroopers are landing alright! And thousands of "grassroots" have been very active here for over 1 year now getting ready and helping prepare for a Barack Victory in Oregon.
Mar 16, '08
Hi, I wanted to get a few datafeeds for my affiliate store from commission junction and they wanted $200(!).
Has anybody actually implemented the CJ datafeeds and if so, are they worth the cash?
best wishes Stefan ================================= http://www.gresseraiter.org
Mar 16, '08
Stefan, what are you doing here and why are you relevant?
This fits in with how the Hart campaign won 59% in 1984, and how lots of other campaigns over the years have stunned the "establishment" and won upset victories.
4:33 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
LT, "Stefan" is probably a spambot. They're programs designed to drum up business, usually for a website or a marketing program, by copying messages into tens of thousands of different blogs. Because the blogs being spammed have so many different topics, the messages never even come close to being apropos.
In this case, as the URL website is fake, I'd imagine this is a way for somebody related to Commission Junction to try to get blog operators to sign up with them. Usually this isn't done directly by beneficiary; instead they pay for a spammer to do it to keep their hands clean. I suspect that the real setup fee for CJ is something like $100 on some sort of "special", so anyone who goes to the website might be tricked into thinking this is a good deal.
Spamming doesn't typically get a high response, but with the price of misusing other's equipment spread to other people, it doesn't have to be to be profitable.
Mar 16, '08
Very good article, Charlie.
5:43 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
Charlie:
I'm so not surprised to hear that it's Jim Nam. I worked with him in '06 and he said that he wanted to work for Obama for President. I'm glad to see his wish came true.
I look forward to working with him and the campaign.
Mar 16, '08
Just as how one campaigns reflects how one governs, so are policy and politics two sides of the same coin. This is why I has become so disenchanted with Hillary Clinton. If I were to consider "pure" policy, I would favor her over Obama, but I can't make the policy/politics separation. Indeed, if I could (and I used to), I would be waving the flag for Nader, who has a progressive agenda but a way of presenting it that manages to be obnoxious, elitist, and problematic in oh so many other ways.
Mar 16, '08
Nader, who has a progressive agenda but a way of presenting it that manages to be obnoxious, elitist, and problematic in oh so many other ways.
Some people would call Nader's presentation as candor, free of political shading.
6:35 p.m.
Mar 16, '08
Orego9n South Obama group was notified on Thursday that the Obama staffers want housing in Medford.
10:04 a.m.
Mar 17, '08
Charlie, My son (18) is interested in working. Is there a local contact? He has car and time (he's a senior attending classes only half time).
Mar 17, '08
I like candles of various designs and sizes .Please suggest a website where i can find candles at cheap rates
Mar 17, '08
Bill Bodden: "Some people would call Nader's presentation as candor, free of political shading."
Nader takes on Republican political shading when he takes their money to get his name on the ballot, as in '04.
3:29 p.m.
Mar 17, '08
Paul and Krisin--
Great! Organizers are on the ground, so the easiest way to jump in is to sign-up (please include phone number) at either the Democratic Party of Oregon (dpo.org) or at the campaign Web site directly (barackobama.com). They will contact you shortly. Also, folks can start calling right away if by going to the "Action Center" at the campaign site.
Many thanks!
And to everyone's who's contacted me about housing, your generosity is VERY much appreciated.
Mar 17, '08
Based on an email alert I got from Obama's campaign today, the first item on the agenda is to drum up voter registration, explaining that folks must declare as Democrats to vote DEM, etc. They are stressing youth involvement, and looking for switchers...I'm sure there are a few!
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that the skill and organization of Obama's campaign can transfer to the White House. Knowing how to delegate is critical.
Mar 17, '08
That Jeremiah Wright fiasco.
Yep, fiasco.
This could make all the discussion in this thread irrelevant.
This could destroy Obama's candidacy.
I hope Obama gives s really good speech on Tuesday.
Mar 17, '08
"That Jeremiah Wright fiasco.
Yep, fiasco."
Such a fiasco that I heard a minister call a talk show this afternoon and say "I realize he isn't a Baptist, but there was nothing Rev. Wright said which hasn't been said from S. Baptist pulpits in the past".
Others have reminded us that Jesus Christ was the first non-violent revolutionary. And there is a UCC site discussing Rev. Wright.
http://unitedchurchofchrist.blogspot.com/2008/03/word-of-respect-for-jeremiah-wright.html
Of course, there is also the question of who gave the film of Rev. Wright to Fox News. Was this an attempted attack? Some are saying that the grace shown whenever Sen. Obama faces a challenge like this just lets people get another look at "the measure of the man". Some people are very impressed with his grace under pressure.
But if there is to be a discussion of Rev. Wright, let's also talk about where Hillary Clinton and John McCain go to church, either in DC or their home state church. Have they ever been present for a controversial sermon?
Or is the point to attack black churches who are talking to black parishoners in a way white people aren't accustomed to? M. Norris on Meet the Press this weekend mentioned what an Amen corner there was for some of Wright's remarks. Should the parishioners not have approved of what he said? Or is saying what parishoners should approve from their pastor stepping on their freedom of religion?
There were people who were saying Obama was a Muslim, and now they find fault with the United Church of Christ minister who just retired from his church. One news story says Rev. Wright was hired out of divinity school in 1971 to save a struggling congregation. If it is now sometimes described as a megachurch, it seems he must have done something right.
And don't forget that line from Jesus about those who are without flaws casting the first stone.
Mar 17, '08
I caught a few clips of statements by Rev. Wright on cable that were presumably designed to place him out there with extremists, but I found myself in agreement with him. Such as criticizing dropping atom bombs on civilians in Nagasaki and Hiroshima and the way the United States has treated the Palestinians. If I had been born black and been subjected to the racial prejudice Rev. Wright experienced, I would very likely have been at least as angry and bitter as he appears to be. Probably more so. He's like Ralph Nader. Telling people truths they don't want to hear.
Mar 17, '08
Well, the "Wright stuff" is a fiasco. I wish it weren't. And the issue isn't actually whether BlueOregon bloggers think it is or not. I kind of doubt John and Jane Q. Public are going to go through LT's analysis.
Sigh.
Mar 17, '08
The question is whether John and Jane Q Public even know the controversy exists in between work, raising kids, worrying about house payments, etc. Or maybe they have a black friend who lived through the 1950s in this country, or maybe they are black or mixed race themselves. OR, maybe they even belong to a UCC or other church where they have heard similar statements and don't think it is a big deal.
But then, I met a college student the other day who was really excited about Merkley but didn't realize that US Senate is a statewide election, so any registered Oregon Dem. voter can vote in the primary---regardless of which county they live in.
Not to mention the conversation in the drug store the other day where no one knew the names of the AG candidates here in Oregon--and thought it was amazing I knew, until I told them I knew the Macpherson family from before he started running for AG. "Well, if you know the family, that is different".
And I know from working in retail that current events are seldom discussed in the break room. How many employee lunchrooms across this country are likely to have people discussing this story?
People who blog (or are involved in politics) generally know more about current events than those who don't.
11:36 p.m.
Mar 17, '08
Ok Obama-niacs, I have a big favor to ask. Does anyone anywhere have a hand on a size small ladies Obama '08 black (or any color??) tshirt.
Totally on back order. 15 year old birthday coming up.
HELP!! email me at [email protected]
Mar 17, '08
To answer one of the comments on how Obama did it - maybe Oprah! Also he has no idea what he is up against. If he can win again Hillary, the conservatives are going to eat him up. Jeremiah Wright controversy is just the start. While he and Hillary fight Mr. McCain is building is war chest and ammunition. Please remeber he is war hero and faught in Vietman.
I have a strong opinion about this!
Mar 17, '08
Yes, McCain fought in Vietnam, as did John Kerry, Chuck Hagel, and many people migh age. (Check spelling of fought, my, remember, Opinionated).
McCain's war chest won't win over those who wonder why their loved one has to do a 3rd tour of duty overseas, or someone whose house is foreclosed.
As far as Jane and John Q Public, they may react to this story http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031702796.html?hpid=topnews
about the anger of the members of that church in Chicago now led by Rev. Moss.
To the extent their view is that this is an attack on the tradition of African American churches, those folks aren't going to support anyone who attacks their former minister.
And to me this begins to look like the sort of thing I lived through with black friends---from overt racism of many decades ago to even in 1980 when someone told me I was deluded to believe a black man would ever get elected in S. Salem. (For the record, the state reps. in S. Salem have included a black man, a black woman, and also a Hispanic man.)
Mar 18, '08
I disagree with this entry!
After seven years of George W. Bush, we need a president with the strength, experience, and vision to make change a reality. I'm supporting Hillary for the White House because I know that her 35 years of experience means she can end the war in Iraq, make the economy work for the middle class, and achieve truly universal health care.
If Barack Obama becomes the Democratic nominee but cannot win support from working-class whites and Latinos, then Democrats will not retake the White House in November.
Eugenians for HILLARY for President!
Mar 18, '08
Downside of Obama Strategy Losses in Big States Spur General-Election Fears
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/07/AR2008030703318_pf.html
Mar 18, '08
Looks like the few Hillary supporters in the State got togther and decided to throw up a few blog posts. Well done!
But if Hillary's experience includes poor hawkish Bush like judgment on Iraq, why should we trust it? And even one of Bill Clinton's advisors came out recently and said this "experience" is being misrepresented to us voters.
And aren't Virginia, South Carolina, Missouri and North Carolina "big" states that can be taken from the Repubs under Obama? Georgia?
Did you know that Obama won the Texas "two step"? And would have won the primary but for Rush Limbaugh getting over 100,000 Repubs to hold their nose and vote for Hillary? No loss there and I surely wouldn't expect Hillary to carry TX in any event.
Mar 18, '08
After seven years of George W. Bush, we need a president with the strength, experience, and vision to make change a reality. I'm supporting Hillary for the White House because I know that her 35 years of experience means she can end the war in Iraq, make the economy work for the middle class, and achieve truly universal health care.
This paragraph has been used verbatim in several postings recently to this blog. You know, I can also see merits to Hillary Clinton--despite my preference for Obama--but good gawd, use a bit of originality instead of resorting to cut and paste. Thanx.
Per the Wright affair, I think LT is wrong about who knows what about this. I think he underestimates the bad press. Sigh.
Mar 18, '08
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