"Yes, We Can" - The Magic Behind Obama's Message

[babylonsister]

"Yes, We Can" - The Magic Behind Obama's Message
By Steven Rosenfeld
AlterNet

Tuesday 08 January 2008

Unlike other candidates who say what they will do for you, Obama says "Yes, we can" and pledges to work together.

There is a simple - but profound - reason why Barack Obama appears headed for the Democratic nomination, and it comes down to three simple words: I, we and you.

Have you seen Obama lately? Or heard him speak? Or listened carefully? I was one of the nine million Americans who saw Saturday's debates on ABC-TV. I was with a friend who is a skilled facilitator, and we immediately saw and heard why Obama is different from the rest of the Democratic (and Republican) pack.

Basically, the other candidates are all saying, "I will do this," "I will do that," "I will be there in this way for you," as they recite the fine print of issues to show what they would do as president. Indeed, most of the horserace coverage from this and other debates is on the points scored by the candidates as they joust on this wavelength.

Obama, on the other hand, is not emphasizing the "I" pronoun. He is all about we and you. "We can do this." "We can do that." "If we come together, we can achieve ..." The former grass-roots organizer is making his candidacy inclusive. Obama is asking people to join him, implying that he will listen, hear them and include them in solutions that rely on the best in them and in society, not the worst.

The "I will" versus "We can" stance is not a minor distinction.

On Saturday, Hillary Clinton and Obama even debated this point on ABC.

"Words are not actions," Clinton said, "and as beautifully presented and passionately felt as they are, they are not action. You know, what we've got to do is translate talk into action and feeling into reality."

A few minutes later, Obama responded.

"The truth is actually words do inspire," he said. "Words do help people get involved. Words do help members of Congress get into power so that they can be part of a coalition to deliver healthcare reform, to deliver a bold energy policy. Don't discount that power, because when the American people are determined that something is going to happen, then it happens. And if they are disaffected and cynical and fearful and told that it can't be done, then it doesn't. I'm running for president because I want to tell them, 'Yes, we can.' And that's why I think they're responding in such large numbers."

Obama's campaign can be summed up in the power of three words, "Yes, we can."

more...

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/010808C.shtml

[aquart]

1. Because the Republicans will magically stop blocking legislation

just by the laying on of his hands.

Well, it might end up looking that way, since very few Republicans are likely to return to Congress. So the logjam will vanish and LO! A MIRACLE!

God, but I'm unimpressed by televangelists.

[babylonsister]

3. For you:

I hope one day during my lifetime you'll post something positive, but will not be holding my breath.

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. An amazing thing is going on for sure. This, like the Iraq war will probably

have to run it's course to prove the futility of it. Because it's framed as a sure thing.

[BeyondGeography]

2. Stop bringing people down with all this positive stuff, BabS

[babylonsister]

4. I just can't help myself! I'm a happy camper today!

:hi:

[BeyondGeography]

5. It's a great article

Amazing that Hillary opened the door for Obama to explain the power of language the other night.

[MISSDem]

8. Really! You're as bad as Barack and his

"hope mongering".

[independentpiney]

7. His response was fantastic

and exposed a really important contrast between the two of them for me.