Artists of change

Obama, Plouffe & Axelrod create a grassroots campaign that changed the way the world looks for its leaders.

Not since Kennedy has a leader galvanised a nation to live into the ideals on which it was founded.  How he did it will transform the way we choose our leaders forever.  Whether you are leading a nation, a business or your local football team, social media has created a new platform to engage your ‘tribe’…

Twitter, Facebook, Youtube… his use of social multimedia was revolutionary.  You truly could find Obama ‘everywhere’.  And why not emulate the strategy of the new breed of web.2.0 companies who dominate their markets?  Super-normal viral growth, widespread multicultural appeal, a focus on open source collaboration and user participation… sounds like a pretty good political statement of intent to me.  The collaboration of Facebook and CNN that allowed the world to watch the inauguration and and commentate in real time online with their friends - local or international - was almost as inspiring to me as his speech! (almost)

Not only was this grass roots movement financially rewarding and ushered in a new paradigm of political fundraising, but also positioned Obama as a leader who has what it took to lead America, and the world, through the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.  For a weekly update from Obama, check out the new Whitehouse website.

The question I have is this:  Would the population have been as receptive had Bush been a more moderate leader rather than a conservative, fundamentalist asshole?

The polarity of the Bush administration and the hope Obama was promising was palpable.  Two extremes, like day and night.  Would Obama have made the cut if there was not such a massive deficit of hope (and cash) within the country?  If Bush was respected - say as Bill Clinton was would Obama have been able to capture the imagination of the world as he has?

I think any political campaign in the future worth its salt will be endeavoring to replicate what Obama and his team have achieved, so I guess time will tell.

Rock on.