The greatest exaggeration, the most insulting insinuation so far in this election season is that the Obama campaign somehow represents a movement. There are important distinctions between what we're seeing and what a true movement represents that need to be made.
The power of any movement is rooted in two fundamental appeals---one based on charismatic leadership and the second based upon bold ideas. Obama's campaign easily fulfills the former, but is left desperately wanting on the latter. The argument Obama supporters will front is that their candidate, by virtue of his oratorical gifts, has expanded the political universe and created a new public momentum for progressive policies--ala Reagan. But the distinction that must be drawn between what Reagan did for conservative Republicans and what Obama might do for progressive Democrats is crucial. Reagan rose to prominence in the mid 1970s and early 1980s, in part because of his political skill. However, what must not be ignored is how deeply rooted his identity was in the conservative philosophy that he later brought to Washington. Reagan had latched onto limited government principles during both his 1976 and 1980 runs. He created a conservative tide because his supporters were energized not only by the force of his personality, but by the power of his principles. This is simply not true of Obama supporters. Indeed, on the question of health care, the linchpin of the modern progressive movement, he has taken a stand that is demonstrably less liberal than Senator Clinton. More concerning, in defending his position with disingenuous Republican memes, he has made truly comprehensive and universal coverage less likely. But this is almost immaterial and incidental to his support and his supporters, because their affection is not rooted in any specific ideas advocated by the candidate. Their support is rooted in a narcissistic obsession with the candidate himself. When you see Obama supporters threatening to jump ship to McCain should Clinton win the nomination, you are witnessing how little many of his voters concern themselves with ideas. For if Obama supporters were truly concerned with implementing progressive policies and with moderating the federal bench and Supreme Court, would they willingly throw away the best hope of achieving those ends by either passively or actively encouraging a McCain victory?
The fact of the matter is is that for many Obama supporters his election would represent the pinnacle of progressive achievement. For them, his victory signals the "End of Democratic History" if you will; its symbolism a demonstration that the battle has been one. Obama is not calling upon his supporters to take up arms in the service of progressivism, but asking them to join him on a final victory lap. These new voters are neither interested nor ready to trek down the long hard road to legislative and judicial victory. Once Obama is elected in November, they will put down their placards, silence their voices, and return to their lives, not because they have suddenly loss interest, but because they have achieved what they came to do---elect Barack Obama. Far worse than apathetic, these young voters will be content.