This quote sums it up in a nutshell, the election so far. The media has bought into the meme that Obama is just an empty celebrity, but the truth is, he's the most substantive candidate in a generation. So says Michael James, 33, an active military officer assigned at Patrick Air Force Base, who saw Obama in a town-hall today at Titusville, FL:
Michael James, 33, an active military officer assigned at Patrick Air Force Base, said he was "definitely inspired" by Obama's speech. "The media says you don't get substance, but he answered everyone's questions with substance," James said.
In terms of the economy, one of the last questions an audience member posed to Obama was when will the change happen? When will the economy get back on its feet? "I think he gave a real respopnse," James said. "It's not going to change overnight but the things we do now, policies put in place now, can bring about change."
Indeed, and when will the media start portraying McCain's enormous lack of substance?
While campaigns typically snow reporters with white papers and policy minutiae, many of the domestic policy plans of John McCain have been notably short on details.
"The Obama people are much more detailed," said Robert Bixby, executive director of the Concord Coalition, a bipartisan advocacy group dedicated to balancing the budget.
Today it shows that when voters meet Obama one-on-one, they come away impressed by the substantive, intelligent, and highly-qualified candidate he is:
Sean Stauffer, 33, of Titusville, described Obama's speech as "pretty electrifying." Obama wrapped up his forum just before 11:40 a.m. to thunderous applause and cheers.
"There was a buzz when you first walked in, and we sat about an hour," Stauffer said. He said Obama was "on topic" with economic issues not only concerning Brevard County but the country.
Stauffer said he believes Obama can accomplish his promises.
"He makes you feel it," Stauffer said. 'You get the idea he cares a little bit more than the others."
Finally, on an amusing note, when asked what role McCain would have in an Obama administration, Barack responded:
he would have McCain serve "in the role of loyal opposition . . . in the minority."
"It's important to have opposition that's keeping you on your toes," Obama said. "That's part of what's good about democracy."
But remember the line from the active military officer up top. "The media says you don't get substance, but he answered everyone's questions with substance."
Could any one line perfectly capture the disconnect between our candidate and the way his campaign is being portrayed?
CROSS-POSTED AT STRATEGY '08