I had some questions and concerns about the Obama campaign so I thought I'd call them rather than just wonder "WTF?". I just got off the phone with them. I wanted to find out what's going on with them regarding the attacks that the McCain campaign has done lately. Some of us have felt the campaigns response has not been very swift and tough. The woman was very friendly and interested in what I had to say. I let her know that I was a supporter and contributor. I also said that I thought Obama's an inspirational candidate who's motivated many people, raised the largest sum of money ever, and has a smart 50 state campaign. After all, why should people vote for us if we don't show up in ALL 50 states to show we care and ask for their vote?
Here's a rough transcript of the conversation that followed:
Me: But I have some questions for you. Why is Obama not responding with more speed and toughness as he's being attacked?
Campaign: We've been getting a lot of calls about this and we're logging them. Well, Senator Obama has said all along he wants to run a positive campaign. Have you heard the term 'No Drama Obama'? Even when he got the nominations everything around here was calm and business as usual.
(What I Heard: He doesn't like to attack.)
Me: Yes, I've heard that term. But does he want to win?
Campaign: Oh, yes. Senator Obama has repeatedly said he's in it to win it.
Me: You run in the campaign you're in, not the one you'd like to be in.
Campaign: That's true.
Me: Being inspirational and tough are not mutually exclusive. Why can't he do both?
Campaign: That's a good point. I'm going to pass that on.
Me: Presidential elections are won on the gut level based on impressions especially for Undecideds. 75% of the public have strong negative feelings about President Bush. Is Obama going to point out that McCain is running George Bush's 3rd campaign. The same people are behind these ads we're seeing. Why would McCain govern any differently if he's running his campaign like Bush? Why isn't this being repeated constantly? Why isn't Obama highlighting in ads and speeches how McCain like Bush won't hear them if elected because he's mocking their struggles today with these ads like Bush did? It's our job to tell that story.
Campaign: That's a good point. I'll pass it on.
Me: I heard Barack may be taking a vacation soon. Is that true?
Campaign: Let me check on that. Do you mind holding?
Me: No, not at all. (puts me on hold.)
Campaign: It's true. He may be taking some time off, but I don't know how long.
Me: I'm sure he needs a rest, but is it going to be a week? Why not a few days? How many times do you get to run to be the president of the United States of America? The election is about 90 days away. Why vacation when people are struggling? I've heard the Republicans already have an ad made about this. I don't agree with it, but it's probably smart if they want to win. We need to be smarter.
Campaign: Good point. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: No.
Campaign: Thanks for calling Obama for America.
Me: Thank you.
So I gave my 2 cents. From that one conversation only, it feels like there's somewhat of a disconnect between the campaign and what's going on outside of it. I was also on the Thom Hartmann, Randi Rhodes and Ron Kuby (LOL...I thought I was calling Randi! Local station listed wrong number.) shows today for the first time talking about McCain running Bushes' 3rd campaign. So make that 8 cents. On a broader note, it'll be interesting to see what goes on in the campaign on both sides over the next two weeks as people's feelings about Obama (and McCain) start to appear in those polls (via the numbers) after what's happened.
Parting questions:
*Why can't Obama be inspirational, quick and tough, and make people feel he cares about them?
*Why can't he make people afraid to choose McCain? The voters in the middle that decide elections vote on their gut feeling.
*Does Obama want their votes? Does Obama want to win MORE than his possible dislike of being tough and confronting McCain?
*Does he want it more than anything?
Call 1-866-675-2008 (press 6) and tell them what you think! It's your campaign.