The Politics of Cool: Barack Obama is a Fast Learner.

After a chaotic day of outrage over the Repug idiots threatening to overshadow the glow from the Edwards endorsement, I found sweet refuge in a fun little story by Roger Simon on Politico.

In the past few weeks, it has become clear to me that Obama intends to win it. In West Virginia, he shot some pool at a billiards hall, and when he sank a ball on the break and then pocketed two more, he said, "That’s a sign of a misspent youth."

While Obama was campaigning in Oregon this week, a local reporter asked him: "If you had a tattoo, what would it be and where would you put it?"

Obama replied that if he were forced to get a tattoo, "I suppose I’d have to have Michelle’s name tattooed somewhere very discreet."

First of all, I love the love between Michelle and Barack Obama.  I adore the fact that they are not afraid to show us what a healthy relationship looks like.  I really dig his choice for an imaginary tattoo.

Next, I predict a pop culture phenomenon.  As a high school teacher, I know what happens when a celebrity craze takes hold of our culture.  I feel it coming with Barack Obama.  We have a monster load of hero worship about to saturate America's youth.  For once, it will showcase a true hero.

Finally, I think that even the most dedicated activists among us should take some time to stop and smell the hype every once in a while.  This is a special moment for American society, and Barack Obama is going to make politics go mainstream in a way that we have never seen.  

It's the Politics of Cool, and he is getting better at it every day.

•  Tip jar.

  For my own hypothetical tattoo of my wife's name in a discreet area.

  by Rian Fike on Thu May 15, 2008 at 08:58:18 PM PDT

  •  I'd have to agree with you

    Very interesting take you have there, but spot on.

    by Lipo on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:16:01 PM PDT

•  Interesting perspective

  I like it. And what better role model for our youth!

  by Melbama on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:11:11 PM PDT

•  First happy tears of the day!

  Lovely diary - I mean groovy diary - I mean very cool diary!

  Thanks!

  by orangeuglad on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:17:51 PM PDT

•  Obama's campaign has an MTV feel to it

  the same artful packaging of "youthiness" and rebellion against the system into a form acceptable to the mainstream.

  He's the first candidate to be sold to the people as if he were a product. Professional graphic designers have remarked that Obama's campaign matches and surpasses such corporations as Target and Apple in its use of sophisticated marketing techniques to advance his brand.

  We're seeing something novel in politics, that's for sure.

  by limpidglass on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:27:25 PM PDT

  •  Marketing and website are top-notch, no doubt.

    by kubrick2008 on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:59:22 PM PDT

    •  And that logo!

      Uber-cool!

      by gallimaufry on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:04:14 PM PDT

•  Obama as role model -- yeah!

  Here's another teacher who appreciates Obama as a role model.   Obama spoke in Louisville KY on Monday to a huge, diverse, energetic crowd.  I can already sense his positive impact on Americans -- young and old.  

  by Ditch Mitch KY on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:43:16 PM PDT

•  I think he can beat McCain with 55% of Pop vote

  And about 300 Electoral Votes.

  I think he can win Iowa, Colorado, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Mexico?

  by kubrick2008 on Thu May 15, 2008 at 09:58:48 PM PDT

•  As much as I like Obama...

  hero worship is dangerous.  We citizens have to keep a close eye on all politicians, even good ones.

  by skrekk on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:13:45 PM PDT

  •  Plus I'm scared... scared to believe too much

    I like a lot of what I've seen, but I'm still recovering from the way the Clinton's fooled me and broke my heart.

    I would like a relationship with this man for a year at least after he becomes president. Then, I can allow myself to fall completely head over hills in love with him.

    For now, I'm running on gut feeling and tons of hope.

    by shwing on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:34:26 PM PDT

    •  that should be head 'heels' n/t

      by shwing on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:52:40 PM PDT

    •  did you see this?

      I think that may be what youre talking about.

      by biscobosco on Thu May 15, 2008 at 11:22:18 PM PDT

      •  Yes, I've seen that. Damn you Barack Obama! n/t

        by shwing on Fri May 16, 2008 at 09:27:03 AM PDT

    •  Let go of your fear.

      Seriously, I think it is a bit irrational to cling to cynicism.  Especially after the past 8 years.

      This is a fresh start, and since it is fueled from the grass roots, we will all work together in holding him accountable and building our country back up from the rubble.

      Onward!

      by Rian Fike on Fri May 16, 2008 at 04:59:51 AM PDT

      •  I'll be alright. n/t

        by shwing on Fri May 16, 2008 at 09:27:53 AM PDT

•  Barack makes politics cool

  I would have to completely agree. Recall him dusting his shoulder off after that horrific debate. That viral video of him introducing Monday Night Football prior to  his announcement. Of course Obama Girl and Will.I.Am videos are pop cultural sensations. His basketball interview didn't get much press, but it showed his youth and ability to connect with my young generation. We are only seeing the beginning of the barackification of America. I can't wait.

  by YoungOCDem on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:41:52 PM PDT

•  Senator Obama

  needs that young vote to just break down the door in November because he is probably never going to dominate the older vote ...too cool.
  But as an older guy myself, one good thing about americans; most of us feel we're young til about 70 or 75.

  by Hawkjt on Thu May 15, 2008 at 10:48:51 PM PDT

•  My 11 year old son told me to vote for Obama

  in the primary.  

  I didnt. I discounted it cause "what would a kid know?"

  So now I'm sorry, because after weeks of research I came to the same conclusion his Elementary school did. (They overwhelmingly went for Obama - with a few Clinton votes, and 0 McCain votes - And this is AZ we are talking about!)

  As my son said looking at a picture of McCain recently
  "Wow mom - He's old enough to date grandma!

  Anyway my son has been following this election like crazy with me. learning about delegate apportionment, and why Guam and Puerto Rico can vote in a primary if they aren't states, etc, etc.

  I think he knows more about the process now than most newscasters. a definite teaching moment.

  I really hope kids do get involved. Until the year 2000 when the election was stolen I never cared too much about politics.  I'm sorry about that now, and I really, really hope that an Obama presidency does help to get kids and young adults involved in politics and governance.

  Cause our world cannot sustain our current system. We need change. of all kinds.

  by biscobosco on Thu May 15, 2008 at 11:05:14 PM PDT