I remember in 2004 looking at the Kerry campaign and thinking: This guy does not have what it takes. Let's not get into my reasons. Just reflect on the windsurfer ad and feel your heart sink. Not that Kerry is a bad guy, some of my best friends like John Kerry. So he can't be completely useless.
Obama on the other hand does not have the tendency to show up looking goofy on a wind surfer while trying to woo mainstream american voters. Instead, he has a tendency to interact well with others on a daily basis and, yes, to even inspire others. I don't see him trying to be all things to all people, and he's not the spawn of campaign headquarters and focus groups like most of the candidates.
Indeed, the way in which Barack has campaigned for himself and against Clinton bode well for the battle against McCain. The Clintons have thrown just enough at him to toughen him up for the Big Dance.
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