On the eve of the 2008 Presidential Election, I am struck by the magnitude of what has occurred over the last year. I dare say that if for no other reason (and of course there are plenty) than the way he has run his campaign, Barack Obama deserves to be president.
From the moment he announced his candidacy, he has rolled out a comprehensive and inclusive program in which millions of people were touched, moved, inspired and changed. This could only be conceived of, organized, administrated and accomplished by someone who not only understands the people he is asking to represent, but who understands how, when and where to speak to them. I am a diehard Clinton fan. I was thrilled and inspired by his candidacy and then 8 years of his presidency. But this is something different. Times have changed and Obama is right there — relevant, accessible and connected.
As an art director who specializes in identity and strategic brand development and implementation, I have a deep appreciation of the Obama brand, if you will. Starting with the man, his convictions, his policies, his family, his credentials and moving to his speeches, his voice, his logo, his slogan, his Web site, his eblasts, his texts, his iPhone app, there is a seamless, rock-solid message. This consistent and persistent expression of his vision is powerful and reflects his authenticity and clarity of purpose. Of course it is the content of the message that ultimately I am voting for, but the delivery of the message is really his legacy. It is Obama who has changed the way we do politics in this country forever. After witnessing what he and his team have created in the course of his campaign, we can feel confident in his ability to lead our country. In fact, it would be a privilege to finally be in his capable hands.
About to post this, I came across a piece in today's New York Times by Adam Nagourney. Apparently I am not alone in my thoughts.