Recently Michelle Obama was on Larry King Live. What impacted me was that despite the ongoing hostile and trumped up attacks made by the McCain campaign on her husband, Michelle was without rancor. Instead she demonstrated calm composure. I realized that during the nearly two years that Barack Obama has been running for President, I have never seen either him or Michelle project fear, anger or disrespect. Instead, their emphasis has been on engaging people - normal everyday people, middle-income people, ordinary Jacks and Jills who work hard, pay their taxes, and dream of being surpassed by their children - people who have felt disrespected and ignored throughout the gilded age of Wall Street high finance.
In his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama said that across America "something is stirring." That something is a quiet revolution in which those "insignificant Jacks and Jills" have been coming out of the ground and claiming their citizenship by standing up to the political machines of the past. They have been snatching our democracy back from the special interest groups that have for too long determined both the agenda and the policies generated in Washington.
While other Democrats mocked Howard Dean's 50 State Strategy, the Obamas embraced and moved it forward. Whether or not Barack wins the election, the Obama campaign will leave a legacy of citizen participation the likes of which has not been seen for a very long time. When asked about all the voter registration efforts, early voting drives and plans to get out the vote, Michelle said every bit of it is necessary. She was absolutely clear that when Barack takes office in January, he will need an engaged and informed electorate in order to make the changes that are necessary.
An engaged and informed electorate - how novel!
Imagine ordinary people actually understanding the difference between the health care plans of Obama and McCain. Wrap you mind around having neighbors who grasp how McCain's $300 billion mortgage purchase plan would rip them off. Consider the impact of masses of people believing again in public education. Think about an American public that supports bringing our troops home from Iraq and sending fresh troops to Afghanistan where our security demands that they be. Envision a United States that moves vigorously toward energy independence. Picture a nation united in the same way that the Democratic party has become united in this election.
All of this is possible. It is possible because Barack and Michelle do not hold grudges. Even as John McCain and the Republican Party slander Barack, Michelle says, "We must all come together. We will need John and Cindy to help us rebuild this country we love."
You rock, Michelle!
