Substance over style.

[wildeyed]

I love politics and am very active locally, but I choose to work mostly on issues because I don't like politicians or political parties very much. I have always accepted as fact that politicians are a little bit dirty, that they need to do certain things to get elected and that is just the way the game is played. But after Obama's speech yesterday, I am questioning that view.

That speech *was* audacious. It was not the scripted, risk adverse, sound-bite fest that I have come to expect and tune out. It was from a man who cares more about the substance of the debate than about winning, but who is winning regardless, proving that it can be done.

It is making me think that maybe I expect too little of politicians and, as an extension, of myself.

[againes654]

1. You just haven't had anyone to

expect anything of. Now, you do, and I fully expect him to live up to the challenge.

Great post

[wildeyed]

3. Agreed.

I was thinking about that as I was running errands today. I was just a baby when leaders like JFK and MLK were assassinated. I came of age during Reagan, had a brief but uneven respite with Bill and then was subjected to the hell of the last seven years. That is the sum total of my political experience.

This is the first time I have seen a successful and truly inspirational leader making sound moral choices on the national stage, not just saying whatever he has to to get elected. I really like it.

[Kittycat]

2. Agreed. When we've all but given up on politicians - Obama steps up.