It's simple, really. All this analysis tells me is that...

[damonm]

...the pundits know what to make of President Obama (GOD, I love saying that!) yet.
Barack Obama IS a transformational figure, and he is going to change the way governance is done. The sheer power of his grassroots movement is going to involve the American people in their own government in ways that have NEVER been seen.

I think what we have here, to put it as simply as I can, is a synthesis of Reagan and JFK - (Reagan's enormous power in the grassroots + JFK's call to service) x BOTH men's outstanding abilities to communicate and inspire = A TOTAL transformation of how Governing is done.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Obama is controlling, so, don't get your hopes up about the grassroots. nt

[tridim]

2. You really need to back that accusation up with an example.

He was elected via grassroot efforts, and he knows that. Everything I've seen so far tells me he listens first and acts second.

[Captain Hilts]

5. Efforts, yes. Influence, no. A friend of mine was a full-time volunteer in an Obama office...

for the months before the election. You take orders from Chicago. That's it.

[HughMoran]

7. & how did that work out?

You think 100,000 offices expressing their own opinions on how to run the campaign is a good idea?

Are you on crack today?

[Captain Hilts]

8. No. Hell, the campaign put a very short leash on Biden as well. nt

[Virginia Dare]

10. It seemed to work pretty well anyway...n/t

[gblady]

3. ...

:popcorn:

[damonm]

4. And that is relevant how...?

Reagan was able to utilize the grassroots in support of his agenda - this was what (unfortunately) made him so damnably effective with his agenda. Obama will have that on steroids.

So your comment is relevant to what?

[HughMoran]

6. You getting ready to leave us?

Not the kind of productive talk that says you want to continue having thoughtful discussion here.

[FrenchieCat]

9. You need to get the Grassroot stick outta your ass.....

and admit that you know as much as the pundits.