THE NH FACTOR
OBAMA: NEW (AMERICAN) HERO FOR
NEW HAMPSHIRE AND THE USA

“Not long ago we were left for dead on the side of the road. After that, you never get over confident.”
- Obama ‘08 Campaign Aide

Let’s be sure of one thing. Sen. Barak Obama (D-IL) is the New (American) Hero, not only in Iowa and New Hampshire, but in American homes nationwide.

Reporters propose children will one day ask their parents, “You voted for Obama, the first African American president, right?” Our New American Hero is often compared to John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln.

My gut says Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) … your days are numbered. It’s time for a change. I respect you, your achievements and your husband. But, it’s time for America to embrace a new day; a new way of success.

The media is brutal, yet forgiving. While Dick Morris and other political pundits have been in "Hillary attack mode" for months, they backpedaled after her squeaky New Hampshire win.

Yesterday, Bill O’Reilly chastised Hillary for being unavailable to journalists, people who are trying to share her story with the American people. O’Reilly repeatedly lauded Obama as “a gentleman” after shaking his hand and agreeing to come on his popular Fox TV show.

Full disclosure: As my readers know, I’m a big O’Reilly fan. He’s a fellow New Yorker, journalist, and great showman who knows how to build a brand. I follow his lead in the development of my company. While his views are often contrarian, the older I get the more centrist I become. Mark my words; count on O'Reilly to a big Obama supporter in the coming months!

These days, I’m fully in my marketing communications zone. Campaign season is a dynamic mix of civics, negotiation and grassroots community organization. Everyone agrees that this is the most interesting primary season in decades for both Democrats and Republicans. Here's my take on the past few days:

Primary missteps

> Hillary’s tears

Let me be clear: Grown women don't cry in the public eye. Men can shed a tear and be human. Women must “man up.” Some believe this helped Hillary win over older women voters in the New Hampshire primary. Some folks thought it made her human. I disagree; read yesterday’s post, re: "hard core values and vision" to learn why.

> The daughter

Chelsea Clinton can’t become a media debutante when times are tough. Too little, too late. Last week, she missed the opportunity to speak to a nine-year old Scholastic reporter, because mom and dad said “no interviews.” Meanwhile, McCain’s daughter is stumping and blogging for dad. C’mon folks! We know what she looks like; hopefully, we'll get to hear more from Chelsea.

Leadership by the numbers

> Campaigns are a fascinating microcosm of the communications business, because things move fast and furious. If you’re not doing the job, you get canned. Thus, several politicos will be off to pursue new opportunities. Oh well. They're bright and talented and will probably surface in another camp soon.

> CNN just declared Clinton the winner, with 39% of the votes. Here’s my opinion. Obama is the real winner, because he’s taken on the Clinton machine and shown everyone nothing is a sure bet. Keep in mind 54% of the NH electorate did not vote for Hillary; 37% rode the Obama wave and 17% voted for John Edwards.

Concede with class

> While they did not win, Edwards and Mike Huckabee (R) both cheerfully congratulated victors in their respective parties. Edwards gets points for the musical backdrop of Bruce Springsteen’s “This is Our Country” and a simple message of organized labor and being the fighting man for the middle class. Look like you still can win. Smile. Thank your supporters. Get a burger named after you, i.e. the "Huckaburger."

Primary learnings

> It’s not over until it’s over. Politics just got even more interesting. Off to Michigan, South Carolina and Nevada!

> Don't just talk about political change. Make change happen. Join a political action committee or grassroots community organization.