Brainwaves of Sken

So for months out, we had organizers in these caucus states, and the Clinton campaign had . . . nothing.” By contrast, says Figueroa, “the philosophy of our campaign from the beginning was to compete for every vote. Not cede any precinct, any county, anywhere. And it got us to where we are now.” Clinton has since complained that caucuses are “dominated by activists” who “don’t represent the electorate.” But that bellyaching, says Trippi, “is pure cover for ‘We blew it.’ If you can win a precinct just by getting ten people there — and that’s true — then why the hell didn’t she get ten people there?”

Adds Moulitsas of Daily Kos, “I don’t know how a candidate can say she’ll be ready to lead on Day One, when she can’t even organize a simple caucus.

…

“As Hall’s well-honed operation makes clear, the Obama campaign has succeeded not by attracting starry-eyed followers who place their faith in hope but by motivating committed activists who are answering a call to national service. They’re pouring their lifeblood into this campaign, not because they are in thrall to a cult of personality but because they’re invested in the idea that politics matter, and that their participation can turn the current political system on its ear.

In reality, it already has. “We’re seeing the last time a top-down campaign has a chance to win it,” says Trippi. “There won’t be another campaign that makes the same mistake the Clintons made of being dependent on big donors and insiders. It’s not going to work ever again.” ” – Inside the grass-roots field operation of Barack Obama

~ by Skennedy on March 10, 2008.

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