There’s a phrase that I would have expected to see more of in the past few months: “paradigm shift.” In general it means a philosophical or theoretical framework which is used to explain reality in either a scientific or philosophical framework. A static universe was a scientific paradigm until it was replaced by the “Big Bang” theory. Some years ago, Alan Toffler proposed that we were leaving the industrial age for the information age. That was a paradigm shift has been proved-out but this election has demonstrated that shift in spades. Normal folk might call it a “sea change.”

Whatever the results Tuesday, March 2nd, in Texas and Ohio, Obama, the “change” candidate, has already changed the shape and texture of American politics for a generation, Obama has built upon the tools first implemented in the 2004 Dean campaign that turned out to be a momentary blip on the scope. In 2006, the defeat of Lieberman in the Connecticut Democratic primary was another step up the ladder. Now, in the Obama campaign, the extent of the change has blossomed in his campaign’s extraordinary success.

But it is not just the Internet. The ultra-sophisticated use of the tools of Internet was combined with “old fashioned” Chicago “Back of Yards” organization methods. The result is a near irresistible political movement. In one sense, it doesn’t make any difference if ultimately he wins or loses because he has demonstrated that the process can be changed by hyper-modern application of the tools and skills. The paradigm has shifted.

It isn’t the first time that “New Politics” has been trumpeted has transcendent. In the sixties and seventies, "New Politics” was a catch-phrase of the left. But the victories of the old “New Politics” were sparse.

Carter’s defeat in 1980, and the triumphant resurgence of the Right under Reagan ended that era of “New Politics.” Carter’s defeat was one part his political ineptitude and two parts chicanery that has rarely been thoughtfully analyzed. Yes Virginia, there are conspiracies and the fact that Reagan benefited from a stolen Carter briefing book during the presidential debates is not the sole felony that triggered his loss, only the undisputed one.

But the most tragic result of the Carter defeat was that we lost sight of what Carter was so right about – oil (carbon) dependence. The result of the Carter defeat was an American presidency that put aside any concerns for oil dependence with the catastrophic results for the American economy. Among those Presidents who didn’t get it was a Democratic one.

Whatever the results of this election, the Obama campaign has changed the context of American politics. If he wins the ultimate prize, than the process of change will be firmly set in place.

We have enormous problems that can not be solved in the blink of an eye. But the fact that the political paradigm has shifted so dramatically, augurs well. The important thing for the Obama campaign is to keep on, keeping on.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

“Without a vision, a people perish." R. W. Emerson

Maybe I just don't get it, but HRC's latest salvo is the dumbest - and most discouraging yet. She just doesn’t understand what real leadership is about.

All of the great US Presidents were first inspiring leaders. It was Teddy R who referred to the White House as a "Bully pulpit." Long before the New Deal kicked in, it was FDR's rhetoric hat restored hope to millions of Americans impoverished by the Great Depression. Lincoln, at Gettysburg, redefined America for generations to come.

JFK inspired a generation with rhetoric that will ring through the ages including his masterful address at American University which noted the common humanity of all of us who "cherished our children's future.

Any great work must begin with a visions and we desperately need leadership that can lead us toward a vision.

In 1962 with JFK and in 1968 with MLK and RFK, gun shots stilled the voices of the greatest visionaries of my time. Carter had the right ideas and the right policies particularly as to oil and the environment, but his inability to inspire, led to his downfall.

In 1993, a majority of Americans supported some form of universal health care, but the inability of HRC and Bill to inspire, prevented the Clinton administration from capitalizing on that support and in 1994, the Democratic majorities vanished in Congress because there was no vision and the phony "vision" of the Contract with America carried the day.

Emerson said it and HRC obviously doesn't get it. We have lacked vision and we have perished. But now we have another chance. I only hope we take it with Obama.

johnklotz.blogspot.com