CAUTION:annoiting frontrunners often can change at the blink of an eye

Today I spoke to a considerably biased political consultant, Roy Occhiogrosso about the 2012 campaign. Of course he is following Jindal-this is his job- and points out that although he gets it he cautions it and is not how sure it will last. Yes, his last political assignment was a democratic one after my interview it was glaringly obvious that he is enamored with Obama's election and believes the Republican party has quite an act to follow. Describing Obama as "transformational and inimitable" he impressed upon me that the GOP not only needs to find their own version of Obama but also to find new ideas. He cited that their fundamental principles even when perfectly implemented failed. He was very explicit about their failures in all areas from the economy to foreign policy. He said all they have done for years was "dust off old play books" and the play book doesn't work anymore. He urges new principles versus a new candidate.
There were a couple key points Ochhiogrosso made about campaign 2012:

• He cautions anointing frontrunners-hot quickly becomes not. This is due to our "hyperactive, constantly moving communication mediums".

• We assume the next election is going to be like our last one, especially in the wake of one

• We might not ever be able to replicate Election 2008- it was a phenomenon

Occhiogrooso stated "we spent 48 years trying to find the next JFK and what we found was our 1st Obama." He cautions the republican party from jumping on the non-white, non-old next candidate just to come up with the new face for the GOP and instead insisted a complete overhaul of their principles and playbook. It sounds like an exceptional order.

If Jindal were smart and was serious about a run at Obama in 2012 he should start with a super analytical breakdown of all the different websites that one could access during his campaign. That would be a good start because by 2012 who knows how much farther technology will have taken us...This is a great article on the dedication of many of his supporters. This one shows the international grass roots efforts and stresses the importance of Obama's techno saavy team that was constanting hitting the internet to keep supporters updated and informed.

Obama Mama goes green...I mean grass roots

To me these are the best examples...also one worst...of grass roots in the Obama campaign videos found on Youtube which seems to boast the best.
There are simple examples of how this grass roots fire burned throughout the U.S. from suburbia to urban(including a hiphop effort). Also a critque by Rush Limbaugh where he parallels the teachings of Hussein followers teaching their children to sing songs in homage to Saddam to children in California taught(by Hollywood movie-people) a tribute Obama, strange but true.(you have to listen to that one though)
It is plain to see that this plight was bigger than any other in American history.

Moving forward if Jindal is to hit the campaign trail in 2012 or 2016 he better pay close attention to all of these efforts that ended Obama's campaign in record breaking fundraising and phenomenal grass root support.

Sarah's used to being runner -up

She just won't go away! Yes, I am referring to Mrs. Palin who spoke this a.m. in Georgia to show her support for Sen. Saxby Chambliss. Comically the woman who Palin lost Miss Alaska in 1984 to is the very woman singing the national anthem for Chambliss' opponent at a rally.
Already banners were flown with "Palin 2012" by the audience. She spoke about abortion, gun control and taxes, her usual suspects and urged the election of Rep. Chambliss to gain more Republican control. After her speech it is mentioned that many stayed to get her autograph and pictures, she still has got many supporters which she will continue to leverage in months to come, for sure!

Jindal for President

It seems Jindal has a solid right wing platform to stand on.As Jindal already seems to be preparing himself for 2012. The media is certainly all over it and could certainly turn into a backburner political story just to keep the flames of election season burning.
Speaking of which, after watching our girl Sarah Palin this morning on Fox's On the Record with Greta, Palin talked of her staffers to her potential run in 2012. She said, "that she can't predict what's going to happen tomorrow never mind in 2012". So the viewer has to question if you don't know that you're planning on running then why do a 4 part series with a high profile cable news channel?

MIT buds

So who is this WOMAN that Obama has chosen to head his council of economic advisers? Politico has an unbiased look of Christina Romer, MIT grad, Berkley professor who will make "natural allies" with Lawrence Sumners. Sumners, who was also just appointed as an economic adviser, once was Romer's professor. This is not the only connection drawn, former chariman-Greg Mankiw, was best man in Romer's wedding! I am thinking these links are made for a reason.
She seems to be a perfect selection considering her dissertation was on the Great Depression. Although the LATimes doesn't indicate any kudos for Obama's selection, they do remind us that the nominations have to be confirmed by the Senate.

What next...

As we walk into the "unknown" I know that it makes Americans a little nervous to not have any historical comparisons to use in the election of the latest president. Some are comparing him to Clinton but Obama really is a brand new experience for America. A kind of coming of age for the American experiment.
Interesting article about a recent discussion between Cornell West and Tavis Smiley, the comments are worth reading as well. The comments have many mentions of things we have discussed in class about race.