Since the blogosphere has become an echo chamber that sees things through a predefined filter, not unlike the traditional media that it supposedly was built in contrast too, I'm echoing a post on TPM here by writing this short diary to give an example of why I think Barack Obama IS change.
Obama doesn't walk on water. Nobody does. But he will change the way America operates. He will bring more people to our side.
Brooklyn, IA:
BROOKLYN, IOWA — The longtime Republican mayor of this tiny heartland town will stun his neighbors — and send shockwaves that will reach his countrymen in the real Brooklyn — when he breaks ranks with the GOP to vote for Sen. Barack Obama at the Iowa caucuses this Thursday night.
"After eight years of this administration, I’ve had it," Mayor Loren Rickard told The Brooklyn Paper, which sent a reporter to Brooklyn, Iowa — population 1,200 — for the "first-in-the-nation" caucus.
"We’ve got a currency that’s practically worthless and a war without end," he added. "I thought they were crazy to start the war with Iraq — and crazier that they didn’t even seem to have a plan to fight it."
And Rickard said he’s not only dissatisfied with the president, but with his would-be successors.
I’ve been a moderate Republican all my life and I simply don’t recognize these people [the GOP field]," he said. "Meanwhile, the Democrats have six solid candidates — though I think [Dennis] Kucinich is a bit out there."
Rickard singled out Joe Biden and Obama for praise — but said he wouldn’t back Biden because "he can’t win."
M.J. Rosenberg asks: is it a trend?
I think it is. And there's more like Rickard out there. Many more. Obama has always been able to transcend the set lines of American politics. Many of you see it as a personal affront and attack on the left. He's not running against the left. That is a made up meme and every time Obama says something you see him through that filter.
A house divided can not stand. And America has it's problems, but I still think it's a damn good house, and worth saving!