Appearances are Great, But Obama Needs More Substance

Make no mistake, Barack Obama gives a good speech. Of course, we already knew that. And as announcement speeches go, I give it high marks for tone, message and wordsmithing. Delivery was excellent, staging was wise (aside from the weather, but hey, they are hearty in the Midwest!), and Obama is comfortable in his words and in his ideas.

But, in my view, there is one problem. If the latest poll is correct and Hillary Clinton is thought to be the “most qualified” candidate for President by 61%, Edwards at 21% and Obama at 13%, he needs to prove that point in the coming 12 months.

There was too much talk in his speech about “process” – and blaming our problems on the “system.” Obama’s advisors are pushing the same old mantra of attacking special interests, campaign finance, insiders. This should not be the centerpiece of this campaign. Obama needs to prove that he is qualified by virtue of his ideas that solve problems. In campaign after campaign, I have found that pocket-book issues trump process issues every time.

Obama has the likeability factor; the politics of hope is inspiring, but can only carry him so far. This campaign will be won only if Obama convinces voters that his ideas are better and he is qualified and able to make them happen. For voters, it is about improving their lives, not improving the “system.”

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