So... I believe I think alot like Senator Obama. You are probably thinking, "don't we all?" but no, that isn't what I mean. I don't respond to situations or think like many and tend to take alot for granted. After reading three books about the Senator, I have good sense about some of the nuances,  little things and pet peeves that help define the man. Just to qualify anything that might come next.....If you have read any of my blogs or my dashboard you know I am an avid supporter.

Some of my similarities to Senator Obama include:

1. Personal characteristics in conflict such as my unending human compassion that sometimes sits adjacent to perceived indifference and sometimes real lack of patience with people, 

2. A laid back personality often hides a passion or genuine concern,

3. the ability and desire to socialize and interact with people on my terms and anything less feels like an intrusion but-- I can I adopt a quick attitude change and rise to the occasion, without being phony, when it is necessary.

4. My 'honesty' and sarcasm often come across as rude, aloof or dismissive. 

5. Most of all my expectation that any reasonable person will respond favorably to an argument or opinion that is supported by common sense, logic and objectivity. 

The latter is where I have begun to find humility. This was reinforced as I watched the last debate and the ensuing coverage. I could not believe the response. "it was a bad night for Obama", "he dodged the questions", "he refused to answer questions", etc. I was appalled. I watched the debate and could not have been more in sync with most of his responses. He took issue with the questions that were inane....sorry that was opinionated..but factual.... and tried to use logic to explain why it didn't make sense for them to ask those questions. I figured most people were on the same page, including the working class and Catholics in Pennsylvania--hint of sarcasm- I just hate the way we must label and categorize EVERYTHNG in this country! I guess I was way off base. I also thought it was great he went bowling. It showed what a good sport he is since he knows he can't bowl. It's called humility.

Anyway, all that to say, if Obama wants to win he really does need to think like the MANY Americans. He says he is betting on the American people. Betting that they want to end divisive politics and that they want the government to work for them. He is right, people do want those things but the challenge with the bet is figuring how to maintain that desire in most Americans while getting them to either: 1. change the way they think about things which in effect means trying to alter their perceptions about their collective life experiences to date or 2. believe and internalize his story which needs to become more tangible to them. Many from the working class, even in my own family, will never go to college or don't care or dwell on the significance of Obama's accomplishments. Obama is a role model for young people who before now, did not see a way out of a working class situation but for those who are already there and somewhat aged, they do not find this uplifting or the changes he champions realistic. Enter HOPE stage left.This post is getting really long and I didn't mean for it to be because I know the length diminishes the likelihood that anyone will read it, BUT I also wanted to get my thoughts written down.

I will sign off here but say one last thing. Senator Obama should stop responding to imposing questions by referring people to his books. First, many people don't read non-fiction, if anything at all and second, folks want to hear from him. Keep up the diner appearances and the town halls. Let them ask questions. I still believe he can sell swamp land if he has his fair and honest say.

OK. There.

p.s. the other thing that would really help is if the thousands and thousands of volunteers spent a bit more time creating opportunities for face-to-face contact with undecided voters instead of calling people on the phone. Save that for robo calls. Get out and talk to folks!