The Obama Movement

Within the confines of probable American politics, progressive hope is focused on electing Barack Obama. Even this hope is muted by Obama’s support for military involvement in Afghanistan, his capitulation on FICA wire taps, and his willingness to compromise on off shore drilling. In discussing the progressive potential of Obama, it is worth distinguishing between presidential contender Barack Obama, the Obama election campaign, and the movement that is focused on Obama, or what might be called the Obama movement (after elections it will need to be renamed).

The presidential contender is a person and a politician, he is important because he may soon hold the office of the president of the United States. For progressives his political roots hold promise, and his agenda moves American politics in the right direction.

The campaign is the direct effort to elect this politician to the office of president. The campaign is not just the activities of the Democratic Party but also include organizational efforts by other groups such as Move On.

Movement refers to those working for the progressive goals that Barack Obama has articulated or become a focus for.

The Movement is a coalition of American progressives. Key goals of the movement include:

1) Removal of American troops from Iraq in a timely manner.
2) A tax policy aimed at fostering greater economic fairness and equality
3) An approach to energy that is oriented towards sustainability and American self sufficiency
4) Challenges to neo-liberal free trade economics and out sourcing
5) Expanded Health coverage for Americans with the goal of universal coverage.
6) And a list of civil rights objectives beneficial to women, people of color, LGBT, and the poor.

Many of us on the Left may be dissatisfied with the limits of some of these goals, and even more so with the political presentation of these goals. To be clear I disagree with the proposition that the reason for withdrawing from Iraq is to be better able to prosecute the war in Afghanistan. As I mentioned at the onset, this discussion is about probable politics in America at the moment. But probable and possible can be mutually supportive. Even minor gains today can create an atmosphere for larger change in the future. As a movement there is the potential that we can evolve out goals towards even more progressive ends.

As supporters of Obama we should be clear that after elected Barack Obama remains a politician and will have to work with other politicians in congress, at that point the Obama movement becomes very important. It is only if we keep working and pushing that we will achieve the movement’s objectives. In fact even if Obama is not elected the movement is important.

Obama movement activists will logically be enthusiastic about the candidate and participate in the campaign. As we contribute, fundraise, make phone calls, nock on doors, organize events, and register voters, it is important to be clear about why we are engaged in the work. So for instance if you make a donation to the Obama campaign, include a note listing the movement issues that are important to you. If working with other Obama activists work to build political connections, think about how these connections might extend beyond November. Perhaps even plan follow up efforts for after the elections. Of course many of us will be single mindedly focused up to the elections, but some of us ought to start to embrace a longer view.

There are elements of the Obama campaign that are grass roots. And I’m not alone in thinking about keeping the social momentum for change going beyond the elections. As you get involved in the Obama campaign, participate in the Obama movement as well.