Thursday, December 4, 2008

Obama Campaign Structure Changing Political Paradigm

I'm not surprised to read that the Obama team is energizing its campaign structure and lists to organize support for key issues, in this case, health care reform.

With millions of names and thousands of activists (read: "Community Organizers!") already having worked in a successful and historic election campaign, it makes sense that the networks are being tapped to garner input and help bring campaign goals to fruition.

I think this also changes the playing field for other groups, from political parties to non-profits to traditional lobbying organizations because the Obama network can either be a new contributing player, the go-to playmaker, or the general manager calling the shots.

Savvy groups will figure out how to align themselves with the Obama network, and that network and its leaders, including Obama himself, will have to decide how and when to best use this unprecedented resource.

I suspect this new relationship will be seen in Wisconsin, in Milwaukee, and elsewhere, as activists and groups feel their way politically, into the next Congressiobnal session and the 2010 election cycle.

Last observation:

We sure are already light-years away from Karl Rove's permanent Republican majority, but it's up to the Obama team to determine how durable their grassroots organization and influence can and will be.

No comments: