Politics of hope

Last month, Sen. John McCain raised $15 million. Sen. Barack Obama, however, raised more than $40 million. I’ll let that sink in for just a second. That’s $40 million ... in a month.\nThe weird thing is, it should surprise no one. \nObama’s campaign is not just a well-oiled machine – it is better. Within his campaign’s organization lies not only marketing and mobilization geniuses, but, more importantly, a vast army of incredibly motivated people who are not only willing to vote for Obama, but also to volunteer their time and give to his campaign.\nAnd this is why I think Obama will win the presidency. \nSocial conservatives will come out to vote for McCain, even if it pains them to pull the lever – or push the button here in Indiana – for someone who they so begrudgingly endorse. But to win the presidency, you need more than lukewarm support; you need people willing to give their time and energy for your cause. McCain is a smart, patriotic and admirable American politician, but he simply does not excite voters the way Obama seems to at the moment. \nOne of my friends, a person who didn’t care about politics four years ago, is now a volunteer for the Obama campaign. He drove four hours each way during the Ohio primary, canvassing neighborhoods and attending speeches. He is just one of the thousands of young people volunteering for Obama, and I see his enthusiasm mirrored by other young people. \nLike thousands of students, I sat in line for the Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds concert. While in line, we were bombarded by energetic young people asking us if we had registered to vote, constantly reminding us that we could start voting on April 7 and that we should really consider volunteering for the Obama campaign, or at least voting for him. Talking to some of the volunteers as I did, you get the real sense that these people sincerely and genuinely want change in their government, and they are willing to work hard to achieve it. Most of these volunteers were young and appeared to be college students. They come from a generation that has been told time and time again it is lazy, self-important and apathetic. They were anything but these things. \nWatching and talking to the volunteers of the Obama campaign (and I am not one, by the way – I have never given any money or time to the Obama campaign) has made me proud and even somewhat hopeful, as cheesy as it sounds. Knowing that our generation seems to not only be paying attention to how its government is run, but also willing to work hard to change it, brings a sense of pride and relief that is often rare in people who follow politics. Whether it be for Ron Paul or Obama, witnessing our generation’s devotion to the ideals of reform and active democracy makes the campaign season not only bearable but also, at times, a joy.