![]() ![]() The “rock concert” mentality he brought to the traditionally sterile environment of politics served to mythologize Obama as a different type of candidate who could not only restore America’s place in an interconnected world, but change it to fit a progressive model of politics. The effect was significant, and the political spectacle which surrounded Obama worked to enhance his stature and create a presidential image that was cloaked with authority and awe. Not only the candidate, but his whole way of communicating to the American people was shiny and new. And like Obama’s Februannouncement, it changed the political stage in an instant. A new standard for political communication entered the scene-on the one hand, simple, frank, and to the point on the other flashy, catchy, a total experience rather than just words. Something else was born along with Obama’s hope that evening. With a spark and a bang, the spectacular candidacy of Barack Obama had officially begun. ![]() To the great satisfaction of the thousands present for that announcement, his strategy paid off. “I’m in this race ot just to hold an office, but to gather with you to transform a nation.” Through his words and actions, Obama sought to change the Union by introducing a new system of democratic discourse which included elevating and inspiring the public via a carefully crafted and politically positioned rhetorical stage. His look, his voice, and even his promises were spectacular: “e can be one people, reaching for what’s possible, building that more perfect union”, he said, in the hopeful tone that would come to define his campaign. Although the setting seemed more like a rock concert to some, it was actually a carefully crafted political rally Here, among the lights, the cameras, the noise, and the ever-present buzz of excitement, Senator Barack Obama announced his candidacy for President of the United States. Loud, pulsating music by U2 and Van Halen, coupled with scores of television news crews and over 500 reporters added to the almost tangible energy of the gathering. February 10, 2007: A crowd of over 15,000 gathered at the Illinois Old State Capitol Building, where Abraham Lincoln had given his famous “House Divided” speech, anxiously waiting to hear another native son. ![]()
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