Alinsky Tactics By Obama

We talked again in class today about the influence of Alinsky on current political campaigns.

I was just reviewing some of the earlier sections of the Alinsky reading and found some more tactics that Obama is using. 

One of the huge focus of the LA event was on how the problems of the working class and the other "Have-Nots" are every Americans problem. This concept is direct from Alinsky. Neither Obama or his supporters ever said that there was a moral obligation, or reason for these other people's problems to matter to us --- instead they said that it was in our best interest to fight for them. Alinsky talks about how men help other men because it is in their own best interests. 

Another tactic that is used in many campaigns is to use vague, general goals. Obama is fighting for "change" and embodies "hope." Very simple. There are not many who would argue that America needs change or hope. Also, he campaigns with a sense of optimism for the country. Sometimes this is what makes him seem inexperienced. However, Alinsky states that his personal philosophy "is anchored in optimism. It must be, for optimism brings with it hope, a future with purpose, and therefore, a will to fight for a better world." Obama is consistent in his use of even just the word "hope" and uses it to motivate people to elect him and help him create "a better world."

Also, there was a comment to my last post about the speeches. It was mentioned that there was a lot more Bush administration bashing than was expected. Alinsky says that the "enemy" must be 100% evil and the revolutionist must be 100% justified. Constant attacks and jokes about the current administration are working to paint that purely bad image of the Bush, the status quo.