Back in March, Obama’s speech on race, “A More Perfect Union,” quickly joined Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” and JFK’s Inaugural address as historically significant.
His eloquence continues to captivate audiences and drove the Obamamania that helped him capture the nomination.
In February, Politico’s Lisa Lerer pointed out, “Many talented politicians attract devoted throngs — but with Obama, the fervency of his following borders on the messianic. . . .” He has more than 1.25 million supporters on his FaceBook candidacy page versus fewer than 100,000 on the Stop Barack Obama page (there are more than 500 pro/anti Obama groups on the site). More than 14,000 supporters on LinkedIn wear an Obama badge on their profile, and his question, “What ideas do you have to keep America competitive in the years ahead?,” generated more than 3000 responses. (McCain sports under 1400 LinkedIn badges, a group not even linked to McCain’s own profile — a short coming that is sure to be rectified. . . not.)
Barack Obama has been elevated beyond the political realm; these days he’s a rockstar. And now you get to party with him too!
On Thursday, August 28th, Obama will formally acknowledge and accept his candidacy for President in front of 75,000 people at a Denver stadium. While most who attend will score freely distributed tickets, the Obama campaign is holding back the special treatment for 10 donors + guests. Per an e-mail from BarackObama.com (bolding mine):
It’s going to be an amazing event, and Barack would like you to join him. Free tickets will become available as the date approaches, but we’ve reserved a special place for a few of the people who brought us this far and who continue to drive this campaign.
If you make a donation of $5 or more between now and midnight on July 31st, you could be one of 10 supporters chosen to fly to Denver and spend two days and nights at the convention, meet Barack backstage, and watch his acceptance speech in person. Each of the ten supporters who are selected will be able to bring one guest to join them.
Obama has elevated politics to the height of fandom, and is now staging marketing gimmicks, typically reserved for celebrity-laden movie premieres and concert tours, to drive donations. I await the announcement about how these “special” guests will be selected, as well as how effective a fundraiser this special offer is when July numbers are announced.
Can the master orator avoid jumping the shark two months before Election Day? Will he be able to rise to the occasion and deliver a speech that will keep his supporters on board and sway the undecided and Independents? Or will Americans step back when they see how much larger than life Obama has become?
If all goes swimmingly, and his tide doesn’t turn, can we expect a similar fundraising push come October, offering a front seat at an Obama inauguration in January?
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