Obama’s win: a stunning victory for the progressive centre

I have just returned from a New York City still bathed in a glow of euphoria after Obama’s stunning win last week.  As many people have been quick to point out the really hard work for Team Obama begins now – the process of governing is always much more difficult (albeit also more rewarding than the process of opposing).  But in the warm afterglow of the victory of the candidate most in tune with the progressive Conservative values of this blog, it is worth considering the lessons of a famous victory.

Firstly, do not be scared to be ambitious in targeting areas traditionally dominated by your competitors.  Note demographic changes and levels of dissatisfaction in those regions or areas and look to satisfy them.  Kerry barely campaigned in some states won by Obama this time (Virginia, North Carolina and Indiana to name just three).  By using a bottom-up, community and net based style of organisation, Obama was able to quickly gain a foothold in areas that had voted solidly for Bush in 2004.  An ambitious campaigning strategy, not focused on the heartland plus one or two swing states paid off handsomely.  In the UK, we must follow the example and not restrict our campaign to traditional Tory heartlands and some swing seats in the Midlands, London and the South East.  We need to expand our strategy and our message to areas that may not have voted Tory for some time – noting demographic changes in some areas – and look to bring the North,Scotland and Wales back in play.

Secondly, be disciplined and keep to a message.  From Day 1 the McCain campaign was a bit of a rabble.  Erratic, unsure of the key message and made even more erratic by the appointment of the absurdly ill suited Palin to the VP slot.  On the other hand, the Obama campaign was relentlessly disciplined, totally focused and remained steady as the opposing camp wobbled from one message to another.  If a message is working stick to it.  If a message is not working (see McCain’s ridiculous “palling around with terrorists” message) it is probably too late to change it three weeks from polling day.

Finally, always remember the power of “change” to inspire voters and energise the grassroots.  I was at the Washington Post party on election night and haven’t seen such pure excitement about a political event, both inside the party and on the streets of New York afterwards.  Obama succeeded by harnessing the power of change with the ability to persuade Americans that life would be better off under him.  He used this message and to energise a broader voting bloc, to inspire previous non voters such as young people and ethnic minorities and to create a new political coalition. We need to take heed of this lesson and emphasise the awesome power of change to inspire.

Last week’s election was good for America and good for the world.  At a stroke it has helped to repair some of the damage done to the reputation of the US over the past eight years.  It is the first victory for the new wave of progressive politics that both Barack Obama and David Cameron represent. Hopefully after the next election Obama and Cameron will mark another golden phase in the history of the special relationship.

Related posts:

1. Are we still on the centre ground, I wonder?
2. Dave’s Chicago kiss from Obama