If we want change, we're going to have to work for it. If we want an Obama Presidency, it's going to take a sustained effort, in addition to a lot of hope.
As one of our great progressive politicians has said, "Anytime you speak out powerfully for change, the forces of the status quo attack." Well, the counterattack happened in New Hampshire last night, and the forces of change suffered a setback.
The Establishment isn't going to GIVE it away, folks. They have too much to lose.
And they've done this before: remember Dean in 2004? How invincible we felt in the months leading up to Iowa? How it seemed like an unstoppable, people-powered movement?
And remember how quickly it all fell apart?
We can't let that happen again this year. And I don't think we will.
But we're gonna have to work, and work hard, to win this victory. More below...
If someone had told you 2 weeks ago that Obama would handily win Iowa and narrowly lose New Hampshire, how would you have felt about it?
My guess is: pretty darned happy. Now imagine if someone had told you this 6 months ago, when Obama's poll numbers were pretty dreary. I suspect you'd have been in danger of spraining an ankle, you'd have been jumping up and down so much.
There is no reason to panic, and no reason to despair.
No, what there is reason to do is simple: GET TO WORK.
I plan to spend some time at my local Obama office (Minnesota) today, probably phonebanking to get volunteers out for a big canvassing event this weekend. If you are somewhere where the campaign is already active, get yourself in and do some work, as soon as you can.
If you're not, head to MyBarackObama and get online-- there are tools you can use to connect with potential voters all over the country.
And if you know people in South Carolina or Nevada, talk to them and tell them why you believe Obama represents the change we need. It's not too early if you live or know people in one of the Feb. 5 states either.
Channel your frustration and sadness into action! And drop a few dollars in Obama's campaign coffers if you can afford it.
We're in this for the duration. As another of my favorite progressive politicians has said, "In the face of impossible odds, people who love their country can change it."