Obama: Can Conservatives Learn From Success?
David Cameron and Barak Obama
Today, America’s 44th President takes office, setting records in his wake. The first black President has a lot to live up to, with America hungry for him to deliver on his promise of ‘Hope’ and ‘Change’. But can the Conservative Party learn anything from his campaign? And should we be looking to emulate his successes?
The Obama campaign started as a long-shot at the beginning of the Presidential Primaries more than 2 years ago; but a message of change and hope and a fresh campaign style led him to defeat front-runner Hillary Clinton and clinch the Democratic Party nomination. Obama’s style and image became the driving force in the election, as the media and nation caught ‘Obama-mania’.
On November 4th, as polling stations across the US closed, it became clear that Republican Senator, John McCain had failed in an arguably impossible mission to retain the White House for the Republicans, following George Bush’s highly controversial and unpopular presidency.
Obama’s success came largely from mobilising a new generation of voters, not only to vote with enthusiasm, but actively campaign for that change. He raised record levels of campaign funds, with thousands of small donations; he galvanised the support of millions through social networking sites such as Facebook; he had record number of paid and voluntary staff out on the streets, telephone canvassing and getting out the vote. The Obama campaign was slick and organised, with an enthusiasm for politics among groups in society not seen in a generation.
But what, if anything, can Conservatives learn from Obama?
David Cameron has certainly brought a new style and image to the Conservative Party since his election as leader in 2005; launching a media offensive to bring home a message of change in the Party to the British public. But American politics is very different, the American media is openly partisan, and while ‘Obama-mania’ swept the nation, in the UK could ‘Cameron-mania’ every translate with such success? In many ways the electoral systems are polls apart, so just how well can American political ideas translate into British politics?
The answer is probably yet to play out, but as June 3rd 2010 draws nearer (the last possible day for a UK General Election), the Conservative campaign is taking on a new style – with online policy launches, a shadow cabinet full of former rivals, and a ‘can do’ attitude of getting people involved. The party is recruiting ‘friends’ as well as members, raising campaign funds through new and innovative ways and with launch events such as London Conservative Future attracting over 150 young people last week. Has the enthusiasm among the generation that has grown up under a Labour government turned in favour of Cameron’s Conservatives?
Politics has certainly been changing in recent years. Politicians have begun to see a new market in the 35% of people who don’t vote; a generation of people who have become increasingly disengaged from politics following the war in Iraq, introduction of Top-Fees and assault on civil liberties over a decade of Labour government. Politicians are learning that a simple message and easy access campaign can make the different between office and opposition.
The battles lines for the next general election are rapidly being drawn and Conservative Future will play a vital part in fighting that battle to the very end, and very last vote. Be part of an enthusiastic and positive campaign for change by joining in today
Over 2 million people are expected to watch the inauguration ceremony in the National Mall, with millions more watching live on television around the world, as America usher’s in a new era of hope in politics.
The inauguration will be broadcast on BBC One at 16:00-18:00.
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