Take Back the Flag

Moving Senator Obama’s acceptance speech to INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium is genius.  I know I’m not alone in craving more access to the convention and related activities, and changing from a delegates-only traditional speech at the convention to a 75,000 community-inclusive and inspiring setting is the perfect remedy.

The new venue also adheres to one of the simplest rules in politics:  campaign to the undecided voters.  Frankly, a speech to Obama delegates and other die-hard Democrats offers only a fraction of the benefits of a speech to a wide-ranging audience.  Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination in anything but traditional fashion; it was truly a grassroots level.  He won because people talked about him and his ideas to their friends, neighbors, and family.  He won because people were inspired by the sight of an Obama shirt and took that opportunity to ask how to get involved.  And he won because they were told how to make calls, knock on doors, or contribute from the equally-inspired t-shirt wearer.

Now, Obama needs to continue that streak into the general election.  75,000 people in a football stadium is an ideal starting point for the kickoff of the official general election.  The lucky thousands in attendance will leave inspired, optimistic, and ready to share the message.  75,000 quickly turns into 150,000 with the first phone call to a friend on the way home (likely stuck in traffic, a small price to pay).  Suddenly we’re at 300,000 when each person tells 3 people.  And just like that, those 300,000 pass the word along within a day or so, and Obama reached over half a million people.    You do not get those results with the traditional exclusive convention.

I realize this 75,000 person last-minute stadium event is a burden on the city and the people.  However, this is one example where we need to realize the opportunity of democracy, and suffer the inconveniences.  People rail on politics day after day to be more open and transparent and include the “average citizen.” Well, here’s the chance.