Reply #15: Sorry, I wasn't ignoring your question. I was away from the computer.

[Ron Green]

I certainly don't characterize Obama's candidacy or his political identity as "Chicago machine politics," and I don't think many reasonable people see it this way. First of all, have you read his books? I have yet to read as thoughtful an explanation of where politics have brought us, and how, and where we must now go, as is contained therein. Secondly, he is a black man, although from a white mother, which you must agree is a change for the top of a U.S. national ticket. His experience is culturally rich, giving him a perspective about race, religion and class never before available in a U.S President.

As I mentioned in the OP, he is talking about the media distractions and the cheapening of the discourse in national politics. This is truly a change - I haven't EVER heard that from someone so close to the nomination for President.

The very fact that his candidacy has energized so many young voters into their roles as citizens, rather than as just consumers, must also be seen as a change.