David Weinberger on Obama’s Singular Focus

David Weinberger explains why he woke up weeping with joy — and articulates for me why I teared up, again, this morning listening again to the last three minutes of Obama’s victory speech:

To live up to the ideal we just embraced, we have to do intentionally what Obama does by nature. He listens to those with whom he disagrees, but he responds only to the goodness expressed in even the most fear-driven of statements. Ignore the small, the petty, the self-involved, the defensive, and respond to the moments of goodness in all of us.

This is a practical program. I’ve seen it adopted on purpose and I’ve seen it work. Avoiding getting dragged into negative shoutfests is basic troll management. Learning to hear and respond to what is good and shared in an expression we find detestable is harder. The best teachers do this routinely. We can all learn to do it. We can. Yes, we can.

It is a big part of how Obama brings out the better nature in us. It is a big reason the unrelenting and unreasoned negative campaign aimed at him failed.

It’s been really heartening to read all the reports of reaction around the world to news that Americans have elected this black man, who I really believe — in his temperament, intelligence, humility, and uncanny ability to make people feel included — can be the truly Great Man we need for our times.

November 5, 2008 | Filed Under community mgmt, electoral campaigns

Comments

Mark

About four years ago, I was at a party here in Asheville with our usual mix of people. While talking to a couple, I stated that I was probably the only Vegan Republican in the country. They both asked "WHY?". I responded it was for chloresterol reasons. They said "No, why are you Republican". Since then, I'm happy to say that I voted for Obama. I was delighted to hear "David Weinberger on Obama’s Singular Focus". This statement has nailed why I am so excited to have voted for him to lead our country out of the Bush War and Recession. Thanks for explaining it to me. I'm going to work on that as well.
iwilker

Thanks Mark!

Now that the post-election excitement has been replaced by the grind of governing, it's good to read your comment. I think Obama will be able to continue to inspire people, despite Washington's legendary ability to reduce everyone to petty partisan bickering. But I've no doubt that he desperately needs every individual like yourself who's willing to declare a desire to keep the faith.