A long campaign gives time for the candidate's meta-message to emerge. Not always intentionally, nor to their advantage. A significant element of Barack Obama's meta-message emerged at a fundraiser in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday, June 20, 2008.He, who once said that words matter, said these words: "The choice is clear. Most of all we can choose between hope and fear. It is going to be very difficult for Republicans to run on their stewardship of the economy or their outstanding foreign policy. We know what kind of campaign they're going to run. They're going to try to make you afraid. They're going to try to make you afraid of me. He's young and inexperienced and he's got a funny name. And did I mention he's black? (pause for applause) He's got a feisty wife.We know the strategy because they've already shown their cards. Ultimately I think the American people recognize that old stuff hasn't moved us forward. That old stuff just divides us."Gerard Nierenberg is credited...(Read Full Post)