Round 2

It was all too apparent when Chelsea & Bill walked on stage to hug Hillary in front of a clamoring audience in New Hampshire late Tuesday evening - that this political race was headed right back to the trenches. After what became a landmark loss in Iowa only a short week before, the Clinton camp responded with what some would say was a “must win” for her to keep atop the marathon for Democratic nominee. With all polls pointing in the direction of Barack Obama leading into Tuesday’s New Hampshire caucus - political analyst are scrambling to figure out exactly how Hillary was able to swing the vote in her favor in such a short amount of time.

Yet the questions now lie in how Obama’s camp will deal with this moment of adversity. As he spoke through an unprepared speech Tuesday night you could tell there was a touch of defeat in his eyes – still he delivered an amazing speech and began to change the sentiments of his own campaign. Yes we can he repeated various times - "We've been warned against offering the people false hope. But in the unlikely story of America there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds... generations of Americans have responded with a simply creed that sums up a spirit of a people. Yes we can. Yes we can. Yes we can" (Huffington Post). But maybe its time to save the puff speeches, and take it back to the mats – possibly Obama’s campaign got caught up in their own hype.

Furthermore perhaps the swing of votes outside of the polling data, were in what happened Monday afternoon. Clinton met at a local coffee shop in Portsmouth, N.H. to talk to some of her supporters, in which a woman of the audience asked “How do you do it?” Eyes welling with tears her voice straining, Hillary replied that it was hard, that she was struggling with the pressure of running in such an historical race. In quite possibly the most personal moment we’ve seen of Mrs. Clinton this decade, she connected with her audience in a way that no policy rancor ever could. This is known as the “mommy” factor – she looked vulnerable yet intent on getting her point across and people felt sympathy for her. As she hugged her family on stage Tuesday night she began a speech that sounded more like her competition – adopting change through experience as her slogan. She even went as far to tell her audience to join her on hillaryclinton.com – is she trying to grab a piece of the online media that Obama has so far effortlessly controlled? Is it too late?

This triathlon of a Presidential race is now wide open, neither candidate can rely on anything that has happened up to this point – it is back to square one. It’s coming out of the 1st quarter the score still tied. Yet like any other marathon, do you really want to be the one out front being chased down? Other questions sit with the media direction of both campaigns – more importantly how Obama spins this last vote. The Obama camp can’t forget that the Clinton operation has now turned into a movement, voting for Hillary is voting for a piece of history too. It’s not as cut and dry as Hope Movement v.s. Political Juggernaut. The campaign messages leading up to next Tuesday’s debate will be very interesting – more so who can take back control of their message. We are moving at the speed of light here – there’s no room for mistakes – after a loss or a win it’s on to the next ballot the next vote to try to secure victory.

Last but not least the other candidates running took some of the pie home themselves. Richardson showed up with 5% of the votes, Edwards after a very good debate Saturday ended up with 17% of the vote. One can only think that those votes could’ve have perhaps been taken away from Obama in some degree and very well could’ve led to a different outcome in New Hampshire. Furthermore whomever the large Union’s decide to back will play a large part in the sway of these primaries.

No matter what the cause of the polling gone wrong and the “comeback kid” pulling one off for tiny Tim, it’s back to work for both candidates. Both still have a lot to prove. In an event that’s bigger than the Super Bowl – the leader of the next free world lay’s in balance. It’s still to close to tell who has a real advantage – either or America and the world get a chance to witness a piece of cultural history at every caucus turn. It’s all about the big momentum and who can carry it the best – not relying on the polls – which candidate can deliver what they preach now not later. This Presidential election is not about who will be elected in November – its about the moment and who the American public will elect right now. No one can predict this, not even the polls, only time will tell. Either or this will be one of the most amazing political years in the history of this country. One that will shape the future of the nation one speech, puff piece, debate and caucus vote at time. What do you think?

Could it be True.

Photo Courtesy of the New York Times

Barack Obama won his first Presidential caucus last night, in a historic victory that just might spark the momentum to get him to the White House. In the Iowa caucus where Hillary Clinton finished 3rd, and John Edwards finishing 2nd – Obama proved to America that he not only could win, but win in state that’s 95% white. This is a new election year – an election like our country has never seen before. The variables are different – new media such as blogs, facebook, myspace, text messaging and you tube have played an integral part in getting people involved with this election process. Furthermore with such a decisive victory over Clinton – who was leading in polls only months before the caucus – he has shown America that he can hang with a Presidential powerhouse. Perhaps the country wants change more than they want a practiced politician. The Clinton’s and Bush’s have been in the White House for the last 20 years – and look where the country is. Financially strapped by a war over owl and corporate mongers who will sacrifice anything at their own benefit.

Change is the main focus of the Obama campaign – it has been their voice since the beginning – the audacity of hope. Its a different election year, the variables are different, just like the music industry is changing from big business to independents, the election process has changed from stagnant old powerhouses and their outlets to new inspired campaigns and new media. Whatever candidate has the best knowledge of new media (myspace, facebook, text messaging etc.) has the largest chance to win this election. Furthermore Obama's not rolling with any young punks - google AKP&D - see where they come from, see what they do. My belief in this campaign doesn't come from unabated information. I've done my research and I believe for a reason that he has a chance. Many people believe this momentum will carry Obama through this election year - but honestly its too early to tell. But stay tuned this is just the beginning of history in the making. But as usual don't take my word for it.


Google News

New York Times

Fresh & Proper Obama Post

Charlie Rose

Obama/Edwards

I have been talking about this for the past couple of weeks, my roommate Nelson (Big Like Giants/Cool Kids) will attest. Logically Obama and Edwards combining to win this Presidential election makes since with Edwards as the Vice Presidential nominee. It makes since in the regard that both of them have followings with similar views and together they have a large enough following to decisively win the Presidential election. Furthermore they share similarities in policy - CHANGE through universal health care, energy and lobbying reform. Watching tonight's ABC/Facebook debate affirmed some of that prediction with Edwards defending Obama at some points, and Obama agreeing with some of Edwards policy points. Facebook being involved also shows that any candidate that has an understanding of new media has an advantage in this years election. I don't think this prediction is by any means the first - yet it logically makes since to any analytical thinker watching this campaign. The coming caucus's and how they allow each candidate to gain or lose momentum in this race will be a tale tell sign of who will get the presidential nomination for the Democrats.

"Every time he speaks out for change, every time I fight foir change, the forces of status quo [Clinton] are going to attack." Edwards said of Clinton, defending Obama. He furthered with "I didn't hear these kind of attacks from Sen. Clinton when she was ahead," he said. "Now that she's not we hear them."

The Power of Branding Ideas

Barack Obama and his top campaign staff have found a unique way to inspire their grassroots campaign. Leading all candidates in contributions they have concentrated on "spinning" the way they report the donations they have received. Bringing into play the "rock-star" appeal of Obama's persona and capitalizing on the sales of merchandise such as key chains and t-shirts. The campaign has been able to tap into resources and audiences other candidates have not been able to find. Obama has such an affect on his audiences the campaign has even been able to rely on his draw for speeches, counting the ticket sales as part of their personal donations.


But come on let’s face it – they have found a way to tap into the resources of an internet generation. Finding the niches and corners to extract capital other campaigns have yet to comprehend, they have found a way to build their organization from the ground up. Which in turn strengthens their foundation. Of course they are building a Presidential agenda – a set of missions and policies that will guide an office and a country. With the State of our current Union tattered by years of war mongering corporate Republican agendas, its good to see a Democratic campaign and staff that understands how to generate money from new places. Inspiring people who have probably at one point or another in the last eight years given up on our democratic process.

Furthermore it proves word of mouth is the most powerful way to dispense information, with the Internet as its autobahn. Now more than ever people want to be apart of something bigger than themselves, something that gives them some sort of conviction that all is not lost – that we as a country can improve. Obama inspires this at its finest, in the same way some of our favorite past leaders have. The utter joy of people to meet Bobby Kennedy, the hope some had invested in his brother John’s words and Presidency. You can see the similarties Barack has in the effect of hope he has on people. More importantly his campaign staff has been equipped and innovative enough to bring their candidate to the forefront. Understanding what it means to brand ideals and how to market those policies to a new generation. But don’t take my word for it – New York Times.
Jamar Eaton



Barack Obama

Recent News

Kennedy's Co-Sign

Ted Kennedy


Caroline Kennedy


As you very well know - Barack Obama picked up a much needed win and momentum in South Carolina. Emerging from a bitter campaign week with democratic rivals Hillary & Bill Clinton, Obama managed to receive %55 of the democratic vote in SC. Now comes the good stuff. Senator Kennedy will endorse Obama for President Monday, which is seen to be a very influential nod from within the Democratic party and also represents a huge boost for the Obama campaign. Furthered by a op-ed piece "A President Like My Father" in todays New York Times (whose editorial board decided to back Clinton) by President Kennedy's daughter and only living child - Caroline Kennedy. The endorsement from the royalty of Political families is definitely a positive - yet it will be interesting to see how this works out for Obama in the long run. Obviously with the Democratic party pushing for whatever candidate they think will have the best chance of handily taking back the white house. Click on the pictures above to view the articles.

The best Brand this Year.

The power of branding in this Presidential cycle has been quite evident. Yet no candidate perhaps in history has been able to grasp the attention of America's post baby boomers in the way Obama's campaign has. Through hiring Facebook founders to setting up a viral grass-roots campaign, the Obama camp knows exactly how to approach a generation tired of the old body politic. As major industries shift to understand this new generation, Obama has found a way to tap into our networks meeting us on common ground. The power of being able to reach our generation so well at every turn speaks to the understanding his campaign has of what's next. And for businesses trying to understand how to do this - who better to step to than the best. Not to mention his ability to raise the amount of money he has every month, when we are supposedly in a slight recession. Fast Company's April issue feature's an article on Obama that discusses the idea of branding in depth and it's definitely worth checking out.


Fast Company Obama Article

Whose Next.

"Reject the counsels of doubt and calculation - its time again for a new generation of leadership - its time now for Barack Obama." Mr. Kennedy went on to say in todays speech “We, too, want a president who appeals to the hopes of those who still believe in the American dream and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal and who can lift our spirits and make us believe again,” Mr. Kennedy said. “I’ve found that candidate and I think you have, too.” (New York Times. So much for them endorsing Hillary)

Remind you, this is the brother to John F. Kennedy - a member of whats viewed as the first royal political family here in America. This has put a respected influential voice of the democratic party behind Obama's campaign and at this stage of game its critical to have such a senior constituent willing to endorse the campaign. Furthered by the remarks Senator Edwards made about Obama being the true advocate for change, which really gives Obama's campaign the ability to take back control of the message and move forward to wins on super Tuesday.

Obama Rolling Stones Cover

A year ago as Barack Obama was beginning the democratic primary process I wrote an article about the people behind his Presidential campaign, people I felt were going to be the difference between him and Hillary. Your only as good as the pieces around you and Obama picked one of the best teams in the history of Presidential races. The Rolling Stones article reaffirms those prediction's from almost a year ago to date and as this process continues Obama's "team" will be the difference between who wins and loses. See you in November.

Fre$h & Proper David Plouffe Spot

Rolling Stones Article

Grow up Kids.

The sandbox is full of mud slinging at this point in the Presidential nominee race. The Obama & Clinton campaigns can't help but attack one another as the primaries enter there vital stages to select the next President of the United States. The question I have is - why hasn't Obama taken control of the message again? Part of his message has been about changing the way politics operates through lobbyist reform, and rebuilding the country through bipartisan relationships in order to bring both sides of the isle together through change. The Obama camp has a chance her to take control of the message, to say look "we're not going to respond to the negative politics of Hillary, Bill and the Clinton campaign, we're here to reflect what the American people want in a President - one that is a aggregate of change, one that is looking for alternative ways to spur the economy not through the war ridden policy of the current administration. We're not hear to sell you a dream of hope rather the reality that change is possible through specific policy and ideas, through bi- partisanship and getting people to come together not separated in weeks worth of debate over she said he said politics..." Finished by some poignant statement that unifies his message with that of what's happening right now in America. You heard it hear first.

Obama 08'

No matter who you like out of this years Presidential candidates it will definitely be looked at as one of the more interesting Presidential elections in history. I kind of like this guy. You decide for yourself.



Barack Obama


Presidential Candidates

I get $

Obama continues to lead campaign fund-raising with a little over $20 million raised in the 3rd quarter. Which is essential in this years race - one of the longer presidential election cycles ever. Going into the 4th quarter, with the Iowa primary right around the corner Obama is looking good coming down the home stretch in polling and campaign finance. We'll see who the winner will be come February 08' - something tells me this guy has a chance to win.



Associated Press Article

Wake Up Sleepy Heads.

Peep This. I have to admit the crush on Obama stint is kinda funny.

I do this for my culture to let em know. Some might question why I’ve been doing so much social-political commentary over the last few months. In a time where we talk about culture a lot, where the music and fashion talk about bringing 88 back. Yet sometimes I wonder where the conscious of our generation is – we’re more worried about exclusive kicks and fits than what’s happening outside of our small little sub-culture. Wake up you sleepy heads. Put down the blunts, and pick up a news paper – heck smoke the blunt – just change your browser long enough from hypebeast, and highsnobiety to check into the Huffington Post, the New York Times, Reuters anything but Fox News. It’s not about picking up campaign pickets it’s just about being conscious of what’s going on in the world.

We can make t-shirts and create seven page dissertations on the creativity of street culture and how amazing it is. But where do we hold true sway – where’s our voice? Im not saying go write some political raps or go cut and paste JFK on to a t-shirt and exclusively release it on your blog. I’m just letting you know why I feel it’s imperative to speak up right now. Most of us have felt shunned by this process we feel like the American political process is a farce. Especially after most of us in our first times voting, voted for the dude who won & some other chucklehead ended up in office. But if you believe in culture and the voice of past generations – then you can see how important this presidential election is in the future of this country and world. If you can’t then go cop some more sneakers, light the blunt, turn on BET and superman that…yes I’m talking about Yooooouuuuu! But if you do understand – do something about it. Find your voice, find your place, and ask how can I help? I mean look at the Cool Kids – you’ll never here a snippet of political social commentary in their rhymes but they performed for Obama here in Chicago – they were asked to – that means something. Do this for your culture – to let em know what a tattooed cat with fresh kicks and all over print hoody knows more about the world then just where every single streetwear store is across the globe. Enough of that…just felt I had to say something.

PLUS - Why is BET running a TV special on “Whats in it for us?” The possible next President of the United States is a black man – and the largest black media outlet is asking what’s in it for us!? Are you kidding me – why aren’t they asking how can we help? Where’s Oprah at? Why is it that when we get into a position to actually get ahead we’re always asking what’s in it for us? I’ll help, but what’s in it for me. What kind of sense does this make? Give to receive – give what you want to receive what you need. Not give because you know you’ll be getting something back. I think somewhere in between Viacom taking over BET and Martin Luther King passing away we lost site of exactly what it is we’re trying to do here. Yes im talking to YOOOOOOUUUUU. Superman that.

Obama takes Iowa

Obama win's the Iowa Caucus, in the first steps towards the White House. Check him out.

Huffington Post

New York Times

Share on Facebook

Roundtable with Obama's Inner Circle

Watch CBS Videos Online

An in-depth interview with Obama's "inner circle." Perhaps the best political team of all time, an all-cast if you would. They have re-defined the political campaign spectrum beyond any measurable degree. The grass-roots operation they created was by far one of the greatest coalitions ever created. Indeed they owe it all to their candidate, but even Jordan had help. For real.

A little bit of insight...

Lupe's response to the election and Barack Obama's speech.

The Muzuma Twins Ask What You Think?

Now im not exactly sure who the Muzuma Twins are or what they do. I just know they are involved with the Obama campaign to some capacity and are always hitting me with bulletins. Who really knows - anybody peep all the random chicks on their myspace. Hmm ?

A Witness

13th Witness also known as Futura's son just updated his website with a few pictures of Jay-Z getting ready for his Inauguration performance. Yes Jay-Z performed at the Inauguration, Barack Obama has indefinitely changed the landscape of this nation.

Via Highsnobiety.

Hollywood and Million $ Mano

I love that I can follow up an in depth interview with Obama's campaign team, with this. Fre$h & Proper daily. Word.

Play nice Bill.

Obama responds to the comments above HERE.

Finally a recap.

Wow what a year, cool kids, entourage, la, new york, chicago, obama, time for a change, big like giants, fre$h & proper, the brilliance, iphone, blackberry storm, bbm, facebook, jrs rules.blogspot.com, 808's, heart breaks, the celtics, the lakers, lebron, jay, mia, mic terror, hollywood holt, hyrcollective, gq, me in gq - wow, wired magazine, outliers, blogging, twitter, facebook, vimeo, you tube, video blogging, sativas, indicas, high's, lows, marc jacobs, marc by marc jacobs, jacobs for marc for marc by marc jacobs, serato, pop champagne, vocoder, lil wayne, kenna, sportscenter, menswear, streetwear, nah right, justice, chromeo, mgmt, lastnightsparty.com, free champagne, timbuck 2, vitamin water, ties, bow ties, party all the time, do work, the come up, opportunity, getting ready for 09. I think that's about it. Merry 09'. Cheers.