One of the key questions in the debate on Friday was, "What lessons have we learned from Iraq?" My intention here is not to answer that question, but it stimulated my interest in a broader question, "What lessons have we learned from this Presidential campaign that will inform the last 39 days?
Here are some of the lessons I have learned since February 10, 2007:
- "The Audacity of Hope" is more than a cliche'. It is the core inspiration of a movement.
- "Change We Can Believe In" is more than a political slogan. It is the foundation for the principles that guide the vision of leadership that will reshape the political landscape in our country -- win or lose.
- The "high road" can get you to your destination. But it is folly to ignore the attacks coming from the low road. They must be met with a bold and swift response.
- It is not enough to be the smartest guy in the room. It helps to give a great speech and a sharp resonse in a debate to convince others.
- If Oprah says, "He's the one", it might just be true. It doesn't hurt to have confirmation from Kennedy, Clinton, and 200,000 Germans.
- Bottom up activism for change works. Top Down inspiration helps. Those of us at the bottom must continue our efforts right up to election day.
- When all else fails, it helps to have an opponent who is a "maverick" and prone to poor judgment and bad decisions.
These are seven of the key lessons that will lead to our success. If we keep them uppermost in our minds through every effort to succeed, we will achieve a history-making victory.
