Liberalguy

You Want Fries with That? By Monica Crowley (bio)

Forget about Barack Obama’s much-praised rhetorical skills, charisma, and the fact that he’s perceived as “change” during a (so they tell us) “change” election. Forget about all of that. The real reason Obama may win is because he reads Cow-Calf Weekly. Or at least some bright young thing on his staff does. Apparently, Beef magazine puts out a companion publication called Cow-Calf Weekly. In its June 6th edition, Troy Marshall bemoaned the fact that neither of the presidential candidates was paying much attention to agriculture: It’s “so far down the list of priorities of either candidate that we aren’t even on their radar screens,” he wrote. (Read the whole thing at www.RuralJournalism.org.) The June 27th edition of Cow-Calf Weekly featured a letter from, yes, Senator Obama: “Agriculture is a very high priority for me,” he wrote. “I have held rural forums and meetings in most agriculture states and have released Rural Plans in states across the country…” Then he targeted the apparently wider readership of Beef magazine: “Beef producers are a key component in a healthy and vibrant rural America. By strengthening USDA and working to enhance food safety and meat processing, my administration will assist the industry in providing a wholesome and safe product to your customers.” No Oprah hamburger lawsuits for Barack! The point is not that Obama cares about strip steaks. The point is that his campaign is on top of every single imaginable issue, every concern of every possible voter, every nook and cranny of this election. McCain can’t even nail down an overarching message, and Obama’s got someone assuaging those concerned at Cow-Calf Weekly. If Obama wins in November, it will be because of this kind of attention to minute detail, of making sure that every possible voter feels heard (even if Obama has no intention of actually following up once president.) This is what successful campaigns do. Senator McCain: get with the program. Otherwise, you might find yourself with lots of time on your hands after November 4. Perhaps to catch up on back issues of Beef magazine.