2008: The Year of ChangePaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jan. 08‚ 2008In 12 months, we will look back at 2008 and say that “change” was the buzzword in American politics. Iowa caucus voters put change above experience, giving Barack Obama a solid victory and John Edwards the second prize. Every presidential candidate now says they are about change – whether or not it’s credible – and it will be the dominant theme in races at the federal, state and local level. In the June State Senate race, Mark Leno – who calls himself “the best choice for change” – will benefit from this trend, while incumbent Carole Migden will regret that she ever said “I am the status quo” at their first debate. Progressives who lament that Mayor Gavin Newsom was just re-elected without a serious challenger can take umbrage that 2008 will be a year about change. And candidates running for local office need to start thinking how they will adapt. |