for discussion.

barak obama's successful call for change would not have succeeded without the howard dean's presidential campaign of 2004.

think about it: both men successfully mobilized a huge mass of internet-enabled young people to start a grassroots swelling.

since dean's seemingly radical campaign, we've had four years of bush, four more years of war, and a tanking economy. obama, wearing a similar claim to being a washington outsider, comes along. he's got a similar message. this time people listen.

besides timing, what is the main difference? obama is much less emotional, he is a better speaker (both of which translate to more media savvy), and in general, a career politician from midwest has more widespread appeal than a doctor turned politician from new england.

discuss.