The Power of a Narrative

The Power of a Narrative

He was an inspired young candidate ready to make history and finally seal America's cultural divides forever, and become the bright leader of a 'post-racial' America.  She was a feminist but an older figure, someone who had been on the political scene for longer; her candidacy did not have the same fresh feel as his, although she was doubtlessly more qualified. He won the primary.

The story of the 2008 Democratic primary- in fact, the story of the entire 2008 election- is one of ideology and political differences. However, the elections hinged more on the narratives brought forth by the various candidates. Senator John McCain attempted to make his narrative that of the patriotic war hero, willing to cross the aisle to do what was right for America, and to make Sarah Palin's tale that of a just-like-you working mom, facing the people's struggles as she raises a family in a modern America. Unfortunately for their campaign, McCain failed on both counts. Through his campaign-stopping antics and Palin's increasingly humiliating interviews, he managed to destroy his narrative in the eyes of the American people. 

However, President Obama was able to present a narrative in which he emerged as the calm, cool, and collected, yet the fist-poundingly passionate leader of today. His story of humble beginnings resonated with the American voters, and, in the end, his narrative won out. 

The midterm elections are now also a fight for narrative. If President Obama can once more achieve an image like he had during the 2008 campaign, he will be able to help ensure Democratic victory. However, if Republicans can refurbish their image to create a sympathetic narrative, the 2010 midterms will ravage the Democratic party.