Obama Gets It

I'm still not sure who I like for 2008 but let me just say that Barack gets it.

While barnstorming the country, Obama took time to meet with rapper and movie star Ludacris to talk about young voters. It's a savvy move. If it actually gets reported (and what about Obama doesn't?), he's established a cultural touchstone with young people beyond that which he already has.

It's not that he's going to learn anything revolutionary from Ludacris about young voters. Or that meeting with a celebrity like Ludacris is a substitute for actually talking to young people and campaigning on their issues. But it's a sign of respect.

Culture is the vehicle to reach and engage young people. This meeting is a gesture in that direction. Most of all, it's a very public recognition that young people matter, and that their culture is something that is both important and of value.

Contrast that to the likes of Hillary and Lieberman, who consistently employ rhetoric (and push legislation) that is openly hostile to youth culture. Hillary can't count on the netroots support. And, based on her attitude towards youth culture and savvy moves like this one by Barack, she's quickly losing any base among young voters as well.