Thoughts On Barack (Originally Posted 2/21/2008)

I started doing side work for as long as I can remember. I built my first website 10 years ago and have been involved in the technology extensively. Eventually my side work grew into a full grown company with employees and health insurance. Along the way the company grew because of a collection of small ideas. One of the central tenants that we based our company on and our future success on was getting the right people.

I would challenge any person to find a successful organization with poor people. Getting and retaining "The Right" people is tough. NO, I repeat NO organization will/can succeed with out a talented team. The book Good to Great describes a Level 5 leader (highest level) as someone who surrounds themselves with talented motivated people and give them room to operate.

This is a compelling reason why I am a big supporter of Barack Obama. For all his lack of experience his campaign has been remarkably organized and fluid. Through his presidential campaign Mr. Obama has illustrated clear vision, strong, sturdy leadership, an ability to inspire his troops, and most importantly, a willingness to choose well-qualified lieutenants to carry out the mission.

We don't need someone who has all of the answers. (That's what the Cabinet is for, Hillary.) We need someone who can help the people of this country work together to come up with solutions that will work.

Novel concept, But while Mrs. Clinton's campaign staff (and finances) implodes, and Mr. McCain carries on as a lone "foot soldier in the Reagan revolution", Barack Obama's ORGANIZATION thrives. He and his team are not complacently expecting people to just show up and support ("because I was a quasi VP during my husband's term" or "because I am a storied veteran"). Mr. Obama's team is on the phone, on the internet, in the streets working it. Not "doing lunch". Not "taking meetings".

A government organization that works…now that is change we can believe in.