Treasure path: meeting deep human needs

Obama's treasure is the promise of real hope for change. He gives us the picture of unity, no longer red and blue states, but United States. The man behind the message also holds the message in his genes. Growing up biracial, he learned to relate, to bridge and reconcile communities. His life tells the story of what America wants to become.

Through the campaign, Obama reached out to McCaintoward the common vision larger than either candidate. He frequently pointed out points of agreement and stuck to the issues, rather than engage character destruction. Obama was focused on the treasure of hope for change. 

Talent path: fitting together the strengths and weaknesses

Obama used the talents of his campaign staff well. The campaign reflected well Obama's community organizing experience. He also showed such a talent for speaking, but he didn't depend solely on that. He wisely drew other talented people around him. 

Humble hierarchy path: creating space for all to thrive

With the simple message chanted with passion,"Yes we can!" Obama made it clear that this campaign was about inspiring America to action, for people to participate in democracy again, or for the first time. Following the era of Bush "the decider" and ages of a disenfranchised African-American population, this message was timely.

"I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours." 

He humbly and continually reached out to his opponent. From the final presidential debate:

"And what is important is making sure that we disagree without being disagreeable. And it means that we can have tough, vigorous debates around issues. What we can't do, I think, is try to characterize each other as bad people."

Perhaps this influenced the affirming concession speech by John McCain. In face of booing supporters, McCain took a stand and said, without gritted teeth, "I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president." Obama's actions spoke stronger than his eloquent words every time he kept his personal ambition in check.

Smart and friendly systems path: systems that produce treasure

Building his community organizing skills, and on the tools pioneered by MoveOn.org campaigns, Obama recruited record breaking numbers of volunteers and funds over the internet. Smart. But the movement was also a friendly and fun with bake sales and garage sales, neighborhood meet-ups and campaigning bus trips. 

Ecosystem path: a healthy, changing relationship to the external environment

When attacks arose, Obama responded with great thoughtfulness and respect. Our respect for him grew when the responded to the Jeremiah Wright quotes. He acknowledged the legitimate grievances of African-Americans while calling us into a future together.

Obama also crossed borders and campaigned in some of the most traditional Republican areas all over the country. He even spent the 4th of July in Montana. He spent time in one of most Republican areas of Missouri. 

Rhythm path: daily and seasonal rhythms

Any campaign keeps a frantic pace. In the midst of it all, one interviewer commented on how relaxed Obama was. That tells us he has the ability to do high stress stuff, and then calm himself. 

Every night, he called his kids wherever he was. He went trick-or-treating with them during final days of the campaign. He left the campaign for a day to say good-bye to his Grandma who shortly after, passed away. Part of healthy rhythms is connecting with people we love.

Wilderness path: embracing uncertainty to discover new ways

This was a long, incredible campaign, particularly in the primaries with Hilary Clinton. Seeing him under duress gave people a sense of who he was. The uncertainty of the primaries, the wilderness of the campaign, drew out Obama's strength of character.

Read Charletta's family systems analysis of the final presidential debates on The Mennonite.

Wisdom for the day: Barack Obama: "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington. I'm asking you to believe in yours." That's humble hierarchy at work for real change!

In living hope! 

Rich and Charletta

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