The fact that Mr. Obama "behaves like a well-defined brand" probably has something to do with why advertising and marketing creative types are attracted to him more so than other candidates.
What's stunning to me, as a marketing professional, is how tailor-made Obama is for a generation that doesn't read, and hence, think for itself.
It's a generation perfectly susceptible to propaganda and demagoguery.
Hell yes, this guy is a marketer's dream: he's all image and sound and slogan.
And it's all powerful stuff, but I want to start seeing some real content behind this guy first.
I do not deny that he packs a compelling mixture of rhetoric and showmanship.
He is a powerful orator and he is certainly more dazzling and charismatic than Clinton or McCain, or Nader, who's jumping his tired-ass into the race too.
But, that is also what's starting to make me stop and take a moment to think about this some more.
I work in the advertising industry, and let's be honest about one thing: it's not an industry based on telling the truth.
In fact, you could argue, it's a business that has perfected the art of lying for one singular purpose: to get you to buy something you probably don't need.
Yes, he's selling change... and you're hoping he means change for the better, but that's really just a 50-50 proposition; if things get worse -- and they could -- that's change too, right?
That people in the industry that I work in, and in media overall, seem to love Obama without question or examination should really make you think.
It is a red flag.
I have another take on this, but I'm still formulating that thought.
I'll post it later.