Obama to run unconventional campaign

According to the Obama camp political consultants, the candidate hopeful cannot win by running an orthodox "top-down" campaign. His opponents have too much of a headstart on him for that approach.

Instead, Obama will have to utilize the movement and energy built around his rock-star appeal and go with that flow. One example of an unconventional technique is the recent web-organized rally at George Mason University organized through the Facebook site. In the end, viral messaging may end up doing more for Obama than television or campaign mailings.

However, Obama is expected to do well in fundraising despite not having the deep supporter database of some other candidates like Clinton and McCain. Clinton spokesman Howard Wolfson said that he expects Obama to raise about $25 million in the first quarter. Just today, entertainer Barbara Streisand said that the Illinois senator would be one of three candidates she is supporting and donating to, the others being Clinton and Edwards.

Here's a nice 'insider' article on Barack by Adam Hanft of the Huffington Post:

Brunch with Barack
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-hanft/brunch-with-barack_b_40478.html


This combination of file photos shows from left, singer/actress Barbara Streisand, former Sen. John Edwards, Sen. Hilary Clinton, D-NY, and Sen. Barak Obama, D-Ill. Streisand, said in a statement released Monday, Feb. 5, 2007, she's giving money not only to Clinton but to Edwards of North Carolina and Obama of Illinois. AP Photo/File via Yahoo News.