Obama's concept of change is about changing our country not just our government. When Obama talks about change he is taking about structural revision for which policy modification is only a component. Systems theory teaches us that a change in one part of the system results in change throughout. It makes sense to take a comprehensive approach to use each foothold (legal and social) to pull and shape with.
It is not demagoguery. A demagogue excites negative emotions. A demagogue preys on fears, prejudice, and discontent, not hope.
It is not passivity or blind optimism. There is a space between passivity and aggressiveness where change can most effectively be reached without the type of consequences that can and do reverse such progress.
He is not just a splendid orator and the fact that he is an excellent speaker, is not an indication of a lack of substance. It is evidence for it! If you use distorted or selective portions of truth to win, your audience and readers will likely know it and you will inspire only those who can obtain small and safe change. Real leaders will "be the change
want to see in the world" (Gandhi). If you win through negative attacks, your ability to obtain significant positive change is compromised.
His call for change is not evidence of naivety or a lack of experience. There was another legislator from Illinois who had 8 years of policy making experience at the state level and less time as a federal legislator than Obama. His name was Abraham Lincoln. He achieved not just policy change but facilitated systemic change that echoes today.
Systemic change takes inspiration, rational faith, and timing. And the time is now for Barack Obama!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Seth77