Sometimes things need to get worse before they can get better. In 2004, G.W. Bush eked out a victory because it was not yet obvious to enough Americans how damaging and unproductive his presidency was. It took Hurricane Katrina to open people's eyes.

Bush's victory in 2004 and Obama's victory in 2008 could not be more different. Bush ran on a platform of fear, hate and negativity. Fear of external enemies, terrorists. Hate of gays, liberals, anyone different. The strategy was to tear down the opponent. In 2004, this worked - just.

In 2008, the situation was different. Terrorism was no longer an issue; of course - if there are no attacks, people tend to forget, and if there were attacks, it would mean the government failed at its job. Economic uncertainty was a huge concern instead, and spreading more fear against that clearly wasn't going to win Republicans the election.

More importantly, Obama ran a different kind of campaign. His message was hope, not fear. He skilfully chose between pushing back aggressively on some attacks, and not dignifying others with a response. Obama's 30-minute infomercial was notable for completely ignoring McCain. While McCain came across as negative, vicious, and desperately erratic, Obama was calm, deliberate, in control. When he had to, Obama made tough choices - disavowing Rev. Wright or reneging on the public financing pledge. Most importantly, Obama was a strategist with a long term view, while McCain was not even an adequate tactician.

The message of hope and change resonated with many first-time voters, young or older. Young people are too idealistic and unspoiled to respond to a message of fear; they can't have lived through decades of pain and resentment. And Obama found great support against minorities, as the GOP is rapidly becoming the party of white men with poor education (there's a hint Barack - a good education system produces fewer Republicans).

Obama has shown that it's possible to win by running a largely positive campaign. McCain was too busy throwing mud to notice that it was only himself who ended up being dirty.

I am enormously happy that Obama won, but I'm also encouraged by the way he won. Instead of an either you're with us or you're against us mindset, he ran an inclusive campaign, embracing Republicans instead of driving them away. This should give him a much more solid foundation to govern from than Bush ever had.

There are interesting times ahead. But somehow with Barack Obama in charge, nothing seems unsurmountable (just look at all the obstacles he has overcome). For now at least.

Discuss.