first of all, there were some who rationally examined his proffered policy prescriptions
the larger impression one comes away with, however, is an exuberant crowd seizing upon a messiah figure who will sweep in and solve every problem
best shorthand description I'm aware of is:
Analyzing crowd psychology is much simpler than an individual analysis. Scientific researches show that common behaviors in groups are much alike and are the most basic survival needs. First come the basic existence needs, and than all other needs. For example, President Clinton's administration needed a boost in the economy back in the nineties. For that, the administration gave a green light to a several tax relief measures and eased lending rules, which unleashed the real-estate bubble and the subprime fiction. President Clintons administration ended with a surplus that led to several future tax deductions. This bubble exploded in President Bushs administration, and along with a costly war led to a deep budget deficit and deteriorating economy. The past two Presidents have made mistakes that will change the face of history in the economy and its perceptions. At that time, US citizens and from all over the world suffered from a low morale, a consequence of very bad economy conditions and worst to come. All those events led the crowds in United States and all over the world to their deepest anxiety concerning the unknown dark future.
On these grounds, President Barack Obama's campaign strategy was to use the basic existential needs of the common people. Accompanied by impressive rhetorical abilities, and that the mind tends to an idealization of reality they built a mutual dream for better future, although vague future. President Barack Obama used these existential needs for his campaign strategy. In fact, the campaign was so successful that people from all over the world looked up to him as the ultimate savior. In every country he visited all over the world, hundreds of thousands of people came to hear his orations. The general feeling was almost religious. With slogans like "Yes We Can", President Barack Obama managed to sweep away the crowds into action and vote for him.
Crowd Behavior
in a previous post I cited:
Obama and the Politics of Crowds
The masses greeting the candidate on the trail are a sign of great unease.
Obama and the Politics of Crowds - WSJ.com
in that article, the author cites Crowds and Power (1960)
in that book, the crowd dynamic is more fully explored. among the aspects described is the surge to the goal of the crowd, and the abandonment of distinctions and caution.
it also describes the "besieged" mentality, and the array of defensive emotions and actions, that are reflected in the intolerance displayed by the Obama crowd to opposing propositions -- inter alia, the Obama Truth Squads, ready and willing to stifle any and all speech that would reveal the Emperor has no clothes
by the aesthetics, I mean the affective component observed
the crowds were in a frenzy to show their disapproval and hate of the previous administration, and imputed to the other candidate the same positions, investing that party and candidate with all responsibility for their complaints
the election of Obama was the overturning of the previous regime
in fact, nothing really changed to any significant degree, because the structures each has to work within are still there, and, of course, were foreseeably there
still, Obama would wave his magic wand, and change everything
more reminiscent, indeed, of a third world polity
