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I recently attended a home appearance by Sen. Barak Obama in Exeter. It is exceedingly difficult to insulate oneself from all the media hype and expectations that often precede these appearances. From the moment I walked up to the house there was a buzz about Obama – truly more of a celebrity buzz than a political one.

That is both part of Obama’s appeal and one of the unwitting shortcoming of these types of events. They often are packed with passionate supporters, and the candidate often ends up preaching to the choir- answering few challenging questions. We sometimes need to remember these are politicians who will have enormous responsibilities if elected and need to be examined carefully, not be fawned over like Hollywood stars.

The home was a rather large one in Exeter and yet the downstairs was elbow to elbow.

When the Senator and his wife walked down from upstairs there was that kind of sustained roar that Sen. Clinton would kill to be able to inspire. This candidate DOES resonate with people. Some folks may think I am crazy but I do see a little bit of Ronald Reagan in Obama.

I see it in that both men entered a Presidential campaign during administrations that either were, or were perceived to be not up to the task (a nicer way of saying incompetent). Reagan cultivated that “morning in America” feeling, following the Iranian hostage crisis (including a botched rescue attempt), gas lines, a sluggish economy, and an over all “malaise” as President Carter referred to the mood in the country.

Like Reagan, Obama is persistent in his optimism.  He responds to those who call him naive, jokingly labeling himself as a hope monger.

I admit, this strikes a chord in me.  There is plenty of cynicism and division in the country, and maybe some questions as to whether or not Americans can unite and rally as one towards accomplishing anything.

Obama talked of changing all that – of uniting the country again as one – of bringing real change to how Washington works, how our foreign policy is conducted, and telling the truth to the American people. All of these are lofty goals. The cynic might say I’ve heard this before from practically every politician. And even if Obama really means these things, the audacity to think they are possible in this climate does sound well … naïve.

But if Obama lacks experience, he can cite the current administration’s touting of such seasoned experienced professionals as Cheney, Rumsfeld, Powell and others … say look at the results, and ask what is more important, experience in navigating the Washington machine, or a vision for something different and maybe better.

He asks the same question of experience vs. change and a fresh start in trying to distinguish himself from Sen. Clinton (who ironically has little more experience as a Senator than Obama. She apparently includes her time as First Lady as counting as political experience). When delivered by someone with the charisma of Obama, just the idea of a fresh start for the country sounds appealing even without many specific policy details.

However, Obama in this appearance does perpetuate a disturbing stereotype about Democrats. He is so intent on uniting the country and moving forward as one, the he seems to forget that while cynical, divisive and even dirty politics is not his style, it flat out wins.

Obama touted himself as being a product of the rough and tumble of Chicago political world and proving his ability to win there. Good point. However, I still question whether when politically punched in the nose (aka swiftboated) whether his response will be similar to John Kerry, “that was uncalled for, can’t we come together?” or will he be able to counter punch and deck the opposition.

Americans gravitate towards someone who sticks up for himself/herself and fights back. Before he can unite the country he will need to slay some Republicans along the way - and even some Democrats before then. Beyond that, does he really believe people who think like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter (nevermind Pat Robertson) will ever accept him as their President? That hope sounds more naïve than any of his potential policy statements during the campaign.

Having said all that I do see what the masses at this house party like about Obama. He presents ways in which he feels government CAN work for people, such as universal healthcare and public financing of elections, and he does it in a way that it almost seems plausible. He also does not accept PAC money, which is very appealing in a time when government action, inaction and spending is so closely tied to campaign contributions.

I don’t need to agree with all his views to believe that he just might be the kind of forward thinking optimistic President we could use right now - here, and projecting both American strength but also credibility and engagement on the world stage. Obama may lack experience in Sen. Clinton’s view, but after nearly 7 years experience ON the job, George Bush sure doesn’t seem to be any closer to figuring how to do it.

Maybe it’s about more than experience. Maybe there is something to this vision thing.