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<span style="color: #333333;">Today, I witnessed another milestone in my life with the celebration of Barack Obama as our first African-American President. Not to give my age away, but I remember other "Presidential firsts" as well. (Think Nixon)  I thought about ignoring it altogether, but then I had to remember how Barack Obama cinched the deal:</span>

<span style="color: #333333;"><strong>A clear value proposition delivered with compelling passion and emotion and packaged with expert brand discipline.</strong></span>

<span style="color: #333333;">Barack's campaign was a brilliant example of brand building in the integrated media world we live in today. Anyone selling anything needs to study this guy's playbook. All of the attributes we now associate with this brand / person / President were grounded in simple iconography. Through every expression the promise of the brand made clear: hope. </span><span style="color: #333333;">There is always the equal or greater seed of opportunity found in every adversity. </span><span style="color: #333333;">And, in light of the challenges he steps into today, I know he has savored every moment of his success. As well he should and I, along with millions of other wish him more of it. To your (and ours) success Mr. President!
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