I think that's right. The question is: what is the source of the excitement and motivation? Is it something Obama has said or done? If not, what is the value of the "impression"?
To a certain degree this is simply a chicken or egg question... I think perhaps the most interesting thing to note is that Obama himself tries to answer this question at almost every outing, most notably in NH.
I suppose for it to be chicken or egg, there would at least have to be something that Obama supporters could point to that he has said or done that provides the basis of their excitement.
How does Obama try to answer this question?
I forget how far through the video he discusses "hype" but you can see it here:
http://www.barackobama.com/media/new_ham pshire_celebration/
Thanks for the link.
