Empty formulas for change

“The broad renunciation of the power of politics to shape social relations, and the readiness to abandon normative points of view in favour of adaptations to supposedly unavoidable systematic imperatives, now dominate the political arena of the Western world. Clinton or Blair, relying on empty formulas such as “It’s time for a change,” pitch themselves as efficient managers for the reorganization of failing business ventures. The truly programmatic that has been whittled down to “political change” corresponds, on the side of voters, either to informed abstinence or the thirst for “political charisma,” . . .” (PNC: 79-80).

I wonder how much of this applies to Barack Obama !!