The possibility of Barack Obama winning in South Carolina can demonstrate the ability of his campaign to present hope in a time dominated by fear, regardless of his actual policy positions. Hope is the ability to desire joy which allows groups to be affected by emotion and able to act on that emotion. In a time where the representation of a people towards itself can shape the success of policy, this change from fear can be vital in setting up new political practices and the possibility of real progressive and independent candidates in the future.