Both the front runners in the 2008 U.S. presidential race, Obama and McCain, are those who have exhibited more willingness to reach out to those “on the other side.” I believe what we’re seeing is a shift in how we choose leaders, and how we will choose them in the future. In the past, we’ve often viewed great leaders as those who do not change their positions and do not become too friendly with the enemy or the other side.

My mother is a huge Hillary Clinton fan. When she looks at Hillary, she sees a woman who has courageously faced a largely male-dominated world, and taken a stand again and again and again to serve people and make this world a better place. Yet, what the greatest criticism people have about Hillary is the way she has made enemies in how she has fought for change. It’s not unlike the criticism that people have of George W. Bush, who may be perceived by many as more friendly, but who’s hard-line, positionary style of leadership after 9/11 has alienated many at home and abroad. Bill Clinton is now speaking out, defending his wife’s way of fighting for change, and saying his and his wife’s legacy is being ignored by Obama. What he may not see is the cultural shift driving support for Obama. It’s a shift in values that I believe is largely being influenced by the Internet and the values of the Internet.

On the plane home from Hawaii last week, I read New York