It's so easy to play the cynicism card that everything is pandering to mob rule, but if you listen closely many of Obama's major speeches lay out his governing philosophy. I'm a bit too lazy to dig up exact quotes, but his "you didn't build that" speech is a good example. Also parts of his victory speech just last night, and his DNC acceptance speech. It's actually kind of funny that you say he never lays out his governing philosophy, because one of his biggest criticism was that his speeches are too high level and never delve into specifics. Just goes to show that people will rationalize whatever position they already believe.