I think he is pretty mainstream in his views just look at who he picked as his running mate. I don't get that there is anything much radical about him at all. He might have a few out there friends and aquaintances but really don't we all? and does that mean we subscribe to their views? But well now we will have the opportunity to find out. I think McCain's pick of Palin was too extreme and turned many that might have voted for him off.
also though he doesn't have a lot of experience he seems to work very hard to educate himself and as long as someone is willing to put in the work to learn what they need to there is reason for optimism. It isn't like the guy had it easy, coming from gobs of money and walking into any Ivy league school he wanted. He had to work he knows what it is to work. This is what I think made Clinton so successful he knew how to work hard. And that after the last 8 years is truly something to be relieved about.