The New York Times says President Obama's re-election team is debating the best way to win the all important independent vote. I hope they'll bear in mind that "independent" doesn't mean "generic" and "bipartisan" doesn't mean "bland."
I believe the president has been right to pursue bipartisan solutions, and that no one should be surprised that he has. This is the man who vaulted to national prominence with his call for, not a red America or a blue America, but a United States of America.
But that doesn't mean he was elected by people who need everything served not-too-hot, not-too-cold, but just-right. Just as the "average person" does not exist -- being only a composite of millions of quirky individuals -- neither does the idealized, centrist independent voter. Independents are independent for all sorts of reasons, including, we should not forget, that many just don't think much about their politics.
There is no "independent policy" that will win the independent vote. When it comes to governing, the president can continue to focus on making choices he believes will yield the most progress for the country. But talking too much about how carefully moderate it all is could, ironically, lose the independent vote.
That's because independents, like all voters, don't vote for policies. They vote for a leader. And leaders don't talk in terms of policies, they tell stories about destiny.
The choice of a leader is an emotional one, based on character and stories. There's a lot of research on this, but if you doubt it, look at what Republicans have done to the nation's economy, and consider how many people believe that it's President Obama's fault.
Obama's breakthrough "United States of America" speech wasn't a policy briefing, it was a powerful story of patriotic unity, delivered by someone who projected great strength of character. Obama continued that way in his presidential campaign, which was a call to the quest for "a more perfect union."
Meanwhile Republicans were descending into a hyper-partisan disregard for that union. They have done it great damage. But they have at least handed the Obama re-election campaign a great gift: the gift of a righteous battle.
President Obama can fight this battle with passion, and he can do it by being true to his principles. He won't need to get anywhere near the vicious partisanship he clearly detests -- in fact, just the opposite.
Obama is in the enviable position of fighting as the champion of his nation's highest values, the values that both unite us and protect our freedom. He can win by being bipartisan and bold. The path Obama followed to the presidency is also the path to his re-election.
Follow Spencer Critchley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/scritchley
Don't hit panic button on Obama's reelection — yet
President Obama's re-election economic policy
DNC chief says Obama's reelection in 'remarkably good shape'
CNN/ORC Poll: Dem support for Obama's re-election fades
In campaign mode, Obama starts Midwest bus tour
Obama Begins Three-Day Bus Tour to Jump-Start Reelection Campaign
 |
 |
|
| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Electoral Votes (270 to win) |
332 | 206 |
| Obama | Romney | |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 65,899,660 | 60,932,152 |
| Percent | 51.1% | 47.2% |
| Democrats* | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Senate | 53 | 47 |
| Seats gained or lost | +2 | -2 |
| New Total | 55 | 45 |
| Democrats | Republicans | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats won | 201 | 234 |
The one BIG difference is that now we have had years of the Obama experience and we understand that he is too concerned with being a centrist and he does not know how to negotiate on behalf of the American people.
Obama's biggest asset is the G-NO-P's inability to find a moderate candidate to win the support of independents!
The author suggests that Obama can win by acting BOLD. Well, we are waiting!
Support Fairness and the Common Good in Government. Follow One Man Roaring on Twitter: http://twitter.com/omroaring
This man has polarized the US to a point I've never seen........to call for the unification of a country and then out of the other side of your mouth slamming those who don't agree with you....most folks don't believe it anymore Mr. Prez...................................
Remember, for the first 9 months in 2009; the media and conservatives complained that Obama did too little. Now, they say he has done to much. Hopefully, Obama will be able to make this work in his favor.
Since when does tenth rate performance suffice?
Obama is Professor material not Presidential. Comng up on three years of trying to see a little light through His methods. Perhaps this campaign will show him he has left the Left stranded too often?
Obama does not have the competitive aggression to win political fights. These are fights about opposing realities. Oil and water only mixes when forced even then it is for a short time. How long ago did the US begin Social Security and the Repubs will accept it. It is not in their DNA, SERIOUSLY ! !
But harder to read stuff................IMHO
http://cafewitteveen.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/maddow-offers-a-short-list-of-obamas-accomplishments-so-far/
Many of the positions of the Repub candidates. Tax breaks do not create jobs - DEMAND creates jobs.
How can anyone not understand that the constant circulation of money is what raises everyone's standard of living. Designing a jobs program that repairs our country's infrastructure will put people to work, AND, put money in the hands of those who will spend it.
Investing (or not) in our educational system will directly affect the future of our country.
It is ridiculous to attempt to swing responsibility for the recent debt debate on the Pres. when obstructions were constantly placed in the debate.
This reminds me of how everyone in Congress walked lock-step behind Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld into the cause of this fiasco we find ourselves in. I fault Dems for not having more fight against them.
You may not like Obama, but the alternative is just downright scary for the majority of the country. (Those making less than $250,000). Everyone better realize that being black or white makes no difference -- How GREEN $$$ you are is what will make the difference.
Who thinks EVOLUTION ever STOPPED? At the extremes, like now, this R-Species is obvious but they are also blended into mixes of US at the middle? Then there are D-Species following ethics of, "all for one and one for all". We blend into the middle too i.e. like sleeping with the enemy? LOL ...............check species PassPort first?
Standing here on the left looking at R-Species praising their religious/political or political/religious chameleons could make a Fear Monger rich, LOL p.s. faved & fav'd
What Obama needs to do is to take the gloves off, and let the American know just how un-American Republicans have proven themselves to be, and how their policies hurt middle Americans and enrich the already wealthy.