Dear Barack, You'll LOSE If You Don't Punch First

Dear Barack,

I know you're on vacation, so I'll keep this brief.

Last week, John McCain previewed his election strategy, otherwise known as slanderpalooza. The MSM did what they always do, which is to serve as a bullhorn for the lies, rather than an antidote. McCain's poll numbers went up.

Let me put this bluntly: you're going to lose this thing if you don't strike back with genuine moral outrage. You're going to get typecast. It's already happening. Every time you try to dignify slander by answering in that reasonable tone of voice it happens a little more.

I get that you're worried out about appearing "too angry," lest you rile up our nation of closet bigots. But just step back for a second: McCain has called you a traitor and a lightweight and a racial whiner. He's trying to turn this into a brawl, because that's his only chance. And you know what? The media is in the tank with him on this. They want a brawl, too. This is why they publicized the unconscionable smears against Gore and Kerry.

The reason those two guys lost is because they failed to accept the underlying dynamics of political coverage in this cruel and frantic age. They got mugged in broad daylight and reacted with careful statements and disgusted sighs. If John Kerry had simply turned to Dubya during a debate and called him a poor little rich boy coward who got his daddy to keep him of the war, he'd have crushed that little turd. But he didn't.

So you've got two choices here. You either punch the bully, or you get punched. If you're defending yourself, you're losing. You need to start releasing ads that show Americans McCain's own words and deeds.

And for God's sake debate the guy. Remember: you cream him on policy. So get on a stage with that doddering coot and force him to explain why he said we'd be out of Iraq in months, and why he wants to extend Bush's tax cuts for millionaires, and why he's lying to Americans about off-shore drilling bringing gas prices down. And ask him why Americans should trust him when he's beholden to big oil. And why they should trust him with economic issues given his involvement with the Keating Five. These are all parts of his political record, Barack. He should have to answer these questions. The media isn't going to make him. You have to. The voters will love it. They've been waiting years for Strong and Right to vanquish Strong and Wrong.

And if McCain slanders you in a debate (he will) don't act all cool and collected. Look him in the eye and tell him he's full of shit. Say it however you like, but say it like you mean it. If he starts whining - and conservatives always whine when they get smacked - call him a whiner.

It's a rotten thing to face, but there's no high road here. If you want to save this country from the misrule of venal operatives, you're going to have to allow moral outrage to be the source of your eloquence. I'm sorry to say it's not enough to be smart and compassionate. You're going to have to get tough to rescue us. So roll up your sleeves, Senator, and hit this guy hard, over and over, with the truth. It's your best and only chance.

Hoping you figure it out before the next idiot news cycle,

Steve

Comments

[telya]

I agree with many points made here and this is a good discussion.
I do think that Obama cannot just be in full strike force with a chip on his shoulder and act as badly as
all the republicans. But he does need to put down the really ridiculous remarks like the one about the
tire gauge and those idiots actually spending money on gauges to pass out and mock him with.
I am so fed up with mocking, childish republicans. They make me want to just shout what are you people thinking. I am so fed up with these bullies just beating down anyone that might even think about not supporting this ridiculious war. If George had more time, he'd be taking on Russia right now. He is not being held accountable for anything he has done.
But Michael is right about one thing, Democrats and Obama are fighting stupid. People believe in
"reality" tv and neon celebrities. Many think little beyond their own neighborhoods or who won American Idol. Do you think people even care anymore?
This mocking, childish behavior on the part of talk radio and some news anchors is just mud wrestling
and gutter thinking. Sad thing about it is that some ratings show that it's the mind set of a percentage of the country also.

[Patri]

I have to agree with Steve Almond. People are energized when an individual stands up to insults, smears, and lies with a "how dare you" response. Remember when Hillary started coming on strong toward the end of her campaign? She looked and sounded far stronger than she had for months earlier. I'm not talking about her "shame on you, Barack Obama". Rather, she started showing some anger and distaste for the media treatment of her and her policies--she was judged by her supporters as a fighter for them, a fighter for women and women's rights, etc., etc. Obama does need to show his strength--he needs to defend against the complete absence of decency from the McCain campaign. Just as a father defends his family, the country's possible "father" should defend himself and his prospective family. I believe that is what the voting public respond to. The way Obama defends himself is also the way he will defend us. I am not at all talking physical defense, rather a "how dare you say that about me or my family when you are the one who...." I think the people would love that and love Obama (and vote for him enthusiastically). I certainly would.

[bryansmith]

I think Obama is in danger of "misundere­stimating" the power of stupid. When he called them on their tire gauge crap, the media dropped teh ball yet again. The unfortunate truth is that Obama will have to beat McCain, the GOP, talk radio, local TV and the MSM. He has to beat his opponent AND the refs. And he has to beat stupid - the most pervasive and obstinent opponent of all.

I wish he would have agreed to the town hall meetings. He would have crushed him!!

[luvangelHussein330]

It isn't Obama place to fight back his own lazy a$$ed party members should be doing that for him. So far they' have been demanding support from him but they themselves can barly offer up anything at all. The only one out there fighting for Obama somewhat is Richardson. Hagel is to soft as is Kerry. Obama is out there by himself. And it isn't ood for a candidate to be out there on attack more or playing defense all of the time. If you notice the GOP ex campaign party members are out there irregardeless of weather or not they like McCain or not you will see them on the talking head shows staunchley supporting Obama.

[ohiodem250]

Richardson? Richardson?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[DrCahill]

The author KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT! And well done for saying it all so eloquently!
The race for the Presidency ain't no walk in the park - not even when you are competing against old and lost bearings McCain!

[barackobama4prez]

The author doesn't know what he's talking about. NO ONE KNOWS WHO WILL WIN OR LOSE. It's all predictions and theories. Unless he's got a crystal ball, he needs to chill out and let B a r a c k do his thing.

[JimR]

Everybody take a deep breath and relax.

When Obama comes back from vacation, I bet he launches a new strategy that holds McCain accountable and counteracts the negative ads, something that's been part of the plan all along. He's just timing it right, that's all. Right now, most people are watching the Olympics, or taking a summer vacation. The real campaign is going to start near convention time.

[bryansmith]

And don't forget that polls show America is tired of hearing about the election, and especially Obama. I think it is smart to get out of the limelight for a minute, circulate rumors about VP choices, then come out swinging next week.

[DrSpecter]

I agree whole-heartedly with the general premise of this, but I disagree on one thing. There is a high road in a negative campaign, and that's the truth.

McCain has become a hack who has reversed himself many, many time on video tape, and in the Senate. He has sold his soul to the neo-cons, and the proof is there. An accurate picture of John McCain is an extremely negative one. If you get these ads out before the first debate, he will get flustered and make even more mistakes than usual.

Look at what the Republicans were saying about him in the primary. He has a million weaknesses, go after them. Be consistent, stick to your guns, stick to policy, and tell the truth. But hit HARD!

[bryansmith]

Exactly

[Riker]

I hope someone gets this message to Obama. If not, he'll join Gore, Kerry and other spineless Democrats who didn't get elected because of not standing up for what is right. Don't assume America honors thoughtfulness and nuance in a campaign.

[bryansmith]

nope, the honor stupid.

I loved it when Obama called them on the tire gauge crap. "It's like they take pride in being ignorant!" Loved it! We could use a little more righteous indignation.

[Michale32086]

So, what ya'all are saying is that Obama needs to campaign like a Republican to win...

What does that say about Democrats if they have to act like Republicans to win??

Keep in mind.. Obama bested the BIGGEST and BADDEST political juggernaut in history. And he did so by acquiring and holding the moral high ground..

The one or two times that Obama ventured down into the mud with Clinton, he got pulverized. Obama doesn't do mud very well..

Doing what you suggest will all but guarantee that we will have President McCain in Jan of 2009.

Michale.....

[timm0]

If you can't comprehend the difference between honest debate and publicly holding people accountable for their actions and judgment - and lying, smearing, and fear mongering, then you need help.

[Michale32086]

}}}}}}}}}}
honest debate and publicly holding people accountable for their actions and judgment
{{{{{{{{{

Oh yes.. Because the Hysterical Left is ALWAYS best known for THAT ^^^^^, right?? :^/

Face it.. The hysterical Left wants Obama to get into the mud and slug it out with McCain to satisfy THEIR desire to pummel and destroy...

"Ask yourself, why do you seek the grail? Is it for his glory? Or for yours?"
-Kazim, INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE

Why do you want Obama to attack and go negative on McCain? Is it for HIM?? Or for you??

The simple fact is, Obama beat Clinton by maintaining the moral high ground...

He will do the same to McCain, if the Hysterical Left lets him...

Michale.....

[telya]

I guess Obama has more faith in us as a nation than we here in these comments have.
I respect him for that but agree with you that he has to stand up hard in the face of the Republican machine name calling. I have no idea who the 23% that continue to believe in Bush and Cheney are and what makes them continue to believe but someone should ask them if there is a sun on their planet.
I watch the Leno's and other comedians joke about what is going on and I cannot believe that anyone could actually think anything about our political situation is funny in any way. Bush changed everything and we are jokes in the eyes of the world now.
But wait to decide. Angelina Jolie hasn't decided so I guess we shouldn't either.
This time the vote has to be taken seriously. I suggest to you that when some idiot news anchor comes up with a stupid story about
whether Obama's not wearing a lapel flag means anything that you turn them off and call the station.
Ask them to report the issues of this election. Stand up.
We need to take a "I'm mad as hell and not going to listen to this drivel anymore" attitude.
Let me hear you say it. I'm mad as hell and not going to listen to this drivel anymore!"
In the 60's we'd have called it a movement.
No one has the passion anymore. Or do we?

[YouDisgustMe]

i think MoveOn should do the dirty work (they've been a HUGE disappointment so far)...i know it's been said before but barack really can't afford to go negative

[bygollymissmolly]

Obama asked Moveon and other entities like them to back off and not run ads. They are respecting his wishes.

[YouDisgustMe]

that explains things....he shouldn't have

[luvangelHussein330]

He didn't want moveon.org to run any negative ad's because he and McKeatingFive had an agreement. per usual the GOP didn't stick to it...

[timm0]

He's finally starting to put together some hits. I'll be happy to see them start getting on the air.

I'll also enjoy seeing some quality stuff from the 527s.

[Scott5000]

"And for God's sake debate the guy....and why he wants to extend Bush's tax cuts for millionaires,..."

You're right! Barack has nothing to lose, even now. After vacation, Barack must fight tough in a debate so the MSM cannot take comments out of context, etc. If by October we are still blogging about this, Obama will lose. Your comment about taxes is a prime example: Every chance McCain gets he mentions Obama will raise YOUR taxes, and low information voters believe him. Most likely everyone in the room McCain says this to makes less than $200,000 so their taxes will not be raised under an Obama administration. But if the low-information, middle class voters believe McCain's repeated lies on taxes, Barack will lose big time.

Perhaps take a different approach by running a bold ad which lays it out--Have-More Republicans and corporations such as Exxon do everything to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. So the very wealthy Republicans and McCain are not looking out for "Country First" but rather they are committing an act of treason because they refuse to support the country they profess to love--such as tax dollars to rebuild the infrastructure, etc. After all, it was American laws and institutions which allowed these Republican tax dodgers to become successful. And ironically, it was the middle and lower classes who purchased their products.

[Whinger]

Yeah Barrack, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!

Remember, nice guys come last.