Posted:
#1
Again, apologies as this thread rightfully belongs in the Politics forum, but it is posted here by necessity and through no fault of my own. Some of the political regulars do peruse the PB from time to time. If they do so today, they will be amply rewarded with yet another of Matador's lucid and perspicacious bolts of wisdom.
First of all, I'd like to express my admiration for the McCain campaign's shrewdness both in the genius of the selection, and in the particulars of the build up. They certainly figure to attain their objective of squelching Obama's bounce, which could have gotten out of control by Monday without effective counter programming. The timing and staging are spot on, and while there may be long term issues with the Palin selection, a Pawlenty selection would have been met with a collective yawn at a crisis point when a strong pushback is desperately needed.
At any rate, here are three basic strategies:
1. Stress Palin's staunch conservatism. "Staunch" is the key buzzword here; it carries very strong negative connotations.
2. Ethics. Palin faces investigation in her own state. Without expressing a judgment about actual guilt or innocence, connect her with Ted Stevens, and extend the connection to Republican corruption in general, particularly financial scandals involving other staunch Republicans, like Tom Delay for instance.
3. Contrast her with Hillary Clinton. Paint her as an obvious political choice cynically aimed at stripping away Hillary voters. This is an angle to attack her inexperience indirectly. The inexperience angle needs to be finessed since of course Obama faces a similar challenge in regard to how he is perceived, but taking the "I know Hillary Clinton, and Governor, you're no Hillary Clinton" tact is an end run around the problem.
There is more, but this is a just a discussion starter.
Interestingly, just as I finish up typing, I am watching MSNBC and Rep. Wasserman Schultz is making exactly these arguments (number two and three at least). She even used the exact words: "You're no Hillary Clinton." So the campaign agrees with me. Sounds like they're on the ball and in good hands.......
First of all, I'd like to express my admiration for the McCain campaign's shrewdness both in the genius of the selection, and in the particulars of the build up. They certainly figure to attain their objective of squelching Obama's bounce, which could have gotten out of control by Monday without effective counter programming. The timing and staging are spot on, and while there may be long term issues with the Palin selection, a Pawlenty selection would have been met with a collective yawn at a crisis point when a strong pushback is desperately needed.
At any rate, here are three basic strategies:
1. Stress Palin's staunch conservatism. "Staunch" is the key buzzword here; it carries very strong negative connotations.
2. Ethics. Palin faces investigation in her own state. Without expressing a judgment about actual guilt or innocence, connect her with Ted Stevens, and extend the connection to Republican corruption in general, particularly financial scandals involving other staunch Republicans, like Tom Delay for instance.
3. Contrast her with Hillary Clinton. Paint her as an obvious political choice cynically aimed at stripping away Hillary voters. This is an angle to attack her inexperience indirectly. The inexperience angle needs to be finessed since of course Obama faces a similar challenge in regard to how he is perceived, but taking the "I know Hillary Clinton, and Governor, you're no Hillary Clinton" tact is an end run around the problem.
There is more, but this is a just a discussion starter.
Interestingly, just as I finish up typing, I am watching MSNBC and Rep. Wasserman Schultz is making exactly these arguments (number two and three at least). She even used the exact words: "You're no Hillary Clinton." So the campaign agrees with me. Sounds like they're on the ball and in good hands.......
0
This inmate is innocent
I don't have to look up the meaning of many words but I had to look up this one.
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