Meandering Thoughts on Patriotism
Today Senator Obama released his first general election campaign commercial, which is focused largely on his personal narrative and themes of pride in family and country. The ad is running nationwide, including our most conservative states. Although I was once a spirited critic of the 50 state strategy, I think the Dean plan is working. We’re forcing the GOP to spend money defensively when they’ll have a harder time raising it than we will.
It’s easy to forget how dynamic our states really are in presidential elections. Think blue is always blue or red is always red? Do a little exploring in the pre-1992 races at 270 to Win.
Obama’s embrace of the 50 state strategy should benefit many red-to-blue House races, and facilitate up to 6 pickups in the Senate. More than that, he’s challenging him to be the candidate most associated with patriotism. The best defense is a ferocious offense.
Despite the strength of McCain’s personal story and his service, Obama can win a battle talking about Patriotism because he is a much more effective communicator, and frankly, because of the stunningly brilliant David Axelrod’s superior packaging of his message.
Michelle also seems to be winning her own patriotism battle, but several remain in her war. She reportedly did well on The View (if I watched it, I wouldn’t tell you savage critics), and she’s shown disarming humility and grace. I was surprised Laura Bush spoke out for Michelle Obama, a move the notoriously vindictive Cindy McCain likely didn’t take very well. There are rumors of bad blood between Laura Bush and Cindy McCain, which makes sense given the brutality of Bush v. McCain in 2000. Today Cindy McCain flew off to Vietnam to do charity work for her organization that helps children with deformities smile. Can anyone think of a first lady’s charity that is better politics then helping little deformed children smile? (Note: I’m trying to be less vindictive, negative and reactionary, which is why I wont speculate on how many children have been deformed by fetal alcohol syndrome or drunk driving wrecks facilitated by her beer distributorship)
Finally, speaking of patriotism, this is the most patriotic goddamn thing I’ve ever seen:
Comment by tet on 20 June 2008 at 4:49 pm:
You know, I’m not anywhere as interested in the patriotism question as I am in this.
I thought the public funding of elections was put into place to reduce the power of special interests to buy the Presidency.
I mean, Obama did say in November of 2007 that he would be using public funds (check page 3 of the document) if he was running for President. If he changes his mind on something like this due to expediency, how can I trust him not to do it next time because “the ends justifies the means”?
Tom Trumpinski
Comment by kofi the did tom not get his talking points - stay on message, man! on 20 June 2008 at 6:51 pm:
Because Obama will bring us hope and change, Tom. Change and hope. He cares about you. He will do whatever it takes to care about you and bring you hope and change. Even if it means skirting some silly previously held position. There are bigger things at play here than dignity or integrity. We need to stop Bushs third term. We need hope and change.