John, I don't believe that Obama can be effectively marginalized by "Muslim/Madrassa/Osama" types of attacks. That message is just too far from reality to register with any voters other than those who would not, under any circumstances, vote for Obama, Clinton or Edwards.
He may be acutely aware of that threat, however, since he's protecting himself by talking moderately tough on terrorism and by parading his "Jesus" religion, in fact, parading it all too publicly for my taste.
With respect to my statement that, "another thing to consider is that the major Republican politicians have recently shown a less ideological bent and a stronger pragmatic approach to politics," I should have been clearer. I didn't mean to direct that comment at the Republican presidential candidates currently fighting for the critical vote of the conservative wing of the Republican Party.
I had in mind Republican politicians who are not facing inter-party fights for nominations but who are looking ahead to election battles against Democratic challengers. If the new found moderate, and at times anti-Bush, tones of those politicians is any guide, they see the need to ignore the partisan cries of the Limbaughs and Hannitys of the world and to turtle up so that they're more acceptable to those voters who are not among the true believers.
They're pros and I'd think their actions indicate a dawning comprehension that the good ole days of slinging mud may be finished.
I see signs that Romney, Huckabee, Juliani and McCain wanted to get a lot less "neocon" on their way to winning the nomination, especially Huckabee, but they can't break through to that position because they have to get past the 65% + of Republicans who still think Bush is doing a good job. (I think that's the number.)
Unfortunately for them, and probably fortunately for America, with the possible exception of Huckabee, the positions they are taking in the primary are dooming their chances in the general election.
Of course we may have another terrorist attack creating another round of fear and anger and lending new life to their "for us or agin us" mantra. I hope not. Ed |
