Not a Big Truck

It is increasingly becoming clear that the McCain campaign, knowing that if this election is going to be about the issues or John McCain, then Republicans are in trouble, has decided to throw out any and every charge possible at Obama no matter how false or how negative.  Some of the charges may stick (Obama is an elitist) others may not (Obama is a Muslim). 

The constant attacks seem to keep the attention on Obama.  McCain, even when shown to be outright lying, manages to get the “oh, he is war hero and is honorable” treatment and would never intentionally lie, but is being forced into going negative because of his underdog status.

I think Obama will win this election, but it may be closer than it should be, simply because McCain gets a free pass on his tactics.  The POW shield and his underdog status provide him with a lot of flexibility in his campaigning.

Just wanted to share a couple ads from the Obama campaign.  Solid and tough.  The ad about housing seems to be somewhat opposed to the Obama politics, but I think it is fair in light of the fact that McCain has been trying to paint Obama as out of touch. It is a nice counter.

 Also, as an aside, I am beginning to wonder whether the sort of post-Rovian politics that Obama seems to represent can actually succeed in a general election.  In the primary it can work, because those that are voting are generally well-informed or, at the very least, pay attention.  In the general election, the battle is over anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of the electorate that doesn’t pay attention to current events or politics until after the conventions (if even then).  But, this 5-10 percent of the electorate, the “undecided voter” may not have the opportunity or the inclination to fully immerse themselves in the information and the issues at hand, which means quick soundbites and tough, stereotyping ads carry a lot of weight with those who may only superficially follow current events or politics. Such negative tactics may be necessary in a nation where the 5-10% of the electorate that determines the outcome of the election is simply not well-informed.

It’s sad, but maybe Rovian politics isn’t a result of Rove/Atwater, but a reality produced by underlying realities in our democracy.