From the view of an independent American living abroad, the strategies of the USA presidential candidates couldn't be more different.
John McCain is a war hero, veteran of Washington and considers himself a Maverick. He seems willing to do (including distorted ads) whatever it takes to win. Barack Obama wants to bring "Change" to Washington, talks (not specifically) about the issues and prides himself on running a clean campaign. He does not seem willing to do whatever it takes to win which is evident by him NOT reacting angrily to McCain distortions. Obama and the Democrats run their share of distorted ads but don't do it as much and lack the biting tone and cleverness of the Republicans thus never resonating with the public as strongly.
Since McCain picked his VP, Sarah Palin, things have become a lot more interesting primarily because she has captivated America and the Obama SIZZLE has turned into the Obama drizzle. Even if McCain loses in November, you have to give him credit for running (at least so far), a focused and strategic campaign.
Here are a few reasons why:
--The "celebrity Paris Hilton" comparison ad was effective.
--Knocking Obama on his lack of experience has been effective.
--The recent "sex education" ad to kindergartners by the McCain camp is unsavory but it will change the minds of some voters. Again, effective.
--Most importantly, McCain's brilliant pick for VP, Sarah Palin, took his campaign from dull to sexy in an instant!. Whether you think she is qualified or appealing is irrelevant because people like her. Women seem to really like her. That is exactly what McCain was hoping for when he chose her. Palin has energized his campaign and taken headlines from Obama as the new FRESH FACE.
The 2 paragraphs below come from a Palin article written by Michael Goodwin of New York's Daily News:
It's very possible Palin will yet destruct by making some killer gaffe that shows she's not up to the job. Or maybe ABC will come up with a video of her talking in tongues or beating her children or something else that will make her an overnight disaster.
But just in case Santa Claus doesn't hand them the election, the Obama-bots ought to stop feeling sorry for themselves and start feeling the pain and hopes of ordinary Americans. Maybe then they'd understand the remarkable appeal of Sarah Palin. (full article can be found by clicking on link below)
http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2008/09/10/2008-09-10_democrats_just_dont_get_it_as_sarah_pali.html
I find myself reading and watching more McCain coverage and Palin is a big reason why. Sizzle in any form has always intrigued me and she has shown it to the world via extensive media coverage! I had some knowledge of her before she became famous as I read stories about her toughness and willingness to fight corruption in Alaska. At the time, I remember thinking this was a very unique woman.
Palin is a family woman who has a son in Iraq. She is pro-gun, anti-abortion and played basketball growing up. Plus she is good looking! She has many characteristics that appeal to the average American. Any talk of McCain being boring has been put to rest with this decision.
The McCain campaign's distorted advertising tactics and sound bites are working. He is doing what he has to do to win. In presidential politics, that fighting spirit is a must. Obama's campaign needs to dig deep for that spirit and at a minimum battle ferociously in their ads.
An American living in Sweden who supports Obama wrote this to me recently:
George: Exactly, that's what I've been saying. Dems have done that "be above the fray" crap for years and they are handed oven baked Ls (losses) every single time then complain they aren't in the White House. Like Bill Clinton said "this is a full contact sport" so you can either roll around on the ground, like soccer players, or hit hard.
Obama would be wise to heed Bill Clinton's advice.
Another American friend (living in NYC and Republican supporter) wrote these words:
McCain is running a very good campaign. He has been calling the shots all along and the Palin pick could turn our to be a genius move. I think Biden was an average choice and Barck should have had the guts to pick Hillary. He has to show that he can take these shots and still come back. It's a very interesting race.....
Unlike my friend, many thought Biden was a good pick before Palin burst onto the scene.
In 2000, Gore underestimated Bush. Who can ever forget the way he smirked condescendingly at Bush during one debate as if he were a professor listening to a hopeless student? Democrats lost.
Kerry was destroyed by the "Swift Boat" ad in 2004 and never responded strongly. A war hero made to look silly by effective yet distorted ads. Where was the soldier in Kerry when he needed to fight back? Democrats lost.
The Obama camp was caught off guard by Palin. His campaign manager upon first hearing of the pick immediately downplayed her accomplishments but then Obama gave her praise. That was thier first strategic blunder.
Arriana Huffington (an Obama supporter and popular blogger), wrote the following:
As a leader fighting for fundamental change in this country, Obama has to be willing to show us that kind of righteous anger. I don't know about you, but when I think about what George Bush has done to this country -- and what John McCain wants to keep doing -- I consider outrage the only rational and legitimate response. So why don't we see this outrage from Obama?
To fully become the transformational leader we need, Obama must demonstrate to the American people his capacity for indignation -- for the kind of ferocious passion that fueled King and Nelson Mandela. He has to fight fire with fire, and wield anger in the service of what right, true, and good. The fierce urgency of now demands nothing less. (The full article can be found on the link below.)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arianna-huffington/enough-why-obama-should-r_b_125519.html
Obama should take control of HIS campaign and develop a fierce mentality because the best tactics of the McCain camp have yet to be seen. I have heard talk of an "October surprise". The Democrats and Obama should be ready for it in the same way they were unprepared for the Palin pick.
Obama needs to focus on McCain not Palin as she is not running for President. His silly "lipstick" comment forced him to explain what he meant after the media made it a big story. Instead of focusing on issues, he once again was put on the defensive and had to respond to what the McCain camp called a slight on Sarah Palin.
Obama can never forget the brilliant yet "down in the gutter", Willie Horten ad that the Sr. Bush campaign ran in 1988 that essentially crushed Michael Dukakis. Like Gore and Kerry, Dukakis tried to run a clean campaign and let a 17 point August lead evaporate and was soundly defeated.
Even though Hillary Clinton lost the Democratic nomination, her team was STRONG in their consistent pounding of Obama. Bill Clinton was especially tough on him and had a dirty tone when speaking of Obama on more than one occasion. The Clinton's have always battled effectively when negatively portrayed or someone was getting better headlines. Bill Clinton would have never won the presidency if he didn't respond FORCEFULLY to the smears and negative attacks.
Sadly, that is what one must do in general elections. I don't like it and wish all candidates would steer clear of the dirt but if you want to WIN in politics, you must fight in the same way you are being fought against.
If Obama loses, it will be because of his unwillingness to do "whatever it takes to win". McCain has already shown he is capable of going after the White House with a vengeance. I understand and applaud Obama for wanting to take the high road but in these times that bumpy road could lead to defeat.
Obama needs to get angry, fight back and put on the boxing gloves. McCain has been wearing his gloves for months!
Unfortunately for Obama, issues will not decide the next President of the United States, campaign strategy will. Team McCain is winning in that department. Obama is beginning to understand what he needs to do but it may be too little too late.
Most fights are uninteresting unless they are evenly matched. Many people I know want to see a fair fight. I hope we get the chance.
Control your Agenda (CYA) Team Obama or someone else will continue to.
Happy Gswede Sunday!
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