Even their own realize the problem with running a “Ooooh Obama is scary” campaign when your party’s brand is rotten.
Tom Davis, who chaired the NRCC for four years, said he doubts the effectiveness of the anti-Obama strategy because of the contrast between the consistently unpopular Bush and the likely Democratic nominee.
“When Bush tries to articulate a vision,” Davis said, pausing to choose his words carefully, “he will butcher the Gettysburg Address. Obama, he will make an A&P grocery list sing.”
I really can’t wait for the general election debates. McSame is in sooooooooooooooooo much trouble. Someone like McSame debating with a true orator is going to be a disaster.
“I really can’t wait for the general election debates. McSame is in sooooooooooooooooo much trouble. Someone like McSame debating with a true orator is going to be a disaster.”
And before each debate, watch the Ruthuglican machine start pushing exactly that idea. That McCain is waaaaay out classed and that he’s able to walk to the podium without tripping should be highly praised.
Something is truly wrong when a party wants to promote their candidate as the less capable. Something is truly wrong when the voters fall for this. Again.
I sincerely hope that Obama’s crew lets the Ruthugs do this, and then run with it. In prior elections it seemed the Dems either tried counter this lowering of expectations and claim Bush was actually pretty good in debates, or lower expectations for their guy as well.
Why struggle to get people to believe it is some kind of even contest. Instead, agree with the Rethugs. When they say McCain is a weak debater braodcast taht. Make it clear that the Rethugs are putting up a guy who, with tons of prep, can’t discuss the issues of the day well for 90 minutes. Why, then, should anyone seriously see him as capable of dealing with unexpected situations and tense moments?
I’m actually a little concerned about this, because I’m sure that the media is chomping at the bit to have another 2000-style discussion regarding how arrogant Obama is because he dares to be smarter and more coherent than McCain during the debates. I don’t think Obama will be so tone-deaf as to actually sigh and roll his eyes, the way that Gore did, but as you say, people will give McCain points as long as he doesn’t come across like James Stockdale.
That Obama guy is scary, isn’t he? Frighteningly articulate. If you know what I mean.
It’s really comforting to know that he only appeals to the college grads, so the working people, the hardworking Americans, the white Americans, won’t get led astray.
But seriously, folks, SpiderJ is right. The comfort here is that I’m pretty sure Obama is a more skilled actor than Gore, so he should be able to keep the natural reaction of any non-dolt under control.