About Barack Obama
At a philosophical level, I can see the logic of your analysis and it appears sound.
But at a pragmatic, rubber hitting the road where you have a bona fide conversation with a "conservative" instead of a series of poll questions, I think the situation takes on a different hue. The media keeps burning the fire of superficial and dishonest "left vs. right war." But that's not the real world... only the extremists on the neocon side buy into that perception.
What people are looking for is someone to trust to do the right thing. People will vote for someone whose platform conflicts with half of their preferences if they feel that person is good, strong, and empathetic. I think you have to be associated with at least 2 of those characteristics to win any election.
Kerry lost because he was painted as weak and bad - and he proved the former by not fighting back against the rovian and swift boat nonsense. boosh won because he seemed good (just say "Jesus" enough times, and that's all some people need) and strong, even though he had no empathy. Clinton won because he had empathy and was strong.
Part of being perceived as "strong," is to stick to your beliefs. If Obama "tracks to the center" (which I don't think he's done as much as a few people on the fringes of both parties seem to feel.... the media has tried to frame it as such), it will make him appear weak. It is a much better strategy to stick with a plan that is 'too progressive' or 'too liberal' than it is to start off with a progressive plan and then cave on it. mccain's stupid flip-flop accusations can be easily rebutted in a way that makes mccain look both bad and weak. All Obama needs to do is take principled stands and rebut mccain's vacuous stupidity (policy and antics) and he can win in a landslide.
On the other hand, stepping away from his committed positions can kill him.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost
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