We can't afford Republican administration. The fundamental structure
of our government (checks and balances) is sound, in spite of the
Bush/Yoo executive power grab, but that's beside the point. As a
world geopolitical force, we are in a downward spiral.
What to do about the excessive preaching to the choir in this country?
My friends aren't cheering searing tirades against Obama by
right-wing talk radio hosts, and fans of such shows aren't reading
this post.
Rousing Obama speeches will not bridge the gap. Make no mistake,
Obama is behind. The "tie" reflected in the polls hides the racism
effect - some percentage of respondents are lying. How can Obama
catch up?
Charismatic oratory goes a long way, and Obama should outperform
McCain in debates. But that's not enough. Obama needs to use the
tactics of the Republican party - stop talking about complex solutions
to particular issues (even issues that Republicans care about), and
instead focus like a laser on values that every American (regardless
of race or religion) supports.
When Obama gets into specifics, a certain crucial percentage of this
country will either (a) not understand him, (b) distrust him, (c)
forget his message because it can't be as easily repeated and echoed
(virally) through the community. Republicans might be right or wrong
about promised tactical solutions to foreign policy, taxes, rights,
etc, but when November rolls around and people are standing at the
voting polls, some of the overarching ideals that McCain repeats over
and over WILL have stuck and WILL affect the outcome.
Obama can appeal to values that people relate to instinctively -
metaphors related to family, country, religion, etc... He addressed
this in his books and he needs to apply it to his campaign. ("Change"
is not a value, by the way.) Elitism is becoming a politically
correct synonym for intellectualism, and people who are afraid of
war/God/etc do not necessarily want to think rationally.
You won't force them to by calmly reasoning your way to the right candidate.
I've seen people cheering the Obama campaign member video
explanations, line by line, of the falsity of various McCain ads. Any
benefit from such tactics is totally offset by tv interviews where,
for example, Obama waxes philosophical about strategies for dealing
with terrorism/Iraq and McCain just says quickly that he is going to
win.
With far less effort, McCain garners more votes. Of course, To win
the election, Obama must use less mind and more gut.
Are you considering voting for McCain? If so, why?
-gd
