It’s to make him seem like he’s not one of us, Pat Buchanan finally blurted the other night, after Chris Matthews’ incessant question: why are they using Barack Obama’s middle name all the time now? The McCain/Palin campaign has become the sleaziest in memory, inciting supporters to hate speech and threats while they stand on stage as if nothing untoward had happened. It is red meat for the most carnivorous Republicans, the rabid right-wing and often-racist base.
One would think if McCain and his vapid running mate lack the moral courage to put an end to this kind of combustible campaigning — and that seems to be the case — they would have the political acumen to realize they are not attracting undecideds and Independents with their toxic tactics. Of course, every moment spent on slurs, fear-mongering, race-baiting, diversion and division is a moment McCain does not have to talk about the economy (it is clear his running mate is incapable of doing so), which is Topic A for most rational people but which sends his poll numbers ever lower.
Daryl Cagle, MSNBC.com, gets it.
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Love it!
But the truth is that blathering on about terrorist links is taking the McCain-Palin ticket precisely nowhere. They’re hardening up the hardest core of their right wing support. That’s divisive, but it isn’t going to win the election.
Which I think they also know.
Roads’s last blog post..193. Through the Gherkin’s glass darkly – nightfall and fear in the City of London
Glad you liked it. Yes, they have to know this tactic is doing them no favors. Caribou Barbie toned it down a bit yesterday.
There’s a truism of American politics that if you’re still shoring up your base 6 weeks before an election, the campaign’s in trouble. And there they were, 3 1/2 weeks out, doing exactly that. You’ve probably seen at least one video of the racists at their rallies (earning the top of the ticket the nickname McKKKain) and all I think of when I watch them is one would have to sell one’s soul to want to represent those disgusting creatures.
I think I’m in heaven – great food + politics. It’s like being at home in the blogosphere. I’m really looking forward to the next and final debate; hopefully McCain will cry out some 2nd grade whine about rubber and glue or “I know you are, but what am I?”.
Hi, Ashley and welcome! Pull up a chair and stay awhile.
I think tomorrow night’s debate will be good and I hope it continues the rule of no applause or audience reaction. I also hope McCain makes good on his promise/threat to raise the issue of Ayers. If he and his surrogates are going to continue playing dirty, at least do it face-to-face.
Thanks for the kind words and don’t be a stranger.