The Rethugs did a masterful job of hiding the nutjobs during the '04 campaign. Notice the star speakers at the RNC were two pro-choice Republicans: Rudy G. and Arnold. No Dobson, no Falwell, no Robertson....for a reason.
Sure the Southern Evangelicals ate up the 'Sanctity of Life' codewords. However, the 'security mom' crowd continued to delude themselves into thinking that 'this isn't the Party of Dobson.' Remember, close to 40% of GWB voters were pro-choice.
So, now here we have the ultimate poster boy for Republican stereotypes: Harvard Undergrad, Harvard Law, white-as-white can be, wife is well-connected D.C. lawyer, Roberts is a D.C. lawyer and he's a he and he's probably a little more extremist than the ReThugs are letting on.
So, this is our chance to do two things - with a little theatrics, mind you:
1. Paint with a broad brush the Rethugs as the party of Dobson. Remind voters that this is no longer the party of Rockefeller Republicans. No way. It's the theocratic wing of the Republican Party that is calling the shots now.
(more on the flip)
Why? Hammer - and I mean hammer - Roberts on Roe v. Wade, Affirmative Action and the Environment. THIS IS FREE PRESS AND - with the requisite theatrics - FREE TV. The Rethugs are on TV right now trying to dampen the questioning. Tells me that there are some serious issues that Roberts is hiding.
By doing so, we tell the American public - so, do you think this guy is 'mainstream'? Apparently, if you're a true Republican (as opposed to a mushy middle, security mom in the suburbs/exurbs type voter), then this is the new, theocratic definition of 'mainstream.'
2. We finally show some spine on some issues - issues that are generally winners in the American conscience (theocratic wingnuts, notwithstanding) such as Roe v. Wade and some environmental and civil liberty issues (French fry girl, anyone?).
Our '04 achilles heel was 'weak on terror.' Kerry was smarter and better prepared to be Commander-in-Chief than Shrub, but loser Shrum and cohort Cahill hosed up big time.
Now it's time to talk about domestic issues - and we all know that that's our turf.
In other words, it's pretty easy to attack a guy who looks like your typical, Ivy-league, wealthy MBA-type who happens to be replacing a woman.
And, if we get worse like Janice Rogers Brown?
Well, guess what? John and Mary Mortgage will have woken up by then and be saying 'wow, just how reactionary are the Republicans these days? Can't they find anyone a little more mainstream?'
Granted, Roberts probably will be confirmed, but not without us making a whole lotta noise, and, if played correctly, picking up some seats in D.C.