I think what happened yesterday is a good thing for the party, and for Obama in particular. It was his first real test of getting some serious negative campaigning, and I think eventually, it will make him into a stronger candidate.
First, he needs to find a way to respond quickly to minor issues and not make a big thing out of them. He could have handled the Nafta problem where it would have been a minor issue. Instead, his campaign denied it discussions ever happened, and at the end, even though he was right, it made him look bad.
He also needs to find a way to appeal to older white voters. Looking at the CNN exit polls, Hillary got the white vote by an astounding margin (64-34). http://www.cnn.com/... This cannot go on. No matter how we spin it, that is not a winning strategy for the General. Now, we know he can win the white vote. He did it in Wisconsin, he did very well in Virginia, and a number of other so called red states (not to mention Washington State). But Ohio and Pennsylvania are bellweather states. These are states that I think our nominee MUST win. He needs to work on this issue. There's an article in the WAPO, that says Axelrod, Obama's top strategist, is "receiving varied advice from Democrats, including changing Obama’s stump speech to emphasize his American roots and pushing for a second round of changes in the nation’s welfare laws, this time aimed at stray fathers." http://www.washingtonpost.com/... Is this what Obama must do? Well, I think he should emphasize his American roots.
He has done some naive things that I just don't understand. Why did he stand in Iowa, when his pic is being taken, and not put his arm over his heart? Why did he go out of his way to claim that he doesn't need to wear a lapel pin? Why did he not REJECT Farakan's statement from the get-go, and why did he call him MINISTER Farakan.
These are just rookie mistakes. Look, I actually love his argument for not wearing the lapel pin. Essentially, he said it's a bumper sticker mentality, and that's not how you show patriotism. But come on, this is the presidential race, where you will have many voters that don't hear all the reasons. And I still don't understand why he called Farakan "Minister" Farakan. It's just not a smart thing to do. It's almost like he's daring people not to vote for him.
Another problem that I think is going to hinder his chances... Rezko. His trial is just starting, and it's going to get ugly.
But, out of all of this, there's a lot of hope. He needs to learn how to not make stupid blunders and stupid statements (when I say stupid, I don't mean the statement itself is stupid, but I mean the idiotic media will take it out of context and run w/ right-wing talking points).
He needs to come out with a big economic plan. Exit polls in both Texas and especially Ohio showed that the Economy is not just the biggest factor, but it's a HUGE factor. He needs to come out with a specific, economic plan that addresses many of the voters concerns. Now, I know he did come up with his economic plan... so perhaps what he needs to do is supplement it, or mention it more. He needs less rhetoric, and more specifics. There's no question he's inspiring; now, he needs to show the people that he can get the job done.
The last point... I do think that the winner of Pennsylvania should be the nominee, regardless of who has the delegate lead. By winner, I mean if its a resounding victory. Obama can eeke out a one point victory, and I think that will be enough. Hillary, on the other hand, has to get a resounding victory in order to make a dent and convince super delegates that simply put, she will be the better candidate in the general. One scenario I cannot see happening is that if Hillary is the nominee, she will have to pick HIM. I don't think it necessarily needs to happen the other way. I think he can afford to go with an economic populist like a Jim Webb or a John Edwards... but before any of this happens, Obama needs to get his message right. Stop trying to mince words w/ Farakan by calling him Minister. Stop it with all this silly, inexcusable things that just gives the media something to talk about (e.g., patriotism). And appeal to a newer audience... particularly, white, older voters. Sorry to say, but if we want to carry Ohio, Pennsylvania, or even Florida, we need to have a candidate that can get these voters. He's got 7 weeks. Here's hoping:)