Despite the fact that Barack Obama represents a formidable challenge for John McCain, I believe there are four basic tactics that Obama can adopt, in addition to telling the truth and massive voter registration, that could secura a huge electoral win in November and consequently, a complete paradigm shift in American politics.
The American people strongly support Democratic policies, so I am proposing these four specific tactics to (1) increase our chances for victory and (2) to prepare Americans for transformational change. Here they are:
(1) Engage Seniors by Focusing on Social Security Issues.
(2) Tie Security & Economic Problems with the War in Iraq (and McSame).
(3) Push specific Green Energy projects & links to the Economy.
(4) Make the Democratic National Convention ALL about Biography.
Follow me over the jump for details.
I think we all learned in 2004 that being right on policy is not enough to win. We have to connect to voters on a visceral level, especially to those who, unlike us, are not political junkies and who do not take the time to closely follow background stories, cut through spin, and to learn the details required to make an informed decisions. With this in mind, I have selected these four strategies to close the gaps and seal the deal.
(1) Engage Seniors by Focusing on Social Security Issues.
The biggest gap Obama needs to close is with voters over 60. Bush has raided the social security trust fund and has done nothing to secure this key benefit for seniors. Obama can crush McCain on Social Security policy and increase his share of this key voting block at the same time. Bear in mind that the GOP will resort to fear tactics, but Obama needs only to follow his heart and continue to tell the truth. Seniors will respond in kind.
Key States: Pennsylvania, Florida, Wisconsin
(2) Tie Security & Economic Problems with the War in Iraq.
McCain is already trying to play his pitiful Hamas card. Thankfully, Obama is, other than Howard Dean, the only Democrat I've heard turn the security tables on the GOP to expose their very soft underbelly. It's all bluster and Obama knows it. There's no evidence to suggest that we're safer now than we were in 2001. Iraq is the elephant in the room and it is one of the root causes of deteriorating security worldwide.
Economically, it's pretty easy to tie our economic problems here at home with grotesque spending in Iraq (see www.3trillion.org). That money could have been invested in green energy here at home.
Key States: Ohio, Missouri, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado
(3) Push Green Energy Projects
It's quite possible that gas prices will be higher in November than they are now. If this comes to fruition, energy will be on everyone's mind when they vote. Obama has been talking alot about green energy on the stump. Of course, this sounds great, but if Obama can give voters a VISCERAL connection, as in a mental image of a specific project, the issue will be more effectively framed in their mind. "The world's largest solar energy plant will be built in the American Southwest" would be music to the ears of many across the country.
Key States: Nevada (solar), Texas (wind), California (both)
(4) Make the Democratic National Convention a week-long Obama biography.
Let me put it to y'all this way. I'm from a solidly Democratic county in Southern Appalachia. These folks have been waiting eight years to vote a Democrat into the White House. Still, they remain a bit ambivalent about Obama. These fears can be allayed to a large degree with a detailed presentation of this amazing man's life. Were I planning the event, I'd be sure to include:
(1) An introduction to Barack's Mother, focusing on her strength of character and the sacrifices she made to give her kids a better life.
(2) Stories about Barack's grandfather, who was a WWII veteran.
Key States: Georgia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Virginia, Colorado
Americans love an underdog. It's time for the skinny kid with a funny name to be rightly seen as one who has overcome and who has succeeded through hard work. I have continually said that Obama MUST divulge his strict-father side to win over conservative-leaning independents. Talking about turning off the television, spending time with your kids, etc. goes a LONG way with these voters.
People always tell me to VISUALIZE change and then it will happen. In this regard, Obama needs not only to frame the debate for Americans, but he also needs to give them imagery that they can see in their mind's eye when they step into the voting booth. Most voters already know the problems we're having. I am hopeful that Obama will show casual observers the light at the end of the tunnel so that they will vote for him in massive numbers.