Although I consider myself a political junkie this is the first election where I have been canvassing, phone-banking,etc. because I believe there are a lot things at stake. This is also the first election where I really see the problems that always beset the Democrats: the firing circular squad; Republicans falling in line Democrats falling in love; purity trolls and ineffective responses to negative attacks. The last item is a major concern for me.
Some of these ineffective responses are not only seen in the candidates themselves but their surrogates.
* Complaining about how the R's are nasty is counterproductive. It makes one look whiny. Attack them on the issues especially since Republicans have nothing to show for. Attacking their character but couched in issues is equally effective. Also use jujitsu moves while defending yourself passionately.
* Stop using the media's criticism of Republican or right-wingers' tactics as a means to attack them. These guys hate the media do you really think that you are bludgeoning them when you mention the New York Times criticizing McCain? You attack them according to what they value. Liberal do not like being attacked for being close-minded because they pride themselves for being open minded. Attacked the right for being un-American when they are race-baiting or accusing others of being unpatriotic, etc.
* When accused of race-baiting reply by saying just as no one likes to be falsely be accused of being racist, no likes to be falsely be accused of playing the race card.
* Better surrogates please or at least get a surrogate on the news shows. I don't know if the news shows are purposely not contacting the Obama campaign to appear on the show. But sometimes it seems like only the McCain people appear.
*Obama needs to shift the focus on Republican incompetence.
* Rank and file Democrats informing family members and friends of the truth.
Let's face it negative attacks work. According to the Rasmussen Tracking Poll, McCain is again polling 1% ahead of Obama. Now some have seen me worry but I think we can beat the R's because surely they deserve an ass whupping. That alone is a motivation. As a volunteer I can see how Obama beat Clinton. When it comes to organizing the Obama campaign has their act together.
Any other suggestions?