I read something this morning of Huffington Post that was so good I wanted to share its major point here. There's a mix of stuff on HuffPo, some good and some not, but this idea is so obvious and so true, and yet so often forgotten that it needs to be shouted from the rooftops:
HuffPo, Robert Creamer, What Is the First Rule for Democratic Success in November?
if you're on the defense you're losing. Who ever is on the offensive almost always wins elections.
Point 1: Go on the offense and make it a choice election:
It must be a choice between Democrats who are charting a new path forward out of the economic ditch and the failed economic policies of the Republicans that drove us into that ditch in the first place. Democrats must make it clear that if the Republicans once again get their hands on the keys to the economy, those same, reckless failed policies will result in yet another economic catastrophe.
HuffPo, Robert Creamer, What Is the First Rule for Democratic Success in November?
We have seen this lately out of President Barack Obama:
"This is a choice between the policies that led us into the mess or the policies that are leading us out of the mess," Obama said. "It's a choice between falling backward and moving forward."
President Obama: "A choice between falling backward and moving forward."
On Monday, he sought to cast his Republican opponents as hypocritical for having voted for extensions of unemployment benefits when his Republican predecessor, President George W. Bush, was in the White House, but not now. He accused Republican leaders of subscribing to what he called a misguided notion that providing unemployment aid to people lowers their incentive to look hard for a job.
"That attitude, I think, reflects a lack of faith in the American people," Obama said.
President Obama to Attack Republican Hypocrisy on Tax Cuts for the Rich while Cutting Unemployment
Point II: Most people want strong leaders. Be a Proud Democrat. Don't apologize for Democratic Party ideals or performance in office. Tout accomplishments after fighting and defeating Republican obstructionism. Hit the Republicans hard. Then hit them again.
Voters want leaders who are strong and self confident -- not leaders who spend their days in a defensive crouch. They want leaders who stand up straight and defend their deeply held values -- not leaders who bob and weave.
The thing we have to remember most is that Democratic positions on the issues - and the values that underlie them -- are very popular. Voters generally respond very favorable to candidates who stand up for those values -- for average Americans not the wealthy and special interests.
This all seems obvious to normal people who size up candidates. Unfortunately it is often less obvious to the sometimes risk averse consultant class that has so much to say about the way political campaigns are organized.
HuffP, Robert Creamer, What Is the First Rule for Democratic Success in November?
Senators and Congressfolks need to be proud, not defensive. They need to make this a choice between the past and future. We are moving away from a terrible past to a hopeful future. It is here that centrist Democrats harm the brand.
Be a proud and strong Democrat! Say what you mean and mean what you say. Simple, yet so hard for some.
Remember, we are facing people who believe in Bush's policies and would return us to them. The policies that led to the Great Recession. Don't let DC pundits talk you into forgetting about Bush. Talk about why you are a Dem and how recent events show you made the right choice to be a Dem.
For a couple of years, it was the love that dared not speak his name. In 2008, Republican candidates hardly ever mentioned the president still sitting in the White House.
snip
The truth, however, is that the only problem Republicans ever had with George W. Bush was his low approval rating. They always loved his policies and his governing style — and they want them back. In recent weeks, G.O.P. leaders have come out for a complete return to the Bush agenda, including tax breaks for the rich and financial deregulation. They’ve even resurrected the plan to cut future Social Security benefits.
snip
There’s now a concerted effort under way to rehabilitate Mr. Bush’s image on at least three fronts: the economy, the deficit and the war.
snip
Again, Republicans aren’t trying to rescue George W. Bush’s reputation for sentimental reasons; they’re trying to clear the way for a return to Bush policies. And this carries a message for anyone hoping that the next time Republicans are in power, they’ll behave differently. If you believe that they’ve learned something — say, about fiscal prudence or the importance of effective regulation — you’re kidding yourself. You might as well face it: they’re addicted to Bush.
Paul Krugman: Addicted to Bush
The way to victory is clear.
Update I: More of this from all Dems. I love President Obama's "they can't have the keys back after driving us into a ditch" line! It is so true. (from MD Patriot in the comments)