Earlier, we learned just how much respect Republicans have for West Virginians -- or any rural Americans at all.
A Republican ad that shows a couple of regular-looking guys commiserating in a diner about West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) turns out to have been shot with actors, from a script, in Philadelphia.
But not just any actors: “We are going for a ‘Hicky’ Blue Collar look,” read the casting call for the ad, being aired by the National Republican Senatorial Committee. “These characters are from West Virginia so think coal miner/trucker looks.”
I haven't checked Frank Luntz's latest Orwellian language playbook, but I'm going to assume that "hick" is still a derogatory term for rural Americans. It certainly was intended that way by the Republican ad firm who put out the casting call.
So Democrats are handed this gift on a platter. And how does Democratic Governor and Senate nominee Joe Manchin react?
John Raese and his special interest friends have insulted the people of West Virginia and need to immediately apologize...
Apologize for what? For letting their true elitist colors shine through? Why demand an apology, something that screams victimhood? Why give Republicans an easy out, pretending that such an apology (which would probably blame a low-level staffer for the slight) would negate "hicky" as a salient issue in the campaign?
Democrats love to demand apologies, but it reeks of weakness. Stop it. Toughen up. Here's a chance to expose the GOP's fake respect for rural voters.
Bottom line is, Republicans think West Virginia voters are a bunch of hicks and hillbillies. Dems need to take this opportunity to bash "hicky" repeatedly over their heads while wrapping it around their necks, while reminding voters about it at every possible opportunity.