(Author's note: I am Tommy Christopher, excerpting my own work. My contract prevents me from reprinting the article in full. After the jump, some additional commentary. Also, check out my brief interview with Rachel Maddow today.)
Rush Limbaugh is at it again, trying to wreak havoc on the Democratic Primary race. From Buzzfeed:
Rush Limbaugh urges his conservative fans to vote for Hillary so that neither Democrat can win the primaries.
Unfortunately, Rush Limbaugh has met his match. Welcome to "Tommy Christopher's Operation RonDemption."
The plan is simple. Any Democrats or Independents who didn't vote in February's Idaho Democratic Caucuses are eligible to vote in the Republican Primary on 5/27/08. Idaho is one of only a few open nominating contests left.
The keys to this plan's success are the viral mojo of engaged Democrats, and the Godlike reach of the Ron Paul army.
What's in it for us? Ron Paul got 16% of the vote in PA, not enough to hurt McCain, but enough to make people notice a little. If he were to actually win a state, the impact to McCain would be devastating.
I talked this idea over with a few people, who seemed to think this had little chance to succeed, using Michigan as a model. There are key differences.
GOP turnout will be very low with a settled nominee, so each vote will pack that much more punch.
In Michigan, Democrats' attentions were divided between Kos' mission and voting "uncommitted" at the behst of the Obama and Edwards campaigns. That's not true here.
And, finally, there's the matter of Ron Paul's army of followers, well-organied and motivated. A win for Dr. Paul would be sweet vindication.
So, have a little imagination and forward this link to the 25 people who sent you that 5th grade poem about the meaning of friendship this morning. America will thank you.