Keeping metaphors in check
I’ve intentionally restrained myself from posting more about this silliness, but I have to say I don’t really see how this explanation improves the situation:
“Keep in mind, technically, had I meant it this way, [Palin] would be the lipstick. The failed policies of John McCain would be the pig, just following the logic of this illogical situation,” Obama said.
Someone needs to tell the Obama camp just to shrug off these kinds of tempests in a teapot and focus on policies and issues and such.
One of Kerry’s biggest weaknesses in 2004 was his abject failure at controlling the news cycle. Just when the media was beginning to tire of covering the Swift Boat Vets story, the Kerry campaign responded with comically incompetent attempts to manipulate public opinion, like this Byzantine chart, thus pouring new life into coverage of the Swift Boat accusations and terminally distracting his campaign.
Unless Obama wants to repeat Kerry’s performance, he needs to just shut up about these faux-controversies.
It’s lose/lose for Obama…he says nothing, McCain/Palin’s lies are able to stand, unchallenged, by an uncritical and craven media and people accuse him of being a wimp. He engages, he’s “losing the news cycle” because he’s playing on their terms.
Basically, you’re seeing the upside of running a campaign that knows the media won’t hold it accountable for anything.
If it’s lose/lose, then why not choose the classy way to lose? Contrary to F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are indeed second acts in American life.
As I’ve mentioned to you in person, Dan, I think Obama’s mistake was apologizing. It was a good, biting line, even if he didn’t mean it “that way”.
He should say something like “I think Governor Palin is a talented politician, but I think she’s wrong on the issues…” and just keep going. And use the line again and again while the other side squeals foul. It makes them seem whiny and you seem in control.
Politics ain’t beanbag.
Right on.