From a reader:
Jonah-
I have been a long time reader of the Corner and have often respected
the analysis there, even if I disagree with the basic politics of NRO.
In this situation, I think the Corner’s reactions are reflective of
the feelings of professional conservative pundits and that The Corner
doesn’t collectively realize the overall impact of the Democratic
convention and Obama’s speech tonight.
Some points:
-The NRO gaggle are really focusing on how great things are when
compared to the doom and gloom of these speeches. While I think there
is some truth in the idea that our challenges in 2008 are nothing
compared to those of the past or of other countries, that is obviously
not the opinion of the 81% (!!) of American’s who think the country is
on the wrong track. McCain is not going to be able to climb out of
Bush’s hole by claiming everything is hunky dory.
-This week has reminded Americans of the historical nature of
Obama’s potential achievement (the first black Head of State in the
history of Western Civ?) and framed it as a “Only in America” story,
giving even national greatness conservatives a reason to support the
idea of a black President.
-The Democrats have effectively, for the first time in my lifetime,
pivoted to the attack in August and taken the mantle of the team on
the offense. I think it is greatly underestimated how much the “wimpy”
tag on Democrats has come out of the new cycle of political attack and
defense versus actual differences in defense policy. Americans like
winners, and Americans like people that beat up the other side while
still smiling. See John McClane.
-The substantive parts of Obama’s speech really makes McCain’s
recent ads seem thin (especially the Celebrity ad). McCain’s next
major ad needs to criticize Obama’s positions, not repeat the old Ad
Hominems
I think your group is right that many people will be receptive to
arguments about the growth of Government or paying for these programs,
except we haven’t heard anything like that from McCain or the RNC.
Winning Arguments:
-Obama can’t pay for this
-Government growth needs to be stopped
-We need to be careful what wars to get into, and I, my friends, hate war
Losing Arguments, after tonight:
-Things ain’t so bad!!! Bush was an ok president!
-Withdrawl is cut n’ run (this issue will be settled before Nov, and
not in McCain’s favor)
-Obama is a celebrity (always silly, and running ads with audiences
cheering Obama was stupid)
-Obama is too young (reinforces McCain’s age and Washington insider
status. Lincoln had the same experience as Obama is pretty
compelling)
BTW, NROs discussion of McCain being outflanked on middle class tax
cuts was totally on point.
Just some opinion from a left-libertarian reader.
Me: Discuss amongst yourselves, I’m heading to bed.