Say what you will about the GOP, but you have to admit: They know how to play the game. If you guys think they'll give up the White House without a fight simply because they're dispirited, listless, and displeased with McCain, think again. People seem to have become overconfident because of the incredibly high turnout in Democratic primaries this time around, but let's not forget that turnout was pretty enthusiastic in 1988, too (almost double that of the Republicans). Yet the Democrats still lost.
This was brought to my attention this morning. It's basically a memo advising Republicans to vote for Barack Obama in the Democratic primary in Texas. It assures Republicans that McCain has the nomination locked up and that voting for Obama will not affect their ability to vote for McCain in the fall. Besides, it's worth the trouble to ensure that we see "no more Clintons in the White House!" Obama supporters will probably think this is a good thing - it suits their short-term interests, and the GOP is a powerful ally. Besides, who cares that they're meddling in the nomination process? The end justifies the means, right? Well, maybe. But if you aren't concerned about the implications of all this, you're not thinking clearly. We hear a lot of Republican strategists on T.V. claiming that they'd rather run against Hillary in the fall because she'd be easier to beat. Okay... Then why are so many of them determined to knock her out before she reaches the general election, even if it means they have to run against a "more difficult" opponent?
But maybe this whole "vote for Obama to sabotage Clinton" thing is no big deal - just a few hardcore Clinton-hating Republicans out to help Obama, right? No. This is a big operation. If you haven't already read this, check out Karl Rove giving Obama (unsolicited) advice on how to beat Hillary Clinton. For me, this doesn't inspire a great deal of confidence in Obama's ability to win the general election. Karl Rove, scum though he is, is a very formidable strategist. This is the man who managed to get George W. Bush elected to the presidency... twice. Do you honestly think he's just happily handing the White House over to Barack Obama? No, the man has a plan.
At this point, from much of the GOP's perspective, there's no way Hillary can recover; personally, I disagree, but as far as most Republicans are concerned, Obama is effectively the nominee. So now it's time for Rove and the rest of the attack dogs to go after him. Now that they think they're safe from Hillary, they can throw themselves at the man they assume will the last Democrat standing.
So once again, Karl Rove may play a huge role in determining who wins the presidential election, simply by "bamboozling the American electorate" yet again. Republicans don't like Clintons. A Clinton beat them. "Polarizing" figure though she may be, the GOP is still frightened of Hillary, and they will go to great lengths to take her down. Obama fans, enjoy your unlikely allies and strange bedfellows while you have them. But remember that they'll be lying awake, waiting to stab you in the back the moment you fall asleep. Republicans are just loving the conflict within the Democratic party, and they'll do anything they can to help things along and guarantee that there are a whole hell of a lot of bad feelings when it's all over with.
Talk about a vast Right-wing conspiracy.
The GOP is smart. Republicans are clever, sneaky, and brutal, especially during election years. And right now, they're practicing one of the cardinal strategies of politics: Divide and conquer.
|
|
|
Permalink :: 25 Comments :: Post a Comment
|
In order to post a comment, you must be logged in. If you have a member account, please log in to comment.
If not, you can make an account right here. It's quick and free.
