Biden’s “BS” exclamation indicates vulnerability

Why would Pelosi, Biden, Clinton and the Obama campaign universally cry foul in response to Bush’s comments relating to appeasement?  Did he directly refer to Obama or merely make an insinuation?  The smart political strategist would downplay the comment rather than draw attention to it.  By making such a loud complaint the Democrats give some credibility to the claim.  At the very least a neutral observer would conclude that Obama is arguably an appeaser, otherwise why would the Democrats react so defensively. 

It seems that the Democrats fear the appeasement attack.  What other reason sufficiently explains the hostile and emotional reaction?  One does not protest so emotionally when labeled something he or she clearly is not, but calmly explains why that label is inaccurate.  If Bush had called Obama weak on labor rights, the Obama campaign would have laughed it off because compared to McCain, it's inaccurate.  It is the truth in any criticism that invokes an emotional reaction.  Any good politician knows that reacting with hostility draws attention to the issue.  It's basic strategy. 

Yesterday we saw the beginning of the campaign to paint Obama as unequipped to handle the presidency.  Republicans will build on Hillary’s efforts to point out Obama’s lack of experience and the potential dangerousness of some of his political positions.  Hillary, for example, was the first to attack Obama on his willingness to talk with Ahmadinejad with no pre-conditions.  As we saw yesterday, this will be a central attack on Obama's candidacy.   

The goal will be to undermine Obama’s candidacy from the start, or to make him unelectable.  The strategy builds on McCain’s biggest strength, his experience and competence.  It assumes that Americans will not elect someone who will legitimize Ahmadinejad and Chavez by talking to them without preconditions.  If Americans think that those men can be reasoned with it will not work.  If not, Obama may be viewed as one who is soft on terrorism and tyranny, and that’s a disqualifier.     

 

The Ref | 5/16/08 | Permalink