For months the GOP thought that Hillary Clinton would give them the most trouble as their 2008 Democratic presidential rival. That was before Barack Obama outperformed everyone's expectations and proceeded to win the Democratic nomination instead. Suddenly, the GOP came to the realization that Obama was really the most formidable opponent and that Hillary was the easier prey. The Clinton dynasty had been weakened and the GOP smelled red meat. They now wanted Hillary to stay in the mix. So they activated a plan to instigate Hillary into the number two spot on the Democratic ticket as the VP. Why not? They could still run the same campaign ads that they produced months ago in anticipation of Clinton being the nominee.
In the meantime, they decided to follow Karl Rove's advice to redefine Obama and makeover John McCain. So the GOP promoted the Clinton storyline of Obama not appealing to working class white voters. Obama is an elitist. Obama is weak on foreign policy. Obama makes great speeches, but they are only empty words. Attack, attack, attack. Poke your finger in Obama's chest and dare him to fight back because it would violate his personal oath to run a civil campaign. Gleefully bait Obama to respond forcefully, because then you could proclaim that "he is no different from the rest of us." This is one instance where being the same has its benefits.
However, true to form the GOP miscalculated. They violated a basic tactic of war. Never back your opponent into a corner without giving them an escape route. Because with no way out, the cornered tend to fight back with more tenacity. Or they call for backup. Well, Barack Obama chose both options. As John McCain said, Obama became "testy" and he also placed a call for backup to his colleague, Joe Biden. You know Biden's reputation. Salt of the earth. Strong with working class Americans, strong with Catholics, strong with foreign policy and one who loves a good fight. And unlike Obama, Biden possessed no handicap to play nice. Biden has more than enough gut punches to go around and like Donna Brazile tearing into a GOP pundit, he won't hesitate to use them.
The GOP must be thinking that they can't catch a cold. "Curses, foiled again!". What's a body to do? Maybe they will take the advice of the "brilliant" GOP talking head who recommended that McCain ignore Biden and keep hammering away at Obama. You know, as in close your eyes and pretend that Biden isn't really there and maybe he will go away. After witnessing Joe Biden in action today, somehow I don't think that strategy will have much success.
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