Important INTEL for the Obama Campaign: Expose Romney as Weak, Not Conservative

[berni_mccoy]

I've had the opportunity to discuss the shift in polls for Romney after the debate with many self-identified moderate conservatives. In the past, they were reluctant to support Romney primarily because he appeared to be going too conservative. The moderate conservatives I've been talking to are generally moderate-to-liberal on social issues. That is, they are pro-choice or for no more abortion laws, at a minimum they don't care. They support gay marriage. Some are even pro-Obamacare. They are akin to Goldwater Republicans. They do not identify with tea-baggers.

What they most fear of Romney is that he will be a rubber stamp for the a Republican Controlled Congress that pushes through idealogical legislation drafted by the tea-baggers.

Romney appeared strong in the debate. This counters the fear of him being a rubber-stamp, and enables moderate Republicans to vote for him. This is why Romney keeps saying things like he did yesterday about abortion and things like he did at the debate about the middle class. If he appears to be strong in juxtaposition to statements like this, it doesn't matter that he's etch-a-sketching.

The natural reaction is to show his true conservatism. This is what I've tried to do with these moderate conservatives. However, that doesn't work because they refer back to his Governorship of MA to back up his strength in association with these statements. They feel that he was only taking conservative stances to win the Primary and now the real Romney is coming through. Trying to say Romney is conservative doesn't work.

What does work (at least with my small sample) is to show that he really is weak. Show how he wasn't strong enough to take a stand against extremist positions during the campaign. How he pandered to Ted Nugent and the Tea Baggers. How his campaign constantly walks back from his statements. That one really resonates. If you paint it that it doesn't matter what Romney says, but what ultimately is expressed by those backing him, then it is an easy sell to show he will be a rubber stamp for an extremely conservative congress.

This is the way to paint him. This is what I hope the Obama campaign focuses on until the election. If they do, then I think there will be no chance for Romney.

UPDATE: New Obama Ad looks like it's starting off by contrasting a weak Romney against a Strong Obama in a new TV Ad called "Strong Leader" http://www.democraticunderground.com/101766454

[jberryhill]

1. Obama did that in the first debate, you know

In all the discussion of appearances, a lot got lost. The president specifically called out Romney as being unable to say "no" to the most extreme elements of the right.

[berni_mccoy]

2. I know. I remember when he did that, and it was a redeeming moment. The problem is

He did not do it forcefully or repetitively enough. This needs to be the message that the Obama campaign uses from here on out to define Romney.

[OldDem2012]

3. Please. If lying non-stop is a show of strength, then "Romney appeared strong in the debate". nt.

[berni_mccoy]

4. Yes, everyone knows he lied. It doesn't matter if he returns to "Moderate Mitt"

as long as he appears strong doing so.