The Pity Strategy Explained

[Gman]

Obama is employing what I call the Pity Strategy in countering attacks by at first, Hillary but now Edwards. Politics 101 says: Never attack your opponent to the point of making him/her a martyr. The opponent can turn the tables and gain the public's sympathy and an advantage when being attacked by appearing to be the nice person that is being martyred. If the attack is perceived as harsh and/or unwarranted the strategy can work so long as people perceive the attackee as an otherwise nice person. I very sarcastically call this the "Pity Strategy".

Hillary has had success using the Pity Strategy. She used it very well against Rick Lazio. A great example was when Lazio approached her during a debate and she reacted as if he was invading her space. She got the sympathy of a great many women with that one act. She used it well earlier this year when the predictable onslaught of attack happened after she announced she was running. However, once you're perceived as the victim, you can lose it by harshly attacking an opponent. Among a lot of Iowa and New Hampshire voters, this has happened to Hillary. Obama is now the victim and is using the Pity Strategy very well.

Being the victim and using the Pity Strategy has it's advantages. It's best used towards the end of an election cycle when you're trying to peak. Hillary used it well among other strategies and vaulted to the top of the pack early on. Obama is using it at probably the right time now as he's peaking at about the right time.

The Pity Strategy is not the only strategy for a candidate and by itself does nothing. A candidate has to have built an image, be perceived to have significant substance and be an otherwise nice person for the Pity Strategy to work. The basis for the Pity Strategy to work is in the fact that people inherently dislike dirty politics and will gravitate to an acceptable candidate that they may perceive as unjustifiably attacked. The key to making the strategy work is for the attacked candidate to turn an attack around and make the perceived attack appear as harsh and unjustified generating a backlash against the attacker.

As a matter of principle, I personally don't like a candidate that uses this strategy as I think it becomes a substitute or a cover for what a candidate is lacking in substance. It becomes an attempt to divert attention from areas where a candidate cannot withstand scrutiny, which actually is what makes it a good strategy. But, would I advise my candidate to use it? Hell, yes if it will help my candidate win.

Obama is using the strategy very well right now. But I don't think this strategy has staying power. Sooner or later, Obama's weaknesses will stand out more so than they can be covered up with the Pity Strategy.

A couple of previous OP's I've posted on this have been locked as "flame bait" I hope this clarifies.

[MethuenProgressive]

1. "A couple of previous OP's I've posted on this have been locked as "flame bait" "

That's a tactic of DU's ObamaNation. They'll flame up a thread and then complain until it gets locked.

[Gman]

2. Of course, anything adverse to Obama is considered flame bait

But they still cannot dispute the fact that Obama is maximizing the benefit from his pity strategy.

[sniffa]

8. i hope he continues to post this thread

seriously. :thumbsup:

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. The problem I have with it is that it makes Obama look weak

Clinton tried it at first, but was attacked as playing the gender card, and being weak.

Obama has taken the strategy over (it was Bush's against Gore). The media of course helps him when they repeated say that Clinton is "attacking him" when they are discussing policy issues.

I think it works against him. He looks weak and sniveling.

[Lurking Dem]

4. I find it interesting

that the only actual example you provide is one of Hillary "using it" (it's pretty lame, actually) against Lazio.

In what way is Obama "appearing to be nice"?

What has Obama said or done that exemplifies use of such a strategy?

What supporters have shown that the only basis for their support of Obama is pity?

How is an Anything To Win Even If It Is Against My Principles approach working out for you?

[Gman]

5. Want examples? You may want to read this:

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/Gman/63

[Lurking Dem]

6. Laughable.

Speaking of DomainsByProxy, how is Hillaryis44 doing?

[sniffa]

7. woot! another pity thread by you.

i can't get enough of these. :woohoo: