Comparisons between Obama and Dukakis are false

[Armstead]

One of the memes that's started to float around is that Obama is another Michael Dukakis, that he's popular in the primaries but will get skunked by the GOP in November.

However, that's a totally false comparison on a very basic level.

As a resident of Massachusetts, I can say that in most ways, Dukakis was an excellent governor. A good manager and a "can do" kind of guy, and smart as a whip. he also benefited from the Massachusetts Miracle, when the state's economy got a boost during the 80's. Dukakis would have probably been a fairly good president -- although his Massachusetts Miracle ultimately turned out to be a mirage when the economy took a dip downward.


However, Dukakis was a technocrat. He was known for persperation, not inspiration. His appeal at the time was that he as more of an enlightened pragmatic CEO than a transformative leader.

This is the opposite of Obama's main appeal, which is as a generator of enthusiasm and a team builder and leader.

Dukakis main selling point was closer to Hillary -- claims of experience and pragmatism.

It's debatable which approach is superior. However, one advantage Obama will have which Dukakis did not is that sense of enthusiasm and personal appeal. His campaign may or may not succeed ultimately. But at least the framework of the considerations should be accurate.

[H2O Man]

1. Nominated.

Well said.

[Armstead]

2. Thanks

[GalleryGod]

3. Whoever foisted that Meme should get piss-tested immediately!

Denver? LET'S RIDE !!!

[Armstead]

15. Love that graphic

Onward, El Awrance

[BeyondGeography]

4. Leave it to the Democrats to find the world's only passionless Greek

and make him their nominee.

It's hard to imagine two more diametrically opposed personalities.

K&R

[Independent-Voter]

5. Dukakis was also a douchebag of the highest order.

Any comparison between Obama and Dukakis ends with the (D) at the end of their names.

Why do dems insist on putting up the most unelectable douchbags as their nominees? Obama is a once-in-a-generation type of candidate, yet some of you insist on voting for Hillary because she has a vagina. What the fuck?

[Independent-Voter]

6. Dukakis was also a douchebag of the highest order.

Any comparison between Obama and Dukakis ends with the (D) at the end of their names.

Why do dems insist on putting up the most unelectable douchbags as their nominees? Obama is a once-in-a-generation type of candidate, yet some of you insist on voting for Hillary because she has a vagina. What the fuck?

[soundguy]

7. I Can Think Of One That Will SInk Him

Wait till the photo ops. Will it be a tank picture, a nasa smurf picture, or maybe windsurfing picture? Mean while flash to McCain on the Forestall, probably don't even know about that one do ya? Fighter pilot McCain exiting his air craft right in the middle of the flames. The saving of the Forestall is generally considered one of the best examples of valor ever demonstrated to save an a ship, the ship should have been lost. And there was Hero McCain, looked like he shoulda died. Like him or not he showed then, right there on film that he has the proper instincts. Obama can't compete against that. Clinton can, why? Because we can remember that they were there for eight years and they are already fully briefed and ready to go, like McCain.

It will be hard to keep Barry away from the military for the whole election cycle, and something tells me he won't be hunting, or fishing either. Things that those western caucus states like to see. Just remember, that the picture they will show, which ever one it is, will be his undoing if he wins the nomination... They will call it, "The turning point of the election."

[Armstead]

8. McCain is a war hero no matter who runs.

I doubt that there are any pictures of Hillary serving valiantly in Vietnam or saving a ship hanging around.

[RaleighNCDUer]

10. But just wait for the the comparative photos of McCain and his

fighter, and Hillary photoshopped into Jane Fonda's anti-aircraft gun.

[PATRICK]

9. The best caveat

would be something no Obama opponent would ever want to use. Any warnings would fall under the JFK model
in several areas, in a practical not personalized analogy. He might double check to see if JFK's approach or lack of experience created problems Obama can avoid even as he exhibits many of the moves and advantages.

But rather than look as a constructive analogy that is more relevant, the main goal is trashing by assoication, obviously. They would rather compare Obama to Willard Fillmore than any flattering and more relevant example. By the way, Jesse Jackson, Dukakis' nemesis is working for the Obama campaign and instead of sneaky Bush you have a more rattled version of Bob Dole running and the RW media hate him. When we use analogies they are never exact, never supposed to be mainly unflattering or flattering as a deceitful intrusion of a posioned prejudice, and should have some clear points of comparison. kennedy had some real rough spots, compromises, Mafia money, debate drawbacks, forays into neocon posing, etc. Even so, they don't want to use anything remotely flattering to help critique the Obama campaign. It's not about fear, but about everyone doing better and their best. Let the RW do their wild, pitiful illogical trashing. Sickening or ridiculous here.

[jgraz]

11. Don't worry. Obama could never get that helmet over his ears.

[Armstead]

12. Baaaaad

But kind of funny.

Personally, I think Obama would look much better with slightly longer hair.

Gosh this is deep.

[jgraz]

13. I totally agree

[Armstead]

14. I had something more like this in mind