If you were running President Obama's 2012 campaign, how would you advise him ?

[steve2470]

Just curious. Hopefully this will be an educational and thoughtful discussion. Obama 2012 ! :)

[gateley]

1. I would tell him to get his points into a few sound bites that

could be played repeatedly. To CONCISELY state and refute why the Republicans' claims are false. To give numbers and dollar amounts of taxes instead of "the top 1%" -- make it clear that's like four HUNDRED people in the entire COUNTRY. Just to be more targeted, brief, don't expect people to figure it out in their heads, tell them what to think. And tell them again.

I'd love to tell him to kick ass, but that's not him, and I think if he could present the facts in an easily-understood yet dramatic way, he wouldn't have to diss the Republicans. Like Warren Buffet's OpEd - never pointed fingers at either party, yet the message was jaw-dropping.

And use CHARTS - a la Rachel. It makes more of an impression than just words.

[gateley]

2. PS - How would you advise him, steve2470? nt

[steve2470]

4. Hmm... good question

I think the economy will be THE number one issue in 2012, unless some foriegn policy issue crops up or some other supposedly more important issue.

Therefore, he needs to convince Americans that he is doing everything he possibly can to improve the economy. Admittedly a difficult task, given the Teabaggerish House Republicans and the "do everything to defeat Obama" Senate Republicans.

Americans want results, not excuses. If the economy still sucks on Election Day, he's toast. I firmly believe that.

I WANT Obama to be re-elected, desperately so. I think most if not all of us on DU would agree that trickle down economics a la tax cuts for the rich have not worked and will not work. I do think he needs to abandon any allegiance to trickle down whatsoever and aggressively and publicly promote Keynesian-style stimulus instead of Hooverish omg reduce the deficit at all costs.

[gateley]

27. I'm not sure he really has any allegiance to trickle down, although

with Geithner having his ear I can't be too positive. The problem lies, in my tiny mind, with the fact that he can't get much done with the current climate in Congress. The President can't write laws, otherwise I think we would have seen different results by now.

I really want him re-elected, too. I think he CAN do so much good, but has been hog-tied. I do agree with those who said he didn't draw a line in the sand in certain circumstances (allowing SS/Med on the table, for example) but the way things are we're not going to get what we want, and he's been able to get little pieces here and there, so we're heading in the right direction. We need him for a second term.

If a Bernie Sanders were elected, for example (whom I love), I'm not sure even he could achieve much with this frightening Congress.

And for those who say "we HAD the House, Senate and WH", I have to agree, and think maybe he was trying to be too bi-partisan during his first days and months there.

But regardless, what's done is done and we have to go on from here, and I think that he's got to convince more people of why the Republicans are wrong, why their approach will hurt us further, and that's why I believe he's got to get it down to easy, digestible sound bites. :7 :hi:

And numero uno, jobs, jobs, jobs. "The Economy" sounds as though it's "out there", Wall Street, the Fed, the Big Boys, etc., so I think what would REALLY turn this around is for him to be able to come up with a way to have those people going "wow! I have a job now! Maybe Obama IS pretty good!"

Interested to see what his big jobs announcement will be after labor day. Maybe he's wondering, too, and they're madly trying to come up with something and that's why they're holding off on it 'til then. :shrug:

:hi:

[Cali_Democrat]

3. I would tell him to directly attack the Republicans in Congress

Also, identify the culprits by name starting with the GOP leadership. Don't beat around the bush. Specifically call out the Republicans rather than just 'Congress'.

Also, don't talk about shared sacrifice. Talk about the corporations, the wealthy and their need to pay their fair share.

This will resonate with voters and increase enthusiasm on Obama's side.

[Armstead]

5. I'd advise him to talk to, and listen to, principled progressives and liberals

THere's nothing wrong with Obama that some input from liberals and progressives who are principled AND manage to win elections could correct.

People in Congress like Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, Marci Kaptur, Baraba Lee, Pete Defazio....who have a clear vision of liberal and progressive populism and know how to walk the talk.

Listen less to the centrist insider hacks.

If he could get his idealism revitsluzed, and pragmatic political advice from folks like that, and actually ran and govetned on their message and agenda, I think he'd both win and govern successfully.

[napi21]

6. Several things.

The poster who said they;d like to see hinkick ass abd take names, but that's not him, was right. He doesn't behave that way.

I would state much like others have said, speak in sound bites as much as he can. I hate it, but that's the things people remember.

Clearly state what he wants to do, and why.

I love Chris Matthews suggestion of gathering a long list of all the roads, bridges, water & sewer pipes in desperate need of repair and state how many people fixing them would employ, then dare the Pubs to say no!


Even though I'm a woman, my temperment is much harder than Obama's, and I respect him for being able to keep a calm attitude toward these idiots! I couldn't!

I wish him all the luck available, and will help him any way I can However, I live in Ga! I can't find any neighbor who doesn't hate him, and want to see ANYONE ELSE in his place!,

[Tx4obama]

7. Regarding that suggestion ...

"... suggestion of gathering a long list of all the roads, bridges, water & sewer pipes in desperate need of repair ..."

That was done already. Remember when Obama got Congress to pass the 'stimulus' bill?
There was TONS of money in there for shovel ready projects.
The states just had to send their requests to the White House for the projects that they wanted money for, and then the states were sent the money.

I don't understand why Chris Matthews has forgotten that.

The problem was that Congress did not approve 'enough money', the stimulus should have been bigger - at least two times bigger.
Now with us Dems not having 60 votes in the Senate and the House being controlled by the GOP, pigs will fly before Congress approves another stimulus bill ;(

[Hawkowl]

8. If he likes Reagan so much...

He should take a bit of advice regarding the 11th Commandment, don't bash your fellow party members. Ever.

Next, pivot left, because no one is competing for these votes. Stop trying to compete for unwinnable votes. Conservatives hate you. Embrace their hatred.

[Safetykitten]

9. First I would tell him to get a shitload of pink paper for making slips.

[Demeter]

10. I'd Advise Him to Step Aside

and let a Democrat run.

[great white snark]

11. Then he'd advise you to fuck off.

And then you run into the arms of Jane Hamsher for comfort.

[Demeter]

12. And then he'd lose the White House to Mitt Romney

Wake up and smell the coffee.

[gateley]

29. +1 Or worse. nt

[zipplewrath]

46. It is the counter to the "challengers cause us to lose" position

I've said before, incumbents EARN primary challenges. Everyone is so convinced that the democrats would lose if there was a primary challenger. It never occurs to anyone that democrats could also lose if we don't have one.

Truth is, any objective analysis of the CURRENT situation suggests that Obama has an uphill climb. Now, of course, everything can change in the next 15 months, but that is also the point. The odds are against democrats on how things can change in the next 15 months as well. We seem to be counting on the GOP to nominate an idiot. (Well, it's not like they haven't before).

I don't expect him to step aside, and I don't expect a primary challenger. But if ones entire goal was to create the best opportunity for the democratic party to hold onto the WH, Obama stepping aside may be the best option.

The "replacement" could virtually run on "hey, we tried to work with them and look what we got" platform, and then go ahead and run on protecting SS and medicare, increasing taxes on the wealthy, and all the other positions that poll very well, as well as runnning AGAINST the congress, which is polling VERY badly.

[LaurenG]

44. Obama would never say that. You shouldn't try to put words in Obama's mouth

why not just own it and tell the poster that is what you'd advise.

[JoePhilly]

13. Which "Democrat" would that be?

Never mind.

[erebusman]

14. well said

+100

[BlueIris]

15. Just sit down.

There is no victory to be had by you here, and the longer you deny reality, the worse it's going to be for the Party. Sir.

[jefferson_dem]

37. You win!

"Debbie Downer" post of the day!

[fujiyama]

16. Stop talking about the debt

Don't walk right into the republican talking points and their manufactured crisis.

Don't talk about crap that no one cares about like "patent reform".

Address what it is that matters to everyone - jobs (obviously he's talking about this and that's good).

But make the larger case that government can be a driving force for innovation - that spending, and yes even deficit spending, are necessary at times to provide a spark and a boost to the private sector. This is what this election is largely about - that not only does the government have the ability to do great things, but not doing so is a failure of imagination and an abdication of its responsibility.

Announce a major jobs program that actually makes up for the timid stimulus - that involves major infrastructure initiatives. Make it clear that projects directly associated with a government contract should provide jobs at home - meaning stiff penalties for anyone outsourcing any work in that program. A month or two ago, there was an article on a contract to build the bay bridge in CA, where the bridge was basically being built in China and shipped here! Is there a reason we can't build our own damn bridges? Ensure federal contracting requirements on non defense programs are the same as those for the military. Our domestic infrastructure and welfare should finally take precedence over bloody foreign adventures and supposed "defense".

[gateley]

30. EXCELLENT point about stuff like "patent reform"! A family

who is barely making ends meet isn't focused on patent reform!

[tweeternik]

17. Interesting article yesterday in Politico ......

that might be useful in this conversation .....

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/61439.html

[steve2470]

21. great article thanks ! nt

[flamingdem]

25. Some good points nt

[gateley]

32. Excellent! This deserves its own OP -- has it been posted? nt

[tweeternik]

42. I haven't seen it on DU ... please feel free to post n/t

[gateley]

48. A day later, but I will. Thanks again! nt

[greymattermom]

18. Obama Cares

More like that. Some perfect soundbites based on the repuke soundbites. They say I'm a socialist, I'm for Social Security and Medicare. So that Socialist comes to mean Social Security. So that Obamacare comes to mean Obama Cares.

[no_hypocrisy]

19. A few things:

1. Simple message repeated regularly.
2. Get more democrats to join Obama with simple message repeated regularly.
3. Bipartisonship is not the remedy for the problem. Kick some testicles.

[gateley]

28. Learn from the Republicans - hammer home the talking

points repeatedly, regardless of the questions asked or topics being covered.

How many times did we hear "job-killing Obama Care"?

How are you today, Senator McConnell?

Well, I'd be much better if I weren't so worried about this Job Killing Obama Care, but thanks for asking. :eyes:

[Ganja Ninja]

20. I would tell him that America needs a fighter that is willing to go after ...

the crooks and cronies supporting his political rivals. And in all honesty I would tell him that his first term proved he's not the man for the job.

[Fearless]

22. Don't run and give the light to a real Democrat.

[moksha]

23. He's in a tough position. As an incumbent, he has to run on his record.

He can't avoid it. While he has done some great things the past 3 years, they are far overshadowed by still high unemployment and very expensive wars.

I would advise him to do his best to make this election prospective rather than retrospective. He should roll out some big bold plans, such as a major jobs program.

Next year is an election year, but it is still a year+ for Obama to propose major initiatives. He needs to horse trade behind the scenes to get the Democratic Party to act as a united front. Then, push the hell out of a bold liberal agenda. Raise taxes on the wealthy, push a jobs bill focused on infrastructure, end DOMA, on and on.

When these efforts are challenged by the repubs, make that the campaign speech. Drop the bipartisanship bullshit, and hammer the repubs day-in-day-out as obstructions to progress. But, do in it real time on new legislative drives.

[mtnsnake]

24. He ran a near perfect campaign before, so I'd ask him to run it the same exact way

Obama is one of the best campaigners in history, and that will surely be a huge advantage in his bid for a second term. When it comes to campaigning, the repukes don't have anyone close who can appeal to voters with a brain.

[and-justice-for-all]

26. No more Mr, Nice guy...nt

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

31. If you do corndog photo ops. Eat it with a fork and knife. nt

[bemildred]

33. Solicit lots of donations from corporations, then use all of it to attack them.

Then get lots of money from the voting public, and use it to keep attacking them.

Meanwhile:

1.) End the wars, become a "peacemaker".
2.) Start yelling about jobs and taxing the rich and protecting unions and Medicare for All.

That ought to do it.

[AtomicKitten]

34. I'd refrain from giving advice; he's got enough backseat drivers.

[AlinPA]

35. Kick republican ass.

[jzodda]

36. Stop trying to get along with the right

I think he should come up with some big plans this fall and force republicans to vote against it. Then campaign aggressively against them. Fight hard and stop trying to be so nice and polite. We don't currently live in that kind of political climate these days. The other side says what it wants about the President and are actively trying to destroy him.

Pound the Republicans from now till the election and do not let up one bit.

[Ter]

38. To drop out for the sake of the party

n/t

[BreweryYardRat]

39. I'd ask him to question the paradigms he's operating under.

He seems to have bought some amount of Reaganite/plutocrat BS and not really stopped to question it.

It's acceptable to say "both sides are a problem" if you're attempting to soothe the fears of moderates and mildly conservative voters. You shouldn't actually mean it. Most of the politicians on the right-wing are absolutely cuckoo-for-cocoa-puffs crazy. Flat-out batshit insane. I'm not exactly the poster child for mental health myself, so trust me, I know crazy when I see it. They should not be legitimized.

While President Obama's actions on civil rights/liberties have mostly been good, his economic attitudes definitely need a serious adjustment to the left. and the health care bill could have been better. And yeah, in a lot of cases, our political system has hindered his ability to make significant gains. That doesn't mean that there's nothing he can do to split the corporate-owned voting block.

One example: The President needs to push for a massive alternative energy program -- solar panels all across the South and Southwest (on roofs to start with, until we can do environmental impact studies), and government-funded thorium-based molten salt reactors (can't melt down, the byproducts can't be stolen to make dirty bombs, and they can reprocess both their own nuclear waste and that) throughout the nation. Republicans and corporate-owned Democrats would be fucked. Frame the debate properly (in terms of massive job creation and national security), and their choice would be between passing the bills or getting voted out of office. For a Congresscritter, that's no choice at all.

Finally, the President needs to stop assuming plutocrats have the right to squirrel away billions of dollars in their private hoards. They don't. Not when they made that money by fucking over the American workers through outsourcing, stealing pension plans, etc... If they want to live in this country, they need to pay their proportionate share in taxes, stop fucking over the American people, and bring back manufacturing.

P.S. He needs to stop privatizing schools.

[Vinca]

40. At this point, I'd sit him down and let him know his chances are becoming

slimmer by the day so he might as well go for broke and act like a Democrat. Put together a new "New Deal" that would actually solve the problem and take it to the people. Republicans would, of course, vote against it, but since they would vote against a 100% right wing program if Obama proposed it, that doesn't matter. The people need to know who is working for them and who is working for corporate campaign donors. Success and compromise are not one in the same. The voters know it, but the White House does not.

[treestar]

41. Be natural and be seen doing the job

Be seen doing the job of President. Since the opponent is likely to be batshit insane, the voter will see a smart competent incumbent and not want to replace him with an idiot.

[LaurenG]

43. He really needs to figure out what he stands for and then stand for it.

No more "I'll put on my walking shoes and march with you" type statements. If he isn't going to keep his word he never should have said he'd do it. He needs to start leaning on corporations, he could start talking about how the rich could save this country if they would pay their share of taxes, make them into hero's saving the country by graciously paying pre George Bush taxes.

He can't back down or be bullied by the irrational right, I think nuanced insults are fabulous he could try a lot more of those.

[steve2470]

45. bump nt

[Mr Deltoid]

47. Stop coddling the GOP

...at the expense of your base.