I have been a bit astonished by the extent to which progressives generally and Democrats specifically have anonymously and publicly doubted Obama's ability to deliver the election. We have internalized the victimology of the last eight years. We have been "psyched out" by the right wing and we are in a nervous tizzy over every downtick of the polls.
Now is not the hour to fret. We must keep our heads or we will lose them.
Here is what we must remember:
- Regardless of the daily polls, the fancy ads, the rallies and all the rest, the fundamentals are still with us. The economy, energy policy and national security are issues that align with progressive values this election.
- In 1992, Clinton was at third place behind both Poppy Bush and Ross Perot (with similar fundamentals). Once Perot exited the race and the Democratic Convention was done, Clinton was ahead. (Also it helps to remember that Clinton won with 43% of the vote.) Obama has been leading in every published poll (except a couple) since the end of the primaries. Clinton wishes to this day that he was in such an electoral position.
- As Frank Rich reminded us this past Sunday in his NY Times column, in 1980 Reagan was behind Carter by 6% at this point. We have never be behind yet.
- We have an excellent candidate. Granted he needs more precision in his "debate" answers. But remember that Kerry won all three debates in 2004 and Bush still won re-election. (And I think that Obama will do much better in the debates that he did against Clinton. I also think that the debates will be a better forum against McCain since there will be no home field advantage as happened at Saddleback.)
- This is the equivalent of a boxing match and even if you win you take a lot of blows. The GOP is not going to give up power easily. The White House is all they have left. We have to learn to take punches without overreacting.
- We have to stop believing our own hype. We are trying to elect the first African American president who also happens to have an Arabic name in a post-9/11 America. That we are doing this well is incredible. Be proud. We are remaking the country.
In all, the road to the election is bumpy and has a lot of twists and turns. But we have the right vehicle for the task. I would far rather be on this team than the other one. Buck up, Democrats. Buck up, Kossacks. Glory awaits the fearless.