A new way of approaching politics must find a new way to respond to wedge issues. Divide and conquer is a favorite ploy, tried and true, it works. Unite and lead works too, but only with the right circumstances, at the right time, and we can (and have to be) part of the solution.
When the wedge is driven into the conversation, you can choose to behave as if something once whole is divided (this is what is intended). Think now, doesn't it matter what Rev. Wright says, since Obama listened to this guy for over 20 years? Was Obama's response good enough? What should I think about Obama now? These questions are making the wedge more powerful.
Or you can take the wedge into your message, integrate it, and create a new unity. Here is something that potentially divides us. Here are people trying to benefit from this line of attack. We know exactly what is being done, by who (yes, the media. Yes, both Clinton and McCain). There are larger questions to be asked: What does it mean to attribute others' statements to someone else? Should, for example, Hillary be held accountable for every statement her husband - arguably a closer relationship than pastor - has ever said? Should we expect our candidates to only associate with those with whom they are in 100% agreement? (Isn't that what's wrong with the current White House occupant?)
Obama himself is handling this ok. But I am watching this community and our reactions, and we are letting our guard down.
The two things that could still lose this for us:
- Complaining about being sick and tired of the primary. Even if you are, those around you need your encouragement. Buck up. We can't become a culture of complainers. There's work to do.
- Responding to wedge issues in the same terms as they are presented. That is, allowing the wedge to result in a real division.