As I think about the absolutely horrific gaffe by John McCain today, that has literally put the lives of 3 US Senators, masses of US Government employees, and journalists at risk, I asked myself, What Would Karl Rove Do?
I firmly believe the Karl Rove would turn this into the "I voted for it before I voted against it moment". He would attack John McCain only perceived strength, national security, by hammering away at it ruthlessly.
For better or worse, I am not sure the Obama campaign is willing to take these steps. However, follow me after the jump to what I believe are the 5 easy steps that would literally end the campaign in mid July.
Step 1. Deploy RW (LW in this case) freak out machine...see Wesley Clark, circa July 2008.
Step 2. Leak details that Secret Service has had to revise plans.
Step 3. CANCEL TRIP TO IRAQ UNTIL AFTER CONVENTION due to SECURITY CONCERNS.
Step 4. Schedule a national speech next week when Obama should have been abroad about how critical judgement is as a Commander in Chief and discuss how he has consistently demonstrated this. No mention of McCain, let the media do the work.
Step 5. Reschedule trip for first week of September to walk all over Republican Convention and blame McCain.
Downside, RW would declare Barack Obama a wimp. However, with the right messaging this could be easily counteracted. Also, it would be risky if there were not Secret Service agreement. With Obama up in polls it would be a calculated risk, but would it be rewarded?
It would be ruthless, but I ask you, what downsides do you see?