Written 2,500 years ago, "The Art of War" by Sun Tzuremains one of the most influential books ever written.
While viewed as one of the foundational works of military strategy, it would be a mistake to view it purely as a military work. The Art of War has immense value in any competitive faceoff. Especially politics.
Given John McCain's performance at Annapolis, I would be surprised if Walnuts remembered two words from the Art of War. But I have no doubt that Obama's quite familiar with it... especially this line:
If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.
Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
Sound familiar?
McCain's volcanic temper is legendary. So is his reputation as a gaffe machine.
That creates an enormous opportunity for the Obama camp. Today they seized on it with the "seven houses" ad. McCain's camp? They responded exactly as Sun Tzu predicted they would. (h/t to TomP for pointing out this article).
From McCain spokesman Brian Rogers:
"We're delighted to have a real estate debate with Barack Obama," said spokesman Brian Rogers, adding that the press should focus on Obama's house. "It's a frickin' mansion. He doesn't tell people that. You have a mansion you bought in a shady deal with a convicted felon." [Emphasis added.]
I'll avoid a long-winded discussion of professionalism in public relations, and just say this -- you don't hire a spokesman to sound like an idiot. And when your spokesman reminds you of this particular guy, you've got problems:
One would think Rogers would try to cool off a bit, but nope... he's just getting started...
"In terms of who's an elitist, I think people have made a judgment that John McCain is not an arugula-eating, pointy headed professor-type based on his life story."
Rule No. 2 of PR: Generally, you don't use schoolyard taunts in statements to the press. Like "pointy headed professor type."
That one of McCain's spokesman erupted in such a juvenile fashion in an on-the-record interview is quite telling.
It means Sun Tzu was right. McCain and his camp have a pretty short fuse. You win by igniting that fuse, letting your opponent spin out of control... and landing punches as your flailing opponent continues to leave you more and more openings.
Like this one:
"[Tony Rezko's] fair game now," [Rogers] said. "You are going to see more of that now that this issue has been joined. You'll see more of the Rezko matter from us."
I see your Rezko and raise you a Keating 5.
From a separate conversation Rogers had with the AP:
"Does a guy who made more than $4 million last year, just got back from vacation on a private beach in Hawaii and bought his own million-dollar mansion with the help of a convicted felon really want to get into a debate about houses?"
Which left the AP reporter a great opportunity to remind readers:
In a forum last week with the Rev. Rick Warren, McCain was asked to define the word "rich" and to give a figure. After promoting his tax policies, McCain said: "I think if you are just talking about income, how about $5 million?"
Way to dispel the elitist meme!
It all kind of reminds me of the old Nintendo game "Punch-Out!"(Yes, I'm showing my age here. Hopefully some of you remember it.)
It was a little bit frustrating at the beginning, as your opponents unfailingly managed to block every punch you threw. Frustrating until you figured out the game's secret.
Just wait... let the other guy throw a punch... duck... and counterpunch. Repeat until you win.
If you're in a fight, the last thing you want to be is off-balance, trying wildly to fend off repeated attacks from your opponent.
You want the other guy off-balance. You want him to lose his cool and start throwing punches wildly. That's when he'll leave you the opportunity to hit him with a haymaker.
Obama's drawn blood. And the McCain's camp's first response is to blow a fuse -- and leave themselves open for a shot to the gut.
To quote Hillary, this is when the fun part starts.
I, for one, am going to enjoy it immensely.