Democrats and progressives are going to need a strong message if they are to make headway against the massive political gains the radical right has made this term. So much damage has been done, but it's clear that in order to undo it, the original Obama wave must not just be duplicated, it must be built upon.
I don't see anything in particular doing this, lord knows there isn't much positive news coming out of Obama's presidency to hang hats on. So in the grand tradition of American politics, it's probably best to work on a line of attack rather than anything else; we need the most bang for the buck we can get.
And with that ineloquent introduction, I propose to you creating the NRA movement -- NO REPUBLICANS ANYWHERE.
The memetic/viral value of the acronym is obvious, but it also helps focus on the message progressives and Democrats need to carry into 2012 -- the complete and utter bad-faith governance by Republicans.
If there is one theme that needs to be hammered on from now until election day, it's that Republicans are deliberately hurting you in order to defeat Democrats and Obama. Once and for all people need to be awoken to the dangers of voting against their own interests.
A tight, focused message like this would make for a slew of high impact spots.
"When economists across the political were saying cutting government spending in a recession would make it worse, Republicans slashed spending and made things worse. All to hurt Obama and Democrats in 2012. Your family is paying the price, stop Republican damage to America now. Vote NRA: No Republicans Anywhere."
"While Democrats looked for fair solutions to the deficit, Republicans held the nation hostage, threatening to cause economic disaster if Democrats didn't accept policies that would make them look bad in 2012. Don't let's Republicans terrorize your family. At the ballot box, remember NRA: No Republicans Anywhere."
"Republicans hit Obama on jobs in 2010, but when they took power, they concentrated on making policies to hurt Obama, which caused even more job losses. Tell Republicans you won't be collateral damage in a political game, vote NRA: No Republicans Anywhere."
Could it work?