But as I said, Paul Krugman is a political rookie compared to Barack Obama. - Blog post referenced by Ray Sandoval, Obama For America (OFA) New Mexico State Director in an email to supporters.
Mr. Sandoval pretends to know a thing or two about 19 dimensional political chess. Just consider the brilliance of President Obama's strategy as it has been applied to New Mexico, Mr. Sandoval's political turf.
There are few things of political note about New Mexico, it:
- Is a swing state at the federal and state levels.
- Has one of the highest per capita rates of federal workers of any state (Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Indian Health Services, Department of Energy - Los Alamos National Laboratories, Sandia National Laboratories, Kirtland AFB, Canon AFB, Holloman AFB, White Sands Missile Range, etc.)
- Has many federal workers that have seen their pay fall below well below the private sector during the Bush years.
- Has many federal workers who had their pensions slashed by up to 40% in August 2010 (Sandia National Laboratories)
So how would a true political pro finesse a swing state like New Mexico?
In one fell swoop our President reneged on a fundamental campaign pledge, doubled-down on supply-side / voodoo economics, adopted the "state/federal workers are the new welfare mothers" doctrine espoused by Scott Walker and his Koch brother backers, tossed his base under the bus in a way that is sure to damage turnout on the next election day, and single-handedly threw away a bargaining chip that might have been useful with Republicans during the latest debt ceiling debacle.
Hmm... I wonder how this is playing out in other swing states like Virginia? They wouldn't have many federal employees there would they?
Yes, Mr. Sandoval knows a thing or two about political rookies. Silly Nobel Prize winners.