Everyone willing to listen has heard us say this is going to be a gutter fight. But, there are some ways to conduct sewer pugilism with suave and class.
President Obama has everything to win, and virtually nothing to lose by FINALLY responding to four years of complete disrespect from the party opposite. Attempts to reach out, to include Republicans were honestly and respectfully offered; opportunities for participatory democracy that were met with derision and obfuscation along an already pre-determined axis of opposition against him.
As late as last month, the Obama campaign was "soft-pedalling" it's words, with only factual evidence against Governor Romney's record being frankly presented to the American people. The President has largely depended upon the intelligence and honor of the people to know the difference, without having felt the need to tell them in no uncertain terms what the differences between the campaigns actually are. Then, the campaign decided to, if for no other reason than originality, respond to the Romney campaign lies with the simple truth. That was the turning point for me.
There is a very old Japanese saying, which I learned from a very old Japanese man (my Grandfather), which says:
"A dog is always a dog, until you beat him into a corner. When he turns around, with his teeth bared, he is 'Mr. Dog'."
It was ever so slight, and completely transparent, but the Obama campaign began to push back. The dog had turned around. I had no doubt then that, having made that choice once, the results the Obama team would see as a consequence of this choice could only compel more of the same, with as much "energy" as would be required to stop the lies. What happened?
The Romney campaign chose poorly, and stepped up the lies. From a political science standpoint, this was dumbfounding. What was meant as a quiet notice to back down from the campaign of lies, and deal with the issues (and tax returns, mind you), Romney's campaign showed something about the campaign that took many Americans by complete shock.
They didn't care. It didn't matter what anyone thought, because the Romney machine was convinced not only that they will win this election, but more that they cannot lose it. Why? Follow me just below the squggledoodlethingey fold, and I'll tell you my thoughts.
I did a lot of growing up on the South side of Chicago as a young man. I moved there to be a company trainer for a well-known Insurance company. I came away from that experience a different, and I believe a better person, and more of a "man" than when I arrived.
But I was the same person who arrived in Chicago as the person who left where I had been to get there. I almost immediately found "my" people. I made friends quickly, and let me tell you something. Chicago friends are among the very best friends you can have. You get adopted into families, not merely recognized as someone's friend. Weddings, funerals, picnics, homework are all family gatherings on the South side. You are family. You are expected to participate. Amazing people. Truly amazing times. I smile even now remembering them.
I also got shot at there (much later as a truck driver), too. Violence is a common part of every large metro community. But, this was a different part of town, among strangers. As a driver, I was always a stranger there. For one of my regular runs, I had to park on the street known as "Shotgun Alley". Many drivers sat in their seats all night long. I went to bed. One of my friends from my former days was a night cop there. He took care of me, and sent out the word that I was protected. I never got shot at again.
Get it?
The Republicans are convinced this election goes to them, no matter what. They have been told, and have seen sufficient proof to give them assurance. No matter the voter suppression (but bring it on, full force just to make sure. They have been virtually guaranteed a win in November. And so they should be. After all, they will durned well pay for it. They know they are outspending the Obama campaign by a purely vulgar margin. Keep those $50,000 a plate opportunities flowin', just to make sure. And, keep those large donors in line: the cashier's line.
There are a couple of small things, however, this tea party bunch has lost track of, or have forgotten.
The first is that they are betting against democracy. The second is that they are betting against the citizens of this country. (Which is the true message of the O Teams's Detroit ads). But, perhaps, most importantly, they have still, after nearly four years, failed to understand the man who is our President.
I strongly doubt it, but here's one more clue that they maybe, just maybe, will understand:
Meanwhile, the Romney/Ryan and Obama/Biden campaigns are passing each other on the highway (literally) in Iowa. It's the Iowa State Fair, dontcha know!! Who would miss that opportunity. Meanwhile, back on the other side of the nation...
I freakin' love it!