President Barrack Obama has begun his re-election campaign. An article from the Associated Press stated that “between now and the election, the incumbent Democrat will work to convince a fickle America that he has delivered change, made the right moves and earned the chance to continue the job. He will have to defend policies that have proven divisive, chief among them his sweeping health care overhaul and his efforts to boost the slow-to-rebound economy.”
That would be an understatement. While Obama running for re-election is not surprising, the lack of campaign preparation from the Republicans is unusual. On the Democratic side, according to the article, Obama is unopposed for the primary, though this may change considering the amount of controversy the President’s term has so far generated.
The Democrats’ best chance for reelection is to maintain their unity behind the President’s bid. While that might seem like stating the obvious, these are Democrats we’re talking about.
Something else the Democrats, specifically the President, might want to consider, is making more campaign promises that are doable, or willing to make. Granted, it may be a bit late for that, but it’s worth a try. The Democrats have an advantage so far in that they have a chance to form a united front against the GOP while standing behind Obama. The Republicans are off to a slow start so far this time around. The more the Democrats can take advantage of that, the better for them.
To play the other side – and being part of a third party I can do that – the Republicans need to sort out who’s running before the Democrats gain too much of an advantage. They might also want to seriously consider dropping the religious portion of their voters.
The religious conservatives are part of why Senator John McCain selected Sarah Palin for his running mate, and that hampered his campaign. If they want their own party they can start one. Getting their social conservatism mixed with my fiscal conservatism is messing with my political flavors.
Besides actually putting forth some people to run, the Republicans also have to think carefully about who will run. Whom they actually put forth to oppose the President will likely affect the outcome. This might seem like stating the obvious, but these are Republicans we’re talking about. And considering the advantage Obama holds as incumbent, the odds are against them anyway.
If they can manage to be civil and not make a mockery of the election process by choosing someone unqualified for the job, then at least they’ll be remembered for their civility next time around. Like if McCain hadn’t sold his soul to try to get elected, and then flushed it down the toilet when he went back to being a senator.
Whoever runs, Democrat and Republican alike, try to remember this to help ensure a reasonably sane election process: Don’t compare anyone to Hitler or Socialism. The people you sway with that kind of rhetoric are not people you should feel proud to be supporting you.
