asterism
Congress != Progress
Monday, Sep. 10, 2012
The Way to Win By Mark Halperin
By Mark Halperin
Barack Obama's prospects for a second term depend as much on plain old campaign blocking and tackling as on great speeches or sparkling debate performances. Here's what the President and his troops need to do to stave off defeat in the face of high unemployment, towering deficits and widespread unease:
1. Avoid getting sucked into spending time and money in states Obama will win even if Mitt Romney and his allies decide to invest heavily there. Examples: Michigan and Pennsylvania. The better-funded Republicans can play on a wider board this time around, thanks to Romney's fundraising prowess and super-PAC reinforcements. Obama doesn't have the luxury of flinging his funds wherever he likes.
2. Ride the wave of identity politics, now one of the strongest forces in presidential elections. Communicate nonstop with Hispanics on the Dream Act, women on reproductive freedom, young people on Pell Grants, African Americans on health care and upper-income, educated voters on a balanced approach to deficit reduction and social issues.
......
The Way to Win By Mark Halperin -- Printout -- TIME
The Way to Win By Mark Halperin
By Mark Halperin
Barack Obama's prospects for a second term depend as much on plain old campaign blocking and tackling as on great speeches or sparkling debate performances. Here's what the President and his troops need to do to stave off defeat in the face of high unemployment, towering deficits and widespread unease:
1. Avoid getting sucked into spending time and money in states Obama will win even if Mitt Romney and his allies decide to invest heavily there. Examples: Michigan and Pennsylvania. The better-funded Republicans can play on a wider board this time around, thanks to Romney's fundraising prowess and super-PAC reinforcements. Obama doesn't have the luxury of flinging his funds wherever he likes.
2. Ride the wave of identity politics, now one of the strongest forces in presidential elections. Communicate nonstop with Hispanics on the Dream Act, women on reproductive freedom, young people on Pell Grants, African Americans on health care and upper-income, educated voters on a balanced approach to deficit reduction and social issues.
......
The Way to Win By Mark Halperin -- Printout -- TIME
