I've seen plenty of worried Obama supporters over the past couple of weeks and I admit, I've found myself slip into a deep, dark hole of panic. Then, I see a diary or article that throws me a rope, which leads me back to hope. Well, this is one of those days.
I've seen the rope-a-dope strategy mentioned here before, but what I read today was actually quite good and put my mind at ease. I told myself to trust in Obama. To not buy into the hype of "we should be worried".
Senator Barack Obama does not seem to be angling for the political equivalent of a decision in the presidential race. His campaign is looking strategically over the coming months, recognizing that the campaign is just now moving past the early rounds, with "swing" voters still largely tuned out. Rather than letting loose his full arsenal, he is letting McCain punch himself out -- and McCain, like Foreman before him, is falling right into the trap. As long as McCain keeps diving to the gutter, he is neutralizing his most valuable attribute: a reputation for honesty and integrity. Meanwhile, as McCain destroys his own brand, Obama is dodging the punches. McCain and his surrogates are trying a new negative narrative practically every week, but according to the polls, nothing is sticking. Inexperienced, uppity, elitist, unpatriotic -- these rotating smears all fit under the general umbrella of "Other," but despite this barrage, the Obama campaign is deflecting the blows, readying themselves for the late rounds, the time that really matters.
Link
How many times do we need to be told this? Letting the TM brainwash us into thinking that Obama is having trouble, when in fact he's still leading after all the slime that's been thrown his way by the McCain camp.
Do you honestly think Obama doesn't know exactly what McCain is doing? This is why Obama continually praises McCain's service. He's not ruining his own integrity just to get in a few shots at McCain, all the while waiting for them to slip up, and today was the perfect example of that when they came out so fast with the ad on him not remembering how many homes he owns.
He waits, while he listens. He waits, until the perfect moment. While he waits, he builds up his own persona to the people. When he strikes, it's on the issues, not smears.
Don't forget this. He knows exactly what he's doing. I've never seen such an intelligent, nuanced politician in my life, and I will put my trust in him because I know in my gut that Obama already has this all figured out and doesn't need me to worry. That just hurts him in the long run because the TM picks up the vibes we give out...his most avid supporters, which in turn feeds the bottom-dwelling naysayers.