Legal Commentary

Obmama's New Tack

By Professor University of Miami School of Law

This new Obama ad, Book strikes me as a largely welcome messaging departure in several ways.

First, it’s an attack ad — but on substance. And it’s not a rebuttal ad, either.

Second, it alludes (dog whistle anyone?) to the Responsible Plan to End the War, without of course actually endorsing it.

Third, and least delightfully, although probably wise tactically, it offers what may become a campaign mantra if it catches on “the middle class first” (i.e. before those rich lobbyist and GOP beneficiaries of Haliburton largess). I preferred Edwards’s focus on the poorest among us, but this is how you win elections.

Full post as published by Discourse.net on August 13, 2008 (boomark / email).