Bam is ‘left’ bewildered

The New York Post ^ | October 7, 2012 | Michael Goodwin

[2ndDivisionVet]

It’s a given now that Mitt Romney performed brilliantly in the first presidential debate, but some less-than-obvious benefits are still emerging. Beyond predictable poll bounces and fund-raising jumps, an added gain is the dilemma Team Obama faces in trying to regroup after the shellacking.

Desperately trying to change the storyline, all the president’s men immediately went into DEFCON attack mode. On the stump and in ads, they charged out of Denver calling Romney a liar and promised that a more combative president would show up the next time.

It was a reaction designed to calm Obama’s left-wing base, which was spittin’ mad after his pathetic performance. But the leftward lurch carries a potentially high price.

Obama’s effort to placate the MSNBC crowd clashes with his need to attract moderate independents who will decide the election. It’s difficult to do both at the same time and Obama’s decision to go ultra-negative and nasty creates another opportunity for Romney in the swing states.

It is Politics 101 that candidates shore up their bases in the primary seasons, then move to the center to broaden their appeal for the general election. Romney and Obama both tried to do it at the debate, but with very different results.

Early on, for example, the president tried to cast himself as a reasonable man. It was an echo of the uniter role Obama promised four years ago but rarely kept after he got into the White House.

But just as Romney touted his work with Democrats in Massachusetts, Obama talked of bipartisanship and praised the Simpson-Bowles deficit reduction plan he had shunned. Instead of using “Republicans” as a pejorative, he mentioned them only in the context of issues supported by both parties.

The president’s weak effort was quickly overshadowed by his tongue-tied stupor...

[UCANSEE2]

Expecting Obama to ‘perform’ better in the second debate, is like putting sour milk back in the fridge hoping it will taste better tomorrow.

His only hope is that the townhall setting with pre-selected (and well paid) audience participants will take up all Romney’s speaking time.

[exnavy]

If they thought Obayma was in a tongue tied stupor, wait until Gaffer Biden hits the stage.

"It's all about that three letter word, J-O-B-S!"

[cardinal4]

I think if Mitt remains as poised and confident as he did in the first one, the tactics of the left wont matter. I do, however, he calls out some of the more obvious tricks, and treats them as they are; desperate “gotcha” questions.
Also, it looks like the moderator is a left wing loon, I’d like to see Mitt be able to demonstrate to the folks watching the bias..

[MuttTheHoople]

The people who've fought Communism in any of its forms, whether it's Counterinsurgencies against Marxist Guerrillas, open battles against communist troops, or political battles against Leftists, have discovered this: They have no plan B,

Communists are tough, savage, ruthless fighters who never quit. However, you take them out of their comfort zone, try something new against them, or even just stand up to them, it totally discombobulates them. Communists tend to read only one book (The Book of Mao, Cloward-Piven, Alinsky). When anti-Communists read those same books, and develop counterstrategies, the Left is at a loss.

[sirchtruth]

I know Mitt did very well in the first debate and there is nothing Obama can do to tout his record because it sux!

However, I would tell you all it would not surprise me one bit if Obama wasn't purposefully tanking his election chances. Obama did what he came to do, destroy the US economy and implement a socialized monstrosity of a healthcare system.

Now, he can go back to doing his "community organizing" on a less spotlighted platform.

[Vaduz]

He’s lost the independents and the msm can’t save him not even bogus polls.
He’s a problem maker not a problem solver,BS no longer works.

[Cringing Negativism Network]

Excellent point.

For far too long, Republicans have been moot about liberal press bias.

It is tricky, because the left is quite good at being biased while pretending to be unbiased, and some serious judgement will be necessary to call the media on any bias.

But if an opportunity does present itself I sure hope Romney gets a dig in. Or several.

It has to be obvious though.

Romney seems up to the challenge however. He can win over both the center and the right, if he plays things right.

[Wildbill22]

Obama will not underestimate Romney again. He WILL be much more aggressive in the second debate, let there be no doubt.

Two things can happen with this;
1- Obama appears more presidential, but this will take substance, which he now is exposed as lacking outside a prepared speech.

2- Obama over compensates, looks REAL bad, Gaffs, and plays the part of the fish helplessly flopping around in the bottom of the boat. (at this point the second possibility looks more likely)

[NonValueAdded]

The contradictory challenge Obama faces stands in contrast to Romney’s double success. He managed to touch all the conservative erogenous zones while, in the same 90 minutes, present himself to independents as a sensible, pragmatic alternative to the president.

Well, I have to admit, it was good for me. Now I understand why! Conservative erogenous zones, who knew?!!