I thought of another development Rove might want to set off - that of a primary challenge to Obama. If the Dem money bags get the notion that Obama doesn’t have a snowball’s chance in h*** of winning, they might get ideas of drafting somebody who can distance themselves from Obama’s record - a Dem governor, e.g. A primary fight and a Dem party split would be popcorn heaven. That’s the main reason I can come up with for why Rove would throw this kind of money out there this early. The public isn’t paying attention (it’s too early, it’s summer), but the political movers and shakers are-they always do.
Even without a challenger, the self-doubts and demoralization will sow discontent in the ranks and spark an “every man for himself” mentality which would splinter fund raising and messaging.
Dennis Kucinich would challenge Zero with just a little encouragement.