Im in the minority here, but I agree with this strategy.
Our candidates need to get their message across to the voters about what they will and will not do if elected. Who they are, what they believe, etc. They need to reach the voters because they will have a heck of a time with the liberal media trying to prevent that.
A candidate who is going to drone on about hillarys cattle futures schemes from decades ago is just going to zone the voters out. Not many of this generations voters ever heard of it, and those who have dont give a damn.
Look at it this way. You apply for and get an interview for a new job you really want. At the interview, whats the best way to convince the head of the company (aka the voters) to hire you over all the other applicants he will or already has interviewed? You gonna sit there and trash all those other applicants (”that guy? Dont hire him. He was involved in a shady cattle futures deal a few decades ago. Turned a blind eye to his spouses infidelities”). Or are you going to play up your own strengths? Convince the boss that youre the best person for the job, you have all the knowledge and experience, and you will work the hardest at making the company more successful than it already is.
Elections will be illusions to placate the masses at this point (ala the Soviet Union) so your strategy is technically moot.
That said - I find it revealing that while the Marxist/Left and Establishment Ruling Class Oligarchs attack Conservatives without ceasing and with greater vile and demonization, people like you and Rove lecture about not offending the great Middle by defending themselves or attacking the record and facts of the enemy.
As to ‘playing up to job strengths’ - the GOP HAS NO STRENGTHS to advocate of themselves, except the ability to run Leftist candidates and capitulate to the Marxists.
There is no reason to vote for the GOP. They have proven that in the last 5 election cycles.