“Just the fact that they are making a point of saying “this is not a referendum” makes it likely that it is”.
Exactly. What, afterall, is the motive otherwise even to opine on the subject? It is the first thing that came to mind for them: Oh no!! The electorate is moving away from my redeemer! Against the Chosen One!! It can’t be....therefore it isn’t, and I’ll write a neat analysis just to prove it...
Say it often
Baraq's Toxic Coattails