Posted 3:18 PM by Robert

Blathering Points Memo

Josh Marshall is angry at panicked Democrats and for good measure shares his ire at the old 2000 Gore campaign:

I remember a [Gore 2000] campaign that was far too sensitive to the spin and CW of the moment and thus capable of being buffeted by the smallest political squall. This, rather than any particular tactic or strategy, has always struck me as its greatest failing.

The Bush 2000 campaign was wholly different. They had many reverses. But there was never any serious question that a Rove or a Hughes would get canned. And if there was, the campaign sent out a clear signal that it would never happen. On many levels they were more disciplined.

That difference made a big difference in consistency of strategy and morale among the troops.

If you're a regular reader of this column, you'll know I've been very critical of the rapid-response from the Kerry campaign wherever it may have gone to) as well as their seeming disinclination to go on the offensive and stay there.

May I translate this Libnewspeak diatribe into English? Something like this, perhaps:

I remember a [Gore 2000] campaign that flip-flopped on the important points far too much. This, rather than any particular tactic or strategy, has always struck me as its greatest failing.

The Bush 2000 campaign was wholly different. They had many reverses. But there was never any serious question where George Bush and his campaign stood. That characteristic of Mr. Bush and his people is a big advantage, even though we Democrats keep tying ourselves in knots arguing that the President is just "inflexibile" and therefore weak. On many levels Bush and the people he surrounds himself with were - and are - more disciplined than the corresponding Democrats.

That difference made a big difference in consistency of strategy and morale among the campaign troops - and when Mr. Bush is reelected that difference will also make a big difference in consistency of strategy and morale among the troops in the American military and among the populace generally.

If you're a regular reader of this column, you'll know I've been absolutely frustrated with the Kerry campaign's flip flopping for pretty much the same reasons those Bush-Cheney campaign ads say everyone should be absolutely frustrated with John Kerry's clear disinclination to go on the offensive and stay there on many critical issues.

Ah, Josh, we hardly knew ya!