Reply #24: The problem is that it doesn't have to be a majority. [View All]

[woo me with science]

It just has to be enough to affect turnout in some closely contested areas.

There is some evidence:

http://hotair.com/archives/2011/04/11/rasmussen-liberals-losing-enthusiasm-for-obama/

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/04/26/970028/-Daily-Kos-SEIU-poll:-Republicans-more-excited-about-2012-presidential-race


I think we have a fierce disagreement here about whether Obama is more likely to be derailed by being criticized during the election, or by his own record of validating Republican policies by compromising, adopting, and endorsing them.

I hear and understand the fear by some that criticism could make him more vulnerable in the election. There is also a strong argument to be made that this economy can't wait. We will not get policies that will actually revive this economy until he stops accepting and validating Republican framing of issues through constant compromise and capitulation (e.g., massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations, supply-side measures). IMO his best chance at reelection will come if he seizes the progressive mantle, argues strongly for policies that will actually work, and and fires up the country to change the national conversation before the election.