Reply #53: Two major fallacies in this scenario [View All]

[Spike89]

The first is that a challenge from the left will pull (or push) Obama in that direction. It might be possible, but more likely you'd see Obama double down on the center. The only way you really pull Obama to the left by throwing primary challenges at him is to wound him, i.e., mount not just a credible challenge, but involve him in a dogfight. He'd most certainly win, but be in sad shape for the general election with an exhausted and even more fractured party.
The second is that candidate posturing is NOT binding. Frankly, (and frustratingly) elections aren't as much about setting policy, or even defining programs and initiatives--those are things that wait until after the election. Understand that if Obama were to be forced to the left in the primary, then once the general election comes around, depending on who he faces, he'll need to position himself just to the left of the republican. That is how you win American elections.
Elections and governing are NOT tightly connected, especially with 2nd term presidents who once elected can to a certain degree follow the agenda they want rather than the one they stumped on. Elections are about style, making as many people as possible believe you and they are politically alike.
Personally, I don't care one bit how Obama chooses to win a 2nd term (no other Democrat has a real chance to unseat him). I do greatly care how hard he pushes a progressive agenda once he gets past the dog-and-pony show of the election.