I think Obama used a Rovian tactic.

[BklynChick]

He took a strength of the Republican party and the general electorate--namely its stupidity and pride in its stupidity--and called it out front and center by saying, "They think you're stupid." No one actually wants to think they're stupid or ignorant, but c'mon, you know the Republicans take the stupidity to the bank and cash it in for votes. He should continue this line of talk... I think it will work.

[KittyWampus]

1. yes, and no one wants to be told they've been duped.

[AtomicKitten]

2. That will be reinforced as each lie is uncovered.

[gateley]

3. I hope he says it over and over and over. Biden, too. nt

[FrenchieCat]

4. See my sig?

I think, if done a bit better, it could be a hit!

I bought this as a bumper sticker.

The one I ordered has a bolder bigger font to it.

But yes...1992 was "It's the economy stupid!"....and this time it is "They think were stupid"...

[BayouBengal07]

5. Has he started saying "they think you're stupid?"

I've heard him say "they must think you're stupid," but I always thought he should have flat out said "they think you're stupid." Period.

[sofa king]

6. To be fair, that used to be called a "Clintonian" tactic.

Closely related to another Clinton area of expertise, "triangulation," and the Big Dog was a master of it. In 1992, Clinton took the Republican ideas that were popular, improved upon them, spoke more authoritatively about them, and went on to become the best Republican President of the 20th Century.

The one thing I can't forgive him for is the Defense of Marriage Act, but I understand why he did it: he stole one of Rove's best tricks (back when it was one of Gingrich's tricks) and put it straight to bed by signing off on the bill before it could become a political football.

But, like Alexander the Great conquering the Persians, Clinton began to resemble the people he conquered so much that his original base could hardly recognize him. If you ask me, that's why Al Gore had the election stolen from him: the argument that there was no difference between the two parties had much more weight in 2000 than it does now.

Thus I would caution the Obama camp on this one thing: it's wise to turn a bullshit issue around on the GOP, but it's another thing entirely to endorse their warped issues. Please don't go there.

[sandnsea]

7. Not the same thing at all

Rovian is Orwellian - tell you one thing and doing the complete opposite.

Clintonian is splitting the difference, using Dem language to shove Republican ideas down our throats.

Obama is using his own language, gosh, the truth, to turn Rovian and Clintonian tactics on their head. Completely different.

[elkston]

8. I think FrenchieCat was onto something in one her posts.

She said that the contrast Obama was trying to make is that he trusts the voters and their instincts while the Republicans do not. He instills confidence in them by reinforcing their power to change America with their vote. The Republicans, on the other hand, try to scare them into submission with cheap tricks and lies.

This isn't about anyone but YOU and YOUR voice to change America. Vote for me and I will be an extension of that voice. This is a call to the undecideds and swing voters, not those who are predisposed to buy-in to right wing propganda.

I don't think this is taking the high road. This is short-cutting the media and getting the message directly to the people. Its community organizing on a national level.

I don't think Obama is naive. He knows about identity politics, the Bradley Effect, and all those election psychology books people always like to parrot.

This campaign knows something and they are keeping their cards close. I'm inclined to trust them.