Purple People Vote

Exerpt from A Debate Obama Cannot Win - Washington Times Editorial

Barack Obama’s campaign for the presidency is faltering mostly because he misrepresented himself to the American people. He promised new and authentic politics; unity and bipartisanship; and reform of Washington. He touted his impeccable judgement — as evidenced by his early opposition to the Iraq war and the surge. He thus set the terms of the election debate. Yet the very terms he established are the ones he cannot win with. His record simply does not correspond to his rhetoric.

Mr. Obama’s “new kind of politics” - which was based on telling the truth, being a principled politician and treating one’s opponents fairly - collapsed once he secured the nomination in June. He reversed course with dizzying speed on NAFTA, FISA, public financing of campaigns, whether the D.C. gun ban was constitutional, meeting with rogue leaders without preconditions and the unity of Jerusalem. He even qualified his Iraq policy by stating it would be “refined” according to “conditions on the ground.” Most recently, in light of the economic downturn, Mr. Obama stated he might reconsider implementing the tax increases in his economic plan.

Mr. Obama appeared authentic during the Democratic campaign as a liberal champion: In running to the left of Hillary Clinton, he was passionate, fiery and convincing. Yet since his mad dash to the center, he appears uncomfortable: He stammers and stutters in response to questions rather than speaking forthrightly. The polished, Ivy League-educated senator now uses “folksy” expressions. This downhome speaking manner is geared toward attracting white, blue collar voters - and is not in consonance with his impeccable oratory. He is now packaged and artificial.