Reply #40: Bush/Rove went "deeper" into the base instead of expanding it [View All]

[Tulkas]

They threw red meat at blocks like the Evangelists and turned them out in huge numbers. This won them elections (or so we are supposed to believe) but it alienated some of their traditional base. This can be exploited to our advantage.


Many people that would normally align with Republicans agree with us on some important issues. The environment is one such example. Just because they want to cut taxes and eliminate abortion rights does not mean they want to pollute the planet their children need to live on. The War, the Deficit, Trade Policies etc etc etc.


If you can attract people who are split on the issues between the two major parties you can grow your base while shrinking theirs. You have heard of "Reagan Democrats" now you need to spend 20 years hearing about "Obama Republicans". This does not mean we change our views to suit them, it means we point out that they agree with us on things that we can act on together while the other party is out of power.


Obama was praising Reagan's style, and his ability to draw people to the Republican cause. Obama will use his oratory skills to draw people to the Democratic cause.

This is what he is talking about when he starts up about "growing a sustainable majority"