Karl Rove’s advice for Obama

[IDemo]

as if.... :puke:

By Karl Rove | NEWSWEEK
May 5, 2008 Issue

Four months ago, you took the political world by storm in Iowa. The media were agog. They called your words "gorgeous," your victory "a message to the world." You "made history" and Americans could "look at ourselves with pride" in "a moment to marvel."

Times change. The six weeks leading into Pennsylvania were difficult. You excelled at raising money and gaining endorsements, but got weaker as big problems emerged. Before you can fix them, you must understand them. In Pennsylvania, you won only 30 percent among Catholics and 29 percent among white working-class voters. Defections like this elect Republicans.

Even liberal commentators who adore you warn you can't win with a McGovern coalition of college students and white-wine sippers from the party's left wing. Saying small-town voters cling to guns, faith and xenophobia because of economic bitterness hurt you; it reinforced the growing sense you don't share Middle America's values. So did asking about the price of arugula in Iowa, dismissing the "true" patriotism of people who wear a flag lapel pin, being "friendly" (as your chief strategist, David Axelrod, put it) with a violent, unrepentant '60s radical and having a close relationship with an angry pastor who expressed anti-American sentiments.

You argue the son of a single working mom can't be an elitist. But it's not where you start in life; it's where you end up. After a prestigious prep school, Columbia and Harvard, you've ended up with the values of Cambridge, San Francisco and Hyde Park. So you're doing badly in Scranton, Youngstown and Erie, where ordinary Americans live.

HERE ARE SIX SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO DO:

-- http://www.newsweek.com/id/134322

[livetohike]

1. I can't read more but is one of the six suggestions

to get a big cowboy hat and boots and affect a Texas drawl??

[rodeodance]

2. oh karl-obama thanks you.

[ErinBerin84]

3. oh god, Karl. Shut up!

It's so funny how much the MSM legitimizes this guy. I was looking at Newsweek's issue last week, and the "electoral map" presented. After a second, I was like "Wait...what the fuck?" And then I looked at the "creator" of the map-Karl Rove. He is advising McCain..this would be like having someone from the Obama or Clinton campaign dole out some "objective" advice to John McCain.

[IDemo]

4. This isn't so much advice as thinly-veiled attack

Could have been ghost written by Bill or Hillary.

[NanceGreggs]

5. Happy to see Karl hasn't lost his ability ...

... to spew bullshit. When that's your only skill in life, it's best to keep it honed.

[KittyWampus]

12. Karl is pointing directly to the failure of Obama's camp to provide a narrative for himself

and his opposition.

As an Obama supporter, I am actually getting a bit concerned.

We can all poo-poo the 'elitist' label, but unless Obama's camp successfully brands himself otherwise, Hillary and the GOP will do it for him.

[anonymous171]

13. I agree.

The narrative needs to be reset. Clinton dominates Obama in that regard. She always sets the narratives. He needs to one up her.

[KittyWampus]

14. Politics is theater. Obama did well defining himself until he hit the turbulence.

National ads need to go up on tv very soon.

[anonymous171]

15. Again, I agree.

[barack the house]

6. Awww what a sweet man. He has such a tender heart.

[Tribetime]

7. Too bad you can't help yourself with Siegelman

Maybe you can explain it to congress

[Liberal Veteran]

8. Reminds me of why I cancelled my subscription to Newsweek.

[City Lights]

10. Same here. nt

[pscot]

9. Is Rove looking for a job?

In January his daddy leaves office and the chickens start coming home. He needs a new daddy. Some of his advice makes a lot of sense.

[Hansel]

11. "Don't listen to me?" That's the best advice he could give.