In 2008 we got to find out who Obama was. In 2012 we got to find out who the American people are.
This is about the electorate.
Very good summation. That is what many of us find most disheartening and depressing about this election. We have labored under the illusion of two key points:
1. The country basically has a center-right political alignment, and
2. In the end, we can trust the intelligence and judgment of the average American voter.
Both assumptions were proved false by the last election. From here on, we cannot assume either is true, and if we do, we do so at our political peril.
Say what you will about Romney, but in the end he was not a bad candidate. He embodied many of the things we believe in, self-reliance, hard work, love of God and family, personal achievement, helping ones neighbor through personal (not government) charity, and American exceptionalism. The electorate rejected that in favor of a "man" who believes in none of that, except perhaps love of family. We at least now can see what a challenge we face, and it is daunting, to say the least.
“1. The country basically has a center-right political alignment, and
2. In the end, we can trust the intelligence and judgment of the average American voter.”
I do agree that Romney was a strong candidate, I was just noting that his tactics at the end (sitting on a tiny lead), and some really bad luck (hurricane and Senate candidates) cost it for him. McCain, on the other hand, was simply PATHETIC.
As to your points above: Yes, the country is slowly drifting left, given our immigration policies and inability to integrate those people. But if the country was already there, the election would have been a lost-cause from the start.
Regarding the American people - you’re right. No politician should EVER trust the American people, as a whole, to sift through the noise. The Democrats never do, but Republicans, time after time, figure that constant attacks are just brushed off. And they are for you and me, and the people surrounding Romney - but they ARE NOT for the 20% of Americans that decide elections.
Romney was not a bad candiate? WTF. He completely alienated the conservative base. He caused civil war on conservative websites like this one.
Romney was the worst candidate that could have come from among the primary contenders. Perry would have been better. Bachmann would have been better. Gingrich or Santorum. It doesn’t matter. Anybody but a rich liberal Masshole governor who supported socialized medicine, gay marriage and abortion.
Romney was the worst candidate the GOP could field, unless they were trying to throw the election to the Democrats.