Politics in America goes through cycles and changes. In the 1950s, because the Republicans were in a permanent minority (much like in the 1900-1930 period with the Dems in a minority), there was a tendency to "rest" after the election and actually work together for a while.
But we are back to the 1830s, the Jacksonian/Boss Tweed bare-knuckle blood sport, and the Republicans still haven't caught on. Lee Atwater was the last one we had who knew how to fight this way: even Rove, for all his genius at winning elections, tried to be too nice.
So if Obama is the president, conservatives should vow a scorched earth, immediate campaign a la Florida 2000 where he is immediately portrayed as illegitimate.
I actually agree with you. Atwater was one of the best consultants. I enjoyed his biography and some of the stories in there. My point is that it’s too late in this election to totally play that card and make it work.