First, Gallup polls over the past 60 years show that no president with an approval rating under 47 percent has won reelection, and no president with an approval rating above 51 percent has lost reelection. (George W. Bush's approval rating in the weeks before the 2004 election hovered around 50 percent.) The 2012 election will be primarily about our current president and whether voters are satisfied with the country's direction. Who the Republican candidate is, and his or her qualifications and abilities, will matter only if Obama's approval rating is between 47 and 51 percent going into the fall of 2012. Interestingly, in the latest Gallup poll Obama's approval rating was at a precarious 49 percent. Quality over quantity. You don't need to "tweet" quite so much. You don't need to be at countless rallies and photo ops. Instead, seek out substantive platforms where you can relate to people in a thoughtful, measured way....... Hope and fear. To be elected president, a candidate has to understand voters' fears but appeal to their hopes. Ronald Reagan (and Bill Clinton) knew this very well. To do this more comprehensively, I would suggest traveling more to better get a handle on where the voters are on topics related to finances, faith, race, etc... Use humor. In responding to controversy, bad press and negative occurrences in general, learn to let it slide off of you with a knowing smile. 
by the Left Coast Rebel
A Palin presidency actually is possible, according to Dowd in WaPo today. And no, in case you are wondering; this is not that Dowd as that would equate to hell freezing over, pigs flying......Looking ahead to the political landscape of the 2012 presidential election, there are certain elements to keep in mind, assuming that President Obama runs for reelection.
Some of his suggestions for Palin, snippets taken out that I like and/or agree with:
Via WaPo
Via Memeorandum
Since there's no clear front runner, she's perfectly capable of standing at the end when everyone else falls.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I like her as a person and a mother but I don't want her as the nation's leader. I hope Ron Paul or Huckabee runs again. Either one would make an outstanding President in my never-to-be-humble opinion. :)
ReplyDelete@ Snarky - Indeed.
ReplyDelete@ Sparky - I can see your point!