Rush

It seems that Obama-Pelosi are implementing the strategy I discussed in a previous entry, although I intended for the republicans to use it. Their strategy is to select the standard bearer for the republicans and portray him as the leader of the party. By selecting Rush Limbaugh they have picked an idealogue who is a very polarizing character. You either love him or hate him, strongly agree or think he is a nut job. He in not a politician trying to be inclusive of as many followers as possible. He believes in a certain ideology and sticks with it. Unfortunately, this is not a recipe for a succesful politician but is for a radio talk show host. His concern is a loyal audience, not necessarily to appeal to the masses. So if he alienates some, that is fine as long as his ratings remain strong. By selecting him, the democrats have elevated Rush, and are thus attempting to distance many moderates from the republican party.
This game is effective and should be played both ways. Nancy Pelosi is an idealogue as well, and is a polarizing figure in her own right. In addition, she is the speaker of the house which makes her more naturally the spokesperson for her party. Alot more reasonable than selecting a nonpolitician, radio talk show host as the spokesperson. The republicans must focus on her and demonstrate how she is shaping the democratic party and the current agenda. This is not a falsehood but actually the truth. The republicans have no shot at this time trying to bring down Obama. He is too smart, charismatic, and loquacious with too much mass appeal. They must portray the dems as a far left party under the leadership of Pelosi, with Obama just following her lead, allowing her to shape policy, and marketing her ideas. The more we see Pelosi the worse it will be for the dems.
I just hope the republicans figure this out before Obama does. If Obama was smart he would distance himself from the far left wing of the party. He should demonstrably go against the policies of Pelosi. This would enable him to capture the moderates of both parties and ensure his popularity as a mainstream politician.