The Best Defense is a Good Offense
Yesterday, I set the stage for you with what Republican operatives are starting to murmur about — polling collapses, senior citizens, etc. Your mileage may vary. I’m just relating conversations with those familiar with this stuff.
In Georgia, there are real worries too for the GOP. But David Perdue actually has a campaign plan that revolves around him and his opponent, not handwringing over Donald Trump. It is a lesson other campaigns around the country need to take — make it about your own record and that of your opponent.
This morning, Perdue is unveiling a new ad highlighting what a huckster Jon Ossoff is. Ossoff, on the campaign trail, has been saying one thing, but behind the scenes to his base says completely different things. He portrays himself to the public as a moderate but has too many radical ties, including to Al Jazeera.
"On every issue from police funding to corporate PAC money, Jon Ossoff has lied to the people of Georgia," said Perdue for Senate Campaign Manager Ben Fry. "He wants voters to think he's a moderate, but in truth, he's a radical socialist who was endorsed by the Communist Party. He'll say anything to cover up his dangerous agenda."
Across the nation, Republicans need to remember the best defense is a good offense. I expect it to work here in Georgia. Normally, at this time of year, the Democrats are ahead of the GOP in Georgia. But Perdue has spent the last year making sure voters know he is not a clone of the President and, having positively defined himself, is out to make sure voters know who the real Jon Ossoff is.
Dennis Prager had a Townhall article today, "To All Those Who 'Vote For the Man, Not the Party'." Prager points out that most elected officials vote with their party on the vast majority of votes. The way Democrats stick together as a nearly unanimous unity block for SCOTUS nominations, Budget Negotiations, and major court decisions are prime examples of that. Consequently, any Democratic Senator elected in Georgia (or anywhere) is likely to do that. So the real issue for voters is whether they prefer Democratic or Republican policies, because as Prager points out, there is a major policy gap between the two parties.
It is questionable that distancing oneself from Trump (policy wise) is the best strategy in GA or in other states. For example, Trump won GA 50.44 to 45.35 in 2016 while Kemp only beat Abrams 50.2 to 48.8. Never Trump voters may not like it, but Trump consistently has about 90-95% approval from Republicans. This suggests his policies are in line with the bulk of the Republican party, while Biden's policies are a virtual political opposite of what was pre-Trump conservatism (e.g., his supporting abortion, gun-control, anti-constitutional-judges, etc.) It is very possible Trump may lose a close election, just as 55K votes would have made Abrams governor of GA instead of Kemp. But if one isn't willing to fight for political policies one's party supports, what is the purpose of voting and/or running for office?
Why, then, is Kelly Loeffler sending out campaign mailings touting her as the only senators who has voted 100% with Trump?
First, Trump doesn’t get to vote in Congress. Secondly, if he did, who would be proud to admit that?
Who the heck is running her campaign?