Analyzing the stunning victory for the Republicans in Massachusetts, one of the most liberal states in the Union, one comes away with various theories on what might have been playing out behind the scenes. Here’s one of those theories for your enjoyment.
Let’s pretend that we are a narcissistic1 politician occupying the White House, and our only goal is to ensure re-election for a second term. Would it matter if our radical policies pass? Of course not. What matters is that enough people believe that we can bring Hope and Change™ and that problems are caused by the evil opposing party.
In that scenario, how would we approach a key Senate election in a traditionally radically Democratic state?
Easy. Act as if a Coakley victory is a done deal.
If it is, we continue to look like the Messiah™ that some would like us to be, and we can keep our policies going at full speed as before.
If it isn’t, it’s a blessing in disguise, as it provides a convenient explanation for the failure of our radical policies for healthcare, the economy, taxes and the environment. This guarantees that there will be a good load of warm steaming Hope and Change™ available when it comes time for our next re-election.
How likely is it that Obama pursued such a cynical2 win-win strategy? You decide.
- (an unfair swipe) For the graduates of the Illinois, California and New York public school systems, this means 1: egoism, egocentrism, 2: love of or sexual desire for one’s own body (/an unfair swipe) ↩
- http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cynical ↩
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