"likable" and "national security" are the GE hurdles to clear. We kill them on the economy/health

[Proud2BAmurkin]

If McCain is neutralized on the first two he's destroyed on the last two, the top gen election issues.

[Occam Bandage]

1. I agree, which is part of the reason I support Obama.

He wins likable hands down. National security, he scores a win as well. There are two frames you can use: the left-wing or the right-wing. Obama exists in the left-wing NS frame; Clinton in the right-wing (I am not talking about specific policies, I am talking about frames. Go read some Lakoff.)

In a national-security debate, Obama occupies the left frame, and takes all voters predisposed to believe it. McCain take the right, and all voters predisposed to believe in it. It's an even split on this issue.

In the same debate, Clinton and McCain occupy the right frame. Inside that frame, McCain is a stronger candidate than Clinton; since he exemplifies the right frame better, he takes virtually all voters predisposed to the right frame, and the left frame is unrepresented.

Obama can, by virtue of his IWR opposition and his clear set-a-deadline approach, draw a clear distinction. Clinton can only run as "like the other guy, only smarter and better." Kerry's '04 bid proved that Clinton's current strategy is ineffective.

[Proud2BAmurkin]

3. Agree with that analysis but think Clinton gets the right frame, half the left

The left frame never wins national security arguments in presidential elections, even if it's right.

[gateley]

2. And immigration -- we've got to get our chops up for that. nt