Dems need to update their playbook

Here's a random observation to start off the new week: Whenever Democratic presidential candidates appear to be underperforming, armchair strategists within the party always offer the same two pieces of advice. First, the candidate needs to attack the Republicans much more forcefully. Second, the candidate and/or party needs to move further to the left.

How is that working out for them? In 1996, Bill Clinton received 54% of the two-party vote against Bob Dole (i.e., 54% of the votes cast for either him or Dole). In 2000, Al Gore broke away from Clinton's centrist, "New Democrat" image in favor of a more liberal "I'm-fighting-for-the-little" guy kind of campaign. He received just over 50% of the two-party vote. In 2004, hard-core lefties essentially took over the Democratic Party. This was the year Howard Dean exploded onto the national stage (literally?) and Michael Moore was accorded the honor of viewing the Democratic National Convention from a seat next to Jimmy Carter. The Kerry/Edwards ticket received less than 49% of the two-party vote.

Although correlation does not equal causation, two pretty obvious trends have taken shape over the span of the last dozen years that may not be entirely coincidental. One is the Democratic Party's rejection of centrist politics and strident move toward the left. The other is a steady erosion of Democratic voting strength over the last three presidential contests.

This year, the Dems have nominated the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate as their standard-bearer. As Obama's campaign appears to be faltering in the polls, campaign officials are openly promising to "take off the gloves" and sharpen its attacks against John McCain. While this will undoubtedly please the party's leftist base, history suggests it's the wrong strategy. This country simply isn't that liberal. In fact, it's rather conservative. In order for a liberal to win the White House, he or she would be well advised to present an optimistic, non-threatening profile to the American people. Obama was at his best when the country perceived him as a thoughtful and inspiring leader who rejected the "politics of the past" and who symbolized America's racial progress. Attacking McCain, a certified national hero, as a disgraceful stooge does more damage to Obama's image than it does to McCain's.

In order to avoid a repeat of the last few elections, the Dems should consider tossing out their old playbook.