Jay began writing politically themed commentary and founded his blog, Swimming Freestyle, in October 2007. Here he'll write about politics from a progressive perspective.

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Barnes Advises McCain: Bash Gays

1 comment

July 6, 9:30 AM

by Jay McDonough, Progressive Politics Examiner

This morning on FOX News Sunday, Weekly Standard editor Fred Barnes argued John McCain's campaign needs to reconnect with conservative voters.

“Here’s what he needs to do, he needs to touch on some of the social issues which energize the right,” declared Barnes. (Link)

What issues could Senator McCain use to re-energize conservative excitement in his campaign? Barnes offered one:

BARNES: In particular, gays in the military for one. We know Barack Obama is for allowing gays in the military, and Bill Clinton tried to do, but backed off. This is not a popular issue. Gay marriage is another one. These are both issues that I think McCain’s going to have to use. You can’t ignore the right. If he does, he’ll lose.

Mr. Barnes is arguing the implementation of the Rovian wedge issue strategy: when challenged and desperate, raise less important but very polarizing issues to invigorate a sympathetic voting bloc. As the specific issue of gay rights is probably about number 150 on the list of important issues to Americans and, the broader, "social issues" is around number 8, Mr. Barnes hail mary pass of whipping up some gay hate to invigorate conservative voters is cynical, hate filled and just kinda slimy.

If I was a conservative, I would be insulted that Mr. Barnes assumes I could be played so easily.
Topics: McCain , Barnes , Gay Bashing

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