President Donald Trump’s decision to go on the offensive and refuse to apologize regarding Supreme Court justice Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual assault allegations seems to reveal a midterm strategy: energize the base and consider Kavanaugh’s opponents lost votes anyway.
According to a Monday New York Times report, Trump is taking a risk to get lethargic conservatives fired up with the “man unfairly accused” narrative, taking a chance that those who react badly to that messaging would not have supported his candidates anyway.
The real question now, and for the new few weeks, is which base is more angry, energized and motivated?
Per the Times, there is a stark partisan divide over Kavanaugh support. Democrat men and women strongly oppose Kavanaugh, while Republican men and women strongly support him. Among independents, men more readily support Kavanaugh while women generally side with the accusers.
Interesting strategy but Republicans always use fear to rile their opponents. Whether it’s ISIS or the idea that White men are being victimized, fear is always their go-to play. This year it just so happens that KavaNO’s confirmation was bumpy and people are protesting so of course they are using it. No real surprise. But their base always votes midterms so while I’m sure there may be a slight uptick, I’m not sure it will make a huge difference in how they normally perform.
The real test will be the Democratic voters. Our side is typically more apathetic and needs to be “inspired” to vote. This fight has energized many of them. I’m not sure much attention has been focused on that side of the equation but it’s there. We’re angry and want some accountability. I know conventional wisdom is to watch whatever the Republicans say and do but there is a bubbling on the Democratic side too. Hopefully we vote and just ignore the cable chatter.
Oh and lets not forget we have a couple more weeks to go. The constant “mob” talk may get old and they’ll have to try something new.
Trump knows marketing and how to use the media. He knows how to motivate his base.
Who do we have that knows how to do this for the Democratic base?
A political base consistently motivated by extreme fear and hate will eventually tire and self-destruct.
“Trump’s Kavanaugh Tactics: Come Out Swinging, Energize The Democratic Base”
To quote Lisa Murkowski (Sen - AK)
“Do your best, assholes.”
Who do we have that knows how to do this for the Democratic base?
However unintentional that would be Trump as well.
See you at the polls.