Letter To Senator Obama Regarding Election Strategy on the Issues

Senator Obama, there are some opportunities in your approach to debating John McCain I wanted to suggest.

1. Joe Biden aptly setup an image of John McCain's version of 'maverick' as one of a flustered old man running around the senate like a loose cannon who doesn't know exactly where or who our enemies are. He throws money at the problem instead of fighting smart, and his 'maverick' behavior is motivated not by getting anything done but by going his way or the high way. While the colloquial is a bit trite, changing words like 'maverick' into 'my way or the high way' might help bring this idea home to the public.

2. Make a clear connection between Main Street and Wall Street. If government had helped homeowners 18 months ago corporations would not be collapsing. Now the crisis will hit the small business hardest. Laud small business as the engine of our economy more. The rhetoric from last nights very scripted series of speeches was rife with trickle down condescension. Make arguments for cooperation bottom up and top down.

3. I wish Joe had debated Sarah on social issues more vigorously----there is a big difference between her view of gay couples and yours. Don't be afraid of this topic! Gay couples are citizens ENTITLED to the civil protections of the law---Sarah just wants to tolerate them! Her education and abortion stance is radically right. Please don't let them smear you as a 'Liberal' when she is much more radical than anyone else who ran in the primaries. Her radical stance poses a lot of questions about McCain's judgment.

4. Please take this financial crisis up directly. This moment in history needs leadership. As the crisis is extremely complex, come out of the prose on this issue and into the poetry. Lincoln won over the American people when he shifted his speech style and addressed their hearts and minds. That kind of language will not only inspire people, it will help more people see you at the kitchen table with them.

5. You have proposed a lot of initiatives that require money. You are not going to have it, please acknowledge this. Focus on plans to rebuild our fiscal health as a government and as a nation.

Please win.

Sincerely,

Christa Bianchi