Southern Strategy Inversion


Al Giordano, who, as usual, was right on the money forecasting the outcome in Iowa, makes a hell of an observation:

Mark Penn and other Clinton campaign operatives have tried to spin Obama as no more than another Gary Hart, Bill Bradley or Howard Dean -- flash-in-the-pan candidates that appealed to college educated white liberals, gained early attention and support, but were crushed under the weight of rank-and-file working class Democrat votes. This is the first time in US history that a national electoral coalition is likely between college-educated white liberals together with a likely record turnout of African-Americans (something Jesse Jackson achieved briefly in 1988 in his Michigan caucus victory, but who split the southern states with Al Gore of Tennessee). Outside the sphere of electoral politics, that alliance was the basis for the Civil Rights coalitions of the ’50s and ’60s. It’s back by popular demand and now in the electoral arena.

Bingo.

For as long as I can remember, "smart" people like Mudcat Saunders have made their "reputations" (and presumably a ton of money) insisting that "serious" Democratic candidates need to appeal to the "Bubba" vote, usually by poking a stick in the figurative eye of a traditional Democratic constituent bloc. Interestingly, this tactic has NEVER worked (I'm pretty sure Bill Clinton would've been elected regardless of his Sister Souljah and Ricky Ray Rector moments); nonetheless it's become a modern myth perpetuated by punditry.

I mean, geez--it's not like Democratic candidates have done much with Mudcat's "advice," (as if Bubba voters would EVER show initiative and buck the trend...c'mon, they're classic followers):

Deputy: What the hell is this? Troublemakers?
Cat Man: You name it - I'll throw rocks at it, Sheriff.

With the proper outlook and strategy, progressives can make SIGNIFICANT Deep South inroads. After all, we managed to accomplish quite a bit during the Civil Rights Movement.