Kudos to David Axelrod and team.  Once again, this illustrates the importance of “marketing” and selling the sizzle, not the steak.  Clearly, President Obama didn’t have the steak.  Here’s the record:
—23 Million Unemployed or Underemployed
—47 Million on Food Stamps
—5.5 Million Homes in Crisis/Foreclosure
—$4,500 Drop in Household Income
—$5.5 Trillion of New Debt
—100% Increase in Gasoline Prices

Plus, the slowest economic recovery in modern history.  And he still got re-elected.  Now, that’s marketing!  Slogans and symbols prevail once again over substance.

On the other hand, Mitt Romney who is clearly better qualified for the job in terms of experience, achievements, and command of the issues ran an inferior campaign.  It was his election to lose.  Poor marketing!  He should have countered his need to run far to the right on immigration reform during the primary by selecting Marco Rubio as his running mate, given the demographics.  He should have defended his Bain record more assertively when he was accused of various atrocities.

Most importantly, with respect to the infamous 47% comment at the Florida fundraiser, Governor Romney should have acknowledged that like President Obama did in 2008 with his “guns and religion” comment, that he too was rallying his base and obviously doesn’t feel that way… “got carried away in the moment.”  Lastly, he could have benefited by dueling with Letterman and Leno on late night television.

Unfortunately, he was “out of touch,” even though he was the best qualified man for the job of President of the United States.

There were other obvious problems too.  Like the idiotic statements about rape by the right wing zealot republicans and their stance on religious and social issues.  How shameful that these attitudes and beliefs trumped common sense and what was best for the entire country!

Obama’s campaign was outstanding.  David Axelrod understood the country as it is today and preyed on the half of the folks who don’t understand how the economy works and how jobs are actually created.  Obama focused on collectivism versus individualism in his attempt to, as he said, “get his folks a seat at the table.”

I believe you get to the table by working smart, working hard, being more than a little lucky, and earning it.  But, what would you expect from a person who received a Nobel Peace Prize without earning it?

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© 2012 Steven M. Stroum