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...issues aren't the issue here. What actually happens (and as a Republican I'm painfully aware of this and of the fact that Democrats remain painfully unaware) that issues take a back seat in politics to impressions and symbolism.
Good to hear from you. Was getting ready to post something similar in another thread. I think it's part of human nature to create mythos and seek stories about ourselves. The personage that becomes a symbol and embodies abstract concepts will always be more powerful than the concepts themselves. And yes, the Republicans appear to have come to terms with this in ways the Democrats have not. That fact that it doesn't add up and could all be B.S. in direct contradiction with reality is besides the point.
I think Obama has a handle on this, though and can offer a compelling counter narrative. It's one of his strengths. Most of us are getting ripped off and our standard of living will continue to decline without a big change of course. I'm beginning to doubt that McCain will be able to offer a compelling vision of the future beyond more of the same, only better. We'll know soon enough if Palin can pitch it any better.
