The Maddow Mistake

Rachel Maddow whose show airs Monday through Friday on MSNBC is without a doubt one of the sharpest liberal/progressive commentators on the scene today, a fearless interviewer and a better reporter than Keith Olbermann. She also might as well be working for the Republican Party.

By broadcasting her frequent “The GOP In Exile” segments (you can see an example here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#34214894), Ms. Maddow and other commentators who over emphasize the fringe and disorganized elements of the Republican Party are like clowns dancing in front of a demented circus elephant. The outcome will not be pretty. Enraged elephants can move like lightening, indiscriminately trampling clowns, handlers, ring masters and spectators with a malicious glee. (Clown jam anyone?)

With more people in this country labeling themselves as conservative (40%) than moderate (36%) or liberal (21%), the liberal Democrat base cannot swing the mid-term elections. We have to convince moderates to get out and vote Democrat this fall, and fear of what a Republican resurgence can help move less motivated voters from the couch to the voting booth. A feeling of smug superiority over the Republicans, a feeling that they are unlikely to win, will incline many potential Democratic voters to stay home.

It is always a mistake to underestimate your opponent, and this year it is a mistake the Democrats cannot afford.