Obama takes White House; GOP supporters go from defense to offense
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 11:40PM 
Most major networks called the presidency for Barack Obama—shortly after 11 p.m. Tuesday. His supporters are celebrating history being made. Europe and Asia are happy. I am celebrating several things myself, even though my candidate Sen. John McCain lost.
There is a silver lining for all of us. Now that a black man will lead the most powerful country in the world, it can safely be said there is indisputable proof the races are equal in the U.S. That sets a good example for the world.
Now that the Democrats have achieved the victories they sought, there will be promises to keep. I predict the ones they keep will not be the ones their constituents expect.
I predict taxes will rise and energy costs as well. Energy cost increases will lead to additional food cost increases. Bi-partisanship is not likely, considering Obama will work alongside colleagues like Pelosi, Reid, Schumer, Rangel and Frank. America has not been led by an extreme liberal flanked by extreme liberals. There is a slight joy in realizing Democrats will get exactly what they voted for rather than what they expect.
Most of us who expect a tax increase to affect lower incomes than campaign speeches promised will begin to plan accordingly. We will also be justifiably concerned about national security.
The GOP may now go on offense, having played defense for the last 8 years. There is a certain comfort in that. The Democratic victory will galvanize a party that needed to be galvanized. The GOP absolutely must enhance use of technology. First and foremost a search engine should be developed—this is critical. Searches on most major engines, especially in news, skew left. Voter registrations must increase. The campaign for 2012 should begin November 5.
The GOP must also develop alternative means of reaching supporters. Traditional media will cover for the candidate they support; they always do cover for liberals. It must be obvious we need avenues for advertising and messaging. In addition, there must be a cohesiveness in branding. I’ve always said the GOP doesn’t tell its story well. First and foremost, when media and Democrats attack there should be a response.
Meanwhile, a pat on the back to Sen. McCain for running a campaign against the odds and finishing with respectable numbers. And a tip of the hat to David Axelrod and crew. Multi-prongs like social media, troops on the ground, aggressive (maybe even questionable) voter registration drives, celebrities, web-based and traditional media, and social intelligence enabled Democratic lobbyists and strategists to succeed. But there is no doubt the Democrats ran a superior campaign. The trick will be to keep all those promises made on the stump.
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