GIBSON: Do you understand the Laffer Curve?

OBAMA: In what respect, Charlie?

GIBSON: The Laffer -- well, what do you -- what do you interpret it to be?

OBAMA: Is it funny and round?

GIBSON: No, the Laffer Curve...  Never mind I'll think of something easier. *

 continued...

GIBSON: Have you ever been the Governor of a state, or an executive officer of anything larger than this campaign?

OBAMA: No, but I am sure that I can be a better President than Bush.

GIBSON: “Doesn't that take some hubris?”

OBAMA: George Bush.

GIBSON: “What is wrong with the economy?”

OBAMA: George Bush.

Other queries that Mr. Gibson might consider while maintaining a smug grimace and condescending tone:

Senator Obama, which fundamentals of the economy are broken?

Senator Obama, do you believe in capitalism?

Senator Obama, when have you ever done anything that was politically hard, but right for the country?

Senator Obama, who will take care of your children as you fulfill your obligations when, oops, if, elected?

This interview should be happening soon.  Look for it.

* Wikipedia: In economics, the Laffer curve is used to illustrate the idea that increases in the rate of taxation may sometimes decrease tax revenue. The Laffer curve was popularized by Arthur Laffer (b. 1940) in the 1980's.

Many have been wondering about the diminishing “Republican brand,” of late, and why polls show that the party is bleeding loyalists particularly among the youth. It is obvious that some of it has to do with President Bush’s inability to communicate his agenda clearly.  Many have posited other reasons, but I believe the answer is clear. 

Many of today’s young people get their “news” from a series of sources that are sarcastic, often misleading and patently anti-Republican. A study carried out by the Project for Excellence in Journalism states that 16% of Americans habitually watch Comedy Central's late-night “news shows,” The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report.  (Add these numbers to the millions more who get information from disreputable and slanted online sources and you have the recipe for a major problem for Republicans.)  These shows emphasize (and often exaggerate) any Republican foibles, present many false premises and, generally, belittle conservative ideology. 

Cultural mainstays such as the late night talk shows are also working against Republicans in a more obvious fashion than in the past.  The Late Show with David Letterman (averaging about 3.4 million viewers according to Nielsen Media Research data) does a regular feature “Great Moments in Presidential Speeches” which show the President making minor errors or tripping over his words after inspiring speeches by past (often Democrat) Presidents.  This feature was even followed, on at least one occasion, by a graphic that read: “George W. Bush – Boob.”  Jay Leno does regular mock interviews that present President Bush in the same unflattering light.

Due to the fact that the humor of these shows is snarkey and sarcastic it is particularly appealing to young people who see anything rebellious as “cool.”  When a party’s ideas and beliefs are disparaged with simplistic and biting humor and their image is portrayed as stodgy and angry, day-after-day, without a competent response, to millions of voters, that group can expect the diminution of its brand.

If McCain wins, he must surround himself with young competent professionals who can win back these voters with clear and positive explanations of his policies.  These people must engage the media, in all its formats, in an aggressive, but constructive manner every single day, otherwise the country will see an expanding Democrat base especially among those that are willing to look beyond facts and accept snotty jokes as reality.

I must add, however, that President Bush does not help himself, or his party, change the image that is being presented of them when he sits casually in Beijing watching the American basketball team shellac the Chinese while Russian tanks and jets attack an ally.

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