Six Silver Bullets

Jed Babbin writes a piece today at Real Clear Politics on the scandal-a-day that we're now treated to by the Dems and their allies in the press. Babbin reminds us that all is not lost - far from it- and that Karl Rove and his political masterminds still have six silver bullets in their political gun:

First, the whole liberal culture of the media is a glass house waiting for the Republicans to toss a funny bone or two to shatter. As I prescribed last August, the Republicans could generate a huge response from their base - and corresponding turnout in November - by taking on the media. Not just those involved in the Foley matter (who, as my pal Hugh Hewitt wrote, Hastert should take on directly) but all the politically-activist media. (NOTE: Hastert has already started firing back -HC)

Second, why are all the Washington liberals cheering and raising money for so-called Democrat moderates? Because they know these "moderates" will, like they always do, vote liberal in the Senate and House. Republicans like Sens. Rick Santorum and Mike DeWine always want to see their race as a competition of resumes and their consultants reinforce that by telling them what they want to hear. They'd do better by ignoring the consultants and battling their opponents ideologically. The Republicans should deploy the ultimate weapon - the "L" word - forthwith. You want to see Tester's numbers to drop in Montana or McCaskill's in Missouri? Tie them to Sen. Schumer's refusal to describe what the Dems will do if they get control of the Senate. Will Tester or McCaskill vote to make Pat Leahy chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and thus prevent confirmation of any conservative judge to the Supreme Court? How many of these so-called moderates will break their campaign promises as soon as they get to Washington? These are the questions the media should be asking. Because they won't, Republicans have to.

Third, flag burning, gay marriage, the PATRIOT Act, the NSA terrorist surveillance program, ballistic missile defense and a host of other issues can be used to nationalize the election and turn the tide against the Dems. The nation is for them, the Dems are opposed.

Fourth, there are all those Blue State would-be Reagan Democrats waiting for an appeal to their best nature. All Republicans need to do is direct campaign energy to them on issues that count: the economy, personal freedom, national security. The Reagan legacy is still there, if Republicans are smart enough to recognize it.

Fifth, the only important media event of this campaign to date was Bill Clinton's narcissistic outburst on Fox News. Clinton jumped the shark and reminded America that the Democrats' politics are only a means to achieve and maintain power. The important truth, coming in the words of former CIA bin Laden desk chief Michael Scheuer last Sunday, was that Bill Clinton's most important legacy was leaving bin Laden alive to commit 9-11. Reminding America of this now and for the next two years is enormously important.

Sixth, and not least, is the economy. The Democrats can't afford to talk about it, but even the most profligate Republican earmarker can. The Republicans can connect the dots: security abroad and at home and economic success. Wouldn't it be ironic if the Bush Boom and why Republican control of Congress is essential to continuing it were the issue of the last week of this campaign?

The majority of the issues in play favor the GOP. Now it's up to the GOP to use them to their advantage instead of cowering in fear over what the Dems and the press might come up with next.