The Architect's Last Stand

The media is debating how the outcome of this election will determine whether or not Karl Rove is really a 'genius' as he was labeled by them after the '04 victory. Rove can cement that status, they say, by defying the odds and saving the GOP minority. I find the whole debate disingenious on those terms.

Mr. Rove is hardly a 'genius'. His strategy was simple (although maybe his skill was realizing the obvious): turn the tide with slim majorities by using wedge issues to drive out the arch-conservatives who may not regularly vote. It doesn't take a 'genius' to play upon people's fears of terrorism, gay-bait, play the race card, launch smear campaigns from a distance, and wrap yourself in the flag while doing it. All it takes is making up in balls what you lack in morals. That Rove mastered this better than most is hardly something we should celebrate.

I hope a Democratic victory will show that you can't always win by appealing to the lowest common denominator.