The number one issue for Americans currently is the economy. Number two is Iraq. See Poll here, scroll down to issue tracker.
Three is health care. Of the top three issues, none of those fall favorably for the Republicans.
The moneyed interest on the right has ensured the banks are protected while consumers are fleeced. And the current Nominee doesn’t feel any of the lower class pain:
“John McCain went on television and said that there has been great progress economically over the last seven-and-a-half year years,” Mr. Obama said. “John McCain thinks our economy has made great progress under George W. Bush? How could somebody who has been traveling across this country, somebody who came to Erie, Pennsylvania, say we’ve made great progress?”
Even if you somehow still believe we were justified in going into Iraq, you cannot reasonably argue the ware has been well handled. I don’t know how many days it has been since “Mission Accomplished” was declared, but we are still losing American soldiers, and any government set up over there is hanging on by a thread.

So, it would seem without some giant stumble, the Democrats SHOULD have this in the bag right? What we aren’t hearing a lot about are social issues. I’m not talking about serious social issues like social security, and how to rescue it- but the things the Republicans use to scare up crazy conservative voters to come out of their holes. Things like gay marriage (gasp!)
Just yesterday, I heard a story that New York is considering recognizing gay marriages performed in other states. This coming on the heels of California Supreme Court recognizing gay marriages, all without much word from any major republican player?
One might think they are too wrapped up in their own scandals, and are distracted (thanks Mr. McClellan!), but I think they are just saving it up until closer to the election. Then they will start the talking points- Dems will allow gay marriage! Downfall of society! AH!
They will do this JUST late enough that it distracts the media and the public long enough that they avoid the REAL issues. This will get social conservatives in enough of a tizzy that they vote Republican again this fall. Who cares if Gas is $6 a gallon, or I can’t afford food, or my neighbors are all getting kicked out of their houses because their houses are being foreclosed- I won’t let those queers get married, I win!!
I fear this election, the public will be swindled by silly social matters that don’t have a real impact on their everyday lives. Does it really affect what you do on a Tuesday morning if a guy marries another guy? You know what does? Having a job. I hope the Democratic candidate has the resolve and strength to not fall to these fall arguments.
My Dad, who is a traditionally conservative voter has actually come over to the dark side recently, and mentioned he might vote Obama. (Certainly NOT hillary though, ha) Believe it or not, I don’t do much campaigning with friends or family, unless they provoke/discuss first, so don’t blame me. I tend to be passionate but private with my political convictions. (Note- YOU came to this site, so you sought out my opinions, so I’m not a hypocrite… right?) I do have to wonder if he won’t be swindled by this type of rhetoric later in the year. He stated that McCain came out for “civil unions” so it wouldn’t be a talking point. But he wouldn’t have to say it. A 527 organization could do it just as easily.
One hope is that the libertarian candidate could pull some sway with it. Pulling the “real” conservatives away from the republicans. I think libertarian principles would not ban gay marriage though- goes against the whole absolute freedom from interference platform. Hopefully though they split the republican party enough that they pull a Nader. That is unless Nader himself pulls another Nader.
I know I have some Conservative friends out there, any comments? (I’m looking at you W&L alumni)