Though Mark Penn served President Clinton exceptionally well, he clearly stumbled in his more recent efforts on behalf of Senator Clinton. One possible explanation for the disparity in his performance may have been as simple a matter as Penn’s rising to his own level of incompetence, poorly executing the role of campaign strategist rather than playing to his strong suit as a master spotter and tapper of so-called “microtrends.”
Today, Penn returns to his roots, penning a column for Politico on “young moderates,” suggesting they are a fragile coalition that will help elect Obama president, but will only stay behind him if he governs to the center.
From page two of Penn’s Politico contribution:
These new moderate voters are better-educated, more in tune with the information age and far removed from the traditional labor base of the Democratic Party. They are more open to trade and sensitive to tax increases. They also oppose the Iraq war, but they want to see strength in national security. They overwhelmingly will favor new energy policies for ethanol and other biofuels, solar power and wind power.
They reject government handouts but believe that people must be empowered to make the most of their own talents. They are looking for new opportunities to become well-off and resume the problem-free lives they had until the economic crisis came along and shook them up.
Sounds pretty damn close to where I am, although I seriously doubt, as I stand on the doorstep of my mid-40’s, that Penn would count me among this “young” group. Regardless, I hope Penn is right about these younger voters and that Obama is paying attention.