Don't Let the Bastard Breathe!

Today's Los Angeles Times has a front-page article on Drew Westen, a psychologist and brain researcher who is working with Democrats to win the hearts of voters. It's a fascinating read. I was particularly taken by the first example in the article of how Westen says the Democrats have blown opportunities to win over voters:

Example: When President Bush recently refused to allow Karl Rove to testify under oath about his role in the sacking of federal prosecutors, Westen said, Democrats blundered. Instead of insisting Rove testify under oath, they simply should have said (over and over), "Mr. Bush, just what is it about 'So help me God' that you find so offensive?"

I like that approach; rather than crying that the White House is dishonest as the day is long and does not play fair with the laws of the land (pretty much a givens these days), it puts them on the defense in swearing to God to tell the truth. And the important part of course is the "over and over" again aspect. Hit them in the gut, hard and often, or as Mickey said to Rocky, "Don't let the bastard breathe!"

It will be interesting, hell, a lot more than just interesting, to see if Westen's methods work for the Democrats; just about everything is on their side already.