The Flip-Flopper

I have posted this article more in an attempt to spark discussion than to report on anything new. I am writing because of a Fivethirtyeight article discussing the problems of labeling either McCain or Obama as flip-floppers.

The label of “flip-flopper” is one of the most dangerous titles given to a politician in modern politics. It is the written or spoken embodiment of a lack of public trust on a candidate’s stand on the issues and it was arguably this label, as well as the equally jingoist “swiftboating” which killed John Kerry’s campaign in 2004.

Obama’s recent reversal on public financing and FISA, as well as John McCain’s change on a number of issues in order to make himself more appealing to the right, has set both candidates up for this label.

However, I wonder to what extent the American people are tired of this particular political ploy. In an election where the American desire for change from politics as usual, and that desire can be no more embodied by the nomination of a septegenarian “maverick” and a black rising star, how well will the old ploys play?

Lets hear some opinions on this one and if there is enough material there will be a blog #2 on the topic.
-Marc-