The case against Obama

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As the likelihood increases that Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee for president, it is high time Republicans start thinking about what type of campaign to run against him. The race is on.

Most strategists think, and we are inclined to agree, that the odds of a McCain victory against Barack Obama will be greater than they might have been against a Clinton nominee. But we also think a McCain/Obama campaign presents Republicans and conservatives with an opportunity to reassert conservative principles and redefine presidential politics in a way that a McCain/Clinton race never would have allowed. Rather than cowering behind throwaway lines lobbed at an uneasy base, it's time for an articulate, fearless discussion of conservative ideas.

The first question Republican strategists must ask is how to "handle" the challenges presented by America's first African-American presidential nominee. It's a challenge made even more difficult when self-appointed media referees often work actively for one side. The GOP must recognize that some reporters will portray any criticism of Mr. Obama's positions, statements, ideas or past personal behavior as a racist hit job. Republican strategists are gripped with a real and powerful fear of such a call by media referees. But that"s no reason to quit the competition.

Ironically, if we decline to treat Mr. Obama as a serious candidate worthy of complete discussion, it would leave us open to the very charge we have long leveled at the left: that of committing "the soft bigotry of low expectations." To examine the senator's ideas, to discuss whether they are wrong, counterproductive or even dangerous, is the high compliment paid to serious candidates seeking to run this country. Anyone not up for a candid discussion of his or her qualifications is not up to the job.

While there appears to be much in Mr. Obama's demeanor and personal presence to commend him to all Americans, we see nothing in his positions and policies, (to the extent he has articulated any) that should commend him to any American serious about protecting America's economy, culture and, especially, our national security.

Mr. Obama is making an incredibly tempting offer to the American people: Elect me president and we will bury our country's deepest and most shameful wounds. Republicans dismiss the power of this offer at our party's peril. Americans will jump at the pitch unless Republicans present them with a better argument. And the power is not in Mr. Obama's offer alone, but also in his delivery.

Exuding elegance and style, Mr. Obama has a secret weapon that's no secret: He is not a sleaze. He is a credible alternative, not just to Hillary but to Republicans. He is calm, youthful and an embodiment of the possibility of leaving behind the two-decade-long dynastic wars of the Bush-Clinton presidencies.

Herein is our chance. For the first time since Ronald Reagan, Republicans' best option is to focus on presenting the American people with our vision for the future. Not even Mr. McCain's status as perhaps America's greatest living war hero can be relied upon to win the election by itself. It is a powerful distinction, but ask Bob Dole if it's is enough to win.

Mr. McCain should challenge Mr. Obama's "unity" and "post-partisan" campaign rhetoric by inviting Mr. Obama to join him on a joint national campaign. Together, they could travel the country, appearing together at rallies and events, taking turns, a la Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, sharing their visions for our country's future and engaging each other about practical answers to America"s problems.

What better way for Republicans to help Americans redirect their attention to the central questions of American politics, such as: What is government's proper role in the life of our Republic? Where does individual responsibility end and collective responsibility begin?

Consider the central challenge of our day: the fight against Jihadism. Liberals, led by Mr. Obama himself, always want to expand the authority of government — unless it means protecting Americans lives. There alone do liberals want to limit government. Conservatives, lead by Mr. McCain, don't want to weaken our government's ability to fight its enemies and defend our nation. Mr. McCain advocates giving government more authority to protect our families rather than providing constitutional protection to homicidal enemies who wish us dead.

In opposing the Patriot Act, rejecting domestic surveillance of terrorist suspects and support for expanding the legal rights of terrorist detainees, Mr. Obama wants to take away powers essential to a strong national security. In the years to come, vigilant surveillance of terrorists will be a matter of life and death.

Win or lose, such a campaign of ideas would remind the world of the unique genius of the American political system. Our political institutions developed long ago still provide the framework for the constructive and spirited debate so necessary to the political stability, prosperity and individual liberty Americans have always enjoyed.

Republicans don't need new principles. We need a new political program built upon the genius of great ideas. We need to show Americans that our principles are as valid and relevant today as they were when Ronald Reagan brought them to Washington a quarter-century ago. And we"re going to have to take on Barack Obama's ideas to do it. Let the games begin.

Gary L. Bauer, a former presidential candidate, and Tom Rose, a former Jerusalem Post publisher, often collaboratively advance public policy concepts from a conservative, Jewish-Christian worldview on the Bauer & Rose Radio program.