I was just reading a post that Nathan made about our friends over at VanFans. I could not agree more. Is his entire campaign just one perpetual attack on Ed Bryant? Bottom line, the Great One (Reagan) admonished us to not talk bad about other Republicans. And, from the looks of things, that is what Van and the VanFans do.
I attended the Davidson County Party picnic last summer. It was a nice day. Everything and everybody there was nice – EXCEPT for Van. We were among Republicans. EVERYbody there was a Republican. Yet, Van proceeded to go on the attack – attacking everyone around them on their conservatism – to their faces. It made me very uncomfortable. And, I feel that everyone else was a little uncomfortable with the events of that day. This was not the time. It was not the place. But, that appears to be the basis of his campaign . . . attacks & “push-button” issues.
I would challenge Van to build a campaign of ideas – rather than attacks. And, if Van would only drop out, the party could rally behind Ed or Corker. As of right now, though, Van is having an impact on Ed. And, keep in mind that every time, Van, you attack Corker on his conservatism, he goes up in the polls. E.g., Davidson County is moderate, along with much of West Tennessee.
I am not suggesting, Van, that you stay away from broadcasting a conservative message. That is what you should be about. But, at the same time, campaigns are about educating and informing people about the issues. They are not just a war of sound bites and philosophical attacks.
Let’s get beyond the politics of mediocrity.