DEM STRATEGY EMERGING – Do not count on the Democratic Party to lie down and play dead this fall.  Democrats in recent years have outmaneuvered Republicans, especially in 2008.

The Dem strategy is unabashedly ethnic, trying to bring together the coalition that elected Obama.  The Washington Post outlines the approach:

The keystone of the Democratic National Committee's $50 million plan for the midterms is persuading the roughly 15 million people who voted for the first time in 2008 to return to the polls this fall. Although such voters historically do not cast ballots in midterm elections, party leaders think their participation this year could help lift Democrats over the top in close contests.

The DNC's plan, which will be announced Wednesday, calls for reaching those first-time voters -- most of whom are registered independents and are young or minorities -- through the same vehicles Obama employed in 2008, according to internal party documents provided by the committee. The DNC is focusing on staff and volunteers in all 50 states, personal communication with the president via new media, and sophisticated voter-targeting technology.

Obama has released a new video with a pretty standard scare message:

In the video message to his supporters, Obama said his administration's success depends on the outcome of this fall's elections and warned that if Republicans regain control of Congress, they could "undo all that we have accomplished."

"This year, the stakes are higher than ever," he said, according to a transcript of his remarks provided by Democratic officials. "It will be up to each of you to make sure that young people, African Americans, Latinos and women who powered our victory in 2008 stand together once again.

Not too subtle, ay?

As the WaPo story points out, it's difficult for a president to transfer his personal popularity to other candidates.  But a "do it for Barack" message can bring out just enough voters to make a decisive difference in some races. 

Historically, the Dems have frightened voters with images of the GOP repealing Social Security and Medicare.  Now they can add Obamacare.  Remember, if you don't vote Democratic, you may lose your right to ever see a doctor, a dentist, a faith healer, an astrologer, or even Carnac the Magnificent. 

And some people will believe it.

April 26, 2010