The Politics of Fear and Loathing

While the Republican presidential candidates invoke Ronald Reagan’s name almost as much as they date drop 9/11, they seem to have learned nothing from the Great Communicator. Optimism is out — fear mongering is in. Witness Tom Tancredo’s bellicose campaign ad (ridiculously restricted to viewers 18-and-older by YouTube).

His campaign slogan is just as ominous: “Tancredo … before it’s too late.” A bit subtle, don’t you think? “Vote for Me or Die!” works much better.