… Unlike 2010 and 2014, which were clearly referendums on President Obama, and 2012, which was a polarized battle to drive up turnout on each side, 2016 might not be a referendum on President Obama’s policies. It could be a choice between two different visions of the future. That would be bad for Republicans. …
The way for Republicans to defeat Secretary Clinton is to tie her strongly to the job and the policies of President Obama that have failed and put in America on the wrong track. The simple message is that Hillary Clinton is a third term for Barack Obama — a third term of declining security, economics, and society overall.
This consistently strong disapproval of the president and the feeling that America is on the wrong track explain why the Republicans have all the energy and why we have a growing field of high-caliber candidates. The most effective nominee will be the candidate who presents the sharpest contrast to the president’s failed record. CONT.
John McLaughlin (McLaughlin & Assoc.), National Review