E.J. Dionne Jr.
10/18/2010

The Republican Party and conservatives generally appear to be taking a three tiered approach to this November’s elections. Glenn Beck has been the leading national voice for conservative criticism of the president, casting him as a dangerous and conspiratorial figure endangering the country’s future. Next, the Tea Party and other third party organizations are spending considerable sums on negative advertising against the various Democratic candidates. These influences then allow the local conservative candidates to adopt whatever pose or perspective will be most advantageous, from moderate to outspoken, in their respective races. The electorate is energized by the national influences and then mobilized according to the local tendencies.

Dionne is a twice-weekly columnist for The Post, writing on national policy and politics.

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