Seems like some folks are uncomfortable with effective campaigning. We had many discussions in recent years about whether to fight conservative fire with fire, whether to find phrases and buzzwords to counter GOP propaganda and framing. We argued back and forth about truth vs. emotion, virtue vs. success.

I felt all along that it was possible to politic with truth, but use the right framing and delivery,  to use terms that resonated well but were also true, to campaign with integrity while actually selling the product. I felt we did not have to choose between Ralph Nader's hectoring and John Edwards' haircut. I felt it was simply a technique issue, that the right candidate could do it with honor, and also win against the failure of conservative programs.

I felt we would be able to deflect the thrown mud with pointed jabs about facts, with candid explanations of situations. I felt there was no reason to fell it was a Faustian bargain to decide to win. And I feel vindicated. Obama has done those things.

But some here seem uncomfortable with sales and packaging. I wonder if they would prefer to lose? It's like saying "I don't need to dress well to make this sale---I just have to demo the product." But what if you look like a loser? The client won't wait around for the demo.

Many of us asked to succeed, and we will. Others are squeamish about technique. OK, but get out of the way. This time we're going to win. We're happy with getting what we asked for.