I hadn't realized this point until recently, but it seems on target. I heard about a study of pictures of homosexual images triggering rage center s in the brains of men, so there could be something to all of this. Having said that, it's amazing that the entire Republican rhetorical strategy is based on white male anxieties (re: minorities, women, and gays). It's pathetic really.
The question I'd ask is whether the subtext that he's a San Franciscan through and through interferes with the other subtext they've been pushing--that he's a scary terrorist. Those two competing definitions would seem to undermine each other.
You're assuming that political believes have to cohere. They don't. People are perfectly capable of holding contradictory opinions ("I am for personal freedom no matter what. Of course some people might have to give up their freedoms for others' security!")
Playing on fear is a classic tactic, and quite effective too. It's odious, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work.
southpaw: Never underestimate the power of DoubleThink.
Commenting by HaloScan
