Obama did not beat the GOP and Mitt Romney. Somehow, the GOP and Mitt Romney beat themselves and here is proof.

I think we need to be careful with some of our conclusions,  after taking a close look at this PEW poll. 

91 percent of young blacks voted for Obama;  98% of young black women were part of that number  (“young” being 18 thru 29 years of age).  While this is higher than average,  this vote actually represents a “Democrat” vote more than a “black for black” vote.  The black voter has voted “Democrat” for three decades and in huge percentages.    

Democrat turn-out was down 13% over and against 2008 numbers.  What I am saying is this:  Obama managed to lose 8 million votes between 2008 and 2012.  He did not win because he is a master at campaigning.  He won because the GOP did not make its case  --  period. 

Secondly,  proof of that last conclusion is seen in the fact that 7% of the GOP vote went to Obama  (about 5 million votes or,  enough to have turned the election) .  More than this,  the “independent” vote is pictured by PEW as having gone to Obama in major numbers.  If a true picture  (what is an Independent according to PEW?),  there is great hope for the GOP in the coming election cycles.  But it cannot continue to do business as usual. 

One thing for certain,  the notion that “Independents” hate campaign trash talk is nothing more than a myth.  The McCain/Romney crowd still believes in the myth,  and refuses to be harsh and attacking in its campaign presentations  --  and they continue to lose election. 

Point of post:  the lessons of the 2012 election cycle can be encouraging, if viewed with commonsense and a certain objective honest.  Understand that McCain/Palin took in 1.5 million more votes and won the Mormon vote in larger numbers than did Romney.  

Elections are about kicking butt, and it is time we learned that lesson.