Is the "Blame Bush" strategy going to be effective for Obama in 2012?

[TheGlobalizer]

No.  The reply is far too easy:  "Yes, but you were president for 4 years and couldn't undo it?  Maybe we need a better president."

[TheGlobalizer]

The premise of this question is wrong. He isn't going to be blaming Bush and he never has. "I inherited the recession" DOESN'T translate into "Bush caused the recession." What he is saying is: "I didn't cause the recession." Now Republicans may argue (without any real evidence, I might add) that he made it worse...but that's a different discussion.

I don't think most voters will take the time to split that hair.

They'll just say, "Our president keeps blaming all of our problems on someone else and not taking personal responsibility.  Some leader."

[TheGlobalizer]

Except poll after poll shows the public doesn't primarily blame Obama.  I don't see why it's remotely surprising.  The crash and the start of spiking unemployment all clearly happened before Obama was president.  Even a child could figure out it's not his fault.  Even Mitt Romney has.

Mondale is right that people are making ridiculous assumptions about Obama's message.  It won't be "Hey, don't look at me."  It's "Judge my work in the context of inheriting an unholy mess and depending on a dysfunctional congress to pass laws.  And take a good look at your options."

I didn't say they primarily blame Obama.  I think they blame Bush but are tired of people making excuses.  When the running back can't get into the endzone, they want to hang his ass from the rafters, regardless of how bad his O-line is.

As for the latter part, I think that's a message that Obama will try to convey.  I just don't think it works for his charmer personality.  Nobody wants a smiley-faced guy who gets an A for effort and a C- for results.