The three scandals that have hit the White House will enervate Democrats, strengthen Republicans, and put a damper on President Barack Obama's legislative agenda, says Republican strategist Karl Rove.
The administration is under fire for its handling of the Benghazi, Lybia, attack; the IRS targeting of conservative groups; and the Justice Department seizure of Associated Press reporters' phone records.
"The controversies are likely to demoralize Democrats who already are depressed by the collapse of Mr. Obama's gun-control package, the failure of his political manipulation of the budget sequester, and the quick death of his budget," Rove writes in
The Wall Street Journal.
"The controversies will also further stir up Republicans for the 2014 midterms, adding to their anger about spending, debt and Obamacare. Even before these firestorms, Republicans were getting keyed up."
And what of the president himself? "These three big controversies might also sap Mr. Obama's remaining strength," Rove says.
"Swing voters who re-elected him in 2012 after punishing his party in 2010 clearly like the man. But evasive White House answers on Benghazi, the IRS' thuggish behavior, and the media's willingness to more aggressively challenge the White House could all undermine Mr. Obama's likability among this group."
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