Only once people understand why liberal policies fail and link the miserable state of the economy to Obama – something the president has skillfully avoided – can Republicans begin to make the case for their own ideology.

But today, Republicans are hiding in their bunkers, cowering at the thought that someone might not like them if they suggest tough medicine and point out that the Democrats’ offering of sugary treats is bad for the nation’s health.

It takes a little bit of extra effort, and a little faith in the intelligence of your audience, to explain why seemingly benign measures are harmful. It also takes a certain fearlessness, because people like Obama will immediately brand you as a comrade of Satan for giving the hook to Uncle Sam as he’s handing out money to the aggrieved.

And so Republicans must explain their principles as they turn negative. Like saying, for example, that …