Inside the Beltway

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By Jennifer Harper INSIDE THE BELTWAY

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There's talk on NBC News that former White House "green jobs" czar Van Jones is the "Republican right's first scalp," which makes for sexy headlines. But it's also a cautionary tale for the Republicans, who may be lapsing into unproductive bully mode. Yes, they can still be sly predators. They can walk softly, carry a big stick, plan ambushes and set snares - but they must be very prudent about such activities in the age of hypersensitive media and an overly informed public.

"It's important to make a distinction here. It's acceptable for Republicans to challenge President Obama regarding his policies, but it is not a good idea to attack the man himself. It's OK to pile on policy, but not personality," Republican strategist Ron Bonjean tells Inside the Beltway.

"The general public still likes him as a person. But they are also having serious problems with the big-government takeover and large spending sprees. If the GOP can confine their attacks in the policy zone and at the same time show viable alternatives, then that is the best approach."

Broadcast networks, meanwhile, portray Mr. Jones as "a victim of conservatives," says Brent Baker of the Media Research Center - with Republican attacks framed as a petty distraction in times of crisis.

"It's a sad state of affairs that many in this country politically would rather start an 'Animal House' food fight," said White House press secretary Robert Gibbs to a gaggle of attentive reporters aboard Air Force One during the Monday briefing.

LEARNED PERSPECTIVE

"I can't recall the political discourse hitting this level of virulence so early in a presidency," presidential historian Bruce Buchanan tells Beltway. The University of Texas professor recalls that there have been other "ambitious presidents" and some intense partisanship in both the Clinton and Reagan administrations.

"If President Obama shows a sign of weakness, there is a greater instinct in his critics to go for the strike. In some ways, the GOP is over the top. They smell blood, and they view attacks as a way to unify the party and determine its direction," Mr. Buchanan says.

"In the meantime, the Democratic left wants Mr. Obama to strike back. And I think he will strike back. It's hard to maintain the 'cool president' demeanor when you're tired of the noise and want to push back. Besides, the president knows what's at stake here," Mr. Buchanan adds.