Basestroker

Just coined a new word, basestroker (vulgarity intended) to refer to a political figure who writes not to persuade or elucidate, but just to give strokes to his/her supporters. As an example, I recently wrote this letter to the Richmond Times-Dispatch about their retired but still active editor (but am not holding my breath awaiting its publication):
"I was not surprised to see Ross Mackenzie's piece in support of Governor Palin. It is interesting that, contrary to opinion polls following the debate, Mackenzie picked Palin as a clear winner. Interesting, but not surprising. Palin and Mackenzie are similar in style and content: prejudicial, one-sided and abrasive. Ross Mackenzie's "preaching to the choir" brand of editorial opinion does not convince, it repels. It is written not to persuade persons of different opinion to change their minds, but only to solidify his standing with his conservative base. Because my opinions are so far at variance with his, I read what he writes only with effort and a certain amount of repugnance. But please don't stop printing his pieces. His obnoxious style cannot bring in new recruits, it can only alienate those with more centrist leanings."
Stroke that!
On other fronts, I found this item to be both encouraging and disturbing. Encouraging, because apparently no last-minute Swift-Boat style attacks are on the way, but disturbing to think that this is how our political system operates.