So here’s an example getting tossed around a lot as “Well the Democrats had target pictures too.” And I agree: if you don’t read the map key and do absolutely zero critical thinking, this seems similar to Palin’s crosshair map.

But. The circles on this map aren’t targets on specific individuals. In fact, they’re barely “targets” at all. If you look at the key, those circles indicate STATES where less than 10% of the constituency voted for Bush in 2004.* (ETA: as commenter gbuell pointed out: “Minor quibble, they’re not states where “less than 10% of the constituency voted for Bush in 2004”, they’re states where Bush won, but with less than a 10% lead over Kerry.” Whoops!) 

And underneath the map (not pictured — clickthru for link), it says, “Drawing on the same deep-pocketed investors who fueled the spending of “527” groups, the party should launch a concerted, four-year push to recruit and support strong candidates for statewide and federal office in those states.”

That’s not a vague call to action for “taking a stand” or “solving a problem.” There is no “time to reload” rhetoric. It’s a strategy for real change in a future election.

BIG FUCKING DIFFERENCES HERE, PEOPLE.