Like most people with well-defined ideological views, liberals want their political standard-bearers to represent their interests and stand-up for liberalism as a governing ideology. Typically, this is viewed as good messaging -- the public likes progressive policies -- and good politics. As the argument goes, voters want a choice, not an echo, and Democrats would benefit from offering the former. It's what led to liberal infatuation with John Edwards in 2004, and it's what drives liberal dissatisfaction with President Obama.

Essentially, Mitt Romney's pitch for the presidency rests on a single line, "He made it worse." In campaign ads, speeches and op-eds, Romney has attacked the president for lengthening the Great Recession. During last month's presidential debate, for example, Romney led with this: