Asked how President Obama could win reelection in the face of persistently high unemployment, a stagnant economy and restiveness in his own Democratic base, a top Obama strategist gave a three-part answer:

    * "The Electoral College map is tough for them." He went on to explain that the president would have solid, if diminished support in the states he had won in 2008. They will lose some -- Indiana being a prime example -- but feel they can hold onto enough of the rest.

    * "The policies the Republicans are pursuing in Congress are politically ruinous." He cited Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-Wis.) Medicare bill, the GOP leadership's "Cut Cap and Balance" bill, and efforts to roll back or even rescind the Wall Street reform law.

    * "Republican presidential candidates are racing to embrace the Tea Party, which is going to drive away independent voters." The Tea Party's "extreme" views, he said, are outside the mainstream, and will cost the GOP ticket, whoever is on it.