Confidence, self-assuredness, take no prisoners. Sell the sizzle, not the steak. There's no question that believing you're a winner gives you an edge over your opponent, especially if he is second-guessing, insecure and timid, as I concede many liberals (including myself) are. Conservatives call it hand-wringing indecision, lack of commitmment. Maybe they're right.

But there is a big difference between determination and committment and pure bravado and boast, bullying and smug arogance.

I pride myself on being cautious, careful, respecting the capabilities of the other side and even trying to see their point of view--to a fault. (No contest is EVER totally one-sided, we must always pick the lesser of two evils.) But maybe I overdo it. It's probably cost me a few close contests, but it has saved me from being ambushed and massacred a few times too.

As for voting for the "winning side", I don't agree. I don't believe on-the-fence people are likely to rush out and vote for a candidate they believe will win, on the contrary, it leads to apathy. Look at that guy whose wife ran him over for failing to vote for Romney.

I am more inclined to think people who can't make up their minds tend to vote for the perceived underdog. At least, that's how my brain is wired.