Liberals have to learn from past lessons.

Many common voters, not just rednecks, hate to admit they are less educated and ignorant. This happened in both 2000 and 2004, costing gore and especially Kerry dearly . Bush jr didn't mind much to be painted "dumb".

Common people have a natural mixed feeling about knowledge, especially science. On one hand they do realize they need it; but on the other hand they hate such reliance.