From the weeping and wailing and rending of garments you'd think the Democrats were about to recreate the Bataan Death March - or is the right analogy a Steel Cage Death Match? Neither actually just a longer primary season than anticipated. Party regulars are worried that Barack and Hillary will destroy each other as they battle in Pennsylvaia (no prizes for the first "Gettysburg" allusion) and then Indiana, Oregon, and West Virginia. All this negativity will surely sour people and hand John McCain the keys to the White House.
Nonesense. If I were a Republican operative I'd be very worried today. Again in Ohio and Texas, as everywhere else this season, record numbers of people have turned out for the Democratic Primaries. In Texas more people voted in the primaries than voted for John Kerry in the General Election in 2004. And, once again, the totals dwarfed those of the Republicans coming out to pick their man. In fact, once again, the Dem Runner Up nearly lapped the GOP field. It is a rule that people who vote in a partisan primary tend to support that party in the Fall. And that can't be good news for the Grand Old Party as even Texas may have to be considered in play in the fall. Will the Dems capture it for the first time since 1976? Probably not. But they'll have to spend money that they don't have to make sure. And it will help down ballot races. Like the Senate Contest which could provide an upset.
So why should the Dems pull the plug now? Why not let Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Indiana and Oregon in on the fun? The more participation the better? But won't the two destroy each other by going negative? So far the charges have been pretty tame. And for Obama, good practice for the Fall where the GOP won't be subtle at all.
(There's been a lot of talk about the "60 Minutes" piece on Ohio and its economic problems. When Steve Kroft asked a group of layed-off mill workers who they would vote for several said maybe Obama but they were "Worried about his Muslim roots." That little (false) canard is out there and it will get worse)
And what about McCain? Won't he get all Spring to bash the Dems?
Well, actually no. After receiving the kiss of death from George W. Bush Today - in a ceremony that Rick Lowery of The NATIONAL REVIEW made clear that the Decider sees the former aviator as his "Sucessor" I suspect that McCain will fall into a black hole. Sure, he is the media darling, but he isn't news. Hil and Barack are news. Where will the coverage be? Besides St. John has a cash problem. While Hil raised 35 million last month and Obama somewhat north 0f 50 (!) Mister Straight talk only raised twelve. And he was, effectively broke going in. And he will have to answer questions about hanky panky with his campaign finances from the FEC.
That is, if the Dems play it right. How about competing on who is a better opponent for McCain in Novemeber. How abou challenging his change of heart on the Bush Tax Cuts? He says its because of spending but back in 2001 he claimed they were tilted toward the rich. I bet quotations - even videotape - can be dug out on that. How about his denounciation of Falwell and Robertson as "Agents of Intolerance" and now his embrace of the same men plus Rev. Magee (he of "The Catholic Church is the 'Whore of Babylon'" and "Katrina was God's punishment for New Orleans' homosexual outbreak"). And then there's the war. In his acceptance speech yesterday, McCain promised more of the same. Plus more Bushenomics. And BushHealth. Maybe that is why an ABC/Washington Post poll has Barack Obama beating John McCain by 12 points while Hillary Clinton is up by six.
Yes, Run against that and see who is more effective.
But if a stick is need how about this one, suggested by David Bender of AIR AMERICA. Have a delegation of Superdelegates, les by Howard Dean confront the two candidates. Make it clear that a destructive "Scorched Earth" war will not be tolerated. The punishment? The Supes will vote en masse for the other guy. First one to go nuclear loses. These are rational People. They will understand.
So, with these caveats lets calm down, relax , and enjoy the show. Who knows when another like this will come along!
Recent Comments