National Democrats
Veep-watching
Democratic and Republican partisans breathed a sigh of relief last night. Neither Biden nor Palin ran the family car off the cliff. Democrats secretly worry that Palin’s regular-gal shtick might again ignite McCain’s campaign. His chances seem to rise every time he cedes the stage to her. Once again, she won Miss Congeniality. Miss Congeniality…
Read MoreQuick Hits
Sarah Palin puts me in mind of a quote by Goethe, who apparently followed American politics very closely: “Nothing is more frightening than ignorance in action.” Maybe one thing more frightening for Democrats is Joe Biden’s mouth. When it comes to shooting himself in the foot, Biden uses a machine gun. Tonight’s debate will have…
Read MoreMaybe It Is Change
Who knows, this election may really be about change and not just political double talk about change from politicians reading polls. Or, at least, whether the politicians beating the “change drum” are sincere or not – the voters are dead serious. Which would explain some curious poll numbers we’re seeing right here in North Carolina.…
Read MoreWho Gets It?
I miss Bill Clinton. Not the bad Bill, who can’t bring himself to say a good word about Obama or a bad word about McCain-Palin. But the good Bill. The only person in politics who can talk both intelligently and empathetically about The Problem and The People. That’s what this Great Financial Crisis – Depression…
Read MoreWinners and Losers
While tonight’s debate could change everything, here are winners and losers in the wake of this week’s financial-political panic: Winner (for now): John McCain. Once again he stopped his precipitous slide in the polls. He put himself in the position to be the hero on the bailout, if it passes. Or to be the worst…
Read MoreWho’s the Democrat?
Pat McCrory’s ad has the same message as Barack Obama: It’s time for a change. Therein may lie Bev Perdue’s challenge. Public Policy Polling found that she is weak with Democrats around Charlotte. Question: Do they know she’s the Democrat and McCrory’s the Republican? Like Obama, McCrory is calling for change. Like Obama, McCrory is…
Read MoreCrash Politics
Rob Christensen compared this year’s election to 1992 – 16 years ago. I’d go back another 60 years – to 1932. Americans were in a panic about the economy. The Republican candidate for president was an experienced, respected veteran of Washington who believed the fundamentals of the economy were sound. The Democrat was a relatively…
Read MoreTruthiness
Democrats are apoplectic about the McCain campaign’s distortions, distractions and outright lies. It’s the old Rovean, Swift-Boat strategy: say anything, no matter how outrageous, until it sticks. Let’s not get too huffy. Bev Perdue’s campaign showed that Democrats can play the game. Pat McCrory’s campaign took a predictable shot at her: Return the money you…
Read MoreMcCain and North Carolina
A veteran North Carolina Democrat points out the surest sign that the McCain campaign is worried about North Carolina: They are spending money on TV ads there. For months, Republicans have insisted they aren’t worried about North Carolina going for Obama. Steve Schmidt, McCain’s chief strategist, has said: “It’s just one more state where the…
Read MoreTwo Ads
I’m still stuck on John McCain saying Barack Obama supports ‘comprehensive sex education’ for kindergartners. If McCain is telling the truth he’s convinced me – 100% – Obama does not have the judgment to be president. But if, on the other hand, it’s not true, he’s landed me in a conundrum. Because that’s a pretty…
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