Unless the NYT backs up the initial story about le affaire McCain with some hard facts (pun intended) then I think I’ll not comment too much.
It’s probably fair to suggest that without any other info, this helps McCain, solidifying the conservative angst about MSM, and especially the commies at the Times. On the other hand, if more bombshells jump out of birthday cakes, McCain’s done. He doesn’t have the charm or support to beat back this story if it continues to break.
All in all, I’m delighted that this is taking up space in the MSM echo chamber. Can’t wait to hear Mathews slobbering all over himself tonight.
The icing on the cake is that this story acts like an etchasketch in that it erases almost every other non-story story that the Clinton camp has been raking up about Obama. I can just hear the Clinton brain trust pounding their collective fist on the Red Roof Inn table in Texas, damning McCain. There’s some irony in how this sex story is casting a shadow on the Clintons…
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Happy trails
Good people, good candidates sometimes lose. The narrative in the Democratic primary is not yet complete, but only the epilogue remains. Here is where Hillary must be careful.
She must make a decision about whether she presses on with negative attacks, or begins to gracefully draw distinctions with Obama. The latter provides a future opening for magnanimous withdrawal from the primary and support for the Democratic nominee. Conversely, the former begins to paint Clinton in unflattering colors, risking not only the 2008 Presidential race, but also creating a rift in the Democratic Party.
It must be difficult for the Clintons. They have been good Democrats. Not great, but solid. I think what they failed to recognize can be summed up in the Ned Lamont senatorial contest against Leiberman in Connecticut. Bill and Hillary had an opportunity to campaign for Lamont against Leiberman, and did not. Perhaps they were helpful behind the scenes, I can’t pretend to know. But Lamont was a movement, a grassroots movement similar to the Obama phenomena. I think the Clintons (and the Dem Party establishment) failed to recognize the unrest in the party, and the degree to which change is desired.
Maybe it would not have been different if Hillary had actively campaigned for Lamont. I’m almost certain that Lamont would have still lost…but the greater point would have been made for Clinton. She would have supported grassroots movements, stood for changing the status quo, and would have become part of the movement. Instead, in my eyes, she’s viewed as part of the problem. Same old, same old.
There is a groundswell out in the American landscape. Most establishment Dems think they can ride it out…they’re wrong. Get on board or get swept aside.
She must make a decision about whether she presses on with negative attacks, or begins to gracefully draw distinctions with Obama. The latter provides a future opening for magnanimous withdrawal from the primary and support for the Democratic nominee. Conversely, the former begins to paint Clinton in unflattering colors, risking not only the 2008 Presidential race, but also creating a rift in the Democratic Party.
It must be difficult for the Clintons. They have been good Democrats. Not great, but solid. I think what they failed to recognize can be summed up in the Ned Lamont senatorial contest against Leiberman in Connecticut. Bill and Hillary had an opportunity to campaign for Lamont against Leiberman, and did not. Perhaps they were helpful behind the scenes, I can’t pretend to know. But Lamont was a movement, a grassroots movement similar to the Obama phenomena. I think the Clintons (and the Dem Party establishment) failed to recognize the unrest in the party, and the degree to which change is desired.
Maybe it would not have been different if Hillary had actively campaigned for Lamont. I’m almost certain that Lamont would have still lost…but the greater point would have been made for Clinton. She would have supported grassroots movements, stood for changing the status quo, and would have become part of the movement. Instead, in my eyes, she’s viewed as part of the problem. Same old, same old.
There is a groundswell out in the American landscape. Most establishment Dems think they can ride it out…they’re wrong. Get on board or get swept aside.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Desperado....
Desperation is opportunity. When we talk of courage being borne of desperation, we are referring to an uncommon valor in the face of daunting circumstances. A person who exhibits courage under duress is one who stays true to his principles and values, displays grace and acceptance.
On the other hand, desperate times more often bring out the worst in people. Some crimes are committed by desperate people. Reckless behavior can be a symptom of desperate people. Resorting to desperate measures is often the last foothold of an otherwise rational person.
The Clinton camp is about to cross the threshold into desperation. They are grasping at every crevice, every perceived opening and trying to rip Obama apart. One can only guess the end game…
It is certain that the Democratic Party establishment has been sending signals to the Clintons that the will of the voting mass will not be overturned. Super delegates will not rule the day at the party convention. So why the vitriol and ad hoc attacks on Obama?
Is it too cynical to suggest that these attacks weaken Obama’s national image, thus creating an opening for continued Republican attack in the fall? A combination of a barrage of Republican attacks on nominee Obama, with a passive Clinton machine in 2008 gives Hillary one more chance. No?
On the other hand, desperate times more often bring out the worst in people. Some crimes are committed by desperate people. Reckless behavior can be a symptom of desperate people. Resorting to desperate measures is often the last foothold of an otherwise rational person.
The Clinton camp is about to cross the threshold into desperation. They are grasping at every crevice, every perceived opening and trying to rip Obama apart. One can only guess the end game…
It is certain that the Democratic Party establishment has been sending signals to the Clintons that the will of the voting mass will not be overturned. Super delegates will not rule the day at the party convention. So why the vitriol and ad hoc attacks on Obama?
Is it too cynical to suggest that these attacks weaken Obama’s national image, thus creating an opening for continued Republican attack in the fall? A combination of a barrage of Republican attacks on nominee Obama, with a passive Clinton machine in 2008 gives Hillary one more chance. No?
In for a nickel...
Caught Mathews this am talking about Obama’s flipping on public financing. Ouch. That really hurt. Not.
Does he or McCain really expect Obama to forfeit his huge money raising advantage? Of course, once he does so, the Republicans will establish hundreds of 527s to attack Obama and distort his record.
The problem with Republicans in 2008 is that we know how low they will sink to hold power. We know they will distort, invent, twist, and lie about any information that they think will help them.
For years, Dem candidates have been playing by the rules and getting street brawled by Rethuglicans. Let John McCain cry, let Mathews whine….use the money to make them both irrelevant.
Does he or McCain really expect Obama to forfeit his huge money raising advantage? Of course, once he does so, the Republicans will establish hundreds of 527s to attack Obama and distort his record.
The problem with Republicans in 2008 is that we know how low they will sink to hold power. We know they will distort, invent, twist, and lie about any information that they think will help them.
For years, Dem candidates have been playing by the rules and getting street brawled by Rethuglicans. Let John McCain cry, let Mathews whine….use the money to make them both irrelevant.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Everywhere a Sign
I distinctly remember that during the Democratic debates I marveled at HRC's ability to speak confidently about almost any issue. She brushed aside criticism, developed complete salient sentences regarding complex policy issues effortlessly. Her manner was easy, and with the exception of a misplaced laugh or two, she came across as almost friendly.
My have times changed. In the difficult days of her campaign, with Obama winning big at every turn, Clinton seems angry and dismissive. She has re-organized her campaign (fired her campaign manager) and has discounted not only Obama's wins, but the people who have voted for him. "They don't represent the electorate." she stated after being trounced in Maine.
This primary is teetering on getting ugly. A word of caution to Obama and his supporters: Keep your mouth shut about the Clintons, and keep working hard to get your message out. Any perceived slight at this point toward the Clintons may unleash the hounds. Ask David Shuster.
I find it hard to imagine Obama choosing this same course of action. I'm sure he is competitive, has an ego, and wants to win...he's a politician. But he's also different. He's a team player, he makes those around him better and he's better for it. Sure he speaks in broad philosophical rhetoric, but it speaks to people who want something better, who want change but don't want to run anyone over to get it. Obama may knock you down during the game, but his will also be the first extended to help you up.
My have times changed. In the difficult days of her campaign, with Obama winning big at every turn, Clinton seems angry and dismissive. She has re-organized her campaign (fired her campaign manager) and has discounted not only Obama's wins, but the people who have voted for him. "They don't represent the electorate." she stated after being trounced in Maine.
This primary is teetering on getting ugly. A word of caution to Obama and his supporters: Keep your mouth shut about the Clintons, and keep working hard to get your message out. Any perceived slight at this point toward the Clintons may unleash the hounds. Ask David Shuster.
I find it hard to imagine Obama choosing this same course of action. I'm sure he is competitive, has an ego, and wants to win...he's a politician. But he's also different. He's a team player, he makes those around him better and he's better for it. Sure he speaks in broad philosophical rhetoric, but it speaks to people who want something better, who want change but don't want to run anyone over to get it. Obama may knock you down during the game, but his will also be the first extended to help you up.
Friday, February 8, 2008
What's the end game?
The Democratic primary has proven to be a fascinating case-study. The rookie politician against the cagey veteran. Along the way, we've had racial, ethnic, and gender thrown into the mix, producing high-emotions and very divided results.
At this point, there is no practical way for either Obama or Clinton to earn the pledged delegates needed for the nomination. Super delegates will decide the election. By all accounts, Obama will be poised to go into the convention with a slight lead in delegates and a more firm lead in states won. The popular vote will likely be pretty evenly split. Already, the Clinton machine is grinding in the background, creating noise about seating the banned Florida and Michigan delegates. What a nightmare this would be...with the potential to disenfranchise black voters across the country.
I don't see a way for Clinton to win this without going ugly and twisting arms. Obama's campaign is inspiring, has attracted legions of new and young voters, and has all the energy. Scenes of him bouncing down the steps at an airport compare very favorably with the low-energy pictures of Clinton after super Tuesday.
I don't envy Howard Dean. Along with other party stalwarts, he'll be mediating/negotiating this mess sometime in May. The Dems can't afford for this to carry on into and past May.
At this point, there is no practical way for either Obama or Clinton to earn the pledged delegates needed for the nomination. Super delegates will decide the election. By all accounts, Obama will be poised to go into the convention with a slight lead in delegates and a more firm lead in states won. The popular vote will likely be pretty evenly split. Already, the Clinton machine is grinding in the background, creating noise about seating the banned Florida and Michigan delegates. What a nightmare this would be...with the potential to disenfranchise black voters across the country.
I don't see a way for Clinton to win this without going ugly and twisting arms. Obama's campaign is inspiring, has attracted legions of new and young voters, and has all the energy. Scenes of him bouncing down the steps at an airport compare very favorably with the low-energy pictures of Clinton after super Tuesday.
I don't envy Howard Dean. Along with other party stalwarts, he'll be mediating/negotiating this mess sometime in May. The Dems can't afford for this to carry on into and past May.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Head in the sand
I'm not a real estate expert by any means, but my reading of the market is that, on the whole, we're still in decline. Interesting read in the Fosters.com about the Seacoast Board of Realators holding a "State of the Seacoast Market" presentation.
Essentially, the presentation claims that the housing market in the seacoast (NH) is still healthy and strong, and that the realators remain "cautiously optimistic." I think they should rethink their marketing materials. Key graf buried in the last paragraph:
I don't have any empirical evidence but my feeling is things are going to get worse before they get better in the housing market.
Essentially, the presentation claims that the housing market in the seacoast (NH) is still healthy and strong, and that the realators remain "cautiously optimistic." I think they should rethink their marketing materials. Key graf buried in the last paragraph:
"Dennis Delay, deputy director of the New Hampshire Center
for Public Policy Studies, estimated that home prices will continue to drop
another 15 percent while the median price of rent will increase 15 percent
between now and 2011 in the Portsmouth area. Delay based his forecast on a
1990-2003 average of both values."
I don't have any empirical evidence but my feeling is things are going to get worse before they get better in the housing market.
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