Plouffe: Palin Is "One Of The Best Debaters In American Politics"
Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, speaking to reporters today, inflates the expectations bubble until it finally bursts:
After repeatedly calling Palin first "an extremely good debater," then a "great" one, at the end he ramped it up to "Gov. Palin is one of the best debaters in American politics," at which point the press gaggle interrupted him with its laughter."No, she is! Her 2006 debate, she knew where she wanted to take every question, and so I think she'll be relentlessly on message tonight..."
Dems say they expect Palin to answer literally every question with an attack on Biden or Obama. Plouffe says she's very competent on the attack, and that will probably prove truer than we expect.
But the question is whether that translates into accomplishing a more basic mission, which is to persuade people that she possess the most basic level of overall competence and preparedness, a task which has proven comically elusive for her so far.
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"A noun, a verb and 'Don'tcha know'..."
October 2, 2008 4:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
you betcha!
October 2, 2008 5:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup yup!
October 2, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Land sakes!
October 2, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
All she needs is a peice of duct tape across her mouth and she will do fine.
October 2, 2008 4:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually this worries me a bit. I do believe Palin may be competent as an attack dog.
October 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, the neurons seem to fire best when she's attacking. Which puts her in mcShame's league.
I don't think attacks favor them at this point. But it's all they've got.
October 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
If Biden doesn't take the bait, Caribou Barbie is done for.
October 2, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Biden will keep his eye on the ball. And the ball is not SP. It's not him. The ball is the American people, the welfare of the country. The Constitution and the Republic, the Rule of Law. Fairness. Equality. Justice. Jobs. Health care. And so on.
SP is a blip on the radar screen he can ignore.
October 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Attacking on every question is a good tactic as she then forced Biden to answer her attack and then answer the original question and he never has time to put it back on McCain or Palin.
I think Palin is going to have a talking point attack for every area of questioning. However Biden knew this was coming, so it will be interesting to see it all play out.
It seems that Palin is going to attack Biden, whereas Biden is going to attack McCain.
October 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a good tactic if she's able to remember all the talking points and keep them straight in her head. She hasn't show the ability to do that yet.
To say nothing of the fact that Independents hated when McCain went on the attack so often. I'd expect Biden to brush her attacks off with something like, "these kind of attacks are not what the American people are interested in..." and then stick to the issues.
October 2, 2008 5:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you're right. It's about where do we go from here. How do we save this country from going down the tubes, and make the middle class strong again.
October 2, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
The public is very nervous, I'm finding. I was talking to a woman downtown who went to Santa Fe yesterday and she said the tension was palpable.
October 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I had some interaction with some financial advisors (on non-financial business) who are normally cheerful and they are noticeably stressed out, as in "this is bad, really really bad" stressed out.
October 2, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
As I was writing this, Obama's two minute ad where he talks to the camera about a new direction away from trickle down economics has come on (CNN). It is so perfect. Calming in this turbulent times.
October 2, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that ad.
October 2, 2008 6:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin kinda sorta remembers the talking points but doesn't have them down cold. She often inserts them into the discussion when they aren't appropriate and that's why she looks like such a fool.
It's as if someone asked me what the unemployment figures are, for my town and I responded with, "well, um the economy is on track!"
October 2, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
(of a foreign policy question)
"I'd like to thank the governor for her attack on my record. I would return the favor but she literally (Joe loves that word unfortunately)has no record. That is unless she would like to explain to the American people why being able to see Russia from her backyard qualifies as foreign policy experience. But I think the American people aren't really interested in those games. What they want to know is what we will do and why...."
All he has to do is remind the public of the answers she gave in those interviews that are neither defensible nor explainable, without going into them.
October 2, 2008 5:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
She can't force Biden to answer her attack. He should simply ignore her and go after mcShame.
October 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. He should just let Sarah be Sarah.
October 2, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
The tapes of her will play endlessly anyway. No need to attack her. Everyone else will do that. Via laughter. Mocking.
October 2, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Attacking didn't work for McCain - and he's got 26-years of DC experience to back up his attacks. How is it supposed to work for her? Or is she just so darned adorable when she attacks?
Completely OT but you have to love Drudge. Yesterday, he had one poll headline posted - it was Gallup, which yesterday was the closest of them all, showing Obama +4. He includes Gallup today, even though it improved to +5 and there are others at plus five. But the only other poll headline he has is this:
MASON-DIXON: McCain Up Three in Virginia...
That's right...the only swing stay poll released in the last 2 days that shows McCain ahead. The only pollster since 9/22 - and I believe at least 6 others have released polls in the state since that date - showing McCain in the lead in VA.
You know what, thought? I think the TradMed is starting to tune Drudge out, especially for political stuff. Seriously, a lot of his attempts have failed this year. I think they pay more attention to The Page. And since Halperin has his own much more balanced version of Drudge, Matt no longer rules Mark's world either.
October 2, 2008 5:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's what Biden could do. When SP attacks, he talks about the "same old politics" of mcShame and then ties him to bush.
WHAM!
October 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you! Most people think she's unqualified; by attacking Biden, she runs the risk of having people think "she's completely unqualified to be where she is....what gives her the credentials to attack a Senator with 26 years of experience?".
October 2, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
36 years. But who's counting? :-)
October 2, 2008 5:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks. I guess that minor in math didn't work out so well for me, eh?
October 2, 2008 7:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
If she does nothing but attack all night, it will do nothing but blow up in her face. People are sick of nasty politics, and she doesn't really have a leg to stand on. Don't count out the fact that her going uber-negative could backfire spectacularly in her already tanking favorability ratings.
October 2, 2008 5:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Agreed. I think her job as attack dog is to keep the GOTV fired up. Indies may not cotton to that so much...
October 2, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
IF the presidential debate is any thing measure by, people are very negative on attacks. Every time McLame attacked, his numbers in the CNN live poll tanked and Obama's went up.
October 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, you're right. I forgot about that instant meter thang.
Feliz cupleanos, btw.
October 2, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, it's like a swimmer in an undertow. Out to sea you go....
October 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm hoping she does nothing but attack for the entire duration of the debate.
After all, it worked so well for McCain. There's a threshold to how much negativity the average person can take. I'm betting Palin reaches the threshold in the first 20 minutes and ends up looking like a junior version of her crabby-ass boss.
October 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
she will show respect and deference to Biden just like she has been shown all campaign season...NOT!
Her attack mode will fall flat and she will further create doubt and fear in her credentials.
October 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
New Ras poll in NM (he was the only one who showed a recent lead for McCain in that state):
O - 49 (+2)
M - 44 (-5)
Not surprising but with Ras now back on the Obama side of things, I think it's pretty clear this state is turning blue this year.
October 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yay - that is gonna thrill my friend who is a real Obamabot! LOL
October 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Combine it with Survey's +8 for Obama today, and I think we can say NM is Obama's.
October 2, 2008 5:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
yes, I agree, Palin will be "relentlessly on message tonight..." That's something to look forward to. sigh
October 2, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Given the "success" of this campaign so far, the "message" may be totally the wrong one..
Odds are they can't find a workable message. They've boxed themselves in. There's no way out that gains traction with the voters. All she's got is to try and salvage her governorship... and that's probably long gone as well.
October 2, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have a question- even if Palin does REALLY well tonight, does anyone expect that to really change anything?
Example- go to yourube at any point during the day, and look at that rolling "being watched right now" feature. I can virtually guarantee one of Palin's flubs is in that list.
The point is- America now knows that Sarah Palin is a complete moron. Period.
even if she scores a few pre-packaged zingers and comes off as not retarded, that does not help McCain with his economy problems, and it doesn't wipe away the MILLIONS of people who have seen her look like a complete idiot when presented with simple questions.
October 2, 2008 5:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Debates in general don't change much. VP debates even moreso, I'd say.
October 2, 2008 5:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you're just right.
I also think that people who tune it, besides the loony 26% or so, will be tuning in like it was American Idol.
October 2, 2008 5:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Tonight is an exercise in futility for Palin.
For Biden, I see it as his finest hour. A chance to shine in the sun. Bring it home for Barack.
October 2, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
That will be the very best birthday present of all time.
I get nervous before these debates and I am nervous today - I'm probably snippy and I don't mean to be. I really don't.
October 2, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is a VP debate. What are you nervous about?
Biden would have to show up in garters and a black bustier to damage Obama. Palin, OTOH, risks going off the deep end of national politics with every answer she gives.
And, have you given any thought to the idea that the shortened format helps Biden too? He gets in the most trouble when he has time to expand on his answers.
October 2, 2008 5:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Relax, Tena. You haven't sounded snippy to me. I was nervous yesterday. But the news today has just been so good. Except for the market, of course, but that only means the mcSame twins are stuck with the worst possible ground to be playing on.
October 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Easy solution.
Every time she attacks, or even does something that can be construed as an attack, Biden repeats the same refrain, word for word.
"The American people are not interested in attacks meant to distract from the issues. Here's what I think on [given issue]." At which point, he gives extremely detailed, intelligent answers to the question to make Palin's inadequacies apparent.
October 2, 2008 5:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly.
As I've said before, if he ignores her and sticks to the issues and flexes his considerable policy muscle, the contrast will be speak for itself.
October 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Uh, no, it won't.
It's too late.
October 2, 2008 5:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Happy B-day for you! Please do some happy feet dancing tonight!
October 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
O thank you.
October 2, 2008 5:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Okay, is that just an expression, or do we share a birthday today?
October 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's my birthday - if it's yours that's uncanny. Up until two nights ago I had met exactly one other person born on the 2d. Turns out there are a bunch of us on this board - Californiachica is today and another guy - dang, who was that?
Happy Birthday!
October 2, 2008 5:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why else do you think the hype is about if she is not "one of the best debaters in American politics"?
If she were not one of the best ever, we and the media would not be talking about it with so much passion and zeal and more restlessly waiting for this VP debate than any other VP debate of the past.
October 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Indeed.
October 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm waiting cuz she's a wild card. It's like waiting for a "happening."
October 2, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
The success of the attack mode of the Republicans has finally worn thin with most voters.
It's about fucking time!
October 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
If she attacks on every question, she'll make her base happy, which means the McCain camp will be very happy. It will completely alienate all those undecideds, and they will flock toward Obama, and that will make them happy to have finally decided, and it will make the Obama camp happy to have their votes.
So, let her attack. The world needs more happy!
October 2, 2008 5:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've missed you lately - I'm always looking for that red dress.
October 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks! I check in here frequently, but lately sometimes it's been hard to find the time to comment. Just keeping up with reading about it takes more time than I can afford, but once I start writing, productivity plummets!
October 2, 2008 5:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
nothing is more of a time blackhole than a good comments board. I know -
good thing I'm retired.
And the weather went sideways today, too -
October 2, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds good to me. I am feeling a little bit happier already just thinking about that Obama landslide that is coming in a few short weeks.
October 2, 2008 5:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bingo!
October 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why is Mr. Plouffe lowering expectations for Sarah Palin. It is not just the United States;
Sarah Palin is one of the best debaters on the entire planet, and Sarah says that I should also throw in on Earth. Yup! Yup!
October 2, 2008 5:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, from edge to edge.
October 2, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Snap.
October 2, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
So Governor, it's been said that you're the best debater on the planet.
Sure.
Which planet would that be?
All of them! You know, there are a lot of planets out there and you can see them all from Alaska, ya know. So I would say I'd be the best on all them because it's about jobs and keeping America strong and putting Country First!
October 2, 2008 5:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Which planet would that be?
Can she name her planets? Has she ever visited any? Maybe she's seen them from Alaska and is an expert on relations with them. Possibly she even wants us to build a bridge there.
This lady is going to supply us with jokes from now until....
October 2, 2008 5:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Those aren't planets, they're God's marbles!
October 2, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I want to remind you folks:
A person known as The Barracuda bullshitted her way into walking off with The Miss Congeniality Trophy.
That is one smooth talking Barracuda.
October 2, 2008 5:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
She got the nickname Barracuda from her teammates not the basketball opposition. She was the coaches pet, and it was always "Do it like Sarah", "Watch how Sarah does it"...
October 2, 2008 5:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now
Say those quotes again, in McSame's voice, like you're talkkin' to Cindy.
Eww.
October 2, 2008 5:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Too funny!!
October 2, 2008 5:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not true, and in fact Sarah was not a starter on team. She was named The Barracuda because she would bite the face off of anyone to get ahead. That is how beauty contestants are. They will kill anyone who gets in their way. She has done the same thing to all those politicians who helped her get started.
Her coach said that Sarah was not much of a basketball player, and she did not make the winning basket. She sank a free throw, after he put her in, when they were already up four, and she made it five, and that is how the game ended.
October 2, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
O now I get that - of course.
October 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
That just means "runner-up." Like she's gonna be on Nov 4.
October 2, 2008 5:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL
OOooooooo - Zing!
October 2, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Joe could always say this: With a tip of the hat to President Ronald Reagan, well, there she goes again! He credits Reagan, while slapping Palin with a Reagan line. It would make it very hard for the Republican spin doctors to whine about a Reagan line being quoted.
October 2, 2008 5:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
The battlefield shrinks...as McCain retreats.
A side note, McCain has ceded Michigan pulling his ads, and staff out of the economically depressed state.
He might as well throw the towel in Iowa ( why was he even bothering campaigning there the other day? Other than getting pissed off at an editorial board ), Minnesota, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and in two weeks Colorado will be off the table.
The fact that polls in Indiana, and Missouri, show Obama up at all is a death knell for McCain.
This race could very easily become the "rout" that Charlie Cook mentioned the other day, and tonight Sarah could further this increasing reality.
October 2, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
I swear my brother who has voted republican toooo many times said Obama will win by a landslide. I was much more cautious when we were talking about it a month ago. If he does landslide in my brother will never let me forget, espcially since I am the "political geek" of the family. But you know, I'll take it for the next 20 years if that will have Obama win by a landslide.
October 2, 2008 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
tena is right. kinda late for her to dothe whole sarah barracuda thing. This debate is about solidifying their base. Not going after undecideds who Ithink tuned off after watching couric simply annihilate palin over an entire week. After the debate they expect her to do fundraisers and also execute their "let sarah be sarah" thing. I think that will be more damaging to them. When she spoke to hewitt, I was aghast at her rather radical positions, on abortion, rape kits etc. She's really good at the whole mom thing. But, she does not come across as someone who has a lot of education and can learn quickly enough. That I think is far more alarming. The base loves her and they in fact want her to be on top of the ticket. Now that's really funny.
October 2, 2008 5:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm awful glad he did that, though.
Otherwise, I have happy feet on account of your whole comment!
Thanks.
October 2, 2008 5:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
Happy birthday, Tena!
October 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you.
Yeah I hinted - I"m alone here. I appreciate this more than I can say - my husband called me and sent me flowers but I'm still alone here.
LOL!
October 2, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
a little Palin humor to cheer ya up!
http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/sarahpalin/ig/Sarah-Palin-Cartoons/Palin-Tutoring-Session.-Uq7.htm
October 2, 2008 5:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
I loved that with all my heart!
LOL
October 2, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
*jazz hands!*
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday, dear Tena,
Happy birthday to YOUUUUUUU!
October 2, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oooo - I love jazz hands!!!
October 2, 2008 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ta Da!!!
October 2, 2008 5:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
some more jazz hands.
October 2, 2008 5:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks! I"m giggling now.
October 2, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hippo birdie two ewe!
October 2, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
OT; via Sullivan-
Passionate video of AFL-CIO speech against racism.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/confronting-rac.html
October 2, 2008 5:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I saw that on Kos last night.
Almost brings ya to tears.
I'm glad this is being confronted, and in the manner that Trumka does it.
October 2, 2008 5:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
It brought tears to my eyes. There is something happening here, a confluence, where America may actually be beginning to open its eyes and seeing in the more forward looking countries in Europe see it.
Everyone needs to see this video.
October 2, 2008 5:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Co-sign - start to finish: tears, etc.
October 2, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
I watched this today and was very moved by it. Towards the end when he REALLY gets passionate, I choked up.
October 2, 2008 5:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
This man should be sent around the country by the Obama campaign.
October 2, 2008 6:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I was thinking the same thing. Even a tv ad.
October 2, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is what I've been hoping for - from the beginning of this campaign. I'd love to have a button with Obama's logo that says: UNITY!
October 2, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess this makes Plouffe the Dean Smith of politics. ("Appalachian State? They could make it to the Final Four this year!")
October 2, 2008 5:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
The same school that beat Michigan in the big house last year. There's a reason they play the game.
October 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey! I'm a U of M grad. Don't need to remind me. (And a bad choice of examples on my part.)
October 2, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
To make you feel better:
McCain has chosen to pull out of Michigan, but is focusing on Wisconsin, reminding them at every opportunity that Michigan (who beat Wisconsin last weekend) is for Obama, and they don't want to follow the lead of the Michigan.
October 2, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Go Blue! (In more ways than one.)
October 2, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
If Obama wins, even the Wolverines and Buckeyes will work together to make to make a better world. (cut to the Coca-Cola commercial, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing")
October 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Kumbaya baby!
October 2, 2008 8:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Boy... there's a platform...
These folks are stuck in high school!
October 2, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm thinking the Joe "noun, verb, 911" Biden will have some sweeter but memorable lines in his back pocket that will actually work. And as I was typing this I just got my text from the campaign reminding me to watch the debate. The stars are aligning.
October 2, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I likes that!
October 2, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
"a noun, a verb ... in what respect, charlie?"
October 2, 2008 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
You guys have been talking a lot about Palin's attacks. Can you give some examples, please?
Here are a few from me.
Q: What's your foreign policy credential?
Palin: I can see Russia from my home in Alaska, [ATTACK] Biden cannot see any foreign country from Delaware.
Q: Would you invite Syria in the Middle East peace process?
Palin: I'd if Mr. Syria is the President of Saudi Arabia. [Biden: Syria is a country]. Then, can I look up in the map? [Ifill: you're out of time]. I'll find it and mail you the answer later. [Attack] Mr. Biden, you are being condescending to me.
Q: How do you lower gas price or solve energy dependence?
Palin: Drill in ANWR. [Attack] Biden does not have a National Park with oil reserves in Delaware.
Q: While you're an earmarks Queen and McCain is for Porkbuster, how do you reconcile the difference and reform Washington?
Palin: [Attack] Obama and Biden have taken more earmarks than I have. We cut taxes. They raise. [Biden: Wait a minute. That's not true]. Senator Biden, you cannot speak in the middle just because you are a man. Did you just see what Democrats do to women? Do you remember what Obama did to Hillary? Stop sexism.
Q: As a VP, if you win, what kind of role would you play in McCain administration?
Palin: Somebody has to answer me what VP does first. [Biden: A VP presides over the senate and cast a tie breaker vote, and if the old man dies, you become the president]. Then, since I don't know anything about Senate, I'm gonna take the latter, but we are not gonna win. Period. Hold on, I forgot to attack: So Mr. Biden, since Obama is young and healthy, he's not gonna die soon. Would you just sit there and preside over the Senate. That must be boring.
October 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
She said some snarky stuff in her acceptance speech and I guess she gets snarky on the trail - otherwise - I'm with you.
Big woop
October 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Watch with a few folks, and you, too, can play Palin Bingo: http://www.palinbingo.com/
October 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain camp says even though they have moved out of MI they did it to make BO play defense there. They also says they have a easier map to 270 than BO.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/jonathanmartin/1008/PostMichigan_McCain_spin.html#comments
October 2, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
October 2, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Mike Allen via Sully:
"Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) now must win Pennsylvania, Wisconsin or Minnesota in order to get enough electoral votes to win the presidency, his campaign says. Those were considered swing states in 2000 and 2004, but George W. Bush lost them both times. โOur ability to pick off one of those three states is where our fortunes are largely held,โ a McCain official said. โThese are states where Barack Obama is on the defense.โ"
October 2, 2008 6:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's funny is that RCP just turned MN as well as WI and PA as leaning Obama, and his total EV at 260, with VA, FL, etc as swing. The poll numbers say Obama is about maintaining the status quo (or improving). McCain is about convincing Obama supporters they've made a bad decision.
October 2, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly. To say McCain has an easier path to 270 and that Obama is on defense in PA, MN and WI is simply laughable.
MN and WI are not going for McCain. End of story. His best chance is PA and I really don't see that happening either.
October 2, 2008 6:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
They're probably predicting a 269-269 tie, which is why they're going to go after a vote in Maine to put them over the top in such a scenario.
Give Obama California, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, DC, Delaware, NJ, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, New Mexico and Colorado and that equals 269 electoral votes.
Now a tie goes to Obama, which is why McCain will make a play for one of Maine's split EV's.
For Obama to win, he'd need one of New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Florida, Indiana or NC.
October 2, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
The rules were changed to eliminate any candidate interaction (advantage Palin), and to emphasize short answers (advantage Palin).
The real key is the moderator. If the moderator relaxes the format to permit a little bit of scuffling, advantage Biden. If the moderator asks questions that require thought rather than talking points, advantage Biden. If the moderator asks questions that are SPECIFIC, advantage Biden.
Remember it was the simple things that Palin couldn't do. What magazines do you read? What about the Bush Doctrine? What is your position on the bailout? What Supreme Court decisions OTHER than Roe v. Wade have you disagreed with?
October 2, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUSSEIN TENA X,hope u see many more,I hope u enjoy the debate 2nite.
October 2, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
O thank you! I hope we all enjoy it.
My sister in law just called me - she lives in Missouri - she's got the same jitters about tonight we all have. LOL
October 2, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Whoo Hoo! Judge does NOT call a mistrial in the Stevens case. (OT)
October 2, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here's a report from the ground in Georgia from the father of a friend:f
"My father in Atlanta, Georgia went to vote early today. He said the line was 100 long, mostly African Americans and a party atmosphere. He said everything was very quick and efficient and he was done in under half an hour. He said he got a real charge about how happy everyone seemed to be to be at the polls and that he has never seen this kind of energy and enthusiasm. His lady friend voted yesterday after standing in a line of 65 people late morning.
Yesterday my father asked the guy who does his yard if he was registered to vote. He said the young man promptly pulled out voter registration materials, showed them to my Dad and said he had personally registered almost 1000 people to vote and was driving all of them to the polls to vote early! He offered my father an Obama sticker! My father then asked the man's assistant whether he was registered and the young man told him that not only was he registered he had already voted for Obama! My father says he has had two groups of Obama canvassers come to his door (young white kids) but has heard nothing from any McCain supporters. The only thing is my father lives in a rather "liberal" part of Atlanta, with a somewhat high proportion of gays and other so called lefties so likely this is not true in all neighborhoods. He does report that he sees very few McCain yard signs as he drives around but lots of Obama signs.
October 2, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
If America had a tradition of 97% participation in voting, things would be different. But in this country, enthusiasm and GOTV efforts are major deciding factors. I have a feeling that there might be a few surprise states like Georgia and Montana, that defy the polls and go Obama.
Thanks for the story.
October 2, 2008 6:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
O my god! I love this!
O my god - Thera - hold me down - I'm about to bounce to the ceiling.
Between that and 400 some odd coal miners walking off the job in protest cause their boss let the NRA on the premises to campaign for McLame - I mean, I am seeing and smelling the L word. And it scares me
October 2, 2008 6:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you think about the coal miners and the video of the union steel worker speech, there is a real worker uprising going on here. Not a "man the barricades" kind of uprising, but one that is about taking control of the direction of this country. Even Bill Clinton yesterday in Florida said that the reason that Obama is the man is because he understands that the change needs to come from the bottom up, not the top down.
October 2, 2008 6:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
She'll "Shuck and Jive" throughout the whole debate. It's her style. She seems incapable of answering any question. If you ask about their health care plan, she'll say something like, "Health care's important. Lots of people die. Gee, dontcha know? Senator Obama will cost the taxpayers millions. He's inexperienced, etc..." Then throw in the talking points about how wonderful McCain is. She'll talk the whole time until her time is up. To the casual listener it will sound like she actually said something, unless Gwen Ifill responds by asking her to actually answer the question people won't get it. You can't underestimate the American Public
October 2, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wow - another McCain gimmick/stunt.
Sarah Palin disappears after tonight. Whether she gets a zinger in or not, this is her last hurrah in the spoghtlight. They know she is a disaster - the only reason she is debating tonight is because she absolutely has no choice but to go on...
But the woman has not given a press conference. She got schooled by Katie Couric. They might get her ready for one night in a favorable environment, but after that the most they can trust her with are the Powerline/Malkins of the world.
Either way, I get the feeling that tonight is going to go bad for Sarah. I don't know why - it right now the Obama camp is in the head of the McCain camp. That any strategy that Palin might try will be one that the Obama team started planning for weeks ago. Chances are they've focused grouped and polled enough situations like tonights that whatever tone and demeanor Biden might take has already been proven to be the most effective.
October 2, 2008 6:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
O Jorge, what a gorgeous comment!
October 2, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
It'll be interesting to see whether she shows up for the California fundraiser on October 4th or the two fundraisers in Florida next Monday.
October 2, 2008 6:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I predict that tonight will be extremely underwhelming. No big gaffes, no overly crazy Palin ramblings.
The press will be really bummed out.
October 2, 2008 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
And in their bumness they'll turn to McCain pulling out of Michigan.
October 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
A writer from The Nation is live-blogging the debate tonight.
I'm trying to pass this around because, if action meets the talk, it looks like a number of conservatives are descending on his blog tonight.
If it helps, he's going to award Powell's gift cards for good comments.
http://www.governmentalityblog.com/
October 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Used to live in Portland. Fond memories of wandering through Powells.
October 2, 2008 6:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wish she attacks. There ads, attacks, TV interviews have lost credibility among most Americans.I'd like her to see her attack and enhance the perception.
Also, I don't think Americans are in the mood to pass her on 'lower expectations.' This is all over blown MSM spin. These are serious times, Americans are worried. I don't think most people expect nothing less from her than they would from a VP nominee with a 72 year old running mate.
BTW, Happy B'day Tena. You share your birthday with Mahatma Gandhi. My effort to make your day better.
October 2, 2008 6:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Totally agree. Biden needs to focus more on what Obama and he will do than on how bad Bush-McCain policies were. That is, one sentence about the failed policies on this or that topic, and the rest, this is how an Obama-Biden administration will approach the subject.
October 2, 2008 6:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
She will attack tonight. She doesn't have another choice. What other things she can do?
Talk about victory in Iraq, when she didn't care about the war at all until recently?
Talk about the economy, when she coundn't even explain her position to Katie Couric?
Talk about foreign policy, when she doesn't know the Bush doctrine and the fact that Joe Biden has been on the Senate foreign relations committee for 35 years?
What should Joe Biden do? I don't know for sure.
He's been around in politics for a long time and even if has a tendency to make gaffes, he's a very good debater: his "verb, noun, 9/11" line was vital to bring down the Rudy candidacy and his simple response to don't commit gaffes in foreign policy affairs ("Yes") are examples of his skills at debating time. I trust that Joe can pull it off tonight.
"Scrappy Kid" of Scranton against "Hockey Mom" of Wasilla: Let's get ready to rumble!
Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!
October 2, 2008 7:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Most of Biden's bad moments haven't come in debates -- they've come when an interviewer lets him ramble.
October 2, 2008 8:43 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't worry folks, I'm worrying enough for all of us tonight...
October 2, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks Jonze. That's the most comforting least worrisome thing you said since...LOL
October 2, 2008 6:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for putting the worries out of our backs.
You're a real team player, man!
October 2, 2008 7:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Happy Birth Day to Tena the Texan from a West Texan.
October 2, 2008 7:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
David has turned into Baghdad Bob!
October 2, 2008 7:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just hope Biden has a good "I know Hillary Clinton, I work with Hillary Clinton. You're no Hillary Clinton" line prepared.
October 2, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Latest news is that Palin has a bandage on her right hand and she is uncharacteristically wearing her hair down tonight. I bet that she's wearing a feed. I wonder if you'll be able to pick it up on HDTV.
October 2, 2008 7:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
happy birthday tena and think good thoughts.
i'm imagining somewhere in an undisclosed location right now moose gal is bent over a john with the dry heaves ...
October 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ugh. I'm soooo ready to puke. Help me if I faint....
October 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Reply | Permalink