if he doesn’t get his shit together.
I was listening to NPR on my way into work this AM after my various doctor’s appointments. One of Kerry’s campaign officers was on, along with a journalist and one of CLinton’s ex-foreign affairs guys. Topic: Kerry and Iraq.
Two random observations:
1. The campaign guy freely admitted that Kerry’s campaign is short on specifics right now, specifically because they see no need to define themselves against Bush’s actions until more info shakes out.
2. Callers seemed universally pissed about Kerry’s unwillingness to be long on specifics.
Here’s why I think Kerry’s in trouble:
1. Because McCain is currently seen as this moment’s definition of political integrity…not Kerry.
2. Because in spite of all the bad news out of Iraq, Kerry’s barely moving the needle versus George.
3. Because the vast majority of the American electorate is already committed, regardless of what happens; and the small minority that isn’t will do whatever feels good the week before the election; and George has got too many hands to play before then.
4. Because Kerry is from Massachusetts.
5. Because Kerry’s wife is seen as a foreigner.
6. Because Kerry’s wife is seen as a RICH foreigner.
7. Because Kerry speaks French, not Spanish, he will be seen as elitist, not pragmatic.
8. Because America likes its presidents to be simple, at least on the surface. (If the simple goes all the way through, they’ll take it, as long as it doesn’t make them too worried.)
9. Because, al-Qaeda, don’t you know.
10. Because anyone who thinks an American election is decided on the issues wasn’t watching in 2000.
Dark Matter 
May 20th, 2004 at 6:54 am
NY A swing state?
While upstate NY is definitely more conversative than NYC, you have to go all the way back to 1984 to find a Republican victory here!
2000: Gore 60.21%, Bush 35.23%
1996: Clinton 59.47%, Dole 30.61%
1992: Clinton 49.73%, Bush 33.88%
1988: Dukakis 51.62%, Bush 47.52%
1984: Reagan 53.84%, Mondale 45.83%
Lame as Kerry is, I’m pretty confident he has NY in the bag. Many Republicans are even now questioning the wisdom of having their convention here as Iraq, not to mention all post-9/11-sentiment, has completely blown up in Bush’s face.
May 20th, 2004 at 6:54 am
NY A swing state?
While upstate NY is definitely more conversative than NYC, you have to go all the way back to 1984 to find a Republican victory here!
2000: Gore 60.21%, Bush 35.23%
1996: Clinton 59.47%, Dole 30.61%
1992: Clinton 49.73%, Bush 33.88%
1988: Dukakis 51.62%, Bush 47.52%
1984: Reagan 53.84%, Mondale 45.83%
Lame as Kerry is, I’m pretty confident he has NY in the bag. Many Republicans are even now questioning the wisdom of having their convention here as Iraq, not to mention all post-9/11-sentiment, has completely blown up in Bush’s face.
May 20th, 2004 at 6:54 am
NY A swing state?
While upstate NY is definitely more conversative than NYC, you have to go all the way back to 1984 to find a Republican victory here!
2000: Gore 60.21%, Bush 35.23%
1996: Clinton 59.47%, Dole 30.61%
1992: Clinton 49.73%, Bush 33.88%
1988: Dukakis 51.62%, Bush 47.52%
1984: Reagan 53.84%, Mondale 45.83%
Lame as Kerry is, I’m pretty confident he has NY in the bag. Many Republicans are even now questioning the wisdom of having their convention here as Iraq, not to mention all post-9/11-sentiment, has completely blown up in Bush’s face.
May 20th, 2004 at 5:48 am
Re: counterpoint
People on both sides seem to have this incredible propensity for assuming the media makes unending backroom deals with the other side (not that you’re doing this excessively here, but I see it so much). Truth is, Kerry’s not getting coverage because Bush is ‘blocking’ all over– which sells more papers, after all, Kerry’s statements against Bush, or Bush making that video of looking for WMD under his desk? News is released in such a specific way from their camp as to put Bush on the front page of the paper as often as humanly possible, and it’s been very successful.
It’s also hard to be a rabid attack dog with centralist policy ideas. It’s a lot easier when you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off about “gays and terr’ists and lib’rals, oh my!” I swear, Bush is opposed to words of more than two syllables (it’s in the bible dontcha know), and so he makes sure to take some out of the longer ones.
May 20th, 2004 at 5:48 am
Re: counterpoint
People on both sides seem to have this incredible propensity for assuming the media makes unending backroom deals with the other side (not that you’re doing this excessively here, but I see it so much). Truth is, Kerry’s not getting coverage because Bush is ‘blocking’ all over– which sells more papers, after all, Kerry’s statements against Bush, or Bush making that video of looking for WMD under his desk? News is released in such a specific way from their camp as to put Bush on the front page of the paper as often as humanly possible, and it’s been very successful.
It’s also hard to be a rabid attack dog with centralist policy ideas. It’s a lot easier when you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off about “gays and terr’ists and lib’rals, oh my!” I swear, Bush is opposed to words of more than two syllables (it’s in the bible dontcha know), and so he makes sure to take some out of the longer ones.
May 20th, 2004 at 5:48 am
Re: counterpoint
People on both sides seem to have this incredible propensity for assuming the media makes unending backroom deals with the other side (not that you’re doing this excessively here, but I see it so much). Truth is, Kerry’s not getting coverage because Bush is ‘blocking’ all over– which sells more papers, after all, Kerry’s statements against Bush, or Bush making that video of looking for WMD under his desk? News is released in such a specific way from their camp as to put Bush on the front page of the paper as often as humanly possible, and it’s been very successful.
It’s also hard to be a rabid attack dog with centralist policy ideas. It’s a lot easier when you’re running around like a chicken with its head cut off about “gays and terr’ists and lib’rals, oh my!” I swear, Bush is opposed to words of more than two syllables (it’s in the bible dontcha know), and so he makes sure to take some out of the longer ones.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:46 pm
Re: remember Al?-Blowing Hard
One of the things I admire about John Kerry is that he is NOT a blow-hard. Again, a humble, hardworking guy with a keen, mind you, brain.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:46 pm
Re: remember Al?-Blowing Hard
One of the things I admire about John Kerry is that he is NOT a blow-hard. Again, a humble, hardworking guy with a keen, mind you, brain.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:46 pm
Re: remember Al?-Blowing Hard
One of the things I admire about John Kerry is that he is NOT a blow-hard. Again, a humble, hardworking guy with a keen, mind you, brain.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:42 pm
Re: he’s buying his own hype-Kerry and Nader
John Kerry and Ralph Nader are on the same page on many
things, they are working on a strategy. Ralph Nader will continue to run for president. This is a meeting of the minds.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:42 pm
Re: he’s buying his own hype-Kerry and Nader
John Kerry and Ralph Nader are on the same page on many
things, they are working on a strategy. Ralph Nader will continue to run for president. This is a meeting of the minds.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:42 pm
Re: he’s buying his own hype-Kerry and Nader
John Kerry and Ralph Nader are on the same page on many
things, they are working on a strategy. Ralph Nader will continue to run for president. This is a meeting of the minds.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:38 pm
All the Policy Is On-LIne @
johnkerry.com
May 19th, 2004 at 7:38 pm
All the Policy Is On-LIne @
johnkerry.com
May 19th, 2004 at 7:38 pm
All the Policy Is On-LIne @
johnkerry.com
May 19th, 2004 at 7:37 pm
Re: ughhhh….Honestly,
Move-on has the integrity of…..
Do you recall what they did to Richard Clarke?
And, Dean’s on board, baby.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:37 pm
Re: ughhhh….Honestly,
Move-on has the integrity of…..
Do you recall what they did to Richard Clarke?
And, Dean’s on board, baby.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:37 pm
Re: ughhhh….Honestly,
Move-on has the integrity of…..
Do you recall what they did to Richard Clarke?
And, Dean’s on board, baby.
May 19th, 2004 at 7:34 pm
11. Just Got My Official Party Ballot
And I filled that sucker out, baby.
Feel the IMPACT of one (hot shit on fire, world).
If Abraham Lincoln came a’back with a Yale Education,
and sound minded wife, he might have a good time this
one around.
Democrats.org (We really do need you).
May 19th, 2004 at 7:34 pm
11. Just Got My Official Party Ballot
And I filled that sucker out, baby.
Feel the IMPACT of one (hot shit on fire, world).
If Abraham Lincoln came a’back with a Yale Education,
and sound minded wife, he might have a good time this
one around.
Democrats.org (We really do need you).
May 19th, 2004 at 7:34 pm
11. Just Got My Official Party Ballot
And I filled that sucker out, baby.
Feel the IMPACT of one (hot shit on fire, world).
If Abraham Lincoln came a’back with a Yale Education,
and sound minded wife, he might have a good time this
one around.
Democrats.org (We really do need you).
May 19th, 2004 at 3:39 pm
Re: counterpoint
New York is considered a swing state. A New Yorker (my yoga teacher) was just telling me yesterday that NY is pretty conservative outside of NYC.
If you don’t want Bush to win, you must vote Democratic. It’s a bullshit system, but it’s not going to change till we at least get rid of Bush. With Bush, we only get more fascism.
May 19th, 2004 at 3:39 pm
Re: counterpoint
New York is considered a swing state. A New Yorker (my yoga teacher) was just telling me yesterday that NY is pretty conservative outside of NYC.
If you don’t want Bush to win, you must vote Democratic. It’s a bullshit system, but it’s not going to change till we at least get rid of Bush. With Bush, we only get more fascism.
May 19th, 2004 at 3:39 pm
Re: counterpoint
New York is considered a swing state. A New Yorker (my yoga teacher) was just telling me yesterday that NY is pretty conservative outside of NYC.
If you don’t want Bush to win, you must vote Democratic. It’s a bullshit system, but it’s not going to change till we at least get rid of Bush. With Bush, we only get more fascism.
May 19th, 2004 at 1:18 pm
Re: counterpoint
I think it’s funny the Reform party has gone from Perot to Buchannan to Nader.
Hey! Maybe Ralph and Pat can form a ticket!
May 19th, 2004 at 1:18 pm
Re: counterpoint
I think it’s funny the Reform party has gone from Perot to Buchannan to Nader.
Hey! Maybe Ralph and Pat can form a ticket!
May 19th, 2004 at 1:18 pm
Re: counterpoint
I think it’s funny the Reform party has gone from Perot to Buchannan to Nader.
Hey! Maybe Ralph and Pat can form a ticket!
May 19th, 2004 at 1:07 pm
ughhhh
That’s why I liked Dean & Clark early on – I really felt they were gonna go AFTER Bush…
http://www.moveon.org has a petition asking Kerry to quit f#$%ing around and go for it…
hopin’ Michael Moore’s flick’s gonna make a summer splash Thomas Paine Common Sense Style…
fear & loathing however – June 5th – Washington Protest ya’ll – see you there
May 19th, 2004 at 1:07 pm
ughhhh
That’s why I liked Dean & Clark early on – I really felt they were gonna go AFTER Bush…
http://www.moveon.org has a petition asking Kerry to quit f#$%ing around and go for it…
hopin’ Michael Moore’s flick’s gonna make a summer splash Thomas Paine Common Sense Style…
fear & loathing however – June 5th – Washington Protest ya’ll – see you there
May 19th, 2004 at 1:07 pm
ughhhh
That’s why I liked Dean & Clark early on – I really felt they were gonna go AFTER Bush…
http://www.moveon.org has a petition asking Kerry to quit f#$%ing around and go for it…
hopin’ Michael Moore’s flick’s gonna make a summer splash Thomas Paine Common Sense Style…
fear & loathing however – June 5th – Washington Protest ya’ll – see you there
May 19th, 2004 at 11:16 am
DK: Boston or Bust!
Kucinich is still chugging along state-by-state, now focusing on the convention and moving the Democrats to the left. He’s said from the beginning that he wouldn’t leave the Party and would ultimately support the eventual nominee so the chances of him going 3rd party are pretty slim, especially in light of his still-low national name recognition.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:16 am
DK: Boston or Bust!
Kucinich is still chugging along state-by-state, now focusing on the convention and moving the Democrats to the left. He’s said from the beginning that he wouldn’t leave the Party and would ultimately support the eventual nominee so the chances of him going 3rd party are pretty slim, especially in light of his still-low national name recognition.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:16 am
DK: Boston or Bust!
Kucinich is still chugging along state-by-state, now focusing on the convention and moving the Democrats to the left. He’s said from the beginning that he wouldn’t leave the Party and would ultimately support the eventual nominee so the chances of him going 3rd party are pretty slim, especially in light of his still-low national name recognition.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:04 am
Re: counterpoint
Well, I might shift. If it were down to thinking my vote might keep Bush out, I might.
I won’t vote for Nader, I don’t think. I held my nose and did so last time because of the Green affiliation. I don’t see that happening again.
I haven’t been following — Kucinich would appear to be a good choice for a Green candidate. Any noise that way? My usual round of late night surfing for answers is pretty curtailed right now.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:04 am
Re: counterpoint
Well, I might shift. If it were down to thinking my vote might keep Bush out, I might.
I won’t vote for Nader, I don’t think. I held my nose and did so last time because of the Green affiliation. I don’t see that happening again.
I haven’t been following — Kucinich would appear to be a good choice for a Green candidate. Any noise that way? My usual round of late night surfing for answers is pretty curtailed right now.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:04 am
Re: counterpoint
Well, I might shift. If it were down to thinking my vote might keep Bush out, I might.
I won’t vote for Nader, I don’t think. I held my nose and did so last time because of the Green affiliation. I don’t see that happening again.
I haven’t been following — Kucinich would appear to be a good choice for a Green candidate. Any noise that way? My usual round of late night surfing for answers is pretty curtailed right now.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:01 am
Re: counterpoint
I’m pretty sure NY’s not in play for Bush so my decision will come down to Nader or a write-in for Kucinich, depending on Nader’s party affiliation here.
To be honest, if the election were today and NY were in play, I can’t say my feelings would be any different. My vote isn’t “swung” by pandering or desperation.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:01 am
Re: counterpoint
I’m pretty sure NY’s not in play for Bush so my decision will come down to Nader or a write-in for Kucinich, depending on Nader’s party affiliation here.
To be honest, if the election were today and NY were in play, I can’t say my feelings would be any different. My vote isn’t “swung” by pandering or desperation.
May 19th, 2004 at 11:01 am
Re: counterpoint
I’m pretty sure NY’s not in play for Bush so my decision will come down to Nader or a write-in for Kucinich, depending on Nader’s party affiliation here.
To be honest, if the election were today and NY were in play, I can’t say my feelings would be any different. My vote isn’t “swung” by pandering or desperation.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:52 am
remember Al?
I don’t believe a debate would be a guaranteed victory for Kerry. If anything, I’d expect similar results as 2000, with Kerry coming off looking like a wishy-washy, partisan blowhard, and Bush, love him or hate him, doggedly standing by his decisions.
At best, a draw. At worst, Nader picks up some more support.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:52 am
remember Al?
I don’t believe a debate would be a guaranteed victory for Kerry. If anything, I’d expect similar results as 2000, with Kerry coming off looking like a wishy-washy, partisan blowhard, and Bush, love him or hate him, doggedly standing by his decisions.
At best, a draw. At worst, Nader picks up some more support.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:52 am
remember Al?
I don’t believe a debate would be a guaranteed victory for Kerry. If anything, I’d expect similar results as 2000, with Kerry coming off looking like a wishy-washy, partisan blowhard, and Bush, love him or hate him, doggedly standing by his decisions.
At best, a draw. At worst, Nader picks up some more support.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:43 am
I’ve been having some of the same frustration lately with Kerry. Whenever I see Kerry he seems to be pointing out things that the Bush administration has done wrong. Well, duh, we can all see that. What I would like to hear from him are solutions; how would Kerry do things differently? It’s easy to say that Bush is doing everything wrong; it’s apparently much more difficult to come up with statements of how things should be done right.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:43 am
I’ve been having some of the same frustration lately with Kerry. Whenever I see Kerry he seems to be pointing out things that the Bush administration has done wrong. Well, duh, we can all see that. What I would like to hear from him are solutions; how would Kerry do things differently? It’s easy to say that Bush is doing everything wrong; it’s apparently much more difficult to come up with statements of how things should be done right.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:43 am
I’ve been having some of the same frustration lately with Kerry. Whenever I see Kerry he seems to be pointing out things that the Bush administration has done wrong. Well, duh, we can all see that. What I would like to hear from him are solutions; how would Kerry do things differently? It’s easy to say that Bush is doing everything wrong; it’s apparently much more difficult to come up with statements of how things should be done right.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:38 am
Re: counterpoint
MoveOn’s a scary bunch. I entertained the thought for a while that they were a black-ops info gathering opportunity…
Now I just think they’re a vanity project by people unwilling to take more drastic measures.
Have you figured out what you’re gonna do, Guy? I think I have the luxury of voting 3rd Party, but not sure who yet; think I can safely avoid Kerry here in MA.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:38 am
Re: counterpoint
MoveOn’s a scary bunch. I entertained the thought for a while that they were a black-ops info gathering opportunity…
Now I just think they’re a vanity project by people unwilling to take more drastic measures.
Have you figured out what you’re gonna do, Guy? I think I have the luxury of voting 3rd Party, but not sure who yet; think I can safely avoid Kerry here in MA.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:38 am
Re: counterpoint
MoveOn’s a scary bunch. I entertained the thought for a while that they were a black-ops info gathering opportunity…
Now I just think they’re a vanity project by people unwilling to take more drastic measures.
Have you figured out what you’re gonna do, Guy? I think I have the luxury of voting 3rd Party, but not sure who yet; think I can safely avoid Kerry here in MA.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:36 am
I’m feeling pretty optimistic
I was listening to NPR last night, and they had a analyst on calling the election as things current stand now in Kerry’s favor – not because of anything he’s done, but because of what he hasn’t done and what Bush has done. Bush’s approval record is at it’s lowest, and the last three incumbants who have had such an approval rating have all lost. Iraq is falling apart, people are coming out of it in body bags, and the economy by all real indicators (unemployment, living) is not rebounding.
To criticize Bush now may be perceived as kicking Bush while he’s down. He’s doing enough damage to himself without Kerry’s help. The other reason why the analyst last night is calling the election for Kerry is because he is “a good closer.” He is remaining strategically silent now, but he will make his move in a diplomatic way when the time comes. The way he lay low in the primaries and then suddenly became the favorite after Dean spontaneously combusted and the other candidates fell apart is not a coicidence. He is a a skilled politician. He knows how to win.
I worry about him being from Massachusetts a little, but I think he will pick a good VP to counter this – I’ve heard the guy in New Mexico may be the guy, whihc might be good.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:36 am
I’m feeling pretty optimistic
I was listening to NPR last night, and they had a analyst on calling the election as things current stand now in Kerry’s favor – not because of anything he’s done, but because of what he hasn’t done and what Bush has done. Bush’s approval record is at it’s lowest, and the last three incumbants who have had such an approval rating have all lost. Iraq is falling apart, people are coming out of it in body bags, and the economy by all real indicators (unemployment, living) is not rebounding.
To criticize Bush now may be perceived as kicking Bush while he’s down. He’s doing enough damage to himself without Kerry’s help. The other reason why the analyst last night is calling the election for Kerry is because he is “a good closer.” He is remaining strategically silent now, but he will make his move in a diplomatic way when the time comes. The way he lay low in the primaries and then suddenly became the favorite after Dean spontaneously combusted and the other candidates fell apart is not a coicidence. He is a a skilled politician. He knows how to win.
I worry about him being from Massachusetts a little, but I think he will pick a good VP to counter this – I’ve heard the guy in New Mexico may be the guy, whihc might be good.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:36 am
I’m feeling pretty optimistic
I was listening to NPR last night, and they had a analyst on calling the election as things current stand now in Kerry’s favor – not because of anything he’s done, but because of what he hasn’t done and what Bush has done. Bush’s approval record is at it’s lowest, and the last three incumbants who have had such an approval rating have all lost. Iraq is falling apart, people are coming out of it in body bags, and the economy by all real indicators (unemployment, living) is not rebounding.
To criticize Bush now may be perceived as kicking Bush while he’s down. He’s doing enough damage to himself without Kerry’s help. The other reason why the analyst last night is calling the election for Kerry is because he is “a good closer.” He is remaining strategically silent now, but he will make his move in a diplomatic way when the time comes. The way he lay low in the primaries and then suddenly became the favorite after Dean spontaneously combusted and the other candidates fell apart is not a coicidence. He is a a skilled politician. He knows how to win.
I worry about him being from Massachusetts a little, but I think he will pick a good VP to counter this – I’ve heard the guy in New Mexico may be the guy, whihc might be good.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:34 am
Re: counterpoint
he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
Perhaps because there’s no real meat to them?
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big”…
If MoveOn had any integrity at all they’d have at least mentioned Kucinich – who finished a strong 2nd in their original “primary,” behind only Dean, despite having zero name recognition at the time – and acknowledged his dogged fight for the representation of the very issues they’re begging Kerry to stand up for now. Instead, they’re too busy making a power grab, jumping from bandwagon to bandwagon, each one hoping to be the next Zach Exley.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:34 am
Re: counterpoint
he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
Perhaps because there’s no real meat to them?
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big”…
If MoveOn had any integrity at all they’d have at least mentioned Kucinich – who finished a strong 2nd in their original “primary,” behind only Dean, despite having zero name recognition at the time – and acknowledged his dogged fight for the representation of the very issues they’re begging Kerry to stand up for now. Instead, they’re too busy making a power grab, jumping from bandwagon to bandwagon, each one hoping to be the next Zach Exley.
May 19th, 2004 at 10:34 am
Re: counterpoint
he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
Perhaps because there’s no real meat to them?
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big”…
If MoveOn had any integrity at all they’d have at least mentioned Kucinich – who finished a strong 2nd in their original “primary,” behind only Dean, despite having zero name recognition at the time – and acknowledged his dogged fight for the representation of the very issues they’re begging Kerry to stand up for now. Instead, they’re too busy making a power grab, jumping from bandwagon to bandwagon, each one hoping to be the next Zach Exley.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:59 am
Re: counterpoint
I agree with you. Thing is, he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big” – i.e. be much more agressive. Maybe that will be a nudge. Hell, he’s smart – he knows what we’re wanting. I would like to hear his reasoning for doing the opposite.
Maybe he’s waiting for the convention to let it rip? I think that’s a waste of time and opportunities, personally. I can’t wait for the first debate between him and W.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:59 am
Re: counterpoint
I agree with you. Thing is, he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big” – i.e. be much more agressive. Maybe that will be a nudge. Hell, he’s smart – he knows what we’re wanting. I would like to hear his reasoning for doing the opposite.
Maybe he’s waiting for the convention to let it rip? I think that’s a waste of time and opportunities, personally. I can’t wait for the first debate between him and W.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:59 am
Re: counterpoint
I agree with you. Thing is, he has been releasing statements regularly opposing this/that but they don’t seem to get enough play in the media.
MoveOn sent an email earlier this week asking members to sign a petition urging Kerry to “Go Big” – i.e. be much more agressive. Maybe that will be a nudge. Hell, he’s smart – he knows what we’re wanting. I would like to hear his reasoning for doing the opposite.
Maybe he’s waiting for the convention to let it rip? I think that’s a waste of time and opportunities, personally. I can’t wait for the first debate between him and W.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:57 am
Re: eyes from afar
Here’s my prediction:
— Rumsfeld goes before August, thrown to the dogs as a token for “reform”.
— US “turns over” Iraq to chosen stooges.
— US more specifically and truthfully turns security for Najaf and Kerbala to Shiite warlords; Mosul, Kirkuk, and Kurdistan in general to the Pesh Merga. (They’ve already done this with Falluja.)
— US begins to draw down troops, maintaining core strength in the Sunni triangle.
— Bush goes on record as having “plan in place”.
— America, not hurt enough by economic woes at voting population level to rock the boat, and not giving two shits about what state of affairs is left in Iraq as long as we’re out, sees this as improvement.
— Welcome back, George.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:57 am
Re: eyes from afar
Here’s my prediction:
— Rumsfeld goes before August, thrown to the dogs as a token for “reform”.
— US “turns over” Iraq to chosen stooges.
— US more specifically and truthfully turns security for Najaf and Kerbala to Shiite warlords; Mosul, Kirkuk, and Kurdistan in general to the Pesh Merga. (They’ve already done this with Falluja.)
— US begins to draw down troops, maintaining core strength in the Sunni triangle.
— Bush goes on record as having “plan in place”.
— America, not hurt enough by economic woes at voting population level to rock the boat, and not giving two shits about what state of affairs is left in Iraq as long as we’re out, sees this as improvement.
— Welcome back, George.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:57 am
Re: eyes from afar
Here’s my prediction:
— Rumsfeld goes before August, thrown to the dogs as a token for “reform”.
— US “turns over” Iraq to chosen stooges.
— US more specifically and truthfully turns security for Najaf and Kerbala to Shiite warlords; Mosul, Kirkuk, and Kurdistan in general to the Pesh Merga. (They’ve already done this with Falluja.)
— US begins to draw down troops, maintaining core strength in the Sunni triangle.
— Bush goes on record as having “plan in place”.
— America, not hurt enough by economic woes at voting population level to rock the boat, and not giving two shits about what state of affairs is left in Iraq as long as we’re out, sees this as improvement.
— Welcome back, George.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:56 am
he’s buying his own hype
…as a closer and assuming he can coast until then.
In doing so, he’s letting Bush determine the battefield, gambling that he’ll trip himself up, and is taking too much time to deliver the knockout blow. Hell, he’s barely even throwing effective jabs at this point.
Short of dropping a nuke on Fallujah, I can’t imagine what else could possibly up the “miserable failure” factor for Bush. Kerry not going on the offensive early and often is leaving too much room for him to clean up some of his mess – drop Rumsfeld and Cheney, add McCain and Giuliani? –
releasecapture Bin Laden, and, perhaps, even stage an aborted “terrorist attack” or “assassination attempt” during the RNC.Not to mention the possibility that Kerry could lose ground on economic issues as things slowly, but inevitably, improve.
Curious to see what, if anything, comes out of his sit down with Nader. Imagine the confusion a Kerry-Nader ticket would cause?
May 19th, 2004 at 9:56 am
he’s buying his own hype
…as a closer and assuming he can coast until then.
In doing so, he’s letting Bush determine the battefield, gambling that he’ll trip himself up, and is taking too much time to deliver the knockout blow. Hell, he’s barely even throwing effective jabs at this point.
Short of dropping a nuke on Fallujah, I can’t imagine what else could possibly up the “miserable failure” factor for Bush. Kerry not going on the offensive early and often is leaving too much room for him to clean up some of his mess – drop Rumsfeld and Cheney, add McCain and Giuliani? –
releasecapture Bin Laden, and, perhaps, even stage an aborted “terrorist attack” or “assassination attempt” during the RNC.Not to mention the possibility that Kerry could lose ground on economic issues as things slowly, but inevitably, improve.
Curious to see what, if anything, comes out of his sit down with Nader. Imagine the confusion a Kerry-Nader ticket would cause?
May 19th, 2004 at 9:56 am
he’s buying his own hype
…as a closer and assuming he can coast until then.
In doing so, he’s letting Bush determine the battefield, gambling that he’ll trip himself up, and is taking too much time to deliver the knockout blow. Hell, he’s barely even throwing effective jabs at this point.
Short of dropping a nuke on Fallujah, I can’t imagine what else could possibly up the “miserable failure” factor for Bush. Kerry not going on the offensive early and often is leaving too much room for him to clean up some of his mess – drop Rumsfeld and Cheney, add McCain and Giuliani? –
releasecapture Bin Laden, and, perhaps, even stage an aborted “terrorist attack” or “assassination attempt” during the RNC.Not to mention the possibility that Kerry could lose ground on economic issues as things slowly, but inevitably, improve.
Curious to see what, if anything, comes out of his sit down with Nader. Imagine the confusion a Kerry-Nader ticket would cause?
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
you are right, right, and
right.
The sideline-sitting is fast becoming an issue in and of itself.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
you are right, right, and
right.
The sideline-sitting is fast becoming an issue in and of itself.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
you are right, right, and
right.
The sideline-sitting is fast becoming an issue in and of itself.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
eyes from afar
tony
it seems to me from afar, from another country, with all the evidence that has come out regarding the war in iraq ie lying about weapons. the poor domestic record with the economy and education and civil liberties and so on. i wonder why anyone would vote for bush in the first place.
i don’t know what kerry has been up to lately but you’d think this would be the perfect opportunity to pounce. i hope americans vote en masse and i personally hope they vote g. dubya out on his ass.
they did it in spain. they did it in india. south america and central america are fighting hard.
hopefully howard stern and michael moore can rile up enough support so the margin won’t be so close this time around.
four more years of bush jr. would be incredibly scary.
i’d love to know more of your thoughts.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
eyes from afar
tony
it seems to me from afar, from another country, with all the evidence that has come out regarding the war in iraq ie lying about weapons. the poor domestic record with the economy and education and civil liberties and so on. i wonder why anyone would vote for bush in the first place.
i don’t know what kerry has been up to lately but you’d think this would be the perfect opportunity to pounce. i hope americans vote en masse and i personally hope they vote g. dubya out on his ass.
they did it in spain. they did it in india. south america and central america are fighting hard.
hopefully howard stern and michael moore can rile up enough support so the margin won’t be so close this time around.
four more years of bush jr. would be incredibly scary.
i’d love to know more of your thoughts.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:49 am
eyes from afar
tony
it seems to me from afar, from another country, with all the evidence that has come out regarding the war in iraq ie lying about weapons. the poor domestic record with the economy and education and civil liberties and so on. i wonder why anyone would vote for bush in the first place.
i don’t know what kerry has been up to lately but you’d think this would be the perfect opportunity to pounce. i hope americans vote en masse and i personally hope they vote g. dubya out on his ass.
they did it in spain. they did it in india. south america and central america are fighting hard.
hopefully howard stern and michael moore can rile up enough support so the margin won’t be so close this time around.
four more years of bush jr. would be incredibly scary.
i’d love to know more of your thoughts.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:44 am
He needs to call for a debate NOW.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:44 am
He needs to call for a debate NOW.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:44 am
He needs to call for a debate NOW.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:42 am
Re: counterpoint
Yes, but. This article actually supports my point…
Here’s the end:
It will only happen if Kerry successfully highlights Bush’s failings while showing himself to be an appealing alternative. Otherwise, the senator could see himself losing an electoral rout, not winning in one. In fact, the second most likely outcome of this election is a Bush landslide. With just one exception, every president to win a second consecutive term has done so with a larger electoral margin than his initial victory. The least likely result this November is another close election.
Right now, the president is vulnerable. As The New Republic’s Ryan Lizza argued in a recent New York Times editorial, undecided voters “know [the incumbent] well, and if they were going to vote for him, they would have already decided. Thus support for Mr. Bush should be seen more as a ceiling, while support for Mr. Kerry, the lesser-known challenger, is more like a floor.”
That points to both an opportunity and a challenge for the Kerry campaign. Kerry needs to convince voters that he’s up to the job–and that Bush isn’t. If he can woo voters dissatisfied with Bush’s policies, there’s a potential–and historical precedent–for Kerry to win big.
My point is that Kerry isn’t doing enough to do precisely that, and he has some specific and difficult obstacles to overcome.
He has to get aggressive early enough to make this possible. And so far, I don’t see it.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:42 am
Re: counterpoint
Yes, but. This article actually supports my point…
Here’s the end:
It will only happen if Kerry successfully highlights Bush’s failings while showing himself to be an appealing alternative. Otherwise, the senator could see himself losing an electoral rout, not winning in one. In fact, the second most likely outcome of this election is a Bush landslide. With just one exception, every president to win a second consecutive term has done so with a larger electoral margin than his initial victory. The least likely result this November is another close election.
Right now, the president is vulnerable. As The New Republic’s Ryan Lizza argued in a recent New York Times editorial, undecided voters “know [the incumbent] well, and if they were going to vote for him, they would have already decided. Thus support for Mr. Bush should be seen more as a ceiling, while support for Mr. Kerry, the lesser-known challenger, is more like a floor.”
That points to both an opportunity and a challenge for the Kerry campaign. Kerry needs to convince voters that he’s up to the job–and that Bush isn’t. If he can woo voters dissatisfied with Bush’s policies, there’s a potential–and historical precedent–for Kerry to win big.
My point is that Kerry isn’t doing enough to do precisely that, and he has some specific and difficult obstacles to overcome.
He has to get aggressive early enough to make this possible. And so far, I don’t see it.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:42 am
Re: counterpoint
Yes, but. This article actually supports my point…
Here’s the end:
It will only happen if Kerry successfully highlights Bush’s failings while showing himself to be an appealing alternative. Otherwise, the senator could see himself losing an electoral rout, not winning in one. In fact, the second most likely outcome of this election is a Bush landslide. With just one exception, every president to win a second consecutive term has done so with a larger electoral margin than his initial victory. The least likely result this November is another close election.
Right now, the president is vulnerable. As The New Republic’s Ryan Lizza argued in a recent New York Times editorial, undecided voters “know [the incumbent] well, and if they were going to vote for him, they would have already decided. Thus support for Mr. Bush should be seen more as a ceiling, while support for Mr. Kerry, the lesser-known challenger, is more like a floor.”
That points to both an opportunity and a challenge for the Kerry campaign. Kerry needs to convince voters that he’s up to the job–and that Bush isn’t. If he can woo voters dissatisfied with Bush’s policies, there’s a potential–and historical precedent–for Kerry to win big.
My point is that Kerry isn’t doing enough to do precisely that, and he has some specific and difficult obstacles to overcome.
He has to get aggressive early enough to make this possible. And so far, I don’t see it.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:32 am
counterpoint
I found this the other day. http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0405.todd.html
This is a really (overly) optimistic article, but his data’s accurate.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:32 am
counterpoint
I found this the other day. http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0405.todd.html
This is a really (overly) optimistic article, but his data’s accurate.
May 19th, 2004 at 9:32 am
counterpoint
I found this the other day. http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2004/0405.todd.html
This is a really (overly) optimistic article, but his data’s accurate.