Some random thoughts from "fake" northern Virginia on the election so far. Just interested to read other's observations on these points. Love the site!!!
(1) Got my first robo-call of this campaign this evening from the RNC (not the McCain campaign). Didn't bother to hear "her" out. Also got a DVD in the mail over the weekend from the Clarion Fund about how Islamic terrorists want to destroy America. Tossed it in the trash as soon as I received it, but wanted to know more about this right-wing extremist group trying to help McCain spread the politics of fear. Here's a link, although it looks as if this might be old news for almost anyone who reads this site. (Sorry, still getting used to this diary concept!)
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1036862/clarion_fund_promccain_nonprofit_group.html
(2) The McCain campaign's "surge" (or is that "lurch"?) into Pennsylvania this past week was purportedly based on its belief that it could exploit the politics of Fear and Hate in western PA and turn things around. Concurrently there was a report of an internal DNC poll that showed Obama had only a 2-point lead in the state that had been leaked a week earlier. Anyone else think this "leak" was a ploy by the Obama campaign to get McCain to commit his dwindling resources on a state he can't win?
I think this has been one of the most incredibly well organized campaigns
we've ever seen in terms of field organization, message, candidate, policy ideas, and - let's face it - the ability to pivot quickly when an opportunity has been handed to them on several silver, er, gold, er platinum platters, most of them by Palin's gaffe-a-day role in this campaign.
(3) What the heck are the Democrats going to do with Joe Lieberman after this election? It's as if, once John McCain decided to sell his soul to the devil to win at all costs, Joe said "count me in, Johnny boy!" Let's start a poll on this - I know there are lots of us out there who can't stand to see his smug visage any longer.
(4) Looking forward to Obama's 30-minute TV spot next Wednesday (which was obviously decided weeks ago). I'm hoping he uses this opportunity to focus on the connections he's made with people across the political spectrum through out his career, and on the campaign trail - given that "this election is not about him, it's about us." I hope it focuses on themes of unity and courage in the face of trying times. It's a great opportunity for him to reassure moderate Republicans and independents who have been leaning toward him, or are still unsure, that he's unquestionably the leader we need for the next 4 years. I think some of the Obama campaign ads featuring lifelong Republicans for Obama (like the ones in Ohio and New Hampshire) have been among his best, because it reinforces the truth that he is about IDEAS and PEOPLE, not demagogery, fear, hate and hypocrisy like McPalin.
But beyond this, I'd hope he'll remind us HOW he would lead, and HOW it would be a bi-partisan effort, and WHO he views as role models for his presidency.
Just my $0.02.
Thanks and looking forward to some dialogue on these and other points.