Every once in a while you wonder what the heck makes Joe think he can win?
Well, you got me there. But if there's any interest in a local take on what he's up to, here it is.
First start with Joe's local ratings:
The 10/03 Q-poll has Joe 54 - 34 fav - unfav in CT.
University of Connecticut UConn Poll. July 14-21, 2003. N=502 adults statewide. MoE ±4.2:
"I'm going to read you a list of elected officials in Connecticut. For each one, please tell me your overall impression, if it's very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, very unfavorable -- or do you not know enough to say? U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman."
Very Fav 29%
Somewhat Fav 41%
Somewhat Unfav 12%
Very Unfav 8%
Other 9%
please understand that Joe is likely our senator until 2006 and is not likely to see anyone challenge him.
Next, consider this take on his current campaign strategery:
Lieberman's odds hard to figure for Democrats
Joe Lieberman has redoubled his campaign efforts in Oklahoma. Thatís a smart move, said Oklahoma Democratic Chairman Jay Parmley.
"I think he could do extremely well here,î Parmley said. "He is very conservative and fits the mold of an Oklahoma Democrat very well.î
Lieberman isnít contesting Iowa, and he is hoping for only a good showing in New Hampshire ó the first two major contests in the primary season. Instead, he hopes his moderate views will provide a victory in crucial primary states like Oklahoma, held after New Hampshire and before Super Tuesday on March 2.
But Democratic party chiefs in early primary states have mixed outlooks on how well Lieberman will do.
(...)
Ya think? We all do.
(...)
Adam Kovacevich, spokesman for the Lieberman campaign, isnít worried that Lieberman has slipped in states where he once led.
"Polls are just a snapshot in time,î he said. "Even as voters are paying more attention, Joe Lieberman remains at the head of the pack and has an organizational head start in many states.î
With the endorsements of some public officials, many are picking Lieberman to win Delaware. The state has just 15 delegates, but it would still be a win. Lieberman is the only candidate paying attention to the state. His two visits are more than any other candidate.
In Missouri, Gephardt is the obvious favorite. But if the favorite son loses in Iowa and drops out of the race, the state could be open.
(...)
Joe's campaign figures that he's in no trouble at home and that if Gep loses in Iowa, Joe becomes a candidate for the anti-Dean slot. we aren't the only ones thinking in terms of dean vs anti-dean and this union double-whammy endorsement is really shaking things up.
Since Joe's in it until Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico, etc., let's hope he figures out how to bring a message that helps the Democratic Party, because it looks like unless the state polls there go the way of Iowa and NH, he's sticking around a while more.