Talk about an October surprise - an illness impacting the midterm elections? Really?
Republicans are hoping so, and they are buying into it in a big way. I just saw a figure on MSNBC that over 700 ads are talking about Ebola across the country.
There are three players here, and two are getting what they want. It's not too late for the third to get in the game and do something positive.
Player 1 - the media. The media, even Fox News, are all after ratings. Ratings sell ads, and nothing increases the opportunity to sell those ads better than a crisis. Ebola is great fodder for them: It is so very fatal in Africa, so many people have it, and just the thought of a Stephen King Stand-like moment is enough to drive people to their television sets in droves.
Player 2 - the Republicans. Ebola is in the Tea Party wheel house. It's something to be afraid of to begin with, and then we need to rely on government to keep us safe. Even more fun for them, it comes from a part of the world where people are very, very poor, very not-white, and have funny sounding names. And, it pits the loonies against scientists, where they are very, very comfortable.
What a great moment to look strong if you want to run for President in 2016! Enter Chris Christie (R - Fat head, Fat mouth) versus a nurse. People like nurses. Nurses help people who are sick get better. Who cares?!! She even got take-out on NJ's tab! It could even save a failing governship - just ask Paul LePage (who is going to stick it to the same nurse) or Rick Scott.
There's a reason Rush Limbaugh wants Christie quiet. Looking strong is one thing, but politicians are not allowed to attack "real" people on search a personal level. Potential for backlash here is very high (and I don't think there is time for that to be recorded in any polls).
Player 3 - the Democrats. I know it is against every fiber in the body of Dems to nationalize mid-terms, but this is a unique opportunity. Time to run ads that talk about cuts to the CDC forced by the Republican party. "Where is the Surgeon General," scream the Republicans? "You blocked him over gun control!" should be the reply. I know it's not in the left-leaning DNA, but they should be fighting fear with meaningful truth.
It may just be too late, and it might not matter (turnout is all important in these close races). But I'd really hate it if Ebola saved an odious politician like Paul LePage or Rick Scott.