I don’t write too many diaries here, I like to read them. I learn a lot from the people who write here, and I don’t put my words in a diary if I feel like others are saying things more intelligently than I can.
I did want to comment about the Iowa Caucus last night. Here are my takeaways, and the facts that I find utterly fascinating.
I’m a student of political theater. I love the jockeying and positioning that is a compelling political campaign.
One of my favorite moments is the event I like to call “loser talk”. I love the spin of a losing campaign. It can save you, or destroy you. It’s really quite interesting to watch. I loved Howard Dean’s “scream” in 2004. He was trying to keep enthusiasm up, but it went over comically.
Sec. and Pres. Clinton tried to issue some pre-loser talk in the 2008 South Carolina primary. It might have cost her the election.
Here is the fascinating part. Both Democratic candidates have a right to claim victory last night. Sec. Clinton won more delegates, but Sen. Sanders performed better than expected. Both “victory” speeches were compelling and forward looking. Both were gracious while energizing to their supporters.
I feel like I was robbed of one of my favorite part of election night. Then, I remembered that there was a Republican caucus as well.
By far, the best loser talk was Donald Trump. His fake humility will cost him the rest of the election. In my view it landed like a thud. I think that may be it for Mr. Trump.
Sen. Rubio was basking in the glow of a third place finish. Great loser talk from him. He really helped his campaign which worries me because he’s the best they have right now.
The weirdest loser talk was Dr. Carson. He just needed some time to go home and change his socks? That one will go down in history for me. Weird, just weird. But I don’t think it helps or hurts him. You’d have to be weird to support that nut-job to begin with, so more weird shouldn’t faze his supporters.
The absence in the major networks (while I was watching, anyway) of other candidates who we were told to take seriously, is telling to me. Where was Gov. Bush? Where was Gov. Christie?
So, my bottom line, big night for our team. They both looked really good. They had the pundits wondering how to describe what exactly happened. I loved that.
Now, it’s on to New Hampshire and let’s win there.
Oh, one more thing, just to keep it interesting here. Hill-yes. Let’s get this done, Madam Secretary!
