In a Reuters/Zogby poll taken this past week, John McCain took an overall 5 point lead over Barack Obama for the first time and is leading Obama on the economy by 9 points. The impact from the Saddleback Civil Forum will certainly play a significant roll in upcoming polls. The forum, played on both CNN and Fox news over the weekend, shed new light on the way both candidates handle questions posed unscripted. McCain clearly led Obama in that forum and led to speculation that the upcoming debates would favor McCain.
With Russia threatening (Fox News and Matt Drudge both have breaking news today noting: “Russia Says Response to U.S. Missile Shield Deal with Poland Will Go Beyond Diplomacy”) use of force, McCain can only widen the gap in upcoming polls.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Raffling Obama – the New Approach to Candidate Fundraising
There is nothing like a good old-fashion raffle. One buys a ticket, or a chance, and is entered into “contest” to win a prize. Normally, the prize is a basket of treats at a church picnic, lately; the prize is a chance to see Barack Obama speak at the DNC convention. You can “bet the house” that the price of these “chances” to see Obama is a bit higher than the normal 25 cent ticket. An email from Howard Dean to Obama supporters, suggests carnival desperation:
“Enter before midnight”! and “You could go Backstage with Barak” are phrases surrounded by the plea to donate.
The word that comes to mind: degrading. Being fairly certain that this is not the only type of “political raffle” that has been held in the past year does not lessen the feeling that some politicians have reduced the quest for the Office of the Presidency to a low – one that has sunk below an appropriate adjective.
Apparently, some journalist found the raffle political aspect predictable. The Boston Globe blog headline reads: “And the Winners Are”, going on to note that those chosen in the “raffle” were all from key battleground stages. A post from the political blog at "Time Out Chicago calls the fundraising effort a “calculated shame” - this from an Obama devotee.
Comparatively, over at John McCain.com, there are the usual “Make a Donation” buttons, but so far, no raffles. In a recent emails from the McCain campaign, the fact that Obama has raised 51 Million in July and McCain needs donations to compete are the theme. It is the usual “us vs. them” approach (see Howard Deans email text) used by both parties. One has to wonder, with the “raffle” approach (assuming like most church raffles, multiple chances can be purchased), what percentage of that 51 million raised in July was a direct result of hustling supporters? What will those carefully selected “winners” be subjected to in Denver? No doubt – they will be handed to the media on a silver platter as individuals from key states that are just devoted to Obama, so much so, that they put their hard-earned money up for a “chance” to go backstage with the “Candidate”.
In a perfect Republic, the candidate would be thrilled to meet the people that would hire him/her in the first place. Watching the Saddleback Forum one had the feeling that Obama was not completely comfortable in looking directly away from the camera and at the audience (granted Christians) – not the larger crowd and controlled venue to which someone of his ilk is accustomed. On the other hand, McCain came across as genuine in his interest – of the people and of the nation. McCain appears to “get it’, while Obama appears to be above it all, but not so much that he would not sell himself in order to make a fast buck.
Dear [desmoinesdem], |
“Enter before midnight”! and “You could go Backstage with Barak” are phrases surrounded by the plea to donate.
The word that comes to mind: degrading. Being fairly certain that this is not the only type of “political raffle” that has been held in the past year does not lessen the feeling that some politicians have reduced the quest for the Office of the Presidency to a low – one that has sunk below an appropriate adjective.
Apparently, some journalist found the raffle political aspect predictable. The Boston Globe blog headline reads: “And the Winners Are”, going on to note that those chosen in the “raffle” were all from key battleground stages. A post from the political blog at "Time Out Chicago calls the fundraising effort a “calculated shame” - this from an Obama devotee.
Comparatively, over at John McCain.com, there are the usual “Make a Donation” buttons, but so far, no raffles. In a recent emails from the McCain campaign, the fact that Obama has raised 51 Million in July and McCain needs donations to compete are the theme. It is the usual “us vs. them” approach (see Howard Deans email text) used by both parties. One has to wonder, with the “raffle” approach (assuming like most church raffles, multiple chances can be purchased), what percentage of that 51 million raised in July was a direct result of hustling supporters? What will those carefully selected “winners” be subjected to in Denver? No doubt – they will be handed to the media on a silver platter as individuals from key states that are just devoted to Obama, so much so, that they put their hard-earned money up for a “chance” to go backstage with the “Candidate”.
In a perfect Republic, the candidate would be thrilled to meet the people that would hire him/her in the first place. Watching the Saddleback Forum one had the feeling that Obama was not completely comfortable in looking directly away from the camera and at the audience (granted Christians) – not the larger crowd and controlled venue to which someone of his ilk is accustomed. On the other hand, McCain came across as genuine in his interest – of the people and of the nation. McCain appears to “get it’, while Obama appears to be above it all, but not so much that he would not sell himself in order to make a fast buck.
Monday, August 18, 2008
McCain and Obama’s Saddleback Performance – Experience Trumps “Change”
Anyone who took the opportunity to watch the Saddleback Forum, hosted by Rick Warren on Saturday night had an opportunity to watch John McCain score and Obama fumble. The forum, hosted and moderated by Reverend Rick Warren, focused on character, integrity and faith. The presidential hopefuls were interviewed separately, at the request of the campaigns and agreed to answer similar questions. .
Barack Obama appeared generally at ease, but stumbled over questions on abortion (drawing a distinction between morality and science as regards to when life begins and then refusing to answer because “it was above his pay grade”), among others. The most striking were his comments on Supreme Court Justices – he would not have nominated Scalia, which, one would gather Obama would prefer a justice not strictly interpret the Constitution, therefore that was not a surprise. However, he named Clarence Thomas first, reasoning that Thomas lacked experience. Overall, a lackluster performance, rambling as it was unscripted.
John McCain on the other hand surprised those who have felt (author) that he had the charisma of a tranquilizer. Previously and admittedly, the support for John McCain had come from a “lesser of two evils” approach to picking a candidate. McCain came out gunning. He was amusing, connected with the viewer and left one feeling secure.
How was that possible? McCain has an usual style – he answers quickly and decisively – not searching for words in order not to offend anyone, he appears confident in his answers, and promotes hope in the American Dream. If age were an issue, he came across as more lively than the younger Illinois Senator. The Saddleback forum changed minds – and although the media is looking at the forum as one strictly for religious (specifically evangelicals), the reality – the entire spectrum of American society took time to watch this forum; it was broadcast by both Fox and CNN, with additional broadcasts by both networks over the weekend. In discussion with both independent and conservative Massachusetts viewers (where McCain has closed to within 9 points on Barrack Obama), comments focused not on question content, rather on the demeanor of both candidates: simply McCain came across as presidential and confident.
The press reacted, as it was glaringly obvious that McCain outshone Barack Obama, and therefore, he must have somehow cheated. The New York Times is crying foul noting that McCain may have had an opportunity to hear or have knowledge of some of the questions. (This after the Obama campaign accused, scrambling as usual - damage control.) Even if McCain somehow managed to hear or have knowledge of the first 3 similar questions put to Obama (which is an unsubstantiated claim from the Obama campaign), it would not explain the continued excellence of the McCain performance. From NBC to the New York Times, the obvious fact that the candidate who was thought to have Charisma that would outshine experience and put a Progressive into the White House, may now be another Dukakis or McGovern (politically speaking).
As the Democrats head into their convention, with McCain choosing to run 60 second spots on network television during the same time frame, the bounce from the convention may mirror the Obama Tour O8 (plus 9 points which faded within a week), which cannot bode well. It is now patently clear that Obama must stick to scripted debates; his cue card is essential.
Additional thought: Perhaps more important is his choice of running mate (more so than McCain), one can bet the house that should Obama choose John Kerry, (speculation), McCain could add the 12 electoral votes from Massachusetts to his win column.
Barack Obama appeared generally at ease, but stumbled over questions on abortion (drawing a distinction between morality and science as regards to when life begins and then refusing to answer because “it was above his pay grade”), among others. The most striking were his comments on Supreme Court Justices – he would not have nominated Scalia, which, one would gather Obama would prefer a justice not strictly interpret the Constitution, therefore that was not a surprise. However, he named Clarence Thomas first, reasoning that Thomas lacked experience. Overall, a lackluster performance, rambling as it was unscripted.
John McCain on the other hand surprised those who have felt (author) that he had the charisma of a tranquilizer. Previously and admittedly, the support for John McCain had come from a “lesser of two evils” approach to picking a candidate. McCain came out gunning. He was amusing, connected with the viewer and left one feeling secure.
How was that possible? McCain has an usual style – he answers quickly and decisively – not searching for words in order not to offend anyone, he appears confident in his answers, and promotes hope in the American Dream. If age were an issue, he came across as more lively than the younger Illinois Senator. The Saddleback forum changed minds – and although the media is looking at the forum as one strictly for religious (specifically evangelicals), the reality – the entire spectrum of American society took time to watch this forum; it was broadcast by both Fox and CNN, with additional broadcasts by both networks over the weekend. In discussion with both independent and conservative Massachusetts viewers (where McCain has closed to within 9 points on Barrack Obama), comments focused not on question content, rather on the demeanor of both candidates: simply McCain came across as presidential and confident.
The press reacted, as it was glaringly obvious that McCain outshone Barack Obama, and therefore, he must have somehow cheated. The New York Times is crying foul noting that McCain may have had an opportunity to hear or have knowledge of some of the questions. (This after the Obama campaign accused, scrambling as usual - damage control.) Even if McCain somehow managed to hear or have knowledge of the first 3 similar questions put to Obama (which is an unsubstantiated claim from the Obama campaign), it would not explain the continued excellence of the McCain performance. From NBC to the New York Times, the obvious fact that the candidate who was thought to have Charisma that would outshine experience and put a Progressive into the White House, may now be another Dukakis or McGovern (politically speaking).
As the Democrats head into their convention, with McCain choosing to run 60 second spots on network television during the same time frame, the bounce from the convention may mirror the Obama Tour O8 (plus 9 points which faded within a week), which cannot bode well. It is now patently clear that Obama must stick to scripted debates; his cue card is essential.
Additional thought: Perhaps more important is his choice of running mate (more so than McCain), one can bet the house that should Obama choose John Kerry, (speculation), McCain could add the 12 electoral votes from Massachusetts to his win column.
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