While browsing for some commentary on the Bear Stearn's collapse, I caught this headline from Newsweek.
He can sit back while the Dems tear each other to shreds.
No kidding. Not only that the GOP may get bailed out in some tight congressional races too. I participate on another board that has a high mix of GOPers and Dems. No echo chambers there. The GOPers Can't believe their good fortune. Not only do they have a chance of winning they may not have to spend a bloody fortune to do it. How great is that. They don't have to give up any of their winnings from the last 8 years to maybe get another 4-8 years.
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama show few signs that they're aware of it, but the general election campaign has already begun. And appropriately for the eve of St. Patrick's Day, the pair have begun to destroy each other like the two crazy Irish cats of Kilkenny. The upshot is that both of them are already losing the general to John McCain. By the time the Democratic convention rolls around in August and the nomination is finally awarded, the battle may already be over.
Yes folks, I can see it now: McCain can go ahead and drift off in the middle of a debate, as D's continue to beat each other up after who ever is left to nominate as the Indies look on in amazed disbelief. Then pull the lever for McCain. (No fair- pointing at polls - look how many people make up their minds at the last second)
Winning elections is about setting the agenda and, while creating a positive image of oneself, negatively defining one's opponent in the minds of the voters. This is happening for McCain—having Obama defined as unready and Hillary as lacking in integrity—without his having to lift a finger. If the current campaign keeps up—and there's every sign it will—it's likely that by summer irrepressible doubts about both Dems will have been lodged in the minds of the electorate.
That about sizes it up. Except for this one nail
That's no small thing. Especially in this age of terror and economic uncertainty, voters don't want doubts. They will want to pull the lever for the most trustworthy candidate. And who's making himself seem trustworthy? Why, John McCain, of course. Next week he's off to Europe and the Mideast to confer with "leaders I have strong relationships with," as he put it to reporters the other day.
Ok, I'm out of quotes so you can read therest here
I'll only add that whatever you think of Hirsch, I see many from both parties who aren't political junkies echoing the same thoughts. It's something to think about. Can HRC restrain herself? Can Obama afford to just flat out ignore her if she doesn't? One of them have a hard decision to make or we have once more snatched defeat from the Jaws of victory and Bob Shrum isn't around to kick for this one.
The Long Road to defeat2008 is getting shorter and shorter.