I'm tired of being a "Monday Night Quarterback". I think I can do it better than most of the people running campaigns today.
The cynic in me believes that Obama and Clinton are engaging in this "fight" for the sole purpose of keeping the media attention on them. It's probably about as real as the latest World Wrestling Smackdown. Sorry to let down any wraslin' fans.
So the "fight strategy" was paying off, until it became about as civilized as when The Undertaker put Edge in a double helix. OK, I just made that move up but you get the point. The results of this mele: Edwards will most likely move up in South Carolina - 2nd place or strong 3rd. That puts him through to Super Tuesday. Not good for Obama - who probably would have enjoyed an Edwards endorsement. Or Hillary, who is now splitting the white vote with Edwards.
Now for the Edwards campaign. He has such a great message. Too bad most of the free world will never hear it! That campaign was in trouble from the start. How long did it take them to realize that the media was ignoring them? If I were Edwards I would be on TV getting $1000 haircuts - maybe even a pedicure. The media loves that S###!
The media - wow the largest concentration of worms in the world. These guys are corporate controlled and it is all about the ratings. It isn't like we don't know how the game is played. Edwards should have started playing the game long ago. He could have picked a fight with McCain or any of the front running Republicans. The media likes a fight. Also, even though we know it is true, why on Earth did he proclaim McCain the best Republican candidate?
Every Republican with a diploma from Wal-Mart U now knows that they need to put a check next to McCain if they want to have any chance of winning in November. Great job Edwards. You should have pronounced yourself the only candidate capable of beating Huckabee. That would have fooled them for at least three weeks - enough time for Huckabee to get the nomination on Super Tuesday.
And campaign staffers: for Christ sake's, stop yelling about "this is a rally so fill in those huge gaps up front". You aren't fooling anyone! If you want to fill the gaps, book a smaller room. Or move the beer closer to the stage. I didn't notice the F###ing gaps until you were on camera yelling about them!!!
If anyone wants a campaign manager who thinks he knows what the F### he is talking about, give me a call ;-) I have no practical experience, but judging from the results is that really required? I think not.
PS: Yes, letting all of this out does feel much better!
There were a bunch of Delegates looking for good managers this past cycle, and it's even better getting started with a local city council race.
Just do it. It's a hell of a lot of fun, very exciting and great experience. I recommend it to anyone who cares about politics and has a lick of sense. You're eminently qualified.
Do it!!!
So we either have a Republican run unopposed or...
The problem in this particular district is that having a (D) next to your name = Doom. I would probably be better off running as an independent on a populist platform - but even then the odds are slim.
This is a tough place to run for office if you aren't a Republican. I've seen too many Democrats lose horribly here. It's quite demoralizing.
Do any of you know anyone able to beat a Republican in a stronghold with less money and no lucky scandal? If so, I'd like to know how.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/...
That is the outgoing Representative's page.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/...
That is the district map
2008 Republican Primary - District 64
064
English III, C. J. Jack (REP) Active
Stargel, Kelli (REP) Active
Walker, Phillip E. (REP) ActiveContributions
English $1,300.00
Stargel $50,479.00
Walker $46,399.59
2006
064 Ross, Dennis A. (REP) Elected Unopposed
2004
District: 64
(R) John K. Stargel 32,470/59.3%
(D) Bill Fenton 22,299/40.7%
2002
District: 64
(R) John Stargel 26,493/74.9%
(Lib.) Michael A. Krech 8,878 /25.1%
2000
District: 64
(R) Paula Dockery 31,201/100.0%
(WRI) Bill Cooper 0/0%
1998
District: 64
(D) Lonnie Smith 11,536/39.3%
(R) Paula Dockery 17,814/60.7%
Red enough?
2) Fire-In-The-Belly-Populism: Everybody wants to believe that the government is the servant of the people, and not the other way around. It'll fire up your base, allowing you some room for step 1. And even Republicans, especially rural ones, will listen to a solid populist message (as long as it hits the right chord).
3) Fight the Government: American's LOVE to fight oppression. AFter 200-something years, it's practically bred into us. Remember, the government in Florida has turned it's back on Floridians. And it's necessary that we take it back. Tell them to remind the Government who's in charge.
4) Run as yourself, not your party: Remind people that though you may be a Democrat, you are running to be yourself, not a generic donkey. No party leader will tell you what to do, you're there to represent your people. Still, run as a Democrat, though, as your base will still vote for you regardless, and that message will appeal to indies and moderate GOP.
5) Don't be a Genius: People aren't going to vote for somebody they can't relate too, but that doesn't mean you can't explain things to them. Just explain it to them in a way they can understand. For example, why tax people for health care? "Now, we're not taking money from the middle class. It's the exceedingly wealthy. Now, my opponent argues that it's bad for the economy to tax the rich. But honestly, if a guy makes a million dollars a month, you know he can't spend it all. He just keeps it in the bank, so nobody else can pass his money around. But if we tax some of his money, and give you free health care with it, then you can have spare money that you will put into the market on things like food, clothes, etc. So not only do you get health care, but we can stimulate the economy at the same time!" You know, explain it as if it effects the individual. Because that's what matters.
There's other stuff, but those are some suggestions off the top of my head.
But, I think with 2 years of planning we can have a chance at winning. The tough part will be winning in a way that doesn't turn off the base, while winning over an extra 10% of Republicans to make us viable.
I think you have it right. Out-red them. Make that easy to swallow for the base with a dose of populism.
"We all can have health care if we all pay our fair share for it. Think about it as a gym.
Imagine if each person had to build a whole complex gym for himself if he wanted to exercise. Some could afford it. Some could afford some equipment. Some couldn't afford it all.
But if we all pull our money together, we can pay less for a much better gym for everyone.
No Gym will allow you to use their machines without paying your dues. Some get to use the gym a lot; some use it less. But the important thing is that, thanks to the dues, it is there when members need it.
It is the same with health care. If we all chip in, we will have it when we need it."