Of soap operas and political campaigns

By: Different Drum
Published On: 9/24/2006 1:25:57 AM

At what point does the ongoing soap opera that the Allen campaign has become begin to detract from Jim Webb's message?

I think it's become personally frustrating for Secretary Webb, who seems to just want to discuss the issues.  He can, and I believe he wants, to win that campaign.  I think his frustration showed on Hardball and at the last debate itself.  Allen has done an amazing job - the stuff legends are made of, actually - of re-defining himself negatively.  That kind of melt-down can't be bought - it's earned.
Opinions are like... Well, everyone has one.  Here's mine: I'd like to see new ads from the Webb campaign, and not just with local newscast buys, etc.  On cable.  It's time to retire the Reagan ad, and move on - the campaign certainly has.  Good, defining new ads will help give Jim Webb's campaign back the air that George's ongoing soap opera seems to have sucked out of the room.

I think the Webb campaign is at a defining moment - can Jim Webb and his team capitalize on Allen's mistakes and Webb's strengths among the wider audience - beyond the rally faithful, political junkies, and blogs.  The "Days of Our Lives" replay it has become presents unique challenges as well as opportunities.

They've done well so far - and as a Democrat, for a change, I'm optimistic.


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