Posted on 09/11/2008 4:45:34 AM PDT by BibChr
This has become the first (mirabile dictu) well-run GOP Presidential campaign in recent memory. But I do hope they're preparing for two major eventualities which could become derailing distractions.
Not long ago, I would have said "well-run GOP Presidential campaign" had become an oxymoron. And I'd never have guessed that I'd be applying the phrase to anything related in any way to John McCain, who was about my 479th pick out of the GOP field. But give the man his due: this has become a well-oiled, disciplined, focused machine. The selection of Palin was a daring act of sheer brilliance.
But now two threats loom, and I dearly hope Team McCain is ready to counter both.
First, I'm increasingly worried that Obama is going to throw Biden under the bus, and beg Hillary! to save him. His ego craves the offices, so he'd have something to write about in his next memoir. Her ego craves power, so she'd do it. The only question is whether Biden's ego would allow it.
So Team McCain must be pro-active. Here's one way:
The key was laid down by another non-favorite of mine, Rudy Giuliani. We all admit he gave a terrific speech at the Convention. In that speech, Giuliani traced out a number of Obama reverse-courses and fliop-flops.
Then he said: "Well, I’ll tell you, if I were Joe Biden, I’d want to get that V.P. thing in writing."
That's it. That's the key. We need to frame this that, if Biden is off the ticket for any reason, it's yet another disastrous Obama flip-flop.
Because never forget: we all love the Biden choice. He's the gift that keeps on giving.
So they have to get signs, slogans, and spokesmen all over the place saying, "Obama's in big trouble. Who is he going to sacrifice now to save himself? Is he going to throw Biden under the bus, and beg Hillary to save him? Is he that desperate, and that aware of his unfitness to serve?"
We need to make that a meme.
Thanks, Rudy.
Second, Team McCain needs to ready further for attacks on Palin's religious faith.
I can be briefer here, because I've written on it elsewhere. First, I laid out the premise, and gave a number of questions that she is almost sure to be asked by bloodthirsty LSM sharks.
Then I added to that list.
Then I gave a two-part detailed suggestion as to how she should think about and approach the situation: Part One; Part Two.
Of course, those are my suggestions, and wiser minds can improve on them.
My point is they need to be ready. Don't do the Huckabee, oh-my-gosh-I-had-no-idea-I'd-get-questions-like-this thing. That'd be a disaster.
You have to take it in context. Biden was responding to a statement from someone who had ripped Clinton and said that Biden was the much better choice for Veep. Biden was just being loyal but, no surprisingly for him, it came out wrong. Nobody can butcher a response quite like Joe.
You’re absolutely right. I’m worrying that this is Biden prepping the way. Or a trial-balloon.
Either way, we’ll gain nothing by assuming.
Yeah, hope all is well with you and yours! Quite a phenomenon we have here, eh? In the end, the left hates Sarah because she chases the myth that those who are into guns and God are bitter. Instead, she shows them how much fun and joy you can have with those choices - and they can’t stand it, because they are so bitter themselves. More bitter than over-the-hill Arugula.
The rules are the same as when Eagleton dropped out in 1972. The DNC picked a replacement. But the Eagleton situation and replacement was a disaster, and the Democrats know it. Biden is in it till the end, and nobody is even thinking of replacing him. Both candidates have their running mates and both are stuck with them.
But Biden really isn't the problem. To date, he has only made 2 significant blunders: 1) Suggesting Gov. Palin's nomination will set women back 20 years. and 2) Asking the guy in the wheelchair to stand up and take a bow.
I just don't see Biden as the problem. Obama could have put out the Lipstick firestorm by apologizing profusely. He was to proud to do that, so I expect to see his numbers continue to fall.
Good point about Obama, but don’t underestimate Slow Joe. There was also his “Life begins at conception, but I got no problem with butchering the little tykes if Mommy wants” — ticking off every pro-life RC Dem in the country. And I think you and I are forgetting more. He’s a huge anchor around O’s neck, and I want to see him stay there.
Second Hillary supporters are not that dumb to see they were being used. As much as they love Hillary, Hillary would look diminished to go to Obama after such rejection. Everything the feminists stand for will be lost as Hillary will be seen by the nation playing second fiddle to a man-a man who public humiliated her. McCain will look that much more honorable. Those Hillary supporters who have switched for Palin will stay with Palin.
Finally, the country would see this as an indecisive ploy; one that would question the very decision making capabilities of Obama. If he can't pick the right running mate, how can he run the country? No matter how they try to spin this (Biden needs to drop out for his health???) it will launch a 1,000 TV commercials.
Just a king and pawns are left on the Obama's chessboard and McCain's queen is picking them off and closing in for the checkmate.
Actually I am really getting tired of hearing Sarah say the same thing over and over.
If McCain and Palin don’t start laying out the details for the Economy, energy and tax reform they will become the Empty suit candidates.
I am starved to hear more from them. She has the personality, the charm and gives a great speech give her something new to say. What are their views on education, tax reform, energy issues and the economy?
Boy, I hope you’re right; and you make a good case.
Having said that, I say again we’ll never be sorry for being prepared.
Let’s add another coat to the paint that has 0 in a corner. That’s my point.
Palin’ll be getting more and more of the anti-Christian attacks, that’s happening now and will only get worse. The idea that Obama dumps Biden for Hillary is, to be blunt, absurd.
Many, many on the left (and some on the right regrettably) have this notion that the Clintons are infallible, never-losing demonic entities. They just can’t come to terms with the fact that she LOST, and isn’t going to make an 11th our spectacular comeback this year.
http://www.nashvilleistalking.com/node/67916
I am not sure of the Eagleton situation, but was he already officially nominated when they tossed him overboard?
Yes.
All these people aren't so sure.
These people aren't so sure.
These people aren't so sure.
These people aren't so sure.
In-trade isn't so sure.
The Hillary Clinton Forum isn't so sure.
Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) isn't so sure.
I'm not so sure.
Yes. The Hussein memoir is like a Dickens serial.
Except for the quality of the writing.
In the old days, politicians would work the convention delegates to be selected as the VP nominee.
This idea of there being a partnership between the presidential candidate and the VP candidate is a relatively recent phenomenon. It came about because the primaries now nominate the presidential candidate, allowing his delegates to dominate the convention. So unless the VP had the endorsement of the presidential candidate, he wouldn't get picked.
But the fact remains that the VP nominee is running for his own office, and that means that Joe Biden is the only guy who can really decide if he is to step aside.
ping, fwiw
Christian response team ping...
It’s not that I think your comments are wrong, although there are arguable points. However, do you really think Steve Schmidt, “Magnificent Bastard of Arts graduate of the Karl Rove School of Weather Control Sciences” (as a brilliant FReeper observed), and his campaign team haven’t thought of this stuff?
As I explained, they’ve won a lot of respect from me. Surprised respect.
But nobody thinks of everything. Plus, I haven’t yet seen any proactive maneuvering about Biden.
And particularly, a lot of otherwise good folks don’t “get” the religion-angle, and might get blind-sided.
And finally, I worry. It’s what I do. So I’m trying to turn it to positive effect.
No such thing as being too prepared.
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