Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

NY Times Political Calculus: NH Debate Swings Door Open for Perry, Closed for Palin
New York Times ^ | 06/14/2011 | Nate Silver

Posted on 06/14/2011 12:15:11 PM PDT by SeekAndFind

Most people have better things to do than to watch a presidential debate eight months in advance of the Iowa caucuses. So when considering a debate like the one that took place among Republican candidates in New Hampshire tonight, it’s important to be mindful of the following:

First, the debate serves mostly to influence elite opinion — including partisan strategists, the news media, local party leaders, major donors and bundlers and the candidates and their staffs. Much less so ordinary voters, who are not yet tuning in.

Second, only a couple of themes are liable to be remembered days (let alone weeks or months) later. The subtle distinctions that a candidate draws on the differences between their Medicare plan and Representative Paul Ryan’s — that stuff will be forgotten about. Instead, it’s the “artistic impression” of the candidates that matters — as well as any actual, breaking news.

The candidate to break news in this debate was Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, who announced that she was running for president. And then she performed strongly throughout, exuding confidence, and turning her service in the House of Representatives from a potential liability (in a field that also includes governors and senators) into a strength (by emphasizing her active role in formulating policy on the major issues of the day).

The comparison between Ms. Bachmann and Sarah Palin is perhaps made too easily. But as I remarked on Twitter during the debate, if there is a constituency of voters trying to decide between the two, Ms. Bachmann has a lot to offer. She’s considerably sharper on her feet than Ms. Palin, and has more discipline.

(Excerpt) Read more at fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections
KEYWORDS: debates; newhampshire; rickperry; sarahpalin
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-35 last
To: SeekAndFind

The funny thing is, we all know they love Romney and maybe Perry and Bachmann, but like John “Maverick” McCain, after the primary they will SAVAGE whoever they try to select in the Primary.

Is anybody still stupid enough NOT to completely understand this?


21 posted on 06/14/2011 12:37:01 PM PDT by Obadiah (If you don't believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GoCards

You’re right not to be sold on anything the NYTimes is selling. 10X so when it involves picking a conservative candidate for the GOP presidential ticket. (Once Palin were out they’d savage Bachmann, but they need her now to try to deter Palin.)


22 posted on 06/14/2011 12:39:04 PM PDT by 9YearLurker
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

The NY Times always telegraphing who they really think can win by their fear!

Same with the GOP Elite.

They fear Sarah Palin because she will not be controlled, and she truly believes in the conservative principles of America.

Most of the other potential/actual GOP POTUS candidates do not.


23 posted on 06/14/2011 12:41:03 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GoCards
Im not sold on Bachmann. Theres something a little “politicky” about her. Im not saying no just she hasnt sold me like Palin has.

Well, the Ed Rollins/Sarah Palin debacle certaintly confirms that doesn't it?!
24 posted on 06/14/2011 12:44:00 PM PDT by SoConPubbie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Obadiah
That's their favored plan - because it works. Encourage the GOP to select the milquetoast "moderate" in the field, the "reach-across-the-aisle" centrist who can "appeal to independents" - and then gleefully beat the living crap out of that person once they are nominated, using the Democrats' own accumulated opposition research and press releases published as "news".

Bush. Dole. McCain. Blecccch. No more.

25 posted on 06/14/2011 12:46:15 PM PDT by andy58-in-nh (America does not need to be organized: it needs to be liberated.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: All

This take on the debate - from the NYT - confirms (to me), what I said on a previous thread: I watched the debate. I am sorry but I don’t think that Rep. Bachmann (who I like) did as great as the media seem to be reporting and I have to wonder; is this just their way of trying to convince Gov. Palin to stay out of the race?


26 posted on 06/14/2011 12:50:57 PM PDT by rpage3
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Art in Idaho

Where’s Bachmann’s knife? Why isn’t the knife in her hand visible in the photo? Oh.....yeah.....I forgot......she turned the knife over to Ed Rollins! And he’s been using it, too. How effective has he been? Maybe not too much, but it’s the idea that Palin campaigned for Bachmann, and the knife is the “thanks” she gets in return.


27 posted on 06/14/2011 12:53:01 PM PDT by Tucker39
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind
The NY freakin Times loves Bachmann, people wake up and smell the coffee (speaking only to the Bachmann crowd)

Yes NYTimes is the latest to praise Bachmann, just flipped the dial as I came in the door to MSNBC for a laugh, and sure enough Martin Bashir was saying what a great performance by MB last night. But he made my point for me, all he wanted to do was talk about how he thought/hoped this hurt Palin.

He said to his guest SE Cup, isn`t MB the thinking womans Palin???

Was really not that crazy about SE Cup response, she did say something nice about Sarah, but it was kind of after the fact.

She agreed with him that MB was very smart, talked about her great record etc, and then said btw Sarah Palin is also smart.

I went away thinking that SE Cup is not the biggest Sarah Palin admirer,and btw I do not watch Martin Bashir, just stopped to see what was being said.

So MSM is really pushing MB, so all the MB supporters out there, MSM NYTimes likes MB as much as you do....that would give me reason for concern if I happened to be one of her supporters, which I am not!!!!

28 posted on 06/14/2011 1:05:52 PM PDT by Friendofgeorge (PALIN 2012....BACHMANN IS A PUTZ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

The fact the MSM is now pushing Bachmann after trashing her as Palin-lite tells me all I need to know: she’s being set up as Mitt’s Veep.


29 posted on 06/14/2011 1:09:14 PM PDT by rintense (The GOP elite & friends can pound sand.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Tucker39
I hear you, but we'll see how it all shakes out in the primaries and the Convention. . I think Michele will initially fight hard and then join forces with Sarah. .
30 posted on 06/14/2011 1:10:10 PM PDT by Art in Idaho (Conservatism is the only hope for Western Civilization.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

BS


31 posted on 06/14/2011 1:14:22 PM PDT by freekitty (Give me back my conservative vote; then find me a real conservative to vote for)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SeekAndFind

Get ready, she’s running.

At one time Bachmann would have been my second choice, but for me, her choice of Rollins made her damaged goods.

Bachmann says some very good things, things that I strongly believe in, but I no longer trust her any further than I can throw my house.,.. it’s a big heavy house.

So, if I’m wrong and everything that tells me that Palin is running is also wrong, and she decides not to run, I’ll pick another candidate.

Heck, perhaps I’ll join with the certifiable drooling loons and support Paul,... at least he keeps me laughing. LOL.. see, even mentioning him makes me laugh.

In the general, I’ll vote for a potted plant, a potato, a dead mouse, road kill, space alien, Vladimir Putin, a bucket of puke or a piece of rotten cheese over that corrupt-Muslim loving-White hating racist Bastard-street punk-country wrecking bastard son of a hippy communist whore.... that presently contaminates the Peoples White House.

I hope it’s clear where I stand on all of this. LOL


32 posted on 06/14/2011 1:17:10 PM PDT by Gator113 ("GAME ON." I'll be voting for Sarah Palin, Liberty, our Constitution and American Exceptionalism.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: GoCards

the main complaint you hear about Bachmann is that you get on her mailing list and then she constantly pitches mugs and signs and t-shirts at you like a carnival barker


33 posted on 06/14/2011 2:02:40 PM PDT by Buckeye McFrog
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Art in Idaho

Palin / Bachmann would be a replay of sorts of 92 Dems with Clinton / Gore - 2 similar candidates, instead of a “balanced” ticket. It worked for the Dems in 92. And it’s a pretty reasonable, pretty foreseeable ticket. I don’t think their heads would explode, unless they’re completely unable to see these very foreseeable things.


34 posted on 06/14/2011 2:32:37 PM PDT by truthfreedom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: Buckeye McFrog

I’m on a Bachmann list, I didn’t sign up for it, I think she might’ve gotten names from Christine. I don’t care. I’m happy to get the Bachmann message.


35 posted on 06/14/2011 2:49:40 PM PDT by truthfreedom
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-35 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson