“And she almost won a “red” state against - whatever you think of McSally - she has to be considered at least a solid candidate.”
Actually, McSally sucked as a candidate. She was anti-Trump just 2 years ago and ended up clinging to his coattails...which makes her look like a chameleon. She has an off-putting personality. She seemed to campaign on the slogan, “Sinema? REALLY?”, or, “But EVERYBODY knows I’m supposed to win!” - which doesn’t cut it.
I heard she didn’t show for local talk radio interviews. I never heard her interviewed on local radio. There was a tough primary the democrat didn’t face, and Sinema was able to run a TON of ads setting her up as the ‘nice candidate’ long before McSally won the primary. I strongly suspect Sinema outspent McSally by a large margin.
And Sinema is a much better campaigner. She’s a polished speaker, unlike McSally. She’s good at putting people at ease. McSally, OTOH, gives “briefings” - one way talks like an officer gives. I’m ex-military and I do the same thing - but I’m not fool enough to run for office. My personality would grate on people too. But a GOOD candidate reaches out and makes people FEEL good about her (or him).
Cruz has some of the same problems in Texas. He may of may not be an effective Senator. He debates well, but doesn’t make people feel good. No charisma. Intellect, but no charisma. I’d have been thrilled to vote for someone like him - someone I know would vote the way I would. But having the right positions doesn’t inspire people.
Good analysis (I live in AZ-6).
These things are true...but you then realize that people are willing to vote for socialism and open borders because they like the style better of the socialists?
If people are willing to vote for Gillum, Abrams, Sinema or Beto because of their style...and overlook their openly globalist, socialist and open borders positions on the issues...then we are finished as a nation. It will be Hollywood America.