Andrew Sullivan: The Kennedy Factor (Spinning the coming Coakley debacle)

The Atlantic ^ | January 18, 2010 | Andrew Sullivan

[2ndDivisionVet]

I can't believe I haven't figured this out yet. The closeness of the race in Massachusetts is not just a function of the dreadful Martha Coakley and right-wing hostility to health insurance reform. It's also about the Kennedys.

This Senate seat was held warm for Ted decades ago, when he was parachuted in and stayed there for ever. Part of the revolt is based on the fact that Coakley seems to be the ultimate Kennedy clan crony, and was also plopped in by a tiny number of primary voters, and seems to imbue the arrogance of the Democratic party elite. Most voters know that she could lord it over them for decades. But they'll almost certainly be rid of Brown in a few years.

Brown has also played class politics more effectively. Obama's swoop in to save Coakley also makes him look like an upper-class elitist rather than a mobilizer for change for the poor. The optics, as they say, are awful.(continued)

[2ndDivisionVet]

Another one being thrown under the bus.

[lmr]

You have the Republican base whipped up into an FNC-induced frenzy against the end of America as they know it

I haven't seen Andrew at any of the tea-parties. I am sure he would know what he's doing as he probably has much experience in 'teabagging.'

[Red Steel]

Most voters know that she could lord it over them for decades. But they'll almost certainly be rid of Brown in a few years.

Contorted logic from Sullivan. Does he have a crystal ball or something?

[bitt]

ping

[bitt]

I’m thinking I’m going to get the Herald delivered. Least I can do.

[onyx]

BWAAHAHAHAHA he blames FNC too.

LOL

[Enchante]

LOL. Really laughing uproariously here re Sullivan’s “I can’t believe I haven’t figured this out yet”

Yes, Sullivan is just another Harvard PhD who “doesn’t get it”

All that Andrew thinks he “knows” about Mass. politics he learned in gay orgies in Provincetown

[Allegra]

These people just get nastier by the minute.

[Frantzie]

LOL! He mentions the right-wing hostility to “health care reform.” Seems like a lot of Dems and Independents are hostile towards ObamaCare in MA.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

He mentions the right-wing hostility to “health care reform.”

At least he didn't call it 'universal health care' as I have heard other liberals mis-characterize it. Oh wait, Sullivan is a Republican? I think the party he is looking for is down the corridor to the LEFT!

[SteelTrap]

..and seems to imbue the arrogance of the Democratic party elite.

...takes one to know one...because ol' Sully has spent the last few years imbuing the arrogance of the Democratic party elite.

[Happyinmygarden]

Poor Andrew. He must be so, so, utterly....well, you know darling, just, just devastated! Afterall, don’t the peasants know who fortunate they are that we even ALLOW them to vote?! Nasty thing, that, allowing peasants to vote!

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

His website says "of no party or clique"
Hmm, politically and sexually conflicted it seems.

[BunnySlippers]

Good one.

[VeniVidiVici]

One of these could be considered a populist candidate. The other trends toward fascism. Which is which, Andrew?

[Atchafalaya]

By God, I think he’s got it

[wiggen]

That was the key line to me as well. Even in acknowledging Brown would win he fails to understand that young as well as independents are going for Brown because they’re disgusted with this government. So long as Obama is in power Dems will lose. The longer that is the more solidly young and independent voters will me in our camp.

[Impy]

Andrew Sullivan is writing about the MA race? I would have thought he’d faint like a schoolgirl and slip into a coma after seeing those old Scott Brown pictures. ;d

[GOPJ]

BWAAHAHAHAHA he blames FNC too. LOL

He's doing the whiny cry-baby thingie... creepy.

[Marine_Uncle]

All I’m interested in hearing is in a few days... is a solid victory declared by Scott Brown for the office of United State Senate. The bickering will go on and on. Teeth will thrash and grind. It all has to be expected. This election could be seen akin to the fall of the Soviet Union in some respects.