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.
I can understand that, although I don't participate myself :-).
As for the religion issue, I think McCain's folks will realize that, first, Sarah Palin's religion is what most Americans consider perfectly normal, and also that it can be played as "weird" by the atheist media.
Ever see that asinine commercial "It's my money and I want it now"? Substitute Presidency for money and that's how Hillary feels. If she takes VP to help Obama then she thinks its 2016 until she gets another shot instead of 2012 if she just lets Obama lose.
I agree. Obama and Hillary hate each other in a way that transcends politics. On top of that, Michelle and Bill are a toxic mix. There is no way we'll ever see an Obama/Hillary ticket.
Her ego craves power, so she’d do it.
No doubt she craves power.
But, I don’t think she’d do it at this stage as she’d like the top spot and to save Obama in the top spot pretty much eliminates her from it for at least 8 more years. I think she’d prefer to stay on the sidelines giving apparent support and hoping he loses. Thus in 4 years it could be her chance to gain the nomination. jmo
You may well be right. She’d also have the, “Remember what happened when you didn’t have ME?” factor.
But...
Do you see any down-side to adding another coat to the paint that has Obama in the corner?
Don’t count your chickens..... Hillary isn’t getting any younger..and sitting in an elitist job for 4 years may appeal to her... VP is better than First Lady.
I think you have a good point.
PLUS, as my wife pointed out, Hillary! wants to be the first.
If Palin is VP, Hillary! won’t be the First Woman In
When asked, Hillary was quoted as saying “we’ll do what is asked”.
Yes but consider the odds. 2012 is almost 100% of her getting the top of the ticket. In 2008 the odds are literally against her winning and if she does win she only comes in second place.
She's going to fold for 2008. We'll see her coming back in 2012 with blood in her eyes.
Do you see any down-side to adding another coat to the paint that has Obama in the corner?
No I don’t see any down-side at all to adding as much paint as can be added. I prefer your approach.
For your interest.
Thanks, BC. I was UC on the day one responses.
The same response here.
I do think that it makes sense to emphasize that your beliefs can be put in neutral to ensure that any issue gets fair and balanced treatment.
I DO like your responses in part 2. I don’t think they contradict emphasizing that being a Christian doesn’t make a person unfair and unbalanced.
Ohhh, that was you! Cool. Thanks.
Biden's health is bad enough to provide a minimally plausible reason for him to "withdraw." BP (Before Palin), I would have considered this an outlandish thought. Now, I ain't so sure.
Also, how is that The Anointed One was not astute enough to realize that Joe Biden, a high-functioning alcoholic if there ever was one, is not taken seriously anywhere except Delaware, and there only by those who cannot read and write and have no TV? (Perhaps a DE majority?)
One of my favorite statements about Biden at the time was Scott Ott's of Scrappleface:
Sen. Obama, who chose an elderly white man name Joe Biden as his running mate rather than his rival Sen. Hillary Clinton, said he avoided picking Mrs. Clinton “to spare her the humiliation that John McCain plans to impose on Sarah Palin.”
Ping, fwiw
bump for when I can take some time with it!
Well, I don’t think Gibson “got” her good enough to satisfy the left. He tried though. But she handled it pretty well.
Next attack from an interviewer is likely to be much more vicious and pointed, along the lines I discussed.
Hope she’s ready.
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