by Carl on September 10, 2008
So today finds me at CTIA in San Francisco and in a twelve hour news blackout. Imagine my surprise when upon leaving the Mascone center I get back-to-back calls from two friends regarding my blog post yesterday where I predicted that Obama / Axelrod might throw the dead weight of Joe Biden over the rail or under the bus in favor of Hillary, whom they should’ve taken in the first place. Seems I may have called the play.
Today Biden actually said that “perhaps he was not the best choice for the VP slot”. Now that he has opened the door, he certainly made it much easier for the Obama people to call an audible and replace him with a woman who should be at the top of their ticket. To the detractors from yesterday, I would just like to say “I told you so.”
Keep in mind, my views here are strictly Machiavellian. Under full disclosure I hope that Obama does not switch horses. Give human nature, enough middle-of-the-road voters currently swayed towards McCain could in fact swing back if they had the genuine article, rather than a stand-in to vote for.
This does not mean I believe Sarah Palen is a stand-in. To the base of the party she is certainly the real thing and replacing Biden would have no impact on their votes. However we need to keep in mind that this election will be a squeaker and if the Obama Axelrod team can pick up an extra point or two with Hillary but they will make the move.
What I know for sure it’s going to be an interesting eight weeks.
– Carl / Blogvious
by Carl on September 4, 2008
It is not hyperbole to suggest that there is a new star in the Republican Party tonight. Sarah Palin’s acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention was an absolute home run by any measure.
Last night I was flying home on a coast-to-coast Delta flight. This particular bird has satellite video feeds built into every headrest (in coach too). CNN was covering the Republican National Convention but frankly it had been a long day and listening to the chattering class of pundits exchange idioms with seasoned pols did not intrigue me in the least.
I was interested in hearing Sarah Palin speak, mainly out of curiosity. My expectations were quite low. I had no idea who she was and the initial press information on her was bland, neutral and sketchy. The biggest controversy was whether she should be on the ticket all – then she began to speak. Wow. I was hooked.
I am an unabashed fan of Ronald Wilson Reagan. History will note that he was one of the greatest presidents of his century and in all of American history. He could also deliver one hell of a good speech. Bill Clinton, who followed Reagan by four years was also a skilled orator that could speak to the longings, emotions and aspirations of his base. When it comes to stagecraft he is as good as it gets – maybe the best there ever was.
The speech Sarah gave was one of the best I’d ever seen. It was full of red meat for the base (these speeches always are) but the delivery was extraordinary. There is truly a new star in the Republican party, and her name is Sarah. I cannot remember in my lifetime, and I was born the year that Kennedy was elected, that there has been a true rock star in the Republican Party. During that time there have been several in the Democratic Party, most notably Bill Clinton, and of course the current candidate, Barack Obama.
Will Sarah’s efforts be enough? Too soon to tell. Run, Sarah, Run.
– Carl / Blogvious
