Tomorrow's debate will, barring some enormously ground-shaking event, be John McCain's last shot to win this election. We are three weeks out and the trend in every key state is not looking good for the senior senator. He needs to make this one count. If he doesn't, it's time for us to prepare ourselves mentally for a Democratic House, Democratic Senate and Democratic President running our nation in a time of war, recession and uncertainty on the Supreme Court, where 5 of the 9 Justices are age 70 or older.
McCain needs to make this country wake up and realize what's really at stake here. The issue that comes first, second and third is the ECONOMY. If I were advising McCain, I would make the following (lengthy) hypothetical quote as my final push message. It is formulated to fit in line with my idea for a commercial, but should also be adopted for the debate.
"Today, this nation faces challenges of a magnitude few of us have seen in our lifetime. We have a financial system on the verge of collapse at the hands of greed and corruption; we are engaged in a global struggle against forces of pure evil and hate; and the American people are suffering from the worst lack of confidence in their government in modern history. But for all of our troubles, we also have reasons to be optimistic. The foundation of our economy, our creative, innovative and industrious talents, are the greatest in the world; the freedoms our forefathers so elegantly articulated and defended are preserved; and our citizens have two drastically different choices in this historic election. I understand that, at this moment, I am not winning the hearts, minds or votes of the deciders in the American Democracy, the independent voters. I want to address them directly right now. After we cut through all of the talking points and polish, this election comes down to the independent voter choosing between style and substance. Despite what Senator Obama might say, you are not racist if you vote for me instead of him. You get to choose between a man who has spent his entire career running for higher and higher offices on the backs of domestic terrorists, radical America-haters and the people who's policies and philosophies have caused our current economic mess. Or, you can vote for me. I am person who has, despite all of my shortcomings, fought for what was right for our nation for my entire life. I have a record of taking on people who need to be brought to justice, regardless of party affiliation or personal consequence. Senator Obama, for all of his bi-partisan rhetoric, has never once stood up to his party. How do you, the independent voter, expect from Senator Obama the tough, relentless effort to bring the responsible parties to justice when he has never even made an attempt to do so in the past? I understand that you are angry about the mess we are in; I am too. I share your disdain for the Bush Administration's reckless ways. But I am also sick and tired of listening to my opponent lay this entire mess at the feet of my party. There are responsible people, some of whom are good friends and supporters of Obama, on both sides of the aisle whose hands are dirty; they need to be brought to justice. I have the fortitude to do it, Barack Obama has shown the world that he does not."
Showing posts with label election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label election. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
McCain's Way Forward
Yesterday's debate, while a fantastic display of the fundamental differences between the two realistic candidates for President, largely appears to be a non-event in terms of campaign momentum. That spells trouble for our hero and candidate, John McCain. With Senator Obama's frightening climb in the polls as our economy falls into a state of near despair, Senator McCain needed to make a drastic shift in the race. He needed to (and still has the chance to) harness the feelings of average Americans. We are worried, anxious, fearful and mad as hell. While McCain's words came close to matching that tonight, his attitude didn't.
Democrats have, for some mysterious reason, been able to put this crisis almost completely around the necks of Republicans. This is hogwash of the highest order and if John McCain and the other Republicans running for office cannot mount a more convincing counter argument, they might not deserve to win. Please see the previous post for a very important news clip regarding these issues and where different key players have stood on this sub-prime issue. Here is what we wanted to hear Senator McCain say, in forceful posture, directly to Senator Obama:
"In 2006, I co-sponsored legislation that would have reformed Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac in an effort to prohibit them from using the polices that are DIRECTLY responsible for our current economic crisis. And Senator Obama, what did you have to say about that bill? Oh right, you were too busy taking campaign contributions from those organization's leaders and using it to run for President to be bothered with that silly little task of VOTING on the bill. You didn't even vote, but you sure got a lot of their money!"
In the real debate, he made mention of the contributions and some reference was made to his bill, but he largely allowed Senator Obama to get away with pinning McCain with the label "de-regulator". On this and several other key economic issues, this is simply a falsehood that hurts McCain greatly. McCain co-sponsored a bill in 2006 (thats two years ago, folks) that would have changed the regulations making it harder or downright impossible for Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac to continue the practices that caused this situation! Obama couldn't even be bothered to go on record by voting! You tell me who the de-regulator really is.
Now the debate is over and we need to map out a clear course of action for Senator McCain to recover in the polls and go on to victory in the general election. If anyone has the ability to come back from this, its John McCain. After all, the man has been counted out more times than last year's New York Football Giants! Both were underdogs going in and both will come out on top when the history books are written!
The best political asset McCain has is his brand. People know and respect the American hero that he is and the independent political leader he has consistency shown himself to be. The general reputation he has earned, outside the realm of the intellectually stunted media and the unyielding liberal Obamanation, is that of an honest and forthright moderate who works to join seemingly conflicting ideologies into coherent and proper policy decisions. The key is reconnecting the people to that image. The simple and paramount question is how?
The slick TV ads with the ominous female voiceover announcer might have worked a while ago, but they don't fit with McCain's stated goals for campaign content and we question their overall effectiveness on swaying undecided voters.
Instead of "I'm John McCain and I approve this message" followed by 30 seconds of Obama bashing, however warranted and accurate it may be, McCain needs to film himself talking and connecting with the voters on an individual level. We imagine a script would go something along the lines of : "Hello, I'm Senator John McCain and I'm asking for a small amount of time out of your busy day to explain to you why I am asking for the privilege of serving you as our nation's next President......." Then, for the next 30, 60 or 90 seconds, Americans (or, more specifically, citizens of key battleground states) see and hear John McCain explaining his position on a critical issue or theme and defining his policy agenda on his own terms, face to face with the voter. This format is much more personal and, we believe, will resonate much better with undecided voters who will see the ads as something of a mini-speech, a conversation if you will. This would be a stark contrast to the current ads both campaigns have running, where the candidates hide behind ominous music, narrators and flashy graphics showing quotes disparaging or contradicting their opponents interests. If John McCain can convincingly shoot an ad like this, it will be seen as a man coming out from behind the safety of his intellectual fort to directly stand in the way of Obama becoming our next President, rather than staying behind these safety walls of mind-numbing glossy productions and lobbing rhetorical grenades at the other side.
Additionally, and secondarily, McCain needs to articulate in a clear and accurate manner the differences in philosophy, judgment and policy that separate himself from Senator Obama. We are well aware that the McCain camp has been stressing this throughout the campaign and we are saying that they have thus far failed to do so in anything resembling a positive way. McCain has been allowed the Obama camp to cast him as "Bush's third term" when, in reality, we challenge the average outsider to find a more rage-inducing Republican from the standpoint of the Bush administration. The McCain camp should not think that negatively defining Obama is alone enough to make the case stick. The honest and "McCain-like" thing to do would be to lay out the differences and say "If you agree with Senator Obama, then he is who you should vote for. But if you are unsure or you share my values and goals but are anxious for change from the current administration, I'm the one you want." That kind of straightforward willingness to lay his ideals before himself and his political future is what got McCain where he is today and it would serve him well to do that at this juncture. A man who stands on rhetoric alone is a man soon to come crashing to the ground. The American people know that and if McCain can appear to be the man who stands for more than just words and empty promises, he will win this election.
We leave the target locations and specifics of the advertisements up to people much more knowledgeable in those areas that us. The electoral map and what issues resonate best in what parts of the nation are complex and require more studious review than any of us could provide to the campaign. However, coming from the perspective of college students in a state that is a good deal away from the fray and intellectual hangups of the beltway, we believe the basic strategy is the right course for this campaign going forward.
-Andrew Jones, Michael Hilburn & Eric Fischer
Democrats have, for some mysterious reason, been able to put this crisis almost completely around the necks of Republicans. This is hogwash of the highest order and if John McCain and the other Republicans running for office cannot mount a more convincing counter argument, they might not deserve to win. Please see the previous post for a very important news clip regarding these issues and where different key players have stood on this sub-prime issue. Here is what we wanted to hear Senator McCain say, in forceful posture, directly to Senator Obama:
"In 2006, I co-sponsored legislation that would have reformed Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac in an effort to prohibit them from using the polices that are DIRECTLY responsible for our current economic crisis. And Senator Obama, what did you have to say about that bill? Oh right, you were too busy taking campaign contributions from those organization's leaders and using it to run for President to be bothered with that silly little task of VOTING on the bill. You didn't even vote, but you sure got a lot of their money!"
In the real debate, he made mention of the contributions and some reference was made to his bill, but he largely allowed Senator Obama to get away with pinning McCain with the label "de-regulator". On this and several other key economic issues, this is simply a falsehood that hurts McCain greatly. McCain co-sponsored a bill in 2006 (thats two years ago, folks) that would have changed the regulations making it harder or downright impossible for Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac to continue the practices that caused this situation! Obama couldn't even be bothered to go on record by voting! You tell me who the de-regulator really is.
Now the debate is over and we need to map out a clear course of action for Senator McCain to recover in the polls and go on to victory in the general election. If anyone has the ability to come back from this, its John McCain. After all, the man has been counted out more times than last year's New York Football Giants! Both were underdogs going in and both will come out on top when the history books are written!
The best political asset McCain has is his brand. People know and respect the American hero that he is and the independent political leader he has consistency shown himself to be. The general reputation he has earned, outside the realm of the intellectually stunted media and the unyielding liberal Obamanation, is that of an honest and forthright moderate who works to join seemingly conflicting ideologies into coherent and proper policy decisions. The key is reconnecting the people to that image. The simple and paramount question is how?
The slick TV ads with the ominous female voiceover announcer might have worked a while ago, but they don't fit with McCain's stated goals for campaign content and we question their overall effectiveness on swaying undecided voters.
Instead of "I'm John McCain and I approve this message" followed by 30 seconds of Obama bashing, however warranted and accurate it may be, McCain needs to film himself talking and connecting with the voters on an individual level. We imagine a script would go something along the lines of : "Hello, I'm Senator John McCain and I'm asking for a small amount of time out of your busy day to explain to you why I am asking for the privilege of serving you as our nation's next President......." Then, for the next 30, 60 or 90 seconds, Americans (or, more specifically, citizens of key battleground states) see and hear John McCain explaining his position on a critical issue or theme and defining his policy agenda on his own terms, face to face with the voter. This format is much more personal and, we believe, will resonate much better with undecided voters who will see the ads as something of a mini-speech, a conversation if you will. This would be a stark contrast to the current ads both campaigns have running, where the candidates hide behind ominous music, narrators and flashy graphics showing quotes disparaging or contradicting their opponents interests. If John McCain can convincingly shoot an ad like this, it will be seen as a man coming out from behind the safety of his intellectual fort to directly stand in the way of Obama becoming our next President, rather than staying behind these safety walls of mind-numbing glossy productions and lobbing rhetorical grenades at the other side.
Additionally, and secondarily, McCain needs to articulate in a clear and accurate manner the differences in philosophy, judgment and policy that separate himself from Senator Obama. We are well aware that the McCain camp has been stressing this throughout the campaign and we are saying that they have thus far failed to do so in anything resembling a positive way. McCain has been allowed the Obama camp to cast him as "Bush's third term" when, in reality, we challenge the average outsider to find a more rage-inducing Republican from the standpoint of the Bush administration. The McCain camp should not think that negatively defining Obama is alone enough to make the case stick. The honest and "McCain-like" thing to do would be to lay out the differences and say "If you agree with Senator Obama, then he is who you should vote for. But if you are unsure or you share my values and goals but are anxious for change from the current administration, I'm the one you want." That kind of straightforward willingness to lay his ideals before himself and his political future is what got McCain where he is today and it would serve him well to do that at this juncture. A man who stands on rhetoric alone is a man soon to come crashing to the ground. The American people know that and if McCain can appear to be the man who stands for more than just words and empty promises, he will win this election.
We leave the target locations and specifics of the advertisements up to people much more knowledgeable in those areas that us. The electoral map and what issues resonate best in what parts of the nation are complex and require more studious review than any of us could provide to the campaign. However, coming from the perspective of college students in a state that is a good deal away from the fray and intellectual hangups of the beltway, we believe the basic strategy is the right course for this campaign going forward.
-Andrew Jones, Michael Hilburn & Eric Fischer
Monday, December 10, 2007
Andrew Jones for America – The current state of the Republican Primary
Many of us “bloggers” are finding out what a strong force Ron Paul has become on the internet. This is partly due to the unprecedented citizen access to the political table made possible because of sites like this one and YouTube. Increasingly, we are seeing traditional media sources adopt and partner with these new marketplaces of ideas; we need look no farther than the CNN/YouTube debates and the MTV/myspace.com presidential dialogue series for proof. Because of this, we would expect to see Ron Paul surge up in the polls and make a place for himself among the top tier candidates for the Republican nomination for president. Yet, alas, this has not happened.
While I am a political science major and a political junkie to boot, I can’t figure out exactly why this is. Perhaps the people are put off by the fact that Ron Paul rallies tend to look more like a drug-induced sleezefest of dirty youth reminiscent of the 1960’s. Perhaps it is because Ron Paul’s foreign policy is to not have a foreign policy. Perhaps it is because his supporters are the most annoying bunch of people ever to be granted access to a Republican debate. Or, maybe, it’s because America has had enough presidents from Texas for a while. I’m not sure and it’s not relevant. Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance of winning and giving money to him is like paying a farmer for an old chicken and hoping to get a steak out of it.
Another Republican dark horse has stolen the attention away from Paul and run with it, all the way to the front of the pack. Governor Mike Huckabee is now the frontrunner in Iowa, and he is even running number one in some national polls. This phenomenon is much easier to understand. With little money and even less national organization, the little pastor (who used to be the HUGE pastor) that could, is steadily chugging his way to the Oval office on the steam of principled conservatism, compassion, wit and common-man appeal.
There is no secret to his recent success. As more and more Republican primary voters saw more of the former Arkansas governor at the debates, the more they liked him. Huckabee’s ability to tell a clever joke and still give the best, most appealing answer on almost every issue is a talent that lends itself to political success and its something Americans haven’t seen since Ronald Reagan (meaning this blogger has only seen it on film).
As we watch these debates and campaigns jockey for position in the early primary votes, its important to listen to the tone of the rhetoric. While Mitt Romney takes a hyperactive and negative approach to dealing with Huckabee’s recent capturing of a large section of Mitt’s voters, Huckabee remains calm, level headed and patient. While Rudy Giuliani franticly pleads with his cash-cows to fork over more money to an already expensive campaign, John McCain goes from town halls to college campuses connecting on a personal and honest level with the voters of New Hampshire and South Carolina. And lets not even get into Ron Paul’s crazy blimp flying up the east coast, with a stop in Boston to throw some tea out the window.
As the Republican ticket begins to take shape next month, I really do hope the voters will keep one simple creed in mind; principles before promises. It is very easy for politicians to promise to work for the interests of certain voter blocks in a desperate attempt to buy votes. It’s quite another thing to stand on principles and leave yourself to the supposedly honesty-loving voters of the early primary voters.
I would rather see an honest and principled president I agree with 65% of the time than a president who panders to my wants and desires with nothing but polls and election cycles in mind. We have enough lobbyists; we don’t need one in the White House. This is why I ♥ Huckabee. This is why I support Senator John McCain. These men stand on their beliefs, experience and honest opinions and leave themselves open to criticism from both the far right and far left. To my mind, the fact that mentioning my support for McCain garners strange looks and strong reactions from my leftist and extreme right wing friends indicate that I’ve found my guy!
With McCain’s foreign policy and military background leading the nation and Huckabee’s domestic expertise as a governor and pastor, I believe the Republicans have the dynamic duo needed to overcome the dismal approval rating of our current president. And, my Republican friends, make no mistake about it, this election is going to be about Bush. Elections in America are always a retrospective look back, rather than a true look to the future. We cannot run away from the policies of Bush and expect to fool the people; they know better and, like it or not, they won’t vote for another demagogue.
In closing, let me summarize the Republican field of presidential candidates as I see it today, December 11, 2007.
· We have two house members running just to show people they aren’t dead.
· We have another congressman who is the Republican’s Dennis Kucinich, only he has more money, so we get to be annoyed by him until he grows some smarts or runs out.
· We have a former mayor who embodies none of the social values we conservative Americans hold dear and has shown a great lack of professional judgment in the people he associates himself with in the workplace.
· We have an actor and former senator who is asleep at the helm, despite having a screaming infant in the room (that has many meanings, take it however you want).
· We have a former one-term governor from a blue state with a business background and no gumption or consistency on core issues. Oh, not to mention his Ivy League education, hair style, choice of clothing and recreation. He truly is John Kerry playing to a different, hopefully smarter base.
AND THEN WE HAVE THE REAL CANDIDATES
· A true American hero. A 4-term senator from a red state with a red record. Principled stances and the ability to appeal to the moderates and some liberals.
· A principled, compassionate former governor and pastor, who guided a poor blue state with conservative principles and direction for over 10 years
If we are as wise a group as we think we are, this will become a two person race and a no brainier ticket. If we want to win in 2008, I fully expect us to put up a McCain/Huckabee or Huckabee/McCain ticket to go against whatever liberal “progressive” (codeword for “hide your wallets”) the Democrats put up.
I welcome any comments or ideas you readers have. I won’t censor them; if you read that whole thing, you deserve to be able to say whatever you want.
While I am a political science major and a political junkie to boot, I can’t figure out exactly why this is. Perhaps the people are put off by the fact that Ron Paul rallies tend to look more like a drug-induced sleezefest of dirty youth reminiscent of the 1960’s. Perhaps it is because Ron Paul’s foreign policy is to not have a foreign policy. Perhaps it is because his supporters are the most annoying bunch of people ever to be granted access to a Republican debate. Or, maybe, it’s because America has had enough presidents from Texas for a while. I’m not sure and it’s not relevant. Ron Paul doesn’t stand a chance of winning and giving money to him is like paying a farmer for an old chicken and hoping to get a steak out of it.
Another Republican dark horse has stolen the attention away from Paul and run with it, all the way to the front of the pack. Governor Mike Huckabee is now the frontrunner in Iowa, and he is even running number one in some national polls. This phenomenon is much easier to understand. With little money and even less national organization, the little pastor (who used to be the HUGE pastor) that could, is steadily chugging his way to the Oval office on the steam of principled conservatism, compassion, wit and common-man appeal.
There is no secret to his recent success. As more and more Republican primary voters saw more of the former Arkansas governor at the debates, the more they liked him. Huckabee’s ability to tell a clever joke and still give the best, most appealing answer on almost every issue is a talent that lends itself to political success and its something Americans haven’t seen since Ronald Reagan (meaning this blogger has only seen it on film).
As we watch these debates and campaigns jockey for position in the early primary votes, its important to listen to the tone of the rhetoric. While Mitt Romney takes a hyperactive and negative approach to dealing with Huckabee’s recent capturing of a large section of Mitt’s voters, Huckabee remains calm, level headed and patient. While Rudy Giuliani franticly pleads with his cash-cows to fork over more money to an already expensive campaign, John McCain goes from town halls to college campuses connecting on a personal and honest level with the voters of New Hampshire and South Carolina. And lets not even get into Ron Paul’s crazy blimp flying up the east coast, with a stop in Boston to throw some tea out the window.
As the Republican ticket begins to take shape next month, I really do hope the voters will keep one simple creed in mind; principles before promises. It is very easy for politicians to promise to work for the interests of certain voter blocks in a desperate attempt to buy votes. It’s quite another thing to stand on principles and leave yourself to the supposedly honesty-loving voters of the early primary voters.
I would rather see an honest and principled president I agree with 65% of the time than a president who panders to my wants and desires with nothing but polls and election cycles in mind. We have enough lobbyists; we don’t need one in the White House. This is why I ♥ Huckabee. This is why I support Senator John McCain. These men stand on their beliefs, experience and honest opinions and leave themselves open to criticism from both the far right and far left. To my mind, the fact that mentioning my support for McCain garners strange looks and strong reactions from my leftist and extreme right wing friends indicate that I’ve found my guy!
With McCain’s foreign policy and military background leading the nation and Huckabee’s domestic expertise as a governor and pastor, I believe the Republicans have the dynamic duo needed to overcome the dismal approval rating of our current president. And, my Republican friends, make no mistake about it, this election is going to be about Bush. Elections in America are always a retrospective look back, rather than a true look to the future. We cannot run away from the policies of Bush and expect to fool the people; they know better and, like it or not, they won’t vote for another demagogue.
In closing, let me summarize the Republican field of presidential candidates as I see it today, December 11, 2007.
· We have two house members running just to show people they aren’t dead.
· We have another congressman who is the Republican’s Dennis Kucinich, only he has more money, so we get to be annoyed by him until he grows some smarts or runs out.
· We have a former mayor who embodies none of the social values we conservative Americans hold dear and has shown a great lack of professional judgment in the people he associates himself with in the workplace.
· We have an actor and former senator who is asleep at the helm, despite having a screaming infant in the room (that has many meanings, take it however you want).
· We have a former one-term governor from a blue state with a business background and no gumption or consistency on core issues. Oh, not to mention his Ivy League education, hair style, choice of clothing and recreation. He truly is John Kerry playing to a different, hopefully smarter base.
AND THEN WE HAVE THE REAL CANDIDATES
· A true American hero. A 4-term senator from a red state with a red record. Principled stances and the ability to appeal to the moderates and some liberals.
· A principled, compassionate former governor and pastor, who guided a poor blue state with conservative principles and direction for over 10 years
If we are as wise a group as we think we are, this will become a two person race and a no brainier ticket. If we want to win in 2008, I fully expect us to put up a McCain/Huckabee or Huckabee/McCain ticket to go against whatever liberal “progressive” (codeword for “hide your wallets”) the Democrats put up.
I welcome any comments or ideas you readers have. I won’t censor them; if you read that whole thing, you deserve to be able to say whatever you want.
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