One Year To Go
By Keith Boykin, in politics
Wednesday, November 7 2007, 10:11AM
Voters in several places across the country went to the polls on Tuesday for the last general election before the 2008 presidential election. The big news was the Democrats' growing strength in the south, as signaled by the election of Democrat Steve Beshear, who kicked out Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher in a landslide election. In addition, the Democrats took control of the Virginia state Senate, just a year after winning the governorship and a seat in the U.S. Senate. Also in the south, Decatur (Ga.) City Commissioner Kecia Cunningham, the first black openly gay elected official in Georgia, was re-elected to office last night.
The Democrats are in good position for the 2008 election, but anything could happen in the next 12 months. A year from now, America will elect a new president and the Bush era will finally come to an end. But will the new president be a Democrat or a Republican? Will it be the first woman, the first black, the first Mormon, or the first guy to try to win election based on his performance on one day?
Anyone who thinks the election will be a cakewalk for the Democratic nominee hasn't been paying attention. Although polls show broad public support for the Democrats right now, that support could erode over the next year depending on news, campaign attacks and other unforeseen circumstances. In addition, it's important to remember that the same polls also show the Democratic-controlled Congress with a shockingly low approval rating.
The Democrats have the advantage right now. They have raised more money than their GOP opponents. They have more enthusiasm about their candidates than the Republicans do. And they have more optimism about the possibility of winning in 2008.
But they don't have a majority. The majority support for Democratic candidates comes, in part, because of the erosion of Independent support for Republicans. Independents, like most voters, are dissatisfied with the direction of the country and unhappy with President Bush. That presents an opportunity for Democrats but also poses a challenge.
On the one hand, the Democrats want the 2008 election to be a referendum on the failed policies of the Bush Administration. That's part of a winning message. But George Bush's name will not be on the ballot in 2008, so the Democrats can't spend all their time talking about the last 8 years without talking about the future. Yes, the public is unhappy with President Bush, but they also want some real, constructive solutions for the next 8 years.
If the presidential campaign operated in a vacuum, it might be possible for a Democratic candidate to stay on message for the next 363 days. But that's not the way the political world works. There will be scandals and controversy, debates and mistakes, attacks and counterattacks.
If Hillary Clinton wins the nomination, she will try to focus the campaign on her record as an effective U.S. Senator, but her opponents will try to focus on her history as a controversial first lady. If Barack Obama wins the nomination, he will try to focus on his hopeful message of change, but his opponents will try to focus on his perceived lack of experience. Candidates don't get to dictate what the other side says about them. And that's what makes campaigns some spontaneous, unpredictable and exciting.
It feels like the campaign has been going on for a year already, and yet we have another year before the votes are cast. So here we go again.
Comments conceal
bubba
November 7 2007, 10:54AM
Another editorial about the media's political darlings? Don't these fraudulent goons get enough press? Think of the gravitas Dennis Kucinich mustered up to appeal for Cheney's impeachment yesterday. Then think of how neither of his fellow candidates in either party have made a gesture as indicative of their supposed desire for change as he has.
Mikey
November 7 2007, 12:06PM
VOTE DENNIS KUCINICH 08!!!!!
KBJr.
November 7 2007, 1:16PM
Another veiled attack on Mr. Giuliani, Keith? Couldn't you at least try and take an objective approach? No? Okay well then allow me to point out that your "first black" President could also fall under the misleading "first guy to win an election based on his performance on one day". Lest we forget, had Barack Obama not given that speech at the 2004 DNC, he would largely be a Senatorial nobody, and certainly wouldn't have been considered "Presidential timber" so early in his career.
I would also hardly count the Democrat victory in Kentucky as a sign of a great shift in the south or even "growing strength". Had Fletcher not been marred in scandal, he wouldn't have had a problem getting re-elected. Def. wasn't a level-playing field.
Give.Me.A.Break.
Bingo
November 7 2007, 3:05PM
As far as I'm concerned, it's the old saying - "the two sides of the same coin."
Democrats, other than Dennis Kucinich, are so willing to roll over and play "coward" that I am repulsed by both parties.
When are the Democrats going to take the stand that they promised us when they got the House and Senate back? Who cares about vetoes and the inability to make anything stick - TAKE A GODDAMNED STAND BASED ON PRINCIPLE!!!
The American people by and large support the Democrats because the are fed up with Bush's disasterous, deceitful White House - but Democrats are quickly becoming their own worst enemy, cowering to special interests.
Diane Feinstein? Your days are numbered, sweetheart.
J
November 7 2007, 4:39PM
Most likely a male Republican will be the next president and continue to f*ck this country until we're Brazil.
Despite all the talk, tees, and stickers it takes A LOT for the type of people who would support a Dem or any other to get off their asses and vote. The fact is there isn't one Dem that gives all these people wood. Even if there are strong numbers we've seen what will happen. Republicans will skip their mother's funeral to vote or write a check. Whether it's the president or some local tool that barely exists, they are there one hundred percent.
The votes will probably be sprinkled all over the place with the bulk of them going to a white butt boy for America's rich.
Luther
November 7 2007, 5:06PM
I hear you J, it will be another white male Republicans in office, and, I just hope it isn't anti-black wanna be good old boy Rudy or Mitt the android. I laughed my rear off with the Newsweek article about Bloomberg and, former mayor Koch said Rudy would have called the police on Rev Al had he saw him in city hall while Bloomberg greeted him. His disdain for blacks is scary, since, I don't think his alleged pro-gay rights applies to us, and, now that he has the backing of creepy old Pat Robertson, sooth sayer, the gays who love him might get a nasty wakeup call.
And, Bingo, Diane Feinstien is as conservative as they come, and, only out for one thing, to enrich her bank account, hopefully the voters of Calif will now see right thorough her fake self.
Another election, and, no choice worth voting for, ugh.
Me
November 7 2007, 6:07PM
Democrats and Independents everywhere UNITE and beatback all these poisoneous,right-winged,all in the Closted Gop conservitives. They have RUINED this country!!!!
VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS
VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS
VOTE FOR DEMOCRATS!
P.S. J& LUTHER,if you bring that pestimistic attitude to the voting booth it wont help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
QTMIA
November 7 2007, 6:25PM
only 363 days left ...this will be the end of an error...
KEITH! WRITE AN ARTICLE ON THE BREAKING STORY REGARDING MICHAEL JACKSON BEING IN DEFAULT ON HIS NEVERLAND RANCH...WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT?
Luther
November 7 2007, 6:58PM
Me, I have no choice, not one of these running is better than the current dimwit in office, but, with no choice other than not vote and, I can't do this on the principle that my forefathers couldn't vote, I guess it will have to be one of the worst field of Democrats ever that I'll vote for as I can't think of one positive for any of them for me. Like I said, not one good choice in either party.
MidwestGuy
November 8 2007, 12:00AM
Luther, I'm not sure of your age. But, I'll have to disagree. This is one of the best fields we've ever had.
If this is the worst field of democrats you've ever had to vote for president then this must be your first election. Or, you just haven't taken the time to do any research on the candidates at all.
Please look at all the candidates. The democrats are in good shape, even if Hillary wins. The country will just be worse off if she does.
Rudy Guiliani?
America's Mayor?
Politics is surely a strage game.
titi
November 8 2007, 7:45AM
REGARDING MICHEAL JACKSON STORY//////COME ON KEITH, DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE. Can't you see the guy is in trouble????
Micheal Jackson is COMING BACK HOME BECAUSE HE NEED HOME NOT BECAUSE HOME NEED HIM.... HE HAS JUST REALISED THAT IT DOES MATTER IF YOU ARE BLACK OR WHITE....BUT TOO LATE THE DAMAGE HAS BEEN DONE.THE FACT IS THAT MANY KIDS HAVE LEARNED FROM SOME OF THESE FAMOUS BLACKS THAT BLACKNESS IS SOMETHING TO RUN AWAY FROM IF YOUR ARE RICH AND FAMOUS.
FAMOUS BLACKS BEHAVE IN THIS ILL MANNERS BECAUSE WE ALLOWS IT..THEY ALL RUN BACK HOME WHEN THE DAMAGE IS DONE.
Luther
November 8 2007, 8:00AM
Midwest, I'm older than most here I'm sure, and, have been voting for years, but, none of these candidates spark anything in my, you know, hit a nerve where they stand on certain issues. I can find 3 that have said a few things I do like, I like Kucnich (sp), even though he seems kind of a nut on some things. And, strangely enough, the other 2 I have found things they say I like are Republicans of all people! I liked Brownback because of his out spokeness on the Darfur issue, and, I like Hucakabee, as he sees that race is an issue, not only in he country, but, in his party, go figure. I guess as a registered Independent, I hope to one day see a viable third party.
MidwestGuy
November 8 2007, 11:17AM
Luther, oh now I see. I don't like everything either of them say. But, there is enough of "something" to warrant my support.
I like Huckabee as well. Never warmed up to brownback though.
Ostend Street
November 8 2007, 11:46AM
Luther, I hear you! Also, as a registered Independent I don't see much to select from either, but my vote is precious and I have to use it wisely. Within the election year, will the real voices stand up and be heard.
Justin
November 10 2007, 3:10PM
What's the point? As far as I'm concern, the democrats are in no better postion now then they took back Congress. The Congress needs too grow a pair of balls as well as a backbone and do what they said they would. END THE GODDAMN WAR!!! If they don't have the votes,then CUT OFF THE MONEY HONEY!!! Luther, and others have the right idea. We need a third option instead of the lesser of the two evil dynamic that we have.
Justin
November 10 2007, 3:10PM
What's the point? As far as I'm concern, the democrats are in no better postion now then they took back Congress. The Congress needs too grow a pair of balls as well as a backbone and do what they said they would. END THE GODDAMN WAR!!! If they don't have the votes,then CUT OFF THE MONEY HONEY!!! Luther, and others have the right idea. We need a third option instead of the lesser of the two evil dynamic that we have.
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