The Democrats’ Biggest Blunder of Campaign ‘08
Yesterday, I blogged on the Obama campaign’s biggest blunders. But, today, the day after his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, a scan of the top headlines reveals that the day’s headline is John McCain’s selection of Alaska Republican Governor Sarah Palin to be his running mate (via Instapundit).
His speech might have garnered more headlines had his party elders not decided to hold their convention right before the Republican gathering. Our custom is that the party out of power goes first.
Not wanting to having a long gap after their gathering and before the GOP meeting, the Democrats held theirs the only week they could, right after the Olympics.
Had the conventions not been back-to-back, it would have appeared unseemly for the Republican nominee to introduce the Democratic nominee the day after the Democrat’s speech. But, when they’re back-to-back, he can do so, thus stealing the Democrats’ thunder.
The Democrats’ own choice prevented the speech of their party’s nominee from getting the media attention it may well have deserved.
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What choice did they have? Having their convention during the Olympics wouldn’t have been a good choice - so this time - was it simply good luck for the Republicans?
Comment by Leah — August 29, 2008 @ 7:56 pm - August 29, 2008
Apparently, the snotty attack that was the SnObama campaign’s initial response was also a mistake, and the Snobama campaign is desperately trying to backtrack.
Comment by V the K — August 29, 2008 @ 8:00 pm - August 29, 2008
I am now starting to believe that there really is no way that Obama can win in November, and it’s not just because of McCain’s slam dunk this morning picking Palin as his running mate. Obama’s biggest weakness isn’t his leftist views, the criminals and America-hating sickos he counts as friends, Michelle or even his inexperience. It’s the fact that he doesn’t have the PR skills necessary to get elected DESPITE all of the reasons he shouldn’t be President. Democrats can’t get elected on their ideas, so they pretend to be moderates, and when the mask slips off and their socialist ideals are exposed, they spin, attack their accusers and masterfully cast themselves as victims of a “smear campaign.” Obama has all of the usual baggage of a leftist candidate–just none of the PR skills to make the public forget about it.
A liberal candidate without the skills to maintain the image of being a moderate is dead in the water.
Comment by Sean A — August 29, 2008 @ 8:46 pm - August 29, 2008
Traditionally, the out-of-power party takes the end of July, and the in-power party takes the August week that the Democrats took this time. I don’t know why the Democrats felt the need to crowd into August this time (pushing the in-power party to September).
Comment by ILoveCapitalism — August 29, 2008 @ 9:07 pm - August 29, 2008
vice-presidential nominee?
Comment by American Elephant — August 30, 2008 @ 12:31 am - August 30, 2008
What’s a bit surprising is that a number of far left feminist bloggers are excited about the Palin pick. I did not expect that. And they’re furious about not only the Obama campaign’s gauche statement, but more, the supporters’ nasty remarks about Palin.
Say hello to President McCain and Vice President Palin.
Okay, off to the McCain-Palin victory rally.
Comment by rightwingprof — August 30, 2008 @ 6:49 am - August 30, 2008
ILC, thanks for the clarification. All I can say is I am very happy with all the Dems’ blunders this year. First on being going with an inexperienced Lefty socialist simply because he is black.
Comment by Leah — August 30, 2008 @ 12:24 pm - August 30, 2008