Using 1980 and 1992 as examples

[George_Bonanza]

Yes, the country's dissatisfied with sitting party, but that has never historically meant that the opposing party's nominee had a golden paved carpet-walk to the White House. In 1980, Jimmy Carter was extremely unpopular but it took Reagan all until the last couple of weeks to "close the deal". In 1992, H.W. was very unpopular but it was still a tight race that needed a third-party spoiler to enable a Democratic victory.

Let's put things into perspective. Obama still has a slim lead and a spending advantage that will manifest itself soon. He also has a superior ground game and much more enthusiastic supporters. It is political silly season right now. Has any presidential candidate in recent memory "closed the deal" as early as August? I don't think so.

[darius15]

1. I think the 1st debate is Obama's "vetting"

a lot of voters are unsure right now, but leaning towards him. If he does a good job in the first debate, he will get a huge bump.

Just like your example of Reagan. He only pulled away after he crushed his opponent in the debate.

[depakid]

2. "after he crushed his opponent in the debate. "

Therein lies the problem. Obama has shown no evidence of knowing how to go for the jugular.

[cliffordu]

7. Um.... I have to disagree. Just because he doesn't make scumbag attacks

doesn't mean he isn't making the million little cuts he needs to.

[depakid]

9. No- he actually PRAISES his opponent!

along with other Republicans with whom he "disagrees."

This campaign had better decide what they'd rather do- monce words and look weak- or state the facts directly, in no uncertain terms about who and what Republicans are and stand for.

If the next debate looks anything like the last fiaso, we're in for 4 more years of far right rule.

[darius15]

11. That's true, but now he's stopped

praising McCain. Now he's taken his gloves off.

[glowing]

3. The problem will be if McCain does well... Debates are not Obama's strong suit

He does not come out with decisive hits... He thinks and answers long. Hillary beat him all the time. We expect McCain to do so badly.. that if he does remotely well, he will look strong and better prepared. Be careful thinking that McCain will come off looking like an incompetant idiot... People were really surprised how well he did at that Church forum.. regardless of his obvious preparations. AND remember, Bush used an earpiece.. expect McCain to cheat as well.

[AndyTiedye]

6. Can Anyone Sneak a Tesla Coil In There?

That would ensure that his earpiece got nothing but static!

Even better if we can find out the frequency they are using.
Then we could get him reading from OUR script. Fun fun fun!

[cliffordu]

8. When did Hillary "beat him?"

Oh, yeah, you mean the debate where her Hubby's ex staff member ran the debate with that other shill??

[glowing]

10. I thought she did better during all the debates.. Personally.. it was a strong

forum for her. Obama is just not as good a hitting hard and fast.. He needs to work on the answers and the um.. ahh.. and halting in the words he chooses.

[defendandprotect]

4. In 1980 you had the "October Surprise" -- i.e., a steal . . .

and in '92 Perot was in the race taking 19% of the vote from Bush --


Meanwhile . . . in 1980, you also had unprecedented levels of right-wing propaganda

coming up vs Carter ---

"ABC" -- Anybody but Carter on the airwaves repeatedly

"Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" re the hostages repeated endlessly

"Nightline" with Ted Koppel was introduced and played every night at 11 pm to

wave the flag of the hostages and how many days they were held --- inciting

hatred for Carter and Iranians every night.


And behind the scenes . . . the "October Surprise" put in play by Bush/Gates, etal ---


There's no reason to believe the results of the polls anymore than we should believe

election results of 2000 or 2004 or even 2006 which, btw, probably called for a larger

Democratic majority!

[AndyTiedye]

5. We Also Need to Look at 1972

Unpopular President, unpopular war, lots of enthusiasm,
but a bitterly divisive Democratic primary.

This must NOT be a replay of 1972! :scared: