If you’ve ever lived in the suburbs in the summer, “Game On!” is a common refrain after the even more familiar “Car!” when the kids move the game off the street like roaches scurrying away when the light is turned on…
Well, the Car in the form of Hillary has now passed and the game is on between McCain and Obama. While I have not yet decided between the candidates, they both represent an upgrade over the present yahoo occupying 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (meaning no offense to the company Yahoo which has troubles of its own recently…)
We should expect McCain to run a campaign emphasizes his experience, leadership, and military service that is familiar enough to keep the Republican base, but seeking a distinct flavor to distance itself from the largely failed domestic and foreign policies of the Bush Administration. Don’t expect to see George too often campaigning for John…That’s going to be a tricky balance, but just by showing up, McCain will get 40% of the vote.
Obama’s campaign is much easier, he will find a few core issues with high dissatisfaction and paint himself as an agent of change using his superior oratory skills to paint a vision of the future that is compelling. Obama’s challenge is to get a bit more grounded to pick-up the blue collar bigots, (ooops) I mean voters, who broke big for Hillary during the campaign. If they will only listen, he’s got a shot. But let’s just say this segment of the population hasn’t been known historically for their ability to listen, evaluate, and choose effectively.
This year, more than in years past, running mates are going to make a big difference. For McCain because of his age leading to questions about survivability and for Obama due to his perceived lack of experience, and sad as it is to write, questions about his survivability. If McCain chooses someone like Huckabee, he’ll lose the 10% of voters he’s looking to sway. If Obama chooses Hillary, he’ll get 40% for just showing up, but will likely send the vital 10% to McCain. Let’s just say the choice matters for both candidates more this year than in the past.
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