Posted by
Ron Maestri on Friday, September 05, 2008 10:36:22 AM
Yesterday certainly was a big day in presidential politics. In one fell swoop, John McCain swooped in with an out-of-the-ballpark nominee for vice-president, a great speech, proving his credentials with facts, not lingo. If I were advising him, I'd tell him to remind America that the gridlock came from a democratically controlled congress, whose own job approval ratings are in the high single digits.
It's obvious Americans have seen the same old movie before when politicians deliver the world to get themselves elected, and then do nothing until about the final year of their terms when they're up for re-election, and then off they go again having parties and cutting secret deals for bridges to nowhere. Richard Nixon mastered the art when he promised to end the Vietnam War to get himself elected the first time, never did, and then promised it again to get himself re-elected. Thank God Americans are much smarter than that. It's not just change we're after, it's accountability. How much can we trust they'll deliver on their words?
It's obvious what I'm saying (and have been saying) is the case. Last night on "The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric", she showed two polls. The first, taken immediately after the Obama rock concert: Obama 48% and McCain 40%. The second, taken a few weeks later, one day BEFORE Sarah palin's speech, showed both candidates dead even at 42%. What's wrong with that picture?
But wait, there's more. WCBS-TV, the local New York CBS affiliate asked respondants online "How likely would you be to vote for McCain/Palin after hearing her speech?" A whopping 73% responded most likely with less than 10% still unsure. NEW YORK IS A BLUE STATE! These are not words of hope for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Clearly this election is theirs to lose unless something is radically changed, and I know what it is. Now mind you, I'm the type of person who typically roots for the underdog. I guess all my years in direct marketing taught me how to spin gold from sheet metal, so trust me on this. I'm actually beginning to feel sorry for Obama and would like to offer my friendly advice, because honestly, I love a good horse race.
Joe Biden needs to resign from the democratic ticket. He needs to come up with some credible reason why, and just do it. You know, for the good of the party? Barack Obama should accept the resignation and then in the same breath name Hillary Rodham Clinton as his new VP running mate. I'm dead serious. We all know Hillary's strengths and we can all now begin to see the void she left will only get deeper and stronger for McCain/Palin unless Obama punts fast.
Mark my words. Barack Obama will lose this election unless he makes this "change".
Yesterday.
Ron Maestri