Monday, August 21, 2006

Finding a Pulse in the Webb Campaign?

An article in this a.m.'s WashPost claims that the Allen-goes-Macaca incident over a week ago has given new life to the Jim Webb campaign.

Much as I'd like to believe it, I don't. Just recall that the Commonwealth of Virginia chose to shut down all its public schools in the 1960s rather than allow blacks into them ... as other than cleaning and cooking staff. Hate to be cynical on a Monday morning, but the Macaca insult probably solidified Sen. Allen's base. It may have embarrassed them, but it didn't turn them against him.

And Webb ... Take his candidacy. Please!

He was much better at carrying a rifle than he is at campaigning. WashPost: "Democratic activists across the state have complained for weeks that Webb hasn't been visible enough, was slow in hiring staff and had limited knowledge about many issues." Plus he's got a good case of creeping Easleyism. He hates going out and actually meeting people. In Virginia, if you don't show up, you don't get elected.

But we'd like to be pleasantly surprised.

UPDATE: If you put any stock in it, here's one poll showing that Webb benefitted from Allen's Macaca-ness.

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