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Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
This link may explain Inhofe's recent "Rice the Punk" ads.
http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Senate/Graphs/oklahoma.html
About the time the financial crisis was dominating and the debates were on, Rice took a steep gain in support while Inhofe took a steep dive. The ads blunted that momentum. Given enough time Rice could have made it close.
Did Inhofe vote on the Senate bail-out bill?
Do you really think ads affect votes that much these days? With all the different news outlets available with cable and the internet vs. 24 years ago when I voted in my first Presidential election, I find I pay less and less attention to the ads. When I do, they generally turn me off, whether it's a GOP or Dem ad. I figure it's the worst cobbling of facts to make a point in 30 seconds and appeals to the lowest common denominator.
I probably allow more time for political information in my life than the average person, so I do take a fair time to watch and read the news and listen to the liberal and conservative pundits.
Honestly, McCain can pour as much money into advertising as he wants the next four weeks, after his performance at the "town hall" the other night, I think he's done. He physically didn't look well because he is so stiff (he forgot that they hid FDR's wheel chair for 12 years) and everyone expected him to assail Obama. I think people are beginning to think he's pursuing this with the same vigor as President Bush in 1992, which wasn't much.
I tire of advertising as well and find it has little overt effect on my decisionmaking. I watch it in an analytical way to see if I can determine what they're trying to do and how. That said, are we representative? Considering that sports advertising continues to increase in cost, I doubt it.
McCain wanted that town hall style debate to showcase his ability to connect and show he is spry. Seems like it was a mistake. I thought he looked stiff and contrived. Not just his physical limitations but more his being ill at ease and angry.
He kept getting up close to people like he was leading a motivational seminar or informercial. Something tells me he is not listening much to his handlers. He had such a great image of honor, service, career and seemed to want to go outside of it. Meanwhile Obama appeared a little mystified at McCain's behavior. He's obviously a more intelligent man and even though not so comfortable in a town hall setup, he adjusted well.
I don't think McCain realizes the damage the debates have done to him by being contrasted with a laid back opponent who still has the capability to land defensive blows if necessary. That contrast transcended the issues. To get back to the thread, it was the same contrast between Rice and Inhofe that transcended anything they had to say. Inhofe looked comfortable, secure and willing to engage a young man for whom he professed respect but profound disagreement.
