Burnt Orange Report

Another Bold Prediction

By Byron LaMasters

Well last time I made one, I was right (mostly). This on isn't very bold, actually. But, I'm personally betting that Bob Graham will drop out of the race by the end of the month. For one, his his spokesman resigned today, and further staff cuts are going to be made. Graham just hasn't caught fire at all. He's a good senator with a good profile, but he just doesn't have the fire. The St. Petersburg Times best articulates Graham's problems:

Along the way, Graham's campaign has had its difficulties:

Mistakes and poor planning. Graham's press releases and e-mails to supporters include an unusual number of grammatical errors and typos. For example, a release Monday criticized the Bush administration's "wreckless" drilling policy. In July, the campaign e-mailed reporters about a new state political director but did not say which state.

The campaign has often seemed out of synch with Graham, issuing blistering statements that don't sound like the senator.

Lack of identity. Graham tried to position himself as the antiwar candidate and the one who can beat President Bush. But Dean has often been identified as the antiwar candidate and retired Gen. Wesley Clark is now being called the most "electable" candidate.

Missed opportunities. Graham met dozens of voters at the college football game in Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, but campaign workers made little effort to follow up. They had no literature to give voters, nor did they keep a list of names for future mailings.

Internal troubles. Crawford said Graham's family has been playing too big a role in directing the campaign. Crawford said Graham "has got some hired guns around him, but if they've got to take orders from the wife and kids, you've got a problem."

Lack of pizzazz. Graham's speeches have often failed to inspire voters.

He'll be out by the end of the month.

Update: No, I didn't get a tip. I swear.