yes, but (3.00 / 2)

this isn't just about turning out Democrats for Bill White.  If we only did that it is a guaranteed loss for us.  This about turning out Democrats, independents, soft Republicans, and disenchanted Republicans.  

Moreover, I believe Democrats are excited about Bill White and his candidacy here in Texas.  Optimistic analysis' such as the Cook Report only helps us to motivate Democrats to get out and vote.

Also, off-election cycles are traditionally about state and local issues versus being dominated by the national political debate or issues being discussed at the national level.

As a final note, this is the best shot Democrats have had at the governor's mansion in 16 years.  What on earth is their not to be excited about right now?

I don't buy into wishful thinking. I buy into realities. And the reality is we have a great candidate in Bill White that not only Democrats can, and should be excited about, but so too should Independents and soft Republicans be excited as well.  

Todd  

"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Gandhi

---

by: Todd Hill @ Fri Mar 05, 2010 at 19:19:00 PM UTC

[ Parent | ]

I don't disagree about your realities (3.00 / 2)

I just put more attention on other realities.  And I generally ignore the polls until October, when they will start to be meaningful.  But it's all about turnout.  Question:  How many folks who voted in the Republican primary can White get on his side?  I think that's what will determine his success or failure.  I think he can get a lot of them, but we'll see if it's enough.  I seriously question the motivation, and hence turnout, of independents.

I do think White is a better candidate than Richards was - and I knew Ann going back to 1974 when she helped me get my first job at the Capitol.  He's not as charismatic, but I think he will be a more level-headed and responsible manager, and more capable of balancing the pros and cons of decisions before acting upon them.  Ann killed herself politically when she supported the Brady Bill, which she never needed to do; she kind of got full of herself after the keynote address at the National Convention.  I don't see White making that kind of mistake.  We'll see, though.

---

by: Dale Napier @ Fri Mar 05, 2010 at 20:22:05 PM UTC

[ Parent | ]