Preston on Politics: On The Campaign Trail

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

The Debate Over Debates - Obama’s Weak Argument

If there is any doubt about whether Barack Obama is still the front runner for the Democratic presidential nomination, the answer comes in the form of debates. Obama doesn’t want to take on Hillary Clinton in another televised live argument. At least not right now. That’s the advantage that a front-runner has, the ability to NOT confront their opponent. After a poor performance in the Pennsylvania debate, Obama is passing on the chance to take on Clinton ahead of the primaries in Indiana and North Carolina.

For now though, Obama is running the playbook of the incumbent/front-runner, declining to debate Clinton to avoid the risk of losing another live debate. His argument is that he wants to talk directly with the voters of Indiana and North Carolina. What I’m confused about is how he can do that better than a debate? No candidate can be in two places at one time. Choose one, Indiana or North Carolina, but not both…

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Topless Photo Leads State Rep to Resign

I don’t know how long Matthew Barrett’s webpage will be up. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Tough way to end a political career...though I suppose less embarassing than getting caught paying a prostitute. I would have enjoyed hearing both sides of the conversation…

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Clinton Campaign Keeps Asking Me For Money

Long before the primary campaign rolled through Ohio I made sure that I was on the email lists for the major presidential campaigns. Seven weeks after the campaign offices closed here in Columbus I am still getting flooded with emails from Team Obama, Team Clinton, and Team McCain.

Unlike the other campaigns, Team Clinton has converted this reporter’s email address from the media list, to the ‘Let’s hit him up for money list.’

I find it funny that Clinton…

Obama Loses; Abercrombie & Fitch Wins

Tuesday’s ten-point blowout in Pennsylvania gave Hillary Clinton exactly what she needed to continue her campaign against Barack Obama. If you watched Obama’s concession speech last night from Evansville, Indiana, you may have noticed the three guys wearing Abercrombie & Fitch shirts standing directly behind him.

Was it a coincidence? Was it a way for the campaign reward to the New Albany-based retailer? Is it even possible in the age of media strategy that the three guys were randomly selected to stand right behind Obama with the eyes of the nation watching?

Friday, April 18, 2008

Ohio Dems Are Proud To Attack McCain First

The Ohio Democratic Party sent out a media release today announcing/bragging about plans to unveil the first ad of the presidential election. Still without a party nominee, the ad will focus on Republican John McCain in advance of his upcoming trip to Ohio.

“The ad will be the first by any state party in the country against the Republican nominee.”

Here you have a political party trumpeting its speed in going negative in a matchup that is yet to be known. Does anyone else see a problem with this?

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Attorney General’s Office Under Fire

The unfolding sexual harassment investigation inside the Attorney General’s office has left me without time to weigh in on the 2008 election, but one has to wonder what impact (read:damage) the allegations of wrongdoing by Marc Dann’s staffers/friends/ex-roommates will have on Dann’s re-election hopes in 2010. 

Monday, April 14, 2008

Bitter About Words?

Barack Obama’s remarks about bitter voters clinging to religion and guns has people talking—about his choice of words.