Politics and Culture

1. This article suggests that it's unlikely that the Obama-McCain race will be close- and that Obama will win in a landslide. Kyle-Anne Shiver in American Thinker thinks, in that inimitable American fashion, that it will be a McCain blowout. While Michael Grunwald sounds stale with his "Democratic year" droning, Shiver comes off as fresh.

I think: With Bush looking brave and foresighted because of the surge and the Democrats looking foresighted as well, but to the year 2150 when we'll get around on flying cars fueled by love; a case can be made that Bush-hatred peaked sometime earlier this year. I also think that dissatisfaction with the economy works as long as it's a general thing. Once people start talking about actual solutions, conservatives win because we're right.

2. I replied to a friend's email thusly (You can guess the context):

That's why I didn't understand why people were having trouble making fun of him. He's easy. You're right. McCain's not very good at it. He also boxed himself in by making a point about being a gentleman.

On the other hand, what plays to partisans might not be what works with the general public. Do we want a candidate making fun of his opponent? It might be best to let the pros handle it.

I will say that any normal, moderate Democrat would be 10 points ahead.

3. However, what's this? McCain up by 10 in Ohio! Closing the gap in Michigan (It's over if he wins in Michigan.). The next significant poll amongst these near-meaningless ones will be after Obama comes back from his Euro tour.

4. I'm afraid that McCain will be tempted to pull the trigger on Romney based on these heartening Michigan polls.

5. Is it true that Obama told his staff that, "There will be no brown M&Ms at the press conference? (No, it's not.)."

6. I didn't see the news, but on talk radio, Obama has obliged conservatives with some phenomenally dumb statements:

"You know, it's always a bad practice to say 'always' or 'never.'" ? Obama, speaking in Amman today.

OBAMA: Well, let me ? let me be absolutely clear. Israel is a strong friend of Israel's. It will be a strong friend of Israel's under a McCain government ? administration. It will be a strong friend of Israel's under an Obama administration. So that policy is not going to change.

That's right. Be your own best friend!

7. McCain gaffes here.

8. Besides this interview in which Obama says that he's not sure if he'd have wanted to win the war, we get Couric's wrecking ball:

What did Couric wreck? How about Obama's illusion of forthrightness? He won't say that Bush was right- a little?