We live with one foot in Illinois and the other in Missouri so our having any real understanding of Massachusetts politics is limited.
But, from way out here in the Midwest, here's one impression.
When the senate seat became vacant due to the death of Ted Kennedy, the news reports were rather laid back when announcing that Martha Coakley was the democratic nominee. There was barely a mention about her republican opponent, Scott Brown. She's in, all she has to do is wait until the special election is over. Spend her time planning how she'll decorate her office.
As time went on, we heard lot of journalists repeating, "Coakley will soon be taking Kennedy's seat." The special election seemed to mean little.
So Coakley barely bothered to campaign. It's a senate seat waiting for a democrat. Coakley went on a two week vacation, traveled to DC where she met with fund raisers and maybe senators she saw a future colleagues.
Meanwhile. Whoa. Scott Brown is suddenly in the news. He's campaigning hard. He's shaking every hand he can find, he's drawing even in the polls. Suddenly Coakley looks like a fish out of water. Calling Curt Schilling, a past Red Sox world series hero, a Yankee fan. Producing horrible ads. Sluffing off the idea that greeting voters outside Fenway might be a good idea. She has better things to do than shake hands.
At this point in time, seen from here, journalists are now using bold face font when they write and speak, they're practically whimpering:
It's Kennedy's seat! It has to stay in democrat hands! What's the matter with you people!
It's a democrat seat!
This news is bad!
Can't Massachusetts democrats find a way to buy votes? (Chris Matthews this morning)
A horrible stunning loss if democrats can't find votes!
It's Kennedy's seat. It's Kennedy's seat! Come on people.
Meanwhile Scott Brown is working hard, talking to voters, shaking hands. We shall see on Tuesday how the voters feel about inherited senate seats.
From here, Martha Coakley seems ill suited for this job, but then we're in the Midwest.
If Coakley loses, look for the Democratic leadership, the liberal pundits, and the White House to attempt to explain the loss on an inept candidate. They don't seem to get it that their liberal policies don't play well with the majority of voters. Poll after poll shows democratict imcumbents losing by huge margins in districts the won in in 2006 and 2008.
Not knowing Curt Schilling, Boston Red Sox world series pitcher, does say something about Coakley. Elitest!
Posted by: Ron | January 17, 2010 at 01:32 PM
Blah blah blah blah NORD
Posted by: nugget | January 17, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Coakley has been inept, thought she had it won in the primary. The Democratic Party has been just as inept. Coakley should have/could have won this (and I guess there is a slim chance she still will). Hopefully it will be a good wake up call for Obama/Dems. Last year's 'anointing' is long over.
But how long before Republicans chase this liberal, pro-choice Republican out of your party??
Posted by: Rand and Cowboy | January 17, 2010 at 06:33 PM
Who knows what will happen, Rand. Coakley could shock the world.
Posted by: Diane | January 17, 2010 at 06:44 PM
I think anything can be happened, So, we have to wait some to see what is waiting for us actually. Thanks for nice information.
Posted by: DrKeithCurrie | January 18, 2010 at 11:14 AM