"You know, there's an important difference in this campaign," Angelides said. "We've got a governor who came into office with seven Hummers. We have the Angelides family with three hybrids. And then we have Steve Westly, who says he's going to buy a hybrid."
California Gubernartorial Candidate Phil Angelides pointing out a the difference between he and his challengers.
I can't believe I decided the whole thing!.
ReplyDeleteOver the last 3 weeks I've read at least 20 newspaper articles from San Diego to Sacramento. Watched: debates 2 & 3, TV interviews, reviewed both websites, endorsements, and gazed into my crystal ball, etc. My final article was yesterday at: http://www.LAWeekly.com ("Rise of the Machines")
This article treated both candidates equitably.
I have decided how I'll vote June 6th.
But more to the point...
I have regard for both candidates. But every time I re-consider the size and demographic diversity of the State of California, then factor-in the immense power and influence that Ahnold will use against us through November, I keep coming-back to the same answer: Steve Westly.
My rationale?
In order to beat Ahnold, we must capture every single potential cross-over vote that exists. There is only one way to assure this happens.. Steve Westly must oppose Ahnold.. when it counts... on November 6th.
I agree that Westly would be a stronger candidate than Angelides in the general election, due to his greater "crossover appeal". But I think Angelides could also beat the Guvinator if he runs an aggressive, intelligent campaign. Of course, Ahnold enjoys a huge advantage in name-recognition going-in, but he also has a huge albatross around his neck regardless of whether he faces Westley or Angelides, and the albatross' name is George W. Bush. Either Democratic candidate will be able to hammer away at Arnold on the fact that he enthusiastically, actively supported George Bush in the President's re-election campaign, and the Guv will have no defense against being tied to a President who is profoundly unpopular in this state.
ReplyDeleteI hate to be a pessimist, but the sad truth is I can't remember the last time a movie star lost an election to a non-movie star. Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sonny Bono, Steve Largent, Fred Grandy, Fred Thompson. It's almost like if you were ever any kind of celebrity, you're in. I think Westley and Angelides would both make far superior governers, but I think Arnold is pretty much unbeatable. He's too big a star. I know, we don't want to believe this is true, but I'm afraid it is.
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