Sus-Pence

Having alienated the rising stars in his party, Trump's VP choice is down to  two gas giants and a planet barely known to the general public.  The toxic atmospherics of the gas giants, Christy and Gingrich make them among the least popular politicians in the country.  He can either have the all adulterer ticket, or the all bluster pairing.

His best option may be to venture into the publicly unknown, blandly seasoned, Pence.  But Will Robinson, danger lurks.  A well funded Hillary is prepared to fill in the blanks.  After the debacle of the General Flynn introduction, does the Trump campaign have the capital and the competence to define his running mate?

Who Won the Houston GOP Debate?

In a normal year Kasich won hands down.  His calm demeanor, sensible proposals and exposition of a resume that is on point for present problems would carry the day.  But this is not that year, and last night was not that day.

Carson, would be the clear loser, but given his lack of relevance and limited air time you would have to give him an incomplete.  His desperate plea for air time, "Someone please attack me," was the comic relief in a nasty brawl.  I doubt I am the only one who records the debate so I can fast forward through Dr. Ben.

The other loser was Cruz--the winners Rubio and Trump.  Marco and Ted spent most of the evening attacking The Donald.  Marco had the better lines and stuck the knife in with a smile.  Cruz was a cross between a stern high school principal and the smarmy adult in "Beach Blanket Bingo."

Marco exposed Trump for a lack of a replacement for Obamacare, and for hiring foreign workers rather than Americans.  But Trump had a few counter attacks and blustered through.  Since he was entitled to respond to each attack he dominated the air time.

Plus Trump had a big ace in the hole--Chris Christie.  Trump knows that for every person watching the debate, 20 form an opinion through sound bites.  Trump used the Christie endorsement to cover the post debate news cycle.

Giving Rubio the Boot

Much has been made of Rubio's Florsheims,  but the worrisome boots are on the ground.   Rubio is adamant about sending troops to the Middle East.  The self proclaimed candidate of the future, is poised to repeat the errors of the past.

Only in this 2016 alternate universe, with a hyper nationalist egotist and an ultra conservative conniver atop the leader board, could Marco be the great Latino hope of the establishment.  He won as the Tea Party candidate in Florida.  

Hopefully after being stomped by Christie in the ABC Debate, he will soon do the Walker walk, existing stage right.

A Thanksgiving Tale

Thanksgiving is about people coming together.  Thanksgiving is about helping those in need.  Such was the tale of Hurricane Sandy.  State, federal and local agencies bonded to meet the needs of the people of New Jersey.

Sandy is also a contrast between Democrats and Republicans.  For three years Chis Christie has been attacked by his party for embracing Obama.  No Democrat has ever questioned Obama shaking hands with Christie.

Off Road to Victory

Ben Carson left the campaign trail, and immediately took the lead in Iowa.  This 7th Day Adventist was the first to find the mystical path to victory.  Not to be outdone Jeb!, is going home to the Bush family compound.  By the way, never has an exclamation point been so out of place.

Surely more is to come.  Christie will go on tour with Springsteen, or perhaps visit the world's great bridges.  Rand Paul will run for Senate.

Trump will be the only candidate on TV.  No change there.

Galluping Home

Obama is a nose ahead in the national polls, coming from slightly behind in the past week.  The third debate was a strong workout, which acted as a tightener.  Obama also benefited from the weather.  He does well on a sloppy track.  "We are all in this together," becomes a powerful message during a national emergency.

 If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a nation to rescue a village.  Mitt's closing tactic of bipartisanship, was sunk by Christie's embrace of Obama, and Bloomberg touting him as the stronger choice. 

Gallup stalled at the poll is the last barrier to Obama pulling away in the RCP national polling average.  An outdated Gallup still has Romney ahead by 5 because  the Sandy track impacted their calls.   A new Gallup Poll will be out tomorrow.  If Obama leads in the national polls he will certainly take Romney to school in the electoral college, in which he enjoys a greater edge.

If you want to bet on Romney, bet him to place.

A Tale of Two Conventions

It was the best of lines, it was the worst of lines.  But the lines could not be more different.  Chris Christie was like a best man who, trying to woo a bridesmaid, talks only about himself, and forgets to toast the groom.  In one day, there has been more mention of, and cheering for, Obama than for Romney in the entire 3 days of, what must be called, the no name convention.  The Republican convention was a shotgun wedding.  Only the NRA was happy.

But before the wedding, comes the ring.   Comparing Michelle Obama's speech to Ann Romney's is like comparing diamonds. A nearly colorless H grade stone appears perfect until you place it next to a colorless D grade. Ann's speech seemed excellent, but by comparison, it now seems like she and Mitt were running for prom king and queen.

Her story about their years in a basement apartment, now seems like they were playing at being poor, when compared to the genuine hardship and aspirations of the families of the first lady and the president.  Michelle showed us a president who makes decisions based on values, our values.

It was also a tale of two wedding planner's.  The Obama staff made our day.