They're trying to make lemonade from lemons.

As I observed the RNC each day this week, it is informative to try to figure out exactly what they're (Rove and Co.) up to. The whole hurricane thing was a sham, using an average storm to get Bush and Cheney out of the picture at the RNC and to try to credit Republican Governors for such a 'good job', all the while supposedly wearing their American hats. Cheney conveniently scheduled the Georgia trip to get him out of the way past the 1st day of the convention and Bush showed up only by video, documenting that he 'appeared' at the convention without really spending any time there. Next the parade of also-rans attacking Obama with the pitbullette reading a carefully scripted speech. Finally, war hero night, with McMummy doing what he didn't want to do, describe in tear-jerking detail his years of captivity. While the message was that the program was being developed day to day, every minute was carefully planned and scripted.

I think McCain was told a while ago that, if he continues what he was doing, it was 100% certain that he would lose. He was told that going negative was necessary to have any chance of winning. After the DNC, Rove and Co. decided a woman on the ticket had certain advantages, since the Democrats had not selected Hillary. McCain was again told that someone like Lieberman would result in a certain defeat.

It's pretty clear that Palin is the least qualified VP nominee ever but, the way the campaign will be managed, it won't matter that much. Recall VP Quayle. The MSM has been further intimidated (MSNBC being the most recent victim...KO not at the RNC). Palin will be carefully managed, avoiding questions from the press as long as possible. She'll be memorizing zingers to use in the debate and reading speeches attacking Obama.

It's a shame it has to be this way but I still think Obama/Biden can win but it won't be easy. The Electoral College votes look fairly good and this is what both the Democrats and Repubs are looking at. If the Repubs are behind in key states 3-4 weeks from now, look for some truly nasty ads, rumors and speeches against Obama.

Obama has big crowds...call him a celebrity and get the MSM to think that this was bad. Call every response by Obama an indication that he's just an old style politician. Somehow turn the RNC into a 3rd party convention, not at all associated with the last 8 years of Republican mismanagement, scandals and horrendous decisions.

This election is a definitive struggle to see if rovian politics were a fad or, hopefully not, the only way to win. An Obama victory will be a turning point for the US, in so many ways. If turnout is high for younger voters, I think Obama wins.