Brilliant... on both Specter's and Obama's part

First, Specter.

He knows that he has to endear himself to skeptical Democrats. So what does he do?

He holds a town hall meeting in the most conservative area of the state, Lebanon County. A county that went for McCain 59%-40%... even though PA went for Obama 54-44%.

How conservative is Lebanon County?

In 2004, it voted 67%-33% for Bush.
In 2000, it voted 62%-35% for Bush.
In 1996, it voted 54%-35% for Dole.
In 1992, it voted 50%-21% for Bush.
In 1988, it voted 67%-33% for Bush.
In 1984, it voted 72%-28% for Reagan.
In 1980, it voted 69%-23% for Reagan.

So... why would Specter hold is town hall there? Where the crowd was likely to be the angriest and most confrontational?

To get pictures like this:


Which will endear Specter to rational-thinking independents and Democrats in the state.


And it also sets up perfectly for Obama. After a morning of seeing the stuff at Specter's town hall, Americans then get to see the rowdies outside Obama's in New Hampshire. People with guns and signs and all sorts of behavior that makes them look like the nutjobs they are.

So... with that as a setup.... Obama then goes out into a calm, rational town hall crowd and kicks ass, while looking cool, calm, and collected. The exact opposite of the crowds outside the hall and who we've seen over the past several days.


The images that people are left with today who have been watching:

- Specter is reasonable-sounding... and brave... and willing to take on the GOP wackos.
- Obama is cool and collected... in stark contrast to the GOP wackos.


Specter was the perfect "Democrat" to serve as the opening act for Obama's town hall... and at the perfect setting.



Maybe it is all a coincidence. But today's images and sounds are EXACTLY what the White House would hope to be out there.

However, the Secret Service had better not let any guns get near our President.

from start to finish. They were expecting DRAMA!!

...and the MSM makes Obama's town hall event must see TV.

:wtf:

...to try an contain the narrative.


I think today's Obama town hall is a turning point in the debate.

K & R

;-)

n/t

:thumbsup:

Some Lebanon history as GOP county:
In 2004, it voted 67%-33% for Bush.
In 2000, it voted 62%-35% for Bush.
In 1996, it voted 54%-35% for Dole.
In 1992, it voted 50%-21% for Bush.
In 1988, it voted 67%-33% for Bush.
In 1984, it voted 72%-28% for Reagan.
In 1980, it voted 69%-23% for Reagan.
In 1976, it voted 63%-35% for Ford.
In 1972, it voted 77%-21% for Nixon.
In 1968, it voted 64%-28% for Nixon.
In 1964, it voted 53%-47% for Goldwater.
In 1960, it voted 68%-32% for Nixon

:eyes:

Congress is still considering a massive give-away to the insurance industry paid for on the backs of the uninsured. They might not even have a public option--not even a weak one.

I don't care whether we win news cycles. I want good legislation. I am still not pleased with what Congress is considering, and winning a news cycle doesn't make me feel better about it.

Single-payer now.

:dem:

-Laelth

anyone.

I think I would rather have these McVeigh types out and about where someone can keep an eye on and infiltrate them and be ready to throw a net over them if necessary.

We all know they are out there. Having them identify themselves just does us all a favor and makes things easier. I am sure there are cases being made against a bunch of these knuckledraggers right now.

Don