1. There are so many of them out there and 99-44/100ths of them slam the event. It's a very big news story.

2. Last but not least. As soon as I saw the footage, I felt this performance would make a difference in other races across the country. As I often note, here in North Carolina funerals are a somber business and their place in the culture is a large one. You simply do NOT turn the service, funeral OR memorial, into a rock concert whether politically motivated or not. Elizabeth Dole's lead has dwindled to six points so I hope like hell I'm right. Thank goodness for Jesse Ventura's plain speaking which has been shown even on the lefty news channels.

And, in closing, I'd like to mention that it is George and Laura Bush's class since they moved into the White House that has helped to throw this affair into such stark contrast.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Answers

I'm SO tired of Massachusetts political campaigning right now that it is a welcome break. Plus there is a very nasty governor and senate race in NH that is flooding the tv and radio adds as well. I lived in Minnesota for 2 years, just after Hubert Humphrey died. He was one of those great politicians for whom everyone knew at least one person whom he had helped on a personal level.

Our biggy is Mitt I-cleaned-up-the-2002-Olympics Romney running against Shannon O'Brien (aka Hilary O'Brien or Shannon Rodman O'Brien). Romney has tons of class. A gorgeous creature (Shannon was very miffed by an ad that had him topless, probably because she couldn't pull it off). And a dedicated Mormon which I think might be the basis for his honest family man values. O'Brien is pure socialist bitch. I was so sure I would be voting third party, but I think I need to cast a vote for Romney so if won't be my fault if she wins.

I ran into O'Brien in the ladies room at work a few weeks ago. Just her and me after hours. She said "hi", I said "hi". I'm thinking to myself, boy she's a dead ringer for O'Brien. Fortunately she left before I could tell her what I really thought of her (not a good move at work). We're a very politically connected firm, so it wasn't out of the question to run into her, except that I never heard any word about her being in the building. Now Romney, I don't think it is very likely that I would run into him in the ladies room at work.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Even here in Iowa where local politics aren't normally too bad or discussed all that much, it has been a bad year. Everyone is sick of the ads being run by the two candidates for governor. Locally, the people trying to get unseat incumbents on the board of supervisors are going out door-to-door to talk to everyone - this is totally unheard of. I think a lot has to do with the fact that people were pissed that the county went for Gore last election and the Dems have been in control of the county for some time and nothing good is getting done. Enough new people have moved into the county and want something more than the good 'ol boy network and "that's the way we have always done it" routine. I know I am voting for anyone that is NOT an incumbent. I am impressed with the willingness of some of these people to get out and meet people.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

I agree with you beckie. candidates who go out to meet the people door to door are much better than the type who assume that since they are seeking reelection everyone knows them. It may not be such a good thing if everyone knows them as the type who 'maintain the status quo' of 'this is how it is always done.' New people, qualified new people, are and should be welcomed in the hopes that things will be moving forward. 'Maintaining' is stagnant.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

The other thing that has really disgusted me about this fall's elections has been the telemarketing onslaught. It was far worse leading up to the primary. Sometimes it was a live voice and then I could scream that NO WAY IN HELL WOULD I VOTE FOR THAT SOCIALIST! SLAM!!! But usually it was just a recording. I even had one from Senator McCain in support of one of the democratic candidates for lieutenant governor. LIKE I GIVE A RATS ASS ABOUT WHO AN ARIZONA SENATOR THINKS SHOULD BE OUR IMPOTENT LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR!!

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Oh, come to think of it, it was a Republican candidate McCain was so deeply concerned about.

Glad to report that the telemarketing calls settled down and my blood pressure is almost back to normal...

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

need some aspirin, Brooks? How about a Valium? ;)

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002

Just got back from putting out Heron signs. (The one we know and love.) More to put out tomorrow.

-- Anonymous, October 31, 2002