Some thoughts on tonight's debate among the candidates for California governor...and other things:

First, I absolutely loved the format, which encouraged pointed exchanges between candidates. And there were some sharp ones, most notably the one-liners traded by Arnie and Ariana over the former's notoriously poor treatment of women. It was utterly riveting but also surprisingly substantive thanks in particular to Green Party candidate Peter Camejo. That guy really impressed (and frankly inspired) me. Everyone had their moments, but he really demonstrated understanding of the issues.

From a purely tactical perspective, however, the clear winner was Cruz Bustamonte, who played it just right under the circumstances. (Everything but the use of the word "panacea," which made him sound like a dork.) He gives the impression that he's willing to listen--even to those who harangue him relentlessly. It lets him look and sound like a governor listening to constituents and legislators. It also gives him the appearance of standing above the fray. It strikes me that this would be a very effective tactic for some enterprising candidate to adopt in the debates for the presidential nomination.

I think Wesley Clark, in particular, could benefit from such a move. Particularly if he referenced other candidates' ideas that he liked and would emulate. This makes special sense for Clark since he enters the race late without having had a chance to articulate a platform. Such a move would allow him to co-opt and thereby free-ride on the efforts of his rivals. The best part is he would look progressive and presidential as part of the bargain.

Indeed, the progressive theme is something he would be wise to adopt as a general matter. Gore blew it in 2000 by misjudging the neo-Progressive impulse as a populist one. But American politics have come a long way since the days of Pat's pitchfork brigade and Perot's giant sucking sound. And, for that matter, Clinton's 1992 campaign for "Putting People First." My suspicion is that this is why John Edwards' campaign is failing--and why William Saletan is simply loony to advise democrats to emulate it. Clinton didn't become popular until he started tapping the angst of the middle class , which he soothed with relatively minor initiatives of largely symbolic significance.

Now, however, I sense that angst has turned to righteous indignation, particularly as it becomes increasingly obvious how much control big business and other such special interests have over the political process and daily life itself. September 11th and the war in Iraq have placed something of a damper on the rage, but I still think it's there, smoldering and waiting for the right person with the right message--and personality--to tap it.
- posted by bigmouth @ 10:49 PM