I always like to watch the effect the fringes of each party has on the health of the party. During the 2004 election cycle, I watched as the rabid zealots pushed candidates who had no shot at winning a general election. Even though these folks had no shot, they were treated as credible contenders by the media. Remember the Howard Dean phenomena?
What's interesting right now is that the two parties have split in how they handle their fringes. Democrats have embraced the fringe. Howard Dean is now a mainstay of the DNC. Michael Moore is the new voice of the Democratic Party. And Ned Lamont is the Democratic candidate for Senator from Connecticut.
Compare that with the Republicans. In Tennessee, the money went to Bob Corker in the primaries, not Ed Bryant, the truly conservative candidate. Tennessee Republicans chose a candidate who could convincingly run to the center,one that would not offend or scare off the moderate voter.
Which strategy will prove more successful? We'll find out tonight.
Posted by Rich at November 7, 2006 2:34 PM | TrackBack