Today marks 100 days until the 2008 presidential election.<\/p>\n
Normally by this point in a presidential campaign both candidates (and Ralph Nader) have settled into the glidepath toward the respective conventions (Nader actually has one, usually in a Waffle House beside the La Quinta Inn; they\u2019re always together, no one knows why). The only drama at this point is usually speculation about Vice President picks and potential convention keynote speakers.<\/p>\n
This is clearly not a typical election cycle.<\/p>\n
As of today the RCP average has Obama ahead of McCain by 3.2 points but the Gallup\/USA Today poll has McCain up by 4 points. I\u2019ll keep a running tally on polling figures but keep in mind that a lot can happen in 100 days.<\/p>\n
The stage is set for a historical race. The Republican presumptive nominee is not exactly endeared to the conservative base but is viewed favorably by fiscal and pro-military Republicans. The Democrat presumptive nominee is the most liberal member of the US Senate and defeated a former first lady by running left of all comers on all issues.<\/p>\n
McCain is trying to appeal to conservatives while Obama is racing to the center, much to the chagrin of his far left base. <\/p>\n
So, where are we on day 100?<\/p>\n
McCain is trying to waffle on energy and he may even fold completely and propose drilling in ANWR. Obama\u2019s dream tour last weekend was almost flawless. Almost is a big word in politics. Cancelling a trip to visit wounded soldiers in Germany because he couldn\u2019t get a photo-op out of it may be more damaging than anyone originally thought.<\/p>\n
This is going to be one for the books and Jonn, TSO and I will be here daily to try to filter the spin from the truth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"