What is it about Democrats, anyway? Why have they decided that the only road is the high road to Defeat? Why do they cave in on everything? Why are they so nervous to take a definitive stand when every poll shows that the voting public majority is against the things the Republicans want?

Sigh. Why am I still even living here? I should have left for Belgium in the 1970s when I had that program directorship offer at a startup radio station. :(

Obama = white trunks
McCain = red trunks

At this point, Obama has been hanging back, up against the ropes for 7 rounds, while McCain has been using up his energy punching and moving and doing all of the work.

Obama prepared himself to take some punches to the body, but he does a great job protecting his head.

By the 8th round, McCain is exhausted. He’s staggering, throwing wild punches, and is just generally frutrated that he can’t get to Obama.

Then, with less than 1/2 minute to go in the round, Obama sees his opening, throws some deadly punches to McCain’s head, and McCain goes down.

Fight over. Obama wins.

Obama hung on the ropes until the time was right. McCain was a dope for falling into the trap.

Rope a dope.

Well, sure. Awesome. Obama’s GOTV operation is quite impressive.

But I don’t see this as an “either” “or” thing. I see it as a “both” thing.

GOTV. Campaign hard. Respond to attacks with blistering attacks. Go negative when applicable. Be hopey and changey when you have to. Maudlin, etc.

I don’t want to lose. I don’t want it to be so close it can be stolen. I want to win big. I want to win fillibuster-proof big.

For that, we fight for every inch.

As I said: Concede Nothing.

“McCain called Obama elitists. People who don’t know how many glass houses they live in shouldn’t throw stones.”

I’m feeling much better today; thank you Sifu et al. Not that I don’t still want my DFH secret sign, though.

Note: this is not just about the 10% in the middle. It is also very much about turnout. Obama needs an excited base; he really does.

One thing the Obama campaign is really stressing in Colorado is voting by mail. That way they can get remind those passionate but flighty 20-somethings to vote as often as needed. Clever.

A statement that truly epitomizes why this is the institute of poor man. Rich men can afford fat cats to fuck.

So am I. The messaging is aimed at, what, 10% of the likely independent voters — in hopes it may sway 2 or 3 percent?

But an organized, energized GOTV — something bigger and more sophisticated than the fundies ever knew — is worth way way more because you’re dealing with the 50% of people who don’t usually vote, or who don’t figure into the normal electoral calculus. I’d say Obama is, right now, being underpolled by 4 to 5% just because of it.