Gets Worse

The GOP loses another senate seat as Gordon Smith falls in Oregon. What happened?

In the end, the Democrats succeeded primarily because of two factors. First was the willingness of a little-known rookie speaker of the Oregon House, Jeff Merkley, to ignore the advice of friends who thought he should stay in his job and eventually run for governor. Instead, Merkley decided to challenge Smith when more established political figures weren't willing to take the gamble.

Second was the decision of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and it's hyper-aggressive chairman, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, to back Merkley to the hilt. The committee helped Merkley fend off a tough primary challenge and spent $11.6 million on ads attacking Smith -- more than anyone else in the race, candidates included.

Polls from both sides showed the race essentially tied in the last week. Isaacs said he figured two things put Merkley over the top: the superior voter turnout effort mounted by Democrats and an ad featuring Obama urging Oregonians to help him by electing Merkley.

Hope and Change strike again.

Obama Frank on Abortion

Barney Frank, the gay Massachusetts congressman who faced a scandal, and a remprimand, 18 years ago for using his public powers to help his male prostitute boyfriend, is the first Democrat to say that Sarah Palin's personal life should be part of the campaign conversation.

"Apparently she’s a great favorite with the conservative social movement," Frank said. "They have said that it’s liberalism and liberals who have undermined families — same-sex marriage has been a problem, they don’t want gay people to adopt ... This helps undercut those arguments."

I say, let Democrats push the story all they want - in the end, it helps McCain. The power of Palin as a candidate is that she represents real Americans. A pregnant daughter can happen to anyone, regardless of political philosophy. The question is, how do parents respond?

"Well, hers is a family in great turmoil," added Frank. "She fired the state police commissioner because he wouldn’t fire her sister’s ex-husband. She has a daughter who became pregnant. That’s not her fault."

Obama, while playing like he's staying out of this issue, has launched a radio commercial attacking McCain's position on abortion rights.

Here's the script:

OBAMA: I'm Barack Obama, candidate for president, and I approved this message.

VAL BARON: As a nurse practitioner with Planned Parenthood, I know abortion is one of the most difficult decisions a woman will ever make. I'm Val Baron. Let me tell you: If Roe v Wade is overturned, the lives and health of women will be put at risk. That's why this election is so important. John McCain's out of touch with women today. McCain wants to take away our right to choose. That's what women need to understand. That's how high the stakes are.

ANNCR: As president, John McCain will make abortion illegal. McCain says quote, "I do not support Roe v. Wade. It should be overturned." And listen to McCain's answer on Meet the Press:

RUSSERT: "A constitutional amendment to ban all abortions. You're for that?"
McCAIN: "Yes, sir."

VAL BARON: We can't let John McCain take away our right to choose. We can't let him take us back.

ANNCR: Paid for by Obama for America.