Ugh

August's campaign blackout has hurt Kerry. Following the Republican National Convention hoopla, my calculations show Bush winning by 1-3 states based on an average of polling data. Not good. Kerry needs to get out and really hit on the issues that he's strong on (and Bush is weak on): the economy, jobs, education. With record job-destruction, surely there are enough people upset at the current economic climate to think about that for an election?

As an aside, Nader isn't having as much of an effect this time... but his 1-2% is enough to lose Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin for Kerry. So, if you read my blog and were thinking of voting for Nader - DON'T, unless you want four more years of King George.

I happen to think that the US needs a third party, but the only way to achieve a credible third-party alternative is not to try and go straight for the "gold" of President. Build up a local base, win local elections. Then win state elections. Then win some congressional/senatorial seats. THEN think about the gold standard. Patience is a real virtue when it comes to the emergence of third parties. Just witness Labour in England, or the current liberals in Canada.
Mood: thoughtful
Music: New Model Army - You Weren't There