ChrisWeigant.com » 2006 Elections

From The Archives -- Take Jimmy Carter's Advice On The Primary Calendar

Chris Weigant — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 23:23:19 +0000

It shouldn't surprise anyone to hear that the Democrats could have made a bold visionary change, but instead decided to tinker around the edges of a problem. While I'm glad they're attempting anything new at all, I am also once again disappointed in them for missing a golden opportunity.

A Little Celebritician History

Chris Weigant — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 00:30:23 +0000

Donald Trump is unique. Let's start off with that. He's an outsider to the political process, he's got name recognition other candidates would die for, and he makes his own rules out on the campaign trail. He is (to use a word I coined a while back) a "celebritician" -- a celebrity who decided he'd become a politician. This horrifies many, mostly because he's been so successful (so far). But he's certainly not the first celebrity to toss his hat into the political ring, although he is the first big one to emerge on the Republican side in a while (ever since the days of Senator Fred Thompson, by my reckoning). But since each celebritician is unique, can anything be learned from the past history of quixotic celebrity political campaigns?

My Final Midterm Election Picks

Chris Weigant — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:03:28 +0000

We are now officially down to the wire for the 2014 midterm elections. How well will the Republicans do this year? Will the Democrats hold the line in the Senate? Tune in tomorrow night....

Run, Clay, Run!

Chris Weigant — Wed, 14 May 2014 00:20:53 +0000

Right before the 2006 general election took place, I wrote a column titled "Celebrity Candidate Casting Call," which pointed out the disparity between the two American political parties when it came to fielding celebrity candidates. The reason why it was noteworthy was the imbalance tilted exactly the opposite direction that one would assume -- Republican celebrities had jumped into politics, often very successfully, in numbers that far outpaced Democratic celebrities. Since everyone knows Hollywood is a bastion of liberalism, the article was written in a "head-scratching" sort of tone. Why, I wondered, didn't Democrats actually stand up for their beliefs by running for public office, and why were there so many Republicans doing so?

Congress: Nice Work, If You Can Get It

Chris Weigant — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 23:37:31 +0000

The low water mark is the Senate, this year, who has seen fit to only show up one-half of the weekdays available to it. They took an astonishing twenty-eight workdays off, in under three months' time. That is taking almost six weeks off, to put it another way.

So Long, Joe

Chris Weigant — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:36:33 +0000

Senator Joe Lieberman will announce tomorrow (from all reports) that he will not be seeking another term in the Senate. Democrats across the land are collectively heaving a large sigh of relief at the news. "So long, Joe," seems to be the prevailing sentiment, although if you listen closely you can hear the muttered "... don't let the door hit you on the way out," or other less-than-endearing sentiments.

What, Exactly, Was Pelosi Supposed To Do?

Chris Weigant — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:37:54 +0000

Listening to the news over the past week, it would be easy to come to the conclusion that Nancy Pelosi was personally responsible for torturing prisoners. Because that's how the storyline seemed, if you had just beamed in from Mars and didn't know anything else about the debate on prisoner interrogation. The problem is, we have not just arrived on this planet, and Nancy Pelosi will ultimately wind up in the history books with a footnote (if that) in the description of what took place under George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. But her critics in the past few days have remarkably failed to answer a very basic question (not that the media is really asking, but maybe they'll get around to it) -- what, exactly, was Nancy Pelosi supposed to do?

The New Deal Lesson Republicans Are Ignoring (At Their Peril)

Chris Weigant — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:57:44 +0000

Barack Obama is our first post-baby-boom president. He was supposed to usher in a new era, where we wouldn't have to fight the social battles of the 1960s all over again. Instead, we are now apparently going to fight the battles of the 1930s.

Give Howard Dean The Job

Chris Weigant — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:12:15 +0000

Howard Dean is a man of many titles. You can call him Governor Dean, or Chairman Dean, or even ex-presidential candidate Dean. But the one title which qualifies him to be named as Secretary of Health and Human Services is Doctor Dean. Now that Tom Daschle has withdrawn from consideration (due to a few tax problems), Howard Dean should be first on the list of possible appointees.

Friday Talking Points [60] -- Democratic Assertiveness Training

Chris Weigant — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:03:44 +0000

What a week! With Congress back in session, with the excitement of newly-elected members being sworn in (or barred at the door, as the case may be), and with the ever-increasing anticipation of the inauguration, Washington was in a tizzy all week. Larry Flynt apparently asked Congress for a $5 billion bailout of the porn industry and it barely made the news, because there was so much else going on. That's the kind of week it was.

Thank You, Howard Dean

Chris Weigant — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:52:47 +0000

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Howard Dean for all he has done to resuscitate the Democratic Party. Dean is stepping down soon as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (Obama announced his successor today), after steering the party through the 2006 and the 2008 elections.

Final Election Picks Wrapup

Chris Weigant — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:44:43 +0000

OK, I know it's been a week and we've got to move on. The election is over, the dust has settled, and I really should be writing about something else rather than indulging in navel-gazing. But I can't help myself. I have to write one more article about the election, and in particular my picks. I apologize in advance. If you don't like watching someone else pat themselves on the back, then just skip today's article altogether and go out and decorate a veteran's grave. You have been warned.

Friday Talking Points [54] -- Republican Fossilization

Chris Weigant — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:09:49 +0000

Of course, the big question on everyone's mind right now is: What is going on up in Minnesota? Al Franken is tantalizingly close to taking a lead in his Senate race, but very few details are available in the media (with the exception of this report from the Huffington Post) to let us know exactly what is going on. So I went to the source, and contacted the Franken campaign for some details.

Rerun: Happy Days Are Here Again, So Don't Screw It Up

Chris Weigant — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:04:43 +0000

[This is a repeat of a column I did right after the 2006 election. Most of it is still appropriate, but since I am taking a few days off for a well-needed (and, in my humble opinion, well-deserved) rest, it suggested itself as the best possible column to run today. I still love the tinky piano soundtrack -- paid for by my tax dollars, no less. The Toles cartoon is still hilarious, and could have run today. Some of the items are out of date, however. Now would be a dandy time to strip Lieberman of his committee assignments, for instance. In any case, I beg the gentle reader's forgiveness for this re-run, but it's been a long two years....]

Friday Talking Points [20] -- Populism 101

Chris Weigant — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:56:06 +0000

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have, of late, been inserting Populist themes into their speeches, in an effort to (depending on who you listen to) win votes in Ohio and Pennsylvania, or court John Edwards' endorsement. Since this may be the last time I will address talking points to both campaigns, I thought I'd run through a few handy Neo-Populist positions for either Hillary or Barack to insert into their speeches.

My "McLaughlin Awards" For 2007 [Part 1]

Chris Weigant — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:41:51 +0000

For those of you who have been reading this column long enough, you may remember a fun set of columns (Part 1 and Part 2) I wrote last year, giving my picks for the annual tongue-in-cheek awards handed out by the McLaughlin Group television show.

Because I had so much fun doing it last year, I present for your amusement, agreement, and/or rage my selections for this year's awards. This is a two-week event, so check back here next Friday for Part 2.

As always when this column hands out awards, our eminent jury consists of me, my wife, and our cat (who breaks ties with her vote). So I wouldn't take it too seriously.

Bush Political Officers De-Funded

Chris Weigant — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 00:21:33 +0000

Back in the old Soviet Union, official groups both large and small always had at least one "political officer" in them, to guarantee that whatever the group did was in step with current Party ideology. The Bush White House, taking its cue from this Soviet-era practice, decided that this was a good idea, earlier this year (after the Democratic takeover of Congress in last year's elections).

Capital Gains, Income, And Taxes

Chris Weigant — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:24:51 +0000

This is monstrously unfair to the middle class, or working class, who are subsidizing the rich by having to pay more taxes than they do. There is absolutely no reason not to tax capital gains at exactly the same rate as all other income is taxed, other than "Wah! We're rich, and we don't want to pay taxes!" (which I don't consider a valid reason). Income is income, no matter how you make it. I would be willing to bet that most Americans would agree with that statement.

Reforming California's (And Everyone Else's) Primary

Chris Weigant — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 00:47:53 +0000

More...The basic facts: California experimented with an early primary by moving from their traditional June date up to March. Californians voted in March for three election cycles (including the last presidential election), and then the gnomes in Sacramento decided to change it back to June. They unanimously (Republicans and Democrats) voted to do so last year, with virtually no public debate and very little media attention. They are now facing the consequences of this decision: California will be completely irrelevant in the 2008 presidential primary. So they're tinkering with it again. The new idea is to keep the primary for statewide offices in June (which leaves a shorter campaign season for Sacramento politicians, the original reason why it was moved back to June), and have a separate presidential primary in early February every four years. Since this means two primaries, it would cost millions of extra taxpayer dollars.

Happy Days Are Here Again, So Don't Screw It Up

Chris Weigant — Sat, 11 Nov 2006 00:35:05 +0000

(6) There are quite a few Democratic leaders who need to make a public act of contrition to Howard Dean. He was right. His "50 state" strategy worked. He has been utterly and totally vindicated. Democrats picked up seats in the red-state bastions of Kansas, Montana, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana. The "battleground states only" strategy should have a stake driven through its heart for good. Dean was right. Admit it and get over it. Then work towards building upon the foundation Dean has laid, in preparation for 2008. (7) Put down the crack pipe and back away from "impeachment." This is not going to make me friends on the hard left, but everyone should just calm down and review their basic American Civics lessons.

Here Are My Election Picks -- What Are Yours?

Chris Weigant — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 00:17:33 +0000

Senate Close races: Democrats win: Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington. Republicans win: Arizona, Nevada, Tennessee. Total: Democrats -- 51 Republicans -- 49

BOO!! [Two Terrifying Tales]

Chris Weigant — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 20:16:06 +0000

My 2006 Jack O'Lanterns. Spooky, eh?

Will 2006 Be The Year Of The Latino Voter?

Chris Weigant — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 22:55:54 +0000

When immigrants are used as scapegoats to win elections, however, they remember it. When they vote -- even years later -- they are inclined to vote against the party that used such tactics.

Celebrity Candidate Casting Call

Chris Weigant — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:05:45 +0000

Finally, there's my favorite choice for a Democratic candidate: Al Franken. Anyone who has seen Robin Williams' new movie Man of the Year is already considering the question: could a comedian win the Presidency? Well... maybe, maybe not. But Franken has set his sights a little lower, publicly discussing how he's positioning himself for a Senate run from Minnesota in 2008. I truly think he could win, and I would love to see Senator Franken in action. C-SPAN meets Comedy Central! Because he's good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it, people like him.

Toss Republicans An Anvil

Chris Weigant — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 22:57:01 +0000

Democrats would strongly promise that immediately after the election they will send a delegation to the White House (from their newly-won congressional majorities) to sit down and create an exit strategy for Iraq; one that "saves face" for America -- and for Bush. Promise that all meetings will be absolutely closed-door, with no leaks. Furthermore, promise that all credit for the plan will be equally shared between Bush and Democrats (this is key). Promise that before the end of 100 days, a plan for moving forward will emerge. By doing this, Democrats would be seen by the electorate as actually being stronger on national defense than Republicans -- just by admitting that something needs to be done.

Reaching Values Voters And Mastering The Brush-off

Chris Weigant — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 20:03:19 +0000

I don't admire Reagan for much, but I have to admit he perfected the "brush-off" answer. He often did it with humor, he did it sometimes by being insufferably glib or patronizing -- but the result was the same, no matter how he pulled it off: whatever question he was responding to would never be asked again. One of many examples was when his advanced age was seen as an issue in the 1984 campaign, and he quipped during a debate: "I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent's youth and inexperience." It got a big laugh. And he got re-elected as the oldest President ever. This is a valuable political trait which earned Reagan the "Teflon" title, and it's a shame the Democrats can't seem to master it.

Last Call For 2006 "October Surprise" Bets!

Chris Weigant — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 20:02:12 +0000

(10) National emergency declared (for some reason or another), midterm elections cancelled. Attorney General Gonzales, backed by the Supreme Court, announces that all congressional elections are null and void, as the President as Unitary Executive (all praise His Name) will be dictating who will be allowed to serve in Congress, due to a Presidential signing statement that, unfortunately, you can't read (for reasons of national security, and the fact that we're at war, dammit); and due to the Omniscient Power of Our Fearless Leader George W. Bush -- long may His Holy Name be revered by the loving populace. Odds: too scary to compute

How To Win The Campaign Ad War: Planet Republican vs. Down-To-Earth Democrats

Chris Weigant — Wed, 20 Sep 2006 19:50:31 +0000

"On Planet Republican, the Iraq war is in its 'last throes'... meanwhile back on Earth, the insurgency is on the brink of full-scale civil war." "Five years ago, on Planet Republican, George Bush said he'd get Osama Bin Laden 'dead or alive'... but it took Democrats in Congress to bring him back to Earth and force him not to disband the CIA's Bin Laden unit."

The Jeffords Solution To A 50-50 Tie In The Senate

Chris Weigant — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 20:17:05 +0000

There must be a final word of caution here. When playing sneaky politics, it's always a good idea to watch your back. Joe Lieberman has already proven twice that he puts his own personal ambition ahead of the interests of the party.

A Big Senate Race From A Very Small State

Chris Weigant — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 04:16:24 +0000

It's really a lose-lose situation for the Republicans all around, which is why it's the second most amusing race this year to watch (the prize belongs, of course, to the Katherine Harris circus down in Florida).

Good Democratic Campaign Tactics: Bush And Gas Prices

Chris Weigant — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:48:14 +0000

Demonstrate your dedication to fighting for middleclass families by clearly explaining how you will work to keep down the price of gas if elected to Congress. Hold an event at a gas station or other logical location where you call for a real commitment to bringing down gas prices and pledge that, as a member of Congress, you will fight for families in your district, not the oil and gas executives for which this Republican Congress has fought so hard.

Campaign Ads For The Katrina And 9/11 Anniversary Season: "Got Competence?"

Chris Weigant — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 20:06:32 +0000

Democrats need to tie Congressional Republicans as tightly as possible to Bush's policies, and then hammer away at their failures. The great squishy middle of American voters aren't very ideologically inclined one way or another, but they do like to see a minimum of competence from the people they elect. Painting the Republicans as "the party of incompetence" will swing a lot of independent votes to the Democrats.

October Surprise 2006: Place Your Bets Now!

Chris Weigant — Wed, 16 Aug 2006 20:09:14 +0000

(10) Announce that Barbara and/or Jenna Bush has joined the Marines and will soon be deploying to Iraq. Odds: 17.5 billion to 1

Take Jimmy Carter's Advice On The Primary Calendar

Chris Weigant — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 02:58:50 +0000

We can do better than this. The ideas are already out there. Letting Nevada and South Carolina participate in early primaries and caucuses is a good idea, and I hope it is given a chance to work. But I can't help feeling it's a baby step when it should have been a giant leap.

The Plastic Loan Shark In Your Wallet

Chris Weigant — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:23:49 +0000

How many voters in Red State America would strongly consider electing a Democrat if it meant the cost of their credit cards would go down? How many swing voters would be swung by such an appeal? Most importantly, how many economically-struggling non-voters would take the time to register and vote if they were promised an end to 28% or 29% interest rates on their credit cards?

A New Direction For America? [part 2]

Chris Weigant — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 03:02:09 +0000

My fear is that the document is too cautious and does not have bold enough policy initiatives to break into the mainstream media's horse-race mentality -- and therefore will never get heard by the vast majority of voters. This would be a shame, since the ideas are good.

A New Direction For America? [part 1]

Chris Weigant — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 01:43:32 +0000

The best thing about the document is that it's short and to the point. Each issue is spelled out in plain language on the first page, as a focused and positive idea. The second page is a good blueprint for putting Republicans on the defense. Democrats should memorize and repeat the items on both lists every chance they get.

Democratic Demagoguery

Chris Weigant — Sat, 10 Jun 2006 04:24:14 +0000

But Democrats can't just phone in their campaign, the way they seem to be doing. They can't win just by being anti-Republicans. They can't win just because everyone has figured out Bush is an idiot. They can't win just by using Newt Gingrich's suggested campaign slogan: "Had enough?" It's downright pathetic that even Newt feels sorry enough for the Democrats to give them campaign strategy advice. And although the "culture of corruption" phrase is a good one, it's still not enough to win. Democrats need to complete the sentence: "When we take control of Congress, this is what we're going to do for all voters: ...."