Contrast this reading of Ahnold's election with Kevin Drum's observations of the strong, ultra-conservative core of the Republican party, centered in Texas. What's going on here? I tend to think this reading, Von's reading, is off target. I don't think he has the wide-spread support of Republicans accross the nation. Insofar as he does have support, I think it is because he is perceived as being a "strong" leader, and I can't emphasize that word enough. Let me make a gross generalization and say conservatives and republicans love *strong* leaders, over and above intelligent ones. It's their key quality. Anyway, I think a good question here might be, is Ahnold re-electable? Can he maintain Repullican support in a real election?
I react differently to Ogged's comments. To me it seems you are focusing too much on Repbulicans & Democrats. What we see in California is that a candidate who defies party hardliners can command tremendous public support precisely because he breaks out of the party norm.
The accompanying problem is the institutional impediment to the nomination of such candidates. Once nominated, they win. But in the primary they get pulled down by the party hardliners.
This phenomenon is not new (we've known that candidates have to play to the fringes in the primary, the center in the general). But with the election of the Gubernator it surely is better illustrated.
Contrast this reading of Ahnold's election with Kevin Drum's observations of the strong, ultra-conservative core of the Republican party, centered in Texas. What's going on here? I tend to think this reading, Von's reading, is off target. I don't think he has the wide-spread support of Republicans accross the nation. Insofar as he does have support, I think it is because he is perceived as being a "strong" leader, and I can't emphasize that word enough. Let me make a gross generalization and say conservatives and republicans love *strong* leaders, over and above intelligent ones. It's their key quality. Anyway, I think a good question here might be, is Ahnold re-electable? Can he maintain Repullican support in a real election?
Posted by Michael | Link to this comment | 10-10-03 4:04 PM
Michael,
I react differently to Ogged's comments. To me it seems you are focusing too much on Repbulicans & Democrats. What we see in California is that a candidate who defies party hardliners can command tremendous public support precisely because he breaks out of the party norm.
The accompanying problem is the institutional impediment to the nomination of such candidates. Once nominated, they win. But in the primary they get pulled down by the party hardliners.
This phenomenon is not new (we've known that candidates have to play to the fringes in the primary, the center in the general). But with the election of the Gubernator it surely is better illustrated.
-Magik
Posted by Magik | Link to this comment | 10-10-03 7:32 PM
I think the point about the Repubs winning on money while the Dems win on the cultural front is very well taken. And pithy to boot.
Posted by Vanderleun | Link to this comment | 10-12-03 11:24 AM
Hm. What will Bush win on?
Other peoples' money?
-Magik
Posted by Magik | Link to this comment | 10-12-03 11:00 PM
good work zyrtec
Posted by pharma | Link to this comment | 12-16-05 9:14 PM
good work zyrtec
Posted by pharma | Link to this comment | 12-16-05 9:57 PM