Fwiw, I don't believe that Hillary's 3 AM style fearmongering did her any good. The late deciders broke more than 2 to 1 for her, but I think some of that was self-inflicted wounds by Obama (esp. the NAFTA business).

On the other hand, I do think it's likely that Mark Penn and others of the knaves and fools surrounding Hillary will act as if the fearmongering did the trick. So, yes, we're likely to see more of it in the short term. But I don't think it will work. I think it could backfire and end up destroying her campaign (which is on life support anyway). It could also help to inoculate Obama in the general election against such attacks, or convince the Republicans that they won't work.

There are positives to prolonging the campaign, as you say. In particular, it will force the Dems to get hyper-organized in the remaining primary states, rather than waiting several months. And it will keep the focus on the Dems, while McCain languishes in the shadows. The negatives are likely to be ephemeral.

It should also show us whether Obama really is able to fend off attacks from Republicans other than Alan Keyes, with Clinton doing her best imitation of GOP attack politics.
smintheus | Homepage | 03.05.08 - 12:30 pm | #

I've just spent the last few hours reminding myself of just that Smintheus. It's a good point that now Obama gets to show how he deals with smear attacks and perceived defeat. That should be enlightening.

I do wish it could have been decided yesterday all the same. I'm really sick of the silly season. It's lasted way too long already.
Libby Spencer | Homepage | 03.05.08 - 3:35 pm | #