Nevada top political pundit in WAPO interview about tomorrow's caucus

[ursi]

Hampton, Va.: The hilarious part of the whole racism dustup in the Democratic race (MLK, the Spanish ads in Nevada, etc.) is that the Democrats honed these tactics when they were the defenders of an aggrieved victim class versus the evil Republicans. But what to do when both candidates are members of aggrieved victim classes themselves? Can they both play victim politics? Well, they're trying -- and they'll certainly bring this nonsense out en masse for the general election -- but it just looks stupid by both of them. Does this diminish the power of victimization in the real race? Isn't that the Democrats ultimate trump card -- it disallows media inquiry into Obama, sets off-limits certain criticisms of Hillary?

Jon Ralston: Even if your construct is correct, it won't last. Nothing will be off-limits very soon -- and all kinds of nastiness are coming. Victimization, by the way, is difficult when you are asking people to install you as the most powerful person on the planet. Difficult needle to thread there, isn't it?

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/01/14/DI2008011401387.html

[HeraldSquare212]

1. Interesting - he says Yucca is not a big issue for people. nt

[ursi]

2. Yeah, and he lives down in LV, next door to Yucca Mtn.

[papau]

3. Excellent discussion - predicts Obama but doesn't really know - and union effect clear after

reading the transcript.


New York: We have heard a lot about unions pressuring their members (or not pressuring their members) to caucus for Obama. Do you think this is going to play a significant part in tomorrow's caucus? And as a follow up, if union members are largely Latino and minority, do think these demographics trump the union expectations?

washingtonpost.com: Democrats toughen up (Las Vegas Sun, Jan. 18)

Jon Ralston: The answer to your last question may be the key to the election. That is, will women and Hispanics in the Culinary --Hispanics make up about 40 percent of the union members -- who might lean toward Hillary Clinton stick with her, or out of union solidarity, go with Obama? If it were a secret ballot, I think the Culinary's impact would be diminished. But these folks will be standing with other union members and openly stating their preference. How many will go against the union's wishes?

[featherman]

4. Very interesting... some good insights but much is

just guesswork as he freely admits. I do appreciate links like this so thanks.