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Bass' Base Problem: The Biggest Tell of the Debate

by: Dean Barker

Wed Oct 27, 2010 at 06:10:55 AM EDT
When the candidates had a chance to ask each other questions, Annie Kuster zeroed in on Charlie Bass' full-throated suppport of the Tea Party.  You know the famous line: "Their agenda is exactly is exactly the same as mine."

This was a smart move by Annie, since this is by far the highest profile media event of the season for them, with the potential to reach broad swaths of the general electorate, including the key third of independent voters.

Charlie's response was a surprise to me: he wholly and enthusiastically owned up to his march to the hard right.  Compare that, e.g., to his series of "I'm a independent - really!" general election ads from 2006.

When you take the biggest, last opportunity you have to reach out to everyone, and use it instead to stoke the voters who should already be in your pocket, this is a huge tell.

Charlie Bass has a significant GOP base problem.

His response to which only aggravates his other problem - former supporters going over to Annie, which will be the highlight of today's Team Kuster day.
Dean Barker :: Bass' Base Problem: The Biggest Tell of the Debate
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Bass' Base Problem: The Biggest Tell of the Debate | 6 comments
Contrast (0.00 / 0)
Annie made the move to pick Charlie's pocket of Republican's. When asked about the $2 Million just dedicated to exploring the Capitol Corridor, high speed rail project, Annie put her "frugal" foot forward.

As what you may call "the base," I would have preferred a stirring affirmation of the long slog by Gov. Lynch, Sec. Campbell, and grassroots activists who have stuck to it. (Maybe even a smackdown of Mr. Fink) I would have preferred some points about the quick injection of jobs and the long term growth associated rail. I would have preferred a statement that basically asserted that "this is just what we need and thank you to Congressman Hodes for all that he has done on this."

But we got "frugal."

Don't get me wrong. I know Annie is being square with voters. She is not reckless on fiscal matters. I love that about her. I want her to be "frugal." I'm stoked that she will go to D.C. with her finely tuned Yankee sensibilities.

Further, I'm excited that her instincts are to reach out at this critical moment. She must feel secure that she has the base. Unlike Charlie Bass, who panders to the tricorn hat crowd. The ones who reject him. The ones that Cornerstone must beg, against their own stated principles, to cast a ballot for Bass. The ones that see Sarah Palin as Presidential material.

So, I believe Annie. I trust Annie's political instincts. But, as a member off the base, I would have preferred a little "Fired Up! Ready to Go!"

But the Indies aren't buying that.

Whack-a-mole, anyone?

Hey Jack - Stop criticizing Annie! (4.00 / 2)
Jeez, Jack, she's not a pinata, she's our nominee.  Time to get with the program.

(heh heh heh)

[ Parent ]
Rest Your Phonebanking Finger, D. (0.00 / 0)
So many numbers to dial!

Whack-a-mole, anyone?
[ Parent ]
This may be why. (0.00 / 0)
Bass is using "The Kiss" gimmick.


Whack-a-mole, anyone?
[ Parent ]
as to my Plumber (4.00 / 1)
Bob the plumber is a great guy. Our kids played sports together growing up, but he has become hacked off at politicians...listens to Beck, and goes to Concord Tea party meetings. I know he cares deeply about America and New Hampshire, but he is scared. We aren't seeing new houses built at any rate like the late 80's and 90's and he is suffering under the weight of reduced income, college loans etc.
He freaks out at SEIE and IAFF...you can't be a volunteer fireman w/o paying the State for licensing, etc., etc. World going to hell in a bucket. He is locked and loaded.

At the polls on primary day I asked him about Charlie...he curled his lip and said "Charlie Bass? he's an insider for Chrissakes"

Beginning and end of story.

for transparency sake ~I represent Union print shops

Bass is Desperate (0.00 / 0)
The mailer we got today shows exactly how desperate and depraved the Bass campaign has become, trying to strike fear into the elderly with the statement that Annie is going to take your medicare away from you.  Mine immediately went in the recycle bin at the post office.
Bass' Base Problem: The Biggest Tell of the Debate | 6 comments

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