Michael,
The most brilliant decision you guys made in 1996 was to jump on Bob Dole’s poetic concept of being a bridge to a better past. And though I still think the notion of “building a bridge to the 21st century” is utterly ridiculous–you don’t need a bridge to something that comes upon you inexorably–it was a devastating political play.
Among the many signs of disaster here was that “Kennedy and Liberal Night” indicates the Democrats are this year seeking to build a bridge to the past as well. Trying to remind people of a high-water mark 40 years ago is, I think, political insanity–as Republicans learned from the Dole speech. The very fact that your fellow Democrats are still thrilling over Clinton’s speech is another species of this. Sorry to tell you, but Clinton’s speech did Gore no good, no good whatsoever. The bipartisan Battleground Poll indicates that not only hasn’t Gore gotten a bounce–he’s actually sunk three points since yesterday.
I’m happy you’re having a good time. Honestly. You should enjoy it while you can, because I think things are going to be changing in Washington come November.
