Strickland's problems

Mark Gottlieb predicts in the August 16 Dayton Daily News on page A16 (commentary) about what will happen in the election.

Making political predictions at this advanced stage of an election year is way too easy to be considered respectable work. So, herewith a longer-term prediction:If J. Kenneth Blackwell loses the election for governor, he will be back. But if Ted Strickland loses, he's done for, at least for high office.

At the point of Gottliebs editorial, Strickland was leading in the polls by double digits. So why be worried about Strickland losing? It implies two things, the first of which is nervousness about Strickland's true lead. The second is being able to show what weaknesses Strickland has overcome, which in this case are doubts in the voters minds should he lose.

Both are at play in the commentary, but once again Strickland's friends are nervous about him leading.

Please e-mail the Editor-in-Chief with any questions.

Blackwell risin'

JKB has shown his leadership skills again by setting up the debates. Even the opposition organ,
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer notes in an August 28, page B7 editorial

[w]hen it comes to debate-rigging, Blackwell has called the shots and Strickland has let himself be led around by the nose. That glimpse of Strickland's leadership qualities ought to trouble every one of his supporters.

In politics the Challenger always wants more debates and the poll-leader wants less. Yet TS agreed to four debates, which means he's runnin' real scared about his position. Of course the above sentence should include the following caveat: That glimpse of Strickland's leadership qualities ought to trouble every one of his supporters, including us.

I'm back after summer and no, the house is not painted.

Please e-mail the Editor-in-Chief with any questions.