The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Why The Delaware Primary Is A Win/Win, Barring A Full Scozzafava

Posted on | September 3, 2010 | 38 Comments

by Smitty

Reading Dan’s latest thought, and considering Ace’s ideas, it seems that we should consider letting Delaware sort this out and keep in mind the following:

  • Should Castle win the pirmary, he’ll be deeply aware of the Tea Part influence on his destiny. For at least a week. I submit that this may be a better short term outcome, as he will arguably run more strongly in two months.
  • If O’Donnell wins, then the Tea Party gains another scalp, or the GOP loses more of its centrist flavor. This could be the better long-term win.
  • In either case, if the un-winner of the Primary does the Full Scozzafava, then they were never worthy in the first place, the Democrat wins, and thank you to everyone for losing sight of the bigger picture.

UPDATE (RSM): OK, you’ve heard Smitty’s opinion. Me? I’m 100% with Christine O’Donnell, come hell or high water. She’s got Dan Riehl and Mark Levin on her side, and I’m sticking with those guys — no personal offense intended to anyone who disagrees.

What has struck me as misguided all along is the fundamental assumption made by O’Donnell’s critics that Castle can win the general, or that O’Donnell’s chances of winning Nov. 2 are significantly less than Castle’s. I am profoundly dubious of either assumption. O’Donnell is a fresh face and enormously telegenic, whereas Mike Castle . . . eh, not so much.

If there really is a GOP tidal wave coming on Nov. 2 and if an anti-Obama/anti-incumbent/anti-Washington sentiment is the energy behind that tsunami, then O’Donnell is certainly better positioned to harness that energy than Mike Castle.

CHRISTINE O’DONNELL for U.S. SENATE

Category: Christine O'Donnell, Delaware, Election, Senate

Comments

38 Responses to “Why The Delaware Primary Is A Win/Win, Barring A Full Scozzafava”

  1. Rob
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:47 pm

    After the horror show that is Dan Maes and finding out about Christine O’Donnell’s understated facts, I think the Tea Party should let this one get sorted out at a local level.

    In the meantime…viva la Joe DioGuardi and Ron Johnson! Kristen Gilbrand is going down AND YOU HEARD IT FROM HERE FIRST!

    Thank you Daniel Loeb

  2. Rob
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:47 pm

    After the horror show that is Dan Maes and finding out about Christine O’Donnell’s understated facts, I think the Tea Party should let this one get sorted out at a local level.

    In the meantime…viva la Joe DioGuardi and Ron Johnson! Kristen Gilbrand is going down AND YOU HEARD IT FROM HERE FIRST!

    Thank you Daniel Loeb

  3. Rob
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:47 pm

    After the horror show that is Dan Maes and finding out about Christine O’Donnell’s understated facts, I think the Tea Party should let this one get sorted out at a local level.

    In the meantime…viva la Joe DioGuardi and Ron Johnson! Kristen Gilbrand is going down AND YOU HEARD IT FROM HERE FIRST!

    Thank you Daniel Loeb

  4. Rob
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 6:50 pm

    So…yeah…I agree with Smitty agreeing with Dan.

  5. Rob
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 2:50 pm

    So…yeah…I agree with Smitty agreeing with Dan.

  6. richard mcenroe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:10 pm

    The RNC is involved. “Scozzafava” is not a bug, it’s a feature….

  7. richard mcenroe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:10 pm

    The RNC is involved. “Scozzafava” is not a bug, it’s a feature….

  8. NVA Patriot
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:11 pm

    The Gamepaln – short and sweet…

    1. Stop the Dem Socialists first (if we miss & kill a Rino first oops sarc)
    2. Kill the RINOs
    3. End the Obama Era (feels like eternity)
    4. Repeal all the current congress’s crap – Obmacare, finacial take over, etc.
    5. Repeal the 16th and 17th amendments
    6. Add one amendment for overturning the supreme court decisons if 60% of Congress (Not Senate) say so…
    Repeat 1&2 through eternity

  9. NVA Patriot
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:11 pm

    The Gamepaln – short and sweet…

    1. Stop the Dem Socialists first (if we miss & kill a Rino first oops \sarc)
    2. Kill the RINOs
    3. End the Obama Era (feels like eternity)
    4. Repeal all the current congress’s crap – Obmacare, finacial take over, etc.
    5. Repeal the 16th and 17th amendments
    6. Add one amendment for overturning the supreme court decisons if 60% of Congress (Not Senate) say so…
    Repeat 1&2 through eternity

  10. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:40 pm

    She’s got Dan Riehl and Mark Levin on her side, and I’m sticking with those guys — no personal offense intended to anyone who disagrees.

    None taken, and I agree Delaware Republicans need to look long and hard at the pluses and minuses of both candidates and pick the one they think can win in November. Both Riehl and Levin, while obviously partisan, are not fools.

    I do think (but do not know) that Castle would have an easier time with the Democrat than O’Donnell would. But if O’Donnell can beat Castle in the primaries, he was not that strong to begin with. If Castle beats O’Donnell, he actually might be stronger in the general (provided he does not alienate O’Donnell supporters in the process).

    I am a little worried about these negative stories about O’Donnell, but I am also worried that Castle is a RINO who could hurt us later on.

  11. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:40 pm

    She’s got Dan Riehl and Mark Levin on her side, and I’m sticking with those guys — no personal offense intended to anyone who disagrees.

    None taken, and I agree Delaware Republicans need to look long and hard at the pluses and minuses of both candidates and pick the one they think can win in November. Both Riehl and Levin, while obviously partisan, are not fools.

    I do think (but do not know) that Castle would have an easier time with the Democrat than O’Donnell would. But if O’Donnell can beat Castle in the primaries, he was not that strong to begin with. If Castle beats O’Donnell, he actually might be stronger in the general (provided he does not alienate O’Donnell supporters in the process).

    I am a little worried about these negative stories about O’Donnell, but I am also worried that Castle is a RINO who could hurt us later on.

  12. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:41 pm

    This one is best sorted out locally.

  13. Wondering Jew
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:41 pm

    I have supported pretty much every GOP insurgent campaign for Senate this cycle, but I am on Ace’s side here and think O’Donnell is a menace. She has not shown that she is qualified for the Senate, and more importantly, I think it is very, very doubtful she can win, even in a wave year.

    Delaware is a liberal state. It is not worth giving up a Senate seat in the fruitless pursuit of ideological perfection. A purple/red Sen. in a solid blue seat is a victory and the first step in making that state red.

    And even if O’Donnell somehow pulled off a miracle and won the general, I do not think that her actions and history will lend credibility to the conservative cause. A bit like Ted Kennedy being the spokesman for liberalism.

  14. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:41 pm

    This one is best sorted out locally.

  15. Wondering Jew
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:41 pm

    I have supported pretty much every GOP insurgent campaign for Senate this cycle, but I am on Ace’s side here and think O’Donnell is a menace. She has not shown that she is qualified for the Senate, and more importantly, I think it is very, very doubtful she can win, even in a wave year.

    Delaware is a liberal state. It is not worth giving up a Senate seat in the fruitless pursuit of ideological perfection. A purple/red Sen. in a solid blue seat is a victory and the first step in making that state red.

    And even if O’Donnell somehow pulled off a miracle and won the general, I do not think that her actions and history will lend credibility to the conservative cause. A bit like Ted Kennedy being the spokesman for liberalism.

  16. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:51 pm

    Mistake?

    Yes. The GOP should support candidates in the general elections, but stay the hell out of primaries.

    And as for Christie, how do I put this, the beer goggles fell off when he got involved in the Cordoba Center and he just started to look like just another fat guy from Jersey.

  17. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:51 pm

    Mistake?

    Yes. The GOP should support candidates in the general elections, but stay the hell out of primaries.

    And as for Christie, how do I put this, the beer goggles fell off when he got involved in the Cordoba Center and he just started to look like just another fat guy from Jersey.

  18. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 3:53 pm

    If a loser in the primaries even hints at a Scozzafava, however, the GOP should make clear that candidate is dead to us.

  19. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:53 pm

    If a loser in the primaries even hints at a Scozzafava, however, the GOP should make clear that candidate is dead to us.

  20. mom
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 8:15 pm

    Your not publishing “thats the rumor” posts ? I mean come on RS McCain , I thought that was what all the cool kids did .

  21. mom
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 4:15 pm

    Your not publishing “thats the rumor” posts ? I mean come on RS McCain , I thought that was what all the cool kids did .

  22. Who needs Democrats when you have guys like Mike Castle? | The Lonely Conservative
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 5:49 pm

    […] Stacy McCain doesn’t even believe O’Donnell isn’t electable in Delaware. What has struck me as misguided all along is the fundamental assumption made by O’Donnell’s critics that Castle can win the general, or that O’Donnell’s chances of winning Nov. 2 are significantly less than Castle’s. I am profoundly dubious of either assumption. O’Donnell is a fresh face and enormously telegenic, whereas Mike Castle . . . eh, not so much. […]

  23. Adobe Walls
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 11:28 pm

    If Delaware is that liberal a state then it’s lost to civilization anyway and whatever it sends to Washington will be unclean. I say kill the RINO, dare to be great, go for the conservative. There will be many risks that must be taken in order to overthrow the Bolsheviks, some will not break our way.

  24. Adobe Walls
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 7:28 pm

    If Delaware is that liberal a state then it’s lost to civilization anyway and whatever it sends to Washington will be unclean. I say kill the RINO, dare to be great, go for the conservative. There will be many risks that must be taken in order to overthrow the Bolsheviks, some will not break our way.

  25. Christine O – about to knock down a Castle « The Radio Patriot
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 8:34 pm

    […] her out.  “Others” have and what they know of her, they like.   We do too.  That, and it doesn’t hurt that […]

  26. Layaway
    September 4th, 2010 @ 12:45 am

    This is a PRIMARY. It is the one place where you CAN vote your conscience. It is the one place where you are SUPPOSED to vote your conscience. If you vote for someone you don’t approve of, you are voting not against the Democrats but against YOURSELF.

  27. Layaway
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 8:45 pm

    This is a PRIMARY. It is the one place where you CAN vote your conscience. It is the one place where you are SUPPOSED to vote your conscience. If you vote for someone you don’t approve of, you are voting not against the Democrats but against YOURSELF.

  28. Joe
    September 4th, 2010 @ 2:12 am

    Layaway, vote your conscience. You are right.

  29. Joe
    September 3rd, 2010 @ 10:12 pm

    Layaway, vote your conscience. You are right.

  30. Roxeanne de Luca
    September 4th, 2010 @ 4:42 am

    Agree with the above: the purpose of a primary is to figure out who we’re supporting in the general election. It’s not to play nice with the other side, make lefties feel warm and fuzzy, or otherwise do anything but duke it out amongst ourselves.

  31. Roxeanne de Luca
    September 4th, 2010 @ 12:42 am

    Agree with the above: the purpose of a primary is to figure out who we’re supporting in the general election. It’s not to play nice with the other side, make lefties feel warm and fuzzy, or otherwise do anything but duke it out amongst ourselves.

  32. Estragon
    September 4th, 2010 @ 8:56 am

    Stacy may reject the proposition that Castle is more electable in the general, but I suspect that is wishful thinking. The evidence is otherwise – every poll shows Castle well ahead in the general, and O’Donnell well behind. Castle has a long record of statewide popularity and winning elections. Delaware has become a rather dark blue state in recent years. It all makes sense, and absent actual evidence to the contrary, I believe Rasmussen and the record.

    But it’s not Castle or the dreaded “GOP Establishment” causing O’Donnell’s difficulties, it is the candidate herself.

  33. Estragon
    September 4th, 2010 @ 4:56 am

    Stacy may reject the proposition that Castle is more electable in the general, but I suspect that is wishful thinking. The evidence is otherwise – every poll shows Castle well ahead in the general, and O’Donnell well behind. Castle has a long record of statewide popularity and winning elections. Delaware has become a rather dark blue state in recent years. It all makes sense, and absent actual evidence to the contrary, I believe Rasmussen and the record.

    But it’s not Castle or the dreaded “GOP Establishment” causing O’Donnell’s difficulties, it is the candidate herself.

  34. Republican Backlash Hits Tea Party Endorsee Christine O’Donnell
    September 4th, 2010 @ 11:19 am

    […] battle has also played itself out in the conservative blogosphere, with people like Dan Riehl and Robert Stacey McCain taking what can only be described as an ideological purist view of the race to the point where Riehl […]

  35. smokedaddy
    September 5th, 2010 @ 12:16 am

    OK, yes Castle is more likely to beat Coons than is O’Donnell. Probably 95-100% for Castle vs 30-50% probability for O’Donnell if Castle & co endorse her & don’t undermine her. The thing is, we don’t even get a half a loaf from Castle, unless you count the slim probability of his being the deciding vote between majority/minority status. Crumbs don’t do it! A decent shot at a full loaf of O’Donnell is better than 100% shot at crumbs.

    Not only that, the positive impact of an O’Donnell win goes way beyond her voting against Cap n Trade, bailouts, etc etc. Think integrity of the brand. Think of other Rinos like the Maine ladies now needing to think twice on their votes. Think of the shock & awe PR in the ever so cutalicious face of Christy O. Beating Coons in this year is not the same as beating Biden in 08. Now, granted, her lack of any appreciable income last year is the one substantive point I’ve seen or heard that gives one pause. This other crap about her being crazy/paranoid is either overwrought or twisted. OTOH, there are worse things than having our very own younger, smarter, more articulate, prettier version of Boxer/Murray et al.

  36. smokedaddy
    September 4th, 2010 @ 8:16 pm

    OK, yes Castle is more likely to beat Coons than is O’Donnell. Probably 95-100% for Castle vs 30-50% probability for O’Donnell if Castle & co endorse her & don’t undermine her. The thing is, we don’t even get a half a loaf from Castle, unless you count the slim probability of his being the deciding vote between majority/minority status. Crumbs don’t do it! A decent shot at a full loaf of O’Donnell is better than 100% shot at crumbs.

    Not only that, the positive impact of an O’Donnell win goes way beyond her voting against Cap n Trade, bailouts, etc etc. Think integrity of the brand. Think of other Rinos like the Maine ladies now needing to think twice on their votes. Think of the shock & awe PR in the ever so cutalicious face of Christy O. Beating Coons in this year is not the same as beating Biden in 08. Now, granted, her lack of any appreciable income last year is the one substantive point I’ve seen or heard that gives one pause. This other crap about her being crazy/paranoid is either overwrought or twisted. OTOH, there are worse things than having our very own younger, smarter, more articulate, prettier version of Boxer/Murray et al.

  37. And These Castles Made Of RINOs « Around The Sphere
    September 8th, 2010 @ 10:16 am

    […] Robert Stacy McCain: Me? I’m 100% with Christine O’Donnell, come hell or high water. She’s got Dan Riehl and Mark Levin on her side, and I’m sticking with those guys — no personal offense intended to anyone who disagrees. […]

  38. Delaware Fever: Catch It! : The Other McCain
    September 14th, 2010 @ 10:50 am

    […] His Own ‘Ilk’?Sept. 3: Fear and Loathing in Ted Stevens Anchorage International AirportSept. 3: Why The Delaware Primary Is A Win/Win, Barring A Full ScozzafavaAug. 29: Christine O’Donnell: The Next Joe Miller?Aug. 9: Christine O’Donnell Money Bomb!July […]