It’s All About Memphis

By Kleinheider Posted on August 7, 2008 at 7:43 am

Jackson Baker reports that is where the Democratic U.S. Senate primary is likely to trun:

What is unusual about the Senate primary that ends this week is that Tuke, regarded by most observers (and by his own polls) as the leader in that race, chose to make Shelby County the focus of his primary efforts — to the point of scheduling his election-night celebration for the Cadre Building in downtown Memphis. “We think this is where the decision will lie,” said an aide to the former Democratic Party chairman on an all-day swing through Shelby County on Saturday.

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Tags: Bob Tuke, Joe Trippi, Memphis, Mike Padgett  

No Purchase Necessary

By Kleinheider Posted on at 7:21 am

Tom Humphrey reports that a promotional press release from the Bob Tuke campaign seemed to run afoul of state lottery laws:

Tuke came up with a fundraising effort that arguably raised questions about whether his campaign could run afoul of state laws that prohibit most lottery contests.

“Donate $50 … and you may be selected to attend a private political strategy dinner with us as well as have VIP backstage access,” declared the solicitation.

The dinner on election night is to include both Tuke and Joe Trippi, his chief political strategist.

That might sound like offering a chance for a prize in exchange for money, forbidden by state laws except for charitable events explicitly authorized by the Legislature.

But it’s not, says Ben Chao, Tuke’s campaign manager, who pointed out a disclaimer below the main text of the solicitation. It says that no donation, or purchase, is necessary to win - just as with promotional contests.

“We were very careful not to violate any lottery laws,” said Chao.

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Tags: Bob Tuke, Joe Trippi, Memphis  

Joe Trippi Explains How John McCain Can Win The Election

By Kleinheider Posted on August 1, 2008 at 3:24 pm

Via Marc Ambinder:

First you help inject race into the campaign and raise its focus as an issue (as the McCain campaign did yesterday with a little door opening from Obama himself).

Second - this unleashes energy and anger in the African American community (energy that often the African American candidate, Obama, can not control). Leaders like James Clyburn take to the airwaves - and cable channels have two African Americans debate who is or isn’t raising race. In any case black faces dominate the cable airwaves and some of those faces are angry.

Third - McCain then appears to speak in front of an all black audience. White swing voters think “see, he isn’t racist”. And if the crowd applauds so much the better, if it boos him for tactics real or imagined white swing voters see a white guy “who is at least trying” and angry blacks who are not being duly appreciative - either way it isn’t good for Obama.

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Tags: Barack Obama, Joe Trippi, John McCain