Which Spin Is More Believable?

1. Obama campaign manager David Plouffe on Sarah Palin?

"Governor Palin is one of the best debaters in American politics. If you look at her - no she is. Her 2006 debate, she knew where she wanted to take every question, and so I think she'll be relentlessly on message tonight, and again I'm sure she'll have any number of biting and witty one-liners. But our focus is on the person sitting at home in Canton, Ohio, tonight, Akron, Ohio, tonight, who's struggling economically."

2. McCain-Palin senior adviser Greg Strimple on the Obama campaign:

"I am sure Barack Obama and his campaign today are frustrated. Despite the negative campaign they have run for three weeks, despite the financial crisis, despite massive spending,  they are having a hard time breaking 50."

Comments

Both are bull. But at least the Plouffe quote has a few lines that are reasonable. Second one doesn't have much plausibility. I'm sure the McCain campaign would love to be in Obama's position. Leading is always better than trailing.

Posted by gaucho | October 2, 2008 7:48 PM

I assume this was a rhetorical question.

Posted by Scrooge McDuck | October 2, 2008 7:50 PM

Strimple is more believable, but even he's on the verge of laughable as well.

Is it fair to compare spin on two different topics? I mean, if you had Plouffe responding to Strimple, that would be a better question, no?

Posted by Aaron | October 2, 2008 7:50 PM

Plouffe. The debate isn't going to follow the format that is most humiliating for Palin - attempts to get her to commit to specifics and facts. Especially since the McCain camp has worked the refs to where it's deeply unlikely that Ifill will push meaningfully. With expectations so low, it's next to impossible that Palin won't exceed them.

Posted by Philip Sandifer | October 2, 2008 7:52 PM

Neither, really, though I think Palin's going to to well tonight.

And Obama's breaking 50, like... everywhere. In particular, Kerry states plus IA, NM, and CO. And if he just gets those (even if he loses NH), he wins the election.

Posted by Jaime Lutz | October 2, 2008 7:52 PM

I'm assuming the McCain campaign conducts all of it's internal polling by asking if people would vote for Barack "HUSSEIN" Obama. Either that, or they're adding wrong. Obama isn't just easily breaking 50, he's breaking it nationally and in states Bush won.

As for Plouffe....Sarah Palin was very good in 2006. She is going to smile tonight and stick the knife in. She will spend all debate on the offensive. It is the only way she can get around answering questions and pulling another Couric.

Brian
The Greatest Blog in History

Posted by Brian | October 2, 2008 7:53 PM

Definitely Plouffe. While he goes overboard with praising Palin's debating skills, he definitely underscores (1) her goal tonight and (2) their strategy. Seems totally reality based.

As for Strimple, it's pretty clear he's still looking at early September polling data. And I notice that he didn't respond to the question of where McCain was polling over 50% in any of the battleground states they claim to be leading or tied in. Very teling...

Posted by Keith | October 2, 2008 7:54 PM

It's not about whose spin is more believable. It's about the fact that the spin continues to support the now-popular narratives of both candidates. In their responses, Obama's camp sounds reasonable, magnanimous; McCain's camp comes off as furious and incredibly bitter. The only voters who enjoy the Republican's "feisty" approach are those already committed to that ticket. Why are McCain's people determined to perpetrate the damage?

Posted by Rachel | October 2, 2008 8:14 PM

Breaking 50? Are you freakin kidding me?
Plouffe's spin is not believable either...

Posted by Rebecca | October 2, 2008 8:16 PM

Glad to see comments back. I hope the abusers have found another site to hijack.

Posted by gaucho | October 2, 2008 8:31 PM

Neither. But if pressed to give an edge -- it's to Plouffe.

(If only because the other one is too ridiculous for words.)

Posted by Nicole | October 2, 2008 8:37 PM

Here's my question: who is the comedian who comes up with the McCain campaign's material?

Posted by Steve | October 2, 2008 8:40 PM

Neither.

A new question apropos of nothing: anyone else worried that Sarah Palin will be fed answers tonight through a receiver conveniently hidden under that mysterious new "bandage" on her hand?

My understanding is that her hair will cover her ears tonight too.

I'm just askin'...

Posted by Frank | October 2, 2008 8:46 PM