What if Lieberman comes in second in New Hampshire?

[CMT]

Joe seems to have gotten a tiny bump from the Gore endorsement of Dean (the sympathy vote backlash). He is, according to one poll, right in the thick of things for second place in New Hampshire. The Survey USA poll numbers:

Dean 45%
Kerry 15%
Clark 11%
Lieberman 11%
Edwards 6%
Gephardt 4%

http://www.surveyusa.com/home.html

So if Joe actually does come in second--will he emerge as the anti-Dean candidate? and go on with new strength in South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Arizona, and add to a modest lead he has in Florida?

[Patriot_Spear]

1. Wow, I hadn't noticed that- Clark could come in 4th...

What kind of dynamic would that create?

[poskonig]

2. That would be great if Lieberman knocked out Clark *and* Kerry

Imagine a fourth place finish for Clark. That would be below their already *low* expectations in the state. Kerry, of course, is naturally toast without a strong showing in NH.

[eileen_d]

3. I didn't know you were a Lieberman supporter.

:bounce:

[RevolutionStartsNow]

13. Only in this case

I have been known to cheer for the (ugh) Packers or Cowboys if it meant it would help the 49ers in the playoff hunt. Just strategy.

[ClintonTyree]

4. Nothing........

I repeat nothing is going to help the Lieberman campaign. He's toast, but just wants to scream and cry, make as much noise as he can on the way down. He should withdraw, but his ego won't let him.
As far as the affect on the other candidates' campaigns, I think it's a moot point because it'll never happen.

[bryant69]

8. While Lieberman doesn't have a chance

(I agree with you there), clearly Lieberman can have an effect on other democratic contenders.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[quinnox]

5. What if Dean comes in second in Iowa?

Will it be a major blow, and give Gephardt momentum later on to knock Dean completely out of the race in later primaries?

[eissa]

6. I'm shocked

I can't believe anyone, with the exception of members of his own family, would seriously consider Joe. Geez, his regular appearances on Faux alone should raise some eyebrows.

[Patriot_Spear]

7. Pssst... I'm with you.

The mind boggles that any Dem would vote for him.

[Bucky]

9. I've been saying not to underestimate Lieb's support.

This will close the deal for Dean.

[TexasSissy]

10. Might as well ask What if Hell Freezes over?

Lieberman's a decent, well-respected man with integrity. But what he was thinking when he entered this race, I'm sure we're all wondering. The poor man hasn't got a chance. He should stay in Congress, though. His constituents like him.

[FightinNewDem]

14. Don't be so sure

Lieberman has a surprisingly good field organization in New Hampshire that could well help him beat expectations on primary day.

Here's how they stack up in terms of organization and field ops:

1. Dean: I don't care for the guy, but they have done a good job, especially in the 2nd congressional district (Concord, Keene)

2. Lieberman: Very strong in Manchester, where he has pulled together good organizers from different factions. Also solid in Nashua and Salem. Lieberman's staff showed some impressive chops in electing supporters in several key municipal races last month.

3. Kerry: On paper, very strong. In reality, bloated and top-heavy. Kerry's team is filled with party regulars from the Shaheen operation, but a lot of them seem tired and worn out. He does have the firefighters endorsement, and they are among the savvier unions in NH. Still, the campaign seems to be tripping over itself down the stretch.


4. Clark: Big gap between Kerry and Clark. Picked up most of the Graham crowd. Seems a little disjointed at times. Weird ideological mix of campaign leadership might make decision-making process difficult, especially since several backers have reputation for goofy micromanagement.

5. Gephardt: Started strong, than vanished. Did a nice job of rounding up old-guard labor Dems, but hasn't been visible for ages. Too bad, since most of Gephardt's people are decent folks.

6. Edwards: Like Gephardt, failed to capitalize on early strength. Too reliant on the Caroline McCarley/Lou D'Allesandro insider clique. Very little phoning/postcards/etc evident right now.

7. Kucinich: Skeleton crew. Has a few environmental activists and Greens, but Dean has blown him out on the Left.

Sharpton and Mosley-Braun have no field organizations in the state.
4.

[PFaithful]

11. Not a snowballs chance in hell

that Lieberman (the phony Democrat) would win anything other than CT.

[killbotfactory]

12. Then I'll go ice-skating in hell...