Billy Clyde is a longtime fan of The Reverend Gerald Mann, who served as House and Senate chaplain for many years. One of his books was titled "Wait To Worry." The basic theme was don't sweat the small stuff, cuz it's all small stuff.
But I have to gripe about (1) the sheer inaness of trying to predict a Texas Governor's race this far out; and (2) the utter lack of historical context that the supposed "pundits" show in providing insider analysis.
Here, in my opinion, are the least credible persons on the subject of politics:
1) Actors, actresses, and the people who direct and produce them
2) Television anchors and reporters (Elise Hu is good -- the exception to the rule)
3) Newspaper reporters (Karen M. Brooks, however, rocks)
4) Lobbyists (Machree Gibson gets it)
5) Government/Political Science professors (though Jim Henson at UT seems bright)
6) Political Party officials/staffers (okay, I like Hans; who doesn't?)
7) Conspiracy theorists
8) Talk radio hosts
9) Bloggers
10) Dave McNeely (never even close to correct in 40 years; A RECORD!!)
Here, in my opinion, are the best barometers of electoral success or failure:
1) Bankers
2) Call girls
3) People who describe themselves as "self-employed investor"
4) Bartenders
5) Pollsters
6) Country singers
7) Novelists who don't base stories in outer space, ancient times, or China
8) Real estate agents
9) Mexican consul officials
10) Nude dancers
Every newspaper pundit type person portrays Kay Bailey Hutchison as the front runner. I'd agree. She has a track record of getting elected, the connections that win elections, the puff and the stuff, the polish and the shine and the meal on which you want to dine. Her work ethic has made her a hero to local city and county officials and Chamber-type folks -- a pretty decent base for a statewide election. Plus the red-clad Republican women.
Though for the life of me, I can't understand why Roger Williams is not at the top of the list on the GOP side. The guy has business, political, and sports experience. He's rich, and can raise tons of money. He's smooth and friendly. The dude is very smart and can play the good-ol-boy routine like the harp.
Rick Perry is the only Republican Governor who served in elected office before getting the top job. GOP voters don't vote for people who have won previous elections (see Bill Clements, Clayton Williams, George W. Bush; don't see Ray Hutchison, Kent Hance, Tom Leoffler) and prefer business types and outsiders -- although a modicum of tangential government experience is tolerated.
Roger Williams is smooth as silk. Great public speaker. Good in small groups. Unparalleled network of business people, community leaders and donors. David Dewhurst is shy, isolated, strange, and unproven. Roger is outgoing, plugged in, down-to-earth, and accomplished. So why do the papers and newsletters keep mentioning Dewurst as a gubernatorial candidate and ignore Roger Williams? Dumbassedness?
Of course, anything can happen in two years. Just a year ago, everyone with a brain just assumed that Don Evans would be our next governor. And the road is littered with people who Kay Hutchison has beaten (the loss to Steve Bartlett was her sole defeat). Her name on the ballot against a popular figure like Roger Williams could produce the first 1 million+ voter turnout in a GOP primary since 1988.
Capitol Establishmaterians can print and say whatever they want. The truth, however, is that David Dewhurst, despite his personal money, doesn't have a cut dog's chance of getting elected governor. Kay could very well get elected. Roger probably will.
But I have to gripe about (1) the sheer inaness of trying to predict a Texas Governor's race this far out; and (2) the utter lack of historical context that the supposed "pundits" show in providing insider analysis.
Here, in my opinion, are the least credible persons on the subject of politics:
1) Actors, actresses, and the people who direct and produce them
2) Television anchors and reporters (Elise Hu is good -- the exception to the rule)
3) Newspaper reporters (Karen M. Brooks, however, rocks)
4) Lobbyists (Machree Gibson gets it)
5) Government/Political Science professors (though Jim Henson at UT seems bright)
6) Political Party officials/staffers (okay, I like Hans; who doesn't?)
7) Conspiracy theorists
8) Talk radio hosts
9) Bloggers
10) Dave McNeely (never even close to correct in 40 years; A RECORD!!)
Here, in my opinion, are the best barometers of electoral success or failure:
1) Bankers
2) Call girls
3) People who describe themselves as "self-employed investor"
4) Bartenders
5) Pollsters
6) Country singers
7) Novelists who don't base stories in outer space, ancient times, or China
8) Real estate agents
9) Mexican consul officials
10) Nude dancers
Every newspaper pundit type person portrays Kay Bailey Hutchison as the front runner. I'd agree. She has a track record of getting elected, the connections that win elections, the puff and the stuff, the polish and the shine and the meal on which you want to dine. Her work ethic has made her a hero to local city and county officials and Chamber-type folks -- a pretty decent base for a statewide election. Plus the red-clad Republican women.
Though for the life of me, I can't understand why Roger Williams is not at the top of the list on the GOP side. The guy has business, political, and sports experience. He's rich, and can raise tons of money. He's smooth and friendly. The dude is very smart and can play the good-ol-boy routine like the harp.
Rick Perry is the only Republican Governor who served in elected office before getting the top job. GOP voters don't vote for people who have won previous elections (see Bill Clements, Clayton Williams, George W. Bush; don't see Ray Hutchison, Kent Hance, Tom Leoffler) and prefer business types and outsiders -- although a modicum of tangential government experience is tolerated.
Roger Williams is smooth as silk. Great public speaker. Good in small groups. Unparalleled network of business people, community leaders and donors. David Dewhurst is shy, isolated, strange, and unproven. Roger is outgoing, plugged in, down-to-earth, and accomplished. So why do the papers and newsletters keep mentioning Dewurst as a gubernatorial candidate and ignore Roger Williams? Dumbassedness?
Of course, anything can happen in two years. Just a year ago, everyone with a brain just assumed that Don Evans would be our next governor. And the road is littered with people who Kay Hutchison has beaten (the loss to Steve Bartlett was her sole defeat). Her name on the ballot against a popular figure like Roger Williams could produce the first 1 million+ voter turnout in a GOP primary since 1988.
Capitol Establishmaterians can print and say whatever they want. The truth, however, is that David Dewhurst, despite his personal money, doesn't have a cut dog's chance of getting elected governor. Kay could very well get elected. Roger probably will.
1 comment:
Maybe because Roger Williams acts like a used car dealer? Oh. He IS a used car dealer. Got it.
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