Look Ma, I'm on TV!
Today in class the guest stars were the internet campaign managers from both the Lieberman and Lamont sides. The class was filmed by the BBC, and is going to be aired in the US on the Sundance channel at the end of the year.
If I didn't know anything about this race, just from listening to these guys I'd think Lamont was going to win, or at least he would be the candidate I would support. It was really interesting to see the demographics of each sides' voters sort of manifest themselves in these campaign managers. Tim, Lamont's guy, was full of "progressive energy" and seemed so excited about what he was doing, and was so committed to the race. Dan, however, was the ultimate "country club democrat." He seemed to view his position as "just a job," while Tim seemed enthusiastic about affecting change. When Dan said things like, "I hate Bush too," I didn't doubt him, and yet couldn't help but notice how dispassionate a statement it was for him. It wasn't that Dan didn't care, I'm sure he does, but the most positive thing he said about Lieberman was, "Joe's a good guy." He also said things like, "Now I know there are legitimate reasons to disagree with Joe Lieberman, but...." He didn't seem sure if he was on the right side.
If I didn't know anything about this race, just from listening to these guys I'd think Lamont was going to win, or at least he would be the candidate I would support. It was really interesting to see the demographics of each sides' voters sort of manifest themselves in these campaign managers. Tim, Lamont's guy, was full of "progressive energy" and seemed so excited about what he was doing, and was so committed to the race. Dan, however, was the ultimate "country club democrat." He seemed to view his position as "just a job," while Tim seemed enthusiastic about affecting change. When Dan said things like, "I hate Bush too," I didn't doubt him, and yet couldn't help but notice how dispassionate a statement it was for him. It wasn't that Dan didn't care, I'm sure he does, but the most positive thing he said about Lieberman was, "Joe's a good guy." He also said things like, "Now I know there are legitimate reasons to disagree with Joe Lieberman, but...." He didn't seem sure if he was on the right side.