Out of chaos. . . democracy?

Reporters from around the world are freezing their rears following the candiates from school gym to VFW post to town hall meetings. In sub-zero temperatures, aggravated by a brisk wind, supporters of candidates are standing at intersections with their campaign signs. Its hard not admire their dedication, even if their candidate is not your man. Weather forecasts are calling for snow and cold on primary day--six inches or more, maybe starting during the day.

Candidates Clark, Dean, Edwards, Kerry, and Lieberman are all running television ads at saturation level. All have opted for the broad theme, big picture, "leadership" and "electibility" approach. Issue ads have mainly gone by the boards, and there is only implicitly a very understated effort at candidate comparison. No candiadate names another (except George Bush) in his ads. There have been no negative ads run on television by any candidate.

Kerry, Edwards, Dean, and Clark continue to draw big crowds to their local events. But, as a sign of how well organized these campaigns might be, consider the following. I've been attending events for these candiates regularly for weeks. Every time, I've signed my name and address, and given my home phone number at the door. I should add that I have been a faithful primary and general election voter since I've lived in NH--so, I'm one of those voters these guys want to reach. This weekend, all four of these candidates came, or will be coming to my town or nearby. For the Kerry event, I got a recorded phone call from Bill Shaheen, husband of the former governor, informing me of the candidate's visit. For Edwards, I got a personal phone call from one of his local supporters, asking me to attend, and encouraging me to bring a friend. For Clark and Dean . . . nothing. In fact, despite reasonably careful attention to the campaign, I didn't even realize Dean was within walking distance of my house on Saturday morning! It will be interesting to see who follows up, and who checks to see that I've gone to the polls on Tuesday. That's where the organization really counts.

Both Clark and Dean (especially Clark) have been enlisting the help of the Hollywood elite in their cause. Yesterday, we heard more than we wanted from Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen, who have joined Michael Moore on behalf of Clark. Honestly, General, the last thing you need is the privileged Hollywood anointed coming to New Hampshire the weekend before the primary telling NH voters who they should pick for president. For many voters I know, that will be all they need to vote for someone else!

All the candidates but Sharpton spoke at a major Democratic fundraiser in Nashua last evening. Each had about fifteen minutes to address the Dems' movers and shakers. Nobody said anything new. Still it is remarkable that with the primary only two days out, Joe Lieberman still needs his note cards to deliver his standard stump pitch. And, if John Edwards finishes higher than fourth, it may signal a renaissance for old-fashioned political oratory. Edwards is, hands down, the best public speaker of the bunch, and stands in marked contrast to the current rhetorically-challenged occupant of the White House.

John Kerry, wearing a UNH jersey with "04" on the back, made a splash yesterday playing ice hockey for charity in Manchester with some Bruins "legends". As a hockey player, Kerry is an excellent presidential candidate. He did score a couple of "gift" goals--not bad for a 60 year-old.

Sunday's Union Leader has a several interesting ads. Dennis Kucinich bought four full pages, including color, to offer a detailed platform. TV money is probably short, and I think the UL ad is quite good, and an effective strategy for a campaign that has not gotten much attention.

There's also an endorsement from "Florida Women to Kerry" (that's what it says). What an awful waste of money, however. The ad is a full-page of print, and John Kerry's name does not appear until the second-to-last paragraph. By then, most NH voters, if they've had the patience to read beyond the first paragraph will have dismissed the appeal, which says explicitly "Not since the tale of the Emperor's New Clothes have so many people been fooled so much of the time." That's right Florida women, tell the people of New Hampshire they are idiots, and they expect them to follow your recommendation in the voting booth. Thank God we benighted NH voters have the women of Florida to look out for our best interest! How about devoting your efforts instead to fixing your own voting machines!

In the third UL ad, President Bush is hammered by one of his REPUBLICAN opponents in the primary. John Rigazio, a local character from Rochester who has run before, tells voters that "President Bush Does Not Deserve a Second Term." Rigazio, in a separate ad, also had some supportive comments for Joe Lieberman. I sense that there are more than a few Republicans upset with the Bush/Cheney team, and who might have relished a chance to spank the president with a serious primary contender. Maybe this will be Rigazio's year.

Finally, overheard on a bus: Young college man, "hey, wanna go see Kucinich with me?" Young college woman, "yeah, he's cool. He's bringing a band to campus for a party. I wish he had a chance to win." YCM: "I liked Gephardt but he quit." YCW: "Did you see Dean yelling on TV?" 50ish Woman: "Oh, I saw that. It was awful. I heard he told a 60-year old man to sit down and shut up, and he told reporters to 'get a life.' I was looking at him, but I don't know now." YCW: "who are you going to vote for now?" 50W: "I'm not sure. Edwards looks good."

Note to candidates and media: Clean up after yourselves before you leave on Wednesday.