Saturday, October 30, 2010

Estrich - The Final Days


Susan Estrich is one of the more liberal columnists who often has something important to say, to both sides. In this copyrighted column, I believe she does just that…

The Final Days
A Commentary By Susan Estrich
Saturday, October 30, 2010

For half of the candidates on Tuesday's ballot, these are the days you remember.
If you win, you remember what comes next. But if you lose, you always second-guess what came before. You have years -- decades, even -- to Monday morning quarterback your campaign, to revisit what you should have thought, said or done, especially in the final days, when time almost stops and you campaign day and night and it seems (usually wrongly) like every decision you make is crucial.
Mostly, they aren't so crucial. Most races are "decided" even now. Polls don't vote, but they're usually right (especially when they show you losing). But if the races that really are still up for grabs have already dwindled, if the last-minute decisions mostly won't determine who wins or loses, for those who lose, these are the final minutes in the spotlight.
My best advice to candidates is very simple: Use them well. They may not determine whether you win or lose, but they will define you in the public eye. They will be the measure of your class. This is legacy time, whether that's what you were aiming for or not. 

For the rest of the article, go to:
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/political_commentary/commentary_by_susan_estrich/the_final_days3

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