Popping The Clutch

Have you noticed that someone pushed the accelerator peddle? After the wait for a Republican primary winner, and then a period of adjustment when the field was finally set, the clutch has been popped.

This campaign is now in full swing.

I can feel it, this campaign is going to be a wild ride. It will be thrilling, exhausting, unpredictable and hugely entertaining. If you're fully engaged in the outcome it will demand every ounce of commitment, and stores of energy you didn't know you had.

Then, when November 6th arrives, August 15th will seem like yesterday.

Thats why political campaigns are so addictive. They're just like life, only more so.

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Here are a few observations about the week so far…

I was originally cautious about how Clinton's visit with Ben would be received in Salt Lake County. (Cautious is probably too mild a word, absolutely petrified is more accurate.)

Today I think I was wrong. Clinton, with all his warmth and humanity, has at last captured an enduring place in the public regard. Ben's moment at Clinton's side lost him nothing with those who were at all open to supporting him.

And among those voters already inclined to vote for Ben? Well, the $110k raised by the event speaks for itself.

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The billboard campaign has been a real hit! The theme of "Yeah, he's different" communicates in a memorable way the essence of what Ben's about. Plus the strong press coverage (especially from KSL) following right behind Clinton's visit, was a terrific boost.

Hats off to Ashley Sumner!

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I think we should pay close attention to Mark Crockett's response to the billboards. According to KSL he said, "It misses the whole point of the county. The county is a service organization, and it needs to stop being political."

When you read that comment it seems nonsensical and off point. And in fact, it is both those things. The connection between the slogan, "Yeah, he's different," and "the point of the county" is an awkward segue at best. And the comment about the county not being political? What?

However, the strained construction was designed to do only one thing… let him say, "the county is a service organization."

That is emerging as the central message of his campaign.

Why? Well there are two reasons…

1. It allows him to pose as a politician who cares about people and their needs. Constantly talking about human services is wonderful cover if your real intention is to set a match to most functions of county government.
2. What this stress on human services amounts to is a de-emphasis on everything else. Crockett's grandiose affirmation is an endorsement of only one of the four departments of county government.

If your interest is the Clark Planetarium, The South Towne Convention Center, criminal justice or weed control, be afraid… be very afraid.

Crockett is about the devolution of county government while asking his detractors, "Do you care more about people or projects? Services or things?"