Friday's Political Points

Random, yet pertinent flashes of information & contemplation

• For the second week in a row, Zogby has a new poll showing that Sarah Palin tops the list of Republican choices to challenge Barack Obama in 2012. Among Republicans, Palin topped second-place Mitt Romney 24% to 18%. Two theories here: This is probably more of a reason why she won't be the nominee because these early surveys are very rarely correct. Or . . . The G.O.P. is known for nominating the next in line, (or the loser from last time.) So, this means her odds are good. Reagan in '80, Bush in '88, Dole in '96, McCain in '08. Palin in '12?
• Speaking of those potential challengers, Mike Memoli over at The Atlantic notes that both Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. Tim Pawlenty will face tough re-election choices in their own states before they have to make a decision about the Big Kahuna in '12. "In the end, it's where Obama's presidency stands after two and a half years that will have the greatest impact on the Republican field," writes Memoli.
• It's apparent that Hardball's Chris Matthews is at least toying with the idea of a Pennsylvania U.S. Senate run in 2010 against Arlen Specter. The Los Angeles Times reports that Matthews met with Pennsylvania Democratic leaders on Monday. Matthews' contract with MSNBC expires in June. But a spokesperson tells Politico, a report at 538 that Matthews is already staffing up is, "untrue."

Wednesday's Political Points

Random, yet pertinent flashes of information & contemplation

• How much did Howard Dean's 2004 failed presidential campaign/movement lay the groundwork for Barack Obama's 2008 victory? And does he therefore deserve a position in O's administration?

• Obama's transition will cost around $12 million dollars, and more than half of that money will be raised from private funds. (Time, Karen Tumulty)
  

• In 2004, 22% of voters told exit pollsters that "moral values" were their top priority. This year, no social issues even made the issues list. (Time, Peter Beinart)
  

• How you frame an emotional message is the single more important part of any campaign appeal. An example: Conservatives framing homosexuality as a "lifestyle." "The problem with the frame becomes clear if you try to think of heterosexuality as a lifestyle. What is the heterosexual lifestyle? The lifestyle depicted in Sex and the City or Desperate Housewives? Or the lifestyle of the couple with young children at home who . . . make sure they record (the shows) because they can't stay up that late when they know the children will be up at five o'clock in the morning?" ("The Political Mind", Drew Westen)
  

• Bobby Jindal is all the rave among hopeful conservatives for 2012, especially here in the Ozarks. Among the bills that he's passed as Louisiana's Governor: A requirement that employers allow workers to bring guns onto company parking lots. An authorization to perform chemical castrations on convicted sex offenders. A voucher plan allocating $10 million to pay the tuitions of inner-city children to attend private and parochial schools. (Esquire, Mike Sager)