Washington, DC — DCspectator is a pro-GOP, pro-Bush, site — but my A list first read is always the New York Times. Ideological bias? Could care less. The Times’ news judgment and reporting depth and quality, along with the Wall Street Journal, is the standard. But Al Baker’s story in the New York Times today regarding a $350 ‘Tea Party’ fundraiser ticket scheme tangentially involving Jeannine Pirro and Libby Pataki doesn’t even meet New York Post standards.

In fact, it’s so dumb, explaining the premise of the story is a waste of time. Check it out.

It’s unusual for the Times to let such a thin, non-news piece of b.s. into the paper. One can only conclude NYT Metro has decided to dive in and follow the Post with some Pataki-Pirro bashing, which, is increasingly in vogue. It’s cyclical — nothing more and nothing less, but the Times story today sets an incredibly low bar for news.

Anyone even remotely involved in campaign financing knows a two month (or even a six month) delay in paying a “bill” for a fundraiser, or anything else, is standard operating procedure — some entities don’t even get around to billing event attendees for weeks or even months.

And $350 lousy bucks? A propsective officeholder will be unduly influenced by that?

Be real.

Let’s see a little better news judgment from the Times.

Washington, DC — After creating an international firestorm yesterday with his call for the assassination of Venezuela’s ruler, Hugo Chavez, Pat Robertson “clarified” his remarks to help stem the furor.

First, he noted — incorrectly — that the Associated Press misquoted him.

Then, expounding on yesterday’s diplomatic gesture, he said he really didn’t say Chavez should be assassinated — he should only be “taken out.”

Said Robertson: “There are other ways to do that — like kidnapping.”

Washington, DC — After the Sunday news programs are over, a handful of plugged-in Georgetowners always heads over to Martin’s Tavern at Wisconsin and N for brunch and political gossip.

Despite the focus on Iraq and foreign policy on this morning’s shows, the big intra-Beltway news was the
fact Mississippi Sen. Trent Lott demurred when NBC’s David Gregory – subbing for Tim Russert – queried the former Majority Leader about now-Majority Leader Bill Frist’s character.

Asked by Gregory whether Frist, who challenged and succeeded Lott as Senate majority leader in 2002, has the character to be president, Lott paused before answering.

“I think I’d have to think about that,” said Lott.

Ouch.

One Martin’s regular, laughing on his way out the door while discussing the public diss with his entourage, observed rather crudely that Lott gave Frist what he deserved for his alleged betrayal: a kick in the groin — although the more common vernacular was what patron’s heard over their eggs benedict, lattes and twin copies of the Times and the Post.

Washington, DC — For anyone bored out of their mind by the initial GOP primary jostling and run-up to the 2006 New York State Governor’s race, Patrick Healy’s story in the New York Times breaking the news that former Massachusetts Governor Bill Weld will enter the contest is sweet music to campaign watchers’ ears – Grateful Dead music, specifically.

Weld, a legitimate, long-time Grateful Dead enthusiast – not a poseur, who used the band just to appear cool during an election year, is among the most interesting Republicans to hold statewide office in recent memory. In fact, I was shocked but pleased to see him at a Boston Garden show a few years back. He had a big grin on his face, was with what appeared to be his kids, and was clearly comfortable amid the tie-dyed throngs, and enjoying himself.

What a contrast to the 11/15/02 Dead show (called “The Other Ones” then, just for the record) at the MCI Center in Washington, when House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) showed up with a bunch of uptight suits and a security detail.

Secretary of State Randy Daniels, with a great story to tell – and who is more conservative, generally, than the more libertarian-leaning Weld – now has a rival, to say the least, when it comes to making interesting copy in the Governor’s race.

While working for Senator Al D’Amato, at the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), during the 1995-‘96 election cycle, I was lucky to be in Boston one particular day to check out and evaluate the Weld for Senate effort against incumbent John Kerry.

Weld, with an excellent environmental record as Governor of Massachusetts, was holding a news conference touting his efforts to clean up the Charles River – with the river itself as a picturesque, made for TV backdrop. This was a good event, with good press turnout and with a substantive message. As campaign news events go, it easily rated a 9 or 10.

But as the electronic and print reporters dutifully covered the news, and as Weld reached the conclusion of his prepared text, he turned around, walked to the river’s edge – and dove in.

Beyond the initial shock value, and the hysterical, bemused reaction of the press corps and other attendant straphangers like me, his reasoning for taking a dive was classic: he wanted voters to know, first hand, that the water is now cleaner due to his policy initiatives, and safe for a swim.

A clean environment is a big deal in New York State. How about a dive into the East River as part of his platform to clean up that still questionable body of water?

But Governor, please forego the strains of “Truckin’” as an announcement theme song. Vermont Senator Pat Leahy has been doing that for years already.

Oh, and leave out the Grateful Dead stuff when the upcoming meeting with Conservative Party Chairman Mike Long takes place. He won’t be impressed – better to lead with the tax cut/fiscal message.

Washington, DC — As DCspectator has recently trashed the electoral prospects of Florida GOP Senate candidate Katherine Harris, former Harris pollster David Hill – a smart guy — offers an intelligent, reasoned counterpoint.

While her campaign remains a likely general election debacle, and the rationale for her candidacy remains elusive, to say the least, here’s what Hill has to say in his column in the Capitol Hill newspaper, The Hill:

“Harris is going to win this election. Her advantages start with her celebrity status, coupled with the low expectations that surround her bid. Let’s face it: Voters today are more interested in celebrities than in
politicians. And because of the nature of criticism that the media have aimed at Harris, people will expect her to disappoint. But when voters see Katherine as she really is — a smart, vivacious and engaging woman — they will be shocked. Pleasantly shocked. There is no way that Katherine Harris won’t exceed expectations, and that’s a major plus.

But Nelson will always underperform his resume. He’s a yawner. Another key advantage for Harris is her standing in what I call ‘Old Florida.’ I don’t mean among senior citizens but rather among voters whose families have lived in Florida for generations. This is a relatively small yet key swing vote.

Nelson ultimately will be perceived as more liberal than any FL Dem elected in modern times and his demonstrably liberal voting record will send voters to Harris. She could appeal to moderate voters, as she’s devoted herself to a long-standing commitment to environmental protection issues. She has also developed an impressive set of accomplishments and credentials on affordable-housing issues.”

Washington, DC — Despite the fact recent polling data released by DCspectator on the Jersey Governor’s race two weeks ago is getting a little long in the tooth (428 definite/very likely registered voters; +/- 4.7%; conducted 7/18-26 for DCspectator.com by Neighborhood Research, Franklin, NJ), the open-ended data provides some additional relevant insight into how voters view the candidates.

Corzine led Forrester 44%-39% in the overall sample.

In general, voters who like Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jon Corzine describe him as a smart and honest businessman who has done a lot for New Jersey as a U.S. Senator, while those who like his opponent, Republican Doug Forrester, see him as a decent, honest conservative who wants to cut taxes.

When the 27 percent of respondents who said they were favorable to Corzine were asked what they most liked about him, 10 percent mentioned his business background, 9 percent said he does a lot for New Jersey, 9 percent describe him as honest, 9 percent say they like his voting record, and 8 percent say he is intelligent. Five percent said that he helps people, 4 percent mention that he is a Democrat, 4 percent say he is doing a good job. Three percent mentioned his views on property taxes, saw him as reasonable, or liked his leadership.

Twenty percent of all respondents had a favorable impression of Doug Forrester. Among these voters, 18 percent liked his position on property taxes, 17 percent said he is honest, 13 percent liked his overall views on issues, 8 percent saw him as conservative, 8 percent mentioned that he is a Republican, 7 percent liked him personally, 4 percent said he is better than Corzine, 4 percent said that he seemed good.

Corzine was viewed unfavorably by 24 percent of voters. 26 percent of this group said he was too liberal, 24 percent mentioned his personal wealth – particularly with reference to campaign spending, 10 percent dislike him personally, 10 percent said he was a Democrat, 7 percent called him corrupt, 3 percent said he was unqualified, 3 percent said he comes across poorly.

Forrester was viewed unfavorably by 18 percent of voters. 24 percent of this group said he was too conservative, 23 percent said he was dishonest or a liar – with particular reference to his tax plan, 10 percent mention his Republican affiliation, 8 percent said he was an empty suit or unintelligent, 6 percent called him phony, 6 percent mentioned his wealth, 6 percent accused him of negative campaigning, 3 percent said he had no experience, 3 percent say they just don’t like him.

Generating name identification in New Jersey is always a challenge sitting between the NYC and Philly media markets, and it’s striking how little voters know about the incumbent and the challenger. The solution: fill in the other guys’ profile with comparative advertising — a traditional Garden State blood sport.

Courtesy of the New York Sun, an article that reflects the fact a number of Grateful Dead fans are, heaven forbid, Republicans. I’m another, and just returned from the Jerry Garcia Sunshine Daydream Music Fest in Terra Alta, WV., featuring Bob Weir’s incredible band, Ratdog.

Please Read:

Jerry Garcia’s Conservative Children BY JOHN P. AVLON
August 9, 2005

Think back to the ringing guitars, the spinners, the patchouli oil and the haze of pot smoke hanging over an arena – the psychedelic country rock of Grateful Dead concerts seem like an unlikely cradle for today’s conservative commentators.

And yet, 10 years to the day after Jerry Garcia’s death on August 9, 1995, no less than three of Generation X’s most high-profile young conservatives remain dedicated Deadheads: Deroy Murdock, Tucker Carlson, and Ann Coulter.
This perhaps unexpected fact highlights the stark gap between the stereotype of the crew-cutted, humorless, Muzak-listening conservative of the past and the libertarian-leaning conservatives who came of age during the Reagan era.

It’s easy to forget that the highest grossing touring act of the 1980s was not some spiked-hair, synthesizer duo, but the Grateful Dead. Their seemingly perpetual concert tour was the equivalent of joining the circus, a quintessentially American rite of passage. The smiling bearded visage of Jerry Garcia was as much a marker of day-to-day life in the times as the reassuring presence of Reagan’s square jaw and pompadour in the White House. And so perhaps it’s not surprising that the children of Reagan and Garcia grew up to be internally noncontradictory amalgams of both influences.

Deroy Murdock, a nationally syndicated columnist and contributing editor with National Review Online, is
also a veteran of 69 Grateful Dead concerts, by his count. “It’s easy to reconcile my affection and admiration for Ronald Reagan and Jerry Garcia: They both were committed to individual freedom,” Mr. Murdock attests. “The patriotism and love of country that Reagan embodied, Garcia also reflected. I remember the sole American flag waving on top of the stage at outdoor Grateful Dead shows as well as the patriotic lyrics, with their iconography of the Old West: cowboys, gambling in saloons, and steam trains crossing the prairies.”

The primary overlap from adolescent enthusiasm into adult ideology seems to be in the common ground of libertarianism. “My two favorite definitions of libertarianism come from P.J. O’Rourke and Jerry Garcia,” Mr. Murdock says. “As P.J. put it, ‘Make a right at taxes. Make a left at Sex. And straight ahead is paradise.’ When Garcia was asked how Deadheads should behave at the band’s concerts, he said, ‘Do what you want, man. Just don’t stand on anybody’s head.’ This just happens to parallel the Golden Rule, ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’”

Tucker Carlson, who now hosts a nightly show, “The Situation,” on MSNBC, is a veteran of more than 50 Grateful Dead concerts and still listens to the Dead every day at home with his wife and children. “Following the Grateful Dead was one of the last structured-but-wild things you could do in America, at least when I was in high school and college,” Mr. Carlson said. “I always liked how apolitical the band was, at least in public. Garcia’s position seemed to be: ‘We’re just musicians. We’re not here to tell you what to do or how to think.’ He was totally opposed to lectures – giving or receiving them. He was the opposite of the self-righteous liberals who ran the schools I went to.”

This seems to hit on a second major point that can explain the thriving existence of Jerry Garcia’s conservative children. The rigid humorlessness of the politically correct crowd during the 1980s and 1990s was one of the right wing’s greatest recruiting tools. The evolution of the American left-wing from “We Shall Overcome,” peace-and-love advocates to angry, blame-America-first guilt mongers had the effect of turning campus liberals into the mirror image of the uptight conventional conservatives of the 1950s and 1960s. It became rebellious to resist their influence: reading Hunter S. Thompson led to appreciating P.J. O’Rourke; attending a Dead show and admiring Ronald Reagan were not contradictory. The optimistic “live and let live” atmosphere of Grateful Dead shows were a welcome asylum from the increasingly personal attacks levied on college campuses during the height of the culture wars.

But as George Will once said, “The four most important words in politics are, ‘up to a point,’ ” and this trend of enthusiastic, conservative Grateful Dead aficionados has its logical limits. Ann Coulter is fond of pointing out her love for the Grateful Dead as a way of disarming critics, but it is tough to imagine how Jerry Garcia would appreciate her book-length defense of Joseph McCarthy. Likewise, her comment to a Salon.com interviewer who asked, “So it’s up to the community to decide whether or not to burn queers in the public square?” – Ms. Coulter replied, “Right. That preserved the maximum freedom” – doesn’t exactly reek of “live and let live” libertarianism. Nonetheless, Ms. Coulter counts herself a fan, and all the protests in the world can’t erase that fact.

Ten years to the day after his death, the influence of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead live on, in wide and improbable circles. Especially in a time of increasingly rigid political partisanship, it’s perhaps helpful to recognize that personal experience and superficial political assumptions can sometimes be at odds – the book cover does not tell the whole story. One of the enduring, if unexpected, lessons of Jerry Garcia’s life is as apple-pie American as it gets: We’d all get along a lot better if we refocused on Thomas Jefferson’s founding promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Washington, DC – A new survey of 428 registered New Jersey voters who said their chances of voting in the November general election for Governor was “definite” or “very likely” finds Democratic U.S. Senator Jon Corzine holding a 44-39 lead over Republican Doug Forrester – a lead that expands to 45-38 among definite voters.

The survey was conducted 7/18-26 for DCSpectator.com by Neighborhood Research, in Franklin, N.J. The MoE is +/- 4.7%.

Corzine maintains a Fav/Unfav of 27-24 with 13 percent mixed, 31 percent no opinion and a name ID of 95 percent. Forrester has a 20-18 Fav/Unfav with 8 percent mixed and 46 percent having no opinion. Forrester’s overall name ID is 91 percent.

Overall, the survey finds Corzine holds strong leads with constituencies that lean to Democrats while Forrester is either behind or only slightly ahead among those constituencies Republicans need to win a majority in the state.

Corzine leads by 43-39 with homeowners, 45-40 with Catholics and 45-42 among Catholics who attend Mass weekly. He wins women by 49-30 while Forrester leads by 48-40 among men. Corzine is also strong with younger voters, winning 51-35 with those under age 35; 48-33 with those age 35-49; 45-41 with those age 50-64, and losing seniors 44-36.

Corzine leads with Irish voters 52-28, Irish Catholics by 60-21 and Irish Catholics who attend Mass weekly by 59-23. He wins non-Cuban Hispanics by 58-36, Jewish voters by 61-22, Scottish voters by 52-32 and Polish voters by 52-26. African-American voters are choosing Corzine by an 87-4 margin.

Forrester leads with Italians (44-38), Germans (49-37) and English voters (44-35). He is ahead 50-31
with Italian Catholics and 53-33 with Italians who attend Mass at least once a week. He is ahead by 60-22 among white mainline Protestants but beats Corzine by only 56-30 among white evangelical Christians, 51 percent of whom consider themselves conservative.

Corzine leads 74-9 among liberals while Forrester is up 66-16 with conservatives. Bush favorables are supporting Forrester by 68-13 while Bush unfavorables are backing Corzine by 79-11.

DCSpectator, based in Georgetown, is published by Gordon Hensley. A Republican, Hensley also writes a column for the NY State news and politics website, EmpirePage.com. DCSpectator also plans to poll periodically on the 2006 New York Senate and Governor’s races, the 2006 Senate race in Pennsylvania between Santorum and Casey, and interesting races in states around the nation as they develop.