Is Michael Steele finished?

[DownWithTheLeft]

Many on this forum seem to think that because of the Democrats nominating Cardin, Michael Steele is finished.  I personally disagree, I think he is not just a token black Republican, but a strong candidate.  I think this race is an upset waiting to happen.  Like Kean, Cardin is the favorite, but I think Steele could pull it out.

What do you think?

[Kevin]

I always had a feeling that he is going to pull it out so I don't know.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

It's not impossible.

The thing I've noticed is for the last month and a bit when the undecideds are high - they're quite close - once the undecideds drop - the Dems take a clear lead (ie 5%+) - the logic is that the undecideds of late are trending toward the Dems.

That will be the key if we can look at polls in the immediate lead up. If the undecideds are very low and Steele is somehow around 48-49% he could pull it out. I still say this is a probable Dem pickup.

[Nym90]

Probably, although it's always possible Cardin could say something really stupid and lose.

But basically that's what it comes down to, Steele can't win, but Cardin could still somehow lose.

[adam]

Steele's platform seems to consist of one point "I'm black!!!". He'll pull down a majority of the black GOP community. Unfortunately for him, it's a very small community. I think he's toast.

[Moooooo]

No.  It will be an uphill battle, but he is by no means finished.

[Democratic Hawk]

No. I don't think he'll beat Cardin but should he lose, I dare say he has a future in some other political capacity

Dave

[WalterMitty]

yes he is finished.

these democrats on the threat are just sandbagging.  they know good and well steele doesnt have a shot.  they are playing down expectations so cardin's double digit victory will look more impressive.

[Adlai Stevenson]

I voted No.  Steele is clearly an impressive candidate but the state and the year he is running in count against him.  I think he will carry the GOP base in Maryland, i.e. 43% and perhaps even draw 1% more or so but he will not win. I think his ceiling of the vote should be around 46% of the vote. 

[Jake]

Steele's not going to win this race baring extroadinary circumstances.

[ATFFL]

Has Mfume conceded yet?  He could say and do things that would suppress the support for Cardin from the black community.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Yes, he has conceded.

[Adlai Stevenson]

But has he endorsed Cardin?  Mfume's endorsement of and active campaigning for Cardin would clearly be an asset in the campaign.  I can only hope Mfume does so quickly. 

[Moooooo]

Has Mfume conceded yet?  He could say and do things that would suppress the support for Cardin from the black community.

Yes, he conceded yesterday and stated that he fully supports Cardin's campaign.  He's also agreed to show up on the stump with Cardin throughout the campaign.

[Moooooo]

From Mfume:

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After the rally, Cardin said that he had spoken with Mfume about joining him on the stump, but declined to share details.

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Good for Mfume.

[Conan]

This race is Cardins to lose.

[Akno21]

Yes, especially because Cardin doesn't strike me as one who puts his foot in his mouth a lot. I highly doubt Cardin will say anything nearly as stupid as some of what Steele has already said.

[Adlai Stevenson]

Has Mfume conceded yet?  He could say and do things that would suppress the support for Cardin from the black community.

Yes, he conceded yesterday and stated that he fully supports Cardin's campaign.  He's also agreed to show up on the stump with Cardin throughout the campaign.

That is very gracious.  It always improves my opinion of someone in politics when they put their personal disappointment to one side and campaign for the good of their party and the country. 

[MarkWarner08]

Steele is a great candidate with a great staff. There's only one problem -- he's a Republican in Maryland running in 2006.

[Moooooo]

Steele is a great candidat with a great staff. There's only one problem -- he's a Republican in Maryland running in 2006.

Cardin and the DSCC better start informing people of his party affiliation.  Check out my story in the campaign ad thread...

He's an excellent candidate.

Something happend the other day at my girfriends house that nearly took the breath away.  My GF's mom is a diehard democrat.  I dont believe she has ever voted for a Republican, but the other day she said, "Nick, who is that tall, good looking, black guy all over TV?  Im voting for him." 

I thought to myself... Mfume?  Cummings?  Who the hell is she talking about?  Then it hit me, Steele.  She continued on to say, "He's speaks well, he's good looking, and I like the fact that he's running as an Independent."

She had no idea he was our Lt. Gov.  She also had no idea he was a Republican.  I informed her of his part affiliation, but she said she was voting for him anyway.  She was actually quite pissed that she couldnt vote for him this Tuesday.

... at least I have 2 months to change her mind.

[Eraserhead]

More or less. I mean almost nothing is impossible in politics but I can't say as a Democrat that I'm real worried about this race since Cardin won the primary.

[nini2287]

I think he's pretty much done, however, if I lived in MD I might vote for him.

[Democratic Hawk]

No. I don't think he'll beat Cardin but should he lose, I dare say he has a future in some other political capacity

Dave

Actually, I've changed my mind on Steele. Steele is finished unless he can give African American Marylanders reason to vote for him other than because he's Black

Dave

[Gabu]

Like Kean, Cardin is the favorite

lol