An Excitement Gap?

by Bob Holsworth

August 10, 2009

Has the excitement gap of 2008 been reversed this year?

It was only a year ago.

It seemed that Democrats woke up every morning, got their credit cards out, went on the internet and sent Barack Obama $650 million.

Every weekend, Democrats gathered by mid-morning in their neighborhoods and starrted knocking on doors for Obama.

By contrast, John McCain was almost a default candidate for the GOP. With the exception of the buzz that accompanied the Palin nomination, the campaign ran a continuing excitement deficit.

Is this changing in Virginia this year?

Early polls are saying that Republicans appear far more energized than Democrats. GOP insiders say that it is very early, but that this year’s camapign has a different feel. And Democrats activists are also saying that it’s early, but that the campaign has to do a better job of getting the base enthusiastic. The complacency that was evident in all the NOVA special elections hasn’t dissipated (at least not yet).

Don’t get me wrong.

Bob McDonnell is an impressive candidate- bright, thoughtful, and with a wry sense of humor.

But Mr. Excitement he’s not.

Still, it’s clear that the overall energy level in the campaign is right now higher on the GOP side.

Having not held the Governor’s office for 8 years, maybe they’ve come to understand just how much influence the position wields in Virginia.

Maybe they’re motivated by the declining popularity of Obama and see a real opportunity after year last’s debacle.

Whatever the reason, Republican activists in Virginia seem to really want to win this election.

At one time, excitement wasn’t too helpful in campaign.

Barry Goldwater was more exciting than Lyndon Johnson.

George McGovern more than Richard Nixon.

Jesse Jackson more than Michael Dukakis.

But today, I think, people like their politics to have a bit of a buzz.