Lessons Learned

Last night was good for Republicans for a number of reason, least of which is that the GOP, like him or not, settled on their nominee. Bush will endorse McCain today in the Rose Garden and the job of uniting the GOP behind McCain will begin. But it was really good for the GOP because Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will be squaring off for another 7 weeks towards the Pennsylvania Primary on April 22nd. Here what we learned last night that I think will help McCain and Republicans come November:

1. Attacking Obama works: Clinton took off the gloves and the attacks hurt, especially in Ohio. According to exit polls, those voters that decided within the last five days who they were going to vote for broke for Clinton nearly 2 to 1. In Texas, the numbers were just as staggering. Why such a big turn around in the last few days? Here’s why: that is when the press started to focus on Obama Canada/NAFTA issue, Clinton attacked Obama’s credibility on trade, Clinton attacked Obama's readiness to be Commander in Chief (the Red Phone ad) and finally the questions surrounding Obama and his business relationship with indicted real estate developer Tony Rezko. Apparently Obama is not made out of tephalon.

2. Puerto Rico: It’s possible, that the Democratic Primary could last until the final vote in Puerto Rico…in June! With McCain securing the nomination last night, and Clinton and Obama continuing to duke it out, McCain will be able to define the November election on his terms. Obviously, McCain will focus on national defense, his strength. If this election is about national defense, the GOP stands a great chance at pulling it out.

3. Primary battles aren’t good: I don’t care what the candidates say, they aren’t helpful and they don’t make the winner emerge stronger for November. After Clinton’s victories last night, Obama is going to have to take off the gloves now. He can’t let her regain momentum and he is going to have to look to deliver a knockout in Wyoming, Mississippi and Pennsylvania. While these two beat each other up they risk bloodying the eventual nominee up for McCain in the general election. You can bet that Clinton and Obama will take it up a notch leading up to Pennsylvania.

4. Don’t ever count out the Clintons: No description needed.

MORE…

Bob Krumm also makes a very interesting point.

UPDATE...

This would certainly makes things interesting
...and apparently, Obama doesn't want to talk about it.

MORE HERE...

While Democrats feel like can live with whoever wins the nomination, that doesn't mean they have to like the current state of affairs.

EVEN MORE...

I told my wife last night that if Hillary won Texas, the story would be that she could have won it b/c Rush told his listeners to cross over and vote for her. She won. I'm not the only one that feels that way. Here's another who thinks Rush helped Hillary in Texas.

FINALLY...

I'm not one to brag...oh, who's kidding, yes I am, but I love it when someone else posts a similar message to something I've already said.