Convention Epilogue

There are hazards to making predictions, placing bets, opening one's mouth, particularly in politics—but that has not kept me from doing it. 

To wit: I have been saying since before the watershed 2006 elections that if John McCain were the Republican nominee for the presidency in 2008—and it seemed to me he would, Republicans being an orderly sort, allowing those who place last time the front position this time, they are fair that way—that he wouldn't win shit.

And he won't.

Particularly after the week that was, that will be henceforth remembered as the gold standard, for either party, in the staging of a political convention.

John McCain and the Republicans are going to get beaten badly in November. The smart Republicans have known this for a long time, their best hope being that they are up against the Democrats, whose talents for snatching defeat from the jaws of victory should not be underestimated.  

But after the convention that just ended, where those who for years could be counted on to stumble and trip, finally, put up a perfect 10, that hope must be dwindling even as I write this.

And particularly after Candidate McCain's curious pick for VP yesterday.

The kind of risk one takes, if unwittingly, when you sense, deep down, that, this year, this time, you're just plain fucked.

Still, I'm sure there must be a few holdouts. People who still think Karl got his permanent majority ...

And let's face it: anything could happen. These are Democrats, after all.

So ... anyone still think John's gonna win? Anyone know someone who thinks John's gonna take it in November, squeak by like the Republicans always do? Because I'm feeling like a betting man, all doe-eyed and inspired after that speech Thursday night. I'm just asking for disappointment, right?

How about we put a $100 on it? Even stakes. Any takers?