The American Spectator

p> TRUE BLUE br> So much for trying to be ahead of the news. No sooner does The Prowler tee off once again on Erskine Bowles ‘s seeming inability to bring former Democratic opponent Dan Blue to endorse him than Blue sends out an e-mail that indicates he’s endorsing Bowles. Or he may not. /p>

Tuesday evening, Blue’s staff e-mailed to Democratic supporters and the press a message that read, in part, “I have spoken with Erskine Bowles several times since the primary about his potential service in Washington. Erskine has the opportunity to preserve the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate and I support that effort wholeheartedly. For that reason, I have offered him my endorsement.”

According to a Blue adviser in Charlotte, Blue declined an opportunity to appear with Bowles to make the endorsement in person, although both camps are said to be negotiating possible joint appearances. “Blue didn’t want to make this endorsement, but Bowles is in trouble,” says the Blue adviser. “The party owes Dan big time for putting this out when he did.”

At best it can be said that Blue’s endorsement is grudging. And there is still the matter of whether Blue’s supporters will back Bowles wholeheartedly. As reported yesterday, the NCAE, the state’s influential education lobby, which is basically resides in the pocket of the state Democratic Party, has thus far balked at endorsing Bowles after backing Blue in the primary. If it remains on the sidelines, it will be blow to the Democrat. As well, Blue, an African-American, may not be willing to campaign heavily among base constituents, seen as key if Bowles is to have a chance next month.

p> THE NEW SHAMELESSNESS br> It was perhaps one of the saddest and shameful moments in recent Senate history. Strom Thurmond