What are the candidates up to today and what does
it tell us about the battle for Michigan? Huckabee is doing a
slightly customized version of a previous
ad aimed at Michigan voters suffering from 7% unemployment and
Democratic rule( these things may be related, no?). Romney's
"Asian Tiger" spot has an utterly different approach and seems
targeted to a different demographic-- high tech, upscale, stressing
his business background. It will be interesting to see which
connects with Michigan voters. McCain meanwhile is taking his
victory lap and stressing his military credentials. The most
interesting thing that happened today was what didn't happen
(Sherlock Holmes dog that didn't bark metaphor alert) : there was
no attack email from the Romney camp. For weeks it has been a
constant stream, mostly aimed at McCain but also Huckabee, and then
today -- nada. Is this just allowing their opponent to enjoy his
day in the sun or is Romney rethinking the high voltage "contrast"
approach? We'll find out soon enough but it would be a refreshing
surprise if Romney, down to perhaps his last state, decided to go
entirely positive and return to the real him which I suspect is
really a wonkish businessman. Finally, in case you hadn't watched
enough debates in the last week ( like THREE this past weekend but
who is counting) there is another one tomorrow in South Carolina
which obviously will be watched closely in Michigan as well.