Gore, TX Dems, 2000, and Predictions

One of Al Gore's biggest mistakes in the 2000 election was his failure to turn a giant spotlight on Texas and its Banana Republic status led by Bush II and cronies (despite all the Austin-blogging apologists who constantly try to sell us an outrageous bill of goods on the state's wonderfulness--I grew up in Oklahoma and we know). One of the major reasons I remember being given at the time was the fear that turning the guns on the state would destroy the Democrats in Texas. The dirty secret, of course, was that they had already done it to themselves. Now, as reported at Political Wire, a recent poll on the governor's race there shows Gov. Rick Perry (R) leading with 39%, followed by Carole Strayhorn (I) at 25%, Kinky Friedman (I) at 16% and Chris Bell (D) at 15%. Yes, that party that was so important to save is fourth, behind not just the Repubs but two Independents. It was clear at the time that that strong spotlight might actually clear some ground making a comeback by the Dems eventually possible, but the usual wiser heads prevailed. Now, here we are with Texas writ large nationally and a dead Democratic Party in Texas anyway. Not as big a misjudgment and screw-up as many others at the time, before, or since, but add it to the list when you read or hear about the importance of throwing those wiser heads overboard. It's time.