Gray-Out

Ken Layne thinks Gray-Out sounds like a nutcase.

Ken is right, of course, but will it matter? Davis is taking a page right out of the Clinton political playbook, which is: frame the issue how you want it, and never ever deviate from that position -- just pound it home in 10 second sound bites that are perfect for tv news.

Yes, Gray-Out Davis was ineffective during the height of the energy crisis, and no doubt made things worse long-term with his "deals." But it's impossible to dispute the fact that "the lights stayed on" after he "acted." That can be explained in a nice 10 second bite that will get repeated on news cycles. What is Bill Simon's response going to be? A lengthy discourse about markets and California's deeply flawed deregulatory scheme, and how Gray-Out's power "deals" have hurt the state's fiscal position immensely? Can he do it with a good 10 second sound bite?

I hope Ken is right and I am wrong, but I fear that a lot of people are going to buy into Gray-Out's populist "I saved the people during crisis" crap -- especially since he's built a big campaign war chest to get that message out. Prove me wrong, Californians, and get rid of him!

[Posted at 09:06 CST on 03/15/02] [Link]