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Okay.
Me.
-- feel like it's.
His -- here.
Okay.
It's.
It's.
-- Everything -- OK it's.
Surely remember her arms.
Our.
And it was what it looks like when you send the right man for the wrong job.
As president former president William Jefferson Clinton addressed a rally that was supposed to be.
-- -- -- rally down in Orlando with him and President Obama firing up democratic voters.
For a last round of early voting.
Down in the sunshine state.
And this.
Is power play and a rainy happy Monday to you Internet as we get ready for the final eight days eight days a week.
-- -- the 2012 presidential election.
And what Bill Clinton was trying to do for the president there.
Was that a fire -- the base and get people out to vote.
Because while Democrats.
-- struggling on Election Day they believe.
That all this month of early voting that they have been pushing for Democrats have been pushing for for a generation to -- instead of Election Day election month.
To try to overcome the enthusiasm gap with Republicans.
The president had to go home because of the hurricane the hurricane in fact may make it hard for people to get to the polls.
We'll talk about that will do that I promise we'll talk about -- guys in the latest developments there again as that continues to play its way out.
I -- you wanna talk about that we'll talk about the consequences of the president's health on the election as we get close to the end.
Has it been as big a deal as we thought it was you'll find that interest and we'll talk.
About the latest -- from super pac that little.
Literally is the vice -- -- calls Mitt Romney a trader.
We will talk about what the real electoral impact of hurricane CD he's going to be.
We will do that we'll have our points you have a great time you know why because it's an hour.
An -- -- power play today just brace yourself as you will need sandbags you will need extra provisions.
You'll also need to appreciate she's the chief.
Congressional correspondent for the mighty acts of Washington examiner.
My friend and former colleague Susan welcome.
Thanks Grammy night she still Blackberry even -- -- -- down there.
Busted she -- a story she is the most of visual visual Blackberry user I have ever ever now.
But that's -- -- has all the latest scoop.
So first of all season I would like to point this out.
-- -- giving her -- tougher names.
I ceremony what is happening seen DNA -- -- -- good look at his few Martinis we had Agnes and I was kind of attack.
Think the mother superior print of the Catholics yeah I had.
Yeah yeah yeah that's very sandy and -- -- NEC and the male or female name you know.
Yeah and -- -- I think I have I think that shows us.
I don't I don't know it's.
It's it's like your caddie -- yeah something like that but it's a nice name it's not a menacing and this should be they should be like you know help we're like that especially the size of this message -- -- So we've got guys get any help is that are out there watching yeah I mean I didn't.
Isiah that would be tough right big and tough -- you may be tiny.
Like -- -- -- -- why and it's been -- and I did not bath and enough about hurricane names I want to show you.
The most interest -- hole of the day and that is the Politico.
George Washington University battleground poll.
First let's look at likely swing state voters Democrats are happy about this when it says president.
It's got 49.
Percent to Mitt Romney's 48%.
And that represented three point swing.
From the pole last piece of Democrats they're the president has -- is backed up even if it's this this this statistically insignificant margin.
But then let's look at.
Extremely.
Likely voters -- that is rather severe.
Word the new -- word there and that this President Obama with 44% of those voters.
And Mitt Romney between fifth with 53%.
Of those voters.
So somewhere season between those two numbers -- the actual composition of the electorate.
Really.
Right because the best case scenario for the president is at one point -- The best point of the best case scenario for Mitt Romney is a nine point win and somewhere in between those two things is the reality right.
This -- -- seeing it it it echoes what people have been saying about this race.
Since long before the conventions even took place -- Republicans had a sneaky advantage here at an illness talking about and it's -- it's enthusiast not enthusiasts -- -- -- well it was because Hillary is really talking about it because.
She's like policy -- because we've all in the polls of all reflected this sort of Obama advantage until very recently.
And it in -- had these polls would Democrats plus nine plus five plus life.
But it's ignoring it something that's why -- seeking -- which is as you look at the very likely to super enthusiastic people who aren't just a sure thing.
Showing up the polls and a -- Romney has a clear advantage and that's because Republicans in general.
Are winning the enthusiasm battle in 2012 and that's where any advantage comes in that no one's really been talking about and I think you see that reflected in this political poll.
And if that's the big problem for Obama right now is that the people who are really excited.
Are not the Democrats like they were in 2008 and and if you go back to you look at look at the the most key battleground state and everybody's talking about -- Ohio we'll of course OK so that's the problem.
From there is it's.
You know magnified.
Because what does he need to win Ohio he's not gonna win the -- people he won in 2008 wrecked everything is changed there.
And energy rich areas don't like them anymore you know he's not gonna get the blue -- -- you know that right there Reagan Democrats.
Well -- he -- these college campuses right he needs the enthusiasm he needs those kids show up the waiting did in 2008.
But the enthusiasm isn't there so they're not all showing up in those same numbers he's in real trouble in Ohio that gives Ronnie managed to win this -- must win state.
And give him an opportunity to win the electoral vote on Election Day.
So that's why I think enthusiasm here really is one of the most important elements.
I'll cut all in this election this enthusiasm and it has been is something that the bulls -- -- -- -- -- for months and months that's not getting you know a lot of play.
And when we talk about it media that it really isn't one of them most important factors in this election.
Obviously and so that was good question isn't this what I've heard about today and my -- by which you can have simply for the cost of the click.
And Twitter to follow me -- these are all it's worth it to another stroke has its freight that's where that's why it's worth it Susan points out that they're giving the the quality of the product as the cost.
I'm hearing it for years that's not -- I.
Very kind of you to say but the the truth of the matter is where the president.
Heat knew that this was coming as you said that it in the end Republican enthusiasm republic at any given Republican votes and higher frequency than any given Democrat.
That's why Democrats like early voting so much because gives them more days to get people to the polls drive the fans go to the high -- buildings and get their vote to get their voters out.
Senior citizens and folks like that.
Well let's look at again back to Ohio to sustain it -- talking about.
It's all gonna come down to because of the enthusiasm deficit for Obama what does he have over the Republicans while he's got a bigger broader ground game.
Okay just like -- -- getting people out to the polls.
He's got they've got more.
-- campaign offices many more campaign offices crosses and Romney.
So the -- people think well what we are lacking in ground game we can make out four in just general excitement.
That's a bit of a gamble right because Obama's got this this feet on the ground there to physically get people out.
To the polls to vote to make sure people are registered be knocking on doors calling people handing out side.
That is -- -- that's that's that's a big advantage for him.
And Romney's folks are thinking locally and have people on the ground there aren't we know we were -- you know they're saying it debt that our ground game there is better than it's ever -- well it's still not nearly as good as president Obama's.
And that's where you gonna see this battle of ground game -- enthusiasm in Ohio and I think that's what you gonna hear people talking about Election Day.
They've got the -- get people out there voting.
And so Ronnie does not lose Ohio you know the money morning quarterbacking will include today did they put enough resources -- there did they make -- effort to win that state.
Much in the same way people talked about -- not putting enough effort into Ohio.
Back in 2004 and indeed he lost Ohio and lost the presidency because of it.
Yeah.
And hurricane season has now visited upon news she has let you know what's what's -- we thank you very much here and it's been here all right okay Internet we're gonna take a quick break -- We've got lots more inventory to move -- -- we're gonna talk when we come back about the -- -- -- scandal and do actual consequences for the election what the president says about that what Democrats are saying about it and how we got here so we'll do that with the panel when we come back.
So stick around.
Dan Howell would be politically embarrassing.
For the administration -- it turns out those drones were armed -- the weapons were not fired when those.
Men were the US American -- the -- Americans were under attack for -- hours I can understand how what would give up valuable intelligence can you tell me directly.
We're the drones armed or not that we're flying over Ben Ghazi and were reporting -- in real time.
-- this member of the Senate Intelligence Committee is not gonna make any comments on drones.
On the wrapper off the record or anywhere else.
And back was Chris Wallace on the aptly named FOX News Sunday with Chris Wallace trying to get Mark Warner democratic senator from Virginia to tell the tale.
Not only now that we know what the president in the White House -- When they knew it about the raid on the US.
Outposts in Ben Ghazi.
But whether or not we had in real time the ability to try to disrupt the attack.
Democrats are staying mum on the subject and each day.
There seems to be something new on the topic of this September 11 2012.
Raid in Libya this power play welcome back.
And this has been a sleeper issue in a lot of ways for this election.
But.
It is one all the same and -- so the question is this does this move the needle for voters or does it simply just add to a perception of those sort of beleaguered presidency.
Is this net net good for Mitt Romney is their hero in this.
Let's talk to Smart people know about such things and it is -- very good -- great fortune to be able to tell you that don't show.
It has made it through the hurricane.
To be with us from the mother ship on the fourteenth floor there in New York.
And what we like about -- other than the fact that he is a generous and good colleague.
Is also this.
He is independent pollster to President Bill Clinton you watch him right here.
On yourself Internet and his show I doubt welcome.
Thank you so much.
Chris thanks for the kind words.
Well our idea and before we get underway please -- do the most important thing and plug.
Your show.
They're right before power play on.
Mondays at 10:38.
AM we have campaign insiders with each -- -- John -- bully and we urge everyone who.
Rightly -- power plated to also join us for a campaign insiders.
Are -- The idea -- -- -- the Internet -- -- prepared to get you ready for all of this brought Internet excellence.
And that -- -- that you heard came from match -- He's a Republican.
He was the top White House political advice -- -- George W.
Bush.
He is also a generous friends to join us here on power play very -- the Internet -- you very much Matt welcome back.
Good to be backers and I would Woolsey I hear -- The secret -- that holes.
OK what are -- right I tried to build little prominent but but Doug is right so.
God when we look at foreign policy in -- select -- we look at Ben -- when we look at this story just it won't go away it continues to persist we keep finding out something new every day Chris Wallace yesterday was on this subject whether or not -- drones that were flying -- actually could have tried to break up the attack.
There always seems to be something new we heard just last week.
Or -- at the end of last week about the calls the the pleas from the CIA.
Agents on the ground to try to break up the attack -- for help from -- support.
Does this actually move the needle or is this not really going -- It's a very good question -- and it.
Changes really from day today.
I think more generally.
It reinforces the perception.
Of a president who is not as on top of foreign policy.
As he would want to be just a month ago or so.
Right before September 11 I think it's fair to say that foreign.
Policy was one of the president's greatest strengths he regularly cited with justification.
Having gotten.
I'll -- in most most importantly bin Laden but now given the Libyan.
Tragedy and it can only be described -- that.
What the administration I think is trying to do when I'm curious yours and -- reaction is basically run out the clock.
Not answering questions not resolve things so that at age an issue that may well be damaging.
Doesn't become any more damaging in the final seven or eight days of the campaign.
-- let's say it.
While having I've been accused -- not listening to people like debates -- Tanzania will truly your dunks and a -- years we'll look let me give you these.
And while while the are our massive power play team in New York press to sort out that audio difficulty.
We will I will listen ops guys what does it which is basically this.
The president strategy.
As it relates to this and actually read to you a great that Doug is -- That he was talking to morning show this morning which is on the the MSNBC.
Network and it was to say that it was today.
Friendly interview.
It would it would would would be an insult to friendly interviews everywhere but that asking him about this Joseph Scarborough.
Who used to be Republican and -- -- congressman from Florida said to the president.
You know vote.
Didn't you did you kind of screw this up with -- -- and the president's I take offense I -- take offense as I've said during one of the debates the suggestion that you know anyway we have tried to make sure that the American people do.
His information was coming in what.
We believe happened and you could like see like -- is he saying this like for real for -- for real surf there as Doug says there's been very clearly at least that effort here to run out the clock to Election Day on this subject.
Well -- agreed with -- before -- -- agree to do and I feel good I think the mistake that was made here by President Obama in his.
National security team is they try to come up.
With any reason.
A plausible reason beyond that it was a room mystique for that -- -- that's right but they came up with this video that was -- to his explanation for why people were there.
Frenzied.
You know activity outside.
The consulate and that that cost this attack where we know that the ambassador was outside his residence just a couple of hours before this attack took place.
And we note that people on the ground.
The intelligence on the ground was warning the situation was warning the secretary of state was -- the president's top officials.
That this that this -- -- this attack occurred and -- -- by.
-- -- assist you with al-Qaeda so this is a very clear mistake because really when you have a foreign.
Policy catastrophe like this the country -- -- on Iran president just has to happen in the president lost a goodwill by playing politics is coming up with eight.
With an explanation that was contrary to the facts.
Doug let's see if I can hear you.
Their question is this for the president.
Can -- make it can he make it to Election Day on this before it becomes the thing that -- before becomes a scandals well.
I think at this point has an electoral issue it is -- slightly here.
I think we might be victims of some winters right below the radar screen any effect it has knocked us out will try to get the connection restored.
With Doug but this gives you of course a great opportunity to make more points -- -- -- Yeah some grass -- that's hard to -- -- and it's got everything this is not fair.
But.
On this the Greek word at -- states that the concept of in and mythology or in in all of the Greek.
Tragedy you get to a point where person.
It is just be set and everything that it's the reverse Midas touch everything goes on -- that in fact it happened looking much but.
-- there is an element of enemies he's an office that as the president is trying to close the deal.
Everything you you get all these breaks that that people shouldn't even if even if you take the president's telling in this was and an unavoidable fall that that it was the part of some -- the -- -- that -- statement -- -- that he couldn't -- anything about it.
If it -- -- to a notion.
Of -- presidency that's been set.
Yeah and let's face -- and I worked for President Bush in 2000 before -- remember a little of that -- leaving the election it didn't feel like.
When you since on the strategy sessions that it's like you know -- lord what's gonna contacts to.
He had a couple wars that you know it certainly the headlines didn't seem to.
Didn't portrait is going well you had an economy that was growing but it was limping.
And then you had all of these kinds of commissions that were started after 9/11 -- and intelligence failures and what the president said speeches or not.
So this this can happen to -- present reelected can especially happen to president reelect.
When that president and his team doesn't do things that are necessary to keep their foot on the -- of their opponent.
In the case of George W.
Bush he had -- first debate format performance that was a bit sub par.
In Obama's case he -- a historically disastrous.
First debate and he gave so much oxygen to governor Romney that you can really just CD.
That day that they are -- people are shaken I was in Texas the of their -- You may have we may have dug back in -- -- is going to go read Doug -- us yes I can.
-- say something Smart to close at this segment you have to you -- getting them all back got doubles -- -- got -- is due to the finish with an overhead smash yet.
The polls are moving in governor Romney's.
Direction Ohio is now plus two according to Rasmussen today -- nationalist plus three.
For a Romney.
What Obama is trying to do is to keep.
The margin from growing hope that his ground game.
Produces.
A victory in the overhead smash.
His Chris given what we're talking about I would not rule out between Friday and Monday of this coming week the possibility of some October surprise.
In light of the president's stated desire and intention as he should to get the perpetrators of this monstrous act.
Yeah and and if you can't get the perpetrators get somebody anyway -- -- start blowing up stuff in Libya post -- right.
-- We hope you had a good show today I always -- -- this.
Well good how we look forward we look forward to I know -- -- -- -- more shifts back and watch watch in an insider's view we're gonna make -- day and do battle with more Democrats later in the show.
It's a tag team situation here that he he can't tag affixed to its Canadian doubles I guess you could say but we're gonna take a quick break and when we come back.
We're gonna talk to one of the Republican party's chief prosecute orders.
On the president's 2010 health law and how much of an -- really has ended up having on this election it was a big deal in 2010 but what's the real consequence in 2012.
We'll talk about it when we come back.
So stick around.
And that is what it looked like in march of 2010.
When President Obama after eighteen months of trying.
Was able to sign into law.
What he calls the are used to call the patient protection and Affordable Care Act.
Which Republicans derided as obamacare which the president now calls obamacare is he thinks it's cool.
And that we call here the president's health law because it's simple and fair.
This is power play where I am certainly simple and often -- -- So we're gonna talk about.
That question.
What is the consequence the real political consequences that match -- was a Republican strategist who knows about that.
Will slice and dice that question for you he will he will amaze you with his political daring do but prepare now to be amazed.
By -- -- great congressman from the great state of Georgia who joins us from our Atlanta bureau congressman welcome back to the show.
Hey Chris great to be -- thank you.
OK so will let we'll let Matt talk about this question.
How Republicans can use it in grain -- detail.
Use the president's health law.
But a lot of us -- myself included expected to see the health care law be a bigger part of the discussion in 2012.
That it has been especially given how huge it was in 2010.
For your party.
But it doesn't seem to have shake up that way this time.
Congressman Chris at all yes oh of course I am here I'm sorry I thought you are -- What was that yeah it was I'm gonna get you look bad the situation the situation.
Is going to be -- obviously.
Dependent on who wins all on November the sixth.
Borough president Romney if it's -- Romney are 45 president.
Then he will -- I'll grant waivers are using his power or all of an executive order.
Ought to stop hopefully the stop Obama Obama care.
Are at least the worst most riskiest parts aspects of obamacare in its tracks.
Obviously if we have a repeat.
Of the 44 -- Clinton Barack Obama.
Oh wins on a whim of the six has -- as a whole different ball game.
I think what you'll see in that scenario is that we Republicans who will continue to -- -- house will do everything we can.
Ought to convince our democratic colleagues did certain aspects of the bill.
Need to be repealed.
An assortment certain instances maybe we can defund certain things that they won't go along -- so you know we have a game plan depend on who wins.
And so we -- -- game plan but in terms of how.
-- had a tie into this election as.
Do as Republicans are trying to either hold teacher gain seats in the house when senate races and certainly took to win the presidents say.
How is this issue being used effectively or less effectively in terms of prosecuting Democrats as it did have Republicans -- chances to use this law do you think.
Oh not at all not at all in fact -- go go back to two point CN.
What are we have something like eighty odd new members Republicans.
Well yes -- -- yeah.
To my House of Representatives in.
And it wasn't just Obama care but you know that was.
Baton -- other egregious nature of that wall where it was done.
Almost in the dark of night cram down the throats of the senate -- that reconciliation.
Process.
And and that's when she end up.
All of the Tea Party movement and and thousand -- more.
Worry area of thousand not 1000 but many thousands came to Washington.
And that helped us take back the House of Representatives which 45 person margin.
So I don't think that has dissipated I think here in 2012.
You'll see more of the same.
And good.
Do you expect last question congressman.
Do you expect that.
The effect here is more.
Inside the mind of voters about the distraction from the economy people being concerned the president didn't focus enough on the economy -- The -- itself.
Well I think both saw Chris -- I think back but both issues because there's so interrelated.
In regard to -- from the doctor's perspective you know there about 21 of us on the house now and 45 in the senate.
And those of us who have been in in the health -- space all of our allies most of us medical doctors.
When we understand what it will do to health care in this country well understand what it will do to the doctor patient relationship.
In the sanctity of that literally will destroy it.
But the American people John Q public who maybe.
You can't get into the weeds are having gotten in the weeds are all bad after all it was twenty what.
42700.
Pages they understand -- connect the dots in regard to the economy.
Thought and what this law is costing our employers something like eighty million hours to figure out the mess -- what they are going to be required to do or not.
I still think they are they're they're confused a map that.
Well and not hiring thought in dropping health care for their employees even though they have to pay -- flat.
So I think American League would get -- in this is.
All connected to the economy and jobs in the fiscal cliff.
So it's all one thing really.
Well if you lived in Kennesaw Georgia you -- -- But if you don't there's Dr.
Phil -- -- you come into us from Atlanta we thank you congressman.
Thank you my pleasure bwic.
All right Matt some life my thesis on this stuff is that the health care what people have no idea what's it.
They have no big deal with the consequent -- -- a consequence people it.
The Democrats were wise to delay implementation of the larger things in the part of that really is a new entitlement and with the taxes and etc.
to delay beyond the election.
-- but it still is consequential because people are still miffed.
The president talked about this in an interview last week.
-- through the week before with the de Moines register editorial board where they said are you sorry that you took that period of a super -- to focus so much on this when people were concerned about the economy don't even know it was the right thing but I still think it's the idea that people want him.
To have as he -- a laser focus on jobs.
Instead of dealing with this.
The pulling on -- -- still pretty split Williams always frustrated conservatives because they feel like it's so clearly loser.
-- from a policy perspective on how little impact people.
But I think doctor fingers right this little bit of a proxy for the economy I do you think people that still like the idea -- national health care obamacare.
Also believe that obamacare is having a negative impact on jobs I think governor -- won this debate I think.
The fact that Obama -- is a drag on the economy Obama is losing the second thing.
That Obama and I cared due to our politics and the reason why I think actually it is front center.
Is that Obama.
Took executing his signature policy achievement.
We had a Republican vote and that Olympia -- is that I that's not what he promised to do and that's a drag and Israel -- And she likes at all she's she is and Olympia Snowe is definitely a vote that can be had now look you've been complaining and and I'm sorry that we have been not sufficiently talking to you about what you're saying we have a ton of chat.
-- Twitter is being I guess I'm gonna blame everything on the hurricane today my Twitter is misbehaving and get your tweets that -- -- I have a slew of check here to get into.
But right now I -- give you a little breaking news.
Which is this that the Romney campaign is going dark for the hurricane that just announce a within the last few minutes and here's the statement.
From the Romney campaign.
Which is at a sensitivity for the millions of Americans and Africans and we are canceling tonight's event with governor -- in Wisconsin in congressman Ryan in Melbourne and Lakeland Florida we are also canceling all events currently scheduled for both governor Romney.
And Ryan congressman Ryan on Tuesday.
-- governor Romney believes this is time for the nation and its leaders and -- -- focus on those Americans who harms way.
We'll have details to follow but that's breaking week we -- news here too.
I mean we didn't break we told you anyway.
Match -- gonna stay with -- -- when we come back you have a another Democrat in New York.
With which to -- Let's hope he is up to the task.
So you stick around.
Shifting jobs to China.
Than forcing workers to train the Chinese replacements the week before they came.
They took the American flag down that we'll outside the -- and the week after they left -- -- back up like we're supposed to be ashamed that we're Americans outsourcing jobs taking down the flag.
There have been -- -- from the truth.
And that is a new ad that's running in Ohio and running in Pennsylvania from a democratic super pac known to be affiliated with Harry Reid.
He's the senate majority leader from Nevada and some big union groups and it's called workers' voice.
Which is not just the name.
Communist weekly newspaper.
But also apparently a super pac.
Saying that Mitt Romney is in fact a -- -- Calls him a traitor so it's the last week of the campaign as -- -- -- last week of the campaign people are gonna put stuff out that they would never dare put out when it would be able to hang around on the shelf -- there'd be more scrutiny.
And that's why we call it the silly season.
Things just get in it there's nothing silly about being called -- -- I suppose.
But it's serious stuff.
So let's talk about what we're gonna see in the last week let's talk about how rough and tough it's gonna be out -- especially the super -- world.
Because we have -- slapped with -- still and mask.
Prepare yourself because Basil Michael junior.
Who is the founder appropriately enough -- battles Michael associates but he's also a former advisor to Hillary Rodham Clinton.
And help her two percentage victory in New York.
Which is what she did before she ran for president Basil would -- captain of our all that.
All the name a team effort here on power play welcome back thank you good to be here.
OK so.
That that is some thing.
That.
Basil you would not run.
In the day he wouldn't -- somebody trader in May just like what happened with the others who were back at -- ended I attributed woman's death.
From cancer to Mitt Romney sits on the shelf and becomes a negative the other side -- -- this is the kind of thing that you try to sneak out in the closing days of the campaign.
When it's gonna it may get lost in the media noise but it may have an effect right.
Well no I think that's absolutely right in if you look at the fact that in the last debate.
The president took -- much stronger tone he had a very stronger to get a much stronger voice.
And I think anyone in there is supporting the president for example any pac supporting president.
They're going to match that voice in the air commercials you -- traders obviously very strong.
Language to use and I I actually don't agree with that.
But you definitely will see a much much stronger tone not just by the president but by a lot of those pacs supporting him.
Andy and you'll see that actually by the surrogates as well -- you would expect members of congress and others.
To be out here matching the president's strong tone that he took in the last debate it's a way to energize voters into.
-- to get the to get more support out -- form in these last days.
Now -- we have -- the death of democracy after this Citizens United decision was.
I did not occur as we expected and in fact what we've mostly seen from the super pacs.
Is that it's about -- was accused each other out in the Virginia media market which you have suffered an issue try to watch football contests and things like that.
It's brutal you cannot get through one segment without an overload of bats and power plays theory is it's white noise now it's I watch that -- -- don't -- you can't breakthrough anymore unless you do something.
Totally bonkers right.
Like call somebody a traitor etc.
is this is this -- the consequence of super -- and -- -- is that in the end people that are ultimately accountable to an individual these people are affiliated with Harry Reid but they are not -- read.
Can do stuff that people wouldn't have to do they have to live with -- Yeah they -- Chris I think directing I think that the theme of this cycle is that with a bunch of new and different types of money involved in politics.
All real pros for him for what they knew which was run television ads and I think -- probably agree that they spent.
You know millions and millions of dollars -- have been ineffective and they could've spent in other ways it could have targeted these undecided voters.
When India within -- I think would agree with -- -- is that when you're closing the campaign and you the president of the United States.
It's time to make your final argument.
Who MI and what am I gonna do and a second term -- and Barack Obama continues to not do that he's not responsible for the content to the sadness here no weather folks but the idea that they think it's constructive.
To focus on continuing to try to portray governor Romney to be some evil villain he didn't work in -- it's helping Romulo because it.
Bottle looks very desperate campaign looks desperate as well and I think it's time for their closing statement what do you do to help us I think he's still decide to make that.
To make that statement -- -- if they would have the courage to do it.
Basil -- -- -- well I tell you what I'm being bombarded by all these emails we don't get that had so much in New York with those emails are what really killed me and -- well.
Well I'll tell you and you know to -- with with the -- couple points.
You know what I read the other day that these campaigns have reached about two billion dollars to me that's actually -- Because you can you can be spending that money on so much trying to get people jobs could be spending that nobody on getting getting young people to college.
That that to me is a full -- amount of money but that unfortunately the -- of our times today.
I would also say that while I do agree that from a campaign strategy.
You would want the incumbent to be able to go back to his base and be able to the to to to get some positive messages out there about what he's gonna do in the next four years articulate his vision the problem has been.
That in four years ago that was the race that was the campaign of independence that was the recent independent.
This is a campaign about enthusiasm.
So any thing that the -- both candidates actually have to do.
Is going to be geared towards enthusiasm in getting the air base out to vote so I don't wanna say it's desperation I don't think I'm there yet.
But -- but I will say that there has been a concern about the enthusiasm after the first to -- You saw a little bit of that slipped on back on the president's side.
And I think what he did was give Romney a platform look more presidential so what the president's got to do now let's say hey look.
I'm still your guy I'm still out there and I'm still fighting for you so you're gonna start to see and you have been seeing a lot of that.
The enthusiasm.
Trying to get back into not only his campaign would get translated.
To that to the base that that.
Me is -- where it may have waned a little bit.
Dazzle us Michael is more than just a pretty name in his heart he is fair minded he's patriotic and we thank you for making -- for -- today as -- -- -- great -- -- break -- -- think -- And -- slap.
Do you have appropriate provisions do you have enough bottled water for your enormous families.
Amman to get some of those provisions including some adult beverages to -- we can whether it's still -- going -- with Rick Rick Jamison for dad get a -- your dad and -- -- for the girls and older we thank you very much we wish you guys the best in getting through.
This storm.
And certainly that now.
I will -- my business and I will talk I would tell you what you were saying.
Here's what Chris Todd says well Obama and elect conversational tone Chris in the -- well sir.
Obama would he didn't say what is -- -- -- well Obama was in the same position as Romney is now on experience.
Probably at least has some knowledge of business so really give -- -- chance is what I say I like that that's -- it's like hey why not just the presidency.
And -- here's what.
-- 1953 on the ground in Ohio says that -- dearth of Obama yard signs.
He -- noticed that and he sees that as a measure of intensity piazza says who the heck is this -- guys he got tomorrow more.
Oh it's an irresistible fun to make.
Here what else are you saying -- that.
This is New York City voters stayed home because of the hurricane is the statement rest is it going to carry Romney -- That simple.
And here is on the twitters here's what you have to say -- that's pretty good.
GE 2319.
Suggest.
That battles Michael's name should have been Basil Seagram.
Which is the name -- outrage from.
-- -- germanic mythology.
If you want to know what kind of people are watching power play there you have gotten a nice broad sampling.
From Tristan and I think he sold all the way down to.
Puns about Ben Ghazi we've got it all in your providing it for us.
Really take a quick break but when we come back we're gonna talk finally.
Finally I said I would and we will do it -- talk about the on the ground manifestations of how this hurricane would change the discussion we'll talk about.
Mitt Romney's decision to change his schedule talk about that we'll talk -- pressing early vote.
We'll do all of those things we will set chew up we will be your guide to the politics of hurricane -- when we come back.
So stick around.
And the last thing.
Present I want to do that can't -- get away.
-- -- the most important.
And people will help and and property.
Eight years ago we live just continues people replied -- you'll finally moved back drop.
I want to stop.
Guys disaster yeah.
Good guys in the epicenter.
And back.
Was vice president Joseph Biden confusing an earthquake with -- hurricane.
Talking about New Hampshire being the epicenter.
Hurricane sandy he meant I guess the high were the target or something like that but talking to campaign volunteers up in Manchester, New Hampshire.
And explaining.
The difficulty for campaigns.
In the closing days of an enormous presidential election has hassles Michael was -- -- two billion dollar.
Presidential election very consequential.
-- keep campaigning and asking for votes while not looking like a jerk face out on the campaign trail.
This is power play and we will give you your guide to job non -- face them.
With somebody who knows exactly how to do that.
Because its nature is decent and fine thank you very much Bob Cusack and he is smiling even though the jets got.
He stated.
Managing editor of the hill you follow him at Bob Cusack where you should.
And Bob we've had breaking news today about Mitt Romney's decision to doubt -- way back.
-- today and tomorrow go dark in Florida.
He -- Ohio stuff.
So in terms of since it expressions of sensitivity.
Both campaigns.
Are doing that the president also has to look like he's busy yes that even though there's not much that he can't go fill sandbags is that I'm on the phone call and -- I'm doing stuff if -- the.
Challenger.
You pretty much just have to sit on your hands for a day or two right yeah I think in this situation from running -- -- in the right choice because there's less is more the president.
-- the media of one looking presidential -- -- -- disasters are true test of the -- and these other president.
Bush I believe in 1992 was a hurricane into Arabia -- Florida he kind of stumbled a little bit how we handle that.
That hurt himself.
You know the presence can be very very busy and I think that what Mitt Romney's doing is the right move and imagine -- dissident he'd last week -- while that would have been.
Well by interest it is the election week it is we don't have Election Day anymore we have election month.
Democrats especially but incumbents in general -- early voting.
It gives them more time to get their people to the polls and get out there.
So it's not the same in the old days basically what we knew.
Was that if there was a foot of snow that fell on Philadelphia.
That the Republicans would carry Pennsylvania the weather when you -- -- -- actual Election Day.
Weather was a much bigger deal.
Is here will say it again you understand this now because I repeated so much but I cannot resist.
And given Republican votes with greater intensity inning giving Democrat on a per capita basis but if you have a month.
You can give Democrats the polls you can offset some of that it's for the president.
As long as he doesn't.
Really screw this up or get to have a bullhorn moment where he changes the trajectory of this race for good or for ill.
-- -- this mostly come down to getting people to the polls when you have an enthusiasm gap but there -- Offends yet is this I had seen estimates of stuff thirty to 40% -- early voting so you know that's a lot of people so -- president right now.
-- -- he he wants the election today and he wants Election Day I think now I think we're definitely hurt not doing there right now but they're not there and let.
But time is on Romney's sake I you know all Obama said about a month ago election were back then he would win I I agree with her mom but you know we're seeing different -- out of Ohio.
And -- is Romney closing the gap -- a lot of them are kind of all over the map alarm within the margin of error.
That is gonna decides.
And the truth about these polls in this is that this has been very interest and I want to go back -- show one more time because this is the most important point I have seen in a long time.
-- Politico GW university battleground poll that -- is naral actually probably forgotten about this and that it's so long ago.
You've probably forgotten about it but let's look at the gap here.
Between the likely swing state voters where is President Obama by a point by -- hair.
As they -- -- out here or Mitt Romney.
Among likely voters 53 to four of the most likely voters 53 to 44.
So this -- day.
Enormous estate ten point differential between the people who were most likely so the best case -- -- Mitt Romney.
Is if none of the people who were like I'm voting but not really that excited about it vote he wins by nine.
The best case here for the president is win by one the truth is that somewhere between those two numbers the truth flock.
-- -- that's right and we got it there's no doubt about it that the enthusiasm is on the Republican side we saw that in 2010.
Election is and and the president's side on decided 2008.
-- and and that's why the Obama camp is so nervous about getting the youth vote -- I mean they're saying you know don't -- you know you have class -- maybe something going on skating closings in college who wasn't with the exact vote now I'm -- they're very concerned about that because of those numbers.
The -- and they're certainly very real.
What about though and there's -- -- constitutional.
Republicans.
About what Romney does on the one hand you don't -- -- -- Like you are -- -- -- different you wanna have your guys -- filling sandbags.
Do you wanna you know because and that the hurricane after -- -- of the hurricane is gonna be in places like.
Allegheny County Pennsylvania and it's going to be out in places like.
Stark County Ohio these key places.
Later in the week it's it's heading out there but it'll be a hurricane by -- but they're gonna get deluged with rain for two or three days out there.
For Romney that you don't -- McCain yourself yes look like you're now we're shutting down the campaign and we're going dark and you get yourself.
How much can you do and how much can you do without looking like being in -- It's a tough delicate line here I mean that's an interesting idea christening what is -- what -- they went -- maybe not a battleground state -- go to it.
New York New Jersey you -- an -- and then you do that you go out and ran.
And he helped with some sandbags it looks good people so -- playing politics is that well.
Well for everything -- exactly -- OK listen I get -- country and trying to help.
Help out Chris Christie Mitt Romney sandbags.
You know the Jersey Shore -- -- -- -- shows you know corporate.
That's yeah that's I mean that's kind of its.
Accurate but it's been mostly there once drive recklessly confident in his -- assessments on you know it's only -- season but he doesn't have an actual rate and -- had to go about one of the sixth on the tourist spot has yet -- -- it makes chesterfield coat.
And he then he has to covered up with this cheesy punch -- There he said yes that's nice and I don't Reagan until he gets that looks good at it honcho except for people who look good and no matter what they Wear and that's neither of us.
We stipulate that OK so give us the fearless Cusack forecast.
For the next eight days in terms.
How quickly they can turn this around to get back to -- each -- -- -- -- do we is this do they have to wait I guess depends on how bad it is but it's just what they say it is.
And we do now.
Manhattan does not watch out to see -- but -- series power disruption how long until they can turn it.
I think it's going to be this story certainly of the week maybe by the weekend depending on on I mean this is going to be a deadly storm there's no doubt about it is just how deadly it is going to be especially you have had trees falling.
And with this amount -- so.
I think it's at least the weekend you know you know I think maybe the weekend we get ready to normal I really think it's going to be because it's going to be.
The government's basically closed down today and closed tomorrow possibly Wednesday and then you have okay is the jobs report going to be released on Friday.
And then it's well wait a minute can't even talk about.
And you you conspirator is out there here's one keeps you want the possibility is that because of this.
Because of the closure of the government.
The worker bees over at the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the Department of Labor.
May not be able to finish the jobs report in time we're supposed to happen October jobs report.
In which -- it was it went down -- the jobs picture didn't improve that much but because people left the workforce center etc.
The number went down present it was hey it's below 8% for the first time in forever.
-- and Republicans were.
Waiting to see what was gonna happen this week with the October jobs report that will come to pass.
Now because of the hurricane it may not come to pass -- let your conspiracy theories start.
-- churning away out there.
But I think -- you and -- -- of the same mind on this subject.
Doesn't really matter because what really matters is what people feel at home I'm screaming all the time that everybody success with the top line.
Unemployment rate it doesn't matter it matters what people feel it matters what their misery index is at home and how they feel about it and how it is for them not an arbitrary whether it's seven point eight -- eight point one.
It you know I agree and and everybody knows that his family friends who were looking for jobs -- don't have jobs they want.
I'm in part time job so I do you think the die is cast I mean definitely if you think the economy's getting better that's what you think TV like it's getting worse actually using -- -- a lot of -- Like it's not like if -- year old man just got laid off and he's out of a job than the -- unemployment number comes -- they went down at at some point you're like hey you know what.
-- this is good -- probably five quit complaining honey you're going back to work don't worry about it exact has so.
The last thing when you look at.
The president on this as you said.
We've had hurricanes have been a big deal in elections for certainly a big deal.
For the post-Katrina.
Certainly a big deal for the president in 2010 as we do this.
The as we do this for the president.
He is he doesn't want to go overplayed his hand here right.
That's right that he doesn't want it takes too much and and -- play any kind of politics at least on the surface he's got to be the president just as if we're not in an election he's got to act.
Like that and of course you know he's he's going to be.
Talking of the country in any put out a statement last night meaning can be very active as they should be -- to communicate.
What the federal government is doing and you have to picture that FEMA does a good job because of FEMA does not do a good job.
That is gonna be very that the president.
Do you think.
What do you think about that and he's Smart he's fair minded he's good.
On him he should you can -- me first time.
If you do that first night players with no with no this is like apple action vs East Coast thing and I -- that I -- that Steelers Eagles it's cool yeah.
-- cool but you you should follow me first but then immediately after that -- followed seconds later.
So that is their right -- given that it could take take -- -- -- take a breath you know before you do that.
You may want to sandwich or something but Bob thank you very much ridiculous I think you -- today.
OK here's something for you.
-- Jonathan Hunt he's not with you today.
He's in the field he's making it happen.
He's doing stuff.
But you know what you do have today.
Casey Stegall.
You don't get to see Casey -- very much Internet are not as much as you should he's going to be with you today he's going to give you all the latest.
They're going to be highlights of fox -- -- that you can watch and you'll enjoy that as we continue this special coverage as the East Coast braces itself.
For Franken storm.
Or whether it's just Franken Gary storm or Franken tough storm we don't know but we will be ready to tell you whatever happens for the folks that are bracing themselves there.
Right now in New Jersey and in -- hometown.
Billy.
So that's one thing that you can think about you can think about how much when you're gonna -- Casey.
But.
Let's do some PowerPoint -- because it's Monday and there's no Charles.
Let's do some -- so that you can you can have that -- on.
And with apologies to Bob Dylan today.
Power points or the story of -- hurricane.
And here's the first PowerPoint.
That.
Is pressed pause.
What this does with this functionally does for a period of time for a few days freeze the race exactly where it is there's no question about that.
Because as the press narrative shifts away from who's up who's down it -- -- -- -- Mitt Romney you like that.
To a certain degree because it it it freezes the public's perception of the race in this case are with you in the lead in going forward and you will get two or three days fewer stories explaining why it looks like your head that you really lose it.
So that is something good if you are Mitt Romney.
But it's also bad because of course you are going to be if you will be reminded of that you are the challenger.
And you don't have any place to naturally go -- aspects.
Except for New Jersey.
OK so here's the second PowerPoint.
This is that it endangers.
The Romney momentum that's what we're talking about there that.
Mitt Romney was making a nice push he seems to be doing better in all the states he needs to be better he needs to do that.
If in fact regardless of what the media narrative is if it makes people have a moment to reconsider its independence that have been breaking Romney's way.
Women have been.
Breaking and not his way but fewer of them are going for the president now all of those things could endanger that because he could lose -- forward forward momentum.
And be ruled down so that's possible but here's the third PowerPoint.
And this is the most important one I think on this.
It endangers the president's ground game everything that the Democrats have been looking at in this race they said we're gonna win.
But in a very tight election it is groundout on precinct by precinct level.
With huge -- the cash advantage and months.
And months and months to get folks out there with their tablets in their Smartphones and going door to door and doing all of that stuff they always knew it was going to be -- -- thought it was going to be closed but figured that they could grind it out at the end to lose a couple -- -- few days of doing that in places like Virginia.
Places like New Hampshire Pennsylvania and Ohio is not helpful when you were doing a near run thing.
Those are some power points for you to think about but here's the biggest point and we're very serious about this.
No kidding around.
We hope you stay very safe through all of this we hope that you and yours take good care of themselves if you live on the East Coast.
And if you don't live on the East Coast this would be a good time to -- -- prayer and maybe think about something that you could do for those of us that are in the path of the storm.
And we certainly appreciate all you are -- So have a great day enjoy your time with Casey and we'll see you back here.
God willing tomorrow.
