alle@ihuxb.UUCP (Allen England) (03/06/84)
+ I think Mondale really blew it when he began his "Imperial Candidacy" strategy. That is, when he started campaigning against Reagan and ignoring his Democratic opponents. The voters began to perceive him as being overconfident and as having counted his eggs before they were hatched. Adding that to the perception that Mondale is not an "exciting" candidate and it becomes clear how Hart pulled off his "upsets" (as the Press referred to them) in New Hampshire and Maine. I think the Press had a lot to do with it also. They were already trumpeting Mondale as the Democratic Nominee. For example: From Newsweek, March 5, 1984 Is Mondale the Man? "After an impressive victory in the Iowa caucuses, the candidacy of Democratic front-runner Walter Mondale took on an aura of inevitability. With his closest rival, Sen. John Glenn, apparently fading-and six others struggling to mount a credible challenge-Mondale began campaigning against Ronald Reagan himself." Mondale may have damaged himself beyond recovery. I don't think he will find the South to be solidly behind him. Hart may not run well in the traditionally conservative South, but Jackson will do much better there and the support for John Glenn will be stronger also. If Hart takes the liberal votes, Glenn the conservative and some of the middle, and Jackson the black votes, that doesn't leave much for Mondale. Besides, Mondale has recent history against him. As the networks were quick to point out prior to New Hampshire (but strangely reticent since), none of the last 5 Presidents lost the primaries in New Hampshire. Allen England at AT&T Bell Laboratories, Naperville, IL ihnp4!ihuxb!alle