Tucker Eskew

"Why is it even close?"

Reporters and supporters alike ask me that question.

Why is it even close if George W. Bush is the visionary, positive, successful, bold, and strong leader his supporters say he is?

Why is he so "polarizing?" they want to know.

I don't have time now to share with you all my thoughts on this question, but the simplest answer is that greatness doesn't always translate into popularity, especially in the short-term. And the leaders I immediately think of as great were polarizing figures: Lincoln, Churchill, Reagan, and Thatcher to name a few.

Some of them enjoyed re-election, some didn't. With war ongoing and an opponent who can't close the sale, we're headed toward victory for a great leader.

Me and Zell's Buddy Chris

Just finished Hardball. Matthews thinks we're going to win. Me, too.

The discussion was heavy on strategy, light on policy. But I enjoyed it. I attributed the President's ultimate victory, when asked for a one-word reason, to his vision.

OH ho ho and a barrel of ads

Lots of comments - thanks. Since I'm new to the blogosphere (as a producer, that is), I'll feel my way through the early give-n-take and unfortunately just won't be able to respond to all posts.

A couple of common threads: how are we doing/why are we not doing enough in Ohio and comments on our TV spots. Lots of good substantive input on rebuttals to Kerry, too.

Our OH team is dyno-mite - I spent some time there last month doing Paula Zahn's town hall meeting in Canton. That's a town where Democrats have exploited the changing (and yes, difficult) local economy, but I feel good about our turnout efforts. You'll see us aggressively closing the deal in the Buckeye State and putting together a win, IMHO.

I like the wolves ad - it's not just a good spot for those who do 'get it' - it has chatter-appeal. Buzz is one way to get more bang for your (highly fragmented) advertising buck.

Gotta run - hope you saw Liz Cheney on the tube this morning (if you're so reclined). If I remember correctly, we'll have some good people out on the Sunday talkers, too.

Bush-Backer Blog-Launch

Welcome to my newly launched blog.

I just wrapped up a TV appearance for the Bush-Cheney campaign.

Went on Fox News, opposite Michael Meehan of the Other Side. Glad the host, Rick Folbaum, made light of our standing in today’s discussion: The topic was the women’s vote. I resisted temptation to say something “funny” (the scare-quotes are inspired by my wife – a big fan of yours truly but also a Fair and Balanced voice when it comes to my attempts at humor). I echoed the basics from the President’s message today and took a poke at the Other Guy’s camo jacket. My cohorts and I think the Other Side gave us a little present with his last-minute effort to Goose Up the Guy Vote.

Anyway, I’m a “senior advisor” to the President’s re-election. That means I give ‘em some strategic advice. And then they ask me to cinch up my tie and go on the tube to represent for the president. It’s fun – most of the time.

I’m a big consumer of news and info, so come back here for some commentary on same.

I’m a former White House aide and a businessman. A music fan (more on that in a little while). A family man (passing-references-only is the plan). A proud Southerner with a taste for the city. And so on.

Thanks for checking in. I’ll blog you into some behind-the-scenes stuff and generate a little discussion on topics like politics, public diplomacy and pop culture, to mention a few.