Talk About a Lack of Confidence

Jim Geraghty at the Kerry Spot mentions this e-mail from the DNC, which is so perverse it's hysterical...

The DNC is distributing an e-mail:

Dear [e-mail recipient],

Tonight, don't let George Bush's henchmen steal another victory. We need your online help immediately after the debate, so save this email, print it out, and have it ready with you as you watch the first Presidential debate tonight.

We all know what happened in 2000. Al Gore won the first debate on the issues, but Republicans stole the post-debate spin. We are not going to let that happen again, and you will play a big role.

Immediately after the debate, we need you to do three things: vote in online polls, write a letter to the editor, and call in to talk radio programs. Your 10 minutes of activism following the debate can make the difference.

Vote

National and local news organizations will be conducting online polls during and after the debate asking for readers' opinions.

...Write

Immediately after the debate, go online and write a letter to the editor of your local paper. If you feel John Kerry commanded the debate and had a clear plan for fixing the mess in Iraq, put it in your letter. If you feel George Bush dodged tough questions on Iraq and didn't level with voters, put it in your letter.

...Call

Do you listen to national or local call-in shows on the radio? How about on TV? Call them and let them know what you thought of John Kerry's plan to keep America secure and George Bush's continuing refusal to admit the truth about his record.

...2. Make your voice heard!

Don't forget to visit our 2004 Debate Center before, during, and after the debate for important information, including questions Bush must answer, a Bush/Kerry contrast on keeping America safe, and Bush Debate Bingo, a game you can play with friends during the debate.

...And after the debate, check your email for a very special message.

Thank you, Terry McAuliffe, Chairman

...PS: Make sure to forward this email to at least 10 other people who will be watching the debate. Also, give printed out copies to your friends, family members, coworkers and neighbors and get them involved.

I love the revisionist history that Al Gore won the first 2000 debate "on the issues" but only lost because the GOP did a better job of spin. But beyond that, I'm now convinced that the media and the Democrats will be spinning a "comeback Kerry" story by the end of the day tomorrow, no matter what happens during the debate. Whether such a result will conflict with reality remains to be seen. The funniest idea is someone actually uncovering a "clear plan" from John Kerry for Iraq.

One other thing. I haven't gotten such an e-mail from Ed Gillespie or Ken Mehlman yet. Maybe the GOP figures its supporters actually like their candidate, while the Democrats just want to blast George Bush.