The WaPo has a long piece on Lynn Swann today. It is interesting how the attention has shifted. Originally there were a lot of stories about how Bob Casey was set to humiliate Rick Santorum, but lately Casey's strong pro-life position has undermined his street cred with Democrats, and Santorum has begun to narrow the gap, so the story has become a bit murky. The MSM can't handle murky, so attention has shifted to the other big race where Swann is challenging Rendell. Here the storyline is clear -- experienced Dem pol vs Republican novice celebrity. There are resonances with all sorts of celebrity races. And the back-story fits MSM obsessions. Swann is seen as a part of the Republican national strategy to attract black voters. With this they are comfortable.
The story pretty much writes itself. Swann is attractive, has star power and a compelling story of a rise from poverty. He has some essential skills like the ability to work the room reminiscent of Bill Clinton. But he is uncomfortable when pressed hard by journalists and is uninformed on a lot of issues, like Roe v Wade. There is no hint anywhere in the story that the reporter has even a faint clue regarding Pennsylvania politics. But, that's the MSM for you.
Overall, not a completely clueless account. Check it out here.
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