The introduction to this NPR story caught my eye:
Christine O’Donnell, the GOP nominee for a Delaware Senate seat, is being lampooned in the national media for comments she’s made in the past about dabbling in things like witchcraft. But the national debate has little influence on her supporters in Delaware, who’ll vote for her in spite of the unflattering media portrayals.
Yes, doesn’t this seem to be the case? When you interact with one of O’Donnell’s base talking about her debt problems, her history of odd statements, her numerous instances of lying and her lack of campaigning makes absolutely no difference. In fact, it makes them defensive.
I think all candidates for high office develop a bit of a cult of personality around themselves. There are always rabid partisans and supporters (think of the woman on Rachel Maddow who said she’d vote for a dismembered Chris Coons over Christine O’Donnell). Is Christine O’Donnell’s core support group different than that of other politicians? I know we hear this comparison too much but O’Donnell’s rabid supporters remind me a lot of Sarah Palin’s – fiercely loyal, almost protective and absolutely nutty. Would any other politician’s supporters make a video like this?