Playing the Authenticity Card

Medial Lizzy got it spot on todayyesterday:

AUTHENTIC will be the word that defines the 2008 presidential cycle. The candidate who is the most real, most authentic AND is the least contrived - will be the one who successfully crosses the finish line.

While I can't always agree with her politics (oh, okay, I hardly EVER agree with her politics), when she drops the talking points and personal attacks, Media Lizzy can learn us a lot.

Her assessment of the problem with the GOP field is not much different than mine, despite that we come at the question from opposite ends of the spectrum (putting aside her hots for Fred Thompson, who has nothing to offer and despite his spin, is no RR (not that being another RR is anything worth bragging about)):

If Fred Thompson does not enter the race... Mitt Romney will likely be the nominee. (barring a serious mistake) The press, consultants and voters alike don't like baggage. Being a Mormon is a lot more palatable than a third wife, a mistress, an old sick guy, an angry guy with a shady, baggage laden consultant, or a guy who can't be honest about mob ties that a staffer had. If Fred Thompson does not run, it will be about who McCain endorses - because that person will get the McCain finance Committee. And that is McCain's strongest asset.

Sincerity is the key . . . once you can fake that the rest is easy . . . . At least, that's the way consultants approach campaigns. M.L. is right to call them out on it and to point out that the electorate will be clamoring for true sincerity -- for authenticity this time around. That's why Hilary is going to have problems and that's why Obama has taken off.

What M.L. doesn't explain is the reason why sincerity is going to be so important this time around. One word -- Dubya. Colin Powell -- the closest thing to sincerity out of this cabal -- lost that rep for good when he did the deed in front of the UN. The rest of them? Condi, Wolfi, Rummi, Dicki, Pearle, Rove -- yeah, you get the idea.

{Image Credit: Media Lizzy}