# Can Brown really beat Coakley for the MA Senate seat? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [January 15, 2010, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114 "2010-01-15T19:49:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/101 "2010-01-18T20:34:39Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > You can, of course, cite this “ALL the news outlets…”. You, for your part, could cite a significant news outlet that regards Obama’s last-minute visit to MA as routine, business-as-usual, planned-well-in-advance campaigning. Or one that regards this race as of mostly local significance. Given that this is Massachusetts, predictions of any significant margin for Brown over Coakley have to include a lot of right-wing wishful thinking. But it seems clear that a race that looked to be dull has become close. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/102 "2010-01-18T20:39:06Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > I don’t know about that. Seems like he’s got plenty experience in politics. If he had 2 years in the US Senate, he’d have enough experience to be President. Ha Ha Ha! Oh wait . . . ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/103 "2010-01-18T20:53:15Z")
> [@waterj2](#): > > There’s certainly _some_ truth to it. Shannon O’Brien lost to Mitt Romney (as did three other women running on the Libertarian, Green and independent tickets, but they were never in contention anyways). Jane Swift was governor, but was never elected to the post, Kerry Healy lost to Deval Patrick. And I think Nikki Tsongas, widow of former Senator (and Presidential candidate) Paul Tsongas, was the first woman in the Congressional delegation. Senate President Therese Murray might have an opinion about that, too. Let’s be honest, Coakley won the primary in large part \*because \*of her gender. But that was a tiebreaker. She is not significantly either more or less qualified for the Senate than Mike Capuano, and has neither more nor less attractive policy positions. If there were real, major differences there, then that’s what would have decided it, and that will be the case tomorrow, too. If Patrick were white, he’d probably still have beaten Romney’s doctrinaire-righty LG Healey, but his race got people to the polls who wouldn’t have gone otherwise (his ineptitude and disengagement in office will be why his reelection fails, if it does, though). And we saw that electoral pattern again in the Presidential election. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/104 "2010-01-18T22:12:30Z")
Well, it’s a local matter at least in so far as it’ll just be Massachusetts voters who decide the outcome. The ramifications of that decision will affect the whole country, but that won’t be news until we actually know what the decision is. In other words, it’s a local issue now, and will become a national issue tomorrow evening. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/105 "2010-01-18T22:33:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Well, it’s a local matter at least in so far as it’ll just be Massachusetts voters who decide the outcome. The ramifications of that decision will affect the whole country, but that won’t be news until we actually know what the decision is. > > In other words, it’s a local issue now, and will become a national issue tomorrow evening. It stopped being a local issue when Brown was seen as having a real chance of winning. It’s been on the evening news and in my local (San Jose, CA) paper pretty much every day since that poll I cited came out. I’ve seen it on MSNBC three times already today. ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/106 "2010-01-18T22:42:01Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Jews were, of course, mostly in Temple. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/107 "2010-01-18T23:37:35Z")
I don’t think he’ll win. Just back from Boston and I think there is too much for the Democrats to lose in this race. They are absolutely gearing up the Boston machine and the Unions are in overdrive. That said, it’ll be close and that’s going to hurt Obama et al. as more moderate Democrats actually start to fear for their seats. If he does win I think it’s great news for the country and indeed for MA. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/108 "2010-01-18T23:54:20Z")
> [@Lochdale](#): > > I don’t think he’ll win. Just back from Boston and I think there is too much for the Democrats to lose in this race. They are absolutely gearing up the Boston machine and the Unions are in overdrive. That said, it’ll be close and that’s going to hurt Obama et al. as more moderate Democrats actually start to fear for their seats. > > If he does win I think it’s great news for the country and indeed for MA. [Yeah, they’re desperate to win, alright.](http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/watercooler/2010/jan/16/ed-schultz-id-cheat-keep-brown-winning/) At least the election’s not in Illinois. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2010, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/109 "2010-01-18T23:59:12Z")
It appears, as referenced above, that the nations largest and most civic-minded financial institutions are in enthusiastic agreement with you. He offers himself as an opponent of regulation. Presumably, he reflects the ideology that regulation stifles innovation and creativity. Which would be a real shame, if all the innovation and creativity that fostered our current state of abundance, were abandoned. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/110 "2010-01-19T01:21:50Z")
> [@Lochdale](#): > > That said, it’ll be close and that’s going to hurt Obama et al. as more moderate Democrats actually start to fear for their seats. Now why would that happen? From what I’m hearing from Democrats, this is a completely local race with no national implications at all. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/111 "2010-01-19T02:00:46Z")
> [@Evil\_One](#): > > Now why would that happen? From what I’m hearing from Democrats, this is a completely local race with no national implications at all. Which Democrats would that be? From what I’ve seen, they all are seeing this for what it is-- a pivotal election at a point where Americans are figure out which direction they want to go in. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/112 "2010-01-19T02:32:00Z")
Coakley is an idiot, and she is way too tone def for a pol. Just watching MSNBC where she says that if anyone has a problem with the morning after pill being given to rape victims just shouldn’t work in an emergency room. Yeah, that solves that problem! Yes siree Bob. I’ve changed my mind on this. I say Brown wins tomorrow. Coakley blew it. She was a terrible candidate, and cost the Democrats big time. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/113 "2010-01-19T02:34:13Z")
What’s wrong with what Coakley said? How can anyone possibly disagree with it? I can’t wait to see this little bitch, Brown, get his ass handed to him tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/114 "2010-01-19T02:49:15Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > What’s wrong with what Coakley said? How can anyone possibly disagree with it? Got moral qualms with how this legislation is telling you how to do you job? Just get another job! What recession? > [@](#): > > I can’t wait to see this little bitch, Brown, get his ass handed to him tomorrow. What makes him a bitch? That he has political positions that differ from yours? Don’t be so sure. Remember, you are a terrible proxy for the typical American. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/115 "2010-01-19T02:54:10Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Coakley is an idiot, and she is way too tone def for a pol. Just watching MSNBC where she says that if anyone has a problem with the morning after pill being given to rape victims just shouldn’t work in an emergency room. Yeah, that solves that problem! Yes siree Bob. > > I’ve changed my mind on this. I say Brown wins tomorrow. Coakley blew it. She was a terrible candidate, and cost the Democrats big time. Everyone I know who has dealt with her personally has found her to be very likable. She is very down to business when she needs to be and some people take that as cold. In this campaign however she has managed to come off as someone inhuman and void of emotion. Politics just might not be a good place for her, she seems to lack the acting ability required to get votes. I love Coakley and will vote for her. I wish they started much earlier painting Brown as the Bush era republican he is. Now the negative campaign ads they’ve done come off as desperate attempts to slander him. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/116 "2010-01-19T02:59:06Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Got moral qualms with how this legislation is telling you how to do you job? Just get another job! What recession? If you’re incompetent o do that job. you shouldn’t be holding that job. What’s the problem? > [@](#): > > What makes him a bitch? That he has political positions that differ from yours? That he speaks at teabagger rallies, then denies ever having heard of them. > [@](#): > > Don’t be so sure. Remember, you are a terrible proxy for the typical American. I’m a pretty good proxy for the typical Massachusian. No way a Republican wins in that state. Sure as hell not a teabagger. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/117 "2010-01-19T03:02:30Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > If you’re incompetent o do that job. you shouldn’t be holding that job. What’s the problem? Incompetent? Tell that to the 44% of the MA electorate who are Catholic. What part of political tone def do you not understand? > [@](#): > > That he speaks at teabagger rallies, then denies ever having heard of them. Well, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but even if that were true, that makes him no more of a bitch than Coakley for not knowing who Shilling is. > [@](#): > > I’m a pretty good proxy for the typical Massachusian. No > [@](#): > > No way a Republican wins in that state. Sure as hell not a teabagger. Good luck with that prediction! ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/118 "2010-01-19T03:05:08Z")
> [@boytyperanma](#): > > Everyone I know who has dealt with her personally has found her to be very likable. She is very down to business when she needs to be and some people take that as cold. In this campaign however she has managed to come off as someone inhuman and void of emotion. Politics just might not be a good place for her, she seems to lack the acting ability required to get votes. That’s what they said about Hillary, and she lost the nomination to Obama. > [@](#): > > I love Coakley and will vote for her. I wish they started much earlier painting Brown as the Bush era republican he is. Now the negative campaign ads they’ve done come off as desperate attempts to slander him. She seems to have run a terrible campaign. Sort of like Hillary. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/119 "2010-01-19T03:06:06Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Incompetent? Tell that to the 44% of the MA electorate who are Catholic. Are you saying that Catholics are too stupid to understand that the MAP is not an abortion pill? Are you saying that anyone who is too stupid to know what the MAP is, as well as heartless and selfish enough to deny a traumatized woman proper care should be allowed to work in ER’s? > [@](#): > > Well, I have no idea what you’re talking about, but even if that were true, that makes him no more of a bitch than Coakley for not knowing who Shilling is. Who the fuck is Shilling, and who gives a shit? > [@](#): > > Good luck with that prediction! Won’t need it. A lot of righties are going to be very disappointed on wednesday. ---
**Author:** ![boytyperanma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4491bb/32.png) [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Post date:** [January 19, 2010, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114/120 "2010-01-19T03:12:04Z")
> [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](#): > > I’m a pretty good proxy for the typical Massachusian. No way a Republican wins in that state. Sure as hell not a teabagger. Republicans can and do win in this state. As much as people like to paint MA as the bluest of the blue states it does not reflect our actual politics. Republicans get a sizable portion of votes every election. A teabagger is certainly against our historic moderate republican standards but Brown’s campaign strategically left out how conservative this guy is. Many people who are going to vote for him know nothing about him other then ‘he is something different’ or ‘not an establishment candidate’ In actuality Coakley has more in common with such statements then he does. I think there is a very good chance Brown wins. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-brown-really-beat-coakley-for-the-ma-senate-seat/525114.md?page=7)