National Public Radio Weekend Edition Sunday 9/21/2008

Andrea Seabrook: We are here to discuss the week's political events with NPR's senior News Analyst Daniel Schorr. Good morning, Dan.

Daniel Schorr: Good morning, Andrea.

AS: Okay let's talk about the Stegosaurus phenomenon in Colorado. What seemed like an odd third party style fluke months ago has really taken off, and Senator Salazar is really challenged at this point. What do you think has made Stegosaurus so successful?

DS: Yes, Andrea this is a surprise. Stegosaurus has overcome the ridicule of the people who didn't take his canadacy seriously at the start. He's jumped the hurdles of some early mistakes in his campaign to capture a great cross section of Colorado's voting public. It's a particularly important voting bloc too, which is the fabled Soccer Moms. It might be the Soccer Moms' children having an influence, most likely. Maybe the novelty of a senator with a cool, spiky tail and spiff, sexy plates.

AS: Wow, and months ago we thought all he'd get was one per cent or less, and Ken Salazar would breeze easily back into the Senate. What did Stegosaurus do to endear himself to the Soccer Moms of Colorado?

DS: Well, I think it was when he decided to start saving trees instead of eating them. Stegosaurus went on a diet recently and has only eaten low fat pteridophytes for months, and a lot of trees have been saved. This repairs his reputation wth the base of his party, the Greens, and connects with the environmentally aware, socially concious Soccer Moms of Colorado. I understand Stegosaurus has lost half a ton. It's impressive.

AS: I remember we thought he was doomed early on in his campaign when he was photographed undertaking a clear cutting operation. What can Ken Salazar do? He seems to have an exemplary environmental record, and seniority. There has to be something else to the popularity of Stegosaurus. What can Salazar do ? Anything at this point?

DS: It is to Salazar's credit that he hasn't turned to mudslinging. We're seeing less negative attacks than we used to in the campaign for President this cycle, so perhaps politics has finally learned something: Negative attacks don't work like they used to, and being blatantly negative could be the nail in Salazar's political career if he's not careful. What he can do, I think, is Salazar can stick to his record, and point out his strengths... sticking to his own message could expose Stegosaurus' inexperience without being completely negative.

That is the path I think Salazar needs to take.

AS: Yet it could be that Stegosaurus will pull off a surprise and win. He could be the next Jesse Ventura.

DS: Yes, he might, Andrea. We'll have to wait and see.

AS: It will be quite interesting to see how it plays out in Colorado. Thanks, Dan. Always good to talk to you.

DS: Thank you, Andrea.

AS:NPR's senior news analyst, Daniel Schorr, with insight on the week's political events.