Things to watch for this weekend
1) Tonight is the 2nd U.S. Senate debate. Watch for the tone coming from the candidates in light of Norm Coleman's decision to yank his negative ads. If it's civil, there may be polling that shows Americans want to see their candidates work together especially in light of the economy.
2) Does Norm Coleman try to distance himself from the GOP brand? His absence from the McCain rally in Lakeville may be a signal. Does he work to distance himself from a party that could have serious trouble in November?
3) Does Al Franken go on the attack? Will Franken continue to criticize Coleman's relationship with President Bush or does he dial it down a notch with the hopes of attracting Independent minded voters? The country is in a rough spot right now. Voters seem to be looking for a leader who will inspire confidence in the markets, in the country and in government.
4) Does I-P member Dean Barkley try to gain traction among disaffected Democrats, Republcans and independents? How he performs in these debates could determine who wins the election.
5) Watch what Gov. Pawlenty says on Fox News Sunday. Does he increase the fiery rhetoric coming from the McCain campaign regarding ACORN, Ayres and Obama's character? Does he face questions about the partisan tone at McCain's Lakeville rally? A shift in Pawlenty's tone could signal a new strategy moving forward for McCain's campaign.
6) Does Erik Paulsen go on the offensive with earned media? Paulsen has been ramping up his news conferences in recent weeks. It's a signal that he needs to get in the headlines since he's being vastly outspent in paid media. He'll need all the attention he can get in the remaining weeks of the campaign since down the ballot races are overlooked by the media.
7) What will happen in the 2nd? GOP Rep. John Kline and DFLer Steve Sarvi meet in their first debate on Monday.
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