Rum, Romanism and Rebellion

In last night’s game between the New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids, the Revs went up 2-0 in the 59th minute. There was a shot of Revs coach Steve Nicol pointing to his head and shouting at the team. Commentator Greg Lalas said, “Nicol is telling the team to stay focused, keep their heads in the game.” Lalas failed to say it in Nicol’s Groundskeeper Willie brogue, but the point was made.

Why would he warn them to stay focused when they had what is a comfortable lead in a low-scoring game like soccer? Well, coaches will tell you that a two goal lead is the most dangerous one to have. It is too easy for a team to rest, and all the other side needs is a lucky bounce or mistake by the defense and all of a sudden, bang, they are now only one goal behind. The team that was the losing side has momentum and the other team is left to scramble and figure out what the heck went wrong.

I see the same thing in politics. A candidate can build up a decent lead, but anything, any indication of slippage can change the dynamic, giving the momentum to the opponent. This happened to George Allen in Virginia; he was coasting until the “macaca” incident. Now, he is scrambling to be able to hold a much slimmer lead and everyone talking about how Jim Webb is surging.

Gabrielle Giffords holds a two goal lead too. Giffords though, has a smart campaign that is not taking anything for granted. I get the sense that they would be taking this seriously no matter what the lead in the polls was. Like the Revs, she’s got a coach of Scottish descent.

Janet Napolitano is in much the same situation. I think this is one reason Len Munsil’s campaign is attempting to make hay out of this 9-11 memorial. They need to show that they can punch some holes in her armor, and hope that they can create momentum there. Good luck on that one.

Jon Kyl is someone who had a two goal lead, but it slipped. Jim Pederson is now within single digits in some polls. Of course, I like Pederson (I was one of his Vice-Chairs when he chaired the state Democratic Party), but it remains to be seen if he can use these new polling numbers to build more momentum, or if Kyl is nimble enough to prevent that. Personally, I think this is shaping to be a heck of a lot closer than anyone expected. The last thing Kyl needs with the national mood is any sort of sign that he’s vulnerable enough that people will consider an alternative.

I promise not to extend the metaphor any further. Although Napolitano may wish to condsider a flat back four rather than a sweeper.

NB – Just so you know, the Revs kept their heads, but Colorado didn’t. Colorado was left with ten players after Clint Mathis was red carded (yeah, shocking) for an assault on Avery John. Former Mexican national team player José Manuel Abundis scored a third goal for the Revs (I only included that detail for Roy Warden). Colorado didn’t score until a rather odd penalty call at the very end of the game.