Wild Cards

It is always the Wild Card that makes life so electrifying.

Who could have predicted Nixon’s downfall and subsequent impeachment and resignation?

Or dreamed Jerry Ford would become president?

And what about Lincoln’s assassination?  Indeed that was a pivotal time in our history.

Obviously, all of those events were far more sinister than today’s political headlines, but Wild Cards all the same.

This past week another one was thrown into all the opinionated seers’ predictions.

It was apparent from the first minute of the debate when the glamorous female moderator asked her question that someone would be wounded, probably mortally.

The beautiful blonde’s eyes sparkled with malicious delight as she framed her question with the most tantalizing descriptive vocabulary.

The controversial candidate was not staggered, but obviously, angered although not shocked by the early attack.  Perhaps he had expected it later in the session, but not quite so soon.  And, of course, he reacted as anticipated, akin to a wounded animal. Unmistakably, to all but the most optimistic observer, the damage was effective.

Interestingly, the injury may have reached out to both parties involved, and perhaps extended even further along the road to 2016.

The candidate was hit in his most vulnerable area, where he retaliates with anger and unacceptable verbiage. However, the beautiful blond has also been wounded.  Regardless of who you hope to be the Nominee at this thought provoking time in our history, she can no longer be portrayed as charming, gracious, thoughtful, and possibly, a victim.  She knew exactly what she was doing and will ultimately be viewed through the lens of political reality.  Was it done with her own volition, or mandated by another political agenda?  Was someone lurking in the shadows pulling unseen wires like a puppet master?  Provocative questions may henceforth surround her journalistic reputation.

The assault was too obvious; perhaps done too early in the two hour time allotted.  If she had waited just a bit for the attack, perhaps she could have disguised her delight in baiting the candidate.  Unquestionably, she was successful.  But what will be the consequence?  It is a compelling scenario, and while it may take months, even years to emerge, there will ultimately be one.  Because there always is when bullets ricochet.

Then other questions emerge.  Was there any winner, and who designed the attack?  Are there powerful forces working behind the scene to nominate the Candidate who appeared ready to assume the throne? Possibly, he too, is a loser.  Has the fallout from the attack wounded him?  If so, the electoral crown may pass him by and end a political dynasty.  Without intending to, the evening may have mortally wounded three participants, even the innocent bystander.

It will be interesting to see if the repercussions provoke a reaction from the quiet majority of viewers who watched, did not volunteer for a focus group, do not twitter or tweet, but form their own opinions from the quiet of a TV room.  There must be a reason the dark horse candidates of both parties are surging ahead in the polls.  Is it remotely possible that a large segment of Americans will ultimately decide on their own candidates?  Have they already reached the conclusion they will no longer permit the Media and major financial donors to decide who should lead our country?  Like an awakened Sleeping Giant, hopefully, they will take that momentum into their own hands and return to the polls in 2016.Ironic as it may be, this debate watched by more viewers in history, may have wounded not only the Candidate, the Moderator, but even the power of the press. It could be fun to watch.