Why coakley lost

Democrats took victory for granted. It's a variation on the charge that Coakley was too complacent early on: Obama and the Democratic Party didn't even bother until it was far too late. Proponents: Daily Kos again , E. Unsurprisingly, the embattled Coakley camp is peddling this narrative, trying to shift the blame.

Prime Example: "Coakley campaign noted concerns about 'apathy' and failure of national Democrats to contribute early in December. Coakley campaign noted fundraising concerns throughout December and requested national Democratic help. DNC and other Dem organizations did not engage until the week before the election, much too late to aid Coakley operation. Earlier national involvement might have helped, not to mention avoiding the weird spectacle of Obama feinting at staying away, then scheduling a last-minute trip to the Bay State that failed to turn the election.

But even the theory's proponents—outside of Coakley's campaign—admit this factor only comes into play because of the candidate's failure. Obama and liberals have been too aggressive; voters are alienated. The Democratic regime in Washington has just pushed too hard, too far left, and voters are responding to that. Prime Example: "[It] shows that moderates are unhappy with the direction of the country.

Moderates are uneasy, angry, nervous. Probably, at least in part. The fierce opposition to Obama's agenda has driven a right-wing resurgence nationwide, and a poll from Suffolk University last week showed weak support for health-care reform. But other pundits argue that Coakley should have had this sewn up without energized Republicans or wavering undecideds being such a factor.

Liberals should have quit griping about health-care compromises. Her current deficit among independents is in line with the figures Patrick and Warren posted against Baker and Brown. Patrick, Warren and Markey all won by securing lopsided margins among women voters. Over the past six weeks, the share of women voters in the weekly WBUR poll who say they hold a favorable view of Coakley has fallen, from 53 percent to 40 percent; over the same period, the share of women voters who hold an unfavorable view of Coakley has spiked, from 22 percent to 36 percent.

Men tend to skew Republican in statewide races, and Baker has held a relatively stable, mid-single-digit edge over Coakley among men since the end of August. And it appears headed in the wrong direction. Skip to main content. Close close Donate. Coakley will remain in the public eye. Her controversial agreement with Partners HealthCare is in court next week. She said her immediate plans include lunch with her husband and a long walk with their two Labrador Retrievers.

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