Sunday morning "Talking Heads" Lineup for 10-17-2010

George Wenschhof

It's all about the mid term elections this Sunday and for the political parties, it's now all about how effective their ground game is at getting out the vote. President Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden are all on the campaign trail, doing their best to fire up Democrats across the country. The Republicans have Mama Grizzly Sarah Palin who is joining RNC chair Michael Steele on his 50 state bus tour.

With only a little over two weeks to go until voters weigh in on November 2, it is now too late to change the narratives being driven home by candidates and the political parties.

High unemployment levels will no doubt fuel it is time for a change from many voters, while the question remains will it be enough to propel the Republicans to a majority in the House and Senate.

Democratic leadership has stuck with the theme; it's the Republicans who got us in this economic mess and you don't want to go back to the same failed policies of the past.

In the closing two months prior to the election, Democrats have added attacks on the undisclosed campaign contributions going to Republican candidates, especially from the Chamber of Commerce, alluding to foreign cash being included in campaign contributions. This, of course, is the result of the horrific 5-4 Supreme Court decision; "Citizens United".

Republicans have stuck with their bread and butter slogan of less government and less taxes, while offering little to nothing of any new policy even in their voluminous "Pledge to America". The "Pledge" fell flat compared to the impact Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America" had prior to the 1994 mid term elections.

However, what the Republicans have going for them is a high level of voter frustration which the tea party movement has effectively tapped into in this election.

By all accounts, both the majorities in the House and Senate are in play. So, the remaining two weeks will be fun to watch.

NBC "Meet The Press" has a debate between Colorado Senate candidates; Michael Benett (D) and Ken Buck (R). Buck is leading this race 48-44% in the latest polls, which indicates it is a "pick-em" contest. The spin following this debate could have an impact.

White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod continues his weekly appearances on the Sunday morning "Talking Heads" on CNN "State of The Union". White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs appears on NBC "Meet The Press". Both may get asked again if they will be leaving the White House after the mid term elections to begin work on the reelection of President Obama. Rumors are heavy they both will be gone.

On CBS "Face The Nation", former DNC chair Howard Dean will battle Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.) and Liz Cheney; chair of "Keep America Safe" - I should have added earlier "Republicans will keep you and your family safe" as one of their standard operating themes. Dean will be aided by former Clinton White House Domestic adviser; William Galston.

Delaware Senate candidates Chris Coons (D) and Christine O'Donnell (R) get to relive their debate from earlier in the week, on ABC "This Week".

Fox News Sunday has one of their favorite guests with Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) who is chair of the Republican Senate Campaign Committee. Also appearing will be Republican California Senate candidate Carly Fiorina who is currently trailing Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer. The only Democrat to appear is Senator Claire McCaskill (Mo.). They will exploit her recent hold on an Obama appointee due to the ban on off-shore drilling having an adverse effect on workers from her state. She is overall a big Obama supporter and will hold her own.

NBC "Meet The Press" - Colorado Senate Debate with Michael Benett and Ken Buck. Robert Gibbs

CNN "State of The Union" - David Axelrod

ABC "This Week" - Chris Coons, Christine O'Donnell, Maria Shriver

CBS "Face The Nation - Howard Dean, William Galston, Liz Cheney, Lindsey Graham

Fox News Sunday - John Cornyn, Claire McCaskill, Carly Fiorina

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