Three days before the primary, astute Herald political columnist Wayne Woodlief is sticking with the prediction he made months ago:
Although the usually silky-smooth Patrick was off his game Wednesday, I predict he still will win the Democratic nomination next Tuesday and set up an historic match in November against Republican Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey.
Historic, Woodlief goes on to note, because in that case Massachusetts will, for the first time, elect either a black or a female Governor. (Or, of course, the first Governor who was also a convenience store magnate!)
Woodlief also gets why Patrick can not only win, but be effective when he does:
He has the charisma to inspire and motivate. Just check out Patricks Democratic Convention speech online (He won the convention by nearly 2-1 over his nearest rival). With that bully pulpit-power, no legislative leader should think Patrick would be any pushover in office.
Patrick also connects with people face to face better than any state politician Ive seen in years. In Dedham recently, he had the whole audience laughing appreciatively after a teacher stridently demanded what hed do about educational needs and then, after he had answered, raised her hand again. Patrick, eyebrows arching, asked her, You gonna bring any more attitude to this question? She laughed, too. And he said with a smile, Just messin with you. …
Patrick is strongly challenging the institutions. When he first spoke with veteran politicians about running, he said he was told, You might make a good governor. But its not your turn. To which Patrick replied, It may not be my turn. But its my time. Believe it.
Do you want this to happen? Then make it happen. There’s still a lot to do.
indeed astute. Look who he likes in the LG Race.