The wingers, suspecting the fix is in, are prone to hostility and paranoia. He seems to be the one who has the most interest in doing what's right for the country rather than just being president. In other words, lunacy sells. Even supporters of the animatronic Forbes are susceptible to Keyes's bad-boy charm. To know Alan, as they see it, is to love him.
Mailings are the lifeblood of the campaign, along with the occasional radio spot.
The campaign is working on a few last-minute surprises to up the candidate's profile, but ultimately Keyes's supporters are counting on his angry charisma, in stump speeches and free media like the debates, to resonate with a conservative wing that also seems to be running on empty. He has to be seen. I'm sure Tim Russert feels the same way. Illustration by Chris Gall. Michelle Cottle last wrote for TNR about Democrats souring on Hillary Clinton and her candidacy.