Star-crossed candidates

Star-crossed candidates February 4, 2004

John Kerry, John Edwards and Wesley Clark have to be pleased tonight.

Kerry's wins in five states were particularly impressive when you consider that Tuesday began with USA Today accusing him of scandalous behavior.

USA Today's article itself wasn't so bad — it was headlined "Kerry accuses Bush of caving on prescription drugs." But the headline link on the paper's online Politics front page accused the Massachusetts Senator of something far worse, reading:

"Kerry fingers Bush on drugs."

That's quite an accusation. Clinton got impeached for that sort of thing, and he wasn't even on drugs.

(Note to USA Today: Headlines should pass the Beavis & Butthead test. Screen for entendres by reading headlines with the eyes of a junior high boy.)

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Well, I was a bit off on my Delaware predictions — but I got the substance right: Kerry won big, and the Joe-mentum is Joe-ver.

The detailed Delaware results are here. Lieberman came in second, Edwards third, Dean fourth and Clark fifth:

Delaware Primary

John Kerry 16,729

Joe Lieberman 3,683

John Edwards 3,657

Howard Dean 3,439

Wesley Clark 3,145

So Lieberman did better than I guessed — but only by 26 votes.

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What about other political prognosticators? The experts were wrong in Iowa, clueless in New Hampshire — how did they do today?

Let's look at one forecaster in specific: syndicated astrologer Joyce Jilson.

Here are Jilson's predictions for the Democratic contenders for Tuesday, Feb. 3.

John Kerry (Sagittarius) Won primaries in five states: Arizona, Delaware, Missouri, New Mexico and North Dakota.

Jilson said: If you imagine big success — now, tomorrow and every day — you'll obtain it. A bonus is the beginning of something great for your career. Keep your needs at the forefront, and be willing to walk if they're not met.

John Edwards (Gemini) Won South Carolina primary. Finished a stronger-than-expected second in Oklahoma.

Jilson said: Politics at work heat up, so stay focused. Tell your side of the story with sincerity, but avoid dishing other people's dirt. Be bold — introduce yourself to someone powerful. You meet eligible souls at a high-brow event. Dress up.

Wesley Clark (Capricorn) Narrowly won Oklahoma primary. Finished strong in New Mexico.

Jilson said: Consider your most fundamental strengths. You are a manager of situations by nature and have a nurturing quality that manifests through your personal and professional endeavors. You attract abundance.

Howard Dean (Scorpio) Finished third in three states, strong in New Mexico. Had low expectations for the day and may not have met them. He's banking on Saturday's contests in Michigan and Washington.

Jilson said: On this harmonious day, success comes easier without conflict between head and heart. Much of the work you do may seem unrelated to the results you'd like to get, but the correlation is stronger than appearances suggest.

Joe Lieberman (Pisces) Staked his chances on winning Delaware, finished in a distant second and "after looking at returns and speaking with [his] family" dropped out of the campaign.

Jilson said: Let family members fight it out amongst themselves; you are wise to keep quiet. Disappointments cannot be taken personally, and by tomorrow, you'll see that things are not as they seem.

Dennis Kucinich & Al Sharpton (both Libras) Sharpton finished a distant third in South Carolina, the only showing by either candidate that was more than a negligible percentage.

Jilson said: At work, pay close attention to someone who's been there before you. Advice applied right away leads to promotion. New friendship meets your expectations. Clients are won over by your sweetness and carefree attitude.

You be the judge: How well did she do?


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