On one hand, it's a fairly run-of-the-mill newswire shot. For an Administration that has made its name on the strategic use of signs, slogans and symbolism, however, I think it's cleverly fateful.
The pic was shot Monday, the day before the GOP -- running hard against Obama in Mississippi (and hitting all the racial keys) -- lost still another special Congressional election.
You could say that the fact Davis lost to Childers -- after the Administration has so damaged the party -- can be directly hung over Cheney's head. Looked at dimensionally, with the stars-and-stripe behind the sign, the photo also suggests that while Cheney/Bush continue to soak up the limelight, the '08 Republican slate -- in the fuzzy state that it is -- is now awkwardly caught between the Administration and the republic.
Democrats Capture Deep-Red Mississippi House Seat (TPM)
Republican Election Losses Stir Fall Fears (NYT)
(image: Rogelio V. Solis/AP. Southaven, Miss. May 12, 2008)
