I sat in on a briefing given yesterday by Geoff Garin and others from Emily’s List on the findings of an extensive poll taken of women across several generations in the United States. And this stuck out as a huge flashing sign of the times to me:

Only 16% of women said that McCain is an inspirational person who gives them hope for the future.

Well, what can you say after that? Honestly?

I think the McCain campaign ought to capitalize on their status as the candidate of nattering nabobs of negativity. So, let’s help him out with a new slogan, shall we?

John McCain: Candidate for those who despair of anything getting better…ever.

Hmmmm…well, that’s doesn’t say get out there and vote, now does it? Let’s try again.

John McCain: Because eight years of Bush/Cheney weren’t nearly crappy enough — McCain can do worse!

Nope. Scratch that.

John McCain: Because improving the nation and your own life is just too much work. Want more Republican failure and despair for your family? Vote McCain!

Oooooh…we have a winner.

Oh, one more thing: there were a number of media organizations who sat through the briefing yesterday — in person in DC and on the streaming conference online. I have not been able to find one reference to this particular stat in any of the reporting. Not one. Not in the WaPo. Not the LATimes. Not Hotline. Not the Detroit Free Press. Not even McClatchy. What gives?

(Yes, the photo is a Sylvia Plath pun…enjoy.)