New In The Phoenix -- Deval's Positive Pitch

In this week's issue of the Boston Phoenix -- in print tomorrow, online now -- I take the measure of Governor Deval Patrick as he begins in earnest his re-election campaign.

The Phoenix was granted an hour-long interview with the governor last week, on policy issues from his first term and looking ahead to a possible second. The interview was conducted by me and executive editor Peter Kadzis in the governor's office. The full transcript, and podcast, are online; the Phoenix also has an editorial about Patrick. (Those links are below.)

In my article, I write that Patrick is pitching a very positive picture of his accomplishments. That makes sense, because the November election is essentially a referendum on his record -- he needs to make the case that the record is excellent, not give excuses or lay blame.

The trouble is, most people in the state are not exactly of the opinion that the government is being run well, or that great laws are being made. So, Patrick's positive message might sound painfully out-of-touch.

Can he use the power of positive thinking to change their attitudes?

My article is here:

Patrick's Power of Positive Thinking: The governor wants to make a feel-good case for re-election. The question is, these days, is anybody feeling good?

The editorial is here:

Patrick's Paradox: No shakes as a political operator, Deval has scored with many policies.

The interview transcript is here.

The mp3 of the interview is here.