This piece makes a point I've failed to in recent days when discussing this race. I believe the #1 rule of politics is "if you're responding, you're losing." Baldwin is responding which means Tommy is leading the debate at this moment in the campaign. And Politico is spot on when it says Baldwin has wasted precious time defending the indefensible.

In fact, Baldwin's thought processes on these votes reminds me a lot of the "bubble liberals" in the Act 10 debate who truly believed that all of Wisconsin believes the same things they do living in their little Madison bubble. In her heart of hearts, Baldwin likely doesn't believe these votes are extreme. To her, they're mainstream. She's struggling to understand why she can't seem to generate a coherent response to these votes. If you don't subscribe to the far left extremism she does, there is no defense for these votes.

Baldwin's problem is Tommy Thompson. Baldwin's problem is life outside the bubble. And being chosen by Politico as the candidate "who lost the day," is just icing on the cake.