Ithaca Blog

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Obama, Heading the Democrats' "50-State Strategy" for 2008

After years of Republican error and terror, the Democratic Party thinks it can win elections at every level in every state in 2008: the so-called "50-State Strategy."

No more red states and blue states, they say. The Republicans have so roughly trampled the wishes and well-being of Americans that the Democrats feel not only can they win the national election - they can get Republican voters, in droves, to defect.

The money Democrats have raised is a good indication they might be right. So are their organizing efforts.

A recent story on NPR featured a vibrant Obama office in Winchester, Virginia, a rural Republican stronghold. The Obama campaign has gone there undaunted by demographic and ethnic differences. Local residents expressed admiration for Obama's outreach, and disappointment in the McCain campaign's lack of contact. Apparently McCain has not much to say, is the thinking.

A cursory study of the campaign so far shows that McCain indeed has had little to say in the way of change from Bush's policies. His speaking style itself is not generally conducive to much comprehension or confidence.

Barack Obama might seem an unlikely centerpiece of a campaign to win conservative voters. As he has said, he does not look like the presidents on the dollars. Maybe it is an irony. On the other hand, it is pleasing to think that maybe it is less an irony than a milestone for this country.

Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog

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