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I'll See Your 50 States and Raise You the White House
Just to be clear on the Obama 50-state strategy: the point is not to win every state (though that would be nice). The point is to compete in every state, enlarge the playing field, and be in a position to take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.
If McCain is polling around even nationally, the map, with a few exceptions, looks like the 2004-2008 map, and the 50-state strategy isn't looking like such a great idea. However, if Obama is polling nationally at say 3% above McCain, as is happening now, it brings states like Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, and Nevada into play, and puts states like Iowa and New Mexico safely in Obama's column. McCain can't play offense if he's putting resources into defending states like Virginia. And he can't win if he can't play offense.
Because of the 50-state strategy, Obama is now in a position to create an indefensible front on which McCain, with fewer resources, will not be able to compete.
Make no mistake, McCain's hail Mary "I'm picking up my marbles and going home" stunt wasn't about him wanting to shake things up. It was about his campaign looking at the map and staring at near certain defeat. Campaigns that are struggling make mistakes. I think we can count on more to come.
Comments (1)
I have been all aboard with the 50 state strategy, first because it was incredibly audacious, but also because it makes McCain work that much harder. Prior to this election period, did you think a Democrat had a chance in hell of competing seriously in Indiana or North Carolina?? Obama's ground game looks like a thing of beauty again--can't wait to see polling after tonight's debate!
September 26, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
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