” We’ve got a lot of people who love him here and who are working hard for him, but I’m not sure this is where I’d advise him to spend his time when you’ve got an Ohio which which is probably the swing state in this election right close by here.” – Phil Bredesen, September 2008
Phil Bredesen is right. I’ve seen polls. Governor Bredesen has seen polls. More importantly, the Obama Campaign has seen polls. Barack has no chance in Tennessee. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. McCain is leading by about 19 points or so. It would be irresponsible of him to spend time campaigning here, with such little time left, when he could, when he should be in place like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and other states where the polls show he has a chance at winning.
Should campaigns be poll driven? In one word, YES. In two words, not totally. The bottom line is that it is not that simple. There are things you do early on in a campaign that do not exactly go with the polls. Things like visiting all 95 counties in Tennessee or (attempting) to visit every state in the union. Early on, you have the time and the luxury of doing these things.
And it’s not just for show. If you are going to be representing a state or a country, citizens of every county or state should have the opportunity to see what you are all about. And if you are going to hold office, you should care enough to visit every part of your prospective constituency.
BUT, there comes a time that you have to focus on the finish line, WINNING. You can’t help the people you did, or did not, visit if you don’t win. With two months to go, there is no reason for Barack Obama to set foot in Tennessee, a state where he is down by double digits. At the same time, there is no reason for John McCain to be here either. It’s in the bag, move on, focus on how you win.
