Re: Obama Might Make Play for Arizona

Carrie - Tucson Teacher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:08:41 -0000

I have read many blogs with regard to Obama dropping by AZ on his southwest route planned for the upcoming days. I would be thrilled if he would speak either here in Tucson or in PHX , but NOT at the risk of his losing the key states with more electoral votes. The most important thing is for him to WIN. That having been said, I trust his amazing campaign team to make the call as to whether a slight detour would be worth his time. I do not believe it would be rubbing McCain's face in it, since McCain has shown so little commitment to this state even BEFORE this election. I also believe that we Arizonans COUNT in terms of being U.S. citizens who have a vested interest in determining who will be our next president.

On the strategy side, I think the best point made was in the blog I read pointing out that this is SNOWBIRD SEASON in AZ right now - a time when we have several seasonal residents from back east with ties to those states - AND the fact that so many AZ permanent residents also have family and friends back east . This makes a visit worth considering. I also believe that the media showing a huge rally in McCain's home state could make a powerful impact throughout the country. Also, EVERYBODY knows AZ has a ton of retirees here - especially Florida voters. If he could make a significant "dent" here, I'm sure those older voters would feel reassured. We also have a HUGE Hispanic population.

As a Tucson, AZ resident (age 45) of over 30 years, it would be a dream come true to see this mostly white, older Republican home state of mine go blue at last. We are in serious trouble here, and have been for some time. I HAVE to wonder why voters aren't being informed about where AZ ranks in terms of education, among other things. We are ranked at the bottom - poor funding. I HAVE to wonder why NOBODY ever even looks at what McCain has ever done for this state (which is nil), HIS associations, or even the fact that he barely ever even lives here in AZ with his wife. Based on his record, I predict (among other things) that if he wins the presidency, he will bury himself in the White House power and will completely forget about the majority of American people.

Final thoughts: A military hero doesn't necessarily make a Great President, and if he cannot even run a campaign with any kind of competence and honor, how on earth can he run this very complex country?

Re: Obama Might Make Play for Arizona

Dave Gannon — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:20:41 -0000

I'm thinking this is a campaign ploy to force the Republicans to put even more resources into arizona. They're already ramping up robocalls there. Just the threat that Obama would make a play for McCains home state probably would send more Republican $$$'s heading that way--diminishing there resources where they are really needed.

Re: Obama Might Make Play for Arizona

Geoff — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:18:21 -0000

I think Obama could run somewhat of a risk of gloating if he campaigns on McCain's turf. I could certainly be wrong. Either way, I don't think Obama really needs Arizona's electoral votes in order to win the election. But one thing is certain: If Obama does win Arizona, it would indicate that the election would be a landslide.

Re: Obama Might Make Play for Arizona

Jo — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:08:22 -0000

I would love it if Obama came to ASU! I just moved to the state from New York, and brought my democratic leaning tendencies with me. Plus I live right near ASU and would love to see the next president give an awesome speech!

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