It's happening ...

[Tender Branson]

This might turn into a single digit race after all:

Obama to campaign for Wolf in Pennsylvania

President Barack Obama will be heading to Pennsylvania during the final week of the gubernatorial campaign to lend his support to Democrat Tom Wolf, a White House official said Wednesday.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pa-obama-wolf-philadelphia-20141015-story.html



Obama should stay where he belongs to: in the White House.

Why would Obama campaign for a guy who's already ahead by 20 points ?

[KCDem]

You do realize that Obama will campaign somewhere where he is popular in the state (like Philadelphia). You're foolish if you believe his travel to the state hasn't been poll tested to ensure it helps more than it hurts Wolf.

[dmmidmi]

So, voters will now realize that Tom Wolf is a Democrat? The President is scheduled to campaign with Gary Peters, as well: http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2014/10/report_president_barack_obama.html I'm not sure that I understand the concern here. His presence will have absolutely zero effect on the outcome of those races.

[Tender Branson]

You do realize that Obama will campaign somewhere where he is popular in the state (like Philadelphia). You're foolish if you believe his travel to the state hasn't been poll tested to ensure it helps more than it hurts Wolf.

It's more the fact the he will likely appear alongside Wolf and Republicans could cut a final ad linking him to Obama, which could mean just an 8-point win instead of a 18-point win.

[KCDem]

You do realize that Obama will campaign somewhere where he is popular in the state (like Philadelphia). You're foolish if you believe his travel to the state hasn't been poll tested to ensure it helps more than it hurts Wolf.

It's more the fact the he will likely appear alongside Wolf and Republicans could cut a final ad linking him to Obama, which could mean just an 8-point win instead of a 18-point win.

OMGZ!!!1! WOLF IS A DEMOCRAT!!!!!!!

News at 11....

[dmmidmi]

You do realize that Obama will campaign somewhere where he is popular in the state (like Philadelphia). You're foolish if you believe his travel to the state hasn't been poll tested to ensure it helps more than it hurts Wolf.

It's more the fact the he will likely appear alongside Wolf and Republicans could cut a final ad linking him to Obama, which could mean just an 8-point win instead of a 18-point win.

This assumes that the people who are voting for Tom Wolf are unaware that he is a Democrat, and that the President is also a Democrat. Corbett could cut his polling deficit in half, but this won't be the reason.

[Panda Express]

Obama is probably only slightly underwater in Pennsylvania. Something like 45-50 approval rating. I'm sure Wolf feels honored to be campaigning alongside the sitting president of the United States. It won't help and it won't have much of an impact at the end of the day.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

This will literally not have a major impact. Wolf still wins by double digits.

[President Johnson]

Maybe this is Corbett's October surprise. Something he desperately needs to boost his campaign. I know, the governor's poll numbers don't look good, but I wouldn't take his defeat for granted. Unlike Rick Scott in Florida for example, who's another Republican governor in troube, Corbett performed well in the last election in the blue-leaning state. And 2014 won't be a big Democratic year.

[Senate Minority Leader Lord Voldemort]

He's probably just campaigning with Wolf and Peters to say that he isn't avoiding the campaign trail the next time he gets asked that in an interview.

[President Johnson]

He's probably just campaigning with Wolf and Peters to say that he isn't avoiding the campaign trail the next time he gets asked that in an interview.

As far as I know, President Obama will also campaign with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. And that makes a lot more sense, because Quinn is the governor of his home state. Obama's approval rating in IL is better than in PA. It will help Quinn, but hurt Wolf.

[DemPGH]

Obama's PA numbers are pretty low (I have no idea as to the accuracy of that or the pollster, though). Hillary comes across way better, but I don't think at this point that it really matters. Obama would clearly not help him, so I think it's just for the purposes of a rally. Voters will vote for Wolf or Corbett, and at this very late point in the game, everyone knows that.

[Keystone Phil]

Totally unnecessary but, hey...

You do realize that Obama will campaign somewhere where he is popular in the state (like Philadelphia). You're foolish if you believe his travel to the state hasn't been poll tested to ensure it helps more than it hurts Wolf.

Ah, I forgot: campaigning in Philly will mean only Philly area voters will see him with Wolf.

[IceSpear]

This thread is silly. Obama campaigning for Wolf will change very few if any minds. People that rabidly anti-Obama were already voting for Corbett. On the other hand, he might be able to attract some African Americans that usually don't vote in midterms to come out. Yeah, Obama isn't exactly the most popular guy in this state (or most states), but you guys act like he has a John Edwards or Ron Blagojevich approval rating or something. Obama's approval is much better than Corbett's anyway (according to Morning Call, 39-50 vs. 29-55).

That said, you are right that this really isn't necessary. Maybe Wolf is just such a nice guy he wants to give Obama a win under his belt and not spurn him like every other Dem in a red or purple state.

[Keystone Phil]

Actually, it will motivate a good deal of conservatives (and maybe a few moderates) that aren't happy with Corbett and planned on staying home. There has been next to no motivation within the base for Corbett. This at least moves things somewhat in his direction.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

It's a turnout boost...

[IceSpear]

Actually, it will motivate a good deal of conservatives (and maybe a few moderates) that aren't happy with Corbett and planned on staying home. There has been next to no motivation within the base for Corbett. This at least moves things somewhat in his direction.

You're right that there was/is no base enthusiasm for Corbett, but there's no way they were actually going to stay home. The Republican base always votes, and an unenthusiastic nose holding vote counts just as much as an enthusiastic one.

[Keystone Phil]

Actually, it will motivate a good deal of conservatives (and maybe a few moderates) that aren't happy with Corbett and planned on staying home. There has been next to no motivation within the base for Corbett. This at least moves things somewhat in his direction.

You're right that there was/is no base enthusiasm for Corbett, but there's no way they were actually going to stay home. The Republican base always votes, and an unenthusiastic nose holding vote counts just as much as an enthusiastic one.

I disagree that the base "always votes" and I certainly dispute that when it comes to this race. Corbett's numbers with the GOP have been putrid for literally years now!

[Eraserhead]

This might turn into a single digit race after all:

Obama to campaign for Wolf in Pennsylvania

President Barack Obama will be heading to Pennsylvania during the final week of the gubernatorial campaign to lend his support to Democrat Tom Wolf, a White House official said Wednesday.

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pa-obama-wolf-philadelphia-20141015-story.html



Obama should stay where he belongs to: in the White House.

Why would Obama campaign for a guy who's already ahead by 20 points ?

To make it look like he's helping. Wolf is already a lock to win so he's probably letting Obama come in as a favor to Obama himself.

[Podgy the Bear]

This thread is silly. Obama campaigning for Wolf will change very few if any minds. People that rabidly anti-Obama were already voting for Corbett.

This won't approach the 2006 Senate race results, but it will be a significant win for Wolf--probably in the 55-45 range.

[IceSpear]

Actually, it will motivate a good deal of conservatives (and maybe a few moderates) that aren't happy with Corbett and planned on staying home. There has been next to no motivation within the base for Corbett. This at least moves things somewhat in his direction.

You're right that there was/is no base enthusiasm for Corbett, but there's no way they were actually going to stay home. The Republican base always votes, and an unenthusiastic nose holding vote counts just as much as an enthusiastic one.

I disagree that the base "always votes" and I certainly dispute that when it comes to this race. Corbett's numbers with the GOP have been putrid for literally years now!

"Always votes" was obviously hyperbole, but Republicans tend to turn out en masse even in the local special off year election for dog catcher. Even if they dislike Corbett, they weren't going to stay home since there's House and state legislature elections on the ballot too.

[Keystone Phil]

Actually, it will motivate a good deal of conservatives (and maybe a few moderates) that aren't happy with Corbett and planned on staying home. There has been next to no motivation within the base for Corbett. This at least moves things somewhat in his direction.

You're right that there was/is no base enthusiasm for Corbett, but there's no way they were actually going to stay home. The Republican base always votes, and an unenthusiastic nose holding vote counts just as much as an enthusiastic one.

I disagree that the base "always votes" and I certainly dispute that when it comes to this race. Corbett's numbers with the GOP have been putrid for literally years now!

"Always votes" was obviously hyperbole, but Republicans tend to turn out en masse even in the local special off year election for dog catcher. Even if they dislike Corbett, they weren't going to stay home since there's House and state legislature elections on the ballot too.

Our Dear Base isn't exactly as much of a factor (numbers wise in comparison to more moderate voters) in the very few truly competitive legislative races.