Web Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
share
email
font size
options
 
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
So does Biden help Obama in Pennsylvania?
PA voters: remind me who that is. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

If you've been paying attention to the coverage of the naming of Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate, you've heard it said quite often, almost as a matter of conventional wisdom, that Biden should help Obama in Pennsylvania, a state Obama absolutely has to win. And if you are a Pennsylvania voter, you might be asking yourself: Did anyone ask me? What is it about Biden that should have a special impact on me, as opposed to someone from Florida or Colorado or any other place?

Pretty good questions. For answers, let's return to the conventional wisdom, which may not be so wise. You hear it said that Biden gets a lot coverage by the Philadelphia television stations. If so, I haven't noticed it. It's also said that residents of the Philadelphia media market have gotten to see a lot of Joe Biden for Senate commercials over the years. Except that Biden hasn't had a close race since the 1970s and hasn't had to advertise much.

So none of that makes any sense either. And remember that evidence suggests that hardly anyone votes on the basis of vice president anyway. (See the Gallup results below.)

Still, leading Pennsylvania Democrats think Biden helps them a little. Talking to some of them here this week, I've heard two theories:

1. Biden should help in Northeastern Pennsylvania. After all, he was born in Scranton. Except that the endorsement of Sen. Bob Casey Jr., who is Scranton, didn't help Obama much in the primary. Hillary Clinton beat Obama in the two big northeastern counties, Lackawanna and Luzerne, 3-1. That said, the theory is that the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania, who have felt for years that they've been getting the short stick, have to like the idea that someone they might claim as one of their own is on a national ticket.

2. Biden should help in those parts of Delaware and Chester counties that are close to the state of Delaware. Those folks might actually be aware of the senator's existence and think he's their kind of guy.

For the answers, we'll have to wait in November, and even then we won't know. The impact is likely to be small and all but impossible to measure. 

 

And here's Gallup:
 
PRINCETON, NJ -- It's official: Barack Obama has received no bounce in voter support out of his selection of Sen. Joe Biden to be his vice presidential running mate.
Gallup Poll Daily tracking from Aug. 23-25, the first three-day period falling entirely after Obama's Saturday morning vice presidential announcement, shows 46% of national registered voters backing John McCain and 44% supporting Obama, not appreciably different from the previous week's standing for both candidates. This is the first time since Obama clinched the nomination in early June, though, that McCain has held any kind of advantage over Obama in Gallup Poll Daily tracking.
Posted by Larry Eichel @ 1:52 PM  Permalink | 12 comments
Comments   
Posted 02:38 PM, 08/26/2008
Delaware Vol
Evidently not, since Obama has lost ground since Saturday!!! You think Hussein is having buyers remorse??? Couldn't happen to a better pair of frauds!!! Oh well, at least "Joe" will still have his Senate seat available after the landslide in November... What a sham!!! McCain '08!!!
Comment removed.
Posted 02:42 PM, 08/26/2008
longshanks
That's what you think..Biden is often considered PA's third Senator. McSame and Bush will lose. Obama/Biden '08.
Posted 02:49 PM, 08/26/2008
thelastRepublicaninPhilly
No, Biden will be no help whatsoever in PA. Look at the facts, the northeast went to Clinton 3 to 1; Casey endorsed Obama and that didn't help Obama at all, Hillary stomped Obama in PA by over 10 points; the fact that Casey and Biden endorsed Obama won't help in getting the Catholic vote, in fact it might hurt them since Obama has such a far left position (infanticide) on abortion. PA will not get over the clinging to the guns and bibles comment, ever. I've heard the statement over and over again that democrats preferred Hillary first, then McCain, then Obama. Since Hillary is not even on the ticket, don't expect much support from the Hillary supporters.
Posted 02:57 PM, 08/26/2008
Delaware Vol
You're right, they probably do need another one since Bob Casey is useless...
Posted 03:52 PM, 08/26/2008
longshanks
You're sucking on tailpipes because you believe all of the propaganda that Fox and the crackpot neocon media is feeding you about Hillary supporters going to McCain. Democrats know it's more important to kick the idiot Republicans out of office more so than it is to be stubborn. If Obama loses this time, McCain will likely be in the supposed after life or in diapers and Hillary will lose because everyone will be seeking a much younger candidate that's more in touch with the issues, perhaps even Obama with 4 more years of experience. Enjoy your pipe dream if that makes you sleep better at night believing that McCain will be elected to protect your business interests and wealth. It's not going to happen. Obama/Biden '08!
Posted 04:07 PM, 08/26/2008
Delaware Vol
Take a look at the polls today chief... You're gonna get dizzy if you keep spinning like this... Did you hear what Slick Willie said about Obama??? He said that Obama, was a Chicago Thug---now that's what I call UNITY!!! Your boy is circling the drain and there is nothing you can do about it!!!
Posted 04:17 PM, 08/26/2008
flyersfan74
I like Biden and do think he will help Obama win PA. - But calling him "Pennsylvania's 3rd Senator"? - Really? Biden has been a Senator since I was in High School, and I don't Ever remember hearing him called that.
Posted 04:45 PM, 08/26/2008
longshanks
Polls? They are meaningless. All that matters is what happens on election day Chief. You can hang onto your polls all you want, they don't mean squat. Just like the experts admitted this year, they can poll all they want and tv networks can predict winners but it's all pure guess work until the people actually go to vote. Let's be serious here...with 80% of the nation saying that we're headed in the wrong direction, that the economy is one of the biggest issues, and the majority want us out of Iraq, you really think that McSame is going to appeal to anyone other than those that get stuck on the idiot issues like abortion and gun control. People want jobs, they need to pay their bills. McSame said he thinks the economy is doing fine. He's not on the same page as the rest of the nation. He's going to lose. Obama/Biden '08.
Posted 04:47 PM, 08/26/2008
Shabba Rommel
Longshanks is an idiot. Biden is more qualified to be President then Obama and since McCain is as (if not more qualified then Biden) I guess that answers that question. Longshanks wants to see this Country ruled like the former USSR, Venezuela, etc.. where the govt nationalizes all the businesses built in this country as well as, individual wealth accumulated by the risk takers and intellectuals of this country. I guess he wants to disregard all those sacrifices made by the Founder Fathers, Rev. War, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq/Afgh. veterans too! Answer me this Longshanks, Democrats have unilaterally controlled Philly for over 50+ years...that being the case I guess you would say Philly city govt is perfect? You're pathetic. Just because you're jealous of succesful people, that doesnt mean you're right. All people deserve equal opportunity, but dont expect the businesses and people who risk their lives, money, future to build something better for themselves and their families to hand over their hard earned assets to the lazy and incompetant like in Venezuela and the former Soviet Union (that worked well didnt it?!?). The world needs ditch diggers too, and sounds like that is all you're qualified for.
Posted 04:52 PM, 08/26/2008
junethe4th
When did it happen? I mean when did Pennsylvania annex Delaware? To call Biden Pennsylvania's 3rd senator is silly. This guy probably has not been back to Scranton in over 60 years. Just more spin trying to get the Catholics in line to vote for Obama.
Posted 04:58 PM, 08/26/2008
Shabba Rommel
Hey longshanks did you miss the day they taught economics in school? The Executive Branch has little to no immediate influence on the economy. It's called a capitalist economy, bonehead...that means "lazze faire". The President cant create jobs, cant keep borrowers from OVER BORROWING, nor keep anyone or business from taking foolish risks. Your issue should be with the Democratic controlled Congress. They make all the laws, pass the budgets, etc..All Obama wants to do is tax those who build businesses to employ others, tax retirees who happen to save a good amount for retirement, and tax businesses that happen to succeed in their initiatives. Go ahead place a tax windfall on the oil cos., you'll see less investment made then ever before by them as a result which will KILL the economy. Moron. You remind me of that song from Billy Joel "Angry Young Man".
12 comments
About Inquirer political writers

The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.

It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.

Thomas FitzgeraldThomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.

Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.

Advertise Here