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.
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!!!— Delaware Vol
Comment removed.- Comment removed.
- 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.— thelastRepublicaninPhilly
- You're right, they probably do need another one since Bob Casey is useless...— Delaware Vol
- Comment removed.
- 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!!!— Delaware Vol
- 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.— flyersfan74
- Comment removed.
- Comment removed.
- 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.— junethe4th
- Comment removed.
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 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.
- News | Sports | Business | What's Happening | Restaurants & Food | Entertainment | Living | Marketplace | Jobs
