Should Democrats make Bush/Cheney work to win the South ?

[kentuck]

Many political observers are now saying that North Carolina has become a battleground state since Kerry has picked Edwards to be his VP candidate. These same "experts" are saying that Democrats also have a shot at winning Louisiana, Virginia, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Some Democrats in Georgia are now saying that state is in play since Edwards has been added to the ticket. Edwards is very popular with black voters.

If the Democratic polls show the above scenarios to have some validity, should the Democrats campaign in these states to win? And would that not put a lot of pressure on Bush and the Repubs to defend an area which they were taking for granted and which, they cannot afford to lose even one or two states. This is a serious threat to them. Should the Democrats devote more time to these states in the South?

[Claire Beth]

1. Tennessee is in play for sure...

Bush doesn't have it wrapped up here by any means. We can still win this state.

[redstateblues]

48. TN. Gov. Phil Bredesen is a Mass. Librul.(70%approval)

[Walt Starr]

2. Ye4s, absolutely

Even if Kerry/Edwards doesn't carry much of the South, forcing Bush to reallocate reosurces towards states he thought were in the bag takes away resources from other battleground states.

a good portion of the war chest should be dedicated to the South in the next few weeks.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

4. The problem is

he's got more resources to waste than us. We can't throw away money on a ruse if we're not seriously going to win.

[apnu]

28. but we aren't

the media is doing all the work for Kerry by talking about how "the south is in play"

Chimpy said that he's not worried about this south which tells me that he's gotta rush down there and do something. if he ignores the south and lets Kerry/Edwards run rampant down there then he'll be in for a shock.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

3. No. If so, only a couple.

We didn't win a single southern state in 2000, yet came extremely close to winning the election. I think that if we're going to do it, we should only target 2 of the most likely southern states to fall - probably Florida, NC, and Virginia. If we can snag one of those, we don't waste a lot of resources and we make some serious headway.

[rpannier]

5. I still think we can win Arkansas

If we use Bill Clinton. I think he can deliver Arkansas and it wouldn't cost a lot of money.

[kentuck]

6. I think the Democrats are more competitive in the South than...

in many of the Western states. Louisiana is maybe the best shot of all the states in the South. I'm thinking the South may become the battleground for the next election. This would shock the Republican establishment, in my opinion.

[cmf]

7. We can win several Southern states

I think that NC, AR, LA, FL and maybe TN are in play. I think that we definitely should campaign there and make Bush spend money there. Obviously this is part of Kerry's strategy in picking Edwards. Why pick a Southerner if you're going to write off the South?

[Crachet2004]

19. That's what I think, instead of a bunker mentality, which a Gep or Graham

Pick would have signified, we are advancing into the adversaries stronghold. I take the Edwards pick as a sign our high command is going for a sweep. They are confident. I like it.

[louis c]

46. Virginia

I like our chances in Va.

N.C. borders Va. and Edwards should play very well there. Northern Virginia has become very furtile Dem. territory. With two Senators the D.C. suburbs should be attainable. Big cities are demographically pro-Dem.

Southern part of the State should be very receptive to Edwards. Dem. Gov. is a plus and big, early Kerry guy.

I like Virginia, N.C., West Virginia, Fla. as battlegrounds. Maybe La.

I figure if Gore couldn't carry Ark. or Tenn., there's no chance for Kerry there. Georgia is out. No to S.C., Miss., and Ala.

However, Edwards can help in every state to secure Senate and Congressmen, especially in the South. I'm sure he'll be a hot ticket to many a Dem. candidate in a close race in Dixie.

[Somawas]

8. When Clinton ran

4 of 11 old Confederate states were blue. Right now, NC, Va, Arkansas and Florida are all in play, for sure.

[MasonJar]

9. The job of getting the South is up to the grassroots. The more we

feature bumper stickers, register and excite voters, mobilize voters, the better chance; we can really help to turn the tide. We need to keep the Bush lies front and center, always contrasting them to the Kerry/Edwards policies. We need to take back our country with hard work. This IS (and that is means is) the MOST important election in US history. Are we going to let the corps rule us or are we going to take personal control of our own destiny?
We have organized an effort here in Louisville from a Kerry meet-up. We go to intersections, we hold rallies, we register voters, etc. We have grown from a few to hundreds...all committed and energetic in our mission: elect Kerry/Edwards.
Last night we got 150 at an impromptu rally organized throughout the day after the Edwards VP announcement. We chose a busy intersection. Cars tooted. All the local media came. It is so exhilirating to be doing something to help. START YOUR OWN, especially if you are in a tossup state. This year every vote counts and needs to be counted.

[kentuck]

12. With George Clooney's uncle running for Congress....

I don't think Kentucky can be safely called a Republican win. The Democrat that won the special election in KY was maybe a sign of the times?

(edited actor Clooney's uncle)

[cthrumatrix]

10. people who voted for bush feel "conn'd"...not again

[Jack Rabbit]

11. Absolutely.

No question about it.

If they have to spend money defending themselves in the South, that's money they don't have in swing states.

Kerry-Edwards may not carry North Carolina, but they will carry Ohio and Michigan.

[SammyBlue]

13. Idea with Edwards

Keep in south of the Mason-Dixon line and east of the Mississippi and let him Drawl his way across the South. That southern accent carries alot of weight down there. Clinton broke up the South in '92 and '96.

[Crachet2004]

16. I agree, the minute they put Edwards on the ticket, it becomes obvious...

That Bush and Cheney are nothing but classic carpetbaggers...just listen to the sound of their voices...they are not Southern. There is a strong 'favorite son' sentiment in the South. If the GOP bashes Edwards too hard, and they will, I think there will be a backlash of support for the democrats.

For example, I thought it odd that Dean went South and solicited Jimmy Carter's endorsement just prior to the Iowa caucases. I knew there was no way he would get it, as long as a native son of the South (Edwards)was running strong in the primaries.

I am beginning to have hope for a landslide.

[Radical Activist]

14. Arkansas was a toss-up before Edwards.

I've seen three polls that show Bush and Kerry within the margin of error in Akransas. I think the national pundits who still think Arkansas leans Republican this year are missing the signs going on in the state. Democratic Senator Blanche Lincoln is on the way to an easy re-election and the Republican Governor has become very unpopular. There's also a drive to register 40,000 people of color to vote there, which you make the difference.

With Edwards on the ticket, Kerry would be a fool to not try for Arkansas.

[lovedems]

15. We have a friend that just moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas.

He is young and has never been interested in politics until my husband and I indoctrinated him! I just some him some links to register to vote online and reiterated the importance of his vote this year.

I am certain he will register and it will be one more Kerry vote for the state of Arkansas!

[bdj428]

17. "Should Democrats make Bush/Cheney work to win the South ?"

I agree with the Arkansas strategy. Send Bill down there to rile up the masses before the election and get out the vote. Arkansas is within reach. And Missouri, though not technically a southern state, often votes in line with Arkansas.

I honestly think Clinton could do some good in the south. I mean, he's actually more conservative than either Kerry or Edwards and his current approval ratings are higher than than anyone on either ticket. Gore didn't use Clinton and it proved to be a big mistake.

I would also use Jimmy Carter and Max Cleland in Georgia, a state some strategists claim is also in play. Send them to every small town in the state from here til' election time.

[tom_paine]

18. ABSO-fucking-LOUTELY!

n/t

[kentuck]

20. No doubt, it would throw the Republican party into disarray....

They would be fighting from the bunkers if they have to defend three or four states in the South. I would even make a trip into Haley Barbour's home state of Mississippi, just to confuse and disrupt them. I do not think I would spend any money there, but they don't know that. :)

[dae]

27. The Solid-South isn't looking so solid for the GOP right now. I would

much rather be in Kerry's shoes than Bush.
Louisiana will go Democrat with Arkansas.
:dem:

[ncteechur]

21. I think we should target a couple of real possibilities.

NC and Virginia both have democratic governors which can help. If we can target the more urban areas of both states:
NC Charlotte, Asheville, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington, Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point. Also, there are several important military bases which may be open to Kerry's war record--Ft. Bragg(Fayetteville), Camp Lejeune(Jacksonville), and Seymour-Johnson AFB(Goldsboro). The state is still right-leaning but I believe we can make a move there. Also, Jim Hunt is a very popular former governor who did a lot for education in the state--in fact, I believe he should become Kerry's Sec. of Education--he is great. He could also be a strong campaigner for Kerry/Edwards.

Virginia: Richmond, Tidewater(Norfolk, Va. Beach, Portsmouth), DC area. Also, huge military presence. Kerry has already been to the tidewater area a couple of times and I believe his military record played well.

Florida: Bush has angered some Cuban-Americans with his new travel policy. If we play up the confusion surrounding the drug card for seniors and neutralize Jeb Bush, Florida can be won.

I don't think we can target all Southern states because of money.

[Literate Tar Heel]

31. NC

I wouldn't call Asheville exactly "urban" in the sense we usually think of it ... it's a very artsy, almost hippie-like community, very activist, and trending highly Democratic, so I don't think much needs to be done there ... the key may be getting out the African-American vote in the Charlotte and Durham areas, a task which could be significantly bolstered by the addition of Edwards to the ticket ... the military bases will probably be swayed more by events on the ground in Iraq (or Iran or Syria or wherever else we attack by then) than by Kerry's record or by Edwards' status as a home-stater ... I'm not sure Kerry/Edwards can win here but it could definitely be a lot closer than the Republicans would like

[kentuck]

32. Welcome Tar Heel !

My family moved from that area in 1828 to the mountains of KY....They moved from Rutherford County. :)

[Endangered Specie]

22. Even if we don't win in the South... forcing the Repos to spend $$$ here..

leaves less for elsewhere.

[hobbit709]

23. Should Democrats make Bush/Cheney work to win the South ?"

Even here in Texas there is a large group against Shrub. In the small towns of East Texas you can hear him being bad-mouthed at American Legion and VFW halls for the way he's screwed the vets. They voted for him in 2000 but most of them say they won't make that mistake again.

[patricia92243]

24. NC in play - yeah! My vote will finally count!

[DinahMoeHum]

25. Screw the defeatist mentality that says Dems can't win in the South

I say go for it! We CAN win in the South, now that John Edwards is aboard with Kerry.

We don't have to win ALL of the South (but it would be nice) We just have to win several states and put a big-ass wedge in the 'Pukes' voting bloc.

And believe me, between the unemployment affecting everyone black and white and the fact that many of their kids are in a military that is increasingly disenchanted by * and Co., their votes are up for grabs.

:kick:

[supernova]

26. HELL YES the Dems should CAMAIGN in the South!

I'm tired of being taken for granted by both sides. I'm tired of candidates passing us by because they think we are a safe bet or cannot be pried loose from old habits.

Neither of those things is true. Nothing, absolutely nothing is written in stone.

Folks, this is where you convince the voters that their votes matter.

I want to see both Kerry and Edwards working the crowds all along the South. New York and California are not the only states in the union that deserve attention.

How do you get peoples' votes? Pay attention to us! Don't let the only thing we see of you be a photo op with huge crowds in large states. Meet us where we are. Let them know you care enough to come visit. Come to our cities and towns, schools and colleges, factories, and stores.

[Zynx]

29. We can compete in the majority of southern states.

Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and West Virginia are all in play.

[GreenPartyVoter]

30. Campaign everywhere!

[rob-ok-vin]

33. Does a recovering republican in Okla

Help put oklahoma in th up for grabs column

Here for the first time to post. Edwards finished a close second to Clark in Okla. I would believe he is fairly popular in OK. Him as VP has cemented a vote for Kerry from this republican.

[kentuck]

35. Welcome rob-in-OK !

You are one of the lucky ones. You still have enough sense to see the direction we are headed. Many in your Party are blinded by the partisanship within the Republican Party. But, we need Americans to defeat this bunch. Welcome again!

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

36. Welcome to DU, rob!

[ronnykmarshall]

38. Welcome Rob!

Keep spreadin' the word ..... we need more of you.

[sangh0]

34. You all missed the most important reason for fighting for the South

If we make the South a battleground, then the Bushies will have to fight to attract the votes of Southerners, and if history is any guide, that means the Bushies will have to wade into the muck of racism and homophobia.

They'd still win the South (IMO) but in doing so, they'd reveal themselves to the rest of the nation for the bigots that they are. If we don't fight them in the South, then they can pretend to be moderate.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

37. Yes. This can potentially make places like OH, MI, WA, OR much easier

wins.

[kentuck]

39. Both excellent points...

:)

[JayS]

41. Why do you have to wade through racism and homophobia to...

...campaign in the South?

[sangh0]

44. *I* don't have to wade through racism and homophobia

but the Bush* administration, with no record of achievement, will have to run on bigotry, as Repukes ALWAYS have, in the South.

[JayS]

45. I doubt anyone will have to resort to bigotry as you need an...

...audience for that to be effective, and a large audience at that.

[Crachet2004]

40. Since Edwards is definitely Southern, all he will have to do is show up...

Down there, and he will get a lot of free media coverage. A five minute profile and short interview on local news is worth more than a whole bunch of campaign adds.

We would'nt have to spend a dime to make Bush spend a dollar.

[JayS]

42. Edwards can sit at home and call talk shows down here and...

...get a lot of coverage for cheap. Some of these shows can be a little rough but Edwards can handle it.

[BlueCollar]

43. This Texas resident

wants West Virginia back in the Dem column...

[erpowers]

47. Yes

From what I have been seeing here in Houston and what I have been reading here at DU and other websites I think we should. I have seen a few Kerry bumper sticker here in Houston. I have also seen a few in Louisiana. In additiion, Louisiana elected a Democratic governor last year and the year before they elected a Democratic senator. Both Landrieu and Blanco are more conservative than Kerry and Edwards, but I think the Landrieu and Blanco elections boad well for the Kerry/Edwards ticket.

In addition, Bush is losing the South. I read one news report that claimed that Bush was booed at the Daytona 500. They may have booed him more because he held up the start of the race than just dislike, but the simple fact that he was booed at the Daytona 500 proves that the NASCAR dad vote is not rock solid for Bush.

I think we should do more grassroots efforts than spending money. We should focus on getting people registered to vote and getting those that are alread registered to the polls on November 2.