Has Obama just given up on Virginia?
Barack Obama
Mitt Romney
The National Journal has a story out looking at what’s next in the presidential race. Of particular interest: It says the Obama campaign is “circling the wagons around Ohio, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Nevada” as states it has to win and where the campaign insists it’s ahead.
Left off that list, obviously, is Virginia.
The National Journal says: “It is uncharacteristic of Team Obama to concede any terrain, but [ Obama campaign manager David ] Plouffe offered no such assurances about Obama’s position in North Carolina, Virginia, or Florida.”
One way to tell, of course, is to look at the candidates’ travel schedules. The less we see of Obama (or Biden) here, the more likely this scenario is.
You can read the full piece here.
October 17, 2012 - 5:42 PM
Haven’t you given up on the President? Rob-Me says Virginia is his state!
On the campaign trail in 2002, Romney promised a jobs creation
program “second to none in the history of the state,” pledging to use his corporate connections to lure chief executives across America to Massachusetts “I know what it takes”.
The results fell far short of the promise. During Romney’s four years in office, the state added a net 31,000 jobs, a growth rate of less than 1 percent compared to 5 percent nationally during the same period. State unemployment fell to 4.7 percent from a peak of 6 percent, but remained above the US average, then 4.4 percent.
Meanwhile, as the state recovery lagged other parts of the country, a net 233,000 people — 3.5 percent of the population — left the state, many seeking jobs elsewhere.
Romney largely balanced the budget by cutting state aid to cities and towns, many of which responded by raising property taxes. In his first two years in office, Romney presided over a 15 percent cut in spending on unrestricted aid to cities and towns; he also cut more than 4 percent of funding for local schools. Largely as a result, the average local property tax bill jumped more than $700 a year, or about 24 percent, to $3,962 from $3,206. By the end of Romney’s term, the combined state and local tax burden in Massachusetts grew to 10.6 percent of income from 10 percent, according to the Taxpayers Foundation, a Washington think tank.
Romney also took on natural allies in the business community when he undertook an effort to change the business tax code by closing what he called “loopholes.” It was a controversial step, but Romney said the rules allowed many companies to avoid paying taxes at a time when the state could hardly afford it. Some banks, for example, avoided taxes by sheltering holdings in Real Estate Investment Trusts.
Business leaders opposed the effort, viewing it as a tax increase. One revision, for example, required large retailers to pay sales taxes on the printing costs of direct mail promotional advertising, a move that increased their taxes by about $15 million annually
Romney also increased government fees on a host of services, from marriage licenses to property deeds, raising another $375 million annually.
I don’t believe that for a moment. Obama still has a firewall in Northern Virginia. The most recent Public Policy Poll shows him ahead by five or six points here. There’s been no reduction of Obama staff here that would indicate he’s thrown in the towel. Labor is as active here as it is anywhere else. Barack Obama will carry Virginia.
Question-mark headlines? What is this, Fox?
Don’t think Obama’s given up on Virginia. He is doing an event in Fairfax on Friday. I think there is something in the polls indicating Virginia is back in play. The grassroots efforts and organizing are growing exponentially in the Southwest Virginia area. Volunteerism is growing by leaps and bounds.
One more thought – Virginia women are heading back into the Obama fold and every early voter I know was pro Obama.
Sandy- I have no doubt your facts are correct. But without compromising with the Democratic majority in MA none of what you described would have occurred. “Compromise” is not in Obama’s vocabulary.
I’m glad you don’t know me Teresa, b/c I am definitely NOT pro Obama. Most all the women I know are firmly in the Romney/Ryan category and most of the people I know that voted for Obama in ’08 say they will NOT vote for him in ’12 b/c he has FAILED in every aspect of his presidency.
Actually, Teresa, only pro-abortion women are heading towards Obama. *Compassionate women of all colors are turning to Romney.*
I have to think that only self-loathing women would side with a party that considers them second-rate and helpless, at best. If there were a ticket that could draw wavering female Obama voters, Romney/Ryan ain’t it.
And FWIW, RCP still shows Virginia going for Obama. Why exactly would he “give up” on it?
Romney needs every battleground state to win. Obama doesn’t.
If there are women voting for Obama simply for the reason that they are pro-abortion, then this country is in bigger trouble than I originally thought.
Clearly, after Sandi’s 2nd debate comments and todays comments, the self annointed Pundit of political analysis has done everything possible to cast a negative pall on Mitt Romney. However, the obvious ommission of any comment regarding the “terrorist attack” on our embassy that resulted in the death of four Americans which is the latest failure of the current administration supports the liberal behaviour which will destroy America. While Obama, with the support of Candy, played the Clinton semantics game of what the definition of “is” “is”, there is no question regarding “act of terror” versus “a terrorist act”. We in Virginia know that the act of terror by Seung Chou when he killed 32 at VA Tech on 2007, the murder of 6 and wounding of 14 by Jared Loughner in Tucson in 2011 and James Holmes killing 12 in Colorado in July 2012 were acts of terror. On the other hand, 09/11/2001, the Pentagon and hijacking of a commercial airliner which resulted in death are “terrorist acts”. This administration is still wrestling with this fact and continues to allude to an anti-Islam film in the Benghazi disaster. Not unexpected since the Nidal Malik Hason murder of 13 and wounding 29, as well as the 2009 Little Rock Recruiting death of one and wounding of one was referred to by Jason Grumet, an Obama campaign organizer in 2008, as terrorist acts. He is the President of Bipartisan Policy Central,and claimed they were terroist attacks, yet neither were prosecuted as terrorist attacks. The National Counterterrorism Center has also claimed the Benghazi murders was in the course of terrorist attacks on the American embassy. If this administration handles terrorist attacks this way how in the world can we expect it to undo the past four years and guarantee the next four years of economics, jobs, taxes, health insurance or what have you in the best interest of ALL Americans. God, America, the Constitution and home of the brave and land of the free demands real hope and change, its now up to you. Liniel Gregory, just a 75 year old man in the street,still working and greatful to be doing so, a great grandfather of 4, grandfather of 11, father of 6, husband and son to a 95 year old Mom who, along with me, will vote accordingly on November 6. Think about it.
Liniel,
You better get out of the street if you plan to vote. It’s dangerous out there. After you’re safely out of the street, study up on the difference between acts of terror and mass murderers. Quite a difference.
Liniel – what a great post. God bless you!
Liniel, what exactly is the difference – other than massive hair-splitting – between an “act of terror” and a “terrorist act”? Basically I get that if 4 Americans are killed overseas -big deal. 4 Americans killed in America – less of a big deal.
Jeffery, I am voting for Obama based on plenty of things other than reproductive rights. I’m not personally a fan of one-issue voting.
“Compromise is not in (Obama’s) vocabulary.” (#6)…hilarious. Obama’s first move on legislation has always been to meet the Republicans halfway, at which point the GOP says, “OK, now you need to compromise!”
Liniel, yes, Obama referred to the Libya situation as an act of terror on 9/12 and 9/13. What about Romney’s first “terror” reference? It came on 9/25 on Fox News, when he said the Benghazi attack was “an act of terror…but the White House doesn’t want to admit it.”
I guess you’re saying Romney was also wrong about what happened.
Blue John, Kathie,Kristen and Say What? : Blue John thanks for the tip, I alway look over my shoulder, sit in a corner, look around and my surroundings. I’ll keep an eye out for you. The difference in acts of terror and mass murders is simply that around the world mass murders are committed by lunatics for no apparent reason. Acts of violence usually target someone or some cause, political positions, presidents, government buildings, abortion clinics, hospitals, employers and/or their busineses, etc. Get it.
Kathie – thanks so much.
Kristen – it is difficult spot lunatics or mentally challenged who walk among us all the time and may commit an act of terror. Terrorist, on the other hand, Al Quaeda, jihadist and the anniversary of Nine Eleven give rise to be suspicious, on guard, bolster security and preparation just in case. It is a big deal when anyone is killed here or abroad whether or not its an act of terror or act of terrorism and the later we might be able to avoid if we have just a modicum of common sense. Finally, as my post indicates there are clearly more one-issue voting at stake, i.e., economy, jobs, taxes, health insurance, illegal immigrants and, of course, women, too.
Say What? Two wrongs don’t make a right, choose the lesser of two evils when you have an opportunity. And, once again, there is, as Kristen says, more than a one-issue vote pending on Nov. 6. Mathmatically 4 Obama years plus 4 more Obama years equal 8 years of down grading everything Ameria has been. Have a nice day.
Blue John, Kathie, Kirsten and Say What?: John thanks for the tip, I always watch over my shoulder, sit in a corner and check my surroundings, I’ll be watching out for you. The difference my friend in acts of terror and mass murders is simply that lunatics all over the world committ senseless murders while acts of terror target someone or something, i.e., America, presidents, government buildings, abortion clinics, military bases, political or religous folks or structures, etc.
Kathie: Thank you so much.
Kirsten: an act of terror may be committed by a lunatic or mentally challenged person walking among us all the time that we do not recognize while an act of terror is usually by the likes of Al Qaeda, jihadist targeting America, Americans, government buildings, hospitals, abortion clinics, and so forth on special occassions such as the anniversary of Nine Eleven. Americans killed here or abroad are a big deal and when we have terrorist targeting us it is inexcusable not to have proper security in place and to take precautions against such attacks. As my post also indicates it is not a one-issue vote on Nov. 6, it includes economics, taxes, jobs, health insurance, illegal aliens, and, of course, women too.
Say What? Two wrongs don’t make a right. Consequently and mathmatically 4 Obama years plus 4 more Obama years equal 8 years of down grading America some more.
Mr. Gregory, not to take anything away from what Sandy stated in the post #1 above, and fully agreeing with her, I am not her. I spell my name the same way every time and use my real and full name and do not post under any other identity or logo.
You parse the language of Obama like a true partisan, but America is not only yours to love, believe in and appreciate. I am sorry that you believe anyone who disagrees with you is wrong, but I do not believe you have accurately characterized Obama and I do not believe that Romney is best for this nation. I will not join you in returning this nation to the path of wealth protection and Plutocracy. No, I will not.
Opps ! So Sorry Mrs. Sandi Saunders, however, if the shoe fits wear it. Nice to hear from you again, hope all is well with you and yours.
5-obama is using women for one reason, to get their votes. He believes they are ONE ISSUE VOTERS. That is why he only talks about birth control and abortion. What woman, gets up everyday, and truly worries how they are going to get BC pills! No wonder, they took down the ecard that the HIS campaign website had, for women to vote like their lady parts depend on it!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2212062/President-Barack-Obama-Obama-scrubs-controversial-vote-like-lady-parts-depend-e-card.html
Obama should give up on Virginia like he gave up on North Carolina! I wish he would give up and drop out of the race entirely. NO MORE YEARS!!! We need some change folks!