As we near the critical two-week benchmark before elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York, the White House is going all-in to help Democratic candidates. President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden are raising money and stumping for hopefuls across the country – in some cases looking beyond the narrow focus of next month’s election to the 2010 midterms.
Last week Obama raised more than $3 million for the Democratic party in San Francisco, and Biden helped raise money for Missouri senate candidate Robin Carnahan (D) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV).
But in the race to the finish, and with Republicans eager to make a loss in Virginia or New Jersey seem like a major national trend for the president, it’s a high-profile week for both Obama and Biden.
Obama has eight political events scheduled over the next week. Before he leaves for the Czech Republic tomorrow, Biden has a long day of double political duty.
First Lady Michelle Obama is not doing any political travel, a White House source said.
The vice president today is rallying with New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine before heading to Pittsburgh for Sen. Arlen Specter, a recent convert to the Democratic party who is potentially vulnerable next year.
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Tomorrow Obama is helping Bill Owens in New York’s 23rd Congressional district before headlining a swanky DNC fundraiser in New York. (He’ll also call in to health care parties hosted by volunteers with his Organizing for America campaign arm.)
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Wednesday Obama will do his part for Corzine at a big rally, his second so far this year.
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On Friday Obama will be back at the fundraising game, helping to raise cash for Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), who is facing a crowded Republican field in advance of his 2010 reelection campaign.
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Monday, Obama heads to Miami for a major fundraiser that benefits the Democrats’ House and Senate campaign arms.
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Next Tuesday, one week before the election, Obama will rally with state Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-VA) to help him try and surge at the last minute over GOP opponent former attorney general Bob McDonnell.
The Deeds camp today sent out an Obama-style text message, asking people on their call list to “keep the momentum from our major WaPo endorsement going.” The message asked people to text a reply if they wanted to volunteer and to pass the note along to their friends.
Asked about Deeds’ chances in Virginia this afternoon, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs was lukewarm:
“Look, I’m not going to get into the political prognostication game. Obviously, I think the president believes, if you look at the Democrats that he’s been supportive of that are on the ballot, that they have plans and proposals that move their states and their districts forward in a way that comports with his vision. And I think — I anticipate we’ll do quite well in — in November.”
The Republicans (out with a critique today that Obama is being political when unemployment is soaring and the decision on Afghanistan is looming) love to point out that Obama isn’t as popular today as he was when he was elected. But the crowds are still wowed by the president, and the Democrats are aiming to tap into what’s left of the nostalgia from his historic election.
“Have you ever been in the room when President Obama is speaking? I have, and it’s amazing,” the DSCC wrote in a fundraising push this afternoon asking for a contribution of $5 that equals a chance to attend Monday’s Miami event and potentially get a photo with Obama.
Reader GB passed along this note below that Obama sent to his New Jersey supporters, which reminds them of the “cold day in Springfield” when he announced his own candidacy. (It doesn’t mention that at the time, Corzine was backing Obama’s rival Hillary Clinton.)
The note is a clear aim at get-out-the-vote, reminding supporters of the “movement” they build for change. There’s some debate if Obama-mentum will translate in an off-year election. I explored this question attending the last Corzine rally.
On a cold day in Springfield, Illinois, over two years ago, we launched a campaign to bring change to our nation.
The movement you built — by knocking on doors and calling your friends and neighbors — won a historic election. And in the months since, we’ve worked to get our economy back on track, bring stability and security to those who have health care, and affordable coverage to those who don’t.
But to continue the crucial work we’ve begun, I’m going to need a strong partner in Trenton — Governor Jon Corzine.
So today, I hope you will help me show the power of our movement once again by getting involved in Jon’s campaign.
Sign up to volunteer with Jon Corzine’s campaign.
Even a few hours of your time between now and Election Day will make a tremendous difference in reelecting a strong fighter for New Jersey’s families.
Jon Corzine and I share a common vision for the future of New Jersey and our nation.
Just as we’re fighting to bring stable, secure, and affordable health care to every American — and expanded the children’s health insurance program to millions more kids — Jon expanded coverage to 90,000 children as governor.
Just as we’ve made college more affordable, he’s made historic investments in New Jersey schools.
And just as we helped provide 95% of working families with a tax cut, Jon Corzine expanded the earned income tax credit for 300,000 hardworking New Jersey families.
Jon Corzine has an extraordinary record of accomplishment, but I know he’s only getting started — so I need your help to make sure he’s reelected on November 3rd.
Please sign up to volunteer for his
campaign today.Thank you,
President Barack Obama
