Smiling Democrats

There’s fall in the air and, suddenly, there’s spring in the step of Democrats.
 
Part of it was last week’s elections, especially the prospect of capturing the Wake school board. Part of it is the natural joy Democrats feel when Obama pillories Republicans and big, bad bankers. Part of it is seeing Herman Cain rise to the top of the Republican polls, a possible portent of a GOP apocalypse.
 
Whatever it is, there’s growing optimism – or maybe just hope – among Democrats I talk to.
 
Obama’s swing through Western North Carolina was a pick-me-up. The takeaway: Voters still like Obama and still hope he’ll succeed, even if they’re not happy with his performance. A reminder: Never, never underestimate the power of being liked in politics.
 
Obama touched two Democratic strongholds: Asheville and Boone. Appalachian State University, Obama staffers tell me, produced more votes for him than any other campus in the state. He also went into hostile territory, Wilkes County, and got a boost from the school superintendent.
 
The leaves are turning in the High Country now.  And, just as the seasons turn, so does politics.
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Gary Pearce

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Smiling Democrats

There’s fall in the air and, suddenly, there’s spring in the step of Democrats.
 
Part of it was last week’s elections, especially the prospect of capturing the Wake school board. Part of it is the natural joy Democrats feel when Obama pillories Republicans and big, bad bankers. Part of it is seeing Herman Cain rise to the top of the Republican polls, a possible portent of a GOP apocalypse.
 
Whatever it is, there’s growing optimism – or maybe just hope – among Democrats I talk to.
 
Obama’s swing through Western North Carolina was a pick-me-up. The takeaway: Voters still like Obama and still hope he’ll succeed, even if they’re not happy with his performance. A reminder: Never, never underestimate the power of being liked in politics.
 
Obama touched two Democratic strongholds: Asheville and Boone. Appalachian State University, Obama staffers tell me, produced more votes for him than any other campus in the state. He also went into hostile territory, Wilkes County, and got a boost from the school superintendent.
 
The leaves are turning in the High Country now.  And, just as the seasons turn, so does politics.
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Gary Pearce

Categories

Archives