The Obama campaign is confident that it has time to convince the public that the economy and employment are recovering fast enough to stage a late election comeback. “We have six to eight months to do it and that gets us to Election Day,” said a top Democratic advisor to the campaign.
In past election cycles, most notably 1992, economic recoveries have taken almost a year to settle in before the public noticed or gave credit to the president for. But the fast pace of the news, driven by the Internet, and short memories of voters are giving hope to the Obama campaign.
“We are starting to win on the message and we’re inching in the right direction,” said another advisor who also consults with Senate Democrats. And, he added, “Republicans don’t have a plan to deal with Obama optimism.”
Many Obama allies say they can see his optimism in his daily activities. While he used to be more sheltered, the president has recently stepped out in public more, going to a Washington art gallery, walking to a nearby restaurant and even shopping for muscle cars at the Washington Auto Show.
Pollster John Zogby tells Washington Secrets that the Obama campaign’s hopes aren’t far-fetched. “We seen things turn on a dime in the last election cycles,” he said. “If good economic news stays good, there will be plenty of time to feed that.”
Plus, added Zogby, Obama’s early campaign tactic of playing the role of a progressive, anti-rich Teddy Roosevelt makes him look like he understands the plight of those hurt by the economy, unlike former President George H.W. Bush limited efforts in 1992. “Obama seems to have helped himself with the TR theme and fairness theme. At least he’s back in the game.”
“We are starting to win on the message and we’re inching in the right direction,” said another advisor who also consults with Senate Democrats. And, he added, “Republicans don’t have a plan to deal with Obama optimism.”
Many Obama allies say they can see his optimism in his daily activities. While he used to be more sheltered, the president has recently stepped out in public more, going to a Washington art gallery, walking to a nearby restaurant and even shopping for muscle cars at the Washington Auto Show.
Pollster John Zogby tells Washington Secrets that the Obama campaign’s hopes aren’t far-fetched. “We seen things turn on a dime in the last election cycles,” he said. “If good economic news stays good, there will be plenty of time to feed that.”
Plus, added Zogby, Obama’s early campaign tactic of playing the role of a progressive, anti-rich Teddy Roosevelt makes him look like he understands the plight of those hurt by the economy, unlike former President George H.W. Bush limited efforts in 1992. “Obama seems to have helped himself with the TR theme and fairness theme. At least he’s back in the game.”
