From the Asheville Citizen-Times late today:
Sen. Barack Obama will rehearse in the Asheville area for his next debate with Sen. John McCain, Obama's campaign told the Citizen-Times.
The Democratic nominee for president will practice Sunday and Monday at an undisclosed location, spokeswoman Melanie Roussell said.
Wow, what a brilliant move for several reasons. As a Western North Carolina native(Brevard, actually), it thrills me that Obama is going to do his debate prep in the most beautiful part of the world! Yes, I am partial. Here are my reasons for the brilliance of the Obama campaign.
- Obama never visited WNC during the primaries. Hillary and Bill visited several times, and Michelle had a rally at UNC-A, but Barack never made it. Granted, Hillary cleaned up in the majority of WNC, but Buncombe County(Asheville) went for Obama and Transylvania County(my Brevard) was a close race at 48-46% Hillary. I think the publicity and the fact that he is visiting during the final stages of the campaign will help push more of the vote there in his direction.
- People on that side of the state are hurting! Factories have shut down, jobs have been shipped overseas, and recent gas shortages have been a major concern in the area.
- The North Carolina Democrat Dinner is Saturday night in Asheville at the Grove Park Inn. Wouldn't it be a boost to have the candidate there?
- North Carolina in the autumn? What a beautiful place to be. The Obama campaign and the ever present press corp will love the area, and I think the publicity will be a boon to the local economy!
Although I live in the Atlanta area now, I might have to take the short drive up if he just so happens to have a rally while in town. Why not??