They haven't asked yet, but should Barack and Michelle Obama call to seek my advice on where they should go for Summer Vacation, I would not hesitate: Alaska!
Here's why:
- The state is actually winnable for Obama in November. As Jonathan Singer noted in MyDD yesterday, two recent polls show Obama in a virtual dead heat with McCain in the Last Frontier. And Alaska's different-drummer electorate may allow Libertarian Bob Barr to pull a significant percentage of votes, mostly away from McCain.
- Along with his native Hawai'i, Alaska is one of only two states Obama has not yet visited in this campaign. Even if, contrary to the polls, Obama did not have a legitimate shot to win the state in November, going there would consistitute a powerful symbol of his commitment to the fifty state strategy . . . and to being President of all the people. And though the state has only three electoral votes, raising doubts about McCain's ability to win there would emphasize the degree to which the usual rules about safe "Red States" are completely out the window this time!
- A combination of factors makes this Fall opportunity to work a sea change in Alaskan politics. Once unassailable porkmaster Republicans, Senator Ted Stevens and Representative Don Young -- both mired in ethical/legal controversies -- face formidable challenges from strong Democrats. Ted Stevens is either behind, or very narrowly leading, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich. And Don Young, if he can survive a tough primary fight, is polling well behind Democrat Mark Berkowitz. Some fundraising and publicity help from Obama would help turn the state's Congressional delegation purple or blue. And that's a lot of blue ink.
- There is no place in the United States that is better suited to provide that to a family that's been on the campaign trail for months on end that the Last Frontier. At a speech in California yesterday, Barack's sister Maya -- who is one of the few people on Earch who may actually be a better public speaker than he is -- described an Indonesian expression for "washing the eyes" -- a cleansing spiritual/mental refreshment. Alaska's the place for that.
- Alaska is stunningly beautiful and is bathed nearly round-the-clock sunlight this time of year. Great wildlife, and the perfect place to emphasize vividly the imminent need for action on climate change.
References (sorry, couldn't get links to behave):
AK Presidential race:
See http://www.mydd.com/...
AK Senate and House Races:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/...
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpoi...
AK Pictures:
http://away.com/...