It’s been a question for wonks for decades. Political scientists and operatives constantly debate if field operations really matter. We know what the data drones who ran the Clinton campaign think. Thier idea of grassroots campaign is facebook ads and lots of polling. Enthusiasm? Bah, humbug! Money for turnout in Philly or Detroit?, no thanks! However, others remember when field and grassroots worked like magic.
By all accounts, Doug Jones has a good, traditional field and turnout operation on the ground in Alabama. There are signs up! There are buttons! Over 1 million phone calls and counting! There are rallies! African-American heros like John Lewis are campaigning. There are dozens of field representatives working for Jones. Fundraising is robust and has been consistant.
In contrast, Roy Moore has been in hiding (for good reson!). There are very few, if any, field staff. Fundraising is a mess. His campaign spokespersons appear to be the only people in the south who are even more unhinged than the candidate. The only good rally of the campaign was accross the state line in Pensaola, Florida. National Republicans were divided until the end of the campaign.
Does field matter? Can it make a difference? We will find out soon.