Clinton To Campaign In Georgia Senate Race -- Where's Obama?

When I made my Senate-race predictions at the end of October, I guessed that Georgia would be heading to a mandatory run-off election on December 2nd -- if neither Republican Saxby Chambliss or Democratic challenger Jim Martin garnered 50 percent of the vote -- and we're now pointing straight toward that election next month.

What I also said was that Martin would win that election based on an influx of national Democratic money and some timely rallies with President-elect Barack Obama -- and for some reason that last part now looks doubtful.

The Martin campaign is reporting that former President Bill Clinton will be the featured speaker at a rally for Martin in Atlanta on Wednesday. This is great. When I said that Martin would benefit in the month leading to December 2nd by a cast of heavy hitters coming in to help him out, Bill Clinton was definitely one of the people I was talking about.

And I understand that President-elect Obama has to be incredibly busy and revving up to mend the nation after eight years of George W. Bush's dismal leadership. But given that Democrats are now knocking on the door of a 60-vote majority in the U.S. Senate and that this would help immeasurably in moving the Obama-Biden legislative agenda forward, shouldn't Obama find the time for at least a couple of quick flights down to Georgia?

Chambliss has already had John McCain stumping there for him and that cretin Zell Miller -- some call him a former Democrat -- has been a fixture touring the state with the Republican incumbent.

And while Martin is thrilled to have Clinton coming to speak on his behalf, I'm sure he's hoping the real big-ticket campaigner will find time to head south.

"I am honored to have President Clinton join me in Georgia once again and proud to have the support of such a tireless advocate for the middle class," said Martin of the event coming on Wednesday. "President Clinton and I share a common goal of helping President-elect Obama fix our economy and get our country working for middle class Georgians again."

Given what a massive draw he is and how incredibly motivating he is to Democratic voters, President-elect Obama needs to put this election on his radar screen and make an overt effort to get Chambliss out of the Senate and Martin in.

In a revealing bit of polling , a Survey USA poll reports that 15 percent of Georgia respondents say that a visit from John McCain would make it more likely that they would turn out for the run-off election -- while 30 percent say that Obama making a campaign appearance for Martin will have the same effect.

With Martin still behind Chambliss in recent polling, partisan turnout will rule the results on December 2nd and Obama's popularity and appeal could be what drives this seat into the Democratic column.

It just makes sense. What do you think, Rahm Emanuel?

You can read more from Bob at BobGeiger.com.

Update: I've received quite a few e-mails and seen comments from people suggesting that maybe I am clueless about how much work President-elect Obama has on his plate or how he shouldn't have to bother with something like the Georgia Senate race. Just to clarify, I didn't say that Obama should grab a bunk on the Martin campaign bus for the next two weeks. I'm suggesting that he take a short flight, one or two times, and help Martin take a Senate seat that's both important to the Democratic party and to the Obama presidency.

Achieving 60 Senate seats probably isn't as important on a day-to-day basis as some of us may make it sound. But every seat counts and, with some of President-elect Obama's winning mojo, this one is attainable.

"A president has to be able to do more than one thing at a time," Obama said when John McCain pulled his silly stunt of pretending he could not campaign and be a Senator at the same time. And our President-elect is certainly capable of a couple of speeches for Martin while he does his good work between now and December 2nd.

Comments

[GDRga]

In the redder parts of Georgia, Obama has been attacked with such venom and so demonized that his presence now may do as much to bring out the opposition as supporters. It's a toss-up.

[Giada]

If Romney shows up ... please return him to Utah. Should he return to California, he'll be boycotted.

Obama's a president elect. He may have ideas but will remain behind the scenes.

[MinuteMan]

>Achieving 60 Senate seats probably isn't as important on a day-to-day basis as some of us may make it sound. But every seat counts and, with some of President-elect Obama's winning mojo, this one is attainable.

Sixty seats will not assure 60 votes. However, by demonstrating that he can and will use his popularity to effect races, Obama would increase his clout with Congress, both GOP and Dem. Dems want to be on good terms with Obama so that he'll show up when they run for reelection and GOPers would not like to have Obama pay special attention to their own reelection bids. The only reason not to do this is if Obama and his handlers fear that a loss in this runoff would show that Obama is a paper tiger as a far as affecting Congressional elections.

[rameez6]

Obama shouldn't campaign for Martin because it goes against the bipartisan reputation he's trying to establish. He's busy sending the message that he can work with rivals and friends, republicans and democrats... so why would he so publicly take sides in a hotly contested race? Blatantly partisan stances like that will harm him more than 60 seats will help him. I agree with other posters that republicans would be dumb to use the filibuster option except very rarely.

[militarymomforobama]

I think our new President knows a thing or two about politics. Only Democrats like Bill stand a chance in that neck of the woods--land of the good ol boy. Georgia--for now--is a lost cause.

[ceti]

He didn't do much for Franken, but as president-elect, as leader of the Democratic Party, shouldn't he be in the thick of things, fighting for every last Democrat?

Then again, Obama is in favour of keeping Lieberman and courting McCain. Maybe he doesn't need or want any more Democrats.

And if Obama is afraid of treading in Georgia, then his presidency will be strange indeed.

[Horus45]

I would prefer that Obama NOT do anymore big outdoor rallies.

With all the crazy death threats I think it is better for him to stay away from Georgia.

[nomobull]

getting ready to do what we voted for

[NickNas]

+ harriscrl3 See Profile I'm a Fan of harriscrl3 I'm a fan of this user permalink
Well Obama lost GA and Clinton won it I think thats a nobrainer as to why Clinton went but Obama did not.

Carol

CAROL IS EXACTLY RIGHT!

But everyone is trying to make a living writing stories that dig up more drama instead of just paying attention to a OBVIOUS piece of Logic.

[alexis d]

Obama campaigning for Martin is the dumbest idea I've heard all day.

First of all, he's got an administration to set up; he'd catch hell for straying away from that.

Second, it puts him out on a limb he doesn't need to be on, as someone else has explained.

And third, Bill Clinton is more popular than Barack down there anyway, and won't risk alienating the Bubba Vote that had an issue with Obama's race.

[JWLANDSCAPES]

Democrats are a team since June 7th when Hillary suspended and called for everyone to work together to help get Obama elected as the next president. This is team work. Obama has plenty to worry about getting his transition team in place, and finalize cabinet positions. Besides, Bill is very popular there...so why not?

[klondiker]

I don't think it would be a good idea for Obama to campaign in Georgia.

Given how close the election is, it's very possible that Martin could lose, and it would hurt Obama politically if he campaigned openly for Martin and Martin still lost. It would appear to be kind of a "public snub" of the new president, and may indicate a lack of support.

Obama just doesn't need that right now.

And, besides, I agree with all of the other comments here: he's kind of busy right now, and could probably use the time better doing other important things.

[tottie2001]

Martin still seems to lack personality to me...I am definately emailing weekly my family and friends to remind them to get out and vote in the runoff or early for Martin. He still needs to be able to excite his base on his own as well. I would love for P.E. Obama to come for selfish reasons(to see him personally speak)...but I dont expect him to come or that if he does come it will equal a win for Martin...I hope it works out because Chambliss needs to go ..but I think a good deal of democratic voters here(or at least many that I know) are just happy with Obama being President and are not worried about the Senate race.

[lizr]

I prefer to see O stay safe an d out of ALL red neck states for the time being.

I am glad he listens to the Secret SErvice on this one!

[RFBorjal]

I agree. considering the uptick in race-related crimes since the election of President Obama, he should not take unnecessary risks. The Presidency is more important than a single Senate seat.

[lizr]

Perhaps he is setting up his cabinet so he won't have a mess like Clinton did when he first came in?

[ktthecarguy]

One thing that Democrats need to make very clear is that 60 votes are needed only if Republicans intend to FILIBUSTER EVERY PIECE OF LEGISLATION IN THE SENATE!!!! If they want to be THAT obstructionist, let them. Then make news headlines every time they do it. Several repubs will be up for reelection in 2010; let's see them explain their obstructionism to their constituents.

[Horus45]

Yes, Reid needs to actually MAKE them filibuster a bill instead of just allowing them to kill a bill with the threat of a filibuster!