The relationships Mr. Obama built for the Iowa caucuses (Hawkeyes) will probably pay off for him in that state in November, and his campaign may be able to swing Indiana (Hoosiers and Boilermakers) for the Democrats for the first time in recent memory. But Mr. McCain’s campaign sees opportunities in the historically blue states of Wisconsin (Badgers) and Minnesota (Golden Gophers) and is banking heavily on the unpopularity of local Democratic officeholders in Michigan (Wolverines and Spartans). Joseph Biden’s Scranton roots may offer his running mate some protection in Pennsylvania (Nittany Lions), but as was the case four years ago, it is becoming more likely that this election will be decided in Ohio. So as much as “Change You Can Rely On” or “Country First,” an equally helpful slogan for both campaigns could be “Go Buckeyes.”
Schnur arges that the race may depend on Obama's ability to connect with us hick Midwesterners.
But the more the race converges in Big Ten country, the more important it will be for him to find a way to connect with the Wal-Mart shoppers, the Nascar fans and those for whom “tailgate” is a verb to be employed before their favorite football team takes the field on Saturday afternoons.
How well does John McCain connect? Even Nascar-watchin', Wal-Mart shoppin', tailgatin', beer-Swillin' Big Ten fans know when we're being fed a meal of pig with lipstick sauce. Big Ten fans aren't happy with the last eight years. Four more of the same is not an attractive option. Barack Obama doesn't need to connect in Big Ten Country. He just needs to remind voters that the few changes John McCain wants to make are for the worse.
Big Ten fans want the economy to improve so they can afford football tickets. As a population, they'll give a majority of their votes to Obama.
