Questions for people from red states

[Onlooker]

I'm not the only one who's curious to know what's happening in those parts of the United States that are still considered favorable to McCain. Even if Obama doesn't win your state, it will be great news if the right-wing grip on your state is looser after this election.

(1) What state are you from?
(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?
(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?
(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?
(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)

Thanks.

[AndyA]

1. Answers

1. Oklahoma

2. Yes - a big office in Tulsa that opened in the last month or so

3. No backlash that I've seen so far, there actually seems to be a lot of support for Obama

4. There must be something going on for Obama to spend the money opening a staffed office, and the local people are saying they're seeing some big changes in Oklahoma with their polling

5. No, I do not think the polls are accurate. I see a LOT more Obama stickers than I do McSame, and at least as many yard signs. On my street alone, it's about 50/50 and I live in a very Republican area of town.

The Democrat running against Jim Inhofe is Andrew Rice, and he's giving Inhofe a run for his money this time, and stands a pretty good chance of winning. He's actually matched Inhofe's donations dollar for dollar, which hasn't ever happened before!

Yes, things are changing in red Oklahoma.

[WallStreetNobody]

5. Oklahoma is one of the reddest states in the country isn't it?

If progress is being made there, than you know things are getting on the right track.

[AndyA]

6. Yes, it is.

Lots of country bumpkins and rednecks who don't really think for themselves, and lots of "Christians" who think exceptions are made for them because they go to church on Sundays.

There are lots of anti-war, anti-Bush, end of an error, etc., stickers on cars, at least in the two major metro areas, Tulsa and OKC. Some of the smaller cities in the metro areas are more progressive as well, but I think the many small rural towns are what pulls the state down as a whole.

I was shocked when Obama opened an office here. For its grand opening, in pouring rain, over 1,000 people showed up and they sold out of all bumper stickers, yard signs, etc., so the turn out was better than expected.

[lady raven]

22. I would have to agree there.

I am in Kay County, which I have heard is the most Republican county in the state. Mostly rural votes and most of those people vote against their own interests.

I know a lot of good and otherwise reasonable people who buy the Republican BS that is fed to them because someone they trust, usually a pastor, tells them they should. It's an unfortunate fact around here.

Of course, there are plenty of mouth breathing Freeper types too.

[Milspec]

16. I to am Baffled

By the large # of Obama signs here in Tulsa probably 2 to 1 over McCain. Sure not reflected in the polls.

[TooRaLoo]

26. I have been pleasantly shocked about that.

I can't tell if people just wish they had a better (R) candidate, or if many of them are secretly voting Obama. I'm seeing WAY more Obama stuff around here.

[Tess49]

28. Do you konow the poll spread on Rice and dufus Inhofe?

I've been contributing to the Rice campaign as much as I can. I'd really like to see him win.

[RebelOne]

2. My reply

1. Georgia

2. Campaign has some presence, but some campaign offices have pulled out.

3. Actually, I haven't noticed any anti-Obama backlash except for a co-worker who has a NoBama bumper sticker, But then there are 3 Obama/Biden bumper stickers in the parking lot including mine.

4. Democrats won't make too many gains in this red area. All the offices in my county are owned by Republicans. There are very few Democrats in office.

5. According to the local TV station this morning, McCain leads Obama by only 3 points. But Pollster.com has McCain at 51.2% and Obama at 44.2%, so someone has the figures wrong.

[1awake]

3. local my state votes democratic.. nationally...well..

1- WV
2- Haven't seen any where I live, but not sure.
3- no
4- yes
5- yes


My children know I'm backing Obama, and as little children do, they back him as well. They come home from school and tell me stories how some of the other little kids yell at them saying things like.. Obama is going to take everyone's money.. and he hangs out with bad people. Most people here who support Obama tend to keep it to themselves it seems.

[nannycee]

4. My Answers - Texas

1) Texas
2) Yes
3) No
4) Yes, more local than state unfortunately.
5) No, it will be closer based on my sense.

[yellowdogintexas]

17. more from Texas

(1) What state are you from? Texas

(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state? YES 3 offices in Tarrant County a VERY red county

(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash? Not that I can tell

(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?
Without doubt! Our troops are fired up

(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)

NO. We have huge new voter registrations this year. The under 30 voters are not being polled, since for the most part they do not have land lines and that group is FIRED UP. After early voting begins, the picture may become clearer, but right now I would say Obama will outperform all expectations for Texas.

[demnan]

7. The most profound change is in Virginia

I am not in a red state anymore. The changes here are well documented, and a popular former governor, Mark Warner is easily defeating an unpopular former governor, Jim Gilmore, in the Senate race to deliver us a second Democratic Senator after a Republican incumbent retired. The local Congressional 11th CD race also saw a Republican incumbent retire, Tom Davis, and a Democrat, Gerry Connolly is polling to easily win this seat as well as his opponent is a pro-lifer, which people won't support in this suburbian DC area.

The Obama campaign has set up regional offices all over Virginia. The current governor, Tim Kaine, was on the short list as a running mate because of his work promoting Obama in the state well before the primary. Senator Jim Webb has taken Obama to his ancestoral home in South West VA, a Republican stronghold. Even there Obama is gaining support.

But the most profound support comes from the young people. I recently visited Mary Washington University for an Obama rally in Fredericksburg, VA. What used to be a relatively conservative college has gone completely crazy for Obama. I saw so many young people, with different types of Obama shirts. From last year's visit that Obama made at another local University, George Mason, it was apparent the enthusiasm that the young people have for Obama as told to me by someone who attended that rally.

It has been a very good campaign in Virginia and we expect to win!

[msblueinredstate]

8. Mississippi

not much
no
no
yes

[rvablue]

29. I'm in VA, too, and I agree

we're just going to have to keep our eyes and ears wide open on Election Day.

I think if there is going to be any replay of FLA 2000, it might be here, despite Kaine and SoS -- can't remember her (?) name -- because I fear some of the local registrars.

Not concerning....just staying alert.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

9. Arkansas-the reddest part

I am heartened to see Obama signs and bumper stickers around town-more than I recall seeing Kerry stickers/signs four years ago. Another curious fact is that, though many yards have signs for local Republicans, far fewer of them also have McCain/Palin signs.

The anti-Obama backlash is there, but muted. Folks who know me don't talk about the "facts" (Obama a Muslim, he's dangerous, he's black) because they know that I'll hand them a lot of facts on the matter. I do know that fundamentalist preachers are fanning the flames-and lies. The local Muslims are keeping a very low profile, btw.

Our Democratic Senator, Mark Pryor, is running unopposed, so I know we've got that race sewed up. I can't help but wonder if this happened because the Dems did NOT put up an opponent to the repuke Congressman in my district. The local Dems are hoping for pickups in state and local offices, though, for the first time in a long time.

I hope the polls aren't accurate for Arkansas but I fear they might be. I've seen a shift amongst educated conservatives, who have recoiled at Palin--one told me just yesterday that they have gone from being a lifelong Republican to a newly minted Democrat out to convince as many friends as possible to vote for Obama. Sadly, there are too many folks living in this state with no intellectual curiosity. They get their news from Faux and their preacher, and refuse to look or listen to anyone else.

[TornadoTN]

10. Tennessee - the formerly "red" part

2.)Yes, the Obama campaign has a presence here - more volunteers and money than in any campaign previous!

3.) Not a great deal of backlash. Occassionaly, you hear of someones sign getting stolen or someone getting flipped the bird, but overall its very positive. I've had nothing but good experiences here and have found a lot of Republicans casting their vote for Obama this time.

4.) Probably not and I say that because for some reason, our party just forgot about the Senate race against Lamar Alexander. Mainly because he's still riding on popularity from his days as governor back in the 1980's. Another cycle and I predict he'll get thrown out. Beyond that, I think it will be a push in this state.

5.) Not really. With the economy crumbling, jobs being lost, and the economic uncertainty surrounding the country - coupled with McCain's horrific campaign - more and more people on the ground are shifting to the Obama campaign. We're raising plenty of money and volunteers are plentiful. There's no shortage of support. Do I think we'll win this state? Probably not this cycle, but I honestly think it will be much, much closer than what they polls are showing in this state.

[Ohio Joe]

11. Ohio

(1) What state are you from?

Ohio

(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?

Yes, I've had numerous people come to the door, loads of yard signs and both Obama and Biden have been here what seems like a bunch of times.


(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?

The republicans I've spoken to seem resigned to a loss. I spoke with seven or eight at a bar I watched the debate at last night and none of them seemed to think McSame did anything to change the election last night.

(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?

hmmm, hard for me to predict... I'd like to think so but I would not be surprised if they did not.

(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)

According to Pollster right now, its Obama 49.6 to McSames 45.3. Here in Franklin county that does not seem accurate, I would place Obama much higher but... It may be correct for the entire state.

[Deep13]

12. Ansers.

"(1) What state are you from?"
Massachusetts, but I live in Ohio. I will never be "from Ohio."

"(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?"
Yes, a gigantic one.

"(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?"
No, it's pretty well hidden.

"(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?"
I don't know.

"(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)"
No basis for an opinion.

[Left Is Write]

25. I feel much the same way.

Massachusetts, but I live in Ohio. I will never be "from Ohio."

I live in Idaho, but I am not "from" Idaho. I am from Minnesota.

[Deep13]

13. Answers by George W. Bush

"(1) What state are you from?"
Connet...er...Texas.

"(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?"
Why, is it his birthday? Was I suppose to get him something?

"(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?"
We're not allowed to back-lash blacks anymore. 'Course, that didn't stop me from executing a bunch of 'em.

"(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?"
Sure, we all will. We will have all kinds of gains, but especially wheat, corn and rice.

"(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)"
That's what SHE said! Heh-heh-heh. Wanna see my presidential pole?

[Ohio Joe]

15. bwahahahaha, too funny

But seriously... I don't think he would be able to be that coherent.

[mnhtnbb]

14. NC

Obama has a big presence. He and Biden have both been here. Michelle has been here.
Currently, Obama is running slightly ahead (within margin of error) of McCain in the polls.
Hagan has been leading Dole in the polls, but that race may be tightening.

Perdue is in a tough race for Governor against McCrory. I can only hope a high Dem turnout
(and new Dem registrations way outpace new Repub registrations)will be favorable for all Dems.

There is a very good chance NC will go blue.

[Onlooker]

18. This is pretty hopeful, except for Mississippi

I had a friend from Mississippi. I wonder if a lot of liberals end up leaving the red states because they're so oppressive. If so, that means it's even more impressive that there's movement towards Obama in some of the reddest states.

[AZBlue]

19. Arizona/Yes/No/Yes/Not on pollster

Arizona should be at least pink on pollster.com - abcnews.com has it right.

I'd say Arizona even has a chance at going for Obama - it's not definite, but it will be close. There's a LOT of support for him here.

[sunrisenativ]

20. Reddest of the red states...

(1) What state are you from?

I'm in Utah.

(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?

They do, actually. There's an Obama office in Salt Lake City.

(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?

There probably is in most of the state, however, I live in Park City, and work in Salt Lake City (the two most liberal cities in the state). Literally EVERYONE that I know is voting Obama, so I feel like I'm living in a little bit of a bubble. I've seen a TON of Obama stickers and yard signs, and only two McCain bumper stickers.

(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?

Nope. Not even a little. This state is so overwhelmingly Republican/Mormon that it makes me a little ill sometimes. I'm living in a theocracy.

(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)

They seem to be. Utah hasn't voted for a Democrat for President since LBJ, and if Obama gets 30% (He's at 29.6% on pollster.com right now.) it would actually be really impressive.

[Coexist]

21. Florida

(1) Florida
(2) Hell yes.
(3) Not as yet.
(4) Heck yeah.
(5) pollster.com has Obama up 6 - I think its closer to 8 or 9

[faithfulcitizen]

23. Indiana...

(1) What state are you from?
Indiana

(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?
YES, huge! Has an office in my town, tv & radio are all Obama, all the time. I expect the UAW & others to put out literature any time.

(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?
I do see a few "NObama", "NOPE" & "Americans against Obamanation" signs. But, I would actually expect worse. What I'm seeing is very heartening to this cynic.


(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?
YES, OMG are you serious? Obama will be the best (and only thing) to happen to some of these districts & counties, lol.

(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)
Yes, if anything, I think they way underestimate the youth vote and possibly "the reverse bradley effect". People forget that while Indiana has a older population, one of our biggest "exports" is college students. We are a HUGE college state and nobody has ever energized them like Obama!

Thanks.
Your very welcome! :)

[Left Is Write]

24. Checking in.

1) What state are you from? I live in Idaho.

2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state? Yes

3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash? NOt that I've seen, no

4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices? It's hard to say. I hope so, but I really don't know. The city of Boise proper is pretty blue.

5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls) Yes.

[iamthebandfanman]

27. here ya go

(1) Kentucky
(2) of course(not as much as id like)
(3) yes, but since im constantly on the look out it probably sticks out more
(4) yup!
(5) probably. i expect it to be closer tho.

[Erin Elizabeth]

30. Hi there from a "red" state!

(1) What state are you from?

Tejas!

(2) Does the Obama campaign have any presence in your state?

I don't think the national campaign does, no. We have local grass-roots field offices, though.

(3) Is there a noticeable anti-Obama backlash?

Anti-Obama? Not that I have seen. Republicans are being vewwy vewwy quiet in my neck of the woods (Dallas/Ft. Worth).

(4) Do you think Democrats will make gains in local and state offices?

Most CERTAINLY. We did in 2006 (hugely!) and we will again. I'm referring to my county, but I think across the state you'll see it.

(5) Do you think the presidential polls for your state are reasonably accurate? (Click on your state in pollster.com to see polls)

It shows 56.4 to 39.7, McCain. Honestly I think Obama is going to actually poll a bit higher than that here. Watch.

[ccharles000]

31. ...

1-North Carolina
2-yes
3-no
4-yes
5-yes and I think Obama will win here.