Obama's campaign manager is David Plouffe. Here's a recent quote from him:
Laying out the strategy recently, Plouffe pointed to Virginia -- which hasn't gone Democratic in a presidential election since the 1960s. "Win Virginia," he said, "and it's game, set, match."
link: David Plouffe is the man steering Obama's campaign
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Now, here's the most recent chart from pollster.com, a composite of all the polls, of the Virginia race: McCain vs. Obama.
Though it shows a very tight race, the trend lines are great for Obama.
Virginia: McCain vs. Obama Lastest Poll: 07/20/2008
Virginia: McCain vs. Obama Lastest Poll: 07/20/2008
So it appears the Obama campaign now sees Virginia's 13 electoral college votes within their grasp.
Does this account for the flurry of stories the past week surrounding Virginia governor Tim Kaine being on Obama's VP short list?
A very small sample:
Kaine Near Top of Obama's Short List
Kaine Cancels Appearance Tomorrow
Are Obama and Kaine Meeting Today?
McAuliffe Backs Kaine for Veep
Kaine Still talking
I think Vice Presidential candidates don't have that much impact in November. But with VA so tight, could this year be different? And is Kaine the right person from Virginia?
If all they want is someone who won't hurt the campaign, Kaine would probably fit the bill. But too bad there are at least two other politicians from Virginia I'd have preferred, but unfortunately they've both removed themselves from VP consideration.
"Win Virginia," he (David Plouffe) said, "and it's game, set, match."