Does Barack Obama really want to take Virginia ?

James River News, Campaign 2008

Southern Strategy with a twist.

Word on the street is that Senator Barack Obama , the democrat candidate for President of the United States, will make the Commonwealth of Virginia one of the cornerstones of his campaign strategy.

The concept is fueled by speculation that Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine will be asked to second chair the ticket. Sen. Obama’s many recent trips to the Old Dominion only serve to “confirm” rumors of a new kind of Virginia based “Southern Strategy “in the minds of many.

It’s a daring plan. The last time the voters of the state called the ‘Mother of Presidents” went for a democrat was for Lyndon Johnson back in 1964. And only then because the republican candidate, Barry Goldwater, scared the piss outa just about everybody.

Does Sen. Obama really intend to make the James River News stomping grounds the watershed of his Presidential hopes ? How seriously is he courting the voters in this Fortress of ( national anyway) Republicism that is Virginia ?

The hours and days ahead might provide an answer. If Gov. Tim Kaine is asked to fill the V.P. slot that would be a pretty good indication.

But what if Gov. Kaine is not the selection ? Does that mean the Senator has given up on the state? It all depends on what we see come Labor Day.

Labor Day is the date of the single most important political event in Virginia. From the mid 60’s of the last Century, the Labor Day parade in Buena Vista has signaled the start of the campaign season in Virginia.

Political Folklorist have it right when they tell you that any politician who eschews the martial music and refuses to suck in a breath of mountain air in this town of 8000 at the foot of the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t have a hoot in a holler of wining any sort of state-wide election. Food for thought for the Obama campaign.

That march down Magnolia Avenue to Glen Maury Park may only be a couple of miles, but for many politicians who walked or rode it, it has been a highway paved with political glory.

Will Barack Obama make that walk come Labor Day? If he does, there can be no surer sign that this Commonwealth is playing a major role in his campaign.

And that one image just might be all he needs to capture the Commonwealth come November. If he doesn't show ? No one knows.



A James River News Extra




Anyone who wants to know more about the importance of the Buena Vista Labor Day Parade to Virginia politicians might find this video interesting. It features the 1996 parade and stars such heavy hitters as Senator John Warner, Senator Charles Robb, and Governor George Allen, with music provided by the Hightie Tighties from Va. Tech.

Of special interest is the appearance of a young Mark Warner, in his first state-wide campaign. The younger Warner lost this election to the then (and now) current Senator and great statesman John Warner (no relation) but went on to become one of the most popular governors in recent Virginia history. He is now running for the seat being vacated, ironically, by the man who beat him in ‘96, Sen. John Warner.