We here at Third Base Politics been hearing many stories lately of Sarah Palin being a drag on the GOP ticket.
Really?
Today both Biden and Palin visited Williamsport, PA. Only one left a star. From WNEP in Williamsport:
“It all started around 2 p.m. at Lycoming College’s Lamade Gymnasium on Mulberry Street. Several hundred people packed the gym for a opportunity to show their support for the Obama – Biden ticket.
…
As Biden was speaking at Lycoming College, Republicans were filing into Bowman Field, just a few miles away. That’s where Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will speak at about 7 p.m. At least 10,000 tickets have been given out to see the Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.”
Further evidence can be seen in things as trivial as state poll results. For example, from the Strategic Vision Pennsylvania poll released today:
“The poll showed that 49% viewed Barack Obama favorably with 41% viewing him unfavorably; and 10% undecided. Joseph Biden was viewed favorably by 47% of respondents with 39% viewing him unfavorably; and 14% undecided. John McCain was viewed favorably by 49% of respondents with 40% viewing him unfavorably; and 11% undecided. Sarah Palin was viewed favorably by 48% of respondents with 40% viewing her unfavorably; and 12% undecided.”
So not only does Sarah have no noticeable variation of approval rating in the most important swing state in the country, but she draws crowds monumentally larger than her Democratic rival.
How could this possibly be perceived to be a drag?
In reality, the number of voters she draws to these rallies cannot be understated. Many casual observers may look at political rallies just as simple events meant to put on a good show for the media and the general public. In fact, rallies are intended to be as much for getting out the vote as they are for communicating message. Think about it…are people that are inspired to attend rallies more or less likely to go vote on Nov4? Unquestionably the answer is more likely. So when Sarah Palin is drawing 20,000 to 800 for Lonely Joe, which VP candidate really is the drag in an election that relies so much upon GOTV?
