Obama Campaign Engine Revs Up on Public Dime, Again

Obama Campaign Engine Revs Up on Public Dime, Again

Back in November, Hot Air linked to the Wall Street Journal, pointing out Obama’s lack of shame when it comes to campaigning on the public dime. More than opinion, that determination was based on fact. Actually, it was data that allowed the WJS to reach its conclusion. Now, thanks to the White House’s Community Partnership Summits, the administration is at it, again.

The White House dismisses the data, but, according to a study by Brendan Doherty, a U.S. naval academy assistant professor and expert on presidential travel, President Barack Obama has visited swing states “on official business” more times in a shorter span than either George W. Bush or Bill Clinton.

Here in pdf format is Obama’s current community summit agenda and schedule. Think community organizing 101, along with important earned media in swing states that it will bring. Via the previously linked pdf, you’ll see it provides ample time to tout Obama’s future plans, aka those things he will be running for re-election on come November.

In his State of the Union Address, President Obama announced a Blueprint for an America built to last. The blueprint sets the stage for future growth, global competitiveness, and broad prosperity. It builds on the growing momentum we’re seeing in our economy, and keeps our eyes focused on the horizon. Yet to turn his blueprint into reality requires more than just government. It demands shared national effort at every level, block by block, town by town, community by community. That’s why the White House is hosting open-agenda, inclusive Community Partnership Summits in cities across the nation.

And where will said visits take place? Among others, the states of Florida, Ohio, Pennsylania and Colorado. All of them are considered to be key Swing States for 2012. Yes, there are other states to be visited, as well as other so-called Swing States. The smart money says 2012 will come down to seven states, if that. This per Larry Sabato in the Wall Street Journal.

That’s why seven super-swing states with 85 electors will determine which party gets to the magic number of 270 electoral votes: Colorado (9), Florida (29), Iowa (6), Nevada (6), New Hampshire (4), Ohio (18) and Virginia (13).

Pennsylvania, noted above, is both a swing State and being visited by Obama’s team. Were Santorum to get the GOP nod, it’s importance would likely elevate. Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and Colorado will all be visited. The Senate race between Allen and Kaine will likely be a big driver in Virginia, while also providing solid ground support for Obama there. Meanwhile, Obama’s current energy tour rolls on.

Observers largely acknowledge that Obama’s four-state tour is a political campaign intended to deflect a flurry of criticism stemming from recent spikes in gas prices. With the average price of gasoline rising near the $4-a-gallon mark, the President’s approval ratings have endured a significant reduction, as Americans feel increasing pain at the pump.

Check off Nevada and Colorado, again. Biden was in Iowa this week, and Obama just nominated Dartmouth’s Dr. Jim Yong Kim to head the World Bank. Kim was raised … in Iowa. Did his Iowa roots give Kim an edge? Well, they didn’t hurt. Are politics driving Obama’s decision-making at this point? You can judge that for yourself; however, he certainly is covering his critical 2012 Swing States and, for good measure, using taxpayer dollars to do it– just as it was demonstrated he was doing back in the Fall.

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