Could Historically “Red” North Carolina Go “Blue” in November?

By Parul Joshi
Reporter
Published: October 6, 2008

National polls show Barack Obama with an eight point lead over John McCain. And in North Carolina the numbers are starting to mirror the national scene. We’re a state that historically votes Republican for President. But some say this historically red state, could go “Barack blue”.

Dr. Jody Baumgartner says, “North Carolina could very well turn out to go Democratic this presidential election season something that has not happened since 1976 when North Carolina gave its electoral college votes to Jimmy Carter.”

Political Science Professor Dr. Jody Baumgartner says the reason boils down to new voters: “Democratic registration and Democratic turnout throughout the primary season is significant they’re far outpacing the Republicans in terms of turnout during primary and in terms of registering new voters.”

Baumgartner says if Senator Barack Obama’s campaign mobilized African Americans and the youth to vote during the primary, there’s a good chance they will be loyal to him during the election.

But Baumgartner says Democrats shouldn’t forget the Republican influence in North Carolina: “Security, foreign policy issues, military, will seem to resonate better here that doesn’t just give McCain an advantage but all Republicans an advantage because traditionally that’s seen as their issues.”

Baumgartner says ultimately it all goes back to the ground war; what each campaign does between now and November to make sure their party loyalists and just as important the uncommitted vote.

Vice Presidential candidate Governor Sarah Palin will be at East Carolina University in Greenville tomorrow. Dr. Jody Baumgartner says her visit proves the Republican Party isn’t taking North Carolina for granted in November.