Sunday, October 14, 2007

Obama writing Michigan off?

In May Barack Obama gave a speech in Detroit in which he waved his finger at the auto industry, telling an initially receptive Motor City audience:

Whenever an attempt was made to raise our fuel efficiency standards, the auto companies would lobby furiously against it, spending millions to prevent the very reform that could've saved their industry. Even as they've shed thousands of jobs and billions in profits over the last few years, they've continued to reward failure with lucrative bonuses for CEOs.

That speech was not well received in the capital of the American auto industry.
After that address, the Detroit Free Press discovered Obama was driving a since-jettisoned gas-guzzler, a Chrysler 300c.

But Obama is now running a commercial in New Hampshire playing up his fuel-efficiency credentials. But if he somehow becomes the Democratic presidential nominee, it could put Michigan in play for the Republicans.

From "The Freep":

The ad -- referring to his speech in May before the Detroit Economic Club -- may appeal to the environmental sensibilities of New Hampshire voters, but it will be remembered in Michigan if he becomes the nominee, political analysts said.

"If he becomes the nominee, running against the auto industry now will hurt him in Michigan in November," said Craig Ruff of the Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. "That could make for a negative ad that would be part of the Republican nominee's arsenal."

As a favor to the Iowa and New Hampshire Democratic parties, Obama pulled his name off the moved-up Michigan Primary ballot. The Michigan party views that decision differently.

Related posts:

New Ford Taurus: A car Obama should be looking at

Ford CEO bashes Obama

Obama: Do as I say, not as I do

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