From today’s Post:
At the same time, Obama intends to lobby wavering House Democrats to vote for a Senate version of the legislation and to support the subsequent reconciliation process, which Republicans have characterized as an unjustified use of majority power. Among the rewards Obama is ready to offer, White House officials said, are election-year visits to competitive congressional districts, where a presidential appearance can bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds.
Rewards? Who is Obama going to reward with a visit?
Reps. Suzanne Kosmas and Alan Boyd, relax! Obama’s coming through Florida with his 50 percent disapproval rating!
Reps. Shelley Berkeley and Dina Titus are sure to be on board, once they’ve been guaranteed a visit from the man with a 44 percent statewide approval rating to their districts!
I’m sure Betsey Markey and won’t sweat reelection — not when Obama’s 43 percent approval rating in Colorado has her back!
Hey, Reps. John Barrow and Jim Marshall of Georgia, Obama’s coming to town! His approval rating is at 41 percent in your state!
Rep. Earl Pomeroy, forget that talk of retirement! Obama will come to North Dakota and bring his 39 percent approval rating!
Rep. Mike Ross, rest easy! Obama’s coming to Arkansas with his 38 percent approval rating!
Swell news, Rep. Ben Chandler of Kentucky! Obama’s coming to your neck of the woods, where he’s got a 37 percent approval rating statewide!
Sure, he can bring in money. But the money has to offset an unpopular president and a supremely unpopular vote in these districts.
After all, rallies with Obama have done so much for Harry Reid, Martha Coakley, Jon Corzine and Creigh Deeds . . .