How will the big storm affect the election? (voters, campaign, thought)

[Ponderosa]

Sandy is on the way with profound impacts along the eastern seaboard likely. How will this affect the election, I wonder? Already the campaigns have cancelled rallies in the toss up of Virginia. Will rural areas that favor Romney be flooded and without power on election day? Will FEMA's handling of the event influence voters?

[Old Gringo]

Consult the oracle.

[jambo101]

The election is November 6, i'd imagine the storm will play no role in the election as it will be long gone.

[FLgirl727]

I believe that it would only have an influence if there is significant impact which requires the usual "visit" from the concerned politicians.

Nothing like a natural disaster to bring out the opportunistic nature of our fearless leaders.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by jambo101

The election is November 6, i'd imagine the storm will play no role in the election as it will be long gone.

The effects - flooding, wind damage, power outages, people in shelters, damaged infrastructure - will linger well past the election.

[MaseMan]

It's going to have basically no effect. People are really desperate for new things to talk about regarding the election, I guess.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Sandy is on the way with profound impacts along the eastern seaboard likely. How will this affect the election, I wonder? Already the campaigns have cancelled rallies in the toss up of Virginia. Will rural areas that favor Romney be flooded and without power on election day? Will FEMA's handling of the event influence voters?

I think you are getting way ahead of yourself. The election is 10 days away, the storm should be completely gone in a few days and it would be pretty unusual for power to still be out on election day. Anything can happen, but it is really unlikely..If nothing else generators can be used...

[TigerLily24]

Could be very bad all around. Let's hope that the media is hyping it, but if not...

Sandy is set to deliver potential election surprise - NBC Politics

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by TigerLily24

Could be very bad all around. Let's hope that the media is hyping it, but if not...

Sandy is set to deliver potential election surprise - NBC Politics

One impact I thought of works against Obama. What does the country think if this is, in fact, a bad one with a lot of damage and loss of life, and Obama is off campaigning? You can be sure the Reps will be criticizing every minute he spends in Ohio as neglecting the suffering of Americans affected by the storm. On the other hand, looking presidential may bring him a few more votes that simply being a bystander or a nuisance like Romney will be.

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

One impact I thought of works against Obama. What does the country think if this is, in fact, a bad one with a lot of damage and loss of life, and Obama is off campaigning? You can be sure the Reps will be criticizing every minute he spends in Ohio as neglecting the suffering of Americans affected by the storm. On the other hand, looking presidential may bring him a few more votes that simply being a bystander or a nuisance like Romney will be.

I'll say this. He'd better have FEMA and the others on point, and not pull a Katrina.