Can Sandy change the PA Election Outcome? (Philadelphia, Republic: residential, station)

[ker8]

I'm curious if anyone else has thought about the possibility of Hurricane Sandy changing the outcome of the presidential election in PA, especially. I realize voting will be a week after the storm, however, if Philadelphia is hit hard and many people are without power, will they go out to vote? If not, the state could easily go Republican. It's just an interesting thing to contemplate in the waning days of this election cycle.

[jmh1975]

the outcome of the election has already been decided. voting doesn't mean anything, plus both of the candidates are dopes.

"Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything." Stalin

[cowboyxjon]

I don't think it will. I think those who are serious about voting will make sure to do it.

[Hopes]

It's the perfect press opportunity for the candidates.

They'll be at every stricken town hugging old ladies and holding babies.

That's what Bush did after Hurricane Ivan.

[PacoMartin]

Originally Posted by ker8

I'm curious if anyone else has thought about the possibility of Hurricane Sandy changing the outcome of the presidential election in PA, especially. I realize voting will be a week after the storm, however, if Philadelphia is hit hard and many people are without power, will they go out to vote? If not, the state could easily go Republican. It's just an interesting thing to contemplate in the waning days of this election cycle.

I think they usually try and restore power in the places with the most people first, and then they worry about the rural areas later. Even without power you can easily walk to a polling station from an urban location. If gas stations are not open, it is more difficult to drive somewhere.

One article pointed out that all Romney has to do in this storm is not to look petty, and say anything about Obama's mishandling of FEMA. As always there are plenty of opportunities for FEMA to screw up, while it is doubtful that the President will look like a hero. Unlike acts of human agression, with natural disasters the best you can usually do is to mantain status quo.