As Trump falters, Democrats and Biden eye an elusive prize: Texas

[RandySF]

(Reuters) - As polls show Texans increasingly frustrated with President Donald Trump’s response amid a massive resurgence in coronavirus cases, Democrats say they have a real chance to turn a long-held dream into reality: winning the state’s presidential contest for the first time in more than four decades.

In recent weeks, Joe Biden’s campaign has aired television ads specifically aimed at Texans – the first time a Democratic presidential candidate has done so in a quarter-century, according to the state party – and made its first hires there.

Texas is among the states targeted by a $280 million fall advertising blitz the campaign unveiled last week, part of a broader strategy aimed at putting Republican-leaning states, including Georgia, Iowa and Ohio, in play ahead of the Nov. 3 election against the Republican Trump.

With polls showing Biden holding a national lead over Trump and effectively tied in Texas, Democrats say a concerted effort in the state could expand his viable paths to the White House.

“Because of the pandemic, the battleground has grown,” said Democratic U.S. Representative Filemon Vela, who represents a south Texas seat.

But skepticism remains about conservative Texas becoming a true swing state. Trump carried it by nine percentage points four years ago, and some strategists expect his standing to rebound as the election draws closer.


https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-texas/as-trump-falters-democrats-and-biden-eye-an-elusive-prize-texas-idUSKCN256109

[dubyadiprecession]

1. Texans aren't stupid.

Texans know trump is cutting their unemployment in half.
Texans don’t need trump

[dvan]

2. Born and raised Texan

My wife and I grew up in deep red west Texas. My wife and I often talk of moving out of Texas, which would be hard since we both grew up In Texas and bleed Texas blood. We have two young kids and all of the grandparents and other family members live in Texas. That being said, I’ve told her that we cannot move until Texas turns blue. It’s a dream of mine that I can’t let go of. I will literally cry on Nov 4 (or later if the votes aren’t counted by then) if Texas goes to Biden.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. Biden winning Texas would be great, but we also need to take over the state government

To make future elections in the state fair. Winning control at the state level will take a bit longer, I think.

[SiliconValley_Dem]

4. if it happens, it happens

he shouldn't expend too much money or time there

[hurl]

5. Texas isn't so much red as apathetic

Republicans maintain control here because they reliably turn out and vote R all the way up and down the ticket. Texas Republicans had the brilliant idea to remove straight-party voting (beginning this coming cycle), but they may have own-goaled themselves in the process, so we'll see how that plays out. I personally think it helps us Ds.

We are near the bottom in voter turnout. If Ds can just manage to motivate voters, we have a legitimate shot IMO. Bottom line is I think Republicans maintain control for the next cycle or two, but after that, GOP presidential ambitions will evaporate, leaving no more than a disgusting residue. At that point, Republicans are at best a regional party of whiners.