How Wisconsin weather pushed candidates Obama and Clinton off the campaign trail 15 years ago

It was one of the best of occasions and the worst of occasions to marketing campaign in Wisconsin 15 years in the past this weekend, main as much as the state’s all-important presidential major in 2008.

It was the worst of occasions as a result of winter climate prevented Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton from criss-crossing for votes simply two days earlier than the February nineteenth major.

It was one of the best of occasions for political reporters like myself, as a result of each candidates had lots time to speak and so they have been prepared and desirous to do interviews.

At the moment, Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton have been in a battle to win the Democratic presidential nomination.

The Obama workforce referred to as us at TMJ4 to supply a satellite tv for pc interview (no Zooms again then). The candidate was within the Chicago space, dwelling base for the previous Illinois Senator.

Snow was very a lot a subject of debate.

Benson: “Do you suppose try to be out shoveling for votes as an alternative of stumping?”
Obama: (laughs) “If I am gonna do some shoveling, I obtained to do it in entrance of my very own home. My spouse will get upset if she sees me shoveling for anyone else.”

Clinton’s workforce was on the Pfister Resort, however not in a position to journey. We additionally talked in regards to the climate.

Benson: “In Iowa, you have been giving out shovels: Do you’ve extra?”
Clinton: (laughs) “I believe we gave all of them out, however apparently I higher get some extra for tomorrow.”
Benson: “You would possibly want them.”

We had time to speak about different marketing campaign points like college selection and the aggressive tone rising within the intently contested marketing campaign.

Obama went on to simply win the Wisconsin major in 2008.

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