Minnesota was one of the states in the historic election of 2008 in which President Obama easily commanded a mandate for victory. Though much of the support Obama enjoyed was centered in the state’s more urban areas, such as the Twin Cities, the general progressive natures of the majority of Minnesotans were willing to give the less-than-one-term Democratic senator from Illinois the benefit of the doubt. Fast forward almost a year removed from that historic election night in Chicago, and once stalwart support in this state for the country’s elder statesman has now dwindled to just over 50%. That figure is down some 11 percentage points since April.

His handling of the healthcare debate, which has taken a beating lately, was cited as the major concern for his current downgrade. Whereas his recent visit to Minneapolis was seen as a boost to his overall healthcare plan message, it is seen now as simply preaching to the Democratic party’s faithful base — a demographic still solidly in Obama’s corner, at least until final legislation passes.

The polling results here in Minnesota, however, represent more than just a less than surprising shift southward for the president; the underlying message among those who have shifted allegiances (the Independents) is that Obama has to convince them that true reform benefits them — not the insurance companies. And even if monies where there to provide the assurance of coverage, it still not clear to the easily swayed independent voter who will pay for that coverage. Here in Minnesota, Obama has his work cut out for him to regain that lost footing. It took less than three months for Republicans to undo that message of Change as it applies to healthcare. It still remains to be seen how long Obama it will take get his mojo back in a state that apparently has reached a watershed moment in its political loyalties. | LINK

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