2012 Chicago: The Capital of Obama’s Re-election?

For the future presidential campaign, president Obama clarifies his political geography: Washington will govern and Chicago will campaign for the second term. They’re not mixing up everything and it is a first in the history of re-election campaigns. Neither Clinton nor George W. Bush would have closed the Political Affairs Office of the White House before launching their re-election campaigns. The 44th just began the process of his candidacy, which materialized at the end of March through the installation of the DNC’s campaign office in Chicago. Will he be just the second Democrat after Clinton to win a second term since the days of Franklin D. Roosevelt?

The Washington/Chicago axis looks like the politics of ’66, as the 44th’s colleagues were moved because of circumstances and the needs of the larger house. Rahm Emanuel is a candidate for mayor of Chicago; David Plouffe is returning to Washington, while David Axelrod is about to return to Chicago. William Daley is to be Chief of Staff. All of these key players, who we wouldn’t know very well if they were but missi dominici temporaries or recycled electoral officials, will be identifiable in their final placement. We are still in a country of marketing and…fundraising.

As for fundraising, they must be restless and it’s time. The polls are favorable — miraculously? — to Obama, who is climbing back up in several polls to 50 percent. His political instincts have led him to speed up and jump into the ring, even if it is very early compared to recent presidents. Clinton had filled out the papers for re-election in April 1995 and W. Bush in May 2003.

Is the market finished? Not quite, but each city has its players. As we understand it, Jim Messina is going to Chicago. David Plouffe is coordinating at the White House. David Axelrod is advising in Chicago. Ramh Emmanuel is campaigned for himself in Chicago. Since arriving in D.C., William Daley no longer even knows the word “Chicago.” Meanwhile, Chicago re-establishes its calling as a Democratic city.