As Election Day draws near, big name, national politicians are coming to Michigan to campaign for local candidates.
Former President Barack Obama is scheduled to stump for votes for Michigan Democrats this week.
Vice President Mike Pence is expected to do the same for Republicans next week.
Other big name Republicans and Democrats have visited Michigan in recent days.
Arnold Weinfeld is the interim director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research at Michigan State University. He says these events are all about pumping up each’s party’s political base,
“It’s not a method by which to change hearts and minds.”
Matt Grossman is another MSU political scientist.
He says bringing in a national figure helps state candidates, since most voters pay more attention to national news and issues rather than local news.
Grossman also says local candidates also benefit from the generally positive media coverage these type of political events draw.
Michigan State University political scientists say these type of political events not only rally the base, but also give local candidates a chance to bask in generally positive news media coverage.
