"Only if it's likely that Barrett looks like he has a chance to win."

I'm not being snide here, or trying to be negative, just realistic. I think it's kind of a bad sign that Clinton is going. To me it looks like they don't think he's going to win. If he were in striking distance, more politicians up for reelection (so far, I've only seen former Senator Feingold and now former president Clinton) would be going in there campaigning. I hope I'm wrong. But Clinton going to Milwaukee (a Democratic stronghold) to get out the vote seems pro-forma. He has nothing to lose (but hopefully something to gain for us) by making this pitch in Milwaukee.

The fact that neither Obama nor any current governors or Congress critters are there to me looks like self-protection. Remember the hits Obama took for going to Massachusetts to campaign for Martha Coakley and then having her lose. No politician is going to (or frankly should) want to look like they were ineffective or had no influence. I don't blame Obama a bit. A loss for the Dems in Wisconsin would only redound to the benefit of Mitt Romney, which would be to our detriment as well.

I hope I'm wrong on all of this, but the polls and other signs lead me to believe that Wisconsinites are going to have Scott Walker for another two years. They elected a Republican senator in 2010, too. It's becoming a much more conservative state. Or at least a very divided state (between urban and rural), like its neighbor, Minnesota.

PS: The Obama campaign did call me yesterday to drive up with them to WI this weekend (I'm in Chicago) to canvass for GOTV. I would love to have gone, but unfortunately I have out-of-town guests this weekend.

what he does.

But the Prez should keep his focus on the national scene. Plenty there to attend to. JMO

The President has very distinct ideas about the nature of his job, this is evident from his actions and inactions. To suggest he "should" be involved in the Wisconsin recall is, I think, to suggest that he not be himself.

-- Mal

This recall election is a bell-weather of the National General Election. The CIC should use his position to support Barrett, after all he does have a record of picking winners and putting candidates over the top.

The President shouldn't (and doesn't need to) inject himself in every state or local matter. Walker may be a crook and otherwise unworthy of office but the citizens of Wisconsin (at least those whom voted) elected him in 2010 and he is being put up for election again and the people will need to decide whether or not to retain him in office, something that will need to be left up to the citizens of Wisconsin alone. President Obama may support Barrett and hope that he gets elected but I have qualms about the idea that President Obama needs to swoop in there and try and influence the recall election.

Outside of actual national issues or emergency situations, the federal government should allow state governments and their voters determine internal matters that are not in the domain of federal constitutional law.
I was pretty offended when Bush allies were quietly working to influence state legislation and politics where I live, although there were Rs who appreciated it. I objected on that basis then and would not endorse it even when I support the president and issues.

Oh wait, maybe not.

He needs to vocally stay out of it.

but not surprised he isn't, its been a pattern during his entire presidency to not take risks or be bold, and to not take the bull by the horns, so to speak. Maybe he has advisors who tell him to be super cautious or something, but it appears as weakness and timidness and its not a good image.