Inslee begins campaign push with town hall

SEATTLE — It's been six weeks since Gov. Jay Inslee officially launched his president campaign.

Now, like other candidates, he's getting a national town hall tonight on CNN.

“I think he finally gets on people's radar for he's running for president, and particularly his issue of climate change will be branded just on him,” said Seattle University political scientist Marco Lowe.

Inslee's been on campaign trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, the first states to vote in the Democratic primary and caucus, respecitvely.

So far, he has received no more than 1 or 2% in the polls.

“I do think Gov. Inslee needs to show in the next month or so if he can get traction. But to date, polling 1 or 2% doesn't really surprise me,” said Lowe.

He will need at least 1% in a few select polls to qualify for the first Democratic debate in June.

Tomorrow, Inslee's media blitz continues with a national appearance on KIRO-7. Watch CBS This Morning in the 8 a.m. hour. (The overall show starts at 7 a.m.)

On Friday, Inslee will visit flood-damaged areas in Iowa to continue what he calls his climate mission tour.

On Sunday, he'll campaign in New Hampshire at another town hall.

And on Monday, he'll make his first campaign trip to South Carolina, which holds the first Democratic primary in the South.

Asked if this is a make-or-break week for Inslee, Lowe responded: “I think it's a good step towards a make-or-break week. I think we're probably beginning a 12-week window when you want to see him start to catch fire, because if he doesn't now, you're getting into the summer.”

Summer is when campaigns try to build momentum for the first Democratic contests at the start of next year.

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