In 2008, Jay upped sticks and took himself to Ohio to work for Barack’s Obama campaign for the presidency. He filed a series of reports for the Guardian.

Partying with Obama in Chicago

At approximately 10pm, the crowd of some hundred-thousand people, erupted into delirious cries of joy when on the giant screens erected in the park flashed the words “Obama elected president”. As the CNN feed cut to some of the great and the good present, Jesse Jackson came into view on the screen weeping.
The Guardian, 5 November 2008

McCain’s true believers

With his children by his side, Burt repeated a sentiment shared by many of McCain’s supporters. “Most of the people I talk to there’s unrest and fear about some of the things Obama brings to his candidacy.” He didn’t clarify what these fears were, but Ron Parry had a few suggestions. Ron said: “Nobody wants new taxes, and more spending is not the answer.”
The Guardian, 30 October 2008

Toward a more perfect union

David has an explanation. He argues that when the older generation of Poles, Germans and other European immigrants established communities in Ohio, they didn’t even interact with one another, let alone the black community. He says when he visits the older members of these communities, in places like Cleveland and Toledo, he tells them: “When going to war, would you rather have a black friend or a white enemy?”
The Guardian, 21 October 2008

Union members watching the third presidential debate, Columbus, Ohio. Photo: Jay Mukoro