It’s the Campaign, Stupid: Clinton Ground Game Under Fire
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama arrive on stage for a debate Tuesday at Cleveland State University in Ohio, their last debate before the crucial March 4 primaries. (AP Photo)
The political team that famously used the phrase “It’s the economy, stupid” to vault to victory in 1992 could be in need of a new mantra 15 years later: It’s the campaign, stupid.
Hillary Clinton has slipped from “inevitable” front-runner to second fiddle over the past two months, and political observers have chimed in with their take on what went wrong: No plan for after Super Tuesday. A poor caucus strategy. Her husband.
Leon Panetta, former White House chief of staff to Bill Clinton, is the latest Clinton loyalist to come out and criticize the campaign. And he suggests the problem was all of the above.
“It seems to me like they rolled the dice on Super Tuesday, thinking that would end it,” Panetta told The New York Observer. “And when it didn’t end it, they didn’t have a plan. And when it came to the caucus states, they did have a plan — which was to ignore them. I think those were serious mistakes.”
Since Feb. 5, when Barack Obama and Clinton ended the 22-state Super Tuesday marathon in a near-draw in terms of delegates, Obama has seized the lead in fundraising, contests won and total delegates. Clinton now is depending on a big comeback in the Ohio and Texas primaries next Tuesday, March 4, to turn the ship around.
Panetta put much of the blame on Clinton campaign strategist Mark Penn, comparing him to an old-school operative like Karl Rove who is “all about dividing people into smaller groups rather than taking the broader approach that was needed.”
He said Obama captured the desire for change in Washington, and that the call for such change was underestimated.
He also spoke cautiously about his former boss, according to the Observer, saying that Bill Clinton sometimes has “quick reactions to things” and that it’s the job of his staff to prepare him and allow him to let off steam before entering the public arena.
The former president caused a stir before the South Carolina primary by calling Obama’s opposition to the Iraq war a “fairy tale.” He also snapped at reporters on occasion.
Clinton’s superdelegates — party officials and insiders who go to the August convention free to support either candidate, regardless of their states’ primary and caucus results — have started to cross over.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Wednesday that one of Clinton’s high-profile superdelegate supporters, Georgia Rep. John Lewis, is formally switching his support to Obama. That was reported in The New York Times nearly two weeks ago, but a Lewis spokesman said at the time that the decision was not final. After some confusion over what the onetime civil rights leader would do, the Georgia congressman told the Journal-Constitution that “Barack Obama has tapped into something that is extraordinary.” He cited his Atlanta district’s preference for Obama in his decision to switch loyalties.
North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, an ally of Bill Clinton, also endorsed Obama Wednesday, citing his record on trade.
Clinton’s own campaign has started to talk with more candor about her possibilities if she doesn’t carry Ohio and Texas on Tuesday.
“If she wins those, we then go on to April 22 in Pennsylvania,” Clinton campaign national chairman Terry McAuliffe told a business group in Madison, Wis. “If we don’t, then she has to make a decision on what she’s going to do.”
Bill Clinton has made similar comments.
An article in The New York Times said Clinton is throwing the “kitchen sink” at Obama to regain her footing.
She was on the offensive Tuesday night in Cleveland at their final debate before March 4. Clinton challenged Obama on his commitment to providing universal health care and ending the war in Iraq since he was elected to the U.S. Senate. She also complained that she was frequently the first candidate asked a question by debate moderators, suggesting she feels she has been unfairly targeted by the media.
Democratic strategist and FOX News contributor Susan Estrich said the candidates ended the debate where they started.
“Whoever you were for going in, won,” she said. “There was no knockout punch and, frankly, Hillary could use a knockout punch.”
Polls show Clinton is leading in Ohio but losing ground quickly to Obama, who already has taken the lead in some Texas polls.
A Rasmussen poll taken Monday of 862 likely voters in Ohio showed Clinton with a 5-point lead over Obama, 48 to 43 percent. That’s down from a 14-point lead over the Illinois senator in a similar Rasmussen poll taken Feb. 13.
Bill Clinton told a crowd of 1,000 supporters in Fort Worth, Texas, Tuesday that the polls are up in the air.
“It is a tough election and the polls go back and forth and the Gallup polls say Hillary picked up 6 points in the last three days nationwide. It’s going back and forth, back and forth,” he said.
The latest Gallup tracking poll at the time showed the candidates tied at 46 percent each. But an updated poll from Sunday through Tuesday showed Obama with 48 percent to Clinton’s 43 percent.
Penn and Clinton spokesman Phil Singer released a memo Tuesday saying they’ve developed a campaign schedule “that demonstrates and underscores Hillary’s strength and experience on the national security front and in her approach to solving our economic challenges.”
They said the campaign has 41,000 volunteers on the ground in Texas and 26,000 in Ohio. Surrogates, including Bill Clinton and their daughter Chelsea, are traveling across both states, as the New York senator schedules addresses on child poverty, veteran issues and the economy.
Penn told the Observer that the campaign strategy has been misunderstood.
“The campaign has been about big goals, health care, ending the Iraq war, new energy, the future,” he told the newspaper. “There was a misunderstanding that this campaign was about small things. It never was. If anything, the Obama campaign has microtargeted constituencies.”
Click here to read the article about Leon Panetta in The New York Observer.
FOX News’ Shushannah Walshe and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sorry obama supporters but the debate showed Obama lack of Foreign affairs issues. Amazed at Obama supporters false claim he won the debates even though political pundits in MSNBC (who love Obama) said Hillary was more prepared and Obama had trouble responding to Hillary. And did what amaze me is the question of Russia and Obama had no clue! who the new up coming president of Russia and probably didn’t even know the name of the guy. All he said was Hillary is right about Russian…wow…yeah way to go obama you are an empty suit…And people will reply that Russia is insignificant…wait until Russia being part of the U.N. security General will veto Kosovo’s entrance to U.N…Russia is still important and you better know how to maneuver against Russia and the first think you need to know is who the president is and Hillary showed that she knew the upcoming president of Russia and the issues about him…Obama bombed on this one…As a support of Obama, I have now changed my mind and support Hi9llary Clinton because as an Army Officer I believe that Foreign Affairs is essential to the survival of the United States…
Obama should be the one under fire!! His answers about Farrakhan and his Pastor, Wright, made me sick to my stomach. He lied, if he did not agree with his Pastors beliefs and his friendship with Farrakhan then why is he still attending Pastor Wrights church? He also said in his book that Pastor Wright is his mentor, the man he seeks advice from!!
Don’t people think beyond the scope ? And, Obama never said that Farrakhan is one of his major campaign donators! But, now he is going to reject him? Is he also going to give back the money Farrakhan donated to his campaign?
I pray that God protects are country because Americans are destroying it!!!
Wow, that Mark Penn is such a sleazy scumbag. It’s no surprise the kind of people Hillary has surrounding her. It’ll be a good day when I get to vote next week to end her sorry campaign here in OH. Note to the Vendors………get cash. This campaign has a way of trashing the area that hosted them!!!
It’s the Media, the media. That’s is who picks our president. they better being paying attention to obama’s shady background.
The main reason Hillary’s campaign has been in trouble for some time is that they felt that the entire primary season would be for her coronation, as if she was entitled to the nomination without any challenge or questions asked. When that scenario didn’t materialize by Super Tuesday, they not only had to come up with additonal funds (including her own $5M), but also a new strategy. But every time she tried to employ a new strategy, it was perceived as though she was developing a new persona, which may have led some voters to say “will the real Hillary Clinton please stand up.”
In any event, Hillary and her team only have themselves to blame for not going full steam ahead from the beginning.
Please people! How can you possibly say Obama didn’t win this debate? Hillary not only sounded desperate but looked it! Thank goodness she didn’t wear her yellow blazer! I don’t trust her and I really don’t trust her husband. Forget one is black and one is a woman. Vote for the candidate. Obama clearly should win the parties nomination. Hands down. Obama 08!
Unfortunately for Hillary, her problem is more about the fact that she and her husband have played down and dirty for their entire careers. As the old saying goes, “If you live by the sword, you die by the sword”. She was pretty much beaten before she even began. It is sad too, she would have been a better choice for America and the Dems than what we/they are left with! Repeatedly seeing the likes of Carville, Begala and Davis on TV has not helped her any either!
You can’t be president if you only plan for half the battle. I am sure that Obama will surround himself with the best people he can find to bring this country together and I applaud him for his graciousness toward Clinton, signs of a true leader.
Hillary imploded last night.
Obama was calm, cool, and collected, Hillary showed her true colors - bitter, vindictive, selfish, arrogant, deceitful and hypocritical.
The most important debate of her career and she acted like a spoiled child - bravo.
Obama will now win both Ohio and Texas easily, Clinton is over.
This is so unfair! It’s her turn! Somebody should really do something about those pesky voters, didn’t they know this was inevitable? Didn’t they know this was supposed to be over on February 5th? Something really should have been done right after Hillary came in third in Iowa and hardly beat out thin air in Michigan. If the pesky voters were removed right then and there we wouldn’t even need this all this silly campaigning and voting when it’s not necessary - Hillary herself said she would be the nominee. Isn’t that good enough for you people!
The answer is yes her , the new campaign class is Obama 101. This is the best way to learn who can lead, who they run there campign! Look at McCain he cannot even hold his base together.
Southern girl….How much money did Farrakhan donate? Jackie, I dont for one minute even 1/2 think your were a supporter of Obama who switched. It’s OK to have supported clinton from the beginning.
Obama08!
I have had about enough. I am so sick of hearing bad things about Sen. Clinton, from the hillary hater’s. She didn’t have a chance going into this whole contest, it’s has become more and more apparent as the months went by. While everyone is having a cup of the Obama-nade, no different then the Bush kool-aid mania. I am a hillary supporter, but if she doesn’t become the nominee for the democratic party, My friends and i are changing parties. We have had enough of the democratic lemonade stand.
I think media is really inconsistent and biased in this election. When Hillary was ahead in polls every one said she looks strong and presidential and now because Obama is ahead in polls he looks strong and presidential. I thought Hillary was very strong and looked very presidential in yesterday’s debate. Most of the time either Obama stuttered before he answered or he agreed with Senator Clinton’s answers. But Obama can do no wrong in media’s eyes. Even he will burp media will say see how wonderful his burp is.
Another point, I believe Hillary was correct in saying that she always gets the first question. When you are second to answer you listen to first candidate and answer according to their answers and you also get some time to think before you answer.
Then media says Hillary is not funny enough. A president’s election is a serious business not a joke. You don’t’ have to be funny to prove that you are qualified.
And lastly, I feel this country is not ready for a woman president. You will select a black, white, red or yellow man before you elect a woman president. A woman will never be paid same as a man for the same job. A woman will not get the promotion if she is competing with a man for the same job. And we call this country equal opportunity country. By the way I am neither Clinton supporter nor Obama supporter.
Your answer is yes her campaign is stupid. The new campaign class is Obama 101. This is the best way to learn who can lead, who they run there campign! Look at McCain he cannot even hold his base together.
my niece was wondering if Hillary was bipolar.
People need to stop watching super hero movies…
America in not a super hero. We cannot fight a war in Iraq, and a war in Afghanistan at the same time (yes there are actually two seperate war campains going on), while our gas prices love going higher, housing is plumiting, and we’re on the brink of a recession. At the same time the many disasters in our own country starting with hurricane Katrina, and all the jobs that are exported over seas from bills passed by previous presidents. This country needs to learn to stand on its own two feet and make the right choices to make our foundation stronger then what it is. A conservative for a president will make this recession even worse. Talking about the war isn’t fixing the homes destroyed from tornados, and blabing about health care is worthless if jobs are being cut by the hundred thousands.
The other problem is the experience blaming. So one guy is most experienced while another isn’t. A guy with experience and knows foriegn affairs has his name out there, so people in other coutries will hate and like him. A new guy won’t have that problem. This political game is old and dirty. The racial and religious slurs made against obama are stupid and childish. Hillary needs to control herself before she can control a country. McCain who stated he can’t control his supports obviousy can’t control a country if he can’t control his supporters
…The bottom line…
America needs a new face. A new leader who is fresh with ideas and who can make a difference and bring change. Puting a new face in an old crowd is what we need. New ideas will be brought up, new ways of taking care of our own country will take action. It doesn’t matter how experienced or un-experienced they are. The point is we need a change and the only one that can do that for this country is Obama.
I am being sincere when I ask someone in the press to provide information on Obama’s spiritual advisor in the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago as well as Obama’s relationship with Farrakhan. I also want to know about Obama’s spiritual advisor’s relationship with Farrakhan and if Obama’s spiritual advisor hold racist views or anti-jewish attitudes.
I never knew about Obama’s church and his spiritual advisor until it was brought up in the MSNBC Ohio debate. I need to have information so that I can make a decision on who to vote for. This is an important issue.
I don’t know why the press didn’t inform us this before - all of a sudden it is brought up in a last minute debate. I need more information to sort this stuff out. Please make sure that the press do their jobs and get this information to us. I don’t care if the news is good or bad - I just want to have the research done so I can make a decision on who I will support.
Comment by Southern girl, “I pray that God protects are country because Americans are destroying it!!!”
Just as a side point; God never promised financial security; he never promised protection from our fellow man; he never promised that we would be happy & care free.
Our economy is bad, and you may not like who will be President(head of 1/3rd of our govenment) next year, and then we vote again in only 4 years, but thoudands of Kenyans have died this year. Serbia & Kosovo may be enroute to a civil war. People are dying daily throughout the Middle East from hatred and fear. People are being worked to death, literally, in sweatshops in 3rd world and developing countries all over the globe.
By all means pray, but pray for things that really matter.
Obama has many questions to answer about why he has been a membe for 20 yrs. of this “racists toward whites” church, with a Pastor who supports and praises Farrakhan, who by the way is the leader of Nation Islam.
Do people not check anything out about this man?
He needs to answer the questions
Obama is nothing but a joke, he is more like a CULT leader, yell he is gone to lead them to the land of good and plenty, is what they think.WHAT A JOKE HE IS. The debate, Hillary did a great job know matter how Russert and Brian try to throw her off, I didn’t see them do that to Obama,maybe Hillary always goes first becaus they know he can always say I agree with Hillary and her plan. He knows nothing about foreign affair, I think he is dummer than BUSH and that has to be really stupid. Bush had know foreign affairs experience and look where were at. THATS REALLY SCARY!
Mark Penn says Hillary’s campaign has been misunderstood. Well whose fault is that? Duh.
It’s “rode” stupid.
sorry hillary with your family rectangle campaigning, is over now i am voting for Obama we need peace and people to come together again in our government policies.vote Obama
Hillary’s quest for self pity yesterday just goes to show that she cares more about herself than the people. How can a true president worry about who gets the first question? It’s not even that but the manner in which she expressed it just goes to show that she is more concerned about her aspirations than that of the people she claims to fight for. Obama showed great composure and a true gentleman. Hillary should gracefully acknowledge that she has lost and through her weight behind Obama, maybe she can be the VP
There is no way, repeat: no way, that Hil-Liar-y can win 65% of Texas *and* Ohio in order to pull even in delegates with Obama and she and her campaign staff are 100% aware of it and so is Obama. Obama is already ahead of her in Texas and, especially with her “performance” in last night’s “debate”, she will be behind in Ohio within another 72 hours…..and she will just fall further and further behind. The worst thing she can do is to open her mouth and speak. That’s what does the most to get her into trouble. They already have to keep Slick Willy away from the press as much as possible and she still refuses to learn that she is not “owed” the nomination because her husband was POTUS. Neither are Obama supporters swayed because of his dress style. No Hil, it’s a presidential election, not a fashion contest. I am looking for her to start stamping her feet and crying because things are going so badly for her. I am reasonably certain that she will fight all the way to the convention and make every possible underhanded attempt to steal the nomination via the super delegates, by hook or by crook. Remember: Clintons do not play fair. They only play to win and the end always justifies the means to them. The opinion or choice of the voters is totally secondary and does not enter into their decision making process.
these Dem canidates have made a mess of our election shame on them!
Pride goeth before the fall.
How sad….
I preferred Hillary….
I am an South-Asian and after 3 months of Obama Mania what I had discovered is
Its, Obama who is divisive, he will say and do anything to become American President.
Its, Obama who will forfeit all his relations with Khan and rezko to become American President
Under his presidency he will make America worse than Bush Presidency, He doesn’t know anything except
saying sweet words.
He is weak in Foreign Affairs (G W bush)
He is weak in Experience (G W Bush)
He cant even say YES or NO firmly on some key issues.
we cannot forgive him if he says unknowingly he made a deal with rezko or any mistake he did
American President cannot make mistakes, its cost a lot.
GOD PLEASE SAVE AMERICA
BELIEVE ME.
AMERICAN PEOPLE DON’T GET CARRIED AWAY BY MESSAGE OF CHANGE.
ALREADY AMERICA IS UNDER BRINK OF RECESSION.
IT WAS CLINTON WHO MADE AMERICAN ECONOMY GOOD AFTER GULF WAR
REMEMBER, ONCE OBAMA BECOMES AMERICAN PRESIDENT, ALL THE TERRORIST GROUPS
CELEBRATE SAYING A MUSLIM BECAME FIRST AMERICAN PRESIDENT NOT FIRST AA OR WOMAN
PLEASE SAVE AMERICA……….
I don’t think its the campaign. I think its the person herself. Hey, you can’t make a silk purse out of a pigs ear.! We have been told for years how Hillary was so smart, how she is the most popular women in the world and on and on. And some of us sat back and said “whaaaaaaaaaat are they talking about?” Guess the media ass kissers found out different.
I tried to watch the so called debate but every time Hillary was going on and on and on and never would shut up, I found my self falling asleep. Ol Russert tried to spice it up but got the same old b.s. and whining. Patronizing old hag. Maybe bubba has learned some things too but what with his ego he most likely can’t see it.
God almighty I hope this dog and pony show will be over in March.
It is no wonder why most Asians voted for Clinton. The group of Asians that i know do not how to speak English, so the press could not influence their vote. Most Americans know too .
Most middle-age Asians recognize the character of a person just by looking at them. Most Americans know, too, but they have to show a lot outside before they can recognize. They can not see the hidden one (for example,in movies, in the beginning, everybody can infer who the villain is going to be at the end.
So far, i score the last four Presidents as almost 95% right.
Here is how i rate the current top candidates and their spouses for caring and compassion: Out of the ten:
Obama=2. Spouse=-8.
Mccain=4. Spouse=3.
Clinton=8 Spouse=6.
I agree with the Comment by NISHA
I think media is really inconsistent and biased in this election. When Hillary was ahead in polls every one said she looks strong and presidential and now because Obama is ahead in polls he looks strong and presidential. I thought Hillary was very strong and looked very presidential in yesterday’s debate. Most of the time either Obama stuttered before he answered or he agreed with Senator Clinton’s answers. But Obama can do no wrong in media’s eyes. Even he will burp media will say see how wonderful his burp is.
Another point, I believe Hillary was correct in saying that she always gets the first question. When you are second to answer you listen to first candidate and answer according to their answers and you also get some time to think before you answer.
Then media says Hillary is not funny enough. A president’s election is a serious business not a joke. You don’t’ have to be funny to prove that you are qualified.
And lastly, I feel this country is not ready for a woman president. You will select a black, white, red or yellow man before you elect a woman president. A woman will never be paid same as a man for the same job. A woman will not get the promotion if she is competing with a man for the same job. And we call this country equal opportunity country. By the way I am neither Clinton supporter nor Obama supporter.
Wow, what a difference a year makes. Sorry Hillary supporters but the bottom line is Obama’s momentum cannot be stopped. Hillary has come off as looking mean and b*tchy throwing anything and everything at Obama and his numbers continue to rise.
I honestly think Hillary will be too divisive! I feel Obama has the ability to reach out to the Independents and Republicans to finally get something done on the important issues. Hillary will bring 4 more years of constant fighting with the Republicans; and, most people I speak with say as a country we cannot afford another 4 years of mudslinging and I gotcha polotics.
Look stage right I think I see the fat lady warming up her vocal cords…
John
Obama wrote a book called “Dreams of My Father”.
Obama’s father is Muslim.
Sounds like his father’s DREAM may be America’s NIGHTMARE!
President Bush focused on the invasion of Iraq and had no plan for other contingencies. On a lesser note, but perhaps just as telling, Hillary Clinton focused on Super Tuesday and seemingly had no contingency plan beyond that. Our economy is failing and our debt is so high as to be incomprehensible to the average American. Hillary Clinton, who raised an enormous amount of money for her presidential run, planned her budget so poorly that she had to lend her campaign 5 million dollars when she didn’t walk away with the nomination on Super Tuesday. She frequently points out how actions speak louder than words - should the above actions be considered when deciding who to vote for?
Hillary supporters,
Is this what we want in a POTUS? Whining about being asked questions first? Change you can XEROX nonsense? Angry, shame on you outbursts, like a scorned lover. Where was her outrage when bill was getting good head from Monica??? Please people, Obama’s deportment and well thought out responses show how diplomatic and professional he presents himself!
I agree Obama is nothing but a joke, he is more like a CULT leader, yet he is gone to lead them to the land of good and plenty, is what they think.WHAT A JOKE HE IS. The debate, Hillary did a great job no matter how Russert and Brian try to throw her off, I didn’t see them do that to Obama,maybe Hillary always goes first becaus they know he can always say I agree with Hillary and her plan. He knows nothing about foreign affair, I think he is dummer than BUSH and that has to be really stupid. Bush had known foreign affairs experience and look where we’re at. THATS REALLY SCARY!
“Fifteen years after Bill’s team road simple strategy to the White House, they’re finding fault with Hillary’s campaign”
Road? How about rode.
My lawyer is preparing the papers and i will be sewing ABC, MSNBC and NN for misleding America and giving only one side information!
FOX became the only one ok!
Southern Girl,
You’re absolutely right. Not only did the press admit he “stumbled” on that question. And he “recovered” by saying he rejects Farrakhan. But the forgot to mention that he’s a donor to his campaign (and so is the Nation of Islam)
And his “Church” are strong supporters of him too.
He didnt “denounce” Wright or “reject” his church for doing that. And the media just let it go. I would think someone would point out that goes against his “unity” speeches. Which are just speeches. Which is all his candidacy is about? Isnt it?
+++++
Don’t people think beyond the scope ? And, Obama never said that Farrakhan is one of his major campaign donators! But, now he is going to reject him? Is he also going to give back the money Farrakhan donated to his campaign?
What a joke to hear Leon Panetta talk about the staff’s job to shield and protect Bill Clinton. That’s just what he when he was in Clinton’s cabinet to the determint of the country. He should have put the interests of the country before protecting Clinton and the Democratic party. He is in large part responsible generally for the mess we are in today and specifically what happened on 9/11.
Van
The election of a president is merely a popularity contest for most folks. Clinton is not that popular and for some reason OBAMA is… go figure. Like I told Hilary’s daughter… there are onlt three things that scare me… OBAMA, OSMA, and yo MOMA!
Fox News - This is your TOP Story?????? An opinion - Not Facts by someone???????????
Both Candidates did very well in the debate - Both answered very hard and personal questions. Both appear to be good candidates - BUT - HILLARY CLINTON is by far the best -in leadership, experience - AND we know what we are getting.
Obama-boy is too vague on issues that really matter - and his background is now becoming questionable to become the President of the United States.
GO HILLARY
It’s the candidate stupid…
Campaign aside, the more America sees the true Hillary Clinton, the less we want to see her.
How can you say Obama won? Almost every political pundit said Obama was unprepared (his response to the Russian president question - can you imagine if they had asked him first???)
It is becoming increasingly clear that Obama can NOT be ready on day 1!
I ask all of you - would you hire him to work for you with so little experience (in your particular field)?
The Obama campaign response to the infamous “picture” of Barack in a turban and other Muslim garb was that he was simply dressing in the traditional dress of a Muslim country. Well, the last time I checked, Kenya is not a Muslim country. According to my Google source, an estimated 66% of the population are Christians with about 28% being Catholic and 38% belonging to Protestant churches. Only about 10% to 20% are Muslim, 1% are Hindu and the remainder practice traditional religions or local branches of Christianity. Sheds a whole new light on that response, doesn’t it???? Check it out!
It’s the media, stupid!
Should Obama win, Republicans will have to deal with the issue of their talk radio infotainer Darlings & Friends and their impact on the necessary center. Limbaugh has gloated publicly about how he could torpedo McCain’s candidacy merely by supporting him. Why? Because the independents and centrists hate him (Limbaugh) so much that they would flee from whomever he supports. But, absent a legitimate creditable spoiler 3rd party candidate, whomever wins the middle wins the election. And Limbaugh, et.al., have become the public face of “conservatism” for many of that middle, more so than candidate McCain. And wear it as a badge of pride that they repel more of the necessary center than they attract.
In essence, Limbaugh (and by extension Hannity, Coulter, etc), and other ultra-right McCain haters admit, and the primaries clearly demonstrate, that not only do they NOT represent even a majority of the Republicans, they also scare off the necessary center. They, in their own arrogance and self-admiration (and that of the 7% of the American populace who worship at their ‘only true church’), are in danger of giving not only the Presidency but also the Congress and the Supreme Court to the godless evil liberals. Whom they hate more than they hate McCain. Not very smart. And they appear to have only the barest inkling of a clue.
What happened to the “Permanent Conservative Majority”? A delicious irony is that Limbaugh, et.al., (and Rove), squandered it via their incredible arrogance and stupidity. 22 million listeners a week, although oftened touted as an indication of considerable power in the public market place, looks more like just enough power to torpedo your own best interests. Sometimes it is not what is said as much as how it is said. And those who worship at the Church of Limbaugh attend church not only for the message, but for the messenger and his tone.
God bless Obama
Obama will never be the president because NY, MA,FL, NY are mostly jewish voters and after last night jewish voters will never ever trust Obama!
He was forced by Hillary and under pressure he rejected an anti-semite Farrakans endorsment! Allthough he admitted that his church is anti semite and he travelled with Farrakan to Libya!
LOL
Hillary certainly did win the debate and the few people I know who support (in one case, supported) Obama agree wholeheartedly. She wasn’t insecure (or bipolar, Obama08’s niece…serious charge from someone who won’t reveal their true identity) She told it like it is…and in great detail! That’s why millions still stand behind her. We don’t need someone who doesn’t answer questions and who is dodging bullets about his own shady dealings knowing FULL WELL that these things and more would bring him down fast in a general election. Hillary has the experience to not only lead us in the right direction RESPONSIBLY, she can also easily beat the Republicans come fall. I won’t vote for McCain, but based on what I’ve seen, I will vote for Nader or abstain in November if Obama gets the nomination. I know many, all across the country, who are thinking the same way. WAKE UP AMERICA, BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. GO HILLARY!!
Obama’s free pass won’t last much longer - he’ll be exposed for the far-left establishment’s knave he is as we approach the general election.
He’s up there as a sacrifice in lieu of a Clinton atop the dem ticket. He’s been promised another shot in ‘12 or ‘16 for taking the fall this time around.
Let the yuppies and black voters (less than 20% of those who vote) get all worked up about this guy - it’s not going to matter in November.
Israel did not buy it Obama!
we know who you really are!
We need a Commander-in-Chief, not a Cheerleader! Stop and THINK about who has the right experience to lead this country. It’s not Obama.
Let the blame games begin.
Jewish organizations to protest Obama and his anti semite church!
The problem with Hillary has been the erratic and inconsistent campaign SHE HAS CHOSEN to run. What was up with her inappropriately adoring gaze directed at Barack Obama in last week’s debate? And then last night her demeanor of shifting between glaring at him and that tight smiling smirk as she attempted to deliver her barbs. After 7 years of GW Bush’s smirk, I don’t think I can endure Hillary’s smirk as well. Barack Obama has proven with how consistently and effectively he has been able to run his campaign that he is an effective leader. Hillary’s campaign and message has been in disarray and all she does is cast BLAME on the media.
Comment by obama08
February 27th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
my niece was wondering if Hillary was bipolar
Hey Obama08,
By the way you talk, you and your niece are not well-educated. Don’t do personal attack, please. Please stick with the issues. If you don’t like a woman to be a president, please say so. Don’t hide.
My comment to Hill & Bill: “Iron my shirt”
I really can’t wait for this to end. Hillary can get a break finally and all you morons who want Mr. Perfect can live in the hell he will bring to the country I am proud of always. Wait until he is in office and the nightmare begins.
I think I’ll cash out & move to Mexico or Grand Cayman while I still can!!
A comparison of the way the candidates are running their campaign speaks volumes about the way they would manage the nation’s business from “day one”. One is inclusive, wise, steady. The other offends Texans by speaking of “cowboy” diplomacy; offends other states by saying that only the big ones matter; ridicules the millions of voters who want to believe in a new day without the Clintons; fires her campaign manager and lies about it; shamelessly plays the race card and the religion card; reinvents herself on a daily basis, throws the kitchen sink at the opponent… Hopefully the people of Texas and Ohio will deliver the country from a future of adversarial mindset and inept “experienced” management of our government.
Barack Obama is a member of Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. Its minister, and Obama’s spiritual adviser, is the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. In 1982, the church launched Trumpet Newsmagazine; Wright’s daughters serve as publisher and executive editor. Every year, the magazine makes awards in various categories. Last year, it gave the Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. Trumpeter Award to a man it said “truly epitomized greatness.” That man is Louis Farrakhan.
Is anyone else shocked? I was going to vote for Obama - I can’t vote for someone who attends a racist church!!!
At this point in the election, I believe Obama should be nominated. The management of his campaign by Obama has shown he has the skills to make the right decisions. choose the right people to back himself, and also run the country in a favorable way.
The indecisiveness of Hillary has disappointed me. She changed her game play too many times along the way. This led me to wonder how many times will she change her mind in a serious situation and possibly make the wrong choices for our country.
We all need to pull together and back him as our next President so we can get on with problem fixing in this world and the economy
What ever happened to the debate format of the candidates standing at a podium at least a couple of feet away from each other instead of this cozy sitting together with no space between them? Give me a break — this format is ridiculous and looks a little foolish.
As for who won or who got my vote — nobody won; they’re replicas of each other except for personality and anyone could beat Hillary’s!!
So if either of these candidates win, nothing changes in DC — the super highway from Mexico through the US beginning in Texas to Canada gets built; the illegals keep coming; Border Patrolmen Campion and Ramos remain in Federal Jail for doing their jobs; some sort of a health plan gets passed which puts our government further in debt; the unfair imbalance of trade continues with China; US companies continue to ship their manufacturing overseas; NAFTA flourishes as usual; American workers are still out of work, etc.
If McCain wins, well, he’s the same as the above two — except he will continue to employ and kill our boys in the military.
I’m voting for myself. I could do a better job than any of these three fools.
John McCain ALL THE WAY!!!!
Thank God we have a choice …….and don’t have to have Clinton or Obama…..Obama looked cool and calm because he doesn’t have to do anything but sit back and relax…the media will take care of him……Clinton also has been treated very fairly in the media….The Republicans, whoever the candidate, has not, will not, and never will be treated fairly in the media…..I think all the “news” people ought to have to include the name and a story on a republican candidate every time they name or talk about a democrat…and vice versa…..I listen to FOX, but I am getting sick to death of all the pretty little blond talking heads chattering endlessly about the Democrats……..Obama isn’t our Savior….neither is Hillary…and certainly not the Democratic Party…just look at the Congress…..and whether the Obama’s realize it or not, WE LIVE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, regardless of the problems we are facing…..all that needs changing is the POLITICIANS….OF WHICH THEY ARE A PART OF…….
I heard on the radio about an hour ago about 4 donors to OBAMA’s campaign that are very highly SUSPECT and steeped in radical ties with other countries…..WHERE ARE THE TALKING HEADS ABOUT THIS…..give Obama, Clinton & McCAIN equal time…..GOOD AND BAD!!! AMERICANS AREN’T AS DUMB AS THE MEDIA & POLITICIANS THINK….YOU WILL ALL FIND OUT IN NOVEMBER……BECAUSE THE VOTERS STILL HAVE THE POWER TO ELECT THE RIGHTFUL CANDIDATE IN SPITE OF YOUR EFFORTS!!
READ ON
Obama also sought to distance himself from an endorsement from Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, the controversial Chicago-based minister who has made numerous anti-Semitic comments in the past.
Obama said he hadn’t sought the endorsement, and that he had denounced the remarks.
Clinton interjected at one point, saying that in her initial Senate campaign in New York in 2000, she was supported by a group with virulent anti-Semitic views.
“I rejected it, and said it would not be anything I would be comfortable with.” She said rejecting support was different from denouncing it, an obvious jab at Obama.
He responded by saying he didn’t see the difference, since Farrakhan hadn’t done anything except declare his support. But given Clinton’s comments, he said, “I happily concede the point and I would reject and denounce.”
The audience applauded at that.
“APPARENTLY THEY LEFT OUT THE PART WHERE TIM RUSSETT ASKED OBAMA TWICE,
So you would reject the endorsement and twice OBAMA responded he had denounced the remarks.
It was after the second time Senator Clinton interjected with her remark “I rejected it” that Obama said “I don’t see a difference”… SOOOOOOO CLEARLY Obama did see a difference, he was dancing around that question!!!! Instead of saying twice he had denounce the remarks he should have stated the first time “If given the endorsement I would REJECT IT. He didn’t
America needs to wake up. Obama is talking about uniting the country, bringing hope to America, and living in peace with our enemies. All of that speech is well intent and good-hearted. The issue is Obama has not made one sensible path or solution to accomplish his goals. If people are upset over gas prices now wait until Obama ups the taxes to oil companies which will be passed on to the consuer…US. If middle class people are upset over taxes now wait until he implements his socialist health care…taxes are going up. If people were saddened over 9/11 then wait until Obama pulls out all meaningful troops fighting the terrorists on their own turf…we will get hit again. The fact is that Obama cannot and will not support America, but will support foreign agendas. Meeting with North Korea, Hezbollah, and Iran is not in America’s best interest, but is in the best interest of our enemies. I am amazed that our citizens can be so awed by Obama’s oration that they cannot see he is completely worng for our country. I hope that America realizes this if not before the DEmocratic nomination then by the general election. America was not built to house sheep, but to produce strong minded citizens!
They STILL don’t get it. I am a moderate conservative from Texas and I am voting for Barak Obama in the upcoming primary. The MAIN reason is to keep Hillary off the ticket but I am also looking for someone that can unify this divided country of ours. The Clinton’s don’t realize just how much they are despised and that alot of voters will do anything for them to just go away. The ICE QUEEN can’t connect to the average person and keeps bringing the same old McAullife’s, Ickes’ and Berger’s back and we are damn fed up with all of them. Just leave!!!
we are in desperate need of leadership in this nation, but not desperate enough to scrape the bottom of the barrel for the likes of another clinton. it is getting pretty rank when even the democrats can’t gag down the offering.
People people,,get ready for more of the same. You can put clinton, obama or mccain in. Nothing will change except the loser will claim it is all the winners fault for everything. A blame game that has and will continue until WE THE People decide to end it. We need better choices for house, senate and executive branches.
That cackle alone, is enough reason to vote Obama. Hillary is mean spirited, just like Bill, and soon we can put them both behind us.
To: Comment by lukas
February 27th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
You can NOT trust the media to do your research for you. If you do, you are being a sheep. All media is biased (at least slightly). Just search around on line. Type in Obama’s church on yahoo or google and a link for TUCC is #1 on yahoo, I’m not sure for google. Go to Obama’s site and do your own research on what he tells people. Check out his bio from the library (I wouldn’t buy such a piece of garbage). And you will see that about 90% of the stuff that we anti-Obama Republicans are writing on here is true.
But, don’t trust me either as I will admit to being biased also, I don’t like socialist. Everyone must do a little research, never take what one news media says as being the Gospel Truth (unless it’s Fox), no really do your homework. It is the only way to make your own, truly informed decision. ****Happy Hunting*** Vote Republican***
After something like last night’s debate you should always check out 4-5 different media sources and see how each spin it. Then you will truly know not to expect one site to tell you all you need to know. They will tell you what they want you to know. Except Fox:)
I found a couple things interesting in this debate. Obama was so totally unprepared that twice he said he agreed with Hillary’s answer without even expounding on it. He might as well have said…’yeah, what she said.’
Also, how quickly he backed down in his answer regarding Farrajhan. Saying you denounce someones beliefs is not saying you reject their support. She wouldn’t let him get away with saying pretty words that sounded good, but didn’t mean what he hoped people would think they meant. When she confronted him with the difference in the words denounce and reject he tried to get around it. He knows he will lose votes if he outright rejects his own beliefs and those of his church that white people are not human beings, etc etc etc. But, he also couldn’t sit up there and say he didn’t reject the support when confronted. She showed her leadership abilities and he showed how he would kowtow and say anything to get out of an uncomfortable situation. Not what I want in a president!!!
I have been a life long Republican. After seeing what these last 8 years have brought to our great country, I believe it is time for a change. I will be voting for Barack Obama. He is inspirational!!
All of these experts analyzing the down-fall of the Annointed One - Hillary, make me want to laugh. Just like what happened to Rudy Guiliani, the primary voters just didn’t want her or him. Too many have bad memories of the “Glorious Clinton Years” of the WH
Another 4 or 8 years of congressional hearings into their investment/donor/firings/FBI-files shenanigans is more than most want. That coupled with Hillary’s non-performance in the last 35 years, makes no one ready for her on DAY ONE.