Blowback
Campaigns are funny. Millions of people line up to support a candidate running a positive, inspirational campaign and then urge him to go negative once a (minor) rough patch is hit. Obama supporters--the reason you were attracted to this candidate is that he can win with honor and integrity. He can help improve the nation's civil discourse while helping down-ticket Democrats win elections as well. Stay with the script.
The Clinton kitchen sink-style attack is not sustainable. It is an indicator of a flailing campaign and it happens in most elections. It is the very definition of "old style" Bush-Clinton politics and it does not attract new voters or independents. The blowback is already forming. Attacking, desperate politicians almost always go too far in their attacks and have to face the blowback.
Barack Obama needs to continue to campaign in his own voice. He will win if he maintains his integrity.
The Clinton kitchen sink-style attack is not sustainable. It is an indicator of a flailing campaign and it happens in most elections. It is the very definition of "old style" Bush-Clinton politics and it does not attract new voters or independents. The blowback is already forming. Attacking, desperate politicians almost always go too far in their attacks and have to face the blowback.
Barack Obama needs to continue to campaign in his own voice. He will win if he maintains his integrity.
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I appreciate the sentiment. But is it true?
Think of Kerry and the Swiftboats.
This is a country which elect GWB twice.
Maybe nice guys finish last?
March 8, 2008 11:04 AM | Reply | Permalink
I fail to see how taking control of the media cycle to strongly provide counter arguments to her BS is negative. Yes, we support honor and integrity but that doesn't mean that you don't find your own way of fighting back. She's calling the shots right now and it makes him look weak. Nobody said he had to go in to the gutter but he needs to get out in front of all of this crap. After running a virtually flawless campaign to date, I really do see them struggling. The media folks need to shake things up a bit.
March 8, 2008 11:33 AM | Reply | Permalink
Obama, and numerous other great leaders before him (read Gandhi) have said plainly that:
you must be the change you wish to bring to the world.
This is precisely the time to stick to principles, and if Furion's post (below) is any indication of the sentiment in the electorate, Obama will continue to succeed.
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/03/an-open-letter-to-barack-obama.php
March 8, 2008 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
At the very least he needs to call a lie a lie. He needs to put her on the defensive where she is weak (and remind people of her weaknesses).
But, yes. In an Obama voice. But he must define her as she is defining him.
March 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
"I fail to see how taking control of the media cycle to strongly provide counter arguments to her BS is negative. "
Strongly agree.
He hits back on substance in a debate-like style with McCain.
Why not with HRC?
It's just that HRC and her media henchman cry foul and start crying when he hits back.
This is a strategy any four year old knows. Hit first, then when hit back, start crying and pointing your finger.
March 8, 2008 12:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Exactly. This is no time to panic. But this is a terrific gut test for Obama supporters. TaraV, I'm talking to you. Hillary Clinton thinks she can get you to waiver if she talks enough trash. Can she? Or are you still able to see through her nonsense?
And Tara? I think you are absolutely right. Obama does need to get equal airtime from these networks that have been spouting the Clinton talking points for two solid weeks. Send him an email and tell him to call a press conference or make out with Michelle in public or something that will get some press attention. Just as long as it is positive and on message.
March 8, 2008 12:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama has stayed on message. We supporters are not affiliated with his campaign, but can use the kitchen sink all we want.
March 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Reply | Permalink