*** Official Barack Obama FBG campaign headquarters *** (1 Viewer)

[Chunky Soup]

Dinner with Barack Obama, a great video to watch:

This guy is as real as they come.

 

[adonis]

I enjoyed the spin Obama put on this encounter, pointed out in this article. He has quite a few lines in here worth reading.

Obama says Clinton has foreign policy like Bush's

Thu Jul 26, 2007 1:34PM EDT

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama accused Hillary Clinton on Thursday of backing a foreign policy toward hostile nations no different than U.S. President George W. Bush's in an escalation of their war of words this week.

Obama, an Illinois senator, fired back at New York Sen. Clinton for calling him "irresponsible and naive" for saying during a CNN/YouTube debate on Monday that he would be willing to meet without preconditions the leaders of Iran, Syria, North Korea, Cuba and Venezuela during his first year in office.

The dust-up between the two top contenders in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in the November 2008 election has been the most dramatic spat thus far in the campaign.

Clinton has tried to portray herself as the most experienced option among Democrats, far more prepared to be commander-in-chief than Obama, who has been in the U.S. Senate less than three years compared to her eight years as first lady to President Bill Clinton and senator since 2001.



Clinton took a more cautious approach to a debate question about meeting troublesome world leaders, arguing the president should only meet with such leaders after lower-level diplomatic spadework is completed.

Obama, in a conference call with reporters, said that is Bush's position as well.

"The Bush administration's policy is to say that we will not talk to these countries unless they meet various preconditions. That's their explicit policy," Obama said.

At the same time, Obama seemed to walk back a little bit from his debate position, saying diplomatic preparation would be necessary before presidential meetings.



"Nobody expects that you would suddenly just sit down with them for coffee without having done the appropriate groundwork. But the question was, would you meet them without preconditions, and part of the Bush doctrine has been to say no," he said.

"You'll have to ask Senator Clinton what differentiates her position from theirs," Obama added.

Bush considers Iran a brewing nuclear menace and has refused to meet Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. But he has allowed U.S. diplomats to meet Iranians about U.S. charges that Iran is stirring up trouble in Iraq.

He has allowed diplomatic contacts with North Korea, Syria and Venezuela while having no dealings with communist Cuba. Acting Cuban President Raul Castro said on Thursday he would welcome talks with the United States after Bush leaves office.

Some Democrats believe Bush may have missed opportunities for diplomatic progress by refusing to meet some of these leaders. Critics say the president has alienated much of the world with a foreign policy they call arrogant, particularly with the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Obama made a case for talking to leaders shunned by the United States.



"The fact of the matter is when we talk to world leaders, it give us the opportunity to speak about our ideals, our values and our interests, and I am not afraid to have that conversation with anybody," he said.

He said if he were to sit down with the Iranian president, "I will send a strong message that Israel is our friend, that we will assist in their security and that we don't find nuclear weapons acceptable as Iran is currently envisioning it."

"That's not a propaganda coup for the president of Iran," he said. He added that the debate over the issue was whether to pursue conventional thinking or consider new ideas.

 

[saintfool]

"The fact of the matter is when we talk to world leaders, it give us the opportunity to speak about our ideals, our values and our interests, and I am not afraid to have that conversation with anybody," he said.

He said if he were to sit down with the Iranian president, "I will send a strong message that Israel is our friend, that we will assist in their security and that we don't find nuclear weapons acceptable as Iran is currently envisioning it."

"That's not a propaganda coup for the president of Iran," he said. He added that the debate over the issue was whether to pursue conventional thinking or consider new ideas.

Some folks are concerned that he's not strong-minded enough or will get flim-flammed in the diplomatic arena. Well, that is not "handing over the farm". I like it...

 

[adonis]

Another link with a little more info

Hate to make two posts about the same issue, but this perfectly exemplifies the difference between Obama and Clinton.

At the debate, Obama made a nuanced answer that was well thought out and reasonable, while Hillary gave a politicians answer, typical of the way business is conducted in Washington. She then proceeds to bash him for being a rookie and being naive, to which Obama responds that her position is essentially the same as the Bush's administration (which seems to be true).

Regarding the question, Obama answered it more precisely than Clinton did, and I believe he answered it correctly. He said he would meet with world leaders without preconditions during his first year. Clinton balked at the question, saying she wouldn't guarantee anything, and that diplomatic groundwork would have to be done first. She never answered the question about being willing to meet with the leaders without preconditions.

Again, this further solidifies the difference between these two candidates, and why Obama is my choice. He speaks openly, honestly, and intelligently about issues in a way we're not used to hearing. When he says something different, he's attacked by the political machine that washington has built over the past decades, and what's refreshing is to hear him fight back, calling it exactly what it is. He gave a fresh new answer to the question, while Clinton evaded the meaning of the question and gave a bottled answer, much like what Bush's policy currently is. She's now on the defensive, or should be.

Great move Obama, first with the answer, and then comparing her policy with Bush's. Brilliant.

 

[adonis]

"The fact of the matter is when we talk to world leaders, it give us the opportunity to speak about our ideals, our values and our interests, and I am not afraid to have that conversation with anybody," he said.

He said if he were to sit down with the Iranian president, "I will send a strong message that Israel is our friend, that we will assist in their security and that we don't find nuclear weapons acceptable as Iran is currently envisioning it."

"That's not a propaganda coup for the president of Iran," he said. He added that the debate over the issue was whether to pursue conventional thinking or consider new ideas.

Some folks are concerned that he's not strong-minded enough or will get flim-flammed in the diplomatic arena. Well, that is not "handing over the farm". I like it...

Exactly. From reading his books, it's clear he owns his values and his opinions, and he's logically grounded enough to be able to sit down with anyone and not be outmatched. I don't see him getting flim-flammed in the diplomatic arena at all. He's as sharp as they come, and he's not afraid to deliver tough messages to anyone. Just read some of his speeches, and look at his audiences during some of them.Two that come to mind are the speech to the detroit auto-makers and one to some christian organization that sponsored him, who were hostile to him before, but who he won over during the course of the speech, without compromising his views or pandering.

 

[NCCommish]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Clinton thought she had an opening, and Obama turned the tables on her.

It seems his political instincts are more polished than even some of his supporters suspected.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Clinton thought she had an opening, and Obama turned the tables on her.It seems his political instincts are more polished than even some of his supporters suspected.

UBER SMOOTH!

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

 

[NCCommish]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

 

[NCCommish]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

 

[Homer J Simpson]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

You got half a stiffy there, didn't you?

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

You got half a stiffy there, didn't you?

As good as it gets for a liberal!

 

[NCCommish]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

You got half a stiffy there, didn't you?

As good as it gets for a liberal!

Words hurt

 

[NCCommish]

There is no doubt that a well funded Obama is Clintons second biggest nightmare. Right behind a Gore run. If it goes down that Gore doesn't get in, at a minimum, Obama is going to make life very hard for her.

Tonto sez:Running Gore < Funded Barack

Lone Ranger says a running Gore takes a lot of money away fom Clinton and Obama. And a Gore ticket comes with experience Obama can't match. Lastly a Gore campaign knows a thing or two about where the bodies are buried. Something the Clintons would probably rather avoid a confrontation over.

Gore-Obama '08

You got half a stiffy there, didn't you?

 

[adonis]

At the depths of boredom today I decided to entertain myself by looking at the headlines on the Drudge Report.

Plastered across the top, as the major headline of the day, is "OBAMA WIFE SLAMS HILLARY?"

Wondering, WTF, can this be true, (momentarily forgetting the source) I clicked through to the link. Make up your own mind on this one.

Michelle gets stronger all the time

'I don't want my girls to live in a country based on fear'

August 21, 2007

Barack Obama often says that his wife, Michelle, is smarter than he is, stronger than he is, and gives better speeches than he does.

On a trip to Iowa last week, Michelle was a firebrand, expressing a determined passion for her husband's campaign, talking straight from the heart with eloquence and intelligence.

She told an audience in Council Bluffs that Obama was cautioned not to enter the race for president because there was so much fear: "fear that he might lose; fear that he might get hurt; fear that this might get ugly; fear that this might hurt our family."

But the family decided to say "yes" to the Democratic race partially to confront those fears, said Michelle. "I am tired of being afraid . . . I don't want my girls to live in a country that is based on fear."

» Click to enlarge image

Barack Obama and his daughter Sasha play a carnival game with his wife Michelle and thier other daughter Malia, right, at the Iowa State Fair.

(AP)



At another stop, in Atlantic, Michelle said she travels with her husband in part "to model what it means to have family values," adding "if you can't run your own house, you can't run the White House." She didn't elaborate, but it could be interpreted as a swipe at the Clintons.

No longer is Michelle Obama's rhetoric filled with funny asides about her husband's penchant to drop his socks around the house or his disastrous attempts at housekeeping -- she got criticized for that, unfortunately.

But as the campaign has moved along, her speeches have become stronger, funnier and more personable. She speaks with more emotion than her husband; you feel she is the power propelling him, that she has the psychological mettle, the tough skin, the searing ambition.

My colleague Mary Mitchell asked Michelle how she was able to "snag Barack." But Obama knows he is the lucky one. At least he should know. Michelle is an incredible asset to his campaign.

• • • •

Barack Obama has spoken in many venues -- high school gymnasiums, college basketball courts, union halls -- but none has been as unusual as the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, where he talked to a group of Iowa Democrats last week.

The Surf Ballroom is the scene of the last concert played by rock 'n' roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson just hours before they were killed in a plane crash on Feb. 3, 1959.

And it is a place frozen in time with wooden booths, a linoleum floor and murals of palm trees and beaches.

Obama didn't mention the '50s rockers in his speech, but earlier this summer former Arkansas governor and Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee came here and made a video commemorating Holly, Valens and The Big Bopper. It can be seen on YouTube.

The Surf was a cultural draw for both adults and teens from the 1930s through the 1960s. There was a jukebox and a maple wood dance floor for teens who would flock there after high school to eat Surf burgers and drink Orange Crush. Entertainers such as Duke Ellington came to the Surf to play for the grown-ups.

The walls are filled with photos of Holly and include many of his gold albums.

The piano once used by Ellington has been preserved. The Pepsi machine used by Waylon Jennings (who played in Holly's band and gave up his seat on the plane to the Big Bopper) remains in the kitchen. The phone Holly used to call his wife, Maria Elena, in New York is still there, and so are the sinks in the green room Holly used before making his appearance on stage.

"That'll be the day" anything changes in this cultural mecca still cherished by Iowans and others who revere Buddy Holly.

 

[saintfool]

she could have been taking a swipe at Rudy too. the man's family won't vote for him even.

i know this is an obama thread but, folks that are interested, there is a superb article/profile in the New Yorker last week about Rudy. It's lengthy but it gives tremendous insight, I think, on RG. Highly recommended read.

 

[snitwitch]

There's been a Barak Obama sighting! Apparently something about a "boomlet"??

Starting Gate: Obama Wows 'Em In IowaPosted by Vaughn Ververs| Comments7(AP)The Barack Obama boomlet has apparently begun. The Illinois senator is getting rave reviews for his speech at the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner Saturday night.Want the evidence? Here’s what Iowa's premier political handicapper, David Yepsen, had to say on his Des Moines Register blog about the speech: "It was one of the best of his campaign. The passion he showed should help him close the gap on Hillary Clinton by tipping some undecided caucus-goers his way. His oratory was moving and he successfully contrasted himself with the others - especially Clinton - without being snide or nasty about it. … Should he win the Iowa caucuses, Saturday’s dinner will be remembered as one of the turning points in his campaign in here."Since Clinton stumbled in the last debate, there has been an air of anticipation surrounding Obama and John Edwards. Would one of them capitalize on the slip and begin to emerge as the alternative to Clinton's seeming march to the nomination? Sure, it's one event, one speech and plenty of road left before the January caucuses. And Obama faces big questions about his strategy. Although all accounts point to a strong organization in the state, it's not at all a slam-dunk that the campaign can harness its support among young and non-traditional caucus-goers, especially just two days after New Years.Still, it's hard to miss the hype over Obama's candidacy lately. He's managed to be aggressive without being negative for now. Most importantly, his stepped up criticisms of Clinton looks to have answered questions about whether Obama has the mettle to go the distance. After being out-raised by Clinton in the third quarter of this year, and poll after poll outside of Iowa showing the New York Senator with a commanding lead, Obama's campaign appeared to stall. Now, he's reviving his pitch for change – not just in the party controlling the White House but a more fundamental brand."If we are really serious about winning this election, Democrats, then we can't live in fear of losing," Obama told Iowa Democrats. "This party, the party of Jefferson and Jackson and Roosevelt and Kennedy, has always made the biggest difference in the lives of the American people when we led not by polls but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction, when we summoned the entire nation to . . . a higher purpose."Obama rose to national prominence based partly on his rhetorically soaring speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. For much of this year, he's not repeated that performance. If he can build on his speech this weekend, the Obama boomlet may yet turn into something resembling the movement his candidacy has promised.Clinton Support Slips In New Hampshire: Iowa may have dominated the political landscape over the weekend but don’t forget about that other important early state – New Hampshire. While the January 3rd caucuses will go a long way toward setting the table for New Hampshire's primary, the two states haven’t always agreed on their candidates. And the Granite State has a recent history of sending a message to the front-runners, especially in the GOP contests.John McCain thrashed George Bush in 2000 and Pat Buchanan defeated Bob Dole there in 1996. In 1992, New Hampshire made Bill Clinton the "comeback kid" but in 2004, the state validated John Kerry's Iowa victory. While the primary date is still not set, the betting is that New Hampshire will vote on January 8th, giving the candidates just five days to either capitalize on their Iowa victories or to correct course.A new poll shows a fluid contest in both parties. Hillary Clinton, who has held a much larger lead in New Hampshire than Iowa, has seen her support slip nearly 10 points since September in the Boston Globe poll. The poll shows the front-runner with a still-healthy lead over Obama, 35 percent to 21 percent. On the Republican side, Mitt Romney leads Rudy Giuliani 32 percent to 20 percent with McCain at 17 percent. A Marist College poll showed similar results.Campaign Intrigue: Sometimes a there's more than curiosity behind the questions on the campaign trail. The Clinton campaign has acknowledged that a student at Grinnell College in Iowa was approached by a staffer who suggested she ask the candidate a question about climate change. "One of the senior staffers told me what [to ask]," Muriel Gallo-Chasanoff said after the question and answer session. "On this occasion a member of our staff did discuss a possible question about Sen. Clinton's energy plan at a forum," spokesman Mo Elleithee said. "However, Sen. Clinton did not know which questioners she was calling on during the event. This is not standard policy and will not be repeated again."Don’t look for this to die down anytime soon as it's especially good fodder for her opponents. Edwards seized on the revelation with this criticism: "George Bush goes to events that are staged where people are screened where they’re only allowed to ask questions if the questions are favorable to george bush and set up in his favor. That’s not the way democracy works in Iowa. And that’s not the way it works in New Hampshire. ... And we don’t stage questions. We go in and answer the questions that are asked. And that’s the way it’s supposed to work in the caucus process. And I think this is the kind of thing George Bush himself has done.”

 

[Orange Crush]

There's been a Barak Obama sighting! Apparently something about a "boomlet"??

Starting Gate: Obama Wows 'Em In IowaPosted by Vaughn Ververs| Comments7(AP)The Barack Obama boomlet has apparently begun. The Illinois senator is getting rave reviews for his speech at the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner Saturday night.

I saw Obama when he spoke in Durham a couple weeks ago, and he gave much the same speech there that he did in Des Moines, but with less passion. He ended with his story about the "Fired Up! Ready to Go!" sayings, which was the highlight of the evening. It was great seeing YouTube video of the Des Moines event where people in the stands had "Fired Up! Ready to Go!" signs. It's really good to see some energy coming from the campaign (finally)!

 

[adonis]

I'd have to agree that things are picking back up, momentum wise, for Obama.

Can't wait to see him take the next step, right at the end when it matters, and topple hillary at the polls.

What's amazing is that he's doing it with very little negativity. He's running a clean campaign from all indications. He still challenges her on the issues, but can walk that line between challenging and attacking very well.

Great race so far, and hopefully he'll come out victorious. Hopefully for the nation - we need someone like him to inspire us all and lead us towards a better future than what we've come to expect from tradition washington politicians.

 

[snitwitch]

I'd have to agree that things are picking back up, momentum wise, for Obama.

Can't wait to see him take the next step, right at the end when it matters, and topple hillary at the polls.

What's amazing is that he's doing it with very little negativity. He's running a clean campaign from all indications. He still challenges her on the issues, but can walk that line between challenging and attacking very well.

Great race so far, and hopefully he'll come out victorious. Hopefully for the nation - we need someone like him to inspire us all and lead us towards a better future than what we've come to expect from tradition washington politicians.

I hear what you're saying, but this might be expecting a bit much I'd settle for good ol' competent governance. If I can't vote for him, I may vote for Ron Paul (the "no governance" vote)

 

[IvanKaramazov]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

 

[NCCommish]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I thought it was assumed that the only chance he to overtake her was if she misstepped.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

I agree with this. Hillary might very well win because none of the GOP candidates is particularly great, and this is a horrible election cycle for the Republican party overall. But Hillary could also definitely lose. I think Obama or even Edwards walks in.

 

[NCCommish]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

No one asked me.

 

[whoknew]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

It amazes me that people underestimate her this much. She's going to win. Seriously. And Bill Richardson is going to be the VP.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

It amazes me that people underestimate her this much. She's going to win. Seriously. And Bill Richardson is going to be the VP.

In what way am I underestimating her? Because I think she's less electable than most of the other Democrats?

 

[snitwitch]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

It amazes me that people underestimate her this much. She's going to win. Seriously. And Bill Richardson is going to be the VP.

This guys is a serious liability. He's more of a womanizer than Hillary's husband.

 

[snitwitch]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I think Hillary's troubles do have something to do with the "boomlet" For at least a few months, her nomination was looking inevitable. Not so much anymore, and this is due in part to some bad debate answers and mounting attacks from her competitors.Whether or not Obama is the best candidate the Democrats have remains to be seen. If he can figure out how to undercut support for Hillary while staying true to his "no negative campaigning" pledge, I think this will prove he's the best candidate.The problem is, negative campaigning works.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I'm amazed by Hillary's success too. I saw a survey the other day that asked Democratic voters which Democratic candidate they thought would be the most electable in the general election -- and Hillary got over 50% of the vote. It's a mystery to me how anybody can think that. My impression is that every Democratic candidate running, other than maybe Kucinich and Gravel, is more electable than Hillary.

It amazes me that people underestimate her this much. She's going to win. Seriously. And Bill Richardson is going to be the VP.

This guys is a serious liability. He's more of a womanizer than Hillary's husband.

I actually see that as a plus.If a guy can look like that and still pull tail, then he must be good.

 

[adonis]

I think Obama's point from a previous debate was really dead on.

Hillary is a fight the republicans are comfortable having, because they've had a lot of experience with it in the 90's up to today. They know how to attack, what to say, what issues to bring up...it's like a pre-packaged campaign against Hillary, if she gets the nomination. Also, once she gets in, she's hugely divisive. Do we really want another 4 years of what she will undoubtedly bring with her? All the baggage from her husbands presidency and their legacy?

Why not vote for someone who can usher in a different era in washington, and not allow the past 16 years to have either a clinton or a bush in office? Bring in a fresh face, with new ideas, who generates hope, who inspires a nation, who had the foresight to speak out against the war when it wasn't popular, back when Hillary and others voted to authorize it.

We need someone to pull us in a different direction, and that person is Obama. He's a leader, a natural born leader, who achieved national prominence on his own merits, not riding on the coattails of his spouse. He is where he is due almost solely to his own talents and accomplishments...can we say the same of Hillary?

To me, it seems that anyone voting for Hillary, would in part be voting for Bill, as he is a huge part in what made her who she is, and got her to the national stage. We're not just voting for her, and her history, and her talents that got her where she is, we're voting for what she's done since Bill propelled her to the national spotlight, and while she's done well, it's not as impressive as coming from nearly nothing to the same stage. Hillary hasn't done that, Obama has, and Obama has the charisma and natural leadership to show for it, while hillary has simply the political machine to explain hers.

 

[snitwitch]

I wonder how much Barak will be helped by this news:

Oprah Winfrey to Stump for Obama

3 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey will join Democrat Barack Obama again on the campaign trail, this time visiting the early contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the candidate's campaign said Monday.

The popular talk show host and media mogul plans to visit Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 8, with stops in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The following day, she'll travel to Columbia, S.C. Later that day, Obama's campaign said, she'll travel to Manchester, N.H.

This isn't the first time Oprah has lent her star power to the Illinois senator.

In September, she rolled out the red carpet for Obama at a gala fundraiser in California that brought in about $3 million for his campaign.

Winfrey is a well-known fan of Obama, calling him "my favorite guy" and "my choice" on CNN's "Larry King Live" last year before he announced he would seek the presidency.

In a news release announcing the events, Obama's campaign said tickets to the Iowa events will be given first to precinct captains, then campaign volunteers, then to supporters and undecided caucus-goers.

It said volunteers can be guaranteed a ticket by completing a four-hour volunteer shift or attending local caucus training before the event.

On the Net:

* Obama '08: http://www.barackobama.com/

 

[Spiderman]

I wonder how much Barak will be helped by this news:

Oprah Winfrey to Stump for Obama

3 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey will join Democrat Barack Obama again on the campaign trail, this time visiting the early contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the candidate's campaign said Monday.

The popular talk show host and media mogul plans to visit Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 8, with stops in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The following day, she'll travel to Columbia, S.C. Later that day, Obama's campaign said, she'll travel to Manchester, N.H.

This isn't the first time Oprah has lent her star power to the Illinois senator.

In September, she rolled out the red carpet for Obama at a gala fundraiser in California that brought in about $3 million for his campaign.

Winfrey is a well-known fan of Obama, calling him "my favorite guy" and "my choice" on CNN's "Larry King Live" last year before he announced he would seek the presidency.

In a news release announcing the events, Obama's campaign said tickets to the Iowa events will be given first to precinct captains, then campaign volunteers, then to supporters and undecided caucus-goers.

It said volunteers can be guaranteed a ticket by completing a four-hour volunteer shift or attending local caucus training before the event.

On the Net:

* Obama '08: http://www.barackobama.com/

I posted this back when this was rumored:He needs something, I guess. But this isn't a book of the month we're talking about. Its Oprah selling extreme liberalism to the mass of domestic housewives in a battle against their husband's common sense. I don't see this giving him more than a rudimentary boost. The support of major actresses and actors don't seem to change a politician's fate. It doesn't usually translate to politics because the belief system is so deeply rooted in one's upbringing, where as what book to read, is not.

I see little to no benefit unless he names here his VP candidate...and I'm not kidding.

 

[adonis]

I wonder how much Barak will be helped by this news:

Oprah Winfrey to Stump for Obama

3 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey will join Democrat Barack Obama again on the campaign trail, this time visiting the early contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the candidate's campaign said Monday.

The popular talk show host and media mogul plans to visit Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 8, with stops in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The following day, she'll travel to Columbia, S.C. Later that day, Obama's campaign said, she'll travel to Manchester, N.H.

This isn't the first time Oprah has lent her star power to the Illinois senator.

In September, she rolled out the red carpet for Obama at a gala fundraiser in California that brought in about $3 million for his campaign.

Winfrey is a well-known fan of Obama, calling him "my favorite guy" and "my choice" on CNN's "Larry King Live" last year before he announced he would seek the presidency.

In a news release announcing the events, Obama's campaign said tickets to the Iowa events will be given first to precinct captains, then campaign volunteers, then to supporters and undecided caucus-goers.

It said volunteers can be guaranteed a ticket by completing a four-hour volunteer shift or attending local caucus training before the event.

On the Net:

* Obama '08: http://www.barackobama.com/

I posted this back when this was rumored:He needs something, I guess. But this isn't a book of the month we're talking about. Its Oprah selling extreme liberalism to the mass of domestic housewives in a battle against their husband's common sense. I don't see this giving him more than a rudimentary boost. The support of major actresses and actors don't seem to change a politician's fate. It doesn't usually translate to politics because the belief system is so deeply rooted in one's upbringing, where as what book to read, is not.

I see little to no benefit unless he names here his VP candidate...and I'm not kidding.

I see quite a bit of benefit of this. On the heels of his making up ground against hillary, with climbing poll numbers and increased awareness, Oprah's support will only make him a more realistic candidate for the masses to support. Oprah isn't just an actress paying lip service to a candidate, she's one of the biggest names in entertainment, and she's campaigning for him, and she has never done anything like this for another candidate. If that isn't a pretty big endorsement, I don't know what is.

She gives him credibility almost instantly with millions of people who know little about him. They'll listen to her, and she'll make him more appealing to the typical american.

And again, it's another example where Obama is getting where he is based on his own achievements and merit, while Hillary, yet again, has to rely on the support of her husband, who got her to where she is today, and without whom, it'd be very difficult for her to win.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

Oprah was able to get feeble-minded housewives to read to The Sound and the Fury. I think she can probably talk a few of them into voting for Obama. This definitely helps him out.

 

[The Juggernaut]

I wonder how much Barak will be helped by this news:

Oprah Winfrey to Stump for Obama

3 hours ago

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Oprah Winfrey will join Democrat Barack Obama again on the campaign trail, this time visiting the early contest states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the candidate's campaign said Monday.

The popular talk show host and media mogul plans to visit Iowa on Saturday, Dec. 8, with stops in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. The following day, she'll travel to Columbia, S.C. Later that day, Obama's campaign said, she'll travel to Manchester, N.H.

This isn't the first time Oprah has lent her star power to the Illinois senator.

In September, she rolled out the red carpet for Obama at a gala fundraiser in California that brought in about $3 million for his campaign.

Winfrey is a well-known fan of Obama, calling him "my favorite guy" and "my choice" on CNN's "Larry King Live" last year before he announced he would seek the presidency.

In a news release announcing the events, Obama's campaign said tickets to the Iowa events will be given first to precinct captains, then campaign volunteers, then to supporters and undecided caucus-goers.

It said volunteers can be guaranteed a ticket by completing a four-hour volunteer shift or attending local caucus training before the event.

On the Net:

* Obama '08: http://www.barackobama.com/

I posted this back when this was rumored:He needs something, I guess. But this isn't a book of the month we're talking about. Its Oprah selling extreme liberalism to the mass of domestic housewives in a battle against their husband's common sense. I don't see this giving him more than a rudimentary boost. The support of major actresses and actors don't seem to change a politician's fate. It doesn't usually translate to politics because the belief system is so deeply rooted in one's upbringing, where as what book to read, is not.

I see little to no benefit unless he names here his VP candidate...and I'm not kidding.

Having "the most influential woman in the US", who happens to have 8.8 million viewers a day, a #1 ranked magazine, and a radio channel, endorse you can't be a bad thing. What total effect it will have is yet to be seen, but I would think ever other candidate out there would kill for the big O's endorsement. I personally think it might be just the kind of thing he needs to make inroads with the female voters.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I personally think it might be just the kind of thing he needs to make inroads with the female voters.

Right, Hillary is killing Obama amongst less-educated women. That seems to be exactly the demographic that makes up Oprah's audience.

 

[The Juggernaut]

I personally think it might be just the kind of thing he needs to make inroads with the female voters.

Right, Hillary is killing Obama amongst less-educated women. That seems to be exactly the demographic that makes up Oprah's audience.

I haven't found any info on the demographics of her show, but I did read that her magazine readership is made up of women who are particularly more educated than her show.Here's a link to show her website user demographics though.

 

[Pai Mei]

I'm going to guess that a lot of this "boomlet" has more to do with Hillary having a rough couple of weeks than anything Obama's done. Like I've said before, Obama is the Democrats' best candidate. It's odd that he's struggled so badly; this guy shouldn't need to rely on mis-steps by his opponent.

I think Hillary's troubles do have something to do with the "boomlet" For at least a few months, her nomination was looking inevitable. Not so much anymore, and this is due in part to some bad debate answers and mounting attacks from her competitors.Whether or not Obama is the best candidate the Democrats have remains to be seen. If he can figure out how to undercut support for Hillary while staying true to his "no negative campaigning" pledge, I think this will prove he's the best candidate.The problem is, negative campaigning works.

No it really doesn't. What moves polls is when a candidate makes a mistake. For example I think the rise of some of the lesser GOP candidates can be traced to the horrible campaign McCain has run. The voters are fleeing McCain and settling elsewhere.The purpose of running a negative campaign is to try to bait your opponent into directly responding. If that happens, you should immediately crawl out of gutter politics and claim the high road that your opponent has now abandoned. Its a bait and switch tactic that rarely works. Usually if someone has a big lead in the polls, they ignore their opponent altogether.

 

[snitwitch]

I personally think it might be just the kind of thing he needs to make inroads with the female voters.

Right, Hillary is killing Obama amongst less-educated women. That seems to be exactly the demographic that makes up Oprah's audience.

I haven't found any info on the demographics of her show, but I did read that her magazine readership is made up of women who are particularly more educated than her show.Here's a link to show her website user demographics though.

I think the most important question is: How many of these women who are influenced by Oprah are going to be voting in the primaries of these states? Obama needs to have great showings in these places in order to really come back in this race.

 

[The Juggernaut]

Here's an old article from 2000 that mentions Oprah's viewership. Who knows if it is accurate today.

Three quarters are women and most are black, less educated, and less likely to vote than the average TV viewer...

One other thought I had in my Oprah search.....There was mention of how an appearance by Oprah on the Ellen show increased Ellen's ratings by over 1 million viewers for that day. From what I can gather, 120 million votes were cast for the last presidential election. I would assume that a bit less than half of those were cast by Democrats. I would assume further that the primary races draw less total voters than the big presidential vote. So we're talking 50-55 million votes? Could an Oprah-induced 2% swing in votes make a difference?

 

[bigbottom]

I personally think it might be just the kind of thing he needs to make inroads with the female voters.

Right, Hillary is killing Obama amongst less-educated women. That seems to be exactly the demographic that makes up Oprah's audience.

I haven't found any info on the demographics of her show, but I did read that her magazine readership is made up of women who are particularly more educated than her show.Here's a link to show her website user demographics though.

I think the most important question is: How many of these women who are influenced by Oprah are going to be voting in the primaries of these states? Obama needs to have great showings in these places in order to really come back in this race.

A poll I saw yesterday has Obama leading in Iowa. If he pulls off a couple wins in the early stages, his candidacy could really gain some steam.

 

[scoobygang]

A poll I saw yesterday has Obama leading in Iowa. If he pulls off a couple wins in the early stages, his candidacy could really gain some steam.

I'm still skeptical. Bill Clinton didn't win Iowa. He didn't win New Hampshire. But he had the key support of a big block within the party. All Hilary needs to do is to stay in the race until she gets to the states where she has a near insurmoutable lead. Obama can't afford to NOT do well in Iowa in New Hampshire, but I'm not sure doing well there turns any kind of corner for him.Now maybe Oprah can change all that. There's a pretty good argument that she's the most powerful black woman in American history. This would confirm that.

 

[LHUCKS]

There's a pretty good argument that she's the most powerful black woman in American history.

Hmmm...I can't even think of a close second.

 

[The Juggernaut]

There's a pretty good argument that she's the most powerful black woman in American history.

Hmmm...I can't even think of a close second.

Rosa Parks? Harriet Tubman? Sister Souljah?

 

[LHUCKS]

There's a pretty good argument that she's the most powerful black woman in American history.

Hmmm...I can't even think of a close second.

Rosa Parks? Harriet Tubman? Sister Souljah?

Parks and Tubman came to mind, but I don't think they touch Oprah.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

There's a pretty good argument that she's the most powerful black woman in American history.

Hmmm...I can't even think of a close second.

Rosa Parks? Harriet Tubman? Sister Souljah?

Parks and Tubman were both influential briefly, but neither has Oprah's cultural clout. Condi Rice would rank above either of them, but I don't think she overtakes Oprah either.

 

[flufhed]

If he wins Iowa and shows well in New Hampshire, all bets are of. He HAS to win Iowa, first and foremost, though. It wouldn't hurt if Edwards made a strong showing in Iowa, too. The thing about it is, if Obama does well in Iowa, all of a sudden he becomes the hot guy that may draw the independents in New Hampshire.

I still believe.