With no apparent movement in the polls following Barack Obama's "Bitter" gaffe, you know they're pulling their hair out over at the Clinton campaign offices. It was the same with Reagan and yes (hold my nose) Bill Clinton. It never seemed to matter what sort of screwy remark Reagan would make or what woman Clinton would have a dalliance with, the American people just liked these guys and were willing to overlook such idiosyncrasies. And it's becoming more and more apparent the same is true of Barack Obama.
I think Obama's Achilles heel is that he is too thoughtful about choosing his words. And like it is with driving, sometimes if we think about it too hard, we suck at it. His explanation that while true, he had screwed up the way he phrased it was very honest and is something I can identify with. Communication is not what you could call an exact science. Who among us can look back and not wish we'd phrased something we had said differently?
But the fact is that the American people seem to be better at seeing beyond the media hype and realize that Barack Obama is speaking the truth. He may not say it just right every time, but more often than not he does. Anyone whose has followed the Illinois Senator knows his ability as an orator is extraordinary. So it's no wonder how quickly he's jumped on, on the rare occasion he makes a slight gaffe.
It's a matter of likeability. Like Reagan and Bill Clinton, or at least when he was president, the American people liked these guys. Reagan's "Morning in America" was admittedly about as corny as an episode of Hee Haw, but it was effective. He made Americans proud of our country and patriotism came back into vogue. Bill Clinton's charm is a little more mysterious to me, but all in all just as effective in the likeability category.
In conclusion, Barack Obama's apparent ability to have mud slide off without a sign comes from the fact that he inspires hope in people. And although it's a little tough to take, he speaks the truth about who we are and what motivates us. And he has a concrete understanding of the causes of and what it will take to mitigate the problems our society faces.
There's no doubt there is a segment of folks who will hate and seek to block the changes an Obama presidency would bring. I think we are about to see the emergence of a once in a life time leader. And to those who measure a president by something as stupid as "is he the kind of guy I'd have a beer with?" Or "is he a regular kind of guy?" I don't want a regular guy in the White House. I want some one smarter than the average bear. We had a regular guy for the last seven plus years. Not exactly a glowing accolade for the regular guy method of choosing a leader, is it?
*************
Devin Barber, Politics Correspondent
Devin's column, "Left Of The Right" published weekly or more to Gather Essentials: Politics is a Blue Collar Democrats take on current political news.
Devin was raised by proud Roosevelt Democrats. Being the son of parents counted among the throng of Americans displaced by the Great Depression has given Devin a deep rooted passion for causes dealing with the poor and the working class.
You can find all of Devin's columns at http://gather.com/leftoftheright
You can keep up with Devin's postings and his Gather activity by joining his Gather network. Just click here: http://kiwina58.gather.com and then select the orange "Connect" button on the left-hand side of the page.
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Comments: 198
On Teflon Obama. He confronts the issues head on. On Rev. Wright insteady of letting go he gave a speech on the issue. Week later, problem gone with the help of the Clinton Bosnia flap. On this issue, he recognizes that the words did not come out right, but he is not backing down on the bitterness issue one bit. In addition they gave him ammo to tell people that he is the one raised by a single mom, was on food stamp, and so, and goes after the two republicans (Clinton and McCain) on how they are the ones out of touch. Brilliant!
Yes, the Republicans will reraise the same issues. But look at McCain parroting the same anti-Obama talking points as Clinton. They aren't credible for Clinton and they won't be credible for McCain [Please...Obama is an elitist while Clinton is an average joe...is there anyone who can say they believe that with a straight face].
Also consider how uncomfortable McCain is when you has to attack someone. It seems as if it is painful for him. I think he genuinely hates doing it. So I think he and Obama can have a relatively civil campaign against each other (not uncontentious, for there are significant policy differences, but certainly more civil than usual). This, of course, won't keep 527s like this year's version of the Swiftboaters and MoveOn.org from ramping up the rhetoric. But overall I think the general election will be an intellectual discourse more than a civil war.
This is a non-story. It is amazing how the entire country goes in panic mode when these stories break. The media keeps feeding this junk because it affects the ratings. He is handling it very well and the reality is people like the guy. They must be trying to figure out how to take on the guy. It's not working.
I think this is the difference. As Jared said, he took on the Rev. Wright issue and discussed it in terms of what it really means rather than as simply an inflammatory sound bite to be exploited and manipulated by Fox News. With his recent diction gaffe he came to terms with the fact that his word choice was easily misinterpretable from his meaning, yet has used it as a mechanism for opening up a discourse on the main issue he was trying so inelegantly to address.
To recap: Hillary Clinton makes up some fantastic story about sniper fire in Bosnia and gets laughed at because the video clearly shows it was a total fabrication. Barack Obama takes politicized comments and turns it into a discussion of a much larger issue that normally gets ignored while candidates play "gotcha" with each other.
Isn't that what we want? Someone willing to take on the tough issues and facilitate a discourse? Perhaps if we're talking to each other we might accidentally come up with a solution that is good for America and not just good for one political party or another. Wow...how radical is that? [Sarcasm intended]
Her tactics are straight from karl Rove playbook. Have you seen the PA add about the Bitter comments? I hope it bounces off the Teflon.
BTW, did anyone see clinton shoot back her ''crown royal'', sipppp.
He has less foreign policy experience than I do. Yes, he went to school in some third world countries. SO WHAT! That doesn't mean a thing.
One lie. Present Votes Are Common In Illinois - LIAR, they are common for YOU, but not many others have 130 NO VOTES.
two lies. I Was A Professor Of Law - LIAR, you were a senior lecturer ON LEAVE.
three lies. .) I Have Released My State Records - LIAR, as of March, 2008, state bills you sponsored or voted for have yet to be released, exposing all the special interests pork hidden within.
four lies. No One Contacted Canada About NAFTA - LIAR, the Canadian Government issued the names and a memo of the conversation your campaign had with them.
five lies. I passed 900 Bills in the State Senate - LIAR, you passed 26, most of which you didn't write yourself.
And the list goes on and on.
Go simple minds, follow the messiah. Like lemmings to the sea.
Here is a video.
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/video_log/2008/04/a_discussion_about_the_pennsyl.html
As far as those small town comments were concerned, number one it was small potatoes....an attempt to build a tempest in a teapot....and, in fact, it wouldn't surprise me if many small towners didn't agree with him.
Basically, it's all good...the more that bounces off his teflon shield now, the less effective the sure-to-come dirty tricksters in the Republican Party will be, should he win the nomination.
It's so refreshing and encouraging to see this happen. Barack Obama is charismatic, but what he has goes way beyond that. He exudes something that earns trust, hope, and comfort.
He is only trusted by the lemmings that follow along blindly behind him. He is a CON MAN, a snake oil salesman. He's the new "Slick Willy". And the media loves him. Otherwise they would have already crucified him for his remarks and his racist views. Only the left wingers and liberals love him.
If Obama does end up the Democratic nominee one of the most interesting aspects of the general election may be watching some pundits and reporters struggle with the decision as to whether they are going to replace the kid gloves to which both candidates have become accustomed, with steel wool that will mar the Teflon coating of the candidate who encounters them.
In some cases, mostly Republican pundits who have also been treating Obama with kid gloves, I have already seen indications that Obama will be the one whose coat gets marred.
As for the polls that seems to suggest that the giraffes have not affected Obama's popularity, I think they have been affected by to many people worrying about being labeled a racist if they do not voice support for Obama and they will not have to worry about that label or any other pejorative label being attached to them when they leave a voting booth.
The extent to which racial, gender and other bias have permeated the primary elections have made many afraid to express an honest opinion even if that opinion is not affected by any such bias. There are enough reasons to decide to support or not support a particular candidate without having racial, gender or other prejudice enter into the decision but there are too many people who are unable to see that through the biased glasses that they wear.
You gotta look who he's running against. People WANT Obama to suceed so that Mrs. Clinton doesn't get the nomination. The media WANTS Obama to suceed. That's why they treat him with kid gloves.
Right now, it's fighting amongst yourselves. I want to see it strung out as long as possible. The next challange is McCain. That's a whole new ball game.
I will give him that name if he wins in November. Then he's earned it.
I guess he needs to wear it to deflect some of the "bitterness" towards him.
Why now? Why not in the past?
It's like me, putting on a wig and a dress so' I don't offend homosexuals....ain't happenin'! It would be a subtle lie.
The media only follows the hype gang.
Where'e the big-splash media displays of Ron Paul?
Oh, yeah, he's not a diferent color or a woman...it appears that is the only facet the media REALLY has going...again those factors are non-issues. CLose your eyes ad imagine they are all white males..then assess their actual strengths and weaknesses.
I think that you would find under the facade that you have two of the worst options in Obama and Clinton.
I grew up in a multi-national school system during high school.
You can't tell me there is a difference in people just because of race or color. I have a myraid of friends from around the world...we celebrate our differences as a better, deeper friendship than what I see here in America, the land of the 'race card'.
I see it as an out and out LIE that Obama, back when, said he didn't know how he would vote on the war with Iraq, yet now he claims he was always against it. Is everyone ignoring the 800 lb gorilla. Wow, I can't even issue a pun without making it sound racist. Is this the problem, is this the reason for the kid-gloves?
I will not pout and vote McCain because my candidate Hill lost, but not testing Obama now does not help win a Democrat victory and may sentence us to 100 years of war. Seen the polls lately?
Whether we're Protestant, Jewish, Muslim or anything in between; whether we're black, white, or any other color; whether we're gainfully employed or standing in the unemployment line, we're BITTER about the present status of America.
Is Senator Obama a "regular guy" (like the idiot we have in DC now?) No. He's an irregular guy that has the b*lls to stand up in front of us and state out loud exactly what the rest of us are thinking. We're not just "bitter", we're pissed off. And if we get aboard with Obama at the helm, maybe we keep this ship afloat.
I'm not sure Obama is the Teflon kid; maybe the American people are starting to see through transparent tactics like Swiftboating. Or maybe not. It's not hard to duck such obviously made-for-media hype when one's opponent is willing to out-and-out lie in order to pad her resume.
Jeannie B., Apr 16, 2008
I beg to differ, Devin. The Democrat primary voters seem to be infatuated with Barry. Not the American people. He still trails McCain in general election polls and we haven't even gotten into the meat of that campaign yet. When his virulently radical left-wing record is exposed ... and it will be exposed ... I'll stand a better chance of being elected President that Barry; and, I can assure if chances can be less than zero, they would be my Presidential chances.
Get used to hearing President John L. McCain
This is swiftboating at its heist, and he is holding on pretty good. Maybe the American people are helping.
Yesterday, Politico published Barack Obama's Father's essay and started analyzing it. What are we supposed to do with a presidential candidate's father's essay? Bed time reading?
More ridiculous, this candidate's father left when he was 2 years and he saw him once at 10 years old. Are they suggesting political, socio-economic beliefs' are in one's DNA? If not why publish Barack Obama's father's essay that deals with the Kenyan government 40 years ago? How is this helping the voter?
Do you mean a bunch of guys that worked with Kerry in the service that had the guts to actually speak their minds because what they experienced didn't really match what Mr Kerry was saying publically?
Or is "swiftboating" just exposing the "content of one's charactor"?
Tell me, Jim. The thought disturbs me, as well. Truman would be considered shy and retiring after I got done with the Oval Office.
A national election between those two would be something to watch.
This will be the election to watch..........
A. Will conservative Republicans donate and volunteer for McCain? (they will vote for him but will the put their hearts into it?)
B. Will Clinton supporters do the same for Obama? (Yes, they will vote for him but will they put their hearts into it)
C. Will the folks that call themselves "moderates" actually vote for the moderate candidate. (McCain).
D. With the traditional media such as CBS/NBC/ABC/NYTimes becoming absolete, how will the new media treat elections.
E. Will the traditional media drink the Obama Kool-aid? How obvious will the bias seem?
It's gonna get ugly folks
Bookmark it. The best website to give you ALL the polls, ALL the columnists.
Not just what your local newspaper wants you to see.
These match polls don't mean much. Things will be said, ads will be run, people will pick sides. The reality is once again, half of the country will be voting on abortion, gay marriage, and God.
But you better get used to saying President Obama. But on the other hand, just think of all the things you'll get to bitch about.
The most disturbing thing I've been seeing from him lately -- and I've always had a feeling that there was something hiding -- is a tendency towards smug cockiness. That is a big turn-off to me, precisely because it is a known component of a Messiah complex.
Barack looks like a great candidate, but I am still not yet feeling comfortable and confident about having him as our President.
I'd rather have had Biden or Edwards.
LOL
Barry's not making it out of Denver. Bill is going to "Tanya Harding" him between now and August. Bubba and Hill are accustomed to dealing with people who give them problems. Ask the McDougals, Webb Hubble, Vince Foster (oops, forget Vince, they REALLY took care of him) ... the list goes on and on and on.
As I said, President John L. McCain. The paleoliberals had better start getting used to the idea now, so it won't be such a shock come Nov. 5.
This is going to such a FUN six months!!!
Rich Kaye, Apr 16, 2008, 2:54pm EDT
I hope the change will be hopeful, because if we don't have change, how can we have hope? The only hope for change, will be when we hope for the change that will change our hope. So my friends, while you're hoping for the change that will change your hope don't forget the changed hope you had before your hope changed.
Thank you and God Bless America.
I got to hand it to you two because even the most respected "Republican" commentators are saying this is the year of the Democrats. But I want to be careful and warn you not to get to wrapped in the idea of a McCain victory. I wouldn't want either of you doing something stupid when Obama wins.
"..steal some good sneakers.."... What is that, Rich? Some kind of racist gibe at Obama?
Which is usually immediately followed with the statement, "But, the Democrats seem dead-set on screwing this up."
But, like Barry says, "Yes, we can! -- (screw this up)"
Pleaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzze!!!
I read it in a book it must be true.
These lawyers quit so they can work for the campaign. Obama does not take PAC money and that was corroborated by factcheck. He does not take money from lobbyists. Never said former, how is that a breach of trust?
And, there's the change!
''- not being able to distance himself from a racist and anti-american church''
So I guess you wont be voting for mcbu$h either. After all, he wont distance himself from the ''preacher'' that called the Catholic church, a cult. huh? Or maybe you think that too.
Do you mean a bunch of guys that worked with Kerry in the service that had the guts to actually speak their minds because what they experienced didn't really match what Mr Kerry was saying publically?
Where have you been. Swiftboating means LYING.
Those comrades were not even in that battle. It was Kerry's own crewmates who were spitting fire at the LIES the swift boater were spewing. You really must takes your news from someone other than Rush Limpbaugh .
His friend Deval Patrick is my governor. He ran on change and being different. Oh yeah, I bought it! Just like Obama, people got energized, excited and had great hopes. I voted for Patrick and campaigned for him. Guess what? He is a total waste of time as governor!!! First act was to buy a new limo and then he spent thousands of dollars on new drapes for his office. Our state is in terrible financial trouble. He was able to do nothing he promised and then tried to bring in three casinos to balance te budget. He doesn't get along with the legislature and his casino plan failed. Now we are in worse trouble. Where is he? In NY working a book deal with Obama's publisher. The rest o fthe timehe is out of the state campaigining for Obama. Do not be fooled Obama is just another power hungry politician, but he is worse since he has no experience and will not get the Congress to cooperate because he turns so many people off with his arrogance. He has divided this country, not united it.
* McCain used to oppose Bush's tax cuts for the very wealthy, but he reversed course in February.
* In 2000, McCain accused Texas businessmen Sam and Charles Wyly of being corrupt, spending "dirty money" to help finance Bush's presidential campaign. McCain not only filed a complaint against the Wylys for allegedly violating campaign finance law, he also lashed out at them publicly. In April, McCain reached out to the Wylys for support.
* McCain supported a major campaign-finance reform measure that bore his name. In June, he abandoned his own legislation.
* McCain used to think that Grover Norquist was a crook and a corrupt shill for dictators. Then McCain got serious about running for president and began to reconcile with Norquist.
* McCain took a firm line in opposition to torture, and then caved to White House demands.
* McCain gave up on his signature policy issue, campaign-finance reform, and won't back the same provision he sponsored just a couple of years ago.
* McCain was against presidential candidates campaigning at Bob Jones University before he was for it.
* McCain was anti-ethanol. Now he's pro-ethanol.
* McCain was both for and against state promotion of the Confederate flag.
* And now he's both for and against overturning Roe v. Wade.
As far as I am concerned, McCain will not be a leader, "Staying the Course" is where He seems comfortable.
I hope we get a chance for a "New Course.".
Interesting information about mcbu$h. But of course, flip flopping only applies to the democrats. When a dem. appears to ''change'' his mind, they label him ''weak''. If ''their'' candidate does it , they consider it ''growth''. Changing positions, that are ''good'' for America, you know. The republibots are as two faced as it gets.
Swift boat ads and internet smear attacks aren't going to work against Obama in the general, then how do you beat him? You beat Barack Obama by playing him a straight game of pool.
Bring McCain on!
Maybe he will have William Ayers start a bombing campaign to get him elected. Or maybe J.Wright can incite enough racial unrest to get ALL the black vote. It still won't be enough.
Yeah, I heard that they got together to plan this conspiracy, back when Ayers was in the Weather Underground and Obama was 8 years old, for Obama to run for president. Then their going to do some really terrible things, like provide those dangerous poor people with health care, and bring down the price of gas, and ''try'' to bring Americans together to undivide the country. How awful.
BTW, just heard of a new republibot plan, bu$h is implementing, to take DNA from people that are just ''accused'' of committing a crime. Talk about un Constitutional. But hey, ''it's just a piece of paper'', huh?
I could not agree more. I'm sick of stupid, incompetent people leading this country with manipulating sound bytes that are meant to divide and inflame (and are ludicrously untrue or meaningless when actually examined with thought and research). I am honored to be able to finally cast a vote for Obama, a person who I admire and respect for so many reasons.
I certainly hope that the American people, or at least the majority of them, are able to look past the media idiocy concerning this honorable man and vote for the most intelligent, most insightful, most well-informed and positive person we have had in quite a while as a choice for the person to lead this country.
''The president is a 'near''
What's wrong Rich, can't you even say it.
I suppose you think there is no such thing as a typical white person? And if all Obama had to offer was change, that would be enough after eight years of Bush! Any change! And McCain does not offer change, just flip-flop and stay the course.
While Obama's statements may not be the best way of wording something, if you actually believe he was insulting someone you are not nearly as intelligent as I have assumed you to be! Actually, at risk of "offending someone" I'd say that most of his statements have been basic truth.
Things have not stuck to him because no one has brought anything of substance up to hang on him. If he really commits and error, the press will hold his feet to the fire just like they did Jimmy Carter! But the church he goes to or the exact wording of certain comments is hardly newsworthy!
Yes, Obama will be up against the swiftboat crew in the general and the very worst Karl Rove can think of to throw at him. This promises to be one of the most hard fought, bitter, and dirty campaigns if the new-con machine can make it so.
Obviously you do, James. Do you agree to share with us exactly what that might be?
Please enlighten us to the "truth" as you see it.
So, he's black too? Are we going by the old slave days withthe "one drop" theory?
What is "swiftboating" or "swiftboat crew". Do you mean that people who worked with Obama will come forth to question the validity of his past that he made public?
Had you been a "typical black person" in the United States for the past 100 years, with its segregation, subjugation, open discrimination and unequal treatment of the black people, just how proud of this country would you imagine that you might feel? Things have improved a great deal for black people but the discrimination still exists, albeit much less obvious.
It is true that the swiftboating has yet to begin! The lies that will be told in an effort to discredit Obama are still on the drawing boards. Like with Kerry, they will focus on one of Obama's strengths and try to convince people that it is false or counter productive.
You've already contributed to this by trying to make something where it is not such as typical white person. There was nothing wrong with that statement and it certainly does not indict him as racist. In fact, that is patently absurd! the elitist you might make a case for excepting that the case you've offered does not indicate that, it is simply the truth.
No Obama was not my candidate, but the things being brought up against him are strictly the stuff of which swiftboating is made. Trying to hang a few seconds of comment by his pastor on Obama is a cheap shot, and you are not the only one making it, but it will be rejected by a seasoned electorate.
It is my understanding that Obama has been pressured into wearing the flag lapel pin as of the most recent information. Should not have been an issue. Did St. Regan wear a flag pin at all times? Or did Eisenhower?
No one challenged either of them on patriotism. Patriotism has been labeled the last refuge of a scoundrel and well labeled it is. You can say anything about a person if you challenge his or her patriotism. Personally, I detest any politician, Democrat or Republican, who continually tries to live off of patriotism and drapes his faults and errors in the flag. And this is being done on both sides of the isle.
I doubt that McCain will try to go the super patriot route. His credentials are clearly superb when it comes to being an American patriot, as are those of Cindy Shehan, who lost a son to this war. But being a great prisoner of war is scarcely the qualification we need to have in the presidency!
I'll acknowledge that McCain might win, that's too far in the future to forecast, but the things you've tried to make a case with are too little and too late. They are being sung by better liars than you will ever be, but I would hope that the American voter is now more sophisticated to fall for this line again.
One of the sad considerations of all this is the potential side effect of such underhanded gamesmanship. With Kerry, the swiftboater managed to denigrate all the military medals and honors ever awarded to this nations veterans. The swiftboaters figuratively spit on the medals of those who have earned them! I'm sure this years campaign will result in equally negative results and hurt many, but they don't care, their job is to get their man elected!
No, I'll not play that game with you. You know very well just what is meant by that expression and granted, it might vary somewhat with the person making the comment, it is in no way racist or insulting and you know it very well.
It is a good mark for Obama that you people are having to resort to non-issues in order to make a half a case against the man! While he is not perfect by a long shot, neither is any other candidate. He was not my pick but he is looking better all the time as he responds to invalid criticisms and gamesmanship.
He seems to be able to motivate and activate people and perhaps, that is what we need in the White House for a change. I still favor Clinton but you would have just as much to say in an effort to discredit her because you are a Republican and that is the way the game is played!
And one of my favorite Gene Wilder movies. I understood that. But why are you so against a mixed person, gaining the most powerful office in the world. 2 of my grandkids are mixed, and they are just as smart and just as loving as my ''all white'' grandson. Does statements like that make me a racist. No. When people like you, make statements like,
''Your welcome. Im assuming its ok for me to be racist. I mean, it wouldnt be fair for your candidate to be allowed that privalege, and not us typical white people.''
offends me and many others. If ''you'' can attribute a slip up, to racism, does that mean the ''we'' can attribute ''forgetfulness'', misspelling, and punctuation, as uneducated. I think you know what I mean.
''Think about it. They will go after McCain on:
- Age - Is his mind as really that healthy
- Flip-flops - That's what brought Kerry down
- Temper'' - That one speaks for it's self
As fas as Obama ''not'' wearing a lapel flag. Extreme patriotism is on of the 14 characteristics of fascism.
It kinda says that he wasn't too smart. Many other pilots in Viet Nam were shot down and were smart enough to evade their enemy, and managed to ''not'' get caught.
''Thats just absurd''
Why, because he's your candidate.
Liberal black people can't be racist!
That said, he is learning on the campaign trail. Not every candidate does that, and I give him credit for it (not excited to vote for him at this point, but credit where it is due).