Sunday, January 27, 2008
Might it be Obama?
I've never believed anyone other than Hillary would win Dem nomination. I figured the Clinton political machine was too strong to be beat. But now, I am actually thinking Obama has a legitimate chance. Not only did he win resoundingly in IA and SC, but now he just got what is (to me) a shocking endorsement from the overbloated granddaddy of the Dem party: Ted Kennedy. It was said that the Clintons went into overdrive to prevent this, including a phone call from Bill himself. But in the end it wasn't enough.
All this leads to Fredo's question from below: how do you take down a guy who only talks in generalities and has yet to commit to many specifics that could be used to alienate voters? I think Mitt gave an indication of what tactic he would (not surprisingly) use: My record of accomplishment, compared with his rhetoric, is going to be a pretty stark contrast. I think you have to talk specifics, to force Obama to do the same or look like he is either afraid to do so or too inexperienced/lacking knowledge.
All this leads to Fredo's question from below: how do you take down a guy who only talks in generalities and has yet to commit to many specifics that could be used to alienate voters? I think Mitt gave an indication of what tactic he would (not surprisingly) use: My record of accomplishment, compared with his rhetoric, is going to be a pretty stark contrast. I think you have to talk specifics, to force Obama to do the same or look like he is either afraid to do so or too inexperienced/lacking knowledge.
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4 comments:
The early primary calendar could actually help in this regard, if the candidates sew up the nomination by the end of Feb. It will be tough for O!bama to stay at 35,000 feet for 8 full months. But the man has the gift of rhetoric, no question.
It's interesting that Mitt and Obama pair up well (both are charismatic, speak optimistically, and are relative newcomers to politics), while Hill and McCain pair up (both can have fiery tempers, are not quite as polished speakers, and are more seen as washington insiders).
Unfortunately if it's not Shrillary then we lose the advantage of appearances and presentation. I think that would have been one big advantage for Mitt, appearing far less caustic and far more palatable to listen to than Hill. Whenever she speaks it's like fingernails grating on a chalkboard, and it feels like you're being scolded. But if it's Obama we lose that edge.
The Kennedy endorsement is fascinating. Take the following passage, for instance, from the Times article you linked to:
Senator Edward M. Kennedy, rejecting entreaties from the Clintons and their supporters, is set to endorse Senator Barack Obama’s presidential bid on Monday as part of an effort to lend Kennedy charisma and connections before the 22-state Feb. 5 showdown for the Democratic nomination.
Both the Clintons and their allies had pressed Mr. Kennedy for weeks to remain neutral in the Democratic race, but Mr. Kennedy had become increasingly disenchanted with the tone of the Clinton campaign, aides said. He and former President Bill Clinton had a heated telephone exchange earlier this month over what Mr. Kennedy considered misleading statements by Mr. Clinton about Mr. Obama, as well as his injection of race into the campaign.
Mr. Kennedy called Mr. Clinton Sunday to tell him of his decision.
The endorsement, which followed a public appeal on Mr. Obama’s behalf by Caroline Kennedy...
I guess that puts to rest the question of who, exactly, is running for President. What possible excuse could there be? Hillary was unavailable to speak to Ted? Please...
USA Today now has an article raising questions that they feel Obama should have to answer, to get into more specifics about his planned policies and ability to execute them.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2008/01/obamas-rhetoric.html
The longer the slug-fest between Hill and Obama continues, the better. It means they have to spend more of their finances, they have to dig up more dirt and provide more bloodying slams that can be used by Repub nominee. It also means a chance that the supporters of both sides will become so bitter at the other that they will consider supporting the Repub nominee (particularly if it's McCain).