Obama strikes back

Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:18 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Lauren Appelbaum
Obama may be battling a cold in Texas, but while campaigning in Dallas this afternoon he also fought a battle against both Clinton and McCain. After introductions from former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk and ex-Cowboys running back Emmit Smith, Obama entered to thunderous applause and he came out swinging.

"Today Sen. Clinton told us that there's a choice in this race, and you know I couldn't agree with her more," Obama said to a packed Reunion Arena. "But contrary to what she's been saying, it's not a choice between speeches and solutions; it's a choice between a politics that offers more of the same divisions and distractions that didn't work in South Carolina, and didn't work in Wisconsin. And will not work in Texas! Or a new politics of common sense, of common purpose, of shared sacrifice and shared prosperity."

He continued, "It's a choice between having a debate with John McCain about who has the most experience in Washington, or having a debate about who's most likely to change Washington -- because that's a debate we can win!. It's a choice between going into the general election with Republicans and independents already united against us, or running with a campaign that has already united Americans of all parties around the agenda for change. That's the choice!"

Regarding McCain, Obama repeated his claim that the Arizona senator would be a continuation of Bush's economic and military policies. "I respect John McCain for his service to this country," Obama said. "He is a genuine American hero, but let me tell you: His policies are not the policies of change, and that's the choice in this election. It's time to move beyond the politics of yesterday because we are the party of tomorrow. We are going forward."

Feeling the effects of the long campaign season, Obama warned the crowd before he began speaking he may have a hoarse voice. "If my voice starts faltering, just know that my spirit is still strong," he said. Halfway through his speech, Obama stopped to blow his nose, and the crowd cheered him on, encouraging him to continue his speech. "I'm going to be all right," he assured them.

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Comments

Terry McAuliffe today on Air America claimed TOTAL IGNORANCE of the pro-Clinton 527 swift boat organization led by one of his former WH buddies!!! Bringing Rove-Atwater tactics within the party itself is quite the way to go down - Clinton over everything, at any cost?! Enough already!

Carthage (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:24 PM)

hooray -- we got us a race!! (i'm really not certain from whom i'm borrowing that, by the way...)

nm (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:25 PM)

How would Obama change the lobbyists rule? The president does not have any power in the legislations being crafted, the same senators/congressmen who support Obama would be the one to craft legislations through the influence of the lobbyists and Obama would not be able to do anything about it. Would he then want all the congressmen/senators to resign so that he can curb the influence of lobbyists?
And who would he select as VP, obviously someone more experience than himself, effectively making the VP the proxy president - like Cheney. He may even go with Kennedy or Kerry or looking at his arrogance, it may be his wife Michelle.

mm,ma (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:27 PM)

Obama represents both hope and experience (look at his accomplishments in both the Illinois legislature and in the Senate) compared to this:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/adam-hanft/the-curious-myth-of-hilla_b_87613.html

All I am saying is give hope a chance.

fortuna, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:28 PM)

He is really delusional.

He really thinks he has united all people. Isn't that what Bush claimed?

This boy is up for a rude awakening.

Patty, SD, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:30 PM)

Obama grass-root events outnumber HRC 3 to 1 in TX.
We can defeat her unorganized campaign, and take the Lone-Star State
by double-digits.

First I read that Mr. Bill said his wife MUST win Texas . . .then I
read this:

-----------------

Clinton told reporters over the weekend that her aides were still
struggling to understand how the state (TX) operates.

"I've got people trying to understand it as we speak," she said.
"Grown men are crying as we speak. I had no idea it was so bizarre."

Asked by ABC News how the Clinton campaign would define success in
Texas, Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson said he wasn't
sure. - http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/Story?id=4318311&page=2

------------------

OK, we understand that she didn't have a post-FEB 5th plan. Does it
take two weeks to learn how to screw in a light bulb?

What if this was a showdown with the UN Security Council, or a battle
over a GOP filibuster on health care? Would an HRC administration
allow two weeks to pass?

I guess these brilliant minds must expect me to just believe that she
will be ready on day one!

Enrico, El Paso TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:33 PM)

did you hear that now Wisconsin and Hawai does not matter, sorry cheese heads you had your chance know the queen have dictated that you dont matter and the Kind have dictated that "you dont need a president".
will TX and Ohio count, she did not even thank the people who went in the cold to vote for her.

jan (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:34 PM)

Obama: A very attractive, very articulate, empty suit. He can talk all he wants to about healing divisions, but when he tries to take more money out of the pockets of those who have been working and paying the freight so he can "create a more fair economy" his left wing policies will be shown to be the divisive, polarizing ones that we've been laboring under for years. Don't get caught up in this hype, folks.

Leroy Jenkins, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:38 PM)

To all of the cynics and sceptics, listen carefully to what this man is saying, it is the falt out truth.
Hilary clinton always talks about solutions and being ready from day one and working hard. She did not even read the 300 page authorisation hand out in the senate that gave the President the authorisation to invade Iraq(so much for hard work). If you need to be ready from day one, don't you also need to be right from day one? Common sense people.

Obama is the man right now that is needed period.

Tigga, Toronto, Canada (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:39 PM)

I'm sick of division and vitrolic, disgusting politics! The Clintons disgust me more and more every day with their hate-filled slander and attacks on Obama. What great bills have Clinton passed during her one and a third terms in the Senate?? I know before that, she failed at passing health care... anything else we should know about?

Obama's helped passed ethics reform, and governmental transparency, both of which Clinton voted against, I'm surprised she doesn't remember those when she acts like he's never done anything.

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:40 PM)

Well there you have it it folks..... He can strike back without being a 4 year old throwing a tantrum on the floor b/c he did not get his way!!!! Good one Obama!!!! Bye-bye Clinton!!!!

Kris STL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:40 PM)

I get the impression that the issue of divisiveness has swayed a lot of people away from Clinton recently and it will also work in the general election against McCain. Most people, myself included, are very tired of hearing from the same people trying to inflame divisions between Americans.

nuanced (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:41 PM)

Policies of change, eh? Don't forget, Stalin, Marx and Lenin were agents of change. Hitler brought change. So did Fidel Castro. Be careful what you wish for.

Holdmah F. Koochiekooch, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:41 PM)

FOLLOW, FOLLOW, FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO OBAMA FANTASY LAND. NO "EXPERIENCE" NECESSARY TO HOLD THE "MOST" POWERFUL JOB IN THE WORLD.

OPRA HOTAIR (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:41 PM)

Is Obama sniffeling because he has a cold or because of something else (Clevland leader news paper article)? Jim and Tammy Baker, Jim Jones, Barack Obama, all people that try to sell salvation evenually emplode. They have success for a while, but eventually the jig is up. Will it be before the General election, or will it happen once he is president? What damage will it do to the country?

bta, hibbing, mn (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:42 PM)

Move forward to where? How? Nice listening to speeches that give you warm fuzzies but the rubber has to meet the road sometime. Detailed plans and policy information please... especially on Obama is going to finance all his initiatives.

Chris B, Greenville, SC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:45 PM)

Chuck Todd wrote the following on Obama and Hillary (and McCain) http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23258192/
What is itneresting is that Todd thinks the Deval Patricak lines Obama used and Michelle Obama's "proud" statement as "mistakes. By doing this, the media is setting standards for the behavior of presidential aspirants. Calling these incidents mistakes is totally ridiculous and overlooks the very fact that almost all presidential candiates in the Democratic Party and the Republican Party do use the words or phrases lifted from others wthout others' consent, when Hillary and John McCain stole several Obama phrases/words. The media is icnreasngly becoming biased in the way it differiates between what is right and what does not constitue as proper behavior in this prudish society.
Let me state that Michelle Obama meant to be especially proud for the first time in her life to have seen a woan and an African American as potential president of our nation. I, too, am very proud FOR THE FIRST TIME in my adult life that America has finally come to the realization that women and people of other races do deserve and are capable of holding the office of the president and serving the nation diligently, not jsut white men, period. If American had remained unwilling to give a woman or a person of color the chance to lead the nation and bring about change, we will continue to be viewed as undemocratic and bigoted.
I am disappointed that the media isn't doing the job it is supposed to -- educate people and share news as they happen, not interpret or re-interpret events as the media finds appropriate. This media bias needs to end and with it, voter ignorance needs to be replaced with the wisdom of an objective and unbiased education, with the media helping to create one.

Richard Anderson (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:46 PM)

I am proud that my state was the first to recognize the importance of the the change Barack Obama represents. Both and Se. Clinton looks extremely weary. I suppose that may be because no one ever expected this race to carry on as long as it has, as intensely as it has. This does bode well for the general election however because of the excitement beint generated long past when we thought we would be napping till Nov.

William T. Iowa City IA. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:47 PM)

I have always felt the republican was the best match for me and my views of a govenment's role in this country. I believe that Senator Obama's views are more similar to my than Senator McCain's even if he is a "MODERATE". Hilary is so far off the mark of standing for anything longer than the latest pole results, she is no choice. Besides, if she an example of experience then Eisenhower's secretary would have replace him. I do not think that 1st lady of Arkansas and the USA is the same as having the power and responsibility as the leader of the free worlds most powerful and successful country. My thought is Obama if he chooses a strong team can really effect change in a positive way.

Jim t Bangor, Maine (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:48 PM)

This is a question for all you Obama supporters. I have listened to his speeches and the guy is a gifted orator. But when I look at what he stands for, I don't understand. I am unable to find one bit of legislation where he "led" from the front. He seems to talk the talk, but when legislating, he not only doesn't walk the walk, he is MIA. Am I missing something?

Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated. This obamania has piqued my interest but I am finding an empty shell.

asher (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:49 PM)

I know that it seems politically incorrect to say so but McCain is too old to be President. We watchedReagan deteriorateright before our very eyes and he was younger than McCain when elected. I am in my 70's so I know whereof I speak. Everyone I know overf 70---and that's a lot of people both male and female---has memory, stamina and physicl problems that seemed to begin slowly around 60 and pick up speed every year thereafter. That jazz about 50 being today's 40 etc. is just a marketing ploy to sell more products and most buy into it because they really want to believe it. We need to be more realistic when it comes to choosing a President. The very survival of the world might depend upon it.

Arlene Hadley, New Port Richey, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:51 PM)

I love me some Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bernard, Scotch Plains NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:51 PM)

I respect Obama and his campaign for change. With the state this country is in right now we need someone who can bring something new to the presidancy. While people may call him to inexperienced to run this country i feel that wxperience does not always make a good presidant. Bush came from a family of politions and has lead this country into a recession and a repeat of one of the worst wars in our history the vietnam war. While bush says that this is not a repeat he should know that those who do not learn there history are destined to repeat history. I say that its time for change and time for negotiation.

Christopher Nichols Camarillo California (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:51 PM)

OBAMA/EDWARDS ’08. <3 Divisions and distractions didn’t work in Wisconsin and will not work elsewhere. To move forward, we need common sense, common purpose, shared sacrifice, and shared prosperity, for sure.

When a candidate's got a message of hope and promise for the future – the rest is ALWAYS just detail.

Roseanne, Madison, Wisconsin (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:52 PM)

I have found myself becoming a supporter of Obama. When he is slammed by his opponents now, I listen for truth in the criticism and worry when it seems justified and am indignant when it seems unfair. I compose bits of response and wish he would answer his critics in this way or that. Why doesn’t he say ‘this’ I think. It occurred to me today that if I want this guy to be our president, I ought to trust his judgment enough to let him handle it by himself. Go Obama. Deal with it.

Jim Haddix, Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:53 PM)

Just a thought... I'm not what you call savy on politics and don't know too much about alot of things in the political world, but I've been paying alot of attention to this election.

I was only a kid when Bill Clinton was in office (I'm 24 now). I stepped into my adult life with a war over seas and a diminishing economy and escalating gas prices, all while trying to survive through college. Thanks to the Bush administration. Although another Clinton Administration may sound appealing, looking at the current situation, I would have to go with Obama. For once I'm actually excited about whats going on with the presidential election. It just seems like Hillary just thought she'd have the nomination from the start. Now her campaign is falling apart. They're using tactics and trying to twist and sway words. I mean both Obama and Hillary are virtually the same on all the major issues, but If I had to look at them individually, Obama is showing a much better picture of who's ready to be president. And his organization is not as flawed as Hillary's. Not to mention he's also inspiring and trying to bring everyone together. We're one nation? why do we have to tear each other down, just to win an election? all I see is a Clinton campaign that's putting all thier eggs in one basket, and is losing support day by day. I just want to live in the prosperous country that America is supposed to be... I just don't think she's the one right now.

Average Joe (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:54 PM)

They cheered when he BLEW HIS NOSE?

I have no animousity against Obama, but there is something seriously wrong with his sheep-like followers who faun on him.

They remind me of the people who flocked around Jimmy Carter, because he was an outsider who wasn't "corrupted by Washington" and he, too, was going to bring about change. What we got was one of our worst presidents ever.

I fear the same thing may be right around the corner.

Steve Smith, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:55 PM)

How much I agree with him. If I hear anyone arguing that experience matters more than talent, then read my recent post on FDR and other presidential candidates and former presidents. Don't forget that McCain coems from a warrior class, not a diplomatic family. Powell Colin, by the way, has all the credentials of a diplomat and a war hero, but he is not reunning.
MSNBC, I hope you will cease blocking some comments from people. I hope you are not paid to censor, because while you allowed a lot of hateful posts, you are apparently blocking some psots (including mine) critical of the candidates. Be fair!!

Ron Allen (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:56 PM)

He's the real deal. For those looking for substance, read his books, check his policy papers on his website. We've needed someone like him to come along for years. He was ready on Day One of the Iraq War, and he'll be ready for Day One in the White House.

A. Kline, Nevada City, California (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:57 PM)

Bill Clinton won in '92 with the indirect help of the Bush family.

A deal was struck early on not to talk about what they had on GHWB (girlfriends, personal stuff)if GHWB would chill on Bill's massive "indiscretions."

Nice deal for Bill.

The Clinton's play hardball behind the spirituality, villages to raise children, and toothy grins.

They play the sandlot hardball, not like the relatively genteel Chris Matthews backyard whiffle ball.

Their game is a blood sport.

I do not know what will happen in the next month, but if the Democratic Party is destroyed in this cycle it will be a direct result of the Clintons blowing up the bridge to the future.

Watch them very closely. The 527s are the tip of the iceberg.

There will be blood.

Mark Thieme (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:58 PM)

Oh boy gather up your mud balls

Molly Ivans, Jim Hightower and, Ann Richards if your wondering what Deomcrats in Texas feel like... and combine that with whats in the water and you get the 2000 election (a texan) the Alamo (in texas) and football.

Good to see that Obama got himself a good running back. Hillary now needs Daryl Royal and Mack Brown.

But whoever gets Lance Armstrong, Willie Nelson, and most of the San Antonio Spurs..or Bevo the bull..wins

Avoid Mark Cuban he's rich but no one really likes him

Joshua who grew up in Austin, Portland, OR (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:58 PM)

i think its about time that hard line conseratives go the way of the wigs.

fired up and ready to go.

ps. on that 10$ celibration donation i wont to call that and rasie you 10$ . i will give 20$ any takers .

ki houston (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:59 PM)

This guy is really hitting his stride - he hasn't peaked yet! Phenomenal...

Muzhik, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:00 PM)

Message to Chris Matthews:
I think it's great you're tough on interviewees. You should be. That's why we watch you. BUT, if you're going to take Obama supporters to task for specific items, you should do the same to Clinton supporters. Not ONCE have I heard you (or anyone else in the MSM media) press a Clinton surrogate on precisely what SHE has ACCOMPLISHED in her "35 years of fighting for change." You just role over and repeat her claims as if they're true. The reality is her list of actual accomplishments is stunningly slim for someone who has based her whole claim on the Presidency on her "experience" and her ability to "get results" and "achieve solutions." Why don't you start pressing HER surrogates as well?

You're out of Schuster purgatory now. You don't need to cower and hope the Clintons won't yell at you again. As the 2004 Boston Red Sox team used to say, "Cowboy Up."

Expat in Asia (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:01 PM)

I am a 25 year latte drinking, prius driving, college educated white man who woke up this morning in tears. For the first time in my life, America has the opportunity to elect a President who is incredibly brilliant, well organized, detailed, and eloquent. Most importantly, however, he is inspirational in the way that only true change can come in America, and that is not by believing in him, but him giving us the confidence to believe in ourselves to perform the necessary change we need in our daily lives to tranform our country into what it can truly to be.

Obama '08

Michael New York, New York (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:02 PM)

Go OBAMA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!!!

Sandra (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:03 PM)

"Or a new politics of common sense, of common purpose, of shared sacrifice and shared prosperity."

Can we say socialism...He is the scariest thing we can possibly have at a very pivotal time in our history...he is the face of great propoganda...The general ideas that he stands behind are great in theory...then again, so were the basic concepts of the Communist Manifesto...

Kathryn in Bham (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:05 PM)

Amen, Barack. Hillary has tired words for everyone. Voters are figuring out that solutions are only possible if you can get them through. Hillary has pieces of paper with ideas. We have the political ability to move America forward!

Andrew, Missouri (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:06 PM)

I think that Billary will do anything and I mean anything to when! I had respect for her going in this race but she has blown that with her dirty politics! So I say I stand for change lets do this!

Go Obama! 08

Honey, Los Angeles CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:09 PM)

If Obama wins this primary, I think the country will be alright too!

Robert H (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:09 PM)

**********
I'm tired of these Clinton supporters BASHING OBAMA and these Obama Supporters BASHING Hillary... They are both GREAT people and who ever wins WE MUST ALL UNITE! I will Vote for Obama if he wins, and I will Vote for Clinton if she wins

George, Southern California (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:09 PM)

And that's why we should expect more negative attacks from the Clinton campaign: because their strategy worked so well in South Carolina and Wisconsin.

As for McCain, John should be thankful that nobody's listening to him yet because that nonsense he suggested last night was just as silly as the stuff that hasn't worked for Hillary up until now.

Ian (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:11 PM)

The crowd cheered when he blew his nose, really? Good god, these are dangerous times. People, get a grip. Are your life's so empty that you have exalted this man to some kind of god? Obama is a politician...that's it folks. He just wants your votes and that's it. Like all who seek power, he is nothing more than a self serving narcissist.

RJS, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:14 PM)

Obama is the candidate that can beat Obama 10 to 1. Most of the Republicans will vote Obama this time because they are really emvying the Democratic party for having such a genuine candidate.

Charity for Obama, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:15 PM)

Watch out Pennsylvania Avenue - Obama's moving in!!!!

Mo, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:18 PM)

John McCain is becoming John McCan't. John McCan't fix the economy, John McCan't provide health care, John McCan't end the war--John McCan't win the election.

James Clark, Chula Vista, Californai (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:20 PM)

I believe in Barrack Obama because he will change things and believes in hope for the future. I hope we can unify around the ideas of hope, change, the future, and believe again in unity. If we don't unify to change the future then things will remain unchanged and then what hope will we have. Without change, people in the future may cease to believe. That's why I believe that Barrack Obama believes in the things I believe in, at least I hope so.
I'm sorry I had to get so specific about my beliefs but I hope you too will unite with me so we can believe that we can change the future.

Thomas D. Vann Castle Rock, CO 80104 (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:21 PM)

It seems to me that a lot of folks just don't get it. The mantra of "experience" does not trump the mantra of "change".

Let's examine some examples of "experience"....for instance, Captain Smith of the Titanic had experieince. Napoleon had experience before Waterloo. George Bush had experience before ______ (fill in the blank). Now Hillary and John McCain are touting experience. What they don't seem to understand is the experience that matters is the experience of the American people. We are tired of feeling disenfranchised, and sold out to more powerful interests with deep pockets. We pay for everything, and are given lip service and platitudes. We listen to the entrenched politicos and their hacks spout empty idealogies that sound good (i.e. family values) but mean nothing. We have had enough experience outselves to know that something must change or a part of our heritage will die.

I relish the idea of electing a president who does not have experience in selling the American people down the river and favoring the rich who keep them in office. It is time for the second Declaration of Independence from the vested intersts and oloigarchies which have run our country for the last 30 years.

J Phillips (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:25 PM)

2/19/2008
Hardball
Chris Matthews to Kirk Watson, Texas rep supporting Obama:

"Sir, can you name Senator Obama's legislative accomplishments"? "Can you name any of them? Name one."

Watson - NO, I CAN'T!

Could not name any Obama legislative accomplishments!

Not surprising since he has been running for president form the moment be bacame a senator. Independents may be crossing over and voting for Obama but a lot of Democrats will also be crossing over to John McCain!

Fred C Dobbs Sierra Madre, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:25 PM)

Change, change, change...Yes, Yes, Yes!
Now how about some specifics. I voted for you yesterday, knowing that change is desperately needed and knowing that Clinton ain't it.
Now, if McCain is, in fact, more Bush, what is Obama?

Mike, Pewaukee, WI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:26 PM)

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