First thoughts: Running out the clock?

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:19 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd and Mark Murray
*** Running out the clock? It appears the Michigan re-vote legislation is hanging by a thread. Clinton is traveling to the state today to try and bring more attention to the fact that it isn't her campaign that is standing in the way of re-vote. Her desire to make this case is obvious: Clinton needs these do-over contests in Florida and Michigan -- and needs to win them by big margins -- to convince superdelegates that she should be the nominee. The question is: Will primary voters in other states care about this issue? (Or will they see this as pure politics, given the fact that Clinton never spoke up about Michigan and Florida until right before the South Carolina primary?) The Obama campaign appears to be gambling that they won't. After all, no matter how long you’ve served in the Senate, you know this one truism about American politics: It’s always easier to do nothing. This is good politics for Clinton if there is a re-vote or if she's the nominee, because while Florida is a battleground in the general, Dems have a path to 270 electoral votes without it. Michigan, on the other hand, is an absolute electoral vote necessisity for the Dems. This is TRULY the big Obama gamble; killing the Michigan revote may expedite his path to the Dem nomination, but he's got real work to do if he’s the nominee. By the way, by going to Michigan today, isn't Clinton sending the message that without a re-vote, her chances at the nomination are much more remote?

*** The known and unknown about Obama’s speech: The speech on race that Obama gave yesterday has drawn rave reviews. It was a bold and daring speech. Could anyone else have discussed both the injustice of slavery and white fears of busing? As we predicted, he hit a homerun with the media elite; in fact it was batting practice -- with the political world watching. It's hard to find an editorial board in the country that didn't praise him for this speech. But as others including NBC’s Tim Russert and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough have pointed out, its political impact is unknown. Will it play as well in Scranton and Asheville as it played in DC? What was interesting was the reaction on the right. The thought leaders on the right seemed to praise the speech, while its political leaders clearly see gain in keeping the Wright story alive (see Newt Gingrich's comments). While McCain may not be comfortable using the race card in the general against Obama, plenty of others may see the electoral map pragmatism in it. In fact, one thing may have become clear yesterday, regardless of how well received Obama's speech was: His electoral map has probably shrunk. His path to 270 will be different than Clinton's, but it will be just as much of a tightrope. Obama may trade Ohio for Virginia and Colorado, he won't be simply adding to the 2000/2004 Dem map.

VIDEO: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on Barack Obama's racial divide speech and takes a look at Hillary Clinton's search for a Michigan revote.

*** A few other race thoughts: Yesterday presented an opportunity for Obama to audition in front of millions of Americans responding to one of the nation’s trickiest topics. And here’s a question these voters may be asking themselves: After the last eight years, which person -- Clinton, McCain, Obama -- do they want to see on their TV sets for the next four to eight years? On that test, Obama probably scored very high marks. Neither Clinton nor McCain appear to have an ability to give that great speech; it's never been their strong suit. But it's not as if the current occupant got to the White House by being a great orator. One other unintended consequence of Obama’s speech: If he’s elected president, does this mean Democrats can no longer accuse the religious right of being too political? One thing the American public is learning is that the black churches are just as political as the Christian conservatives.

*** Beyond Pennsylvania: On this fifth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, Obama gives yet another big speech today -- this one in Fayetteville, NC on the topic of Iraq. Indeed, Obama's schedule this week includes travel in three states, none of which are Pennsylvania. He's in North Carolina today (May 6 primary), West Virginia tomorrow (May 13 primary) and Oregon on Friday (May 20 mail-in primary, with ballots mailed to voters as early as May 2). Of course, this is central to his path to the nomination: While Clinton is expected to do well in Pennsylvania (and Kentucky and West Virginia, too), Obama has the opportunity to offset those losses in other contests, allowing him to hold on to his 100-plus lead in pledged delegates. Clinton's schedule is also now showing diversity from Pennsylvania with West Virginia and Indiana on the docket. Bottom line: Both campaigns are sending the message that Pennsylvania, while important, is not the new Iowa. If anything, the next Iowa may very well be Indiana.

*** McCain’s misstep: For those who have focused on every word of the Jeremiah Wright controversy or who have paid attention to every nuance in the back-and-forth over re-dos for Florida and Michigan, you might have forgotten that McCain has been overseas in the Middle East on a CODEL with two of his closest friends in the Senate. And yesterday, the presumptive GOP nominee -- who has staked much of his candidacy on his support for and knowledge of the Iraq war -- made a pretty significant misstep: He stated several times that Iran (a Shiite country) was helping Al Qaeda (a Sunni organization), which obviously is incorrect. After friend Joe Lieberman, who is accompanying the Arizona senator, whispered into his ear, McCain corrected himself. As we asked earlier, what would have been the reaction if Obama or Clinton had made this mistake? (Or what would have been the reaction if either of them, after clinching the Dem nomination, had taken a taxpayer-funded trip to the Middle East that seems more political than senatorial?) One of the ironies of this presidential contest is that despite his high profile, McCain’s words, actions, and past haven’t received the scrutiny that a presumptive nominee usually gets.

*** Is the worm turning? Earlier this week, we noted that the Clinton campaign hadn’t publicly announced the support of a new superdelegate since February 7 -- and that since Super Tuesday, Clinton had lost seven supers (including Eliot Spitzer) while Obama had gained 47. But that now has changed. Per NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones, Iraq war critic Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania is now backing Clinton. It’s a BIG pick up. "Her experience and careful consideration of these issues convinced me that she is best qualified to lead our nation and to bring credibility back to the White House," he said in a statement. In addition, we learned through the Charleston Gazette that DNC Committeeman Pat Maroney is supporting Clinton, and Maroney previously wasn’t on our list. So Clinton picks up two new superdelegates, which changes our superdelegate count to Clinton 255, Obama 217 and our overall count to Obama 1,625, Clinton 1,506.

*** A significant hire: Speaking of the Clinton camp, here is some news we reported last night, but which bears repeating: The campaign has hired Democratic pollster Geoff Garin. The question becomes, of course: How does this impact pollster and chief strategist Mark Penn? Some in the campaign have been arguing for months that the chief strategist shouldn't be polling his own message ideas. Garin, one of the most respected Dem pollsters in the country, is someone who will have instant credibility inside the campaign and -- more importantly -- with worried anti-Penn donors. Above all, Garin brings an expertise in many of the key states where Clinton needs big victories, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Indiana. In fact, there are very few Democrats who win in Indiana without the help of Garin. By the way, news of Garin's hire has warmed the hearts of quite a few Clinton supporters, at least the ones we've heard from.

*** Confronting the big issue: So President Bush -- like Obama today and Clinton on Monday -- is giving a major speech marking the Iraq war anniversary. Of course, such a speech is totally appropriate. But Bush still hasn't addressed the nation on the current economic angst that is gripping the country.

*** On the trail: Elsewhere today, Clinton is in West Virginia, where she has a discussion with veterans in Huntington and then holds a town hall in Charleston; McCain remains overseas; Obama holds a town hall in Charlotte, NC after his Iraq speech; and Bill Clinton spends his day in Pennsylvania.

Countdown to Pennsylvania: 34 days
Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 48 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 230 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 307 days

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Comments

Yesterday I mentioned that I wanted Senator Obama back. After his brilliant and mesmerizing speech, I believe he’s back and the future looks bright once again. Now I know the Patty of SD’s of this blog will pounce all over him, but who cares. What he accomplished more than anything was to close the door on this issue, completely box out McCain & Clinton, and put needed spark back into his campaign.

I did not read any comments on his speech until I read the entire speech first. Thank you FR for posting it in its entirety. Later in the day, I viewed most of the ‘talking head’ shows and network news stories. Predictably, the Clinton Broadcast System (CBS), the Clinton News Network (CNN) and Hardball all downplayed, or cleverly edited the speech to imply this issue is not over and that Obama is going down to defeat because of it. Nothing could be further from the truth in my mind. People will always hear or read what they wish. But how can any honest person refute, repudiate and deny the accuracy of what he said? Many have declared this one of the most important speeches in our country’s history. I cannot judge that and do not have 51% of the vote to decide. All I know is he once again proved his keen insight and judgment are above those of his opponents. HRC couldn’t make a speech like this if her life depended on it, and McCain would look ridiculous reading from the teleprompter like he always does.

Today and tomorrow, he is giving major speeches on Iraq and the economy. I rest comfortably that he will continue with 2 more brilliant speeches with incredible foresight.

Chuck, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:26 AM)

Back in December of 2007, <b>Bob Novak</b> reported that there were talks within the Clinton campaign that she had dirt on Obama but she had decided not to use it. Well, rumours have it that the Rev Wright story is the said rumours.

The strategy to give the story a life began when Geraldine Ferraro made the remarks that most people saw as racist and then with the help of the conservative media, they put the Rev Wright story into public domain.

They strategy has worked perfectly well because it put Obama in the place where he does not want to be, talking about race and defending his relationship with Rev Wright. They have also successfully made Obama look more of a black candidate running for president rather that a candidate running for president who happens to be black.

The speech delivered by Obama is probably his best option to reassure the middle class white voters he is trying to reach out to that he does not hold any of the views expressed in the video by Rev Wright. The speech may well turn out to be the single defining moment that makes or mars his presidential ambition.

The impact on Obama's presidential campaign remains to be seen.

TheDonald

TheDonald (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:27 AM)

Eugene Robinson-Howard Fineman-Keith Olbermann-Rachael Maddow-Jonathan Alter -

Your analysis of Barack Obama’s speech last night on Countdown was stunning. Simply stunning.

Thank you all.

Viewer (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:29 AM)

Thank you, Barack, for having enough faith in the American people to give us the address you chose to give. I hope we all take the time to read and process it.

jaycee, Ventura, California (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:30 AM)

Obama has a future in mind for the USA.

The GOP has a bunch of distractions and a War Lord Candidate, the new Goldwater.

The General will be a landslide for Obama.

adam/Brooklyn New York City (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:33 AM)

McCain’s experience and Hillary’s exposure can both be used to argue in favor of their merit but what weight does either point have when it can be shown that only Barak has the insight and the conviction to fix the problems? The conservative views that McCain touts and the liberal solutions that Hillary offers do nothing when they each fail to recognize, identify and address the real problems. When Barak stated in his recent speech that “- a corporate culture rife with inside dealing, questionable accounting practices, and short-term greed; a Washington dominated by lobbyists and special interests; economic policies that favor the few over the many –“ it represented an understanding of the source and reason for the problems and then that he, unlike the other two who have been part of the culture that created, maintained and benefited from that behavior, can seek the changes needed. Like McCain who stubbornly advocates the continuation of the Bush policies, Hillary has also been totally dependent on “Washington as usual” to get where she is, they are literally charter members of the club. They, out of habit and tied-in by their necessity, will only protect and perpetuate the conditions that are at the base of the problems, which includes the Iraq War. If we truly want the changes that we desperately need, then we had better not be swayed by McCain’s experience or Hillary’s exposure, which speak more of their connection to the problems, and rather ignore their deceptive criticisms of Barak to understand and objectively evaluate his insight. Neither McCain nor Hillary can fix the problems because they simply are part of the problems!

REG in AZ (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:35 AM)

Picking up one superdelegate, basically mitigating her net losses since early February from -7 to -6 superdelegates, hardly seems like a turning of the worm. Maybe it is, but a little early to be making such statements.

Given the way the monster works, the more likely scenario is that either she has some dirt on Murtha or promised him something in order to buy his support.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:36 AM)

"This is TRULY the big Obama gamble; killing the Michigan revote may expedite his path to the Dem nomination, but he's got real work to do if he’s the nominee."

I could not disagree more. No matter what happens or does not happen in Michigan and Florida, it is not Senator Obama's fault. These states "gambled" that they were above the rules, and they lost. Perhaps the Democratic party should have thought of this when they created such a drastic penalty. . . but there is absolutely NO WAY you can pin this on Senator Obama (at least not with a straight face).

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:37 AM)

Imagine that Bush being inappopriate???? big surprise.

As for Clinton gaining a couple of superdelegates, thats odd so late in the game isnt it? this race is never known.

Lynette, NYC (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:37 AM)

Hillary Clinton is willing to do whatever she needs to do to steal this election. She criticizes her opponent for saying one thing to voters and then having his advisers say something else.

How about this Senator Clinton: you signed your name saying the votes in Michigan and Florida would not count. You gave an interview on NPR in October in which you said the votes would not count, so there was no reason to take your name off the ballot in Michigan (now we see why you did not). So, your word is only good as long as you're winning? That's what we're to expect from a President? We've had that for the past 8 years.

California Indy (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:41 AM)

I hope today starts a new day where we can get past this issue of race, it is ridiculous. I am disappointed in Dan Abrams, he really does not have a clue about anything other than what he learned growing up. He really can't think outside the box. I am really proud to have encountered a politician such as Barack Obama in my lifetime, no matter what happens from here on out.

Kym (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:42 AM)

"One thing the American public is learning is that the black churches are just as political as the Christian conservatives."

Interesting that you people are just "learning" this when the entire Civil Rights movement sprang from the Black church.

You know when you have very little political influence, you may have to take advantage of the one place where you can gather together on a regular basis!

Sometimes it seems that the media has a very selective memory.

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:43 AM)

Murtha is Old and is a hippocrate. Anti-War but supports Hill??? Makes no sense...

Nj (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:43 AM)

According to the speech and Obama cult members...GOD HAS SPOKEN!!

JeanneGA (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:43 AM)

First Read asks if Obama's speech will play as well in Scranton and Asheville as it does in DC? If First Read is speaking of Asheville, NC, then it needs to do a bit more research. Scranton and Asheville are very different places. Asheville is arguably the most liberal and progressive city in NC. My guess is that Obama's speech would've been very well received there.

Nikki, Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:44 AM)

Okay, Can I just say that Joe Scarborough's claim in the promotion for his Morning Joe show - that "The Republicans don't own" him - is patently FALSE.

The man salivates at any opportunity to hurt Obama's chances and ensure a Clinton nomination. Those of you who are supporting Hillary, it should give you pause that the Republicans, from Scarborough to Limbaugh are positively GIDDY at the prospect of running against Clinton.

Yesterday, on the show Race to the Whitehouse, Scarborough made the prediction that Obama's numbers in PA would go DOWN after his speech (apparently underestimating the ability of working class voters to grasp the complexities of what Obama was saying - which I think is ridiculous).

It is one thing to step back and make this prediction as a political pundit who is observing the process - but Scarborough is - in his Morning Joe show today - attempting to do EVERYTHING he can to ensure that his prediction comes to pass. I think that there was an agenda behind it - I think he was calling it like he WANTED the outcome to be, not how he actually thought it would turn out....

Mel (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:45 AM)

There is a very simple solution to this mess: All elected delegates from Fla and Michigan should contact the members of the Democratic party (only the members of the Democratic party please)in their districts and vote at the convention the way their districts want. This could be taken care of at the monthly Democratic party meetings or even a specially called meeting - you have enough time to advertise it for several weeks, then by the 1st of May meet and let the Delegates know your wishes, then the delegates will have to vote at the convention that way. This is the best way to handle both Fla and Michigan and the only fair solution in sight. It also keeps out the crossover repugnants who are intent on choosing our nominee. If repugnants show up don't let them vote, let them watch, then publish a letter in the local paper welcoming each repugnant who attended.
It is time to stop letting the repugnants control the Democratic party!

Union Baby, Tennessee (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:45 AM)

I really hope President Bush holds up a "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" sign during his speech ... well, he's got that one from 5 years ago he could use.

Beth, Orlando, Florida (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:46 AM)

In addressing the point about Michigan

If Hillary wants Michigan sooo bad...why doesn't SHE say that people who voted for republicans already, should not be allowed to vote in the democratic primary?

Does that not make sens Why would Sen. Clinton not say Republicans should not vote in democratic primaries?

Dave Exeter NH (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:46 AM)

Senator Obama's speech was brave and effective. This is the man I want speaking to me from the Oval Office. While Senator Clinton appeals to our worst instincts, Senator Obama asks us to be better, to see that ultimately, we are all concerned about jobs, safety of our families, education for the next generation.

Senator McCain's misstep reminds me of President Reagan in his second term. Do any of you remember Mrs. Reagan whispering answers to him? I voted for Reagan twice, and after his second term decided that age did indeed matter. I supported McCain in 2000, but based on his age, and his total support for Bush, will not support him this time around.

Joe Scarborough keeps saying that Reagan Democrats will not support Obama. This Reagan Democrat will, and I bet I am not the only one.

And by the way, can MSNBC PUHLEEEEZE find a more erudite, less biased and arrogant commentator then Scarborough? He is annoying and shallow in the extreme, and I turn off MSNBC when he is on.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:46 AM)

Why is it Obama's fault if there's no revote? Guys, report the facts. Michigan lawmakers moved up their primary, spitting in the face of the DNC and many other states. Now, it's Obama's fault? Wrong. It's the lawmakers who thought, "we'll make a big enough stink about how important Michigan is to the Presidency and they'll back down." Maybe this is a good chance to show some adults you don't get your way by throwing temper-tantrums.

California Voter (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:47 AM)

Obama has proven himself to be a true statesman and an uparalleled leader on difficult issues. If we can come away with anything from yesterday's speech, it's that he is, without a doubt, ready to take the reigns. That quality of leadership on such a difficult subject, combined with his unwavering good judgment on the most difficult issues facing America, puts him miles above Clinton. Could you ever picture her displaying the same leadership on a speech on gender? Her judgment's just not there, either, with continued bad judgment on Iraq, refusing to say she screwed up, voting with the war hawks on Iran legislation, I just don't trust her to make decisions any different than the current administration when the starting gun fires.

Ron, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:49 AM)

I'm still waiting for obama to address the REAL issue why so many Americans find his pastor comments so OFFENSIVE, and thats why he BLAMES America for 9/11 and the Aids virus.
The pundits need to stop the "O THOU GREAT ONE OBAMA" and challenge obama on his views in contrast to his pastors and his wife Michelle views on 9/11 and the rest of the hate America part of Jeremiah Wright comments

Stewart, Bethesda, MD (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:49 AM)

The speech was from the heart and SOUNDED quite good. However, Obama lied the first time asked- if he was there during these hate spewing speeches by Pastor Wright. AND, the truth is that he and his wife truely believe in their Pastor and what he says. Thats why you stay at a church in the first place. This will be a major concern for him and Obama has successfully lost the presidency for the dems. McCain will be our next president. Obama and his extreme leftwingers lost this election for our party and nobody else. Of course they had help from both extreme wings of each parties (left and right) media members. The moderates have been left out in the cold again. Disgusting!!!!

j fl (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:50 AM)

Here is the bottom line regarding the "More Perfect Union" speech yesterday. If the only thing people took from it was that Obama had Rev. Wright as his mentor and pastor for 20 years and wonder why he never left the church then they missed the entire point of the speech and are probably people who would never have voted for Obama anyway (working class white closet racists in OH and PA). But if people were able to look past the issue of Rev. Wright and actually listen to the speech and hear the call to rise above the issue of racism, confront it, work to end it and move on to a more perfect union then they would probably side with Obama (educated people). So basically it boils down to this. Uneducated white closet racists will not side with Obama but these people would never have sided with Obama and probably voted for Bush while educated, intelligent people of all races who have the mental capacity to hear the speech for what it is will side with Obama. Unfortunately the last eight years have proven that the majority of Americans are too utterly uneducated to make an informed decision.

Of Course Racists Don't Back Obama - Duh! (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:53 AM)

The notion this won't play well in Asheville seems a little misinformed about the political leanings of the rather small, rather liberal mountain city of NC. I've never lived in a place so proud of itself for holding a generally liberal perspective.

Andrew, NYC (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:53 AM)

Obama was forced to deal with the race issue and he did it with his usual brilliance. Give this man the chance to unleash the same brilliance on the issues of economy and foreign policy and America can reclaim its rightful role as a respected world leader.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:54 AM)

I know MSNBC will not post this , but its time we admitt that a lot of the so called progressive Democrats are racist. including the Clintons, who just want to keep the Africian American on welfare and used as a voting block, Black Ameria is beginning to see the democrats as Elite Racist and White

Ashamed to be Democrat (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:56 AM)

Obama is against the re-votes of Michigan and Florida virtually disenfranchising roughly 2 1/2 million voters-

For 30 years Obama has been attending a church with sermens that spew hatred, disenfranchisement, anger and revenge, so this is right in line with what he's been preaching all along....he's practicing what he's preaching!!!

isn't a re-vote the fair way to go?? after all, the mis-haps of the state's law makers of Florida and Michigan are not in any way shape or form the fault of the people of those two states, so they shouldn't be penalized by those mis-haps!!

justseeingtheforestthroughthetrees (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:56 AM)

Guys did you see the same speech the rest of did? The one that lectured America on race? I don't get it. How badly do you want this guy to win that you in the media refuse to criticze him EVER. You say he was bold and daring, but where was that courage over the last 20 years? He didn't stand up to Wright or this church and that is not presidential and doesn't show America that leadership we look for in our presidents. He's lost the independent vote and any GOP vote he ever had. You know it and I know it. Wright is a huge mess for Obama and it won't go away entirely. You talk about how he looks on TV--to me he looks weaked and wounded. Like a guy who thinks he talked his way out of something again, but who was panicked enough about it to rush to give a speech where he actually defended Wright. He can't win against a war hero. I'm a dem and I'd never vote the guy now.

Jerry (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:58 AM)

The NY Times headline about McCain's gaffe says "Dems pounce". It's interesting how the verb "pounce" is always used by the media to describe Democrats to make it seem the Democrats are so desperate they're going after some utterly trivial mistake made by a Republican in order to win a few votes. Yet I've never seen a headline that said "Republicans pounce." I wonder why.

And McCains "gaffe" was no minor blunder. A tongue-in-cheek definition of a gaffe is that it's when a politician accidentally tells the truth.

And the truth McCain accidentally told when he accused Shiite Iran of training Sunni Al Qaeda to blow up Shiites in Iraq is that he is unfit to be Command in Chief. He's eager to start new wars, but he doesn't have even a basic understanding of his chosen "enemy," just like our current Ignoramus in Chief.

Houston (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

The Democrats, once again, prove they can't get out of their own way.

Does anybody believe that the Clinton campaign would be so passionate about the disenfranchised voters in FL and MI if she hadn't lost so many other states? She, like Obama, signed a document last year that sealed the fate of voters in both states. To blame Obama for the current stalemate is embarrassing, underhanded and un-Presidential. Now I see that two super delegates have announced their support for the candidate with no shot at winning the delegate race. And these are the people who run one of two political parties in the most powerful country in the world? I wouldn't trust the Democratic Party elite to organize a softball tournament, much less coordinate a winning campaign against the Republican machine.

Dean, Norwalk, CT (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

Please someone put a stop to Hillary! Remember travelgate? why would we want anyone whom is involed in anything illeagal to be president? Is this Country crazy? She is all about "HER" and no one else, folks in Pennsylviania PLEASE PUT A STOP TO HILLARY!

Workin Women in OHIO (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

Obama has passed his test and has set out a vision for America that must not be denied, or should not be denied. Now it is up to Party leaders to be Leaders and end this divisive quest for power of the Clintons and bring unity to the Democratic Party and possibly a greater union to this country. If we really love America we must come together, our problems are too great.

Due to the divisions Camp Clinton initiated into the political society at this time, Obama had to address Race, which turned out to be a good thing and hopefully will begin to heal the division instituted by the Clintons. Obama has shown through this contoversy that he is a true leader. Obama wants a force for good, for groping and solving our problems which effect us today and have not really been addressed or solved. We have to do something new for the old ways have not worked. He has shown by his willingness not to go negative, not to get angry, not to be critical, that he indeed, represents something new and a leader for our times who can work with both Democrats and Republicans.

Unfotunately, there are some who want to continue the Rev. Wright controversy for their own selfish ends. Rev. Wright did not preach hate every day like some want to suggest, and seem so shocked that he, and he alone, only preached this way, not unlike some Right-Wing preachers who sit with presidents today. Pundits like Joe Scarborough, Pat Buchanan, and others who want to continue to sow division, represent the very things they say about Rev. Wright -- hatefulness divisiveness, extremists, and all the ugly things that go along with that type of personality and are a part of the old ways that we want to move away from as we are trying to build a more sane, untified, holistic society, filled with goodwill instead of hate. As long as we have pundits and media who prefer to concentrate on our differences and expoit them, they constitute an impediment, a wall to the very kind of unity we are trying to build. These pundits should not be allowed to make big salaries while they continue to tear America down and apart. They are no friend to America. These pundits like to talk about white, blue collar workers, and what they really want, as if they really represent them with their cushy salaries. However, I am part of the average joes who grew up in up-state New York, and Joe, Pat, and other divisive media personalities, average working people are willing to hear what Obama has to say, white and black, men and women, because they are more concerned about their pocketbooks than continuing a race/gender divide. They don't want to see this Unity, because with unity there is power, a force, either for good or bad but it is a powerful force.

Barack Obama is asking America to put anger aside, to heal, to walk over that bridge in reconcilliation. That is why he, uniquely, can work with Republicans while being a Democrat. America we must demand better of our leaders, politicians and media if we are to survive the herculean problems facing us today. We cannot continue to let the forces of separatism tear us apart, the stakes are way too high. We can demand better and we can do better. It is in us to overcome if we do not let these forces continue to fan the flames of hatred and fear.

It is time for Party Leaders to step in and end Hillary's destructive quest to gain the White House. that She cannot win and only further tears apart not just the Democratic Party apart but also the United States in this quest for power. If she was running for office in a more unifying and ethical way, then I would say more power to her, but she is not. She has run amuck and against Democratic core principles and seems more Republican like than Democratic. As for the Iraq war, Hillary Clinton has no credibility. She can do all the speeches on Iraq that she chooses but no one really believes her. She represents the past ways of doing things which are negative and impediments to the qualities of goodwill and unity which we are trying to implement in a more holistic society. America is embracing her Soul!

Julie W. (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:01 AM)

Why is Hillary going to MI more important then the speech that Obama gave on race???

Hillary gets top billing on your web page versus Obama speech on race which will be the bases of race discussion through the capaign and probably for years to come is second says the media is short sighted and doesn't look at historical views and help the discussions versus devide the discussions and nation!!!

John - PA (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:01 AM)

"I have concrete detailed plans to end this war, and I have not wavered in my commitment to follow through on them." - Hillary Clinton

Clinton said she would have her advisers draw up a plan to begin withdrawing troops within 60 days of taking office.

So what is it Hillary? You have a "concrete detailed plan" or you will "have [your] advisers draw up a plan"?

More flip flopping lies and falsehoods. She has NO DETAILED PLANS. Listen to what she says. It's nothing but "advisers drawing up a plan", "time out on trade to review", "form a commitee", etc, etc.

__________

“Yes or no, would Clinton stick to the withdrawal plan she has outlined even if the security situation in Iraq were to fall apart?” asked a reporter.

"This is Howard Wolfson," he said. "You asked for a one-word answer and the answer is yes."

Seems a little reckless to not take the conditions on the ground in making decisions of this magnitude. Oh wait, that’s what Samantha Powers said that Barack Obama would do, take ground conditions into account, and you blasted him for it. So basically Clinton is saying she’ll do what she wants, regardless of what the conditions are on the ground, regardless of what the Joint Chiefs recommend, regardless of what is in our best interests. Sounds familiar… oh, that’s right. That’s George Bush’s method of operation.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:01 AM)

"...And here’s a question these voters may be asking themselves: After the last eight years, which person -- Clinton, McCain, Obama -- do they want to see on their TV sets for the next four to eight years?...."

Chuck,
I don't know who Mark Murray is, outside of this blog I've never heard of him.
But, I don't believe anyone such as you, who presents himself to be such the serious political analyst, would have...could have, allowed such an idiotic, sophmoric commentary to be posted as part of a daily report that your supposed to be in charge of.
We aren't electing a rock-star, this isn't "American Idol." It isn't a charisma contest, or a beauty pageant.
This is an election to determine who will be President of The United States, braintrust of the free world, and Commander in Chief of the largest, most dangerously armed, most well equipped, most highly trained and the most expensive military machine on the planet.
This is serious business, not a reality TV show where "cheesecake" can take one beyond the limits of their critical thinking skills.
I'm kind of surprised that someone who wants to be taken as seriously as you apparently do, would post something like that.
You should be aware that it discredits your opinions and analyzation of daily political events to the extent that maybe you should rename this site "Political Tiger Beat."
Perhaps tomorrow you can preview what Vanna will wear, or tell us what everyone's dying to know about Charlie Sheen's love life.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:03 AM)

Per NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones, Iraq war critic Rep. Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania is now backing Clinton. It’s a BIG pick up. "Her experience and careful consideration of these issues convinced me that she is best qualified to lead our nation and to bring credibility back to the White House," he said in a statement.

When it comes to credibility, Jack Murtha knows about the subject the least. Remember ABSCAM? He is also well known as a big waster of taxpayer money and he goes around threatening people who don't like his policies. If anybody was going to play Luke Abrattzi to Hillary's Michael Corleone, it's Jack Murtha. He is truly the "Bull Connor" of the democratic party.

Obama gave a GREAT speech yesterday. Since he has never given any type of speech that his Pastor has given, one has to wonder why Barack Obama is taking so much heat. I had a preacher who really went after anything and everything that didn't fit the bible. I'd listen and then go out and do pretty much everything he was against. I even got tired of Sean Hannity talking about Rev. Wright and he has been talking and investigating him longer then all the network and cable news shows combined. The Clinton's are dirtier people.

There is no way Hillary could ever give inspiring speeches like Obama can. The girl who plays her on Saturday Night Live does a better job then the real thing and that's pretty sad.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:04 AM)

The problem isn't about the state of race relations. The problem is that Obama regards a racist and separatist leader of his church as his mentor, and also regards him as a family member. The question becomes, is Obama cut from the same cloth, and it appears he is. He even threw his own grandmother under the bus to prop up his warm feelings towards Pastor Wright. What a despicable person Obama is for doing such a thing.

And as for the "elite media" fawning over the speech, that is just another indication of the hard left edge of the media in the country. When Trent Lott said a few nice things about an old man (Strom Thurman) at a party in his honor, the "elite media" called Lott everything but a gentlemen, and it cost Lott his job. For Obama, who is the leftist medias dream candidate, him supporting his "friend and mentor" is somehow an act of courage.

Thats all McCain needs to do between Labor Day and Election Day is intertwine Obamas nice talk of Wright in with Wrights racists rantings during his service. That show that commercial over and over.

Steve Milam, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:04 AM)

This is a perfect opportunity to start talking about McCain. He is clearly unknowledgeable about the economy or what the heck is going on overseas.

Although, the Democrats will get on this blog and smear each other. Democrats have 2 viable candidates, I favor one over the other do to bad conduct, but they are both great and the Republicans know it.

Did you hear Joe Scarborough this morning talking about many blacks said that was good what Reagan got. THAT IS A BULL AND JOE WANTS TO CONTINUE TO DIVIDE THE DEMOCRATS AND THIS COUNTRY BASED ON RACE. A nation mourned when our President was shot. Joe needs to get a life. He grew up in Florida and at that time it played in the schools and a whole nation mourned together. In Florida through many schools, there were silenced moments and people were afraid. I know in my school and for a long time, I was horrified. For Joe to be this wreckless I am not surprised; he wants McCain to be the next president. He just keeps it going...what an idiot! Pat Buchanon is yesterday's news and nothing but a bitter old man who is no different than Wright. They are both stuck in the past and peeling the scab off of old wounds and still hashing old fights.

Democrats are fighting to take control of the most powerful office in the land to get us back on track as a nation. We rely on Republican news crews to give us info about our candidates.

Then on top of this we have Republicans committing election fraud. Pay attention Democrats...
Where is the DNC (Do Not care) Party?

Republican News Crews...Not Reliable (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

My only beef with Obama's speech is he didn't mention the fact that most black kids grow up in a single family home (http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/family/articles/2008/03/03/the_parent_trap/?page=2):

"In 2006, 5.5 million black children lived with their mother, 3.9 million lived with both parents, and just over 500,000 lived with their fathers."

Mike, Hopkinton, MA (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

The big problem for Michigan is that May 6 is school elections, need those voting machines. It takes 60 days to setup an election - all the equipment will need to be tested. Just do not see this happening for May or June.

It should be remembered that this is a Democratic party issue. How many of you had an opportunity to select Nader for the Libertarians? Yeah, that's what I thought.

I see the Republicans, with Gov. Crist on Morning Joe, is trying to stir FL again. Just more shenanigans.

OBwan, IN (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

Speaking as a Michigan Democrat, I have already informed Sen. Levin and Gov. Granholms political teams that they no longer will get a vote or contribution from me. I do not lay the blame for Michigan's delegate issue anywhere but at the feet of the Michigan Democratic Party where it belongs. I was convinced when I voted Undecided that the Clintons would be attempting to count the vote no matter what and it came to be. Too bad that the Mich. Dems hadn't left things as they were...it would have been fun to vote when it counted.

Diane M. Holland, MI (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

"...The speech on race that Obama gave yesterday has drawn rave reviews. ..."

Oh really?
From who, besides the political prostitutes at MSNBC who stump for Obama on a daily basis?

Get Real, Report The Facts, and Stop 'Softballing' Obama (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:08 AM)

You bleeding hearts really don't get america do you? When a black man or church accuses us of starting aids to kill black people or accuse anyone who disagrees with then as being racist are themselves racist and not long for the electoral landscape...this pablum may play in liberal enclaves but in middle america it just makes us mad

Ron, KS (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:09 AM)

Obama's speech was a dud. Obama's speech didn't get "rave reviews" except on MSNBC, which has endorsed Obama. I watched Fox News and CNN and they were much more measured in their Obama speech coverage. And I've heard nobody discussing this "historic" speech at work around the water cooler.

And who do me and my family "want to see on TV" over the next four years? John McCain, not Barak Obama.

Dirk, Brunswick, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:11 AM)

Kym, 9:42 post - Regarding Dan Abrams, I couldn't agree more! I had to quit watching him a while back because in order to be "fair" he would make sure that both Obama and Clinton had about the same number of X's on his Cheap Shots segment. Sometimes the comparisons were ludicrous. Yes, Clinton killed 47 people so she gets an "X". And Obama used a comma instead of a semi-colon on this mailer, so he gets an "X". So they have one strike each against them. Sheesh.

fortuna, Houston, TX (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:13 AM)

j fl:
I realize the Anti-Obama talking point this morning is that Obama lied in his speech compared to what he said last Friday.

J fl, you're smarter than that. Nothing he said yesterday was different from, or contradicted what he said last Friday. When you suggest otherwise, it's YOU who are lying, not him.

Reality Check (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:14 AM)

I don't think it is in Obama's interest as well if Michigan and Florida vote's don't count. If he gets the nominations, it'll hurt him in the general elections. That's for sure. He should at least make the case for a revote. Show these two states that their vote matter to him as well.

It would be good to know that the entire country was involved in the nominating process. It was the Republican legislature that made those decisions, not the voters. Do not punish them. DNC should not try and alienate itself by telling these people you don't matter. Or it would once again suffer in the fall.

voice of reason, pa (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:14 AM)

This re-vote discussion is more of the same Clinton spin.She claims that the Obama campiagn is blocking the re-vote,nothing said about the agreement that was made before campaign started.That the votes in those states would not count,but now that she is so far behind that she wants the game changed to suit her needs.She needs to check the facts,Your own Campiagn Manager Harold Icky while he was a member of the D.N.C that voted on this subject said "Those states that changed the dates of there primary will not have there votes counted or there delagates seated" he voted to ban there votes. So stop blaming others for something that you agreed to.You never cared about the voters, all you ever cared about were the superdelagates.

Jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Wednesday, March 19, 2008 10:18 AM)

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