Tar Heel politicking

Posted: Monday, March 31, 2008 11:03 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: States, 2008, Primaries

From NBC/NJ's Carrie Dann and NBC's Mark Murray
Obama is heavily favored in the May 6 North Carolina primary. And not surprisingly, the Clinton campaign has downplayed expectations there (just like Team Obama has downplayed expectations in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky).

But -- in a nod to the power of surrogates -- it's worth noting that the Clinton clan has visited the Tar Heel State more often than the Obama clan has since March 4.

Barack Obama -- 2 days, 3 total stops
Michelle Obama -- 0 days, 0 total stops

Hillary Clinton -- 1 day, 3 total stops
Bill Clinton -- 2 days, 9 total stops
Chelsea Clinton -- 2 days, 4 total stops

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Comments

Obama must be pretty good to be able to run against Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and John McCain all at the same time.

It is 1 against 4.

Yah... I think he can handle it!

http://laststopmidwest.blogspot.com/

James, Wichita, KS (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:12 AM)

Oh, we're only counting surrogates the candidates are related to???

Too bad Michelle's mama is taking care of her girls--or the Obama team could have one more!

Don't be ridiculous.

Jmp, Northern MN (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:13 AM)

Change is in the air guys. Let's take it one step further -

~The Cleveland Indians have won the World Series twice, in 1920 and 1948.

~ The Chicago Cubs have won the World Series twice, in 1907 & 1908.

Enough Bill/Hillary Clinton.

Enough Bush/McCain.

Enough Red Sox/New York Yankees.

Barack Obama 2008.

Indians/Cubs 2008.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:16 AM)

I think that its really telling how much the HRC campaign has been making use of the Clintons...where indeed would she be without them. And I'm not sure I know the answer to that. The answer might be mixed.

One thing, as Chelsea is becoming a major surrogate for her, its really kind of a double standard not to have her be able to take questions like any other surrogate. Also, I honestly take what they say MORE with a grain of salt than I do with other surrogates in that they just seem to have more of a stake in this.

Obama seems to be able to make up for all the Clintons stops though although this may be harder in physically big states...he has certainly waged a great campaign! I look forward to all the books you guys will write (a most interesting race)!

Obama 08

Lisa, New Britain, CT CT for Obama (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:16 AM)

Senator Clinton ran her campaign into debt and now we find out she hasn't been paying the small businesses who make up the fabric of every town in America.

Question to Hillary supporters: how does this equate to "experience" or give us ANY confidence that she could run a budget as complex as America's.

ME, CA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:18 AM)

Why cannot they simply compete and stop downplaying everything? Competitiveness, after all, is a healthy part of American life -- we live in a competitive society. So, the way the nomination is being won is through normal competition for the job of the presidency, but downplaying stuff.
I'd believe Hillary can still win North Carolina had she been more upfront and efficient with her campaign.

Ron H. Allen (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:19 AM)

It does matter how long the Clintons are willing to stay in this race. The dice is cast. This is fairy tale for the Clintons.

Obama breaking record: 22,000 in Happy Valley, PA
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/3/30/16552/8933/887/487275

Clinton Campaign Manager Was Director For Failed Subprime Lender.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/29/clinton-campaign-manager-_n_94064.html

Oh great. Another scandal, a certifiable one at that, to hit Hillary-ville.
Her campaign manager, Maggie Williams, was on the board of a hardcore predatory lending firm. The same exact type of predatory lending practices that Senator Clinton is so vehemently stumping against.
Under the direction, of course, of a seasoned predatory lending director.
Does the hypocrisy never end?
She cannot in good faith continue to discuss predatory lending without expecting some serious questions about this from the media.
Surely she knew that Maggie Williams was involved with this. Why did she accept her, ethically, when subprime mortgages have become her recent refrain? I understand one could glean an insiders advantage into it through a predatory lender, but to employ one just shows more hypocrisy.
What do y'all think?
It's sort of a broad question of like, how much scandal is acceptable for a politician? We're so lucky to have Barack. I know of one tie he has that I'm no fan of, however, he's really pretty squeaky clean and I totally admire his team. It seems as if, in spite of Bill's 80 million dollar income, they can't hire anyone, or don't think it's important to hire anyone, who isn't down in the mud?

Banko (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:20 AM)

A prediction.

On April 16, 2008, Senator Clinton will report that she and Bill Clinton have applied for an extension to file their 2007 joint tax return and will not be releasing that information to the public. There's simply no way to spin that effectively and it will be the final act of a well spun campaign.

No super delegate can tolerate that and the remaining undecided voters will not tolerate another obfuscation.

Murgatroyd, Umpqua, Oregon (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:22 AM)

Must be a slow news day. Next you'll be reporting on frequent flier miles.

Bob, Chicago

Bob, Chicago (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:23 AM)

we around the world we are watching what is going on
in America pri election. But one thing we know for sure! If America choose Obama, is a prove of real change, and that show that even a black man can rule. But if Clinton is choosen, then true change has not come. And that is bad sign to the rest of world. Americans should be fair to let a black man this time. Other wise it will show us that White americans are still racist, and that is not good for America.

Naftary, Tanzania (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:24 AM)

AND he's expected to pick up 7 SD's as a GROUP! Hopefully prior to the Primary! THAT should send a message, eh? Although the messages apparently aren't getting to Hillary!

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:27 AM)

Saw our first TV ad here in Coastal NC for Obama yesterday during the Sunday political news shows. I am tending toward the opinion that I'm reading on some of the posts here....that she should stay in until the bitter end. Otherwise her supporters will say that she didn't get a "fair" chance. We can't have that, can we?!!! For him to win in spite of any and all of the Clinton campaign's "kitchen sink" tactics will be the best, and no one will be able to diminish such a victory.

Kaye,NC (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:32 AM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Old soldiers never die they just run until the convention.

twocanpete (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:33 AM)

DId you notice that there are many more CLintons to make these stops? Michelle O seems to take a back seat, but the Clintons - I still wonder why every word of Chelsea (and every finger Bill wags) is worth covering - where are the policy issues?!

Cartage (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:36 AM)

When you look at Hillary, you know that she have problem of lying.
And when you look at Obama you can easily tell he is honest.
Hillary she wont be a good president, cause she will have to do what Bill want to be done.
Choosing Hillary is equal to selecting Bill for Third time.
So Hillary, cant be able to bring real change what the American need.
But Obama will be the once in a life time leader and poresident.
Who will bring not only unity to America, but also help to wipe away the hate that, other people of
the world have against Us.
Even the world peace will turn nomal if
Obama is America president.

Machengo (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:36 AM)

What about those tax records Hillary? Maybe you had a "wrong memory" about those too? No way DNC gives the nomination to the "Tonya Harding" of politics. Just a few months ago I was tending towards supporting Hillary. Not now.
Obama '08
Yes WE Can!!!

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:38 AM)

What is Ted Kennedy and the other Kennedys doing on the stump for Obama? He has other surrogates besides his spouse.

http://www.nationalscold.com

Gustavo Herrera, Baltimore MD (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:40 AM)

Chuck, you report Chelsea stops as being important... She's an insignificant campaigner for her mother. Maybe you should spend more time reading the college blogs where there's a huge upturn against Chelsea for her handling of a legit question last week... Big anger that she's being showcased and then insults a questioner... D.

David G. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:44 AM)

Yeah, kinda pathetic that BO has to take on ALL four of them and he is STILL KICKING BUTT!!!!

Funny how HRC and the talking heads keep saying he hasn't been vetted and if he can't take on HRC then he won't be able to take on the GOP.

The Clinton Spin Machine is wayyyyyyy smarter and more conniving than McSame will ever be. And just look how that is turning out.
He is kicking HRC and MCSame butt all at the same time!!!

Obama 08

Jessica (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:44 AM)

The REV Wright wont go away you will have to live with the fact this man will have the ear and from what obammas book said the soul of the president,looks like the frying pan BUSH and his evangelicals and into the fire with the african american churchs isnt it funny the liberals picked such a devout christian ,anti gay ,anti abortion and from the sounds of it anti semetic and anti Italian thats right garlic noses,Your right why wait to see what else could come up about obamma lets end the race now before he gets his ass kicked in PA another large state he cant win.GOD DAMM AMERICA over and out.

kenn (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:52 AM)

Referencing the above comment...On the contrary, it's not that Sen. Obama isn't good, it's just he doesn't have anybody else good enough to go on the campaign trail on his behalf. Sen. Clinton, is giving her all to this campaign, and is fortunate enough to have family members who are smart, tough, presistant and good enough to withstand the scrunity and pressures campaigning brings...

TP

Taylor Page, Stafford,Virginia (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:53 AM)

How funny. Obama has taken multi-tasking to a whole new level: He's running against 3 Clintons and McCain.... and still winning.

I wonder if Hillary would be doing a lot better without Bill and Chelsea out and about saying really stupid things that cause Hillary to constantly have to explain what they meant to say. Then again, she doesn't even know what she meant to say.

The Clintons need to stop trying to buy the Super Delegates and PAY THEIR VENDORS!!!!!! The vendors are small businesses that really need the money. Amongst vendors across the country, the Clintons have earned the title FLAKES.

Sarah, Philly, PA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:56 AM)

I think that James, from Wichita makes a very valid point. Look at who Senator Obama has to run against: Bill, Hillary, Chelsea AND McCain. And still he is leading among ALL factors and is doing so with poise, grace and a Presidential Air that cannot be surpassed or ignored.

I for one want my next President to be someone who remains cool under fire, can handle more than one crisis and a time and can do so with a calmness that in turn makes me feel calm. Senator Obama is that person. Whether or not you support Senator Obama, you CANNOT ignore his uncanny ability to hold up under extreme circumstances.

OBAMA '08 - YES WE CAN!!

Women for Obama: SJB, SLC, UT (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:56 AM)

James, Wichita, KS:

I damn good point!

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 11:59 AM)

I think Senator Clinton should withdraw and support Senator Obama so they can go to the convention in August as a united Democrataic party in full strength. Obama is a much better choice for the Democrats.

Joy, NY, NY (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:00 PM)

Perfect example of: 'Work smarter, not harder'.

Pulling for Obama '08

donna , pgh., pa. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:02 PM)

I supported each and every Democratic candidate in turn earlier in this race, including Hillary, until I finally succumbed to Obama. Succumbed. Does he have flaws? Yes, he is a little too full of himself and he does drone on. Why do I support him over Hillary? I am so unbelievably angry at the leadership in the country. Yesterday I watched Hadley on MTP basically telling us the CIA should be able to torture because CIA agents are our neighbors. Then, on 60 minutes there was a story about an innocent German who spent 5 years in Gitmo, without legal defense, and tortured by Americans. Didn't we use to be a nation of laws? Hillary is an incrementalist, Obama is a tornado of change. She's smart, he's deeper. I support Obama.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:02 PM)

It is amazing how loud some of the buzz is for Sen. Hillary Clinton to "do what's best for the party" and get out.

More than any other week, this one seemed to have the most actual calls for a Clinton withdrawal.It started last Friday with Bill Richardson.

It has continued throughout the past seven days with calls from both Sen. Barack Obama supporters (Chris Dodd and Pat Leahy) to supposed uncommitted Dem bigwigs (Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi).

Should Sen. Clinton drop out?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1996

.

jeff, Austin (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:03 PM)

I agree with James...if he can take on the whole Clinton family, November should be a piece of cake.

Obama 08 (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:05 PM)

Michelle's brother, the coach, could drop in at a few community college gymnasiums.

Too bad they cant get an ad with the girls and twp grandma in Hawaii. She doesnt have to talk, just an ad with a lot of family pictures, lots of sports, that would work here in Puerto Rico. Lot of white, brown, tan and black families here. Living in different countries, with different parents. We need to see his family in some ads....with music, of course. And we expect dancing.

kathleen, san juan (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:06 PM)

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/03/hillary-claims.html

HRC boasts her NAFTA opposition for 16 years...

Dave, NY, NY (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:10 PM)

March 31st, 2008 12:07 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Why is it that Msnbc has not picked up on the story fox news aired yesterday about hillary's campaign manager maggie williams being on the board of a sub prime mortgage lender? You run with fox new other stories( i.e. rev. wright) When will you media outlets stop trying to handicap this race. This is not golf. This is real life, and the future of our nation is looking bleak. As usual, i know this will not get

semajh (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:10 PM)

Obama has this in the bag... Just goes to show that Honesty wins over Lies..

The Clintons days are OVER. And how Bout big face Chelsea?? She acts like a little girl on the campaign trail
WEIRD

Nj (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:11 PM)

James in Wichita: yes, isn't that too bad they can't send Michelle out since they don't know what kind of anti-American, racist spew will come out of her.

want drama vote obama (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:11 PM)

Obmama thinks he is the entitled owner of North Carolina. He is haveing more trouble with his gun control past.His wife cannt be let out alone she says what she believes and gets into trouble. It is like haveing his ( retired) pastor on the stump, the two Obamas wife and pastor have very similar ideas.None are very good about our country that they want to change.Hillary cares and listens to everyone. She will be there every day, not just the ones that count for the min.but every day, for each of us.

Hillary for NC and USA (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:12 PM)

The Clintons are doing Obama a favor by staying in the race. By reminding everyone of what their 8 years in the White House were like, they are uniting the Democratic Party behind Obama.

Lilly, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:21 PM)

Yes, I must agree Obama is running against 4 people that speaks volume on how he can handle other things. I have read all of his books and at no time could I ever sense anything regarding his former pastor in those writings. We can see how the right blew this out the ball park. I come to the conclusion in life - we must judge things for ourselves and not let no one else sway our thinking.

Ms. Dee - Hyattsville, Maryland (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:24 PM)

"One thing, as Chelsea is becoming a major surrogate for her, its really kind of a double standard not to have her be able to take questions like any other surrogate."

Lisa in New Britain: I think you can ask that question when Michelle holds news conferences and takes open-ended questions from the audience. Of course, we know that won't happen since they can't predict what anti=American, racist spew will come out of her.

want drama vote Obama (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:28 PM)

Does anybody remember when Ted Kennedy went all the way to the convention with Jimmy Carter for a brokered convention? The results cost the Democrats the White House. I do hope that he is not participating in the demand for Hillary to drop out of the race. That would be the epitome of hypocrisy.
As far as these polls are concerned that the media keeps reporting on a daily basis; could one of you please break down the results so the public has some idea of who is being polled? The demographics would be interesting as well as the number of people that are being polled. Is it being done nationwide?

Sky, Miami,Fla. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:29 PM)

"Obama has this in the bag... "

NJ, I think actually he's holding the bag and hoping it doesn't fly open again with the likes of Wm Ayers, Rezko, Farrakan, REv WRight/Wrong and his wife among other things!

want drama vote Obama (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:35 PM)

Those of you that keep talking about Rev. Wright;

Funny how the rest of the country seems to have gotten over this. Rational people don't care what his Pastor said, and actually took the time to watch Wright in context, instead of the 30 second sound bite.

Obama is ahead in polls and the Wright thing made no difference.

My question to you is this:

Why are you so concerned about what Obama's Pastor said, yet you seem to dismiss the LIES that come straight from "your Girls" mouth.

Pretty silly isn't it?

MORE delegates.
MORE states.
MORE popular vote.

Obama 08

Jessica (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 12:40 PM)

HILLARY CLINTON IS A FIGHTER! SHE WILL NOT GIVE UP! ISN'T THIS THE KIND OF COURAGE WE WANT IN OUR PRESIDENT? SHE HAS THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO TURN OUR ECONOMY AROUND, CREATE MORE JOBS, INSURE AMERICANS HAVE HEALTH CARE EQUAL TO FEDERAL EMPLOYEES, INCREASE PELL GRANTS FOR COLLEGE EDUCATION, PROMOTE CLEAN, GREEN ENERGY TO LESSEN OUR DEPENDANCE ON FOREIGH OIL. SHE CONSTANTLY WORKS TO GIVE AMERICANS A BETTER CHANCE TO REACH THAT AMERICAN DREAM. VOTE HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!

MARYLOU, LAKE HAVASU, AZ. (Sent Monday, March 31, 2008 2:47 PM)

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