First thoughts: ObamaNation's power

Posted: Friday, April 18, 2008 9:18 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro
*** ObamaNation’s power: Curious of what the bitterness and anger could look like if Obama is somehow denied the Democratic nomination? Check out the reaction from the ObamaNation over Wednesday’s debate. To put it simply, ABC was under siege yesterday. This may only be a taste of how the ObamaNation would react to a Clinton nomination. If MoveOn is motivated to do a petition campaign against the media over a debate, imagine what Clinton delegates and undecided superdelegates would face this summer if there is doubt. And as the Politico’s Ben Smith pointed out yesterday, it’s also what the GOP would face in the general election, especially if Obama is nominee. The level of devotion among Obama's supporters rivals what Bush had with his flock in 2004. The left-wing blogosphere is MUCH more powerful than what you see on the right this cycle and it reminds us of the advantage Bush had in '04. While we all know about that so-called right-wing voice machine, don’t forget that there is now a left-wing noise machine (on the internet) as well. And it has found its voice.

*** More Philly phallout: The biggest post-debate issue Obama may have to deal with is this "weak" perception that's growing about his answers. Yesterday, he tried to sound tougher: He had the shoulder gesture and tried to power up his rhetoric. But Clinton surrogates and the RNC both jumped on the weak argument, noting if he couldn't handle 45 minutes of uncomfortable questions, how will he handle bad days during the presidency? It's one thing to be labeled "inexperienced"; it's another to be "weak and inexperienced." Meanwhile, in perhaps today’s biggest story, the New York Times writes that Democratic superdelegates haven't been swayed by the debate or Obama’s recent gaffes. “Despite [Clinton] giving it her best shot in what might have been their final debate, interviews on Thursday with a cross-section of these superdelegates — members of Congress, elected officials and party leaders — showed that none had been persuaded much by her attacks on Mr. Obama’s strength as a potential Democratic nominee, his recent gaffes and his relationships with his former pastor and with a onetime member of the Weather Underground.”

*** The soft sell: We also shouldn't ignore the attempt by Clinton to go soft again. She flirted with softness early in the debate -- and then decided to take advantage of negative openings against Obama. Now, yesterday, in the closing days of the PA primary (and with evidence of rising negatives), she brought her mom back on the trail for the first time in three months. Clearly, she's got an image issue (particularly with Obama supporters where her negatives are growing fast and may actually be making her look more unpopular than she will be as the eventual Dem nominee). The problem for Clinton, though, is that while her campaign stops may be softer, her current ad campaign in Pennsylvania is fairly negative. Then again, if her supporters aren't punishing her for the negative campaign, she should hold up ok in the primary. But if the various polls are to be believed, her numbers are slipping a tad. Could it be the negative campaign is driving some folks to undecided who will eventually decide simply not to vote?

*** Enter Tax Man: While the release of Clinton’s and Obama’s tax returns have sparked interest, controversy, and a game of one-upsmanship between the campaigns, McCain’s own taxes haven’t received the same level of scrutiny. Well, today he finally releases those taxes at 11:00 am ET. One thing that they will likely show is that the McCains are much wealthier than the Clintons and the Obamas, due to Cindy McCain’s beer fortune. But it's old money and it appears to be money that wasn't earned due to fame in public life. One thing to watch for: Will the taxes be for just 2007 or will they go back farther? But the real records that reporters are looking for aren’t the taxes; rather, it’s his medical records.

*** Appalachia, here we come: Speaking of McCain, he goes on his Appalachia trip preview next week. It’s the type of pre-Dem nominee tour that makes a lot of sense. His earlier Bio Tour seemed slapped together at the last minute and never really worked out the way the campaign hoped. Next week seems like a message-specific tour that could work very well for him politically. It takes him through some potentially important states, including Ohio. Again, the longer the Democratic nomination fight goes on, the more opportunity McCain has to strengthen his own base and begin to court swing and Dem terrain.

*** It’s time to make a decision: And given all the time McCain has, is that why Dean has now changed his tune on when the Dem race needs to end? Or was Wednesday’s debate the catalyst? Dean told CNN yesterday that undecided superdelegates need to start making up their minds -- now. “We cannot give up two or three months of active campaigning and healing time,” he said. “We’ve got to know who our nominee is.” Just what is the definition of "start making up their minds"? Is Dean hoping for a bunch of public decisions by May 7? Sure sounds like it.

*** The delegate count: Clinton leads Obama by 24 superdelegates, 259-235. Obama picked up two more supers yesterday -- Reggie Whitten (OK) and Harry Thomas (DC). But as we continue to audit our lists, we have also taken one away from Obama (Frank Montanaro-RI) and added him to Clinton. We have also added another RI superdelegate to Clinton's column, Grace Diaz, who we inadvertently missed. In the overall count now, Obama leads by 140 (1,651-1,511). He has a 164 pledged-delegate lead (1,416-1,252).

*** On the trail: Clinton campaigns in Radnor, PA before heading to North Carolina, where she has a conversation with Maya Angelou at Wake Forest University; McCain has already attended the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast; and Obama spends his day in Pennsylvania, where he visits Erie and Williamsport and has a rally in Philadelphia. Also, Bill Clinton is in Pennsylvania and Michelle Obama is in Indiana.

Countdown to Pennsylvania: 4 days
Countdown to North Carolina, Indiana: 18 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 200 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 277 days

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Comments

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it is not an oncoming train. Hopefully by this time next week, we will see an end to the reign of terror by Hi`liar’y. I have a question for anyone. Does PA apportion their delegates by congressional district? If so, I can foresee another Texas situation where Hi`liar’y wins the popular vote and Barack wins the delegate vote. From what I read and hear, he is doing very well in the eastern half of the state, mainly Philadelphia and its suburbs, and could actually come out ahead in delegates.

Chuck, NY (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:23 AM)

I have to commend Obama for taking the high road in the debate when he could have ended the race and won the nomination in about 30 seconds. All he had to do was bring up hillary's comment about the southern working class from Benjamin Barber's book, "The Truth of Power: Intellectual Affairs in the Clinton White House":

"Screw 'em," she told her husband. "You don't owe them a thing, Bill. They're doing nothing for you; you don't have to do anything for them."

It doesn't matter if it's true or not, but because of the high negativity ratings she has earned, it sounds like something she would say.

Bringing it up in prime time in front of millions of voters would have set off a firestorm and sealed the deal for Obama. It is certainly something hillary would have done in a heartbeat.

Obama talks about the politics of hope, and it gives me hope to see a candidate placing principles and integrity above an obsession to win at any cost.

JP Homestead, FL (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:23 AM)

How low will Hillary Go ?

Hillary Supporters, if you truly care about her, try to be objective, do you really think that trying to cripple Obama before the general election is the best way to go?

If she does this, I predict that she will LOSE, and if Rudy Giuliani RUNS for senate in NewYork he will beat her.
THEN WHAT !

Steve B, NewYork (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:25 AM)

Senator Obama:

As was pointed out in an article I read this morning, please keep in mind that the elite media believe it is their patriotic duty to make sure the country is aware when you’re not conforming to Karl Rove tactics. What I saw yesterday was you at an event speaking with your supporters, smiling and laughing. Yet you committed a cardinal sin - you made a joke! about brushing off questions by Karl Rove type moderators. To me you looked relaxed and the crowd was laughing - having a wonderful time.

Wrong way to campaign. The elite media doesn’t like it.

You can’t go to San Francisco - an American city by the way - because then it’s the elite media’s patriotic duty to report you were there. However, you were speaking of working class concerns in a measured, thoughtful way. You weren’t degrading the working class, you weren’t laughing at the working class. You were bringing up important issues. But the elite media made a point that you went to an elite city to degrade the working class.

Even though you want to change the way we do politics, the elite media doesn’t like it and they’ll say to. It’s their patriotic duty. According to them, you must go for the kill.

I don’t know - perhaps the Clintons are concerned about being called racists now. And perhaps because Senator Clinton is a woman, you would be looked upon as beating up on her - the gender thing - so instead you have decided to act like a gentleman. Or perhaps you just don’t want to go down that road. After all, the country is falling apart and the working class are in deep deep trouble and there are many messages you want to rely to the voters in this country.

I do know you will go after John McCain and the Republican Party on ISSUES. You have proven you will. You have not backed down when talking about things that concern all of us.

But what seems to be important to the media is that you have to play by their rules - which are now Karl Rove rules. That’s how far this country has sunk. So please - lower the bar a bit- otherwise it will be the elite media’s patriotic duty to say - let’s see - you can’t connect with people - you don’t throw people under the bus quite to their liking.

Which by the way is what Cindy McCain did with her intern - that’s what the elite in this country do. They screw the little people. They feel it their patriotic duty to do so.

Rachel Maddow - you should now have your own program on Sunday mornings at 9:00 on MSNBC. You’re smart and one of a very few in the media who don’t take a back seat to the republican old-fashioned mean-spirited talking points.

ABC is out. For good.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:26 AM)

And who said hillary was dividing the dem party? It's Obama and the Obamapods.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:26 AM)

How far will ObamaNation, Moveon, and the rest of these left wing loon groups go? As far as George Soro's checkbook will take them.

Kenall Julius, Boston MA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:30 AM)

Already the excuses start. If poor obama looses the election, it was stolen from him. ABC you were terrible not to give Obama his free pass and go easy on him. How will this weak candidate ever survive a general election. He will be torn apart when the real heat comes.

Brother Odd (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:31 AM)

Here's the real force of ObamaNation -- you read the blogs at Obama site and hear stories of people who are getting involved in their local school systems, getting involved with Habitat, supporting veterans, and on and on. This movement is not all about Obama -- people are waking up to the fact that we are the change we've been waiting for.

Ed G (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:31 AM)

Chuck, NY. PA does some allocation by districts and the rest by statewide vote. It varies on the way the district goes in General Elections. I believe most of our districts here in PA are in the even numbers, which makes it harder for any canidate to overwhelm the delegate count.

Tim, Reading, PA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:33 AM)

It is obvious to me that the GOP will make mincemeat out of Obama if he is the nominee. Obama doesn't think quickly on his feet in the debates. ABC didn't do anything to Obama that they didn't do to Hillary, and that EVERYONE does to Hillary and has done for the past 15 years. Obama needs days to think and then needs his orator forum after he has had time to prepare a litany of excuses and blaming others -- he doesn't get the pitch right to answer questions until two days later. The GOP has already Kerryized him (credit to the Newsweek author); next he'll Dukakis or George McGovern. Obama is unelectable. Obama's people and Obama are all whiners. His platform is basically the same as Hillary's but he has no experience to back up his words. He has already gone back on almost every time he has given his word, ie, election financing, and continuing to fund the war after he was elected -- what's the difference what his opinion was in 2002 -- his votes have been in lock step with the majority since he got elected to the Senate so what difference has he made? Add to that the Wright stuff, which I do think is important, and the silly stuff like the SDS guy, the flag pin, the elitism tag (and the anti-patriotic elitist sure worked against Kerry) and you have one unelectable guy. His campaign and the cable news networks have set up the Democrats and hence the country, for a big loss in November. It's not too late, delusional folks, to nominate Hillary. Figure it out! Count the popular vote and seat the Florida delegation. Do something about Michigan. The states Obama won never vote Democratic in general elections. Are you all idiots?

Carole, Fort Lauderdale (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:33 AM)

It confuses Hillary and Obama that people can actually make money outside of government. To them, that's just not right, and the concept eludes them.

Lewis B., NY (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:33 AM)

TWO POINTS: HOW WOULD THE PRESS REACT TO OBAMA A BLACK MAN GOING AFTER HILLARY A WHITE WOMAN? HILLARY THROWS EVERY DEMOCRATIC AND STATE UNDER THE BUS IF THEY DO NOT AGREE OR VOTE FOR HER. BUT THAT OK FOR HILLARY TO EAT HER OWN FELLOW DEMOCRATICS!HOW COME NO ONE CALLS OUT HILLARY FOR NOT WEARING A FLAG PIN?

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:35 AM)

Brother -

If Obama is the nominee then he will have to face the Republican machine and deal with it.

It doesn't help the Democratic party to have hillary do the Republican's dirty work for them. You can look forward to lots of 527's using video of hillary to give us 4 more years of McBush.

JP Homestead, FL (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:36 AM)

Weak and inexperienced? Let's elect him to be the President of the United States!!

Senator Obama couldn't even stand up to tough questions in a debate...but, lets overlook that and attack ABC!! How moronic is that!!

Carol, Ca (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:38 AM)

"particularly with Obama supporters where her negatives are growing fast and may actually be making her look more unpopular than she will be as the eventual Dem nominee"

Hey Earth to Todd, Obama is winning, and winning big! I know that this is hard for you to fathom, but maybe, just maybe, the media is the one that has been drinking the political "kool-aid" and the rest of America is waking up.

Chuck Todd is Ridiculous (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:38 AM)

Senator Obama is far from weak. He demonstrated great internal strenght by restraining himself from falling into the trap that Hillary was trying to catch him with in her barage of verbal assaults. She wanted him to argue and make him look silly. He anwsered her, but did not argue. He handled himself very well. Is there a protcol established for how to react to sniper fire directly in your face? Also, Senator Obama how to keep in mind that he has the responsibility to keep the democratic party together--he can not appear to be beating up on her and alienate her supporters. He sacrificed his reputation for the good of the party. He is a true leader.

Obama 08

Firm Obama Supporter (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:39 AM)

See, I'm glad you guys are starting to realize the growing movement that's taking place. Better late than never. Look out, the people are waking up.

Doles, Miami, FL (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:39 AM)

The Howard Dean character must think he has more power then he does. First, he disenfrachises two huge states. Next, he wants to disenfranchise the remaining states primaries by wanting the elitist superdelegates to choose now. What's the big hurry Howard? These elitist superdelegates don't have to do anything until the convention, and they would be wise to wait with more and more news of Obama's corruption keeps coming out. You don't want to have the Democrats have buyers remorse.

Bonnie Trachael, Buffalo, NY (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:40 AM)

There is one thing that keeps nagging at me though. Would the NFL allow a rookie to set footbal policy? ... No way! ... No matter how good he had been in college ball, the pro's are different.

So why would we let a rookie senator set policy for the Democratic party ...let alone the nation?

And after all Obama is only a rookie!

Grandfather, Albany, NY (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:40 AM)

You want to see what a bunch of stupid goofy liberals look like that want to take over our country, just tune in at the convention and watch Denver burn to the ground if Hillary gets the nomination even if Obama is leading in the popular vote and delegates.

I'm proud of ABC asking the character questions of both Hillary and Obama. I'm even shocked they asked a question prvided by Sean Hannitty. The liberal press has been giving the democrat candidates too long a leash when it comes to whether they are truely good people and for questions to be asked about their honesty and morals and judgement is good for the country. All you kool aid drinking oron liberals out there should be more interested in what makes them tick.

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:40 AM)

I've been a big Obama fan for a long time but I have to say two things: (1) he is atrocious in debates and if he doesn't fix that, he could lose in the fall, (2) the "wimp" factor is ridiculous but we know that it swings votes. He has GOT to fix that. And it's not just a "media creation." I sometimes wonder myself. On the debate item, I'd argued to friends for months that "he's the former President of the Harvard Law Review, he'll figure out how to debate." I'm starting to wonder.

California Indy (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:41 AM)

"noting if he couldn't handle 45 minutes of uncomfortable questions,"

Exactly how did he fail? He didn't start crying. He didn't jump up and run out. He wasn't rendered speechless. He answered the same tired questions again and again. He didn't go on the offensive, no. And that was his only weakness Tuesday night. Yet you guys keep on saying how he "failed" to handle the "tough questions." Again, I ask you, Todd and others...explain what exactly his failure was.

Megan, Madison, WI (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:42 AM)

John McCain / Colin Powell 2008

Professional and in the Center (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:43 AM)

Pennsylvania Primary Prediction Time

Who do you predict will win the Pennsylvania Democratic Presidential Primary?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=2127

.

Jeff, Austin (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:43 AM)

Carole from Florida...
Michigan and Florida do not deserve another vote.
They knew the rules and now they want to change them.
The delegates will be seated, somehow.
and NO...
I think yoU are the IDIOT.

pittsburgh dem (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:43 AM)

If you want proof of the arrogance of Barry, watch the clips of him yesterday talking about the fallout of the debate and "whisking" it off is shoulder. When a world leader disagrees with him or puts him in hard spot, is that how he's going to react? What a joke. This man is dangerous.

obama=drama (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:45 AM)

Weak?! Because he didn't try to slash Hillary's throat during the debate? I mean, the media ENTIRELY skipped over the most significant moments of the debate: Obama stood up for a fellow Democrat, and that fellow Democrat turned around and stabbed him again and again. He came to her defense on Bosnia, saying it really isn't a big issue. He came to her defense on that old "baking cookies" line she ripped on housewives with back in '92. He says "You know, that's not who she is, that's not really what she meant"... and then she turns around and stabs him again!

Fighting Republicans is a whole different game than fighting a fellow Democrat. When you're up against someone with such a small grasp on reality (John McCain), it's a lot easier to hound on the issues. This whole distraction on campaign gaffes won't stand up during the General when Obama can say "What's more important? Who my neighbor happens to be? Or the trillions of dollars we are pouring into a broken war? What's more important? A flag pin, or making sure you have a secure job?"

Ron, TX (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:46 AM)

First Read, did you ever stop and think that perhaps there are millions of intelligent Americans who are sick of how disgusted with how our government works? To label this phenomenon a "flock" or your neologism "Obamanation" (I bet everyone was patting themselves on the back for that) may be cute to you guys but it's insulting to your intelligence and diminishes what is a real call for change. HIllary's "screw 'em" comment might be appropriate for First REad this morning. Wake up and start doing some real reporting.

Scott (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:46 AM)

Obama has already beaten Hillary. The "Obama Nation" (nice term guys) "will make mincemeat" out of the GOP! The fear tactics, the Rovian crap, it ain't workin' this time! People are sick of being fed political junk food. We care about the REAL issues. We want good paying jobs, we want our children to have health care, we want the U.S. to have a foreign policy that makes SENSE.
YES WE CAN!!!
OBAMA '08

JohnnyU, Wa State (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:46 AM)

So now Hillary is 'pimping out' Chelsea AND her mother ?

Someone ask Hillary's mother how she mananged to raise such a dishonest and unethical daughter

Do you teach her morals ?
Did you teach her ethics ?
How about the 'golden rule'
What wnt wrong with your daughter ?

Why does she stay with a man who betrays and humilites her continually ?

Wht does Hillary see her life as a series of battles ?

Why does Hillary always demonize her opponents ?

Mrs. Rotten, you've raised a monster who Carl Bernstein calls 'SOULLESS'

Are you proud ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:46 AM)

Brother Odd -
I don't know if you are a dem but we elect the nominee based on a delegate count. Obama is winning and even the Clinton campaign agrees that she cannot overtake him. Popular vote and state wins don't count according to the rules, nevertheless he is winning those as well.
You don't appear to be limited by the facts but the wealthy are not funding his campaign. His average donation is less than $200. I guess their are a lot of loons out there.

stacey from DC (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:46 AM)

Obama, you can laugh at your debate performance and brush off your shoulders all you want but please don't speak for the American people. How do you know what we want to know? I for one want to know everything about you. I don't take the job of President lightly and neither should you. Too bad you had to answer some questions you didn't like or think important. If you want to be President, there will be a lot of things you will have to answer to. You won't like it either. It's not funny. You can't always be in control. Answer everything asked of you or get out.

Kate (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:47 AM)

So I am wondering what ObamaNation will do when he turns into Kerry 2004 and looses?

Will they petition the White House and Electoral College? Their self created Messiah and Titantic is sinking fast.

Objective Analysis (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:47 AM)

True, Obama isn't the trial lawyer type politician of my fantasys who would flay the elite media types and Republican fascists alive, however, what he is is a deeply intuitive and intelligent man who could restore, if we support him, America's purpose and prosperity. Elect McCain and the rightwingers drag us into a permanenet Depression. If America keeps going on this road we will be bankrupted by endless military skirmishes. Of course it won't effect me, cause I'd move to Canada if the Republicans retain power in '09.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:48 AM)

The media-created problems start when the focus leaves substance and goes to 'beauty contest' or 'style' issues.

Vis a vis Clinton, Obama looks bad if he 'beats up a girl'---really, he is the first candidate ever, on a national stage here, to have to try to do that. So, in addition to being negative, which no one likes and does not serve the electorate's interests, it just isn't the 'right' thing to do.

On the other hand, if he holds his fire (which must be hard to do given the incredible Clinton lie machine), pick your criticism from the media--aloof? weak?

The general will work out fine and it involves the questions facing the country---he must define McCain as Bush (not too hard with the 'I'm a conservative' primary conversion), and it will be a lot easier to hit back, get back to the issues.

This said, O-man needs to take little short-pants journalists like Stephanopoulus and lightweights like Gibson back to the issues when they play their stupid little games.

iowan (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:48 AM)

Since you're taking away superdelegates, you might want to take Harry Thomas Jr. out of Clinton's column and put him into Obama's. I'm not sure what his position is, but he's a superdelegate and the Washington Post reported that he switched yestarday.

Jamil - Dearborn, MI (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:48 AM)

First, thanks for picking up what you guys in the MSM have largely ignored. That is, that Obama's support isn't just fairly wide, but very, very deep.

The other side of that support is the fact that the so-called "weaknesses" you guys keep referencing in your horse-race analysis is that most of those issues are made-up, b.s. issues that real people don't care about. This is reflected in both the backlash against ABC's tabloid debate AND the supers brush off of these manufactured controversies. When you guys engage in the gotcha crap, you insult the intelligence of both the voters and the supers. And the NYTimes article reflects that just as the smackdown of George Gibson does.

Speaking of which, I'm surprised you mentioned the Clinton's new-found, unexplained wealth, even in passing. I thought you guys weren't allowed to talk about that; you should probably expect a memo from GE forwarded by Russert any minute now.

Finally, Hillary's so-called soft sell isn't really a swing back to soft so much as a true kitchen sink approach, which involves throwing everything they got - good, bad, and indifferent - at the same time, and hoping that something, anything, will stick. "Covering all their bases" may be one way to characterize this approach, but it could just as easily be called "directionless desperation."

ched, jenkintown pa (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:49 AM)

"But Clinton surrogates and the RNC both jumped on the weak argument, noting if he couldn't handle 45 minutes of uncomfortable questions, how will he handle bad days during the presidency? It's one thing to be labeled "inexperienced"; it's another to be "weak and inexperienced."
*********************************

But see, in my opinion this is exactly why there is such a disconnect between the MSM and the general public with respect to this debate. The MSM was viewing that debate through a completely different lens. Obama, from the very beginning, was the one to define the playing field. He established that he was going to run a different kind of campaign, and his message all along has been that frivolous distractions and negative attacks are public enemy #1. They are the reason why Washington never delivers on its promise to the people. What's genius about this approach is that it is a philosophy that EVERYONE can agree to - both Dems and Repubs alike. Why? Because we all know how it feels to have a candidate you believe in trashed with negative adds and having their positions and statements taken out of context just so their opponent can score cheap political points. So this NEW STANDARD has been embraced by a majority of the people, and Obama has been quite disciplined in playing according to these new rules. Clinton is tough, and if this were any other campaign, she would be kicking ass right now. But unfortunately for her, she is playing by OLD STANDARD, and as such her negative attacks keep blowing up in her own face. Instead of a fighter, she is a symbol of all that's wrong with Washington. But the MSM doesn't really get this the same way the general voter does. Why? Because, quite frankly, controversy sustains their existence. When there is fighting and controversy, ratings are good, they get to pontificate and feel important.

So when the MSM looks at that debate, they see weakness. But most voters see Obama taking the high ground, playing by the new standard. And in fact, the debate was perfect for Obama in many ways, because it serves as a clear example of exactly what he has been talking about from day 1. When politicians bicker, when they focus on distractions, the people never get served. The promises that have been made to them never get fulfilled. And what did we see in the debate? Bickering and distractions taking up 45 minutes and preventing the politicians from being able to address the things that really matter in the lives of the voters. That debate was case in point for Obama, and he comes out of it with his core message to the people having just been validated.

He changed the rules from the very beginning, and neither Hillary nor the MSM caught on. But the voters have, and by these new rules Obama, by far, outshines the competition.

Linda. Boston, MA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:49 AM)

Grandfather,Albany,NY. This ain't football...Barack Obama is not a rookie at being intelligent and knowing how to get things done. Politics are alot easier than playing a sport. Obviously, the "rookie" theme doesn't mean a thing. Look at the current President...he was a so called politician for years...The governor of the biggist state in the land and he will do down in history as the worst President ever... NO body's stupid so leave that sports anology stuff where it belong..with the coaches.

Barack Obama for President of the U.S.A>

I love my country,Philadelphia,PA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:49 AM)

The reaction of the ObamaNation has been despicable (and unfortunately, this includes a lot of the press). WE (CLINTON SUPPORTERS, MCCAIN SUPPORTERS, THE UNDECIDEDS AND THE PRESS) CAN'T GIVE IN TO THEIR BULLYING! Like with the handful of black politicians who support Hillary because they believe in her -- bravo to them for their courage! We can't be afraid of these rabid supporters, their obsession with Obama and their hatred of all else. He really is close to becoming a cult leader.

Vnd (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:50 AM)

I agree with you about the Obama nation being very upset. However, I have two friends who are backing Clinton and they were just as upset and signed the ABC petition because it took 50 minutes to get to an issue that matters to the voters. There were no discussions on trade, real job training and replacement, offshoring of jobs, environment, etc.

People are tired of the same old politics and this debate did not seem to be equal in the attacks of the candidates. It was more like a tabloid show or a Republican debate. As an Obama supporter I was glad he didn't jump in during the debate and pull her down further about her lie to Bosnia. I do think he's a different kind of candidate and this is what America is looking for. The divisiveness in this country is outrageous.

Renee, GA (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:50 AM)

Chuck Todd needs his own show! What do you think?

Jeff, Iowa (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

Is it just me or does ObamaNation and Abomination sound alike? Who cares who wins, nothing is goning to change for the average American. It never has and it never will. Democrat,Republican, or some other. Too much corporate bucks in the Nations Capital for anyone to truly change. we are, once again, faced with picking the least of the worst and this years crop is exceptionally horrible. Have a good weekend everyone.

Jim Allen, West Palm Beach, Fl. (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

America deserves better than a racist in the WhiteHouse.

America deserves better than Obama.

As for Hillary, well, even Bill deserves better.

John McCain / Colin Powell 2008

RH Oregon (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:51 AM)

this is great...we already know that if you do not agree with everything Obama says (or better yet, doesn't say) you are going to be called a racist. Now when a former DNC operative and a long time liberal TV news guy give him "tough" questions in a debate, they are basically called Karl Rove operatives. You guys are loons and will have more to do with McCain winning than anything McCain or the "right wing machine" can do to him.

k. austin (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:52 AM)

The Obamabots can support the man, if they must. Maybe they should do some homework.

From his book "Dreams of My Father" he wrote:
"I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense
of grievance and anomosity agsinst my Mother's
race".

There are words in both of his books that I find offensive. Add the fact that he went to the million
man march and some of his friendships.

I wonder what Obama is really up to and what are his backers and pushers expecting from him. I think Obama has an agenda and I don't think Americans are going to like it.

I am not an ostrich with my head buried in the sand. (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:53 AM)

I'm sick of the criticism of Obama that he's "whining" about the debate or that he couldn't "handle" 45 minutes of tough questions. Talk about deliberately avoiding the point he was making. It isn't that he couldn't handle it-he did handle it. It's that WE SHOULD BE TALKING ABOUT THE REAL ISSUES! C'mon people. We're in a recession. There's a war going on. Who cares about flag pins, especially when NONE of the people at the debate, including the moderators, were wearing a flag pin. Geez, people. Why does everyone want to avoid talking about the real issues?

Dagny in Chicago (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:54 AM)

Have you seen the video of Obama giving Hillary the finger in NC yesterday? The LA times is reporting on it in "top of the ticket" Watch the crowd react and then watch it again.

The man shouldn't be student body president at a high school far less POTUS.

s. berman, agoura hills calif. (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:54 AM)

Grandfather, your analogy is weak. Many rookies in the NFL are better than the veterans. Many rookies beat out the veterans during training camp.

Look for another analogy.

Ismael, Weslaco Tx (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:54 AM)

If Barak is tough in a response, he's a violent thug, ganging up on a poor helpless woman. If he responds in a quiet, dignified way, he's weak/aloof/distant. The ONLY way he can respond is some kind of gentle humor, like the Annie Oakley lines, or brushing himself off. Using his great smile and laugh to defuse the situation.

The media thinks its still got a shot at controlling the outcome of this primary like they have controlled elections in the past. But I'm betting on a new generation of younger and more sophisticated voters, who get their info elsewhere and do not wait to be told who to vote for by George Snuffleapagos or Chuck Brown, or Chris Matthews or Chuck Todd.

Susan E. bahama NC (Sent Friday, April 18, 2008 9:55 AM)

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