Obama: A feistier candidate

Posted: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:13 AM by Mark Murray

Yesterday at a town hall in New Mexico, NBC/NJ’s Athena Jones reports, Obama continued a line of attack he used over the weekend, arguing his economic plan would not lead to disaster. Instead, he said that disaster is already here because of Bush Administration policies that John McCain would continue.

Obama also reprised and refined a line he used for the first time earlier in the day. “We were in a forum the other day and Rick Warren ask [McCain] ‘Well, what do you consider rich?’ -- John McCain ‘Oh, I don’t know maybe $5 million -- so I guess it is ok.’ This explains why his tax plan gives hundreds of thousands of tax dollars and tax breaks to people making more $2.5 million, because I guess they’re middle class,” he said. “So I want to see a show of hands everybody making more than $2.5 million raise your hand -- you should, you know, you might want to think about voting for John McCain, because he is going to be looking out for them but he is not looking out for most of the people in this auditorium. That is what is at stake in this election.”

The DNC is up with a new Web video whacking McCain for his $5-million-is-rich answer at the Saddleback forum.

Also in New Mexico yesterday, Obama highlighted his support and proposals for equal pay and economic security for working women. The Democrat has pledged to increase civil rights enforcement, raise the minimum wage, and push paid leave and flexible work schedules.

Many reporters noticed a feistier Obama yesterday.

More Obama yesterday: "Everywhere I go, people have told me, 'I'm getting nervous. The Republicans, they're so mean. They're going to Swift-boat you. They're doing things to you. What are you going to do?'" Obama said. "I have to just remind people that it is true that, just as John McCain has embraced George Bush's policies, he's embraced his politics. And the same people who brought you George Bush are now trying to package John McCain."

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Comments

usa (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:23 AM)

We are getting nervous that the repubs will steal another election or that Bush will cause an international problem that scares everyone.
Wouldn't put it past these criminals, the end always justifies the means with this group.

John Alexander,PA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:25 AM)

Sick of Obama in MI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:27 AM)

But what do you stand for Barack?
Don't you have Washington establishment inside the belt-way support AND policies?
Why can't you give a STRAIGHT answer to a question?

birdman, ny (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:29 AM)

I know a lot of people have discounted Mississippi, but with a 30+% African American population and a growing Hispanic population, Obama simply has to get a mildly favorable split among whites. I think he'll find a lot of those in South Mississippi. I would argue that Mississippi's 6 are in play.

3 out of 4 of Mississippi's Congressmen are Democrats and they stand a very real chance of having one Democratic Senator. Their Republican Senator, Thad Cochran, has spoken out against McCain.

I'm surprised the media hasn't embraced this idea a bit more.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:29 AM)

Lauri Smalls, Providence, RI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:30 AM)

STOP THE WEB VIDEOS! Obama campaign needs to hit McCain the same old fashioned way, with a barrage of TV ads character assasinating the old kook! Short of that, I don't see Obama winning.

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:31 AM)

I was a little wary of Obama going so negative, but I have to say, I like it. He's still bringing out the issues and still playing above McCain's level, but he's going straight at him. I think this is going to play well.

http://www.rodneyhopper.com

Rodney Hopper, Waxahachie, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:33 AM)

AS SOON AS MCCAIN SAID $5 MILLION HE ALSO SAID THAT IT WOULD BE USED OUT OF CONTEXT. HEY BARACK, HOW ABOUT YOUR GUT CHECK ANSWER ON THE TOUGHEST THING YOU HAD TO VOTE ON AS A SENATOR? THE IRAQ WAR? THATS RICH, YOU WERE NOT EVEN A U.S. SENATOR AT THE TIME. I CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE WOULD CONSIDER VOTING FOR THIS IDIOT OBAMA.

JOE JOE, JOPLIN, MO. (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:34 AM)

Having money is rich...$5 million and above is rich..
Everyone with that kind of money please vote for
Johnny Boy....
Everyone with a little less vote for Obama...
I do believe we have a landslide...

BJ, CA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:35 AM)

yeah i definitely noticed obama was a bit more feisty yesterday while going after mccain. Obama also had a cold, so being sick and feisty at the same time, is something to be commended

McCain lies about his voting record on energy
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/08/16/mccain-lies-about-his-voting-record-on-energy/
or
http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

CAMIE (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:35 AM)

Of course Obama is the feister candidate. Most celebrities are feisty. Look at Britney, she was real feisty when they kept dragging her back to rehab.

Britney's Mom (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:36 AM)

It just so happens that Obama did not do as well as McCain. Deal with it.

Dems seem to be getting worried...."Republicans are going to steel the election" kind of talk is everywhere. If the Republicans do win it will be nobody's fault but the DNC and teh left wing of the party.

As for the VP.... Who ever is picked better know how to campaign and win votes...better know how to take it to McCain....better understand foreign policy....

New Indi (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:40 AM)

Im a an Obama supporter and while I can appreciate his calm classy style, it would be nice to see him deliver some knockout punches.

Yes, I am a little concerned. There will be bigger forces to reckon with once he's in office, and these soft handed approaches will not work.

Elise Tx (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:43 AM)

There is a difference between playing the victim and pointing out what your opponent is trying to do.

the biggest difference i see is that obama is outlining what the Republicans are doing and pointing out the similarities between bush and McCains campaigns, and why they are so similar. it reinforces his view that 4 years of McCain is 4 more years of Bush policies.

i hope that Obama stays on message and doesn't stoop to the level of the republican lie machine. McCain has no idea how to get this country back on track, and that is highlighted by his insistence on warfare as his diplomatic channel.

To me, what everyone else claims as Obama's biggest weakness; inexperience, is his biggest strength, and the reason to vote for him. he has not become a washington insider, pandering to the power elite because he hasn't been there long enough. McCain is a textbook on sucking up to gain the title he wants, and he sold out all his views to his ambition.

Should McCain win this election (doubtful, but a possibility) my family will be moving to Canada or Mexico asap. i'm tired of elected officials who have an erection when thinking about the apocalypse.

Tzalaran (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:45 AM)

I like that Obama is getting tougher. I like that he stays on the issues.
It is a fine line to walk, and so far he has done a good job.
He also mentioned that McCain said it was a joke about the 5 million. Way to go
Owl

OWL, IDAHO (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:46 AM)

McCain and his jokes are coming back at him! He thinks that everything is a joke! well its not. What is hapening in this country at the moment is serious.All his jokes are going to cost him a lot of votes. People in America are tired of how McCain laughs about their situation. He is so juvenile, he wants to still be 25 when he will turn 72 next week. When he speaks you can see he is just trying to control his bad temper. He is like a time bomb, I would not like to be around him when he explodes. We do not need this impulsive old man as leader of our country. Obama 08

Mark,Tx (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:47 AM)

"Everywhere I go, people have told me, 'I'm getting nervous. The Republicans, they're so mean. They're going to Swift-boat you. They're doing things to you. What are you going to do?'" Obama said. "I have to just remind people that it is true that, just as John McCain has embraced George Bush's policies, he's embraced his politics. And the same people who brought you George Bush are now trying to package John McCain."

-Senator Obama
*********************************

People need to calm down. Either you put your faith in good, or you believe in evil. Has it occured to any of you who worry that what happened to Gore, and Kerry, will befall Obama, that theie ill fated campaigns were sent to open the way for an Obama candidacy, in addition to Bush's failed Administration? We were given a template for victory in the battle of 2008. G-D works in mysterious ways.

Obama knows what he is doing, thanks to Gore, and Kerry. Relax. It is time for us to be confident. Are we so skiddish that a 20 point lead is the only way we can cope, and keep the faith?

Besides, doesn't it make sense that Obama is holding back in order to peak in the Fall? He's ahead, and he will probably stay ahead. You have to believe.

donna (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:50 AM)

Republicans keep saying "the $5 million thing was a joke...wah wah wah". But what does John McCain consider rich? Considering he wears $500 loafers, has 10 houses, a private jet and a rich wife he should give us some perspective. John McCain is completely clueless about what most American's go through every day. With Obama you have a guy who was paying student loans 6 years ago and balancing a family budget - with McCain the only thing he balances is time between his mansions and which country club to visit today.

Rich - Pittsburgh PA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:53 AM)

More Obama yesterday: "Everywhere I go, people have told me, 'I'm getting nervous. The Republicans, they're so mean. They're going to Swift-boat you. They're doing things to you. What are you going to do?'" Obama said....

And, here we go again. Mr. Victim. And, is he not trying to scare people? Thought that's what he was accusing the other side of doing.
usa (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:23 AM)

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

You have no trouble with what McCain's doing, but if Obama even flinches back, you go all whiny. If YOU can't stand your candidate getting hit back, then maybe you ought to stay at home. Me, I'm all for it. Hit 'em, Barack! Hit McCain HARD!!

SAGG (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:54 AM)

Perfect response from Obama. Pointing out the obvious, that people seem to ignore for some reason! McCain attacks=Bush attacks. They both play the same game. This is why Kerry lost. He didn't fight fire with fire! Obama needs more hits like this, although they are subtle, they are VERY powerful. Kudo's to you MR. Pres........I mean Senator. (sorry I get a little anxious sometimes!)

Adam, St. Louis (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:58 AM)

What about McCain's tax break of $ 7,000 for every child of every family --what is that one about? And a refundable tax credit of $ 5,000 -- what was that about? There was so much on the Rick Warren show that was certainly debatable -- like why isn't he leading a charge to the gates of hell for Bin Ladin now? -- I mean really -- if he can catch him as he says -- why isn't he on his horse chasing him to the gates of hell...I'm just asking
Lauri Smalls, Providence, RI
****************
Hey Lauri,
I agree with you totally. Why doesn't McCain share this info with Bush so that he can "redeem" his legacy..after all..."that's what friends are for". Maybe he can send out another "surge" to get Bin Laden.
Also, where and when are these "wars" that McCain has won? Are they "video games"?..Not. He "can't play those". Must be mental.
Where are these "soldiers" coming from to fight all these wars? From "Toys R Us".
I just don't want an old G.I.Joe "stumbling" around the WH at 3AM.

judy ovilla tx (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:58 AM)

Your title should read, "Obama: A NERVOUS candidate". Democrats have buyers remorse.

John Q, TX (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

As so many of those that have commented on this blog site, I too was dissapointed in the handeling of the discussion that took place on Saturday. If there are only 2 people being questioned by the host, how can you not know the whereabouts of both parties? To claim to have flipped a coin, when 1 of the parties had yet to arrive is disengeneous. Not to mention that Rev. Warren claimed that McCain was in a back room at the start of the program..... to not know where he was at the start of the discussion seems odd to me.

When McCain claimed that his most personal failure was his "first marriage," I knew that the wheels were coming of the "straight talk express". But when he mentioned Congressman Lewis as 1 of 3 people he would confide in...... I felt the "straight talk express" had derailed.

John McCain wants to invoke his having been a POW in Vietnam as proof of his heroism, and patriotism. But when the time came to recognize the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. and what he and those whom made sacrifices for the betterment of this nation, he responded with a lack of caring, concern and understanding..... This position, unlike being a POW, wouldn't require personal suffrage on McCain's part, but rather the acknowledgement of the suffriges of others and a respect and compassion for the plight of the generations that came before us and the effect that it's had on this country...... On this issue (as well as others) he's failed to serve this country honorably.

His comment about the rich line being placed at $5 million is certainly another indication that he's lost touch with the everyday lives of a typical person/family.

3 of the 4 supreme court justices that he claimed he'd like to remove, he voted to confirm.

The press has a responsibilty to tell a fair and balanced story about the candidates. That is their way of being patriotic. Anything less, would further enable the prejudices that we're striving to overcome.

Pthomas (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:59 AM)

McCain is the SLIMIEST Creature I have ever seen. We cannot let this Liar win.

If you want more pain, vote for John McCain !

No John for Us!!! (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:00 AM)

Senator Obama commented "I have to just remind people that it is true that, just as John McCain has embraced George Bush's policies, he's embraced his politics. And the same people who brought you George Bush are now trying to package John McCain." Exactly. The only thing scarier than the sleazy, underhanded, filty attacks on Senator Obama is the fact that there are actual citizens of the U.S. who believe them! Makes me wonder about the future of this country. Rome fell. The U.S. can fall also unless this country gets back to 1) the Constitution, 2)moral authority through good moral action in the world and 3) respect for other nations and the people in them. I am truly terrified when I think of a U.S. run by a man like Senator McCain. He is so much worse than Pres. Bush.

Mary Wudtke, Elmwood Park, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:01 AM)

So maybe McCain meant for the 5 million comment to be funny. The thing is, it wasn't funny. He might as well have called us all a bunch of whiners. Oh yeah, one of his buddies already did that.

Martha, Wilmington, NC (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:03 AM)

When McCain spends his last $$$ on ads before the RNC and will have to utilize only funds from public financing, Obama team will be waiting for the kill. They will have so much $$ for airspace and you will THEN see the smarter and tougher opponent.
Team Obama's tactics are like a chess game. They wait for the right moment and then boom...checkmate. Keith Olberman's "special comments" last night were classic! He nailed it on the head. No one has the courage to speak up against the status quo like KEITH O.

pammy (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:06 AM)

McCain keeps using the line, 'Obama cares more about politics (winning an election) than he cares about the war (our country). Obamas' answer needs to be, 'McCain cares more about winning an election, than telling the truth.' Sure, the republicants are good at attacking, but just wait til the DEM convention is over. I predict the Dems will go 'hardball' and play it suprisingly well. A mirror doesn't play favorites, and the Dems need to hold one up to the gop for all the world to see, the reflection of the rooting corpse that it is! Afterall, McCain is the the new head of the same gop that drove this country into a ditch!

Barry Hill, Newark, NJ (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:16 AM)

come on Obama lets give Biden a chance to get tough on the rebublicans. We all know that if Obama goes the way of McCain he will be disrespecting the war hero, I think Biden is our guy. I am not worried about
our chances this time I trust the young to come out and vote. That old man will finish wrecking this country. Obama just tell the truth, let Biden handle the dirty work.

Obama/Biden
old white lady in s.c.

marty holloman,columbia,s.c. (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:20 AM)

A feistier candidate? NOT! DEBATE MCCAIN!! SHOW THE WEAKNESS OF THE DEM CANDIDATE.

And a liar again and again:
http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/senator-obama-owes-voters-apology-misleading-statements-life-says-frc-action/

Joe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:21 AM)

It figures that O-bummer would cling to a phrase that was clearly a joke when McCain said $5M. Sounds like Barack needs to go back to Economics 101. Raising wages and paying for days off will result in companies raising prices for their goods and services to pass on the costs to the middle class. So much for putting middle class first.
Sick of Obama in MI (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 9:27 AM)
------------------------------------------------------

So instead? So instead we, allow women to be paid less for doing the same job as a man, keep wages so low that people can't live from day to day (do you even know what Min. wage is right now? Try living on it!). So instead, we allow illness to fester costing everyone more, including the business from lost productivity. So instead we let our sick children fend for themselves instead of taking care of them. So instead we force new mothers to go right back to work after birth missing CRUCIAL post natal development.

Your plan sounds much better! and quite compassionate also.

you should look at all the productivity that business just lost in YOUR scenario. A happy, appreciated, well adjusted, secure feeling employee will out produce a worn out over worked employee, day in and day out!

Ted, Mid Michigan (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:22 AM)

Laurie, I'm so glad you brought up that "$7000 tax break for every child. We've been talking about that and I think McCain was playing to the crowd so much, he forgot that some people have six or seven kids. Wow, a $49,000 tax break. Yeah, that's gonna happen.
I keep hearing that although McCain was not at the Saddleback church most of the time Obama was speaking, he in no way, absolutely, did not hear any of the questions. Okay fine. Someone please tell me how he was able to answer questions BEFORE they were asked. Quote: "You're going to ask about the Supreme Court justices, aren't you?" And please tell me what his stand on the orphan issue is. Every question he was asked, reminded him of an old story, so we never got an answer to the questions. Geez.

sheilah, portland, oregon (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:23 AM)

Hmmm... Is it just me, or do most of the anti-Obama comments posted here look sorta similar? Jerry... is that you?

Doug, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:26 AM)

Cocaine makes you feisty.

Dude Where's My Car (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:26 AM)

I am pleased to see Sen. Obama responding "in-kind" to the Rove-McCain machine. The Repubs have no qualms about deceptive, negative ads. There is enough questionable crap about McCain so Obama doesn't have to lie. He risks the unfairness of the MSM with too much spin, but that train left the station during the primaries.I would have been in McCain's face so long ago, and Obama should start by just saying once and for all, John McCain is not the only man on the planet who was a POW and it does NOT make him uniquely qualified to be POTUS and then let's rock and roll. He should get no brownie points for his age, his skin-cancer, his arms, nothing. That is how the neocons do it.We're all dreaming if we believe every code, buzz word, and innuendo about Obama being half-white is not going to be out there. That is the legacy of Lee Atwater. The Repubs are more skilled then Dems when it comes to slithering and slime. I don't understand it because those of us on the ground are ready to rock and roll. You have to fight fire with fire. Send Cindy and Michelle home, or not and let's get it on! This is not for the faint of heart!

Moxieme, Kansas City, MO (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:28 AM)

Yes, feisty is a term usually reserved for seasoned individuals who have allowed their time to pass. They are touchy and nervous never having benefitted from available wisdom or experience and lacking in sound judgment.

A measured, contemplative, thoughtful approach is always the best method to deal with critical issues. Obama has and continues to exhibit this behavior.

McCain is extremely disappointing. His old party line parroting, shoot from the hip style is tired and worn. It was my hope that he would have learned from his so-called experience and that the forum in which he participated would have encourage civility.

Nope, true colors showed through and this so-called revered pastor, Rick Warren, was a colossal disappointment too as he later spoke of McCain's eyes tearing when giving his scripted answers and his camera cut to Cindy McCain feigning a choke-up emotion. Rick Warren also engaged in a Freudian slip on another network referring to Osama as Obama. The republic games have begun, but strength and heart will prevail.

Obama 08, 12

Sheila from Texas (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:29 AM)

Oh, that's ripe (from "usa") that Obama's playing the "Victim." What a distortion of reality! Now, are we saying that when we're attacked we can't even respond??? Wouldn't the lie mongers in the GOP love THAT!!? Let's focus on the few truths about McCain, starting with his incredible belief that people who make $2.5 Million are ordinary, middle class people. That just about says it all for me: it speaks volumes. It's simple people: if you're happy as a clam with the state of your personal finances, then by all means -- vote for McCain. If you don't care if we're in Iraq for possibly 100 years, then vote for McCain. If you think the policies of the Bush Admin. are just peachy-keen, then vote for McCain. It's very, very simple. Then John's the Man.

Maureen, Momence, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:31 AM)

McCain in office scares me. But the people that actually vote for him scare me even more.

Justin, VA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:31 AM)

Obama isn't feisty. He's backed into a corner and lashing out.

Clearly, this column is Main Stream Media kissing up to Obama again.

This sucking up is getting so tiresome.

Margaret, Atlanta, GA (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:33 AM)

If McCain's $5 million was a joke, then it was just another question he ducked. Instead of joking--and he has to be the worst comedian alive--he should provide the "straight talk" he claims to offer. Meanwhile, he can't duck his long and perfectly clear Senate record of invariably voting for the rich against the middle class. All Obama needs to win is to show the voters McCain's real policies and real actions--not his doubletalk and photo opportunities.

Clear Minded Voter (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:34 AM)

Why would America reward the GOP for complete failure ?

We wont.

PulSamsara (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:37 AM)

This election is a complete no-brainer. Obama recognizes the disaster we have on our hands and wants a clean break from Bush's failed policies, "accomplished" at our expense by perverting government, trashing the constitution and everything it stands for, and antagonizing other countries, all because of his greed for power. McCain has said he agrees with most of Bush's policies. If Obama wins, we could end up with the drastic reversal of course that we need. If McCain wins, things will improve slightly (since no one could be as bad as idiot George), but otherwise things will remain as they are. If that's okay with you, vote for McCain. If you want significant change, you'll be foolish not to vote for Obama. No-brainer.

Mike in Philly (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:38 AM)

Those "pro" Obama better get their head out of their heart and do (hands on) a serious background check on this guy. He's not what he appears.

doityourselfweather com, Burlington, CT (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:38 AM)

Laurie Smalls:
You're right to question McCain's "$7,000 tax break". According to Newsweek yesterday, "McCain was badly wrong in what he said about the child "tax credit." The current child tax credit is $1,000, and McCain is not proposing any increase at all. What McCain actually is proposing is a gradual increase in the $3,500 exemption for each dependent child, starting in 2010 and increasing $500 each year until it reaches $7,000 in 2016." Not the same thing at all, but the empty promise of a $7,000 tax break will win more votes.

Steve D'Amico (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:38 AM)

Mr Freshman senator has no clue, he's flying by the seat of his pants and needs a teleprompter and scripts without it he's dead meat.

NoBama (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:47 AM)

Margaret: Nope -- O is not "backed into a corner." Feisty is good -- and long overdue. I think O has been far too gentlemanly. Hopefully he's learned about what can happen to nice guys like Gore, Kerry and Dukakis: talented people who were "slimed to death" (more currently referred to as "swiftboated"). This new political art form was created under Tricky Dick and polished to a high shine under both Bush dynasties. Of course, it's only possible because of the ever more obvious "Dumbing Down of America" -- well demonstrated by the Wal-Mart Republicans who let the Country Club Republicans lead them into believing it was the GOP who had the humble American family's best interests at stake. Yeah, right.

Maureen, Momence, IL (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:48 AM)

Reward the GOP??? Instead let's reward a prez wannabe with zero experience.

The US is not some biology experiment that you get graded on!

Wise UP DEMS!!!

NoBama (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:49 AM)

Everybody who has income more then 5 milion has to vote for McCain.
Everybody who has income less them 5 milion has to vote for Obama.
Is it soo simple.
McCain wont everybody to be rich. I am interested what is his program to make everybody rich and how he will make me rich.

Ivan Ivanov Rio Rancho New Mexico (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:50 AM)

I hope McCain treats the nation better than his first wife. You can argue all you want but McCain is a greedy self centered jerk.

Joe Ramacher (Sent Tuesday, August 19, 2008 10:51 AM)

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