Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:51:21 GMT

Clinton mailing out DVD's; I wonder if you can burn over it and put something entertaining on instead of listening to her drone on. How do you beat Hillary? Simple, after watching her debates, there is no way on god's green earth she can win a one on one, so just get her in a one on one and Voila! I wonder how many people in poverty did buy an Iphone. Better yet, at these poverty lectures at he is droning on about, how many people in the audience have an Iphone? Just under 13% live in poverty and he is 9% in New Hampshire; John better get back into the race a little bit. So what Elizabeth is saying; unmarried, stupid, foolish, redneck women who live in trailer parks, have multiple children with multiple men are the kind of women who would vote for Hillary. Guess we can rule out a Clinton/Edwards ticket. Big difference between Senator Kennedy and Senator Edwards. Kennedy drinks too much, murdered a woman and adds to the global warming everytime he flaps his gums. John is from the south, lives in the big house on the hill, spends way too much money on haircuts and seems to think there are two America's. And you would have to be seriously and mentally challanged to think Edwards and Obama look alike. A good mix of news and info right here!

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jerri fan — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:05:13 GMT

jerri you go girl

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:07:38 GMT

I think you're right, Jerry. Her negatives aren't going away, and she's not likely to build new supporters given her stump speech performances. She does do better in a debate setting, where she can rely on the Microphone and a captive audience to speak in her calm voice, which is much more effective.

But those negative's and that inability to inspire mean getting her in, as you say, a one-on-one puts her at a huge disadvantage. In fact, more than that, as many of us have said before, she's unelectable. Sure, she won twice in New York, and while New York can elect Republicans the Democrat nominee winning there isn't all that impressive.

Obama is starting to jab at her. I don't know if that's the right move. He seemed to be doing fine without it and I would have suggested he give it until September to see if the poll gap starts closing on its own. But maybe his team is responding to the kneejerk media coverage, which is trying to force viability perceptions based on poll numbers this early. I understand why the media is doing it - its the 24-7-365 need to entertain. But it will make it harder for lesser known candidates to find any oxygen in the room.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:20:34 GMT

Time magazine did a perfect story and it shows why Hillary is not a debater. At a rally in Iowa, she spoke and after 8 minutes people were either talking or drifting away. I'm sure that was not lost on Bill Clinton as well. Bill may have had more charisma then Hillary could ever muster up. She really needs to bone up on her talking points, even the Time reporters seemed to be bored, they hardly mentioned that speech at all. Hillary's weakness is that she is a puppet and her handlers need to do a better job at moving the strings.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Ricardo in California — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:36:46 GMT

Jerry I think the horrid smell from the gulf of mexico has damaged your brain. Your lips are flapping but you're not saying much ...

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Bonnie Boston, Ma — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:41:00 GMT

Paul & Jerry- You guys are just hurting our party- You make statements as if they are facts- "her negatives are not going away" In NY the conservative Republicans-by large poll numbers- have changed their opinon -after seeing how hard Senator Clinton works on their behalf she has won them over- The exit polls from Iowa town halls of people who go in saying they would never vote for Hillary -come out changing their minds-again by high numbers-
Of course 15 years of negative right wing attacks has taken their toll-Sadly their tactics have worked as effectively on the far left. I know Hillary Clinton as a mother- our daughters have been friends for 12 years- Hillary Clinton is one of the warmest, funniest and most compassionate woman I have ever met- If you listen to her long time friends (and there are many) -her colleagues in the Senate and those in the campaign who have known her for over a decade -you will hear the real story-there is true love and respect for this extraordinary woman. Please do not demonize one of our own-especially someone who has spent a lifetime working on issues that effect those who need it the most. She is not the enemy- Please do not knee jerk the right wing talking points- you are doing their work for them- By all means, support your candidate of choice- but do not elevate them by attempting to bring down Hillary- Our kids deserve and need better-

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

MK,MO — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 14:42:08 GMT

speaking of edwards, I saw where someone had tried to strap a dog to the top of his car late last night, the perpetrator of this heinous crime apparently was wearing $300 make-up evidence at the crime seen revealed, if my memory serves me I believe romney is the only person I recall being self-absorbed enough to pay some make-up artist $300 to paint his face up like a common street hooker, but I could be wrong cause the press really has run with the story for some odd reason

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:17:37 GMT

Bonnie, Jerry is a Republican and I'm an independent, though one leaning Democratic this election cycle. I'm glad you have such a warm personal relationship with Clinton, and am trying to type that without a sarcastic tone.

I don't claim to be a campaign expert but I am a spectator who enjoys the inside-politics stuff. I do know its considered a campaigning truism that a candidate can't diminish negative numbers very much. I've read about the "Reagan effect," which is a theory that negatives at 45 and under fine, but somewhere between that and 50 is a magical line that pushes a candidate into the realm of unelectable. Its usually considered to be somewhere around 47. Hillary's negatives have been at 48 in most polls I've seen. And we do have some polling data suggesting her negatives may actually have gone up during 2007 - I forget who, but someone had them above 50 a few weeks back. Seemed like a small poll with a large error margin, so maybe not even worth mentioning.

So I stand by the unelectable thing. I'd also point out that, even if you don't buy the above, we all do know her negatives are higher than the rest of the Democratic field. So logically it seems that the people pushing her nomination are the one's who may well be hurting the Democratic Party more so than I ever could on this message board.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Joe Justice — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:30:53 GMT

I love how FirstRead and others can question (without any evidence, it seems) the sincerity of a guy like John Edwards, who was raised in a lower-class environment, worked his way up, and fought for the little guys as a trial attorney... yet you all completely buy into the bought-and-paid-for Kennedy mystique, as if there was no rich-man playing hero stuff going on there.

I'd like to see evidence (proof! proof! as Jerry would cry) that Edwards isn't sincere.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Steve, San Diego — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:31:42 GMT

Once again Paul you nailed Hillary's main hurdle correctly. It doesn't give me a warm & fuzzy feeling to have her be my parties nominee for president, but I would vote for her. I am more foolish than earnest to want an election in 08 that is a landslide victory for the DEMs. The mudlsinging from those who oppose Hillary will be too much to handle. Maybe our best chances for a civil run for the WH in 08 would be Senator Obama versus Senator Thompson.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

JIrby, Colorado — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:33:32 GMT

I saw a story yesterday that told of all the candidates' attempt to proclaim their Christianity and their closeness to Jesus. Especially the Dems, who paid in '04 for Kerry not wearing his religion on his sleeve, in contrast to Bush who boasted of being born again, (a common symptom of reformed alcoholics), and having Jesus on his speed dial. I'm just saying that the Dems are counteracting this by all of them claiming to be Jesus freaks, basically putting the religious right on the sidelines. Also, I would like to suggest that this blog change its name from First Read to Jerry Says, or we could just have a Jerry Says sidebar.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:47:28 GMT

Steve, I also could have mentioned that its odd having a Clinton supporter ask for party opponents to not knock down a fellow Democrat.

Which Democrat was caught push-polling Obama's supposed support of the Iraq war and Edward's $400 haircut?

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Blue state baby — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:50:25 GMT

Thats not what Jerry says.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Bailey, Charlotte, N.C. — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:53:06 GMT

The upcoming presidential election is probably the most important in my lifetime (I was born in '69).

I'm a lifelong Republican who hasn't voted for a Republican since 2000 and am leaning towards voting for the Democrat (Obama, Edwards, hopefully, tho, for GORE).

I cannot for the life of me understand how the Democratic party can even think of nominating Hillary, who has consistently scored the highest unfavorablility rankings - across the board!

Leave it to stalwart DLC Democratic MORONS to snatch yet another defeat out of the jaws of victory. Folks, this is why the Democrats have been wandering in the political wilderness for so long now.

If you want to take back the White House, you have got to nominate someone who will win in the GENERAL election! Currently, that candidate is named BARACK OBAMA. Wake up Dems! This election is FAR TOO important to give to the Republicans!

Although I will probably vote for the Democrat in '08, I will be voting for RON PAUL in the Republican primaries. It's the one good thing I can do. But if Hillary Clinton wins that Dem. nom, I will be staying home b/c I will not have her pro-war/AIPAC, pro-corporate blood on my hands!

GORE/OBAMA would wipe everyone (especially Hillary) off the map!

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Alan in Phx — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:08:55 GMT

If Edwards was sincere he would encourage teenagers to stay in school. Talk about not being a teen parent, that limits your lifes possibilites. Not equate earning below the federal poverty line, as mythical as that is, as the same as being truly destitute.

Unless you truly have a mental problom or a physical one a persons station in life is decided by the choices one makes everyday. Paying attention in school, working hard at a job, finding a mentor, keep striving. America is ripe with opportunity you just cannot wait for it to be handed to you.

Edwards was encouraged to study, go to college went to law school and found out a great living could be made by chasing ambulances, good for him. Complaing that there is not enough government for the poor is just pandering.

Real poverty is seen outside of America, being below the federal poverty line is a statistic for government funds to states ad school and not a real indication of actual poverty. If 20% of the population was truely in abject poverty there would be people on every corner just begging for anything. The corner beer bums are not even destitute.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

H P Boston — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:12:32 GMT

Tsk tsk Bonnine in Boston Ma..I was going to claim you as my sister (younger) loved your post..BUT

When you INSULTED Paul and linked him to jerry, I
freaking threw up my lunch!!

Jerry is a joke who has not had an orignal idea in his life.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Steve, San Diego — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:44:32 GMT

Bailey your comments are solid. I wish the DNC would wake-up and fight back hard. I appreciate your thoughts on Gore/Obama, but I don't think former VP Gore will change his mind and run. I hope Senator Obama becomes the DEM nominee for President.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:45:03 GMT

Robert Byrd is speaking now. Now would be a good time for a republican to catch a nap on one of those beds in the back. Bonnie, I'm sure Hillary is a warm and friendly person and I'm equally sure I can sit down and drink a Dr. pepper with Bill and debate politics without him getting worked up like he did on Fox News. The problem I have (and I'm sure a lot of people in here have) is that Hillary either has way too many skeletons in her closet or she is a flip flopper and she has some serious legal issues that a lot of people find just a little distracting. I've read all about her great Senate record in new York State. She has left no post office unnamed, gotten some land in Puerto Rico turned into a national forrest,establish the Kate Mulleny national historic site (WHO???), and congratulating two lacrosse teams on winning their championships. Hardly a great record to run on. For everyone who thinks she should be president just because she is a woman, she must also have a record to run on. Hillary Clinton may have experience getting the menu's ready for dinner at the white house or dancing with her husband at state dinners or making sure the furniture is dusted twice a day, but as a leader for this country? I hardly think so. She needs to do a few more things to show the country she is ready to be not only a leader of this country, but also as commander in chief of the armed forces.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

bluestateken — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:48:10 GMT

Bailey from Charlotte...you are SO right about Hillary and her un-electibility. You are also RIGHT ON with your pick of GORE/OBAMA, a totally unbeatbable ticket.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

MK,MO — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 16:52:14 GMT

Alan in Phx / why don't you try surviving below your so called imaginary federal poverty line once, you won't like it, corporate america has sent the good jobs out of the country, the days of working hard and getting a decent wage are just fawned memories for a lot of americans being displaced by the slaves that are allowed to walk across the border, higher education is great except the good republicans have put that out of reach for most working class kids, you have obviously never had to try and raise a family on minimum wage, glad to see you're doing well, but next time you jump in the beamer drive outside the gate of your gated community, open your eyes and look around I believe you will find that you can't swing a dead cat without hitting someone who is truly destitute

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Benji Brummels — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:02:20 GMT

"freaking threw up my lunch!"

You sure throw up a lot. You should get that checked.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:06:53 GMT

God, Al Gore again? Let me bring you up on the Al Gore fact of the day:

Oct 3rd, presidential debate: Al Gore stated that a 15 year old girl could not sit in her classroom because there was no room for her to sit. The Principle of the school was interviewed and said that Al Gore told a lie, the girl stood up because she choose to, there was new equipment in the room waiting to be put together and although their were plenty of stools around the room, the girl chose to stand. In fact, the classroom in question had received more then $100,000 in new equipment, it was a science lab. Al Gore is a raging moron.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

jjg, ms — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:21:56 GMT

Bonnie - great post. Don't bother with Jerry - still does not get it, and seems happy about how the world is. Ignorance is bliss, I suppose.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Aidyn,NY, NY — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 17:44:37 GMT

Hilay is doing everything she can to make her message clear and I respect that becuase that shows you that she really cares and she is serrious.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Jeff Morgan, Austin, TX — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:36:12 GMT

I think the truth is though that average joe that isn't addicted to political news like we are, doesn't have strong sentiments about the candidates, even Hillary. People that haven't heard all the messeges from the candidates.

I think Clinton is making a good move by getting her messege out this way. I wonder how much the cost of these dvds compares to television ads, because you probably get your messege out to more people than TV ads, and they can watch it on their own time, and I bet there is a lot more than 30 seconds on those things.

My question is: Is Clinton doing this too early, or the other contenders too late?

This fits with her campaign strategy of looking inevitable. It looks like to me Obama is trying to time himself to pop later in the fall, and I see the merit to that strategy. What do you guys think?

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Gary Smotherman, Kansas City, MO — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:43:03 GMT

In my opinion, the democratic party is in serious trouble.
They have a war on poverty led by a man who pays $1200 for a haircut.
A women who is supposed to be an advocate for wemon who refuses to acknowledge allogations of rape commited by her husband.
Then there is a drunken fool in the senate who can't remember which war we are in (i.e. the Viet Nam comment)
All night senate debates requiring cots.
A half african half American who was educated in a Muslum school.

Who are these people and what have they done with our leaders?
In times past qualities like leadership ability, standing up for what is right, honesty, morality and the big one which is looking out for your fellow Americans were things we looked for in our leaders.
It is my opinion that we have a bunch of mamby pamby low lifes out to make a name for themselves. It sadens me to think the children of our great nation have to continually look forward to cleaning up more amd more messes created by greed and ignorance.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Alan in Phx — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:48:21 GMT

MK I am sad for your inability to get a job that you feel you are deserving. Since you have no ides what my past or present financial situation is, your comments smack of jealousy for anybody that does better than you. Plus my classic El Camino is better than any beemer and you can drive right up to my house - no gates.

If you hate your life so much then change your situation. If you hate your job, get another one. If your income is not going far enough than cut some of your expenses until you can save. If jobs suck in MO then move to wher they are better. Don't blame a mexican for taking jobs, how many jobs have you applied for that were being wanted by the border crossers. None!

Higher education is not a cost but an investment. Would you invest 40k to make 1 million, the answer is yes. If you cannot afford it research grants and loans. There is over a billion in education money that gets UNUSED each year because people just do not fill out the paperwork and ask. Oh by the way Democrats control most universities and tenure and liberal policies make college more expensive. Community college is inexpensive and you work hard there and learn the material you will get ahead.

MK you just need to decide to do better tomorrow than today and better to use your energy to better your situation than complain that you are being kept down by others.

No dead cats in my neighborhood, the coyotes from the desert eat them.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

H P Boston — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 18:50:23 GMT

Benji thanks for looking out for my health.
A GUT terror attack!
A PUKE FLU spread by the G O P
(GOD's OWN PROSTITUTE'S)
Seems I did not click past fox noise quickly enough, got zapped!

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

H P Boston — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:01:15 GMT

JEFF; I think no one out there is paying much attention.
It is way to early and the field has to thin down a GREAT deal.
A GOOD thing, the rebublicans do not like any of the canidates on their side. A survey showed they would not choose any of the above when presented a choice.

Women do not like WAR. They are the majority and will vote in greater numbers. MHO.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Tyler Rackliffe, Westport, CT — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:10:22 GMT

To me this question that seems to be propping up about Clinton's "experience" to Obama's "newness" is a no brainer. Clinton, Bush, Clinton? Yuck. We gave up the monarchy over 200 years ago and really need a breath of fresh air in Washington. The question then is can Obama adapt fast enough to the job. I think he has shown his skills at quickly learning about the issues time and time again, most recently with his stellar performance at the NAACP convention when just weeks earlier he was faltering a bit over similar questions about race in America at the Dem Debates.

I really think we need the change and the world will thank us for it.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 19:13:03 GMT

I think you're right on several points, Jeff. I'd add that Clinton is probably doing the DVD thing because she feels like too much coverage of her "plan" only highlighted how badly she comes across on the stump. On a new video, she can control all that.

Plus, she can clean up some of the items that were either mistakes or open to negative interpretation. Someone posted the transcript a few days ago. There's a lot to pick at.

I do think she's trying to get out in front and appear "inevitable." I also think Obama is willing to let her run and make his more concerted move in the fall. Given their two distinct positions, both approaches make sense.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Sierra, San Francisco — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 22:30:46 GMT

How can Hillary be beaten ?? I think it takes a string of garlic and a crucifix ! or maybe a candidate who's willing to mention she supported the war, that she's morally shady and probably incapable of conducting an effective or honest administration. Watch the Democratic insiders come out of the woodwork to ride the gravy train if she's elected.

Oh-eight (D): Obama's jabs at HRC

Benji Brummels — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 01:49:58 GMT

Damn, its on my shoes. And its not coming off.