What are the politics of hope?

jerry/corpus chrsiti texas — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:16:49 GMT

A great plan Hillary!.......

Only one problem........

What are the details of your plan?.......

Just like a Clinton........

Full of ideas.........
but no foundation...........

Details now!!!!!!!!!!

What are the politics of hope?

Daniel, NY — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:19:04 GMT

Meanwhile a new poll from VIRGINIA out this morning shows Clinton very competitive against Rudy GIuliani and THompson, and also has Warner leading the Senate race</a>. Details here: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2007/10/morning-polls-so-much-for-giulianis.html

What are the politics of hope?

Dave, Tn — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:20:05 GMT

They were Rove before anyone in DC or NY knew who Rove was.

What are the politics of hope?

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:22:01 GMT

I sometimes think that the Clinton campaing takes the american public or american democrats as fools. Shouldn't they(the campaign) be about raising the level of debate and not contributing to lowering it?? Point out policy differences is NOT abadoning the politics of hope. If Mrs. Clinton truly thinks she is the best candidate to be POTUS, why isn't she welcoming the debate?

She better be careful not to alienate the supporters of other candidates just in case she is the nominee.

What are the politics of hope?

Daniel Elliott, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:27:57 GMT

I believe what the Clinton campaign is referring to is, this notion put forward by both Obama and Edwards, that Clinton is not being honest. Both have basically called her a liar. In my book these sort of personal attacks do not lend themselves to an intelligent dialogue of the differences in their positions. Mrs. Clinton has stayed above the fray and avoided such name calling of her democratic rivals. And because she has done so has come off looking like the most presidential of the bunch.

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:28:56 GMT

Another tactics of changing tonight debate. I don't expect Tim Russert and Brian Williams to buy this gabbage coming out of Clinton's campaign.

Politics of hope doesn't mean we shouldn't engage in debate about the critical issues of our time. No more Kumbaya on critical issues

They don't want people to challenge her on the critical issues. I can't believe this crap. This is extremely bogus. If media buy this, shame on you.

What are the politics of hope?

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:32:06 GMT

Wow, Mark Penn IS NUTS! Well, at the very least, he's not honest, but that's his job--to spin. Hillary defining the "politics of hope?" The world just got a little darker.

The "politics of hope" does not mean launching attacks on one candidate, but that is not what either Edwards or Obama are doing. There are following the politics of hope, which does mean laying out a vision for the American people and talking about the change we need? And it even means questioning a rival's integrity in an open, honest debate--not that Hillary would know anything about that.

Mark Penn should spend some more time penning memos on the policies Senator Clinton has spent the last few months detailing, rather than attacking the opponents:

- Her plan for ending the war in Iraq.
*Could her plan be any less clear/more muddled?

- A health care plan that provides coverage for all Americans and that builds on the present system.
*How is she going to achieve anything with a polarized Congress, largely of her making?

- A middle class economic plan that rebuilds the road to the middle class by making our economy work for all of us, not just some of us.
*Well, that just means raise taxes for everybody. Maybe she should articulate why, not just offer a sound bite and empty promises.

- How she would use aggressive diplomacy to avert war and deal with Iran.
*Maybe she could start by not laying out the groundwork for a future attack on Iran.

What are the politics of hope?

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:34:48 GMT

This is really getting old. The candidates have a right to point out how they differ from one another without it being labeled a personal attack. Just because Senator Clinton is the supposed front runner, does not mean that she should be held exempt or immune from criticism. She and her advisors need to grow up and stop being so sensitive. What is the old saying " If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen?" I think the temperature is only just starting to warm up.

What are the politics of hope?

TEC-Spring -Tx — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:35:58 GMT

Do we really need another political spin master in the Whitehouse? I have had enough of that from the current administration. We need a president that will listen to all ideas regardless of party lines and one that welcomes debate and criticism. What worries me most about Clinton is that she has the same trait as Bush. Just like Bush, she has a hard time saying I was wrong or mistaken.

What are the politics of hope?

Mike K, Denver — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:37:12 GMT

<<I believe what the Clinton campaign is referring to is, this notion put forward by both Obama and Edwards, that Clinton is not being honest. Both have basically called her a liar. In my book these sort of personal attacks do not lend themselves to an intelligent dialogue of the differences in their positions. Mrs. Clinton has stayed above the fray and avoided such name calling of her democratic rivals. And because she has done so has come off looking like the most presidential of the bunch. >>

So, disagreeing with her positions on subjects and pointing out where she's changed her position is calling her a liar? Wow. You Clinton people are hellbent on not being called out on the policies of the day and what you stand for. I guess that's probably because she doesn't stand for anything at all different than what we have today.

What are the politics of hope?

Justin, Gainesville FL — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:39:31 GMT

Let's play a game, Mark. Compare and contrast these two statements:

Statement 1:
"The implied thesis of Mark Penn's memo--that other candidates are abandoning a position they took recently and engaging in negative campaigning--is not supported by its contents; in particular the memo fails to point out any evidence supporting the thesis and in fact instead discusses unrelated positions he suggests his own candidate takes."

Statement 2:
"Mark Penn is a moron, and this memo clearly supports that."

Mark, one of these is an "attack" and a "negative comment." The other is, while it might be considered "negative" in the sense that it is critical, is not.

One of these is representative of the statements Hillary's campaign engages in, the other isn't. Can you guess which is which?

What are the politics of hope?

Lek — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:40:29 GMT

More of the same won't get her elected. I am tired of Politician that can level with us. No more crap. We want details on the agenda that matters to the America people.

What are the politics of hope?

MK,MO — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:41:58 GMT

'Is it going to be off-limits for her to criticize another campaign or “point out differences”?'

she already has, so I guess not. if she were nominated maybe the republican candidate won't mention anything negative about clinton.

maybe she should just start crying during the debate tonight and say all the big mean men are picking on her.

if you want to be a corrupt politician and surround yourself with criminals like hillary, best get some thick skin, this is just another attempt by her handlers to keep her obvious shortcomings off the tv, I hope the other candidates hold her feet to the fire not out of meanness but to reveal who and what hillary is before it is too late.

What are the politics of hope?

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:46:38 GMT

Mark Penn should try a new approach. That, don't criticize me or you're a no good dirty dawg accusation sounds suspicously like Bush claiming that criticisms of his policy are unpatriotic. If the Clintonistas don't like the Bush-lite label, then they better stop acting the ol'brush cutter. I'm just waiting for Hillary to allege a connection between Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden; that would justify her votes on Iraq - her concern about nuc-ular weapons causing WWIII will come out the next week.
Obama '08

What are the politics of hope?

--NSMSNBC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:48:07 GMT

Daniel Elliot: "I believe what the Clinton campaign is referring to is, this notion put forward by both Obama and Edwards, that Clinton is not being honest. Both have basically called her a liar."

If the shoe fits ... If Clinton lies or hides her policies, wouldn't Edwards and Obama be obligated to call her out? If she frequently gets caught in scandals, wouldn't they be fair to call her crooked?. If people either love her or hate her, shouldn't they point out that she is decisive? That seems fair to me, that seems like the right thing to do.

What are the politics of hope?

scott — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:49:08 GMT

gawd, i loathe hillary clinto. i think rove and penn are related--maybe 8th cousins?

What about when Clinto referred to Obama as naive? According to Mark Penn, that, too, is considered an attack.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: if HRC is the nominee, i'll write in a candidate.

What are the politics of hope?

Bob, NY, NY — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:49:56 GMT

The problem for both Edwards and Obama is that they themselves have stated that they would be running a different type of campaign and would not engage in the negative polarizing politics of the past. Now that they are finding they are trailing in the polls (and Edwards is only at 20% in Iowa where he has spent better part of 4 years) they cannot simply talk about policy differences but are engaging in what truly is negative attacks such as calling into question Hillary's honesty and why she is running. There is a major difference between comparing stances on issues and attacking people in person. Iowa voters usually know the differences.

What are the politics of hope?

Rick,ky — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:54:01 GMT

Can someone please direct me to where barack said he was gonna abandon the Politics of Hope this past weekend. I don't remember seeing him say that anywhere. I do remember him saying he was gonna point out the differences between him & hillary. I can just hear her now crying, "BIll , them men said i was'nt being truthful with the American people". If she thinks it has been rough up until now, she aint seen nothing yet. You can bet the farm that tonight Tim Russert has'nt forgotten that little miscue from the last debate. He will be on hillary like " Stink on sh-t".

What are the politics of hope?

Sierra, SF — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:54:42 GMT

--NSMSNBC: Her plan for ending the war in Iraq.
*Could her plan be any less clear/more muddled?...'

NSMSNBC, BINGO !!
Hillary HAS NO PLAN !!
That's the point !!
It's time for Obama and Edwards to both hammer her on this.

(though, both have to look at THEIR plans to get us out of Iraq)
(frankly, neither Richardson or Dodd have a chance, but their stands are better than Obama/Edwards)

If the campaign is about Iraq, Hillary loses and the Republicans lose to an anti-war Democrat
Hillary is positioning herself as the 'strong' (i.e. pro-war) Democrat.
Why are Obama/Edwards not calling her on it ?

Let's face it, Hillary has run a Great campaign.
Obama and Edwards have run lousy campaigns.
Time is running out.......

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:56:41 GMT

Here is the defination of politics of hope if Mark Penn didn't get it.

Politics of hope give me the audacity to stick to the issues that matter to the American people. It gives me the audacity to challenge the conventional wisdom that have been wrong 100% of the time on the issues of

Social Security
Iraq
Iran
Energy
Ethics
Lobbyst.

This is what the politics of hope tells me: the politics of hope want us to challenge our government and ask the right questions. The politics of hope want me to challenge the media that failed to do their job.

No more talking point. Lets debate the issues than affect average American.

What are the politics of hope?

Daniel Elliott, Los Angeles, CA — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 17:59:16 GMT

To Mike K. in Denver:
"The closer we get to the election and the more people move past celebrity and to the issues such as honesty, integrity and who can actually bring about change, I think they are going to pay very close attention to those questions," Edwards said while riding in a minivan between campaign stops.
And Obama when asked if Clinton was being honest with the America people about her plan for SS he said simply. "NO".
Hillary hasn't called into quesion anyone's honesty or integrity except those of Bush and the Republicans.

What are the politics of hope?

Lek — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:01:04 GMT

She run a great campaign by blurring the issues and using media as her spin bag. Enough of that crap.

As a citizen i demand an answer to the issues that matter to me. I'd rather cast my vote for another Republican that i know where he stand.

I can't stand another wishy washy politician. I don't like George Bush but i'll vote for him again if run against Hillary Clinton. I know what i am going to get with him.

What are the politics of hope?

Jan, Nashua, NH — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:02:10 GMT

Someone asked, in support of Obama or Edwards, if Clinton isn't allowed to go after them. Clinton NEVER does go after Obama or Edwards. Even here, she uses what they themselves said, to point out their own hypocrisy. In other words, Edwards once said that he is not the candidate who will be attacking other Democrats. So, why is he now attacking Democrat Hillary Clinton?
Clinton attacks the guy whose job she wants -- George W. Bush.
Obama and Edwards should try it too. It might help them look like frontrunners as well, instead of also-rans like Giuliani and Romney.

What are the politics of hope?

Dan G., Pensacola, FL — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:09:43 GMT

That's what the Obama team gets for showing their hand before the debate. Now Hillary has time to prepare and slap them down during the debate. Obama, no experience and no ability to plan ahead.

What are the politics of hope?

Rosemary, California — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:10:53 GMT

The HRC Campaign, want to say that the Obama and Edwards campaigns are attacking and abandoning HOPE when they challenge her ideas. The HRC campaign is trying to confuse the public with rheteric and not forthcoming in their ideas. We want ideas not sound bites. It is not that Hillary is such a great campaigner or debater, as the newsmedia and pundtry corps sees her. These people feel they are getting Bill by supporting her. I hope they look at this as the Clintons had their time in the Whitehouse, we need to look forward to NEW ideas. Not keep hanging onto the past. If Hillary gets the nomination, I see more divisiveness and Red / Blue State. The Republicans want her to win so they can keep this Red Blue going.

If Obana and Edwards are not spreading vicious lies and pointing out how they differ with her, how is that attacking HRC. HRC's campain plans to keep saying that and some of the voters will get confused if they don't look at this objectively. It is another way to say look at all of these guys beating up on a woman. I hope the voters are smarter than that.

What are the politics of hope?

Ron, TX — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:12:23 GMT

Oh.... my... god! Hillary Clinton has one thing correct- she has plenty of experience with dodge, shift, and punch politics! Too bad that's all she and Penn have correct.

It's absolutely absurd that the Clinton campaign is trying to spin the story so much that they're actually saying "If you disagree with me, you're being negative and need to stop!" Yes! Let's all just stop arguing with Hillary Clinton!

I'm sorry, but I don't want to be a part of any "vision of America" that utilizies Rove-style spin, playing Republican war games with Iraq and Iran, following Bush's diplomacy by not talking directly to foreign leaders... I don't want to be a part of a vision of America whose vision is to be wishy-washy and dodge everything.

To End, here's a good quote from a recent LA Times article on Clinton and social security- just another example of a vision that ISN'T what America needs- we need a LEADER, not someone experienced at dodgeball.
LA Times, Oct 2007: Clinton says that Social Security is in jeopardy. But pressed in a recent debate on how to shore up the system's shaky finances, Clinton refused to offer any remedy. "I don't think I should be negotiating about what I would do as president," she said. "You know, I want to see what other people come to the table with."

What are the politics of hope?

nuanced — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:12:38 GMT

The Clinton campaign believes the “politics of hope” should be about outlining how our candidate will reverse the policies of the Bush Administration and give America a new beginning for the 21st Century.

-- OK, this is not a criticism of just Hillary but her manager brought it up. It applies to all of the candidates except maybe Ron Paul. Nowhere in this memo are any reversals of Bush policies listed. Almost none of the candidates have addressed reversing Bush's policies. We need a reversal and repudiation of Bush's policies of the "unitary" president, signing statements, recess appointments, undeclared war, torture, politicized justice, FISA, warrantless spying, gutted habeus corpus, secret prisons, torture, renditions, combining of church and state, Guantanamo prison, homeland security, secret watch lists, dictator directives, politicized science, no-bid political contracts, etc.

What are the politics of hope?

James — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:16:47 GMT

The question that Tim Russert asked democratic candidates was"Can you get ALL TROOPS out of Iraq by 2013" and of course as you know the rest is history. Obama promised that he will have all COMBAT TROOPS out by 2013" That means he will end military combat by 2013 because if there is no COMBAT then what is the meaning of war? We have troops stationed around the world, does that mean they are at war?

Obama notes that his health care plan is 95% like Edwards and Clinton. I hope he outlines that 5% because that 5% is very important. That fundamental difference is that he does not mandate individual insurance requirements because he believes it limits choices and puts too many socioeconomic limits on the ones who do not need it. Edwards and Clintons plan mandates it.

Obama believes anyone above $97,000 would need to be taxed to make up the gap for social security. Edwards believes it should be $97,000 to $250,000. All the democratic candidates do not believe in privatizing social security. What is Hillary's plan? Is it the same as Edwards plan? Is it fiscal responsibility? If so, doesn't that apply to health care and her 401k plan as well?

What are the politics of hope?

scott — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:20:21 GMT

Jan from Nashua, you are so incredibly wrong. Hillary has in fact "attacked" Obama very recently. She called him "irresponsible and naive." I hope you didn't forget that as soon as she had the chance, she pounced.

She is and will continue to be the George W. Bush/Karl Rove of the left. And i'm a liberal!

What are the politics of hope?

James — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:20:25 GMT

What are the politics of hope? Obama needs to redefine what that means tonight before we vote for the politics of "trianglation"(Clinton)

What are the politics of hope?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:20:52 GMT

Van:

You better run by headquarters and slap Mark Penn silly for putting out that horrid piece of crap......

What are the politics of hope?

Barbara Anderson, Houston — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:21:23 GMT

To Mitchell Feldman:

I believe the correct spelling is nu-kew-ler.

What are the politics of hope?

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:22:26 GMT

Jan

Would calling Senator Obama naive not be considering a personal attack if you used Senator Clinton's definition?

What are the politics of hope?

Dickie Flatts, Charlotte, NC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:24:39 GMT

All candidates can point out differences. You won't pay at price for that.

However, cheap attacks, or shading the truth opens you up to blowback. If Edwards or Obama use rightwing talking points to attack Clinton, or if they fabricated attacks or stretch the truth (like Obama saying he doesn't take money from lobbyist) then they are subject to the consequences.

What are the politics of hope?

pat huntington ny — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:30:42 GMT

The following is a roundtable of ideas of the GOP front runners and what they bring to the table:

Rudy brings his prostate and the remains of a 9-11 victim;
Mitt brings phony family values and his special religous underwear;
Thompson brings the latest DVD of Law & Order;
McCain brings some geritol.

Ah, yes, this is what the other side has to offer.

What are the politics of hope?

Mo, Washington D.C — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:31:14 GMT

Jan from Nashua, NH in case you are too young to remember, Clinton called Obama «irresponsible» and «Naive». So you might wanna correct your statement that says that: «Clinton NEVER does go after Obama or Edwards». I am giving you a chance here. Take it.

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:34:51 GMT

Jan, Nashua, NH,

That is what i called Corronation. Obama never attack her character but point out the difference between the two of them . I don't call that attack but honesty.

What are the politics of hope?

Mike K, Denver — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:38:09 GMT

Wait. Wait. Wait. So, Clinton gets a free pass to hem and haw, laugh, and do anything else to ignore the questions being asked because these other candidates said they wouldn't engage in negative campaigning????

Simply demanding answers to the questions being asked or for clarifications to answers are NOT personal attacks against Hillary. If anything, she's attacking the American people calling us stupid for thinking we're simply going to give her a pass because of who her husband is.

Demanding an answer or pointing out that her position has changed simply because her previous answer was unpopular is NOT a personal attack no matter how many different ways Hillary and Mark Penn try and spin it.

What are the politics of hope?

Paul, OH — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:47:14 GMT

Jan: If you step out of the Hillary boots you are wearing and put your thinking cap on, then it is easy to see the contradictions in almost all of her statements. It is interesting to see that she does not allow anyone to question her. Its not the issue of OBAMA raising the questions. Remember her message to the fund raisers. "if you are not with us, we will remember that" and deal with you all. I wonder thats any sign of healthy democracy bt more of a dictatarian rule. I thought we left that practice a long time ago. She knows herself how divisive she has been. Thats why she has to fear and dont want questions to come up. It was very evident in the last debate when Tim Russert asked her questions and caught her unaware. For my part, I have turned my vote away from her to a more honest person. If she wins the ticket, I will go republican. I am disgusted to see that we can even think of putting such dubiuos candidates in the oval office. GWB did not lay the truth the way it should have been. Do I want this again??

Americans... for once use your judgement and get out the political baggage an suits that we wear. Take this country in the right direction.

What are the politics of hope?

TheDonald — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:48:37 GMT

I think it's time to start asking the same question James Carville and Co. asked in 1992: Is the American people stupid?

What are the politics of hope?

karlos — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:49:41 GMT

a debate is "to discuss a question by considering opposing arguements", webster's dictionary. that means you get to highlight inconsistencies of your opponents votes, position, or incomplete responses. if not it's a sound bite with no clarification or answers to those listening. that's not negativism that's a debate folks. the positive is we get a clear position from each candidate, a reason for who we support, and the politics of hope in getting our person elected. give me a debate not regurgitation of prior sound bites. i believe biden will excel in that forum as the CEO trinity getting the press is avoiding answers to keep their poll numbers up.

What are the politics of hope?

Margaret, NYC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:56:19 GMT

Oh puleeeeze! Edwards hasn't attacked Queen Hillary - but is merely telling the Truth about her taking bribe money from lobbyists.
Hillary's campaign is reacting like Bushies - anytime you post facts about Bush - Bushies claim he's being attacked!

What are the politics of hope?

Dave, Tn — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 18:58:55 GMT

"We need a reversal and repudiation of Bush's policies of the "unitary" president, signing statements, recess appointments, undeclared war, torture, politicized justice, FISA, warrantless spying, gutted habeus corpus, secret prisons, torture, renditions, combining of church and state, Guantanamo prison, homeland security, secret watch lists, dictator directives, politicized science, no-bid political contracts, etc. "

Be hard for Clinton to do that seeing how she is running on her husband's record, and he did most if not all of those things.

What are the politics of hope?

Lisa, Tifton, GA — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:01:53 GMT

Hillary can appear to be above the frey because the Clintons sold their $ouls to Rupert Murdoch whose network has smeared John Edwards 24/7.
Oh - and Hillary's Karl Rove (Mark Penn) is doing the covert smearing via push polling in Iowa and NH.

That's just plain evil - and we will NOT vote for Hillary.

What are the politics of hope?

James — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:03:18 GMT

How about putting Hillary Clinton at a townhall meetinga and see how she answers their questions? I challenge her to go to the MTV debate that Obama went to yesterday? Where is Clinton now? She is in Washington today to meet with Monsanto(Agriculture firm) to tour her RURAL AMERICA agenda. If you are a Hillary Clinton supporter, you need to ask your campaign manager about this. Don't you think?

What are the politics of hope?

annefrank, FL — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:07:05 GMT

Well Mike - if Hillary picked her nose during a debate, the pundits would still say she was just "wonderful." So - the duped who rely on the corporate media to shape their opinions of the candidates will vote for Hillary - completely unaware that the same pundits promoting her are part of the DC establi$hment.

What are the politics of hope?

Vallab — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:09:05 GMT

Paul, OH: The last 6 years of GWBush has taken away every sense of reason that most Ameriacns had, don't be supprised that Jan is no exception.

Hillary learnt the art of lying from the inventor of lying himself: William Jefferson Clinton.

What are the politics of hope?

vanreuter, NY NY — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:09:35 GMT

Dan Balz on Obama and Social Security. Barack should read this because you know John and Hillary HAVE.

"Barack Obama has spent the past few days calling out Hillary Clinton on Social Security. What has gotten much less attention is that Obama has changed his position on what to do about the government retirement system's financial problems.

When Obama appeared on ABC's "This Week" last May, he told ABC's George Stephanopoulos, "Everything should be on the table" as options for assuring the program's long-term solvency.

"Raising the retirement age?" Stephanopoulos asked.

"Everything should be on the table," Obama replied.

"Raising payroll taxes?" Stephanopoulos asked.

"Everything should be on the table," Obama said. "I think we should approach it the same way Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan did back in 1983. They came together. I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand, but what I know is that Social Security is solvable. It is not as difficult a problem as we're going to have with Medicaid or Medicare."

The lone exception to his "everything is on the table" policy was any form of privatization. Obama said he would not consider the kind of proposal advanced unsuccessfully by President Bush, which would have allowed younger workers to divert some of their payroll taxes to personal or private savings accounts.

In citing the Reagan-O'Neill partnership, Obama appeared to be anxious to preserve his options, should he become president. At the same time, he was signaling that he believed a solution to the problem would require some measure of sacrifice by all parties and a blending of higher taxes and reduced benefits to assure the system's solvency.

Today he is in a different place. His new ad, which began airing in Iowa this week, cites three principles he would follow to save Social Security. One is to restate his opposition to any form of privatization. Second, he said he now would protect benefits from any proposed cuts. Third, he said, is to end the Social Security tax exemption for wealthy Americans.

In a matter of months, Obama has moved from being open to a solution that might include raising the retirement age or indexing benefits to prices rather than wages -- as Republican Fred Thompson has recommended -- to one of making the protection of benefits one of his three core principles for dealing with Social Security.

Protecting Social Security benefits represents standard and traditional policy for Democratic candidates at all levels and in that sense is not a surprising position for someone seeking the party's presidential nomination.

But it may hold particular meaning in Iowa, where older voters play an outsized role in the presidential caucuses. In 2004, for example, 68 percent of Democratic caucus-goers were over age 45, according to exit polls.

Seen in that light, Obama's decision to wall off benefits might be interpreted as a political calculation aimed at shoring up support in a state critical to his presidential aspirations and among the demographic group where he has been weak. Obama's campaign is silent on the political ramifications of his Social Security policy.

Obama's campaign advisers decline to call his current stance on benefits a change in positions. "Barack Obama does not want to cut benefits or raise the retirement age," spokesman Bill Burton said Wednesday. "He thinks the best way to address the issue of solvency is to raise the cap."

Does that contradict what Obama said last spring, when he insisted that everything should be on the table? Here is Burton's response to that exact question: "As opposed to others in the race he has been candid about the problem and in recent days has made himself even more clear in how he would address it."

By that Burton meant Clinton. On Saturday in Iowa, Obama criticized Clinton for not being forthcoming about her plans for dealing with Social Security. "I think that on issues as fundamental as how to protect Social Security, a candidate for President owes it to the American people to tell us where they stand," he said, according to the campaign. "Because you're not ready to lead if you can't tell us where you're going."

Clinton has taken a variety of positions on Social Security. She initially ruled out benefit cuts in what was calculated to show her differences with Obama's earlier position. Later she embraced the Reagan-O'Neill model of establishing a bipartisan commission and said she would not talk about specific ideas as a candidate. Then in an off-stage conversation with an Iowa voter she signaled she is open to raising the cap on payroll taxes, while still maintaining her public posture of not talking specifics.

Obama is willing to talk about those specifics -- but only up to a point. John Edwards, for example, has proposed keeping the current cap at $97,500, excluding wages between that and $200,000 and then applying the payroll tax to wages above that level. Others say simply raising the cap is the best approach. Obama will not, according to a spokesman, say which of several possible approaches he favors although in Iowa on Saturday he seemed to support the latter.

Having challenged Clinton on Social Security, Obama now owes it to voters to explain his own evolution on the issue of benefit cuts this year -- and to provide a clearer sense of just how amenable he would be as president to endorsing a bipartisan solution that ultimately would entail dealing with both benefits and with taxes. He needs to say what is now on the table and what isn't.

--Dan Balz

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2007/10/30/whats_on_the_table_for_obama_a.html

Van

What are the politics of hope?

Mike K, Denver — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:11:57 GMT

<<I think it's time to start asking the same question James Carville and Co. asked in 1992: Is the American people stupid? >>

Sadly, this will likely be answered by 2/5/08 and whether or not Hillary is the nominee. Obviously, she and her campaign think we are.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I take it very personally when someone challenges both my intelligence and my integrity. I don't give a damn WHAT her last name is. She is not, and never will be, in the same league politically as her husband. She is more politically aligned with Dubya and Cheney than she ever was with Bill and Al Gore.

Sorry, the day she wins the nomination is the day the Republicans win the White House. I look at a couple of those guys and think they can do what Hillary can't, engage us in a discussion of how to fix all the crap that's wrong.

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:17:07 GMT

Perhaps, America people are stupid going by Hillary Clinton's definition.

What are the politics of hope?

Darrius, Arkansas — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:18:24 GMT

This is just Hillary's attempt to spin the debate in her favor before it happens.

Oh yeah, this memo is an attack on Obama and Edwards.

What are the politics of hope?

STIX66-ILLINOIS — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:22:10 GMT

WHO WANTS TO TELL 'LEK' THAT 'GEORGIE' ISN'T RUNNING FOR POTUS!?

What are the politics of hope?

Asad — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:28:18 GMT

I think Cheney will also prefer the "politics of hope" being defined the same way as Hillary. That way nobody will be allowed to question him and he can do anything. And when someone dares raise a question, he can say "aha! that's not the politics of hope!"

What are the politics of hope?

Lek — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:43:53 GMT

Any republican candidate will be better than Hillary Clinton. As worse as George Bush is, i prefer him to Billary Clinton

What are the politics of hope?

Dot, illinois — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:45:28 GMT

Van

Did that article you cited give Senator Clinton's current position on Social Security?

What are the politics of hope?

Tosin — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:52:43 GMT

Am i expected to believe Dan Balz another washington insider? The answer is no. The clinton will do anything to distort facts.

Here is the critical question?

Clinton now owes it to voters to explain her own stand on social security -- and to provide a clearer sense of just how amenable he would be as president to endorsing a bipartisan solution that ultimately would entail dealing with both benefits and with taxes. He needs to say what is now on the table and what isn't.

No more triangulation

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:53:48 GMT

Van,

Your article does not tell me what Clinton's position is on social security.

More fluffs from you and your belt way boys

What are the politics of hope?

Mike K, Denver — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:59:30 GMT

<<Van

Did that article you cited give Senator Clinton's current position on Social Security? >>

Beat me to it!

Also, don't you think that in 6 months, there is plenty of time to have talked to people and discussed various proposals and see what it is the PEOPLE want. No one wants the system privatized. No one wants their benefits cut. It is common sense to see that all Obama has done is taken the ideas that are the most popular and most doable and made THOSE his position.

Hell, at least he HAS a position on how to save Social Security.

What are the politics of hope?

Kristian O, Miami — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:12:24 GMT

So Hillary, or any candidate who is the clear frontrunner, is above criticism by the competition? What kind of stupid approach is this trying to win a POLITICAL race. Please people, support who you want. But don't insult other people's intelligence. You sound bad.

What are the politics of hope?

moderate democrat, florida — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:19:43 GMT

whaaa, scream, cry, stamp foot, whine, boo hoo! Oh nooo, little hillary to be our president!!! Get a grip you big assed babies. She'll probably be our president and do a damn good job at that. What a bunch of cruddy crybabies. Vote democratic or we'll get Guiliani. Close your eyes and imagine that JOKE.Boy oh boy, Carville is right, what a group of dumbasses.

What are the politics of hope?

Brian, Cedar Hill, TX — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:20:14 GMT

I haven't heard anything more specific than Hillary from the plans of Obama or Edwards. All they keep spouting is warm and fuzzy rhetoric. Yes, we're all going to be living in a new world, another paradise with birdies singing and ya-de-da-da-da. Although I like the guy, but Obama's already shown his inexperience and this is just a campaign trail - what's gonna happen when the bad guys come after his butt from all angles. We don't need another leader stuttering, stammering and making a fool of himself to the world, only to get stepped on and trampled. Because he's a nice guy - too nice. Same for Edwards. Example - Jimmy Carter another wonderful fellow, but he was Mr. Niceguy President and we all paid.

What are the politics of hope?

MK,MO — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:26:46 GMT

van writes / 'John Edwards, for example, has proposed keeping the current cap at $97,500, excluding wages between that and $200,000 and then applying the payroll tax to wages above that level.'

it seems odd to me edwards is the only cadidate that has actually stated what he intends to do on every issue, and yet is the only candidate that recieces no credit for his openness. I will still be voting for edwards, he is the only candidate that can win the general election, and I believe he is the only one that truely gives a damn about this countries future.

What are the politics of hope?

Crystal (Time for change) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:32:21 GMT

I am telling you, Clinton has so many issues, you can even see it from the YouTube thing. The boston globe today, writes:

"The clip, a preview of a longer film by one-time Clinton donor Peter Paul, has scored about 350,000 hits on YouTube during the past week, plus more than 1.4 million hits on Google Video, driving it to the top spot over the past two weeks"

when speaking about

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

People really don't like her and I am willing to bet that in a general election, people that do not typically vote, will take off work just to vote for anyone other than her!!

What are the politics of hope?

Susan, Miami — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:44:58 GMT

Clinton can stick up for herself just fine. If she needs to fight back she has. Welcome to politics people. Shes proven to be the toughest and the smartest and the best campaigner. So that makes her the winner,so far.

What are the politics of hope?

Brandon, UNF — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:45:55 GMT

May th best woman win the presidency! Go Hill!!

What are the politics of hope?

Bee — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 20:52:11 GMT

Crystal (Time for change),

Like i have said before, If democrats elect her there are more amunition for the republican to pound on.

This election is going to count as another loss for the democratic party.

What are the politics of hope?

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:06:36 GMT

MK, MO

When it comes to specific proposals I agree with you that John Edwards has been the most forthcoming. And, he doesn't get credit for his candor. He is not helped by that preception that Senator Clinton is the "inevitable" winner or the front runner that the media puts out every day, because that same media then tends to focus on those front runners, the "star" candidates, Senator Clinton and Senator Obama.

What are the politics of hope?

Amy - IL — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:07:32 GMT

The politics of hope apparently can only be defined by Clinton & Co. - and of course that can be changed whenever it might be expedient politically for her to do so. Citizens, have we had enough of this yet?

What are the politics of hope?

Dot, Illinois — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:10:18 GMT

Susan, Miami

If Senator Clinton can stick up for herself just fine, what was the point of this memo from Mr. Penn?
Shouls she just say "bring it on, I can take it?"

What are the politics of hope?

Megan — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:31:14 GMT

The Cliton camp must be thrilled to have both Obama and Edwards attack Hillary. Remember Hillary has been under attack for the past 15 years, I don't think she can't handle Obama and Edwards. What her camp is trying to do here is to call out Obama and Edwards' hypocrisy. When you run a “holier than thou” campaign, then apply the same old political attack, it makes you look like a hypocrite.

What are the politics of hope?

Terri, Plantation, FL — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:34:13 GMT

Mark Penn is Hillary's Karl Rove. At the very beginning, her campaign talked about their admiration for Rove and proudly proclaimed that they intended to copy his tactics. Here you have continuous examples. Turn whatever criticism is leveled at you against your opponents so no one is focusing on your own pathetic record.

Hillary Clinton is the Queen of Triangulation. She will give you just enough information to make you think she's on your side while giving you no specific information at all. Then when it's pointed out, she wimpers that she's being attacked, or she'll simply say she will just not get specific (sounding eerily like the current president who says he doesn't have to explain anything because he's the 'decider'!), or she'll simply blurt out her phony, puzzling laugh.

I mean really... how dare Americans ask her what she actually stands for. If an opponent does it, he's attacking. If an audience member asks, she accuses him of being a plant. This is someone you want as a president?

The latest joke is her stealing the 'politics of hope' line. It's been a running joke that supporters of other candidates have pointed out all through the campaign. She's stolen lines and ideas from Obama, Edwards and Richardson continuously. It's pretty pathetic really. She can't seem to take a position until everyone else has (she keeps talking about her supposed experience, especially with her failed health care policy during the '90's, and then is the very last candidate to present her current health care plan--which amazingly took ideas from every other candidate's plan). Does she have an authentic thought in her head? Is this the quality of leadership she claims to have?

How anyone could consider this woman for president is a mystery to me. Then again, who'd have thought this country would have been fool enough to re-elect Bush! I certainly hope the American people have smartened up and can see through the media hype and smoke-and-mirrors rhetoric this time.

What are the politics of hope?

Rick Lapin, Albuquerque, NM — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:35:07 GMT

Just remember, when you are tempted to give Your Candidate extra credit or a free pass or whatever for Knowing How To Play The Game, that the end goal of "the game" has always been to soak the American taxpayer.

Me, I'm not so sure I quite admire someone's ability to screw me just as effectively as the guys who are presently screwing me.

And it is an interesting commentary on the times that NOT admiring someone's ability to screw me as effectively as I am now being screwed is considered impossibly "idealistic"; and that hoping to avoid getting screwed by pointing out potential screw jobs is considered "abandoning the politics of hope".

But that's just me -- a guy who will not (repeat: WILL NOT) "hold my nose" and vote for anybody at all who I am convinced will not only use their office to do things to which I am passionately opposed, but will use my vote as proof of a "mandate" to do those very things.

And that's what we're lookin' at from both those who call themselves Republicans and those who call themselves Democrats. Thing is, see, I can call a cheap knock-off jacket genuine suede, but that don't make it so -- even if half plus one of the people I show it to believe it.

Lotta pigs in pokes wearin' cheap knock-off jackets, these days ... let the buyer beware, compadres ...

What are the politics of hope?

Mary Ellen Gateley, Clayton NC — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:39:43 GMT

Boy, what ever Hillary is paying Mark Penn, she's getting ripped off. What a transparent gasp this is. Pitiable.

It's too bad that it's come to this. I pray Biden, Dodd, Richardson and Kucinich don't get sucked into the fray -- they're above that.

What are the politics of hope?

John S. Alexander, Edinboro, PA — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 21:54:31 GMT

This is really a non issue, just political fodder for the media. But it is unwise of our candidates to get caught up in this mess. While the republicans try to define who is the most republican, we should be defining the issues. This was a bad move on the part of the Clinton campaign, and the politics of hope is just jargon without real policies to back up the rethoric. I hope the Obama and Edwards campaign ignores this and moves on to issues.

What are the politics of hope?

Teach53 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 22:19:25 GMT

The politics of hope is telling people what you think and where you stand.
The politics of hopes is having a vision for where you want the country to go.
The politics of hope includes Independents and Republicans, not just Democrats.
The politics of hope is increasing participation in our political process.
The politics of hope is leadership, not triangulation.
The politics of hope is inspiration, not the "safe answer".
The politics of hope is making differences between candidates, both policy and personal, crystal clear to voters.

In other words, Senataor Clinton has no idea what the politics of hope means.

What are the politics of hope?

Shawn Robinson, Easthampton, MA — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:03:36 GMT

Stop hating on Hillary. Obama and Edwards are embarassing themselves and the offices they hold by questioning Hillary's integrity. It is clearly a tactic that reflects their positions in the polls. Hillary Clinton has been the first lady of this country for eight years and a senator of the great state of New York for almost the same amount of time all after serving as the first lady of Arkansas for two terms. She graduated from one of the best schools in the country at the top of her class and has served this country for over 20 years accomplishing things that most of us would never dream of being able to. She has never been convicted of commiting any crime while constantly being under unbelieveable public scrutiny. Has she made mistakes, yes, but who hasn't, has she broken the law , well according to courts never. This is a good woman and good American and both Obama and Edwards know it and its their responsibility to say that. Why diminish the policy debate to the level of personal attacks, lets all agree that each of these canidates are honorable people who make decisions based on their best judgement at the time and based on whats in the best interest of the country. Come on, you can't really beleive that the Clintons are horrible people with bad intention or even bad judgement, everyone can agree they did many more great things for this country than bad and really that's the best you can hope for in a President. The politics of hope does not suggest a perfect President but rather an imperfect one who tries their best. Plus, Obama and Edwards barely have a history to judge them on. One can't possibly believe that they magically know how Obama or Edwards will act in office or they integrity they will bring to it. Where's the proof? It is clear that Hillary is more equipped to be President than Obama. Yes, its like hiring for a job, look at the resume, who's more qualified! They're all good people.

What are the politics of hope?

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:05:38 GMT

The politics of Hope. Isn't that where Bill's from?

Aside from the obvious physical differences, Hillary's charisma deficit and the likelihood she will behave more appropriately in the oval orifice, what exactly is the difference between her and Bill in terms of politics?

Bill's reputation as the greatest president in recent history is being tarnished as his soulmate and political clone is vilified within their own party.

More please.

What are the politics of hope?

diane — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:16:49 GMT

The Clinton campaign thinks we the people are as gullible as the press. but, then, they do have that decided Hillary bias.
Maybe because she is so much like Buah.
Either way, it is a running joke with people with the same old memo saying the same old thing, just like bush's speeches.
Obama's camp must be laughing it up over this one. And asking whatever happened to originality? Oh, yeah, it's Hillary. She doesn't do original. but, then she doesn't do answers or tells people her stand on anything.
What a joke she is.

What are the politics of hope?

Richard, Washington State — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 23:29:47 GMT

Mary Ellen Gateley:

Don't worry, those guys are all running for Vice-President.

What are the politics of hope?

Susan, NC via LA — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 00:30:32 GMT

The Clinton campaign wouldn't know the politics of hope if it bit them in the....

What are the politics of hope?

Cy Marlow, Terre Haute, IN — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:45:19 GMT

I believe that Hillary was attacked by most members and it was not really educating. Edwards and Obama did more personal attacks and lowered the image of the debates. I do think all people need drivers license, every single person. I think if they are here for 2 weeks or 2 years they must have driver's license. Clinton answered the question as ask of her. Did she or does she support the Governors Plan. She said YES she supported him and all people in our Country need REAL ID'S, they sure can get a fake a ID, thus why not a legal ID for the purpose of ID. John Edwards and Obama must listen to communicate well. Clinton was forced to answer a question and then it was turned on her. The Federal Government is the one that needs to fix immigration reform and if they can not do the job then the States MUST. Clinton admitted the Senate failed the people and that is the truth.