Clinton Surrogate: Obama Can't Milk The Iraq War Cow

The Clinton camp's attempts to call into question both the sincerity of Barack Obama's call for an Iraq troop withdrawal and his ability to serve as commander-in-chief took a bizarre turn on Monday, when farming metaphors were deployed for the first time in the campaign.

Speaking on a conference call with reporters, Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard, a Clinton supporter, compared Obama's stance on Iraq to a person who could "recognize a cow" (ostensibly, the perils of the war) but not milk it (get the troops out? has conflict-management experience?).

"Just because you recognize the cow doesn't mean you know how to milk it," said Ballard, who was playing off his time among cows in Louisiana. "I think body of experience, learning what you have to do and how to do it, is very important... No one can tell you how to milk a cow; you have to do that yourself."

That wasn't all.

"No doubt in my mind he can probably milk a cow but his body of experience means he probably doesn't know how to milk one," continued Ballard, before getting a bit more specific. "When I look across the aisle at Sen. Obama, other than a great speech, I really do not see the same body of experience to deal with that issue. I see a statement that says I have a great staff that can advise me. I think you need a great body of experience to deal with the recommendations your staff is bringing to you."

Campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson called into question Obama's capacity to be the vice president, claiming "We do not believe that Senator Obama has passed the commander-in-chief test. But there is a long way between now and Denver."

In addition to Ballard, the conference call included Gen. Wesley Clark, and Lee Feinstein, the Clinton Campaign's National Security Director, all of whom attacked Obama for not being entirely committed to a troop withdrawal. As evidence they cited recent remarks by former Obama aide Samantha Power which suggested that the Illinois Democrat would reconsider troop withdrawal once elected, given the account of conditions on the ground.

"[Sen. Clinton] has been unwavering in her commitment to support withdrawal," said Ballard. "People know when they vote what they are exactly going to get. And in the case of Sen. Obama I don't think we are quite that clear."

Moooo.

Comments

[lincat]

What the hell are they talking about now?

[Fathoms]

I'd say these people need to be more careful with their metaphors. This one cuts much too close to their actual intent. It's practically Freudian. America is the cow and only HillBillie is entitled to milk that cow . . . God help us should that milking time ever actually roll around!

[deb813]

Why should anyone vote for someone who confuses war with a cow? I guess when that someone doesn't know the difference between winning and losing it's easy!

[ChimpmasterDJ]

While it's fun to laugh at some clearly off-his-medicine fellow ranting on ad nauseam about a cow-milking metaphor, the real lesson here is that Hillary surrounds herself with aides and advisors who are right out of the Doug Feith/Dick Cheney mold, capable only of uttering either absurdities or heinously offensive diatribes. And all they expect from Hillary is a heartfelt "Heckuvajob, Brownie!"

Hillary is quite clearly not ready for prime time. But she's quite ready to destroy the Democratic Party for the sake of her ego. Someone should lead her back into the barn now, before it's too late.

[mox]

Clearly the cow metaphor is another attempt to relate to rural voters. If Mrs. Clinton wants any chance of getting the nomination, she's going to have to figure out a way to get the support of educated urban voters - a necessary demographic for any Democratic presidential candidate. So far she has failed miserably with these voters - the people that make up the majority of our commerce and very progress of our nation.

[resonate]

She has been unwavering in her commitment to withdraw?!?! Then why not give us a time table, date anything. Tell us you dont support permanent bases Hillary even though you did nothing to stop Bush's current assertions of the right to build permanent bases having been given to him through the Iraq plan you voted for in the first place sending is to WAR. I knew what the vote was about and didnt even have access to the intelligence report you didnt read before voting. PLEASE! Hillary has done all she can to avoid talking about Iraq in this election because its seen as her weak point and it has only done a disservice to the American people at home and fighting over seas because public debate in turn avoids the issue.

Watch videos of Obama on the issues:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=900C5EDCAF3C292A

[timeforachangenow]

so just exactly what are you saying..???

that only rural folks can recognize AND milk that cow...8)

my dear MOX...you underestimate the abiity of the educated voters in this country...8)

even I can milk a cow...8)

[Swrv]

There's only one cow in this race, HRC

[dawlishgal]

I just listened to a military economist telling how it will be expensive and time-consuming to extricate ourselves from Bush's and Hillary's little war for oil and ego. It is clear that Obama doesn't lie as glibly or as easily as Hillary and her cronies from the military-industrial complex.

[avvocato]

I think Hillary is trying to milk a bull!
Can't do that Hill Gal!

[2liveNdie]

I think the cow they are referring to is Hillary!

[timeforachangenow]

listen...she milked that Bull she's married to...8)

and not only that but he keeps coming back for more...8)

[Nicolaus]

Not while Senator Obama is milking the cow!!! Later, when he finishes!

[andhakari]

Oh she can, she just won't like the result.

[bekc123]

Who are the people voting for her?

How can anyone take the Clinton campaign seriously?

Clearly, their Kool Aid isn't Kool Aid at all. It's milk. And, they've had way too much.

[resonate]

People really need to ask that question more often. I have met a total of about 2 people who are supporting Hillary out of all the people I know. Diebold voting bumps, the voting fraud in NY that Bloomberg publicly talked about, the recount Kucinich wanted that wasn't talked about by the mass media, the 35,000 independent votes that weren't counted in California (Independants who largely supported Obama). Its all very sick and tied to financial interests that the Clintons are all too friendly with. Voting in America is questionable now and the people have caught the sent. We need to follow up with a voice of outrage and say FIX OUR VOTING SYSTEM! Hell in Venezuela they have had secure national electronic voting for years now. But the rate at which we are behind the rest of the developed world technologically is a whole nother issue. (Which Obama happens to have solutions to)

Watch videos of Obama on the issues:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=900C5EDCAF3C292A

[Egghead]

Good news: we pressed for a count of all those independent ballots in CA. Apparently (last I heard) it didn't "change the outcome" (their words) but they've also been forced to redesign the ballot to something that makes sense.

[olderdem]

I remember the same question being asked about Nixon "who voted for him?"

[pamelagoodenough]

HIllary Clinton will destroy the Democratic Party and our chance to retake the White House. She will continue to attack Senator Obama and thus, will do McCain's work.

I will write in Senator Obama for President of these United States before I will vote for Hillary Clinton or McBomb. Clinton and McBomb are cut from the same cloth. Both have been politicians for far too long. For these two old geezers is is all about power. McBomb does not have a clue, he may be the most pathetic candidate to ever appear in a national campaign. HIllary and Bill have been ganging up on Obama and attacking him with lies and innuendo. I voted for Bill. Then I disliked him for his immoral behavior. Now I dislike him intensely, loathe him, for the way he is attacking Obama. I do not think he should ever sleep in the White House again.

Sure, say it is not about Bill--however, these tow are linked together forever. The Republican smear machine will have a field day.

For some reason we keep hearing how Obama can't beat McBomb. That is another lie from the Clintons. HIllary is the one who is Republican light. Republicans are voting for her now because they know if she is the nominee they will keep the White House. Gosh, I am actually beginning to despise the Clintons for their swiftboating of Obama.

[ginnypoo]

Ah, another loyal dem is heard from........this is the problem with Obama followers, they 'say they are against the war' but then they threaten us with it if they don't win. So vote for Obama or die is the new warcry from them.....good times.

[resonate]

If its a decision between a new inclusive foreign policy perspective and warmongers then yeah! That message is some what on target. I dont know how McCain feels about the draft but I know for sure our volunteer army is running out of volunteers for this illegal war. Though I see one huffpost blogger sees McCain=draft http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-abrams/attention-a-mccain-presi_b_89379.html

Watch videos of Obama on the issues:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=900C5EDCAF3C292A

[combatveteran]

Actually I think the individual above is referring to the trash Clinton is currently putting out, to win at no cost. Its called a reaction to an individual who is willing to win at any cost. This type of politicking should be reserved for the Republicans not against fellow democrats, unless your willing to excite this type of reaction. Obviously she is. So deal with it
If she wins without this trash, I will vote for her. If she continues to pull the shit she is presently pulling, win at all costs, I won't vote for either.

you need to take a walk on the real side, take a look at some of the death and destruction Obama is trying to "milk". You ever smell a body that has rotted for a week in the heat?

Unfortunately, he hasn't really milked it, he was trying to save that for McCain. A powerful weapon Clinton doesn't have.

McCain will milk it, man will he milk it.

Resolution 114

[kingfishstew]

Vote Obama or Die? Nah, we'd better save that one for the General. McCain might give in to such threats, but I'm sure Hillary would just urge her followers to die nobly for her.

[SouthCentralDel]

ginnypoo,

obviously you are not listening. Nor have you commented on Pamela's main gripe which is Hillary's shenanigans which Pamela and many feel are not representative of the Democratic party and, frankly, damaging to same.

[DRHoen]

Are they trying to goad someone in Obama's camp to make a stupid remark like "who's the cow?" so they can play the sexism card again (and again and again...)?

[wmholt]

Okay - Hillary mentions Ken Starr and compares him to Obama even though Ken Starr was her problem.

Now, Hillary mentions a cow...

[Denni]

Will they endorse John McCain too? IF Billary steal this election, they're going to have to. Does anyone in the DP leadership every tell Clinton how ridiculous and undercutting to BOTH candidates her mindless arguments are? What a tool.

[AnninCA]

Funny comeback by Wolfson.........but there's a bit of truth to it.

His "Yes We Can" campaign is dead now. He's real. Post Nafta-gate. He's like a real guy running a real campaign and having to actually pay attention to real Democrats with real questions.

Wolfson isn't entirely out to lunch on this.

Obama is both "coming into his own" as well as having to prove to us that he's more than just a speech.

I wouldn't have given him 2 cents 8 weeks ago for being able to do that. Today, I'm watching.

His current message? Stupid. But no more stupid than some of Hillary's messages have been. He's struggling, obviously.

But I'm one of those sadistic voters who doesn't mind watching our politicians struggle and flounder. How they get out of their messes tells me a lot about who they are and how they will fare when they have the power but the world is still not going their way.

That's important stuff to me, anyway.

Anyway, we'll just have to see if he truly can regain his footing.

It's always a challenge when the core message is blown out of the water.

How will he regroup?

[NoMoreHawks]

If the ONLY thing that Barack Obama brings to the table is HOPE, I'll take it.

Compared to the two disasters known as Hillary Clinton and John McCain, I'll take HOPE anyday.

We know we're on the Titanic - why go head-first into the iceberg?