Donna Brazile, Paul Begala Angrily Spar Over Dem Stereotypes

Apparently, way before this election began, Paul Begala got together with Lou Dobbs in heathen New York City, where they ate the Food Of The Working Class and pinned Barack Obama's electoral hopes on whether he could prove that he was able to accommodate dwarves with their insatiable need for marmalade. Or something. Begala may be drunk, or filling the performance-art vacuum left by his absence of pal James Carville. We don't know. But Begala did find a way to denigrate "Volvo drivin', NPR tote bag totin'" liberals, and claim Obama needed to "put the jam on the lower shelf where the little folk can reach it."

[WATCH.]

BEGALA: The challenge now for Barack, both the key to the primary and the general election for Barack will now be white, working class voters. At the very, very beginning, of this entire election season, Lou, you and I and a bunch of us all got together in New York and talked about what the election will be about and I said then and I say it again tonight. My advice to Barack Obama is put the jam on the lower shelf where the little folk can reach it. In other words, talk more about those blue collar, economic populist issues that John Edwards first raised and now Hillary Clinton is raising so effectively. If he can do that, he'll hold this wonderful base built but he needs to reach out now to the white working-class voters and means a different message than he generally talks about. He's got to stop with all the arguments for the Volvo drivin', NPR totebag totin' liberals, he needs to talk to middle class working people.

Of course, if Edwards' supporters are anything like Edwards' donors, the populist break for Obama has already begun. Begala and I may differ on whether Clinton's been "raising" these issues "so effectively," but that's only because I don't think duping blue-collar voters with a phony "gas tax holiday" amounts to "effective" populism.

Donna Brazile, however, wasn't having any of it, and minutes later took the opportunity to dress Begala down (and in front of her boo, Lou Dobbs, to boot!). Begala protested, "We can't win with eggheads and African-Americans." Brazile, on the other hand, seemed to think that unifying the entire Democratic base would be preferable to alienating and insulting large demographic cross-sections of it in order to make blue-collar voters feel sufficiently pandered to. "You've got a hearing problem," Brazile jeered, "I've drank more beers with Joe Sixpack and Jane Sixpack than most white Democrats." She also took issue with Begala's continually referring to the Democratic Party as "my party." "It's our party, Paul."

[WATCH.]

Comments

[EngineerBill]

I think if I got a frontal lobotamy, I too could get on these chatfests on CNN. I really wonder how Mr. Begala is able to figure out how to get to work. Geez.

[MrKINOKO]

Begala is by far the smallest and least evil of Hillary's minion of demons. Take heed, there is quite a bit of truth in what he says, right or wrong, and he does speak for many of the WWE/700 Club fans out there in Podunk, Kentucky.

[CaptainVideo]

"the WWE/700 Club fans"

They're going to vote Republican in the Fall, but they might listen to Rush Limbough and vote for Hillary in the prinary.

[StandingStill]

That's very sad if it's true. And if it is true, that means we, YOU, ME, OTHER OBAMA SUPPORTERS, DEMOCRATS & SEN. OBAMA, have some work to do to educate these WWE/700 Club folks about what it really means to be an American and what's best for our country. Let's get to work people we have a country to SAVE!

[Bluesage]

Maybe you could all start with Obama's wife - after all, she's never in her adult life really been proud of America.

[kawreader]

Cheers to Donna Brazile and more harassing of Paul Begala!

[Eldamon]

Wow "little folk", "egg-heads" if those words had come out of Obama's mouth we'd have six weeks of news coverage on in 27/7. I'm thinking it was unwise to upset Donna Brazile, especially if you're a tiny little man she could probably crush in her massive biceps.

[longislandlol]

Donna is a wonder woman-- she has risen above the small-minded Carville-Begala --"we'll lose our jobs- so we have to divide and deride politically"-- she is secure in the democratic party- and Obama may be wise to make her his Press Secretary-- Begala and Carville burned their bridges- but Donna is a class act-- she is not a member of the what I call; "slip on the banana peel school of politics"-- it's when people put down a peel and wait for the person to slip--- they tried that with the Rev. Wright National Press Conference speech-- but it backfired--no more peels-- and if they do put a peel down- the American public will see through it--

[TellitLikeItIs21]

Paul Begala is a douche bag. And so is James Carville

[peiceout]

Dont forget about Lanny and that McCaullif weirdo

[gonavy]

I like Brazile , she is smart and fair in her analysis.

[LYLEGRAY]

It is so very refreshing too see how, finally, the democrats are seeing the Clinton campaign of divisivness for what it really is...nothi­ng more than getting Hillary elected at any and all costs. Given Begala has made his "fortunes" riding the Clinton coat tails guess what comes out of his mouth?

Donna, you go girl! (from a 56 year old white guy)

[mojopo]

Well, I think it's more fair to say that Donna has cautioned both candidates about divisiveness by promoting inclusiveness. She's very impartial, which I admire, but she is loyal to the party. Thank God she's on our side.

[VillyVal]

I'll second that.

[Wanod]

Personally, I think B.O. is a Black Bush, he got all the makings. Arrogant, it's my way are the highway, don't like paper work, stammers when he talks...et­c...Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it...

[2008andbeyond]

"My way or the highway" is the Hillary campaign. Her not listening to economic experts just because they tell you the truth about your idea is much like Bush dismissing scientists or the generals on the ground who deliver information he does not like. Why even bother projecting? You're as bad as Hillary, which makes me think you're a paid staffer for her campaign. That, or a lonely and bitter volunteer.

[JFaye]

I firmly believe if Senator Obama tried, he could not dumb down enough to reflect a "Black Bush."

This man has demonstrated more humility and calmness in his approach than Bush, Clinton or McCain have collectively in their public lives.

Besides, who wants to think of their leaders (president, ceo, cfo, etc.) wasting time on paperwork. We are not hiring him to shuffle papers ...

[rfk68]

Yeah... Bush also was taught constitutional law after graduating college with honors. Please.

[peiceout]

He is intelligent, has an even temper, and is an incredibly inspiring speaker - and this is all the makings of a Black Bush? Sometimes less intelligent people find someone both intelligent and even tempered to be arrogant, however this attitude is really a reflection of thier own insecurites and not a fair appraisal of the person they are judging.

[Grazziella]

Huh? On what planet?

[luvienne]

Begala and Paul are the reason Democrats are ready for change. That me first attitude. I know what's best. If the news media had been fair and reported the truth Hillary would be long gone. I no longer look to main stream media for fair or accurate news. I go to youtube first..Peo­ple don't have to kiss the Clintons. behind. He was nominated for a job, got paid for doing a job. That doesn't mean we owe Hillary anything. With all the baggage they come with, good ridiance. The American people have spoken. We deserve better. Obama 08

[Exit]

I wish Donna would "talk to" Lanny Davis. He is a complete idiot.

[mojopo]

Donna Brazile was right on target. She was speaking about the Democratic party as an inclusive and diverse party and rightfully calling out Paul's small mindedness. Her comments were the clearest indication this party is gonna get it together before November - by hell or high water. Brazile has been extremely diplomatic when speaking about the candidates, and she has been a strong advocate for the Democrats - not just one candidate or another. Paul needed to hear what she said. A true friend tells you the truth, even when it hurts. That's what Brazile did for Begala.

[Jonni Rae]

I have been waiting for someone to say this outloud on MSM for a long time. This "blue collar" thing, a code for white, working class men. Obama has the support of the Teamsters, for crying out loud, the service workers union, the culilnary workers union, and many more. He has blue collar support. No dem ever gets all the white vote!!! It's covert racism and Donna called him out on it, and rightly so. I would so love to have her in an Obama administration. She is fair!!!

[Exit]

I love Donna. I like her exchange with that Republican idiot better. Can the Republicans talk about anything other than Rev. Wright like why in the hell should someone vote for McCain?

[meanguy]

i'm sure bush loves donna, too---if not for her incompetence, he'd be out of a job

[mojopo]

Shame on you for lying. She worked very hard against him in 2000 and 2004. And when he promised to rebuild New Orleans, she was encouraged But he lied to her, and he lied to us all. Anyway, he's what she had to say about Rove and Bush in 2007, and it's a damn fine article. We know what side she's on. Stop peeing in the pool.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/COMMENTARY/108200021

[Imdreaming]

Who won? We all know that Gore won. Those who've researched know that Kerry received about 3 million more votes than Bush. See the DVD "Uncounted" by David Earnhardt--anyone who is curious about what has truly occurred in our country's elections over the recent years. So, where is the incompetence? Or, should we call it criminality? The simple question for all of us: Is it patriotic to tell the truth? If so, what are we going to do to clean it up? Not just Florida, but NH, NM, UT, and in my NJ--and others.

[crossoverwriter]

Paul Begala is a RACIST. It comes out loud and clear in that statement of his. Plus, at NO time, did Obama ever say that eh didn't care about the white OR black working class. He CAME from that background--so much more than McCain or Hillary.
Why does CNN allow Begala to spout off hatred like that o-air? Shame on you CNN. Can't you find a more thoughtful and less racist pundit?

[OsamaBushLadin]

Stupid, put the koolaid down. Brazile was the one who bought it up and implied Obama didn't need to pander to white middle class and latino voters. Then she backtracked. Get your facts straight. Begala didn't say anything racist. He pointed out a fact Bill Clinton needed them, and ignoring them is foolish.

[OsamaBushLadin]

You are an utter fool. Begala did not say anything racist. Put the koolaid down, and think first before spouting such moronic garbage. Brazile started the whole thing by saying Obama didn't need to pander to white middle class and latino voters. Begala later reply that was ridiculous, to which Brazile went apesh*t and tried to spin and counterattack Begala before he could get a word in edgewise. Brazile then later backtracked and said Obama would probably reach out to those groups. You probably didn't even hear the whole thing except for this little clip.

[donballz]

Put the Koolaid down? Now who is being a racist? I dont think Begala is; just a little narrow minded. But that kind of comment is divisive and hate-filled.

[k6007]

I don't believe anyone on the Clinton campaign are racists, they'll simply say anything to win.

[generaldelivery]

OsamaBushLaden, I approved of your message.

[OsamaBushLadin]

Good Lord. Jason Linkins' retarded ramblings is what passes as journalism at Huffington Post? What a low bar.

How come Brazile's rant wasn't posted when she did suggested that white middle class and latino could effed themselves, cause Obama didn't need them he had a new coalition. That was what Begala was commenting on.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/walsh/election_2008/2008/05/07/brazile_begala/print.html
(this only mentions it cause it not available in the transcripts, but i heard it)

[OsamaBushLadin]

I hope Obama wins cause, I i can't stand another 4 years of republician bullshit and god forbid a conservative scotus justice. But this maybe the last time I vote democratic. We need a third party. However, I think he will lose and the fault will be squarely on black vote who seemingly only vote for race and the eggheads. Don't even try to blame Clinton for this diaster. I'm not sure, but I believe Obama has not carried a "must" win democratic state yet. Correct me if i'm wrong. Great he won N.Carolina­, by black voters casting their vote for the black candidate. I call that racist vote, but whatever. Happens here in Chicago all the time. Anyways whoopee. That state that probably decided the democratic nominee is going against McCain this November. Same with almost all the states that Obama won. Throw in the fact that that 50 of Clinton's supporters are disgusted by the trash talk hurled that them by Obama supporters and vow not to support him. I'm seeing another Kerrry coming. I know the Asian americans I know ain't voting for him. Haven't asked any Hispanics, but I got a feeling they aren't overjoyed cause they're usually more conservative.

[aftershock]

"I believe Obama has no carried a "must" win democratic state yet. Correct me if I'm wrong."

Gladly... he won IL, HI, MN, MD, DC, VT, WI, WA, CT, ME, and likely Oregon. According to your argument, since Hilary didn't win these "must win" Democratic states, she would swept in the GE by McCain.

[RedKnuckles]

"Throw in the fact that that 50 of Clinton's supporters are disgusted by the trash talk hurled that them by Obama supporters and vow not to support him."

I don't think Obama's worried about the 50 Clinton supporters who are disgusted. Honestly, though, there is a lot of trash talk going on from both sides on these boards. Most of this will resolve when a nominee is chosen. In any case, you need to relax...an­d try using the preview function..­.

[OsamaBushLadin]

I hope Obama wins cause, I i can't stand another 4 years of republician bullsh*t and god forbid a conservative scotus justice. But this maybe the last time I vote democratic. We need a third party. However, I think he will lose and the fault will be squarely on black vote who seemingly only vote for race and the eggheads. Don't even try to blame Clinton for this diaster. I'm not sure, but I believe Obama has not carried a "must" win democratic state yet. Correct me if i'm wrong. Great he won N.Carolina­, by black voters casting their vote for the black candidate. I call that racist vote, but whatever. Happens here in Chicago all the time. Anyways whoopee. That state that probably decided the democratic nominee is going against McCain this November. Same with almost all the states that Obama won. Throw in the fact that that 50 of Clinton's supporters are disgusted by the trash talk hurled that them by Obama supporters and vow not to support him. I'm seeing another Kerrry coming. I know the Asian americans I know ain't voting for him. Haven't asked any Hispanics, but I got a feeling they aren't overjoyed cause they're usually more conservative.

[OsamaBushLadin]

The icing on the cake is Brazile talking like a dumb*ss, suggesting Obama doesn't need to pander to white middle class and latinos. Huh? Is she stupid? Of course she backtracked later and said that Obama will probably reach across to them, however that's just. spinning her faux pas. Her comment is closer to what she feels. As for Begala's statement, like it or not he is spot on. Maybe he's coldblooded, and doesn't give the Obama fans warm fuzzies, however the point is, you won't win without Bubba and Jose. Clinton showed us that it works and Kerry verified it.
Maybe I would feel different if Obama he stormed through and decisiviely won most everything. He didn't . He limped thru this whole process and ecked out a win most of the time. So now the party is divided. He should have waited, but got a big head. Hopefully the democratic party won't suffer, but I think it will.

[OsamaBushLadin]

oops i meant to say

That state that probably decided the democratic nominee is going to McCain this November.

[rfk68]

"Correct me if i'm wrong. "...


You're wrong.

[meanguy]

i loved the part where she won't tell who she's decided for...as if it's some mystery; she's been in the tank for obama for well over a year and has done the lions's share of accusing the clintons of running a racist campaign..­.i guess that's the shtick she has to fall back on since her name is synonymous with 'electoral disaster'

[HST]

"Good Lord. Jason Linkins' retarded ramblings"

Pot meet kettle!

[OsamaBushLadin]

I take it you're introducing yourself as a pot? Linkins will be happy to have your company.

[ButterflyWeed]

Last night was a pivot point in the Dems primary. Democrats are ready to unite and move forward. Brazile, McGovern, Andrews and other Superdelegates recognize politics of old are a distracting, costly annoyance. Begala and Lanny Davis, McAuliffe, Carville and Mark Penn should use their consultant fees to take a vacation now while they listen to the will of the people. Thank you Donna for speaking out for our party.