Progressives Sound Alarm About Obama Campaign

Yesterday, three prominent progressive bloggers suggested Barack Obama has a serious weakness. Josh Marshall writes at TPM:

With so many instances of corruption and influence-peddling around him and whatever problems with the candidate that are keeping the campaign from letting reporters interview him anymore, John McCain is now again charging Obama with what amounts to soft treason -- wanting to lose the war in Iraq in order to make himself president. The lack of any consistent lines of attack against McCain is becoming palpable.

John Aravosis chimes in at America Blog, saying Obama's lack of attack is having an effect on activists:

What Josh said today, and what Josh has written between the lines of a lot of posts on his blog of late, is something we're hearing a lot of from a lot of people. There is an incredible discontent out there with the way this campaign is being run. The fact that the discontent isn't being recognized, isn't being assuaged, is disturbing. People aren't worried about the election, they're becoming despondent about it. They're not motivated to work twice as hard, they instead feel as if they've had the wind knocked out of them. This is far beyond a healthy skepticism as to whether Obama can win. While Obama's attacks today on McCain are heartening, we need to see more of it. People need to see that Barack Obama has as big of balls as John McCain and, well, Hillary Clinton.

Joe Sudbay adds:

Just to be clear, this isn't the kind of post we want to be writing right now. We'd much rather be beating the crap out of John McCain's hypocrisy and rebutting the Karl Rove attacks on Obama. Anyone who read this blog during the primaries knows how strongly we felt about nominating Obama. Our commitment can't be questioned. We really, really, really want a Democratic president. But, we're not getting much to work with from the Obama campaign, hence this post. As John wrote, this feeling is pervasive. For some reason, Obama's top advisers seem to be living in their own bubble and this campaign, which we all thought would be different, is starting to feel like Democratic campaigns of the past. There's plenty of time to fix this. The blogs are poised to help (should the campaign ever decide to truly engage us). Not to be corny, but this campaign isn't about Barack Obama or his campaign staff or his media consultants or his Internet team. It's bigger than all of them and they need to realize that. This really is about our nation's future. We have to win and the Obama campaign needs to let us all help him win.

Today Obama responded to McCain's patriotism attacks in a style he used effectively against Hillary Clinton -- criticizing the tone of his opponent's campaign. Whether that will blunt those attacks or satisfy worried observers remains to be seen.

Comments

[Knowitall]

Hold on just a minute everybody!!! These are the same progressive bloggers who said the SAME things about Kerry in 2004 and Gore in 2000. They don't know what they're talking about. They need to do something more than complain and criticize.

If you start helping them to kick sand on your candidate now, he will most definitely lose because you will become demoralized--just enough to lose again. What we need to do if and when there are perceived setbacks (which I really don't see right now), is to work even harder!!! Not start this "woe is me crap"!!

McCain has only a couple of times been more than 44% in the national polls, even on his best day he's never gone over 45%. I know the polls don't mean anything right now, but to stay in the same place even when things are "working" for him, suggest that he may have peaked.

Unless these bloggers are closet HRC people I have no idea where they're coming from. I did notice that they were quoting each other. What was it a collaboration? What are they trying to do? Don't listen to them, keep working or start working--Let''s win this thing!

[Redrover666]

Are you absolutely certain these are the same bloggers. I don't think so. Can you provide some evidenvce. A list of names would be fine. I just don't think it's fair to throw around wild and scurrilous accusations like that without some sort of proof. For god's sakes man !! get ahold of yourself!

[ohmercy]

CLOSET HRC PEOPLE?

Go cvheck out their blogs and see the vitriol and hatred they poured out at HRC and her supporters over there.
Sheesh.

It is always Hillary's fault isn't it?
Even when it has nothing to do with her.
What a joke.
Clinton Derangement Syndrome/Hillary Hate addiction alive and well looking for yet another way to demonize her and further alienate those who supported her.

Look in your own backyard bub.

The reason they did this to Kerry and Gore is because they are haters, just like they were with HRC.
They pick someone who is tough and will get bloody and kick them to the curb then complain that the ones who aren't tough aren't fighting.
every four years its the same thing and every four years those who are too lazy to research, who just repeat the punditry and the spin sfall for it and every four years, after the election is over the moans and whineing starts that next time we will nominate someone who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty and fight.

Riiiiight.

[who38]

Please, enough of Hillary. I have not visited those blogs but I am willing to apologize for their statements. Hillary could be the best Supreme Court Judge of this century, but only if she is nominated. In order to do that, Obama must be the next president.

[long333]

Knowitall: I know the polls don't mean anything right now, but to stay in the same place even when things are "working" for him, suggest that he may have peaked.

Check out some previous Repub vs Dem numbers in August. It isn't just propaganda that the dem lead is 10 points and then closes in the Fall. My take on the unsure vote is they are thinking "I want to vote Dem but I don't like Obama very much to say Obama now" I think McCain is not part of the unsure vote. It is a referendum on Obama. I have heard many say this. I don't know what he does to close the deal but I bet going negative is not it. That would confirm the doubts that he is not the "right" guy.

[Meggie]

"this isn't the kind of blog we want to be writing right now. We'd much rather be attacking McCain..."

Well, I don't think you need any special permission from Obama to do that. It begins to sound like some of these people want special attention or something. Obama isn't telling you not to attack. He's running his campaign the way he said he would. Maybe OTHER dems and progressives need tostop being so needy and just keep working at what they do best.

[KingFive]

It is sad to see the famous "Democratic Circular Firing Squad" is still in effect. Between the concern trolls and media attempting to jazz up the Democratic convention with some drama (i.e. is Hillary a better choice?") I don't know what to do. It is truly sad. What is the cause for panic? Obama raised $51 million last month. Obama is doing well in the state by state matchups. McCain is stuck in the low 40% which seems to be his ceiling. The chicken littles are pathetic.

[ohmercy]

uhhhh could be because we have been around an election cycle or two or three or four or moore and see the writing on the wall.

No, I don't want to see any drama at teh convention though I am afraid all those who the hate mongers alienate3d will be doing their best to "get even" for the attacks they suffered through during the primary and beyond.

We needed someone who would fight their ass off, not take any crap. We have said this before, the last two cycles and before Bill.
We've been saying it since McGovern- the first election I voted in.

What do you expect from people who have seen it over and over, have heard the lamenting after the loss over and over?

The worst part is that HRC will be blamed if he loses instead of those who did all that alienating of the base!
LOL

What a bunch of foolish, foolish people.

[MyNameIsJames]

I'm sorry but most Democrats are afraid of guns so your comment is NOT correct. Of course unless you mean HRC a.k.a "lil Miss Annie Oakley"

[Eoin45]

Afraid of guns? BS Pal. Would that be Jesse James?

[long333]

"McCain is stuck in the low 40% which seems to be his ceiling."

August numbers have not been the republican ceiling in the past. Unsure in the polls could be unsure about Obama. He is much more the wildcard person for others.

The Bradley effect. The buzz, campaign and the media has done a lot of talking on voting for the first black prez to the point I am expecting a Bradley effect on steroids. I will be very surprised if there is not one.

Sorry, no vote for ceiling here.

[gotalife]

You lost when you called the President of your party a racist.

That is unforgivable.

[Eoin45]

Your neverending stupid posts are what's unforgiveable. Please get a life somewhere else.

[thinklib]

Let's face it. The attacks on Obama are working because many of them are true. How are you supposed to respond forcefully to an attack that's true?

Did O attend a racist, anti-American church for 20 years? Yes. Did he have a less than all-American upbringing? Yes. Does he have a staunch pro-abortion record? Yes. Did he flip flop on a number of issues after the primaries? Yes.

Obama is looking like a real softie and a real gamble right now.

With Russia flexing its muscles, crazy Iran, terrorism, etc..., the world is indeed a dangerous place. Deep down, Americans want a leader that is strong.

[Eoin45]

Your post is bull from beginning to end and deson't merit a response.

[walk0nwalls]

They dooon't listen to us, this is exactly the campaigns of the past and why I'm no longer involved

[johnnygoodwud]

v.,p. or not time to let joe biden off the leash, and start attacking,­,,,,,,,,,,­,HARD.

[bodhibabe]

hear hear!

[barriosbabe]

Yes!

Maybe O had that planned anyway.

[Rjmartinelli]

Progressives need to learn the golden rule: "1st, do no harm."

[ohmercy]

Unfortunately that is the rule Dem's have been following in GE's forevah!
Too bad that rule wasn't followed in the Primary. There'd be a lot more rallying around the candidate now.

Unfortunately they let the CDS and HHA get the best of them.
I learbed something through this lovely election cycle. There are a lot of PINO's out there pretending to be Progressive when in fact they behave like neocons, complete with their talking points and tactics used against their own.

That is why we are not doing better.
Hope they get that next cycle.

BTW, O is barely progressive on many issues.
Why do you think people fought so hard for HRC?
They took the time to research and found out who voterd how on what. Looked into lots of different areas and found out who was the most liberal.

Many of us didn't necessarily care for Hillary in the beginning but research showed us someone far different than the punditry and so called Progressives were putting out.
We didn't vote on one issue, the "war" vote... (and those of us who live in the tristate area know the horror of 911 personally and why HRC voted as she did.)
Personally I would have happily voted for O. I still will vote for him, but I won't do so happily.
My hope is to get Feingold aqnd other REAL progressives reelected and running in 4 years.
Clinton Feiongold. Now that would be a Progressive ticket.

[Daly]

Obama and HRC are about 99 percent same on political thinking but many because of gender wanted HRC and like McCain believe that if they could just get their person in they could go back to the 90's in HRCs case and 1940 in for McCain.

1990 is gone, ain't coming back; inflation, and WJC kicking off drain of American jobs; YES he started it; BushCo just perfected it.

You speak as if the President alone is what makes the engine go but we know that is not true; not enough faith in HRC for her getting things done sans WJC.

Mcain - "$5 million is middle class"; HRC - "gotta love the rich"

Not much different - we ain't felling love in either of these statements.

[Provolone]

More and more it's looking as though Obama's learned little from Kerry's failed campaign of four years ago. Saying you won't be 'swift boated' or allow your 'patriotism questioned' is not the same as defeating those very attacks no matter how unsubstantiated they are.
His campaign did well to smack down the Obama Nation attack. He should be riding that victory straight ahead into the attacks by McCain; in tone & substance. McCain's arguments are equally shameless and should be treated as such.
A strong grassroots organization isn't enough to fight this kind of character assassination. Especially when the republicans are so artful at it. Respect is earned from squashing lies, not brushing them away. Have people forgotten how easy it is to stoke fear and doubt into the minds of voters? It's the ultimate power grab for republicans AND IT WORKS!
I won't continue donating to a weak-ass campaign, that's for sure.

[Puddin]

Well, take your money and your negativity and run, we don't need people like you. Senator Obama and his campaign are showing us what the "right" way of campaigning look like. It is up to us to do our part, we have to have faith and carry the "word" to the "streets". As much as we post here and on other sights, we must get up and get out and help (do whatever we can). This is OUR campaign (remember) and we can no longer afford to just complain. So you can shut up and put up or you can just go away, we don't need you and your kind (doubting thomases).




Obama 08&12

[long333]

allow your 'patriotism questioned' is not the same as defeating those very attacks no matter how "unsubstantiated they are."

I hear a lot of talk about 'patriotism questioned' but don't see a lot of specific examples and suggested responses.

Let's start by laying these out in ungeneralized terms like 'patriotism questioned' and suggested responses and see if this is something other than trying to nail jelly to the wall because that is what I am getting the feeling you are asking Obama to do and you look pretty silly trying to nail jelly to the wall.

What I have seen that might be "responses" sounds like whining to me and that is a reputation killer.

[Middleclassvotingbloc]

I would like to hear more about McCain's voting record and names of those around him that are lobbyist. Call them all Out by name I had hoped that he would have mentioned McCain relationship with Geogia and the $800,000 dollars his campaing adviser received from Georgia. This has to be a clear conflict of interest.

[Meggie]

Obama HAS talked about the McCain ties to Georgia and foreign government lobbyist money. CNN plays large portions of speeches the candidates give, and Obama was quite impressive this week pointing out exactly that. If MSM does not run with this news, it isn't Obama's fault. Voters must ask why this isn't at least a full cycle of news rather than hidden away at 10 am Monday.

[MyNameIsJames]

No its not the MSM's fault. Obama is not forceful enough - Its done in such an unimpressive way until its not noticed

[thebyron]

Joe Biden, if he is indeed the VP choice, will be a highly effective attack dog.

[vsign]

All the choices outshine Obama. He is just too too thin. The Thin Man. Meaning a thin resume.

[PlainBread]

Many people see that Hillary is way thicker than Obama. But the result spoke otherwise. Obama shouldn't be worried about being 'outshined'. Even better, whoever his VP is could one day become a president, too.

[ohmercy]

I like Biden personally, always did biut he isn't exactly a Progressive.
Look up some of his bills and votes. articularly on crime, drugs etc... and some war.

www.govetrack.us
ontheissues.com (org?)

Still. Bayh, Kaine, Sebilius all leave a lot to be desired in the stature department and they aren't truly liberal/Progressive either.
Again, look up their records/

Look up HRC while you are there.
Far more liberal than any of the rest.

Its too bad Dodd wasn't more exciting and why Feingold was never even considered I have no idea.
They are both real, true, tough Progressives unlike the rest of this crew.
grrrr.

Dear God please don't let it be Richardson.
Pulllease.

[ohmercy]

"People need to see that Barack Obama has as big of balls as John McCain and, well, Hillary Clinton."
Perfect.
the last 2 election cycles people all said we had to nominate someone who knew how to attack, to not take any crap. We all said "next time" and then again "next time. Well this is "next time" and we had a couple of tough and scrappy people running who would not let these bums get away with it.
Biden was one and Hillary was the other.
And the HHA and those afflicted with CDS demonized her and strung her up.
Too bad.
Along with what HH'ers par excellence Josh and Aravosis noted above is the demoralization that came out of watching the attack dog mentality of O's supporters ripping into HRC and her supporters with neocon lies and tactics. The witnessing of that behavior from so called progressives just depressed and exhausted people who would normally rallying around trying to pull O over the finish line. In fact I'm surprised Josh and John didn't blame her for this.
Well, I am sure they will if Obama loses.
It would never occur to them to take some responsibility for part of the demoralization.

sigh.
Nice Work there blogger boyz.

[egal]

Contrary to your statement, most of the attacks against Hillary consisted merely of repetition of what she said and did, and pointing out how republican and lying HER claims were. It's an easy mistake to make, for those who didn't actually follow her campaign and instead just bought her complaints without digging for the truth.

Hillary was strung up not because of anyone attacking her, but because of the attacks she made, the mistakes she made, the enemies she made, the lies she made, and the abuse of victim cards and baseless whining. Nobody had to lie, because she provided all the ammo, making her effectively fall on the sword of truth by refusing to acknowledge her own errors and misjudgments.

[lioness99]

I think the Obama campaign is playing the "Ali card." Remember Ali's strategy to bide his time leaning on the ropes while Frazer wore himself out throwing punch after punch until finally Frazer was spent. Let the McCain campaign deplete its resources( time, money, credibility) throwing punches, in the meantime our champion will sustain a few hits, then Obama will take command, and bring the Democrats back to the White House, Senate, and House in triumph.

[Middleclassvotingbloc]

Good Analysis--you may be right.

[rblackbird]

No, you're wrong. Ask John Kerry.

[luvobama]

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

[rcwblessed]

That's a good analogy, but it's different in politics. Voters can be swayed so easily from day to day.

[txgal44]

Really? Somehow I just never believed that! I think people are truly smarter than that. I certainly hope so.

[BBackSoon]

It seems to me that 40 percent of the people that will vote McSame no matter what he says or does and 40 percent will vote for Obama in the same context. So now both candidates are trying to woo that remaining 20 percent.

We know that there is a large amount of Undecided or Low Information voters that will not make a decision until the last week and even as late as entering the voting booth, so early polls and attack ads will produce momentary blips not long term decisions.

Perhaps letting the opponent shoot their wad earlier is a valid strategy? Although I do like to see Obama bloody Johnny Boys nose every once in a while.

[jinjinpinti]

"Dance like a butterfly.­....sting like a bee?" Obama is the epitome of the 'iron fist in a velvet glove," and will prove it undeniably in the weeks to come.

[aklib]

jinjinpint­i....Sethi­an....high­ly intelligen­t....I am sure you are right. Obama is a winner. He is keeping his powder dry. Timing is critical. September and October Senator Obama will blast Senator Numbnuts out of the water, (metaphorically speaking).
Barack Obama '08

[pixie]

Very valid criticisms of the Obama campaign this summer.

Flashbacks of 2000 and 2004.

Effective McCain attacks go completely unanswered for weeks. No real attack ads from Obama. Retreating to safety. Safe and boring VP contenders. What the hell is going on ?

He better get it together. I'm getting worried. I am a loyal Obama supporter, but Hillary was a clear and consistent fighter.

Wes Clark for VP! If not, I'm starting to hope for Hillary as VP.

[RIPRNC]

I agree, and Wes Clark would be the best VP.

[dnegri]

And if I recall, in 2000 and 2004, our candidate didn't have to worry about sneak attacks from the back.....i­f you get my drift.

[olivia]

Not all fights are noble. And not all fighting produces the desired end.

Obama is a natural leader. He operates by methods that do not include bullying and fighting.

[ohmercy]

"Obama is a natural leader. He operates by methods that do not include bullying and fighting."

That is a lovely sentiment Oblivia, but he shouldn't be in politics if he doesn't want to get his hands dirty.

He had no compunction about sending his surrogates out after HRC, as long as his hands stayed clean.

Now its a little different.
Everyone who has been around a long time said HRC was nothing and when the R's gort a hold of him the gloves would have to come off.
Kid gloves are attractive, make a nice statement, but aren't useful in a fight.

[buddhistMonkey]

The thing is, McCain's ads really haven't been all that effective. The polls haven't moved significantly in quite a while. Obama has a lead of a few points nationally, and is winning handily on a state-by-state basis. Let McCain throw the kitchen sink, like Hillary did (unsuccessfully). It'll just bounce off of Obama, and make McCain weaker in the process.

[MyNameIsJames]

AMEN pixie

[JenMI]

If you want Obama to win, we all have to do our part..get involved, donate money, wear a button, get a bumper sticker, get a yard sign, get young voters registered, ...do something.
"Not this time"...it takes everyone.

[BTJ46]

Right on. Don't worry, Organize.
The Obama website has plenty of ways to get involved -- I found 121 events within the next three weeks within 50 miles of my home in Minneapolis. Talking to neighbors is the best exercise for maintaining sanity as well as essential for our future.

[luvobama]

I'm in.

[Redrover666]

You're goofy.

[escorpion]

Not to mention emailing everyone we know who might be undecided, and telling them all the reasons McCain is not the honorable candidate he's made out to be: His shameful voting record on veterans issues, his ties to lobbyists, his pro-Bush voting record, his cheating on his sick wife (and lying about it), etc., etc. It's not a smear campaign if you tell the truth.

[ohmercy]

hmmm,
unfortunatelhy so many people have become so demoralized and exhausted whethering the attacks inflicted upon them for supporting Hillary first.

It just isn't that interesting now.
Not because she lost but because the Hillary Hate addiction and the clinton Derangement Syndrome never lets up. Don't have a hell of a lot of energy left after spending time defending the C's from the neocon tactics and lies being used by the PINO's to put into an election fight.

Maybe those who are still spreading disunity can take that excess time and energy and get out there and do the work.

Still, I've always thought that those who can, do. Those who can't criticize. Guess they would rather keep up the ugly instead of getting out and doing the work needed to win.

part of that means finding a way to unify the party.

not likely at this point.
The alienation so many feel might allow one to pull the lever for Obama but getting jazzed is another story entirely.

[Tommygun264]

And the pubs posing as disheartened Democrats (aka PUMA=Pubs) continue their efforts to demoralize from within. Give it up.