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

[nighttimelady]

Time to take the gloves OFF!!

We have had one president with Alzheimer’s we DO NOT need another. Ronald Reagan was such an accomplished actor that he made some Americans believe he was the president. McCain - no sir, no sir, no sir!! He is too old!! I do not care if MSM pundits can not say it -- I can shout it. McCain is TOO OLD!!!

[DRaymond]

I am hoping that the announcement of a running mate and the convention will mark a turning point for the campaign. I am hoping that once they are no longer wondering about the number two spot the remaining prominent Democrats who have and want national exposure will be given marching orders:

Bill...you go attack McCain on all the things he was wrong about Domestic Policy.
Biden...you go attack McCain on all the things he was wrong about Foreign Policy.
Wes Clark...you attack McCain on military policy.
Hillary...you attack McCain on Women's Issues.
Webb...you attack McCain on Veterans' Issues.
Gore....what to give Gore?....oh yeah, environment.

You see the tactic. set up a rotation of who will hit the talk shows which day so that McCain will be hit with a new attack on each day from a person whose credibility greatly exceeds his, and possibly even greatly exceeds the whole Republican party.

And start ripping apart his record. If they can turn Obama into an elitist it should be easy to turn McCain's 'Maveric' into an obstructionist that has blocked more than he's accomplished and talks more about changing government than he does

[luvobama]

Nice post. Thank you.

[SheriChardonnay]

now that is a good strategy. I hope they are reading.....To add Obama can attack on all the issues with ads and town halls...he needs to do a 50 state tour including alaska where it is competitive. Or at least visit states that are very competitive so should those people you listed.

[4headTrailer]

Exactly. He should spend this entire week leading up to the convention ripping Mc Same apart. I too am becoming we are seeing the Wimpocrats of old. All this "taking the high road" BS is exactly that. BS. We need someone to fight because there is too much at stake right now to try to appear above it all.

[Lemeritus]

Here's the problem (or not -- depending on what you think of Obama's post-partisan politics): Every time someone attacks McCain (as Clark did, for example), Obama disavows them and apologizes. It took Gandhi 29 years to overthrow the British Empire with peaceful resistance; we don't have that long to overthrow the Republicans.

[leftoflennon]

Worriers shouldn't worry.

Barack aint no dummy.

This is a marathon, not a sprint.

He is pacing himself for a strong finish.

Go Barack!

[YouDisgustMe]

i hope so

[demigod]

As a Progressive, I want to know why Obama even went to the Brokeback Christian smackdown instead of standing strong and proud for separation of Church and State ? No, it was all about "God-given this" and "God-given that" and what we all share ...blah blah blah - NONE of those people are going to vote for Obama !!! Are you kidding me ? He sucks up to them, but gives Hillary Democrats the back of his hand. We want someone who will fight the Republicans as hard as we have for many, many years. We KNOW what they are like, they are NEVER going to support progressive programs. Hillary Democrats were never put off by his race, we were put off by his belief there is some "middle ground" - ain't no middle ground with these criminals and right wing war mongers. I'm supporting Obama now, but he's running into exactly what we knew he would - the Republican hate machine.

[Wuzzup]

As a Hillary Supporter can't agree with you more it's amazing how some O supporters are so naive as to what Politics in America is about pretty words will take you only so far!!!

[dnegri]

Well, sorry, but we O supporters are preoccupied with getting him, and the Democratic party, into the White House. As you may have noticed, we're not spending a lot of time either "attacking" you or massaging you. Sorry. It's called having bigger fish to fry, and priorities. And hopefully you'll be along with us on the ride. Hillary want you to, if that matters.

[luvobama]

What about your naivety? She lost the the nomination. Just stop it already. You're boring the daylights out of everyone.

[olivia]

Bullying and fighting will only take a politician so far too. You cannot just be a fighter. You have to be fighting for the right thing - something greater than yourself, not just your own ambition - using tactics that are fair and honorable.

Hillary didn't get those last parts right.

[buddhistMonkey]

If we're all so naive, why is it that we backed a winner, while you backed a loser?

[luvobama]

Yep. All the way to the nomination. Thanx for your support. Obama08

[luvobama]

As if Hill wouldn't have run into the same machine. Come on.

[olivia]

The Republicans were dying to run against her.

She's lucky she'll never get the full brunt of their attacks. She's been spared.

[cheshirecat831]

He wanted to get the word out that he is a christian and that did come across to counter the rumors that he was muslim. And BTW Hillary helped feed that by being coy when asked what his religion was.

[Lemeritus]

I don't know if we should drag Clinton into this (in fact, if you want to make your point, I'd advise against it -- knee-meet-jerk thing). But as a progressive and a life-long Democrat, I think you did make one hell of a point. It's not McCain's base he needs to be bringing flowers to -- he's already given them caramel covered FISA and a vintage bottle of off-shore dilling. It's his own base that needs attention.

As Rachel Maddow said: Given the choice between a real Republican and a fake republican, the American people will vote for the real one every time. And I don't know how many elections we can afford to lose to prove that point. The center is empty. This year more than ever, people want REAL CHANGE.

[YouDisgustMe]

i wish he skipped that joke of a forum too

[Dash Riprock]

His attacks are not enough and they are weak. He's got to start swinging now, or he's going to lose. I'm one of those progressives who thinks whatever ever happened to "not this time"?

[olivia]

I think he will, once he gets through the convention.

He needs to shed those members of his own party who want to take him down. After Denver they won't matter at all.

[YouDisgustMe]

he does need to swing hard but we must remember that he's black....being too aggressive may earn him the "angry" title

[lboucher]

Will it be an easy nomination for Obama — or one of the grandest political ambushes ever pulled off … on the voting floor of the convention?

Hillary!!! On To Denver!!!

[luvobama]

Can you say de lose sion al.

[buddhistMonkey]

Easy nomination.

[4headTrailer]

Hillary!!! On To Denver!!! == 4 More years!!!

[YouDisgustMe]

lol you're funny

[kellygrrrl]

My feeling is that this is the "Lying in Wait" stage
The Attack is coming
It's all about Timing

Fresh off the Olympics, dog days of summer, not a lot of people paying attention right now.
Last month we heard others complain that 0bama was "overexposed"
so I think the little break was OK
I suspect that the Convention will be the point at which we begin the Pounce
I further suspect (and fully expect) the 0bama Campaign will go for the jugular!

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

Obama is at a better state than this time in 2004. The convention is gonna rock and Obama is going to top it off with Gore. It's all good.

[blueshield]

My concern is that among people I know, the Republican attacks are working, and Sen O's statements sound like background noise at the party, no effect. By the time the convention's over, their opinions will have set in concrete. Mc.C is setting the points of contention, NOW. Most people make judgements based on FIRST IMPRESSIONS, not intellectual reflection. That's just the way it works. How else to explain GWB for eight stinkin' years?!

[kellygrrrl]

I fully understand your concern, blue.
however, may I just remind you of the reality that this 0bama campaign has been run like no other campaign.
I truly believe entire Master's courses in politics and marketing will study this campaign for years to come.
From what I have witnessed thus far, I feel comfortable in trusting that they know exactly what they are doing.
Many seeds have been planted, and they are starting to sprout, people are "thinking about" little things, and those things are going to rapidly grow into VINES that will strangle the GOP

[fgr1111]

Unfortunately, campaigns aren’t run by the people who are the recipients of the votes themselves; they are run by the God Damn Corporate Media.

And so far, they (this God Damn Corporate Media) are smashing Obama. They keep manipulating him with all kinds of irrelevant chicken poop, while letting McBush run free in all his ineptitude and hypocrisy.

IT IS hurting Obama big time. He needs to put on a show. Whatever it may be, but these whores need sensationalism. Obama’s camp needs to realize this and feed these vultures some material if he wants to level his plummeting ratings.

They keep saying it themselves…” negative attacks work”. It is not about loyalty; dignity; honor; patriotism…M-O-N-E-Y.

[TheFirst]

So much for UNITY among democrats. Obama is doing just fine and is addressing issues that need to be addressed. For the so-called Progessives I say, "grow up and let this intelligent gentleman conduct this campaign with dignity and grace." Something some of you need to pay close attention to.

[notthistime]

Exactly.

[Plus15]

The domination of the Obama campaign personel by ex-Tom Daschele staffers and Daschele himself is very scary. Daschele's pathetically lame leadership of the Democrats in the early Bush years should have made him a pariah. His soft, quiet, invisible, permissive performance is the last thing Americans much less, Progressives or Liberals want or need in the next President.

Ever since locking up the nomination the Daschele tendencies prevail in the Obama campaign, exemplified by turning over vast amounts of convention time to the Clinton Family and their cohorts. Even after getting these concessions including Hillary's name being placed in nomination Bill has remained hostile. If Bill doesn't come out before the convention with a strong statement of support for Obama he should be dropped from the speakers list even if he is the former President.


The Obama campaign's seeming disrespect of Progressives, Liberals and the Netroots is a very bad sign for our Democracy. And if that's his way of snuggling up to the DLC and the failed, flawed professional Democrats and the Beltway the Obama crew is much stupider then I gave them credit for.

[Destin]

At least Daschele had guts and courage, and he was just a lowly MINORITY LEADER. Constrast that with our do-nothing, no guts, no courage MAJORITY LEADERS. Odd how Daschele was powerful enough to be feared as a minority leader, and arguably more so than Pelosi and Reid combined.

[Harmony1812]

Obama needs some 527s to stir up the dirt and keep his own hands clean. There is plenty of fodder there, too. Age, cheating, PTSD, outbursts, Grimm. There is too much at stake not to hit them low.

[KQuarksSuperKollider]

The election does not really start until after the convention. Don't worry McBush will get flack from the left this time around for sure.

[InformedVoter08]

Let's see, it's August 19th, still summer, who is paying attention right now besides us political junkies? Other than that, O is still ahead in the polls, that is where he needs to be right now. If he was way ahead and lost points we would worry. Give him some more time and stop telling him how to run his campaign. As hard as it is for you to believe, he knows what he is doing!

[tinalina61]

O is still ahead in the polls, that is where he needs to be right now
___________________________________________________

Just in case you haven't noticed, O's slowly LOSING that lead he had, and he's also slowly losing a healthy electoral college lead as well. I knew there would be tightening in the polls, and although it's still quite early and there are debates yet to come between O and McCain, O has to start going after McCain and STOP with the whiny, nice guy routine. It's wearing very thin--he needs to show a backbone, and NOW, and Although I AM willing to give O some time, how much time does he need exactly before he hits back hard CONSISTENTLY at McCain? Another thing, O needs to STOP saying he "Admires Senator McCain's service to the country."

When is the LAST time McCain said anything POSITIVE about O? McCain mocks O and makes fun of him constantly by saying he does NOT love this country--he mocks O's patriotism. Like I said, WHEN was the last time McCain said anything positive about O?

Although O is nowhere near as weak as Kerry was, he's pretty darned weak.

[luvobama]

HE MOST CERTAINLY IS NOT.

[Harmony1812]

OK Obama, bring it up - A man that cheats on lhis wife when she needs him the most no longer has the honor, principles, scrupples or morals he had 40 years ago. We need our president to have those qualities. Let him have it!

[cackal]

Oh, please, no. That would be a huge mistake. Obama is doing just fine. He was awesome at the VFW convention. Voted for Bill Clinton but was never a big fan. But I was absolutely disgusted with the way he was treated. Even more so in retrospect, the Clinton-haters were fiddling while Rome burned.

Attacking McCain in this way would backfire. Remember, conservative Christians "love the sinner, hate the sin." And if the sinner repents, renounces and accepts Jesus Christ as his personal savior - they forgive. They love redemption stories. If Obama uses this line of attack he is walking into a trap.

[oscarp]

and what about a candidate who has lied on everything he has promised to be in order to gain votes? leave the husband-wife affairs apart, I don't care how many girls a president has, I care about someone who can take this country forward, with 3 mistresses included if it is what it takes !!

[Nofuzzydreams]

With no tossups, Obama leads McCian 275-263 per rcp. It's over folks. The imposster and neophyte is losing ground fast!! and real shots have not been fired yet.

[trubludem1955]

I don't blame this on Obama. I blame the DNC, Howard Dean, Donna Brazille, Nancy Pulosi, et al, for the destruction of the Democratic Party. They forced an inexperienced - unvetted candidate forward to be the presumptive democratic presidential candidate.

When Obama loses I truly hope all the huffpo's, daily kossers, etc.... tar, feather and run the above mentioned through the town square on a rail!

[BeltwayBette]

McCain morphed from war hero to scum leader. Or has he?
I am a Navy brat/veteran. At Saddleback, Sen. McCain said he was offered early release from the Viet Nam prison camp "because my father was an admiral." He said releases were normally based on priswoners' capture dates. He said he gave up his right to be released early to help the prisoner who was then due to be released.
But is this entirely true?
If Sen McCain chose to accept the early release, what would have been the result -- for him?
Would he have returned a "hero"? Would his acceptance of an early out because father and grandfather were military elitists have dishonored his family? Our nation? And last but not least, as a Naval Academy graduate, would he have been shunned by other NA grads, if he had committed this dishonorable act?
When did he first consider a political career? Running for president?
We need to get our collective heads out of the sand. McCain is expedient " another word for win at any cost.
He is now known to be a liar, a plagiarist, an adulterer, a woman abuser, and a dirty politician.
McCain steals another man's life experience (cross in the sand story) and tries to steal Obama's reputation.
A military vet and woman who knows a closet fascist when I see one.