The Buzz is Obama

Barack Obama's wins in D.C., Virginia, and Maryland today shows he can turn Reagan Democrats into Obama Democrats. The buzz is Obama. It's something that is swelling up from the grassroots and from different sectors of society that was not thought possible just a few months ago: white men, union households, women, older voters. He has cracked the code. Obama is the electable Democrat. Obama wins all the polls when matched up against John McCain. And having McCain's speech follow Obama's on national television tonight was like having Lawrence Welk play after James Brown.

The GOP has a catalog on Hillary and Bill Clinton relating to scandals and possible scandals, and with over 2 months of swiftboating will turn people off, which is exactly the Republican strategy. McCain showed tonight that the Republicans are going to go back to their familiar playbook and use fear of terrorism in "wartime" as their game. Hillary Clinton's past support for the Iraq disaster neutralizes the war issue in the general election. John Kerry tried that one and lost. A Clinton-McCain race would energize the Republican base and unite the fully-loaded right wing that is currently quarreling.

Clinton has recently blamed the media for her drop in popularity and accused MSNBC of being harder on her than Fox News. If Clinton wants to appear with Karl Rove over at Fox News she won't be reaching out to many Democrats. Maybe that's why Clinton wants Fox News to host one of the weekly debates she proposed.

Clinton must not only sweep Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, she now must win big with over 60 percent of the vote to garner enough pledged delegates to remain competitive with Obama. Obama's victories tonight also freeze the so-called super delegates helping them resist the constant pressure from the Bill and Hillary camp.

Obama has after tonight won more popular vote than Clinton and he now has surpassed her in the delegate count. And this is what everyone is going to be talking about: his success, an African American presidential candidate who is building a new alliance of organized citizens to build a new Democratic party and a new country. That's the buzz.

Thanks to my colleague Stan Oden for his collaboration on this one.

Comments

[FearlessFreep]

Edwards was an electable Democrat, too. But in his case it didn't matter, because he wasn't nominatable.

[S1m0n]

Which Edwards are you talking about?

Senator Edwards, who voted for all the things that Candidate Edwards is against?

Or Candidate Edwards, who's against all the things that Senator Edwards voted for?

[JoeyP]

Great comments as usual -- we need to nominate the best candidate for the party and Clinton is the best candidate for Clinton but not for the party. Period.

[pvernier]

The wild card in this race is how many votes go to McCain from Democrats because of color. My elderly white parents will not vote for a black person regardless. They really are afraid and ignorant of reality. The Midwestern white elderly may tip the boat. If I cannot change my parents mind, we may not have much hope of reversing this trend. I'm worried, but optimistic.

[austinobserver]

Hillary never had much of a chance to win the general election, possessing such high negatives among the general electorate, and now those slim chances have completely evaporated. Progressives do not like her for her positions and votes, African-Americans feel betrayed, and Republicans despise her with a passion.
Why can't she make the best of a bad situation and try to use her current support as leverage to enable her to take the Senate Majority Leader position. We all know that Harry Reid is hopeless, and, as a knowledgable and capable politician, Hillary could be very successful in that position. And I do not see how Democratic women could complain too much if women run both houses of Congress.

[ProgRook]

You know, I've heard this "Hillary for Majority Leader" talk quite a bit in the past few days- and I think it's misguided. There are a lot of other, more senior Senators who would be far more effective as majority leader. Chris Dodd (who was very narrowly defeated when he ran against Daschle) would be ideal to replace the wholly inept Sen. Reid.

[Doofus]

You know, ordinary people have NO SAY at all on congressional leadership positions. If HRC can somehow translate popular voter support into votes from her fellow Senators, more power to her, but it would be something of a miracle.

[Kirby]

I speak
You speak
He, she, it speaks
We speak
You all speak
They speak

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SPEAKING!

They are rising from their slumber; they are becoming aware of what we have been put through -
The Hill harlots had better look out.....
and had better think about the United States of America, first, second, and last. And here we're talking about the people - yes the AMERICAN people, all of us, the majority, who are sick and tired of being taken down the road to an Armageddon, and for what, for whom, really? The shadow knows, and so do we. THE LOBBY! Justice will out for we will truly have a road map which is hand in glove with our real American values, which are shared with human beings around the world.

Come November we will have spoken, and our voice will have been heard around the world!

Oh, yes, we do know what we can do with that lobby which is prepared to take us down the road to total destruction on behalf of their own peculiar form of extremism.

[LeonBNJ]

Perhaps one reason Sen. Obama is leading is that he is a family man and doesn't seem to have any infidelity issues that the Clintons have. Such issues are very critical to many men and women, especially those with young and teen children and can override other important issues in their support and selections of persons for political office. I know of many who didn't support Bill and won't support Hillery due to Bills infidelity.
Some see Hilary as either having decided to live with it as loves Bill or was too interested in her own seeking of power to take action against it. That is hurting her today.

[Triangulate]

This, for me, is the problem with the Clinton's "outrage" over the "pimped out" remark about their 26-year-old daughter, Chelsea. How old was Monica Lewinsky..­.19? How old were the other young women Bill Clinton had sex with? All those women were daughters of parents who had legitimate reasons to be outraged because of what Bill Clinton DID, not what was SAID. He has a history of sexual indiscretions, continuing to this day, and Hillary is his enabler. Those are simply the facts and they're ugly. Hillary made her bed -- now she has to lie in it.

[apcalc]

Please....­...her daughter is a very different story then her husband

[sebocd]

Perhaps Hillary's also knows she has contributed to Bill's delinquency. Delinquency is always about compensating for what you believe you were deprieved of, but had a right to expect.

[vsign]

McCain will get 20% of the Democrats. Most Independents that Obama has been courting will go to McCain. All the Republicans that Obama thought he might get will definitely stay Republican. Where are all you guys from? Were you born here? Do you know who lives in America? Notes from a Republican Party Dinner saturday night:

The Republican Party definitely wants to run against the Obama-nation, they
call it. They think they can win big against Obama (by 20 points) so that
the Democratic Party will never recover. They were hype-ing up their
members to make sure everyone just gets out to vote and to talk to their kids so they don't get on the Obama train. With McCain, they expect to keep all the independents from going Democratic.

Now with Hillary - the word they put out to party members is that she might
win in 2008, but the party could get it back in 2012.

[cheforacle]

Last night's Potomac results are a vivid rejection of every point you made. Obama won more votes than Clinton and McCain combined. Independents who could've voted in the GOP primary in Va. moved to the Dem primary and voted more than 2 to 1 in his favor. He'll destroy McCain. Every GOP talking head I've heard says they prefer to run against Clinton because she will energize their base.

[Doofus]

The Repos are going to be pretty pleased whether the Demos pick either Clinton or Obama. Why should they care exactly?

It is simply not plausible that Demos should nominate one candidate over the other because the Repos 'have a thing' for the other. They have the exact same thing for both. Basically, that they're Demos.

I'm going to guess that MANY, MANY independents will stay with Obama. Whatever happens, I'm NOT voting for the Repo man.

[ikkytito]

That's a laugh. Now who's gonna be the one to beat Obama- hmmm John McCain?-surely you jest. The hard core conservatives can't stand McCain. And Obama is proving that he can pull the independants. So where is McCains constituency-Oh Geo Bush lovers-Now thats a big group. The fact is McCain looks like a tired rambling old man-unsure and lacking confidence-By contrast Obama projects confidence -intelligence and has charisma. Amazing as it may seem -It looks like the Democrats have a winner.

[Doofus]

Good point that 'economic' Conservatives (the Romney wing) hate McCain, for not being with them on taxation. One expects they'll come around, especially if he picks an acceptable VP. He has a lot of vitality despite his age, and having a more youthful 'hard core' VP for back-up will work wonders with the Repo voters.

I think Obama is great, but NOTHING beats the Repo strategy - 'It's all about NATIONAL SECURITY, Stupid!' - for the majority, because McCain is *all* about Nat Sec.

[Countess]

Obama's potential is so much greater than Clinton in a general election. She works within a very narrow frame which at the very best can only be a 49-50 percent of the popular vote. Obama reaches out so much wider that a big democratic victory is very possible.

[SShaw490]

If Hillary is depending on Texas, she'd better get her concession speech polished up. I'm a life-long Texan, and Hillary Clinton is the most despised politician among white males in Texas that I've ever seen. And white females in Texas are strongly influenced by the men in their lives. Sorry, but it's the truth, it's like a Muslim country down here. Hillary might do OK with Latinos, but Obama will get all the black vote, which will balance that out - and Hillary is left with the independent radical feminist vote, the ultra liberal English professor vote, and the crossover Republican vote (who are voting for Hillary because they think she'll be easier to beat).

It'll be interesting to see how many Republicans cross over to vote for Hillary in Texas, just because they can beat her in November but have no prayer against Obama. I wouldn't be surprised to see actual, open campaigns to do that. But in Texas, you have to vote in a primary, THEN you have to caucus - that'll keep some of the riff-raff down (I hope).

[S1m0n]

"..Hillary is left with the independent radical feminist vote, the ultra liberal English professor vote.."

There's that weird talk radio "Hillary is a liberal" meme again. Dude, Hillary's in this position because she drove off liberals' support.

[SShaw490]

Well, that was supposed to be funny and ironic. The radical feminist vote and ultra liberal English professor vote in Texas isn't a very big block.

[ikkytito]

I wouldn't be to sure about that liberal English professor.

[newyorknewyork]

My family is Texas are life-long Republicans and they are voting for Obama.

They love his positive message, his values and inclusiveness and tney are not fond of the Republican choices.

My guess is that TX could be an upset too.

[apcalc]

Obama is cruisin' right now....

Wait 'til he hits the brick walls known as Ohio, Texas and Pennsylvan­ia........

Crash!

[rcampbell]

I sorta heard the two speeches last night. I was in the next room on the computer. While Obama spoke the crowd was energized and excited and cheering. Some time later I noticed there was a voice coming from the TV in the next room, but there was no cheering, no enthusiam. I went to check and there was Grandpa boring his base into a frenzy. Well, not a frenzy exactly, it was more like the unbridled crowd noise at a bridge tournament.

[FLSilkie]

Yup.... Americans are not really voting for change and new hope through Obama. They bought into the pretty packaging and the endorsements from those in the Ivory Towers. For all the smearing that the Clintons have faced they have the courage to step up to the plate (especially Hillary) and despite whatever shortcomings waverings or whatever has happened throughout their brilliant careers they are activists and want to help. They are also politicians. But of course those in the Ivory Towers are flawless and because the nature of politics is very simply put, all black and white, right and wrong, yadda, yadda and we the public are buying it. Let's all be like the self righteous elitists.

Folks, just take a look - the passion and exhuberance is there for Hillary. I just don't see it with Barak. He is way too sterile and refined like processed food. Hillary IS the candidate for change, because she doesn't mind rolling up her sleeves and finishing the tasks at hand. She has always championed the causes of the common people and has a track record to prove it.
Because there is so much negative publicity about her and her campaign not being an endless fount of money says to me that she certainly isn't in any huge corporate back pocket and there are powerful people who do not want her representing the people. It has always been a fight for them, but they are still here. So again, since the days of Regan - the news media had basically played out our elections. They aren't stupid - they give and take just a little, but com'on without MSNBC, CNN, FOX, and if people had to think for themselves, I really wonder who would be the frontrunner now? We would have to e realisitc enough to know that yes, a campaign does take money, planning and basically like a big machine, and unfortuntely because of the prohibitive cost of advertising many good candidates just fall by the way side. Maybe this two-party system really isn't so great afterall.

[SShaw490]

You don't see any passion and exuberance for Obama? You're kidding, right?

[sebocd]

The Clintons have indeed given themselves tirelessly in the service of others. Let's wish them well when in a year from now they finally have the quality time together they deserve, away from political service and far from the maddening crowd.

[michalum24]

LOL at this post. What a joke- although I do have to give you credit for not even pretending to have paid attention to what has been happening in this primary season.
I will not deny that people are somewhat energized for Clinton, but the kind of energy and enthusiasm that Obama has generated has not been seen in this country for at least 40 years, if ever! People breakind down in tears when he speaks, overflowing basketball stadiums to hear a 5-10 minute victory speech-- I mean is this a politician or a rock star?
And it's funny that you bring up money and Clinton not being in anybody's pocket, since it's been well reported (including on Huffpost) that she has taken more money from lobbyists then any other candidate, republican or democrat. Obama is a phenom, get on board now!

[ikkytito]

I was initially a Hillary supporter-think she is smart and would be a good maybe great President-­BUT-Obama'­s successes have thrown a whole new light on the subject. This guy is doing something no Democratic candidate has done since FDR-he is creating a coalition deep and wide -north and south-east and west. And without the baggage. It's beginning to look like an end to the culture wars. I think his momentum will only increase. This is a rocket ship into the future. The Dam broke finally. A watershed in American history.

[Herrington]

FLSilkie, looks like you have been posting for two days now. Develop a sudden interest in politics?

[MariaHopeful]

rcampbell

Ha ha ha!!! Grandpa boring me to frenzy! What a contrast that was. And he had the audacity to attack Obama for making positive speeches.

[keriheb]

Today's Wall Street Journal Op-Ed : "The Clintons' Terror Pardons". page A17...Afte­r reading this ask yourselves if the Clintons really, sincerely care about YOU. Or is it that they are more concerned with attaining POWER? This is really disturbing and personally disgusting to me. Read it and draw your own conclusions.

http://www.hillaryproject.com/index.php?/en/story-details/the_clintons_terror_pardons/

[EvSmith]

Even my Grandfather, a Regan Republican and an Evangelical minister is excited about Barack. He told me Monday before the primary that "Barack is an honest man".

Trust me this says it all. He is more compelled with Barack even than Mike Huckabee who is a Baptist minister. " I think everyone is really ready for a change" he told me. Again this says it all . Barack inspires Republicans, Indy's, first timers, and yes Democrats, moderate AND Liberal. This man is a Superstar and will vanquish the Neocons come November.

B.T.W. DLC, see ya wouldn't wanna be ya' ( cheesy I know).

[BARRISTER]

Yup, and I, a Democrat, will vote Republican in November, for the first time ever.

[sky2evan]

Barrister:

You mean, you'll vote for Mr. McMcain let's stay in Iraq for another 100 years (well, at least 4 more) and bomb bomb bomb Iran while we're at it? We might as well just nuke the Middle East.

That will be "great" for the US economy, I'm sure.

[cheforacle]

What issues of policy do you disagree with Barack on?

[hank48188]

If you think Obama is a honest man please go to to a blog site call "NO QUARTER" and read a story called "How to buy a Mansion You Can't Afford", it tells all the detail of the house Obama bought with the help of TONY REZKO, who is in jail awaiting his trial next month on FEDERAL POLITICAL CORRUPTION CHARGES. Also take note of the money received by Obama, $269,100 from the Exelon Corp. employees,A nuclear company. Obama voted for the Dick Cheney 2005 Energy bill that was a gift to the oil, gas, and nuclear industry. Hillary and many DEMS voted no.

[jsinclair]

Good points, but I hope his wins won't -really- "freeze" the delegates. :)

[Leda]

Obama will probably melt when the shit really hits the fan...
but the great pretender is so persuasive with the sound bites & all. yes we're all so mesmerized-- 3 words change, hope, & ted kennedy.
the country is in a religious frenzy.
He is a master at selling himself.
which really doesn't reveal how a person will actually perform on the job. Best wishes to the u.s.

[AmericanFool]

There is no doubt Obama is yet to be tested. So we'll find out how well he drives after we put him in the driver's seat. However, he's the only candidate with a Map. Hillary took months to find her 'voice', it turns out all she found was one of the remaining bastions of her constituents. Obama has had his voice all along, and it's one of pride, responsibility, and honor - words we've heard often, but seen rarely from our recent leadership. Obama is the first politician since Reagan to convince me of his sincerity. I think he can grow into the job.

[nuttincowboy]

When you apply the bullshit filter to Hillary's dialog all you hear is, "me,me,me,­me,me,me,m­e,me." "Now, you pay for it."

[MariaHopeful]

Well Leda, wouldn't you say that the way he managed his campaign is a good indicator as to how he will govern? Has he run ANY negative ads? Has he tried ridicule any of his opponents and make them into demons? Has he taken federal lobbyist money? Has he distorted to words of others to make cheap political points? When he could have pushed Biden under the bus he came to his rescue. Bill Richardson recounts that when he would have embarrassed himself in on debate, Obama came to his rescue. He has gotten hundreds of thousands of people into the political process. And young people! Young people are energized. He has pushed the Paris Hilton and her ilk off the front pages and shown to young people can be responsible too. My fifteen year old daughter and all of her friends are talking and feel themselves part of the process. Other than in sports, in my life time I have not seen anything like this. So please, Obama has already done a whole lot for America that few politicians can lay claim to.

[LetsUnite]

Hillary is shrewd. She knows that Obama is potentially the front runner and that Fox is ready to tear down whomever they perceive to be the democratic front runner.

So, first she asks Obama for a weekly debate to slow his campaign down. I have no idea what makes her think he'll buy into that. Then she discredits his weekend wins (she claims they don't count yet MI and FL that were not contested should count), she did not even thank the voters of those states that voted for her. Then she gives a speech in Texas tonight still not acknowledging Obama's wins or the voters in DC, MD, VA that voted for her. I think voters in WI, HI, TX, OH, RI, VT, PA, NC and other states are smarter than she actually believes!! Time will tell.

[MPeter]

Yep, the Queen of Mean is looking to derail Senator Obama. I just found out, she did not even call Obama to congratulate him. She lacks grace in every sense of the word. I can't wait to hear the first word out of her mouth after Obama takes the nomination.