Oh, Yes She Can
Here's what is scary. It's not August. There aren't any Republican attack ads.
And yet, Obama is getting swiftboated... by himself.
Admittedly, as someone who will remain a Clinton supporter to the very end, I have been enjoying the rude awakening that many Obama supporters have recently received from !quelle horreur! Barack Obama, himself.
FISA, gun control, public finance, the death penalty, religious-based initiatives, late-term abortions, Iraq, turning his back on groups such as MoveOn, and throwing people like Wes Clark under the bus. They all add up to Obama's progressive base wondering with justifiable uncertainty: Who is this guy and what the hell is he doing?
Well, it seems that Barack Obama can and will do whatever he pleases -- particularly if it paves the way to victory. In order to win the nomination, Obama posed as the candidate of Change. Remember he was the outsider who wanted to restore Hope in all of us. He was the candidate we could Believe in. Not surprisingly, after 8 years of Bush fear-mongering and Republican-led emoting hate towards terrorists, Obama's offering of emoting hope and unity towards feel-good horizons was extremely appealing. The marketing worked. Back then, Obama appeared pure, honest, and trustworthy; Obama was definitely not the entrenched, untrustworthy Washington-insider, Hillary Clinton.
But who is Barack Obama now?
Unfortunately, none of us know who Barack Obama really is especially in light of his recent mercurial political positions.
Usually when someone behaves in such an unrecognizable manner, you turn to the person in question's past history for reassurance. Not so with Obama since his public record is so short. Indeed, Obama's public life started a mere 10 years ago and his uncanny ability to spend no longer than two years in any one post or place translates to Obama never being held accountable. That lack of accountability translates to Obama being an unknown entity merely offering up his lofty, poetic, and very pretty promises to trust. But lately those pretty little promises aren't holding up much -- let alone anyone's trust.
And I am not going to shut up and trust Obama for the sake of party unity. Just like I refused to shut up and trust Bush after 9/11. Remember, Dissent is Patriotic. Obama promised to be something different. He promised to stand up and do the right thing. He promised the Change that many people were yearning for. While I never believed him to have authentic principles, Obama's early supporters did. And those early supporters are responsible for Obama receiving the nomination. They voted for Obama specifically because he said that he wasn't the type of person that he has now revealed himself to be.
So why is Obama acting like his early supporters don't matter to him?
Because he can. He doesn't need you folks anymore. Obama knows that he has all of your votes in his back pocket. He knows with certitude that you will not vote for McCain. So as long as Obama stays more than a hair to the left of McCain, he'll do just fine, thank you. Obama really doesn't need to pander to all of you and your silly Progressive causes anymore. He and Michelle have got a general election to win and a large swath of (perceived) centrist voters to sucker.
But if there was ever a year that the progressives could have run on a strong, strident and non-negotiable platform against the Republicans, 2008 should have been that year. More than 70% of Americans are unhappy with the course of our country -- a country that has had Republican leadership for the past 8 years. If Progressives and their candidates cannot be true to themselves and their core-guiding principles now, then when?
2008 is the ultimate year for an unyielding progressive platform and agenda because on every major issue that Americans care about (like for example Iraq, the economy, the environment, health care, and national security) the Republicans (and the policies of the Right and Center-Right) have failed miserably.
More pointedly, in 2008 when more Americans identify themselves as Democrats and supporting Democratic principles, why in God's green Earth would Obama or any Democratic candidate for that matter ever run anywhere near the center? It's idiotic. Take a look at South Carolina where Obama received more votes than all of the Republican candidates, combined. Go further and add up both Obama and Clintons' votes in South Carolina, and you have a Democratic landslide! And South Carolina is supposedly a fairly conservative Republican state.
So it's not that Obama is merely abandoning the Left. No, it's that Obama is abandoning the vast majority of the American people and what they truly want from their political leaders after 8 horrendous years of George Bush.
Alas, as many Clinton supporters already know, it's not so bad living under the bus once one's been thrown there. The important thing to remember is to not get disillusioned and bitter with the political process. You (yes, We) can all still make a difference.
Here are some simple ways to stay a part of the system and send a message to the tone-deaf Obama:
1. Unhappy with Obama's turnaround on issues that matter to you?
STOP SENDING YOUR CHECKS TO HIM. Spend 5 minutes on Google and send money directly to organizations that support your issue or cause. For many grassroots organizations, a little money goes a long way--your money will be well spent and better spent.
Remember that Obama opted out of public financing--that means he needs your money. If you stop sending it, he might pay attention. More to the point, by sending cash directly to well-established organizations that support your cause, you will know that your voice is truly being heard and appreciated.
Furthermore, such organizations will not materially change their position on any issue to fit the prevailing winds. With these people there is no risk of getting burned or thrown under the bus.
2. Nervous about Obama's seemingly lack of core-guiding principles and even more concerned about how he will govern as President?
Start supporting Hillary Clinton as his Vice President. Clinton would serve well as a stern rudder to Obama's wayward sails. Hillary Clinton has a well-documented public record and history. Like it or not, we fully know Hillary Clinton and we know how she governs. We know her core principles. More to the point, we know that there are certain non-negotiable, core Progressive principles that she would never capitulate on.
Any Obama supporters who initially found Clinton unacceptable because of her triangulation and willingness to do anything to win, might as well listen to your own recent justifications about Obama and his own triangulation and willingness to do anything to win. Enough said?
3. Reminder to all: The Superdelegates have not yet voted. They cast their vote at the Convention in August which means Hillary Clinton's "suspended" campaign could be reinstated. (Because, Oh, Yes She Can!)
Of course, this reality is probably why the Republicans have remained mostly silent against Obama since they'd rather run against Obama than Hillary. The Republicans know that a small window remains open for Hillary to get the nomination. And a coup at the Convention is not entirely out of the question-- particularly in light of Obama's recent behavior in thumbing his nose at the Progressive base. Yes folks, it's not too late.
It's July 9, 2008. There are 6 weeks left until the convention in Denver. And I think all Americans should be paying close attention to see what Barack Obama does. Does he continue to flounder and move to the center compromising important Progressive principles? Or does he correct his wayward ways?
Democrats must have a candidate with clear conviction to beat John McCain in November. The question that must be answered between now and August is whether Barack Obama is that candidate.
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I love Hillary but I don't think she would want us to stop contributing to Barack Obama. I also wish people would stop saying "Hillary is very qualified to be the VP...maybe even the most qualified.
We don't eliminate male politicians EVER because of their wives - the same should be true of female politicians.
I would definitely think Hillary's husband is an exception seeing that he was once President. Your position is completely insane, this is not a matter of sexism...i
I never voted for the guy because I am a liberal. And I was right. NAFTA, repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act, the Enron Loophole, DADT! The guy was lucky to get in during the tech bubble and get out before it burst and what he did while he was in office only furthered the Republican agenda and helped to create the problems we have now. Obama is dead right about the last 25 years (including Clinton) of presidents ignoring the people.
There is a difference Ben....Lau
I don't want that guy within 30 yards of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue ever again and it has nothing to do with Hillary being a woman.
I hope you can get over your disappointment about Hillary losing the fairly-fought primary battle in time to avoid a McCain presidency. This is not going to be an easy win for Obama (Hello! He's African-American in a sometimes-racist country!), and he'll need the votes of all progressives, as well as Independents and rogue Republicans, to put him over the top. If you don't like Obama, wait until you see what a McCain Supreme Court would do to women's rights. Then you can really be bitter. P.S. I'm way low on funds, but you've convinced me it's time for me to send another check to Obama for President.
I really wish that people who write articles would admit their connections to the subject matter, so the reader can decide if it's just a PR piece. This author is an attorney, a lifelong Republican whose husband died on 9/11. She was so outraged at the Bush administration that she changed her registration from Republican to -- Independent. So even after 9/11, and everything associated with it, this lady still could not bear to call herself a Democrat. Which may be why she supported Hillary (just like Rush did) and why she continues to attack Obama.
If someone has an honest idea, let's hear it. But the only idea in this article is a suggestion that Democrats should work together to try to tear down Obama and make sure McCain wins. The author is also rumored to be considering a run for the Senate -- would she have a better chance with a Republican in the white house? Alas, we don't know because all we see in this article is someone who wants Obama to lose and McCain to win.
Thanks NABNYC... I suspected an ulterior motivation here. Most "I can only vote Hillary" supporters were never real democrats anyway. They were republicans unhappy with the choice of McCain. How ridiculous for them to vote on a person instead of the issues. They claim the ol' experience crutch but we can see through that as well. Republicans for Hillary never were for O in the first place.
Count me in! Another donation to Obama today from me. It is going to take more than a sore loser to derail the O-Train. Yes We Can!!!
You should focus on what is said in the article. If you disagree with her positions, tell us why by way of presenting counter-arguments.
You described her background and attacked her motivations on that basis. We don't know anything about the background of NABNYC - an anonymous poster on HP.
Thank you NABNYC for speaking the truth about this author.
Thanks for the background on the author. I was at the WTC during both attacks. I survived but lost many friends and colleagues. My sympathies are certainly with her on the loss of her husband.
I must say, however, that disgust with the Bush Administration does not make one a Democrat. Also, the attitude displayed in her post is similar to the attitude of many of the victims' families who believed that they had some sort of veto power on decisions about the WTC site. Their behavior alienated a lot of New Yorkers and a lot of Americans who'd previously been sympathetic to and supportive of them.
In recognition of this bitter article, here goes another huge financial donation to Barack - soon to be President Obama.
Clearly the author of this article is proving what she is accusing Obama supporters to be doing and this is she is ONLY a believer in HRC as person and not her policies. Of course as the majority of these HRC-or-No-One-Else, she is clearly bitter.
Sorry bitter HRC supporter, some of us who are crazy Obama suporters from the start where listening to his positions and heard all he said and we know that Obama is not changing. The media has chose to use this fake changing in order to keep the race competitive and generate money. It is a pity that people like this author do not see through this media manipulation and attacks on Obama yet she claims to be more knowledgeable
Guess, what the next POTUS will be President Obama and he will win in a landslide and put a final end to the domination of the Clintons so I have pity for people like this author who have not come to terms with this reality
This column is a satire...r
Hillary lost. You can sit the general election out or you can vote for McSame, Barr or Nader. I'm afraid you're demonstrating the sort of kamikaze identity politics that helps keep Republicans in office. Why don't you do something productive like helping Hillary retire her campaign debt?
My money and support is still with Obama. If you would rather have McCain for President then please vote for him and quit trying to convince others to follow. No matter what Obama does he will never make people like you happy.
give me a f*cking break, if she had won the nomination she would have done the same move to the center. Oh wait she already did that in March
I wish for once, a Hillary supporter would admit she ran a awful campaign; wasted donors money; turned to negative campaigning; lied about the BOSINA trip; still have not admitted to it was a mistake for her to vote for the war - the list goes on and on!
It is really sad and frankly disgusting on how her supporters are behaving because she lost the nomination!!!!
Hillary ran an awful campaign; turned to negative campaigning, lied about the Bosnia trip. Whether she wasted donors' money - I wouldn't say that because it depends on the opinion of the donor.
As for wasting donors' money ... I don't think you're really upset about that. Since you were interested in what I think, though, I think donors should know that any campaign will spend money in ways that seem stupid to outsiders. How stupid the expinditures are and seem is clarified by 20-20 hindsight.
As for the war, Hillary did say she wished she could take her vote back. I don't get too bogged down in semantics about that to be upset that she didn't say "I'm sorry" or call it a "mistake." Once she said she wished she could take her vote back, I heard it for that and spent my time caring about what she would do in the future.
Wow.
I think Kristen needs to take a few deep breaths, calm down, and get over it.
Hillary lost, which is good because Obama is far superior. (she sure blew the campaign, imagine what her presidency would have been like, yikes!)
So get outside and take a walk, smell the flowers and try to think critically about things instead of letting your ideology cloud your judgment. You'd certainly be able to write with a little more intelligence.
As if HRC is any better. Iraq WarResolution? What's her new stance on universal health care?
What's her new stance on universal health care?
ARE YOU JOKING?
Where have you been for the last 20 years?
Oh wait... growing up no doubt.
Why do such ill informed people feel the need to prove how ill informed they are over and over again.
Educate yourself.
sheesh.
My dear Ms Breitweiser, in short, GET OVER IT!! I don't disagree that Obama has surprised many of we progressives with his middle of the road positions of late and I am none too happy about it. But to suggest that Obama has no core principles and is even betraying what principles he has is absurd. A review of his positions over the years, whether in government or not, shows him to be a real moderate, a conciliator. If anything, his early campaign rhetoric went to the left of that and now he is going back where he feels most confortable. Hillary ran a scandalously lousy and bitter campaign and deserved to lose the nomination!!
If you former Clinton supporters really would rather have McCain as president than Obama, then you betray even the principles of Hillary Clinton, let alone the progressive community. The fight goes on and the pressure must be mounted on Obama to 'do the right thing'. But your article is sour grapes!!
"More to the point, we know that there are certain non-negotiable, core Progressive principles that she would never capitulate on."
We do ? I'd be hard pressed to know what they were, after her incompetent sinking of health care reform for a decade, the Clinton administration's touting a Reaganesque "big government is over" line, her vote for the Iraq war resolution and her support of the crackpots Kyl and Lieberman ginning up war against Iran. The notion that a Clinton has "non-negotiable, core Progressive principles" after 8 years of being treated to quite the opposite is bizarre. After their bringing on the repugnant Jesse Helms consultant, Dick Morris, to design the message during Bill's reign, she had the arrogance to treat Democrats to Mark Penn, another scumbag. Clinton lost because she deserved to lose in the course of running a very bad campaign. The Clinton pros have been in charge of the Democrat's rules for years - for them to claim in retrospect that they were unfair to Hillary - or worse that they didn't understand them - is absurd. Whatever else you say about Barack, his campaign team know what the hell they're doing.
Thank god the Clinton cult is over. The party is much better off without this narcissitic duo at the helm. We lost congress in the nineties because of their screwing up the first term. To the bitter, clueless Clintonite dead-enders, my advice is don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.
She voted no on FISA today. He capitulated.
So what else ya got?
And if she'd been the candidate.
ummm
If you actually knew anything about the history of the Clinton Health Care Reform and what went on in Republican circles to make sure it would not be made into law you would know better than to shout your venom.
Or maybe not. Haters Hate, seems not to matter.
Still, before you make comments like this:
We lost congress in the nineties because of their screwing up the first term.
You should educate yourself to the realities that went on.
Start with "The Paradox of American Democracy" by John Judis.
The couple of chapters on the goings on during the Clinton administration is eye opening and worth the price of the book... which you can get for a couple of bucks on ebay or half.com
Of course if you educate yourself you might have to let go of your blind ideology of Hillary Hate.
Judis is a writer at the Nation.
Certainly a pro Obama site/publication if ever there was one.
I remember quite clearly and she caved to Republican pressure and gave it up. And yes, Clinton's misteps and Hillary's divisiveness cost is Congress in 96. I used to be one of the most avid supporters of the Clinton's but facts are facts. So just what core principles will she not cave on?
For what it's worth, Judis is a writer at The New Republic - which was just barely a liberal magazine during the period in question. Also, Judis was far from an Obama supporter. Given your mastery of those "facts", I can take the rest of your faux analysis with a grain of salt.
PS. Hillary voted AGAINST the FISA bill today.
YES SHE DID!
And your point is?
Now we can see clearly how the bitter losers in the Clinton Camp operate. First, they infiltrate the Obama Campaign, then Blackmail him to pay off their ill-generated debt, then if they are not happy, push him to make mistakes, then trip him on a very public vote, then go on to smear him using some of the gullible, old-style, big name Dems in the AA community to justify either his loss of the nomination or the general election. This is annoying. Guys, get over it. You lost.
Voting against a bill that clearly was going to pass is not really taking a stand. The entire Democratic party, with the exception of your Dodd's and Feingold's of the world are at fault for FISA. Not just Barack Obama. If you have the majority, you have to be willing to stand up for something. This would have been a good time. Regarding flip-flopping, it is interesting that the media does not openly discuss that between 2000 and 2008, McCain has flip-flopped on virtually every major position he had with the exception of Iraq, which he is more motivated than ever to fight until we "win." I think many are disappointed in the change of position on FISA, but I am not that disappointed that I won't vote for a person whose positions are much more similar on major policy issues than McCain. Clinton supporters have a right to be upset and you have to make a decision as to whether permanent tax cuts, countless wars on the horizon, increased US borrowing, and the death of the US dollar is the way to go, and if so, you should vote for McCain.
Oh well then let's make her the nominee then. Great! It's settled. Hillary voted correctly on a bill, that supersedes everything.
That's why you are writing this piece because you still want HRC to be at the helm, even the notion that it is still possible for her to grab the nomination at the August convention. You and other irrational Hillary supporters can die with her, calling her a true Democrat and whining about things.
So then, what now, white cow are your implications? Didn't Hillary do all that she can to get elected and failed? Now you better start sending Obama checks so he can help her pay the outstanding debts to several vendors, and not to forget, you should blame Penn constantly just as you constant gripe on why Hillary lost.
August is not here so start your campaign with a dare, if you dare just like your dare to stop people from giving checks to Obama?
Your pointedly sharp criticism may be perfectly allowed as in a free democracy but you must do something else worthwhile by raising the money, as you claim to be Hillary supporter to settle nad retire her debts.
Campaign actions were shown by Hillary to support Obama, she can't carry all of you out there dreaming the woman president dream. But this is my honest assessment
Put on that extra layer of skin Kristen. See you in Denver.
Being financed by the McCain campaign?
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