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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Good suggestions about supporting the groups that matter to you. Thanks, Kristen.
Try listening to yourself, Ms. Breitweiser. (I know that is apparently extremely hard to do for you diehard Clinton supporters
"Well, it seems that Barack Obama can and will do whatever he pleases -- particularly if it paves the way to victory."
PARTICULARLY IF IT PAVES THE WAY TO VICTORY.
Do you WANT the Democratic nominee to win in November? DO YOU?
I really bet you'd be grousing exactly the same way if Hillary Clinton had eked out (eked, but LEGITIMATELY won) the Democratic nomination and was now using exactly the same tactics to, oh yeah, achieve VICTORY against McCain.
Right. Suuuuuuure.
What I find hilarious is that all of those who are defending Obama to the death about the FISA bill would be insane with hate and rage if it was Hillary Clinton.
You screamed, shouted, spewed invective against Hillary Clinton with accusations of doing and saying anything to win and yet now you are defending Obama for the same thing.
"oh, he must win, he is just doing what he has to do to win, he has to do this, that or the other thing to win, we must trust him cause we must, we must never disagree because he has to win, we cannot tolerate dissent because, well, we are fascists and he has to win.
aiyeeee.
How silly.
And you are still shouting the venom of your lies and distortions about Hillary. You are ill informed and proud of it.
You are so funny... and not in the ha ha way.
Oh, I'm not a Puma, I'll vote for him... I'll have to take a pill for nausea to check my gag reflex though.
BTW, did you hear about the poll taken that says what people like least about Obama is his supporters?
I've said it before,. I'll probably say it again, you all did more to create PUMA than any other one thing.
Give it up, Kristen. Hillary lost. Got that? Hillary will not be the nominee. Is that clear? Hillary will probably not become V.P. Deal with it.
The idea that superdelegates will turn on Obama is ludicrous. And I don't mean the rapper.
We now have choice between Obama and McCain. Either work to get Obama elected, after which you can hold his feet to the fire if you wish, or admit you prefer a candidate that is just about the opposite of everything Hillary, and I suppose, you, actually stand for in which case you are totally unprincipled and a bitter, angry, spoiled child, to boot.
Right now, you are not helping.
Grow up.
The "change" Obama has talked about is not left-wing progressive leadership. but rather, it is post-partisan non-idealogical leadership by an extremely intelligent man who listens to both sides and looks for common ground. We are never going to solve any of our problems if we dig our heels into one side of the political spectrum and "fight" for what we want. We have to work for the entire country -- and that is Obama's promise. If you don't understand this you need to read "Audactiy Of Hope." Obama is not changing positions he has always been moderate and his values have not wavered.
"There aren't any Republican attack ads."
What rock have you been under? Oh, I know. You still whining about Clinton not winning you haven't pulled your head out arse to see the real world. She mismanaged a garbage campaign and lost. Perhaps you and the other 17M should send her a check for Mr Penn to enjoy?
And this continued Clinton for VP noise is just that, noise. She and Bill have not been vetted, will never be transparent with the library donor list and has done NOTHING to earn the VP slot.
When was the last time since leaving office have the Clinton's helped anyone other than the Clinton's get elected?
You're no different than Kristen; if anything you're worse given the level of your invective. While Kristen is having difficulty uniting behind a candidate who she vigorously opposed for the nomination, you are unable to unite behind YOUR candidate; preferring to get off your cheap shots at the Clintons. Just as Kristen should listen to Clinton, you should listen to Obama. I don't hear him taking cheap shots at the Clintons.
Bravo. Clear, unambiguous, and right on the mark. "Yes, we can" should be followed by "believe what we want to believe." This guy is inexperienced, insensitive, and a hypocrite to boot. It is so refreshing to hear a mature, well-reasoned voice. Thank you!
As someone who also supported Hillary and recognized that Change is just a marketing slogan, I admit to also getting a small amount of satisfaction from the disillusionment of the core believers as the reality of a general election forces Obama to shift his emphasis. However, Obama is not doing anything differently than Hillary would do, so it is a little ridiculous to diss him for that. Hillary supporters need to keep their eyes on the goal -- keeping the presidency out of the hands of Bush 44 a/k/a John McCain. There are only two options at this stage - Obama or McCain. Hillary will not be the nominee and to prevent the disaster of Bush 44, we should all support Obama. The Republicans would love nothing more than to see Obama's financial support dry up. As for the VP slot, Obama should have the right to choose the person he believes is best for the ticket and the job. In any event, the VP has no ability to manage or control policy decisions, unless the President voluntarily abdicates his responsibility as was the case with Bush/Cheney.
the disaster of bush 44 was having a republican, who was inexperienced, untested and full of platitudes in the white house with a republican
obama 45 would be a repeat. a democart, who is inexperienced, untested and full of platitudes in the white house with a democratic
been there done that. mccain with a dem controlled senate is the way i'm going.
i respect mccain. he will be the first republican i have ever voted for in 30 years of voting straight democratic.
Big differences - Obama is Intelligent and Bush is not...Obam
Among other things, you might want to think about the Supreme Court and the end of habeas corpus, etc. if McCain is elected.
You're kidding right? This is exactly what the republicans and the inside the beltway crowd are hoping for and you are naive enough or stupid enough to hand it to them. Do you know anything abount Senator Obama? Have you read his books? Have you listened to his speeches? Have you researched his postions on healthcare, Iraq, Iran, energy independence, trade? Good lord woman...ge
Before she learns about him...she has to pull her head out HRC behind.
I will be the first to say that I don't agree with EVERYTHING that he has to say, but I still support him. I already knew about HRC, Giuliani and McCain, I read up on Obama, Romney, and Huckabee. I also watched every debate and as many of the GOP contenders started to drop like flies, I stepped up my education on the ppl left. I was impressed by what I saw in Obama, but I wasn't ready to support him even after McCain was the presumptive nominee. I took my time to continue to listen and learn. I was pleasantly surprised that his thoughts about healthcare, education, family, community service, Iraq, economy, etc. was in line with mine.
Republicans for Obama!
Can you please get over yourself? The media is hyping up the alleged "change" in the way voters view S. Obama. People that have supported his candidacy still do. Former S. Clinton supporters, current McCain supporters along w/ unbending "liberals/
No, she can't.
you are correct on your main point---..
You'll never find a more compromising politician than John Edwards..o
YOU PUMAs ARE EXEMPLIFYING ALL OF THE SEXIST TALKING POINTS WITH YOUR POST-PRIMARY RANTS and making things ten times more dificult for a truly qualified, principled (unlike Hillary) future woman candidate.
One doesn't know whether to laugh or cry at this drivel. To wit:
1. "it seems that Barack Obama can and will do whatever he pleases -- particularly if it paves the way to victory" - substitute Hillary Clinton for Barack Obama and you have a perfect description of your candidate and her calculated vote for war with Iraq and Iran and 3 a.m. phone call ads and playing of the race card , etc.
2. Progressives should press for Hillary as the veep? That is HILARIOUS. Why, because of all the progressive legislation she passed as senator? ... whoops, she was in the pocket of big pharma and HMOs and total sellout to the military-industrial crowd to get more money for her state .. since you are so keen on Obama supposedly having no record, just name ONE bit of progressive legislation Hillary ever got passed Just one. Or anything she did as first lady that would qualify?
As I said you and these other Hilaristas with your over-the-top emotional rants are making the case for the sexists that women can't be trusted in high public office.. You are just vengeful, ill-informed phonies who claim to care about women's issues but are now working to elect someone who will overturn Roe v. Wade.
HEAR, HEAR!!! I whole-heartedly concur with your points, dooleynoted.
There are bigger things to worry about than Roe V Wade.
Roe vs Wade is bigger than the 4th Amendment-your civil liberties.
Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought RvW is based on the right to privacy.
We are weakening that right as of now.
She signed on with the Republicans for the war vote, for the bankruptcy bill, for the flag burning amendment, the patriot act.
Obama has pulled to the center, Yup, that is what a candidate does to win. Winning is important. You don't win and the other guy does. FDR said the most important thing a candidate does is win. Because if they don't nothing they espouse will happen.
I would have held my nose and voted for Clinton if she had managed to squeak out a win, but she didn't. Partially because she decided "the little states" didn't matter, partially due to her votes, and partially because she was inconsistant and all over the place. Some time she was honored by running for president against Obama, I think she said "damn honored" other times he was the terrorist lovin faux projection, other times he was a feckless idiot.. She was all over the place. I find it odd that Breitweiser wants her on the ticket for her stability, she didn't show much when she was interviewing for the job.
sounds like she never came to term witrh the fact that Obama won the nomination.
Amen!
She is bitter and vindictive, just like Graldine Ferraro and the so-called 1960s Feminist Hillraisers. They are so angry, if they had it their way, they would erase Obama from the face of the earth. Now many have infiltrated the Obama team to sabotage it from the inside. I hope HQs is smart enough to keep an eye on what these people say or do in the name of Obama.
oh go make yourself a tinfoil hat for crying outloud.
Still pissing and moaning, distorting and attacking unjustifiably.
What a bunch of god awful, malicious, ill informed, asinine, neocon parroting fools.
I don't agree with everything the writer said but FISA is a fact and it is a terrible position to hold. period.
Hellooooo, America???
Glenn Greenwald at Salon has a fantastic article on FISA and Obama. Actually he has many. They are good, they are informative, they break it all down for those of us not Constitutional lawyers.
OF COURSE that would take reading and discomfort at having to look at what Obama is doing here.
Get a grip.
Yeah, and the Patriots can still win this year's Superbowl!
I think the topic of Hillary Clinton pertaining to Pres or VP is moot. Maybe you should seriously consider writing a piece directed to all those who support Senator CLinton, like yourself, which relates to helping payoff her enormous campaign debt, as she is under a time contraint to payoff this debt before the convention/general election. Just food for thought.
As I read the article, I kept thinking "wait for it, wait for it," and then there it was: The pitch for Hillary. Women - and it always seems to be women - can't accept that she lost the primary and still hold fast to the one attitude that contributed significantly to Hillary loss: the sense that Mrs. Bill Clinton is somehow magically entitled to a place in the White House.
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