Clinton's Attacks on Obama Patriotism Have Nothing to Do With "What the Republicans Will Say in November" - Everything to Do with Her Own Strategy

For the last several weeks we have been inundated with statements from the Clinton Campaign (and some media pundits) arguing that their incessant attacks on Obama's patriotism, their use of McCarthyite "guilt by association", and attempts to make Obama look like a "cultural elitist" are all justified because "the Republicans will do it in the fall".

They justify lifting whole chapters from Karl Rove's Republican playbook as an attempt to demonstrate to Democratic voters and superdelegates that these kinds of charges will make Obama "unelectable" in the general election.

Many Clinton surrogates pick up the refrain with statements like: "Well I know Obama doesn't agree with those video clips of Rev. Wright, but that's what the Republicans will say about him." Or: "I know Obama's not really an elitist, but the Republicans will make him sound that way." Or: "They'll trot out all of his past associations, so it's important that we examine them now."

There are two things to say about this line of argument.

First, Clinton knows that her keyhole-sized chance of winning the nomination hasn't got a prayer if all she can do is make an argument to superdelegates for the "possibility" of what Republicans can say about Obama. The bottom has to fall out of the Obama candidacy. That requires a lot more than showing superdelegates that Obama might be vulnerable to Republican attack. They have to convince the voters that the charges they are raising are true -- that Obama is an unpatriotic elitist.

Clinton needs a stampede of superdelegates in order to win. That requires that Obama loses the final primaries by big numbers, and that his numbers in the national polls tank.

The problem for Clinton, of course, is that Obama is the furthest thing from an unpatriotic elitist, and that by relentlessly making these charges she has been raising her own negatives to dizzying heights.

The next time you hear the old "we're just bringing this up because the Republicans will say it", remember the kids in high school who used to go up to you and say, "I don't believe this about your friend Amy, but I'm telling you what other people are saying for your own good." Neither justification is true. In both cases they want you to believe the content of the personal attack.

Second, the general election will not be decided based on narratives constructed about past associations and old friends of the various candidates. And if it were the Republican slander machine would be equally well supplied by the Clinton's stable of past political and business connections (think pardon recipient Marc Rich).

To succeed in this year's general election, the Democratic nominee must convince voters that he or she is better equipped than John McCain to change Washington and lead America into the future.

Both Clinton and Obama bring some negatives to the general election fight. But Barack has a pretty short stack when compared to Clinton's 60% negatives, her difficulty making an emotional connection with the voters, and her positioning as an "experienced insider" in an election where the voters want change.

There is voter fatigue with the two-decade run of the Bush-Clinton show that has defined American politics since 1988. It's possible to imagine that even though McCain's election would, in fact usher in a Bush third term, many swing voters could be convinced that McCain is more about change and fresh approaches to future than Hillary Clinton.

The contrast of past and future, of change and the status quo, is crystal clear in a match up between the 46-year-old newcomer Obama and 72-year-old insider McCain.

Obama's ability to inspire enables him to reach out to independent voters that otherwise find McCain very attractive. It also gives him the ability to mobilize millions of young and African American voters that will change the electorate.

Most importantly, Obama's proven ability to mobilize at the grass roots gives him the credibility to convince voters that he can accomplish what they want most -- that he can lead a movement to change the way things are done in Washington.

The narrative that over incredible odds, a young African American Senator has challenged the conventional wisdom, won the Democratic nomination for president, and found 1.3 million grass roots donors to finance his candidacy gives him enormous credibility to argue that he can take on the special interests and force members of Congress to guarantee health care for everyone. It gives him credibility that he can lead a movement to remake our economy to benefit everyone and not just the wealthiest among us.

And, of course, Obama's judgment in opposing the War in Iraq from the first day, contrasts sharply with McCain's commitment to four more years of Bush foreign policy. Hillary Clinton's early support for that War does not.

To win the 2008 election, Democrats don't need to worry so much about all of the charges the Republicans will make about them and their pasts. The election depends upon what we say about the voters and their futures. In the end, that is why Barack Obama is by far the strongest Democratic candidate for president.

Robert Creamer is a long time political organizer and strategist and author of the recent book: Stand Up Straight. How Progressives Can Win, available on amazon.com

Comments

[jackjava]

The Clintons image here and over in Europe has fallen dramatically. I just got back from a trip over there and the people are more emarrassed by Bill Clinton's behavior that we are. They said it is so sad to see a man they admired so much become a babbling laughinstock.

The Clintons, need to stop leading with the "I" pronoun all the time. Most people see thru there BS and conclude that this is all about power. They could care less about avergae Americans.

There time is over and they should try and leave the race with the little bit of dignity they have remaining.

I used to stick up for them too...not anymore.

[bobpomeroy]

Correct. Focusing on the barely credible displays real priorities -- what is considered most important. That they are so contrived shows a troubling, egocentric fuzz between imagination and reality -- and to consider the motivation results in distrust. Not so much the "swipe your pocketbook" distrust, but more like not trusting the perception of reality which is chosen and insisted upon. We've had more than enough of that lately. Saying it's about chosing between racial or gender hatred doesn't make it so either.
It's time to get real.

[Dartanion]

The Clinton's apparantly think that the American people are stupid! They think that "blue collar
white voters" will vote against their own interest, and buy the Clinton's campaign of FEAR, SMEAR
LIES. No one wants to elect a President who we can not trust to tell the truth; we already had more than seven years of LIES! Obama will win Pennsylvania!!!

[drivensnow2525]

Ever notice John McCain never wears a flag pin ?? Check it out on the nightly news when he is wearing a suit or during the Sunday morning talk shows. Never ever.....

[rosal]

I just hope she hits the road soon. I am tired of seeing her face, and listen to her lies. Just please get the heck out of dodge.

[libramoon]

to the tune of CSNY's "Chicago" ]

Obama '08

We no longer want to hear
the old politics of fear
Won't you please vote for Obama
for us all
We refuse to be divided
by what corporate greed's decided
Won't you please vote for Obama
because you've heard the call
We can change the world
Re-arrange the world
We know we can do better
Working for real solutions
to violence, poverty, pollution
Obama's got the courage and the plan
The will to do what's right
and lead us in our fight
to regain our hope, our nation
-- Yes we can!
We can change the world
Re-arrange the world
All we need's a real leader
With Obama we will stand

[JMBrodie]

Is it too late in the process to say anything decent about the candidate we don't support? I'll be honest, I am supporting Obama, but it doesn't lessen my respect for Clinton. She is an intellect, like he huband, like the Obamas. It is nice to have that kind of choice. Am I happy about the negative stuff? No. It is ultimately what turned me away from Clinton. It was not a decision I relished. I believe she and her husband have tarnished their legacy. But enough of you have talked about that. Here is what I remember: Clinton has not yet taken office. He and Hilary have convened two round table discusssions on the course the nation should take. At that table were some of the baddest minds this country had to offer, and they were discussing. The Clintons didn't say a word. They were taking notes. I had never seen a leader take so much of a backseat with the cameras rolling. That was the moment when I felt real hope -- when leaders thought enough of our best and brightest minds to ask their advice. Isn't it funny that we all want our children to grow up to be great thinkers when we show so little value in thought.

[Dustyo]

Dick Morris who used to work for Hillary says that Hillary's relationship with terrorists began in the mid-1980s when she served on the Board of the New World Foundation, which gave funds to the Palestine Liberation Organization, at a time when the PLO was officially recognized by the US government as a terrorist organization. This makes Obama look like a choir boy in comparision I believe.
Also he said that, the American Muslim Alliance"s Massachusetts Chapter held a very successful fundraiser for her candidacy when she was running for Senator. Tahir Ali, the chairman of the chapter, said "we must support all who have [Muslim] interests at heart." So who is questionable in their faithfulness to America? I would say Hillary is for sale price without scruples.

[Durango]

Since when is Dick Morris a good source for ANYTHING?

Except maybe, hookers.

Give me a break. I support Obama and urge others to do the same.

But based on reality, not the ravings of a lying fool.

[democratsaint]

obama only chance of winning is to not allow mich and fla to count.if you count those states as is.in fact i'll give obama 1/2 of the uncommited and the other half to edwards. both by the way violated dnc rules by running ads to say voted uncommited as a way to vote for them. obama by the way TOOK his name off michigan but not fla,why because he knew he was going ot lose michigan and now he can say boo hoo my name was not on the ballot.his choice result he shouldnt get any delegate,so giving him 1/2 is generous.then we have
clinton 85
obama 35
fla
clinton 106
obama 70

result clinton gains 81 delegates plus over 700k popular vote. pa willput her over in pop vote and vut obama lead in delegates to probaly around 30.gee no wander obama doesnt want to count fla and michigan.

[Garvagh]

I recommend the Financial Times today, which calls for Obama to be chosen. Most people I talk to are seriously tired of Hillary.

[ginsburg]

It's quite obvious that Obama is an elitist who likes to analyze people other than himself. He may well have been projecting his own and other black people's feelilngs onto a white population that really resented what he said. I personally felt insulted. If I did I can imagine how many others did as well. I wonder how many white republican men switched their registration to Democrat just to vote against Obama in Pennsylvania?

Obama has a lot of negatives. I am not so sure that Hillary's are worse than his. This I do know I can vote for Hillary in a general election but if it's going to be Obama - McCain then McCain will get my vote. McCain has a lot of good qualities and the media trying to make him look ike a hot head is ridiculous. He is a man of principles and he will stand up for those principles. He definitely is not wishy washy.

[elascu]

"Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel"

George Bush wrapped himself in the American flag and lofty religious talk, as he set about taking away American freedoms and jobs. Now, all we can think about is whether someone wears a lapel flag pin.

He uses fear to manipulate the mood of the American people, when all along he is the sole beneficiary of the World Trade Center attacks.

Bill and Hillary Clinton were not much better, and they want to do it again. Hillary laughs about her mis-statements and suggests that the press should lighten up "because she is only human." Bill uses our White House as his own personal Motel 6.

Billary
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6470450895164255089

Hillary Campaign Finance Part I of 12
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

Hillary's Religion
http://www.streetprophets.com/storyonly/2007/8/20/185554/657
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2007/09/hillarys-prayer.html
http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2006/12/hillary_clinton_4.html

Hillary's lies
http://www.jzeifman.com/

What Kind Of President?
http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/12/carl-bernstein-what-a-hillary-clinton-presidency-look-like/

Wal-Mart Sex Discrimination Suit
http://writ.news.findlaw.com/sebok/20040809.html

[mjc]

Having read through quite a few of your comments on this particular blog, wow is all I can say. There seem to be so many, MANY Obamacons who seem to have one desire: drag down Hillary Clinton at every opportunity. Most Obamacons can't understand "discourse" or simple give and take and everything has to be personal, death-dealing. Besides, many of you really don't have all the facts about either Clinton or Obama and that's too bad since you seem so passionately for Obama. Mr. Creamer's blog about Obama using his charisma and inspiration and THE MOVEMENT to do something...and we don't really know what because Obama is against spelling out where he is going and what he is going to do, for the economy. That's laughable. The same old rant about Obama being against Iraq "from the beginning" is just plain ridiculous, as if the Illinois Senate was going to attack Iraq, or the words of a young Senator were going to change the world then. Hope you're right Creamer, about the attacks on Obama's patriotism not influencing the Republicans, but I don't think so Those attacks didn't come directly from Clinton. As to his terrorist associates, those contacts will.

[rosal]

We don't drag her down, she does a great job of doing that herself. She has lost the respect of millions, she looks like just another filthy, calculating, liar, politician. I hope she goes the way of Lieberman, and turns Republican. I should not say "turns", its best to say, to come out of the closet and join the Neo-Cons. Birds of a feather, should run together.

[BubbaC33]

Let's see, which presidential candidate named Lieberman as his mentor? Which presidential candidate did more active campaigning for Lieberamn? The answer- Obama.

[quest44]

mjc Before you start accusing Obama supporters of not knowing their candidate I think you better go back and listen to all the double speak that has come out of your candidates mouth throughout this entire campaign.
First she told American's that only she or McCain have the experience to become president and could win the race ,,then she spanks Obama for saying either Democrat candidate would make a good president and all three candidates would be better than Bush .
Then she said Obama wouln't win against McCain while in the last mess of what was suppose to be a debate when asked if she thought Obama could beat McCain she said and I quot ,,yes,yes, yes .
In an earlier debate both her and Biden said We Can't get out of Iraq before 2013 ,,now she tells the American people she will end the war and start bring troops home in 6 months .
So you think Obama doesn't explain what he plans to do well enough for you well with Hillary you can take your pick her explanation five months ago or her explaination yesterday because frankly they change so frequently I think I am listening to Sybil !
Maybe Obama could spend more time telling the American people his plans for the future of our country if he wasn't being distracted by high drama and inuendo aimed at him by Hillary .

[Bob Egan]

Rather than "support the troops" ribbons and "Flag pins" we should have a very visible sign showing support for the "CONSTITUTION"!

Let the politicians claiming to "Support the Constitution" be questioned on their "constitutional" record! That would be a real test of their "Patriotism" and how well they 'honored" their 'oath of office!

By concentrating on such an addenda, we can eliminate the inane special interests questions designed to divide the people and obscure the real issues!

[Pamela1961]

Senator Obama was the one who befriended radicals who he does not denounce even though they have no remorse for what they say or did. He is the one who called some of us "typical white people" or used the excuse that some people won't vote for him because they are small town "bitter people who cling to their guns and God, (add veiled racist references here as to their dislike of people not like them and illegal immigration). He attacked the American people just as he has attacked through his staff the other candidates, mostly Edwards and Clinton since Iowa.

We have been fed a bunch of lies by the Media and press who want him to win. He's their darling. It took Saturday Night Live coming back on the air to bring this out. But still the media fawn over a man who gives a speeche speckled with plagerism about hope and change. While for 20 years he sits in an Africentric church whose allegiance is to their "native Africa"..someone tell them what native means. He knew what Wright said about white America, etc. He knew that his radical friends were without remorse. When caught not because of the Press but by YouTube and other outlets they defend him and have to soft peddle their articles. No other candidate would be in his place if they had destroyed their state Senatorial records or had involvment with Rezko.

Yes the Republicans will use this.

[BinAgain]

geeze you have bought the anti- obama media attacks hook line and sinker.If I remeber correctly even Bob Dylan has said some pretty rough stuff about America and others that are "Masters of war"..look at the last verse of his song.Obama ,as I have said before is the only one other than Ron Paul,that even mentions the cival liberties we have lost under Bush.Hillary certainly won't..she plans on taking full advantage.

[Pamela1961]

Sorry I must be a "typical white person" who didn't drink the kool-aid.

[bobajob]

What on earth is wrong with you? You have to be a Republican. The least you can do it tell us you are up-front. This sort of frenzy is un-American and not grown-up.

[mydoglucky]

I think she is a Republican and a racist!