Good Move -- Or Not?
Charles Krauthammer believes that Barack Obama's pledge to meet without condition with all the world's worst tyrants during his first year of office revealed him as naive and unprepared for the presidency.
In contrast, EJ Dionne opines that the entire matter -- including the controversy that erupted when Hillary Clinton criticized Obama's stance -- devolved to Barack's advantage, because "Clinton started a battle about experience and Obama turned it into a debate about change."
The truth is that the whole kerfuffle probably met the objectives of both campaigns. After all, at the moment, the nomination is Hillary's to lose; she's had her eye on making herself palatable for the general election for months now. Showing strength and resolve relative to Obama aids in this objective. In contrast, Obama needs all the support he can get in the primaries before confronting any doubts about his leadership that may exist in the general electorate. And there, after all, impressions about him are more fluid (and therefore more malleable) than they are about Hillary, whom people already believe they know very well -- which might allow him to rework this "gaffe" in the course of a general election campaign without much trouble.
Thus, sad to say, there's an argument to be made that the whole affair did nothing but advance the campaigns of both leading Democratic candidates.
In contrast, EJ Dionne opines that the entire matter -- including the controversy that erupted when Hillary Clinton criticized Obama's stance -- devolved to Barack's advantage, because "Clinton started a battle about experience and Obama turned it into a debate about change."
The truth is that the whole kerfuffle probably met the objectives of both campaigns. After all, at the moment, the nomination is Hillary's to lose; she's had her eye on making herself palatable for the general election for months now. Showing strength and resolve relative to Obama aids in this objective. In contrast, Obama needs all the support he can get in the primaries before confronting any doubts about his leadership that may exist in the general electorate. And there, after all, impressions about him are more fluid (and therefore more malleable) than they are about Hillary, whom people already believe they know very well -- which might allow him to rework this "gaffe" in the course of a general election campaign without much trouble.
Thus, sad to say, there's an argument to be made that the whole affair did nothing but advance the campaigns of both leading Democratic candidates.
posted by LadybugUSA at 1:41 PM
6 Comments:
Would not holding elections and removing tyrants be more appropriate. Who elected these tyrants? "Hillary" and "palatable" sounds like an oxymoron. And "the whole affair did nothing but advance the campaigns of both leading Democratic candidates." Which is what the MSM want. Anyone other than a GOP in the White House.
America probably needs and deserves to get knocked down a peg or two. Just look at our national discourse, no unity, divisiveness and selfishness throughout the populace (illustarted beautifully by the lefties, who hate America, reinforced by the spineless Republicans who only seek to perpetuate their offices). Hillary or Barack will deliver US to our level of self flagellation. Maybe we can then pick up the pieces and move on, maybe we will become galvanized after we immolate ourselves. Maybe there will be a civil war. Whatever happens will be Gods will, because we are no longer 1 nation under God.
I think Carol is correct. They got media time and it will help raise money for both of them. Obama pandered to the questioner and Hillary knocked him silly. But most people are not paying attention this early in the primaries.
It does indicate Obama is inexperienced. He is brilliant and a fast learner. If he makes many more errors, people will not trust him for the general. The southern blacks already worry about whether America is ready for a black President.
The wind is behind Hillary's sails. But an October surprise might be Gore entering the race and picking Obama to be his VP.
To quote the great American Philosopher, Pogo Possum: WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY AND THEY IS US.
Even when I disagree with Mr. Krauthammer, I hvae to respect his intellect
This is the Internet era, what candidates (or news media) say no longer goes down the memory hole.
Obama's rhetoric is loved by the left, but it will come back to haunt him later, if he makes it far enough. Hillery understands Obama's position is a loser in the general campaign.
This is one of the Democrat's most serious problems; if they run on their bases positions, they'll lose.
Nothing about Hillary is "palatable" to me, and my impressions of Obama are quite solid: he's unworthy of public office.
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