Thread: US Presidential Campaign 2008

Toni Morrison the author endorsed obama as well.

What support do authors bring with them?

can anyone famous make endorsements?

^Oh, I was referring to a candidate dropping out of the race, like Rudi today, and then endorsing McCain. He carries his votes over.

Endorsements are also important from political elephants like Ted Kennedy. Unfortunately, famous movie stars probably also have some clout.

Originally Posted by ChiangMai noon

can anyone famous make endorsements?

Yes, anyone can endorse a candidate. Even you but not sure it would have much effect on the outcome of the vote. So go ahead and post your endorsement.

^ Ya. Same as for holding too-early primaries, CMN. Folks in other states take their lead. Oprah endorsed and campaigned for Obama until her fans started complaining that she was backing a black instead of a woman.
I can see Caroline's pull, but Ted's? Whatever, I like to see Hilde get slapped.
One thing about young presidents, like Clinton and maybe Obama -- what do they do after? Speech circuit? Must be a huge let down. Become a member of the Club of Rome? Billybob ain't on it. Maybe there's another secret group for ex-leaders.

Oh ya, CMN, the New York Times endorsed Hillary and McCain. That means these two will get better and more positive press coverage in that paper.

^Jet, I suspect you may be correct in your fear that Obama may be a target. He's too young, too fresh, and too much of a threat to tip the balance of the race card. And, moreover, he's developing a steamroller "Kennedyesque" presence.

In a campaign between Obama and McCain, Obama would look like the belle of the ball to many Americans. So many are tired of the entrenched political families (Bush) running things badly, that I think he could be a huge winner.

That's a big threat to many established factions.

Originally Posted by Norton

Originally Posted by chinthee

I am surprised Rudi has imploded so early though.

He badly misjudged the importance of Iowa and NH. His campaign strategy was very flawed.

There were also a few other factors. Giuliani sold himself as the hero of 9-11, but was swiftboated by New York fire department members for various aspects of his emergency response. Giuliani also used NYC police and taxpayers' money to shuttle his mistress around, not great behavior while running in a political that stresses family values. He's also a little creepy.

^
swiftboated --

his mistress -- was that during his third or fourth marriage?

a little creepy -- um ... yeah.

^Yeah, agree he's kinda creepy. That time with his son should have been cute, but it just sort of showed him in a bad light with a spoiled brat kid.

In some ways, I think all the candidates have 666 tattooed on their foreheads. Didn't I say that before?

I rather like Barack. I've read his books and he seems likeable enough. I can, however, see why lobbiests in DC might not like him for Pres. So I wouldn't take a bet on him making it through 4 years (if elected).

Brave fella if you ask me. Must know that certain radicals out there would be happy to see him 6-feet under.

^ He didn't make many pals on the left when he acknowledged Ronald Reagan's achievements.
I like him to. He's a tremendous speaker and is putting the spurs to Hillary.
I've also listened to his wife speak, she's a pistol. If he gets the nomination and doesn't put his foot in his mouth too much he'll be the next Prez. The country is longing for some charisma and Hillary aint got it.
John McCain has it too, and enough water has passed under the bridge since McCain-Feingold. It's gonna be interesting fo shua.

Originally Posted by raycarey

Originally Posted by Milkman

For (D) it'll either be Obama or Hillary for the Nom. For (R) I think McCain.

the only chance the republican have to win the white house is if hillary is the dem nominee. if it is obama, it will be a landslide...whether against romney or mccain.
and you can also expect bigger gains in the house and senate on obama's coattails.

the republian field is so weak and uninspiring and the party in such disaray (thank you GWB, at least you accomplished something worthwhile), that the base will only come out to vote against her rather than vote for one of their own candidates.

I agree on Hillary. Her negative rating in polls is too high.

As for Obama: do you think enough white Americans can into the polling booth and vote for a black candidate?

Last year, I thought too many whites would not be able to do this, especially in certain parts of the country. (I haven't seen polling data.)

But with a changing mentality of the Boomers, seniors, and the more open-mindedness of the younger generations (the latter may have a higher turnout this election), I think Obama has a solid chance.

And Obama's VP pick can be very helpful to him if he picks, well.

Originally Posted by Milkman

And Obama's VP pick can be very helpful to him if he picks, well.

Like Zell Miller or Joe Lieberman.

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

^ He didn't make many pals on the left when he acknowledged Ronald Reagan's achievements.
I like him to...

He's a little too 'Pink' for me.
Another tax & spend Democrat...

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

Zell Miller

wtf?

just when i think you can't post anything more absurd than the last post of yours that i read, you go ahead and post nonsense like this.

and there's no chance for lieberman either...but it's not as moronic a suggestion as miller.

Originally Posted by Milkman

As for Obama: do you think enough white Americans can into the polling booth and vote for a black candidate?

he won iowa, and did very well in NH.

Originally Posted by Mr Earl

Originally Posted by Milkman

And Obama's VP pick can be very helpful to him if he picks, well.

Like Zell Miller or Joe Lieberman.

Don't know Zell Miller, but Lieberman is a lying jerk. Can't stand him.

Originally Posted by raycarey

Originally Posted by Milkman

As for Obama: do you think enough white Americans can into the polling booth and vote for a black candidate?

he won iowa, and did very well in NH.

Yes, I have changed my opinion. (I did note this in the post.)

I thought that enough whites in Middle America (or whatever you call it) would choose a white candidate was was in the Center on the GOP ticket.

I haven't seen polling data, and am not sure if I'd trust the answers people would give, but it seems Obama is transcending the race issue.

But I'm not totally sure.

Originally Posted by Milkman

Don't know Zell Miller,

he's a lunatic.

there should be some stuff on youtube....he challenged chris matthews to a duel.

Originally Posted by raycarey

Originally Posted by Milkman

As for Obama: do you think enough white Americans can into the polling booth and vote for a black candidate?

he won iowa, and did very well in NH.

And he might just pull it off but the Hildebeast is ahead with delegates...

^ to Ray:

Iowa has a caucus and NH is a very different state than other Mid-West states and Huge states like Texas, and Southern states.

But I think, as stated before Obama is likely transcending the race issue.

Below is an article by Dick Morris. A little long, but he details the strategy of both Hillary and Obama and also, how race is, and is not being used.

In Florida, Hillary had a decisive win (although I haven't seen the racial breakdown).

If this article is too long for you to read, check out the bold parts. And yes, this is only a commentary.

Obama - And Kennedy - Raise the Stakes
A Commentary by Dick Morris

Monday, January 28, 2008


Barack Obama used his victory in South Carolina to change the dialogue with the Clintons in the presidential race. He has taken Hillary’s and Bill’s attempt to use the race issue and replied with a clever move. He has basically called their bluff. And Ted Kennedy’s endorsement of Obama has ratified the Illinois Senator’s strategy and candidacy.



So far, to summarize: Move One was when Obama arrived as a new candidate. Move two was Hillary’s comeback that she is more experienced. Move three was when Obama pivoted off her experience message and said he was the voice of change. Move four was the Clintons’ attempt to inject race into the election. They counted on a racial split in South Carolina to make Super Tuesday about a black/white division.


Now Obama has come back saying, in effect, “Yes, I know that you have made this election about race. But I am betting on the decency, fairness, tolerance, and objectivity of the American electorate. We all share the same hopes and dreams.” In effect, he said I match you and raise you.


To date, Obama has avoided the race issue. But after his smashing win in South Carolina, he embraced the issue and turned it around to his advantage. He did not go down the path of Jesse Jackson and base his candidacy on a rainbow coalition. Rather, he decided to rise above the Clintons and appeal to America’s ecumenical diversity.


So now Super Tuesday is a contest between those who are mired in racial division and those who are willing to transcend it.


....

The massive outpouring of criticism of the Clintons for their tactics in South Carolina is withering fire which may take a serious toll among Hillary’s voters. Caroline Kennedy’s invocation of her father in endorsing Obama seems right on the money. Ted Kennedy’s support for him legitimizes white backing for the Illinois Senator and could have a big impact.


The Clintons were banking on a silent invocation of racial division stemming from a massive Obama win in South Carolina among black voters and a last place finish among whites. Their hopes were that whites would note the racial split in South Carolina and react by voting for Clinton.

Entire: Rasmussen Reports™: The most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a mid-term election.

Interesting article. I think Dick Morris is one of the most astute and accurate political pundits in the US.

Of course, he also has an ax to grind with Bill Clinton, so we should take his comments with a grain of self-serving salt.

It's always surprised me that he stays on Fox, as it just doesn't seem like a proper platform for him, but I guess he likes the money.

We'll see if he's right about the race issue.