Are the Assertive Attacks too Little, Too Late?

[Bullet1987]

Obama and Edwards layed it on Clinton last night, and I expect that to continue until they try to force her to crack. It appeared that she might last night, but didn't. My question is, with all of the caucus's moving up so early...is the assertive gameplan too late? Should they have started this maybe earlier in October or even September instead of going into November?

[MethuenProgressive]

1. Puppies. Nipping at the heels of the front runner.

She did well by ignoring their Rovian insinuations.

[FlaxieB]

2. Like Chuck Todd Stated - "Hillary was beginning to Crack"

She has proven she is not good under pressure. She can not handle the Dem's what the hell will she do with the repugs. They would eat her alive and turn around and ask for who is next. The people saw her for what she really is. The panders depending on which way the wind blows. The debate was priceless.

[ccpup]

5. oh b.s.

she's been strong under relentless attack from the Republicans for the last 16 years and handled her challengers -- and the Moderators -- just fine last night. When she starts asking people not to criticize her (a la Obama) or becomes as high pitched, animated and flushed as Edwards when desperately trying to make a point, I'll start to worry.

[Name removed]

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[ccpup]

3. unless they draw very clear

distinctions as to why they're "better", it'll just seem like desperate attacks against the Front Runner. Throwing as much sh*t as possible to see what sticks.

[FlaxieB]

4. Wrong - It showed the American People she is not capable of making decisions

unless she is coached.

[ccpup]

6. thank goodness

Obama and Edwards and the rest of them work without advisers. They might end up being "coached" as well! :sarcasm:

[BootinUp]

7. Thinking back to '04

I seem to recall Iowans getting seriously turned off by mud slinging in the primary. I was never much of a primary watcher before that year. But some of the attacks on Hillary were certainly in the mud category in my opinion and she did her best to stay above it.

Part of determining whether the attacks might be successful must factor in whether these attacks will resonate with people's opinions and in the media to a large degree. Will we see the media pick up the mantra that Edwards or Obama do less political maneuvering? That Hillary is helping Bush take us to war in Iran? That Hillary does not want change?

I think we already got our answer. The stories in the paper are about the attacks, not the substance behind them. Also the MSNBC post debate poll showed her in second ahead of Edwards, a clear indication they rejected the attacks as substantive.

[Bullet1987]

10. I also doubt

giving driver's licenses to illegals will fly in Iowa (a midwestern state). If anything, Edwards has the most to gain since both Obama and Clinton said the same thing virtually.

[BootinUp]

11. You think its a Democratic primary burning issue?

More like trouble in the GE if anything.

[FlaxieB]

8. No, The timing is perfect.

Understand, Hillary has name recognition and has had that for the past twenty years. Obama, on the other hand, had to establish his name, message and credibility to America with this campaign. He has accomplished that. Now the campaign really starts and it's getting testy.

Last night was the start of the front runner's fall from grace. Hillary has had the pleasure of the past as First Lady, the mass media carrying her,supporting her and the legacy of her husband to fall back on (did you notice that all her policy decision was mostly based on Bill Clinton's Presidency)? Last night, no dice. Tim Russert layed it on thick last night and exposed her as an inexperienced candidate who cannot make a solid decision, evasive and a double talker. Obama was steadfast in his message and without raising his voice and not trying to hook a sound bite, Displayed his differences from Hillary. He handily won this debate. Hillary on the other hand, expected unwarranted respect from the other candidates and the moderators. Not last night.

This shows that she has NEVER been in a fight with true competition. She has had things handed to her all her life and now, at this point in the campaign, she has to fight. No more red carpet. Obama is a fighter, Edwards is a fighter. They have had to fight their entire lives to achieve what they have. Hillary had never had to do this without a supporting cast behind her to carry her and back her up. Last night she was left all alone and she tanked. Now you see why the Repubs want her?

In addition, her flub about illegals and driver's license in NOW the talking point in this race.

[Ninga]

12. I agree with your assessment. Added to that is most Americans do NOT follow politics

like us fanatics do.

In Edwards case, he has managed to hang on, without spending one dime on media buys. If money is tight, as in Edwards case, there is no use in throwing $$$ around if voters aren't serious about paying attention.

His media buys will hit soon, and it remains to be seen if his strategy will have an impact in the polls.

Yes you are so right on in saying that Obama and Edwards have had to fight their entire lives to achieve. I wonder what we will be talking about in February, and will last night be the turning point?

Next Dem debate is Nov. 15th.

[JohnnyLib2]

9. I'm going to watch the polls re: women voters today.

Haven't checked yet. Gut level hunch is she'll hold or gain somewhat. I figure the "assertive attackers" will adjust accordingly.