Ted Kennedy did ALL Democrats a favor today...

[CoffeeCat]

Ted Kennedy's speech today, was as much a rebuke of the Clinton attack
machine--as it was an endorsement of Obama.

Kennedy put the Clinton attack machine on the table and smashed it
with a hammer. He spotlighted Obama's hard work and integrity in
the Senate, and used his experience with Obama to destroy Hillary's
baseless suggestions that "Obama doesn't have the experience" and "I am
the only candidate who is ready on day one".

In addition to calling out anyone running on race or gender, Kennedy positioned
dirty politics as oh-so yesterday--a negative relic that should be left in
the past.

There is no way the Clintons can continue their negative, unfair attacks
on Obama--or anyone else--after today.

They are forced to run a clean campaign.

If the Clintons go on to attack Obama--by suggesting that he's not experienced
enough--they'll be attacking Teddy Kennedy. If they twist one of Obama's
sentence into a lie--they'll be engaging in politicking that "the lion
of the Senate" just completely rejected as brazen, unfair politics.

Kennedy's speech was equivalent to a wise, revered grandfather--showing
up at a family picnic--calling out the troublemakers and telling them that
that they will behave for the good of the family.

I'm resting a bit easier tonight. It's not because Kennedy gave the
Clintons a smack down, it's because Kennedy make it impossible for the
rest of this campaign to be about winning by deceit and trickery.

From now on, all of our candidates--are forced to stay on message and
discuss their policies, plans, experience, ideas and vision for America.
That is the best thing for all of the candidates, the voters and this
country.

The twisting and the trickery--and this inane "gotcha" game--is now gone.

Finally, this campaign will go back to what it was when it started in Iowa.
The attacks had not yet begun when the candidates campaigned in Iowa. My
entire state was treated to a vigorous discussion of the issues and candidates
who showcased their policies, plans and ideas in town-hall meetings and in
speeches where questions were taken. Yes, differences were discussed. Comparisons
were made. Sure, a few barbs were thrown. However, it was a clean campaign, up until
that point--and it was always about the issues and each candidate's unique message.

Thank you, Senator Ted Kennedy--for making America a better place and taking this
campaign--and all of us--to the next level.

[Sequoia]

1. Well, ole Abe Lincoln didn't have any experience either.

And he ENDED the Civil War. I bet ole Abe might be pleased as punch over Obama and takes off his high hat to scracth his noggin in wonder.

[Lerkfish]

2. if only

Kennedy is spot on right, but I don't think his calling the Clinton campaign on negative attacks will change their tune at all.

[CoffeeCat]

4. If that's true...

...then they have just met their demise.

The party won't stand for it, and the voters won't stand for it either.

Run on your record, and compare your record to your opponent--instead
of engaging in backbiting and ridiculous smear tactics that we normally
find in fraternity and sorority houses.

[Lerkfish]

9. I agree with you

I think the clinton campaign's worst enemy at this point is themselves.

They are simply not taking hints. Its like a comedian who fails to take the temperature of the room and continues repeating a line of jokes that isn't working.
To me, the crux of the problem is the infiltration into the DLC and her campaign of former republican strategists. What works for republicans, simply isn't going to work with democrats, not now, when we want change.

[juajen]

10. Bullshit!

NT

[Lerkfish]

13. well, no actually I don't consider it bullshit at all, the important thing is

is the clinton campaign able or willing to wake up and smell the voters?
Voters overwhelmingly are sending the message to stop the negative attacks (and I agree others are making attacks as well).
I think they gambled on a losing strategy in SC, and pissed away a great deal of support they already had.

its time to gauge the electorate, instead of arrogantly telling them how they should think.

[CoffeeCat]

16. All we're saying is that...

...the Clintons should run on their record and their ideas--and contrast their record and ideas
with the other candidates.

Is it really too much, to ask the Clintons to halt the inane attack machine and just talk about
the issues?

[elixir]

21. HRC bases her campaign on the record. There were no smears, no back biting, no cards to be played

It's the BO campaign that raises it's indignant eyebrows whenever the Clinton campaign says one word about Obama. The Clinton campaign takes Obama to task on his voting record, his inexperience and lack of detailed policies. I haven't heard any smears or back bitin - maybe here on DU - but not from the Clinton campaign.

[Lerkfish]

30. Johari window

look it up.

[GalleryGod]

6. At 76, I'll take Teddy as an orator any time !

There Were Mania BEFORE,Folks !!!

[Lerkfish]

12. we're not in disagreement at all.

I'm saying he's right, but I don't think the clinton campaign is going to listen.

[lateo]

36. I agree.

I saw that statement that they would now have to stop the negative campaigning and thought to myself..."nope...isn't going to happen."

[BigDDem]

3. Hillary should campaign the same way old Ted

did against Jimmy Carter, huh?

[Kucinich4America]

5. Maybe the Kennedys aren't happy with the way the Clintons cozy up to the Bush Crime Family?

If I was Ted, I wouldn't endorse someone who hangs out with the bastards who killed two of my brothers.

[SammyWinstonJack]

11. ...

:thumbsup: But why endorse the media creation and not a true progressive/populist candidate like his brothers were, ie Edwards? :shrug:

[Critters2]

25. He was more than happy to hang out with GWB when he was writing NCLB. nt

[monmouth]

7. Thank you for posting the exact essence of what the Kennedys did

today and the meaning. The Clintons have been put on notice and ya don't mess with Uncle Ted. K&R for you my friend...ooops, sorry, that sounded sort of McCainish didn't it???...lol.

[juajen]

14. OMFG, now we are deifying Teddy?

He is certainly no stranger to cut-throat politics. He, also, does not make nice without a reason. Admittedly, some of them are good reasons. Don't get me wrong. I like Ted Kennedy, but, I don't look at any politicians with blinders. Sheesh!

Just because some people pretend otherwise, we cannot change our country when only one side wants change. Please show me the Republicans for Obama, with a list of their names.

[Lerkfish]

15. OMFG, now we are demonizing Teddy?

ulterior motives are sometimes more transparent than one realizes.

[K Gardner]

8. Excellent and astute summary! K&R

[GoldieAZ49]

17. Great post

the ground rules have been set...now it gets interesting and informative.

[robbedvoter]

18. Not to this democrat. More MSM talking points.

[Laelth]

35. MSM, or worse?

My skepticism meter is on high alert.

:dem:

-Laelth

[elixir]

19. NEWS FLASH: The Clintons have been running a clean campaign.

No bombshells
No robocalls
No implied race card
No slander

Just facts, track record and history.

[Zodiak]

22. Obviously you did not hear about the robocalls against Edwards in SC

...run by the Clinton campaign.

[Perry Logan]

20. Quick reminder: all this stuff about the Clinton "attack machine," etc., is bullshit.

That's my experience. The accusations appear; they get debunked. No matter how much they get repeated, they're still bullshit.

[Clintonite]

24. I totally agree. The media is in lock step with this!

[Clintonite]

23. Fuck Ted Kennedy! He is no JFK. Who cares who he endorses?

All this is going to do is make Independents and Repubs dislike Obama more!! I mean in the last two weeks, two of the most liberal democrats have come out for Obama. Kerry and Kennedy. Two of our parties biggest liabilities! What a shame.

[Name removed]

28. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cali]

29. well, genius, quite a few people care what Teddy has to say. duh.

What idiots extreme partisanship makes of people. Kerry and Kennedy are two of our party's biggest liabilities? What stupidity you've musterered. Impressive. And what about Pat Leahy?

[Rockholm]

32. Wrong board, pal.

I think you made a wrong tun in Albuquerque.

[Aussie leftie]

34. I agree with you

I endorse John Edwards, but who cares

[cd3dem]

26. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, daughter of Robert F. Kennedy endorses Hillary Clinton

[realFedUp]

27. It's just politics as usual

The Clintons have never smeared Obama. They have
called him on his statements, his voting record
and his revisions of prior statements. Their
actions on civil rights, healthcare and children's
issues is strong and long-lived.

Ted knows that Obama is bringing in new and young
voters to the Democratic party as well as African
Americans. Kudos to Obama for that, but politically
the Dems want to keep those voters, whoever the
candidate is and it may be Obama, but it may be
Hillary. Ted is counting on Hillary supporters
to vote for Obama if and when that time comes...
and knows that it's more likely that we will
vote for Obama vs. Obama supporters supporting
Hillary.

I'll vote for him, but I won't send money or
work the streets and I will be holding my
enthusiasm because I don't think he's the best
choice to run the country.

[Rockholm]

31. Sounded More of a Rebuke to Bush than Clinton.

You are watching way to much Hardball.

[anamandujano]

33. If Obama leads the way Kerry and Kennedy lead, we are in a

whole lot of trouble.

Kerry rolled over and handed his presidency to Bush.

Kennedy, "the lion of the Senate" has either not tried or not been able to keep the other Dem's from signing on to one fiasco after another.

What kind of leadership do they represent? What kind of inspiration is that?