#1 Reason why Obama Can't Attack Clinton.... YEP I SAID IT!!!

[NYDem Observer]

Many Obama supporters are calling for him to fight fire with fire by going negative on Clinton and attacking her on character issues, her and Bill's nefarious dealings, Whitewater, Lewinsky, etc...

The #1 problem with that strategy is
OBAMA IS A BLACK MAN AND HILLARY IS A WHITE WOMAN.
The GOP, the MSM, and bigots everywhere would have a field day if he were to attack her. Last thing Obama needs is to be painted as the angry black man. Whether we care to admit or not many black man are still perceived as a threat in society. The GOP and the MSM linking Obama to angry black guys like Rev. Wright and Farrakhan (or at least they've been perceived as such) is no coincidence. It makes no difference, that Obama comes across as personal, that he has chosen to stay above the fray, that he is an Ivy League educated family man with a wonderful wife and two beautiful daughters, behind those kind eyes, bright smile and calm demeanor is an angry black muslim who hates this country!!! Him attacking Clinton, a white woman who is a well-respected politician, just adds to the script.

Many may take offense to my post but the truth is Obama would not have made the inroads he's made if he hadn't kept his cool troughout this primary. What distinguishes Obama's presidential run from the Sharptons and Jacksons of this world is he comes across as likeable and inviting, a man who understands and connects with the American people. The type of guy you could leave your kids with and know that they are in good hands. In essence, a non-threatening black guy, and if you don't think that matters to a number of voters you've got blinders on. Nobody is asking him to tap dance but he has to be careful because the nice guy approach is working, lets not give them a reason to paint Obama in any other light.

[anonymous171]

1. #2 reason: Knee-jerk defense of Clintons by democrats who fought for them in the 90's

[Capn Sunshine]

77. what part of "Murdoch and Richard Mellon-Sciafe endorsed" do her supporters not get????

I hate to repeat myself, but this fact is just mind-boggling.

How could the two pinnacles and vanguards of right wing media, each responsible in their own way for the erosion of our Democracy these past 14 years,

HOW COULD THE ENDORSEMENT OF THESE MEN AND THEIR ORGANIZATIONS -AND IT'S MEANING- GO OVER YOUR HEADS??

Is WINNING more important than the ultimate result of this unholy alliance?
How can you expect it to be anything but the status quo third Bush term these evil groups hope for?

[butterfly77]

101. RIGHT!

Obama is fighting the Bill,the rightwing, the media and Hill...and he's still standing...

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

106. MODS: Pin this to the home page! Damnit!

:)

[Cheap_Trick]

80. if H(R)C gets the nomination

I'll vote for her, as distasteful as it would be. But I will NOT defend her from right wing attacks and swiftboating. She cozied up to the fuckers for political expedience. She deserves every fucking bit of the shit storm they'll unleash upon her.


When you swim with the sharks, chances are you'll come away shorthanded.

[democrattotheend]

2. I've been saying that since the debate

If he had gone after her too hard it would have been a lot worse than looking like a wimp.

[SoCalDem]

16. Hillary is a PROXY...for Bill ...Bill's a clever dude

Obama could fight back against another man..regardless of color, but by pushing Hillary out there, he gets a chance at 2 more terms (with somebody to blame if things go badly this time...her) and he ties Obama's hands because for a black man to attack an older white woman, would be something that many could never "forgive"..

Obama has tried so hard.. you can almost see him biting his tongue.. She's like a nasty little bully, poking the big kid with a sharp stick, and when the kid finally has enough and pummels her, she runs to the cops and hollers "assault"..

and she KNOWS exactly what she's doing..and she's enjoying it :grr:

and for anyone who thinks she's NOT his proxy..think about THIS..

should she prevail and actually get elected, EVERY decision she made would immediately be followed by press clamoring to get to Bill to ask him what HE would have done...and every success would be received with a wink-wink "that's Bill's doing" or every failure , with "what WAS she thinking..Bill would have never done that..let's ask him how he can help her fix it"..

[rodeodance]

42. your post gets the idiot ward post for the day

[Name removed]

58. Deleted message

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

[rodeodance]

64. "Hilita Kruschev followers" Name-calling is so immature!!

[MattBaggins]

93. Hey talk to her

Pounding her shoe on the table screaming about obliterating folks will get you bad nicknames.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

103. As Far As Soviet Leaders Kruschev Was Clearly The Most Human Beside Gorbachev

I don't know what you're getting at...

He also denounced Stalin...

[butterfly77]

99. WRONG!

[LulaMay]

53. AHAhahahhaHHA HA OH ahahh AHHH HAHAHAHA STop UR KILLIN me!!!

[polpilot]

28. The democratic leaders are finalizing the method to get her out.

so...no need to debate or engage her.

[Window]

65. Oh happy day!

[knixphan]

3. not fun to think about, but true.

[CBGLuthier]

4. I think the number 1 reason is actually

He doesn't need to attack her.

Just ignore her and let her continue to expose herself as the conniving, evil, soulless thing she really is.

[Shae]

61. She's degraded herself

much more with her own negativity than he could ever hope to do.

[H2O Man]

5. After one debate

when John Edwards and Barack Obama questioned Hillary Clinton, they were held to a very different standard than she is when she questions Obama.

[NC_Nurse]

10. No shit. They should run an ad of her whining about being "ganged up on"

with a tag line about getting out of the kitchen.

[H2O Man]

69. I agree.

This is something that shall be passed on to the campaign. Thank you.

[merh]

19. This was produced by her campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zk16oxb4Ck4">The Politics of Pile On

From: hillaryclintondotcom

[H2O Man]

70. Thank you for this.

I'll bet than some of our more creative DUers can make use of this in a way different than the Clinton campaign intends.

[merh]

86. LOL

let's hope so

:hi: :hug:

[fortyfeetunder]

116. Where can I send her some cheese

to go with that whining?

And if she thought that debate was bad, :wtf: is she going to do when the GOP and the 527's have at her should she be the Democratic nominee?

[The_Casual_Observer]

6. Let him try. His people are rank amateurs compared to the shitbirds

that did it during the 90's.

[NYDem Observer]

13. Well compared to the Clinton Camp you're probably right

They're all about negative campaigning to distract from the fact that they're candidate is floundering in an election that she should of won on Super Tuesday.

[The_Casual_Observer]

23. They are sure tough & mean aren't they?

[Dr Fate]

60. The media will not let them use Karl Rove's tactics against McCain.

So anyone who thinks Hillary is showing that she can use their own tactics against them is mistaken.

The GOP owned media may let her HELP THEM by calling a mixed race man a racist, but dont expect the media to let her get away with that kind of thing against McCain- not that she would even try.

LOL- can you imagine her even attempting to call McCain a racist or an elitist?

[The_Casual_Observer]

72. All's either of them have to do is open a dialog at a debate regarding

Social Security or the ending the war in Iraq. There isn't any need for further discussion.

[dionysus]

74. once again a hillalry supporter praises repukes at obama's expense...

lolololol

[VeraAgnes]

7. Obama playing the race-card is an

intresting move on his campaign strategy. This will be a lead story in a few day.

[democrattotheend]

15. Does the OP work for Obama's campaign?

Where did you get that idea?

[NYDem Observer]

26. If your insinuating that I work for his campaign

You're dead wrong

[VeraAgnes]

40. Not me..............

:shrug: It was the other poster.............

[Dr Fate]

45. I grew up in the rural South hearing about "the race card" from old racist white men.

Men who never once actually suffered due to any racism.

The same people who say "why dont the balck people shut up- havent we given them enough- besides, white people are not racist anymore-its the 'reverse racism' that is the problem now..."

"There they go again- playing the race card to get into schools and take all our jobs..."

And these are the exact types who that phrase is supposed to appeal to.

I've never heard the phrase "race card" used by Democrats in my entire life until recently.

[carolinayellowdog]

66. Southern white males recognize that dog whistle

and it has been horrifying to hear it from Bill Clinton repeatedly.

[Dr Fate]

83. It's a term invented by racists, for racists. Now it's Hillary's favorite term. (see related thread)

Related thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5648608&mesg_id=5648608

[gateley]

8. He doesn't NEED to attack Hillary --

He's done exceedingly well by not taking that route thus far.

Attacks are usually seen as a sign of desperation and weakness. An approach the underdog has to take because nothing else has worked. He's not the underdog by any stretch of the imagination. He's the leader, and should continue to behave as leaders do.

[keep_it_real]

34. True also

[wiggs]

46. Exactly right. Part of the change we need is to get away from poor public discourse. And he

IS doing quite well. He gets stronger over time; GOP voting record and campaign tactics decrease in popularity s over time....in terms of not only this campaign but over the last 7 unfortunate years. It may get you a temporary boost (Ohio and Texas) but it is a losing strategy over time.

[Major Hogwash]

73. That's it right there! - Thank you very much for saying that.

Obama doesn't need to attack or get into the gutter with Hillary in order to win.

He has already won!

All he needs to do now is focus on the last 6 weeks and let history take its course.

Obama is a Leo, man.
He knows how to win out.

[The Traveler]

9. I think you have it quite right

Of course, his surrogates could go after her ... and doubtless would if green lighted to do so. In addition to your considerations, is it not also possible the Obama perceives a victory so won would be diminished? His purposes (I have after a long time become convinced this is true) are to achieve a systemic shift in how politics is approached. Such a strategy is counter to his purposes.

[BlooInBloo]

11. You're so oversensitive.

[NYDem Observer]

22. GOP would have a field day

Look at poor defenseless Hillary getting picked on by big bad obama

[BlooInBloo]

41. Lord knows Clinton supporters do.

[AntiFascist]

12. All he has to say is this...

the Clintons have way too much baggage to win over very many Republicans in the GE and would likely lose against McCain. The real issue may be: will Clinton end up becoming his running mate? In that case, any such attacks on her would be self-defeating.

[uponit7771]

14. He doesn't really need to does he? She beats herself with negative adds

[Cali_Democrat]

17. Yep! You nailed it!

America still fears the black male.

[Dr Fate]

18. You are right- it would bring out the "Geraldine" in all the older white ladies.

"How dare that black man talk about a white woman that way"

Yup- you said it- and as a man who lived in the Deep South for 30 years- I agree.

[SeattleGirl]

20. Ed Schultz had a caller yesterday say the same thing.

Caller identified himself as a black man, and he said that Obama would be vilified if he attacked Clinton. I think he is, unfortunately, correct.

[SeaLyons]

21. He's done a pretty good job of attacking Hillary...

he does it very passive aggressively, but he does it. He's played the negative game all through out this campaign, inlcuding the race card. The pedestal you've placed him on is false.

He's perceived as a wimp because he can't deal with questions. Has nothing to do with Hillary.

[knixphan]

31. which questions, pray tell?

[goletian]

33. he dealt with the questions, he just cant deal with stupidity. no one can. - nt

[SeaLyons]

43. He needs to be able

to deal with anything thrown his way if he wants to be President.

[goletian]

57. hes able to deal with the presidency. he cant fix stupid though. - nt

[SeaLyons]

84. ...

Dealing with the presidency in 2009 is going to be all about fixing STUPID. That's why I support Hillary!

[goletian]

87. stupid hillary voted for, lol. wake up. - nt

[SeaLyons]

90. I don't hold that against her...

she'll be the one to fix that stupid.

[goletian]

102. shes not the best to fix a problem she helped create. that makes no sense - nt

[Mags]

62. The Precious and his supporters can't even deal with a Woman

opponent, they want her to give up and get out. They want a free ride to the GE. They are scared of playing a full game.

[SeaLyons]

82. Exactly.

Go Hillary!!

[Dr Fate]

35. I've never heard the phrase "race card" used so much- except from my old Republican uncles.

They are always going on and on about "those black people playing the race card again" and "they need to stop saying people are racist, they have their affirmative action so they need to stop complaining... blah blah blah..."

Its the old time "reverse racism" talking point that I grew up hearing in the South- always from old-time racist types who have never actually been a target of racsim.

That's what is sounds like to me- using the phrase "race card" is designed to appeal to racists or people who pretend to think that there is no more racism against black folks.

[nomorenomore08]

48. Yeah, I expect right-wing Republican types to invoke that phrase ("race card"), but Democrats?

Seems like any time any racial issue is brought up, even in the most inoffensive way, you'll have somebody complaining about "playing the race card." Not that the people complaining are necessarily bigoted themselves - it may simply be that the issue of race makes them feel guilty or embarrassed, when it probably shouldn't. It's like, calm down, RELAX, nobody's attacking you as an individual.

[Dr Fate]

55. I've never heard good Democrats say that phrase in my entire life until now.

It's always from the old-timey people who cry "reverse racism" and "havent we given those people enough" and other such garbage.

And that is exactly who the phrase is calculated to appeal to- which is indeed racist in itself- opps- I just played the "race card."

[Dr Fate]

38. I've never heard the phrase "race card" used so much- except from my old Republican uncles.

They are always going on and on about "those black people playing the race card again" and "they need to stop saying people are racist, they have their affirmative action..." blah blah blah.

Its the old time "reverse racism" talking point that I grew up hearing in the South- always from old-time racist types.

That's what is sounds like to me- using the phrase "race card" is designed to appeal to racists or people who pretend to think that there is no more racism against black folks.

[SeaLyons]

47. Really? Your "old repub uncles"

That's a good one. We are all here on Democratic Underground, so I don't think what you're saying makes too much sense.

Nobody has said racism doesn't exist. It does. Has the Obama camp called racism unfairly - yes, they have.

[Dr Fate]

50. Yeah-really. I grew up in the rural South hearing about "the race card" from old racist white men.

And I've never, ever, EVER heard it from Democrats until recently.

"Nobody has said racism doesn't exist"- wrong- the folks who the phrase "playing the race card" appeals to do take that postion- they claim that its the "reverse racism" that is the new problem.

Obama called racism unfairly? I have news for you- the term "race card" itself was invented by racists, for racists. If one uses the language and tactics of racists, then what does that make you?

Prove me wrong-show me a progressive or a non-racist using the term "race card" against a black person before the Clinton campaign.

"Race card" is a term used by old time racists to characterize black people who bring up facts concerning race issues.

Now it is a term used by Hillary supporters to appeal to those same old-time racists.

[SeaLyons]

56. Hmmm. I live in the South

and frankly, I don't have a clue as to what in the hell you're talking about.

Let's just leave it at that.

[Dr Fate]

63. LOL- then you dont get out much. So you've never heard old white men talking about "reverse racism?"

You must not go to bars, barber shops, church or office water coolers too much. Certainly not in Augusta GA, or Vance County NC.

Either that or you are fortunate to have only interacted with white Jimmy Carter types (a minority in itself)

Are you really saying that you first heard the term from a progressive rather than a racist?

I'm not ready to leave it at that- you know I'm right-I'll ask you again- show me a progressive or a non-racist saying the phrase "race card" before now.

You want to "leave it at that" b/c you cant justify your use of a term invented BY racists FOR racists.

[SeaLyons]

89. Race Card

is NOT a term invented by racists. LOL. I can think of other terms used by racists, but race card is not one of them.

[Dr Fate]

112. Really? Then show me a progressive or non-racist using the term "race card" against blacks b/f now.

Better yet- show me the first use of the term, or the earliest you can find- I can gurantee you it wont be comming from anyone but a Republican or an out-right racist.

FEEL FREE TO CONTINUE THE DISCUSSION HERE:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5648608&mesg_id=5648608

[robicon]

94. this post is full of dumb

I'm very sorry, but your "repub uncles" blah blah blah blah. In the South blah blah blah. I was born an raised in the "south", both parents having moved here from the north. The most blatant racism I've ever witnessed occured in the North. Take your over-generalized, stereotypical notions elsewhere.

What utter garbage.

Racism is alive and well. That we can agree on. To believe that it can be "abolished" is naivete at it's best or ignorance of reality.

The term "Race card" came into use after the constant bleating by Reverend Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and others who perpetuate racial injustice to further their own careers. Duke LaCrosse players? Tawanna Bradley? etc etc.


I am appalled that I register on a website, supposedly comprised of Democrats who wish for better leadership (here in West TN. we definitely are) and all I've seen are biting, scathing remarks regarding candidate supporters.

What happened to debating the issues? Healthcare plans anyone? Fair Tax anyone? Will I ever see a $3 gallon of milk again?

[NYDem Observer]

110. Obama would love to debate on the issues

But we've gotten into silly season in politics

[Dr Fate]

113. What is dumb are people who use or defend the language of racists.

And we agree- there are people in the North who know the term "race card" as code word as well. Why else would Clinton use it in Penn?

Who said anything about abolishing racism? I'm merely pointing out that racist code words are being used by Clinton to appeal to racist people-something you have yet to refute.

What happened to issues? I'm sorry, but racism and the language used to stoke it's flames are STILL an issue- you admit yourself that racism is alive and well.

Besides, Obama did not bring up "the race card" to appeal to old racists- Clinton did.


Feel free to continue the discussion here:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=5648608&mesg_id=5648608

[keep_it_real]

24. Well said; I agree

You're right.

[Justitia]

25. Sorry, I think people need to be reminded of all the CRAP they dragged us thru in the 90s.

Some people need to be reminded of history so as not to repeat it.

And, of course, if you think for a nanosecond that the GOP won't be Nonstop Best Clinton Hits of the 90s 24/7, you're crazy.

I wonder how long Linda Tripp, Lucianne Goldberg, Ken Starr, etc., etc., have been "on call" with all the networks?

It's really rather stupid not to unpack this baggage ahead of time.

[NYDem Observer]

49. As easy as it sounds

He needs to resist the temptation. If it was him vs. Bill it wouldn't be a problem. But he needs to walk a tightrope going up against an older white woman. Especially as a black man.

[Justitia]

54. I understand your point. We need surrogates to do it. Or hell, just start the interviews

of the cast of characters I mentioned.

Of course, the media would absolutely wait until Clinton was the nominee for maximum effect, thereby killing us in November.
It would be HUGE for ratings.

Retrospectives of all the hearings, re-airings on C-SPAN, showing the Monica / I did not have sex.... / cabinet trotting out / pics over and over.

I'm absolutely certain Gennifer Flowers will be on with Larry King to ask her about her feelings on Hillary's candidacy.
I'm sure they'll get a "Paula Jones - Where Is She Now" special going....

City Confidential on A& E: Washington DC and the Vince Foster "suicide"

See what I mean? It will be a ratings and GOP bonanza.

And we will be completely and totally fucked with regard to a viable candidate.

Too late.

[NYDem Observer]

67. You make an excellent point

So long as we can keep Obama's name out of it

[EFerrari]

27. Exactly. n/t

[Nia Zuri]

29. Correct, even using innocent words like periodically or

responding to her attacks about "kitchen sink" with throwing China gets ridicuous charges of "sexist." It is a very delicate dance for him.

[tokenlib]

30. After the NH tears and the sympathy vote for Hillary...

...and all the nonsense about Hillary getting double teamed by Edwards and Obama at that one debate...Barack has had to be careful.

That line between defending oneself and going negative has been a difficult one--but I think Barack has done really well walking that line.

[BornBlue]

85. You sexist!!

Saying Hillary got double teamed by 2 men, and on national TV to top it off!! OMG I am so outraged!!! :sarcasm:

[tokenlib]

96. I thought the word was "misogynist"...LOL! n/t

[Adelante]

32. Recommended nt

[FrenchieCat]

36. Your post is the truth......

They used to hang Black men for doing as little as whistling at a White Woman. And so the subliminal message that Obama attacking Hillary would send is not worth it. She knows it. He knows it. and we should know it too.

Once it is Obama vs. McCain, those gloves can come off....

[nolabels]

37. I would say the #1 reason is principles

All that extra stuff is just that, extra stuff

[otohara]

39. Beating Up On A White Woman

take out the "white" and Bill Clinton has said this how many times?

[MoJoWorkin]

44. This white woman has said that all along. He is in an impossible position and SHE knows it

and uses it to stick in the knife while she cackles. :puke:
What a disgusting vile display---it is so unflattering--and makes her look very small.

All the while, his character, integrity and strength will serve him well in the long run.

[ej510]

52. The democratic party is the party of The dixiecrats!

There are plenty of racist in both parties.

[wowimthere]

51. Agreed. but he can be substantively tougher on her without piling on.

Stay above personal attacks.

[rodeodance]

59. Now you frame Obama as a Victim.

[NYDem Observer]

76. I have done no such thing

Just saying he needs to be careful

[Mags]

88. he is, has been from the start. So are his supporters, they want

her to give the election to them. They don't think they should have to go thru all this voting nonsense. It is just a roadblock that they should have to deal with.

[Zuiderelle]

68. Can I recommend this as the funniest thread on DU?

Insane.

[NYDem Observer]

75. Whats so funny about it?

I'd love to hear some insight ,since my post is so insane.

[Zuiderelle]

78. I think it speaks for itself.

It's insanely funny.

[kwenu]

71. You're absolutely correct. Which is why he has us to clarify and remind people of what Hillary is.

[grantcart]

79. Actually I think he simply wants to make it easier for a lot of bitter hardcore women

who are so committed to support him after the primary is over.

[jenmito]

81. 100% right. And all the women come to her "defense"-how DARE he "beat up" on a (white) woman! How

TERRIBLE! So then he's a bully if he does and a wimp if he doesn't. Hillary's been baiting him to "hit back" for a long time. When he takes the high road, SHE calls him "weak" and "unable to handle the Repubs." but if he hit her back, she'd get the sympathy vote!

[knixphan]

104. Yes! - damned if you do, damned if you don't

Actually a brilliant strategy on her part...

And the only way to counter is with numbers and youth!

[jenmito]

107. Yup. I prefer he continue doing what he's doing so the Clintons CAN'T play the victim card or

have women feeling they need to "protect" her.

[DemGa]

91. Umm, Obama has been going negative on character assault all the while

How in the world does this fly under anyone's radar who follows politics? Seriously, Team Obama has been harping on Hillary's "dishonesty" since this began. Sure, much of it is surreptitiously done - but it seems most here would certainly be aware.

This is exactly why so many consider BO a fraud: he smile and waves; claims he is "new politics" -- while he and his campaign engage in character assassination.

[NYDem Observer]

115. He has for the most part stayed above the fray

The only time I have seen him go negative is as a defensive measure to counter something she said. Of course the MSM and the Clinton campaign spin it as him going negative, but by and large thats BS

[question everything]

92. They lost money on Whitewater.

We spent $70 million - not a large sum today, it appears - to find out that Clinton had an affair with an intern. BFD. And you want Obama to follow Ken Starr and to talk about these topics?

Now who is hurting the party?

[StevieM]

95. All Obama has done for 6 months is rip Hillary apart. That's how he got where he is (eom)

[butterfly77]

97. Correct, I started to post this last week after the debate...

but glad you did!

[DearAbby]

98. There it is........K&R.....n/t

[Jamastiene]

100. Knee high boots weren't high enough to wear in this thread.

I should have worn thigh high boots to wade through that bullshit.

[EFerrari]

108. Educate us. How has Obama attacked Clinton?

I fully expect you to be as thorough as all Clinton supporters are when asked this question.

[NYDem Observer]

109. Call it what you want

He's got to walk a fine line

[robicon]

111. Very much

agreed.

There are several threads here that redefine absurd hyperbole.

[jeffrey_X]

105. I disagree. This is part of the change he is talking about.

When he talks about change in America and bringing about change, this is exactly what he's talking about. And he's actually doing it, not just talking about it.

This is exactly why this man needs to win.

[TheDonkey]

114. Remember the faux outrage over "Hillary Get Your Gun" swipe

but I think those hillbots and the MSM were silent when Hillary mocked Obama in her bumblebee suit.

[ecstatic]

117. 53 years ago, a 14 year old black boy named EmmettTill was lynched just for

looking at a white woman. He's not the only one who suffered that fate, but his case is one that gained national attention after the pictures of his dead body were revealed. It's amazing how far we've come but there is still a long way to go.