Obama Advisors Getting Knocked Out

by: Matt Stoller

Fri Mar 07, 2008 at 12:28


So Austan Goolsbee, key Obama economic advisor, and Samantha Power, key Obama foreign policy advisor, have both been knifed in political fights.  Goolsbee was blamed for the NAFTA discussion with Canadian officials, which I doubt he is actually at fault for.  And Power called Clinton a 'monster', which is a gaffe, but not something resignation-worthy.

It certainly seems like the adults in DC are culling Obama's inner circle.

Matt Stoller :: Obama Advisors Getting Knocked Out

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Obama Advisors Getting Knocked Out | 99 comments
This is really unfortunate (4.00 / 1)
Goolsbee, I don't particularly care about (though it does seem harsh given that he presumably didn't even really do anything wrong), but the idea of Samantha Power with influence on the decision-making of the President of the United States was tremendously encouraging.

Boo on her for saying something stupid, boo on the Obama campaign for letting her resign over it, and boo on the Clinton campaign for pushing one of the strongest and most intelligent progressive voices in contemporary foreign policy discussions out of a position where she could have done tremendous good.

This is why I could never be in politics (0.00 / 0)
I agree with what she said... but Ms. Power should never, never have been caught saying it.
[ Parent ]
She'll be back (4.00 / 1)
I think this is very temporary.  She has been Obama's foreign policy advisor since 2005.  She'll continue as an informal consultant to the campaign, and most likely will end up as National Security Adviser or possibly even Secretary of State in an Obama administration.

This is just campaign posturing.  Still, it is very unfortunate.

[ Parent ]
I don't see her (0.00 / 0)
as qualified for National Security Adviser or Secretary of State. Her expertise is in Human Rights. That has nothing to do with National Security. And Secretary of State is a very wide ranging job that has a lot to do with both National Security and being a diplomat and negotiator. She does not have that background. I can see her as an Sssistant Secretary Of State in charge of Human Rights but that is about it.
[ Parent ]
Agreed (0.00 / 0)
I think the best potential national security advisor in any Dem administration these days is Wes Clark, although I'm not sure if his endorsement of Hillary will be a mark against his getting that high a position if Obama becomes president.  But  Clark is obviously far more qualified for that sort of job than Power is.
[ Parent ]
Power's background... (0.00 / 0)
is in journalism, not foreign policy, I believe. Through her journalism she because an activist and then an expert in the foriegn policy arena.

On the one hand she should have been savvy enough not to make the comment that she did; on the other, when I read the whole quote in context it sounds to me like news room 'shop talk'--colorful language, cussing, hyperbolic humor, etc.

It may have been that her background in journalism made her more vulnerable to this kind of thing as she reverted to familiar form in the presence of people who for a long time in her life would have been colleagues and friends, an unfortunate juxtaposition with her new role as a potential political target.

[ Parent ]
Although, with a background in journalism... (0.00 / 0)
...making as elementary a mistake as running her yap and then immediately trying to make it retroactively off the record is even more inexcusable.  
[ Parent ]
Definitely a lame save... (0.00 / 0)
n/t
[ Parent ]
Unless it wasn't an accident..... (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Hmmm (4.00 / 2)
Her expertise is in Human Rights. That has nothing to do with National Security.

I would hope that as progressives we might recognize the serious problem with framing the latter as if it is totally distinct from the former.

One of the reasons I was so enthusiastic about her influence with Obama was the way her academic work has challenged the idea that "security" is purely a military issue.  The linkages between "security" as broad concept and traditionally under-examined problems of environmental problems, poverty, lack of basic public services should be at the forefront of a progressive re-examination of international politics.

Does that mean I think she ought to be NSA or Secretary of State? Not necessarily.  Clearly human security must be expanded but more traditional elements can't be ignored.  But I would also caution being so dismissive of what she brings to the table for those positions.

One might just as easily say that a lifelong military person with no background in counterinsurgency, human rights, or related issues is unqualified to be in charge of security issues in the 21st century.

[ Parent ]
I agree (0.00 / 0)
that Human Rights does have something to do with Natioanl Security. But by itself it does not qualify you for National Security adviser. That is why I suggested Assistant Sec of State - Human Rights. I'd love to see her in that capacity.
[ Parent ]
Or . . . (0.00 / 0)
Deputy National Security Advisor for Human Rights.

Obama will want her in the White House, not behind a desk at State.

[ Parent ]
Yeah... He needs to accept her apology and reassign her Monday (0.00 / 0)
Just viewed her apology on Huffingtonpost... This advisor needs to be back on the team.. If she doesn't get reinstated... Obama is one big wimp...  
[ Parent ]
She can still be his national security advisor (0.00 / 0)
Just not anything that requires Senate confirmation . . . .

Still, she should have had the sense to watch what she said.  Really.

John McCain--He's not who you think he is.

[ Parent ]
You can't have a NSA who calls public figures "monsters" (0.00 / 0)
Any more than you can have a president who says a world leader doesn't have a soul. It's diplomatic catastrophe.
[ Parent ]
If A Clinton Aide (4.00 / 1)
had called Obama a monster they would have been asked to resign also. Powers knew she screwed up. She or anyone else in either campaign should leave after saying something like that. I admire Powers a lot but she has become a bit of a loose cannon to her detriment.

Powers statement:

"With deep regret, I am resigning from my role as an advisor [to] the Obama campaign effective today. Last Monday, I made inexcusable remarks that are at marked variance from my oft-stated admiration for Senator Clinton and from the spirit, tenor, and purpose of the Obama campaign. And I extend my deepest apologies to Senator Clinton, Senator Obama, and the remarkable team I have worked with over these long 14 months."

As for Goolsbee he did what he did. The memo was real as Prime Minister Harper alluded to the other day and promised an investigation on why it was leaked.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/200...

[ Parent ]
You're joking (0.00 / 0)
Ever since NH, the Clinton campaign has refused to hold their aides and surrogates to account. Sen. Clinton even said during a debate that Bob Johnson's comments about Barack Obama and his past were out of line (she used a different word, I can't remember what exactly, but I am sure I can find it) and yet he was on the trail the very next day talking her up again. Sen. Clinton's campaign even yesterday said Obama was like Ken Starr because he demanded to see her tax returns. What rank hypocrisy this is.
[ Parent ]
I don't recall (0.00 / 0)
what Johnson said, perhaps you can refresh my memory. But I do remember Tom Shaheen resigning for making comments about Obama's history with drugs which Obama admits.

The Ken Starr remark was in reply to Axlerod first bringing up Whitewater as a smear which is totally irrelevant to this campaign and is something neither Clinton was found to be guilty of any wrongdoing. Axlerod was trying to imply guilt when none was there. That is kind of Starr like you have to admit.

[ Parent ]
Johnson Wasn't a Clinton Staffer (0.00 / 0)
Big difference.
[ Parent ]
Not really (0.00 / 0)
Seeing as how he spoke for her on the campaign trail at Clinton campaign events. That's like saying Donnie McLurkin on the Obama campaign trail was not a big deal because he wasn't an advisor.
[ Parent ]
I remember that too (0.00 / 0)
That's why I said "after NH". He resigned as NH co-chair, remember?

Bob Johnson? Here are two of the more offensive comments.

"And to me, as an African-American, I am frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Hillary and Bill Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues since Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood -­ and I won't say what he was doing, but he said it in the book -­ when they have been involved ..."

-------------------

"That kind of campaign behavior does not resonate with me, for a guy who says, 'I want to be a reasonable, likable, Sidney Poitier 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.' And I'm thinking, I'm thinking to myself, this ain't a movie, Sidney. This is real life."

That is deeply offensive not only to Sen. Obama, but to black males such as me and to many other black people I know of, including my family. That Bob Johnson, former owner of BET, would later say he didn't mean drug use but community organizing, is insulting to my intelligence as well. It fires me up to think about it, actually, because it's so damn offensive.

So, many people were pissed at Johnson and the campaign had to answer some questions. What did Sen. Clinton say when Tim Russert asked her about possible dismissal of Robert Johnson?

"Well," Clinton said, "Bob has put out a statement saying what he was trying to say and what he thought he had said. We accept him on his word on that. But, clearly, we want to send a very clear message to everybody that this campaign is too important for us to either get diverted or, frankly, get the message of what we want to do for our country subverted by any kind of statements or claims that are just not part of who I am or who Barack or John are."

As John W. McBush would say, that's typical Washington doublespeak.

[ Parent ]
well to be more accurate (0.00 / 0)
Shaheen said the GOP might ask if he ever sold drugs.  Now I don't recall Clinton or Bush being asked that.  So the only difference is that Obama is black.  That's certainly worse than being called a monster based on your monstrous behavior, but her resigning is probably for the best since she wasn't a paid advisor as far as I can tell and Obama looks far more adult then Clinton and her advisers do.  
[ Parent ]
When did Ken Starr EVER (0.00 / 0)
look into who funded Bill Clinton's Presidential library, or which foreign entities paid for his post-Presidential junkets?  By equating Obama with Starr, the Clinton campaign is trying to deflect attention from NEW issues that did not even exist when Starr was conducting his witch hunt.


"It sounds wrong...
     ...but its right."
[ Parent ]
Not clear what Goolsbee's role was (0.00 / 0)
Goolsbee may have made comments to the Canadian ambassador in Chicago that he wasn't at liberty to say, which had the effect of undermining the campaign.

Goolsbee, as a DLCer, has dual loyalties. The DLC represents the Lieberman-AIPAC political wing, and Obama is a progressive, so there are conflicts in that relationship. It's hard to say whether Goolsbee was undermining the campaign or not, without knowing the specifics.

Having read David Sirota's column where he says good things about Goolsbee, and knowing that Obama's economic positions ARE progressive, it's hard to know what to think by all this. If I were Obama, I wouldn't trust a DLCer on my staff either, so I think it's a good move.

Obama can find another economic advisor, someone even more progressive perhaps, but if Goolsbee has been hurting the campaign in some way, he shouldn't be on staff anymore.  

[ Parent ]
...seems like *the adults* in DC (0.00 / 0)
are culling Obama's inner circle."

What's that supposed mean?  Pray tell more...?

Hmm had a thought. (0.00 / 0)
Fallon going ... Powers going

adults = AIPAC et al?

[ Parent ]
Maybe (4.00 / 1)
There has been some recent rumblings in the press about how Obama might have a hard time with Jewish voters because he supposedly doesn't support Israel as strongly as he might.

Of course, by 'Jewish voters' they mean a handful of extremists who believe Israel can do no wrong, and who in no way represent the vast majority of Jewish voters.

[ Parent ]
Amen (0.00 / 0)
I wish we could just hold a Jewish-American plebiscite on whether or not Abe Foxman is a douche.

http://www.forward.com/article...
You can read about how he's fine with Hagee supporting McCain but not Farrakhan supporting Obama because Farrakhan is a "black racist". Apparently if you're a white racist you're AOK with the Anti-Defamation League.

Ugh.

I support John McCain because children are too healthy anyway.

[ Parent ]
Abe Foxman is still attacking him... (0.00 / 0)
and with those Uber pro-Israel voters --- Florida is where most of them are based...  interesting Florida is in the news again..!

I watched CSPAN last night -- re: a hearing stopping aid to the Palestinian Authority (again!) with the State and Foreign Op committee -- with that idiot Weldon (R) from Florida... talking about Hamas and the destruction of Israel... again again and again -- as if Hamas has the fire power to do that... and the look on Negroponte (sp?) face was priceless. Nita Lowey is just as unhinged.

It's was surreal...

[ Parent ]
Foxman and Obama (0.00 / 0)
Foxman's not been attacking him at all, as far as I've seen.  Foxman even signed the letter circulated by some Jewish leaders specifically pushing back against the Obama-Muslim smears.

Now, Foxman has done some pretty lame things, and his latest refusal to criticize Hagee is totally indefensible.  But he hasn't been going after Obama.

[ Parent ]
No Foxman did a backhander -- Usual Foxman..! (0.00 / 0)
He closes the door on one unfounded Smear and then opens the door to another Smear... That's really low imo.

"...While Foxman said Obama had dealt with the Farrakhan issue, he mirrored the notion that the relationship with Wright was less likely to disappear. Foxman said he was unsatisfied with Obama's explanation at the meeting with Cleveland's Jews, in which Obama likened his pastor to a slightly dotty uncle who occasionally embarrasses..."
http://jta.org/cgi-bin/iowa/ne...

Look at the quote -- without context as well -- underhanded, crass...

You do know why he won't attack Hagee == don't you?  It's because Lieberman and AIPAC are in alliance with him...  Heavily in alliance with him.  The guy was at the AIPAC Annual convention.

That's why you are NOT hearing Hagee and McCain on the news.

[ Parent ]
I hadn't seen that (0.00 / 0)
I'm not sure what Foxman sees to gain from differentiating between the Farrakhan stuff and this Wright business.  I think that particular difference is too far down in the weeds to have much of an effect with anyone, but I agree that it's not defensible on the (obviously non-existent) merits.
[ Parent ]
This stuff seems to work... (0.00 / 0)
...Might not work on you maybe... but on others it works = unfortunately.

And what's more the story is STILL ROLLING in the Jewish Press...

http://www.thejewishweek.com/v...

It's blatant...

[ Parent ]
But aren't you conflating somewhat different things? (0.00 / 0)
If by "the story is still rolling" you mean the general debate about Obama, Jews, and Israel, then yes, I guess it's still out there, but the Pastor Wright thing gets only about three words devoted to it in that entire article.  Again, I'm not defending Foxman's weird stance on this, but it seems like an awfully minor thing in the grand scheme of this broader issue.

Overall, Foxman has signed on to pushback against the madrassa/Muslim thing, he's taken Obama's word for it on Farrakhan, but he's still hanging on to the Pastor Wright business.  It's weird and stupid for him not to let go on that last point, but I don't think he's really hurting Obama that much in the overall picture (aside from the Hagee stuff, which could hurt any Dem nominee by making it tougher to stick that insanity to McCain).

[ Parent ]
story rolling... the general debate about Obama, Jews, and Israel (0.00 / 0)
Yes...

Foxman (big Jewish dude) with his mere 'three words' is just part of the greater mission to hurt Obama by pushing lies, innuendo, smears to question Obama's support towards Israel vs. Hillary's who on the otherhand would have no problem whatsoever nuking and cluster bombing Iran.

Hillary ...I'll take Obama at his word that he's NOT Muslim... == this a same meme/innuendo echoed in The Forward magazine (of all places!) in January == to the extent that Sen. Durbin had to write in to defend he fellow Senator.

Fear Factor - Editorial Wed. Jan 30, 2008
http://www.forward.com/article...

The Truth About Barack Obama
Opinion By Dick Durbin Mon. Feb 04, 2008
http://www.forward.com/article...

So, my feeling is that Foxman is just part, albeit a powerful part, of the larger mission to bring down Obama UNFAIRLY within the Jewish community.

The Jewish community that is v. important to the Democratic Party.

P.S.  Yeah the Haggee/AIPAC/Foxman/Lieberman and even the Clinton connection could really open a can of worms.

[ Parent ]
just the opposite (0.00 / 0)
Goolsbee is a DLCer. ... DLC = AIPAC
[ Parent ]
Goolsbee's purview is economics... (0.00 / 0)
With regard to the DLC/AIPAC wing... he's probably a mere minion...?

Now Hoyer -- the command and control guy... he's way up there...

[ Parent ]
Yeah, it's a shame (0.00 / 0)
Of course, Hillary will never fire Wolfson, Penn, or any of the other pathological liars on her campaign.

And the media is supposedly biased towards Obama. Right.

I just realized it (4.00 / 1)
But Sen. Clinton's campaign is now running very GOP style.

1. Work the refs. Decry the media bias against you until it sticks with the media who become afraid to even cover you unless to give you a boost, lest you lash out at them again.

2. Fearmonger. Sow doubt in the ability of the opponent to handle fighting "our enemies" and keeping our children "safe". Remark, without any need to list reasons why, that you are the only one who can keep us "safe".

3. Lower expectations significantly. Kinda speaks for itself.

4. Stop arguing issues and instead argue character and integrity. Instead of talking about differences on healthcare or diplomacy or trade, simply show that your opponent is a lying, stupid, irresponsible, callous, disgusting individual who doesn't deserve to be in the same room with you.

The fact that she now agrees with John McCain that he's a better commander-in-chief than her Democratic rival is just icing on the cake.

Thinking about it this way, the fake outrage over an angry and unseemly but still ultimately silly and flippant comment is right in line with Sen. Clinton's increasingly Republican-lite campaign.

[ Parent ]
Do you really want her to fire Wolfson or Penn? (0.00 / 0)
I like them right where they are, speaking on Hillary's behalf, making her look bad and asses of themselves.
[ Parent ]
I don't want them mucking it up (0.00 / 0)
I am an Obama supporter but I want this race to be cleaner than this and having Penn and Wolfson keep dirtying the place up and winning because of it feeds into the notion that Obama has to go negative and leads to the now all-too-familiar phrase for the Democratic Party, the circular firing squad.
[ Parent ]
Powers Resigns (0.00 / 0)
This is ridiculous.  I posted an entry about this topic on:
http://swimmingfreestyle.typep...
An excerpt:
Jeez, Senator Clinton, this is starting to look like pro wrestling here.  Lots of drama, hammy acting and over exaggerated responses to what all observing can plainly see are pulled punches and minor blows.

Suck it up Senator.  Is this what you think is "tough enough" to be President of the United States?  What are you going to do if you're elected, call for the firing of anyone who calls you a bad name?
 

she'll be back (4.00 / 1)
Very stupid comment to make out loud to a reporter. It's no big deal having her resign for a few months until Obama clinches the nomination. Then she can rejoin for the general. He needs to get his advisers to stop shooting him in the foot. The nomination is pretty much his if he can avoid major screwups. Now is not the time for this kind of amateurishness.
Clinton certainly seems brings out the best in people -- NOT. (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Unfortunate but she made herself the story at the worst time (4.00 / 3)
It is unfortunate that Power paid this price, but she made herself the story for no good reason and at the worst possible time.  One of the main Clinton themes is look at how I am being victimized.  Power's comments only play into that, and the only way to kill the story is for Powers to resign.  
Obama had a bad week (0.00 / 0)
I read this from a poster at another blog:

"Certainly this was Obama's worst week of the campaign so far and they'd better hope he doesn't have another like it. Between Kirk Watson's inability to name one accomplishment of Obama's on Hardball, Chet Edwards' and Dick Durbin's ineffectualness at responding to questions about the NAFTA controversy and now this, the Obama campaign has a serious surrogate problem that they'd better fix fast."

[ Parent ]
it won't be bad if people ask why she said it (0.00 / 0)
if people examine the behavior that she's referring to. Not that I'm holding my breath that anyone will do that
[ Parent ]
Did You Complain When Hillary Had To Fire Her Advisors? (4.00 / 2)
If Powers didn't quit, Obama would look like an even bigger hypocrite than he already is.
-----

In December, Obama said he had "been very clear to my campaign. I do not want to see research that is involved in trying to tear people down personally. If I find out that somebody is doing that, they will be fired. And I have been absolutely crystal clear about this, and I have been clear about this for a very long time."

http://www.blogs.abcnews.com/p...

you miss our perspective (0.00 / 0)
This isn't about Clinton vs. Obama for us. This is about having a few progressives, like Sam Power, in positions of real power in Washington, D.C. and the Democratic Party in general.

It isn't the firing. It's who got fired that we care about. the "adults" are cleaning out the progressives.

Now, please return to complaints that bloggers are not being fair and balanced in the Democratic primary...

[ Parent ]
I was worried about this last night (0.00 / 0)
I diaried this on dkos last night:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/...

Hopefully, she's only gone for a couple months and will have a high profile role in Obama's administration.

Still, it is ridiculous that she had to resign over something so trivial.

It probably says more about the media's obsession with idiotic stories like this than anything.

[ Parent ]
The Clinton campaign (0.00 / 0)
is driving the media now. I can't believe all that whining worked, but it did.

Won't work in the GE campaign.  

[ Parent ]
Well, Chris.... (0.00 / 0)
....us poor schlubs here in the thickets don't really know who this Powers person is. Nor can we since we'll never meet her in person and the most we'll get about here is some canned bs from the campaign. This goes for anyone on either campaign.

We do know she called Hillary a monster which is really quite wrong and not the action of an adult. I, personally, doubt there are more than two or three folks, aside from you, Matt and some other bloggers, on The Hill who could be so characterized.

If you think she's a valuable progressive individual to have on board you'd do well to do more than make an unsubstantiated assertion. Otherwise, you look like you're supporting the sort of stupid, lame character assassination we see spreading like a forest fire through both campaigns.

As someone said downthread, 'Can you imagine if someone in the Clinton campaign had referenced someone in Obama's in this manner.

In conclusion, to me this is just 'more of the same...' from Obama. Since the McClurkin episode this has been a pattern with Obama....a staffer says or does something totally unnacceptable to progressives and then the  good Senator throws said staffer under the bus and sez:

'Oh, that's not me...you know me...I'm better than that....'

Can we cut the bullshit about Obama? This incident shows, once again, he's just another DLC assclown with a better than average schtick.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

[ Parent ]
If you don't know who Samantha Power is... (4.00 / 1)
...it's because you aren't interested in knowing.

I'm not sure why Chris is to blame for your lack of desire for exploring a little bit about one of the most genuine progressive minds in the academic world right now.

This speaks to the larger point about how frustrating political campaigns can often be.  The idea that this little flap is the first time a lot of people are even hearing about Power speaks to exactly how much it's all about personality and preformed opinions.

It would be like arguing Lennon v. McCartney despite only having heard the "greatest hits" from each. You can get the general idea of what they're about, of course, but if you're talking trash about Paul writing insubstantial songs without even having listened to "For No One" or "I'm Looking Through You," I'm not sure why anyone else should hold your opinion in much esteem.

[ Parent ]
Don't know who Powers is? (4.00 / 3)
That's pretty surprising.  Much of my enthusiasm for Obama's foreign policy comes from the fact that Powers has been his foreign policy 'tutor' since he got into the Senate.  This isn't some random staffer.
[ Parent ]
Yup. (0.00 / 0)
If you don't know who Powers is, it's not Chris's fault.

And "only three people on the Hill are adults"?  All that shows is that you're not one.

And finally, accusing CHRIS of unsubstantiated assertions is pretty damn hilarious.

[ Parent ]
She is a monster (1.33 / 3)
I hate her and I will never vote for her. This storyline knocks Obama off his message and hardens the partisan line, but all in all I don't think this hurts him one bit. Powers spoke the truth.
Calling a candidate for President in your own party (4.00 / 3)
a "monster" is not a reason to resign?  For heaven's sake, what would be then?  Hillary fired people in her campaign who said inappropriate things about Obama.  What Power said was incredibly stupid and showed that she doesn't even know how to deal with the media.  Her behavior was unprofessional beyond belief.  I can just imagine the reaction if someone in Hillary's campaign called Senator Obama a "monster."
Hey ! (0.00 / 1)
beyond belief...  this stuff happens ALL the time on both sides... so keep your hair on.

And really I think 'monster' is rather tame.

[ Parent ]
Actually, Wolfson called him "Ken Starr" (0.00 / 0)
But no faux outrage from the Obama campaign on that one.

Wolfson is a much more deserving scalp than Samantha Power.

[ Parent ]
Ditto (0.00 / 0)
I agree with you, BCdem.  Somebody in the Obama camp needs to go after Clinton's campaign for calling Obama Ken Starr.
[ Parent ]
Fight, damn you. FIGHT! (4.00 / 5)
This protracted primary is proving to be the best thing ever. Among other things, it's the best political practice the Obama campaign could possibly get short of an actual, fictive mock general election against a Republican. And given the last few days, he needs every last bit of it.

Let's review the last few days:

- Reports of an Obama advisor telling the Canadian embassy not to take his NAFTA talk seriously
- Obama campaign initially doesn't really deny it
- Then they really, really deny it
- It comes out that Goolsbee actually talked to the Canadian consul
- Obama loses Ohio

- Afterwards, it turns out that the Canadian memo "may not have" accurately represented the facts; Canadian Public Broadcasting exonerates Obama
- It further turns out that it was actually the Clinton campaign reassuring the Canadians to disregard her NAFTA rhetoric
- But nothing happens

- Hillary team compares Obama to Kenneth Starr
- Obama campaign whines
- Nothing happens

- Top Obama foreign policy adviser caught calling Clinton a "monster"
- Hillary campaign calls for her resignation
- It happens

I mean, could they have handled all of this any less effectively had they tried? The Clinton campaign has been trying to have things both ways, and they've been succeeding wildly. I was sceptical of all the claims about Obama not being enough of a "fighter" and not being prepared to face the Republicans in the general election, but it now seems they may have had some merit. It's very lucky, then, that he gets to brush up on things against Hillary before moving on to the "real thing". (It's only lucky, incidentally, because Obama has almost no chance of actually losing the primary at this point, unless he really, really fucks up. If Hillary were to actually win with these tactics, I'd be pretty pissed, but as it is, it's just great practice for Obama).

So,

To Hillary: Thank you. Unlikely as that is.

To Obama: Fight, damn you!

My thoughts exactly (0.00 / 0)
The last few days is the first time I've started to wonder about Obama.  Not because I think almost any of the attacks have been legitimate or good or anything, but simply because I would hope that the campaign would be able to withstand the pressure a little bit better.

I get that the media zeitgeist is too strong to really change.  The story that everyone wanted to tell is how Clinton made a big comeback.  Never mind that she won precisely the states that everyone has ALWAYS said she would win.  Never mind that she won them in precisely the same way she's won other states.  

All that said, I would hope that Obama could simply weather the storm and then get back to emphasizing all the reasons why he amassed such a huge delegate lead in the first place.  But instead of that, they've been lending ammunition.

[ Parent ]
Pennsylvania (0.00 / 0)
I think he needs something or someone big to close the gap, much less to win, in PA. The polling gap is large and she's got all the institutional support.

Does Teresa Heinz Kerry have any clout around Pittsburgh?  

[ Parent ]
Focus on the big picture (0.00 / 0)
Look, Obama doesn't have to win Pennsylvania.  In fact, he won't win Pennsylvania.  There are certain states that favor him and certain states that favor Clinton.  Clinton has Gov. Ed and Mayor Nutter and the fine people of western Pennsylvania in her corner.  Obama will lose, but that's not the point.  Somehow when Obama wins states that are favorable to him by 20 to 30 pts that seems to be just good enough, but when Hillary goes into states with 20-30 pt leads and ends up winning by 3pts or 10 pts, then she's a solid winner.  It doesn't work that way.  Obama wins by winning the most delegates, pure and simple, not by winning Pennsylvania.  If Clinton wants to have a down and out fight after Obama wins the most delegates, then, as Kos says, it will be civil war time.  Until then, all he has to do is stay in the ballpark in Pennsylvania.  If he wins, so much the better, but he doesn't have to.

It is the job of thinking people not to be on the side of the executioners -- Albert Camus

[ Parent ]
I'm ready (0.00 / 0)
If Clinton wants to have a down and out fight after Obama wins the most delegates, then, as Kos says, it will be civil war time.

two weeks ago this scenario had me ringing for the smelling salts and proclaiming O! Woe is us!. Now: Bring it on. She making me hate her. She wants me to hate her. I can't believe how disgusting she's gotten in the last ten days.

[ Parent ]
Bad week (0.00 / 0)
All probably true, but sometimes it can be hard to tell since so much is happening at once.  For example, Obama had a commercial reply to the 3am ad in only eight hours.  At the time people were impressed with the response.  But he lost a couple elections and everyone assumed his response was weak.  But lots of other stuff happened as well, so it is possible the response was good but not enough.

I want Obama to come out stronger, as well.  Ultimately, though, this isn't about being tough or fighting better, it is about controlling the message and the news cycle.  Obama has dominated the news cycle through most of February, but Clinton managed to finally break through.  But the press release about the $55 million helps.  Assuming Obama wins these next two states it will feel much better again.

To many of us Clinton just seem to be whining and complaining all the time; forever the victim.  I suspect after a couple victories put Obama back into a more positive light, that will become conventional wisdom.

[ Parent ]
A few things (0.00 / 0)
I would have loved to see them talking up the conference call when John Dickerson asked Hillary's advisers exactly when she had ever actually been tested by crisis.  They had absolutely no answer.  In my opinion, it was totally devastating.

Similarly, I would really love to see him leading on some issues.  Recognizing the way the media operates, you have to believe they'll keep flogging the "comeback kid" story until they get something else to talk about.  Fighting back on Clinton's terms isn't going to do it.  Why not take the chance to put in some real effort on telecom immunity, or calling out McCain on Hagee.  Anything like that when he can restore the media's love for him as someone who can get above the fray.

Because while the media is fickle, that also means the current period of "oooo, we have to be 'tough' on Obama" is going to lose its appeal at some point.  Having a story ready to replace it when that happens will be important.

[ Parent ]
illissius, You Are Soooo Right! (0.00 / 0)
In fact, I wouldn't even say this was about Obama not knowing how to fight.  This wasn't about fighting so much as it was about just responding.  It was about parrying, not thrusting.

Worse still, it was about parrying feints.  At least compared to what the GOP is already brining.

"You know what they say -- those of us who fail history... doomed to repeat it in summer school." -- Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Season 6, Episode 3

[ Parent ]
As long as we're Monday morning quarterbacking... (0.00 / 0)
Obama and his surrogates could have loudly protested that a winner couldn't be called in TX until the caucus counts were completed (assuming they had information/polls showing how well they were going to do in the caucuses, which they should have), thereby undermining the narrative that Clinton won TX before the narrative became fixed.
I call it Monday morning quarterbacking, but we really need a politcian with a team around him or her who can anticipate and think fast to prevent taking solid blows while keeping the opponent off balance.
[ Parent ]
But (0.00 / 0)
This "great practice" will go on for months while McCain gets his shots in, too, and the McCain lovers in the media ignore his scandals (Hagee anyone?) just like Obama and Clinton already are, and the Democratic candidate that comes out of the primary will go down in flames all because we needed to engage in a skirmish...yah.
[ Parent ]
If Obama is an irredeemably bad candidate (0.00 / 0)
and is fundamentally incapable of fighting back (something I highly, highly doubt), then we would have lost either way. But if he just needs to have some learning experiences, it is far better to have them against Clinton in a primary than against McCain in the general.

As for McCain's scandals going unnoticed, that indeed sucks, but I'm not sure how much of it is caused by us not having a nominee yet. I think it's more a function of the media loving McCain on one hand, and of the Dem infrastructure being inept, on the other. (They are, or should be, still perfectly capable of raining political shitstorms down on McCain without a nominee; in fact, it may even be more effective because McCain wouldn't have a clear target to fight back against).

[ Parent ]
Adults (0.00 / 0)
I don't think there is a conspiracy of "adults" trying knock out Obama's more progressive advisors.  I think they are casualties of the campaign, and nothing more.  After Obama's terrible week last week, he didn't want another gaffe dominating this one.

It's sad, unfortunate, and I believe wrong, but I don't see some sort of AIPAC or DLC conspiracy behind the move.  Just the harsh reality of the campaign.

I have every confidence Power will be back once Hillary is disposed of.

AIPAC (0.00 / 0)
The reason I brought up AIPAC is because it appears we are being setup up another impending 'fear' media blitz against Iran in the Summer.  Hillary being AIPAC's and the MIC arms dealer Queen will fit comfortably into this fear theme.  Israel must be protected -- blah blah blah... terrorists everywhere ... in the West Bank attacking schools -- who would have thunk it... however we don't get hear about the civilians being killed in Gaza or the see death-camp looking Palestinians wandering the streets-- but anyways...

Samantha Powers is apparently hated by AIPAC and other Israel-Firsters ranting on the blogs, because her foreign perscriptions regarding the ME are not considered pro-Israel enough.  Also she has some really pragmatic and progressive diplomatic approaches towards the problems festering in the ME -- again, not liked by the Hawks.

My first thought when Matt brought the "adults" are culling -- is that especially that our Democratic Israel-firster backers and surrogates (which according to a WP piece contribute about 60% of private Democratic campaign funds) don't want a Ms. Power Obama surrogate out there in the media making sense...

I'm sure that the Israel-firsters weren't too happy with her interview with Sam Seder either...

Samantha Power and Obama
http://server7.whiterosesociet...

The woman speaks truth to power -=- I like her.

Money and influence and agenda should never be overlooked in politics, and because of recent leaks, it make me wonder certain interests are asserting their influence to control the message -- ready for what's to come.

[ Parent ]
RE: Obama Advisors Getting Knocked Out (0.00 / 0)
I agree with many of the comments here on both sides.  It was stupid of her to say it.  You cannot assume that anything is "off the record".  Also, why say it in the first place - it will do nothing for your candidate, in particular for a non-domestic publication.  

Sen. Obama did the smart and correct thing, which is cut it off before it became a story about him rather than a story about one of his advisors.  The last thing he needs is to allow Sen. Clinton's campaign to have something to call him on to make him look like he is engaging in "Chicago street politics".  I hope that, following some time after her remorseful apology, fences can be mended and she can return to the campaign - though it may be in a less visible position.  

Also, Sen. Obama needs to lay down the law with his surrogates and advisors to follow the script.  If there is no script, then get one, quick!

Hilarious! (0.00 / 0)
this is:

If there is no script, then get one, quick!

How's that 'judgment' meme workin'?

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

[ Parent ]
What you don't think Hillary needs one? (0.00 / 0)
She had to wait two weeks before apparently realizing there's a flyer out there on her health care - and then goes Nuts...

No that wasn't fake... planned/scripted ... no way...  looked totally authentic.

[ Parent ]
For the record.... (0.00 / 0)
...any Senator who fails to convene his subcommittee on Afghanistan oversight because he's too busy trying to get elected shows real poor judgment also.

In my opinion, neither of these candidates are good at what their jobs as Senators calls for much less what they'll be called upon to do as President.

Just because they're the 'choices' don't mean I support either.

I don't.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.

[ Parent ]
Bad EXAMPLE there: (0.00 / 0)

"...Isn't it hypocritical of Sen. Clinton to criticize Sen. Obama for not holding hearings on Afghanistan when she sits on the armed forces subcommittee, which held two hearings on Afghanistan in February and she didn't attend either one?...
http://www.time-blog.com/swamp...

YEP!

No too bright is Hillary -- with attacks like these looks like she will be a Jedi master against the Republicans...

[ Parent ]
Not so bad (0.00 / 0)
if you wear blinders

"It sounds wrong...
     ...but its right."
[ Parent ]
especially since there is a LOT going on in Afghanistan (0.00 / 0)
....and in the neighboring provinces in Pakistan, potential game-changing developments that are largely being missed by the myopic foreign policy elites in DC.
[ Parent ]
Indeed (0.00 / 0)
If only Obama has a foreign policy adviser who was well-versed on those issues and could provide a viewpoint to counter the security-centric agenda of those who currently are running our Afghan policy into the ground.  

Oh, wait...

[ Parent ]
Power Is Best OUTSIDE An Administration (0.00 / 0)
I agree with Matt that Power's gaffe was not resignation worthy.  But I think it revealed something about her that really is an important indicator.  Power is a passionate advocate, and being inside an adminstration, she would either have to hold herself back, or she would tend to drive it forward, perhaps intemperately at time.

Now, let me be clear, there's nothing wrong with such intemperance.  Without it, we'd still have slavery.  We need intemperate people, and we need folks like Power, who is generally not intemperate, but whose passion can lead her to be intemperate at times.  It's just that--unlike the Republicans--we should have the good sense not put them in places of high power.  Let them stand outside of government, and stir the public debate.

The truth is, someone of Power's intelligence and stature is likely to have much more influence that way, in any event, because she can speak fully and freely, and because her arguments will find their way into government deliberations, even without her physical presence.

I don't say this as an uncritical fan of hers, because I'm not.  That shouldn't need saying, but in this debased age, unfortunately it does.  She's an important public voice, who invigorates our discourse, whether I agree with her or not.  And having her locked up inside an administration is likely to make us all the poorer for it.

"You know what they say -- those of us who fail history... doomed to repeat it in summer school." -- Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Season 6, Episode 3

I don't know about that (0.00 / 0)
There are plenty of people who can say the stuff that Power wants to say.  Sure, she is one of the finest minds around, but it's not like her positions, ideas, or ability to explain them are that outside the norm.  

She is a principled advocate, but we're not lacking those.  I'm perfectly willing to take the hit on her being able to speak her mind in public if it means that her positions get such a strong advocate in the private meetings where important decisions are getting made.

[ Parent ]
Well said, Paul. (4.00 / 1)
I have no illusions should a Democrat take the White House in November (January) - and, pray FSM they will - the GOP (and the SCLM) is not going to sit on its heels and wait for the next election before it begins attacking any perceived weakness, or outright strength, of a Democratic administration.  I'm all for channeling Powers into a position of strength, which matches her strengths.  We're gonna need all the Power(house)s we can get. But, let's not set them up.  If they're that good, that passionate, and that committed, they wouldn't want it any other way. I've got no problem with a Liberal/Progressive welfare program for these extraordinary thinkers.
[ Parent ]
intemperance == classy paul! (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Re: Adults (4.00 / 1)
I like it. It makes Obama look principled and decisive. Let's see Clinton try to match that.
This is what happens ... (4.00 / 2)
when you have all these enthusiastic surrogates running around WITH NOTHING TO SAY. The whole Obama campaign has been built around avoiding talking about issues (go to an Obama volunteer training if you don't believe me). And he has an incredibly (for a presidential candidate) thin resume. So he has all these smart, articulate people like Samantha Power (whom I greatly admire) running around doing interviews with absolutely no talking points. At least none that a self-respecting, brilliant academic would be caught dead uttering ("We are the change we have been seeking!" Huh??)

She's a casualty of Obama's self-help campaign, which is about little other than making his own supporters feel good.

Yo! (0.00 / 0)
Don't hold back...tell it brother/sister. Best comment today so far.

Peace, Health and Prosperity for Everyone.
[ Parent ]
actually she had something to say (0.00 / 0)
she told the truth. clearly that's not okay in politics.  
[ Parent ]
adults & children (0.00 / 0)
In this case, the adults sent Power to her room because she acted like a child. I've always admired her, but she screwed up. I hope to see her back in some capacity down the line.
Fighting Back (0.00 / 0)
Why do these attacks from the Clinton Campaign seem to come right out of the GOP playbook?

Because the Clinton and McCain top consultants work for the same company. Mark Penn and Charlie Black are two peas in a pod, and the pod is corrupt Washington insiderism -- gift wrapped  by Hillary, and handed to the ultimate insiders, the MSM.

Obama needs to get back on message, and attack the incestuous corruption of Washington -- Clinton, McCain, Penn, Black and the MSM are all symtoms of the same disease -- you can't send the same people to Washington and expect anything to change.  

It is D.C. Politicians verses Academics has (0.00 / 0)
been happening for years - TNR has a great story on Obama's inner circle.

http://www.tnr.com/politics/st...

samantha powers (0.00 / 0)
I'm OK with her resignation for these reasons-

- It helps put the story to bed sooner, rather than later, so the media can't feast on it endlessly

- It makes it clear that there is accountability in the Obama camp. You don't get away with being a loose cannon

- Given that Obama is selling 'new politics' and a positive message based on optimism and hope, he doesn't want to be surrounded with people who fight down and dirty in the old political way

And I would add that Clinton's advisors have fucked up her campagin from A to Z.  Their errors in judgement and their obvious incompetence is a lot bigger problem for Hillary than Samantha Powers' careless use of one word.

Meaning of resignation (0.00 / 0)
Also, I'm not entirely certain what her resignation actually means.  One report I saw claimed she wasn't on the paid staff, though I'm not sure if that is true or not.

She always has Obama's ear whenever she wants it and he will always contact her for advice when needed.  I'm sure there is some practical issue, but I'm not sure what.  I guess she won't be on conference calls to reporters anymore, but as we now know, that is probably a good thing.

[ Parent ]
Obama Advisors Getting Knocked Out | 99 comments
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