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Obama Camp: We're Moving On To General Election States Now
Multiple observers have noted today that Obama's schedule is starting to take on a general election feel to it, with stops planned for places like Missouri and South Dakota in the days ahead.
Now Obama spokesperson Bill Burton makes it official, explaining Camp Obama's thinking to Swampland's Karen Tumulty:
"Our schedule reflects the fact that we are still fighting for votes and delegates in the remaining contests, but also that we are going to places that are going to be competitive in the fall. John McCain has gone unchallenged for far too long and we're going to make sure that voters in competitive states know the choice in this election between changing Washington and the third term of George Bush's failed policies that McCain is offering."
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End of one era and the beginning of another. Hillary slowly relegates to history and Obama emerges from it.
MO, NC, VA, OH, ME should be among first and repeated stops.
May 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I meant MI- for Michigan
May 12, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Hillary slowly relegates to history"
Slowly is an understatement!
;-)
May 12, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
lol...I think I pissed off a bunch of Hillary backers and bloggers below by leading the story as a reminder that the end is near.
But it's History writing her own story folks, I'm just reading back what's being written in front of our naked eyes.
May 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fuck em.
(ew, never mind)
May 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I definitely hope that he plans to do some heavy campaigning in MO. I am heartsick that we went for Bush twice and determined to do my part to turn this state around and flip it blue this time, but it will take some effort. If Sen Obama will come and spend some time here talking to the good folks of this state, I am sure that will make the job for us volunteers much easier.
May 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice way to frame Hillary's victories tomorrow.
May 12, 2008 2:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about this: She wins the battle tomorrow, but she lost the war in February.
May 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think Otto F is being complimentary to BO here.
May 12, 2008 2:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. Otto F is one of the last commenters I though who would make such a pivot and drop the Obama trashing comments. But Otto F, judging by comments here and there, has done exactly that.
May 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
OttoF: Lemme just say, never been this jubilant in an imminent defeat before. Advance congratulations on WV and KY and rest assured the world will not have it's eyes on PR on June 1st.
May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sounds like the Battle of New Orleans.
May 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nice way to frame Hillary's victories tomorrow.
You mean "too little, too late"?
May 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, as in "I know she's going to win, but that's not going to change anything about the ultimate outcome".
May 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Surely you mean "victory," not "victories," no? Only WV votes tomorrow. KY (the next state that she is favored to win) does not vote for another week yet.
May 12, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama got Daniel Akaka. Senator from Hawaii. That makes three today.
May 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
# 4 today:
http://www.newwest.net/city/article/idaho_superdelegates_united_for_obama/C108/L108/
May 12, 2008 2:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Might as well. He gets crushed in WV, KY, PR.
He can hang it up in Florida and Michigan as well.
May 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Absolutely true GL. If he can't win Puerto Rico - it's over!
The fact that Obama has won more votes states and delegates is total cool aid that shows no leadership. Nothing will change because of politicians and alos natural disasters.
Thanks for really making us think Gotalife. I hope you keep up with these incredibly informed post 4-EVER!
(#1 fan!)
May 12, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Also - call me cray - but that Terry McAuliffe (sp?) is a straight shooter!
May 12, 2008 2:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
You can sit shiva with Gotalife
May 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're killing me!
May 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bears in the woods tomorrow, goatlife.
May 12, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Listening to MSNBC today. At the risk that this may send Obamanoids running to hug the nearest toilet bowl
In rapid order on the MSNObama network Andrea Mitchell features Obama's kiss Hillary and pivot to McSame; Eric Holder (former Reno assist AG), and Tad Devine.
Welcoming Hillary's coming victories in KY and WVa and looking forward to the day she decides to join the fight against the real adversary
A real Kumbaya Fest is imminent
May 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Guess that means that I'll have to kiss Kleefeld
May 12, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary's "Victories"? Much as y'all might like to wish otherwise, only one state is holding a primary tomorrow.
May 12, 2008 2:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Wait! Hillary has declared that "this race isn't over yet"....who the heck does this Obama guy think he is, the presumptive nominee?
Doesn't he know it's all about the key battlegrounds of KY and WV? Oh yeah, and Puerto Rico, where millions will choose Hillary as their favored Viceroy.
May 12, 2008 2:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't joke! NO DEMOCRAT HAS EVER WON THE WHITE HOUSE WITHOUT WINNING PEURTO RICO! PUERTO RICO'S VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE!
Wow, typing in Caps Lock makes me feel smarterer.
May 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
LOL
I so look forward to hearing from gotalife and crew that our presumptive nominee are doomed in November if they don't carry Puerto Rico in the primary, given the huge electoral sway having zero ability to vote in the general Puerto Rico has.
May 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Once again, the Obama campaign proves it has the big picture in mind and is driven by strategy rather than tactics.
Which is further proof that he will make a better president than Hillary (or McCain) could ever dream of being.
May 12, 2008 2:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
i think this is the most stupid thing that Barack Obama could do.....
nither of them are going to reach 2,025 in delegates with out the super delegates help... and the super delegates can change there votes.... so why is obama acting like he is the winner..... he still is not at 2,025 yet.... he is only betting hillary some where around 150 to 175 in delegates depending on what news channel you watch..... The election process is not over.... how come he is acting like the remaining states no longer matter....
I hope Hillary Clinton kicks his ass between May 13th to June 3rd..... Change is in the air:)
May 12, 2008 2:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
De-nial
We're here to help you but we won't answer dumb questions
152 is all he needs
May 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Clearly he should sink millions into defending Puerto Rico and Kentucky. Let's put it this way: PR doesn't even vote in the general election and they've got a better shot of giving us electoral votes than Kentucky. You Clintonites have been trying to make the argument that she's the better choice in the GE but, well, now he's amassed a lead that allows him to campaign against McCain now while she'll be farting around in states that won't actually affect our chances in November.
May 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think there is only 217 pledged delegates left to be won. Hillary can't do it, therefore it is over.
May 12, 2008 2:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
At some point she's not going to have enough undeclared superdelegates to have even an improbable chance of hitting 2024.5. And that point is apparently coming sooner than you realize.
May 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
The election process is not over.... how come he is acting like the remaining states no longer matter
Cognitive dissonance from a Clinton supporter... almost a cliche at this point. Which campaign explicitly and repeatedly told us certain states don't matter?
Even if you think that visiting states that will factor in the general election is presumptuous, you'll notice that Obama is still visiting and the campaign is still working in upcoming primary states. Perhaps he is starting to look to the general (not unreasonable, considering that even many Clinton supporters are starting to accept that he will be the nominee), but he is by no means ignoring the states that haven't voted yet.
May 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
"There are seven million Democrats who haven't voted yet! Let them have their say"-Terry McAuliffe on Meet the Press
Later on,
Tim Russert: "Did you expect to have this wrapped up on Super Tuesday"
Assclown: "Yes"
May 12, 2008 2:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Irony is wasted on morons.
May 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yup, at least for the die-hards. The pragmatic ones have already started pivoting towards a turn-around.
May 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hillary Enters Death with Dignity Phase
Shapiro Salon
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/05/12/end_game/
Latest Death Watch Number - 1.6%
Fat lady singin Lord
Kumbaya!
May 12, 2008 2:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Off topic, but that avatar has melted my half-blood heart!
May 12, 2008 3:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
HokNY - Ironic, isn't it?
Hillary would have been more than happy to have denied millions of people the chance to "have their say", if it meant that she was declared the nominee, on super Tuesday.
May 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Five points to Agrippina for insight as keen as her visage is demure.
May 12, 2008 3:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
South Dakota? I wouldn't say that a visit to a small, solid red state with a primary in a few weeks has much of a GE feel to it.
May 12, 2008 2:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's not go crazy...I'm sure that after her win in West Virginia, Hillary will say something like:
"the tide is turning in our favor," or "we're back in this thing."
The road to hell is being paved by the Hillary campaign.
May 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, going by today's TPM calendar, Sen. Clinton has no campaign events scheduled for the rest of the....
....day?
....week?
....campaign?
May 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
BBC interviews Bloomberg about the presidential race:
This past weekend I spent some time with Republican leaning family members of mine from upstate New York near Appalachia and I can attest that they are more drawn to Obama (predicting he will best McCain) now, after the tests he has faced and survived over the past few weeks.
May 12, 2008 2:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
GL, speaking as a MI Obama supporter, he most certainly should NOT "hang up" our state. Obama supporters are strong in this state, and we are going to win this state for our candidate.
May 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama/Clinton 08 ticket
Clinton/Obama 08 ticket
it is going to happen...... that is why hillary clinton is not out of the race......:)
to bring the party together and win the general election they are going to run on the same ticket.
we are going to make huge hillary people.....
Black Man and White Woman in the white house:):)..... running our country:):).... republican's don't stand a chance.
I still do hope that its Clinton on the top of the ticket:)
May 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
You keep dreaming.
May 12, 2008 2:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
In never ceases to amaze me how each and every day Stepford supporters of HRC find new and improved ways of maintaining a delusional state.
First is she'll be the nominee, now it's a joint tkt.
And even in this newest delusion, this one can't even let go of Clinton being on top of the tkt. I guess it's a start that it's at least the second mention and not the 'top' one.
May 12, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
The "bargaining" phase of grief
May 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Now, no. HC '08 has rarely been anything but positive, unlike the lion's share of Clinton supporters here. She has the audacity of hope, and it's clear if her hopes aren't realized she'll vote Dem in the fall.
May 12, 2008 3:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Newsweek has an article up outlining how Obama won the nomination, and what the strategy is for the fall.
Sit Back, Relax, Get Ready to Rumble
He's taken everything in stride, it seems. How Obama and his team will battle the GOP onslaught.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/136440
May 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
A good piece. I particularly like this excerpt:
Emphasis added.That's one of things that's so appealing to me about Obama -- he's running not only to win but to govern. What a concept!
May 12, 2008 2:44 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, a very good piece. But the part I found most revelatory was this little gem:
"Hillary Clinton was not above playing on those fears. Refusing to concede defeat last week, she cited an Associated Press poll "that found how Senator Obama's support among working, hardworking Americans, white Americans, is weakening again." As Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson wrote: "Here's what she's really saying to party leaders: There's no way that white people are going to vote for the black guy. Come November, you'll be sorry." A top Clinton adviser, speaking anonymously so he could be more frank, says the Clinton campaign has actually been holding back, for fear of alienating other Democrats."
Holding back?? Geez, I already thought the "kitchen sink" was really a porta potty...
May 12, 2008 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, Obama's moving on to GE States with a renewed focus on McCain. Any ideas on what appear to be the primary talking points?
May 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
Carol- He should continue with his broader message along with the specifics. This election will still be about change, untity, bringing people out of "red" "blue" "liberal" categories. McCain doesn't and will not have a broader message. He is going to brand Obama as a "extreme liberal" and Obama should appeal people to give a chance for a new kind of politics where branding doesn't mean a thing. While Foriegn Policy (Iran, Iraq, Future wars) and Economy (jobs, minimum wage, tax breaks etc) will be central issues Obama should hit home the message of change and overhauling the way we run our government.
May 12, 2008 2:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
His message of change will play well in the GE and resonate against McCain, who really offers nothing new in the way of policy - in recent years, he has been basically a Party man and will not be able to present an alternative to those who are fed up with Bush and his failed policies.
That said, I imagine that McCain will run a vacuous campaign to try to scare the public - paint Obama as a risk, a big unknown, someone who can't be trusted to lead the country. It will be a real challenge for Obama to keep the message focused on anything of substance - but, he needs to do that and not spend the next several months playing defense, or he will look weak. I want to see him come out with some strong positions on foreign policy and the economy, because I think that's where McCain's weaknesses will really come through and Obama will have the opportunity to show real leadership.
May 12, 2008 3:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. He was compelled to play defense against Hillary for known reasons but he needs to step up against McSame.
May 12, 2008 3:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know but the McSame theme should be a good one.
While it's surprising that McCain is tacking to the right, I'm not complaining.
May 12, 2008 2:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
The whole "Bush third term" sounds like a good theme to me. Doesn't let McCain get away with the "maverick" / "independent" nonsense when his voting record is very conservative.
May 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain Of The Panderosa.
For a Gas Tax Holiday, but does nothing to enact it.
Acknowledges the reality of Climate Change, but wants to do nothing to halt it.
Against Torture, then is against a ban on Torture.
Against Lobbyists having special influence, but hires the most influential Lobbyists to control his campaign.
Pleads for civility and tolerance, while courting Christo Fascist Hagee.
Praises the Troops while denying them their hard earned care and rewards.
Folks; please contribute additional examples of the Profiles In Blurage of McCain Of The Panderosa.
The little Maverick has roamed the range, covering it with cow shite, so that a million Turdblossoms may bloom.
Time to define the true nature of that Wee Bovine dispenser of Manure.
May 12, 2008 2:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
As Obama has pointed out many times on the stump, was against Bush's tax cuts (found them morally unconscionable or some such) before he was for them in an election year.
May 12, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
moose - So true!
Ever since Obama won in Iowa, the Clintons have been using drama to focus attention on themselves, at the expense of the party and their reputations.
The present lack of silly and outrageous campaign stunts is feeling pretty good right now.
May 12, 2008 2:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
I want to hear them talk Iraq, Iran, Israel, Palestine and other foreign policy issues; oil prices and the current state of our economy; and oil dependency, climate and environmental issues. That's just for starters. Let's go! Time's a wastin'...
May 12, 2008 2:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
liam - Ooooh... McCain of the Panderosa. Good one!
All good points, nicely put!
May 12, 2008 2:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
I like Liam's Profiles of Blurage.
Copyright it, if you didn't borrow it.
May 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Carol.
Thanks. I just coined it. I want to keep on repeating the list of pandering contradictions that Maverick McCain of The Panderosa keeps spreading.
Copy my entire post, and keep wide casting it. We need to define McCain for the double talking panderer that he truly is.
Spread the word. John McCain has crossed the Pander In Chief Threshold.
May 12, 2008 3:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm on it, Pardner!
May 12, 2008 3:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's true that Obama is pivoting to the general, but his visit to the upcoming primary state of South Dakota is not evidence for that proposition.
May 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Please Please Oregon:
Give that fraud Obama his comeuppance.
That's what it would take to throw a little cold-water on this losing parade over the cliff of defeat.
May 12, 2008 3:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
What was that above about the "bargaining" stage of grief? Evidently some are stalling in the "denial" stage.
May 12, 2008 3:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
As an Oregonian, I assure you that almost every Democrat I come into contact with (I am a House District leader in Washington County, a suburb of Portland) have been champing at the bit to drive a stake in Hillaryland and elect Obama.
May 12, 2008 8:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
On August 5th, 2004 the Swift Boat Veterans For Truth ran their first television ad against John Kerry. Despite the fact that Kerry was a decorated Vite Nam war hero running against an unpopular "mission accomplished" President who had a dubious record of service in the so-called "Champaign" unit of the National Reserves, the ads effectively neutralized Kerry's advantage as a war hero.
An AP article running today is titled, "Obama defends his patriotism". I find it very ominous that Obama is in this position this early in the campaign, especially in light of today's USA Today/Gallup Poll which indicates that one third of voters are less likely to support Obama because of Jeremiah Wright. Kerry had a distinguished record as a Senator. Obama is the junior Senator from Illinois who voted "present" on many issues.
I sincerely hope Obama choses Clinton for his running mate as I have grave doubts about Obama's chances in November.
May 12, 2008 3:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
I must have missed Hillary's years as GI Jane in her bio.
May 12, 2008 4:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh. Dream on, sucker. With Bob Barr set to run as a Libertarian, McSame may be lucky to lose to Obama by less than ten percentage points.
May 12, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Can you imagine, all the pissed-off right wingers getting their own Nader? The very notion makes me flush with excitement, oh my! (make fanning motion to face)
May 12, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I also cannot picture the devoted Ron Paul followers voting for McCain.
May 12, 2008 3:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just remember, before there was a Nader, there was a Perot. Clinton never would have won the White House without him (see the destruction of the Dem majority in the 90s for further evidence).
Third parties tilting the balance of a Pres campaign have a long and storied history, and I'm hoping for another one this year!
May 12, 2008 4:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
At the risk of lending credence to what I believe is a categorically bad idea, I will say this about Obama and Hillary on the same ticket:
Alot of voters that I've spoken to on all my various primary stops have said that they either expect it or want to see it. Not for any reason more sophisticated than, "I really think the winner should offer the loser the vice presidency." I don't find this reasoning altogether compelling, but then I'm only one voter.
May 12, 2008 3:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
They'll have to get over it, because it is Na.Ga.Ha.Pen.
May 12, 2008 3:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is on the ball!
The first state, that I know of, to get a general election style stop will be my own, MICHIGAN!
Symbolically, he's visiting an arena that has a name connected to the families of Republican pyramid scheme Amway and Blackwater.
This is the email I got:
May 12, 2008 3:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
"In an act of symbolism" I should've written. Damn my sloppy grammars.
May 12, 2008 3:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
Awesome! Hope you can go, Bat. And then, give us a LIVE report.
May 12, 2008 3:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am painfully devoted to my Wednesday night slot at the local noncommercial radio station here. I had to skip it last week. Two weeks in a row -- I dunno... He will be back, right?
But it's real cool that he's paying attention, so soon, to Michigan. I bet Florida is next to get a big appearance.
May 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm sure he will. He plays it smart, doesn't he? It's a pleasure to watch him.
May 12, 2008 4:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Additionally McCain was a prisoner of war. Obama did not serve. And in the MSNBC debate when asked what the toughest personal issue the candidates had faced in their own lives, Obama said it was being raised by a single parent. Therefore I say that those who expect Obama to always compare favorably to McCain are not looking closely.
In response to the same question in the MSNBC debate Hillary made light of all she has been through and said it pales in comparison to what she sees happening to many Americans every day.
We need her on the ticket.
May 12, 2008 3:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
By your calculation, then shouldn't Obama bring on a VP with either (a) military service - like Jim Webb, or (b) extensive foreign policy experience - like Joe Biden or Bill Richardson?
Hillary has a pretty weak resume compared to those three. And I don't think reminding the American people of "all she has been through" - meaning Monica - is going to be very persuasive in the general election.
May 12, 2008 4:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
I keep saying are you serious, but come on, are you serious. What she has been through. She had allot of support of us when she went through that mind you. She has also spit on that support recently!
Anyhow, If Obama were to put someone with strong security background, there goes the argument that McCain wins that battle. Now add in for the women that McCain is anti choice (of Late) then its not that big of a deal.
May 12, 2008 8:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I read this comment at over at taylormarch.com It’s from a Hillary supporter who is making get-out-the-vote calls to WVA. I wonder if this approach is considered an example of promoting feminist ideals.
http://www.taylormarsh.com/comments.php?postID=27645
“One guy said, "some Obama fellar told me the race was over"....he didn't say if it was by call or what and I didn't press him on it. Instead of calling the Obamabot a scum sucking liar in case he was friends with the person I appealed to the man's ego...I giggled like a school girl and said in my sweetest Southern drawl, "like you would even fall for that! He must not realize you are smart enough to know that's not true! Well, just in case he told anyone else that, you be sure and let them know what the real story is because like Bill Clinton says, they are just trying to discourage you is all" I could almost see his ego puff up over the phone signal...lol”
May 12, 2008 4:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks like Obama is going to lose in two landslides tomorrow. And when it happens many of his supporters will dismiss it as racism, which will only make matters worse as he goes up against the Republicans in November.
May 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't know that it will be largely attributed to racism. It's just that Hillary has been favored in WV for quite a while now, and regardless of the outcome, the results of the primary overall are likely to be unchanged.
The implications of tomorrow's primary for Obama's performance in the GE? I don't think anyone expects him to do well there in the GE, either.
May 12, 2008 5:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
There is only one election tomorrow. How can a man lose by two landslides in one election?
May 12, 2008 7:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Better than dimsissing it as two states in the primary should make up how we decide who is going to represent the Democratic party, and overcome a huge delegate and popular vote lead!
You want it to be about race, you fool knowone!
May 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes, he'll lose in West Virginia.
Care to explain where the other contest is being held?
May 12, 2008 8:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
State Hillary wins count twice... didn't you know that?
May 12, 2008 8:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Lol..
May 12, 2008 8:35 PM | Reply | Permalink