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Obama's Speech On Economy Is All About McCain -- No Mentions Of Hillary

Talk about pivoting to a general election footing.

Barack Obama just gave a speech on the economy today in Oregon, and the prepared remarks just landed in my inbox.

Number of paragraphs drawing a contrast with McCain on everything from taxes to health care to gas prices to Iraq: Nine.

Number of mentions of Hillary, either explicit or implicit: Zero.

Full speech after the jump.

It's great to be back in Oregon. Over the last fifteen months, we've travelled to every corner of the United States. Now I know that if you listen to Washington or pay attention to the pundits, you hear a lot about how divided we are as a people. But that's not what I've found as I've travelled across this great country.

Everywhere I go, I've been impressed by the values and hopes that we share. In big cities and small towns; among men and women; young and old; black, white, and brown - Americans share a faith in simple dreams. A job with wages that can support a family. Health care that we can count on and afford. A retirement that is dignified and secure. Education and opportunity for our kids. Common hopes. American dreams.

That's why this election is so important. Because for far too many Americans, those hopes and dreams are slipping away. We just came through the first period of sustained economic growth since World War II that saw incomes drop. People are working harder for less. You're paying more for gas, and groceries, and tuition. Millions of families are facing foreclosure. We've already lost hundreds of thousands of jobs this year.

To be sure, some of these problems are a result of changes in our economy that no one can control. But instead of helping, Washington's policies have made it worse.. Instead of expanding opportunity for working people, we've tried to grow our economy from the top down, and eventually that pain trickled up. Instead of making sure that people can live their dreams on Main Street, we've tilted the scales for special interests and Wall Street. Instead of saying "we're all in this together" as Americans, Washington has sent a message that says - "you're on your own."

John McCain has served his country with honor, and I respect that service. But it was dead wrong when he said recently that he thinks our economy has made "great progress" under George Bush. Is there anyone outside of Washington D.C, who could truly believe that? Do you? Senator McCain is running for President to double down on George Bush's failed policies. I am running to change them, and that will be the fundamental difference in this election when I am the Democratic nominee for President.

We have a difference on taxes. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans; I want to give a tax cut to working people. I admired Senator McCain when he said he could not "in good conscience" support the Bush tax cuts. But now, as the Republican nominee, he's fully embraced them. He wants to give a permanent tax cut to the wealthiest Americans who don't need them and didn't ask for them while working people are struggling. And for all his talk about fiscal responsibility, he's proposed $400 billion in tax cuts without any word about how he'll pay for him. That's exactly the kind of attitude that has shifted the burden on to the middle class, and mortgaged our children's future on a mountain of debt.

I think it's time to restore fairness and responsibility to our tax code. We need to reward work - not just wealth. We need to stop giving tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas, and put a tax cut in the pockets of middle class Americans. That's why I've proposed a "Making Work Pay" tax credit of up to $500 for workers, and $1,000 for working families. This will cut taxes for 150 million Americans. It will help you deal with rising costs, and give our economy a boost by easing the burden on Main Street.

We have a difference on health care. John McCain wants to continue a George Bush approach that only takes care of the healthy and the wealthy; that allows insurance companies to discriminate and deny coverage to those Americans who need it most. This is exactly the kind of approach that has left out tens of millions of Americans. It's why you are struggling with rising costs. And it's why we have failed to solve our health care crisis year after year after year.

I think it's time to finally make health care affordable and accessible for every American. We need to stand up to the insurance companies and the drug companies. We need to bring Americans together. And we need to pass a plan that lowers every family's premiums, and gives every uninsured American the same kind of coverage that Members of Congress give themselves.

We have a difference on gas prices. John McCain has embraced a gas tax gimmick that - when it's said and done - will save you less than thirty dollars this summer. This is a classic Washington fix that's more about getting John McCain through an election than solving your problems. It will put more money in the pockets of the oil companies. It's bad for our environment. And it won't bring own gas prices over the long term - most economists think it will send those prices up.

I believe we owe the American people the truth. That's why my plan to lower gas prices raises fuel efficiency standards on cars; invests in alternative energy to end our addiction to oil; and creates millions of new Green Jobs while saving our planet in the bargain. That's the kind of change we need in Washington.

We have a fundamental difference on our priorities for the presidency. John McCain wants to continue George Bush's war in Iraq, losing thousands of lives and spending tens of billions of dollars a month to fight a war that isn't making us safer. I want to end this war. I want to invest that money in America - in our roads and bridges and ports. And I want to invest in millions of Green Jobs, so that we finally develop renewable energy, end our addiction to oil, bring those gas prices down, and save our planet in the bargain.

There will be real differences on the ballot in November. And that's what elections should be about. John McCain will stand with Washington's tried and failed approaches of the past; I will stand with the American people on behalf of a new direction for working people. Because I believe it's time for America to once again be a place where you can make it if you try. I believe it's time for Washington to work for your hopes, for your dreams. That's the choice I'll offer in this campaign. And that's what I'll do every day as President of the United States.


Comments (85)

Hillary who?

hillary. the guy who climbed mount everest. he died recently, but i don't understand why obama would mention the guy in a speech.

Only Hillary (Sir Edmund) could carry the all-important Sherpa vote.

Obama's writing off the human-mule vote. Dangerous territory if you ask me.


/snark

This is a nice segue into the general election.

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Great interview with Jim Clyburn.

http://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/no_20080509_6743.php

Boy, he's good! ;)

There will be real differences on the ballot in November. ... John McCain ... I ...

is this his first primary victory declaration?

Why would he contrast himself from a jr senator in his own party?

What is Obama doing!!?!

Didn't he get Hillary's POWERPOINT presentation this morning?!

Clearly she's the favorite of literally TENS of representatives who quite strongly believe that Hillary may be a more formidable opponent in November! Or at least, you know, publicly they say that!

Ignore her at your own peril, Barack!

It came in the mail but the floppy disk was crushed.

Now that was bloody brilliant.

What he said!

John McCain has embraced a gas tax gimmick that - when it's said and done - will save you less than thirty dollars this summer.

No. It won't save you anything, is the correct line. Poo-pooing $30, while accurate, is not the right message.

By the way, it's time he starts running a few ads against McCain-on issues, in key states.

DNC already has been doing that.

or they not mostly on the Iraq 100 years proposal? It's a good one, but I'm thinking candidate v. candidate.

I mean "are they".

Also, I think reminding ex-hillary support, what's at stake because now that she is finished they'll take a stock all over again.

I mean "are they".

Also, I think reminding ex-hillary support, what's at stake because now that she is finished they'll take a stock all over again.

The one I've also seen in WI is hitting him on his comment that the economy has made great progress under Bush.

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Maybe a loop of his remarks last week where he said he would appoint SCOTUS judges in the mold of Scalia and Roberts. That should get people thinking about the stakes of this election...

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Wouldn't Obama be on tricky ground funding-wise if he starting attacking McCain in ads. He hasn't finalized how he would finance the GE, and going after McCain with dollars might backfire this early.

I've seen the DNC "100 year war in Iraq ad" about 100 times already.

I like it. Silence. Maybe if we all do it. No talking and no blogging about her. The cold shoulder.

Now, how to get the MSM to shut their yaps..hmmm If they went cold on her, how long do you think she would last.

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That will never happen. If it did Bill would have another temper tantrum and play the race card, again, and the media would swarm.

They (the media) can't help themselves. They have this pavlovian response to the Clintons, it is disgusting.

And neither Bill nor Hillary can stand not being in the spotlight. It is all they live for, well, that and crown royal.

Too late - Bill's already his tantrum for the week:

http://rawstory.com/rawreplay/?p=1017

More and more unglued every day, isn't he? Poor guy...

I saw the video clip. Bill rants about how hard Hillary worked on her health care proposal (for the hardworking whites in the audience), but not a word about what it actually accomplished -- nada, zilch, except unless you count setting back health care legislation 16 years an accomplishment.

**She needs to be "Gravelled."

Everyone so concerned here. Let me check the calendar again. Let's see... Today is 5/9/2008. The election is on 11/04/2008. That looks like the election is 6 months away...

Ok, I guess being a little patient is warranted. PEOPLE! It's STILL VERY EARLY!

I think too many of us have been on the high wire, high tension primary act for so long we have lost sight of the reality of the General Election.

Plus, Obama does not officially have the nomination (yet), though it is quite obvious that he is the inevitable/presumptive nominee. In the meantime, he should parry attacks from the Republicans, then go on offensive once securing the nomination, officially.

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No, Obama should pivot to McCain as much as possible. He has to stop this free ride that McCain has been getting.

Check out the Michelle Obama Song.

Did anyone see Stephen Colbert last night?

Arianna Huffington said Iraq was the equivalent of Viagra to John McCain.

Ouch.


He replied: The warning label on that oughta be "if your erection lasts more than a 100 years, pull out."

Damn he's good.

I thought "I think they've just branded McCain in an unforgettable way...."

I hope that segment gets some play on the tubez of the internets.

Gotalife - where are you? - I'm drowning in Cool Aid and need your help. Tell some turth here!

Please, don't feed the trolls.

Watched it on CNN.

This guy needs to pick up his energy level.

A real snoozer and acts like he is the old man in the race.

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Thanks for listening and for the constructive criticism.

You tell 'em gotalife. Everyone knows - Obama has always been a lackluster speaker. I personally haven't listened to any of them (too busy posting with you buddy).

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Well, he does have a point that Obama's better at composition than speaking. Just compare the audio and transcript of his race speech: even though it was clearly written for verbal presentation, it still reads better than it sounds coming from Obama.

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David Duke to Hillary Clinton:

"You had me at White Americans."

LOL @ liam..

Man...you guys are on a roll today. I'm spewing cola out of my nose now. :)

LOLOLOL! ;)

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LOL. I'm trying to focus on the General Election, but this post was too funny to ignore....

Triangulation at it's best.

I don't get your comment.

Nice avatar.

Yeah - not as good as chicken on head though - so well thought out!

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This is exactly the way to go. Compare and contrast with the nonexistent policies offered by McBush.

On point and pitch perfect. Bring on the general!

Love it! Targeted, direct, confident.

Looking forward to more - keep the campaign on message and substantive.

Hillary will be ignored.

Congrats to Josh on the new addition to his family.

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Something we all can agree on. Congrats Josh!

Yes, Josh - the baby is absolutely beautiful! Congratulations - hope mom and baby are doing wonderfully! :)

I took it as pandering, simply can't bring myself to agree with gotalife.

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That is one beautiful baby.

And let me be the first to add an "awwwwwww . . ."

barack obama is stupid..... he ain't visiting West Virginia or Kentucky..... how stupid is that..... he is just going to let Hillary win HUGE ...... what an stupid guy......lol

Also Hillary is brilliant. Absolutely fucking brilliant.

Thanks Hillary. Finally, atlast thank you Madame.

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It's not stupid to waste a lot of money on a state you know you're going to lose in. How much money did Hillary spend in SC again? It sure paid off. I think one of her campaign managers said they could have spent 1/3rd the money and gotten as many votes.

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Good for Obama...now if the media and blogs would follow suit it would be far better for the party and country.

This primary is over...the Clintons are irrelevant.

I am SOOOO looking forward to this election! The Republicans aren't going to know what hit them -- and ironically enough, his name will be "Hussein."

Looks like Obama still has no gas plan.

Maybe he will step up when it hits $200 but will be too late.

Go Obama.

Do nothing.

Way to lead Obama.

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Here is his energy plan you insufferable little troll twit.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/energy/

That is long term moron.

He has nothing.

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His plan is better than Hillary's or McSames.

Of course you like pandering, because you are a gullible little troll who gets his news from Fox News.

You know, Hillary has lost, and McCain is going to lose too. Then what will you whine about?

You mean only a quick-fix, vapid, nonsolution will satisfy you?

GotALife, meet Senator McCain. I'm sure the two of you will be very happy together.

Perhaps you should check out his proposal for a windfall profits tax on oil companies.

The plan would target profit from the biggest oil companies by taxing each barrel of oil costing more than $80, according to a fact sheet on the proposal. The tax would help pay for a $1,000 tax cut for working families, an expansion of the earned- income tax credit and assistance for people who can't afford their energy bills.

You might not like that plan, but it is a plan and it is "short term."

Yeah - it's just like W said "no energy plan!" - Right GL?

Seriously - this guy needs to start leading - I think it's important that we reiterate this message over and over! It says so little - but at the same time - says so much about our willingness to have an honest discussion about this election! Enough of this distractionary nonsense - right?

Please, don't feed the trolls.

Another "awwwwwwwwwwww" from me!

Back to the campaign: I think Obama needs to keep hammering McCain's 50 long years of service. "Subliminability" goes a long, long (old) way.

Oh, and Goatlife, this one's for you:

Electablity Isn't Enough

The standard now is much higher--Clinton also needs to convince Superdelegates that the party will stay unified behind her if Obama is denied the nomination.

Are we there yet?

Good for him. I've been saying for weeks that he should just completely focus on John McCain.

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Maybe this has been said elsewhere, but it occurred to me that the gas tax holiday is a classic 'rainmaker' con.

If prices, for whatever reason, happen to drop, McCain can take credit.

If prices go up (either despite or because of the holiday) he can still say, "Whew! Imagine how much worse it would be if we didn't do it!"

The longer Hilary keeps at this the easier it is to make the argument that she's really trying to damage Obama enough so that he'll loose the general election thus clearing the way for her to run again in 2012.

woops... substitute lose for loose.

I believe his short term plan is to get the oil men out of the White House.

Shrewd plan!

PIVOTS?????

Obama's got a basketball jones
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIbp5C-5WXM

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Just got back from his speech in Albany, OR 2-3 hours ago. There was only one explicit mention of Hillary Clinton--a reference to the gas tax holiday. But even then, it was only couched in terms of "Senator McCain and Senator Clinton think this is a good idea"; as he continued on the topic, though, he ONLY focused on McCain's support of it.

In a half-hour stump speech and a half-hour town hall Q&A session, no other mention of Clinton.

McCain gave a speech today with no mention of Huckabee.

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