I don't see any harm coming to Obama's candidacy by those on the lefg criticizing him, even vigorously, and sometimes, disagreeably. If anything, Obama's response to these arguments will strengthen his independence from the left, and his appeal as his "own man" with his own opinions. In addition, those on the left who are criticizing Obama have valid arguments, and the harder they push, the more likely he will reconsider or incorporate their views into his thinking.

Obama is a consensus builder, and, unlike our current President, actually considers a variety of viewpoints before making a decisions. This is why he is strongly considering the Lincoln "team of rivals" approach to a Cabinet. I daresay that some of the arguments late at night in that White House were less than "agreeable", and America turned out OK.

Posted at July 2, 2008 1:34 PM in response to OMG We Might Disagree

The FISA court is a rubber stamp no matter what, and has been since its inception. They have rejected, what 5 out of 10,000 warrant requests?

We sold our souls down the river long ago on this issue.

Posted at July 1, 2008 12:27 PM in response to Has Senator Obama returned to his principled position on retroactive immunity?

FISAmentum!

Posted at July 1, 2008 12:23 PM in response to Anti-FISA-Cave Group On Obama's Web Site Keeps On Growing

Yes, a big, bad scary man, this Obama.

Posted at July 1, 2008 12:16 PM in response to Obama Speech: We Can Expand Faith-Based Charities And Separate Church From State

Precisely, it IS TPM EC.....and this story is part of the daily messaging of the campaign, the kind of bread and butter, down in the dirt politics we come here for!

Posted at July 1, 2008 11:04 AM in response to McCain Camp Manufactures More Outrage Obama Over Wes Clark Comments

Thanks for calling them out on their bullshit, Greg.

Posted at July 1, 2008 11:02 AM in response to McCain Camp Manufactures More Outrage Obama Over Wes Clark Comments

I want to edit, and Since I called you out I feel I should elaborate. If you are talking about waffling fence sitting and generally weak kneed thinking and action, I agree with you totally....But I think you go to far implying you have to be on the strong left or right to have a valid opinion, and those in the middle are somehow inferior. Debra (WRONGLY) sugessted about those on the left are arrogant and self-righteous, and some are. I only suggest it is also wrong to diminish the role of the middle way, mediation, negotiation, compromise and yes, moderation and centrism in our political process. Didn't want to start a fight, and I enjoy your posts and vigor for your causes. But as a person who does mediation, negotiating for a living, I have developed a strong respect for consensus builders, those that can bring diverse views to the table and get things done. That is what Obama is promising as much as adherence to a particular issue or another. I don't blame him for hitting MoveOn for that tactless and ridiculous "Betray Us" crap. It certainly seems silly now, in light of some limited success in Iraq, which most agree is a result of the surge and Petraeus' counter insurgency techniques. I also think Clark is being insensitive to the realities of McCain's service, and the impact of his time in captivity. One could easily say Clark's time at HQ in Europe doesn't quite live up to "combat" experience and who is he to say anything. This sort of thing just shows how ill advised this sort of line of attack is. And Obama, who never served, is right ti=o shut it down fast.

Posted at June 30, 2008 6:24 PM in response to Obama's Patriotism Speech Stresses Life Story, Criticizes MoveOn

Aren't most Americans in the middle? Whether they consider themselves Democrat or Republican, most people identify with moderate, centrist positions. I realize that isn't the case here at TPM, but let's not forget we need to appeal to a majority this November, and seeming to fit the bill as the "most liberal Senator" is not a winning strategy.

criticizing supporters
all on your own,
when you're not even being challenged on it, yeah,
that Indie Pro is brilliant.

Just sayin'

Posted at June 30, 2008 6:01 PM in response to Obama's Patriotism Speech Stresses Life Story, Criticizes MoveOn

Is that thing postdated? If not, I would cash that sucker IMMEDIATELY!

Posted at June 27, 2008 3:37 PM in response to Bill And Hillary Max Out To Obama, Giving $4,600 To His Campaign

"positions suck"...Which ones?

"war over advisors"....Link?

Gotta give us some substance and allow responses, unless you just came to make a point, period, and don't care to debate.

Posted at June 27, 2008 3:35 PM in response to Obama Social Networking Group Forms -- To Pressure Obama On FISA