Tonight on MSNBC's Verdict Program Lawrence Odonnell cut through all the media hype regarding the democratic race. First off, while pundits like Morning Joes Scarborough and Mika wondered why Obama wouldnt pander on the gas tax, Odonnell cut through the bull. He made a point Obama should be using. In 1993 President Bill Clinton raised the gas tax 5 cents a gallon. So hoosiers and tarheels, Hillary, ready on day one to be COPANDER in chief, is offering you 18 cents a gallon relief for 3 months while you have been paying 5 cents more a gallon for 15 years because of her husband.
Secondly, in the 1992 election ODonnell noted that Bill Clinton mocked Tsongas because Bill was proposing a middle class tax break. Tsongas noted that Bill couldnt pay for it, Clinton mocked Tsongas as elitist and pressed ahead pandering to voters. 2 months after taking office Clinton withdrew his middle class tax break because he couldnt pay for it.
Lastly ODonnell took on just about every pundit and especially trust fund baby Tucker Carlson who happened to be on the show. In a side note, Hillary supporters dont you notice your biggest supporters among pundits are conservatives--doesnt that tell you something? You know the running theme, Obama cant win the working class white voters. Anways back to ODonell who quickly turned the tables asking why Hillary cant do better with the black vote. When Dan tried to jump in to save Tucker ODonnell calmy noted if either candidate is the nominee they will get the others democratic vote in large measure.
If I was the Obama campaign in the coming states I would use both points ODonnell made, first that people have been paying 5 cents more a gallon for FIFTEEN years because of a Clinton and secondly the Clintons have a record of not living up to their panders. Hillary has no way in the present tense to pay for her 3 month gas tax holiday, and everyone knows it, she just needs to be called on it. Lastly I would hire ODonnell in a heartbeat if I was Obama.