Frustrated with Obama campaign

Yes , yes , i know many of my fellow Obama supporters will jump on this diary to bash me and accuse me of being a concern troll , but i want you to at least hear me out with my complaints about how Obama has been running his campaign and i strongly believe he could get "Kerry.ed" if he doesn't wake up very soon.

Every major websites like RCP or pollster.com ,  who covers states and national polls have come to the same conclusion that Obama 's numbers have slipped.

Even Nate at 538(who like myself , is an Obama supporter) agrees that Obama is on the decline.

For the first time since shortly after clinching the Democratic nomination, we now have Barack Obama as less than a 60 percent favorite to win the election. Our simulations presently project Obama to win the election 58.4 percent of the time, with McCain winning the remaining 41.6 percent.

Nate's simulator is clearly showing what everyone else is showing , which is Obama is slumping..

Unfortunatly , some of my fellow Obama supporters still refuses to admit that his numbers is slipping , and this really upsets me  because i'm kind of scared the Obama campaign may be acting the same way by arrogantly acting like this race is not close.

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

My beef with the Obama campaign is not necessarily about the slippage at the polls , but it's because i see what he's doing wrong and i'm shock that they haven't fix it or arent even doing anything to fix it.

What's clearly wrong is , the Obama people are running a funny "soft" campaign against McCain.

What i mean by that is , they arent challenging McCain or going very negatives or pound him repeatedly after all his mistake.

They have a very weak "press shop" who only reacts to event , instead of creating offensive move against McCain.

I'm 100 certain the reason the race is tightening  is because the GOP/McCain campaign are pounding Obama everyday and going very negatives

Don't believe me , take a look at every single state polls who releases their "disapproaval and approaval" ratings.

Take a look at every rassussenreport state poll...I want you to just look at the "negatives rating"...What you will notice is that Obama's "strong negatives" is twice as high as McCain" strong negatives".

This in itself clearly is the result of the pounding Obama has been receiving since day one , from McCain.

What frustrates me about Obama is , he seems like he doesnt give a fuck.

Obama thinks he's already president , and this is why his campaign arent doing their own offensive move to raise McCain's negative..

Even among democrat , McCain's negatives is respectable....This shows you how soft a campaign Obama has been running against McCain since his negatives is still low among Obama's base , in compare to past GOP candidate.

Obama refused to pound McCain on the Phil gramm fiasco...This to me shows Obama thinks he can win this by just playing the nice guy...

I just hope Obama wakes up and get his team to go on offense and do more to brand McCain as the angry guy.

Just yesterday , McCain took one of the nastiest shot at Obama by accusing him of wanting to lose a war to win a campaign , but yet , i havent heard a peep out of the Obama campaign

I'm sick and tired of this softy campaigning and i want more strenght...I want to see the campaign to create attacking move and continue to pound a consistent negative attack on McCain.

I'm very frustrated by this and what pisses me off the most is the fact this race is very close , but for some reason , the Obama campaign are arrogantly acting like they're ahead by 20.

Anyway , call me a troll all you want , but i will warn the Obama campaign that Kerry ran a similar weak campaign by refusing to go on offense against Bush and pretty much allowed the GOP to repeatedly attack him....By november , Kerry had been branded as a soft french man who is soft on national security.

•  Trolling? Or just deluded?

  When the Republicans and the traditional media are all whining about Sen. Obama's mastery of the message, your assertion is pretty infantile.

  by doorguy on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:44:39 AM PDT

  •  How about neither?

    Why are there so many f*cking smug Obama supporters?  I don't see his campaign doing much to go after McCain on his many vulnerabilities.

    (And to save you some time, no, I was not/am not a Clinton supporter.  Just a Democrat who is sick of losing.)

    by beemerr on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:49:20 AM PDT

    •  I'll tell you why

      but I can only answer for myself. I first got involved in politics in 1972. That's when I became old enough to vote. By 1974, I was disabused of my optimism, my political idealism, and about 600 hours worth of activist labors.

      I've always voted Democrat, every election, every office, and every time it was because the Democratic candidate was the lesser of two evils.

      The only two candidates I've every supported wholeheartedly were local county commission candidates who were personal friends. I've never known a state or national candidate whom I trusted beyond exigency. I've always believed in circumstances, not candidates.

      Sen. Obama is the first candidate for a major office whom I trust beyond the normal exigency---I trust him to do the right thing, not the best political thing.

      I watched the Andrea Mitchell NBC report video after reading all the "Andrea Antichrist" comments (not to mention the diarist's compelling take.

      The Sen. Obama I saw on that video is a president and commander in chief I am proud to support. I feel a sense of relief that the ugly future of America envisioned by the most nihilistic of the neocons isn't going to take place after all.

      Sen. Obama is not the lesser of two evils, in my opinion. Opposed by a combination of pure evil, greed, apathy, ignorance and malfeasance, he is not only good but good, smart and honorable. I hope his FISA failure will be the only disappointment I have to suffer between now and 2016, but that's my old idealism raising its ugly head again.

      But the Sen. Obama I saw on NBC tonight telling the press that he might agree with Gen. Petreus if he were general, but that his role as a candidate and potential commander in chief is to take the bigger view.

      I don't mean to appear smug. My smugness isn't because Sen. Obama is winning. My smugness is because, for the first time in my life, the candidate who's doing the right thing because it's the right thing appears to have the support of the majority of Americans.

      I agree that some of Sen. Obama's support is out there on the edge. Politics attracts and feeds that kind of sentiment. But I don't think Sen. Obama's campaign is driven by it, nor do I think his campaign is driven by practical politics.

      It's driven, I think, by a sense of honor and decency. The fact that it's the winning combination at the moment?

      For the first time in my life, I'm really proud of my country.

      by doorguy on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:22:32 AM PDT

      •  I remember the same arguments

        during the primary when his numbers slumped. We need not focus on the day to day numbers. Rather, Obama is investing his political capital doing what is necessary to better claim his due when it comes to actually casting votes.

        I remember fretting over his failure to run ads to counter those run by other primary candidates. Yet, the Obama team had put together a strategy that would build on his strengths. While this brief hiatus will effect his daily numbers, in the long run the respect he gains on the world stage and building relationships with the press will be invaluable.

        Just be patient. Changing the subject, my bigger fear is the report that Georgia's electronic voting system has again been put into question. No matter how the people vote, we will need to question results if our system is shown hackable.

        by mperloe on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:29:24 AM PDT

      •  Yeah -- what you said, Doorguy! n/t

        by Yasuragi on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:46:49 AM PDT

      •  Doorguy, even so often on Kos I read someone's

        views expressed so eloquently, so insightful that I re-read and then re-read again.  This post was one of them.  I will carry what you said throughout my day.  I love to read passionate opinions written well--this is definitely one of them.  Rec to you and Thanks!

        by DEQ54 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:44:09 AM PDT

      •  Beautifully stated...

        and, add to this, there is some time left before the conventions when the two candidates are still only the 'presumed' nominees.

        This is a good time for Obama to be playing it 'soft'.  When you start out at fortissimo there's no place left to go.  He'll need the higher volume for the GE.

        by pvlb on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 06:42:04 AM PDT

    •  It's Still Pre-Season

      McCain and crew have to resort to the "kitchen sink" strategy at this early date because they can't get any traction.  We've got plenty of time to respond - but we might as well wait until more voters are paying attention.

      Also, McCain has been busy providing us with the ammunition we can use against him in the fall.  Nor do I see any signs of Barack passively accepting any swift-boat attacks.

      And frankly, I believe Obama has just enjoyed one of the best weeks I've ever seen in several decades worth of political observation.

      by brentmack on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:39:42 AM PDT

  •  Neither

    Just a cowering, handwringing doomster who, instead of focusing on donig something constructive, hangs on every shred of potentially negative news. I guess it's not suprising; Democrats have been so pummeled over the last decade that we're afraid of our own shadows and see certain defeat around every corner. But seriously, we need to get over it. This diary is so full of hopelessness, based on nothing, that it's just not useful.

    by anastasia p on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:02:00 AM PDT

    •  You make an excellent point

      Polls will be going up and down throughout the summer and we're going to give ourselves ulcers if we let each slight downward trend freak us out, considering that there isn't much we can do, save for work hard and campaign for Obama.

      by metal prophet on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:43:29 AM PDT

  •  The big message was from Cass, and a bad

    message it was. How DARE he suggest that we ignore all the crimes committed by this white house?

    by agnostic on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:25:01 AM PDT

    •  Obama needs to replace...

      ....Susstein with Jonathan Turley sooner rather than later.

      by metal prophet on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:44:22 AM PDT

      •  that would be brilliant.

        imagine the US having the Rule of Law again, AND a constitution!

        by agnostic on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:02:24 AM PDT

        •  And FISA ...?

          Sorry - had to do a dig.

          More on topic (has Obama peaked - basically) ... I think maybe. To me his campaign seems to be a continuation of the primary. Some people love it and others are not quite sure. It may be as simple as part of the people see the glitz and glamour and find it appealing and others looking at the same thing do not see it as presidential or are made more suspicious. It might be that Obama can change up the campaign a little and reach a lot more of the undecided, sceptical voters. It might be that the "Kansas values" ads make people mor ecomfortable with him and the soft support with firm up and the undecideds will break allowing him to win big. But it also might be that we are headed for a lot closer election than most of us would have suspected given the conditions.

          I think one absolute fact is that McCain has not run a decent campaign to date and is still hanging in there. That is troubling. As much as I dislike Romney, should he be the VP pick he is going to infuse cash into the GOP coffers and he is going to help in some battle ground states. A poor VP selection by Obama and the race could tighten. I also think a "conservative" pick (say a Sam Nunn) could hurt in that the "change" may be perceived a little or marginal change (and that is about what I expect) which undercuts why one should vote for Obama.

          by Savid on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:20:07 AM PDT

•  Im sorry..cant take it anymore

  Im tired of this "i'm above the fray' campaigning.

  Obama doesnt even have to be the one going on offense....He could get his surrogate to push a single message in unison..Get his press shop to create offensive move......Run some very aggressive attack ads...Get at least one strong negative ad that would make the McCain camp scream foul.

  They arent doing none of that and i'm a bit frustrated by their campaigning.

  by BlueStateLiberal on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:46:04 AM PDT

  •  while I've slammed Obama and his

    campaign more than once, I think he's doing exactly what he needs to do at this stage of the game.

    He's looking and acting Presidential.

    The voters here need to know that he can do that. Bonus points because he's doing a more successful job of that overseas than Bush ever did or "Insane" McCain can. More bonus points because this was "Insane" McCain's idea. He's doing so well at this that a GOP Senator had to be reminded by Larry King that he hasn't quite been elected yet.

    Other than politics junkies and Republicans who fear being buried under a landslide, people aren't paying that much attention to the campaign as such. But they are seeing Obama looking like a President overseas.

    by alizard on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:35:26 AM PDT

    •  Exactly.

      The campaign is responding.  But right now, Obama is hitting where it hurts.  C in C.  And he's doing well.  

      Convention is coming up.  No need to show all our cards yet.  Let's just get those images out there.  And we can pick up the slack on the attacks.  By keeping McCain screw ups on the rec list.  By adding important things to message boards.  By adding comments to youtube.  

      Registering to vote.  Things of that nature.

      by Lava20 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:39:43 AM PDT

      •  CinC .... maybe but I don't think so

        Where it hurts right now is the economy and neither candidate has found a voice on that subject that resonates. It may be that Obama had already passed the threshold (presidential, ready for the office) and that is sufficient IF the election is won on other issues which I believe will be the case.

        I personally think Obama failed to back track far enough from the "surge failed" commentary - his visit to Iraq afforded his a golden opportunity that he did not take full advantage of in my view. He has to avoid applying a "failed strategy" to Afghanistan (and I think a surge in Afghanistan faces many difficulties ann is perhaps riskier than in Iraq ..... especially without Pakistani help). He may also have to have a time table, exit plan, well defined mission, etc. for Afghanistan - all things he and other dems demanded from the current administration. Right now McCain has a 100 year war in Iraq (dem talking point) and both McCain and Obama have an eternal war in Afghanistan.

        by Savid on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:28:43 AM PDT

  •  I have to say that these type of

    concerns come regularly, when things seem to slow down a bit. And every time Obama has given the adequate response at the right time. I think you should have more faith in him. He sure knows what he is doing.

    by Fairy Tale on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:05:04 AM PDT

  •  Who knows more?

    You or Obama? Seriously.

    Don't be frustrated by what you see in the media or the polls. You focus on registering new voters and sending in money. Thats your role, thats my role. Play your position with gusto.

    Obama will go on offense when the time is right. You gotta have some faith in the campaign my friend. Relax, and do your part.

    by brooklynbadboy on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:34:58 AM PDT

•  Your impression clearly conflicts with what I'm

  observing.

  It seems as though you believe that the only way Obama can win is to engage in the same kind of nasty politics that defined the past two decades. Yet he's made clear from the onset that he's not playing that game.

  What I see on the ground here in New Hampshire is an incredibly aggressive and effective operation. Obama Fellows and volunteers have been actively canvassing neighborhoods, targeting independent voters and voters who have historically voted Republican but this year selected a Democratic ballot for the primary.  And of the voters within those two categories contacted, eight out of ten say they're voting for Obama.

  It's about grassroots, neighbor to neighbor outreach. McCain is spending more on television - Obama is investing in a people-powered organization.

  I can tell you that we're "Fired Up and Ready to Go" here in Laconia, New Hampshire, and in fact, we're not only ready, we're rolling!

  by rontun on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:48:43 AM PDT

  •  Look

    3 polls in NH are all showing the race within the margin of error.

    One poll in MI is showing Obama up by only 2 point.

    If this doest wake up the Obama camp , i dont know what will.

    Nice guys doesnt win election...John Kerry by his ass whopped because he refused to go on offense.

    This above the fray campaigning is very frustrating to watch because all you see is the McCain people pounding Obama while he just take it...

    Kerry thought the attacks on his record was nothing untill it was too late.

    by BlueStateLiberal on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:57:11 AM PDT

    •  Well, given that you're the expert

      Why aren't you working for the campaign? Obviously, the Obama staffers are a bunch of amateurs who haven't any idea how to win.

      by rontun on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:07:06 AM PDT

  •  Same thing in Iowa

    He's running biography ads here bust the biggest effort is on the ground.  Voter reg and id are the highest priority and that is happening at the precinct level.

    by clonecone on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:59:50 AM PDT

  •  My NC experience is different ....

    An Obama group canvassed my neighborhood prior to the NC primary. They spent a lot of time with Obama supporters, less than one minute with me (an undecided registered dem), and a few seconds with my immediate neighbors who are republicans. I will credit the Obama group because this is the first time I have ever gotten anything more in any neighborhood where I have lived than a one page handout and a request to vote (have been engaged on campus and at my workplace). But those doing the engaging were it seemed far more comfortable with Obama supporters than others .... and it was a shame really because there are a lot of registered republicans that are unhappy and looking for a reason to change.

    by Savid on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:34:38 AM PDT

•  I agree with your sentiments

  It comes down to the communications team at Camp Obama.
  Bill Burton is weak and simply has to go. The campaign should go all out to to keep McCain on the ropes. But we hear nothing.

  by MercedesW126 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:48:44 AM PDT

  •  Perhaps you're not listening.

    Obama campaign taps Casey to rebut McCain commercial

    Obama brings the fight to McCain in N.C.

    Obama campaign: McCain flubs on Iraq timeline

    by rontun on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:03:44 AM PDT

  •  agree

    I get the feeling Obama thinks people will vote for him because he's the nicer guy...The problem is , many people are still uncomfortable with Obama's level of experience.

    I believe he needs to raise McCain's negative and needs to start now before it's to late.

    Obama has a ceilling which was created by Hillary's pounding and by Obama's own mistake of WrightGate and BitterGate +his inexperience.

    Obama needs to create a ceilling for McCain.

    Right now , based on Obama very high strong negatives , McCain's ceilling is much higher the Obama's.

    This is why Obama cant keep on running this soft campaigning.

    by BlueStateLiberal on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:06:48 AM PDT

    •  This is the best analysis

      I have seen yet on Kos. You are Recced.

      by MercedesW126 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:15:33 AM PDT

    •  You Should Dial Back That Concern

      Right now , based on Obama very high strong negatives , McCain's ceilling is much higher the Obama's.

      If the McCain campaign could place themselves in Obama's shoes - along with all of the other dynamics at work - they'd do it in a heartbeat.

      Time Magazine just speculated that McCain might be more of a no-shot rather than a long-shot.

      And frankly, I was just remarking today that HRC would have never been in this favorable position had she won the nomination.  So I think we're in good shape with a lot of work in front of us.

      by brentmack on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:49:41 AM PDT

    •  You're joking, right:

      "I get the feeling Obama thinks people will vote for him because he's the nicer guy.."

      You think the "I may be skinny, but I'm tough" line is just BS?

      I'm just going to be annoyed come fall when we have the whiners from the other direction complaining that Obama promised to play nicey nice but the campaign got so ugly ...

      by Anarchofascist on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:15:29 AM PDT

      •  I may be skinny but line ....

        Yeah, I kind of think if is BS.

        I do agree that Barack is a better choice than Hillary. I also agree that he is in a better position than Hillary would have been in at this point. And I don't think he is running a "nice" campaign.

        by Savid on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:39:49 AM PDT

•  I think the fact that Obama is overseas is part

  of it.

  I agree with you that the race HAS changed. And I think when Obama comes back, they will go on offense more.

  But, I think that things like the amazing ground game that the Obama campaign is busy building isn't really measured in the polls. I don't think that the horse race numbers will always reflect that.

  Also, I think he'll get a boost from his trip.

  by jenontheshore on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 01:54:21 AM PDT

  •  this is true

    he can't play politics while he's over there.  he's busy looking presidential.  it's part of the cost of all the benefits he's getting this week.

    maybe next week he'll come back and hit back hard.

    by tunesmith on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:12:09 AM PDT

  •  The polls that don't include cell phones

    throw the poll off.  Many younger voters don't use land lines anymore.  I rarely do.

    by Lava20 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:42:16 AM PDT

    •  heard this before

      I heard this cell phon stuff in TX,PA,OH and Obama lost all 3 states.

      I wouldnt put my hope on cellphone polls if i were Obama.

      The polls were for the most part , correct.

      Only in NH , the polls got it wrong , and it wasnt because of Obama's cellphone voters.

      by BlueStateLiberal on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:45:20 AM PDT

      •  Well.

        Seems like you have it all worked out.

        Guess we're fucked.

        by Lava20 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:56:13 AM PDT

      •  Actually the polls have been off

        RE: Texas, Operation Chaos did most damage there and Obama closed a 20 point gap in 3 weeks, AND won the delegates which IS after all the goal.

        RE: OH and PA, agree.

        However, a case where late polls were wrong - Indiana and NC polls UNDERESTIMATED Obama's numbers due in large part to huge margins he racked up in 18-34 demo.

        by scamperdo on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:59:25 AM PDT

      •  Why don't you direct your energy towards the

        media. They are the ones who are bashing Obama day in and day out and giving McLame a big pass. Call them, email them, bug them morning noon and night. Until the press stops their assault, it won't matter what Barack says. Demand critical coverage of McLame. His lie and cover up at CBS yesterday should be making front page news, but instead we are getting "why won't Obama admit the surge worked" crap. Direct your frustration where it will do some good.

        by pvmuse on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:37:43 AM PDT

      •  Random number

        selection picks up cell phones

        by LI Mike on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:56:48 AM PDT

        •  Cell phones aren't called in polls.

          It's not legal.

          The random number selection picks from a pool of residential landline numbers.

          by yg17 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 06:09:10 AM PDT

  •  Obama is putting the CIC credentials to rest

    with this trip, so he can now be considered a player in foriegn policy. He is getting rid of the Right Wing talking points, more and more of them everyday.

    But I would like more negative too. I understand he wants to unite the country and avoid the partisan divide that keeps us from getting anything meaningful done. But yes, surrogates need to go negative.

    McCain is making that easy because as he continues to get the facts wrong, he give us FACTUAL actual things to accuse him of, not just spin.

    by karenc13 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 06:25:37 AM PDT

•  Bill Burton has to go

  This is no time for amateurs. He is not upto the job and it shows.

  by MercedesW126 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:01:40 AM PDT

  •  Being that you're obviously the professional,

    what, precisely, would you prefer Bill Burton be doing?

    On what issue is he reacting ineffectively? And how would you respond differently?

    I love people who sit around bitching and so easily forget that this campaign has achieved the impossible. It successfully challenged and defeated the formidable Clinton machine - no small feat.

    It's raised more money than any campaign in history. It's actively pursuing a 50 state strategy.

    I hate to tell you, but Obama isn't about to stoop to whatever level you believe he should be wallowing in. He's in the midst of a global trip that has revealed him to be thoughtful, and presidential, establishing an image that McCain is drooling over.  

    Get a grip!

    by rontun on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:50:23 AM PDT

    •  Well Said!

      I love people who sit around bitching and so easily forget that this campaign has achieved the impossible. It successfully challenged and defeated the formidable Clinton machine - no small feat.

      This diary doesn't coincide with what I'm seeing.

      I see a John McCain who's becoming weaker by the day.

      by brentmack on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:56:10 AM PDT

    •  Look

      The campaign has doesn't  great no doubt. That is clear.
      Having said that, it is clear there are ares in which the campaign lags.

      But their were areas in which it always failed to match Clinton's effort.
      That was in setting their media agenda and driving it. Howard Wolfson was always better than Bill Burton. James Carville is better than both of them together.

      The campaign needs a pitbull, being nice does not cut it.

      by MercedesW126 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:18:05 AM PDT

      •  LOL.

        You think Wolfsom was better?

        Whoa.

        by Lava20 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:20:38 AM PDT

•  Well, his run to the center didn't help.

  But it's early enough that they can learn from their missteps.

  A minor dip does has its advantages.  Forces him to hunker down instead of taking things for granted.

  Let the economy stew a bit longer.  That's what people will be voting on.  That is ... if they can afford to drive to the polls.

  by RavinDave on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:06:54 AM PDT

  •  He didn't run to the center, McCain blogger

    How many points did you get for that one?

    What did he move to the center on?

    FISA is the only issue in which he's changed, and it's a questionable change at that.

    by JohnAdams999 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:20:54 AM PDT

    •  Er ... yeah. Me & Arianna. McCain hacks.

      Running to the center does not mean -- as you seem to believe -- jumping completely to the other side of the political spectrum.  It's simply modifying your professed views in the belief that they must be more palatable to a wider audience.

      And if -- again, as you assume -- it did not hurt him, you are left to explain the bazillion diaries here that  complained about that very thing.

      Or are ALL those Kossacks McCain moles?  (Funny, me and Arianna didn't see them at the strategy meeting).

      Get a grip.

      All I said was that he was tempering his views.

      by RavinDave on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:33:21 AM PDT

    •  Wow nice way

      to kneejerk there obamabot.
      See how fun it is to call each other names?

      Instead of debating RavinDaves point, you simply attack and name call.
      News flash...being critical of our candidate is essential to clarifying his views.

      But by all means just attack those whom you disagree with on one point.
      Increasingly the newer posters primarily simply stick their fingers in their ears and don't want to hear anything even remotely critical of Obama.

      Very immature.

      by AJsMom on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:38:11 AM PDT

•  his FISA capitulation

  is hurting his numbers among Democrats, especially in the recent Ohio polling. It remains to be seen whether he will be forgiven in time to rebound for November.

  by DavidHW on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:15:06 AM PDT

  •  he has three major and compelling

    advantages.

    • He isn't "Insane" McCain.
    • Nobody's talking about his 'apparent mental confusion or wondering if he'll last through 8 years of office.
    • Nobody thinks that his Presidency will be Bush's 3rd term

    No, this isn't enough to get him elected all by themselves. But he's out representing America to the rest of the world looking Presidential, something Bush never accomplished and someting McCain obviously isn't up to.

    He's already reshaped the debate on the War on Iraq and shredded McCain's talking points and is neutralizing McCain's "foreign policy experience" and probably the crap about McCain being "strong on terrorism". While carefully avoiding the appearance of partisanship. This kind of publicity does more damage to McCain than $50M of attack ads making the same point.

    Looks good so far.

    by alizard on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:42:56 AM PDT

    •  I dunno if it's an important barometer ...

      ... but I was struck by the positive press he has been getting in the international press over the past several days.  This isn't to say that they've been bashing him before, but -- at least in the ones I monitor -- there has always been a touch of aloofness, like he was an unknown commodity and they weren't sure if they'd be able to deal with him if elected.  (Particularly true in the Israeli sources I read).  Now, they're kinda warming up and seeing the substance that we always knew was there.

      Again, will their sentiments have any impact on us?  Maybe, maybe not.  But it certainly demonstrates that Obama has tapped into something positive and is adept at turning cynicism into optimism.

      by RavinDave on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:54:04 AM PDT

    •  Anyone of those three gets my vote.

      I can't understand all of the handwringing.  I am not saying it isn't meritous, I'm saying I don't get it.  But then, I thought Kerry was a cake walk and was stunned that 5o million people could be so dumb.  To me, some things are plain old obvious:  don't stand infront of a moving train, don't stick your finger into an electrical socket, don't run into a burning building, and don't vote for Republicans.  Jeez. I can't fathom how Barack can lose this election - even if McCain's mother is the only one voting.  

      by dkmich on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:59:20 AM PDT

•  Want to know why you didnt see Obama response re:

  Just yesterday , McCain took one of the nastiest shot at Obama by accusing him of wanting to lose a war to win a campaign , but yet , i havent heard a peep out of the Obama campaign

  Want to know why you didn't see Obama's response?

  The media didn't report it.

  by JohnAdams999 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:19:30 AM PDT

  •  I believe Joke Line (Joe Klein) was yammering

    about it (the "lose a war to win a campaign" bit)  yesterday but somewhat surprisingly came down on the side of Obama.

    It was also interesting to me that, after the New Yorker cover came out, even the conservative windbags - and McCain - denounced it.

    by Snud on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:53:24 AM PDT

  •  I have to believe

    that most people don't believe this line of rhetoric anyway.  People want this war to be over. Why should the Obama campaign respond to it? Senator Obama has put his money where his mouth is and proven that his 'vision' on Iraq was dead on!

    by MA Voter on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:57:02 AM PDT

•  He slipped due to Ohio polling

  That's it, even Poblano says it's basically due to one bad Ohio poll.  I think his campaign is doing great - this trip is awesome!

  by rdxtion on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:21:24 AM PDT

•  It might be media backlash

  I don't think Obama is acting like he's already President, but the media is.  This trip especially they are presenting him as a presidential figure, then complaining that he's arrogant for acting like he's already President.  

  We should remember that he's a strategy, big picture player, not a tactics guy.  Strategically, waiting to hit McCain hard in the two months before the election might be more effective than a lot of back and forth now.  Meanwhile, the campaign is working to register voters who may not be figured in likely voter models.  I'm not suggesting complacency, but I also don't think he's playing it badly.  McCain is hanging himself with all the free rope he's got right now.

  by loralei on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:23:48 AM PDT

  •  The ground game doesn't make for splashy headline

    So the most important aspect of any campaign, the ground game, rarely gets media coverage it deserves and thus gets greatly underestimated by outsiders and especially opponents (just ask Hillary Clinton... just ask John Kerry who underestimated Bush/Rowe evangelicals organizing efforts).

    The best part of the Obama campaign for me has been there steadfastness in face of such criticism such as yours. They don't daily shift their agenda, targets or gameplan... they have their eyes on the prize every single minute, and that's building the largest volunteer support army ever over the summer months, in order to wage 25-28 individual senate campaigns. The Obama fellows, the registration drives, the immense amount of work being done for state/national voter outreach database is far more important than controlling the media narrative each and every day.

    As one person in Chicago put it, if nothing else this overseas trip a major success if it distracts the press and GOP from smelling the real coup happening behind the scenes... their internals in several key states are far better than national polling, and they are only improving.

    Btw, any poll including that latest OHIO which has Obama losing 18-34 should be discounted. In fact, it's the 18-34 age group that's become hardest for pollsters to nail down this year, a big reason they underestimated Obama's numbers in Indiana and NC for example, in both state he racked up major wins in that demographic that late polling didn't catch.

    by scamperdo on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:44:28 AM PDT

  •  looks like so far the people

    who want most to think of Obama as President overseas are the foreign heads of state themselves. I suspect that the idea of dealing with an intelligent being instead of Bush greatly appeals to them.

    The King of Jordan drove Obama back to the airport personally. (he's a king, who's going to give him a speeding ticket?)

    His trip to Israel has already gotten off to a good start.

    He drew an unusually warm welcome from Israeli President Shimon Peres, who said his greatest wish is for a "great president of the United States. That is the greatest promise for us and the rest of the world."

    While that doesn't guarantee him the Jewish vote, I think the idea that the Israeli President is impressed with Obama certainly won't hurt him.

    by alizard on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:50:56 AM PDT

    •  Smiling photo ops with:

      Barak, Netanyahu, Peres already done.

      Abbas is next, then Livni, then Olmert.

      Everyone is lining up to shake hands and smile with the guy who very well may be the next U.S. president.

      by Anarchofascist on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:30:13 AM PDT

•  Peep?

  but yet , i havent heard a peep out of the Obama campaign

  Ummm, just a thought, but aren't they a little busy conquering the world right now?  They'll get to it, if necessary.  I kind of like letting McDoofus get himself all worked into a self-righteous lather and watching the gaffes, err, imbecilities fly.

  Besides, why nail idiot boy and his moran troops when if left to their own devices, the media starts to notice, and is starting to call him on the stooopids.

  Cheers!

  SophK

  p.s. There's medication for over active concern now.  Its trade name is "H0pe."

  by sophistry makes me tired on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:30:12 AM PDT

•  One of the problems with Psychic Hotline Analysis

  ...is that it lends itself to fundamental attribution error.

  Obama thinks he's already president , and this is why his campaign arent doing their own offensive move to raise McCain's negative..

  See, I'm quite confident that you are not psychic. If you can make your argument without that risible implicit claim, then great; otherwise, fuggedaboutit.

  by SciVo on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:33:45 AM PDT

  •  while I'm sure Obama knows he

    isn't President, a Republican Senator had to be reminded that he hasn't been elected yet.

    KING: Senator Hutchison, what's your read?

    HUTCHISON: I don't think it's fair to blame the Bush administration, when really it was the tax cuts that Bush put in place with Congress in 2001 and 2003 that kept our economy going, that made the stock market go higher, that really made more jobs being created than we had seen in the previous ten years. The Bush administration did a great job with the tax cuts.

    What I'm worried about with what President Obama has said he would do, if he is elected, is he would do away with the tax cuts, so that people will all of a sudden see capital gains and dividends go up. He would raise the bracket on every taxpayer. And I think that is going to be a jolt on our economy at a time when our economy needs propping up.

    KING: Senator, excuse me, he isn't the president. What caused the problems in the last couple of years?

    Straight off the Larry King transcript. How's that for a Freudian slip? Apparently, it isn't just foriegners and Democrats he looks Presidential to.

    by alizard on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:59:44 AM PDT

•  When Wes Clark tried to bite back...

  The Obama campaign left him to twist in the wind, and there was absolutely nothing wrong with Clark's comments.
  Clark stated very clearly his great respect for McCain's service and was still whacked.
  If this continues I see another instance of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
  This is politics, not an ice cream social!

  by manwithnoname on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 02:53:40 AM PDT

  •  Wes Clark...

    The Obama campaign left him to twist in the wind, and there was absolutely nothing wrong with Clark's comments.

    ... might be a great general.  But he's a below average politician.

    by brentmack on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:09:03 AM PDT

    •  What is the current line on VP? Anyone know?

      Just wondering if I've missed anything in the press lately.

      Not asking who you guys want -- just wondering if any tantalizing clues have been dropped recently.

      by RavinDave on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:16:34 AM PDT

      •  Personally Speaking...

        What is the current line on VP?

        I've heard the most buzz about Bayh, Biden and Jack Reed.

        Bayh seems to be working pretty hard for the job.  

        by brentmack on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:22:27 AM PDT

        •  All I can say is ...

          ... they'd better go with a someone with a bit of name recognition.

          I know that sounds cynical, but the simple fact is that vetting a new name (ie: new to most voters) in real time takes the emphasis off Obama.

          I have my personal favorite, but that's another thread.  ;)

          by RavinDave on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:35:01 AM PDT

        •  Bayh is horrible

          Whenever there is a rotten vote in the Senate, one in which the Democrats cave, Bayh is always listed. He has even gone so far as to give a speech to the Council on Foreign Relations advising Dems to get tougher on Defense. Huh? Democrats vote for all the Pentagon schemes, and actually support the troops. If Bayh is judging defense credentials based on whether or not someone supported the war in Iraq, as he did, then get him and his rightwing memes off the stage.

          Now Bayh is sponsoring a bill that would put a US blockade of Iran in place. No Bayh.

          by Donna Z on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 06:04:37 AM PDT

    •  I'm listening to him now

      Gen. Clark is on Morning Joe, not as a surrogate, and he is supporting Obama's recent statements. The interview that your referring was also supportive of Obama. When Schieffer accused Obama (not McCain) of not having flown a fighter jet. What would you have said? Ah....flying a fighter jet is not a requirement for the presidency.

      The below average politicians are the members of the Democratic ruling class who ran for cover under their favortie rocks. Democrats need to support Democrats. Republicans are usually wrong, but they don't leave their own twisting in the wind. Obama made the entire matter worse by misstating what General Clark said which did not devalue McCain's service. Too bad there was an absolute failure by Democrats to value General Clark's service.

      (Note: Just wrapping up, Gen. Clark was brilliant on Morning Joe when discussing the surge and the timeline of what has happened in Iraq.)

      by Donna Z on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:52:04 AM PDT

•  Obama is doing more...

  ...to lose the campaign, than McCain is doing to win it.

  by pintel on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:00:54 AM PDT

•  Fretters are gonna fret--

  that's what they do.  As one predisposed to fretting, I can empathize.  But I'm not fretting about the Obama campaign.  I like what I see and believe they know how to win elections.  I won't blast the fretters, though.  They just really, really want to win.  They need a hug and a bucking up, not a trashing.

  by imperturb on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:19:42 AM PDT

•  I understand your feelings.

  I disagree, but I understand your feelings.  And that's what this diary is really about.  Yes, it's frustrating when your champion (in the sense of one who fights for you) seems to be taking all of the punches but isn't dishing out any.  You want to see him get in there and throw a few.  You want to see him put the other guy on the mat once or twice, or at least ring his bell with a sharp jab.

  But this isn't a boxing match.  The better metaphor would be a poker tournament.

  I don't know if you've ever played in or watched one, but even a top player can go an hour or more without winning more than a piddling pot or two.  That's not that he isn't playing well.  Quite the contrary, it's because he is.  He's not taking rash chances on marginal hands, early in the tournament when there's more to be lost than won.  There's a saying in poker:  "You can't win the tournament in the first hour, but you can lose it."

  Obama is playing the hands he's dealt exceptionally well.  Right now it's the first hour or two of the tournament, the "summer doldrums" when most voters aren't paying close attention.  They're burned out from the primary rush and taking advantage of the summer to vacation, spend extra time playing with the kids, grill out in the back yard, and the like.

  Given that fewer voters are paying close attention, the political stakes are too small to take risks on marginal hands.  That's especially true if you're leading, as Obama is.

  Yes, McCain is attacking every day - taking huge risks on stone cold bluffs (lies) - because he has to.  McCain can't win a "positives" race, one run on the candidates' relative charisma, intelligence, and oratory.  Obama is simply far too formidable in all three, and McCain far too weak.  Nor can McCain run a brand name campaign, because it's a horrible year to be a Republican.  He has no choice but to try to smear Obama's image.

  And because Obama doesn't seem to have any buried skeletons of note, that means McCain is forced to grossly exaggerate or just make stuff up.  He has to bluff, hand after hand, with most of his chips at risk, hoping he won't get caught bluffing.  Any poker player will tell you that's a very risky way to play - sooner or later your bluff gets called - but McCain has no choice.

  So yes, it's frustrating to watch your champion get bluffed hand after hand, knowing he must be folding hands that would beat McCain's bluffs, leaving you wanting to scream:  "Just call this asshole down already!"

  But there's no good, strategic reason for Obama to try to snap off McCain in late July, when most of the chips (voters) are at another table (a picnic table, in fact) anyway.  Better to wait until the conventions, once the final table is set and all of the chips are in play.

  by NCrissieB on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:20:18 AM PDT

  •  If I could rec this a thousand times

    I would!

    by Lava20 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:26:34 AM PDT

  •  How many times during the primary

    did we see fretting diarists moaning why, oh why won't Obama put the smack down on Clinton.  Why is he being so nice?  Why is he letting her continue to run? and so on.

    Now we see voters energized in a 50 state strategy that increased Democratic voters ACROSS THE BOARD.  The Clinton fanatics would still be there regardless of the timing of her capitulation.  

    But the increased voters and the excitement generated by the feeling of being included from the later voting states would not have been.

    Our cup was way over half full then and it is still.  We saw over the lengthy primary season who was really in it to win it.  And there is no reason to doubt that philosophy now.

    by crazyshirley2100 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:37:29 AM PDT

    •  A bit different, but yes.

      Obama couldn't have stopped Hillary Clinton from completing the primary season, nor should he have.  Her "playing to the last whistle" was good for the campaign, good for women, and the Democratic Party as a whole.

      But yes, I agree that he's playing this much the same:  why be the aggressor and take those risks when you're leading?

      The key is that, in a campaign, every act of the campaign must have a reason ...

      ... and the emotional satisfaction of hitting back can never be the reason.

      by NCrissieB on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:59:14 AM PDT

•  Your problem is that you are THINKING

  rather than EMOTING, which indicates that you have violated the First Rule Of Show Business:

  Know Your Audience.

  By seeking to provide objective analysis, you are alienating yourself from the herd. Given that you obviously possess a deep visceral need for group acceptance, it would be tragic for you to become a pariah.

  Therefore, here are some helpful hints on How To Make Friends And Influence People On DailyKos, faithfully communicated by someone who refuses to do either:

  #1 Never criticize Barack Obama. Directly or indirectly. Explicitly or implicity. Never. Jamais. If for any reason Obama ever pushes Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg over Niagara Falls, be ready to insist that she was asking for it.

  #2 Make extensive use of profane venting towards dissidents.  Helpful phrases include "Fuck that shit, you salad tossing troll!" and "You neocon asshead. I hope you die and take your slut mother with you!"

  #3 Mindless cheerleading yields handsome ratings rewards. Consider anthems like "We're on our way to victory!" and "There is no stopping Barack now!!!!!!" Many Kossacks will actually take time out of their busy lives to ratify these profound sentiments.

  #4 This is the most important one: study the site carefully. Get a sense of majority opinion on any given issue. Embrace the consensus. Conform. Obedience is the site's lingua franca.

  Having internalized these concepts, you are prepared to become a respected member of the community and a front page contributor with countless recommended diaries to your credit.

  Now, begin the process by retitling this diary "Obama To Win Fifty States? Damn Right He Will!" and luxuriate in acceptance as the praise cascades over you.

  Oh, and make sure every paragraph contains the amazingly clever term "McShame". You just can't beat it for promoting intelligent discourse!

  by dijelo on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:32:00 AM PDT

•  Obama expects to work with the republicans

  Face it, comments like Phil Gramm's are slips and I'm sure you can score political points if you pound on them but then you legitimize the same kind of scurilous attacks against yourself.

  Obama clearly feels he will win this election based on issues and isn't going to resort to politics as usual. For him to accomplish all the things he has set out to do it is important not only that he wins but how he wins.

  McCain is making a fool of himself right now but there will be plenty of time to exploit that later. Obama's current trip in Europe and the Middle East is doing him far more good than attacking McCain would right now.

  by sam storm on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:35:30 AM PDT

•  It's Still Early

  I think Obama does have a plan for this. Right now, McCain is attacking him a lot but Obama is overseas and he knows how unethical it is to take shots at another candidate while on foreign soil.  I think he is presenting himself as the "class act" between the two and if you are an Obama supporter, McCain just looks pathetic.

  The problem is that right now if you are an undecided voter, Obama may look weak instead of strong because of this style.  However, I think as we get closer to conventions and the actual election he'll take McCain apart - particularly when we get to see them side by side in a debate.  

  One thing Obama has shown is that he's not going to participate in that kind of politics - he is a father and role model to his children before anything and he won't allow himself to sink to a level that he can't live with.  He is a frustrating candidate at times, but in the end he is a great campaigner and knows what works for him.

  by Heidiho610 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 03:35:47 AM PDT

•  There are lots ofpeople who believe in propaganda

  Sometimes, I would think --nobody would believe this lies from GOP ---but then you personally hear people who seems to be nice and intelligent --repeating the lies.

  Someone told me --they try to be open minded--listening to FOX and CNN and MSNBC to get balance views----but that is not how to get balance view.

  I would advice people to instead listen to Air America, CSPAN, PBS or NPR or McClatchy newspapers to get a balance view and stop listening to FOX as they lie a lot.

  by timber on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:10:16 AM PDT

•  time lag between national and state polling

  In 2004 I remember people saying triumphantly that the swiftboating wasn't working against Kerry, because he held his lead in the key state polls through August.

  There seems to be a slump for Obama in some state polls (though not in all), but we'll have to wait several weeks to fully understand whether this week's events have sufficiently corrected that.

  by desmoinesdem on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:25:15 AM PDT

•  Going Negative is not the solution

  We have had this kind of politics for the last 16 years.  I think the American people are sick of it, at least I am.

  Obama has been wise to run his campaign by avoiding the ATTACK MODE NEGATIVES, and has been clear that we have to change the Mindset in this Country.

  It is more honorable to play the nice guy than play the Republican game, go as low as you can go to win.

  This is one reason I am a Democrat, although they get hammered by the MSM, they don't hammer back like the Republicans do.  They hammer back by facts not by punches below the belt.

  by pjbamerica on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:48:23 AM PDT

•  Panic...

  ....is rarely a productive response. I recall a lot of panicking back in 2004 and that didn't help us to do any better. And I recall a lot of panicking in 2006 ("Rove has 'the math' and controls the universe and we're DOOOOOOMED!!!!!") and that didn't prevent us from winning solidly. So let's do what we should be doing and do what we can to help the Obama campaign win.

  by metal prophet on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 04:53:45 AM PDT

•  The fact is McCain's campaign is no campaign

  at all.

  He's doing nothing but stating his positions in reaction to Obama.  His whole set of talking points rest on claiming he had Obama's idea first, or that he could suddenly bring the troops home faster than Obama (WTF?).  Or, most bafflingly, that Obama bringing the troops home safe is somehow tantamount to "losing" -- Losing what?  What does he thing "winning" would look like?  Scorched and salted earth across the MidEast?

  McCain's campaign is all about Obama.

  Obama's campaign is all about the future.

  by Yasuragi on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:02:55 AM PDT

  •  McCain's got nothin.

    Nothing at all to talk about except Obama.

    His economic plan is tax cuts for the rich and a gas tax holiday.

    We will be humiliating him soon enough with the facts.

    by karenc13 on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 06:27:47 AM PDT

•  I am sorry

  but I think this diary will do more to undermine Obama. Speaking as an independent this sort of rhetoric is what fuels democrats are wusses.

  You are already pushing the panic button? Really?

  by bam bam on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:06:29 AM PDT

•  I think after the first debate

  people will start realizing who they should vote for. I really do wish the Obama camp would go in the offensive with McCain, especially with his gaffes. Also, I really wish Obama would not give a shit about being polite to the press and call them out on their BS when they go after him and refuse to go after McCain. He rarely complains but some of these people, like Andrea Mitchell, need to be called out or ignored. I also wish they would campaign in battlegrounds like they campaigned in the primaries. The reason why he has such a large lead in Pennsylvania is because he campaigned his ass off there. He needs to do that double time here in Ohio. It is critical. John McCain goes around like whatever he says is right and should not be questioned. It's ridiculous.

  by Highwind on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:08:45 AM PDT

•  It's still early for Obama to go on the attack.

  I want him to be more aggresive. He should crush McCain in negative ads.

  by Micheline on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:28:27 AM PDT

•  You need to calm down my friend.

  Look, the polls are going to tighten and widen and tighten and widen. Don't get upset over the polls. The polls, at this stage, mean nothing. What means something now is registering voters and sending money. You just relax and do your part.

  But to address your worries a bit, look: McCain is a WEAK CANDIDATE with a WEAK HAND. Thats something you need to keep in mind every single day: MCCAIN IS WEAK. The key to victory in this election is simply turning out the Obama vote. Thats all. There will be enough people who will break his way simply because of the big issues.

  So stop being a worry-puss and focus on doing what you can do. Think like a winner! Obama does. Don't worry about the candidate, he's fine. He knows what he's doing. YOU DO YOUR PART and thats it.

  by brooklynbadboy on Wed Jul 23, 2008 at 05:31:27 AM PDT

•  McCain is getting enough rope to hang himself

  right now. He is either making huge mistakes or just lying and he has no policie