you like to refer to Senator Obama as "Barrack Hussein Obama."
I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol.
This is probably the result of not having my afternoon coffee yet, but I'm not sure if you're joking around or are seriously saying its cool to trumpet the GOP's endless use of Obama's middle name. If it's the former, I apologize in advance for being too prickly. If it's the latter, I'm baffled.
Regardless, I'd love to hear you weigh in on the substance of this story. Put in context, it seems pretty clear that there's nothing to these attacks. If you disagree, I'd like to understand why. Even when I'm annoyed by what you write I appreciate your insight.
There's substance in the vote as "present" on the issue. I get that there's a reason why, even though it's not that compelling given who also voted present were in blue areas, but that's just a defensive posture. The vote opens up Obama to being attacked and defending himself.
The whole middle name thing is nonsense. How is it an attack? What is his campaign going to do-- order that the opposition stop using his middle name?
Agree to disagree about the abortion stuff I suppose.
As far as the middle name thing goes, however, I think you're completely wrong. In the context of whispering campaigns about Obama being muslim and the media's past willingness to report that he was educated in a madras, I think it is more than a bit fishy that HRC supporters (along with Rush) feel compelled to endlessly repeat his middle name.
Obviously folks are free to say whatever they want, but I don't see any rationale for using Obama's full name other than trying to connect him to the vile rumors that are out there. What other explanation is there?
It is not coincidental that the supporters on this site do it and the now there is the county chair caught putting out a smear. It's coming from the top.
I try to be fair, so I'm not going to say that the Clinton campaign itself is engaging in that kind of smear. But I certainly think that supporters know what they're doing when they use Obama's middle name. And that's ashame, b/c we're all Democrats at the end of the day.
The strategy which you seem to be advocating -that mentioning his middle name is the equivalent of a smear- is not smart at all. It'd be much better to just accept it and confront the use, rather than attempt to limit the expression. This is just one more example to me of how Obama would be the worst general nominee we could get out of the '08 crop-- I don't think the Obama campaign is so lame to argue this, but that they provide no leadership in the talkingpoints to their supporters just begs for this non-issue stuff to become a fiasco. They are all about centralized message, and have no strategy in place to disseminate a decentralized message campaign. In that regard, both the Clinton and Edwards campaign are much better positioned to win in '08.
Explain to me what purpose using his full name serves, other than trying to tie Obama to the ugly rumors that have been spread against him Jerome. Here's a hint -- there isn't one. I fully expect the GOP to use this line of atack, but think it's pretty pitiful that supporters of other DEMOCRATS are stooping to this level. The fact that you don't seem to think that's objectionable is pretty sad to me, but you're entitled to your opinion I suppose.
As far as Obama being the weakest GE candidate, time will tell. In the mean time, it's probably time for you to clue us all in on who your supporting. Obama is rather obviously not your choice. Like many Hillary supporters, should I mark you down as voting for Rudy or Huckabee if Obama wins?
Seriously? Maybe the Washington Post can explain it to you:
IT'S BECOME a fad among some conservatives to refer to the junior senator from Illinois by his full name: Barack Hussein Obama. This would be merely juvenile if it weren't so contemptible. Republican lobbyist Ed Rogers, on "Hardball," was one of the early adopters of this sleazy tactic. "Count me down as somebody who underestimates Barack Hussein Obama," he said. Radio host Rush Limbaugh, demonstrating his usual maturity, got a chuckle out of the senator's allegedly oversized ears, calling him "Barack Hussein Odumbo." And Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council issued this e-mail alert: "Joining an already glutted field of hopefuls, Sen. Barack Hussein Obama (D-Ill.) announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic nomination yesterday." ... Mr. Obama has never tried to hide his past or his family name: He has written about being educated at a predominantly Muslim school. His father, a non-practicing Muslim, was Barack Hussein Obama Sr. His grandmother is Sara Hussein Obama. The senator, however, does not use his middle name. Those who take pains to insert it when referring to him are trying, none too subtly, to stir up scary images of menacing terrorists and evil dictators. They embarrass only themselves.
...
Mr. Obama has never tried to hide his past or his family name: He has written about being educated at a predominantly Muslim school. His father, a non-practicing Muslim, was Barack Hussein Obama Sr. His grandmother is Sara Hussein Obama.
The senator, however, does not use his middle name. Those who take pains to insert it when referring to him are trying, none too subtly, to stir up scary images of menacing terrorists and evil dictators. They embarrass only themselves.
True. and I've also said as much. but it is the same as with bullying. If they see that they get a rise out of you they'll keep doing it. and if you start complaining yourself the audiance will find you pathetic and weak.
Bullying is about dominance. complainers are subs. If somebody tries to bully you you either hit them right across the face or you bully them back. Ignoring it won't help but won't actively make it worse. complaining about it here on mydd is no big deal, but as a tactic in the general it would be disasterous.
