MyDD :: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama?

Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama?

by Jonathan Singer, Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:07:39 PM EST

The Hotline is hearing things...

On Call is hearing that the Des Moines Register endorsements could be imminent, possibly tomorrow, and posted online tonight.

Buzz is that the odds are with Barack Obama...

The paper's support for John Edwards in 2004 catapulted him to a second place caucus finish. This year, though, he competes for the nod with a 'fresher' face in Obama.

Obama's anti-war position could be the deal sealer. Edwards supported the 2002 Iraq war resolution, but has since said the vote was a mistake.

Stay tuned.

This could potentially be a big deal for Obama. As Jennifer Skalka, who has the story for The Hotline, notes, the Register endorsement played no small part in Edwards' late surge in Iowa in January 2004.

Of course this does not seem to be a sealed deal at this point as evidenced by The Hotline passing this along as buzz rather than something more tangible. That said, this is The Hotline, not Bob Novak or Matt Drudge or some other source willing to print rumors the veracity of which are very much in question. So take this report with a grain of salt and, as Skalka says, stay tuned.

Update [2007-12-15 16:27:39 by Jonathan Singer]: Reading Ben Smith and Marc Ambinder, it seems that perhaps there's less surety about it being Obama. We'll have to see...

Tags: Iowa Caucuses, Iowa, Democrats, Democratic Primaries, 2008, Endorsements, Barack Obama (all tags)

Permalink :: 142 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

TNR says that a close source says that its Edwards

by world dictator on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:11:06 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

it's obama.NOT!!!! IS IS HILLARY!!!!!

by terrondt on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:05:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

It's going to be Joe Biden. Yepsen and many Iowa politicos absolutely love Biden.

by rosebowl on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:20:25 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Yepsen claims he has no say in the endorsement and is out of the loop on it.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:23:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Yeah, but Yepsen helps drive political thought in their newsroom. If anything, Biden is a top prospect tonight to get the DMR's endorsement.

by rosebowl on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:28:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I dont think he'll be Obama because it will pretty much seal the deal for him in Iowa.

My gut tell me it's Joe Biden , but i hope it's Obama.

Obama is basically the 2004 Edwards.

DMR seem to like fresh face that arent to tight up to washington...This is probably why they endorsed Edwards in 2004.

The 2004 Edwards is not the same of 2008 Edwards , so i could see why DMR shies away from Edwards.

by Prodigy on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:21:17 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

It's not the same DMR either - different publisher, editor, and editorial board.

by Quinton on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:25:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Good point. There are some similarities:

Edwards 2004 and Obama both struck out moderate positions, were viewed as less experienced and were not perceived as the establishment candidates.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:29:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

won't "seal the deal" (none / 0)

The DMR endorsed Edwards several weeks after Edwards started gaining--it didn't cause the surge by Edwards. Also, you may recall that Edwards did not win Iowa.

I would be surprised if they go with Obama--supposedly that editorial board feels strongly about universal health care.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:28:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

Edwards has the better position on the war. His progression makes sense to anyone. Obama said he was heavily against the Iraq war before being elected and then soon as he was he voted for all the funding bills, against deadlines for withdrawal, for the Gregg amendment that said cutting off funds would be not supporting the troops in harms way in the field, etc. That's a very bad progression.

Edwards voted for it when he felt the evidence was there for it and then when it became clear they had been duped and that Rumsfield and others were mismanaging the military efforts there he turned against the Iraq war, spoke out and began voting against supplemental funding requests beginging in 2003 and he's been consistantly against the war from that point onwards. That progression and position makes a lot more sense then being against something, but funding it anyway and voting against deadlines for withdrawal, etc.

I hope that the Edwards people have made this arguement as it's one of the better ones relating to his and Obama's war funding positions.

by Quinton on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:24:33 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I don't know.

I'd rather have someone who voted against the war, but voted to keep the funds going once the troops were put in harm's way.

That's what I would have done.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:39:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I wouldn't have done that, but being against the war from the start is certainly the more important part of the equation.

Frankly, anyone can start voting to cut off funds once they realize they want to win the Democratic nomination for President.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:45:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Come to think of it, isn't that the sequence of votes that Kerry had so much trouble defending: Voting for the war, then voting against funding?

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:53:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

What he had trouble defending was voting for and against the funding at the same time, basically. He didn't get the benefits of either position.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:01:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Buzz is that odds are? (2.00 / 1)

No offense Jonathan, but sheesh. This is NOT postworthy. It is clear that no one knows. But they have to pretend they have SOMETHING. And we are supposed to pretend we believe they have something?

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:24:37 PM EST

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (2.00 / 1)

Buzz and rumor relating to something that's about to happen (tonight or tomorrow) that almost everyone reading the blog is very interested in isn't worth posting about--when appropiately glossed as rumor no less--on a BLOG? Oh please. It's not like it was posted as fact or like it was printed on the frontpage of the New York Times or something either.

I think stuff like this is fine to post when there's a high level of interest and it's clear what's just rumor rather than fact.

by Quinton on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:29:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Check the update and tell me if you still think that.

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:31:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

odds aren't a sure thing.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:40:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Here's an idea - how about a heqadline that says "Rumors swirl around DMR Endorsement" And leave it at that. Or better yet. "Who will Get the DMR Endorsment" and then we can have this fun thread. Sorry, I DO expect more from blogs than this. Color me stupid.

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:49:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

That's pretty different from "This isn't postworthY"

Change your mind?

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:59:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

The hotline story is NOT postworthy, the title to this post is abysmal. What I describe is a DIFFERENT post, as the UPDATE makes clear. The question here is did YOU change your mind?

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:02:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Amen- can't wait one day to find out. Jesus.

by bruh21 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:42:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Hotline is awfully reliable.

by aiko on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:50:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

No shit. What did they report? What does "buzz is that odds are" mean to you? Here's what it means to me,I know not a fucking thing so I have to write this bullshit.

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:05:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

"Buzz" is about 20 percent and "odds are" is about 40 percent.

So there's a 20 percent chance there's a 40 percent chance that Obama will be chosen.

It's in the bag!

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:18:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Rumors have been flying all day and this is the first I heard Obama-from an outfit that doesn't tend to waste people's time-that makes it significant to me.

by aiko on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:43:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

How significant now? It was bullshit. you can say so now.

by Big Tent Democrat on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 11:09:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Buzz is that odds are? (none / 0)

Uncle.

glad it wasn't edwards....

by aiko on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 11:38:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I'm an Obama guy, and if Obama doesn't get the endorsement, I would prefer Biden to get it, because 1. Edwards scares me in Iowa. 2. Biden may cut into Clinton's support. (Since he's an experienced candidate, older) 3. He had a hell of a performance at the DMR debate.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:31:11 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I agree.

If you're a Clinton supporter , you may not want it to go to Biden and if you're an Obama supporter, you dont want it to go for Edwards.

by Prodigy on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:37:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Biden is my second choice here, but that won't make much of a difference, there seems to be few places outside of Dubuque or perhaps Western Iowa where he can make a difference. Then again we in Iowa like to surprise even ourselves, let alone observers.

The endorsement to Obama does seem to make sense given the choices they have made in the past. I love love it to go his way.

I don't know if anyone has seen how the Clintons have tried to wine and dine the editors, but I found it a tad out of line.

This nod does matter to many candidates in many different ways. I believe we will find this out before midnight, like in 2006 the final Iowa Poll numbers from the Reg were released around 10ish.

by danIA on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:41:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Clinton Wining and Dining Yepsen and Others (2.00 / 1)

When I heard that the Clinton campaign was wining and dining Yepsen, and making it explicitly clear they were wining and dining to secure the Register endorsement, I was a tad bit surprised as well. Could such brazen acts actually work? In this day and age...of full disclosure on the internet?

Hmmm...probably yet another mistake by the Clinton campaign in Iowa.

Prior to the final Iowa debate, the Clinton campaign also told the press (NYT IIRC) that they were clearing her schedule to prepare her for a top notch performance...in hopes of securing the Register endorsement. Fair enough.

But that pre-announced effort ALSO turned out badly. Hillary's performance in the final debate was her weakest performance (or second weakest) in any of the debates. She looked tired and sluggish and actually, repeatedly, got tangled up in her own rhetoric. And for better or worse, the final impression of her was Obama (who had been slogging along himself in the debate) getting the better of Hillary...with an incredibly sharp and timely quip. Hillary lost that debate...and how.

Truly, the Clinton campaign now has the dubious distinction of being the campaign that has committed the most mistakes of any of the democratic campaigns. The list of the Clinton campaigns mistakes is long and serious. Sorry to her supporters, but that is the truth.

(And now...the MSM is free to continue spinning the opposite notion: how tight and disciplined the Clinton campaign is. Now THAT is a boatload of baloney.)

by Demo37 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:11:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clinton Wining and Dining Yepsen and Others (none / 0)

i rated for the insider campaigning. i couldn't care less how she looked.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 11:50:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

but not in new hampshire?

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:13:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

tease!

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:36:38 PM EST

if they abandon Edwards to go with Obama (none / 0)

that would be huge! in addition it would help alot with older Iowans where Obama is weakest. Please let this be true?

Obama! because 51% isn't enough!

by nevadadem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:37:03 PM EST

if they abandon Edwards to go with Obama (none / 0)

that would be huge! in addition it would help alot with older Iowans where Obama is weakest. Please let this be true?

Obama! because 51% isn't enough!

by nevadadem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:37:06 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

It's been clear to me for about two weeks now, that given the Register's track record, their two top options are Obama and Biden. Anyone claiming it will be Edwards or Clinton is simply raising expectations , fallaciously, to set-up doom-and-gloom press narratives about them. If I had to bet, it will be Obama.

by blueflorida on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:46:46 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

i bet biden

by art3 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:47:06 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I do like Biden.

Can't imagine what it would do to the process, tho. Would it make any difference?

I guess, more to the point, does the DMR have a history of backing candidates so far down in the pack?

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:49:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I don't think Biden would have the organization to turn this into much if he were to get the endorsement.

by danIA on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:24:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

biden not only enabled the war (he held a senate hearing without inviting a single war critic), he helped to prolonged the occupation.

when sane people were arguing we need to get out now, biden would pronounce "bush has only 6 months to turn things around." extending bush more wiggle room.

biden repeated that line so often, it was ridiculous. you add up all of his "6 more months", it'd probably add up to 10 years worth.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:24:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

If it is Obama....he.will.go.all.the.way.

by aiko on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:48:46 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

wet blanket

by aiko on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:44:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 0)

And when Obama loses and the DNC ignores Iowa next time, the DMR will sell even fewer copies.

by sinclair on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:18:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

.to.a.loss.in.November.2008.

up against mr. "i pardoned a convicted rapist" hucklebee? i dont think so.

with the economy getting shaky and people worried about losing their homes, the electorate isn't going to stampede to the right.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:27:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Thompson? Seriously?

What the hell has he shown, besides ignorance and sloth?

Man, oh man!

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 04:52:22 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

a reluctance to raise his hand.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:05:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Ha!

That can go under either "ignorance" or "sloth."

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:10:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

LOL (none / 0)

The campaigns intend to deploy young aides to the printing presses at the edge of town on Saturday night, looking for an early copy even before the endorsement appears on the paper's Web site.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:03:00 PM EST

I'm an Obama guy... (none / 0)

but I really hope Biden gets it. I think he deserves more of a voice in the process and I'd like nothing more than to have him surprise us all and take 3rd.

I'll definitely take an Obama endorsement though!

Obama2008....?

by ctnewbie18 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:04:57 PM EST

Gravel! (none / 0)

Can you imagine the fallout if they endorsed Gravel?

If I was on the board, I would endorse Gravel just to see what happens...

by RepublicanWatch on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:11:18 PM EST

Re: Gravel! (none / 0)

That would be classic.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:19:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Guess nobody expects Hillary to get it, huh?

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:24:14 PM EST

I think Hillary might get it (none / 0)

I would be more surprised if they go with Obama--I've been expecting it to be Clinton or Biden.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:25:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That's a Bit of a Surprise From You (none / 0)

All the factors suggest to me that it will be either Edwards or Biden.

Clinton makes little sense...particularly in light of her sluggish (and frankly terrible) performance in their very own debate...unless...could it be...wining and dining the editorial board is the way to their hearts? That would be a strange and unfortunate message.

by Demo37 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:45:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

most of the Des Moines business elite (none / 0)

the Democrats, anyway, are with Clinton.

That's one reason I have been thinking they'll go with Clinton.

The editorial board strongly supports single-payer universal health care. The Obama plan wouldn't get us there--clinton and Edwards give us a chance to evolve in that direction.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:51:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

It's a different group of people on the editorial board. Also, in 2004 the business community had no strong opinion about Edwards, whereas now, big business would definitely not prefer him. I don't see the Register picking him again.

But I would love to be wrong!

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:53:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

whereas now, big business would definitely not prefer him.

big business should loves a tax dodging hedge fund devotee.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:30:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (2.00 / 1)

And yet, the Wall Street money goes to Clinton and Obama. Big business hates Edwards. Because, you know, they rationally focus on what they believe he would actually do in office, as oppose to random talking points.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:39:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

because, you know, they rationally focus on what they believe he would actually do in office, as oppose to random talking points.

they look at edwards conservative voting record which doesn't match his rhetoric at all. he probably doesnt rake it in because they dont (yet) think he has a shot. he's still trying to climb out of the hole his $400 haircut dug.

but i know big business loves hillary. did you see her on the cover of fortune magazine? the clintons have made wall street players rich. what with bill deregulating banking rules, passing nafta, trade with china, blocking drug reimportation (benefitting big pharma) and signing the telecom bill (enriching media interest). the list goes on and on.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:54:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

Do you seriously think Wall Street execs sit around amongst themselves saying, "Don't worry about Edwards, he voted against that Wellstone amendment once upon a time"? Your talking points do not have the power you imagine them to possess.

I talk to these people every day. Edwards is the only one they fear might bring a fundamental change in the established order of things. They don't think Obama is some corporate stooge, they just don't see him as someone who will rock the boat in any serious way.

Huckabee is the only one they feel this way about on the Republican side. Obama or Clinton would wipe the floor with Huckabee for this reason.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:04:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

the wellstone deal is the tip of the iceburg.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:07:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

What part of "Edwards is the only one they fear might bring a fundamental change in the established order of things" did you fail to understand?

The rest of the "iceberg" is of absolutely no consequence to these people either. This is the truth, no matter how much you sit up at night stroking your talking points and telling them how great they are.

If you want to make the argument that goes "we should look at who big business perceives as the biggest threat" that road simply doesn't lead to Obama.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:18:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

obama learned from howard dean's mistep, who declared prematurely that he would re-regulated media.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:51:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

the wellstone amendment should be a big deal to voters. instead they get mislead with "i'm a fighter" rhetoric. where was his fight when it mattered?

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:43:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

the one the establishment fears, they hangs the "too inexperienced" tag on the insurgent they are threatened by the most. obama gets that tag despite having held elected office longer than hillary or edwards. they did the same thing to dean.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:56:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

You can continue to think big business is terrified of Obama, but facts are stubborn things. I work on Wall Street and I know where the money goes.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:59:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

i was thinking more the political establishment.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:03:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

I agree that Obama is a threat to the political establishment. Among other things, he really is a good-government type.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:05:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

[looks around..]

where did i say they were terrified?

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:06:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

Now you want to argue about whether "fears" and "is terrified" mean the same thing?

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:19:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

my fault for not being clear earlier about political establishment.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:21:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

my fault for not being clear earlier about political establishment.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:21:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

I work on Wall Street and I know where the money goes.

then you know hillary rewards her contributors by rewarding them with earmarks.

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la- na-earmarks10dec10,0,3014797.story?coll= la-home-center

in contrast:

Obama has used the device, but now declines to earmark funds for private companies; he uses earmarks only to secure funds for government projects such as road building and hospital construction.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:20:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: why I think it won't be Edwards (none / 0)

Wall Street doesn't really care about earmarks, but I know Hillary has been great for New York in terms of bringing home the pork.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:25:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Most of the board are women (4 of 6). I would say Clinton has a good shot at it.

by JoeCoaster on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:40:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Oh (none / 0)

Oh, I did not know that. Okay, that could change the equation a bit.

Still, Clinton's debate performance was her worst. She was stumbling and unimpressive. How does that lead to an endorsement from the paper that actually ran the debate?

by Demo37 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:50:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

How is it remotely possible that they would endorse Obama?

"Well Hillary, I looking forward to you advising me as well." - Barack Obama

by General Sherman on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:40:30 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

they got sick of everybody else's bullshit?

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:10:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

I'm here on the ground in Des Moines. Unfortunately, the DMR doesn't seem to have town criers roaming the streets.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 05:47:21 PM EST

the REAL story (2.00 / 1)

My neighbor's sister has a guy who cleans her pool with a second cousin who lives in Iowa next door to a lady who's son empties the trash at the Des Moines Register. Anyway, my neighbor told me that there is definitely a rumor that there might be a buzz that Dodd is getting the endorsement.

You heard it here first!

by markjay on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:11:56 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

Its as easy as knowing the difference between STARTING a war ENDING a war. Two different things..get it?

by JoeCoaster on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:28:50 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

and ENDING a war

by JoeCoaster on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:30:12 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

edwards couldn't be bothered to stay in the senate and fight to bring to an end the fiasco that he enabled.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:27:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Bloody hell! First we focus excessive attention on what 120,000 Iowans think when there are probably 50 million Democratic primary voters nationally, and now we're focusing on what a half dozen particular Iowans think? How on earth did we come up with a process in which someone's coffee meeting got to decide who our next president will be?

I'm not the only one who thinks this is absurd, am I?

by OrangeFur on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:29:34 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

A national primary is dually absurd.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:32:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Well, we have national elections, so why not national primaries?

by OrangeFur on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:36:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

A national primary would make the role of money truly absurd. It's one thing that the two final candidates have to raise a ton of money, but I don't think you want to require people to have a billion dollars just to get their foot in the door.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:41:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Thank you steve, exactly. Basically only first tier candidates would have any chance. With the system we have now, any candidate has a chance.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:45:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

My favorite idea (credit goes to some other poster) is that whichever state has the highest voter turnout percentage in this election, gets to go first in the next election. It does make sense for a lot of reasons.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:49:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

That is a good idea, damn. I always thought rotating states every cycle so everyone had an opportunity would be a good idea, but that beats the pants off my idea.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:55:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

any difference? (none / 0)

2004 Presidential Election Turnout- % of eligible voters:

Top 10-

MN (76.7%), WI, ME, ND, OR, MT, NH (68.9%), IA (68.8%), SD, WY

#50- CA
#51- HI

Our Moment Is Now

by mboehm on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:31:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I understand the point, but the three frontrunners also happen to be the ones who have the most money. Huckabee is the only one who didn't raise a ton of cash who's in the running, and even that's not because he took advantage of Iowa's small size.

I suppose the real thing is we shouldn't attach so much importance to who wins one small early state. That's a function of our media driven politics, and that's where the real problem is.

by OrangeFur on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:57:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

There's a correlation between money and political credibility, so it's not surprising that the well-funded candidates win more often than not. But you at least want to give other folks the chance to make their case. There are enough obstacles already.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:10:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I'd prefer a series of regional primaries, perhaps starting out with the region with the cheapest TV markets.

Anyway, I contend that any good sports commissioner or league could do a better job of designing a competitive system that gives everyone a shot and extracts the true winner than the political parties can.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:46:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Presidents Edwards, Bradley, Simon??? (none / 0)

Iowa isn't anywhere near as important as it thinks it is. That goes double for the Des Moines Register.

The Register endorsed John Edwards in 2004, Bill Bradley in 2000, nobody in 1992, Paul Simon in 1988....should I go on?

Suffice it to say, none of them got anywhere nearer to the Oval Office than what the White House tour guides would allow.

by BigBoyBlue on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:31:03 PM EST

you are right about this (none / 0)

As I've been saying, Edwards started rising sharply in Iowa weeks before the DMR endorsement. It didn't cause his rise--precinct captains and field organizers had already been noticing it.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:56:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Presidents Edwards, Bradley, Simon??? (none / 0)

It's not really what the endorsement means in actual votes or caucus goers in this instance, but the fact that the media will cover the story to death in the next few days. It frames the message the media will want to tell. Either, Obama continues his momentum, Clinton is still strong, don't count out Edwards yet (helps him the most if he gets it I think), or "Joe Biden? Really?"

by Jim Engler on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 06:58:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Presidents Edwards, Bradley, Simon??? (none / 0)

yep - thats what will happen - agree 100%

vote blue in 2008

by sepulvedaj3 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:07:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Presidents Edwards, Bradley, Simon??? (none / 0)

I'm pretty sure the anxiety to settle upon an anti-Bush candidate as soon as possible wasn't entirely manufactured by the media.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:11:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Presidents Edwards, Bradley, Simon??? (none / 0)

kerry's data mining and push polling helped.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:37:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Grandpa Fred? No way.

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed." Abe Lincoln

by mdgarcia on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:12:12 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

How could they endorse him after his terrible debate performance this week?

I also wonder if this will have any bearing on their decision. He is connected to too many corrupt Chicago politicians.

by truthteller2007 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:13:40 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Terrible? Yepsin wrote that he had a pretty good debate performance.

by mattmfm on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:38:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

after biden's snarks about obama, he didn't deserve saving. but barack's a bigger person than me.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:41:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Look at the diaries.

The poster seems pretty focused on bringing Obama down.

I wouldn't expect objectivity there.

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:42:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

i see your alleged mobster, i raise you saudi royals.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con tent/article/2007/12/14/AR2007121402124. html

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:40:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

wanna be among the first to know?

Des Moines Register says on their website that you will be if you sign up for the mobile phone text message alert:

Coming tonight: Presidential endorsements. Text DMRNEWS to 4INFO to be the first to know.

Visit DebateScoop

by demondeac on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:13:52 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

A little self-important and presumptuous of them, isn't it?

by OrangeFur on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:04:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

No, not really. Like a lot of other folks, they have a service that sends you breaking news via text message. This is just part of that.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:13:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Okay, I take it back. I guess I'm a little annoyed at all the attention given to the early states.

by OrangeFur on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:30:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

I-O-W-A

by danIA on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:34:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

You really ought to give Iowa a try.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:42:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

When? (none / 0)

Does anyone know when the endorsement will come? I would guess it is already written but will we have to wait until tomorrow's paper?

That being said I'm putting my money on Biden. If he does win it, I think it hurts Hillary the most since shes the "experience" candidate (though Biden has considerably more experience than she does). Obama and Edwards seem to be going after a different crowd.

John McCain wants to stay in Iraq for a century.

by jkfp2004 on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 07:42:36 PM EST

Re: When? (none / 0)

Word on the street is that the endorsement will be on the paper tomorrow, and posted online tonight. Supposedly at 8 PM Central.

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forward." - Soren Kierkegaard

by SixthElement on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:00:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Well the Boston Globe just endorsed Obama.

"Well Hillary, I looking forward to you advising me as well." - Barack Obama

by General Sherman on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:49:29 PM EST

who did the Boston Globe go for (none / 0)

last time?

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:59:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

They Endorsed Clinton (none / 0)

fools

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:57:18 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

ITs Clinton, just as desmoinesdem said.

Question, could this actually feed into her status as the "establishment" candidate and diminish her ability to claim to be the candidate of change?

by desmoulins on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:57:21 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

What it could feed into is a lot of sexist comments about the composition of the editorial board.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:58:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

I found this amusing (none / 0)

Edwards was our pick for the 2004 nomination. But this is a different race, with different candidates. We too seldom saw the "positive, optimistic" campaign we found appealing in 2004. His harsh anti-corporate rhetoric would make it difficult to work with the business community to forge change.

Shorter Des Moines Register: we want a president who won't do anything not blessed by corporate interests.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:13:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

It would be much (none / 0)

worse for Obama if they had endorsed Edwards

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:15:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: I found this amusing (none / 0)

I don't think their argument is THAT cynical, although I don't agree with it.

Health care failed in the 90s not because business opposed it, but because the Clintons weren't really prepared to deal with the vehemence of the opposition and defuse it. Now, that's not a knock on Hillary, because I'm sure she's learned from it. But I'm confident Edwards knows exactly how much opposition he can expect.

Maybe the editorial board needs to take a cue from FDR, who famously said "I welcome their hatred." As I recall, his policy program worked out okay.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:20:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

It was really a ringing endorsement - they said:

"We believe our job as an editorial board is to arrive at the candidate in each party we think would be the best president, whether a person is leading the polls or garnering 1 percent support," Hunter wrote in a column that accompanied the editorials. "It's not to predict a winner."

"Readiness to lead sets her apart from a constellation of possible stars in her party, particularly Barack Obama, who also demonstrates the potential to be a fine president," the newspaper's endorsement editorial concludes. "When Obama speaks before a crowd, he can be more inspirational than Clinton. Yet, with his relative inexperience, it's hard to feel as confident he could accomplish the daunting agenda that lies ahead."

Indeed, Obama, her chief rival, inspired our imaginations. But it was Clinton who inspired our confidence. Each time we met, she impressed us with her knowledge and her competence.

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:00:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

if Obama's health care plan were universal (none / 0)

I think he would have gotten this endorsement.

The DMR wants single-payer universal health care. Clinton and Edwards have the potential to get us there, but the business elite don't like Edwards.

So they went with Clinton.

Obama is also liked in the business community, but his health care plan is not as good.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:16:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 08:58:54 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (2.00 / 1)

After the Clintons wined and dined the editors at a lavish cocktail party, is it really a shock? Nope.

I think the real news is they endorsed McCain of all people.

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:01:15 PM EST

the former editorial page editor (none / 0)

recently wrote that the DMR came very close to endorsing McCain in 2000, but didn't because he bypassed Iowa that year.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

by desmoinesdem on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:17:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Yes, that must be it. They didn't endorse my candidate, ergo they can be bribed with nothing but a good meal.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:21:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

The reason they didn't endorse our candidate (assuming he's still your candidate) is because he's too populist for them.

They chose Clinton but admit popular perception is that she's polarizing and that she doesn't take responsibility for wrong decisions. That was their endorsement. I honestly think they just got starstruck and would have felt bad for not endorsing the first viable woman.

The sharpest criticism often goes hand in hand with the deepest idealism and love of country. ~RFK

by Vox Populi on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:31:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

You can't expect a lot of love from the establishment when you run as a populist, unfortunately. "Oh no, class war!"

That's the beauty of populism, you get to go straight to the unwashed masses.

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:42:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

you sound like a defensive lobbyist.

I really don't understand how that is an attack; lol. ~ by Jerome Armstrong

by jello on Sun Dec 16, 2007 at 12:00:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Clinton got it. (none / 0)

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.d ll/article?AID=/20071215/NEWS/71215016

by Bush Bites on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:01:19 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Speaks for itself...

The Register�s editorial board members who participated in the endorsement process were: Laura Hollingsworth, publisher; Carolyn Washburn, editor; Carol Hunter, editorial page editor; Linda Lantor Fandel, deputy editorial page editor; Rox Laird, editorial writer; and Andie Dominick, editorial writer.

by mattmfm on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:01:23 PM EST

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

"Speaks for itself"? You really want to go with that?

"Another problem we have...is that in election years we behave somewhat as primitive peoples do at the time of the full moon." --Harry Truman

by Steve M on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:22:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Des Moines Register to Endorse Obama? (none / 0)

Of course they go with the big business establishment candidate. The elite don't want any change, period.

by Progressive America on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:05:30 PM EST

ITS CLINTON (none / 0)

http://thepage.time.com/2007/12/15/its-c linton/

darn

by danIA on Sat Dec 15, 2007 at 09:06:42 PM EST