MyDD :: Gore & Kerry Foci of Obama's Baseless Attacks

Gore & Kerry Foci of Obama's Baseless Attacks

by truthteller2007, Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:02:58 PM EST

A reader alerted Democrat Taylor Marsh to the following statement Obama uttered while campaigning in Iowa today:

"I don't want to go into the next election starting off with half the county already not wanting to vote for Democrats, we've done that in 2004, 2000."

UPDATE - Glen Thrush of Newsday just published an article wherein he cites the same statement. As I state in the comments, Taylor Marsh is a rigorous blogger.

According to the Obama campaign, every Democrat except first term Senator from Illinois is unelectable: Edwards's acceptance of public financing renders him unelectable; Hillary is polarizing; and Kerry and Gore were opposed by "half the country."

Obama, however, is opposed by more than half of the country. In fact, he is the Democrat with the highest unfavorability ratings in the latest Rasummen Reports poll. I quote:

John Edwards is viewed favorably by 49%, unfavorably by 42% and Hillary Clinton is the only other candidate with favorable about 43%. She is viewed favorably by 48% and unfavorably by 50%.
Barack Obama earns favorably reviews from 43%, Fred Thompson from 42%, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani from 40%. Mitt Romney has the lowest total at 38%. Fifty-one percent (51%) have an unfavorable opinion of the former Massachusetts Governor. That unfavorable rating is matched by Obama and topped only by Giuliani at 55%. See other key stats for all Republican and Democratic Presidential candidates.

Let us outline this more didactically: Edwards has a net favorability of 7%; Hillary has a net unfavorability of -2%; and Obama has a net unfavorability of -8%. But somehow he is more electable than Edwards and Hillary, and somehow he will outperform Al Gore and John Kerry.

Is this the audacity of hope, or are these more baseless pronouncements of a desperate politician?

Tags: Barack Obama, Al Gore, John Kerry, 2000, 2004, electability, Iowa, primaries, Democrats (all tags)

Permalink :: 49 Comments :: Post a Comment

Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 5)

A new campaign slogan for Obama: "A Desperate Man for Desperate Times."
Opus for VP!

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:13:36 PM EST

Re: Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 2)

Could not help myself, that was a great comic strip about the Presidential series. Bill the Cat was so cool.

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:15:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Well, Obama is desperate... (2.00 / 3)

If he's willing to bash true Demcorats like Al Gore and John Kerry to get attention, then he's proven to be nothing more than a pathetic and desperate pol who will say ANYTHING to win the praise of the DC cocktail circuit and amass more power. That's just the type of pol we DON'T need as our next President!

No way, no how, no McCain! :-)

by atdleft on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:24:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Please stop jumping with joy. There is no (none / 0)

independent verification or corroboration that Obama actually made his reference to the 2000 election. Obama likes Gore and said many nice things about him during this campaign.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:35:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And, Newsday is a tabloid rag. (none / 0)

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:40:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Come on, Neuvo! (2.00 / 2)

You're better than that! Newsday's probably one of the better newspapers in this country... They actually still report the news! I think this is much more credible than the Jeff Gerth hit piece on Bill and Hillary's supposed "20 year plan" that the Obama Campaign tried to hype, or Robert Novak's hit piece trying to create drama by making up a rumor. Obama just attacked Gore, and Newsday confirmed wht Taylor reported... I think we all need to face the facts and realize that Obama cares nothing about our party and our movement.

No way, no how, no McCain! :-)

by atdleft on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:43:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

asdf (none / 0)

"Obama just attacked Gore, and Newsday confirmed wht Taylor reported... I think we all need to face the facts and realize that Obama cares nothing about our party and our movement."

I also saw a Clinton supporter post this at DK just before this diary appeared. The timing unmistakably points to a co-ordinated hit from the Clinton camp (given that TM has been pro-Clinton and anti-Obama forever).

Bottomline is where is the evidence in an irrefutable form (such as a video)?

Even if he said it, Obama is entitled his views, but he'd flawed on facts because Gore faced a certain set of circumstances (which Obama may or may not be aware of in the detail that one needs to see it, and Kerry made a few mistakes, but he was a victim of grotesque swiftboating as well).

If the Clinton camp can blame and spread revisionism about what actually happened to Gore in 2000 for years (the fact of the matter is that Clinton screwed the pooch for Gore with his affair with Monica, and that made Gore start as a whoppping double digit underdog in the race), aren't they much more guilty in the case of the 2000 election, even if Obama happens to have said it, albeit mistakenly?

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:03:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

One more thing, atd (none / 0)

as long as the Democratic party remains the Clintons' playground and backyard, it'll continue to deteriorate (2006 midterms was an exception, probably a blip, resulting from a confluence of many things: Katrina, the netroots, Bush's incompetence on Iraq and other things, GOP's corruption, etc, etc).

You only have to look at the behavior of 45% of Democrats, including HRC and JRE, that were going along to get along with Bush by voting for the war, looking the other way on constitutional abuses etc, when brave leaders like Gore, Dean, Feingold were standing up to defend the right values and ideals for the party and the country.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:25:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

and... (2.00 / 1)

while I don't yet put Obama in the same league as Gore, Dean and Feingold, and like everyone else he makes some mistakes too, but he is serious about reforming the political system, as his record on ethics and lobbying reform shows, and he is serious about building bridges (see Kent Conrad's words) among the general public that has been divided for way too long. Those are two of the main reasons why I support him.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:37:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and... (2.00 / 1)

yeah, my biggest worry about the current structure of the Democratic party is that they have basically lost every election since 1994, with 2006 as an exception for the reasons you stated. They have relied upon an extremely gifted and charismatic Clinton (Bill, that is) to bring them to a level of respectability, but other than that, it has been quite difficult for Democrats to gain traction on anything meaningful. For example, this year, even with the backing and tacit support of most of the country for programs such as SCHIP, Iraq redeployment, dragging Karl Rove's butt up to the Hill for some explaining, Roadless Areas, increased spending on National Parks, and real progress on global warming, the Democrats have done basically nothing. This is with a foe (excuse me, political counterpart) that has negative ratings that reach 60 percent. The Democratic brand stands to gain mightily in the next few years, but it can't be more of the same nonsense we've seen since 1994.

An anecdote: I used to live in Minnesota and remember very clearly a debate between Norm Coleman and Paul Wellstone in which Coleman tried to depict Wellstone as soft on defense by bringing up a vote against the missile defense shield. Wellstone said something to the effect of "damn right I voted against that. A missile defense shield is a dream and it is the last thing we need to keep us safe in the current world situation." The crowd went nuts. This is the kind of straight talk (sorry) that people like. It might not be appropriate for a president, but the general feeling from Democrats over the past 12 years is that they are afraid of their own shadows. No more Tom Daschles, no more Harry Reids, no more Chuck Schumers, no more Joe Liebermans. Other than Clinton (Bill, that is) this party has been lost for a long time. We need a new model. Is it Dean? Is it Obama? Is it Edwards? I'm not sure. But more of the same isn't going to get us anywhere.

by the mollusk on Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 01:10:11 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: and... (none / 0)

If these are your concerns then Obama's campaign should disappoint you. He wants to give validity to ideas that have been discredited in the past few years. And the problem in DC is that people like Reid are too open to compromising which is the same problem Obama has. He's already conceding everything before one vote has been cast.

No longer a Democrat, now proudly an independent voter!

by Ga6thDem on Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 06:10:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gore & Kerry Foci of Obama's Baseless Attacks (1.75 / 4)

Obama is a low life schmuck and a typical Chicago politician. His lack of candor is amazing. I'm sorry, I do not like this guy. Wake up people. If he is elected, he will ruin the DEM party.

ABO-Anybody but Obama.

by lonnette33 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:15:20 PM EST

Obama's Baseless Atta (2.00 / 4)

Unfortunately, you are right about Obama: he is an opportunist. I can't believe he has suckered so many people with his platitudes about absolutely nothing.

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:18:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama's Baseless Atta (2.00 / 2)

moi moi, how did he sucker these people? I just can't figure it out. If he were a great politician like the Big Dog, I could understand all the hype. He's a worthless, 2 year Senator, who thinks his likability will get him through the day. How many times can you say, "I was against the war before it started"? Give me some substance for goodness sake. What world is he living in? This guy can't be for real. Obama disgusts me!

by lonnette33 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:23:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama's Baseless Atta (2.00 / 2)

He and Axelrod are playing to the MSN that wants to tear down the Clintons. Also, to be fair, he is very good at giving speeches. Speeches about nothing, but good speeches none the less. But his skill doesn't translate over to debates or intense interviews.

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:35:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gore Focus of Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 3)

Lashing out because he couldn't get Gore's endorsement maybe? Just pathetic.

by MassEyesandEars on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:16:06 PM EST

Re: Gore Focus of Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 3)

Maria Cantwell endorsed Hillary today. I imagine Obama is not pleased with the poll numbers to be released tonight.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:18:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gore Focus of Obama's Baseless Attacks (none / 0)

Have you seen the numbers? Yeah, I'm sure Obama is not that pleased to have extended his lead by 4%, well outside of the margin of error over Clinton and Edwards.

by blackmahn on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 11:01:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Unless there is verification and corroboration, (none / 0)

stop spreading this smear of Obama. TM's post doesn't show any corroboration.

As a solid Gore supporter, if Obama said this, it would irk me, but it's the Clinton camp that has always tried to put the blame on and bash Gore on this.

I happen to know that Clinton's irresponsible indiscretion and the ensuing scandal/impeachment circus was the most debilitating factor that Gore had to contend with in 2000. Maybe Obama hasn't seen my writeup on Election 2000 and fell for Clinton camp's spins over the years on this.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:18:35 PM EST

Re: Unless there is verification and corroboration (2.00 / 3)

Taylor Marsh is not an irresponsible blogger. I cite her, as she is not one to post a diary unless she can confirm the veracity of the claims on which it is based.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:20:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Someone may have lied to her, for all you know. (none / 0)

Therefore, this is not good enough for making any claim and build smoke and mirrors on top of. In my opinion, this diary should be deleted for lack of proper verification.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:23:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Someone may have lied to her, for all you know (2.00 / 1)

Newday confirms it. See my link below.

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:28:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Someone may have lied to her, for all you know (2.00 / 3)

Newsday confirmed the story:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/lo ngisland/politics/blog/2007/12/obama_gor e_kerry_alienated_hal.html

As I state above, Taylor Marsh is a rigorous blogger.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:30:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Someone may have lied to her, for all you know (2.00 / 2)

now that third parties have established the veracity of the statement on which marsh's diary is based, i believe you should recommend the diary.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:37:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Newsday is a tabloid rag, maybe working (none / 0)

to help Clintons. For all you know the tip may have come both to Newsday and TM from the Clinton camp. Unless there is a video of Obama saying it, I am not going to believe it.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:45:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Newsday is a tabloid rag, maybe working (2.00 / 1)

It is difficult to accept phenomena that challenge your founding repudiations.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:46:56 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The only proof would be a video of Obama (none / 0)

saying it, which you don't have.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:51:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The only proof would be a video of Obama (2.00 / 2)

And once the video is produced, you will require signed affidavits from Obama.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:53:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The unfortunate fact for you is that (none / 0)

I happen to know which camp has been hiding Clinton scandal impact while blaming Gore for the 2000 election (which he would have won by a landslide, had Clinton not messed with an intern in the whitehouse).

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:17:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The unfortunate fact for you is that (none / 0)

Are there any other straws you desire to grasp in your vain attempt to defend the flawed candidate you support?

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:21:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The unfortunate fact for you is that (none / 0)

sigh

This story isn't even about Hillary and yet, somehow, an Obama supporters makes it about Hillary.

Truthteller, I must applaud you for your continued calm engagement of this character.

by FilbertSF on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:24:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The unfortunate fact for you is that (none / 0)

I am recovering from tonsillitis.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 08:37:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If Obama doesn't deny it (none / 0)

you can be sure it is true.
I already believe it as Taylor Marsh is very careful to document and verify her diaries.
He dissed Gore, that's just another example of his arrogance. It reminds me of 2004 when Kerry failed to learn from what happened in 2000 and thought it couldn't happen to him. Obama is suffering from delusions of grandeur and I predict he is going to be hit hard by reality real soon. He just has no spent the time and energy to be ready to be president and a few good speeches plus some pandering to the republican party is not going to make him a good candidate.

ABO... Anybody but Obama. I LIKE the democratic party.

by MollieBradford on Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 09:04:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Getting mixed up with the Clintons (none / 0)

was the worst thing that happened to Gore's political career, based on what I've seen and learned.

Gore not only did the right thing in 2000 (he no choice but to, because of the evidence I've compiled at that link) he in fact should not have accepted the VP offer in 1992.

He would have been better off remaining a senator (which he won by a landslide all-county reelection victory in 1990) and running on his own in 1996 (had Clinton lost) and 2000 (had Clinton won).

It turns out that, apparently, Gore's mother told him not to get involved with the Clintons, quite presciently, when the VP offer came.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:32:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Getting mixed up with the Clintons (2.00 / 1)

Obama's comment shows just how low he is willing to go to win. He has the audacity to talk about the Clintons. I have lost all respect for this cocky son of a gun. I am sure many more will lose respect after his latest comment is reported.

by lonnette33 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:37:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Since after getting elected, the Clintons have (none / 0)

been all about themselves.

The Democratic party suffered enormously in having to, innocently, catering their egos, including the 1994 landslide congressional defeat and then Bill Clinton harming party's prospects with his reckless self-indulgence.

Obama's Pop. Vote LEAD = 600K | Clinton & McCain = WAR Authorizers

by NeuvoLiberal on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:43:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Getting mixed up with the Clintons (none / 0)

Lay down with dogs and get up with fleas, huh?

by Bush Bites on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:40:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Getting mixed up with the Clintons (none / 0)

Gore's campaign director for Florida was William Daley, the brother of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley who helped organize Obama's campaign before it was officially launched.

by truthteller2007 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:50:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

How DISGUSTING!! (2.00 / 6)

How dare Obama trash Gore & Kerry like that! They've done more for the Demcoratic Party and the progressive cause with their pinkies than Obama has ever done in his entire career!

"I don't want to go into the next election starting off with half the country already not wanting to vote for Democrats, we've done that in 2004, 2000."

Those are the words of a pathetic, desperate also-ran who thinks the only way to grab attanetion is by attacking fellow Demcorats. It is not just sleazy, but downright disgusting!

No way, no how, no McCain! :-)

by atdleft on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:21:22 PM EST

Re: How DISGUSTING!! (none / 0)

That's fairly over the top:)

by mcdave on Tue Jan 01, 2008 at 03:24:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Gore & Kerry Foci of Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 2)

These attacks on Edwards, now it seems to Al Gore and Kerry, are outrageous. But remember when he tried to imply Gore would be in his cabinet and Gore put out a statement right after saying he had no plans to be in anyone's 'cabinet.' You knew then that Obama had, once again, crossed the line. There is probably some bitterness there, it made Obama look foolish and rightfully so.

by reasonwarrior on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:26:34 PM EST

What Party is Obama in???? (2.00 / 5)

i'm not sure what party obama's in. even while attempting to assume the jfk mantle, he said ted kennedy is "too old" and "needs to get busy". now he's trashing gore and kerry. paul krugman's a bum... looks like he's going down the list.

by campskunk on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:26:55 PM EST

Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 3)

Here is the link from NewsDay confirming this qoute:

http://weblogs.newsday.com/news/local/lo ngisland/politics/blog/2007/12/obama_gor e_kerry_alienated_hal.html

I think we should spread this to the other blogs. It is big news. Gore is an impeccable Democrat.

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:27:10 PM EST

Re: Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 2)

Here is the rush article:

In a speech this afternoon in central Iowa, Barack Obama seems to have widened his criticism of the politics of the past to encompass not only Hillary Clinton but John Kerry and Nobel Laureate Al Gore.

Making an argument for his electability, Obama said, "I don't want to go into the next election starting off with half the country already not wanting to vote for Democrats -- we've done that in 2004, 2000," according to a person at the event (rush transcript).

Glenn Thrush in Des Moines

by moi moi on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:29:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama's Baseless Attacks (2.00 / 3)

I am convinced this is why the Repugs want Obama, he trashes DEMs. The repugs won't have to trash DEM's if he were to be our nominee, Obama will do it for them.

by lonnette33 on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:31:15 PM EST

Re: Gore & Kerry Foci of Obam (2.00 / 3)

Did anyone notice that Edwards has overtaken Obama in intrade predictions in iowa.

I don't put much stock in it because it is as fickle as it gets , but it was just worth noting , I don't recall that happening since maybe Dec of last year or at most February of this year.

For what it is worth Clinton is ahead of Edwards by a smidgen.

Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.

by lori on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:39:17 PM EST

Re: Gore & Kerry Foci of Obam (none / 0)

Edwards has had an incredible strike on Intrade. From around 15 to over 30 in just one week. I still don't believe Intrade has any predictive value, but obviously the belief that he's closing strongly goes well beyond the blogs.

"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 Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 07:43:52 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Gore & Kerry (none / 0)

What the hell is Obama doing?

I have grown to detest that man.

by AUD on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 09:08:26 PM EST

Re: Gore & Kerry (none / 0)

Well he is winning/

DMR pOLL
Obama 32
Clinton 25
Edwards 24

by BDM on Mon Dec 31, 2007 at 10:44:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

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