Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod

by alegre, Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:38:36 PM EST

Wow.  I have to admit my jaw hit the coffee table and nearly knocked my mug off when I heard David Axelrod on Face the Nation this morning.  

Bob Schieffer asked him about some recent missteps by President Clinton as he stumped for his wife on the campaign trail.  What we heard this morning was the nice guy version of David Axelrod.  The cameras were running and pointed straight at him, so of course he was going to pretend he couldn't possibly know what was in Bill's head - or heart when it came to the things he said on behalf of Hillary.  

Here's the transcript from what I could type out - take a look...

Schieffer:  What do you think about it Mr. Axelrod?  Do you think any of this has been calculated or is he just making mistakes or...?

Axelrod:  Well I can't climb into President Clinton's head and explain why he said some of the things he said - and some of them have been regrettable.  But let me say this - his wife is running for President of the United States and he is working very, very hard to try and get her elected President and to some degree that's understandable.  And uh maybe some of these indiscreet remarks can be written off to the passion he feels about trying to get his wife elected president so uh I think it should be seen in that perspective.

I do think its important for everybody in the process whether they're surrogates or the candidates themselves to be thoughtful about the things that they say because - words do have meaning and they can be disruptive and divisive and we don't need that as a party and frankly we don't need that as a country.

Here's a link to the video of the whole segment - this bit starts at about 2 minutes into it...

LINK

Turn off the cameras - put Axelrod in his war room back in Chicago and we get a totally different story.  

Hmmm... thoughtful.  Yeah - thoughtful as in the way his campaign's gone out - of - it's - way to paint Hillary and Bill as racists whenever it suits their purposes?  That kind of thoughtful?  And they don't just do it now and then - they make a point of turning up the noise to deafening levels in the lead-up to a primary in a state with a large African American population. So deafening that it drowns out all common sense or any attempt to discuss things that might actually help voters - like jobs, fixing the economy and healthcare reform.

Some of you might recall a little memo put out by the Press Secretary in Obama's South Carolina campaign back in January.  Huffington Post posted that memo, where we see how it maps out their strategy in all its divisive and ugly glory - take a look...

Subject: MUST READ: Key S.C. figure takes issue with Clintons

Clinton Supporter Andrew Cuomo, Referring To Obama, Said "You Can't Shuck And Jive At A Press Conference.

snip

Clinton, Criticizing Obama For Promising "False Hope" Said That While MLK
Jr. Spoke On Behalf Of Civil Rights, President Lyndon Johnson Was The One
Who Got Legislation Passed: "It Took A President To Get It Done."

snip

Clinton Introducer Said JFK Gave Hope, But Was Assassinated. Clinton introducer: "If you look back, some people have been comparing one of the other candidates to JFK and he was a wonderful leader, he gave us a lot of hope but he was assassinated and Lyndon Baines Johnson actually did all his work and got the republicans to pass all those measures."

snip

Bill Clinton Implied Hillary Clinton Is Stronger Than Nelson Mandela. "I have been blessed in my life to know some of the greatest figures of the last hundred years. [...] I go to Nelson Mandela's birthday party every year and we're still very close. [...] But if you said to me, 'You've got one last job for your country but it's hazardous and you may not get out with life and limb intact and you have to do it alone except I'll let you take one other person, and I had to pick one person whom I knew who would never blink, who would never turn back, who would make great decisions [...] I would pick Hillary.'"

snip

Clinton's NH Campaign Chair Raised The Youthful Drug Use Of Obama And Said It Would "Open The Door To Further Queries On The Matter." Clinton's Campaign Issued A Statement Distancing Themselves From Shaheen's Comments And Shaheen Issued A Statement Saying That He "Deeply Regret[s] The Comments."

snip

Donna Brazile Lashed Into Bill Clinton For Comparing Obama To A "Fairy Tale" And Said "It's An Insult...

snip

Amaya Smith
South Carolina Press Secretary
Obama for America

FOR THE RECORD:  Here's what Bill actually said when they attacked him over that fairy tale comment.  It wasn't about BO as a black American candidate - it was about his multiple stands on the Iraq war and the fact that the press and the media were giving him a free ride it all...

"It is wrong that Senator Obama got to go through 15 debates trumpeting his superior judgment and how he had been against the war in every year," said Clinton, "and never got asked one time, not once, 'Well, how could you say, that when you said in 2004 you didn't know how you would have voted on the resolution? You said in 2004 there was no difference between you and George Bush on the war and you took that speech you're now running on off your website in 2004 and there's no difference in your voting record and Hillary's ever since?' Give me a break.

"This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen..."

He didn't call Obama or his historic run for the presidency a fairy tale - he called the way the press were dealing with him with kid gloves a fairy tale and rightly so dammit.  

This memo was brought up by Russert in the debate in Las Vegas a few months back - Take a look...

RUSSERT: In terms of accountability, Senator Obama, Senator Clinton on Sunday told me that the Obama campaign had been pushing this storyline. And, true enough, your press secretary in South Carolina -- four pages of alleged comments made by the Clinton people about the issue of race.

In hindsight, do you regret pushing this story?

OBAMA: Well, not only in hindsight, but going forward. I think that, as Hillary said, our supporters, our staff get overzealous. They start saying things that I would not say. And it is my responsibility to make sure that we're setting a clear tone in our campaign, and I take that responsibility very seriously, which is why I spoke yesterday and sent a message in case people were not clear that what we want to do is make sure that we focus on the issues.

Now, there are going to be significant issues that we debate, and some serious differences that we have. OBAMA: And I'm sure those will be on display today.

What I am absolutely convinced of is that everybody here is committed to racial equality -- has been historically.

So if he took his responsibility to quash that sort of overzealousness back then - WHY are his friends still pushing the idea that Hillary and Bill are racists?

HMMMMM????

I guess some of them just haven't gotten that memo yet, because months after the edict went out from on-high, Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC & # 3 in the House leadership) claims that Hillary's only staying in the race to scuttle BO's chances at winning, to clear the way for herself in 2012.  He had this to say recently...  

"I heard something, the first time yesterday (in South Carolina), and I heard it on the (House) floor today, which is telling me there are African Americans who have reached the decision that the Clintons know that she can't win this. But they're hell-bound to make it impossible for Obama to win" in November, Clyburn told Reuters in an interview.

Clyburn has yet to endorse someone but I think we all know which side his bread is buttered on.  He pulled this same kind of dishonest maneuver in the lead up to the primaries in his own state.  

Craig Crawford had this to say recently...

Once again, a racial dispute over Bill Clinton's words erupts in advance of a Deep South primary where African-American voters are crucial. And once again, Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., is at the forefront of attacks against his party's former president.
Seizing upon Clinton's assertion last week that Barack Obama's camp "played the race card on me" in January before the South Carolina primary, Clyburn is leveraging his status as the highest-ranking black leader in Congress to stir the pot in advance of North Carolina's May 6 primary.

Somebody remind me again... what states are coming up next?  Indiana and... ?

David Axelrod is the biggest hypocrite going guys.  For him to pretend he can't or doesn't want to get inside Bill's head is the biggest load of bullshit anyone has ever tried to shovel in this campaign to date.

I think we all know what he's said and done once the cameras were turned off.  He's made every effort to paint two good and decent Democrats as racists.  It's sickening - absolutely sickening that he would then turn around and go on Face the Nation and pretend he's a good guy in all this.  In front of millions of people.

The thing is - we've seen how the guy operates and it's in no way what he pretended to be this morning.

Maybe it's time for him to find another job because he's becoming more and more obvious with every day that passes.




Tags: President, Hillary Clinton, 2008 elections, Face the Nation, David Axelrod, Barack Obama (all tags)

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Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 23)

The Clintons are NOT racists.  TO claim otherwise is just adding to the divisiveness in this campaign.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:39:33 PM EST

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 9)

well said!


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:50:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

How is it possible that the same person that wrote the 'toning down' diary can immediately pop over here and praise this one?



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:53:30 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 6)

i agree with the comment above mine.  

but i am able to have conflicting thoughts in my head at the same time, you know?  i did commend BO for toning it down but also think that there have been some unfortunate accusations being thrown at 2 incredible democrats (HRC and BC) of which i largely blame axelrod (and by extension BO).


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:58:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Speaking of conflicting thoughts, do you agree that, a) there have been some very unfair criticisms leveled at the Clintons with regard to race, b) there have also been some things the Clinton campaign has said that reasonable people could perceive as racially insensitive, and c) this diary fails to acknowledge that although the Clinton have been unfairly criticized in some cases, their campaign is not entirely above criticism when it comes to racially-insensitive comments?  


by jdusek on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:14:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

to address your questions...

yes some people could perceive comments as insensitive - but i think axelrod and BO using this for political gain is beyond awful.  and when you state that "Clinton have been unfairly criticized in some cases, their campaign is not entirely above criticism when it comes to racially-insensitive comments? "  no.  HRC has been unfairly criticized in ALL cases.  at best - BC's comment are patronizing - but racist - no.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:23:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 3)

Just to clarify, I don't think that Bill or Hillary are racist either, but what I asked was do you believe that Clinton's campaign is entirely above criticism when it comes to racially insensitive remarks? Not racist comments, but regrettable statements? I gotta say that some of the remarks that you describe as 'patronizing' raised questions in people's minds about their intent, so I think it's fair to ask, "what did you mean by that?" and in some cases to reply, "having heard your explanation, I still think that was a poor choice of words."

My point is that the Clinton campaign is not blameless on this issue. As you said, they did say some things that could be seen as insensitive. Does that make them racists? No. Does that mean that every comment was part of a coordinated effort to use race as a weapon? No. But were there some instances where race was interjected in a way that was purposeful and wrong? Yes.


by jdusek on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:54:23 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

it is fair to ask 'what did you mean by that'.  and that is probably what some fair-minded individuals such as yourself said once you heard them - and i believe that both HRC and BC have said that it probably was a poor choice of words.

however - i do believe that when you say 'race was interjected in a way that was purposeful and wrong' that is incorrect and a direct result of a political effort from her opponents camp to shape them in that way as evidenced here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12 /obama-camps-memo-on-clin_n_81205.html


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:08:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

I agree with you 100% that the fairy tale comment, the shuck-and-jive remark, and the LBJ comment were unintentionally offensive, and in the first two examples, totally manufactured issues used to score political points against Clinton.

But I think there have been other examples, such as Bill's comparison of Obama's South Carolina win to Jessie Jackson's failed Presidential run, or Ferraro's infamous statements, that were purposeful and wrong. And that's my only point here: that although the majority of race-related accusations are unfounded, I don't think they are above criticism for certain things their campaign has said.


by jdusek on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:28:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

the only comments that are from HRC directly are those the JJ and LBJ comparisons. since you take no issue with the LBJ comment i will move directly to the JJ.  how is this wrong?  unless there is something i dont know about JJ (which is entirely possible) how is this racist or racially insensitive??

if your competitor wins in politics - you want to play down your loss so that you do not appear weak. thats what BC did. simply to state an obvious fact that a previous AA candidate (who really had no chance at the time he ran) won as well was trying to minimize BO's victory.
i personally have no problem with AA's voting in 92% ratio for the first viable AA presidential candidate.  but lets be honest that this is what is happening.  


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:41:53 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

How would you feel if someone asked Obama about Hillary's campaign funds and he answered:

"You know who else had a problem raising funds? Elizabeth Dole."

If Obama said that, the clear intent would be to link Hilary, a strong and viable candidate, to Dole's doomed-from-the-start presidential run based on the completely irrelevant fact that they both happen to be female.

The Jessie Jackson remark was wrong for the same reason: it was a purposeful attempt to equate two entirely different candidates on the sole basis of their race.

It wasn't just about downplaying the loss, it was about getting people to negatively associate Obama with Jackson's failed candidacy.

Not racist, but racially charged and intentional.


by jdusek on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:21:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

you know what - speaking for me - as a gal - i have no problem with that hypothetical statement.  there have been far larger sexually insensitive comments made (particularly from the media about HRC) but that is another whole conversation.  

and sorry i dont see how the JJ comment was wrong.  you know what i just wrote another comment on this below - take a look.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:50:00 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

So you don't see playing down your opponent as "the black candidate" as a racially insensitive (not racist) comment?

He could have used John Edwards for a comparison as someone who won SC but lost the dem nomination in 2000.  He went back to the last black candidate from 20 years ago.


by shalca on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:28:23 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

im sorry - i dont see this as racially charged.  yes - i guess he could have mentioned JE, but wasnt he still in the race at the time?  and besides that - as i said before - imo the comment was meant to minimize the win, to do that BC needed to compare BO to a candidate that won but was not really viable as the nominee = JJ, no?

and if i was black (i say this because we dont use the tern AA in canada) i might question why would BC say this, is this about race?.  but then i would think to myself - hey this is BC!  and then move on to the next topic.  unfortunately, BO's campaign decided that this was an opening for them to take advantage of.

hey its politics.  but unfortunately its these types accusations/smears or whatever you want to call them that follow people around forever.  v. sad.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:46:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Too many times I see people lay the blame for Clinton's own divisive words (as you even admit) at the foot of the Obama campaign.  The fact is, people, mostly black people, were offended by what Clinton said.  They didn't become offended only after someone said they should be offended.  People saw the words for themselves and were offended by them.  I was, and at that time I was split between Obama and Hillary.

The reason I can't think to myself - "hey this is BC! and then move on - is because I know that BC is not a dumb man.  He is an expert politician, a yale graduate (both undergrad and law) and a Rhodes Scholar.  HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS SAYING.  This was only compounded right before PA when he went on a radio show, blamed the Obama campaign for his own words, and then completely lied about situation that led to this being reported to the press.  The following day he denied that he said what he said.  If it wasn't so offensive it would be comical.

Original Quote: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqd2dfjl2 pw

PA Radio Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxsrGUTcE Uc

Bill Clinton's denial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWf9WpQEZ qI


by shalca on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 02:26:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

listen i cannot tell you or anyone else how they 'feel' is wrong.
while i agree with almost all of your observations of BC - and as you mentioned he is an expert politician, so i sincerely doubt that he would attempt to as you describe it - 'offend people' when in fact only 3(?) contests had been held.  and while i have previously agreed that it could be interpreted in a questionable way, i believe that BO campaign saw a chance to use race in a Machiavellian manner as evidenced here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12 /obama-camps-memo-on-clin_n_81205.html

and no - i do not blame 92% of AA's for voting for the first viable AA candidate for president - nor do i think its racist - but i do think that BO's campaign has 'worked this' volatile emotions in that community to smear HRC and BC.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 02:41:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

The infamous race memo.  A list of quotes out of the media, Clinton, and Clinton's campaign.  Far from the damning strategic memo to use the race card.

Now I agree that Obama's campaign should have kept to the high road and avoided race like the plague.  They did that through to South Carolina with notable exception in Jesse Jackson Jr. who was promptly silenced.  The fact is, Obama wanted to become Oprah-like.  Not seen as "black" but as Obama.  The reason there was so much offense taken by the list of quotes you see in the memo, is because it appeared that the Clintons wanted exactly the opposite, to paint Obama as the "black" candidate, the Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton in the democratic field, not to be taken seriously but by black voters.

Although I agree that the memo was not the best moment in the campaign.  I see it more as a response than as a "Machiavellian" use of race.


by shalca on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 02:57:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

last comment of the night for me - im pooped - but i think we do not agree here, while i cited the memo - there are other instances as as shown here - http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/03/11/ obama-camp-calls-on-clinton-to-oust-back er-who-said-media-coverage-is-race-based /

you state "The reason there was so much offense taken by the list of quotes you see in the memo, is because it appeared that the Clintons wanted exactly the opposite, to paint Obama as the "black" candidate, the Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton in the democratic field, not to be taken seriously but by black voters."
this does not make sense, in a logical or political way.  why would they do that? democrats are the party of racial unity (at least i hope they are) if your accusation was true, then as you previously stated as savvy politicians they would have know that a backlash would happen.  i agreed earlier that the comment was meant to minimize BO's loss - from a political standpoint, not a racial one.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 03:17:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

I didn't want to respond while you were sleeping so forgive the delay.  But you asked why they would want to paint Obama as the black candidate.  I'm sure your question was rhetorical, but it's something I had to ask myself before I finally made a decision between Obama and Hillary.

First, although you say there would be a backlash if that would happen, I haven't seen it.  As so many Clinton supporters will readily remind us all, Clinton is not so far behind Obama that it is impossible for her to win.  It's simply extremely difficult, but not impossible.  So there wasn't a backlash except throughout the black community who took offense to the statements.

Secondly, in this country the black candidate loses.  They lose for any number of reasons, but if you can label someone as a black person simply trying to elevate black issues, the majority of the country (only 12% of the nation is black) will not vote for you.  See Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton as examples.  It would make sense to paint Obama as the black candidate, as extreme, and as not having the interests of all americans at heart.  When someone brings up Farrakhan when the question is about Wright, it appears that they are associating you with extreme black figures in an attempt to paint you with the same brush.


by shalca on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 02:15:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

i dont agree with your assertion that A) there was no backlash except in the black community - alot of people of all races (and in the media) have painted HRC and BC as using race in this primary (I COMPLETELY DISAGREE WITH THIS) however to say that there is no backlash about this perceived idea is incorrect.
and
B) you state that the black candidate loses - maybe i am naive, but i would like to think that the US is past that type of nonsense and sincerely hope that you are wrong

finally - i believe that HRC is the better candidate and have been sorely off-put by many of the tactics of BO's campaign and i think that its unfortunate that you based your decision for who to vote based on something (IMO) that is inaccurate.  but hey - its politics.


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 04:05:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

It's nice to hope.  But the fact that Barack Obama is only the 3rd black Senator since reconstruction (after the civil war) speaks for itself.  A lot of people would like to think that we're past all that, but the facts deny them those happy thoughts.


by shalca on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 07:14:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

yes well unfortunately white men dominate society in canada as well - but at the end of the day - no matter who wins the democratic primary - the US should be proud!


"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum
by canadian gal on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 08:59:33 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 8)

Wow - thanks Canadian Gal!

Send Hillary some love if you get a chance ok folks?

https://contribute.hillaryclinton.com/fo rm.html?sc=ac0&rc=E5W3


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:55:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

No attack on Obama is complete without a plea for a donation to Clinton's campaign!


by mefck on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:12:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

In case you missed it - I'm going after Axelrod in this one =)


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:19:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Actually, you just asked her to break the law, technically. Heh. I should write a diary about how Clinton supporters are trying to get foreigners to donate to her campaign now, right?

;)


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:20:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Uh, no. (none / 0)

There are plenty of Canadians with dual citizenship (ahem), or just Americans living in Canada.

The donation form is pretty clear about not letting non-citizens vote.


by corph on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 10:31:05 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 7)

Every time Hillary wins an important primary, this happens.

Every. Time.

Enough.


by daria g on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:00:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Exactly, enough is enough. Luckily, we know she won't win any more.

;)


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:21:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

When Bill Clinton, out of nowhere, said that Obama 'played the race card' on him right before the Pennsylvania primary, then denied saying it at all and yelled at the questioner, I knew somebody was going to find a way to blame the whole thing on Obama.

So the target was Axelrod.  At least I was close.  Either way, I'd love to have the mystical power to make Bill Clinton say idiotic things at will.


by Mostly on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:54:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Get your shit straight, Alege.  His name is Axelrove, and you of all people should know it by now.


by SuperCameron on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 01:25:32 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Man, that's clever. n/t (2.00 / 1)


by bookish on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 07:22:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

haha. this is about as "controversial" as the over-heated hubbub surrounding hillary's "as far as i know" muslim thing. neither is anywhere nearlt as insidious as it's played.

oh, and racist? no they're not. they're also not above using race as a factor in a political strategy. i honestly don't see how you can deny that. but i'm sure you will. the cold hand of defeat is reaching up, so desperation beckons.


by jbill on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 10:37:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 9)

Another fabulous diary, Alegre. Thank you for helping to expose the frauduelt message of hope that the Obama campaign is using in the face of their negative campaigning--the future of America is at stake.


Hillary supporter for Barack Obama in 2008
by zcflint05 on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:40:03 PM EST

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 11)

Thanks.  I'm just sick of the race-baiting right before a big primary ya know?


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:42:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.00 / 4)

I'm sick of the Clinton campaign style, ya know?  It really has gotten to Karl Rove standards and thats not how Democrats operate.


by Bobby Obama on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:46:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.75 / 8)

Ummm not to put too fine a point on it but she's not the one saying the rethugs have better ideas than Dems, or trashing any ideas that came out of the 60s or 70s - ya know?


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:48:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

This is not only nonsense on stilts, but I'm sure you know that.  


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:51:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Hey your guy said it - not Hillary.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:59:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.00 / 0)

Sorry, Alegre, but flat out, right here- you're lying.

Lying.

This is a complete lie, and you know it. Sorry.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:02:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.00 / 0)

Go check the transcript for his performance on Fox this morning.  He said it.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:20:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.00 / 0)

Ok so he qualified it with "sometimes" but this wasn't the first time he's trashed the 60s and 70s etc...

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/article s/2008/04/obama_on_fox_news_sunday.html

WALLACE: And we are back now with Senator Barack Obama. Senator, one of the central themes of your campaign is that you are a uniter, who will reach across the aisle and create a new kind of politics. Some of your detractors say that you are a paint by the numbers liberal and I'd like to explore this with you.

Over the years, John McCain has broken with his party and risked his career on a number of issues, campaign finance, immigration reform, banning torture. As a president, can you name a hot button issue where you would be willing to cross (ph) Democratic party line and say you know what, Republicans have a better idea here.

OBAMA: Well, I think there are a whole host of areas where Republicans in some cases may have a better idea.

WALLACE: Such as.

OBAMA: Well, on issues of regulation, I think that back in the '60s and '70s, a lot of the way we regulated industry was top down command and control. We're going to tell businesses exactly how to do things.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:25:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

And this is what Bill Clinton said, too, in 1992.  His whole DLC schtick was that both parties got it wrong in part and that he was going to be a Democrat who understood business and Main Street concerns.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:28:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

In fact, early in his first term, a big initiative was Reinventing Government, which included reconsideration of what and how government operated.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:29:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Oh, God! He's saying the government can't fix anything, and trying to is folly!

THE BASTARD! He's clearly slamming every single thing from the 60's and 70's.

Alegre, this is just stupid! Really! I know you're smarter than this! And you've yet to tell me what your purpose is with all of this demagoguery.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:29:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 0)

Another example of a dualistic - and Manichean - world view.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:29:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

"trashing any ideas that came out of the sixties and seventies"

He said that? really? I missed it.

Be kind of odd for a guy like that to trash the Civil Rights movement. Ending the Vietnam War? He got elected by opposing the Iraq War (the one former McGovern supporter Hillary "Obliterate 'em" Clinton voted for). Haven't heard him call for an end to Medicare, Medicaid, the Peace Corps, HeadStart.....

Or are you dishonestly distorting what he said to fit your tendentious, over-the-top rantings?

This morning your jaw hit the coffee table. The other day you were literally shaking with rage. Maybe you need a vacation. Surely it couldn't be hard to train someone to do your diaries... a stock phrase of outrage, some cut'n'paste.... Seems easy enough.


by BlueinColorado on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:07:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Obama never said the GOP had better ideas-that's a dishonest interpretation.  Come on, you're smarter than that.


by mefck on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:52:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.66 / 6)

Well, since you full and well know none of those things are true, Alegre, I'd have to say you're purposefully taking things out of context to further making a political point at Obama's expense.

But you'd never do that, would you?


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:56:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Obama today on Fox News Sunday:

OBAMA: Well, I think there are a whole host of areas where Republicans in some cases may have a better idea.

WALLACE: Such as.

OBAMA: Well, on issues of regulation, I think that back in the `60s and `70s, a lot of the way we regulated industry was top down command and control. We're going to tell businesses exactly how to do things.

A Republican, hearing Obama say this, might nod along with Wallace. But most Democrats hear this and wonder why Obama has a problem with the EPA, the Clean Air and Water Acts, and the Food and Drug Administration, i.e. the big regulatory acts of the '60s and '70s? Especially when the Republicans have so weakened the FDA's regulatory power we have monthly scares over contaminated food and dangerous drugs, and when dealing with Climate Change, one of our largest threats, falls largely under the EPA's regulatory power?


by souvarine on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:13:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Sorry, I gotta throw the BS flag on that one.

First of all, Alegre made the patently false claim Obama claimed the Republicans were the ones with good ideas- from that South Carolina radio bit that Clinton did to that effect, taking his words entirely out of context- which she knows is wrong and yet felt the need to repeat it.

Secondly, you and Alegre are the only ones I've ever heard making these claims. I'm reading, hey, we have to be able to work with the Republicans, and having the government run all these programs 100% isn't necessarily a good idea.

I mean, give me a break. Now Obama doesn't support the EPA? You're really reaching there.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:16:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

And the FDA wasn't created in the 1960s or 1970s. It was created in 1906!


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:24:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

The FDA was established in 1906 but the regulatory power of the FDA was significantly expanded into pre-marketing in the '60s and '70s after the Thalidomide scare. The EPA was established in 1970 by Richard Nixon. It derives the bulk of its regulatory power from the '60s and '70s era Clean Air and Water acts, and it and those acts are what people usually mean when they complain about too much industry regulation. The other possibility is OSHA, but I really don't think Obama wants to start attacking worker safety regulation.


by souvarine on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:50:36 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

BS flag?  But those are the regulatory programs that Obama's just belittled and not for the first time.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:30:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.66 / 3)

Again, ad hominem attacks are great. Deflects the attention away from your inability to answer any really hard questions. Kudos to you. You're a credit to your candidate.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:41:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

I just quoted Obama saying today that Republicans may have better ideas. As for the EPA immediately after that quote Obama goes on to talk about "controlling pollution".  The EPA's Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act are the big regulatory acts of the '60s and '70s, what else could Obama be referring to?


by souvarine on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:32:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

I explained it; the structure of government. Really. To suggest he wanted to destroy the CAA and CWA is the pinnacle of partisan demagoguery. Give yourself more credit than that.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:42:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

I never said he wants to destroy the CAA and CWA, but he does appear to be saying that they gave the EPA too much regulatory power. I think the EPA needs more regulatory power, especially as I watch the blue crab population dwindle in the Chesapeake Bay and some areas become too polluted to swim in again, like they were back in the '70s.


by souvarine on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:04:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

You're making an incredible supposition. Really.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:25:37 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Yes, he said that Democrats "don't have a monopoly on wisdom." That is true, and thankfully Obama is smart enough to acknowledge that the other party, whose support we will need to pass Democratic legislation, aren't devoid of ideas that are worthy of consideration.

When pressed for specific examples, he offered that some Republican ideas regarding corporate governance and regulation make sense.  

That's not the same as saying that the Republicans generally have "better" ideas than Democrats. It's quite clear to anyone who has listened to even a single Obama speech that he does not think the Republicans have the better ideas. Alegre knows that, so it's disingenuous of her to suggest otherwise.


by jdusek on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:06:50 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Of course Obama never said that the Republican ideas under Reagan were "better" than the Democrats' ideas, but don't let that stop you from repeating this falsehood.


by jdusek on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:21:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 4)

You're really repetitive, Alegre. Yes, I read the WHOLE diary.  

And you know what, it's not just black folks who think Clinton is going for a 2012 strategy.  Plenty of other folks think so, too.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:41:52 PM EST

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 3)

C O L.  Repetitive?  Hmmm... the same could be said of you ya know? ;)


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:43:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Yes, I do need to repeat my points when you keep making the same argument over and over and over.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:52:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Ok - put up or shut up.  Show me one place where I've said Axelrod's a hypocrite for saying one thing in front of the camerais, and doing the exact opposite once they're turned off.

One diary - go ahead, I'll wait... ;)


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:01:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

So, what argument are you trying to make, then? You don't like David Axelrod. Stunning. How does this help your candidate?


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:05:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Yeah - I noticed you couldn't come up with anything.  Thanks for trying though =)


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:31:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Ad hominem attacks really help further your image as nothing more than a propaganda piece for the Clinton campaign, Alegre. I haven't seen you come up with an original idea or diary yet.

Nothing about party unity, why Obama supporters feelings and support for their candidate is valid, but why Clinton is a better choice, why ANYTHING but "OBAMA AND HIS CAMPAIGN ARE ALL HORRIBLE PEOPLE!"

Look how many times you've had to address this, and you've ignored it. The answer is obvious, because you don't have one.

Sorry, Alegre. Take this trite to Hillaryis44.org. I'm sure they'd eat it up.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:37:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.66 / 3)

Alegre, if you are looking for something to be outraged over, go here: http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/4/27/1812 45/542

And read the diary and its comments.


by mefck on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:57:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Oh yeah. That's just another example of the "Obama is an affirmative action baby" view being promoted that of course has NO racial content, oh no, none at all!


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:05:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

A troll rating?  LOL.  Campskunk, maybe you should explain instead of always leaving drive-by troll ratings.


by mefck on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:06:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

which hardly makes it true. And I'd say most African Americans can see through this strategy and like Obama anyway, worry that it's not smart for race relations to pretend racism to paint himself as her victim and ask to be rescued, and would vote for either in the GE.  Obama has some problems with his pastor, for sure, that guy is competing with Obama, wants everyone to listen to his soaring speeches even though he's hurting Obama's chances both for the primary and the GE. Axelrod is a advertising guy, and clearly has no problem saying one thing and doing another.  


Hillary - alternative energy
by anna shane on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 10:52:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.80 / 10)

And where did ANYONE say that the Clintons are racist?

They have race-baited.  But that sure doesn't mean they're racist.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:43:18 PM EST

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 3)

Soooooo... explain the differences - please.  We're all ears.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:43:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (1.60 / 5)

Racism means that you think one race is superior and the other inferior.  The Clintons don't have a racist bone in their bodies, of that I am sure.

Race-baiting is using racially charged language and comments as part of a political strategy.  Only the Clintons benefit from that sort of thing since blacks are only 12% of the population.  "Shuck and jive" is a racially charged term and there have been plenty of other examples.

Hey, the Clintons want to win and I can understand that. And they will do whatever they can to make that happen.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:47:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 4)

Race-baiting... hmmm - then can you PLEASE explain why Jackson Jr. jumped all over Bill's comments re fairy tales as racist when it was clear to anyone who read Bill's words that he was talking about how the press treats your guy - and NOT about Obama's campaign in general?


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:49:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Well, I will give you that one. I didn't think that was race-baiting.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:53:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Fair enough.

Now what about what Hillary said re LBJ?  She was right you know... he brought people to the table to get the civil rights act passed so he could sign it in to law.  She in no WAY belittled what King did - she's said repeatedly that she has nothing but the greatest respect for what he's accomplished in his life.

So why did Axelrod and crew jump all over her as a racist?  And yeah - his supporters and many surrogates DID call her a racist for what she said.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:03:51 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

It's historically incomplete. JFK and LBJ privately said many times (known via oral histories, tapes, memos) that they could NOT have done what they did without a mass movement.  

And besides, Obama's not running to be a Baptist preacher and civil rights leader. He's running to be president.  So what he hell was Clinton even bringing this up for?


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:08:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Ask and you shall recieve.....
http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0 108/Clinton_and_Obama_Johnson_and_King.h tml

Hillary was asked about Obama's rejoinder that there's something vaguely un-American about dismissing hopes as false, and that it doesn't jibe with the careers of figures like like John F. Kennedy and King.

"Dr. King's dream began to be realized when President Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act," Clinton said. "It took a president to get it done."

Basic summation is what people are now starting to see...actions speak louder than words.

;)


He that lives upon hope, will die fasting. -Ben Franklin
by TxDem08 on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:28:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Unless you explain your point, folks won't know what you mean by just posting a quote.  At least I don't get it. Sorry.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:48:40 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

Gosh, what a coincidence...another southern primary with high AA involvement and Clyburn is out there race baiting while Artur Davis called us all racist on This Week.

Yep, just a coincidence...my arse. One campaign and one campaign only has been playing the race card and it is Obama.


by Newport News Dem on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:13:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

Aha.

So, you excuse your own bad behavior, again, by pointing to someone else's, again.


Hooray for John McCain!
by ragekage on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:06:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (none / 0)

What in heaven's name could be the possible political benefit of a strategy that would result in losing African American votes, right before a Democratic primary?  Especially a Democratic primary in South Carolina where they make up such a high percentage of the electorate?  Can you enlighten me on this point?

Also, Andrew Cuomo: was not a Clinton campaign spokesperson or surrogate, was talking in abstract terms about retail politics, was not talking about Barack Obama.  Does that matter to you?  To call that phrase race baiting is dishonest.


by daria g on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:06:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

Not racial?  We are not idiots, although my family in NY thinks Andrew Cuomo is -- even the ones who support Clinton.

Why did they say that stuff before SC? Well, they miscalculated - they screwed up - it happens, you know.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:10:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 1)

The strategy was that they knew they were going to lose South Carolina.  So, take a 12 point loss, describe it as a black thing, and you're all set for Super Tuesday.


by Mostly on Mon Apr 28, 2008 at 12:24:42 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Hypocrite Thy Name is Axelrod (2.00 / 2)

This is still a progressive web site after all.  We all believe in recycling!


by mefck on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:44:32 PM EST

UGH (2.00 / 6)

You are taking something Axlerod said this morning and comparing it to something someone else in SC wrote in a memo back in January, and making a diary about it?

Take a day off if you have no material.  Nobody is going to mind.



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:45:00 PM EST

Noooo.... (2.00 / 3)

I'm calling bullshit on the way Axelrod pretended he's above it all while the cameras are on, and then turns on the Clintons and calls them racists once they're turned off.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:05:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Noooo.... (2.00 / 1)

Thats nice, but you used an example from this morning where Axlerod was in front of the cameras, and compared it to what someone else did in a memo in January!

Don't you think that's a bit lame?



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:09:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Axelrod and "The memo" last month (none / 0)

Here is Axelrod quoting the memo just last month (pre-Wright):

Obama chief strategist David Axelrod suggested the emphasis on race is part of an underlying effort that has continued for months. He noted other allegedly insensitive comments by Clinton supporters BET founder Bob Johnson and New Hampshire co-chairman Bill Shaheen.

"All this is part of an insidious pattern that needs to be addressed," Axelrod told reporters on a conference call Tuesday. "When you wink and nod at offensive statements, you're really sending a signal to your supporters that anything goes."


by souvarine on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:18:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Axelrod and "The memo" last month (2.00 / 1)

Where does it mention the memo?



Lost rate and rec for issuing a '1' to a trollish comment. The troll, not so much.

by map on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:26:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

He's the lowest of the low. Using (1.85 / 7)

race -- a highly sensitive, emotional, and divisive issue -- to win electoral votes is beneath contempt.  This man makes Karl Rove look like Mahatma Ghandi.   And there's the Joe Wilson story, about how Hillary dropped everything -- in the middle of the impeachment hearings of Bill -- to fly to Chicago and support Axelrod and his wife with a fundraiser they were doing for epilepsy.  Their son has epilepsy.

And this is how her kindness is repaid.  What a dirt bag.


by miker2008 on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:45:20 PM EST

Re: He's the lowest of the low. Using (2.00 / 1)

Right. If the Clintons helped you on anything, you owe them your FEALTY.  Otherwise, you are a Judas.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 10:49:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: He's the lowest of the low. Using (2.00 / 2)

Hillary's early work with the CDF laid the groundwork for programs that have turned my son's life around.  She fought for laws and got funding for the early intervention programs that means he'll have a good life rather than be written off as retarded.

This mom loves her for that work and dedication and there's not enough money in the WORLD - no job or position on earth that would make me turn on her the way Axelrod has.

How that man sleeps at night is beyond me.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:09:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: He's the lowest of the low. Using (2.00 / 1)

Come on. I'm glad you respect Clinton's early work but she was hardly the only person doing that work at that time.

And she's not the only person who works on the health issues in general today nor the specific problems Axelrod's son faces.

He has the right to work for the candidate he thinks is best without being trashed because Clinton was kind and helpful to him in the past.


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:14:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: He's the lowest of the low. Using (none / 0)

My point stands.  I don't know how a guy who's kid has been helped by Hillary could turn on her like this.

ANd I'm sorry but my story isn't the same as theirs.  Hillary played a much more direct role in helping his son.  How he could turn around and attack her is just mind-blowing.  The guy's got no scruples.  It's no wonder they call him the Karl Rove of our party.


Donate to Hillary Now!
by alegre on Sun Apr 27, 2008 at 11:33:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: He's the lowest of the low. Using (2.00 / 0)

I've never heard anyone call him the Karl Rove of our party.  Did you just make that up?

And, again, no, we don't owe people our political support if they helped us personally. At work I can recommend people to particular positions and it would be unprofessional and unethical to base those decisions on who helped me out or on any other personal relationship we had. Even if they worked on a policy that was personally helpful, that wouldn't mean they were the best person for the position.