Barack Obama to Dr. Dean: "Tone it down."

[Bluebear]

.....Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois said he is sure that Mr. Dean "regrets how his statements were interpreted," adding that he will be advised to tone it down from the Senate Democrats today.
"I'm somebody who tends to try to have a message that draws people in, and I think there have been a couple of times when the way he phrases things seem to be pushing people away," Mr. Obama said.
Not all Democrats are running from their party's chairman. Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York, the head of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, said he thinks "it's great" that Mr. Dean is visiting Capitol Hill today and supports the chairman's attacks.
"The Republican attack machine goes after anybody, and they've said far worse things about many, many of our people," Mr. Schumer said, adding that Mr. Dean has "worked great with the DSCC" and expects his Senate colleagues to be "supportive" of him during the meeting.

http://washingtontimes.com/national/20050608-112525-8076r.htm

[Warren Stupidity]

1. Again with Obama

No wonder the media annointed him as the next great black hope.

[Adelante]

37. Ha!

DU annointed him first!

[liberal N proud]

2. To Obama: Where is your spine

We all thought you would amount to a great Democratic figure and now you are acting more like a republican than Democrat.

[bluedog]

54. he lost his spine

once elected he thought he had it made.......when a Democratic Senator cannot speak for the party in a tone of "well.he has his opinion ......I have mine",,then he really does not speak for us all.......we need senators and congressmen and women to speak for all the people.as you notice.......a few are selected to respond for us......and in my opinion.they do a piss poor job...

[HughBeaumont]

3. OK to be FAR FAR RIGHT, but get a little left of center . . ..

Man, WHEN will anyone wake up and see that being like Republicans is NOT the way to go? When are the Democrats going to get a COACH? You don't see this kind of "Weeeeellll, maybe that was being a little harsh" bullshit on the Republicant's side, do you?

[ElectroPrincess]

38. If you wish to inherit the earth (meek) then "yes" but if we wish to WIN

HELL NO! Obama needs to either STFU or support Dean. He's in the way playing Republican Lite if he persists, F*ck him, the people will support a representative more populists come time for his re-election. These representatives work for US not the Corporate Monopolies.

[TankLV]

73. At the time the phrase was initiated, the word "meek" meant "industrious"

Lend a whole new meaning to the phrase, doesn't it!

[ElectroPrincess]

108. Source? Otherwise that's news (not necessarily true) to me

[mdelaguna2000]

90. right on

To heck with all appeasers. Go Dean Go.

[Kolesar]

4. I cannot wait until this story dies

It is a distraction from real business.
How soon until the Pentagon reaches 2,000 KIA in Iraq?

[CanOfWhoopAss]

10. We probably reached it but since...

The mortally wounded are flown to Germany for medical care before they die, they are not counted as kia in Iraq because they died in Germany.

[leveymg]

32. That number reportedly is 6,210 GIs who died in transit to or in German

hospitals as of 1 January 2005. http://www.tbrnews.org/Archives/a1629.htm

I'm trying to get the author to release a copy of the Pentagon document in which he claims to have found that figure. If this is confirmed, that would put the number of US deaths in Iraq over 8,000. Including suicides and medical evacuations, Harring's article at TBRNews also points out that the number of casualties is fully one-quarter of the present US force deployment of 130,000 plus.

That gives us a very different picture than the Iraq KIA count we see every day.
:bounce:

[geek tragedy]

48. Tbrnews is run by Holocaust deniers and pathological liars

One should assume that everything read there is pure bullshit.

That story, for instance, is pure bullshit and has been refuted numerous times.

[leveymg]

55. Please link me to something that refutes the story.

Note that I said the story hasn't been been confirmed. I really would like to get to the bottom of this.

I'll read whatever is available, and make up my own mind.

[geek tragedy]

56. You've posted something that might as well have been written by

a monkey at a keyboard. The author is a LIAR and works for NAZIS.

This idea that there are thousands of "missing" dead soldiers is just stupid.

Post something that has 1/100000000000th of an ounce of credibility, and then we can entertain the bizarre conspiracy theory. Until then, if the Nazis are the only ones saying it, it's a lie.

Only bad can come from reading sites like tbrnews--which is BANNED at DU because its operators are evil liars.

[TankLV]

74. I've also read and heard that - so the original claim is accurate.

Regardless of what that site is!

[geek tragedy]

79. Then post a link from a credible source. You're making the extraordinary

claim--it's up to you to support it.

A link from tbrnews does not support your argument.

[TankLV]

103. Nope - YOU are the one making the claim that it is not true!

Try "gooogle" or any other search engine.

I won't do your work for you.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

49. Thanks for the link (nt)

:hi:

[burrowowl]

83. Go leveymg Go!

I'm sure the numbers have been skewed by the DoD (or DoF, Departmet of Offense)!

[jaxx]

63. I don't look for this story to die..........

there's something about Dean that rubs the pubs the wrong way and they'll play this up till 08. Look what the scream got him.....dumped.

[leftchick]

5. leftchick to Obama .....

Would could use about 45 Deans in the US Senate! You shut up, watch and learn from the Doctor!

[CanOfWhoopAss]

11. Who gave this freshman senator permission to speak ...

let alone advise Dr. Dean?? He doesn't speak up when Repukes unleash the attack machine so shut the f*ck up now.

[Al-CIAda]

50. Funny how he has NO spine to speak out against Rice, Gonzales,

the election fraud, etc., but is at the ready to chime in on Dean.

I can't wait till he comes out for CAFTA.

[Cha]

62. obama knows Dean won't

ice his ass.

[CanOfWhoopAss]

12. 23 Deans and 22 Barbara Boxers (nt)

[WI_DEM]

6. Schumer is correct

the media doesn't give this kind of scrutiny to what the Republicans say about democrats. Dean is a lightning rod because he doesn't play footsy with the media.

[Justice]

9. that is the truth - and I wish everyone would keep repeating that

statement b/c it is more powerful.

[Cha]

64. To back up your statement..

nobody freaked out when this was said by John Danforth..remember this? I do..

"John Danforth is an angry Democrat(sic).."

"Gee, John Danforth is one angry Democrat. Oh, that's right. He's a former GOP Senator and not a Democrat at all. But, oh my, he criticizes the Republican party as being the party of conservative Christians. But, isn't that what Howard Dean said? I'm so confused. Why isn't the MSM all angry at John Danforth too?

From Danforth's excellent NYT op ed earlier this year:

By a series of recent initiatives, Republicans have transformed our party into the political arm of conservative Christians...."

more at..
http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/06/howard-dean-john-danforth-is-angry.html

[magellan]

7. Boo hiss, Obama!!

I'm amazed by how willing some Democrats are to cut their own down when they won't say a thing against the Repubs. Hypocrisy thy name is DINO.

[Todd B]

8. Um, wrong again.

.....Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois said he is sure that Mr. Dean "regrets how his statements were interpreted," adding that he will be advised to tone it down from the Senate Democrats today.

And I'm sure that Gov. Dean would much rather you stand up and be part of the opposition rather then trying to put words in to his mouth that he regrets things.

Note: The Republican attack machine will go after everyone because they see WEAKNESS as a unified party. I mean, geez, could we at least wait until AFTER 2006 before we start criticizing Dean. *sarcastic*

[matcom]

13. Matcom to Barack Obama

SHUT THE FUCK UP!

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

18. I guess my post would be redundant.

[Andromeda]

92. Nah, pile on...

it's fun! :)

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

107. OK.

Stifle, bitch!

[Media_Lies_Daily]

14. Personally, I want more confrontation and less accommodation from...

...the Democrats in Congress.

I'm getting really tired of watching our so-called Democratic leaders beg forgiveness every time the GOP doesn't like something.

Hey, Obama...you're one of the junior Dems in the Senate, so shut-up when the grown-ups are talking.

[rateyes]

17. Amen to that!

I am tired of hearing dems apologize to repukes. I wish Reid hadn't apologized for the "loser" remark, but am glad that he didn't apologize for the "liar" one. Bush is a loser and a liar. Speak the truth to power--shout it from the hilltops and in the streets. Don't be afraid---fear never did anything but keep good people silent.

[slor]

15. SLOR to Barack Obama: "STFU"

I got Dean's back, so stand with the good doctor, and his idea for a healthy American, by fighting the rethugs.

[ImADeanDem]

72. YES! My thoughts exactly! eom

[Mizmoon]

16. I like what Dean said

my ultra lib husband thought he went too far.

I think Obama honestly disagrees with what Dean said.

[DoYouEverWonder]

19. We don't need any more Mr Congenialities

Thank you very much Mr Obama.

He's such a disappointment.

[Andy_Stephenson]

21. And to think he has designs on the

White House...HA!

[Andromeda]

93. Good to see you back.

How are you feeling?

[Andy_Stephenson]

20. Hey Barack...know what I want you to do?

Sit in the corner and shut the fuck up. You F()&35g weasel.

[DemonFighterLives]

26. Hi Andy! Welcome back!

How are you doing?
You are correct on Obama, he needs to stay out of this.

[Andy_Stephenson]

29. Still have an achy incision...

but feeling better everyday. Thanks for asking.

[DoYouEverWonder]

42. Sounds like you're feeling better?

Welcome back.

[Andy_Stephenson]

44. I still have radiation and chemo to go through

but Dr says I should make a complete recovery. That is where my head is so I think I will be fine.

[DemonFighterLives]

22. Obama didn't need to go that far

Think it if you do, but don't speak it. He's getting a letter.
Dr Dean is rocking the repukes world and our pink tutus need to sign up or get out of the way.
You don't want to be a Jr Pink Tutu do you Senator Obama?

[Andy_Stephenson]

23. I think he needs to be photo shopped into a

pink tutu and it needs to be sent to him.

[DemonFighterLives]

27. Junior Pink Tutu

:rofl:

[Jacobin]

24. Tone it Down??? Tone it Down????

How's that bankruptcy bill bribe doing for ya?

Have you run out of bribe money yet?

Who're ya gonna sell your constituents to next year?

[liberalpragmatist]

70. Um - he didn't vote for the bankruptcy bill

nt

[jonnyblitz]

25. I never thought he was all that when everybody else was

gushing over him last year . none of this surprises me.

[Bluebear]

31. "Obama 2004: He's not Keyes!"

O8)

[NuttyFluffers]

80. any more and he's gonna make me regret its not Keyes.

at least that psycho is so off the wall it's funny. damn fool never made any sense. "it's geometric!" :rofl:

yeah, i went there, so what. obama is quickly riding the slope to being a boring alan keyes. obama better learn to stfu before people really know what he's all about.

i expected better senator!

crimes before whines, crimes before whines. dammit, if he'd pay half the attention to the criminal activity that he gets to vote on and less on this yakity smakity shit we'd be a lot better off.

[BrainRants]

28. Disagree in private, Stand united in public!

All the Dem naysayers on Dean's comments need to learn this little phrase and practice it, NOW! That means you, Mr. Obama, Mr. Biden, Mr. Edwards (who clarified his statement, so mostly get a pass), etc.

The splinter comments only feed the noise machine.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

30. Ready, Fire, Aim!

These threads have gone on more than long enough. Was Dean's comment accurate? Pretty much. Was Dean's comment edgy? Sure was. Was Dean's comment offensive? Only to the easily offended. The point of Dean's comment was to point out that the Republican Party is a monolithic institution with no room for any ideas other that those blessed by the Christian Coalition and that any others need not apply (Note To Log Cabin Republicans: This Means You).

But the interminable accusations and counter-accusations flying between Democrats has got to stop. Those who criticize Dean need to remember the adage, "Criticize in private; Praise in public" and those who want to blast Dean's critics need to remember the same thing. Now the news cycle isn't talking about the monolithic Republican Party and its slavish adherence to right-wing religious dogma. They're only talking about Dean.

Did anybody think that Dean would tone down his incendiary rhetoric upon becoming DNC Chairman? That's the reason he got the job in the first place! Remember what the Republican Party did to Tom Daschle? Remember what they did to Zell Miller? How long are we supposed to sit back and be bitch-slapped by these odious bastards before we start hitting back?

As you can obviously see, I agree with the sharp attacks that Dean has launched against the Republicans. I would re-tool (not tone down) the rhetoric -- you can attack the Republicans while remaining inclusive. Ask anybody who's served in the military -- not every artillery shell lands squarely on the target, but that doesn't mean you stop firing.

You just reload.

[Fleshdancer]

33. These criticizing Dems will shut up if we show our support with our wallet

Donate to the DNC and then write your Reps and Senators and tell them you donated because of Dean. Eventually, they'll "get it".

[Guaranteed]

34. Your message isn't drawing me in, Obama.

In fact, as an ILLINOIS voter, it's kind of making me want to vote against you. Which I have the opportunity to do.

[Guaranteed]

41. BTW, who the fuck does this guy think he is to tell a 5-time governor

and doctor what to do? Dean knows an awful lot of "message resonating" himself.

Sit down, son. Your voice is cracking.

[ElectroPrincess]

35. Democrats to Barack Obama: "Kindly STFU, Dr. Dean's on a roll!" /eom

[spanone]

36. Me to Obama---STFU

[DemonFighterLives]

39. My letter:

Dear Senator Obama,

We finally have a Democrat speaking truth to power in Howard Dean. He has many critics among the Republicans and the conservative media. We don't need fellow Democrats to tear him down as well.
I appreciated your fine words at the democratic convention, but you need to stiffen up now as we are in the battle for the country itself.

Please either give your support to Dr. Dean or kindly stay on the sidelines.
Sincerely,
DemonFighter

[Cha]

65. Good One, DemonFighter!

Nice but to the point!

[DemonFighterLives]

82. Thank You!

:pals:

[Andy_Stephenson]

40. I called the good Senators office.

asked them to tell the Senator to sit down...shut up and listen to the good Doctor. The Doctor has the prescription for change and obviously the Senator needs the medicine. The lady was nice and said the phones are going 4-1 with people mad at Barack for his comments. Good! Perhaps a slapdown will give him courage to back OUR choice for chairman.

[leesa]

43. Obama's such a wimp. He is really a disappointment.

[PATRICK]

45. So Dean was slanted by the media

and we are taking snippets and slant from the Washington Times no less to keep the circular firing squad in ammo?

The paraphrase of Obama's remarks is what "tones" his first remark. More damning is whether Obama was dumb enough to grant the Moonie times an interview on a lose/lose hot air controversy. As usual the shallow content of the piece leaves one distrustful and wondering- about what depending on whether you credit the WT at all for anything.

A few Dems have been predictably stupid about this trap with all the wisdom of a gentleman pointing out the way while his pockets are being deftly picked. Still, remember that it is really for the GOP to be outraged and defensive about some things that are factual true, bluntly spoken.

The zipper over their(GOP) mouth is unfortunately open too attack the truth in chorus, but so is the one downstairs.

[Independent_Liberal]

46. No need to tone it down...

Howard did a great thing in my opinion. It was exactly how he felt. He wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He didn't apologize. That was the right thing to do.

[Edgewater_Joe]

47. Me To Obama: TURN IT UP!

He's been hijacked by the Democratic LOSERS Committee, and it's up to us in Illinois to pull him out before he's totally neutered.

[TWiley]

98. Have him tutored by the Great Senators to your North.

Debbie Stabenow, and Carl Levin of Michigan. Oh, and John Conyers is no slouch either. We will show him how to kick some Rebublicrud ass.

[Politicub]

51. Politicub to Obama "STFU!" n/t

[kentuck]

52. If we have a fight between these two factions and it is in the media...

The people will have to choose one side over the other. Either way, we win. :)

[drbtg1]

53. Which party just had "Justice Sunday"? HELLO?!?

The Republicans get to push that abomination on America, but the media gets cranky by what Dr. Dean says?

Maybe for an encore, Dr. Dean could talk hypocrisy ("Excuse me, Mr. Melmann. I've got a call from the Fab Five on line one.")

[Raiden]

57. Raiden to Obama - "Grow a spine!"

Dr. Dean, you are my hero. Don't take any crap from these DLC whores

[Cha]

66. Welcome to DU,

Raiden!

[paineinthearse]

58. Anyone know if Sen. Obama is a member of the DLC?

Just curious.

[burrowowl]

84. Seems like it.

Or just a DINO!
But this was predicable during his campaige.

[truebrit71]

59. Schumer is right and Obama is wrong (again)

..this guy obviously had a spine-ectomy upon arrival in D.C.

What a gutless turd he is turning out to be.... :eyes:

[Bluebear]

60. night shift kick

[socalover]

61. When are you gonna switch parties like Zell Miller?

You are too smart to be spitting out dat stupidity.

From one balck Democrat to another, take a phucquing hike!

[knight_of_the_star]

67. knight to Sen. Obama

SHOVE IT!!!

[nankerphelge]

68. I sure regret...

thinking Barack Obama was anything but more of the same. Tool.

[Walt Starr]

69. Schumer will no way be throwing his hat into the presidential ring

Watch Obama, though. This move makes him a contender!

[TankLV]

71. Tanklv to Obama: SHUT THE FUCK UP!

What the fuck is wrong with that guy?

Every time he opens his pie hole I get disgusted with what he says.

[Hippo_Tron]

75. Dean needs to keep the rhetoric up, but refocus it a little bit

"A lot of Republicans don't have jobs" (not a direct quote I don't think, I'm paraphrasing) isn't something that is easy to go on CNN and defend with facts, figures, and truth.

"President Bush lied to the country about (insert anything here)" is something that other Democrats can and should defend.

"Tom DeLay is more corrupt than William Marcy Tweed and Marcus Hannah" is something that other Democrats can and should defend.

"Bush's presidency has produced the worst economy since Herbert Hoover" is something that Democrats can and should defend.

"Iraq is the biggest military quagmire since Vietnam" is something that Democrats can and should defend.

Dean's energy is good, it's something that the party has been lacking for a long time. We just needs to coordinate things a bit better. When he says something controversial, surely Sean Hannity and other sleazy pundits will talk about it and try to trash Dean and that's how we get attention from the mainstream media. Then we send talented Democrats onto FAUX and CNN and MSNBC and Russert, Stephanopolous, etc. that will make a good case for Dean and put pundits like Hannity in their place.

[PlanetBev]

76. Planet Bev to Obama

Shut the fuck up.

[Eloriel]

77. The ONLY people Dean's "pushing away" are the DLC suck-ups,

former DNC "consultants," and the grossly deluded fundamentalist freaks who won't be voting for us no MATTER what.

Obama can go to hell. Who the hell does he think he is? He's a freshman Senator. I hope that hasn't gone to his head. It sure seems like it has. Pity -- I thought he had promise.

[Cha]

106. This blog puts it the best..

"Thursday, June 9, 2005 Bird Count - 345


Let Dean Be Mean

Leading Democrats, including John Edwards, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, and Dianne Feinstein, have felt it necessary in the last week to distance themselves from Democratic National Committee chairman Howard Dean. True, Dean has spoken bluntly, as is his wont, about Republicans, particularly the Republican party leadership. One wonders though where these upright Democrats find the time and energy to publicly criticize one of their own during such trying times.

Further evidence, as if any more was needed, has emerged establishing that the war in Iraq was sold under false pretenses, but Democrats are speaking out against Dean.

A major news magazine has been discredited to divert attention from confirmed instances of Koran desecration in Guantanamo Bay prison, but Democrats are speaking out against Dean.

Bush has nominated for our new U.N. Ambassador an individual who virulently opposes the very existence of the United Nations, but Democrats are speaking out against Dean."


Much more at..
http://10000birds.com/

[ValentinoM]

78. Sorry, Senator Obama, but DEAN SPEAKS FOR ME..

So far, my dear Senator.. you haven't!!

[DemonFighterLives]

85. Welcome to DU!

You are on the right page!
:hi:

[burrowowl]

81. HD to BO

Stop being a lily-livered DLCer!

[Ms. Clio]

86. Ms. Clio to Obama: "Shut your bloomin piehole, Junior."

[Douglas Carpenter]

87. Here is Barack Obama's contact info

:bounce:

E-mai form:http://obama.senate.gov/contact/

Contact Washington D.C. Office
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

[phone]
[phone] fax
Toll free: [phone]
(for IL residents only)

Try to be polite, it is usually more effective


O8)

[TWiley]

96. Thanks for the link, I just bitched him out.

It won't do any good, but he should know that not everyone shares his stupid view.

[longship]

88. DU to Obama...

What party do you belong to? Either support it or stop taking its support.

[Blasphemer]

89. We are truly f--ked

The last week has made this abundantly clear. The Dems in charge just don't get it. They are not remotely savvy and continue to feed into the Pubs and pub-controlled media's hands. We already working at a disadvantage, and thae fact that very few Dems understand how to turn the game around to their advantage in very discouraging. Republicans generally give the "tone it down" speeches in private while publically giving the impression of a united front. Sure, they'll do some public tap dancing on top of each other, especially come election time, but if they want to eliminate someone who is a "problem", they quietly weed them out. They let the extreme rhetoric go on without allwoing themselves to be constantly on the defensive (even when they should be). These public displays of division are just going to sink the Dems. It's June 2006, Bush is continuing to screw everything up, his polls numbers continue to plumment and yet, the "opposition" is more interested in public spats, running scared over comments that were not even close to being as extreme as the garbage the Pubs put out there. Sigh.

[Andromeda]

91. Another one hits the dirt...

Obama needs a spinal transplant. What a disappointment he turned out to be.

[B Calm]

95. After that wonderful speech at the convention I really thought

we had the makings of a great democrat. What a damn disappointment.. hell he's just another damn republican wearing a democratic suit.

[TWiley]

100. Has he been hoplessly turned to the Dark Side Obie 1?

[TWiley]

94. TWiley to Obama: .............. Blow me !

Watch and learn young cub.

[chefgirl]

97. WHEN are Dems going to grow some backbone???

Slamming Dean: The Democratic Establishment Echoes the GOP Echo Machine
Karl Rove, Ken Mehlman, and Tom DeLay don’t even have to bother attacking Howard Dean anymore; their work is being done for them by the stalwarts of what’s left of the Democratic Party establishment.


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/theblog/archive/jann-wenner/slamming-dean-the-democr_2399.html

-chef-

[TWiley]

99. We need to educate those who lost the last election.

Their "nice guy" ideas did not work last time, and they will NOT work next time either. They are so stupid that they actually believe that the greatest evidence of opposition is none at all. Furthermore, they think the best dissent is to kiss a little more Republicrap ass!

[DS1]

101. This thread is exactly why DU is irrelevant.

And that's all I'm saying about that.

[Bluebear]

104. OK then!

[BiggJawn]

102. "Bayh/Obama '08"

Now THERE'S a losing ticket if I ever saw one.

I'm really, really SICK of all this namby-pamby DLC "We gotta play NICE, then maybe the GOP will stop stepping on our fingers when we're kow-towing to them" bullshit.

[jmatthan]

105. Obama get lost - You are no match for DEAN

His head got turned after the speech at the Democratic Convention that he thinks people will listen to him whatsoever.

Almost every action of his in the Senate has been Uncle Tom-like!! And I have emailed him so.

JACOB MATTHAN
http://jmpolitics.blogspot.com
Oulu, Finland