Obama Shifting Focus From Clinton to McCain

[DeepModem Mom]

NYT: Obama Shifting Focus From Clinton to McCain
By JEFF ZELENY
Published: April 23, 2008

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Senator Barack Obama opened the next phase of his presidential campaign here Tuesday evening, seeking to turn his focus away from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and persuade party leaders that time is running out for Democrats to start defining their Republican opponent.

A series of endorsements are scheduled to be announced in the coming days, including superdelegates who intend to pledge their support for Mr. Obama. And more campaign workers in the Chicago headquarters will be dedicated to taking on Senator John McCain of Arizona, the presumptive Republican nominee. Mr. Obama only mentioned Mrs. Clinton by name once in his remarks at a rally here late Tuesday night, when he congratulated her on winning the Pennsylvania primary. He referred to Mr. McCain seven times, a pointed reminder to Democrats of the challenge that lies ahead.

“There is a sense of urgency about the time we’re losing and a sense of urgency that we not savage each other to the benefit of Senator McCain,” said David Axelrod, the chief strategist for Mr. Obama. “Ultimately, what this is about is the race in November.”

Still, his defeat in Pennsylvania was significant, with Mr. Obama losing by wide margins in many parts of the state where he had dedicated much time and resources. His strategists immediately began studying the results — and intended to interview voters in a post-mortem — to see what kept them from supporting Mr. Obama. Advisers to Mr. Obama believe his efforts were damaged by the sharp back-and-forth between him and Mrs. Clinton. They believe that her campaign defined him in a negative way, reinforcing questions about potential weaknesses in his candidacy....

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/23/us/politics/23obama.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

[DJ13]

1. I really dont like that strategy

Yes, I know we need to hit McCain, but as he's hitting McCain Clinton will be hitting him from behind, and which do you think the MSM will pay the most attention to?

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

2. That's how we will win. Keep up the drumbeat on McCain.

[DesertFlower]

3. i think this is a smart move

on obama's part. he'll act like he is the nominee.

[snacker]

4. I like this idea...

I want to see what they each have up against McCain for a change, instead of against each other.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. This is what is needed

By attacking McCain, Obama is acting as the nominee, PLUS he is attacking the one person who really needs to be attacked. Clinton needs to do the same thing.

BTW, a yahoo news blurb said that McCain asked the NC GOP to stop airing an anti-Obama ad--made McCain look very fair and even handed--will be interesting to see if McCain stops negative ads during the GE.

[Vanje]

6. Good!

Goood! I hope the non-frontrunner will do the same.

Time to aim some kicks in the direction of some republican butts.

[DCKit]

7. Ignore her, and she'll go away? Not a bad idea.

By not responding, he'd be ensuring the attacks would become more shrill and outlandish (you thought I was going to say "hysterical"?) and, perhaps, she would go away.

The bonus? By focusing on McSame early, he'll be completely worn out defending himself, his record and his complete lack of knowledge on any of the subjects our next President will need to address. He too would likely self-destruct quickly. Have we ever had a one-person race for President?

The threats to MY daily life and security are inflation, the economy, healthcare, government spending/debt and the repeal of the Constitution and rule of law, NOT Iran or Al Qaeda. By perpetuating "Terra, Terra, Terra", both HRC and McCain are only proving they have no better ideas than * on how to run this country. Talk about fiddling while Rome burns.