Is Obama giving Michigan brush-off?

[rodeodance]

Source: Detroit Free Press





Is Obama giving Michigan brush-off?
Pulling his name off primary, fuel challenge may work against him

October 14, 2007

BY TODD SPANGLER and KATHLEEN GRAY

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS

WASHINGTON -- Maybe it's a confluence of events, or maybe it's campaign strategy.

But Barack Obama has made several moves that suggest he's writing off Michigan.


Last week, Obama pulled his name off the ballot for the state's Jan. 15 primary in deference to Iowa and New Hampshire Democrats. But he also aired a new television ad in New Hampshire describing himself as the candidate who has taken on Detroit, telling automakers in their backyard how they need to build cars that squeeze more miles from a gallon of gas.

The ad -- referring to his speech in May before the Detroit Economic Club -- may appeal to the environmental sensibilities of New Hampshire voters, but it will be remembered in Michigan if he becomes the nominee, political analysts said.

"If he becomes the nominee, running against the auto industry now will hurt him in Michigan in November," said Craig Ruff of the Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. "That could make for a negative ad that would be part of the Republican nominee's arsenal."

Obama's actions raise two other critical questions about his campaign:

Read more: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071014/NEWS07/710140673

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umm..not good for Obama-this is the Front page story on the Detroit Free Press

[Connie_Corleone]

1. First of all, Obama isn't the only one who took his name off the ballot.

The other candidates, except Clinton, followed the rules.

Second, Obama spoke the truth in front of the automakers, just like he did when he spoke to the VFW regarding his opposition to the war. Like the article says, Obama has been more outspoken about fuel efficiency than Clinton.

People can keep calling him naive and irresponsible for telling the truth to people who don't want to hear it, but that's the type of person I want to vote for, not someone who will triangulate so much that you have no idea where he or she stands on an issue so as not to piss off automakers, pro-war veterans, etc.