MSNBC brought up a possible issue that could give Clinton a leg up

[ecstatic]

over Obama when it comes to swiftboating:

If and when Clinton is swiftboated and attacked relentlessly, Dems won't be surprised--we all know that's coming and we're used to seeing her battle it out with the rethugs.

However, people have placed Obama upon this pedestal, which is why I think people are always so "outraged" over trivial things with respect to him. People expect him to be perfect at all times. So what happens when they systematically chip away at his luster? Will his supporters stay true?

[bowens43]

1. If we let something like the possibility of a vague threat

of swiftboating influence our votes then we're idiots.

[LisaM]

2. I like that picture

Is there ANY chance of their running together? Any at all? I think they could be unstoppable.

Re your question: yes, Obama hasn't learned to let things slip off his back the way Hillary has, but I think he can toughen up (he'd better!) I admire the way Clinton can listen to someone insult her to her face and then handle it with a good deal of grace. It would be behoove Obama to learn that trait.

[Zueda]

3. Ahh...but it's a wash...

He has high charisma and is very likable. People will defend him. Sort of like seeing somebody attack a baby bunny...would you sit idly by?

on edit: and plus...when moderate voters start to see a lot of nastiness, as they would if a clinton is running, they will ultimately get a distaste for the whole election and not show-up at the polls.

[sandnsea]

4. It'll just prove Republicans will lie about anybody

And people seriously need to get it through their heads that if the Clinton oppo research has turned up NOTHING on Obama - then there's NOTHING to turn up. He's clean. Just like Kerry was clean. All Democrats need to do is not fall for the swiftboating like they did with Kerry. All WE had to do was stand up and refuse to accept a man's war medals being maligned and that would have stopped in an instant.

[demnan]

7. They will lie, just like they did about Clinton, Gore and Kerry

Republicans will stop at nothing. If Obama is the nominee I hope he's prepared for that because it will get nasty. Their side doesn't play fair. Look at the middle name and Muslim issue. They're already stoking that one.

[bdamomma]

10. does Obama have the backbone to deal with the mud slinging.

from the repigs esp. John McCain, just asking.

[REDFISHBLUEFISH]

5. You would think Obama supporters attacks would hurt him too.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

6. Like we haven't been hearing this talking point for months now.

From the head-up-its-collective-ass Beltway Bubble. It's bullshit. "Everyone's tired of hearing bad things about the Clinton's! Her negatives can't possibly go any higher! There's nothing new they can come up with! Honest!"

Right of the bat, the Clenis has not been able to keep it in his trousers since leaving the Presidency. Look forward to more nonstop reportage of his sexual exploits. Why do you think we haven't been hearing about his more recent affairs yet? Because the GOP and MSM have suddenly started to respect their privacy?

The Clintons are also the last people who should be bringing up an opponent's shady donors. Most Americans don't know the full story of Marc Rich. Look for it to be coming out, big time. The Presidential Library. This new story about Kazakhstan.

Of course they're going to tear away at Obama's luster, they have been already. Muslim smears, anyone? Only thing is, it ain't working. People LIKE Obama. I know, that's a bad, bad thing to DUers. Our candidates should be sourfaced scolds who bore the crap out of everyone and allow dumbshits like Bush and McCain to come across as more folksy. Great strategy there. How's that been working for us?

[Armstead]

8. Let us all Cringe in Fear

Why worry about what the GOP is going to say or dredge up?

No matter who the Democrats put up, they're going to do it.

Might as well focus on positive qualities.

[sunonmars]

9. I've said this many times, the fall from the pedestal is harder and farther

[OwnedByFerrets]

11. The Media has systematically gotten rid of who they DONT

want as POTUS. It was Dennis, then John. Now they have moved to Obama. He's next in line for removal.