Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle Is for Losers- Arianna Huffington (420 comments)

[T.Ruth2power]

Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle Is for Losers

By Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post. Posted July 5, 2008.

Realpolitik is one thing. Realstupidpolitik is quite another.

Last Friday afternoon, the guests taking part in Sunday's roundtable discussion on This Week had a pre-show call with George Stephanopoulos. One of the topics he raised was Obama's perceived move to the center, and what it means. Thus began my weekend obsession. If you were within shouting distance of me, odds are we talked about it. I talked about it over lunch with HuffPost's DC team, over dinner with friends, with the doorman at the hotel, and the driver on the way to the airport.

As part of this process, I looked at the Obama campaign not through the prism of my own progressive views and beliefs but through the prism of a cold-eyed campaign strategist who has no principles except winning. From that point of view, and taking nothing else into consideration, I can unequivocally say: the Obama campaign is making a very serious mistake. Tacking to the center is a losing strategy. And don't let the latest head-to-head poll numbers lull you the way they lulled Hillary Clinton in December.

Running to the middle in an attempt to attract undecided swing voters didn't work for Al Gore in 2000. It didn't work for John Kerry in 2004. And it didn't work when Mark Penn (obsessed with his "microtrends" and missing the megatrend) convinced Hillary Clinton to do it in 2008.

Fixating on -- and pandering to -- this fickle crowd is all about messaging tailored to avoid offending rather than to inspire and galvanize. And isn't galvanizing the electorate to demand fundamental change the raison d'etre of the Obama campaign in the first place?

<snip>

Watering down that brand is the political equivalent of New Coke. Call it Obama Zero.

<snip>

http://www.alternet.org/election08/90465/?cID=947822#c947822

[natrat]

1. yea it's made me really hopeful, not

[elocs]

2. Yeah, wouldn't it really suck if he won in spite of that? n/t

[berni_mccoy]

3. Actually, IT DID Work for Al Gore. He DID Win the 2000 election Arianna.

[Connie_Corleone]

4. Obama has ALWAYS been in the middle.

Some people just haven't been paying attention. Read his books, read his policy speeches from the primaries.

[T.Ruth2power]

6. I agree

But I do think quite a few million people do not know this and are in for a big surprise.

In fact if our system weren't so heavily corporatized (meaning rightward in all ways) he wouldn't even be considered a centrist.

Think of were his positions would situate him in Italy or Sweden for a moment.

Forgive my sloppy sentence structures.

[skooooo]

20. That's why he has one of the most liberal records in congress.

:eyes:

[blindpig]

52. Which tells you how RW the US political establishment is.

That ain't no real prize. He'd be a Tory in Great Britain. 'Cause liberal don't mean nothin' 'cept bizness as usual, hasn't for quite a while. Left means socialism, anything less will prove reactionary sooner or later.

[T.Ruth2power]

58. Where did you get that idea- It's a myth

Anatomy of a Right Wing Myth: Obama is the most liberal Democratic Senator
By: Howie Klein on Monday, May 19th, 2008 at 9:00 AM - PDT

Lately John and I have been gnashing our collective teeth every time we see one of the Republican shills on TV repeating, mantra-like, the #1 GOP Big Lie of the campaign: “Barack Obama is the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate.”

If only! Actually there are 39 Democrats with more liberal voting records, although Obama does at least beat perennial Bush rubber stamps Holy Joe Lieberman (CT), Ben Nelson (NE) and Mary Landrieu (LA). His voting record– however you slice it, however you dice it– points to a solidly mainstream centrist– and, to be honest, considerably less liberal than… sssshhhhhhh… Hillary.

>>>

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/05/19/anatomy-of-a-right-wing-myth-obama-is-the-most-liberal-democratic-senator/

[JamesA1102]

9. Very true nt

[Mass]

5. Ariana repeating RW talking points. Not the first time this happens.

[slinkerwink]

7. that's a very familiar username, OP

[Kaylee]

11. Good catch...looks like one of our pizzas came back from the grave.

[TexasObserver]

47. Indeed. Zombie alert!!

Cuz it's a thrilla!!

CONCERN ... back from the grave!!

[mopinko]

32. noticed that myself

singing a familiar song, also.

[endarkenment]

42. I've wondered the same thing.

But I try not to wear socks with sandals.

[JamesA1102]

8. Here's the flaws in her theory

First, Gore didn't lose. More people voted for him than Bush.

Second, it is extremely hard to defeat a sitting President. Kerry came closer than anyone else in modern history, with the exception of Bill Clinton but other factors were in play then.

Third, she completely ignores McGovern, Mondale and Dukakis. All of who ran to the left and were handed far worse defeats than either Gore or Kerry.

Finally, she ignores the successful GOP proganda campaigns (that she took part in back in 2000) to paint Gore and Kerry as liberal elitists who were either liars or flip-floppers.

[NattPang]

10. Does Arianna have special insight? She's made her share of mistakes.

I remember that she was married to a Republican
who was Gay, and she didn't have a clue.
A man who lost his election,
and I'm positive she was giving him campaign advice.
So what makes her an expert now?
Because she created an on-line news site
and goes on television a lot?
I'll go with Barack Obama's electoral experience.
At least he's wong a few.
And wasn't a Republican before becoming a Democrat,
like Arianna.

[NorthCarolina]

12. The Republicans know how to energize their base

of ultra-conservative religious zealots and make the "centrists" want to be a part of the hoopla. Clearly, Obama energized a nation during the primary campaign by running as an apparent "Liberal", his success was a result of main-stream America believing that this was the candidate they had been waiting for. America on the whole is much more Liberal than the media, or DLC/Blue Dog Dems, care to admit, and that is not simply the "base" of the Democratic Party, but it is more importantly the "heart" of the Democratic Party. Take out the heart, and the patient, or the campaign in this case, dies.

[KittyWampus]

14. He didn't run as a liberal. He was the same as he is now.

[NorthCarolina]

17. I said the "appearance" of a Liberal

when I was here on DU supporting Kucinich way back in the primaries Obama supporters would routinely tell me that Obama is as Liberal as Kucinich beyond GLBT issues PLUS he's electable. He's got my vote because I sure as hell won't vote for McCain, but he's nowhere near the Liberal icon that primary season Obama supporters here on DU portrayed him as. You can whitewash the issue any way you want but I'm quite sure I do not stand alone in my perception....but hey, whatever floats your boat right?

[pot luck]

18. I don't remember him ever saying he was a liberal.

Since 2004, he's run as a post-partisan candidate who would reach across party lines and unite the country (e.g. "There is no red America or blue America. . ." ). Somewhere between the right labeling him the most liberal senator in the senate, and the left claiming he's some great liberal hope, that's been forgotten. I would urge everyone to re-watch his 2004 keynote speech. He's no different now than he was then.

[Carrieyazel]

40. Of course. Obama is too chicken to say that, if it is true.

[DFLforever]

13. I think Arianna's missing the point here

This is an old, worn argument she makes. Imo what Obama's doing is more like what Howard Dean pointed to in his 'confederate flag' speech. He's raiding the territory of the GOP right both geographically and in terms of ideas. He's appealing over their heads to the evangelicals and winning them not on gays or abortion but talk about values and faith- based charities and good works. He's neutralized or tried to neutralize the gun, gays and god trump cards the GOP had held for years.

Anyone who hasn read his books or website was familiar with his position on the death penalty, guns, and choice. He hasn't changed or watered down any of those positions. And I'm surprised Arianna would say so.

In my opinion he's trying to create a 21st century coalition for the
Democratic party - something broader than the identity groups and narrow issue groups of the last few decades.

[JoFerret]

15. It's where he started

.

[Life Long Dem]

16. Obama hasn't even given any indication of a change in policy...

along with no suggestion that we are moving in a different direction.

So why the smear?

Someone needs to give these so called supporters of Obama's the boot to McSameville.

[Triana]

35. Ms. Huffington has completely lost any respect I had for her with this hogwash...

...(and there wasn't much left anyway).

[kentuck]

19. The "middle" is where the majority of Americans perceive to be...

the most sensible center of politics. It may be to the right or it may be to the left? However, it cannot be ignored. The "middle" may be totally wrong in their beliefs. But they vote by what they believe and they believe mostly by what they see on the TV or hear on the radio. That is the "middle". It is not moral or immoral. It is not right or wrong. It just is...

But I am not convinced that it would be wise to ignore it. What if both McCain and Obama end up in the "middle"?? Who does a confused electorate vote for then? Most likely, the one with the best propaganda machine or the one that can best define the other in negative terms. Then we are back to square one. It probably doesn't make a hell of a lot of difference. In the end, it may be preferable to stick with your guns?

[GoldieAZ49]

21. One thing it will do is increase the appeal

Nader has with the left and true progressives.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

22. Damn Arianna, you are supposed to be informed

if you are going to critique - he has ALWAYS been a moderate. His policies have not changed. Stop with the ridiculous outrage, real or not, and pay fucking attention. It's sickening how the left is trying to kill itself - yes, let's have a popular website/blog that gets lots of media attention falling for the MSM tricks of calling Obama a flip flopper who is a typical politican that changes his views just to win.

Damn, I'm starting to lose any hope for winning. With friends like Arianna, who needs enemies?

[MarjorieG]

37. Her Bitter post more damaging than anything he's done yet.

[Danger Mouse]

23. your username...it is familiar to me...

[cbc5g]

26. You mean this guy?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=207583

[Danger Mouse]

28. yes...it is very similar...most similar...how could such a thing EVER be??

[T.Ruth2power]

36. Sorry you are wrong

Your smear deserves an apology. I expect none.

The same idiocy that you put forth is used upthread and is obviously used to avoid discussing content.

There is little of controversy in Huffington's piece but even that you seem unable to address. Those who support anything so blindly are willing to do many things in lockstep allegiance. History has proven this time and again.

[populistdriven]

24. well, its working and is it really a movement to the center or where he has always been?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6463281&mesg_id=6463281

[mckeown1128]

25. Why are you posting this crap?

Are you even planning on voting for Obama?

[populistdriven]

30. this type of stuff is exactly what Obama needs, its the perfect bait for the huffington post haters

to consider voting for Obama

[countingbluecars]

27. Feels like the primary

still. I have seen this same article posted several times.

[AZBlue]

29. I have a lot of respect for Arianna and I'm a great fan of hers. However,

she is not someone I'd go to for campaign advice. She ran her campaign in 2003 attacking "fat cats" for not paying taxes, while she herself pays barely any taxes. She's got a great mind but we all have our strengths and weaknesses - and I don't believe knowing how to run a campaign is one of her strengths.

[AtomicKitten]

31. It is clear Obama knows what he is doing.

He intends to win and win big.

[Kaleva]

33. Stevenson,McGovern,Mondale,and Dukakis

didn't run to the middle and they all got smoked rather badly. Carter, Clinton and Gore didn't have a liberal track record prior to running for President so they thus can't be accused of veering towards the center in their campaigns and I would argure that Kerry's shift saved him from a royal ass kicking in 2004.

[Triana]

34. Arianna has been watching too much lamestream news. n/t

[T.Ruth2power]

38. Amazing and disturbing lack of content here

is a type of thought exhibited by group members who try to minimize conflict and reach consensus without critically testing, analyzing, and evaluating ideas. During groupthink, members of the group avoid promoting viewpoints outside the comfort zone of consensus thinking. A variety of motives for this may exist such as a desire to avoid being seen as foolish, or a desire to avoid embarrassing or angering other members of the group. Groupthink may cause groups to make hasty, irrational decisions, where individual doubts are set aside, for fear of upsetting the group’s balance. The term is frequently used pejoratively, with hindsight.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink



No more than knee-jerk reactionary responses from what is only a mild warning about this candidate. Hate to think what would happen if Arianna spoke more strongly. A witch hunt?

Discuss the ideas people or stop pretending ideas matter.

[sniffa]

39. .

:rofl:

[lumpy]

46. I agree wholeheartedly, T.Ruth

People I have talked to, who don't hang out on DU or any other forums, are saying they are baffled by Obama's stance on those issues that are generally consistent with McCain and the GOP. The bottom line is they will vote for the lesser candidate and hope for the best. They find the notion of'change'laughable. Adrianna like so many others makes a good point.
Yes, I am one who will vote for Obama and hope for the best.

[redqueen]

53. It's a week old... perhaps you'd like to go back and read one of the discussions.

The ones that happened when this was newsworthy.

Pathetic, really.

Enjoy your stay.

[truedelphi]

56. Here's my idea:

A successful campaign at this point in time DEPENDS entirely onunderstanding the demographics.

It si a big well kept secret, and none of the M$M have mentioned this, but the largest faction of voters in this country are not the Democrats, who only have 32% of all voters with them, and not the Republicans a paltry 28.5% but the Independents, at 40.5%.

If obama can appeal to them, he can win the election. If he doesn't appeal to them, and they stay home, then the election will be within 5 to seven points and it will be anotehr steal for the Repugs.

[T.Ruth2power]

41. Bump

[endarkenment]

43. And kicking your own posts: bad form.

your heartfelt concern is duly noted.

[ProSense]

49. The article in the OP is based on

nonsense.

It seems everyone else's opinion is fact and Obama's actual positions don't count.

[bunnies]

44. Gee. It would have really sucked...

if the whole day passed without this article being posted here. Again. :sarcasm:

[krabigirl]

45. Mr. Bipartisan Obama has always been in the middle, which is why I didn't like him.

He's our only choice now, but I never got how people saw him as some great progressive. He never was.

[snooper2]

48. once an idiot, always an idiot

TRUTH 2 POWER!!!!!!!!

And, I'll use the number ( 2 ) instead of spelling "two" for dramatic affect!! :rofl:



I guess it gets boring for you at those two "blogs" with only about 50 bitter folks bitching about the same bullshit :rofl:




GOBAMA!

[LanternWaste]

50. Well, Gosh! Thanks!

After reading that, I'm even more uplifted and positive about voting for him in the primaries!

(Apologies if that wasn't your intent)

[wyldwolf]

51. So because Newt/McCain Girl Arianna got 420 comments, the piece is true?

Arianna is a hack.

[TexasObserver]

54. Apparently that Tombstone which does not kill you makes you stronger.

eh, Nietzsche?

You're back with a new name, but your bullshit is still very weak.

[T.Ruth2power]

57. Stop with the false accusations

If the BS is "weak" you should have no probelm addressing that but you did not.

Evidently there was another poster who used a similar moniker that raised people's ire. If you are suggesting I am that person you are 100% wrong but go ahead and continue on your witch hunt if that is what you need to feel important. It's pretty appalling and infantile.

[TexasObserver]

62. your CONCERN is duly noted

I've already told you, you're wrong about the lemmings.

[katty]

55. running in the middle---might as well run on empty--Change? Not

[Occam Bandage]

59. Memo to Arianna: How'd your political nose work when you ran?

[Occam Bandage]

60. dupe

[Canuckistanian]

61. Finally. Finally we're realizing something.

The polls say that people DON'T want a so-called "center" candidate.

They want a true progressive candidate.

Polls have shown over and over and over again that conservative policies don't work and that progressive policies are what they want.

Pick a subject that matters to voters. The "War". Universal Health Care. Privatization of Social Security. Gas Prices. The Economy. Foreign Policy.

If people just realized their own priorities, the choice would be obvious.

[Marie26]

63. "Moving to the center" or just being there?

It seems like there's this meme now that Obama is pandering to the swing voters now by offering centrist views. Why doesn't it occur to anyone that maybe he was pandering to the left before & that these are his real views? Hillary had the center staked out in the primary; Obama pretty much had to tack to the left to get the blogosphere/grassroots support that was so crucial to his victory. Now in the general election, he can stop pandering to the left & express his real positions.

[chimpymustgo]

64. So, you're saying he was lying then, and he's telling the truth now?

Just trying to figure this one out...I've got serious whiplash.

[Marie26]

65. Pretty much

But I wouldn't say it that starkly. Politicians never lie, they just "appeal to different constituencies" or "target a specific demographic". In the primaries, Obama was "targeting" the left & so pitched his message to get their support. He needed the left's support (along w/Independents) because Clinton had already locked up the mainstream Dem support. So he pandered to organizations like Moveon.org in order to get their endorsement & grassroots activism. Now he doesn't need to do that anymore & so can express the centrist positions he's always held.