I'm starting to noitice something about Obama, e.g. Keith O Interview

[FrenchieCat]

When most of us watched that interview, probably like me, many felt that Obama could have given stronger answers in just about every instances. An example would be KO's question about 9/11 being politicized during the convention. I'm sure we all could envisioned a more indignant response from Obama. Something like...."yes, it was pretty outrageous, after all, we are all Americans, and it was America who was attacked on 9/11, not the Republican party. So yes, I don't believe they should be politicizing 9/11 in this way."

But here's my theory on this. When you look over to the left, you see the Obama camp calling McCain dishonorable and perverse. When you look to the right, Obama "Pig" comment is leaving a mark, and Biden is calling out Palin saying she is taking the women movement backwards, and the Rethugs are outraged. If you look behind you, we see Obama putting out ads calling out McPain/Painlin as lying, and when you look in front of you, the 527 are no longer being discouraged.

My point is that I suspect that Obama has chosen not to come off as someone who talks a lot of shit, is hart hitting and nasty everytime he is given the opportunity. It would be more than easy for Obama to say something negative about his opposition, of that I have no doubt. I think that he is deliberately not hitting hard against the opposition at times on purpose, while in the backdrop the opposition is being hit. Might have to do with his favorability numbers and building up some good will for when he will need it. Instead, he is looking very presidential, as opposed to a pissed off politician. If one is outraged and cutting all of the time, then when they really need for the message to be that they are outraged and hart hitting, it might be a bit like crying wolf....something like McCain and his POW card.

Anyways, that's what I picked up while looking at the KO interview with Obama....because there were a lot of opportunities that were presented to him on a platter, but I think that Barack chose to answer as he did, not because he couldn't have answered differently where it left a mark, but because he is banking outrage and toughness for when it is truly needed at just the right moment. In otherwords, I think he is Biden his time.

What say you?

[tabatha]

1. Agreed.

But someone needs to point out the lies - very strongly.

There is too much BS that is not being challenged.

[BeyondGeography]

2. I agree...my feeling is it's because he would actually like to be president of the UNITED States

It's not just a line in a speech for him. He has an idea of what it takes to govern and relentless partisanship isn't part of the vision. He's not willing to do or say anything to win a news cycle.

[FrenchieCat]

4. Yep, this is my thought too. He seems to want to continue talking the issues,

and not so much attack, attack, attack.....

Perhaps some times attack when required, but not relentlessly.
I think this bodes well for him, because it helps him come off
as a reasonable man that one can reason with. In otherwords, he's not polarizing.

[Shine]

8. Yes. Nicely put. I totally agree.

:thumbsup:

[tekisui]

3. By being cool most of he time, when he let's out his fire, it means something.

I also thin that they are playing 4 or 5 moves ahead of mcPOW.

See ya on Inauguration Day, suckas!

[FrenchieCat]

5. Yep.

This is the Intellectual Harvard Trained South Side of Chicago by way of laid back Hawaii politician.
That is a pretty unique description.

[The Traveler]

6. I'm convinced Obama understands aikido

Understanding aikido ... a martial art that teaches redirection of the energy of your opponent's assault in order to accomplish their undoing ... does not necessarily imply mastery of it. Timing is everything. Let McCain crest now ... take him down before Oct 15 ... perhaps that is the thinking. But it seems to me a background narrative is being set up that questions McCain's honor in a way that could not be accomplished through frontal attack. Indeed, McCain's questionable honor is indeed a topic for examination.

If it works, we will recognize Obama as the great political mind of the early 20th Century. If it fails, he will of course be to many the goat. All I can really say at this point I really have to respect his cool, his grace under pressure.

[CitizenPatriot]

7. of course he is

it's the perfect strategy to implement with a host whose own intelligence leads him to actually read, and therefore be for Obama. He's going to say it for Obama.

It's perfect.

Obama doesn't have to defend himself or get aggressive in this setting. He is brilliant.

[cameozalaznick]

9. Yes, and he always must be mindful not to fall

into the "angry black man" trap. I think that's more what it's about than anything. BO doesn't hit often, but he hits with precision.

[kestrel91316]

30. Some of us consider "BO" more than a little bit insulting to Senator Obama.

I suggest you rethink its use.

[FrenchieCat]

49. President Obama....

Soon!

[Errrica]

10. Completely agreed.

Obama is a dignified man. I think that he will eventually attack and call out bogus bullshit when necessary, but now is still too early. If he does nothing but attack for the next two months, he will come off as mean, a bully, rude, reckless, etc. Do we really want him to act like Palin? How much did HER vile speech turn us off? Obama is looking toward the future, looking to lead us, not to get into a cat-fight so close to such an important election. He wants to focus on the issues, not name-calling. As much as I'd LIKE to hear some tough remarks come out of his campaign, the fact that he's been able to hold onto his composure really reflects his maturity and intelligence level. I respect him more and more each day. Kill 'em with kindness.
We will win this thing.

[FrenchieCat]

13. Because at the end of the day,

we don't want another cowboy in the White House. No more hot heads or folks that think they are too smart by half, like McCain saying he "knows how to win wars" (like when?)

McCain comes off as desperate and small,

Obama comes off as presidential.

[Erin Elizabeth]

11. Also, I think he's exhausted.

But yes to the rest, as well.

[Blue_Roses]

12. I think he hits hard when he needs to ...

he uses his words wisely for the right occasion. I think he is really tired of all the shit-slinging between the parties--like he says--and he is--as we see so often-- just a very positive person.

I watched the CNN special "Obama Revealed" and I was so impressed with him when he talked about living like a "monk" for nearly two years when he moved to NY. He worked to "center" himself into what he felt his purpose was in life. That is very profound for someone that was at his young age. I think he's what is called an "old soul."

I'm so proud he's our candidate:D

[FrenchieCat]

15. I am too!

Like I said, we've got a pretty unique guy there....a Harvard Trained South Side Chicago by way of laid back Hawaii politician. I think this might be a first! LOL!

[Cha]

14. Sounds like good strategy to me and it's really

nice to read another angle on it than he was off his game and so many telling him what he should have done.

[FrenchieCat]

16. I think sometimes folks don't think beyond what they would have said.....

and transfer that onto his mouth. Kind of like the back seat driver, who gets scared because the driver didn't drive exactly in the way that the backseat driver imagined they should.
Backseat drivers can easily be the cause of accidents......

Problem is these same folks don't actually envision themselves going through an 18 months campaign, nor can tell you why and how they would come out on top, having come from way behind.

Instant gratification is not our friend.

[Errrica]

17. Great analogy!

But it was SOOO sexist.
:P
:sarcasm:

[Cha]

18. Oh yeah..and Obama would

never get that from me 'cause I could never imagine doing what he's done.

I'm just eternally grateful that he's out there and I give him slack when he's not purrrfect:)

[FrenchieCat]

19. Right indeed.

He's presidential....and that's what he needs to be. Not petty and always looking for a fight.

Also, when he does hit, he usually does it with a smile.

[Clio the Leo]

20. exactly WHAT footage did the RNC show?

(that Keith is referring to)

A friend of mine worked for the office of Marsh and McClenahan and was killed when the first plane struck.

I NEED to know what they showed.

I may go up to OH and drive people to the polls myself!

[Roland99]

22. I can't say as I turned the channel after it STARTED with footage of the Iran Hostage crisis in 1979

:eyes:

[FrenchieCat]

24. Here!

[quakerboy]

25. I believe this might be it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDx80bnFrVs

[stillcool]

26. the usual..

buildings collapsing. It was a really sick video. I think there were soldiers graves in there. And the guy doing the voice over sounded like something out of the 50's. Morose.

[AtomicKitten]

21. Obama isn't a personality, he's a leader.

He's keeping it on the issues whether McBush likes it or not.

[Solomon]

23. I get so sick of the "nice guys finish last" people. They don't understand

how he is setting them up. He took away one of their most potent weapons: they like to smear themselves and then blame it on the opposition but everybody believes Obama when he says he didn't go there. Pure gold.

To me he's building a case like the lawyer that he is. Exercising extreme patience and vision. Ready to pounce at the best time.

His coolness is staggering.

[sudopod]

27. Barack Obama absorbed the lesson of the boy who cried wolf. :) nt

[ladjf]

28. Obama is a exceptional speaker. However, in the interview

format, it might be stronger if he didn't always begin his answer with "Well, ...." It would be refreshing if he sometimes just answered the question directly with no setup.

[kestrel91316]

31. "Setup"? I consider it a pattern of speech and meaningless.

[ladjf]

33. I don't think his habit of offering a preliminary set of definitions to

be "worthless". But, to always use the same answer format loses the element of surprise, immediacy and therefore, interest.

He's much better in speeches than in interviews.

[jeanpalmer]

29. Maybe he's biding his time.

I hope that's what it is.

I disagree though that drawing sharp distinctions on issues and making accusations against your opponent is negative campaigning. It's what cmpaigning is all about -- telling people not only what you're going to do, but what your opponent is going to do. In sharp terms.

In watching the Olbermann interview, Obama came across to me as not knowing how to draw those distinctions. On 9-11, their man in the WH was asleep on 9-11, ignored the intelligence he was given, went on vacation, and then had to start a war to divert people's attention from his failings. That's a legitimate campaign issue, particulary when McCain is representing himself to be better equipped to deal with another 9-11. Why give them a free pass on that? This "9-11 is not a political issue" attitude is the wrong approach. Their man messed up, make them answer for it.

If we can't talk about their screwups, let's just quit. If that had been a Democrat in the WH on 9-11, would the Republicans be holding back? Hell no they wouldn't. They'd be firing one broadside after another. And there's nothing wrong with that imo. It's an issue. We have to ditch the pussy politics mentality.

Pointing out where the other side went wrong, to me, is not talking sh-t. If Obama doesn't want to do it, get surrogates to do it. In hard hitting coordinated fashion. It's got to be done or we're going to end up being punching bags.

I've been an Obama supporter all along, but I will say this: Hillary would never sit by and let McCain hit her like this. She'd take on Palin. She'd play dirty. That's what we need, if we want to win.

[FrenchieCat]

34. Playing dirty is what McCain is doing,

it debases all of us. And so I disagree with you. Pussy is as pussy does, and the pussies are the whiners that seem to want to give it, but can't take it.

[jeanpalmer]

36. Well, maybe playing dirty wasn't the right phrase

But attack ads, that lay out your opponent's positions, are legitimate. Playing tough, hitting hard is the way to win. Looking like a deer in the headlights on Olbermann and ruling out legitimate campaign issues or conceding your main issue (Iraq) by saying I didn't know how successful the surge would be, is not going to win.

I guess we'll find out on November 4 whether that's a successful campaign strategy. Hopefully, as you say, he's holding back and will open up, with guns blazing, very soon.

[FrenchieCat]

39. You have your view, I have mine......

playing tough and hitting hard is Rove politics and it is why we are in the state that we are in.

the terrorist have already taken over the government via a stolen election, then 9/11 happened under their watch. They borrowed from our children's future from the Bank of China, gave the money to Haliburton, watch as an entire state drown, and took away our rights. They sent our brave soldiers into battle without the right equipment or a strategy, and OKed torture. They killed hundreds of thousands who didn't have anything to do with 9/11 via dropping bombs, still haven't got Osama Bin Laden, and Americans everywhere are now losing their homes, while oil companies make record breaking profits and our schools and roads and bridges crumble.

Another 4 years of terror in the United Corporations of America is unthinkable!

Obama is the Anti-Bush, and lord knows we need him.

He knows it too, and we will win this thing, if it kills me.

[jeanpalmer]

43. That was a very good statement of what they've done

to us. That's hard hitting. It also is attacking. Did you see Obama say anything like that on Olberman tonight? I didn't. I saw a lot of hemming and hawing.

[FrenchieCat]

47. It all in the eye of the beholder,

now isn't it?

It is a marathon, not a sprint.

[Skwmom]

32. I liked the 9/11 answer.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

35. I agree with you FrenchieCat

Obama chooses his words ... and his fights, carefully. To the more impatient, and to the less confident among us, that can be frustrating. We've grown accustomed to the way dirty politics have been played in the past and any deviation from that pattern is seen as threatening. Because the stakes are so high this time, and also the glaring reality that Rove style politics has proven to win so many elections, many DUers panic when our candidate doesn't embrace those same tactics, as they think it is the only way to win.

It's not the only way to win, and Obama not only knows that, he TOLD us that. He said he wanted to bring a new kind of politics to Washington, and he meant it. We need to remember the things that drew us to his camp to start with. Our guy is the real deal, he's genuine and that is so very rare in a politician. He is also very wise, as well as intelligent. He really does believe that we can win this, and win it the right way. I believed him then ... and I believe him still.

He's playing his game, his way, and that's the way it should be. You won't find me among the Chicken Littles, convinced that the sky is falling because a few nuts have been shaken from the tree. Whether this election is about issues, or personalities I'm quite sure our candidate wins either way. The only things that gives me any cause for uncertainty are the MSM, election fraud, and the knowledge that racism is still alive and well in this country. None are little obstacles, but all were factors we knew we were dealing with from the start. Nobody said it would be easy, but I think our guy can handle it ... and I'll do anything I can to help.

Yes, we can.

[FrenchieCat]

40. Here,

read my post on the racism issue and elections: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7003214&mesg_id=7003214

and here's another one, and make sure to read comment #2 from a "Pappy": http://www.opednews.com/articles/opedne_frenchie_080517_how_in_the_general_e.htm

[Eyes_wide_ open]

51. oooh yeah, I read that second link a day or two ago

... followed a link in a post somewhere here, loved that comment from Pappy! Rings true too, sounds a lot like my father ... and yes, he's voting for Obama too!

The first one I hadn't seen, interesting post. I left my comment there. Thanks FrenchieCat, your posts are refreshingly uplifting and I, for one, appreciate that.

[jeanpalmer]

41. Eyes, he is playing it his way

And that's his call. But these polls indicating a tight race or NcCain ahead is a reason for concern. The polls are not all lies, you may not believe them down to a percent, but the trend among all of them is clear. What's alarming to me is 80% of the people say the country's on the wrong path, and yet the election is close. That's hard to explain. We should have a built in advantage, but it's not there. So the question is, why? Maybe the pols are crooked, or a certain segment of the population is racist (yes, that's true), but does that explain the closeness? My own opinion is McCain has been successful of late with his attack ads, defining Obama. And then also with the selection of Palin. From what I've seen, Obama doesn't have the same effort. He has lost his best issue, the war, by acknowledging the surge, he hasn't presented his own issues with simple clarity like McCain has, and he has barely defined his opponent. That's got to change.

Hopefully, Obama has something up his sleeve we haven't seen yet, and the debates will be game changers in Obama's favor.

[FrenchieCat]

44. I think you are smoking crack.

That's what I think.

McCain is not just simple, he is a simpleton, and always has been.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

52. The polls being close don't worry me

I knew this was an uphill battle going in for the reasons I gave. Polls are just statistics and can be twisted to say whatever you like, and it's the MSM for the most part that gives us the polls and their results.

I couldn't disagree more with your assessments. McCain's attack ads are only successful with the hate mongers that weren't going to vote for Obama anyways. Most Americans HATE that type of stuff, it's one of the reasons LIV's tune out politics and so many people are so apathetic they no longer participate in the process. Things are so bad now however, even many of those that haven't voted in years will in this election if they are offered any type of hope.

McCain generated some interest with Palin, sure, it was surprising and novel but as the new wears off and more and more facts come to light she just may be the final nail in his campaign's coffin.

Obama doesn't fight in the same nasty way, and though some may see that as not fighting back it doesn't make it so. It takes no 'effort' at all to sit and spit out mindless insults. It's requires much more thought and effort to plan and execute an attack based on actual issues, and timely, valid criticism and frankly, McCain just isn't smart enough to compete in that arena.

While I agree the war is a very important issue, I completely disagree that it's a lost one, and it was never our best issue in the general election. That slot hands down goes to the economy and McCain has nothing but more failed Bush policies. Though most Americans believe we need to get out of Iraq, from the beginning MaCain's been the one that had the military experience and therefore the edge on the issue because we are already there. Obama has been proven right however, in his judgements about what should be done time and again, and has gained ground there IMO.

Obama talks to people like they are adults. Positions on issues and their explanations are a bit more complicated than simple sound bytes. McCain's lies are simple and clear alright ... but don't confuse those with issues. And I think McCain's doing a bang up job of defining himself as a lying, whining, crapshooter without Obama's help, and the message is much more effective because it comes from McCain himself ... Obama's just giving him enough rope.

McCain has made it very obvious just how stupid he thinks the American public is, and it'll backfire on him before it's over. Hide and watch.

[loyalsister]

37. Great insight as usual

I think we should also not ignore the racial component. He knows that to the majority of Americans, anger looks different on black men than it does on white men.
He is not about to acquire the stereotype that would instantly kill his campaign.

Howard Dean got a reputation for being a "hothead" and that was a huge blow to his campaign. Anyone with any sense of racial relations and misconceptions in this country should know why Obama thinks before being too agressive.

[politicasista]

38. Obama is a smart man

ok duh. But I agree with your post. :)

[Beaverhausen]

42. In the age of 10 second sound bites and low information voters, Obama has to refine his answers

Sorry- that's the reality of where we are as a nation. I wish it wasn't true.

[FrenchieCat]

45. Obama was on KO.....he knows the audience.

It ain't the stupids watching that.

[Beaverhausen]

46. I agree with that. But other MSNBC and NBC shows showed clips of the interview

and if there had been some good, tight, one sentence answers defining his stand, I just think it would be better for those not so smart viewers.

Like I said, I'm not glad at how "uninformed" most voters are, but that is the reality we are dealing with.



I have to say I missed the O'Reilly interviews (can't stomach Billo) but I imagine billo would have interrupted Obama had he answered that way. Not sure I'm right though - did you watch?

[Lugnut]

48. I like his taking the "high road" approach.

He's letting the McCain campaign sling mud but he's not playing their game. As a result I think he appears to be more presidential than his opponent. I see it as a smart move.

[Hawkowl]

50. Classic passive aggressive

It works. It will befuddle McCain and still preserve Obama's rep as a nice guy while eviscerating the repigs :)

[CarbonDate]

53. Since the primaries....

...I have concluded that Obama is a Kung Fu master. He pulls out a dagger, bleeds his opponent with 1,000 tiny cuts, and makes it look like they did it to themselves.

Everybody talks about Hillary's mismanaged campaign, but it wasn't. Her campaign was perfect by the old rules. It's just that Obama changed the rules at the last minute.

Disqualifying his opponents because they didn't fill out their paperwork correctly? Genius.

Jack Ryan suddenly has to drop out because of dirt from his previous marriage? Tell me that was luck.

A popular former First Lady devolves into a chaotic self-parody after a year of being the presumptive nominee? Really, she did everything right. How did that happen?

A war hero candidate in a panic suddenly chucks out his "experience" script and selects as his running mate a former beauty queen with a razor-thin resume? Priceless.

Maybe all of his opponents really do do themselves in. Or maybe it's all part of the plan.

Rope a dope. Obama is the Muhammad Ali of politics. Or Tiger Woods. Or Michael Jordan. Or Brett Favre. Pick your sports analogy and run with it. But as with all of these guys, you just know that he's going to pull it off when the chips are down.