Tasini struggles for recognition (in NYS vs Clinton)

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060825/ap_on_el_se/clinton_s_challenger

NEW YORK - Anti-war Democrat Jonathan Tasini's longshot bid to oust New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton should be riding a crest of momentum now.

<snip>

"The sole difference between myself and Ned Lamont is $4 million," Tasini said in an interview, referring to the personal fortune Lamont, a wealthy businessman, spent to defeat Lieberman. "It's not a criticism of Ned at all, but it's a reflection of how much money has corrupted our political system."

A bespectacled, well-spoken former labor organizer, Tasini, 49, has made Clinton's 2002 Senate vote authorizing the Iraq war the centerpiece of his campaign. His platform also includes support for gay marriage and a single-payer health care system and opposition to free-trade agreements such as NAFTA.

"Tens of thousands of human beings died because Hillary Clinton cast a vote for the war," Tasini said. "Based on that vote alone, Hillary Clinton shouldn't be re-elected."

That kind of rhetoric has irked the Clinton camp, even as Clinton herself has publicly ignored Tasini's candidacy.

[acmejack]

1. I wish Hillary would debate him!

That is the worst when the refuse to even take you seriously. With the complicity of NY1 she was able to get away with it. If they would have given him that opportunity it would have opened a lot of eyes. Not enough to change the outcome of the election certainly, but I bet it would have been something to see. I think Jonathan would have had a lot of fun with her.

[rinsd]

2. What? Tasini should be on his knees thanking NY1

Without their stupidity, he wouldn't have gotten any MSM coverage.

With it, he's gotten several articles in MSM, even an NYT op-ed!

On edit: I've seen Tasini's public speaking videos, why are people convinced that Clinton would get manhandled by him in a debate? He's a decent speaker but Hillary isn't exactly a slouch herself.

[acmejack]

3. I would have given them a field day in the ratings!

A bonanza any normal media outlet would have rushed to collect! I absolutely loved Hillary at one time, the early days. I guess before I really knew her. Certainly before she entered the pol ital sphere herself. The more I was exposed to her attempt to be all things to all people, her triangulation and worst of all her right wing politics the less I liked her.

Another love metamorphosed to grudging respect. The story of life I suppose.

[w4rma]

4. I promise that it's not just the money. (nt)

[zalinda]

5. I can assure you that NYC and NY state are totally

different areas. While NYC maybe liberal, quite a lot of the rest of the state is not. Tasini wouldn't have a chance in hell with some of the upstaters. They tolerate Clinton, and will vote for her BECAUSE she's not a bleeding heart liberal. She does, after all, represent THE PEOPLE of her STATE. We may never know her true beliefs. She is a politician, and a good one, who represents all the people in her state, and has truly been artful walking that fine line. Be glad she's on our side and not a repub.

zalinda