Obama campaign to emphasize electability

[jefferson_dem]

From http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/05/clinton_and_obama_iowa_memos.html?nav=rss_blog

In a feat of fortuitous timing, Sen. Barack Obama's (Ill.) campaign is moving a memo of its own around Iowa that makes the electability argument -- citing two recent independent polls.

"With over seven months until Caucus day, the polls will fluctuate," writes Obama Iowa communications director Josh Earnest. "While our campaign's focus will be continuing to build on our strong grassroots organization, the early polls indicate that Barack is emerging as the most 'electable' candidate in the eyes of Iowa Democrats."

<SNIP>

But, the fact that Obama's campaign has begun to paint him as the candidate best able to reach across the aisle is telling. Obama is well aware of the whispers among Democratic activists that Clinton is simply too divisive to win the White House and that Edwards' strong liberal stances (immediate withdrawal from Iraq, a healthcare plan that could result in a tax increase for wealthy Americans) could hobble him if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

By injecting the electability argument into the Iowa caucuses, Obama is hoping to force likely caucus goers to think not just with their hearts but also with their heads. He's making sure the caucuses are thinking about electing a president not just about choosing a Democratic nominee.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/05/clinton_and_obama_iowa_memos.html?nav=rss_blog

*****

NOTE: In addition to the polls cited in this piece, a new Zogby poll, scheduled to be released today, will also show that Obama is more electable than either Clinton or Edwards.

[Tellurian]

1. Todays' Poll: Clinton at 36% ... Obama at 26%

May 23 2007


Engagement in the 2008 Presidential Election


With just under 18 months until the 2008 presidential election, the vast majority of registered voters report being closely engaged in the campaign. The overwhelming majority express “a lot” of interest (77%) in the campaign, with another 15% reporting at least “some” interest. In addition, four in ten (40%) report having watched or listened to at least one of the debates between the candidates. Of the three debates, the Democratic debate on April 26th was the most popular, with 53% reporting seeing the debate (compared to 38% for the Republican debate on May 3rd, and 39% for the Republican debate on May
15th).


2008 Primary Vote


Among likely Democratic primary voters (self-identified Democrats who say they typically vote in their party’s primary election), Hillary Clinton takes the top spot with a 10-point lead over closest rival, Barack Obama. Former Vice President Al Gore and John Edwards are in a statistical dead heat for third place.


Hillary up at 36%

Obama down at 26%

Edwards....at 10%

moe +/- 3.5%


http://www.diageohotlinepoll.com/07_May_Pressrelease.pdf

[jefferson_dem]

2. Yeah, i saw that. Nice bold type... but what's your point?

Another ten point advantage for Hillary for the nomination bears no relevance on whether she is ultimately electable in the General, which is the point of the OP. Do you have anything to add to that discussion?

EDIT: Have a look at the polls referenced in the story at link. Add to it to the fact that 47% of the public will "definitely vote against" Hillary in Rasmussen and the soon to be released Zogby poll that shows Hillary faring poorly against the Repukes as compared to Obama and Edwards... She may be on top for nomination (for now) but she is virtually unelectable in November.

[Tellurian]

4. If you want to focus on the GE..

be my guest.

There will be only one winner in the Dem Primary and it will be Hillary!

Arguing about the GE now is a waste of time and bandwidth..imo

[jefferson_dem]

7. Brilliant insight. She will win the Nomination because she will win...And who cares about the WH.

Typical...ly lame and short-sighted.

[Tellurian]

10. Republicans are polling @ 27% in the GE Dems are already @ 56%

I have no fear whatsoever of the country electing another Republican President...

[jefferson_dem]

14. I'll file this one in the "prediction" folder and hope you never have a chance to be wrong.

[Ethelk2044]

3. If Polls meant a lot

She would not be considering skipping Iowa.

[William769]

6. And where did you hear that?

[William769]

5. See what I just posted on Mrs. Clinton & New Hampshire.

Thats our Girl!

[jefferson_dem]

8. Awww....an "inspirational woman" in NH. Now there's some credentials...

Your "Girl."

[William769]

9. Theres more than just that, but I knew you wouldn't comment on the other.

[Colobo]

16. LOL!

By the way, Gobama!!!

[DemDem07]

11. That's bad news for Hill and Co.

15 years in the national spotlight, Senator of New York, A beloved ex-president of a husband, and her numbers are this low?

This really doesn't look good for Hillary.

[illinoisprogressive]

12. I heard a couple things today that may be why Obama is the most electable.

The rumors about clinton's temper came to light again when a reporter asked how she would vote tomorrow and clinton got snippy and snotty with her.
I heard Craig Crawford this morning point up why edwards is having problems. He said he is probably the most decent and honest guy who comes across as untrustworthy. That Edwards is a good person but, for some reason he is projecting the opposite and if he could find out why and correct it he would be a major force.

[Tellurian]

15. Chaos and confusion are part of the game..

the weak are easily confused because they choose to let someone else do their thinking for them. Then they are sure to peddle the propaganda indoctrinating the masses. "If so many are saying it, it must be true". Then sadly, they discover, it was never true at all and slowly they devolve into chaos and can't believe anything anymore. It seems you've taken the bait...and arrived.

[SaveElmer]

13. I guess nothin else is workin for him...

Try a new strategy....hard to make an electibility argument when you can point to exactly one state that you are consistently ahead in the polls though...