I thought Obama handled himself well overall on MTP, except for one thing

[mtnsnake]

He is starting to be too nice to Bush and McCain. He was complimentary to McCain again as far as McCain's background as a military man, and he complimented Bush for furthering the peace effort lately between Israel and Palestine. :puke:

Barack, enough with the nice-guy stuff. I saw you act tough and hit back hard during the Democratic Primaries, so I know you're very capable of being tough. Being nice to Republicans is NOT the way to go. John McCain just unleashed some blistering negative attack ads on TV about you. It's time for immediate payback in the form of pasting his crusty Repuke ass with a hard-hitting TV ad of your own in the next few days that tears him apart.

No more compliments to Republicans, please, Barack. They are the fucking enemy, not your friendly rivals in a Sunday game of golf. The way to keep their negative attack ads to a minimum is to pound the shit out of them with some ads of our own that rip Bush and McCain to shreds. Let's keep THEM on the defensive, not YOU. Show him that when he starts some shit about you, he's going to get it back tenfold.

[sniffa]

1. Thanks for spoiling it for the 10:30 (est) viewers

:eyes:

[mtnsnake]

9. Didn't spoil anything

wahhh

[Enrique]

2. there's a place for appearing "above the fray"

and a place for going after him with no mercy.

We'll have to trust Obama's judgement on when he does which.

[Ian David]

3. More importantly, was he wearing a flag lapel pin? n/t

[sniffa]

4. Yes, but it's the French flag

Bold move.

[cliffordu]

43. rofl. Excellent.

[WillyT]

54. You Owe Me A New Keyboard...

:rofl::evilgrin::rofl:

:hi:

[MonkeyFunk]

5. I disagree

Clinton trounced Dole without treating him as "the enemy".

While it may be satisfying to many here to see him insult and attack republicans non-stop, it's probably not a winning campaign strategy.

[undeterred]

6. His niceness is disarming.

They (the MSM and McCain) are going to attack him no matter what he does or doesn't do. They look worse attacking a nice guy.

[polichick]

35. True - I couldn't do it, but I'm glad he can.

[Thrill]

7. Always remember if he attacks too much......Is the 'angry black guy'

you know how this shit works.

[BlooInBloo]

13. That, and he's just a classy guy. It can be hard to get used to.....

DUers bitched about this during the primary as well.

[H2O Man]

41. Yes, but

he would do so much better if he rode into the MTP set on a motorcycle, wearing mirror shades, and carrying a machine gun. Gosh, that would really be the best approach, wouldn't it? Really teach them republicans which way the wind blows.

[Eyes_wide_ open]

50. good point

but c'mon, you gotta admit the motorcycle WOULD be cool LOL.

[Windy]

8. Notice that those being most critical were the most vocal Clinton supporters during the primary.

He handled himself brilliantly. The snark is what cost Clinton the primaries. Don't forget that.

[mtnsnake]

12. Notice your BS. I think Obama is a winner. I just don't think he should be so nice to McCain

Nice try, though, at trying to re-ignite the flames of hatred on DU from the primaries. Give it up for christs sake.

[MonkeyFunk]

21. I was one of the most vocal Clinton supporters...

and I defended Obama above.

I think you're seeing only what you want to see. People are allowed to have their own perspective on things, regardless of who they supported in the primaries, and bringing up past differences at the drop of a hat is just stupid.

[bluerum]

10. As much as I would like to see him slap Bush and McSame around,

I think his approcah is very very smart. He may swing some republion voters, and he is staying above the shit slinging. I like it.

Violence (and dirty shit slinging politics) only begets more of the same. It is a waste of time, energy and effort. He is trying to build, not destroy.

On the other hand, it is the job of the other dems in congress and the senate to support and defend Obama by demonizing Bush and McSame. And until they start supporting Obama, may I be so bold as to suggest that your financial support go to Obama and your local favorites exclusively.

[gaiilonfong]

11. I think Obama is up to something

I agree he shouldn't be nice to the THUG McSame...but I have a feeling the campaign is soon going to smackdown McBush on all his lies and nonsense

[BlooInBloo]

14. Uh.... Obama is ALWAYS up to something. Learn from the primary.

[mtnsnake]

15. I think you might be right. I think by Tuesday we're going to see him putting some smack on McCain

in the form of a TV ad that pastes him but good and puts HIM on the defensive.

[gaiilonfong]

18. Hagel just smacked down the McSame ad

good on him

[jazzjunkysue]

51. It's hard to imagine Gramps being more defensive than he is, already.

But I'm willing to try. :evilgrin:

[NYC_SKP]

16. Timing, Timing, Timing..

This is a marathon, not a sprint.

We worry and behave as if the election will be in two days.

This is way too soon for the toughness which, if demonstrated this early, would have less effect in October when we need it.

He knows what he's doing, I think it's a part of a brilliant pacing plan.

:patriot:

[mtnsnake]

17. Ovearll, I'm delighted with Obama's campaign so far. Just don't like him giving too much respect to

the repukes.

[NYC_SKP]

24. I know what you mean.

It's bothersome but in the context of the battle, it may be the prudent thing to do.

I cannot think of a time when a candidate was so challenged by circumstances to "walk a tightrope" to avoid unfair attacks from all directions.

:thumbsup:

[billyoc]

19. Just buttering you up for the avalanche of pardons in his first 100 days.

"time to heal", and all that, you know...

[napi21]

20. I think he did just fine. I even heard someone on WJ this AM say

that although Barack COULD have been much more harsh on McNuts regarding his nasty comment about wanting to lose the war to win a campaign, but that he answered "like a President should answer"! I think giving respect and credit to your opposition when it's due is the was we want our President to react, not just slamming the opposition becasue you don't like them.

[speedoo]

22. I thought he was excellent in the first half hour. Very presidential.

Remember, he's speaking to the entire nation, not just us rethug-hating DUers.

[Mabus]

23. For a lot of Americans, this is still the "Hi, I'm Barack Obama" stage

A lot of Americans won't pay attention to politics until after Labor Day. That's when the summer vacations are over, the kids are back in school and families start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. If Obama comes out swinging now he would turn some people off.

Besides, McCain likes playing the victim. If Obama comes out swinging than McCain will pull out his old "we agreed to play nice but Obama broke that promise" trick. This is one of McCain's usual tactics. He claims that his opponent has gone negative, feigns hurt and then goes on the attack claiming that he's only doing it to level the playing field.

[RichGirl]

25. Obama's "niceness"...

...makes McCain look like a nasty old fart. A lot of old people are energetic and positive. But many are whiny and complaining. McCain is looking like one of the latter. His jokes are mean and cruel. He is not a nice person.

[retread]

48. "... many are whiny and complaining." WTF???? n/t

[ravishane]

26. that is wrong-headed

Attacking the "enemy" (ridiculous language, by the way) on Meet the Press would be ridiculous. Coming off as republican-bashing will not get the middle-of-the-road vote. In fact, it will hurt him.

[mtnsnake]

27. Maybe the Republicans aren't your enemy. Good for you. n/t

[stray cat]

30. No my sister and brother are not my enemies nor is any repub just because they are a repub....

[mtnsnake]

37. Thanks much for taking things so literally. Good grief.

[elkston]

28. I thought Barack was very good on MTP today.

1. He didn't give in on the "surge". Are they going to stop asking now? He framed it perfectly. McCain and crew want a pat on the back for this tactical decision and Barack is not having it. He calls them on their myopic view of the Iraq conflict and says he needs to consider larger issues. Its driving them crazy, making them whiners, and he knows it. He is totally dominating and mindf*cking them on this. "Waaah! Waaah! The surge worked!" - STFU!

2. He spoke about the other Foreign Policy issues with clarity and deep understanding about the motivations of each side. No stumbles or missteps. Just a clear, forceful, thoughtful vision. And people think he's not ready? Whatever

3. Answered with vigor and tact the ridiculous claim by David Brooks that his Berlin speech was too optimistic and not specific about realities. So much BS on that front. If he HAD gone in and started laying out hard policies, they would have called him presumptuous and warned him for "acting like a President". In fact, some did this anyway. He can't win either way. Barack did the right thing. Give us a clear, hopeful vision of where we can go. Be firm once you get in office.

4. Didn't crack on the VP questions. Still gave hope to Hillary (:-) ). Nice compliment to Bill ("one of the most intelligent politicians in History").

5. Racial Issues. I am split on this. I am glad that he highlighted the role that past discrimination played in creating the disparities of opportunity that exist today. I think he downplayed too much the discrimination that still exists and was a bit too optimistic. HOWEVER, I realize he is walking a VERY fine line here. Personally, I think deep down he knows there is much more work to be done than he says publicaly. But he knows that he is treading new ground here as the first black candidate. He does not want to turn off those voters on the fence by appearing to play "the victim" too much. In general, many whites do not want to acknowledge the role white privilige plays in todays society. He won't gain political points by bringing that up. He needs to get elected first, THEN work on fixing the disparities. Nice metaphor about providing ladders of upward mobility, that can be accessed with the proper discipline and commitment from the community.

All in all, a good showing Barack!!!!

[stray cat]

29. I don't want a dem version of Bush as president. Giving credit where its due is appropriate

and can make people take you more seriously than if every thing you say is a lie or spin...

[Eyes_wide_ open]

49. Well said

I too, do NOT want a Democratic version of Bush. I think that the problem with Bush for most America is not that Bush is a Republican, but that he is an asshole (and a stupid one to boot).

Taking the 'high road' does not mean you have to lie down and let the opposition walk all over you as has been done in the past. It is possible to fight, and fight hard without the dirty politics of Neo-con scum.

Fire is best fought with water, not fire. Barack Obama has class, and it is that difference that will win this election IMO. He is not weak, and he doesn't walk away from the fight, but he does not let 'them' dictate the terms of the fight either. Street fights are often won by brains rather than brawn, and we have just the right candidate to emerge victorious if allowed to fight on his own terms.

[RichardRay]

31. Continuous attack loses effectiveness

By giving credit and being 'nice' where he can Senator Obama leaves himself more room to attack vigorously on the points that require it. Continuous attack comes off as shrill and mean; voters don't like it, at least not Democratic voters (left or centrist) nor do Independents.

Republicans may be your 'enemies' and you may wish to see them annihilated and humiliated, that's your karma. It doesn't win elections, however.

We're here to win an election, not to make ourselves feel good.

[barack the house]

32. The reason that there is gridlock though is not seeing when the other side may sometimes be right.

[dontforgetpoland]

33. I also think it was a very good interview overall, but what is with thoses Oil Company commercials.

Not just with this interview, but in general, I see all the major oil companies promoting how diverse they are in terms of all energy resources and they are leading the industry and such. It been documented in many reports that most of the oil company high profits and going to shareholders and oil executive, not research and development. I hope that the American people are not so gullible.

[Doremus]

34. Don't misinterpret courtesy for acquiescence.

Obama is the rare person who can cut you off at the knees with quiet eloquence.

He did exactly that several times with Brokaw. Yes, he gave a few props but followed up each time with deadly blows delivered with quiet confidence. Polite and friendly, yes; a pushover most definitely not.

He's playing this exactly right. Brilliantly in fact.

[Merlot]

47. There was one point when Brokaw was squirming in his chair.

Probably about the time he realized that Obama was going to say what he want's to say, not walk into some silly "gotcha's,"

I particularly enjoyed it when Obama pointed out just who david brooks was before responding.

In all, I'd say I laughed out loud a few times. Obama doens't play their game.

[jazzjunkysue]

52. Yep. He's a much better man than Tom, and Tom k nows that, now.

[MoonRiver]

36. He's always been nice to Republicans.

Remember his very favorable statements about Reagan? He's trying to get votes from Repubs and Indys, so this is not surprising.

[mtnsnake]

38. No he hasn't. I remember him striking back at Republicans who took liberties at him in the past

I fully hope and expect that he'll do the same all through this campaign. No more high road. Been there done that.

[DFW]

39. I didn't see any of this, but......

As opposed to McCain, Obama is one very smart cookie, and he is perfectly capable of
discussing with his inside staff EXACTLY how much "kill them with kindness" to use and
when and where. MTP has been a Republican mouthpiece ever since Russert took it over,
and it to this audience that Obama was surely playing. Show them resolution coupled
with deference in small doses, and shout to the choir when they want to be shouted to.

He is constantly robbing McCain of stuff to complain about, and it leaves McCain scrambling
for scenes at German Wursthäuser in Ohio with an overflowing, wall-busting audience of ten.

There is plenty of time to bear the fangs.

[still_one]

40. I believe this is part of the plan. It won't be long and issues will actually be discussed

and it will come down to one thing:

mccain is an extension of bush. If people are happy about the last 8 years, vote for mccain, otherwise, vote for Obama

[On the Road]

42. That is One Reason That I Originally Supported Edwards

but I see the effects of Obama's strategy now. An effective candidate should not be an attack dog. He should be above it. The attacks should be made from surrogates, most prominently the VP nominee. It can be maddening, but the polls show its effectiveness.

McCain, ooh, is making himself look like a whiner and a cranky old man. He is getting smaller while Obama is getting larger.

[Radical Activist]

44. No, its exactly the right thing.

It makes his eventual attacks based on substance more effective. When Republicans start getting more hateful people will remember that the ugliness didn't come from Obama. It wins him votes.

[rasputin1952]

45. Well, I look at it this way, Obama has taken the High Road...

he is setting the bar, McCain can't reach it. Why toss gas on a man afire anyway, McCain is falling apart, one of the most disastrous campaigns I've ever seen.

Wait until the "debates", this will pay off a hundredfold...:D

[Danger Mouse]

46. Barack's got the ammo ready, and the guns loaded.

He's just waiting for the right moment to start blasting. McCain is blowing all his ammo prematurely.

[jazzjunkysue]

53. Gramps' ammo consisting primarily of petty arguing, whining and applesause.

[TexasObserver]

55. He can afford to be gracious. He had a great week.

Americans just saw him look more presidential than John McCain ever has or ever will. They saw him kick ass with foreign leaders from the war zones to Europe. They saw him keep Muslims, Jews, and Euros happy on the same trip. He got an endorsement for his plan from the government of Iraq. He got good reviews in Israel. He was accepted as the next president of the United States.

Bush has no popularity except with the bottom 20%.

McCain can't break 45% on any day in any poll.

The averaged of all polls at Real Clear Politics show Obama with a lead in most states, and if the election were held today, as per RCP, Obama would win with 322 electoral votes.

There will be plenty of time to attack McCain. When they have debates. When they get past the conventions. Right now Obama is defining himself. People already know who McCain and Bush are. Obama has to establish for the public who he is, to counter all the garbage the GOP will throw at him.

[jazzjunkysue]

56. Barack was flawless, as he was through the entire trip overseas.

He's ready, and just in time for the swiftboat fleet.