Let’s see if I do this right…
The most recent topic of debate (according to CNN.com) is the comments being made about Barack Obama. The comments are being made by his Democratic competitor Hillary Clinton and likely Republican nominee John McCain. Each alleges that Barack Obama is merely making promises rather than giving specifics. “I am in the solutions business. My opponent is in the promises business” –Sen. Clinton
Each of the other two remaining president hopefuls has been through their hazing period of attacks (which won’t stop), but it seems the media/candidates have avoided attacking Obama. Obama has become the front runner of the Democratic Party as well as the front runner for the entire election. With this new development, the bad mouthing of Obama seems to be just beginning. Sen. Clinton is getting desperate and John McCain is preparing for the head to head battle, but what specifically has taken so long for an attack? Excluding the Muslim rumor (that doesn’t count for me). Is this a race issue? Rush Limbaugh seems to think that is why it has taken so long (Donovan McNabb likely will back Obama). Former President Clinton has made several remarks and in return received a backlash of disapproval. Has that played a factor for others?
The pressure early on was clearly on Hillary Clinton. The pressure derived from being a woman, Bill’s wife, reputation for being cold, and the pressure as being the front runner for the White House. We had several classes talking about the “extra” pressure placed on Hillary. Last class we talked about how she formed her campaign to look as though she was the incumbent and I think that has been her downfall. She was the candidate being “ganged up” on by McCain, Romney, Obama, and Edwards. Now that she has taken a step back to Obama in the publics’ eye does he receive the same scrutiny? He seems to be the “darling” candidate and likeable to everyone. We went over the likeability poll in class and he was way ahead of the other two and Hillary being in last. There is always a bull’s eye on the favorite’s chest and now that he is the guy we will see how he is brought back to the pack or runs away from it. Obama has run a great campaign so far, but will it be able to continue?
Here are some links:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/13/2008.hopefuls/index.html
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_021308/content/01125107.guest.html
http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_021308/content/01125115.guest.html
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c39215cc1d860115ce8320190014
