GOP game-plan: When in doubt, go after the candidate's spouse
By Steve Benen Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 5:40pmIn 1992, Republican attack dogs went after Bill Clinton by denigrating Hillary Clinton as often as humanly possible. In 2004, the GOP took great pleasure in taking on Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Now, the attack machine has decided to take rhetorical aim at Michelle Obama.
“Mrs. Grievance” bellowed the cover of a recent National Review, which featured a photo of a fierce-looking Obama. The magazine’s online edition titled an essay about her stump speech “America’s Unhappiest Millionaire.”
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Even the relatively liberal online magazine Slate piled on. In a piece subtitled “Is Michelle Obama responsible for the Jeremiah Wright fiasco?” the contrarian Christopher Hitchens blamed her for her husband’s pastor troubles since she was a member of the church first.
The would-be first lady does not make pronouncements about policy and has insisted that her priority in the White House would be her two young daughters…. It was an unscripted remark as she spoke in February about the enthusiastic response to his message of hope that set off conservatives: “And let me tell you something,” she told a Wisconsin crowd. “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
The Obama campaign quickly explained that she misspoke: “What she meant is that she’s really proud at this moment because for the first time in a long time, thousands of Americans who’ve never participated in politics before are coming out in record numbers to build a grass-roots movement for change.” Even First Lady Laura Bush — hardly a liberal Dem — defended Michelle Obama, agreeing that the comments didn’t reflect her true feelings.
But the Smear Machine doesn’t much care. “It’s exactly why I hate politics,” said Republican pollster Frank Luntz. “It’s wrong. It’s attempting to demonize someone who is very smart, very accomplished, but not totally tuned to the dangers of political discourse.”
It’s your party, Frank.
Take our AOL poll on whether it's a smart tactic to target Michelle Obama
A few angles to consider here. First, the Obama campaign is aware of the Republican strategy, is taking steps to prepare.
Recognizing the extent to which Republicans view Michelle Obama’s strong views and personality as a potential liability for her husband, Mr. Obama’s aides said they were preparing to bring aboard senior operatives from previous Democratic presidential campaigns to work with her, a clear departure from the typical way the spouse of a candidate is staffed. Mrs. Obama’s operation would include senior aides devoted to responding to attacks and challenges to her, particularly if she continues to campaign as much as she has so far.
Second, the possibility of a backlash is real.
John Kerry, who has campaigned with Michelle Obama, said the attacks could backfire. “She’s a mother of two young daughters, and her self-made story is America’s story,” the Massachusetts senator said. “I think a lot of people will be repelled by the attacks on her, because it’ll feel like an attack on their own family. Republicans smear her at their peril.”
And third, be sure to check out Kathy G’s very sharp piece on the “Hillary-ization” of Michelle Obama.
What I’m wondering right now is, what can we - as Democrats, as feminists, as people who are deeply committed to racial equality — do to help and support her?
That last question is especially important. I’m open to suggestion.
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What a country. I stopped giving a shit about this place a while ago.
I think Michelle can handle herself on this one.
perfect GOP thinking
you have an electorate made up of pissed off women, so let's give the wife of the most popular candidate in recent history some shit over NOTHING!!!
that will bring the clinton democrats over to them
oh ya
big time
keep it up guys, you're making it so easy
does this mean we get to go after the stepford barbie blow-up doll?
bullfrog @ 4:
that made coffee come out of my nose
ty for a laugh, it's So hard to make me laugh
gj
The Republicans better think twice before going after Michelle Obama. That only works when your candidate's spouse is, like Caesar's wife, above reproach.
I think that Cindy McCain's drug problems, stealing from a charity. and pressuring doctors on that charity's committees to write prescriptions for your habit, might be something that's brought up, if people want to play that game.
In past times, having a wife with this kind of history would preclude a candidate from running for the highest office in the land. Now, in more politically correct times, when all addictions are considered illnesses, Cindy has been given a pass.
That might not continue if the Republicans don't play nice.
CannibalPlanet @ 2:
She can...but she shouldn't have to.
Once this country is done patting itself on the back about how gender- and color-blind it is, maybe the US will realize it hasn't come that far after all.
That and the GOP is intent on seeing whether they can break every bone our bodies and drain every cent out of us.
Well, it's not like the gops can run on their record. They're dumb, they're scum and they've got bupkis. It's gonna get a whole hell of a lot worse than this before November.
i can't remember who it was, but somebody told me cindy mccain's not only a c*nt, but a trollop, to boot.
Pardon my Freedom*, but go fuck yourself Luntz.
You created this beast and have used your Frankenstein to your own ends for years, that same monster you continue to use and you now pretend disgusts you.
*French
They're already going after M. Obama on youtube which is a mistake since it's so easy for me to take shots at Cindy "Junkie" McCain.
I'm only bringing up Cindy though when they go after Michelle.
I guess I'm not much better than the repugs
I remain better though.
Kathy in St. louis @ 6:
Repugs aren't known for their analytic skills so expect this to continue unabated.
Yeah THAT will get the women on board. Soccor moms love nothing more than seeing men beat up on a woman.
Hey GOP, let us know how that works out for ya.
Fact checking squads! We can use the power of the blogs to rally support.
So all this goes on while the junkie drug thief gets a pass?? I think stealing narcotics from a charity for personal consumption is maybe a thing that could carry a few news cycles.
marko @ 5:
i hear it's hard to keep her inflated, but fortunately, maverick's got enough hot gas for the both of 'em...
What pisses me off is that anybody connected to Obama feels compelled to explain how Michelle Obama "misspoke."
Maybe she DID mean EXACTLY what she did said that day. Maybe when her husband talked about "bitter Americans" - saying something everyone who reads this blog knows is true - maybe it's because he MEANT it, and because he was RIGHT.
It pissed me off when Obama felt compelled to resign from his church. Why should he have to? Why not say, "Yeah, those folks said those things, but I didn't, and that doesn't mean you should be allowed to tell ME where and how I get to worship. You don't have the right to do that."
No matter how much we hate what they think and believe and stand for, at least the Republicans believe in something and stick with it, no matter how twisted and wrong we might think they are. The Democrats as a species lack a SPINE. At least maybe Michelle Obama has one. Here's hoping, because to me, that's what's killing this party.
These slimeballs never cease to amaze. They'll go after an strong, educated woman who is raising a family and totally supporting her husband's campaign, and these RepubliPigs claim THEY have the "family values" moral high ground? Gimme a fuckin' break.
OK, let's play their game: Cindy McCain, for a trophy wife, is beyond fugly. Not only that, let's broadcast her past drug history.
Now, having said that, does it help? No. Because it has NOTHING TO DO with the issues and problems facing this country and should not be a part of this election.
women voters are not going to digg this strategy especially women who think with their own minds..this will back fire it's ridiculous
Conservatives fear intelligent, independent females. They don't gel with their "traditional," stay home/look pretty/cook dinner view of wives.
Cindy's father has quite a story too. Convicted felon who did time (saving his mafia connected boss) on tax charges related to liquor bootlegging during and after prohibition. The beer distributorship was a gift from the boys in vegas. Interesting that a convicted felon was able to get the license to sell alcohol.
Jim Hensley had flown aboard B-17's and had been shot down, which gave him and John a bond of sorts. John's Washington connections were worth Hensley's investment in John and appears to have profited all parties.
Aperturius @ 21:
Have you seen most conservative women??? I don't think "look pretty" is part of the equation.
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Ok, that's actually halfway clever and funny.
I really like Michelle Obama. Take a listen to her:
Delaware speech, Part 1
Part 2, Part 3, Four, Five, Six, Seven
The Truth Hurts @ 1:
Dude I'm right there with you...mostly Republicans make me ashamed to call myself an American, but sometime the Dems do too.
Women do not like this. This will hurt McDipshit much more than it will hurt Obama.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 28:
wait when michelle attacks his record as far as women issues.........dry toast please.when women voters find out.......he's done
[FIFY. Site Monitor]
marko @ 5:
...and yet, you so often espresso yourself with such biting wit, nostrildamas...
;-}
so the repugs really want to talk issues....hahahahahahaha
this is all about making america afraid of the black man and woman
their party is bankrupt of ideas
god, its good to be able to say that
Never, ever, ever before, in my entire life, and all my million past lives, have I ever, what-so-ever, in any shape or form, exaggerated or used hyperbole. I bet you a gazillion dollars to prove it!
Ok, I think it may be time to start hammering McAdulterer on his ... oh.. let's say extra curricular activities while still married to the first Mrs. McShame
karl @ 29:
Why should she be doing any of the Attacking? She already caused a stir by opening her mouth. And yes I understand it was taken out of context and edited for thier pleasure. But she should wait till he's in the WH.
[ FIFY. Sitemonitor]
disagree michelle is capable......first time proud is crap
This train wreck that McShitsHisPants calls a "campaign" is almost painful but I will not avert my eyes.
Karen @ 37:
it was funny i don't want to give her any attention maybe she will dry up and blow away she orchastrates hate she has no other purpose
aw hell, forgot what I was gonna say.
Typically White & Bitter Agent Huessein Provocateur @ 32:
I believe you.
The republican M.O. is to akin to a petulant child when it comes to reality. As if they truly aren't the party with an elitist attitude, as if their party hasn't been in control for the last 7+ years, as if there is something American's can be proud of during their tenure, as if everyone is as stupid as red state inhabitants. Hate to use the term stupid, but it's either that or sociopathic, greedy, SOB's that never had their come-uppance.
Karen @ 42:
that's kool i'm going to check it out
Does-anyone-give-a SH*T-what-Malkin-sez-anymore-Hussein @ 39:
Make something up. That's what Republicans do.
I'm sure Bubba's gone after a lot of candidates spouses
But for reasons more enthralling than casting mud at the candidate.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 44:
you know their motto if it sticks keep saying it like a good robot
karl @ 35:
How about first time proud since 1999??? I haven't seen a single damn thing to be proud of for the past 8 years. Gut-wrenching embarrassment, yes. Pride, no chance.
Michelle Obama: " “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
I can understand the sentiment. Because of George W. Bush for the first time in my life I'm ashamed of my country.
pete @ 11:
Seconded. Reading of a pollster saying "this is why I hate politics" is so surreal that nothing else he could utter would get any serious attention from me.
Then again, that party is full of people aspiring to office that "hate" government.
The Truth Hurts @ 47:
i see your point more than you may realize.......she is proud of the enthusiasm the country has for some profound change....call me idealistic i'm trying to stare at a glass half full
Ruthless People @ 48:
The sentiment I don't understand is the opposition's: That we must all be proud of the United States no matter what. It only makes me wonder what, exactly, makes them proud. They just root for the U.S. the way I root for the Cubs.
Karen @ 51:
their mentality you either withus or your not regardless of what we do at least some of them
The problem some are having is how do you have two idol worship worthy leaders at one time? You can't. First they hated McCain for only drinking 95% of the kool aide, now they need to throw Mr. and Mrs. Bush under the bus.
THE FIRST LADY IS AN ELECTED OFFICE.....
and i guess i would have to ask why would i vote for a guy (John "THE BUSH REPUBLICAN" McCain) who traded in his first wife when he came back from Viet Nam and found her...... shorter (operation from an accident), too old, and too chubby......
and traded her in for a hot babe with a brewery---- WHO WILL NOT DISCLOSE HER TAXES
-------------got to ask WHY???? (she says "it's for the children") hahaha
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 40:
Sean H.?
The correct strategy is to call them "cowards" for not having the guts to confront Obama on the real, and difficult issues of the day and, instead, beating up on his wife.
Every workplace has someone who engages in spousal denigration, and we all know what to think of people like that.
Is it fair game then to go after a candidates wife who is a home wrecker, drug addict, and steals from a children's charity?
Even her husband calls her a trollop and a c-word.
Well republicans are terrorists at heart.
Think not get one cornered and see!
Please, let's DO go after Cindy McCain. It's about time a Rethug wife was treated even halfway as badly as thugs have been treating Democratic spouses and their children. Besides, the thugs have proven they don't give a shit about issues that really concern Americans... they just want to sling shit.
But, really, maybe what we should do first is ask St. John the McNut why he called his wife a c*nt. And, maybe then we can ask Slick Romney why he told his wife to shut up when she started to explain how she was worried about her health if he ran for office.
The 'thugs got nuthin' else to run on.
On the Mclaughlin group (stopped watching after this came on) they were trying to compare Mrs blowup barbie to past first ladies escecially Mrs Kennedy how many first ladies were/are home wreckers.drug users, thieves. etc all I could think was you guys are ******* crazy how can you compare also I was waiting to see Mrs Obama in the comparison didn't happen The MSM is soooo screwed up as for the GOP the stepford wives have been joined by the stepford men when they vote lockstep with each other on issues that would benefit all americans they stonewall or vote no
And to fit in nicely with this C&L post about the GOP attacking Michelle, O'Reilly just gave airtime to David Bossie from Citizens United who is on pimping his group's new documentary about the Obamas (to be released at Dem convention time) in which they will have "criticism of Michelle Obama".
Interestingly, this Citizens United group is also co-founded by Floyd Brown who was mentioned by Logan in the "Willie Horton Ad Creator Crawls From The Slime To Smear Obama" post.
-
Malkin calling someone bitter? now THAT'S a black kettle.
this was a major talking point on Glenn Beck today.
I'd like to see more of them going after her for 2 reasons
A. The main ones listed above, in that it will just backfire on them with women voters and independents, and
B. I think it'll really, really, piss Barack off. it would me. That guy showed class and played clean with Hill
He might not return in kind by attacking Cindy in the same way (kind of like how he kept his mouth shut when Hillary kept railing on him for attending Wright's church, when he could have slammed her for having Wright in the White House for counseling during the Monica thing) but I do think he will go after anyone who stirs this shit up with the kind of ferocity and vitriol deserving of those who would dare go there. Remember him pushing LIEberman up against the wall last week? And that douche didn't even knock on Michelle.
all i have to say is, back a woman from south side Chicago into a corner at your own peril, Republicans.
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Malkin calling someone bitter is a like a skunk asking "who farted?"
just keep exposing and nailing these pieces of shit.
Two things can happen:
1) Michelle Obama takes off the pearls and uses her wits to fight these vicious nabobs.
2) The Dems finally grow a pair and start teaching the GOP a lesson: use Moveon.org to unleash an ad campaign listening every dirty secret about Cindy McCain from all her nips and tucks to how she got her money. Start a whisper campaign all the way up into the MSM in every broadcast venue.
Slap them with a velvet glove lined with chainmail, I always say.
Ooops. ;) I meant, "listing every dirty secret."
In 1992, Republican attack dogs went after Bill Clinton by denigrating Hillary Clinton as often as humanly possible
and now in 2007/8 fellow Dems have taken over for the Republican attack dogs.
I wish I could say I was proud of our country. We elected GWB not once, but twice. We torture prisoners and make people disappear in the night. We have 47 million and counting people with no health care. Our CEOs are sucking our corporations dry yet they maintain a stranglehold on our government. We owe our soul to China.
That said I had hoped to see a woman president this time around. But anyone competent will do. As for Michelle Obama, what doesn't she have? She's smart, accomplished and stunning.
Has anyone even heard Cindy utter a word? She is usually shown just standing next to her man looking intent and pretty.
The Repubs never learn that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks."
Texas Democrat @ 71:
She looks like the wife of that skeleton monster on the old crypt keeper show, nothing sexy there. Plus she dated and took a married man from a wife that had been in a horrible accident while mccain was a POW, she suffered more than he and when he saw she lost her beauty, he screwed around and found a rich bi$tch to fund his future asperation, screw his famiy...how moral is that? That alone makes her ugly from the inside out!
Texas Democrat Says: she’s just kinda there. Not saying anything. Just looking pretty (and you gotta admit she is hot) and standing there
omfg you need to get out more my friend. what's hot about 1 ton of foundation applied with a putty knife? you see blond and a ton of make up on a thin woman and think that's hot...afuckingmazing.
Texas, go figure.
erick @ 72:
Amen.
It amazes me that this has happened and they defend it as well by repeating the same neocon smears and rabid media attacks.
I'm all for protecting Michelle O.I am all about protecting our own--
but I have to admit I feel a little jaded about it considering that the people asking to protect her were just merciless in taking over the neocon smear/attack machine against Hillary.
I've been pretty disheartened about all this hope and unity talk while being subjected to attacks and hate when I've tried to defend Clinton against the media and O supporters misinformation, distortion campaign.
For Progressives to behave this way has been a real kick in the gut. Attacking other Obama supporters when trying to use reason and discuss what the media was doing, calling them names, smearing, ganging up, then defending the media who are otherwise condemned out of hand by them and then stereotyping and insulting her supporters in ugly, sexist and racist ways has proven to be a depressing experience for many.
Of course I'll vote for Obama- hehad been my first choice, but my heart isn't in it right now.
Of course I'll support and protect Michelle even if she said some nasty things herself about Hillary.
But I'm not doing it for her.
I'm doing it for women because the truth is misogyny is rampant, using women as a repository for hate is misogyny and you do whats right and you do not allow it, you fight it, stand against it no matter your personal feelings.
I'll support and protect her because of who I am not who she is.
Once upon a time, long ago in a land unrecognizable today Sisterhood was powerful.
Today apparently its crap.
Ruthless People @ 48:
Excellent.
Michelle Obama began her "thesis" trying to take advantage of white guilt from the very start. "I never felt black until I came to Princeton". Her paper was interviewing black alumni. It was a letter sent to alumni. It had questions and only about 1/4 of the alumni responded. She wrote from this. A high school student could have written this paper.
As an educator, I have seen so many black students get a pass for weak work. It is a way of making amend or reparations for wrongs the black think all Americans have done to them.
When you really think about the people that participate in this kind of cheap thuggery campaign tactics, as being, nothing less then positive motivators, for all of us to get the hell out in massive numbers, to fix this mess.
Michelle Obama is going to be a real asset to millions and millions of women,all over this country and her wise words of encouragement, that things can and will get better for many of those who may have lost, or never had faith, to continue to struggle for the sake of better tomorrows, can never be destroyed by those who seek to demonize this woman, because she speaks from her heart.
Unfortunately for our friends in National Media, who promote this kind of American made trash, by the daily spews of this kind of trash, rather then discuss the very important issues going on in our government.
You would think they have to know that the state of this country is hanging off balance and that we are tired of these sick, stupid ass games they are feeding us.
The trash they shove on us, to distract from truth and honor.should make average citizens sit up and really take notice of some kind of forceful resolution to this major problem in our media. If FCC will not do their jobs, then we need to do it for them. we cannot continue to tolerate this wilful distruction of our system of government. We owe our kids so much more then this.
They will try to present all this garbage they shove in our face each day as this right wing, GOP, strategy for winning this election, not that they too are not parties to the same agenda and outlook as the very people they promote.
Just check the back grounds of many of these daily political starlets, stashed all over these networks, spewing lies and distortions of fact.
They will attempt to destroy anyone that will challenge and disagree with their antics of distraction, sprinkled with a healthy does of obstruction and distortion tactics, that willful use the air waves to conceal information.
They are too stupid to realize, we are on too them and the party is all the way over. We need and want our entire country back
They think we are so stupid.
mrplow @ 64:
hmmm, mrplow.
We remember this differently.
Hillary didn't go on and on about the Rev. Wright. In fact she said nothing for a few days and she was asked directly, more than once and she said he wouldn't be my pastor.
When asked again she said something similar. She did not bring it up first and in fact Matthews was irritated she didn't come out swinging on it.
She did say something at a debate I think about you can't choose family but you can choose your pastor. Over the line?
I don't know.
And no, she didn't have him to the WH for counseling for the Monica thing. I may be wrong but I believe he was there for one of the prayer breakfasts where many ministers come. It may have been the one during the monica thing but it would have been for Bill.
The current meme on Hillary is that she was vicious and attacking Obama constantly and Obama never went at her.
This how the media played it and this is what everyone seems to think is true.
Why?
Because this is how the media played it? Because these were the morning memo's and talking points that came out of the Obama camp every day?
I'm sorry but I just don't agree. Obama took a lot of shots (as did Michelle) his manner is not as upfront as Clinton. More passive aggressive and embedded in his beautiful rhetorical skills.
I watched this whole campaign unfold in horror at what happened with the media and so called Progressives. Having supported Obama while watching the shredding of Clinton with the complicity of the left has been an incredibly painful and perhaps even a life changing experience for me. It has been one of the all time shameful episodes in the Democratic party. It continues to be as the hatred and ugliness continues against her.
Its been a stunning wake up call. One I wish I never had heard.
yesyesyes @ 62:
HA!
needed that.
TY
The Very Bitter Ceci Hussein @ 69:
Actually I'm sure Michelle will come out fine.
What I believe should be done is not attack Cindy. Why would I want to be as filthy as they are.
No. I say a video for sure but a video with all the crap McCain has said about her, how he ditched his first wife, what his record is on all women'sw issues with some very good, pointed lyrics. I've been trying to think of a song that really pushes the message of what a misogynist creep he is.
I think Brave New Films would make a pretty good one.
I've been collecting some of the stuff to send them.
He should be attacked not Cindy. How can we possibly think its OK to do that?
Well, I guess if Progressives can give Hillary the treatment she got no one is off limits.
sigh.
what a sad state of affairs.
accountability @ 85:
I agree that candidate's spouses should be off limits. I think a reasonable question should be: where do Republicans draw the line? Is there a line where they are concerned. Heck Rush Limbaugh went after Chelsea Clinton....back in 1993 when she was 13. Sick people on that side of the aisle.
accountability @ 85:
What-- kitchen too hot?
Taking your opponents points and contrasting them with the obvious counterpoint is fair and helpful to clarifying the issue to voters.
Texas Democrat @ 86:
Absolutely sick.
Very sick.
And lets not forget McCain going after Chelsea too.
prick.
Brad @ 87:
no,
too filthy.
accountability @ 90:
Diapers get filthy. We learn to change our own.
accountability @ 85:
Too bad. As a Democrat, I am tired of my party rolling over and playing dead. The time for trying to kiss the ass of the Republicans is over.
You can, for sure.
But for a large group of us, we are fighting to get our country back by all means necessary.
Lay down and wait another eight years crying in your beer because you dream of drinking it with Hill and the "so-called" Maverick. Or try to fight for change in this country.
The choice is yours.
Michelle Obama is a bright, attractive woman who seems to be loved by her husband deeply. Google up pictures of her and there will be some very charming ones of the couple looking happy and close in their marriage. That is naturally inspiring, a woman cherished by her husband. Their image reflects values of integrity and trust.
Frank Luntz. Isn't he the GOP snake-oil "pollster" who hooks his test subjects up to wires and records their thoughts or something? He moonlights as a bipartisan concern troll.
One thing I almost never hear mentioned: How do all the "family values" Republicans & evangelical Christians feel about the fact that Cindi McCain is both a home-wrecker and MULTI-MILLIONAIRE LIQUOR HEIRESS? Whatever happened to the "evils of drink" Baptists & Pentecostals I remember from my youth? I remember growing up not only being unable to buy liquor on Sundays, or bars closing at 11:30 PM Saturday nights. All as a result of the Christian no-fun-niks. Now they want us to vote for the Budweiser-babe's husband? (BTW, he's still flying to all these public appearances on her corporate jet, in violation of campaign laws).
I say we shine a light on the cockroaches! Have citizen journalists and cameras in the face of every pundit/clown/operative putting such smears out. It is the only way to hold them accountable. Does anyone have Malkin's address or phone number? I am not suggesting illegal harassment, but rather diligent reporting. Chase down each rumor to its source and get them on camera explaining themselves. Hold the reporters to the same standard that they demonstrate to the candidates and their families.
We need to get some of the Daily Show writers to work on a regular webcast that people would love to check out everyday to see the progres of the accountability troops. Again, no McCarthyist tactics allowed, actual truthful reporting and only about those that willfully chose to enter the public political debate.
The sliminess of Malkin never ceases to amaze me.
I think they will regret picking on Michelle Obama...our soon to be First Lady, is going to hand these people their asses.
This will be entertaining.
I DO hope the Democratic Party doesn't attempt to trash McCain's first wife, as I've seen on several websites.
It will not speak well of the party if they do.
Mary @ 103:
Depends who you ask. Some people are so hellbent on winning they'll do anything. You could almost call them ... republicans...
No, the Republicans should not go after Michelle Obama even if she puts herself out there and sometimes says things that can be misconstrued. We will defend her if that happens but I think both she and Obama can take care of themselves in this regard.
And no, the Democrats who are now so outraged that the republicans would do such a thing should have shown both Hillary and Bill Clinton more respect and not misconstrued every word they spoke.
After 40 years as an active and loyal Democrat, I am ashamed of many in my party and this crap needed to stop. I hope we will show more class than the republicans and if they try this with Michelle Obama it will backfire.
This article begins by saying how the GOP went after Bill in 1992 by attacking Hillary and in 2004 by attacking Teresa Kerry and that was certainly wrong. But they continued to attack Hillary right up until 2008 and then the Democrats took over. Where's that article? I have wondered for a long time now where all these "Malkin" Democrats came from. Reading these post it becomes clear that the Democratic Party now just has a mean streak and too many are wanting to trash McCains wife. What is wrong with you people? We are better than the republicans - or we used to be.
If Michelle Obama misspoke, why can't she say so? My understanding is that she made the remark more than once, and has never backed away from it.
It didn't take long since my post at #105. I went to peek at the site I gave up long ago for the total Hllary bashing and there is the comment over Michele Malkin calling Michelle a different title "Obama's baby momma"... and the comment from a serious pro Obama blog owner "I'm sensing a mix of sexism and racism from FOX News on this one". So unfortunately, we will be faced with anyone saying anything about her that Obama supporters dont like with the exact same comeback as I expected - racism. However I find the claim of sexism funny since that was a tool used continually against Clinton where noone minded then.
foreigner @ 110:
Let's see...most of the Hillary Bashing was somewhat justifiable, as she was playing dirty pool, though I think some went overboard...And I say let the reichwingers go after Mrs. Obama...she'll rip them a new one.
And even you have to admit that was a racist, sexist statement.
When she stumps for her husband she is fair game. If she stayed in the back ground and two care of her two daughters then she wouldn't be fair game. She has given speeches and tried to influence people to vote for him them she is part of his political machine and open for criticism.
I agree that Michele Obama can handle herself. I think she will make a fantastic first lady.
If I were John McCain, I would be putting the brakes on this right now. Since he was screwing old Cindy long before he dumped his first wife, I am sure there are alot of choice words and descriptions that could be used on her. I don;t think this is a game the McCains will win.
This country better watch out for Obama and his crazy wife. If he wins we are in BIG BIG TROUBLE!
If she's going to be an active part of his campaign, which she is, then she's fair game when she makes the inflammatory and downright stupid remarks that she's prone to. If she (or he) can't take it, then she should sit down and shut up (maybe she can bake a batch of cookies.)
It doesn't matter if it is Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama. If they are going to make controversial statements on behalf of their spouses campaign then they have the right to be challenged. And those remarks are free game to be used in the campaign. Obama's problem is that he wants special protections, everything is off limits. Based on this I believe the voters who count will figure out he is not much of a man.
I doubt it was the GOP's original intention to attack Obama's wife. Really it was her own big mouth that got her in trouble, and now Obama's only defense to take peoples attention away from his wife's comments is to say why are ya'll pick on my poor little wife.
If you are married, you will know how much a wife have on you. If you don't think a wife can put some control over you. Think again. She is part of the package.
I am interested in hearing the truth about the obamas. So far the more i hear about them the less i like them. The republicans are doing us a favor by revealing the dirt and we will make our decision at the voting booth.
a life long democrat and ex obama supporter
I think it is ridiculous to take what Mrs. Obama said out of it's context. Whoever made a big deal out of it exactly knew what she meant. If we could keep our politics away from the nasty games, it would really make us focus on what we really need to do to get this country from this economic whole President Bush got us into.
QuakerDave @ 18:
Yeah, you should be pissed off about that... but he didn't do it just for political expediency (although that was a concern). The media has been hounding members of the church for months. They've taken church bulletins and used them to find church members in the hospital trying to get a story about Trinity United and Rev. Wright.
I find stories like these disgusting. If it had been my connection to a church that had lead to this kind of investigation and invasion into the lives of everyone else connected to the church... I would have left, too.
If Michelle is going to participate in the election process offering opinions, making comments about the proces or politics, in general she is a participant and should understand that she would/should be held "responsible for any responses she makes".
The Truth Hurts @ 23:
Hey now as a independent free thinking intelligent "conservative" woman I am fine as hell! I can certainly give the blow up doll a run for her money and have only half the hot air!
I am surprised at the relatively small number of anti-Michelle O. statements I've heard recently from "CONSERVATIVE" pundits since BO won the primary. I am NOT surprised that the liberal media has white-washed (no pun intended) the airways, print, and internet claiming the meany Republicans will use Michelle O as fodder. Sounds more like Libs spinning their wheels for damage control regarding a less than stellar candidate's, less than stellar spouse.
The Truth Hurts @ 1:
What an ugly comment. Not to care about your future and your children's future clearly shows your ignorance. YOU ARE A DISGRACE!!
To All Americans Who do give a Shit: Use your voice. Go out and vote for a better tomorrow. Give your children an opportunity to repel hatred and racism. Do not judge Obama by the color of his skin. Judge him by his commitment to make America a better place for me, you, your children and my children. Vote for a better tomorrow. Do not allow fear, hatred to be part of our lives. When you cast your vote for our next president -- surprise yourself -- enrich the lives of your children -- let it be out of hope, dream and a better tomorrow; not out of ignorance and hatred. YES WE CAN!! VOTE FOR OBAMA!!
I think someone who has been Princeton and Harvard educated like Mrs. Obama has been can defend and stand up for themselves. I would think she is more than capable of handling any "backfires" that come her way for whatever she has said or done to give offense. As is Mrs. McCain, who I may add dealt with and has been very open and honest about her drug addiction which was dealt with YEARS ago. Let's keep our eyes on the ball people. We have bigger fish to fry than what any potential First Lady says at a rally or how she deals with her own personal demons. Let's not forget that as traditional as it sounds that one of the First Lady's responsibilities is to be an example for mother's, wives, and women in general in America. While I am voting for McCain, I have to admit that Mrs. Obama is certainly accomplished in her own right as is Mrs. McCain. No one candidate will be perfect for the job nor will their Spouse. Now lets all kiss and make up! Michael Row Your Boat Ashore anyone?
And tu quoques don't work.
Why should Democrats show any special respect for mccain's wife when he doesn't? To him she's just a c**t.
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When Ms Obama came out and started giving speeches in public, she made herself fair game. I am old enough to remember Mrs Truman, Mrs, Eisenhower, Mrs Nixon and they were left alone as they did not put themselves in the spot light.
The remarks that she has made about the country, a country that provided her education by the way, just too bad that she has not used it to do more then bash the rest of us. I do wish that she would look in the mirror a time or two and see the really picklepuss face that she presents to the public and the world. If they expect it to be hands off then she needs to stay in the background and at least pretend to be a lady and intelligent. Oh yes, I am a Dem born and raised as well.
tootsie @ 114:
Eleanor Roosevelt was an activist and was particularly reviled for her outspokenness.
It doesn't make mud flinging OK. I remember Chelsea Clinton, a young teen getting ragged on by Limbaugh, for being the White House Dog.
Are you saying that because Mrs Obama said something you don't like about the country makes it ok for people to make up and spreads lies about her?
Why should she stay in the background? Do you not consider her to be a person in her own right?
Funny how you are all taking the "high road" by not bringing Cindy McCain's past chemical dependency issues up -- and yet you keep mentioning her past problem every chance you get.
I am sure you can all rationalize away this hiprocrasy. She has been very upfront about what happened, she got help, and she went on with her humanitarian ways. I've lived in Phoenix all of my adult life and Cindy McCain uses her wealth and privilege to the betterment of society every chance she gets. Once people know the real Cindy McCain, warts and all, she will be one of the McCain campaigns strongest assets. Her compassion appears to know no bounds.
fedupwithhypocrites @ 116:
OK. How about the home-wrecker part?
It is amazing how Obama is already coming out and attacking things that haven't even happened yet and smearing remarks that haven't even been spoken. Obama is obviously running scared. He wants everything off limits, he wants to hide behind the cloak of racism. Remember, the republicans are professionals at exposing a the weak opposition. Obama needs to allow the criticism and prove their is actually someone in the suit you see..
Brad @ 117:
Wow. Good Job. Way to prove my point about liberal hiprocasy.
Gas prices, taxes, environmental issues, crime, economy, education, housing market, medicare, Veteran's benefits, Social Security reform, oh yea my husband being deployed in a war. Yes you can all understand why I am so concerned about what comments she made or past drug habits either possible First Lady had. Change is easy to talk about to a generation who has only KNOWN change. Change is easy to slap up on a poster or t shirt and make a good speech about. What Americans need is a leader. While you make not agree with what McCain has to say on some of these topics, chances are if Obama takes office you won't agree with everything he puts into action. that having been said McCain has a plan. Its a lot more than what we have heard from Obama, who doesn't have a plan of action on any of the above. I will take experience over wishful thinking any day of the week. Again, let's keep our eye on the ball people and stop debating wives.
fedupwithhypocrites @ 119:
Mrs McCain #2 seems to me, in the balance of things, like a very nice woman. It's not my issue that she enjoyed a torrid romance with her husband while he was married to Mrs McCain #1. That infidelity would be a concern to the conservative values voter-base, even if it does not particularly concern me. It would seem hypocritical of conservative voters to present a "home-wrecker" (again, I don't have much of an issue with the matter) as the first lady of our nation, for all the world to see and gossip about. They may prefer presenting Michelle Obama, also a lovely woman, whose story is the American story, instead of one of inherited wealth, blah, blah and blah.
Brad @ 121:
I meant adultery. The infidelity was his and not hers.
The terms are so confusing! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adultery
Another thing all the so-called "Hillary for McCain" people can be proud of.
Not that it really matters, since they are really Rush Limbaugh listeners and other conservative dead-enders trying to "catapult the propaganda".
fedupwithhypocrites @ 119:
What's hiprocasy?
JSG @ 125:
What's hiprocasy?
The Change You Deserve.
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Brad @ 126:
What's hiprocasy?
The Change You Deserve.
Clinton gave us "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." But McCains "The Change You Deserve" slogan is just as ironic. Both slogans seem to issue from adulterous home-lives. Nice to have all that for the kids to ponder in civics class.
[ The doors over there, to your left. Site Monitor]
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A vote for ANY REPUBLICAN
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CannibalPlanet: I think Michelle can handle herself on this one.
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Until the tape surfaces or the leftist media fluffs it over, at least.....then what?
hit her hard
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Honestly if they take that route that will be proof that they need to get a life. Seriously because if they can't get results the clean way get them the dirty way. News Flash both her and her husband, who could be our NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, are well liked!
The Truth Hurts @ 1:
She can't have it both ways! If she is out there working for her husband, giving speeches and hunting up votes. She is open game!
Now if she simply stays home and bakes cookies like JFK's wife did. She's off limits. So it's really her choice if she wants to be a target.
If Michelle Obama "misspoke" , why did she do it several times?
As an educated woman, she's not very smart with her words.
Just from what I see, she always looks very angry with a chip on her shoulder. She's definitely a very strong woman and it would be very interesting to see her lose her cool. She and Obama are just "too controlled" for me. They're not showing us their "true selves" and that scary. All the pretty words can't can be deceived. I don't think they're natural -- too phony.
Typical of reich wing cretins. Always go for the lowest common denominator. I doubt it will work this time.
I think M.Obama is an angry women full of hatred for her country and for white people . I would be humiliated if she were to represent our country to other parts of the world. The Obamas hopefully get exposed for who they really are before the election.
Michelle Lavern Robinson Obama has chosen to become public. She is fair game. If you have read her Princeton thesis you'll likely see she is a bigot and elitist. There is no room at the top for people with the deep seeded beliefs she espouses. Maybe Barrack should renounce her like he did Wright.
Alva Goldbook @ 138:
You misspelled right wing!
IF THE SHOE FITS................ The last thing we need along with some used-car salesman attitude is a hypocritical, lying, two-faced BIATCH in the White House! 8 years of controversy with HIllary should say enough on why BOTH parties will challenge the character of the First Lady wannabees.
[edited. don't start a flame war. Site Monitor]
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bullfrog @ 10:
Typical Obama supporter.
[Just so you know Toni, McCain is the one who called his own wife those names. Site Monitor]
[Deleted. Your comments do not address the topic of the thread-Sitemonitor]
Toni @ 144:
Hanging around the wrong people, to hear words like those.
This is going to be common tail. You have a candidatethat is anti-american, racist against whites (Strangely he is not even black), and quite insane. Every single on of his policies doesn't make any sense and is not practical. If he wins our country will spiral twice as fast as it currenlty is. His vanity is astounding. He is trying to get the african american vote by claiming he is one of them. Pretty funny. Maybe he has a career in acting after he loses the race.
You forgot to include some of there 63 lies(misstatements) been caught in just since the Primaries.
Just a few:
Without Me, There Would Be No Ethics Bill - Lie, you didn't write it,introduce it, change it, or create it.
The Ethics Bill Was Hard To Pass - Lie, it took just 14 days from start to finish.I Wrote A Tough Nuclear Bill - Lie, your bill was rejected by your own party for its pandering and lack of all regulation - mainly because of your Nuclear Donor, Exelon, from which David Axelrod came
To read 61 of his lies:http://www.dontvoteobama.net/
But he lies in new and hopeful ways, he makes millions and millions in new, non-corporate anti-captilism ways, he disowns best friends during political times in new ways, just nod with him and the wanting to be down white guilt liberal media, dont point otu hypocrasy or you'll show how dumb, crooked and racist america is.
I hope you publish this...Obama and his opinionated wife are both EMPTY SUITS................Oh my gosh....if you Democrats wanted a true candidate, Hillary was your candidate not Mr. What Everyone wants to hear...........................Your candidate's wife is a Prejudice person, and why doesn't the press check her past????????????????????????? All Obama wants to here is his voice.. Bless your hearts....you sheep behind a EMPTY SUIT.........me
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