Cintonistas Attacking Obama In Racial Code

In a preview of a line we will hear all autumn if Obama is the Democratic nominee, we are now being told that Hillary's surrogates are attacking Obama with racially coded messages.  Geraldine Ferraro has this to say now:

Geraldine A.  Ferraro, who was the Democratic candidate for vice president in 1984, said she thought Mr. Obama and his campaign were fanning the issue to draw black voters away from Mrs. Clinton before the primary in South Carolina, where about 50 percent of the electorate is expected to be black.

“As soon anybody from the Clinton campaign opens their mouth in a way that could make it seem as if they were talking about race, it will be distorted,” Mrs. Ferraro said. “The spin will be put on it that they are talking about race. The Obama campaign is appealing to their base and their base is the African-American community. What they are trying to do is move voters from Clinton by distorting things. What have they got to lose?”

Ms. Ferraro will reverse her field if and when Obama is the nominee and it is Republicans criticizing him.  That said, some of the things being said ("shuck and jive" and "Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood") really don't lend themselves to an innocent interpretation.

However, I too would give Bill Clinton a pass on his "fairy tale" comment, especially since a moment later Clinton added "Ken Starr spent $70 million and indicted innocent people to find out that I wouldn't take a nickel to see the cow jump over the moon."

Maybe Bill and the Huck have been swapping reading lists.

WOW:  OK, I am not exactly Tim Russert's biggest fan, but his presentation of Bill Clinton's truncated "fairy tale" quote as described by Media Matters was shameless.

Maybe some lefty who wants to take a shot at Russert can ask him about David Gregory, Andrea Mitchell, and early, undetected Valerie Plame leaks.  Think of it as weasel control.

MORE CODE:  Let's dredge up the old Times story about Barack's controversial minister - there must be a coded attack in there somewhere.  [A note on how sausage is made - you might think that I flagged that old Obama story in response to this Insta-post, or the latest Mickey Kaus "Undernews Alert".  In fact, my traffic meter registered some surprising and unexpected hits on my old post and away I went.  So now I know where the traffic came from and you know how I happened to recycle it.]

Comments

[Jane]

I for one will briefly bask in the hoisting of the Clintons on their own petard.

[clarice]

That and accusing Hill of working with Diebold to fix the NH primary have kept me entertained for days. But then I'm easily amused.

[Jane]

Me too, and at the moment, snowed it. A foot and it's still coming down!

[clarice]

Woo woo, Jane..that's the best--some hot drinks, a cuddly blanket and no one bothering you.

[Jane]

"snowed IN". Sheesh

[kim]

Mira La Nina; we are cooling, folks.
====================

[Bill in AZ]

For a mental exercise in "reversing fields" and hypocrisy, imagine if Saint Good Looking Rock Star Obama espoused the thoughts and politics of "He who MUST not be named by MSM" (err... that would be Fred Thompson).

I 'spect a gazillion conservatives would vote for him without a second thought as to whether he is half black, half white, green, or even blue. But it would sure put chrissy and a bunch of other teleprompter readers in a pickle.

[Rick Ballard]

One might think that the Clinton attempt to suppress and disenfranchise minority voters would receive more attention than Clinton's Code Black talk.

I wonder what Oprah thinks about it?

[MayBee]

However, I too would give Bill Clinton a pass on his "fairy tale" comment,

Yeah, I saw it that day (before all the hype). I didn't think he said anything particularly wrong, but the degree of his anger was pretty surprising.
Bill has seemed very unlikeable as of late, and likability was always his strong suit.

[clarice]

That's so true, Rick. The votes in the strip were designed to make it possible for the poorest--shift workers--to participate in the Nevada caucus and Hillary had no trouble at all with that until their union endorsed Obama.
One of her defenders on tv last night saids the objection was sound because under the present system the "bosses" could see for whom the workers were voting. Lame. What is this 1929 and one candidate representing the bosses and the other the workers?

[MayBee]

Rick- I have seen many on the left describe that NV lawsuit as a "Rovian" tactic.
Our holiday from history (pre Jan 2001) apparently now includes nasty campaigning.

[Rick Ballard]

MayBee,

She admits to having been a Goldwater girl - I would say that raising the possibility that she's a closet Republican (at least two molecules worth) is worthwhile. The rest of her molecules are pure Stalinist, of course, suppression of minorities being one of his specialties.

[Sue]

Jane,

I'm jealous. I love snow days, but because they are so very rare in my neck of the woods, I seldom get one. I love the silence of snow.

[Jane]

Yeah it's great, except for rescheduling, the impassable roads, a very late snowplow, the cost of heat, and a few other things. Plus I live in the country, so it's always quiet.

Still there is a majesty out there...

[MayBee]

One of her defenders on tv last night saids the objection was sound because under the present system the "bosses" could see for whom the workers were voting.

I could see that could be a problem with caucuses (cauci?) in general. Although I thought we weren't allowed to bring up the idea that Dem unions would be underhanded and retaliatory when it came to their members'voting.
The caucus was moved to Saturday so that most people (like teachers!) would have the day off. It seems eminently Democratic to do something for the people that still have to work.
But hey! George W Bush supposedly had the police barricade the entrance to Florida polling places, and a bunch of people that have never publicly materialized were supposedly turned away from voting. He was racist.

I would like to think this all may make people reevaluate how unfair they've been to Bush, but I don't think it will happen.

[Sue]

Plus I live in the country, so it's always quiet.

I live in the country too. But there is something about snowfall that makes the normal quiet electrified. You can almost hear the quiet during a snowfall.

[kim]

If a tree falls in a snowfall does the sound have a chance to be heard?
==================

[RichatUF]

Rick-

Here is the PDF of the lawsuit-looks like a winner for the Red Witch. The laugh track-

-graf

65. Nevada Revised Statute sup. 293.208 prohibits the creation of any new precinct during the period between the third Wednesday in May of any year whose last digit is 6 and the time when the Legislature has been redistricted in a year whose last digit is 1, unless certain exceptions apply.

66. The At-Large Precincts were created in 2007 or 2008, which is during the period of prohibition. None of the exceptions set forth in sup. 293.208 apply.

It is Vegas I suppose.

[Cassandra]

It is wonderful to see Hillary actually having to fight to win any primary votes. I think she thought the Clinton mystique was going to carry her easily. Obama, however, is just as guilty of playing the race card, via Oprah's financial heavyweight backing and shameless appeals to the black community, as anybody. So in the present slugfest, may the best 8(a) candidate win. Hillary's a woman, Obama's at least partially black-- let 'em duke it out. At least we don't have to support their do-nothing minority businesses. They have to pay for their own campaigns, and don't get any set-asides on federal contracts like their counterparts in the business world do.

[Cecil Turner]

However, I too would give Bill Clinton a pass on his "fairy tale" comment . . .

Yeah, maybe so. A quick review of the video shows beyond any real doubt that the pertinent comment refers to his Iraq War stance. On the other hand, the same video contains some just plain wrong historical airbrushing on Hagel and the supposed meaning of the AUMF (H/T: OT). So he's guilty of misrepresenting the case (as usual), and just got called on the wrong part.

This is all very reminiscent of his earlier woes (e.g., "what the meaning of 'is' is") . . . and the problem that he remains indefensible even on the points where he's not prevaricating, because his larger case is a lie. Almost as entertaining is watching the infighting amongst the professional race-baiters (and patronizing moralization from former supporters like Donna Brazile). Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch . . .

[Rick Ballard]

Rich,

Not so fast. "3. A new election precinct may be established at any time if it lies entirely within the boundaries of any existing precinct."

Depends on the judge's "flexibility".

Even if she "wins" (see Pyrrhus), what is suppression and disenfranchising of minorities going to cost in CA?

[MayBee]

Obama, however, is just as guilty of playing the race card, via Oprah's financial heavyweight backing

What? Are you saying that because Oprah is black, her support was playing the race card? Come on. There is no denying that Oprah's appeal cuts across racial lines.

[RichatUF]

Rick-

Good call. I would be surprised if the all those hotels were in the same precinct though. We'll see, I haven't heard when the arguments were scheduled and Nevada seems like it is more opaque than Iowa as far as caucausing goes.

Anyway it is telling that the Red Witch is starting the legal strategy early. It could make for some interesting television come convention time and a great issue for Republican's in the general.

[Rick Ballard]

My first Obama ad.

Hey, change is good, isn't it?

Rich,

As I said - it will take a "flexible" judge, able to discern "intent". It's a very cute maneuver but not a very smart one.

[glasater]

Mr Ballard--That is a wonderful ad. Certainly hope the Latino folks in FL are taking notice.

[clarice]

I love that ad, Rick. Love it. You have missed your calling--watch out Shrumster. The we're going to fight against you man is here.

[Janeo]

I'd love it too if I understood spanish. I promise.

[clarice]

No you can't, Jane.I mean that's what it says..

[Rick Ballard]

Jane,

"Si, si puede." (yes, one can) is a rallying cry that Obama has echoed to Hispanics. "No, usted no puede." is just the opposite with a little additional emphasis.

If one doesn't know one's place, Bruja Rojo will explain it clearly, via the courts when necessary.

[Janeo]

Ahhhhh.

It's rather sad that it takes at least 2 people to explain stuff to me. C'est la vie.

And now I think it is better than ever!

[Steve]

Great site!

Would you like a Link Exchange with The Internet Radio Network? At the IRN you can listen to over 50 of America’s top Talk Shows via Free Streaming Audio! In addition you can email the President, VP and Congressional Leaders!!
http://netradionetwork.com

[glasater]

Jane--I believe "Bruja Rojo" is spanish for The Red Witch.

[clarice]

Taranto BOTW:
"Mr. Bush's troop buildup was sold as a way to buy Iraqi politicians breathing room to finally address the tensions driving sectarian violence, including an equitable division of oil wealth and strategies to bring more Baathists and Sunnis into the Shiite-led government. Those goals have not been met, and the administration has virtually abandoned them."--editorial, New York Times, Jan. 13

"The Iraqi Parliament passed a bill on Saturday that would allow some former officials from Saddam Hussein's party to fill government positions but would impose a strict ban on others. The legislation is the first of the major so-called political benchmark measures to pass after months of American pressure for progress."--news story, New York Times, Jan. 13

[Bob]

The Clintons have done very little for Blacks,
except I feel your pain. Now that their are
making racists remarks we are supposed go
deaf according to the liberal media. I put
this forward, the Clintons will be racists
and are,if it helps them win. Hillary wants
to be treated like a man she says, but wants
sympathy from women when down, she wants the
Black vote with offering nothing but lip service to Black needs. Question would you
buy a used car from the Clinton's?

[Ann]

RUSH had alot of fun with the feud today at the top of his show.
If you are don't listen to him and/or you are not a member of his webisite, go over to Hotair.com. They have free video of all the fun.

Video Rush Limbaughs Monologue On The Democrats Uncivil War

[Topsecretk9]

After Ann's link, don't miss todays issue of This has been “ Today in Identity Politics -Dems 2008”

[Ann]

"Somewhere, out there, sits the magnificent bastard (probably with a cigar) and he just laughs and laughs…"

Good One Tops ::wink:: :)

[Topsecretk9]

The Dem's Tit for Tat primary...

Bill Clinton compiles ‘list’ of Obama attacks — (CNN) — Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign came out swinging Monday against the latest complaints from her rival, with former President Clinton announcing he has “a list of 80 attacks on Hillary” by Senator Barack Obama's campaign.

And talk about co-depresidency. Bill Clinton's got a "list". Ooooh, scary.

Thanks Ann.

Wish Soylent could write up a Magnificent Bastard update.

[Ann]

The Clinton War Machine:

THE DEMOCRATIC SMEAR CAMPAIGN CONTINUES--- IN HEBREW!!

[Pigilito]

Before Nixon became vice-president, Adlai Stevenson remarked that "Nixonland is a land of slander and scare, of lay innuendo, of a poison pen and the anonymous telephone call, and hustling, pushing, and shoving-the land of smash and grab and anything to win.".

Nixonland is clearly not terra incognita to Hillary.

[kim]

Oh, man, I probably would've voted for Adlai.
============================

[Other Tom]

Charlie Manson was forty years ahead of his time. We had to wait for the Clintons to finally ushered Helter Skelter, black v. white, no holds barred. But if that's the price to be paid to satiate their boundless ambition, it's well worth it--not even close.

[Other Tom]

Michael Medved discusses the import of the recent CNN/USA Today head-to-head polling:

"This weekend, CNN released results of general election trial heats, pitting each of the four leading Republican candidates for President against both of the leading Democrats.

"The unmistakable message from this national exercise (surveying 840 voters on January 9 and 10th) is that Mitt Romney unequivocally qualifies as the weakest candidate the G.O.P. could field.
In the head-to-head contest with Barack Obama he is utterly wiped out, losing by a margin of 22 points (59% to 37%). Against Hillary Clinton, Romney fares little better, falling 18 percentage points behind (58% to 40%).

"The results for other candidates show that this is a Romney problem, not a Republican problem. John McCain, for instance, virtually ties both Obama and Clinton – running 48%-49% against Obama and 48%-50% against Clinton. In other words, in a trial heat against Barack Obama, Senator McCain runs a startling 21 points closer than does Governor Romney."

That's pretty much why I'm backing McCain. I'd back Thompson, but a vote for him in almost any primary is wasted, and only serves to heighten the chance that an unelectable Romney or Huckabee would be the nominee.

[kim]

Hmmm, CNN scared shitless of Romney.
======================

[hit and run]

Other Tom, here's some Rasmussen:

Those surveys find Mike Huckabee leading Clinton 45% to 42% while Obama leads Huckabee 45% to 43%.

You interested?

[Neo]

Another Insta-Post:

How do you think Detroit’s largely black population is going to react when they go to the polls tomorrow and learn that
(a) Hillary Clinton is on the ballot
(b) Barack Obama is not on the ballot
(c) Write-in votes are not counted?
If the Clintons think they have a potential race problem brewing in the Democratic Party now, they haven’t seen anything yet.

Pollsters say N.Y. senator may face embarrassment if she falls below 60% against 'uncommitted' on Dems' ballot.

[Topsecretk9]

Before Nixon became vice-president, Adlai Stevenson remarked that "Nixonland is a land of slander and scare, of lay innuendo, of a poison pen and the anonymous telephone call, and hustling, pushing, and shoving-the land of smash and grab and anything to win.".

Nixonland is clearly not terra incognita to Hillary.

Posted by: Pigilito | January 14, 2008 at 09:40 PM

She apparently took good copious notes.

Hitchen's I think, had a great Nixon quote on Bill and Hillary...can't find it now, but basically was - Bill can't find his voice because Hillary does the talking or something like it.

Which makes Bill's "lists" and things the most ever emasculating and degrading of his career...talk about "pool boy"

[Topsecretk9]

Those surveys find Mike Huckabee leading Clinton 45% to 42% while Obama leads Huckabee 45% to 43%.

I could be wrong, but this is what I recall the margins, but less for Bush in Bush v Gore and Bush v Kerry...in fact, they were more dismal for Bush, IIRC

[Topsecretk9]

Posted by: Neo | January 14, 2008 at 10:51 PM

Thanks Neo

Man Oh man!

combo that with the democrats suit to disenfranchise democrats in Vegas?...there are some earth shattering lefty memes being broken with the Clintons.

HEH

[sbw]

Other Tom: a vote for him in almost any primary is wasted

Ah! A man of principle, I see.

[Topsecretk9]

Also via Insty Neo...shades of Gore's suit to disenfranchise the military vote!

HUFFINGTON POST: "The Clinton campaign is supporting, if not actually inciting, a Nevada State Teachers Association lawsuit against the Culinary Workers Union. The reason? The Culinary Workers Union has arranged for its members to caucus in their workplaces, to cast their votes in the hotels and casinos that support that state's economy instead of taking time off to get to polling places--at the risk of getting fired. That lawsuit was filed right after the Culinary Workers Union endorsed Obama. Gosh. What a coincidence."

Now um...can one imagine the "macaca" if the GOP sued over this?

WE DON"T NEED TO, Democrats are the ones that slime and smear and disenfranchise and sue their way into office! It's only now that they are suing their own, does the emperor have no clothes - in living color! HEH.

More popcorn.

[Other Tom]

SBW, to vote for the person who is most likely to win, as opposed to the man whose principles are closer to one's own, does not remotely suggest that one is not a "man of principle." My view is that you demonstrate adherence to your principles by the way you conduct your life--not by the choice you make among many imperfect ones in an election. Get real.

H&R, I'd be very interested to see those Rasmussen data. I believe I have seen some similar data from him, but not on a nationwide vote--one or two individual states. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Other Tom]

I just used Google and found a Rasmussen national poll from early December with results comparable to what H&R said.

But I'll stand by my judgment that Huckabee has as much chance against either Democrat as I do. And speaking of principles, I can't think of many that I share with that man.

[Ann]

I really believe a CNN/USATODAY Poll is as valid as a CBS/NYT Poll. Just saying.

Other Tom, I love ya, but saying Get Real to SBW is wrong.
If winning is the only thing, than vote for McCain. You will love his press conferences nominating Chuck Hagel to the bench. closing Gitmo, telling the world we do not torture when all countries do, free speech is not excepted 60 days before an election, blah blah blab.

[SunnyDay]

I think OT's typepad account has been hijacked.

[bgates]

Back when Letterman was watchable, he had a regular line, "Polls show that if the election were held this Tuesday, 87% of voters would be very surprised." Now, set aside the idea that CNN - an organization founded by Ted Turner - would want to give Republicans anything but the very best and most reliable information possible. The fact remains, it's January. No one is paying attention yet. The poll is essentially asking, "Would you rather make history by electing the black guy you've been hearing about on Jon Stewart's show, or vote for some guy named after a glove?" They should at least narrow things down by getting people who can match all the candidates' names to faces, but I doubt they could come up with statistically significant numbers with the 15 voters they had left.

Or maybe everyone has made up their mind and will stick with it. The poll could be perfectly accurate. It's been, what, 6 days since all those poll problems in New Hampshire, they may have the whole thing pretty well figured out by now.

[M. Simon]

H&R,

So you are saying we have a choice between the Republican socialist and the Democrat socialists. I'll take the real thing.

And Tom - who do you think drove all that traffic to your old post? I at least had a hand in it.

[M. Simon]

I do share one principle with Huckabee.

As God is my witness I will not vote for that man.

[JM Hanes]

Amen to that, M.Simon

[qrstuv]

I am enjoying the implicit racism in Ferraro's assertion that "The Obama campaign is appealing to their base and their base is the African-American community. "