The national media is reporting enormous sums of money being spent on advertising in Ohio. For Obama campaign, somewhere on the level of $23 million dollars compared with $14 million for Clinton.
To make things more complicated, the two major unions that endorsed Obama are running their own separate advertisements in support of his candidacy, UCFW & SEIU. Factoring in the free-advertising from labor unions, Obama is out-commericialing (not a word) Clinton 4-1 in Ohio.
Recent polls in Ohio show Clinton in the lead, but Obama’s got the momentum. According to Pollster.com, which averages polls: NBC’s Chuck Todd reported today that the Obama campaign bought 2 minute blocks of time in both Ohio & Texas. 2 minute Obama campaign commercials will run during the 5 PM, 6 PM, 10 PM & 11 PM local news broadcasts in both states this upcoming Monday night.
I do not expect Obama to win Ohio. Sure, he’s polling within 10 percent of her in a state that had him down 30 points just a month ago, but I think that Clinton’s economic message and her sense of “experience” will resonate with voters more forcefully in a state that is economically crippled.
Thinking on the reverse, Obama has always exceeded expectations. In Iowa, polls leading up to the caucuses indicated an excruciatingly close rate with Clinton & Obama neck and neck at 30% each. Obama won by 8%. In Virginia, polls showed that Clinton would lose, but only by a few percent… Obama took the state with a 20 point victory. In Wisconsin, the Clinton campaign invested time and money trying to defend the average working class Democratic voter, typically a Clinton supporter. The campaign thought they could pull it close, if not win an upset… Obama won by a substantial margin, almost by 20 points.
The point being that despite what the polls have predicted, Obama has consistently won by substantial margins. He has exceeded expectations (excluding the notable New Hampshire exception). His campaign is turning out disenfranchised and atypical voting blocks—African Americans and youth namely. And recently, by cutting into Clinton’s core base.
The Rule of 50:
1. If you’re a female over 50 OR
2. If you make under $50,000 a year
You’re a Clinton supporter.
This equation held up in the early states and into Super Tuesday. She won both voting blocks by substantial margins. But in Wisconsin, Virginia and Maryland, she lost both (critical voting constituencies) narrowly.
The parallels between Ohio and Wisconsin are many. They’ve both suffered from outsourcing as a result of NAFTA (which was implemented during the Clinton Administration), they both have a strong traditional Democratic base and for the most part, they’re middle class. Basically, Clinton voters.
Once upon a time Obama was the candidate of the affluent, the educated, the young, the Black and among men. But recent trends reveal he is reaching into the heart of Clinton’s voting base, and pulling the life from her campaign.
I think Ohio is unpredictable in nature. It’s a microcosm of American society and I am hesitant to rely on recent poll numbers or trends.
Two things will happen: Clinton will narrowly win or Obama will narrowly win. There is no room for Clinton to win the substantial victory she so desperately needs.
One thing is for certain: Ohioans can end this race on March 4th by voting Obama.
Democrats… it’s time to take Dennis Hastert’s old seat! Illinois will have a special congressional election on March 8th to fill the seat of former Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.
Illinois’ 14th district is a conservative bastion resting in the North Central heart of Illinois. It’s rural, traditional values Republicans who sent Denny Hastert to Capital Hill. Geographically, the 14th district touches the Chicago Democratic congressional strongholds to the east, and spans the width of the state to the Mississippi River in west. It starts in the outskirts of the Northwest suburbs (a few miles from my old home in Barrington) and is gerrymandered southeast.
This year is about change is Washington, and guess what? A Democrat now leads a Republican in the polls in a Republican stronghold.
Democrat Bill Foster, a scientist, is leading Republican milkman Jim Oberweis in recent polls, but not by much. (Oberweis owns a famous Chicago dairy chain–great ice cream by the way…)
I met Jim Oberweis at a Republican party fund raiser two years ago during his run for the governorship of Illinois. He is indeed a great guy with a great personality, but to put bluntly, he scares me. The man is a rank and file Republican. He holds strict fiscally and socially conservative values that stand in sharp contrast to what I believe. But more certainly, I have never forgiven him for this commercial he aired in his 2002 run for the United States Senate:
I was in high school when I watched that commercial, and I remember thinking then as I do now, wow, what a asshole. The reality is, Oberweis is a failure. He ran unsuccessfully for both the governorship of Illinois and the Republican nomination for the United States Senate. (Losing to Jack Ryan who later dropped out when details of his sex life emerged. The Illinois Republican party would later nominate Maryland carpetbagger Alan Keyes to lose to Illinois State Senator Barack Obama).
Bill Foster is the alternative. He stands opposed to the Iraq war, for affordable health care, fiscal responsibility and for border security. He is a political moderate, neither liberal nor conservative, who won’t vote with the rank and file of the Democratic party and only with the interests of Illinois’ 14th district in mind.
First Read MSNBC: Watching local TV here in Ohio, it feels like Obama has a 4-to-1 advantage — with SEIU, UFCW and Obama just blitzing the airwaves compared with Clinton. It’s happening in all four states. In fact, per TV ad expert Evan Tracey, Obama has outspent Clinton $23 million to $14 million in the last 30 days. How is she expected to hold a big lead if she gets outspent this badly? The third party groups are like salt in the Clinton wound.
On the Clinton side, Mandy Grunwald that between Obama’s own spending and two unions spending on his behalf, Clinton is being outspent four-to-one in Ohio and between two-to-one and three-to-one in Texas.
“They’re trying to crush us,” she said.
Post Debate Reaction:
ABC- Rick Kline: That was an exhausting 90 minutes — just to watch. Probably as close to a draw as you can imagine — really, two very talented politicians and debaters fighting it out extremely closely. On one level — no clear winner is good news for Obama, the frontrunner, who avoided any significant missteps.
TIME- Joe Kline: He won. He not only won by not losing, but he also won on points–and on demeanor, and on quickness, if not quite substance (although this was a fairly substantive debate on both sides) NBC’s Chuck Todd: Whew, the entire debate had a very tense feel; a combination of two very competitive Democratic candidates and two very tough questioners. Both candidates were put on the spot and survived. … Overall, it’s hard to see this debate as changing the trajectory of this race; Obama was a bit more defensive tonight than last week and had more stumbles tonight than in more recent encounters. Clinton really flubbed that ‘SNL’ line and she did so early so it made it into a bunch of writeups.
First Read MSNBC: Watching local TV here in Ohio, it feels like Obama has a 4-to-1 advantage — with SEIU, UFCW and Obama just blitzing the airwaves compared with Clinton. It’s happening in all four states. In fact, per TV ad expert Evan Tracey, Obama has outspent Clinton $23 million to $14 million in the last 30 days. How is she expected to hold a big lead if she gets outspent this badly? The third party groups are like salt in the Clinton wound.
On the Clinton side, Mandy Grunwald that between Obama’s own spending and two unions spending on his behalf, Clinton is being outspent four-to-one in Ohio and between two-to-one and three-to-one in Texas.
“They’re trying to crush us,” she said.
Post Debate Reaction:
ABC- Rick Kline: That was an exhausting 90 minutes — just to watch. Probably as close to a draw as you can imagine — really, two very talented politicians and debaters fighting it out extremely closely. On one level — no clear winner is good news for Obama, the frontrunner, who avoided any significant missteps.
TIME- Joe Kline: He won. He not only won by not losing, but he also won on points–and on demeanor, and on quickness, if not quite substance (although this was a fairly substantive debate on both sides) NBC’s Chuck Todd: Whew, the entire debate had a very tense feel; a combination of two very competitive Democratic candidates and two very tough questioners. Both candidates were put on the spot and survived. … Overall, it’s hard to see this debate as changing the trajectory of this race; Obama was a bit more defensive tonight than last week and had more stumbles tonight than in more recent encounters. Clinton really flubbed that ‘SNL’ line and she did so early so it made it into a bunch of writeups.
Liveblog time! Check in every now and then and I’ll be writing some entries! This should be fun!
If Obama delivers the knock out blow to Hillary tonight and next week, this could be the last Democratic debate. As a liberal, I certainly hope that this is the case. We really, really need a nominee to unite behind to combat John McCain.
Update 9:30: By the way, I’m live from the UD College Democrats debate watching party. Packed room of mostly Obama supporters… there’s this one kid with a Hillary sign and Hillary shirt, but overall, a very friendly Obama audience. It’s a university, what do you expect?
9:02: Ouch, nice contrast between Obama and Clinton. BUT how will she respond!??!? 9:03: She starts by going after his fliers and mailers… oh god, were only a minute into this debate and you can tell it’ll be interesting! 9:05: Drudge Report Garb. Clinton denies the photo in Drudge… ha ha ha… why the hell is she the only one who is speaking, LET THE MAN SPEAK! 9:06: Obama going on her substantively, but with poise. He looks calm, reserved, collected. Clinton looks kind of angry. 9:08: Are they debating mailers or health care? 9:09: Notice how she says “attack” Oh god, the mailing again. 9:11: Obama is keeping it substantive, not confronting the mailer issue. He’s going after her on specifics of health care. Clinton is trying to keep it on Obama sending out a misleading mailer. 9:12: Wow, she talks over Obama, stops Brian Williams. She sounds very authoritative.. will this work for her? Now she’s switched to substantive, but still powerful. 9:15: Obama discusses his mandates for children and contrasts his policy with Clinton. Still substantive. I wouldn’t call this fireworks, just a very heated policy debate. Ouch on the “Hillary” comment. 9:16: “Senator”… creepy Brian Williams. She keeps talking over Brian. You can tell she really wants to come out strong on this. This is just funny. Perhaps Brian should keep his nose out of this and let them talk. 9:17: A 16 minute discussion on health care, not a bad thing. 9:17: She’s complaining because she keeps getting the first question??? That gives her the chance to articulate the debate!!! And what!?! Bringing up SNL! Come on Hill, SNL made fun of Obama, they’ve made fun of you, get over it. 9:19: Cleveland Plain Dealer “erroneous attacks” on Clinton from Obama. We need to “fix” NAFTA, it’s not working. Did I mention that my husband passed it and it’s the reason that Ohioans have lost jobs? 9:21: Obama: good substantive answer. I think the theme so far: heated substantive debate. Perhaps that’s what Ohio needs 9:23: Clinton “we will opt out of NAFTA unless we renegotiate it.” Oh gosh, pander to those rust belt jobs that are lost, why don’t ya. 9:24: Attempt to attack Obama, Tim Russert interrupts. Ouch on the “much different” words… 9:25: Clinton: “I was very skeptical about it.” She’s tried to reduce the impact of NAFTA. 9:26: To Obama: you told farmers that you support NAFTA, what’s up with that? Brings up Chicago Tribune endorsement, I’m not clear on his NAFTA position yet. 9:30: Ouch on Tim Russert’s 5 million jobs comment. 9:31: In 2000, I thought Al Gore would be president. Hmm… politics much? 9:32: It dulled down for a few minutes, in rhetoric and tone. 9:33: Obama: “Sen. Clinton equates experience with longevity in Washington.” Makes the case for his judgment… basically, out of his stump speeches. You know he’s rehearsed this. 9:35: Williams: you passed on the “qualified” question on Sen. Obama. Clinton: Obama is to be commended for making a speech against the war, but he didn’t have responsibility, and he didn’t have to vote. Hmm… basically saying that he isn’t responsible, that he is all just words. And why is Obama just holding his hands across his face… probably thinking about how he’s gonna respond to this. Now Clinton attacks him on the Pakistan problem… says Obama “threated” to bomb Pakistan. Okay, obviously there are substantive differences here, but she just leveled like 5 different attacks in the last 3 minutes while integrating her “experience.” How is Obama going to go through all of that, point by point? 9:39: Hahahah, “bus in the ditch” response. Everyone here is responding positively to Obama’s response. Look at how calm and collected he is, responding to her point by point. Good job Obama. Also, notice how he doesn’t “umm” anymore. One year ago that was my biggest critique of his speaking style, he used “umm” to express a vocal collection of his thoughts. 9:40: Ouch on the “similar” to John McCain’s position’s response from Obama. 9:42: “IF Iraq goes to hell… what?” Clinton: Russert, you’re disillusion, what the heck… stop making hypotheticals. Interesting attempt at elder statesmanship. Classic traditional debate tatic, don’t accept the premise of the question or the hypothetical. That got Obama in trouble last summer.
Update II 9:46: Battery is going to die, I’ll be on later. If there is a commercial I’ll be able to find an outlet but it’s dark. So come back if there is a commercial, if not I’ll put up a post about the debate later tonight.
9:51: Okay, found an outlet! We turned on a light briefly, I found an outlet and I’m back! 9:51: Hillary Clinton video acting like an idiot. 9:52: “I’d give her points for delivery.” Clinton: ha ha ha ha (machine., robot…) Obama: “If Clinton thinks thats all talk…” ouch, ouch. Nice job using that against her. He probably was coached on that. You’d imagine his campaign staffers anticipated this coming up. 9:55: “What did you mean Sen. Clinton by that video?” “I was just having fun… trying to get health insurance will not be easy.” I want to gag. She’s bringing this up AGAIN. OH GOD, SHE’S TALKING ABOUT HER FAILED HEALTH CARE PLAN 15 YEARS AGO! STOP DOING THAT! No one wants to look to the past! The future, Hillary, the future! 9:56: ‘people are miserable and I am the only person to solve your problems.’ She says she voted against Cheney bill, tries to draw comparison with Obama by saying he voted for both. 9:57: Brian Williams, why the hell did you not let him respond and just show that damn video? 9:59: She said she voted for it but hoped it wouldn’t past… nice line with the “as a general rule, that doesn’t work.” Drew lots of laughs. 10:00: Discusses more substance, discusses how the only way to get thing done is by mobilizing the American people into paying attention to the government. Ties his rhetoric with his actions, but how will she respond! Ouch, some “ooohs!” here when he attacked her for special interests. 10:02: Obama: “when I am the nominee”…. uh… then changed “IF I’m the nominee…” Russert hammers him on public financing for campaigns. Will he accept public financing? (even though he’d lose millions?) 10:03: Nice reply, not gonna accept public funding BECAUSE we have so many individual donors. Nice reply. 10:04: Sen. Clinton: why won’t you release your tax return? 10:04: So many people are responding so generously… shameless plug for www.hillaryclinton.com. “I’ll release my tax returns by the general election…” I can’t get them out by next Tuesday, but I’ll work on it… come on, you have a huge staff, you can sooo easily do it. Clinton, you are so shady. 10:06: Russert: Sen. Obama: you must react to Mr. Faracan’s (sp) support. Obama: he expressed pride in an African American, I cannot censor him. “Good guy” comment got some laughs. 10:09: “What of your policies toward Israel, you wrote in your book….” okay, well formed question, it sounded like a snap from Russert. And it looks like Obama’s got to dance around the question. Obama emphasizing his Jewish ties and discusses the connections between Jews and Blacks. It’s a dance, but I think most people wouldn’t realize the question wasn’t answered. 10:11: Hillary: WAIT I HAVE THIS EXPERIENCE WITH DENYING A GROUP’S SUPPORT! I was willing to take that stand… that is such a bitchy attack. 10:12: Russert: are you rejecting Sen. Obama is standing on principle? Clinton: No…. Room erupts in laughter… she’s ridiculous, lets see Obama’s reply. 10:13: If Sen. Clinton feels the word “reject” is stronger than “denounce” than sure… Big laughter. Nice reply!
Commercial 2
10:18: Williams: Obama you’re the most liberal senator, what’s up? Obama, well the National Journal sucks. And let me talk about why I’m attracting more Republican and Independent votes than anyone else. 10:20: To Clinton: What do you think of Putin’s successor? 10:22: “Ohhh” in the room as Clinton can’t pronounce the Russian leader’s name 10:23: What if Russian invades Kosovo? Obama: US should state that’s unacceptable… we have a strong international structure, we don’t have to work in isolation. He’s demonstrating a good level of knowledge on US foreign policy in the Baltic states. I didn’t expect this. 10:25: What would you take back in terms of votes? Hillary: “I would not have voted for the Iraq war again”. That’s a big revelation. I wonder how that will change Hillary’s strategy on talking about the Iraq war here on in? She’s officially kind of apologized for it… she didn’t take it back when asked the same question in previous debates. It’s probably another parse. 10:26: Obama brings up Terri Shaivo… he shouldn’t have. Thats a potent issue for a general election campaign. The religious conservatives will use it against him. Probably not an issue in the primaries. 10:27: I am proud of Sen. Clinton. Nice job going out on the high road. 10:28: Obama: peoples’ expectations are so modest. We must change the way business is done in Washington. This kind of reminds me of the way Hillary went out in Texas 10:29: Obama: I think I’m better (as a nominee). Hillary is good… then he draws distinctions with John Mccain. All ready acting like a nominee. Again, the high ground. 10:30: Obama: I have a proven track record, gov’t transparency, accountability. Pretty much a standard closing. 10:31: Is there a fundamental question Sen. Obama must answer? Oh gosh will she go negative!? 10:31: Hillary: we both care about this country, it’s been an honor to campaign and I intend to do everything to win, but it’s been an honor to campaign.” Plays the women card… women clap in the room. “Either one of us will make history, but who will change the country?” 10:33: I didn’t give up with universal health care. (then why don’t we have it???) Will you help us?
All right, well good debate overall. I think Hillary came off as very authoritative. Great job for both of them.
1. Bill Clinton in the 1992 campaign for president outlining his “experience” (1 minute) 2. Hillary Clinton discussing her prospects at the Democratic nomination last summer. 3. A Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Amy Poehler playing Hillary Clinton last September.
Check out the day’s polls:
Recent National Polls:
Los Angeles Times/ Bloomberg Feb. 28, 2008 Obama 48% Clinton 42%
USA Today/ Gallup Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 51% Clinton 39%
CBS/ New York Times Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 54% Clinton 38%
Texas InsiderAdvantage Feb. 25, 2008 Obama 47% Clinton 46%
SurveyUSA Feb. 25, 2008 Obama 49% Clinton 45%
Rasmussen Feb. 24, 2008 Clinton 46% Obama 45%
Public Policy Institute Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 48% Clinton 48%
1. Bill Clinton in the 1992 campaign for president outlining his “experience” (1 minute) 2. Hillary Clinton discussing her prospects at the Democratic nomination last summer. 3. A Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Amy Poehler playing Hillary Clinton last September.
Check out the day’s polls:
Recent National Polls:
Los Angeles Times/ Bloomberg Feb. 28, 2008 Obama 48% Clinton 42%
USA Today/ Gallup Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 51% Clinton 39%
CBS/ New York Times Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 54% Clinton 38%
Texas InsiderAdvantage Feb. 25, 2008 Obama 47% Clinton 46%
SurveyUSA Feb. 25, 2008 Obama 49% Clinton 45%
Rasmussen Feb. 24, 2008 Clinton 46% Obama 45%
Public Policy Institute Feb. 24, 2008 Obama 48% Clinton 48%
I arrived in Delaware almost two years ago. By all standards, I’m a newbie. But from the moment I arrived and immersed myself in Delaware politics, Jack Markell has been a name synonymous with progress, change, real leadership, and for the first time in a great long while, excitement.
As a young person, I care deeply about the state of our education system. The reality is that failing public schools benefit no one. Teachers across the country struggle to meet the standards mandated under NCLB. Inner city and rural schools alike face funding problems and a shortage of qualified teachers pursuing graduate degrees. And worst of all, the saving grace out of poverty, the golden ticket of higher education, is perceived by poor, young Americans as unattainable.
We should not have a system where teachers lack credentials, teach to tests or in over crowded classrooms. Inner city schools should not be burdened by federal mandates, and no American child born into poverty should think they can’t achieve their dreams.
In his time as state treasurer, Jack Markell has attacked the roots of a failing education system.
Markell created the Delaware Money School, offering free services to Delawareans on how to save for college and plan for retirement.
Markell created the Delaware Banks at School Program, which partners banks and local schools to educate young Delawareans on financial planning and management.
Since 1999, Markell has served as the chairman of the Delaware College Investment Plan.
Markell has consistently been a champion of a federal earned income tax credit.
In promoting higher education access and creating programs to teach young people financial responsibility, Mr. Markell has combated the perception of college inaffordability and encouraged individual responsibility.
It’s time for a governor who understands that combating the real problems of our education system takes battling the perception that college is not attainable because it is not affordable. Its time for a governor for who has brought about real results- and has the executive experience to lead Delaware forward.
There is no doubt that the first state has many problems. Markell holds a B.A. from Brown University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Prior to his entry into public service, he was the vice president of Nextel and worked in the senior management for Comcast. Since 1998, Markell has translated his executive experiences to real results in Delaware.
Delaware, it is with great excitement thatI endorse Jack Markell’s candidacy for governor.
I’m saying it right now- Hillary is not finished. All the pundits are rushing to judgment, claiming the Clinton campaign is in disarray, she doesn’t have a message, she’s going bankrupt, her poll numbers are sinking, she can’t control her staff, etc. etc.
Some of that is true. (And I’m certainly rooting for her demise, believe me…) BUT, lets remember that this is the Clintons were talking about. A well oiled machine thats been in construction for almost two decades. The Hillary we saw on Saturday was one whose staff told her to attack Obama to try to bring him down. Because, lets be honest. Barack Obama is on the ascent in Ohio and Texas, and the only way she can catch up is by trying to raise his negatives.
Look, if you’re an Obama supporter, things look really good right now. But given the desperation of Clinton, I wouldn’t count her out.
The Politico has a great article on how Clinton is planning a comeback. Basically, a 5 step plan:
1) Run appealing, positive ads.
2) Hold events every day that will drive positive news coverage.
3) Keep the message clear and personal, not wonky.
4) Aim for women, who made her the upset winner of the New Hampshire primary.
5) Mix criticism of Obama with positive conversation about herself.
And check out Meet the Press this week. Ralph Nader announced he was running for president… major disappointment… but the second half of the show is all about political analysis (and basically Hillbashing.)
Farewell to a relatively good spirited campaign. Yesterday the Clinton campaign fired a direct shot across the bow in response to an Obama health care mailing that depicted her plan has forcing individuals to obtain health care.
Hillary’s health care plan forces everyone to buy insurance, even if you can’t afford it. Is that the best we can do for families struggling with high health care costs?
Hillary’s health care plan forces everyone to buy insurance, even if you can’t afford it… and you pay a penalty if you don’t.
The way Hillary Clinton’s health care plan covers everyone is to have the government force uninsured people to buy insurance, even if they can’t afford it.
“…forcing those who cannot afford health insurance to buy it through mandates…punishing those who don’t fall in line with fines.” - The Daily Iowan, December 21, 2007
Punishing families who can’t afford health care to begin with just doesn’t make sense.
Barack Obama believes that it’s not that people don’t want health care, it’s that they can’t afford it.
Barack Obama believes Americans who don’t have health care coverage desperately want it; they just can’t afford to pay for it. That’s why the Obama plan covers every American by reducing costs more than Hillary Clinton’s, saving the typical family up to $2,500 per year.
Bill Clinton’s own Secretary of Labor, Robert Reich, wrote, “I’ve compared the two plans in detail…But in my view Obama’s would insure more people, not fewer, than HRC’s.” - Robert Reich, December 3, 2007
The Obama Health Care Plan:
Offers health care coverage for all Americans similar to that of members of Congress, and subsidies to help those who cannot afford it.
Reduces insurance costs more than Hillary’s plan, including capping insurance company profits in places where they have taken advantage of people.
Saves the typical family up to $2,500 per year.
Read the entire plan at BarackObama.com. Barack Obama. Health care we can afford. Change we can believe in.
Here is Clinton’s response:
Three Thoughts:
First, I think that Hillary came off as way too authoritative and angry in that press conference. From a PR standpoint, I think she sounds pissed off rather than passionate.
Second, I’m not going to argue that the mailer isn’t negative toward Hillary Clinton’s health care plan- it is. I think both campaigns are trying to exploit very small policy differences to create the illusion of substantive difference. Both candidates agree 95% of the time on policy, leaving very little wiggle room for both to draw distinctions with one another. The result? Mailers like this where Obama attacks Hillary’s plan to force every person to get health care (under penalty of fine) and Hillary attacks Obama on “leaving out 15 million uninsured Americans” (because the government does not force health care.)
Honestly, it’s the same goal: universal health care.
Finally, political strategy is at play here. This mailing went out to people at the beginning of February. It’s ridiculous to assert that the Clinton campaign had no knowledge of this piece until now (despite Hillary saying she just found out when an person along a rope line gave it to her.) The Clinton camp is looking at the same poll numbers out Texas and Ohio that we are… they are aware that Obama is gaining traction in the two states where they’ve invested all their chips. Lets remember that the Clinton’s are not angelic when it comes to mailers either. They’re just as guilty of throwing around distorting mail pieces. Here is a less-than-known mailer that went out in early February (around the same time as the Obama health care piece):
Which presidential candidate will solve America’s toughest economic problems?
Only Hillary Clinton has the right solutions for America.
Hillary Clinton. A plan to cut taxes for the middle class. A comprehensive plan to end the housing crisis with a moratorium on foreclosures and a freeze in mortgage rates for at-risk homeowners. Redirect billions in oil company profits to alternative energy research to find solutions to our energy crisis and create 5 million new, good paying jobs.
Barack Obama. No plan to place a moratorium on home foreclosures. Voted for Dick Cheney’s energy bill that gives huge tax breaks to oil companies. And he wants to raise Social Security taxes by a trillion dollars.
Leadership Takes More than Talk.
In reality according to FactCheck.org:
It says he “wants to raise Social Security taxes by a trillion dollars,” a big distortion. Obama has said a “good option” would be to apply Social Security payroll taxes to incomes over $97,500 a year, but that would only affect taxes paid by 6.5 percent of individuals and couples. And he hasn’t formally proposed such a move anyway.
The Clinton mailer says Obama has “no plan” for a moratorium on foreclosures such as the one Clinton has proposed. That’s true, but Obama has his own plan for homeowner relief. The mailer leaves the impression that Obama has “no plan” at all, which is false.
It says Obama “voted for Dick Cheney’s energy bill that gives huge tax breaks to oil companies,” another distortion. By the time Congress passed the 2005 energy bill, it raised taxes on the oil industry more than it decreased them and also contained billions for alternative fuels research and subsidies for energy-efficient buildings and vehicles.
All this is a microcosim of an ad war between the two. Moral of the story: never believe direct mailers from one candidate about another candidate’s record.
Full analysis of the Obama mailer against Clinton here. Full analysis of the Clinton mailer against Obama here.
