Republicans most worried about Obama winning nomination

[RoadRage]

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

Republicans worried about Obama
Posted: 09:41 AM ET


Will Obama appeal to many Republican voters?
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Hillary Clinton isn't the only one worried about Barack Obama's post-Iowa momentum. A former top Republican official tells CNN Obama could win a significant portion of the Republican vote in a general election, if he becomes the Democratic nominee.

The leading Republican strategist, who requested anonymity because this person advises a number of Republican presidential candidates, told CNN "I think Barack Obama is a potential Robert Kennedy or Reagan figure." And "In terms of raw political horsepower, he is the most electable of any of the Democrats and potentially more electable than Bill Clinton. If he ran the right campaign he could appeal to a substantial number of Republicans and Independents."

This person insists an Obama nomination isn't a done deal. "He could make a mistake. His people could get overconfident. He needs to continue to push his theme even as she continues to hit him on different issues."

In the days since he won the caucuses, the New York senator's campaign has hit Obama on a number of issues, including his decision to hire a former lobbyist to manage his New Hampshire campaign, and his past position on the Patriot Act. Former President Bill Clinton compared Obama's early position on the Iraq war to President Bush's, and national reporters were summoned to an urgent conference call because some callers on the 'Do Not Call' registry had received robo-calls from Obama's campaign that Clinton's staff alleges did not fully comply with election law.

Yet Obama now holds a 10-point edge over Clinton in the new CNN/WMUR poll of New Hampshire primary voters released last night, and an even larger advantage in some other surveys.

This top Republican explains that Obama "is incredibly nice, he's likable. People want to like him. He's the personification of bringing people together. He's the personification of unity. People like that and it works."

He says Senator Clinton "lacks a gut level connection" with voters. "I'd rather run against her because she turns out our base. He doesn't have the baggage she has and he appeals to Republicans and Independents in this post-partisan way."

[PDittie]

1. That pretty much nails it.

[Thrill]

2. Mitt Romney said yesterday

"I can't wait to face Hilary"

The Repukes have been gearing up for 10+ years to run against her

[RoadRage]

4. Well thank God for Obama...

It looks like he's going to screw up their little plans. They really "HOPED" that Clinton would get the Nom in a landslide so that it wouldn't matter what kind of crap they nominated.. anyone would beat Hillary.

Not so much anymore.. which is why they're flailing to find a nominee.. and even they admit, probably no one on their side running can beat Obama, because part of there side wants to join the big Barack Party.

I know many DU'ers don't like him, think he's liberal enough or experienced enough.. but if we nominate Hillary.. and she rally's the Repugs like they think she can - we'll be in for 4 - 8 more with Huck or Mitt. Not something I can stomach AT ALL.

[loveangelc]

3. well duh.

for months its been 'EVIL HILLARY EVIL EVIL EVIL EVIL HILLARY, HILLARYCARE, HILLARY'

*Obama wins Iowa caucus and goes up in polls*

'...what?'

[RoadRage]

5. Agreed... but nice to see

that the Repugs admit that Obama is a huge threat.. people aren't going to come out and vote against him just because he's black.. in fact, quite a few may hop over to his base.

[BlueManDude]

6. I find the GOP battle in NH more interesting than the Dems...

Obama is hurting McCain and this will likely keep his victory margin over Romney to 5 or less. Is this enuf for McCain to claim the Big Mo as they move to much more conservative states in later primaries? We know the media will hail St McCain but NH has always had a hardon for McCain (he beat W by 19 there in 2000) so it really is his best state. Can he translate his victory in a relatively liberal state to places like SC? Romney will be able to say that more GOPers voted for him than McCain - which will be true.

I don't think Romney is dead if he loses NH.

[RoadRage]

8. I'm still trying to figure out which Repug I'd like to see win..

Of the front leaders.. i'm not sure who would be the best to go up against... or does it even matter? I'd prefer it NOT be Huckabee.. because A) he will totally pull a Bush and organize the Evangelicals.. and if something horrible were to happen, he is the least likely i'd like to see elected. Bible thumpers OUT of the White House - Please.

Beyond that though.. i dunno. Machine Gun McCain? No Thanks.. Romney? Eck! I think Obama can probably easily beat them all. Hillary.. i don't think she can... PEOPLE HATE HER right here on DU.. imagine what it's like anywhere else.

[BeyondGeography]

7. "The personification of unity."

Tough to comepte with that.

[RoadRage]

9. Don't worry.. tomorrow Hillary's new phrase will be

"Unity, Personified"... LOL

[veniceboy]

10. It's a popularity contest-

I just hope primary voters remember that. Obama is appealing. A lot of closet racists might even vote for him to prove to themselves they are not racist. He is optimistic- people like optimism. Hillary is one tough cookie, but she is really REALLY hated by a lot of people.

[RoadRage]

11. She is REALLY hated..

I don't think even the Clinton's have any idea about how many people dispise them. I do not.. (i'm neither here nor there).. but I think they have surrounded themselves with people who adore them, that they've forgotten about the other 2/3rds of the country who can't stand the sight of them.

I know Obama is getting a lot of extra security right now for his safety... but I really feel that if Hillary were to win the nomination, she'd need just as much.