UK Guardian: Ted Kennedy's graciousness subtle f-you to Clinton.

[Occam Bandage]

Ted Kennedy was terrific. His best moment? When he praised Hillary Clinton and John Edwards, saying they were both fine people and he'd gladly support either should one or the other be a nominee. His graciousness toward the other candidates was a subtle f-you to Bill Clinton, at whom he's reportedly furious because of the former president's fusillade of attacks on Obama over the past two weeks. This, Kennedy was saying to Mr Clinton, is how a true elder statesman of a party really behaves.

The endorsement will matter, I suspect, on two levels. First, other elected Democratic officials are watching. There are surely some who may have been privately thinking, after watching events unfold for the last three weeks, that they'd just as soon see the Clinton era in their party come to close, but who didn't quite have the courage to act publicly on those private thoughts. More endorsements might be on the way for Obama now.

Second, it will matter for two groups among whom Obama has suffered: Latinos and older white voters.
http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/michael_tomasky/2008/01/obama_fever.html

Said it before, say it again: you can go too negative, and the Clintons need to go positive soon before this turns into a tidal wave against them.

[aquart]

1. It wasn't subtle.

[lutefisk]

2. This is how elder statesmen express themselves when pissed!

(and I don't mean drinking):toast:

[demo dutch]

3. It will turn off many independents to be endorsed by the most liberal of senators

Unfortunately, no dem will win without the independents

[earthlover]

6. So I guess what you are saying is fxxx you to the liberals...the new untouchables

No, friend, Ted Kennedy is not to be shunned. He is a true Democrat.

Yours is the Lieberman-Clinton mode of thought....better not associate with liberals. The political untouchables.....

Sorry, but you are absolutely wrong!

[demo dutch]

7. I'm not saying that at all. The fact is that this country is somewhere in the middle, they' re not

way to the left. I don't appreciate your tone at all, the fact is I am a true liberal, grew up in the Netherlands, and I dare to say that I'm a hell of a lot more progressive that most on this forum. Any of the current Dem candidates are still quite conservative compared to where I come from, with the exception of possibly Kucinich, who wouldn't stand a chance in the GE, because of the political dynamics in this country. As far as the "untouchables" as you call it, they're still quite conservative compared to what I know to be "liberal". That said, with a Masters degree in Political science, I think I know what I'm talking about. I'm just being realistic, because the plain fact is, Independents will make or brake the Dem candidate in the coming GE. Democrats will not win on Dem votes alone and a few unhappy Republicans who most likely will vote for MCCain before they'll vote for any Dem, because of the abortion issue. Kennedy is just another reason for the Repugs to demonize the Dem nominee. If he really cared about capturing the WH he should have stayed neutral during the primaries. Like Bill Maher often says this country needs to grow up first!

[FredScuttle]

9. over 60% of this country opposes the war

a clear majority trust Democrats with governing more than they trust Republicans and almost 70% of the country thinks we're on the wrong track with the Boy King in command.
(http://pollingreport.com/iraq.htm)

Remind me again who's outside the mainstream?

[demo dutch]

11. Yes Fred, they do, and we already knew that. Now what's more interesting is what

people say about how to proceed with Iraq and so despite the fact that 59% Want Troops Home from Iraq Within Year, see poll
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/current_events/the_war_in_iraq/iraq_troop_withdrawal

but at the same time despite the Iraq factor thus far, the election between the Dem and Gop will be extremely close. see poll
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_presidential_election/john_mccain_match_ups/election_2008_mccain_vs_clinton_and_obama

That's why the Independents will play a key role, like it or not.

[demo dutch]

12. See this poll as well from California

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3160122

[Tektonik]

4. Until someone of prominence to the American public decries Bill, the issue is pretty dead

I want to see who Gore endorses.

[GoldieAZ49]

5. too little too late

not subtle, especially since Teddy used the Clinton campaign slogan ' ready on day one' about Obama.

The Clinton's should have listened to Ted earlier this month.

With this VERY public rebuke the momentum could be to much to stop.

The Clinton's going quiet now and a noticeable change in campaign tactics makes them look like a disciplined child, not the leader of the free world.
If they don't change their tactics the uproar will be deafening.

It is a no win situation.

[Dinger]

8. Somehow I Think There's More To It Than Bill Being Mean To Obama

Ted Kennedy needs a helluva lot more than that to get behind someone like he's behind Obama. I just wonder what it is.
Then again, maybe I'm wrong.

[Metric System]

10. Ted's trying to prop up the Kennedy "dynasty" while knocking down the Clinton "dynasty." n/t