Joe Klein says Dem insiders think : Hillary running Republican style campaign

[gaiilonfong]

http://time-blog.com/swampland/

Yep the ClintonS are like ReTHUGlicans...and I am glad the dems FINALLY realize it!

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In other words, I believe that analysis like this in the Wall Street Journal is precisely wrong. Yesterday, I spoke with a senior uncommitted Democrat--who has pledged not to commit until the nomination fight is over--who told me that yes, Obama's "bitter/cling" comments were a troubling sign of the disdain for average folks that coastal/academic Democrats have often displayed...but that Clinton had just wrecked her reputation within the party by comparing Obama unfavorably to McCain and running a Republican-style primary campaign in Pennsylvania.

[ampad]

1. My question to them would be?

Why are you not speaking out against this mess? Come out and say it already. You see, it is all politics all the time. This country cannot afford McCaina and the longer this goes on the more free media and free passes McCain gets. I know those Dem insiders know this.

[Romulox]

2. The Supers could've ended this already, which casts doubts on this theory...nt

[Bluenorthwest]

8. Well speaking for myself

As a person who thinks they have both run Republican style campaigns and will vote for either anyway, I'll say that the Superdelegates and Party folkken see the extened race differently than the average poster on DU, if not the average voter. The Primary being active in states that usually are not in play is a good thing in the eyes of many people. I'm sure Super Tuesday voters are sick up and fed with it all, and they are welcome to go watch Lucy reruns and not think about it. Those of us with Primaries still upcoming are very glad to have the candidates visit and address local and regional concerns. The excitment level across the country will be useful in the General election.

The show is a good thing. That is why the Supers have not yet moved. That is why the candidates have not 'worked something out' or had one of them fold. It is good that the show travels on. Those who are highly committed to one or the other, and those that have already voted may feel otherwise, but the fact of the matter is that the ongoing contest is healthy, it raises money, registers voters, and keeps Democrats in the headlines. I know most here can not even comprehend that this long race is a good thing, but it is. If it wasn't, it would be over. And soon it will be.

[olkaz]

3. Joke Line turning against Clinton?

Why?

[TragedyandHope]

4. "The Superdelegate Tidal Wave is about to begin"

It's Getting Close to Over

If he's to be the nominee, Obama needs to start putting together his general election campaign now--and start responding to the character attacks in a way that won't be restrained by his desire not to offend fellow Democrats. My guess is that the superdelegate tidal wave is about to begin.

[Galway girl]

6. Exactly

[City Lights]

5. This Dem outsider agrees.

Which is why she completely lost my respect.

[bowens43]

7. Gee.... ya think?

[karynnj]

9. I think the country is finally sick of "Republican" campaign tactics

Look at 2006, the Republicans tried to swiftboat at least 3 vets running in the way they did Kerry in 2004. With help from Kerry who came to their defense, they all won - including one case where the inbumbent might well have won had he not gone there.

Think also what this is doing. Who will be willing to run for President or even lower office if there is not blow back on this. The way Al Gore was treated by the media and the Republicans was unwarranted. With Kerry, it was worse. How much lower can it get than when it is seriously argued that a purple heart recipient was not sufficiently injured to pass the standard set by a fat slob who never faced anything named Rush. Nice way to repay a 25 year old, who acted with courage and honor and who had a completely spotless record.

What surprises is me is the boldness with which the Clintons embraced Rove techniques - from Bill Clinton praising Rove for running a good campaign in November 2004 to Wolfson pointing out swiftboating works and thus we need to use it - I was naive enough to think he meant against Republicans. My concern earlier this year is that if Clintone were the nominee - we could lose as the country says no to swiftboating - while she is doing it as blatantly as she has in the primary.

We need to reject that type of politics. It lowers who we are.