Obama's identity issues
James Forsyth 4:22am
Barack Obama survived his appearance on Meet the Press this morning. The interview was designed to show that Obama could handle questions about his relationship with Rev Wright, his extreme former preacher, from the toughest interviewer on American TV and to that extent it worked. The interview did not, though, shut Wright down as an issue; there are simply too many unanswered questions about what Obama knew about Wright’s views and when for that to happen.
The last few weeks have been so rough for Obama as they have questioned his whole political identity. Obama has presented himself as a unifying figure—his 2004 Democratic convention speech, which catapulted him to national prominence, was based on a rejection of the idea that there is a Democrat and Republican American—who can, as he likes to put it, move the country beyond relitigating the 1960s. But Obama has found himself repeatedly playing defence on precisely these kinds of issue in recent weeks whether it be Wright, his friendship with an unrepentant member of the radical leftist group the Weathermen, or his comments about small-town Americans clinging to their faith and guns.
Tuesday will give us an idea of the electoral damage that this has inflicted on Obama. If Obama misses his fourth opportunity to knock Hillary Clinton out the race and is subjected to another gruelling few weeks like this then his general election chances could start to be really damaged. Obama is still the overwhelming favourite to win the Democratic nomination but there is a real danger that he ends up limping over the finish line.
Herbert Thornton
May 5th, 2008 4:56am Report this commentI said some while ago that while oratory has not been a powerful force in recent years, Obama had shown that he is a very gifted orator indeed, & that this would be the deciding factor in this race.
I heard speeches from both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on T.V. within the past hour.
Obama came across as thoroughly inspiring. Mrs. Clinton on the other hand came across a a strident shrew.
I think Obama will get the Democratic nomination.
TGF UKIP
May 5th, 2008 1:37pm Report this commentJames, as you will know from my previous posts on Americano, I have long believed that Hillary will eventually triumph and now all momentum seems to be with her. Obama may still have an advantage but I do not believe he is the overwhelming favourite, nor was that the sense of The Beltway Boys and the FNS panel yesterday. Indeed as a betting man I would have had some money on Hillary at outsider's odds to win not only Indiana but N. Carolina too. And if she does win the latter not only will that be another N.Hampshire moment but she will have every right to lay claim to the Nomination.
So far as Obama is concerned, as it was pointed out on FNS, 22nd FEBRUARY was the last time he won a primary.
The thought of the Clintons back in the White House sends shivers down my spine. With the choice of Brown or Cameron over here, where could I emigrate to?
David Lindsay
May 5th, 2008 6:01pm Report this commentLeft and right brains, object and subject focus, different rhythm and tonality - when did Jeremiah Wright last look in a mirror?
TGF UKIP
May 5th, 2008 6:24pm Report this commentJames, on second thoughts I will go further and based on what I heard on FNS last night I will call N.Carolina as well as Indiana for Hillary. At the worst she'll be within 3%.
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