New York magazine’s John Heilemann examines President Obama’s reelection strategy, rooted in scaring voters away from Mitt Romney:
To a very real degree, 2008’s candidate of hope stands poised to become 2012’s candidate of fear. For many Democrats, this is just fine and dandy, for they believe that in the Romney-Republican agenda there is plenty to be scared of. For others in the party in both politics and business, however, the new Obama posture is cause for concern. From the gay-marriage decision to the onslaught on Bain, they see the president and his team as coming across as too divisive, too conventional, and too nakedly political, putting at risk Obama’s greatest asset—his likability—with the voters in the middle of the electorate who will ultimately decide his fate. Whichever side is right, one thing is undeniable. For anyone still starry-eyed about Obama, the months ahead will provide a bracing revelation about what he truly is: not a savior, not a saint, not a man above the fray, but a brass-knuckled, pipe-hitting, red-in-tooth-and-claw brawler determined to do what is necessary to stay in power—in other words, a politician.
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108 Responses to From Hope to Fear
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“Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship, can hold a man’s soul in his body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with greater cruelty.”
Wow Jack.
What a meaningful quote. Your appreciation of beauty never ceases to amaze me.
Tony, Thanks for asking about Emma the other day. She’s 3 yrs. old now and impossible to keep up with. She’s spoiled, and for that I feel guilty — but I’m working hard to make sure she is a happy, loving, confident, independent and caring little person. It’s easy, because I love her sooooo much (did I mention how beautiful she is, both inside and out?
Tony: Are you happy?
Is your niece still living with you. ?
Do you still converse with your buddies in Australia?
…. I have a million questions, but will start with those three.
John Heilemann is right on the mark…
http://craigcrawford.com/2012/05/26/going-home-video/#comment-290050
And to you, Mr. “free will and all that “…
Glad to hear that it’s me that’s finally wearing the Captains hat — it’s about time! After all, we’ve all heard the best man for the job is a woman, right?
ps Thanks for not forgetting about Cheyenne. She’s getting so old, but still is a beautiful horse (at least to me).
Luv ya Craig…. sorry I’m always off topic.
…. going to lunch now (an early one).
Mexican food, my favorite.
Jack… a friend gave Rick a copy of Laura Hillenbrand’s “Unbroken” this past Xmas. He says it’s the best book he’s read since college. The copy sits on the pile of my “to read” books.
Obama?… a politician?… oh my will wonders never cease. Next we’ll find out that Hillary is one also.
I don’t know if John Heilemann has ever opined about Obama being spineless… but a lot of Democrats have.
Now to be upset that he’s displaying some fight seems kinda schizophrenic to me.
We have always known that Obama would fight for his own personal interests…
My father told me something a loooong time ago that I’ve discovered to be correct… and that is that the first thing any politician is interested in upon election is his/her re-election. Anyone who thinks Hillary would be any different is, IMO, in denial. Anyone who thinks it’s different whether someone is a Democrat, a Republican, or anything else… is, IMO, in denial.
But then… human nature is such that our own personal interests is what motivates us. True altruism is a rare thing.
There are only 3 election strategies:
Time for a change -- the challenger’s strategy
Don’t change horses in mid-stream -- the incumbent’s strategy
I’m the best for the job -- the open seat strategy.
The Prez is merely using a variation on the incumbent’s strategy : In a dangerous stream like this, you don’t want ride a horse like that one over there.
I can’t get the Taegan Goddard box in the sidebar to work.
xr, it’s working for me. here’s the one on mi poll:
here’s another:
Those Super PAC accounts would be dandies for bank hackers/thieves.
Thanks, Pat. The Goddard Box still isn’t working over here in MN. Maybe the evil morton kondracke is behind it.
Anyway, the Prez leads 48 -44 in CO, too.
The category ‘white collar males’ leaves out a lot of voters. I’ll bet that it’s the only demographic which willard leads in the rust belt states of MI, OH, & PA.
Something’s gone wrong with Iranian computers again.
http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2012-05-29-Israel-Computer%20Virus/id-496bf268afd648848cf99d1a762f6f50
I have a hard time believing Obama takes CO. If Rubio is in, FL would be a toss-up, too. The yokels in NC are all riled up as well…
Lately, I’ve had 10 year-olds tell me how my problems are all Obama’s fault. Terrific parenting, America!
So today I did a “Private Ryan” reflective moment, and I asked my wife, “was I a good man, that I was able to live through the war?” And she said that I am , and always was, a screw-up.
Welcome home, Private Johnson--Fallout!
I received my EBT card today and JP Morgan is servicing my account. The irony. The Dimon SNAP. More than half of the states use JP Morgan for servicing their food stamp administration. A head shaker for sure. My card has hot air balloons on it…and Fiesta! Good grief, I am sure JP Morgan charges extra for the upgrade.
Romney Trumped
Thank you for your service, Dexter. We’re glad you’re back.
I’d like to associate myself with these remarks and this too
I. exChamp,
BHO is leading W in CO according to recent polling. A high % of the population is either Latino or female.
Of the states oh,bummer took in’08, he is having trouble only in FL, NC, and IN. The first 2 are close. oh,bummer seems to be losing IN by a mittful. Even if he loses all three, oh,bummer still has 303 electoral seats by my count.
The last SC poll had W behind there, but that poll was taken long ago.
Chloe, SSS, (side saddle sally) Cap Nemo, or by any other sombrero you wearing today??
“And to you, Mr. “free will and all that “…
Glad to hear that it’s me that’s finally wearing the Captains hat — it’s about time! After all, we’ve all heard the best man for the job is a woman, right?
ps Thanks for not forgetting about Cheyenne. She’s getting so old, but still is a beautiful horse (at least to me).”
Chloe, I know that you like to believe that we have free will…..but we hardly have any…..great book “2011-2012 edition on Physical Anthropology”…..gives us in detail, how little we have…..and how our mind…..scratch that…our brain give us very little choice in all matters………you have no choice in the matter……google it and read about it a little, im sure that you will like it.!
I had my local library get it for me….but had to give it back before i could finish it…..the said that it was needed for the course taught in college…and did not see how it was released in the first place……going to have to get it back…or buy it.
U taking credit for just doing your job huh?:
“we’ve all heard the best man for the job is a woman, right?”
Things are all in order…….
It is the female who does more than 90 percent of the hunting, as it should be,( in your case; shopping, I know how u luv it) while the male is afraid to risk his life,
(its damn dangerous for little diablitos like me in the stores….women run U over with the shopping carts and all no? they turn into zombies or something…..then back to normal, once out side the stores…whats with that?)
or (us males simply prefers to rest by watching TV
ps…..sorry for not asking about my little cyber niece Em….she sounds like she is one happy little kid……just like you planned it….hugs and an uncle Solar kiss for me please………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………just thinking about it….one for you also..
Regarding a rubio vp candidacy, he’d be tarnishing his career by running and losing with slick willie. I don’t think he wants to be thought of as a loser.
Besides, isn’t he a secret Mormon ?
Iranian general boasts that his troops are killing in Syria
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/05/29/iranian-general-seems-to-confirm-troops-are-in-syria-in-interview-blunder/?intcmp=obinsite
rubio feh…he doesn’t meet the Mittens test
he is not ready to be president --less experience than 1/2 gov
For those who won’t believe a fakesnews report, this one is from Ynet about Iranian troops in Syria, helping assad kill Arabs.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4234608,00.html
X,
Good post! I like the way you think! Chris Hayes being attacked by the right wingers, no surprise! Time to buck up Chris, more to come…
Oops, here’s the link of X’s post!
http://craigcrawford.com/2012/05/26/going-home-video/#comment-290134
http://craigcrawford.com/2012/05/29/from-hope-to-fear/#comment-290141
Hi Chloe! Let me first say it means so much to me to have you back on the Trail! We’ve all missed you! I know your busy and glad Emma is great..Its no surprise as her Grandmother is sweet and kind as well…
Oh god, i’m very happy! I have a great guy in my life, Steve and yes we have lots of fun! Lots in common and we enjoy the simple things in life..Yep, Ashley is still living with me and working as well as going to school..Oh and yes, i talk and text with Baz all the time..Just sent him a mini zip drive of American TV shows today..
I hope you and the family are good..
Sanctioned by Rush and The Donald, Romney Welcomes the Birthers
by Taylor Marsh
xrep,
A few pawns have been pushed to the middle of the board, but the bishops haven’t even been touched, yet: It’s too early to put much stock in polls.
The Washington Expos are in 1st place… I sure as hell ain’t putting money on them to go all the way.
Yay, game analogies!
Tony,
“Hi Chloe! Let me first say it means so much to me to have you back on the Trail!”
Yeah, and feisty as ever.!….did you see her just bite me a little while ago…..what did I do? Im innocent over hear I tell U.!
Tony, and if your completely happy….thats great pal……hey does that mean that you don;t have any dillo problems anymore?….or that you u just made them house pets hahahaa……later
When does everyone start talking about the chicanery surrounding the Mormon Olympics a few years back, speaking of sports?
I am definitely looking forward to the “Vladimir Putin presents: the Olympics! A Slavic Celebration”. It will be fantastically goofy, on ice!
So i found the perfect engagement gift for David. He’s always wanted a soft toilet seat. Found a nice pillowy one and installed it myself today. He is very pleased. After 25 years these are the things that matter most.
Tom Rick’s blog “Best Defense” on Foreign Policy
Has a post by 2 commenters about the Hero question.
Best Defense’s comment section is heavy with current and former military.
We’re sick of everyone who wears a military uniform being called a ‘hero’
Craig
LOL
That they are.
Which reminds me I have a fancy toilet seat that I need to install.
Jack
I was disturbed to read of the stir caused by Chris Hays’ remarks.
I read them and reread them and for the life of me I can see nothing that required an apology.
When one solider refers to the actions of a comrade as heroic, or gallant or above and beyond the call of duty, it carries the weight of shared experience. It is the testimony of one who has been there or who was there. Some actions and occurrences are so astonishing and selfless that they can be described in no other terms than heroic,and should be recognized as such.
The point that Hays was trying to make, with which I agree, was that it is very dangerous and most always counter productive when the Dick Cheneys of the world begin to use and wrap themselves in the language of valor and honor, when they themselves have never been a party to either. We have every reason to suspicious, and with good cause.
The push back tells me that Hays may have struck a nerve, and is closer to the truth than many would care to admit.
Whsky, i am no handyman but remarkably easy to do. Probably the only plumbing task dummies like me can handle. Tomorrow i am cleaning the refrigerator. My goal is to present him with a nice surpise every day he comes home from work for at least a week.
Craig,
Do be careful cleaning the refrigerator, some of that stuff is ALIVE!
Tony, I am so glad to hear how happy you are in your relationship with Steve. He sounds like a wonderful person, and you deserve the best.
I’m happy you’re happy …… and yes, I am happy too.
What more could we ask for?
“Chloe, I know that you like to believe that we have free will”
…. yeah, and I know you ‘like to think‘ we don’t, Solar.
M and I just sent a great big smacker-roo back at you(and you thought it was a bite — always ‘choosing‘ to think the worst of me x-captain (and I say this with great affection)
I’m going to make myself scarce again for a while (have loved catching up with how you are all doing), but as usual, you know I have to have the last word:
“Power of choice is a wonderful opportunity we have in our lives, and some people do not even realize that we have this power….
One thing that is very difficult for all of us to deal with is that we can only control the choices that we make, not the choices that others make. We can try to persuade, educate and inform to sway someone’s decision, but we have no control over that person’s end choice. The good thing is that we have complete and total control over the choices we make in our own lives, small or large. That can be a very powerful thing to have when you know and embrace that power.” <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/advice-articles/choice-responsibility-and-consequences-123417.html“
Wolf Blitzer To Donald Trump: ‘You’re Beginning To Sound A Little Ridiculous’ (VIDEO)
The Huffington Post | By Rebecca Shapiro
http://craigcrawford.com/2012/05/29/from-hope-to-fear/#comment-290186
Chloe,
Come back real soon, you are loved!
I missed you again
Farewell Doc
Craig
Plumbing and gourmet delectables -- Who could ask for more?
dumold trump is so desperate to get the job of running for veep that at any moment he’ll deny evolution, call nixon a ‘misunderstood’ executive, and make an impassioned defense of segregation.
the nude grinch is so desperate to get the job of running for veep that he’ll ‘one up’ everything The Dumold says:
“nixon was an American hero, Black slavery was great for everyone, and I am proof that we haven’t evolved.”
Chloe,
Choice is about all we have in life. Please, choose to stick around. It promises to be a hair-raising year.
exChamp,
Ya, it’s way too early to call it. Just sayin’, the way the polls are today….
Still, people don’t like W. People don’t trust W either. Ya, I know. richard nixon was elected Prez….
craig- cleaning the fridge is a true gift of love!
Good Morning all,
Solar,
Your too funny! Oh, yes i do still have dillo troubles..Their still making wholes all over in my St.Augustine lawn and they dig up some of my plants too..Can’t stop em..Wish i could get a picture of one of the little rascals but they only come out at night..Speaking of that “True Blood” starts soon..
Love that show..
Craig, Jamie, “True Blood” season 5 premiere’s June 10th
awwww… Craig… making a daily surprise for David is very sweet. He’s lucky to have a househusband like you.
Tony… gee… Blitzer is just now realizing the Donald is ridiculous… I’d say that makes Wolfie kinda ridiculous too.
Hells bells… the media in general has been ridiculous trying to make this election interesting.
For those of you having trouble getting the hang of twitter and other social media Here is an article with , uh, “suggestions” that may ,uh, help.
It’s humor, I think
Jack
my man dylan got some kind of medal…..wonder what he thinks about all that…….
i think i twittered myself right on out of the twitterverse…..lots of sharks to jump over there
FWIW, I’ve never heard one ordinary Soldier or Airman, in conversation, refer to another one, dead or alive, as a hero. That term was used in letter and report and citation writing.
Beneficiaries of someone else’s valor would tend to express their gratitude by saying, in effect, I owe you one, or, hey, thanks--I was really stupid--thanks for bailing me out.
If the stupid one was an NCO or officer who got his troops in trouble through bravado or incompetence, then the verbiage would be different.
Thanks for that post, Flatus.
Reading the comments from Jack’s 9:03 link from last night was fascinating. The consensus from the military people who posted there was that the word “hero” has indeed been cheapened.
Military people deserve our respect… and in deeds more than in mere words. Upon returning home they deserve good medical care, counseling if needed… and most importantly… they deserve jobs.
craig, a nice touch would be to mechanically rig the toilet seat to play yall’s favorite song when opened… sort of in salute (a la “no time for sargeants”)
well, maybe not. “last time ever i saw your face” not suitable.
Obama the fear monger? I’m not so sure.
If you are a woman, you may have good reason to fear the GOP, especially if you require health care.
If you are a senior and relying on medicare or social security, you have good reason to fear the GOP.
If you are a minority voter wishing to cast a ballot you have good reason to fear the GOP.
If you are a college student with loan debt, or a home owner struggling to make the payment you have good reason to fear the GOP.
If pointing these things out makes the President a fear monger then so be it.The GOP tell us that they have a plan for everything, but they are not all that forthcoming when it comes to the details.
To paraphrase Churchill, they have been very modest about their intentions, because there is very much to be modest about. That, in and of itself should make us very fearful.
And, Jace, 15-minutes after the War was over, the grateful British voters sent Churchill packing to Chartwell. What a world.
No doubt Doc’s teaching the angels to flatpick--
Having said which, this is another hard loss in a year when we’ve already lost Earl Scruggs & Doug Dillard--
Feel saddest for Rosa Lee Carlton Watson, Doc’s bride of 64 years and mother of his daughter Nancy & late son Merle--
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/30/jon-stewart-fox-news-roger-ailes-socialim-video_n_1555498.html
so he didn’t spring from his father’s forehead or arise from the sea on a scallop shell?
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/29/us-usa-campaign-romney-birth-certificate-idUSBRE84S1GF20120529?irpc=932
Romney economic attack against President proves bogus as he uses same math for his tenure in Massachusetts. Make up your mind doofus.
Jace,
Also, if your money is in beach property or a ski resort, you have reason to fear the gop.
If your child is in the Army or Marines, you have reason to fear the gop.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/scott-walker-leads-by-7-in-latest-wisconsin-recall-poll/2012/05/30/gJQAjz561U_blog.html?hpid=z3
GOP $1 Billion Campaign Meets Obama the Chicago Politician
by Taylor Marsh
“And, Jace, 15-minutes after the War was over, the grateful British voters sent Churchill packing to Chartwell. What a world.”
Flatus,
Once again proving that no good deed goes unpunished.
Job recovery is scant for Americans in prime working years
By Peter Whoriskey
Who’s watching the Hatfield and McCoys — no offense to Kevin Costner but since it’s on the history channel shouldn’t it be historically correct
I don’t know what to do …I heard Alberto Gonzales say hispanic voters won’t be bought off with a token vp candidate especially one who is not ready however talented --Alberto said no to Rubio…on the experience issue. I find myself in agreement with Alberto ewwwwwwwwwwwwww
Jace,
“Also, if your money is in beach property or a ski resort, you have reason to fear the gop.
If your child is in the Army or Marines, you have reason to fear the gop.”
XR,
My list was much longer, but I feared a band width violation.
If the job recovery is scant for Americans in their prime working years, what are us 57 year olds supposed to do?
Fuck-a-roni!
David got the biggest engagement ring of anyone I’ve ever known.
KGC
I’ve been watching H & McC but I can only take Kevin Costner’s acting in small doses.
Today I am totally ODing on the first Les Miserables trailer
KGC,
I’ve been watching the Hatfields and the McCoys.
I have been appalled by the gratuitous sex and violence. Hence I have been forced to watch it all, lest I be unable to properly condemn it.
Kgc, i am just 15 min into Hatfields, havent seen any glaring mistakes. What did you notice?
yep jamie, costner plays too pious. Duvall and tommy lee jones ought to be in this
Ha blue, u got that right, and only $15 at home depot. Take that, Tiffanys? And today he came home to a clean frig. Tomorrow, the toaster oven!
Patd
I hope that “engagement ring” isn’t diamond incrusted.
Aside from the general glamorization
there’s these issues
I think something on the history channel should be historically accurate
One must never under estimate the value of a good toaster oven.
Agreed jace but cleaning them is the chore from hell. Takes me half a box of brillo pads. Wish steve jobs had solved this problem before he died. I’d forgive his chinese labor camps if there was an app for that.
Craig,
Can’t help you there, and you have a point, but when cooking for two you just can’t be with out one, or an outdoor grill for that matter.
I wipe them down with a dish cloth, smile at Cheryl, and say “see what I did?”
Good sport that she is, she pretends that it is great.
Oh god agreed, its why i refuse to own one! Ah, but i clean them for other people and gladly
Jeez, it’s turned into Hints From Heloise tonight.
Guess if David ever crosses paths with the Gingricheseses, he can tell Callista to suck it!
Domesticity suits you , Craig.
Only here can one go from fear and loathing to fear and loathing of of toaster ovens. It is a logical progression, no?
Craig,
Back to cleaning the refrigerator.
All of us must face difficult choices in life. This is never more true than when cleaning the refrigerator.
It is always hard to decide what do with the ‘green stuff’ because in the immortal words of Neil
Simon it can be either, “very new cheese or very old meat.”
It is best to assume that neither option is viable and pitch the offending slime.
Having done so, I always feel that the task is complete, therefor I grab a beer and a bag of Cheetos and reward myself.
If this is not quite your style, a bag of ‘trail mix’ will suffice.
I want to see that engagement ring--David and Goliath!
Several years ago we bought one of the counter top convection ovens. Big enough I could bake a loaf of bread in it if I wanted to or a whole chicken. We use it and the microwave all of the time more than the stove.
I wouldn’t be without one.
As to cleaning I firmly believe that they require a patina build up so that they cook properly. I suspect that those who don’t just love their ovens clean them too much.
Thats my story and I’m sticking to it.
I just bought a new oven to replace the old one, The new one is wider and will take a 13 inch cake pan but it is shorter so I’m not certain I can bake a loaf of bread.
Jack
Craig, your gesture of a daily good deed for David reminds me of Ole Will, aka Bill Veeck, baseball showman and owner of several Major League clubs in his lifetime. (He passed in 1986).
Bill went out every day and every day he brought back a present for his wife Mary Frances.
Some days it might be a simple writing pen, some days a nice pastry, some times a simple little spring bouquet in a vase…but even if it was just a single candy kiss, he got her something. Every day, always.
Maybe we should all remember this example. I know I should practice it, if only on a once-a-week basis.
Obama was on with Jimmy Fallon, but I only watched it during Craig Ferguson’s commercial breaks, so I have no review to post.
Well, I’ve been draining swamps and still have a couple to drain before I have to move on to putting out brush fires but thought I’d take a politics break for a few. so what do i find other than talks of kitchen chores. Not what I expected, but hey, this is Trail Mix after all.
I see that both Rasmussen and Gallup have the generic vote as a tie in their latest polls. RCP has the electoral college map at 237 -170 based on the latest polling. IF their D/R predictions hold and Romney wins FL, that means Obama has to win OH and either Wisconsin or Virginia and 1 other state of the 10 toss ups to win. Romney would have to win 7 of the 10 toss ups (excluding FL), and one would have to be either OH, NC or VA, all of which Obama has leads outside the MoE in the polls in. It’s early and polls change, so saddle up, boys and girls, time to start the rodeo.
If I give O each tossup battleground state where he has a 4.0+ polling advantage and do the same for Willard, the EC count is 275 -- 210, with 5 states up for grabs and O has a lead from 1-2.6 in 4 of them. It bears remembering that I gave Romney FL (I think he will win there although his lead is currently only .5%) Those Willard superpacs better get to work if they don’t want to see an O EC bloodbath.
Pogo
It kinda says a lot about this election when cleaning the kitchen draws more interest than the election }
Jack
Now who could have seen this coming?
http://tinyurl.com/77t6o2b
From my current state -- snake handling pastor dies from rattlesnake bite. As my good friend would say, “Well, duhhhh.”
Serial Bomber in Phoenix? Can’t say as I recall seeing/hearing about this on the nightly news.
http://bit.ly/LMSdir
Jack, yer right. I have a lot of interest in it. I may be the only one I know with any real level of interest in it -- except a handful of my friends in the coal and pharmaceutical industries.
When it comes to green stuff in the refrigerator one must always ask, “Is this a personal friend or can I kill it?”
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