Why not talk about it...

[liberalcommontater]

I tuned into a morning talk show this morning and the commentators were criticizing Bob Johnson for bringing up Barack Obama's drug use. They agreed that someone should take him aside and give him the news, shut up. They also said that he did not speak for any significant segment of black America.

My issue is that we will be on defense if we wait for the Republicans to frame each of these issues. Better that we should air them and either debunk them or minimize their impact. Senator Obama's constant refrain, that these issues represent the old politics, that they are distractions, will not play, imo, in the general election.

Chicago corruption and relationships, experience and Michelle's supposed "whitey" comment are three issues that come to mind. These issues do not need to have any truth to them to impact the campaign.

1) The Rezko conviction and Obama's relationship to him will be a big issue. "That's not the Tony Rezko I knew" is lame. If like with Rev. Wright the issue goes through the stages of:

He is my mentor,
I disagree with these comments,
I disassociate myself from him,
I quit the church-

Obama will become to be preceived just like any other politician. Part of his strength as a candidate is his difference from other politicians.

2) Like it or not, McCain will make a big deal about his experience and Obama's relative lack. We can say all day that the kind of experience is what matters, but we then need examples and testimonials to highlight that qualitative experience.

3) The non-denial denial about Michelle's "whitey" comment fits with the, "I'm not going to dignify that question with an answer" reply, but by fall it will only grow larger and more debilitating to the campaign unless it is nipped now.


Which leads me to the Clinton campaign. Obama IS the presumptive nominee. However, between now and August, if there is a deal breaker scandal or scandals, a real one, better that we should recognize it and bring it out ourselves. This would make the issue less powerful for the Republicans in the fall and if the issue is big enough, and I mean BIG enough, Hillary should be the nominee.

In post after post on the GDP I have said that the goal must be to win in November. I still feel this way today.

[AndyA]

1. I agree with you: Obama needs to fix, for once and for all, a couple of things.

As you said, he needs to deal with:

1. Rezko. 100% transparency, truth, and disclosure. He has a lot of ties to this man, who has now been convicted.

2. He needs to deal with the McClurkin debacle. Obama needs to apologize to all gay people for his mistake in allowing McClurkin a platform to preach his hate.

3. Take care of the "why'd he" thing once and for all.

4. Address the perception of lack of experience - it will be a big issue in coming months if it isn't dealt with now.

I think Barack has done pretty much everything he can do regarding his religious affiliations. He left his church, which pretty much makes it clear that he does not approve of what has happened, and does not support it. Although I'm certain the GOP will try to keep it in the public eye.