Hillary/Obama....... Skill vs. Charm

[cleveramerican]

This is shaping up to be a great contest. A classic political match-up between the political mechanic and the fresh-faced charmer. Take out the names and this fight has been re-fought hundreds of times(probably thousands), Its THE classic theme that runs through American politics at every level.

These two are it, the rest of the crowd is window dressing. Al, the window of opportunity is closing fast. He's the only one who might(a long shot) be able to twist this into a three way race.

Hillary- She knows how to do it. She has the contacts and the experience to position herself well in every state. She is smart as hell and very cautious when it comes to public statements.She doesn't make mistakes. It remains to be seen if clinton-fatigue is widespread.


Obama- He's a new face(voters love that)who says all the right things.He is utterly charming with a fabulous life story, Handsome, young, and smart will carry you a long way in politics,but will it carry him to the white house?

No matter how this turns out, its going to be great theater.

[Leilani]

1. The skilled one blew it on the IWR

The charmer called it right.

[cleveramerican]

2. by the time '08 rolls around

the IWR vote will have been buried deep in the past by most voters, Hillary(and others) will see to that.

But your right, Obama was right about the war from the outset and will benefit from that.

[Pirate Smile]

29. I think you are wrong about that vote getting buried in the past by 2008.

That vote isn't disappearing.

It is an albatross representing bad judgment or lack of political courage that hangs around the necks of those who made it.

There seems to be a recurring issue of experience v. judgment. I'd pick good judgment over experience because we've seen how experience in no way equals good judgment re Cheney, Rummy, etc. Judgment is more important.

I'd rather have experience AND good judgment which is why I hope Gore runs. I think he is the only one that has truly demonstrated both. But if he doesn't and we have to choose between experience and judgment - I will land on the side of judgment because that is what I think is truly important in a President.

[caledesi]

30. I will never forgive her for that. I hope she declares that her vote

was a mistake. Then, I'll listen. Until then, Obama all the way.

[bigdarryl]

3. I'm I missing something what skill does Hillary have ?

[Clark2008]

5. The skill to pick a popular husband.

;)

Edited to add: That question was just begging for that. I don't dislike HRC - I just think she can't flip enough red/purple states to win. Tis all. :)

[oasis]

20. For openers, try reading the OP's 3rd paragraph. The more you read, the less you miss.

:think:

[Radical Activist]

22. Using her husband's popularity and contacts to win a safely Dem state?

Yeah, that takes mad skills. haha

[Clark2008]

4. And neither will flip enough red/purple states to win.

[bigdarryl]

6. That's why Edwards is the best we can put up. at this point.....

he's well spoken nice looks and people thrive on that when picking a President

[Clark2008]

7. And has no FP experience.

Ick. He doesn't appeal to me at all - and I'm a Southern woman!

[bigdarryl]

8. The question is who does have Foreign policy experience.

[beaconess]

9. I'm less concerned about foreign policy "experience" than common sense, diplomatic skills

intelligence, a curious and supple mind, and an ability to understand the complexity of the world and international issues.

I think most of the potential Democratic candidates possesses these qualities so, for me, the "foreign policy experience" issue is off the table. Now I want to know more about their world view and approach to complicated foreign policy issues.

[Le Taz Hot]

10. Edwards voted

"yes" on the IWR. Sorry, anyone with blood on their hands via that deadly vote will not pull in the progressives.

[Clarkie1]

27. If Obama enters the race Edwards may as well stay home.

Their messages will overlap, and Obama is a better candidate who will appeal to more folks.

[renaissanceguy]

25. I beg to differ.

The deep south will never vote Dem. Period. The purple states are hungry for change -- look at the 2006 elections.


http://www.cafepress.com/liberalissues/479862

[Realist2008]

11. why?

guranteed loss. its funny you folks continue to push far left candidates that always lose! quite comical.

[jefferson_dem]

12. what? neither is "far left". and who do you refer to when you say "you folks"?

who is your candidate, i wonder.

[Telly Savalas]

24. I'm guessing Hagel.

[caledesi]

32. I am guessing Santorum...nt

[caledesi]

31. Far left? Never seen that description used on DU. Hmmm...nt

[ariesgem]

34. All 12 of his/her posts are dedicated to knocking dems

:eyes: Hmmm...

[Crunchy Frog]

33. Merry Christmas from DU to Free Republic.

[MasonJar]

13. As to Hill's skill, she has been an excellent senator for NY. She

spoke out for a Palestinian state long before the notion was promoted (and was excoriated for the idea by the fundies), she chaired a universal health care plan (and once again the freepers jumped on her.) Hillary Clinton is very smart and very serious. After Dimson, we need both. This is not a knock on Obama or any other candidate; I just get tired of the Hillary-bashing. Unless Al Gore (my fav) runs, I am totally open to each and every democrat who wants to run. The Pucks must go in 08 should be all of our theme songs.

[gulliver]

14. Name recognition vs. hype.

It truly is a clash of the titans.

[Buzz Clik]

15. snicker. Skill vs charm?

And which one do you like?

:rofl:

[ripple]

16. How about hated vs skill AND charm? n/t

[IndianaGreen]

17. "She doesn't make mistakes" because she stands for nothing

except perhaps when she stands alongside Joe Lieberman and rails against violent video games. A funny position to take when one considers what a cheerleader she has been for war in Iraq, and aggression against Syria and Iran.

Hillary represents a past of appeasement and corruption. Time to turn the page!

[cleveramerican]

18. its worthy of Shakespeare

the boy prince vs. the entrenched courtier; in a (political) life and death match for the crown?

One will come away empty handed or worse, The other will be lauded far and wide by a grateful nation.

Its already a great story and its only going to get better.

[oasis]

19. Hill, Bill and the Clinton machine vs. Obama and the peanut gallery. Yup

that'll be fun to watch.:woohoo:

[Radical Activist]

21. You underestimate Obama's skill.

Politics in Chicago is both a fine art and a death sport. He got elected to the State Senate without support from the machine. He won the Illinois Democratic primary for US Senate by beating a self-funded millionaire and a statewide office holder backed by the party establishment. Obama didn't just get lucky. He wouldn't be where he is if he didn't have great political skills.

[talk hard]

23. Obama is picking up steam.

[Clarkie1]

26. Skilled? LOL. At what!??? Obama will defeat Hillary easily...look at the Iowa poll. nt

[IndianaGreen]

35. Edwards will also defeat Hillary

and once she is forced to take a position on a controversial issue, which she won't, she will be eaten alive by grownups like Wes Clark and others. Substance should trump fluff everytime. Fluff won in 2000 and 2004, let's not repeat that mistake.

[Clarkie1]

38. I agree. It's all downhill for Hillary from here. nt

[mtnsnake]

28. Excellent summary and spot on.

Great analysis!

[Bombtrack]

36. Wow beating Rick Lazio in New York state takes so much skill

the fuck are you talking about.

[Imagevision]

37. Skill vs. Charm? -- Time will tell, just saw "The Good Sheperd" all bets are off!!