GOP game-plan: When in doubt, go after the candidate's spouse
By Steve Benen Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 5:40pmIn 1992, Republican attack dogs went after Bill Clinton by denigrating Hillary Clinton as often as humanly possible. In 2004, the GOP took great pleasure in taking on Teresa Heinz Kerry.
Now, the attack machine has decided to take rhetorical aim at Michelle Obama.
“Mrs. Grievance” bellowed the cover of a recent National Review, which featured a photo of a fierce-looking Obama. The magazine’s online edition titled an essay about her stump speech “America’s Unhappiest Millionaire.”
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Even the relatively liberal online magazine Slate piled on. In a piece subtitled “Is Michelle Obama responsible for the Jeremiah Wright fiasco?” the contrarian Christopher Hitchens blamed her for her husband’s pastor troubles since she was a member of the church first.
The would-be first lady does not make pronouncements about policy and has insisted that her priority in the White House would be her two young daughters…. It was an unscripted remark as she spoke in February about the enthusiastic response to his message of hope that set off conservatives: “And let me tell you something,” she told a Wisconsin crowd. “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
The Obama campaign quickly explained that she misspoke: “What she meant is that she’s really proud at this moment because for the first time in a long time, thousands of Americans who’ve never participated in politics before are coming out in record numbers to build a grass-roots movement for change.” Even First Lady Laura Bush — hardly a liberal Dem — defended Michelle Obama, agreeing that the comments didn’t reflect her true feelings.
But the Smear Machine doesn’t much care. “It’s exactly why I hate politics,” said Republican pollster Frank Luntz. “It’s wrong. It’s attempting to demonize someone who is very smart, very accomplished, but not totally tuned to the dangers of political discourse.”
It’s your party, Frank.
Take our AOL poll on whether it's a smart tactic to target Michelle Obama
A few angles to consider here. First, the Obama campaign is aware of the Republican strategy, is taking steps to prepare.
Recognizing the extent to which Republicans view Michelle Obama’s strong views and personality as a potential liability for her husband, Mr. Obama’s aides said they were preparing to bring aboard senior operatives from previous Democratic presidential campaigns to work with her, a clear departure from the typical way the spouse of a candidate is staffed. Mrs. Obama’s operation would include senior aides devoted to responding to attacks and challenges to her, particularly if she continues to campaign as much as she has so far.
Second, the possibility of a backlash is real.
John Kerry, who has campaigned with Michelle Obama, said the attacks could backfire. “She’s a mother of two young daughters, and her self-made story is America’s story,” the Massachusetts senator said. “I think a lot of people will be repelled by the attacks on her, because it’ll feel like an attack on their own family. Republicans smear her at their peril.”
And third, be sure to check out Kathy G’s very sharp piece on the “Hillary-ization” of Michelle Obama.
What I’m wondering right now is, what can we - as Democrats, as feminists, as people who are deeply committed to racial equality — do to help and support her?
That last question is especially important. I’m open to suggestion.
Login or Register to post comments.
What a country. I stopped giving a shit about this place a while ago.
I think Michelle can handle herself on this one.
perfect GOP thinking
you have an electorate made up of pissed off women, so let's give the wife of the most popular candidate in recent history some shit over NOTHING!!!
that will bring the clinton democrats over to them
oh ya
big time
keep it up guys, you're making it so easy
does this mean we get to go after the stepford barbie blow-up doll?
bullfrog @ 4:
that made coffee come out of my nose
ty for a laugh, it's So hard to make me laugh
gj
The Republicans better think twice before going after Michelle Obama. That only works when your candidate's spouse is, like Caesar's wife, above reproach.
I think that Cindy McCain's drug problems, stealing from a charity. and pressuring doctors on that charity's committees to write prescriptions for your habit, might be something that's brought up, if people want to play that game.
In past times, having a wife with this kind of history would preclude a candidate from running for the highest office in the land. Now, in more politically correct times, when all addictions are considered illnesses, Cindy has been given a pass.
That might not continue if the Republicans don't play nice.
CannibalPlanet @ 2:
She can...but she shouldn't have to.
Once this country is done patting itself on the back about how gender- and color-blind it is, maybe the US will realize it hasn't come that far after all.
That and the GOP is intent on seeing whether they can break every bone our bodies and drain every cent out of us.
Well, it's not like the gops can run on their record. They're dumb, they're scum and they've got bupkis. It's gonna get a whole hell of a lot worse than this before November.
i can't remember who it was, but somebody told me cindy mccain's not only a c*nt, but a trollop, to boot.
Pardon my Freedom*, but go fuck yourself Luntz.
You created this beast and have used your Frankenstein to your own ends for years, that same monster you continue to use and you now pretend disgusts you.
*French
They're already going after M. Obama on youtube which is a mistake since it's so easy for me to take shots at Cindy "Junkie" McCain.
I'm only bringing up Cindy though when they go after Michelle.
I guess I'm not much better than the repugs
I remain better though.
Kathy in St. louis @ 6:
Repugs aren't known for their analytic skills so expect this to continue unabated.
Yeah THAT will get the women on board. Soccor moms love nothing more than seeing men beat up on a woman.
Hey GOP, let us know how that works out for ya.
Fact checking squads! We can use the power of the blogs to rally support.
So all this goes on while the junkie drug thief gets a pass?? I think stealing narcotics from a charity for personal consumption is maybe a thing that could carry a few news cycles.
marko @ 5:
i hear it's hard to keep her inflated, but fortunately, maverick's got enough hot gas for the both of 'em...
What pisses me off is that anybody connected to Obama feels compelled to explain how Michelle Obama "misspoke."
Maybe she DID mean EXACTLY what she did said that day. Maybe when her husband talked about "bitter Americans" - saying something everyone who reads this blog knows is true - maybe it's because he MEANT it, and because he was RIGHT.
It pissed me off when Obama felt compelled to resign from his church. Why should he have to? Why not say, "Yeah, those folks said those things, but I didn't, and that doesn't mean you should be allowed to tell ME where and how I get to worship. You don't have the right to do that."
No matter how much we hate what they think and believe and stand for, at least the Republicans believe in something and stick with it, no matter how twisted and wrong we might think they are. The Democrats as a species lack a SPINE. At least maybe Michelle Obama has one. Here's hoping, because to me, that's what's killing this party.
These slimeballs never cease to amaze. They'll go after an strong, educated woman who is raising a family and totally supporting her husband's campaign, and these RepubliPigs claim THEY have the "family values" moral high ground? Gimme a fuckin' break.
OK, let's play their game: Cindy McCain, for a trophy wife, is beyond fugly. Not only that, let's broadcast her past drug history.
Now, having said that, does it help? No. Because it has NOTHING TO DO with the issues and problems facing this country and should not be a part of this election.
women voters are not going to digg this strategy especially women who think with their own minds..this will back fire it's ridiculous
Conservatives fear intelligent, independent females. They don't gel with their "traditional," stay home/look pretty/cook dinner view of wives.
Cindy's father has quite a story too. Convicted felon who did time (saving his mafia connected boss) on tax charges related to liquor bootlegging during and after prohibition. The beer distributorship was a gift from the boys in vegas. Interesting that a convicted felon was able to get the license to sell alcohol.
Jim Hensley had flown aboard B-17's and had been shot down, which gave him and John a bond of sorts. John's Washington connections were worth Hensley's investment in John and appears to have profited all parties.
Aperturius @ 21:
Have you seen most conservative women??? I don't think "look pretty" is part of the equation.
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Ok, that's actually halfway clever and funny.
I really like Michelle Obama. Take a listen to her:
Delaware speech, Part 1
Part 2, Part 3, Four, Five, Six, Seven
The Truth Hurts @ 1:
Dude I'm right there with you...mostly Republicans make me ashamed to call myself an American, but sometime the Dems do too.
Women do not like this. This will hurt McDipshit much more than it will hurt Obama.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 28:
wait when michelle attacks his record as far as women issues.........dry toast please.when women voters find out.......he's done
[FIFY. Site Monitor]
marko @ 5:
...and yet, you so often espresso yourself with such biting wit, nostrildamas...
;-}
so the repugs really want to talk issues....hahahahahahaha
this is all about making america afraid of the black man and woman
their party is bankrupt of ideas
god, its good to be able to say that
Never, ever, ever before, in my entire life, and all my million past lives, have I ever, what-so-ever, in any shape or form, exaggerated or used hyperbole. I bet you a gazillion dollars to prove it!
Ok, I think it may be time to start hammering McAdulterer on his ... oh.. let's say extra curricular activities while still married to the first Mrs. McShame
karl @ 29:
Why should she be doing any of the Attacking? She already caused a stir by opening her mouth. And yes I understand it was taken out of context and edited for thier pleasure. But she should wait till he's in the WH.
[ FIFY. Sitemonitor]
disagree michelle is capable......first time proud is crap
This train wreck that McShitsHisPants calls a "campaign" is almost painful but I will not avert my eyes.
Karen @ 37:
it was funny i don't want to give her any attention maybe she will dry up and blow away she orchastrates hate she has no other purpose
aw hell, forgot what I was gonna say.
Typically White & Bitter Agent Huessein Provocateur @ 32:
I believe you.
The republican M.O. is to akin to a petulant child when it comes to reality. As if they truly aren't the party with an elitist attitude, as if their party hasn't been in control for the last 7+ years, as if there is something American's can be proud of during their tenure, as if everyone is as stupid as red state inhabitants. Hate to use the term stupid, but it's either that or sociopathic, greedy, SOB's that never had their come-uppance.
Karen @ 42:
that's kool i'm going to check it out
Does-anyone-give-a SH*T-what-Malkin-sez-anymore-Hussein @ 39:
Make something up. That's what Republicans do.
I'm sure Bubba's gone after a lot of candidates spouses
But for reasons more enthralling than casting mud at the candidate.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 44:
you know their motto if it sticks keep saying it like a good robot
karl @ 35:
How about first time proud since 1999??? I haven't seen a single damn thing to be proud of for the past 8 years. Gut-wrenching embarrassment, yes. Pride, no chance.
Michelle Obama: " “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country.”
I can understand the sentiment. Because of George W. Bush for the first time in my life I'm ashamed of my country.
pete @ 11:
Seconded. Reading of a pollster saying "this is why I hate politics" is so surreal that nothing else he could utter would get any serious attention from me.
Then again, that party is full of people aspiring to office that "hate" government.
The Truth Hurts @ 47:
i see your point more than you may realize.......she is proud of the enthusiasm the country has for some profound change....call me idealistic i'm trying to stare at a glass half full
Ruthless People @ 48:
The sentiment I don't understand is the opposition's: That we must all be proud of the United States no matter what. It only makes me wonder what, exactly, makes them proud. They just root for the U.S. the way I root for the Cubs.
Karen @ 51:
their mentality you either withus or your not regardless of what we do at least some of them
The problem some are having is how do you have two idol worship worthy leaders at one time? You can't. First they hated McCain for only drinking 95% of the kool aide, now they need to throw Mr. and Mrs. Bush under the bus.
THE FIRST LADY IS AN ELECTED OFFICE.....
and i guess i would have to ask why would i vote for a guy (John "THE BUSH REPUBLICAN" McCain) who traded in his first wife when he came back from Viet Nam and found her...... shorter (operation from an accident), too old, and too chubby......
and traded her in for a hot babe with a brewery---- WHO WILL NOT DISCLOSE HER TAXES
-------------got to ask WHY???? (she says "it's for the children") hahaha
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 40:
Sean H.?
The correct strategy is to call them "cowards" for not having the guts to confront Obama on the real, and difficult issues of the day and, instead, beating up on his wife.
Every workplace has someone who engages in spousal denigration, and we all know what to think of people like that.
Is it fair game then to go after a candidates wife who is a home wrecker, drug addict, and steals from a children's charity?
Even her husband calls her a trollop and a c-word.
Well republicans are terrorists at heart.
Think not get one cornered and see!
Please, let's DO go after Cindy McCain. It's about time a Rethug wife was treated even halfway as badly as thugs have been treating Democratic spouses and their children. Besides, the thugs have proven they don't give a shit about issues that really concern Americans... they just want to sling shit.
But, really, maybe what we should do first is ask St. John the McNut why he called his wife a c*nt. And, maybe then we can ask Slick Romney why he told his wife to shut up when she started to explain how she was worried about her health if he ran for office.
The 'thugs got nuthin' else to run on.
On the Mclaughlin group (stopped watching after this came on) they were trying to compare Mrs blowup barbie to past first ladies escecially Mrs Kennedy how many first ladies were/are home wreckers.drug users, thieves. etc all I could think was you guys are ******* crazy how can you compare also I was waiting to see Mrs Obama in the comparison didn't happen The MSM is soooo screwed up as for the GOP the stepford wives have been joined by the stepford men when they vote lockstep with each other on issues that would benefit all americans they stonewall or vote no
And to fit in nicely with this C&L post about the GOP attacking Michelle, O'Reilly just gave airtime to David Bossie from Citizens United who is on pimping his group's new documentary about the Obamas (to be released at Dem convention time) in which they will have "criticism of Michelle Obama".
Interestingly, this Citizens United group is also co-founded by Floyd Brown who was mentioned by Logan in the "Willie Horton Ad Creator Crawls From The Slime To Smear Obama" post.
-
Malkin calling someone bitter? now THAT'S a black kettle.
this was a major talking point on Glenn Beck today.
I'd like to see more of them going after her for 2 reasons
A. The main ones listed above, in that it will just backfire on them with women voters and independents, and
B. I think it'll really, really, piss Barack off. it would me. That guy showed class and played clean with Hill
He might not return in kind by attacking Cindy in the same way (kind of like how he kept his mouth shut when Hillary kept railing on him for attending Wright's church, when he could have slammed her for having Wright in the White House for counseling during the Monica thing) but I do think he will go after anyone who stirs this shit up with the kind of ferocity and vitriol deserving of those who would dare go there. Remember him pushing LIEberman up against the wall last week? And that douche didn't even knock on Michelle.
all i have to say is, back a woman from south side Chicago into a corner at your own peril, Republicans.
Michelle Malkin, the popular conservative blogger, called her “Obama’s bitter half.”
Malkin calling someone bitter is a like a skunk asking "who farted?"
just keep exposing and nailing these pieces of shit.
Two things can happen:
1) Michelle Obama takes off the pearls and uses her wits to fight these vicious nabobs.
2) The Dems finally grow a pair and start teaching the GOP a lesson: use Moveon.org to unleash an ad campaign listening every dirty secret about Cindy McCain from all her nips and tucks to how she got her money. Start a whisper campaign all the way up into the MSM in every broadcast venue.
Slap them with a velvet glove lined with chainmail, I always say.
Ooops. ;) I meant, "listing every dirty secret."
In 1992, Republican attack dogs went after Bill Clinton by denigrating Hillary Clinton as often as humanly possible
and now in 2007/8 fellow Dems have taken over for the Republican attack dogs.
I wish I could say I was proud of our country. We elected GWB not once, but twice. We torture prisoners and make people disappear in the night. We have 47 million and counting people with no health care. Our CEOs are sucking our corporations dry yet they maintain a stranglehold on our government. We owe our soul to China.
That said I had hoped to see a woman president this time around. But anyone competent will do. As for Michelle Obama, what doesn't she have? She's smart, accomplished and stunning.
Has anyone even heard Cindy utter a word? She is usually shown just standing next to her man looking intent and pretty.
The Repubs never learn that "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw rocks."
Texas Democrat @ 71:
She looks like the wife of that skeleton monster on the old crypt keeper show, nothing sexy there. Plus she dated and took a married man from a wife that had been in a horrible accident while mccain was a POW, she suffered more than he and when he saw she lost her beauty, he screwed around and found a rich bi$tch to fund his future asperation, screw his famiy...how moral is that? That alone makes her ugly from the inside out!
Texas Democrat Says: she’s just kinda there. Not saying anything. Just looking pretty (and you gotta admit she is hot) and standing there
omfg you need to get out more my friend. what's hot about 1 ton of foundation applied with a putty knife? you see blond and a ton of make up on a thin woman and think that's hot...afuckingmazing.
Texas, go figure.
erick @ 72:
Amen.
It amazes me that this has happened and they defend it as well by repeating the same neocon smears and rabid media attacks.
I'm all for protecting Michelle O.I am all about protecting our own--
but I have to admit I feel a little jaded about it considering that the people asking to protect her were just merciless in taking over the neocon smear/attack machine against Hillary.
I've been pretty disheartened about all this hope and unity talk while being subjected to attacks and hate when I've tried to defend Clinton against the media and O supporters misinformation, distortion campaign.
For Progressives to behave this way has been a real kick in the gut. Attacking other Obama supporters when trying to use reason and discuss what the media was doing, calling them names, smearing, ganging up, then defending the media who are otherwise condemned out of hand by them and then stereotyping and insulting her supporters in ugly, sexist and racist ways has proven to be a depressing experience for many.
Of course I'll vote for Obama- hehad been my first choice, but my heart isn't in it right now.
Of course I'll support and protect Michelle even if she said some nasty things herself about Hillary.
But I'm not doing it for her.
I'm doing it for women because the truth is misogyny is rampant, using women as a repository for hate is misogyny and you do whats right and you do not allow it, you fight it, stand against it no matter your personal feelings.
I'll support and protect her because of who I am not who she is.
Once upon a time, long ago in a land unrecognizable today Sisterhood was powerful.
Today apparently its crap.
Ruthless People @ 48:
Excellent.
Michelle Obama began her "thesis" trying to take advantage of white guilt from the very start. "I never felt black until I came to Princeton". Her paper was interviewing black alumni. It was a letter sent to alumni. It had questions and only about 1/4 of the alumni responded. She wrote from this. A high school student could have written this paper.
As an educator, I have seen so many black students get a pass for weak work. It is a way of making amend or reparations for wrongs the black think all Americans have done to them.
When you really think about the people that participate in this kind of cheap thuggery campaign tactics, as being, nothing less then positive motivators, for all of us to get the hell out in massive numbers, to fix this mess.
Michelle Obama is going to be a real asset to millions and millions of women,all over this country and her wise words of encouragement, that things can and will get better for many of those who may have lost, or never had faith, to continue to struggle for the sake of better tomorrows, can never be destroyed by those who seek to demonize this woman, because she speaks from her heart.
Unfortunately for our friends in National Media, who promote this kind of American made trash, by the daily spews of this kind of trash, rather then discuss the very important issues going on in our government.
You would think they have to know that the state of this country is hanging off balance and that we are tired of these sick, stupid ass games they are feeding us.
The trash they shove on us, to distract from truth and honor.should make average citizens sit up and really take notice of some kind of forceful resolution to this major problem in our media. If FCC will not do their jobs, then we need to do it for them. we cannot continue to tolerate this wilful distruction of our system of government. We owe our kids so much more then this.
They will try to present all this garbage they shove in our face each day as this right wing, GOP, strategy for winning this election, not that they too are not parties to the same agenda and outlook as the very people they promote.
Just check the back grounds of many of these daily political starlets, stashed all over these networks, spewing lies and distortions of fact.
They will attempt to destroy anyone that will challenge and disagree with their antics of distraction, sprinkled with a healthy does of obstruction and distortion tactics, that willful use the air waves to conceal information.
They are too stupid to realize, we are on too them and the party is all the way over. We need and want our entire country back
They think we are so stupid.
mrplow @ 64:
hmmm, mrplow.
We remember this differently.
Hillary didn't go on and on about the Rev. Wright. In fact she said nothing for a few days and she was asked directly, more than once and she said he wouldn't be my pastor.
When asked again she said something similar. She did not bring it up first and in fact Matthews was irritated she didn't come out swinging on it.
She did say something at a debate I think about you can't choose family but you can choose your pastor. Over the line?
I don't know.
And no, she didn't have him to the WH for counseling for the Monica thing. I may be wrong but I believe he was there for one of the prayer breakfasts where many ministers come. It may have been the one during the monica thing but it would have been for Bill.
The current meme on Hillary is that she was vicious and attacking Obama constantly and Obama never went at her.
This how the media played it and this is what everyone seems to think is true.
Why?
Because this is how the media played it? Because these were the morning memo's and talking points that came out of the Obama camp every day?
I'm sorry but I just don't agree. Obama took a lot of shots (as did Michelle) his manner is not as upfront as Clinton. More passive aggressive and embedded in his beautiful rhetorical skills.
I watched this whole campaign unfold in horror at what happened with the media and so called Progressives. Having supported Obama while watching the shredding of Clinton with the complicity of the left has been an incredibly painful and perhaps even a life changing experience for me. It has been one of the all time shameful episodes in the Democratic party. It continues to be as the hatred and ugliness continues against her.
Its been a stunning wake up call. One I wish I never had heard.
yesyesyes @ 62:
HA!
needed that.
TY
The Very Bitter Ceci Hussein @ 69:
Actually I'm sure Michelle will come out fine.
What I believe should be done is not attack Cindy. Why would I want to be as filthy as they are.
No. I say a video for sure but a video with all the crap McCain has said about her, how he ditched his first wife, what his record is on all women'sw issues with some very good, pointed lyrics. I've been trying to think of a song that really pushes the message of what a misogynist creep he is.
I think Brave New Films would make a pretty good one.
I've been collecting some of the stuff to send them.
He should be attacked not Cindy. How can we possibly think its OK to do that?
Well, I guess if Progressives can give Hillary the treatment she got no one is off limits.
sigh.
what a sad state of affairs.
accountability @ 85:
I agree that candidate's spouses should be off limits. I think a reasonable question should be: where do Republicans draw the line? Is there a line where they are concerned. Heck Rush Limbaugh went after Chelsea Clinton....back in 1993 when she was 13. Sick people on that side of the aisle.
accountability @ 85:
What-- kitchen too hot?
Taking your opponents points and contrasting them with the obvious counterpoint is fair and helpful to clarifying the issue to voters.
Texas Democrat @ 86:
Absolutely sick.
Very sick.
And lets not forget McCain going after Chelsea too.
prick.
Brad @ 87:
no,
too filthy.
accountability @ 90:
Diapers get filthy. We learn to change our own.
accountability @ 85:
Too bad. As a Democrat, I am tired of my party rolling over and playing dead. The time for trying to kiss the ass of the Republicans i