Politics

Democrats Take Notice of Obama Campaign’s Recent Struggles

Democrats Take Notice of Obama Campaigns Recent Struggles

Quiet rumblings among Democrats concerned with the reelection of Barack Obama began when his campaign started attacks against Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s work in the private sector. Disapproving comments were made by Steve Rattner, former Rep. Harold Ford Jr. and culminated with the remarks by Newark Mayor Cory Booker on Meet the Press. After the Booker comments and backtrack became a public ordeal, fretting Democrats had been keeping their concerns close to the chest. Following a strong few weeks by the Romney campaign and several setbacks for the president, high profile figures in the president’s party are once again making noise.

James Carville, Democratic consultant and former top campaign advisor for President Bill Clinton, appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday where he said he is “worried” that President Obama’s economic message has been ineffective if not a detriment for the president among voters.

“I’m worried that when the White House or the campaign talks about the progress that’s being made, people take that as a signal that they think that things are fine” said Carville. “And people don’t feel that or believe that.”

Rather than constantly remind voters of the economic situation he inherited, Carville believes that the president should give a more substantive and optimistic idea of what he plans to accomplish if granted a second term.

“They want to be reassured he understands the depth of the problem and that he has a plan to deal with the deterioration of the middle-class.”

POLITICO notes that Carville’s remarks on GMA echo the sentiments he expressed in a research document also authored by pollsters Stan Greenberg and Erica Seifert, concluding that the Democratic Party’s current frame for the 2012 race is not effective:

We will face an impossible headwind in November if we do not move to a new narrative, one that contextualizes the recovery but, more importantly, focuses on what we will do to make a better future for the middle class.

It is elites who are creating a conventional wisdom that an incumbent president must run on his economic performance – and therefore must convince voters that things are moving in the right direction.  They are wrong, and that will fail.  The voters are very sophisticated about the character of the economy; they know who is mainly responsible for what went wrong and they are hungry to hear the President talk about the future.  They know we are in a new normal where life is a struggle – and convincing them that things are good enough for those who have found jobs is a fool’s errand.  They want to know the plans for making things better in a serious way – not just focused on finishing up the work of the recovery.

The growing concern about the president‘s ability to present a clear and attractive economic message comes as much media coverage over the last few days has focused on Obama’s remarks at a press event last friday where he said “the private sector is doing fine.”
The Washington Post covered the campaign’s rough patch and worry among fellow Democrats in a piece Monday. The post reports that while Senior Campaign Advisor David Pluoffe says the election will not be about “contretemps of the moment” like bad economic news, press gaffes by the president and a strengthening Republican challenger, several veteran Democrats are not so sure.

“The bad thing is, there is no new thinking in that circle,” said one longtime operative in Democratic presidential campaigns who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be candid.

Eight other prominent Democratic strategists interviewed shared that view, describing Obama’s team as resistant to advice and assistance from those who are not part of its core. All of them spoke on the condition of anonymity as well.

Much contempt from the dissenters who spoke with the post goes to the president’s campaign harking too much on the situation he stepped into, pointing voters in the direction of a first term that has not exactly been anything to brag about on economic terms. The media has begun to ponder what, and more supporters are nudging the president to present, a policy message for term two.

President Obama is set to deliver a major campaign speech Thursday in Cleveland where he may accomplish this, as campaign officials tell the post he will frame the election as a choice between two economic visions. One that protects the middle class, another that takes the country back to the failed policies of the past.

 

Comments (62)

1 2
  • GERATMO
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 7:56am

    Obama is too cool to listen to his cronies and its going to be his downfall.

    Report Post » GERATMO  
    • righthook38
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 10:11am

      Exactly. He knows he’s right. It doesn’t matter what they say. Some politicians know when to pivot, but does not. He’s been consistent with his negative messages of class warfare and blame Bush, and he’s not going to change course from it. He may throw in more lies here and there, but the basic message will be the same. I think he actually believes all of it, so that’s what he thinks will get him elected. It will not.

      Report Post »  
  • eyestoseeearstohear
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 6:51am

    These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

    A Proud Look, a Lying Tongue, and Hands that shed innocent blood,

    A Heart that devises wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief.

    A False Witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren.

    Proverbs 6; 16-19

    Report Post »  
  • Ron Staiger
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 6:44am

    Obama needs to find lies that people can believe in. Only a moron would expect bad-propaganda to succeed.

    Report Post »  
  • RoboZiggy
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 6:35am

    He obviously does NOT have a clue, or he would have done something to fix it rather than blaming every one else.
    Pres Obama, you spent almost a Billion $ of other peoples money to get elected, and now you are whining for what you have inherited.
    Didn’t you know what you were in for when you were begging foe the job?
    No?
    Then why did you take the job?
    What a Buffoon!!
    STOP WHINING and DO SOMETHING THAT WORKS!!

    Report Post »  
  • TheePolitinator
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:55am

    What no one wants to mention is these anti-American oligarch puppetman are taking salaries from we the people and don’t have to worry about which thing on Friday at payday they can buy that week, food or gas. The Liberal argument that the economy is ok is a complete joke, the only hope and change we got was hoping we have some change, “let them eat cake”.

    We must take back this country and prosecute these criminals and that’s what they are PERIOD. I am so disgusted at this Hitler type demagoguery. And the Hollyweird tarts that portray American greatness in their films reaping benefits of fortune and fame from the people of this Nation and yet fund it’s demise because it has no effect on them because they are rich.

    Shame on every damn one of you for destroying this country with your special interests and bribes. And may you all rot in hell. I am NOT going to bite my tongue any longer. We must rid the Fed, jail these criminals and launch an all out war against the families funding the destruction of this country.

    UNITED WE STAND DIVIDED WE FAIL

    Stop pledging allegiance to a damn party and unite on liberty and freedom. Or I have an idea, why don‘t you all take a bus ride with the Gov’t to a safe place. Ask the Jews how that worked out.

    Enough is Enough

    Report Post » TheePolitinator  
  • Daddymac10
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 2:33am

    It‘s clear that President Hope’n’Change care about nobody but himself, leaving all the miserable liberals to fend for themselves. That is why he abandoned them in Wisconsin. But he’ll want total support from all liberals on November 6. If liberals have any sense left, they’ll get some revenge & stay home on election day…

    Mitt Romney / Michele Bachmann 2012

    Report Post » Daddymac10  
  • Diane TX
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:39am

    Inlightofthings
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:27pm

    There’s some serious $h!+ going on behind the scenes. Clinton, Carvelle, Bagala, Booker, Schoen, Cadell and more. These folks see the end of the democratic party and I don‘t think it’s because of the economy…just a guess.
    _________________________________________________________________

    Of course you’re right. Obama is the downfall of the Democrat Party. There have been many jokes on the internet that Obama is a secret agent for the GOP. The Clintons and friends have the same far left beliefs as Obama, but they see Obama as lacking in political skills. I hope that Romney wins in November, and that will mean that the Democrat Party will be in total disarray.

    Report Post »  
  • 00gabooga
    Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:19am

    Don’t be fooled. Their support for bHo wavered from 99.8% to 99.799%. They will still vote for him like the good useful idiots they are.

    GET OUT AND VOTE, CONSERVATIVES! A no-vote is a vote FOR bHo!

    Report Post » 00gabooga  
    • TheePolitinator
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 3:00am

      There are two FACTS missing from your statement, the defecto of the left. They are underestimating the amount of pissed off right wingers. Not to mention they have lost a large amount of the young and black vote. I won’t be surprised if around election time you start seeing it on the news that black panthers are at booths to make older folks stay home.

      Serious crap is going to happen in this election.

      Report Post » TheePolitinator  
    • 00gabooga
      Posted on June 15, 2012 at 2:12pm

      It doesn’t matter how disillusioned they are. They were disillusioned in the first place. The ONLY thing they see is the color of his skin, which is enough to make them vote for him again. The only way they wont vote for a black candidate is if he’s a Republican like Allen West, who they view as an Uncle Tom.

      Report Post » 00gabooga  
  • denkat56
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:51pm

    maybe the dems shouldve picked a better and more qualified person to represent thier party.

    Report Post »  
  • OperationNorthwoods
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:44pm

    If what Obama is doing is the policy of the future then I’ll take the failed policies of the past.

    Report Post » OperationNorthwoods  
    • marhee9
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:59pm

      I can‘t even begin to express the great joy I’m taking in watching this man completely self destruct, and this is only the beginning. He just gets angrier and angrier as each day passes. After 4 years of being talked to like a child, I am loving every minute of watching this man destroy himself.
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OPf1dK-qlE

      Report Post »  
  • DEFCON4
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:20pm

    The Dumocrats are now realizing that the Great Socialist Experiment is not going to Work. So, slowly they will turn their backs on Obama and his failed Policies……

    Report Post » DEFCON4  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:44pm

      No, they won’t. That’s naive.

      They will throw him under the bus they’ve been driving, and then argue that he didn’t go far enough, hard enough, fast enough. Then they’ll try to hand us someone even more radical.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Sirfoldallot
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:22am

      Evil will try another tatic w/same message.

      Report Post » Sirfoldallot  
    • DEFCON4
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:56am

      JAYCEN, True it could go that way . But I‘m seeing the likes of Bill Clinton and Diane Fienstein questioning Obama’s discourse. Either way, I hope He is indeed under his campaign bus.

      Report Post » DEFCON4  
  • JQCitizen
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:15pm

    James Carville:
    You must have your head in the sand if you think the President could REALLY tell us his plans for his next term and still get elected.

    His first term has been SO PURPOSEFULLY distructive of the US private economy that one can only wonder how horrible his next term with his “more flexibility” would look like.

    Hopefully, he will be defeated by Romney, and wondering is as far as it will go.

    Report Post »  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:57pm

      Carville knows POTUS can’t deliver on the second term plans…it’s a cleverly designed box.

      Report Post »  
  • Magyar
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:48pm

    OWEbama, the narcissist, is incapable of moving from his stated ideology–Socialism and redistribution of OUR wealth. This one principle will be his undoing (thank GOD).

    Romney is going to have a lot on his plate–He better not F%ck it up–or he’ll be gone too!

    Report Post »  
  • rickc34
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:45pm

    Hey has anyone else noted how Obama’s skin tone is kinda orange? Could be a bad spray tan job or since he. Came out of the closet he is starting to look a little fruity.

    Report Post »  
    • I.Gaspar
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:00pm

      Maybe he got a grooming tip from Spineless Boehner…

      Report Post »  
  • Detroit paperboy
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:31pm

    Umm so,,,they are just now noticing ? Really ???

    Report Post »  
  • ericsez
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:29pm

    i could be very wrong, but this appears to be a concerted effort to either misdirect or destroy. the left walks in lock step because the end justifies the means. the only way their going to dump barry is if they can’t get their way. perhaps it would be better to strive to assault the other guy since they have experience with wimpy republicans…

    Report Post »  
    • OlefromMN
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:39pm

      I agree that it is an intentional effort. But it is a high-school play. They are trying to draw the sympathy card. “He has tried so hard, but just hasn’t got the right mix” is what we will hear.

      Report Post » OlefromMN  
  • MrButcher
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:28pm

    We are entering the era of one-term presidents.

    Obama will be voted out in November. Romney better produce or he’ll be voted out in one term as well.

    The structure of the republic is what needs to be defended.

    Right-thinking people need to be just as critical for the next 4 years as well.

    We are in deep trouble.

    Report Post » MrButcher  
    • rickc34
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:27am

      It may be to late. The. Damage is done. If Obama’s health care plans survives quality of care will be better for your pet. We are facing a hugh shortage of primary care md’s. Most will not accept the care plan and will take cash only. Emergency rooms will be over crowded and waiting times will be double.hospice care is already on the chopping block so family’s will have to care for their family members without assit so they will have to use the family medical leave but some patients can last six plus months while the leave is only 90 days. So good luck america your gonna need it. Thank you Obama for wrecking the Nation I love. Left Right or in between kiss it goodby

      Report Post »  
  • Inlightofthings
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:27pm

    There’s some serious $h!+ going on behind the scenes. Clinton, Carvelle, Bagala, Booker, Schoen, Cadell and more. These folks see the end of the democratic party and I don‘t think it’s because of the economy…just a guess.

    Report Post »  
  • rickc34
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:26pm

    Congress and Senate both ran by Democrates last 2 years Bush. Era or did Obama forget about that? Or that the dems were for the tax cuts? Oh I forgot he was in the senate but he forgot. He had the first 2years of his administration but all he did is drive the economy of the cliff. He is not as smart as he thinks he is and George W was and is smarter President.

    Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:26pm

    I can’t help but laugh.
    “Rather than constantly remind voters of the economic situation he inherited, Carville believes that the president should give a more substantive and optimistic idea of what he plans to accomplish if granted a second term.” Carville is not actually warning the administration to not discuss the economy, he is actually warning the press to stop bringing it up. Just watch them go into lock step and obey every word of this ‘oder.’
    On another note, I just have to steal a phrase that Monica Crowley just said. Well, I’ll paraphrase. What will 0bama do if he wins a second term. He has spent all of his first term blaming Bush. Guess he’ll just blame that 1st term 0bama for the mess the 2nd term 0bama is in. Well, guess you should take some smarmy lessons from Clinton and you might get away with that.
    Or, am I just being too Barackaphobic?

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • Bernice Durdan-Rowland
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:24pm

    That rant “a change we can believe in” was not a change as we thought – - away from the Bush years, but it was and is a change to Socialism/Marxism – that is what HE BELIEVES IN !!!!!!!!!!!!!
    His statement is full of “smoke and mirrors ” – - – he is a TRAITOR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! – Thats is what we believe !!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post »  
    • grand slam grandam
      Posted on June 14, 2012 at 12:15am

      Sometime around the 2008 election, Michelle Obama came right out and said: “We’re going to have to make sacrifices, we’re going to have to change our conversations, we’re going to have to change our traditions, our history, and we’re going to have to move to a different place.” And the American voters ignored her warnings and voted Obama in anyway. She knew what she was talking about…but we played deaf.

      Report Post »  
  • Laken
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:22pm

    Show Us The GRADES….
    ……………………
    10 Reasons Why The Electorate Has EVERY Right To See Obama’s Grades..

    http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/2012/06/do-you-really-think-aka-obama-will-be.html

    Report Post » Laken  
    • Laken
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:51pm

      FRAUD….

      http://giveusliberty1776.blogspot.com/2012/06/share-this-with-any-obots-you-know.html

      Report Post » Laken  
    • Laken
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:47pm

      http://thesteadydrip.blogspot.com/

      We are doing something that has never been done on an eligibility case before, in utilizing the first-ever official investigation results on “Obama’s” (in)eligibility, exposing the birth certificate and draft registration as outright, poorly executed forgeries. You think he’ll come up with the “real” one in October? Explain multiple felonies and four years of delays first. He should be in jail right now, not in the White House.

      By the way, the judge on this case is the same one who ordered Katherine Harris to stop counting ballots in 2000. Our attorney, Larry Klayman, also worked on that case, is the Founder of Judicial Watch and Freedom watch and the only one to ever prevail in a lawsuit against a sitting President (Clinton).

      We have an amazing plaintiff, Mike Voeltz, who has studied FL election law and eligibility for years, is even a registered Democrat, which enhances his standing. Watch FL Eligibility Conference. read his article “Circle of Exclusion.”

      View case DOCKET

      37 2012 CA 000467 VOELTZ, MICHAEL C vs BARACK H OBAMA FLORIDA DEMOCRAT NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT
      Hearing 0900 on Monday, June 18 at Leon County Courthouse

      Report Post » Laken  
    • Laken
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:49pm

      Cont….

      Talk is cheap. Lawyers are expensive. The time is right NOW. We are short $3600 in fees and about $3000 for expenses to get us through next weeks’s hearing. Please donate and pass this along. It is frustrating that George Zimmerman easily raised over $100,000, but we are struggling to meet expenses for this very important case. I am personally being hounded for payment and ask that you all do your part and please donate NOW.
      - If you’re waiting for someone else to do it, we’re at the 11th hour and not enough have.
      - If you think you can’t afford it, consider the alternative of four more years of an enemy agent in the White House. Send what you can and get your friends to do it. What will you tell your friends and children years from now about what you did in this war?
      - If you think the system is rigged and we can’t win, think again.This case has a better chance than most. If we lose the ruling, it’s very appealable. Even if we lose, we win, because political theater is one of our objectives. Obama and the rotten official power structure are being exposed more and more for all to see. This clown won’t be able to get elected dogcatcher when we’re through with him. But, we also want to lay the groundwork for possible future nullification of everything he ever signed.

      Report Post » Laken  
  • RamonPreston
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:19pm

    His troubles are just beginning. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBTixqz7ln8&feature=relmfu

    Report Post » RamonPreston  
  • Mutiny
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:17pm

    We are stuck picking between a turd sandwich and a giant douche.

    http://www.myspace.com/video/blake/south-park-turd-sandwich-vs-giant-douche/4284258

    Report Post » Mutiny  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:28pm

      You can avoid those and vote for Romney…keep your propaganda you tube.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:37pm

      @inlight

      You are sad little sheep. You are either just blindly following Romney for party or relgion, or you are just ignorant. Which is it?

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:51pm

      None of the above MUTINY. Actually believe that Romney is the most conservative electable. I know for certain the personnel he will surround himself with will not be at all similar to current. I firmly believe we are 3 election cycles away from turning the corner toward restoring a constitutional foundation. GOP has always been short sighted, but if conservatives don’t have a workable scenario at 1600 Pa. Ave, win more elections in the House and take the Senate…it’s toast. I‘m firm on state’s rights and understand the pitfalls of Federalism, but that really is the only real option to work toward.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:21pm

      @inlight

      You think we have 3 more elections before this thing collapses? Wow, you are delusional. 3 more elections cycles would put us close to 25 to 30 trillion in debt. Please dont be this dumb. Neither side wants to cut spending which equals bankruptcy.

      I dont think we have one more election.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
    • 13th Imam
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:49pm

      Load up on EARMARKS, vote against the bill , then cash the Taxpayers checks. RP is a turd. But he did vote against it.

      Report Post » 13th Imam  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:54pm

      I guess we’re both a bit stupid. Me for my thoughts and you thinking that Dr. Paul would make a hill of beans difference as POTUS. I didn’t say a collapse of some form would be completely avoided. Even so, there will be something left post collapse and it’s a matter of the philosophies both prior (Ryan) and those that remain that will determine where we go. 3 election cycles with POTUS’ that see what is going on in Wisconsin that say that is the direction – let the states do the dirty work of cleaning up the pension messes, entitlements, healthcare, education and all the other BS federal gov does not need involvement. At least with power in the states hands they control their destiny, forced to balance budgets and have term limits of the gov level. We don;t stand much chance on the current path IMO, which is why I’d never waste my vote on 3rd party.

      Report Post »  
    • Mutiny
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 11:13pm

      @13th

      You do realize that money was appropriated and putting those things in helped return tax money to his district. Your tax bill isnt broken down into sections say this goes to this and this goes to that. Dont be this stupid.

      Furthermore, if everyone voted according to the Constitution none of those bills would have passed.

      Report Post » Mutiny  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:14pm

    Maybe the left (not counting the extreme, radical and fanatical ones) is finally opening their eyes to the evil and darkness of Obama and the absolute corruption they are embodied with.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Shasta
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:33pm

      I don’t think so. I think they are just shocked that it might be a horse race afterall

      Report Post » Shasta  
    • Inlightofthings
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 9:58pm

      I suspect they realize they are going to lose…internals of every poll are very telling.

      Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 13, 2012 at 10:58pm

      @Shasta: good point

      @InLightof: possible. Right now as the administrations world caves in around them; I have to wonder how soon they will strike out with force and blood to retain the hold they have on power and are so close to losing.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
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