Bloggers Strikingly Ambivalent About Obama

The New Republic: Candidate's Frosty Relationship With Blogosphere Threatens Support

(The New Republic)  This column was written by Bradford Plumer.

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It was less than two years ago that Mark Warner hosted his now-legendary bash for liberal bloggers - with its ice sculpture and $50,000 price tag - during the 2006 Yearly Kos convention in Las Vegas. At the time, the Democratic former governor of Virginia was mulling a White House bid and looking for netroots support. Tom Vilsack, a fellow aspirant, also appeared at the convention, as did Bill Richardson. Hillary Clinton didn't show, to the chagrin of many, but even she, a few weeks later, hired liberal blogger Peter Daou, and she made sure to swing by Yearly Kos the following year. The liberal blogosphere, it seemed, had become a key constituency for any Democrat seeking the White House.

On the surface, that should have been a good development for Barack Obama. Obama is, in some respects, the ideal candidate of the Yearly Kos contingent - an insurgent who opposed the Iraq war, generated grassroots enthusiasm, and built a massive online fund-raising apparatus. But the bloggers who champion these things have not all rallied around Obama. In fact, many are strikingly ambivalent about his candidacy.

"The relationship is frosty," explains Micah Sifry, cofounder of techPresident, a blog that focuses on the interaction between candidates and the Web. "At various points in the campaign, Obama has said or done things that have antagonized progressive bloggers" - from calling Social Security a "crisis" to criticizing New York Times columnist Paul Krugman. "I think his instincts are liberal, but his governing style may not be," says Open Left blogger Matt Stoller, adding that Obama's readiness to embrace conservatives and chastise his allies on the left have caused many bloggers to wonder how strongly he would fight for liberal priorities as president. "The point is," Stoller adds, "I'm not sure. And this has been accentuated by the fact that no one [from the campaign] is talking to us."

Indeed, despite the areas of obvious affinity between Obama and the netroots, there are also areas of significant disagreement. His campaign themes - unity, bipartisanship - grate on liberal bloggers frustrated at the perceived unwillingness of mainstream Democrats to stand up to the Republican Party on issues ranging from Iraq to the Bush administration's warrantless surveillance. "Our community tends to be filled with people who...are largely skeptical that it's possible to reach across the aisle and get anything other than slapped for your efforts," Jane Hamsher, of the blog Firedoglake, told me.

In addition, though Obama bills himself as the candidate of change, many bloggers see him as an establishment figure, surrounded by the same old Democratic insiders who have long dominated the party. (In an online interview with blogger Josh Marshall, Daily Kos founder Markos Moulitsas grumbled that "the usual D.C. consulting crowd" was advising Obama to run a "safe race.") There's Robert Gibbs, Obama's communications director, who ran afoul of the netroots in 2003 when his 527 aired a grimy attack ad on Howard Dean that featured a photo of Osama bin Laden. There's also Joe Rospars, Obama's new-media director, who, bloggers grouse, refused to deal with the netroots during his stint at the Democratic National Committee. While Clinton and John Edwards both hired new-media people with longstanding ties to the blogging community - and Chris Dodd, who won raves from bloggers, brought his netroots liaisons into the campaign's inner circle - Obama's campaign mainly relied on Josh Orton, a former Air America producer, for blogger outreach. When Orton departed last October, many bloggers assumed it was because his efforts to engage the netroots had been thwarted from within the campaign. (For the record, Orton disputes this: "It's not like there was some memo from senior campaign management nixing blog outreach - many people were open and engaged," he told me. )

Obama himself has occasionally appeared to go out of his way to suggest he doesn't much care for liberal bloggers. He once told New York magazine that he found Daily Kos too predictable; and, in 2005, after bloggers criticized Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy for voting in favor of John Roberts's Supreme Court nomination, Obama wrote a testy response on Moulitsas's site, arguing that the combative approach urged by the netroots "misreads the American people."

The campaign's relationship with the liberal blogosphere seemed to reach a low point in recent months. First, last fall, Obama came under heavy fire from blogs for appearing at a campaign event with Donnie McClurkin, a gay-bashing minister. Then there was the spat with Krugman over health insurance mandates. Then his line on Social Security. The campaign's lack of outreach to bloggers may have hindered its ability to resolve some of these feuds. Take the McClurkin affair, which was most prominently flogged by John Aravosis, a popular blogger and gay activist who says he was disappointed the campaign never contacted him. "Had they asked, we could have had some serious discussions to save them face and try to figure out how to advance our community's interests in some way," he told me. Says blogger Steve Benen, "My sense is [the campaign wasn't] fully aware of the discontent during that rough patch."

Of course, irking the major bloggers won't sink Obama's campaign. And he still has ample support both from midsized blogs and many blog readers - he consistently does well in Daily Kos and MoveOn straw polls. This is partly due to the fact that there's no clear alternative for the netroots to rally around: Dodd never had a chance of winning; Edwards remains a long shot; and Clinton is still widely seen as the hawkish establishment candidate. (Moulitsas has said he will vote, reluctantly, for Obama by "process of elimination.") And, in recent weeks, Obama's campaign has been trying to repair its bridge to the blogosphere. Several bloggers told me that Obama's new netroots liaison has done a better job of reaching out.

How this relationship evolves could help clarify the source of Obama's tension with liberal bloggers: Has he brushed them off - along with the Krugmans of the world - to send a signal to the press about the sincerity of his post- partisanship? Will he edge closer to the netroots to prove that he can be a pugilist, too? These aren't just questions about a constituent group. They could help decipher the shape of an Obama presidency.

[Razzl]

That there''s no alternative to rally around is the key point here--however much the liberal blogs are rightly disappointed in what I''ll call Obama''s ideological drift, they know that at the end of the day they''ll be fighting like hell for Obama or Hillary because purging the GOP from the government is job 1. Contrast this with the GOP, where its right-wing radio front is irrationally tearing down all viable candidates, including the undeniably conservative McCain, over purity on issues that their movement has not even had consensus opinions on.

Another important point here is that Moulitsa''s comment during the 2004 campaign that blogs don''t drive the campaign the way the media thinks they do has been borne out: Obama''s rise has taken place almost entirely off the web as well as off the tv airwaves, in personal appearances, showing that politics by other means is still possible if you know where to go to deliver the payload and can aim it straight at the heart...

[trillion1]

There isn''t any front runner fit to be president.

[mistered9]

Bloggers for Obama must think he is going to bring in a bill to legalize Narcotics.

[dj1239]

their policy is olmast the same but who tell the truth is what blow my mind

[otdky07]

For the record. I think that all of the candidates on both sides, Democrat and Republican, just plain s u c k!

[s_charles]

As a long time journalist (now retired)the under tone of hurt feelings in this story reminds me of every young journalist I worked with over 40 some odd years - its almost a rite of passage.
When they realize that not everyone is hanging on their every word nor shares the view that they are as important or necessary as they think they are - they start the transition from having a title to becoming a serious journalist or they turn into vindictive or inconsequential ranters.
The smart ones get over themselves, they get past the ego and hurt feelings or the temptation to be vindictive and they learn to listen.
Obama does not treat main stream journalists any differently than he treats the bloggers. He cozies up to know one in the media and panders to none. Why?
If I know the answer to that question, how come none of the bloggers nor journalists seem to know?

[s_charles]

As a long time journalist (now retired)the under tone of hurt feelings in this story reminds me of every young journalist I worked with over 40 some odd years - its almost a rite of passage.
When they realize that not everyone is hanging on their every word nor shares the view that they are as important or necessary as they think they are - they start the transition from having a title to becoming a serious journalist or they turn into vindictive or inconsequential ranters.
The smart ones get over themselves, they get past the ego and hurt feelings or the temptation to be vindictive and they learn to listen.
Obama does not treat main stream journalists any differently than he treats the bloggers. He cozies up to know one in the media and panders to none. Why?
If I know the answer to that question, how come none of the bloggers nor journalists seem to know?

[tbweb]

"Bloggers Strikingly Ambivalent About Obama"

Sen. Obama ran for President too soon thats why! Its not even about experience, its about putting in a reasonable amount of time in public office so Voters can get comfortable with him, really get to know him. So Bloggers are justifiably Ambivalent! Many are willing to give Sen. Obama a pass on the "time in" issue but many are not!

[rowdytexan2]

Go get ''em Hillary! Fight like a tiger! We need a COMPETENT president.

[fairandbal]

Let the MSM spin begin. McCain is all of a sudden a saint in the eyes of the media and the conservative ''savior''. But Obama is the curse of the liberal bloggosphere??? give me a break. Obama just raised over $7Million in 48 hours basically by internet, he has a huge bloggosphere following.
The MSM is clearly doing it''s usual bidding of the GOP and conservative causes and now feels like it needs to give McCain a free ride to the white house.

Let''s be real folks, we don''t have an truly independent media in this country!

[citizenusa-2009]

If I were a Republican (WHICH I''M NOT), I would quietly contribute to Obama''s campaign. Why? Because McCain (100 more years in Iraq) is CLEARLY not going to be elected. Therefore, Obama as an inexperienced President will have to spend 3 years LEARNING what Hillary KNOWS. While he''s trying to figure out what to do on "The Hill", it will be BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR THE REPUBLICANS! Hey, wait a minute, how do you suppose Obama raised 32 million in ONE MONTH?????

[tibu987]

Be careful.
A lot of insults, slander, and insinuations, will be tossed about in the coming months.
Don''t be misled by those who try to misinform you (such as akona22 on this site). Do your own homework.
Obama remains, after all that, a breath of fresh air.
Washington pols, the Clintons and McCain included, may not welcome an honorable person like Obama, but I do, as do many others.
Obama is as devout a Christian as any Christian out there.

A 72 year old white American veteran.

[tibu987]

Count me as one blogger not ambivalent about Obama.
As an old goat who has seen a lot of presidents come and go, starting with FDR, Obama is a breath of fresh air in the clammy and phony climate of Washington.

Vote against politics as usual, i.e., the Clintons, McCain, et al.

Vote against the status quo, i.e., the Clintons, McCain, et al.

Vote against arrogance, corruption, and incompetence
in Washington,i.e., the Clintons, McCain, et al.

Vote against members of Washington''s "good ole boys/girls" club, i.e, the Clintons, McCain, et al.

Vote against divisive partisan politics, vote for uniting our country once again.

Vote for change.
Vote for Obama.

72 year old white veteran.

[ryaple]

Mike098761,

1) She voted to authorize the war in Iraq
2) Her and her husband recieved a $30 million dollar donation to their fund for setting up a shady Kazakhstan uranium mining deal
3) She was paid off by the insurance industry and dropped Universal Health Care that she promised in ''93.
4) She tried to race bait Obama only to have it blow up in her face
5) She too accepted donations from Tony Reszko, but don''t forget to mention Norman Hsu ($800,000), Marc Rich ($500,000), Aaron Tonken ($1,000,000), etc. (for more of Clinton''s sleazy donors go to: http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=076fd56f-4aca-4683-a9d1-3c55d748946e
6) Pardon of 16 members of FALN, Puerto Rican Nationalist Group who murdered 6 people in a 1975 bombing, only to gain favor with the Hispanic voting community in NY.

You asked for one thing Hillary did wrong, I gave you 6. Do you want me to continue???

[oxmounter]

"""His campaign themes - unity, bipartisanship - grate on liberal bloggers frustrated at the perceived unwillingness of mainstream Democrats to stand up to the Republican Party on issues ranging from Iraq to the Bush administration''s warrantless surveillance.""" Well, if unity and bipartisanship ''grate on liberal bloggers,'' then the problem is not Obama, it is liberal bloggers. Partisan politics is a disease, and there are enough bad thinkers around to keep it epidemic for a thousand years. People listen to Obama
and hear a positive voice of reason. There aren''t enough of them out there. Shame on the "bloggers."

[mike098761]

Obama
1. Recently says "at least I can tell McCain, I didn''t vote for Iraq War." Although true, he is deceiving YOU. He wasn''t elected official until a year and half ago.
2. Claims Care for people: I%u2019m consumer advocate. I call Congress, Senate & Att.Gen. offices around U.S. to help their supporters/citizens. After a year of no help from Madigen (IL-AG) & DA offices in IL, called his office TWICE for HIS Senior Citizens. I was brushed off. Now he wants to claim, he cares? Well, while senator (a year ago) he didn''t care for IL Citizens, what makes you think he%u2019s "CHANGED?"
3. Says "CHANGE" so well. Until 2 weeks ago, didn''t have clear plan, as journalists who follow the race can''t figure-out. Now his plan is a copycat of Hillary with "CHANGEs".
4. Says "CHANGE." Does anyone know what actual changes, besides changing Oval Office nametag?
5. How much experience to "CHANGE?" NONE?! But Hillary offers so much. Thus far, 7 yrs. U.S. Senator, 8 years very active 1st Lady, Years, same in AR and so much more. As a First Lady, cared & pushed for Women''s and Children''s rights and education to name a few.
6. REZKO effect: Obama''s relationship w/indicted "Tony" Rezko %u2026 kickbacks & campaign contributions, poured thousands of dollars into his campaigns. Rezko also helped him increase his yard size ... He now calls "boneheaded" mistake.
Hillary bashers: Give me ONE thing Hillary did wrong- She/Bill didn''t benefit YOU.
He recently LIED twice & admitted to 2 MISTAKES

[mike098761]

Obama
1. Recently says "at least I can tell McCain, I didn''t vote for Iraq War." Although true, he is deceiving YOU. He wasn''t elected official until a year and half ago.
2. Claims Care for people: I%u2019m consumer advocate. I call Congress, Senate & Att.Gen. offices around U.S. to help their supporters/citizens. After a year of no help from Madigen (IL-AG) & DA offices in IL, called his office TWICE for HIS Senior Citizens. I was brushed off. Now he wants to claim, he cares? Well, while senator (a year ago) he didn''t care for IL Citizens, what makes you think he%u2019s "CHANGED?"
3. Says "CHANGE" so well. Until 2 weeks ago, didn''t have clear plan, as journalists who follow the race can''t figure-out. Now his plan is a copycat of Hillary with "CHANGEs".
4. Says "CHANGE." Does anyone know what actual changes, besides changing Oval Office nametag?
5. How much experience to "CHANGE?" NONE?! But Hillary offers so much. Thus far, 7 yrs. U.S. Senator, 8 years very active 1st Lady, Years, same in AR and so much more. As a First Lady, cared & pushed for Women''s and Children''s rights and education to name a few.
6. REZKO effect: Obama''s relationship w/indicted "Tony" Rezko %u2026 kickbacks & campaign contributions, poured thousands of dollars into his campaigns. Rezko also helped him increase his yard size ... He now calls "boneheaded" mistake.
Hillary bashers: Give me ONE thing Hillary did wrong- She/Bill didn''t benefit YOU.
He recently LIED twice & admitted to 2 MISTAKES

[mike098761]

Obama
1. Recently says "at least I can tell McCain, I didn''t vote for Iraq War." Although true, he is deceiving YOU. He wasn''t elected official until a year and half ago.
2. Claims Care for people: I%u2019m consumer advocate. I call Congress, Senate & Att.Gen. offices around U.S. to help their supporters/citizens. After a year of no help from Madigen (IL-AG) & DA offices in IL, called his office TWICE for HIS Senior Citizens. I was brushed off. Now he wants to claim, he cares? Well, while senator (a year ago) he didn''t care for IL Citizens, what makes you think he%u2019s "CHANGED?"
3. Says "CHANGE" so well. Until 2 weeks ago, didn''t have clear plan, as journalists who follow the race can''t figure-out. Now his plan is a copycat of Hillary with "CHANGEs".
4. Says "CHANGE." Does anyone know what actual changes, besides changing Oval Office nametag?
5. How much experience to "CHANGE?" NONE?! But Hillary offers so much. Thus far, 7 yrs. U.S. Senator, 8 years very active 1st Lady, Years, same in AR and so much more. As a First Lady, cared & pushed for Women''s and Children''s rights and education to name a few.
6. REZKO effect: Obama''s relationship w/indicted "Tony" Rezko %u2026 kickbacks & campaign contributions, poured thousands of dollars into his campaigns. Rezko also helped him increase his yard size ... He now calls "boneheaded" mistake.
Hillary bashers: Give me ONE thing Hillary did wrong- She/Bill didn''t benefit YOU.
He recently LIED twice & admitted to 2 MISTAKES

[mcvet]

It''s amazing how out of touch these nazi rags have become. They truly have no more idea what''s going on here, why the HUGH Numbers for Democrats in the Primary''s. It just all goes right over their small pointed little heads! Sieg Heil Bush!

[irliberal]

GO HILLARY 2008! WOOHOO! You go girl!