Obama Won't Change Game Plan After Loss

Politico: Despite Pennsylvania Loss, Advisers Say They Are Sticking With Strategy That Got Them This Far

(The Politico)  This story was written by Ben Smith.

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Barack Obama casts himself as the candidate of change, but his campaign strategy going forward is the opposite: more of the same.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton shuffled slogans, staff and tactics in the wake of her primary losses. But Obama and his advisers, after a third major primary defeat in two months, say they are sticking with the game plan that brought him this far.

"The way we are going to close the deal is by winning,” Obama told reporters in New Albany, Ind., on Wednesday, one day after losing Pennsylvania to Clinton by 9 percentage points. “And right now, we are winning."

Obama’s aides said, on and off the record, that Obama would keep doing what he’s been doing: campaigning with the aim of running up big margins on friendly turf and limiting his losses where Clinton is strong.

And they said to expect no tweaks to his campaign style of speeches full of hope and attacks on Washington’s status quo, expensive field and television campaigns, and direct mail attacks on Clinton’s trustworthiness and policies. They also stressed the importance of the largest remaining state, North Carolina, as a test of both candidates.

His aides also directly dismissed concerns that his relative weakness among working-class white voters - a constant since at least February - should cause superdelegates to doubt his viability in November.

“The white working class has gone to the Republican nominee for many elections, going back even to the Clinton years. This is not new that Democratic candidates don’t rely solely on those votes,” his chief strategist, David Axelrod, told National Public Radio.

“The vast majority of these Democrats are going to come home,” said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe, saying the question is who would pull younger, independent-leaning Republicans away from Arizona Sen. John McCain.

The spin drew a sharp rejoinder from former President Bill Clinton, whose narrow pluralities among working-class white voters were key to his victories, according to leading Democratic analysts.

“Today her opponent's campaign strategist said, 'Well, we don't really need these working class people to win. Half the time they vote for Republicans anyways,'" the former president said while speaking from a flatbed truck on a baseball field in Hillsborough, N.C. "I will tell you something - America needs you to win, and therefore Hillary wants your support.”

Obama’s decision not to engage the argument over white working-class voters - or to present a strategy for improvement - indicates they don’t believe undecided superdelegates are buying Clinton’s arguments.

And there is no evidence that they are. Wednesday, the candidates announced the endorsements of three superdelegates with working-class white constituents: Obama won the support of Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry and a Democratic national committeewoman from Nebraska while Clinton won the support of Tennessee Rep. John Tanner.

Clinton’s campaign has sought to focus attention on the contest in Indiana, considered favorable demographic terrain for her despite a proximity to Obama’s hometown of Chicago and his strong organization. There, too, Obama’s backers hope he’ll run strong.

“The Obama camp was the only one that focused on new registration,” Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel told Politico. “They brought in the lion’s share, if not all” of about 3,600 new registrations in his county.

But Plouffe said North Carolina would be a key test of the candidates, an argument that sets Obama up to declare an overall victory on May 6 - when he is likely to win more delegates and more votes on the day - and downplay Indiana as a definitive contest.

“North Carolina is a big battleground state with 15 electoral voes,” Plouffe said. “By [the Clinton campaign’s] own definition, it would appear they need to win North Carolina.”

Plouffe also sought to downplay Obama’s weakness in the industrial Midwest by suggesting that he can put an unorthodox set of states into play against McCain - Virginia, Iowa, Missouri and Georgia -though it may not give comfort to Democrats who think the race will be fought in the traditional battlegrounds of Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

For Obama, a change of strategy might prove a dangerous distraction and a sign of weakness when he’s focused on projecting a winner’s strength. What’s more, some Democrats noted, Obama hasn’t lost support within demographic groups over the course of the primary and has his highest-ever standing against Clinton in national polls.

“His positive message has proved durable and powerful,” said Bob Shrum, the top adviser to John Kerry in 2004.

[rowdytexan2]

Too bad people aren''t buying Obama''s chance from Washington politics to corrupt Chicago politics!

His presenting himself as above politics as usual is the laughing stock of the century!

[obama8years]

So let me get this right, Obama is still going to embrace his rev wright, friend bill ayers, support the ISM, look down on small town america, destroy our Military(his own words). Come on Obama I think you need a diffrent direction.

[realpatriot1]

He''s right not to change. Let Hillary and the Republicans roll in the dirt.

He''ll win by being the adult in the race.

[texanforlogi]

Good for you, Obama--this is exactly what America needs now. You are a man of integrity and have consistently strove to rise above the dirty politics in Washington. You have given us hope again. Obama in ''08! Yes, WE can!

[stn_sage]

Other then the pretense of impartiality and fairness, I don''t know why CBSnews even bothered doing this article on Obama today!

Since it has---with the rest of the news media---kept the Clinton campaign alive and thriving, no matter what lie, fabrication, or attack they waged. And disseminating the Clinton campaign ''spin'' as if it were fact! So---

This article today DOESN''T make up for yesterday''s
poor judgment in running propagandistic news stories for Clinton! :(

[rowdytexan2]

Integrity? Adult? From a man who gets caught lying SIX temies on national TV and every time he goes on the stump?

Adult? A cheap class clown that shoots his finger when he says his opponent''s name in videotape?

Hahahahahaha!

[serrano338]

Go ahead Obama, "Don''t Change" because certain things can''t be changed anyway, and those are the things that will leave Obama with that dumbfounded look on his face again. Obama and Axelrod, Obama and Rev. Wright, Obama and Rezko, Obama and Ayers, don''t change a thing Obama, you are defeating yourself all on your own. Obama is Obama''s worst enemy.

[metroduck75]

At the beginning, Obama was ALL about "change".

But now, he is ALL about "don''t change".

Wow, he just lost my Vote.

[metroduck75]

Do people really know Obama as they thought they knew????

``He says what he has to say as a politician. I say what I have to say as a pastor,'''' Wright said in an interview with PBS''s ``Bill Moyers Journal'''' scheduled to air tonight.

Wow, did he just point out that Obama has to say anything he has to say as a Politician????

What happened the 2nd coming? and "rising above the fray"? and the hope and change?

Is he playing Politics as usual???? Wow.

[metroduck75]

blackspirit3,

you need to insult the Voters.

I know Obama has inspired to do such a nasty thing.

But please, that is NOT the winning strategy.

After I discovered what kind of person he REALLY is.... He just lost my Vote.

[metroduck75]

Say NO to Obama and his "never been proud" wife ''08!!!

They offer NO real solutions to America.

[mike71067]

The Superdelegates have a HUGE problem on their hands: Obama''s not nearly as electable as he was 6 months ago. If the primaries were to begin now, with all we now know about Obama, Hillary would kill him. He racked up the delegate counts BEFORE Rev. Wright, Ayers, the Million Man March attendance, etc., became known to us all.

Sooooo, should they vote for Obama, who is now a damaged and weakened candidate (thanks to Hillary), or should they vote for Hillary, who is despised by half the country?

[metroduck75]

Real Men Love Strong Women.... :)

Hillary ''08!!!!

[mike71067]

Obama is no longer the "candidate of change". He is now just like all the rest. The "magic" is gone, and he has been exposed as being no better than Hillary. In fact, he might be more of a liability for Democrats.

[metroduck75]

Hillary is like a CatWoman.

No matter how many times the Elites and the Villans in the News Media try to kill her off, she NEVER dies.... LOL

I love that in a Woman.... very HOT!!!

[metroduck75]

Democrats can NO longer lose any more Hard Working, down to earth, Middle-Class American Families.

But then, Democratic Party have always been addicted to losing every 4 years.

Kerry then, Obama now. History seems to be repeating itself.

[metroduck75]

blackspirit3,

STOP playing the Racial Cards.

America is getting SICK of Black people always playing the Racial Cards!!!!!

No matter how much the goverment give to you.... it seems NEVER enough.

And now you are INSULTING the Voters on behalf of Obama!!!

Not so nice, don''t you think?

[metroduck75]

blackspirit3,

STOP playing the Racial Card.

America is getting SICK of Black people always playing the Racial Card!!!!!

No matter how much the goverment give to you.... it seems NEVER enough.

And now you are INSULTING the Voters on behalf of Obama!!!

Not so nice, don''''t you think?

[hungry1968]

Bill''s shooting his mouth off again, pi**ing off all of the black voters again.

Obama says, "Thanks!!"

[hungry1968]

Hillary is like a CatWoman.

No matter how many times the Elites and the Villans in the News Media try to kill her off, she NEVER dies.... LOL

I love that in a Woman.... very HOT!!!

Posted by metroduck75 at 03:24 PM : Apr 25, 2008





It''s the first election they had in 6 weeks, and she was projected to win it by 20 points back then.

How was she "killed off", and by who?

[hungry1968]

HUNGRY

POOR AL GORE HAD TO SUFFER DUE TO BILL CLINTON DIRTY FREAKY HABITS HIS WIFE PUTS UP WITH.
HOW CAN HILLARY CHERRY PICK CERTAIN PARTS OF THE CLINTON YEARS AND LEAVE OUT ALL THE 4 YEARS OF MONICA
YET AL GORE WAS BEAT UP OVER THE HEAD EVERY DAY OVER BILL DIRT.

Posted by blackspirit3 at 03:32 PM : Apr 25, 2008




Dude - I''m with you. But turn off your caps lock please.

I''ve been saying that about Hillary since she first started with her "35 years of experience".

She wants the credit for Bosnia, the record unemployment rates, and the booming economy.

But she wants NO PART of the blame for Rwanda, NAFTA, or Somalia.

It seems that she has VERY SELECTIVE experience.


Funny too is her "35 years of experience" claims died with the Bosnia story, huh? She ruined her own PR claims by exposing them herself.

[truth-hurts]

NOBAMA!!

[metroduck75]

Obama''s "never been proud" Wife and "God d-a-m--n America" Pastor are disgraceful.

Hope and Change???? Is he trying to hope for the better and change for the worse??

No, thank you.

America is getting SICK of the Racial Card.

[truth-hurts]

Hillary has had over 60 books written about her. We know exactly who Hillary is...no doubt about it!

We don''t know enough about Obama to fill a chapter.

[metroduck75]

hungry1968, you need to read MORE news, brother.

Maybe you will realise Obama is NOT the 2nd coming as the Elites want you to believe.

[truth-hurts]

Obama is going to change things alright.....but why isn''t he telling us how.

[hungry1968]

No, thank you.

America is getting SICK of the Racial Card.

Posted by metroduck75 at 03:46 PM : Apr 25, 2008




Yes they are. And Hillary and McClone are going to pay a price for using it all the time!!!

[hungry1968]

hungry1968, you need to read MORE news, brother.

Maybe you will realise Obama is NOT the 2nd coming as the Elites want you to believe.

Posted by metroduck75 at 03:47 PM : Apr 25, 2008




Actually, all three are elitists - whether they want to admit it or not.

I don''t agree with EVERYTHING that he says, but I believe a lot more in what he says than I do in the other two morons.

McSame is going to follow the Bush doctrines and policies that Bush laid out, and Hillary will only do what is popular, or which pandering will do her the most good AT THAT PARTICULAR MOMENT.

Neither of those types of people will be good for our country.

[metroduck75]

Once again....

People are allowing all the Elites and the Villans in the News Media telling them how to think.

Look, Obama is walking on water.... Yea, sure.

[hungry1968]

Only Black people would put themselves ahead of what''''s best for the country. Obama isn''''t qualified to be President. They know that but the don''''t care because their ego is bigger that their brains. They''''ve all but destroyed the Democratic Party and next it will be the whole country. They all want to be hot shett. Get over yourselves!!!

Posted by truth-hurts at 03:55 PM : Apr 25, 2008




What makes you qualified to determine whether or not Obama is qualified to do the job?

[truth-hurts]

90% of Black People vote for Obama...THAT"S THE RACE CARD!!!! And if you people actually think that you can play it OVER and OVER again in every GD STATE and get by with it .... you are soooo WRONG!!!

[jlbizzle]

Obama is unelectable. Period. Wake up Super Delegates. That''s why they''re there... To make the correct choice, when a candidate crashes and burns. Sorry kids...

[andylance1]

Be sure to watch Bill Moyers interview Rev. Wright tonight on PBS.

Be aware that Bill Moyers is a flagrant example of partisan, anti-religious, and ideological journalism. This self-admitted "skunk in the garden" will make Rev. Wright feel right at home as he disguises his role in the creation of the Obama cult and his incendiary anti-American propaganda.

After you watch Bill Moyers, you will probably agree that public funding for PBS is a bad idea, as long as they have their resident skunk in the garden.

[kstar42]

Posted by truth-hurts at 04:14 PM : Apr 25, 2008

:) that''s to funny

[mudrose-2009]

Posted by andylance1

He''s a left wing hack. Looks like one too. It should be funny watching these two slimeballs go at it tonight. Is wrestling on tonight? That''s a better show.

[mcvet]

He''''s a left wing hack. Looks like one too. It should be funny watching these two slimeballs go at it tonight. Is wrestling on tonight? That''''s a better show.


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Posted by mudrose at 04:34 PM : Apr 25, 2008
+ report abuse

Hey didn''t you Nazi say the same thing about John Kennedy?? It''s hard to change course and Stay the course stupid! Now help me out here... let the fuhrer know you''re out here licking those boots...spreading that fascist hate for "liberals"! Sieg Heil Bush!! Good bootlicker!!

[rowdytexan2]

He needs to change his campaign plan from Yes We Can to No We Can''t Seem To! lol

[mcvet]

Posted by truth-hurts at 04:14 PM : Apr 25, 2008

:) that''''s to funny


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Posted by kstar42 at 04:17 PM : Apr 25, 2008
+ report abuse

You think? Say where''s the rally this weekend?? Are you going to burn a flag??? Sieg Heil Grand Wizard!!

[mcvet]

He needs to change his campaign plan from Yes We Can to No We Can''''t Seem To! lol


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Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 04:55 PM : Apr 25, 2008
+ report abuse

Why in this world would he want to do that? He leads Clinton by 10 or better points in EVERY poll out there and his negatives are HALF hers. I''d say he needs to stick with his plan and he''ll be just fine. MOST democrats are NOT like you fickle... "IF I can''t win I''ll take my marbles and go home" types. They WILL support the choice of the Delagates. Sieg Heil Bush

[mcvet]

According to the Indianapolis Star Poll Obama has MOVED ahead in that state, 41-38 percent. Bad News for Hillary I''m afraid...

[efarris38]

Senator Evan Bayh has much more clout in his home state of Indiana than Obama could ever imagine!!! A few more photo ops and the talk of a ClINTON/BAYH ticket will put Indiana in the win column for Senator Clinton! CLINTON/BAYH 2008!!!!!!!!!!!

[truth-hurts]

McVet, Don''t worry your nylons off. The Indy star is in downtown Indianapolis which is about 90% Black. They probably stood outside their door and did the survey, the same way the Wall Street Journal does it.

[truth-hurts]

Hey, McVet, Do you know what the Super Delegate count is? Whose ahead Obama or Hillary??

[rowdytexan2]

Why in this world would he want to do that? He leads Clinton by 10 or better points in EVERY poll out there and his negatives are HALF hers. I''''d say he needs to stick with his plan and he''''ll be just fine. MOST democrats are NOT like you fickle... "IF I can''''t win I''''ll take my marbles and go home" types. They WILL support the choice of the Delagates. Sieg Heil Bush


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Posted by MCVet at 04:59 PM : Apr 25, 2008

You gotta start reading something besides Obama''s website!

[rowdytexan2]

Yes they are. And Hillary and McClone are going to pay a price for using it all the time!!!


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Posted by hungry1968 at 03:49 PM : Apr 25, 2008

They don''t have to, Obama keeps his handy dandy race card flashing all the time! Keep it clipped on to his shirt pocket tab...flashing Racist! Racist! Racist!

[efarris38]

CLINTON/BAYH 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SAVE THE ECONOMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[minnick8-2009]

I just love it how the Demo race just goes on and on with Clinton and Obama cutting each other down and exposing each other''s faults. They are doing the Republicans'' job. Thank you, thank you, Clinton and Obama.

[rufisgufis]

Obama is leading in number of delegates won;

Obama is leading in number of states won;

Obama is leading in number of popular votes won;

Obama is leading in number of the caucuses won;

Obama is leading in every demographic;

Clinton is leading in number of lies told.

FIGURES DON''T LIE BUT LIARS CAN FIGURE

OBAMA 08

[rufisgufis]

Obama is leading in number of delegates won;

Obama is leading in number of states won;

Obama is leading in number of popular votes won;

Obama is leading in number of the caucuses won;

Obama is leading in every demographic;

Clinton is leading in number of lies told.

FIGURES DON''T LIE BUT LIARS CAN FIGURE

OBAMA 08

[rowdytexan2]

He needs to change his campaign slogan from Yes We Can! to Sorry They Won''t Vote for Me!