GOP Gives Clinton The Silent Treatment

Politico: Party Organizations All Focus Attacks On Obama Rather Than N.Y. Senator

(The Politico)  This story was written by Jonathan Martin.

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Hillary Clinton’s decisive Pennsylvania primary win last week may have reinvigorated her campaign, but you wouldn’t know it from listening to the Republican party.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has purchased $500,000 in anti-Barack Obama ads for use in two upcoming special House elections. The Republican National Committee is flooding reporters with anti-Obama emails. Presumptive nominee John McCain and GOP surrogates have seized on new remarks by Obama’s controversial former pastor.

From top to bottom, from McCain down to the youthful campaign and party staffers who work nearly around the clock to get him elected, the working assumption seems to be that the Democratic contest is over and Obama has won.

Even when Clinton attacks McCain, President Bush or GOP policies, the response is either outright silence or snarky, dismissive ridicule about a failed campaign barely relevant enough to merit a response.

“With ads like that, it’s more likely the call at 3 a.m. is ‘Senator, you just lost another superdelegate,’” quipped McCain adviser Steve Schmidt earlier this month when Clinton aired a version of her “3 a.m.” ad attacking McCain on the economy.

In one revealing glimpse into Republican thinking, when McCain quickly hit back with an ad of his own parroting the genre, he incorporated Barack Obama’s name into the response and spent little money airing it.

Clinton, it seems, has been erased from the picture, Soviet-style. Republicans mostly act like she doesn’t exist-an unusual turn of events considering her run of big-state victories and the fact that not so long ago Republican campaign plans were predicated on the idea of Clinton as the Democratic nominee.

Indeed, her recent success has only increased the volume and ferocity of the attacks-not on her, but on Obama.

After her Pennsylvania win last week, the RNC did not send a single e-mail focused on Clinton through Monday. At the same time, the committee blasted out 18 that attacked Obama.

When McCain’s campaign last week launched a new morning e-mail to reporters detailing the day’s schedule and drawing attention to preferred stories, they signaled the candidate who has their undivided attention.

Included each day along with critical articles about Obama is the “Audacity Watch,” the smart-alecky rubric under which they take the Illinois senator to task for some public comment or policy position.

There has yet to be any mention of the senator from New York.

Nor did Clinton’s name surface other than in passing in a press release dressed up as a “memo” that was sent out last week by McCain campaign manager Rick Davis. While it ticked off reams of Pennsylvania exit poll data highlighting Obama’s potential vulnerabilities, there was again no discussion of potential Clinton weaknesses.

“Even though Hillary Clinton won this primary, Barack Obama is seen as the front runner among Pennsylvania Democrats and is perceived to be the candidate most likely to win the Democratic Party’s nomination,” Davis explained.

McCain himself has become more aggressive in hitting Obama.

On ABC’s “This Week” last Sunday, he raised, unprompted, the Democrat’s views on capital gains taxes and his ties to a member of the radical Weather Underground group. In a conference call with conservative bloggers Friday, McCain responded to a question about words of support a Hamas political adviser had bestowed on Obama by saying it’s “very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States.” He then noted leftist Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega’s support for Obama, as well.

Sunday, McCain ended his reluctance to go after the Illnois senator over Obama’s controversial pastor by bringing up two new statements made by Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

On Clinton, McCain has said next to nothing of late, including her only in broad critiques that are always twinned with shots at Obama.

“[Obama] is still is clearly the front-runner for the Democratic nomination,” notes GOP strategist Brian Jones, a former top aide on McCain’s campaign. “The math is still clearly in his favor, he leads in fundraising and has the energy in the party behind him. So it makes sense.”

The Republican attacks mirror private disdain for Obama that, while still far from Clinton hatred at its zenith, is rapidly intensifying. The view among McCain aides and other Republicans is that Obama has gotten a free ride from the press despite what they see as a record of little substantive accomplishment.

Despite evidence to the contrary, McCain’s campaign wouldn’t concede that they are concentrating on Obama.

“Sometimes we engage him and sometimes we engage her,” said communications director Jill Hazelbaker. “There is not a distinct strategy to engage Obama.”

RNC communications director Danny Diaz noted that Obama has attracted more scrutiny because he has been more aggressive in his attacks.

“He engages Sen. McCain with much more frequency and has made Sen. McCain’s record part of his standard stump speech,” Diaz said.

The GOP focus on Obama also has a strategic component. His image is not nearly as pronounced as that of the former first lady among most Americans, which necessitates further definition.

“He has a very soft impression, so they’re using this time to define him,” observed Kevin Madden, a veteran Republican operative who recently served as Mitt Romney’s chief spokesman.

More notably, the view of Obama among Republicans has changed.

After much trembling about the threat he could pose, the Republican consensus has dramatically shifted: many are now enthused about the prospect of taking on a candidate they see as fatally flawed.

“The apparatus will be ready for both, but the Barack Obama that a lot of Republican strategists looked at four or five months ago was a lot more formidable than the one stumbling through the last few months,” observed Madden.

The emergence (and re-emergence) of Obama’s pastor, the candidate’s gaffe about small-town America and his seemingly hardening demographic weaknesses have convinced many in the GOP that he would provide the most vivid opportunities for contrast and caricature.

“Clearly there’s a sense that she would be a tougher general election candidate,” said one Republican strategist. “So why do we want to acknowledge her and give her more credibility? Attacking her sends a message to the Democratic electorate. If she’s not the person you want to engage, why would you do that?”

To some degree, Clinton is now seen in conservative circles as a temporary ally who ought not be thrown off stride.

“She’s our best surrogate,” joked Barbara Comstock, a former RNC research director and GOP strategist.

But Comstock, like some other Republicans, also believes it’s risky to give Clinton a free pass.

“Given how volatile this campaign is, we should highlight that both are left of center,” she said. “She and Obama are soul brother and sister on philosophy. And right now you have to fight against the ideology of both of them.”

Noting the photos that surfaced of Bill and Hillary Clinton with Tony Rezko, the image of Jeremiah Wright with Bill Clinton in the White House and the fact that the former president commuted the sentences of some members of the Weather Underground, Comstock said the Obama vulnerabilities could be paired with Clinton.

As for the Clinton campaign, when asked about the Republican silence towad the New York senator, the campaign returned the favor: A spokesman declined to respond for the record.

[texanforlogi]

Even the GOP knows she''s finished. Obama in ''08!

[craigh9]

Gee, I wonder who the Republicans would prefer to run against in the fall?

[pepperp1]

Awful thought but unless Real Dems turn out and swamp the Obama activist in the downstream Primary%u2019s Dems are doomed because of how Dean cooked the bull schit rulZes and stole the race for the Base. Every Party or non affiliated voters should go to the polls what good will it do our country to have a Pelosi puppet in the White House and have another 8 years of fringe Rule. I believe we can all understand why Dean Pelosi are trying to keep Clinton out of the White House that power grab never going to happen and Pelosi wants to swing the power back to her, not I just think it took Obama 20 years to dump his crazy Pastor anyone believe he could reign in Pelosi, nah of course not.

[pepperp1]

Oh please more OBAMA DRAMA he replaces Britney now that she on her meds as the celebrity we pity and just like her as his popularity wanes Obama he keeps going on the tube%u2026%u2026could someone in Democratic Party Leadership schedule an intervention and get this guy off of this tabloid circuit before he completely destroy any creditability the Party had. Where Dr. Phil Oprah call Dr. Phil...

[jockh]

Hillary has the only stamp of approval that counts......the Republicans!
All you Hillary supporters who keep banging on that even though she is losing she is more electable, why do you think the Republicans are so desperate not to face Obama?

The Republicans have negative ads against Obama but not Hillary because they know that Hillary is more unelectable and easier for them to beat.
Hillary has won some big battles but has lost the war!

[mspiff]

No, it''s Obama who is now finished. Even my pro-Obama friends are backing off now.

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising the other side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. This seems obvious, but the press seems to be missing it.

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising an opposing side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. This seems obvious, but the press seems to be missing it.

[tx2democrats]

thats right!!! all my Obama-bot friends have backed down and realize that Hillary is the way to go, they wish they could take their vote back and re-vote for Hillary, they fell into the spin, can''t blame them, their just sheep and can''t think for themselves as most Obamites are.

[jockh]

her.

Hillary was the presumed nominee, had all the big donors, did not have to answer to negative campaigning, was ahead in Superdelegates, had over 20% margin in national polling, had the backing of a President, had more experience and identified more with voters.

So why didn%u2019t she close the deal on Super Tuesday and why is she trailing behind an underdog newcomer like Obama?

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising an opposing side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. This seems obvious, but the press seems oblivious.

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising an opposing side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. This seems obvious, but the press seems oblivious.

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising an opposing side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. This seems obvious, but the press seems oblivious.

[parrot123-2009]

No, it''s Obama who is now finished. Even my pro-Obama friends are backing off now.
Posted by mspiff at 11:28 AM : Apr 30, 2008

That''s what you''re being told - cuz they know you''re too invested in your Repug party beliefs and would probably have a coronary if they told you otherwise. But, look at the numbers and really FEAR. It''s been over for Repugs, most Americans can''t wait till November right now and could really care less for all the Negativity from the right without any campaigning for the senile old Man McSame - Anybody care to try and tell us why we should vote for this 72yr old man ?? Any Repugs ?? Cheers!

[parrot123-2009]

thats right!!! all my Obama-bot friends have backed down and realize that Hillary is the way to go, they wish they could take their vote back and re-vote for Hillary, they fell into the spin, can''''t blame them, their just sheep and can''''t think for themselves as most Obamites are.
Posted by Tx2Democrats at 11:41 AM : Apr 30, 2008

It''s sad - how hard Repugs will spew lies just to further a political cause ..... Your friends cannot be like sheep and unable to think for themselves and still be your friends - Unless they''re REPUGS. Cheers!

[carlbinder]

The Republicans have been trying to get the Democrats to nominate Hillary for at least two years. Bush, Rove and others have been saying for the last 18 months how "formidable" a candidate Hillary is, etc. Have you ever heard the other side make so big a deal of praising an opposing side''s candidate? Wake up, Democrats. The Republicans are chomping at the bit to run against Hillary. They know that Obama will bring in Independents and Republicans while Hillary will, once again, polarize the Republicans and other conservatives against her. And if they can knock out Obama while he''s weakened due to recent events, they will have sewn up their victory. This seems obvious, but the press seems oblivious.

[libra127]

The Republicans have negative ads against Obama but not Hillary because they know that Hillary is more unelectable and easier for them to beat.

Posted by jockh at 11:27 AM : Apr 30, 2008

Sorry, jock, but the article contradicts your premise. To wit:

%u201CClearly there%u2019s a sense that she would be a tougher general election candidate,%u201D said one Republican strategist. %u201CSo why do we want to acknowledge her and give her more credibility? Attacking her sends a message to the Democratic electorate. If she%u2019s not the person you want to engage, why would you do that?%u201D

[ranakarimi]

i voted for obama and it was the biggest mistake of my life i do any thing to get my vote back

[tlhwraith]

It''s so funny reading some of the pro-Clinton comments. ACtually, it''s kind of sad. The GOP has realized something that the pro-Clinton people still have not, she has lost. The latest meme is that people are having buyers remorse about Obama and that there is "something" fundamentally "wrong" with him as a candidate. What the pro-Clinton people don''t realize is that the reality is that right now he is the media target, if by some chance the glare turned back to Clinton, she would wither like a hot house rose.

The bottom line is that Clinton has run a horrible campaign, had every advantage in the world, and yet here we sit with her desperately trying to change the laws of physics to make her candidacy not be the utter impossibility it is right now. Obama is not a fundamentally bad candidate, it''s just that the GOP and Clinton have banded together to do the one thing neither have been able to do alone, stop him.

The GOP is far more intelligent than most of the Clinton campaign and supporters. They know, like most of us, that Clinton winning the primary is her own media creation that she is desperately selling to the public. The GOP and Obama are trying to move on to November, isn''t it time Clinton do the same?

[irliberal]

The GOP has realized something that the pro-Clinton people still have not, she has lost.

Posted by tlhwraith at 11:57 AM

Hahaha... wow you''re really pathetic. Keep telling yourself that, like a warm blanket, wrap yourself in it, until, in November, you''re saying Hello, Madam President!

I''m actually happy with either Obama or Hillary, their platforms are virtually identical. But to say that the democratic nomination race is over is just patently stupid.

[jack3213]

THE GOP IS THE SMARTER MORE INTELLIGENT PARTY THAT REALIZES WHO THEY SHOULD FOCUS ON AND WHEN- AND THE BEST THING TO MAKE SOMEONE GO AWAY IS TO IGNORE THEM- ALTHOUGH WITH CLINTON SHE IS A STUBBORN HORSE AND IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN FORGETTING SHE IS AROUND- ONE MUST WAIT FOR THE CONVENTION TO FINALLY DISENSEMBLE HER- UNFORTUNATELY.

[gretagreen]

I do not think Hillary should be counted out at all, but I do prefer Obama.

Obama is very smart, thoughtful and inspirational. To anyone who does not think he is strong enough, or enough of a fighter, I say look at where he is right now. He''s fighting against the huge Clinton machine (with top politicians Bill and Hillary at the helm), war hero Senator John McCain, the entire GOP and the smearing swiftboat types, the racists, and his own egotiscial Black reverend AND HE''s STILL WINNING.

A 46 year old junior senator, who is half-Black with a funny Muslim name is beating them all. That''s pretty amazing.

[jack3213]

THE CLINTON NAME HAS DEVELOPED A POOR REPUTATION, AND SINCE BILL HAS FALLEN AND EMBARRESSED HIMSELF AND THE FAMILY KEEPS TRYING TO REDEEM THEMSELVES UNSUCCESSFULLY- AND GATHERING SUPPORT - IT MEANS SIMPLY PEOPLE ARE NOT EFFECTED BY THEIR SHAME- THEY SHOULD BE!! IF THEY WANT THIS COUNTRY TO BE REPRESEENTED WITH DIGNITY AND PATRIOTISM WHY THE HECK WOULD YOU CONSIDER THEM? THIS ISN''T THE 1990''S AND THIS COUNTRY DOES NOT NEED ANOTHER DEEPLY DISTURBED LIAR.

[bks59]

This is the kind of dialoge that gets me to write another check to Obama

[libra127]

What the pro-Clinton people don''t realize is that the reality is that right now he is the media target, if by some chance the glare turned back to Clinton, she would wither like a hot house rose.

Posted by tlhwraith at 11:57 AM : Apr 30, 2008

What a laugh! She has been the media target for months up until a few days ago and she''s still there, strong as ever. Polls now show her beating McCain by 9 points. Some hothouse flower!

[halseym-2009]

Anyone who understands the DNC nominating process KNOWS that neither Obama nor Clinton have "won" yet. The reason the DNC created the byzantine super delegate concept is precisely for this current scenario where the race is so close that the party elders are the one who ultimately decide who is the best candidate. Super delegates are under no obligation to vote for the same candidates their constituents did. If you''re an Obama supporter and are convinced that the super delegates will definitely vote for Obama, then perhaps you''re thinking the the super delegates are worried about disenfranchising the blacks and rumors of riots. If you''re a Clinton supporter and you''re convinced the same about her, then perhaps you''re thinking...who knows.

Bottom line is that this primary race is NOT OVER.

[jack3213]

HEY LIBRA- IT IS WAY TOO EARLLY TO SAY SHE IS AHEAD OF MCCAIN- AND ANY POLL TAKEN NOW IN REGARDS TO THAT IS FALSE POSITIVE. WAKE UP LOL

[schlarg]

Hey ccfsdca - Easy now, carlbinder is hitting the nail on the head. The strategy he describes is, in fact, exactly how the RNC works in a coordinated fashion. The Clinton team used this very strategy to great effect against the Republicans during the 90s. Right now the RNC are focused on Obama because they believe he can win the nomination. This is a very sophisticated hardball.

[schlarg]

Hey ccfsdca - Easy now, carlbinder is hitting the nail on the head. The strategy he describes is, in fact, exactly how the RNC works in a coordinated fashion. The Clinton team used this very strategy to great effect against the Republicans during the 90s. Right now the RNC are focused on Obama because they believe he can win the nomination. This is a very sophisticated hardball.

[schlarg]

Hey ccfsdca - Easy now, carlbinder is hitting the nail on the head. The strategy he describes is, in fact, exactly how the RNC works in a coordinated fashion. The Clinton team used this very strategy to great effect against the Republicans during the 90s. Right now the RNC are focused on Obama because they believe he can win the nomination. This is a very sophisticated hardball.

[popstom1]

Clinton can not out right attack Obama if she could
he be done so let republican''s do it then Nov
Hillary beat McCain Obama I am above it all this
better then you BS put him in the trick bag

[blkpresident]

Somwehere in NY a neglected kitchen stove needs a woman''s touch. Where''s lil'' Hillary? Still criss-crossing the nation pipe dreaming about a woman becoming president. Somebody please tell lil'' missy that terrorist don''t play softball or powder-puff football.

[jerr11]

That''s better than the killer treatment they''re giving our troops in Iraq.

So far 4059 Dead Americans, all killed by the GOP!

Heckuva a job, guys!

[popstom1]

Iraq should have been done yesterday

[pam1sadge]

Go ahead and write another check to Obama. You''d have better odds playing the fricking lotto.

[popstom1]

The MSM has builded Obama a skateing rink untill
The Rev.Wright pissed on the press corp

[blkpresident]

Jane Fonda, Patty Hearst and Hillary Clinton. Birds of a feather flock together...

[blkpresident]

Clinton-Fonda ''08?

Imagine what a mess our foreign policy would be. Couldn''t get much weaker and softer than powder-puff missy and her band of weenies in charge. Bake sale anyone?

[pepperwood2]

Help... Bill O''Reilly, Hillary & McCain are playing us for Idiots again and we''re losing.

Many of us, & I or one, just look at the math. Sure Obama has the edge but you wonder why it is that Hillary is always implying that his victories don''t hold a candle to hers.

It comes down to, what winning over the Superdelegates, as she has been scheming behind the scenes. Unfair as it is, Obama has always been behind in the Superdelegates. He still is!

She was livid When superdelegate Richardson endorsed Obama as he is also a minority Hispanic, so to speak. That could influence the other Superdelegates in going for Obama. Hillary has been counting on playing this trump card.

That is why it is very important for Obama to win the popular vote along with the State''''s Delegates to EVEN the playing field. There''''s no doubt that it had been planned for years that Hillary was going to be the presidential candidate. This year was her time, to go about the country on her coronation tour, to be showcased. While the real underdog has been mocked, ridiculed, and attacked by both Hillary & McCain for the simple reason that they & the superdelegates do not want to see Obama in the Whitehouse. That''s the Inconvenient Truth.

[popstom1]

BLK how meny Fonda workout tapes do you have

[blkpresident]

Somewhere in NY a kitchen stove is in need of a woman''s touch. Where''s lil'' Hillary? Still cross-crossing the nation pipe dreaming about a woman becoming president, smirk, smirk. Somebody may want to warn lil'' missy that terrorist don''t play softball or powder-fuff football. What a lil'' weenie lil'' missy would be as president.

Vote smart Indiana and North Carolina.

[lorinkundert]

Of course the GOP wants Obama out, they know that Hillary will never beat McCain.

Most Obama supporters have said in polls they would vote McCain if Clinton gets the nomination.

Reagan Democrats will not vote for Hillary

Do the math.

[blkpresident]

Terrorist don''t respect or fear foreign policy shaped from a cake mixing bowl. They don''t need a president who will coddle them with baked goodies from the White House kitchen stove.

Vote smart Indiana and North Carolina.

[blkpresident]

Jane Fonda, Patty Hearst and Hillary Clinton. Birds of a feather flock together. America doesn''t need lil'' missy''s friends sleeping in the Lincoln Bedroom.

[jrmcclay]

hey blkpresident, Jane Fonda endorsed Obama, HA HA HA!

[lorinkundert]

Cut the sexist BS, you just give Hillary more ammunition to use like she did the "Iron my Shirts" remark, and that gave her a win.

[gretagreen]

BLKPRESIDENT - You are obviously a McCain supporter. No Obama supporter would post the idiotic things you post.

[mysycophant]

This whole message board is made up of about 5 people just exchanging jabs, and another 5 or so writing various forms of subversive *** (BLKPRESIDENT, we can see through your divisive tripe). What should we expect from an MSM board...

[gretagreen]

Obamamania, who tries to pretend he is a racist Black man, is also certainly not an Obama supporter.

You people need to get a life. Really. You guys are pathetic.

[tigerjcs]

Obama has been getting the free ride from the press all the time. Now, he is exposed. He throws his white grandmother under the bus, now it''s Rev. Wright - his uncle. This is CHANGE mean, changing mind if anything get in the way of his political ambition. Of course, his die hard supporters would not accept this truth. They only want to hear his rhetorics, only those come out of his mouth.
Obama is too weak to be a leader. He can''t handle debate anymore. He only whines unless the media is giving him the free rides. Anything negative publicity about him will be accused of being racist.