Thursday, February 04, 2016

President Obama seems more comfortable with a President Hillary Clinton, than a Bernie Sanders in the White House.

Courtesy of Politico: 

“Bernie came in with the luxury of being a complete long shot and just letting loose,” he said. “I think Hillary came in with the both privilege — and burden — of being perceived as the front-runner. … You’re always looking at the bright, shiny object that people haven’t seen before — that’s a disadvantage to her.” 

Even as he spoke wistfully of his 80-plus cold-pizza and crowded-van days in Iowa eight years ago, Obama seemed to embrace Clinton’s 2008 closing Iowa argument as much as his own, adopting her contention that inspiration without experience won’t cut it. He repeatedly praised Clinton without reservation while offering more tempered praise to the surging Sanders, whom he sees as a principled outsider seeking to change “terms of the debate that were set by Ronald Reagan 30 years ago.” 

To some extent, he’s returning Clinton’s favor: The former secretary of state has lavished praise on Obama on the debate stage and in appearances throughout Iowa, where he remains immensely popular among the hardcore progressives who turn out for the labor-intensive caucuses. Her refrain on the trail these days in Waterloo, Ames, Davenport: “I don't think he gets the credit he deserves.” 

Obama didn’t utter an unkind word about Sanders, who has been respectfully critical of his administration’s reluctance to prosecute Wall Street executives and his decision to abandon a single-payer health care system as politically impractical. But he was kinder to Clinton. When I asked Obama whether he thought Sanders needed to expand his horizons, if the Vermont senator was too much a one-issue candidate too narrowly focused on income inequality, the president didn’t dispute the assertion. 

There was also this:  

When I asked Obama if Clinton is facing “unfair scrutiny” this time around, his answer was a clipped “yes” — and he even admitted a tinge of regret that his own campaign had been so hard on her eight years ago. 

But when I asked him if Sanders reminded him of himself in 2008, he quickly shot me down: “I don’t think that's true.” 

It stands to reason actually that the President would prefer Hillary over Bernie. 

First off I am sure that after essentially denying her the Oval Office in 2008, he feels a little obligated to help her get it this time around. And personally I think this was the plan all along.

Secondly there have been some less than supportive comments about the Obama Administration from Sanders, and that had to have left some kind of mark.

And thirdly the President is undoubtedly very protective of what he has achieved and wants to make sure that the next President moves forward with his policies rather than start anew from scratch.

So yeah, I think Obama is all in for the Hillary campaign.

72 comments:

  1. Anonymous12:06 PM

    Here's an article on the unfair treatment of Hillary Clinton. I am not posting the link to try and get anyone to vote for her, because your vote is your own. I don't know if I'm going to vote for her, myself. But, we should be aware that public persona of Hillary Clinton has been shaped by years of negative press, some of it deserved, and a lot of it not deserved.

    Even if you aren't a Clinton fan and/or don't intend to vote for her, it's a great read. If you think Hillary Clinton is some kind of sociopathic monster, you may choose to pass on this one, which is too bad. You might learn something.

    http://bluenationreview.com/i-am-a-hillary-clinton-supporter-who-has-not-always-been-one/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous12:21 PM

      Just even yesterday at the town hall, the stupid insulting questions for Hillary really disgusted me. That Anderson Cooper is a fucking moron.

      Sanders only got asked questions about his political agenda, what a surprise.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous12:30 PM

      Thanks for sharing the article. I've only recently become aware of how decades of the 'whisper' campaign and conspiracy theories against Hillary had me not liking her very much. I clearly remember the disdain towards her for not being a proper First Lady and, instead, working on policy and standing up for feminism. Seeing the mistreatment for what it was and how damned smart and impressive she is, I'm all-in supporting her candidacy.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:09 PM

      :-) GO HRC!

      Delete
    4. Anonymous3:13 PM

      Another take on the same question?
      http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/01/bernie-sanders-madeleine-kunin-feminism

      Delete
    5. Anonymous7:35 PM

      I haven't had a chance to read the articles yet, however one item that angered me after Iowa, were the so called pundits complaining that Hillary's problem is she doesn't have a "catchy phase" to rile up the crowds.

      This is what American politics has become, not who is the most qualified, where do the candidates stand on the issues but who has the "catchiest" phase that the crowds can chant.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous12:08 PM

    Sanders began his campaign by criticizing Pres. Obama for deserting his supporters once he was elected. Sanders claimed that Pres. Obama basically said, 'I don't need you any more and can get things done by myself.' Sanders said he would be different by creating a movement.

    This was a wildly inaccurate representation of Pres. Obama and turned me off of Sanders from the beginning.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous1:11 PM

      When Obama was elected he didn't desert his supporters but he did understand that as President he needed to be there for all Americans. That required compromise and he tried very hard to work with the republicans. Unfortunately, the republicans had already decided to obstruct anything and everything President Obama tried to do. Under the circumstances, he has accomplished much more than anyone else in his position was able to do. If the democrats would show up in mid-term elections, he would have accomplished a lot more. I'd like to see Hillary win in November but I will support Sanders if he ends up on the ballot.

      Delete
    2. I remember that and it really annoyed me. President Obama has always been very clear that *we* need to bet things done and that he could not accomplish anything without *us* helping.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous12:08 PM

    I am too! #Imwithher

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous12:17 PM

    Why shouldn't Obama feel comfortable with Hillary as POTUS?

    Nobody knows how Bernie Sanders would cope with the world stage- America's place in the world doesn't even appear to be on his agenda. I can see why Obama might be tight-lipped about Sanders.

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    1. Anonymous12:58 PM

      That's my problem with Bernie too. I really like him and his domestic agenda, but Hillary has so much foreign policy experience while he has basically none.

      In the world as it is today, that's important.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:37 PM

      Yep she has lots of experience at starting foreign wars

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:44 PM

      1:37
      you have experience being an idiot

      Delete
    4. Anonymous1:50 PM

      Really 1:37? How dense and uneducated you are.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous5:38 PM

      http://tinyurl.com/z6jhv4mand I'm the dense idiot lol

      Delete
    6. Perhaps Bernie feels he should deal with the problems in this country before he starts meddling with the world's problems.

      You know, that old log in your eye thing?

      Delete
    7. Anonymous7:27 AM

      In many cases, the world's problems are our problems.

      Delete
  5. Olivia12:22 PM

    Hillary will be more help getting Democrats elected down the ticket than Bernie will be. I don't need any other reason than that to choose Hillary. I really like Bernie, though.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous12:29 PM

    Give me grounded, pragmatic, knows her shit grandma over pie in the sky, no international experience, has no clue what it means to be president grandpa any day.
    I've told folks since the day President Obama was in that a candidate can promise the moon and if you buy it you are stupid. A president CANNOT fulfill one tenth of his campaign promises because he has no clue wtf being a president is. Mrs. Clinton KNOWS what it takes, she fucking LIVED it.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous12:48 PM

      How I've always felt about President Obama getting blamed for very last thing when, if fact, it the republican-controlled congress that is responsible.

      Delete
  7. Anonymous12:36 PM

    Dude what does looking comfortable have to do with doing what the country needs, HRC is not the one to bring real change..... it's now or never.. Go Bernie!!!!
    By the way love this blog first thing I read when I wake up..
    A fan in Los Angeles

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:46 PM

      Sorry, but it's Hillary all the way

      Delete
  8. Anonymous12:37 PM

    And fourth, she's about 1000 percent more knowledgeable and prepared for the office than Sanders is, and Obama knows it.

    I like Sanders a lot. In the Senate.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous12:55 PM

    President Obama would prefer seeing Hillary Clinton become the next POTUS. She's ready for the position and will complete many of things he has started.

    She has my vote! Screw the Republicans and their hateful ways!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous1:22 PM

    HRC has been preparing for this office since she graduated college. And I believe a deal was struck in '08 that if she allowed BHO to get the nomination, this would be her compensation. Unlike the Tundra Twat, HRC has worked hard to be prepared.

    We shall see. I am a Bernie fan from way back, but if HRC gets the nod, I will vote for her. And I think in the general, she is more electable than socialist atheist Bernie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous1:32 PM

      How could it be her compensation when "we the people" vote? He was asked questions and he answered them.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:50 PM

      How did she "allow him to get the nomination?"

      She may have made a deal to support him after his nomination if he would consider her for Sec of State and maybe he's also paying her back here. Or maybe he really likes and supports her.

      Delete
    3. Anita Winecooler3:23 PM

      Bernie isn't an atheist, not that that disqualifies him in any way.

      Delete
  11. Anonymous1:29 PM

    Indictment coming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lori Klausutis1:46 PM

      Is that you Joe Blow Scarborough?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:47 PM

      Thanks for that warning, Mr. DeLay!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous1:48 PM

      yeah sure..

      Delete
    4. Anita Winecooler3:22 PM

      Indictment coming? Come on, don't leave us hanging. Did Trump pay her for her endorsement? Did she cheat on her taxes? Is Netanyahu paying her to not wear the star of david? Is she getting sued from the crashed party? Is her daughter, madame B ovary preggers again yet? Or is she getting indicted for calling Track a "combat vet"? When you find out, drop a link under "Anonymous", deal???

      Delete
    5. Anonymous4:27 PM

      Anita why don't you go back to your slack job playing spy for your execs.

      Delete
    6. I Love Anita and Ted and Janice and Nefer and Olivia and Gina M., of course! AND I Love the Brave Baby Cousin who loves MyAuntieLivesonEnsure9:49 PM

      Sheesh! The CAReMARes sure are lazy. Still suckin' off the SarahPac test and still suckin' at their clerical 'job.' You know how I know that the CAReMARes are commentin' and such? Their TELL is obvious. Whenever someone posts using a name rather than simply going with the default Anonymous the old girls just slather on a double dose of Fixodent on their ol' chompers and just clamp down. The foam dribbling down their jowls is quite the look.

      Delete
  12. Anonymous1:35 PM

    I have many more concerns about Bernie Sanders as the Democratic nominee than about Hillary Clinton in that role. Sanders comes across as a grumpy old man who never outgrew his 1960's/1970's anger. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, has had so much experience here and abroad and seems genuinely interested in people and their concerns. If Bernie Sanders cannot appreciate how much President Obama has accomplished in the past seven years with the burden of the totally seditious GOP always nipping at his heels, then Bernie Sanders has spent those years covering his eyes and his ears. Not much of a Democrat.
    Beaglemom

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  13. Anonymous1:38 PM

    There's been a lot of backlash against Hillary from Bernie supporters, and it's driving me nuts. I love Bernie, but Hillary IS NOT A MONSTER. She's ridiculously qualified for the job, and she's a genuinely nice person. (I've met her.)
    I'm also seeing a lot of static in the media about whether Bernie supporters are sexist for choosing Bernie over Hillary.
    I can say that at least in my experience, the answer is, for some, YES. I cannot tell you how many conversations I've had with BernieBros where I'm forced to listen to some empty criticism of Hillary that basically boils down to "She's a bitch." Of course they never come out and *say* that, but it's what they want to say.
    I absolutely adore Bernie, but he's nowhere near as qualified to be President as Hillary. Some people may like that about him, because he's an outsider, etc. Makes sense. But absolutely, 100%, there are some Democrats who have some deep-seated misogyny they refuse to admit to, and they are using it as an excuse to target Hillary.

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    1. Anonymous1:48 PM

      no sexism... he would just be a better president than HRC period....

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:55 PM

      She is a lying bitch.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:38 PM

      Anons at 1:48 pm and 1:55 pm. Neither of you does the future of the Democratic Party any good. And, by the way, Hillary Clinton is not a "lying bitch."
      Beaglemom

      Delete
    4. Anonymous4:24 PM

      They are ALL liars, male and female alike, 1:55 PM. It's called "politics" with a side of a complacent media that won't do their damned jobs in calling them out on it.

      Investigative journalism is dead.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous4:26 PM

      Really 2:38? Really?

      Delete
    6. Anonymous4:53 PM

      The Iowa Democratic party chair who is refusing to release raw vote totals from Monday’s state caucuses is a long-time Hillary Clinton supporter who donated to the politician’s various campaigns and who reportedly drives a Buick with the license plate “HRC 2016.”

      Dr. Andrea “Andy” McGuire has shot down calls to review vote tallies from Monday’s contest despite Clinton’s razor-thin win over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. The former secretary of state squeaked by the democratic socialist, hauling in 49.9 percent of state delegate equivalents versus Sanders’ 49.6 percent.

      Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2016/02/04/iowa-democratic-official-who-refuses-to-review-results-is-hillary-supporter/#ixzz3zFngGlnq

      Delete
    7. Anonymous5:43 PM

      If HRC gets the dems nod, my vote goes Jill Stien Green Party!

      Does that make me sexist???

      Delete
    8. Anonymous6:09 PM

      Not one person here has said that everyone who doesn't vote for Hillary Clinton you are a sexist, so I don't know why you are asking that question.

      Delete
    9. Anonymous10:14 PM

      Ugh, sorry for the typos in my 6:09 comment...bad editing.

      Delete
  14. Anonymous1:43 PM

    Can't say that I like the "campaign was too hard on her in 2008" statement, once again alluding to women being weaker. Hillary is one tough cookie and has had more thrown at her than most.

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    1. Anonymous3:06 PM

      MILES above you-know-who!

      Delete
  15. Anonymous2:41 PM

    I agree with President Obama...I'm with Hillary for 2016.
    @ 1:55 yawn...that is such a Faux-Hannity meme, been hearing it for 10 yrs maybe more. Get over it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Anonymous2:52 PM

    I think the GOP would love to see Sanders as the Dem choice. The floodgate$$$$ would open wide and eviscerate him using their neo-con dog whistle "socialist". As much as I like what Sanders is saying, he would be defeated no matter how awful their repuke candidate was.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Anonymous3:20 PM

      The GOP plan to make that happen if possible. They will do or say anything.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:46 PM

      It looks like a split is coming to the dem party

      HRC and the capitalist

      Sanders & Warren Proressives

      Delete
    3. Anonymous7:33 PM

      5:46 - Liz and Bernie have both pledged to support the Dem nominee.

      Delete
  17. Anita Winecooler3:14 PM

    I was originally all in for Obama, and was surprised when Hillary, for whatever reason, decided to take him up on his offer serving as SOS. I first saw it as a way for her to make political points, but saw the hours of hard work, sacrifice, and real concern for women and girl's plight around the world, I've come to see it as both a savvy move and a willingness to work with her former rival for the sake of the country.
    She could have done a plethora of other less stressful stuff, but didn't. Say what you want, but she's no quitter, and the Clinton Foundation has done much philanthropic work, well more than The Palin Foundation.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous3:16 PM

    Hillary is poison,and beholden to Wall Street.
    Bernie!
    And Warren as AG.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous3:38 PM

      The fact that you want to see Warren leave the Senate tells me you don't know much about politics and/or are a Republican.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous3:48 PM

      I suspect there are some "trolls" here today. At least some people who are not really Democrats.
      Beaglemom

      Delete
    3. Anonymous4:28 PM

      Not a troll nor Rethug.
      Been around since the beginning of mudflats.
      If you think for one second that Hillary won't cover for Wall Street,you are naive.
      https://theintercept.com/2016/01/08/hillary-clinton-earned-more-from-12-speeches-to-big-banks-than-most-americans-earn-in-their-lifetime/

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5:06 PM

      So you want Warren out of the Senate and in the AG office? Not very smart for someone who supposedly wants a president like Bernie Sanders to accomplish anything.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous5:08 PM

      If you aren't a troll or a republican, why in the world would you want Elizabeth Warren as AG when she is a strong, progressive voice in the Senate?

      Delete
  19. Gryph, does your daughter influence you in leaning toward Hillary? Most men I know don't care for her.

    Just wonderin'...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No my daughter is all in for Bernie.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous4:40 PM

      Smart daughter!

      Delete
    3. Anonymous5:04 PM

      Ginger: I happen to respect Hillary a great deal, and she has my full support. I'm a 50-year-old man, and don't have a daughter or anyone else to "influence me" in that direction. I find your "most men" comment somewhat perplexing; it's a big world, and I'm sure there are plenty of men who support her the same way. All the best.

      Delete
    4. Anonymous5:03 AM

      Many men who claim they don't "like" Hillary Clinton for one reason or another simply cannot imagine a woman as president but they'll never admit that. Some other men, who are more reasonable and less misogynistic, think that it would be fine to have woman president and that Hillary has lots of experience and many qualifications to fill the bill. My husband and many of our male friends are in the second group.

      Bernie Sanders has said many fine things during his career and has co-sponsored much fine legislation. But, let's face it, his refusal to deign to call himself a Democrat for so many years has seriously warped his ability in Congress to really leave his mark: no committees chaired, no legislation in his name. He is too rigid, too uncompromising (much like his counterparts on the other side of the aisle in Congress), too limited in his exposure to the world (for example, the real lives of minority citizens here and international affairs). He could never win a national general election, plain and simple.

      And Democrats, the real ones, want to win in 2016 and to garner more seats in Congress (with hopes of winning the Senate). Bernie Sanders is not the one to do that unless he changes his tune in a major way and, given his history in Congress up to now, I don't see him opening up at all. I certainly hope that he does because I'll back whomever the Democratic Party chooses - obviously - but i know which candidate has a better chance of winning and which candidate I believe would do a better job.
      Beaglemom

      Delete
  20. Anonymous4:20 PM

    Hillary is going to do what Hillary wants to do, provided it's ok with the big money behind her. It's her presidency (if she gets it, karma forbid) and her legacy she'll be concerned about and Obama's policies and promises be damned.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous4:20 PM

    Well, of course he is. Neither Obama nor Clinton ever met a banker or a CEO they didn't like. Clinton would give Jamie Dimon the same White House seal of approval Obama does. Sanders wouldn't. Obama's gotta keep Jamie happy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous4:44 PM

      Yup!
      Sanders and Warren will kick ass on these dirt bags.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous5:04 PM

      "Neither Obama nor Clinton ever met a banker or a CEO they didn't like."

      Give me a break. This kind of exaggeration is why I hate election cycles. It's a big circle jerk with your own group of die-hard, blinder-bound, supporters and the further along we go, the more insular and ridiculous you get.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous6:39 PM

      Have you ever really pondered, the difference it would make, if the laws favoring the elite the corporates were removed.

      If the glass steagal bill was reenacted:

      We would not have had the last recession and the trillions in welfare for the to big to fail banks.

      Yet HRC will not commit to that change!

      Delete

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