Posted on 12/16/2008 11:51:42 AM PST by lewisglad
Republicans moved aggressively over the weekend to link scandal-tarred Gov. Rod Blagojevich to President-elect Barack Obama -- a guilt-by-association tactic that represents a significant gamble for a party still looking to pick itself up off the electoral mat.
The Republican National Committee released a web video (read: electronic press release) over the weekend that dug up a series of pro-Blagojevich quotes from Obama -- dating back to 2002.
That video followed hard on a series of statements from the RNC over the last week that sought to raise questions about the nature and depth of Obama's ties to Blagojevich and that demanded more information concerning the number and substance of contacts between Obama's aides and the governor and his staff about the possible Senate appointment.
"Considering Barack Obama's promises of transparency and new politics, so far his less-than-forthcoming handling of the scandal in Illinois is disappointing," said RNC spokesman Alex Conant. "Obama has failed to answer many basic questions about the Blagojevich scandal. This a case where the American people will find out if Obama's campaign rhetoric is met with action or if it's just words."
The goal here is clear: Blagojevich is the prototypical example of political power run amok, and if he can be used in any way to slow Obama's momentum throughout the transition, then Republicans regard that as a worthwhile endeavor.
At issue for Republicans (and herein lies the risk) is whether, in fact, there is any there there as it relates to Obama's relationship with Blagojevich. If not, will voters perceive this strategy as nothing more than a partisan attack at a time when people want political leaders to come together to solve problems?
How hard will Republicans continue to push on Obama-Blagojevich? And will it work in their favor or blow up in their faces?
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
Elections coming up soon? No. No risk.
There will be many more obamagate scandals. Thats just the way he is
The scary thing is that the first words out of Obama’s mouth were lies which indicates he has a BIG character problem.
In addition, did he really think the truth wouldn’t come out ?
If so what does that say about his ability to think in a real crisis
Disagree.
Comrade Obama has done plenty, including running Blago’s campaigns TWICE, raising vast sums for Blago, and being involved with Blgo up to the eyeballs. It's hard to find a clearer case of political association with a supper corrupt governor.
He’s a liar. Period.
So, Warren Buffett, the Washington Post, and James Webb either support, condone or engage in the crassest sort of anti-Semitism.
And the Republicans do what Washington Post?
Fur Shur Obama is busy thinking about the Obama Depression now taking place.
Least that's what I want. Loss of the Washington Post and all its employees is good for American freedom.
Guess the Dems didn't think about what that means.
Could be it's because they hate children. Come to think of it, he hates them too. Man actually spoke of punishing little girls with babies.
I, for one, think he knows significantly LESS than his supporters think he does...
but that’s just me.
What did Obama know and when did he know it?
Since when is “guilt by association” always wrong? Of course I can associate with someone who is a thief but not be a thief myself. People should not assume I, too, am a thief.
But in this case, both them work together and both have great interest in the Senate seat. Therefore, if one is guilty, the odds of the other knowing about it and therefore being guilty, is much greater.
Yes, Barky hit the ground running when it came to lying.
The GOP needs to quit using the guilt by association. It doesn’t work. Most people don’t care. They need to focus on Booma and his extreme left ways. Look how much he responded with Joe the Plumber and the “Spread the wealth” clip.
Democrats (and the media bootlickers at the Washington Post) moved aggressively over the weekend to decouple scandal-tarred Gov. Rod Blagojevich from President-elect Barack Obama -- a "despite a lifelong history of questionable professional and personal relationships, and over a decade of total immersion in Chigago's corrupt, gratuitous, quid-pro-quo political environment, and the direct involvement of at least two very senior Obama staffers believe us, once again he's not guilty-by-association, we promise" tactic -- that represents a significant effort for a party looking to consolidate power and subvert the two-party American electoral system.
Jack Abramoff.
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