| 04/13/2008, Scranton, PA |
| Barack Obama, for leadership |
| ©The Times-Tribune 2008 |
For Pennsylvania Democrats, the best answer in the April 22 primary is Barack Obama.
In a nomination campaign that has defied convention, Mr. Obama has energized an entire generation of voters that, for the most part, otherwise had checked out of political participation. That, at least, portends a new approach to governance that can help to dissipate the political miasma that has engulfed Washington at least since the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is an extremely talented politician who already has secured a unique place in U.S. political history. She repeatedly has proved her political death notices to be premature. She also has demonstrated that she is a master of public policy. And — this is not and should not be taken lightly in an area that prides itself on family and a tradition of supporting its own — the Rodham family has deep Scranton roots.
But Mrs. Clinton also is a political lightning rod. There is little doubt that a second Clinton presidency would further the deep divisiveness that characterizes American politics — a divisiveness that dug itself deep during the Clinton presidency, and even deeper during the Bush-Cheney years.
The first task for the next president is to get past that. And it might not be possible if the presidential cycle goes Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton.
In a sense, Mr. Obama’s clear lead in the national race itself is proof of a changing party and a changing electorate. A generation ago, it would have been inconceivable for two history-making candidates — either the first African-American or first woman to be a major-party presidential nominee — to be locked in a nomination battle this late in the game. Party leaders simply would not have allowed it, and Mr. Obama would have had to “wait his turn.”
Mr. Obama decided not to wait his turn, however, and neither have Democratic voters. Democratic registration and voter turnout have soared in most of the states where he has been in play, including in Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Clinton has dismissed much of what Mr. Obama has had to say as “just words.” But they are words that millions find inspirational. Therefore, they are words that can be translated into action.
On policy matters, there are more similarities than differences between the candidates. The real difference lies in their likely ability to build the consensus needed to realize their vision. The advantage, in that regard, clearly lies with Mr. Obama.
OBAMA PA SPORTSMEN PUSH BACK
Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2008 7:05 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: 2008, Obama
From NBC’s Cherelle Kantey
In this afternoon’s conference call sponsored by the Pennsylvania Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Obama, small-town politicians said the latest attacks from the Clinton campaign are shameless, aimed at creating divisions in their communities.
“Trying to turn small-town Pennsylvanians against each other for political gain is shameless,” said Mayor John Fetterman of Braddock, Pa. Fetterman blasted the New York senator for trying to win votes by patronizing gun owners, a move he said shows a willingness to win at all costs.
“I think it's really discouraging and tacky to see Hillary Clinton pandering as if she's a gun owner,” said Fetterman. “I think it demonstrates and represents willingness to say anything and everything to get elected.”
Rep. Dan Surra (D-PA) said he shares the frustration of the constituents he represents.
“I represent the people that Barack Obama was talking about, that people who have lost their jobs,” Surra said. "I think he understands, there is a frustration out there.”
The Obama campaign conceded that the remarks weren’t properly worded, but their message was correct.
“I think Obama was clear that he could have chosen words better, but the case he was making was right,” said Leslie Miller, Pennsylvania communications director for the Obama campaign. “Washington has left working people behind and the attacks that have come from Sens. Clinton and McCain are not going to change Barack Obama's record."
At the conclusion of the call, the sportsmen made it clear that they intend to support Obama, who they say has genuine interest in the concerns of small-town communities.
“Barack Obama has reached out to sportsmen; he’s reached out to blue-collar people,” Surra said. “And I think the reason it’s being blown up like it is, because they don’t want to talk about who can really bring the change that we need.”
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