by Rick Pearson and John McCormick, updated
DES MOINES—A union flyer hitting Democratic mailboxes in Iowa has ended up affecting all three top presidential contenders in the state: It was sent by a group backing Hillary Clinton, attacks Barack Obama and looks like it came from supporters of John Edwards.
The mailing was the product of the political arm of the national American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the public workers' union that is backing Clinton's bid for the presidency.
It criticizes the health-care coverage expansion plan offered by Obama, the Illinois senator, as being "timid" and a "band-aid solution." And it quotes Edwards, a former North Carolina senator, as saying "as many as 15 million Americans would be without coverage" under Obama's plan.
Nowhere in the mailing does AFSCME mention its endorsed candidate, Clinton, a New York senator, who has proposed her own plan that would mandate people obtain health insurance coverage, though she has not given details on how they would be forced to do so.
"There have been a lot of misleading tactics and tricks in the last few weeks, but we've just never seen anything like this before," Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, Edwards' Iowa state director, said in a statement. "Either they are trying to trick people or they've realized that on health care, John Edwards is the candidate who speaks honestly about what it really costs and what will be required to have truly universal coverage."
But Dillon also takes a shot at Clinton's campaign. "It's fine to have an honest debate about policy, but Iowans deserve better than planted questions and campaign fliers designed to fool them."
Obama's campaign launched a fundraising effort Thursday afternoon, based in part on the notion that outside groups are trying to wield influence in Iowa.
Bill Burton, an Obama spokesman, said outside groups such as AFSCME have spent more than $1.8 million on Clinton's behalf in Iowa, while spending nearly $1.3 million for Edwards. He said Obama has received zero help outside groups.
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Comments
"It's fine to have an honest debate about policy, but Iowans deserve better than planted questions and campaign fliers designed to fool them."
How is this a shot at just Hillary? Didn't the Washington Post report yesterday that Obama's been busted planting questions as well?
And how is the flyer misleading? Did Edwards not say what he is quoted saying?
Posted by: Biggdawg | December 20, 2007 5:59 PM
I would agree only so far as to say Edward's medical plan is the best. (Over 'Bama's)
Posted by: C.Morris | December 20, 2007 6:30 PM
Obama's really finding out what old Paddy Bauer in Chicago said: "Politics ain't beanbag." Especially the way the Clinton smear machine and its supporters play.
Posted by: Harris | December 20, 2007 7:50 PM
At 8:03 Eastern time I note 6 new blogs posted with 0 (zero) comments on file.
What the H is wrong with the ChiTrib blogging software. He Mark, Frank; These pieces are gonna fall off the front page before anyone gets a comment in!
This is truly sad. Even the little home town rag here in __________ has immediate posting.
Is the 'family' paper that afraid of what people have to say?
There are lots of good things about the Swamp, but the posting times are laughable.
You are losing contributors!
Posted by: C.Morris | December 20, 2007 8:07 PM
Union members do not let yourself become a lackey for the union,or any political party. Think for yourselves,don't be led to the slaughterhouse. Investigate the candidates on both sides, then make a informed decision. You'll feel better about yourself.
Posted by: Paul Jaeger | December 20, 2007 8:54 PM
Hey Wait... I thought the dem mantra in this election was going to be about Iraq because we can't win!
Ooooops, can't do that now...ummmm, let's try socialized healthcare instead...
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | December 20, 2007 10:54 PM
Union members do not let yourself become a lackey for the union,or any political party. Think for yourselves,don't be led to the slaughterhouse. Investigate the candidates on both sides, then make a informed decision. You'll feel better about yourself.
Posted by: Paul Jaeger | December 20, 2007 8:54 PM
Paulo Jr,
If you think union members are actually going to vote for one of the "tax cuts for rich people" Republican candidates, I've got some swamp land I'd like to sell you.
Posted by: John E | December 20, 2007 11:28 PM
Folks, the Clinton political machine is evil! Do we want this character in OUR white house?? She plays dirty, but guess she knows no other game plan---she is evil to the core!!!
Posted by: Nina | December 21, 2007 12:51 AM
Folks, the Clinton political machine is evil! Do we want this character in OUR white house?? She plays dirty, but guess she knows no other game plan---she is evil to the core!!!
Posted by: Nina | December 21, 2007 1:11 AM
The headline is a clumsy (of course) attempt by the geniuses of The Swamp to imply that this comes directly from Clinton.
C.Morris, I think there is more at fault here than just the software. Or the conservatism of the corporate bosses. Trust me, your friends do not want the posts to go up without first picking through them.
Posted by: MJ | December 21, 2007 7:53 AM
"The headline is a clumsy (of course) attempt by the geniuses of The Swamp to imply that this comes directly from Clinton." MJ
You're on to something MJ. When originally posted yesterday this article was titled "AFSCME Hits the Trifecta". I'm guessing Obama's media guy and former Tribune reporter David Axelrod called his guys at Swamp and told them they were dropping the ball; make nastier on Clinton.
Posted by: Biggdawg | December 21, 2007 12:15 PM