Report: Clinton readies web attack on Obama: The Swamp
The Swamp
Posted December 20, 2007 11:37 AM
The Swamp

by Frank James

The Swamp has learned that ABC News has learned that the Clinton campaign is readying to let the world know (especially those parts called Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina) that Sen. Barack Obama sometimes voted "present" when hard votes were taken in the Illinois Senate.

Here's the top of ABC News's report:

ABC News has learned that the campaign of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., has registered the names of two Web sites with the express goal of attacking her chief rival, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.

It's the first time this election cycle a presidential campaign has launched a Web site with the express purpose of criticizing a rival.

Votingpresent.com and Votingpresent.org are domains hosted by the same IP address as official Clinton Web sites, such TheHillaryIKnow.com, which was launched with much fanfare this week.

The Clinton campaign intends to use these new Web sites to paint Obama as cowardly.

Clinton has attacked Obama for having occasionally voted "present" as an Illinois state legislator when it came to contentious legislation.

It was a legislative maneuver that was sometimes part of a plan by Democrats to give cover to vulnerable colleagues, though in some instances it appears that Obama voted present to avoid taking a position with some political risk such as with a bill that would have allowed children as young as 15 who committed crimes with firearms on or near school property to be prosecuted as adults.

Clinton has used these present votes to paint Obama as full of words but not action.

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Comments

Well given the Washington Post article yesterday pointing out blatant media bias against Clinton and in favor of Obama, how else is she going to get the message out that Obama voted present? Lord knows Swamp isn't about to point out any of Obama's shortcomings.

His failure to take stands on important issues, while claiming to be the one willing to take tough stands and make tough decisions is fair game and she should point it out. At least she isn't lying that her campaign had nothing to do with the sites and at least they raise a valid issue -- unlike the ad his camp put out early on equating Hillary with "Big Brother".


The leaker is attacking the rookie. So what else is new with this slate of dems.?


It's not surprising. She'll try anything, at least anything that she can get away with. If Clinton had it her way, we'd believe Obama is a white muslim womanizer. Thankfully, people have brains and can sift through Clinton's garbage. Of course, many won't even bother.


I can't take much moire of this. We've got to deal with this kind of crap for at least another year if she's the nominee? This type of stuff just turns people off, I think


Nothing screams happy holidays like attacking your rival.



This is nothing new regarding Obama. When there is an important vote on something that may irritate his lefty loon base.... all he can do is vote, present?????
Is this a leader...I think not!


Paulo


This is nothing compared to what the Republicans and their hate media will throw at Obama if he's the nominee. Let's see how he handles it. We don't need another candidate who backs down from fights.


Biggdawg:
Since you are the biggest anti-Obama and pro-Hillary on this forum can you tell us why Hillary will appear on Fox but refuses to go on progressive radio? Maybe she should run on the Republican ticket since she is a corporate darling.


Perry wrote: "This type of stuff just turns people off, I think."

Gosh, I hope these tactics really do turn people off from voting for Clinton--lots of them--and that they all decide to vote for Obama instead!

That is what I would call poetic justice! :-D


John A., progressive radio? I thought the goal was to have people actually hear your message. I think Hillary turned down the slot after the Alan Colmes show, when the audience of four would be too sedated to listen.


John A,

I'm not anti-Obama so much as I'm pro-Hillary. Unlike the rabid, foam-mouthed, Hillary haters that frequent this blog, I don't think I make a habit of criticizing Barack personally. Indeed, I've said I like him personally, but I absolutely think he's the wrong choice at this time and that in my view his rise and prominence is fueled more by media hype than anything else.

I contrast that with the concerted attempt by the msm and progressive media to tear Hillary down at every turn. And that effort is on full-blast at this point.

As to why Hillary won't go on "progressive" radio but will appear on FOX, I think the answer is obvious. Just read this and other progressive blogs. Who do you think is behind "progressive" radio? Those same rabid, foam-mouthed, Hillary haters to which I refer above. Why should she set herself up for personal attacks based innuendo and outright lies?

Perhaps if Obama lovers and others would treat her with even a hint of decorum I might understand your point. But sadly, that isn't the case. I don't think progressive radio has earned the right to a hearing from her. I personally think it's an indictment of progressive radio that a moderate Democrat stands a better chance of a fair hearing on FOX than on their medium. But those are the facts.


PAULO VOTED FOR ALAN KEYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NOW THAT'S FUNNY!!!!!


John A, I'm just guessing, but maybe Hillary doesn't go on progressive radio because she actually wants there to be listeners when she talks.


President Obama stated his present votes were placed on issues he felt more work had to go into before a final vote was placed. How can someone jump the gun on any issue when if judgement is rushed one would have to go back and change their mind, sometimes you only get one chance to make a mistake.


The way to judge Obama's voting record is to juxtapose it against Hillary's record, line by line, bill by bill. I would just take the last two years as an indicator of his votes and contrast them to Hillary's votes for the last two years. Let's try to be objective rather than throw out insinuations. If you are interested in doing this comparison of the two, please go to: http://votesmart.org/voting_category.php

Let's try to be brighter than the campaign strategist who are just plan nasty people trying to assure themselves a spot in the next administration. HUNGRY STRATEGIST OFTEN EAT ALIVE THEIR OWN (advice to both Barack and Hillary and others).


Can Somebody Tell Me What Sen. Clintons Stand Is On Iraq? How About How She Plans To Get So Much Money As President For Enenrgy Conservation When She Can't Do It In Congress? It Seems Like There Are More Dodgeball Players In The Ring Who Are Trying To Play Referee To Me.


karl,

The current administrations scares me. I can't wait until 2008 is over and done. Revisionist Clinton supporter like you scare me even more. If Hill wins, I will vote for whatever Republican Candidate gets the nod. There is no reason for this country to elect one of two families to lead over and over again. Hill will just be more of the same.


.325%..........
That is the percentage of the times Barack Obama voted "present" as part of a larger strategy to further the Progressive Agenda while fighting for the people of Illinois.
His present votes didn't get anyone killed, and didn't end up costing the United States 3 trillion dollars.
Hillary's votes get people killed, and make war profiteers rich.
The Clintons are poison, plain and simple.


I tried answering you John A, but apparently I'm banned from this blog. None of my comments from this string of articles have been posted, and it's been hours.

Too pro Hillary, I guess.


Crazy Duck,

I'll bet Alan Keyes would never vote PRESENT. He always has an opinion.


Voting present is a way to keep from ever being attacked for voting one way or the other on a controversial topic. Obama knew exactly what he ws doing. I am sure it is just a copincidence that most of the "present" votes seem to be on controversial topics. Yeah ok and I am Santa Claus.


Biggdawg:
Thanks for your post at 3:48 on 12/20 which allows me to better understand where you are coming from. I will probably vote for HRC if she is the candidate but I really don't believe she would be the best candidate to bring the country together. I do believe the Clinton campaign is playing "dirty politics" against Obama. Also I think McCain can beat Hillary in the general election but not Obama.


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