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Do as Obama Says, Not As He Does?
January 23, 2008 9:15 AM
Our friend Ben Smith at Politico reports on a pro-Obama outside group in California called Vote Hope (its website http://www.votehope2008.com/ bears an uncanny resemblance to Obama's official one)…Vote Hope is both a PAC and a 527, meaning its different arms can conduct different activities playing under different rules.
As you may recall, in Iowa Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, was a fierce critic of outside cash and third party groups -- when they were helping former Sen. John Edwards, D-NC.
In an email Smith obtained, Vote Hope told supporters that a different group, PowerPAC would in preparation for Super Duper Tuesday be hiring organizers to help turn out the vote at a salary of $12.50 an hour as well as $15 gas reimbursement.
In August, Obama said “We do not think people should be donating to 527s." Of Vote Hope, he told the San Francisco Chronicle ‘It would be hypocrisy if I had anything to do with them, since I just heard of them. This not something that I authorized or had any part of…My recommendation to people who are interested in supporting me is to support me through our campaign ...Get involved in the campaign that we've set up, that is above board, that is transparent, that is legal."
But some suggest that Obama has gotten mighty silent on the subject since Iowa -- when he assailed pro-Edwards 527s as part of "the Wild West" and slammed Edwards, their beneficiary, despite the North Carolinian's claims he had nothing to do with the groups and had no way to control them.
“So you can’t say yesterday you don’t believe in ‘em, and today you have three quarters of a million dollars being spent for you," Obama said then. "You can’t just talk the talk. The easiest thing in the world is to talk about change during election time.”
Well? Mr. Obama? What about Vote Hope?
-- jpt
January 23, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (32)
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If you notice, whenever Obama is asked about Vote Hope, Rezko, or anything that smacks of "politics as usual" he points the finger back at Hillary as playing "politics as usual" for raising it. You just can't have it both ways. You can't just talk the talk. You've got to walk the walk, as they say.
Posted by: Hopesprings52 | Jan 23, 2008 11:02:13 AM
What SHOULD/CAN a candidate do if a 527 is formed ostensibly to support him/her and they truly **want** them to stop, want to disassociate themselves effectively? How far can they go? If we're going to criticize a candidate for "allowing" these things (as I certainly did Bush re: the Swiftboaters!), we need to know what standard they can be held to. Does anyone know?
Posted by: Elizabeth | Jan 23, 2008 11:01:38 AM
I've read each of these posts. This story bears no weight and each of you negative, cynical posters have a lot of maturing to do. I'm uncommitted but have noticed one trend - Clinton supporters seem so full of anger and rage. Most of what they say re: Obama is sarcastic and demeaning. I haven't found this with Obama supporters. Seems to be a trend. Hmmm...I think I'm leaning Obama.
Posted by: T.P. | Jan 23, 2008 11:00:37 AM
Vote Hope have been in California already for a while and Obama campaign knew that at the same time they were attacking Edwards, it goes to shows how hypocrite is his candidate. I have always said it, Obama will not bring any change to the White House. All the change is changing the Texan gang of bandits for the Chicago gang of super bandits. Obama should talk publicly against Obama hope in California with the same fury he criticized the 527 group that was advertising for Edwards in Iowa.; but we should not expect that to happen, remember that even in the case of Rezko that now is in the news, Obama has changed his story 5 times in how he meet him or how long he met the fixer.
Posted by: Karl_Iowa | Jan 23, 2008 10:51:56 AM
(I) This is "Swiftboating" (John Kerry responding for Obama)
Posted by: geevill | Jan 23, 2008 10:46:04 AM
geevill:
Brilliant. That is the problem when you fly with the holier than thou flag.
Posted by: Lilia | Jan 23, 2008 10:34:31 AM
All you cons on here who talk about "lib corruption" have some gall. Your party (Republican) WROTE THE BOOK on use of PAC's, 527's, Swiftboating, corporate donated soft money. What about all the corruption the Cons hold dear? Nevermind voting multiple felons into office within the Republican party...and nevermind turning a blind eye to their criminal activity. All you cons can do is fingerpoint at the libs when you are guilty as Satan in your own right.
Posted by: JL | Jan 23, 2008 10:13:22 AM
Diane Swayer : please could you ask Hillary if she returned Mr Peter Paul $$ too? or does she not know him still? I was depressed to see a video of her. Is she covering up something like in whitewater?
I'm a woman and she definitely gives me a bad name because without Bill's talking points she can't make it . I'm so sad.She is running on his record , where's hers? What economic background does she have? What's her experience based on? 35 years elected ? or what? how is she more experience than Barack Obama?
Diane fairness does not hurt, you've have a dislike for Barack Obama it is so obvious don't kid yourself , we see it.
Bravo
Posted by: gina | Jan 23, 2008 10:07:55 AM
What surprises me is that this surprises anyone! come on A Lib not using a 527 paid for by your tax dollars institution to smear!!
How can anyone believe any of the libs nevermind vote for them with all the corruption they hold near.
Thanks to lib on the Republican side McCain this is all possible, he has allowed more undisclosed money to come into campaigns then ever before!
And all with your tax dollars!!
Posted by: spock | Jan 23, 2008 10:06:46 AM
Wow a whole ten words before "racist" appears. What restraint by an Obama lover. Actually please do not do as Obaba does. Alcohol and drug abuse is not the answer.Neither is belonging to a racist, Farrakan honoring church.
Posted by: geevill | Jan 23, 2008 10:00:16 AM
You're forgetting the Prime Directive of Campaigning, Jake: a candidate is duty-bound to criticize anything which gives his or her opponents an advantage, but that same candidate must feign ignorance, shock, and surprise and keep quiet when his or her campaign is doing the very same thing. I think Vote Hope should just PAC it up and go!
Posted by: chuck | Jan 23, 2008 9:35:51 AM
A) I disapprove
B) I'm disappointed
C) It was a mistake
D) Never heard of them
E) Bill Clinton is behind this and is distorting my record
F) You are racist
G) Hillary worked for Wal-Mart
H) Barry Soetoro did it, not me
Posted by: geevill | Jan 23, 2008 9:33:02 AM
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