Carville: This Convention Has No Message

"What half way intelligent person listens to James Carville?"

Well, lets think waaay back to the 1990's when James Carville was the lead strategist responsible for the Clintons rise to fame. All the Demos listened then, including The Messiah of the 1992 election. Obviously the Democratic sheep listened. So I guess that answers your question.

The only plan, the only program the Dems have had since 2000 is to whine like infants...complain, criticize..and offer up nothing new in the way of anything except raise, taxes, bankrupt the country with mandatory health insurance...which will limit health care avaiablity...continue blocking any new energy production (while pretending to support it...sound familiar..."I support the troops while undermining the war?)....Same ole same ole....

Yet they don't in truth offer up anything new....never have, unless one sees undisguised socialism as some sort of solution.

I guess if one is looking for freebees..(at someone elses expense) and some sort of appeasment for the envy, and class warfare they stir up perhaps there is a message there somewhere.

The reason the convention is empty and flat is because the party is lead by a bunch of narcissists that only regurgitate what they think people want to hear. They have no real plans to help this country, they will do what ever will get them elected and to hell with the consequences. The only thing that will save this country is if the government gets out of the way of all fuel industries and let them get us the energy we need to get back on track and out of foreign lands where they HATE us. Both parties spend our money worse than we as individuals do and that is BAD! GIVE US BACK OUR MONEY! GIVE US BACK OUR COUNTRY! STOP TAXING US TO DEATH!

Everyone keeps talking about how bad everything is at home. But you seem to forget that 4 years ago, Pelosi, Reid and all the Dems said elect us and we will change everything. Yes, it has. Since they are the majority the last few years have gone down hill.

James Carvell - a democrat's best shill. Too bad, he could have become the universe's wealthiest used car salesman.

What ever sharonklim, but James Carville is RIGHT!

The reason this Convention appears subdued and flat is because the Party is divided.

If the Democratic Party was unified, rest assured they would be rallying around their agreed upon candidate, or even the "Dream Team," and the excitement would have been non-stop from day one, and everyone would be focused on one, single enemy.......the Republicans and their candidate.

But as the Party did not agree upon a candidate, nor did the "presumptive" candidate permit the formation of the "Dream Ticket," I would imagine the rest of this Convention will be just as listless as last night was.

But, of course, they will all be placing the responsbility for rescuing the Convention upon Hillary Clinton's shoulders tonight....................

I watched the first day coverage of the Democratic Convention. And I have extensively watched all developments/articles from multiple news media organization in the US throughout this election. I was particularly interested in researching the Obama/Clinton merging to join forces to elect a Democratic President.

DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION - I am particularly discouraged by James Carville, a Hilary Clinton Campaign adviser continuing to discredit the Barack Obama Campaign and the 2008 National Democratic Convention. I find it a particularly interesting question why he is linked to Fox News Network that is a well known Republican ally??? Why and what political purpose is he attempting to develop???

I am concerned:
(1)Hilary Clinton did not release her delegates. She appeared to suggestively encourage her support voters to continue their fight for her even though she lost Primaries. Because of delegates she won she should be entitled to a vote. I sincerely welcome this vote. This must be a Democratic process.
(2)Hilary Clinton Campaign Advisers are the outspoken supporters of enabling this continued division of Obama/Clinton supporters. Democratic Convention her advisers are continuing criticism towards the Obama Campaign, nuturing a division in Democratic Party, and criticism of the actual 2008 Democratic Convention format and activities.
(3)Hilary Clinton is playing good guy saying she is doing all she can. But her campaign advisers continue to publicly create /continue/encourage division. Wofson, Carville, Begalia, McAuliffe. They are keeping news on this subject. News yesterday concentrated on Clinton all day???
(4)President Bill Clinton per news and Hilary Clinton Campaign Advisers claim he is not happy. As a Democrat he has not/will not endorse Barack Obama. Bill Clinton per reports is not happy he can not give a speech on topic he prefers. But this is not his convention sadly. This is Barack Obama convention. Withholding his endorsement for this long definitely is saying he does not support. He said McCains energy bill is better than Barack Obama's. He says this to residents of Nevada which is a state Democrats are trying to get this election. I ask why he as a past Democratic President is supporting Republicans??
(5)President Clinton is unhappy he was accused of using the race card. I am white and unfortunately I did see some racial issues. Facts do point Clinton was using suggestive reference. News caught. This is all part of political campaigning. Folks racial issues do exist in this campaign. US has come a long way, but this is still a problem.
(6)Hilary Clinton feels she suffered "gender bias" Hilary Clinton herself complained of this.
(7)News Reports out were Clintons wanted to be consulted who Vice President selection would be. Rumors spread and leaked out they were not treated well. Felt Hilary was not vetted for Vice President even though they requested to not be vetted. Clintons factually and actually set their own rules regarding any vetting. They said they did not want to be. They definitely did not want to release names of donors for Presidential Library. So many rules and confrontational roadblock obstacles they personally set. How was this stance viewed by the Barack Obama Vice Presidential vetting committee?? Obama was actually the campaign setting the rules for vetting as he won and this was his right, not the Clintons. Obama Campaign ran into huge roadblocks with the Clintons. Did Hilary really want to be Vice President??
(8)CAMPAIGN DEBT-Clinton Campaign is having difficulty paying off her campaign debt. Hilary Clinton did a wonderful job raising campaign donations. She raised close to what Barack Obama did. I have difficulty understanding where sound financial business management advisers were/existed in making sure her campaign stayed in the black. I will excuse this, and then I look at the amazing and wonderful 18,000,000 votes she got. Yes, she did break the glass ceiling for all of us women. She was a wonderful ambassador for advancing women issues for us. What I can't understand is why her 18,000,000 voters can't give just $5 each. Her debt would be wiped out. $18,000,000 x $5 = $90,000,000. Hilary Clinton was raising 20-30+ million each month while campaigning. This would be a great tribute to her. Why aren't these voters honoring her with a small donation??? It would be so easy!!
(9)News articles state Hilary Clinton Campaign feels Barack Obama should pay off her debt. I don't understand these accusations. Please refer to above numbered article. I can also see so many innovative and constructive ways these debts can be paid off without criticizing the Obama campaign. His supporters did give $600,000 as a good will gesture even during these difficult times. Fact is people personally are responsible for debts they accumulate. This is sad but so very true for Hilary.
(10)Hilary Clinton Campaign Adviser - James Carville, Wolfson, McAuliffee, etc - Hilary Clinton continues to let them criticize Barack Obama and Democratic Party. Hilary Clinton has not put a stop to this. She continues to silently let her campaign advisers discredit and complain.
(11)Hilary Clinton says she supports Barack Obama. She wants him elected. Her campaign says just the opposite.

BARACK OBAMA AND BARACK OBAMA CAMPAIGN
(1)I have researched and found he has gone to great lengths to welcome and praise Hilary Clinton. I saw one speech here his supporters were trying to "boo" her. He immediately put it down and said this would not be tolerated by his campaign. I seldom see any problems publicly except in internet blogs.
(2)As far as Hilary Clinton - Obama spoke very highly of her accomplishments. I find he would not tolerate any criticism of Hilary Clinton. This was swiftly and quickly dealt with.
(3)Obama Campaign did put site link for his supporters to give to Hilary Clinton to help with her campaign debt. His supporters gave approximately $600,000. This seems to be a nice amount considering the alarming financial problems Americans presently face. Michelle and Barack gave personally to Hilary Clinton to help. His campaign is limited by certain campaign laws. Also it is difficult for his campaign financially as he is currently running for President. Democrats do not have as many super rich support special political nonprofit groups assisting campaign financially. Republicans do. Karl Rove is now a high paid consultant for Republican Freedom Watch. McCain started using "Rove Playbook Attacks" rampantly.
(4)Obama Campaign has not criticized Hilary Cliton Campaign. They have been quite careful and respectful. Obama Campaign has been blasted with criticism for not paying off Hilary Clinton Campaign debt she personally accumulated even more by continuing to campaign heavily even when she knew she could not win the Primary Race. This is not even his debt. He has run a financially sound campaign and actually backed off heavy campaigning at the end to save money. Yes, it may have appeared he gave up, but fact is campaign must be financially sound. Obama has shown tremendous oversight at employing good judgment here. Michelle and Barck Obama do not make alot of money. Yes, he had large royalty revenues from his books these past few years. This will end though, as market does become saturated at a certain point. Obama's could not personally assume huge financial debts. Obama selected excellent campaign financial management advisers and oversight was quite good.
(5)Obama Campaign welcomed all Hilary Clinton supporters. Campaign still has Hilary Clinton Supporters link on their website.
(6)Any Obama complaints about Clinton and media news attacks lodged against him during primaries?? OBAMA IS NOT CRITICISING NOR IS HE COMPLAINING! He has suffered harm himself too from Clinton Campaign. But is still not complaining. I am white and see race is an issue with some voters. This appears more evident among the older voters. they are from a different generation. Culturally they grew up hearing and learning racial prejudice. I find Obma is not continuing to dwell on these issues. Nor does he try to bring race into contest. And I find from my records Obama did get attacked viciously too.
(7)Obama is getting criticized heavily by Clinton Campaign advisers. I find there is really no real sound reason for this, except for Hilary Clinton Political personal gains. Maybe these advisers are hurt? But the Primary Race is over. The losers although quite disappointed need to set an excellent example of unapproachable good character.

All of you judge as you like. I have just researched and am listing what I have seen and reporting as such. I am attempting to be as objective as I can. I am tentatively leaning - WE VOTERS ARE STILL GETTING USED POLITICALLY BY CLINTONS. Facts seem to support Hilary Clinton Campaign is attempting to create many problems and encouraging division of the Democratic Party. I see too much of Clinton's being portrayed as good guys and Hilary Clinton Campaign advisers being the bad guys who are fostering a division in Democratic Party. I see Hilary Clinton could put a stop to this pursuit quite easily. She has not taken care of this immediately. The wonderful Hilary Clinton supporters are getting two messages, and they can understand which message to believe. As a professional in medicine I am quite familiar with particular psychological campaign methods used upon the us as voters. Folks I have been college educated here.

If her advisers change then I could change my mind. Since they I haven't, I feel she is actually endorsing her advisers actions despite what she is saying. I find it very sad.

I truly hope I will see a change. I would love to change my mind.

ChrisNBama, problem with your argument is Obama's judgment isn't so great either. That's revealed more with each passing day.

America has grown tired of Obama with his empty rhetoric of change. They don't trust his judgment and they don't trust his past associations.

Game over.

"The only thing I have heard out of babbling Barry is that we need change. He never once stated what that change is or how he would accomplish it."
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One "change" he wants today is for the FEDS to shut down ads against him. Yesterday, MoveOn was sending out emails soliciting demands that an AP reporter with whom The CHANGEling's dissatisfied be FIRED.

"Change" Obama-style ALREADY looks like the Soviet Union -- minus national health and housing -- and he's not even the Democratic nominee.

The Democratic delegates can STILL nominate somebody ELSE -- preferably someone with a less robust MOB background.

jr: excellent post.

I never ever in my life thought that I would agree with Carville, but he is right their was no message. I would go a step further though and say that their was no message because they have no message. The only thing I have heard out of babbling Barry is that we need change. He never once stated what that change is or how he would accomplish it. Based on his associations that change would be a move toward Communism. An awful lot can be said about a person based on who your friends and supporters are. Why would anyone vote for someone with the supporters that Obama has?? He is an empty suit and the first night of the convention proved it, absolutely no substance. The problem for him is that if he puts out the message he believes in, Marxism, he is dead meat, and if he avoids any message he is wounded meat so he took the lesser of evils.

Nearly everyone posting here is commenting on 'personalities' and there's nothing wrong with that. However, does it cut to the heart of the bigger differences between McCain and Obama?

I'm an 'open-minded' Republican and I have listened as best as I can to both candidates goals and views. And firstly, comparing either to President Bush is unfair as the President is entitled to his strengths and weaknesses. Our current economy's situation isn't all on Bush; the Democrats BIG promise hasn't happened and they're two+ years doing NOTHING.

Back to my point - the glaring facts are this:

1. Barak Obama is still trying to create an American view. Sitting in an anti-American Church for 20 years is a very long time to 'tune-out' unsavory remarks. Michelle, God love her, is trying to gloss over her real feelings (and I really like her). McCain will never be in the presence of an anti-American - NEVER. And he would not have sat in such a church for 20 years to figure that out.

2. Obama is maybe even more liberal than Hillary, if that's possible. When a Sean Penn says that he's liberal but Obama has voted inhumanely, that echoes what many others are looking at. He cannot hide public fact that he directly voted against helping surviving infants of botched abortions.
3. Both candidates have made some erroneous choices in their lives. However, Obama has a long line of associations with some terroist-linked individuals. When Obama was first approached about the first few know links, he told several different stories to explain the 'why', which ultimately leaves one to question his ability to tell the truth. I don't think Hillary has baggage large enough to trump some of Obama's murky life. Any known bad choices that McCain has made brought before a committe. I don't think we can find any terrorist links in his past.

4. Obama says that he will make sure EVERYONE in America will have health care. That's is truly wonderful. However, how many Americans are willing to fork over what it will cost to subsidze the 12+million illegals as well because they are part of his package that are living here in America. He also wants to subsidize a large number of third-world countries to give them 'what Americans enjoy'. If you think it's costly now, what do you imagine it will cost to live under Obama's plan?

5. Obama picked a VP that clearly endorsed John McCain four years ago as being the best candidate to run the country! Priceless! Joe Biden was clearly chosen to be the 'pit bull' and if Obama should accidentally win, it will be interesting to see how those two will mesh. Joe clearly stated, in front of America while running for the office himself, that he didn't think Obama was ready to be president. He said that Obama 'could' be ready but wasn't. Biden's personality and drive won't necessarily like Obama's desire to schmooze with the world. McCain and Biden are good friends and understand each other so very well. And both share the same drive. Obama really should have given Hillary the opportunity.

6. McCain had to go before a Senate committee to prove his citizenship and I think Obama would be wise to do the same, especially in light of his mother's residental choices. There appears to be way more information about his life in Indonesia and that information doesn't help define his American committment.

This is just a few issues that separate the two candidates. There are many more but this is already longer than it should be. Likeability can't be the sole determining factor as all the candidates have a good likeability. Look at the real issues and determine if you can live with the goals and directions that each candidate has for you and me.

4.

I don't consider myself republican or democrat but I guess you could say I'm a conservative. Barack Obama will lose in November. Say what you will about Michelles "wonderful" speech and the darling children, reality is people don't agree with Obama. They may hate Bush but ultimately Obama has too many unknowns or possible issues that scare people off. He is WAY too liberal, all the democrzts voted in favor of the bill protecting babies which manage to survive an abortion and Obama argued against it not once but twice as being a burden on abortion doctors. Whenever a difficult vote got to him he would vote "present" to avoid showing his true opinion. He has flip flopped on all the major issues and the people he has surrounded himself with over the years provide more fodder for the republican cannon shots that we know are coming.

For all those obama supporters out there, to run on the premise of judgment (and that it trumps experience) is the stupidest platform I've ever seen, especially in regard to this dirty chicago hack machine politician. And water runs uphill, the sky is green, rosanne barr is not obese, and madonna has a beautiful smile. See? That all sounds ridiculous too. How can you say that someone who was either knowingly (or unknowingly = incompetent or asleep) absorbing anti-American and anti-white rhetoric for 20 years, and exposing his 2 daughters and "June Cleaver" wife to that for some of that time, shows good judgment? How can you say that of a person who assured everyone that no way in hell would the surge in Iraq work? How about his self-admitted "boneheadedness" when it came to dealing with a convicted felon to obtain through shady deals his Hyde Park mansion? (BTW, the McCains, living the REAL American Dream, sacrificing much for the country and obtaining thier wealth through HARD WORK, at least obtained their properties legally). How could you say all that and still remark with a straight face that obama doesn't have to run on experience because he's running on good judgment??!! Well, not to worry because all that will hopefully be highlighted in all its proposterousness in the next several weeks.

Organization is a great thing. The Democratic Party should try it sometime.

James is right, not only that, what ever happened to the impeachment of Bush? Are voters so religiously wrapped up into, "D" and "R"'s only, that they forget that there's a country to run and congress is suppose to have oversight? Where is the outrage for non-oversight and the do-nothing congress?

Carville is an idiot. He still has not gotten over the fact that the Clintons, are not going to be in the whitehouse. She LOST fair and square, get over it!!

My two cents worth...

1: "one freaking day" - When you spend millions on a campaign and convention every moment matters. One day lost cannot be reclaimed. One bad day at a convention for a potential president means millions are turned off. One day lost is a lost opportunity to send a message.

2: Michelle Obama's remarks - Anyone who gives even a thought that her speech means anything has spent too much time watching soap opera's and insufficient time to watching anything of substance. What do you expect the wife of a candidate to say? He is an idiot, his kids hate him? Come on and stop being so naive and foolish. Candidates wives say nice things, children say nice things. When an enemy says nice things about your character then that will mean something to people of common sense. Michelle is an idiot and a speech in front of millions does not remove previous speeches made on the campaign trail.

Economy: People blame the Bush administration for the economy so let me ask a few questions? Who refuses drilling for oil? Who refuses building of nuclear plants? Who created an environment of low interest rates? Who allowed home loans without verification of income? Who allowed homes without a down payment? Clinton started the mess and Bush continued the stupid economic policies. When people blame one and fail to blame another purely on political party lines then not only are you intellectually dishonest but you lack morality.

When the American people wake up they will realize the two party political system in this country actually seeks to destroy the nation. We need a true Constitutional party, a viable third option. Whilst we argue amongst ourselves the supporters of a one world government who control both parties are moving along achieving their goals. Stop fighting against each other and look to the Constitution to be our guide. We have far more in common that we think. That of course excludes the socialists who prefer the govt to take care of us i.e. social security, welfare and national health care which are all UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

He's right. It was unwatchable.