Update 12-03 | 1:55 PM: Barack fires back; claims Hillary becoming "more desperate and negative by the day." See complete update at foot.
Are Hillary's internal polling numbers telling her staffers that she's in big trouble? That's the provocative theory that Chris Matthews floated on today's Morning Joe.
Host Joe Scarborough asked what could have caused Hillary and her senior aide Howard Wolfson to go on the attack against Barack Obama this weekend, respectively questioning his character and accusing him of maintaining an improper political "slush fund." In response, Matthews conjectured that Hillary's helpers have looked at the polling data . . . and seen her support "crashing."
View video here [with apologies for mediocre video quality.]
CHRIS MATTHEWS: I always assume that the professionals inside a campaign know more than I know. I have to assume that during the Philadelphia debate six weeks ago, Mark Penn and Mandy Grunwald and the other brains behind Hillary were looking at a focus group or looking at some kind of joy buzzer somewhere, and they're watching their candidate crash. And they came out of there and they blamed the moderator, they blamed Russert, Tim Russert, coming out, then they blamed the opponents, then they blamed the third, the unaffiliated groups. They were attacking every single person in a way that made you think "my God, did Hillary do that bad that night?"
And now, with as you say Obama a few points ahead, they're trying to take him out at the kneecaps. They unleashed Wolfson on the Sunday shows. I don't know why CBS put him on -- he's an attack dog. But they put him on. Then Hillary did the job last night, attacking this man's [Obama's] character! Now all I can tell you is they either know more than we know about how bad a shape she's in, or they're overreacting.
My hunch is that they know more. That they can see something crashing in their internals. They're looking at numbers that say people don't like what they saw when Hillary was diddling about a driver's-license issue. They said "wait a minute! We thought this woman was a leader. She can't answer a simple yes-or-no question about driver's licenses. Is she gaming us?" And at that moment, maybe, she shifted from being a flawless candidate to a slick candidate.
Will the MSM put the heat on Hillary and her handlers to disclose their internal numbers or otherwise explain what's happened to that nice lady on the couch who wanted to have a cozy conversation?
Update 12-03 | 1:55 PM: Barack fires back. Hillary launching "multiple frantic, baseless attacks."
The glove are definitely coming off . . .
A few moments ago I received a mass email sent to Obama supporters. Its subject line: "When Hillary attacks."
Excerpts [emphasis added]:
- The poll also showed that -- by a wide margin -- Iowans have found that Senator Clinton is running the most negative campaign of any candidate.
- And sure enough, less than 12 hours after the poll results were released, the Clinton campaign launched multiple frantic, baseless attacks against Barack Obama. The emerging pattern is disturbing: as Senator Clinton's poll numbers slide, the campaign of "inevitability" becomes more desperate and negative by the day.
- Senator Clinton has promised that this is just the beginning of her negativity. She even quipped yesterday that attacking other Democrats is "the fun part" of campaigning for the presidency.
- These attacks are borne out of cynical political calculation, plain and simple.
An interesting sidenote: the email lists the various recent attacks made by Hillary's campaign. It describes three such attacks [including having written as a kindergartener that he wanted to be president when he grew up.]
However, there is no reference to the Wolfson attack in which he accused Obama of maintaining an improper slush fund. Could the accusation not be as easily refutable as the others?
—Mark Finkelstein is a NewsBusters contributing editor and host of Right Angle. Contact him at mark@gunhill.net.




















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each time I see that pic of Hillary
December 3, 2007 - 10:47 ET by sarcasmoI'm fixated on the flowers out the window. Was that ever explained, and I just missed it, or as many here suspected has she been running a Presidential campaign this time for a LOT longer than most people imagine?
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul.
Yeah, someone said it was
December 3, 2007 - 12:23 ET by motherbeltYeah, someone said it was sunlight showing between the leaves. The thing that got me about it was her smile...she smiled constantly while she was talking....even when she was criticizing Bush, she was smiling.
Creepy.
-
December 3, 2007 - 21:54 ET by dahliatraverslol
And big time phony!
Apparently Algore laid the
December 3, 2007 - 10:47 ET by KillgraveApparently Algore laid the last tube in his shiny-new Internets, so now the AP can finally pump through it 24-hour news coverage.
Not 8, not 12, but 24 hours!
If Algore invented an additional hour of the day (25 hours), I'm sure the AP would have that covered, too.
This election would have
December 3, 2007 - 10:56 ET by MidAmericaThis election would have been easy for hillary but the dems let the race start way too early. Her supporters have always wanted to believe she was different than the 'bad bill' but the longer this process goes on people can see she came out of the same litter as her husband.
She is just not as slick as
December 3, 2007 - 10:59 ET by FishFace222She is just not as slick as Willie was at talking out both sides of her behind.
How long until the "US of A is just not ready for a female president" drumbeat starts.
It's already started
December 3, 2007 - 12:33 ET by celator"
How long until the "US of A is just not ready for a female president" drumbeat starts"
This has been her major and minor theme since day one. She uses it, along with "all the big boys are picking on me" mantra, whenever her numbers drop.
It kinda makes you
December 3, 2007 - 11:52 ET by mattmIt kinda makes you wonder...did one corrupt the other, or were they both cut from the same cloth?
Definitely Hillary corrupted Bill, mattm.
December 3, 2007 - 13:03 ET by RJHe's just a morally bankrupt "good time Charlie", and a vehicle for her goals.
But Hillary was personally indoctrinated by the infamous Saul Alinsky, who wrote "Rules For Radicals."
He's the "left-wing guru of ethical relativity, an avowed means-justify-the ends Marxist, who was the topic of Hillary's senior thesis at Wellesley."
Mutually Assured Corruption
December 3, 2007 - 14:30 ET by Del DolemonteNo doubt Hillary has the edge in evil, but don't forget that long before he met her, Slick had already decided to become a politician, and had already completed an internship in DC with segregationist Senator William Fulbright.
That's just it. Willie IS a "slick" politican
December 3, 2007 - 15:07 ET by RJ...but it's a self-gratification kind of thing.
On the other hand, Hillary has the intent of taking the country on a quantum leap into Socialism/Marxism.
-
December 3, 2007 - 21:52 ET by dahliatraversHe's just a morally bankrupt "good time Charlie", and a vehicle for her goals.
I'm not willing to let him off so easily. Yes, she's worse than him in the sense that she functions principally from a deep sense of insecurity. And that is a very dangerous person to have in the White House.
At the same time, they are both equally devoid of values, principles, honesty and any sense of public service. Witness the campaign money he took from Beijing, his flip-flop on almost every issue, the pardoning of the scum of the earth for the sleaziest of motives and, worst of all, his giving our nuclear technology to China. In the end, it's not clear that his actions were any better for the country than hers would be.
The drive-bys can see the writing on the wall......
December 3, 2007 - 11:03 ET by Missouri ConservativeThe drive-bys are starting to see that Hillary could very well be a disaster in the general election - both on the presidential level and as a big drag on down ballot races particularly for the large number of Democrats in moderate/conservative districts.
The media, first and foremost, wants a Democrat sweep in 2008. They may love Hillary, but if they view her as not being able to deliver on the victory they so desperately want, they will throw her under the bus for someone else. It seems to me, at least NBC is very kind to Obama - Crissy Matthews in particular.
These elite media types are liberal Democrats, first and foremost - they MUST have a Democrat sweep, and they will do whatever it takes to make that happen. If that means they throw Hillary overboard, then they'll do it.
"women and minorities hardest hit"
Hillary crashing
December 3, 2007 - 11:07 ET by Apostate_FritterI believe it (Hillary crashing).
I don't believe she can "go the distance" because - unlike her husband - she isn't interested in (and doesn't really like) the process of campaign - or people in general. She just want's the result - Queen of the US.
Slick Willie could have campaigned for the next decade because he likes the process itself... and he LIKES PEOPLE.
The anti-Nostradamus of Politics
December 3, 2007 - 11:17 ET by MightyMouthDick Morris, has said that Hillary will be the next President!
So I have come up with the "Morris Principle" to wit: "Whatever Dick Morris says about politics, the exact opposite will occur."
So based on that, we have nothing to worry about :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Dic Morris also says that
December 3, 2007 - 12:34 ET by motherbeltDic Morris also says that she could lose Iowa, could make any number of mistakes, etc. His doubting of her prowess is seen here here here here here and here .
What does it all matter, Dick, if in the end she's going to win? Why waste your time writing about her failures in the meantime? Write about something else then!
Motherbelt,
December 3, 2007 - 12:44 ET by MightyMouthMotherbelt,
I swear I think Dick Morris takes more positions than "The Houston 500"! One things for sure, he gets plenty of face time on Fox News. My wife used to think his quirky way of talking was cute, now she just thinks it's annoying.
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
x10
December 4, 2007 - 01:43 ET by Wesenanybody who positions himself in front of two feet must learn to take a number of positions.
mb -- you takes your
December 3, 2007 - 12:48 ET by Jack Bauermb -- you takes your choice.
Bill Kristol on Fox panel Sunday said:
Obama is going to win Iowa BIG. That'll push him over in New Hampshire...
And.... that givesd him unstoppable mo ... and he's going to win the nomination.
Very sure.
Check out my exclusive edit of BBC News America's interview with Mrs Clinton: It's news to me!
You may be right
December 3, 2007 - 12:41 ET by celator"
I don't believe she can "go the distance""
I'm leaning a little bit in this direction. I've always believed she was essentially a bag of 1960's leftist hot air that would eventually turn off centrist D's and R's. Seem to be happening.
Her democrat persidential opponents seem to have figured out her Achilles heel---keep her off her script and talking points so she panics and begins yet another public meltdown. Good strategy.
Exposure...Too much hillary means "crash"
December 3, 2007 - 11:28 ET by JayTeeBill can't help her, and if all this extra MSM the exposure helps people decide, the MSM better take Hillary off the Air. Saying she looked "Regal" on the hostage thing, didn't help her either.
I guess the MSM incompetence is real....they couldn't lose the War, and now they can't elect Hillary...Tsk...tsk...MSM, Look at your "Ratings" you dummies, you're going down with Hillary.
But, what is this with Joe and Chriss Piling on ? They are in Big Trouble by just mentioning Hilliary is in Trouble...It's Double Trouble. Obama can't carry the election, he's an inexperience empty shell.
Hillary attacks dogs are going to show Obama for what he is...
Oh Lord I hope so. Other
December 3, 2007 - 11:37 ET by mattmOh Lord I hope so. Other than her conviction and imprisonment for fraud, insider trading, and obstruction of justice (plus whatever else they can dig up...Vince F.???) her political destruction would be one of the greatest blessings bestowed upon America since Algore lost the recounts...
MSM Morning After Decisions
December 3, 2007 - 11:56 ET by PSPCplYou can waste your time putting lipstick on a pig, but in the end, it's still a pig. It can't have Camelot back, so the MSM wants the next best thing: a return to the Clinton years. The MSM drank enough Koolaide to the point where they believed and began working towards influencing the outcome to make that happen. Their problem is that Hilary has all of the appeal of a three day old dead fish on the beach in August.
And now, some in the liberal MSM are waking up to the fact that Hilary could blow this election for the libs. They are being force to consider their options: chew off the arm or live with the consequences of going home with the pig.
Tired...and weary
December 3, 2007 - 12:00 ET by neighbThe DNC is beginning to see that the country is, as I've been saying for some time, growing tired and weary of the Clinton-Bush stranglehold on the WH. If, God forbid, this lying skank became POTUS and survived two terms without joining her egomanicial, jackoff husband in the Land of Impeachment, we would have a Clinton or a Bush in office successively for nearly 15% of our entire history as a nation! Even we who lean to the right are ready for something new and different.....like someone who will protect our borders, enforce our laws, and not take us down the path to socialist ruin like the USSR.
One has to believe that the Terry McAuliffe's and Howard Dean's of the world would rather face the prospect of an Obama loss...("He lost because, 'right-wing-neo-con-KKK-loving-hate-mongers would not elect a black man, and are prejudiced against Muslims'")....than face the eternal wrath and hellfire of a spurned, rejected Hillary!!
(By the way....if SlickJob thinks she is cold in the sack now, just wait til she loses.....no, wait.....I forgot. He has no freaking idea WHAT she is like in Tumbleland. Better we ask Donna Shalala and/or Ann Lewis instead.)
neighb
the Clintons
December 3, 2007 - 12:51 ET by easygoerIf Hillary loses either the nomination or election, how long will it take until divorce proceedings are initiated?
About 5 Seconds?
December 3, 2007 - 14:32 ET by Del DolemonteUnless they decide to take their show on the road-maybe they could move to Australia and run for office down there.
Or they could move to a really Blue state and take over said state's politics. Hawaii would welcome both of them with open arms, even if it is where Obama was born.
Pole Joe and Chris Matthews the two bit tipper
December 3, 2007 - 13:07 ET by Lame CherryI just start laughing when I see these 2 together as Pole Joe reminds me of the male pole dancer and Matthews as the cheap tipper tossing quarters onto the stage.
Pole Joe is part of the campaign to get Hillary and set up Matthews who is working for Al Gore today. Nothing new today except Matthews again went public in "the economy is crashing" by talking instead of "Hillary is crashing" to talk down her poll numbers and voters.
This is all a set up and to answer your question. NO the MSM is not going to attack Hillary. She has too much blackmail information on the unprotected ones and they are scared of her.
What will occur is this Dan Rather chisel at her with her big story being after Iowa:
HILLARY LOOSES IOWA CAN SHE EVER RECOVER
The key in this is Obama winning Iowa.........and then the follow up of Hillary being in a 3 way race in New Hampshire.........with Edwards surging with Obama........so a new headline will read:
EDWARDS AND OBAMA TROUNCE HILLARY
The fight then occurs in the Super Tuesday primaries where no clear winner will emerge which as Ponte pointed out will set the stage for the return of savior Al Gore.
Chris Matthews can just taste his job, White House Press Secretary
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Hillary Aides See Her
December 3, 2007 - 15:12 ET by Chris NormanHillary Aides See Her 'Crashing'
I told her not to fuel her broom with bio-fuel distilled from Clinton manure. It runs out quicker than the real stuff... :)
the email lists the
December 3, 2007 - 14:57 ET by Jack BauerMaybe I missed it, but how come nothing Hillary Rodham said, thought, mentioned, conversed, et al before her 18th birthday, ever comes out. Anywhere.
How come no ex-boyfriend has EVER popped up (as far as I recall) to claim he got to --- well, you know, hold hands on base.
Why, it's almost as if no one is interested. Presumably between kindergarten and Bill and Yale she appears to have had no life. Apart from the tripe in her ghostwritten bios.
She Has Their FBI Files?
December 3, 2007 - 17:06 ET by Del DolemonteActually, an ex boyfriend of hers supplied Carl Bernstein with some letters she had written him in college, when Carl was researching his Hillary book "A Woman in Charge".
According to a review in amazon, "the 18-year-old freshman describes herself as "a progressive, an ethical Christian and a political activist" who is nevertheless "outrageous... as outrageous as a moral Methodist can get."
Howard Wolfson is enough
December 3, 2007 - 15:14 ET by bigtimerHoward Wolfson is enough for anybody that may think of voting for Hillary reason not to...he is creepy.... like most of her big-wig behind the scenes workers....
I don't care what Matthews thinks most times one way or the other but it is still fun to listen to the enemy even if it is a loony leftist like Matthews.
Like I have said long ago...leave it to Hillary and her partner to do them in all by their-selves...open mouth, insert foot.
Btw I find it comical Obama is winning the female voters, even before Oprah stumps for him, what happened to all the blather in the mainstream media about her having the female voters and even some in the republican party, say like the figure 25% was thrown around....seems to be slipping Hillary , women can't stand you, most sane women that is...we can see right through your soulless despicable self.
Well...
December 4, 2007 - 00:23 ET by ReformedLib Re-FormedConI haven't opened the champagne yet, but I've got it ready. I do believe that Iowa is going to be the deciding factor. Even if BO or JE beats her by a point, it's still enough of a crack in the facade to do her in. I used to do drafting in high school. I remember one of the students in class getting upset at the teacher because his assignment had a line that was off by less than 1/32 of an inch and he got a lower grade on it. So small, so inconsequential, so tiny. Until you blew that 1/32 up to what it meant in the big picture. A huge fissure, a crack, an insurmountable problem. I see the small chinks in her armor amounting to much, much more when it comes down to it. I see her completely imploding (oh, to be a fly on the wall) if... when... results come in and she loses to either of these 'boys' in IA.
I swear to you, the day the announcement is made over who the DemNom is, if it isn't her, I'm planning a party. Break out the pit, the beer (yak), whatever is on hand, to celebrate the fact that even if we do end up with another dumb Dem in the house, it won't be the picture of corruption, greed, and socialism that IS Hillary.
An added benefit is that I get to gently rub it in my kool-aid drinking sis-in-law's face. She'd vote Dem even if the candidate was admittedly the worst person for the job.