Does Obama Need a New Issue to Catch Clinton?

Over at the Washington Monthly, Kevin Drum is arguing that the only thing that is going to pull Barack Obama even with Hillary Clinton is a brand new issue that catches Clinton off-guard. Obama's current plan of intensifying his attacks on Clinton, within the realm of commonly discussed issues, isn't going to work because, in Drum's words, there's "no there there." That is, the differences between Obama and Clinton aren't substantial enough to get anyone excited.

So what does Drum suggest? "Propose that the United States unilaterally offer to reopen its embassy in Tehran. Ditto for Cuba and North Korea." Or, "Propose a specific list of Bush administration executive orders that he would rescind." The first would get Obama killed by every Democratic contender, TV pundit, and foreign policy establishment wonk. The legitimacy of those three groups aside, the gain here is dubious and the price is simply too heavy. The second idea is a darn good one, and I wouldn't be surprised if all the Democratic candidates do something similar in time.

What did Drum's readers suggest? Ending the drug war and legalizing marijuana. Impeachment and war crimes. Naming a killer VP choice. Gay rights. National service.

I'm not sure any of these are going light the voting public on fire—all would energize a portion of the Democratic base, but none would energize everybody and none would put him in a good position in the general. (How many undecideds and Republicans do you think he'll win over after going to war over legalizing marijuana?) Besides, issues aren't at the heart of the Obama campaign. Obama is. It's a campaign about him. It's a campaign about a man who will restore the American dream, bring people together, change our politics, and on and on and on. You know the rhetoric. If that doesn't strike enough Americans as inspirational, I don't know that any new issues are going to save the campaign.

Comments

He shouldn't hit Clinton too hard. He might jeopardize his best chance at the White House, after 8 years of being VP.

Posted by: Brock on 10/29/07 at 8:56 PM Respond

One big reason Obama is where he is is the electability factor. The US is not ready for a black president. There is too much of the race thing in the US. It will be tough for a woman too, but a white woman would be preferable over a black man any day. Even if they were the same in every other way.

Posted by: Nick on 10/30/07 at 9:51 AM Respond

I disagree. The people who wouldn't vote for a black man/woman are solidly in the looney-tune camp of the republican party. The majority of repubs could care less and I assume that virtually all democrats are fairly indifferent to it.

If Clinton were not running Obama would be leading the polls. He has fortunately/unfortunately come up against an institutionalized opponent who likely can't be stopped. He would be wise to accept his position and be Veep for 4/8 years and then run for prez.

Posted by: Brock on 10/30/07 at 10:09 AM Respond

That should be "looney toons", not 'tunes', of course. Le duh.

Posted by: Brock on 10/30/07 at 10:10 AM Respond

It doesnt matter if Obama needs another issue I think that Obama does not have a chance against Clinton to win.

Posted by: bere on 10/30/07 at 2:27 PM Respond

At this point I think its safe to say that Clinton gots it in the bag, even if Obama comes up with a New Issue Clinton would take his new issue and make it her owns ... I argee obama should accept his role as VP for 4/8 years then run again once he's done

Posted by: D uN3T on 10/30/07 at 2:44 PM Respond