Who should Obama meet with next?

by politicsmatters, Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:17:29 PM EST

Last week Obama met with a group of evangelical leaders.

Tonight he's meeting with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and on Thursday he'll be meeting with member of the Congressional black caucus.  http://thepage.time.com/2008/06/17/obama -to-sit-down-with-hispanic-leaders/

As far as I'm concerned, all of this is good. It's important to make the rounds, to connect with people who don't know you that well and those who already do.

But who should be next?  I tend to think Obama should meet with a group of women elected representatives.  This would fit with the congressional groups he's meeting with this week and would be a positive signal to Clinton supporters who have committed to Obama without much enthusiasm or who are persuadable but haven't been willing to commit yet.

As I've said here before, I'm a 50 year old woman, a life-long feminist and a union member. I used to support Clinton until the Iowa caucuses and then switched to Obama. I think Obama's doing just fine in the current polls and I do think that even more of the Clinton supporters will be voting for Obama than currently say they will.  But I also think it would be worth doing some events and having some meetings with women political leaders.  

Should those be scheduled? Or is the timing not quite right?




Tags: Obama, strategy (all tags)

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Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

Huh - It looks like there will be a pretty low profile meeting along the lines I suggested:

Obama is also expected to address a group of female Democratic lawmakers. The meeting follows a dinner last week at the home of Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) for female lawmakers.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obam a-meets-to-mend-rifts-with-cbc-leaders-2 008-06-16.html

So, do you think Obama should do more to specifically reach out to people who supported Clinton who aren't supporting him or who are doing so unenthusiastically?  Or are emotions too raw now?


We care about politics because we know politics matters for people's lives and opportunities.
by politicsmatters on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:22:46 PM EST

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

I had someone novel in mind but I'll just let it go.


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:25:33 PM EST

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

How about the big dog !!

Its too early though


Educated in a small town Taught to fear Jesus in a small town Used to daydream in that small town Another born romantic that's me.
by lori on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:27:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

If you mean Hillary, they are dong a joint event at the Mayflower Hotel on June 26th. Also Bill and Obama will be a an event in Florida a day apart so it remains to be seen if they meet.


Faced with the choice between changing one's mind and proving that there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.
by jsfox on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 10:46:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Maybe Michelle Obama should apologize (2.00 / 1)

for implying Big Dog is a big fat racist.


by catfish2 on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 11:59:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Maybe Michelle Obama should apologize (none / 0)

WHAT WOULD DENNIS KUCINICH THINK?


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:38:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Explain (none / 0)

.This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen."

This "whole thing". Exactly what whole thing is the biggest fairytale.

You want to start picking at every syllable that comes out of the Obamas' mouths then you invite people to do the same to the Clintons.

The primary is over. Clinton lost. Deal with it.


Hillary is voting for Obama, so why aren't you?
by BrighidG on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 08:01:14 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama should meet with ME (none / 0)

So I can convince him (if he even needs convincing) that Wesley Clark is his man.


Gobama!
by USArmyParatrooper on Tue Jun 17, 2008 at 11:41:02 PM EST

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

about 1 million zimbawian refuges


Matthew25Network.com
by cardboard 1 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:00:03 AM EST

Timing is not right (1.00 / 0)

It would look like desperate pandering right now if he met with some women's group.

Also, the way he talks about Senator Clinton is tin ear-ish.


by catfish2 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:00:45 AM EST

Re: Timing is not right (none / 0)

Just can't win, can he?


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:39:24 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Does he want to? (1.00 / 0)

Until he does, nothing will change.


by catfish2 on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:41:57 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Does he want to? (none / 0)

Sort of a catch-22, huh?  He's only ok if he wins, but you're bound and determined to hurt his chances.


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 01:10:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (2.00 / 2)

The NRA. I'm serious. I don't think he should pander to them or anything like that. But, it would demonstrate Obama's willingness to engage with those holding alternative political views. Moreover, because the NRA's strength appears to rely heavily upon a caricature of gun-control advocacy, I think it would be helpful to address the group collectively and present a thoughtful case for limited restriction on gun sales/possession, while expressing some amount of understanding toward the concerns of gun nuts . . . I mean, advocates.

Of course, there are probably some political hazards, as well, depending upon the details of Obama's beliefs about gun control. But, to the extent he is inclined toward moderate restrictions, I think it could prove a good political move.

Thoughts?
 


by DPW on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:22:20 AM EST

Agreed (2.00 / 2)

This past weekend I spent with serious gun collector Ohio (temporary FLA) friends. I asked him what Obama could do to convince him and his buddies that he wasn't a whack-job extreme liberal.

His answer?

"Meet with the NRA"

I showed him the American Hunters and Shooters endorsement and he like that, but that's obscure compared to the NRA.

Sit down with them.  Talk to them.  They really aren't in favor of criminals with machine guns.


"Because after an eight-year hiatus it is vital to have a president who leads the country instead of lassoing, roping and branding it." Shaun Appleby
by chrisblask on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:33:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed (2.00 / 1)

That's primarily what I was thinking. The whole "showing up is half the battle" notion.

Hell, even though he took some shots from the press, I liked the idea that Obama went bowling and exposed his complete lack of skill. I think if the media had just covered that story without the ridiculous social commentary, it would have endeared Obama to new voters.


by DPW on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:48:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Agreed (2.00 / 2)

Amen to that.

Obama actually agrees with the NRA on their fundamental issue: that individual gun ownership is guaranteed by the second amendment. (Many left-wingers believe that only MILITIA gun ownership is allowed).
Once he gives them that, the NRA guys tend to be a LOT more open to his suggestions on limiting the availability of guns.


by EvilAsh on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:56:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Who should Obama meet with next? (none / 0)

Good call.


John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.
by ihaveseenenough on Wed Jun 18, 2008 at 12:40:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]


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