By deciding not to campaign for Tom Barrett in the Wisconsin gubernatorial recall election, the president showed his fear that should his fellow partisan lose–as then seemed likely and now has happened–it would reflect poorly on him.
This is not the first time he has put his own political interests ahead of those of his party. Back in March, Politico reported that top Obama aides Jim Messina and David Plouffe told. . .
. . . Democratic congressional leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi . . . that that there would be no cash transfers to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee from OFA [Obama for America] or the DNC [Democratic National Committee], at least not before Election Day . . . .
Today, over at Ace of Spaces, the fetching Gabriel Malor reports that Barrett had supported Obama long before his party had coalesced around his candidacy:
Tom Barrett was one of Obama’s earliest, most prominent supporters in the Democratic primaries during 2008 cycle. In fact, Barrett presaged Obama’s eventual 2008 slogan by declaring in 2007 that Obama was the candidate who would “create hope in this country.”
Obama repaid Barrett’s early, crucial support by virtually ignoring him during the recall election. Obama made eight visits to Wisconsin after he was elected, and then abruptly stopped visiting once Barrett’s campaign to defeat Gov. Walker began and despite repeated overtures from Barrett to come to Wisconsin. The president actually played hopscotch to avoid Barrett last week, hitting both Minnesota and Illinois, but jumping twice over Wisconsin.
Via our loyal reader Leah. So focused is Obama on his own image, his own campaign, that he neglects someone who offered his support when most Democrats assumed Hillary Clinton would be the nominee. Interestingly, in 2010, Obama flew to Massachusetts to campaign for a Democrat who, in 2008, had backed Hillary all the up to the Democratic National Convention — even after the former First Lady herself had conceded.
Well, maybe that’s because he then thought his appearance in the Bay State could save his fellow partisan’s candidacy and he would shine in the reflected glory of her victory. Plus, he needed her vote in the Senate. But, with the possibility in 2012 of Barrett’s victory as slimmer than that of Coakley’s in 2010 — and no federal legislation at stake, Obama preferred to sit this one out.
“Obama,” Gabe quips, “is in it for himself and he doesn’t really care about anyone else.”
To be clear: Barrett had enough cash to win. Union cash. Over ten million.
I know Walker topped that quite a bit. But, you know what? There is always one side that outspends the other. In every race. In 2008, Obama outspent McCain substantially (and btw, violated Obama’s own promise to adhere to campaign finance laws and spending limits).
And in a high-interest race, the spending doesn’t determine the outcome of the race. The voters do. Using their own minds… and votes. I think some on the Left just don’t want to face that. So they push ‘spending’ explanations for their defeat.
Obama’s a narcissist…why should anyone be surprised at his refusal to help others?
A feeling of desperation is about to overtake the democrat establishment.
As Charles Krauthammer, a licensed psychiatrist stated, President Obama is a total narcissist and that explains how it is all about him, him, him. It reminds me of President Clinton. These baby boomers are so self centered, it is ridiculous.
When all is said and done, at the end of the day he is nothing more than a
coward. He is so afraid to stick that skinny neck out for anyone or thing that could reflect negatively on him.
“Using their own minds… and votes.”
This is completely wrong !!!! Only educated progressives are able to use their minds. All conservatives are brain dead. Uneducated voters simply do not understand the implications of the issues.
This is the correct thinking of the left.
SS should be cautious about letting Obama & Clinton on the same stage; two such enormous egos could cause stage to collapse.