Comments on: Blitzer: Did the primary season strengthen Obama – or weaken him?

By: Christine

Christine — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:19:02 +0000

Wolf, The process definitely strengthen OBAMA. Are you surprised by the flood of positive response (claiming it strengthened) ? I started out being neutral and ended up despising the clintons more with their intimidation tactics instigating voters on florida and michigan's situation. Shame on clinton campaign management for not upholding democratic party rules to incite pro clinton voters into a frenzy.You can fool some into hysteria and outbursts, but I congratulate the resolve of the general americans to stay the course of doing the right thing and to supporting the much needed new leadership. Clearly the Clintons don't play fair, and her brand of campaign is a constant reminder of old school politics relying more on name Clout on a beauty contest than sincere genuine desire to lead change. Ultimately it is not about sexism as much as wanting to preserve the whites in a "white house". WIth Obama's imminent success, I am able to witness the emergence of a new america which is strong enough embrace the best candidate regardless of race and age. Congratulations to americans who takes greater responsibility for their future by engaging in this historic process.

By: latino in mn

latino in mn — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:08:20 +0000

YES, it strengthened him to the sleezeball tactics that will be waiting for him coming from the Republicans - wait a sec - Hillary used to be a Republican! What a coincidence! Keep her as a VP on the ticket? Sure let's transplant the cancer to another part of the body once the doctor removes it too. The reason he won the nomination is because he wasn't her nor anything she represents. And her "foaming at the mouth" supporters still vow to vote McCain anyway! Roe vs Wade anyone? Omaba for, McCain against. Yes, I don't like the TV show I'm watching so I'll gouge my own eyes out with a fork to spite those dastardly TV programmers! They really should follow through and form their own party like they threatened to: Bitter Old White Women Of the World. (BOW WOW) It would be like taking the burnt crust off the cake, who'd miss it?

By: Jeremiah Wiggins, NYC

Jeremiah Wiggins, NYC — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:07:37 +0000

It absolutely helped him. He may have been used to the "rough and tumble" of Chicago politics but now he's used to the lasciviousness of national presidential politics. It will be a landslide for Obama come November. And any democrat who says they'll vote for McCain will be voting away their reproductive rights, any hope for health care, the future of social security and a litany of other social Democratic issues. Not to mention the hope of ending our military presence around the world. Hillary may have been the "smart" choice, but voting for McCain out of spite is downright stupid.

By: Kompari

Kompari — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:53 +0000

Since Barack Obama is convincingly about, "Change" He should cross party lines and consider selecting Collin Powell as his Vice President! Its a bi-partisan ticket.....Now thats CHANGE!!

By: DC

DC — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:59:00 +0000

The only way Obama will get my vote is if Clinton is on his ticket, otherwise it is McCain all the way, as I dislike Obama more than McCain.

By: J.D., Washington, D.C.

J.D., Washington, D.C. — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:53:56 +0000

The primary season largely hurt Obama. His appeal among independent and GOP voters was much stronger before he was tag-teamed by Clinton and McCain - and before racial politics was injected into the campaign by former President Clinton and others. In addition, he had great appeal among women voters before the Clinton campaign - and former President Clinton - unfairly accused his campaign of sexism.

By: Pete Zebulon

Pete Zebulon — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:53:06 +0000

6 month ago, Obama was a little known knight in shiny armor, with a church, a spiritual mentor and a message of change and hope.

Now he is the black candidate with problems with traditional Democratic voters, including females, Hispanics, rural voters, blue collars, uneducated, gun owners and small towners.

Favorability ratings in Louisiana are through the cellar, Clinton polls ahead of him and the Republicans believe that there truely is a God, prepared to help them in their hour of need. Obama is a gift from heaven for them. Clinton would take away states such as Arkansas, West Virginia, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, even Nevada.

Obama is a liberal and they can handle liberals. Especially those with enough baggage to make Karl Rove salivate.

By: pam

pam — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:47:07 +0000

She WILL GO OUT IN STYLE! Hillary has received (most) of the votes she has worked her bottom off for and now shows what a popular formidable opponent she is. We have not seen the last of Hillary. History will give a nod to this strong women and ALL her accomplishments past and yet to come. She may not be president, but this women will go far and we have not seen or heard the last from her. I'm SO GLAD she'll be in the ranks (HIGH UP) fighting for the American people!!!

By: Pistoff

Pistoff — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:44:25 +0000

Strengthened.

He is finishing the primary season with his integrity in tact. He is righteous.

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:43:47 +0000

Senator Obama reminds me of Bush, Jr.–someone un vetted full of promises but with no real experience.
I am shocked he is about to clinch the nomination.
And I will not support him- even though I am a life long Democrat.
He is too much of a wild card with no experience.

By: Stefan Flosbach

Stefan Flosbach — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:40:58 +0000

Obama always tried to keep the primary season short and sweet. He tried to push her out, before the Rev. Wright issue broke. Now we know why he was so eager to be seen as the presumptive candidate, because the party would have protected him if he had been the candidate back then. Well, the media did that job.

To everyone who is able to read poll results, it is clear that Clinton is the stronger candidate against McCain, but here the lemming instinct of the Democrats takes over. This and the "Yes-we-made-a-mistake-but-now-it-is-too-late-so-lets-pretend-that-everything-is-fine-and-maybe-nobody-
notices-it"

They already see the iceberg, but feel that changing the course would be face loss.

Obama is a damaged good and does not stand a chance against McCain. Sad but true

By: Tully, San Leandro , CA

Tully, San Leandro , CA — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:40:57 +0000

Weaker or stronger, does it make any difference? This is just the primaries. Wait until the SwiftBoat comes out , we'll see true test. The only thing that will help Obama win the White House is by reconciling with Senator Clinton and asking her to be his VP, like it or not. Politics is dirty . The old boys club, some female members of the GOP who wanted to run but were afraid to lose to Hillary, the media circus, the DNC have helped put Obama on the pedestal. He'd better win in a landslide in November or the joke will be on him. So let start mending fences now.

By: Emeka, London UK

Emeka, London UK — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:40:32 +0000

By the test of fire, fine steel is made (Abraham Lincoln). Obama has gone through a channel that can proppel him to face any challenge in life.

November is for the people to choose real CHANGE.

This is what the likes of the Dr. King's and the late Kenedy's would have been glad and grateful to witness. Thanks for your calmness and mature approach. I owe you another book purchase on "Election Preparation and Attitude" or anything you wish to call it.

GO OBAMA 08!!!

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:38:27 +0000

"It really strenghtened him. She aired out all of his dirty laundry, and now he his fully vetted and ready for McSame." ...you've got to be joking. Thanks to his surrogates and the media, we haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the 'junk in his trunk.' But I'm sure McCain will be much better than the almighty DNC at getting to the truth of this guy.

By: S.Cameroonians

S.Cameroonians — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:37:51 +0000

My friend you are stupid.Someone who is just new in the political scene and a four year senator ousting a Fabulous Dynasty in American politics and you need to be told he is Strong?Someone with little or no experience that you yourself pronounced?
Someone who has undergone the heaven and hell surgery of the Clintons?
But One thing Obama needs to be proud of is the school of taught that the Clintons registered him into if not McSame was impatiently waiting in the labor room.Now he is in the re.animation ward.
One big thing McSame should avoid with Obama if he wants to win Obama is attacking him on irrelevant issues because those are the things that the Clintons did and failed and when she discovered,it was late.You see in the last primaries Obama has been doing very little though he was fighting a double battle with John Hillary Clinton.
Those who thought flag pins and others were solutions to american problems should put their fingers inside behind down there and get the stench.

By: NEVER OBAMA THE LIAR

NEVER OBAMA THE LIAR — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:37:32 +0000

obama is to much of a fool to know how to run this country.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:34:01 +0000

Though Clintons made the campaign very divisive, still the long primary was good for Obama. Few people knew him. Now, most people know who he is. Certainly, many would decide not to vote for him. But if it was not for this long primary, many, who bacame his staunch supporters, would not vote for him because they did not know who he was.

By: raymond

raymond — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:31:06 +0000

Obama has had all his fair share of politics. i think the primary season really helped him a lot, i don't think he has to apologise to anybody. these election is not about him, is about the UNITED STATE OF AMERICA . so if any voter thinks Obama is the cause of what is happening in the country today. they may vote for the Republican. Clinton and Obama are in the same party Democrat, with the same Policy. so those it matter who wins the nomination," all that matters is americans want changes period" so don't let any sentimental issues mess up good things coming ahead. God bless U.S.A

By: ANNE................TEXAS

ANNE................TEXAS — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:30:07 +0000

IT PLEASES ME TO SEE YOUNG AMERICANS VOTING OBAMA, IT SURELY REVEALS HOW FAR WE HAVE COME FROM " PREJUDISM AND THE OTHER "ISMS". MY EYES HAVE SEEN THE GREAT FUTURE THAT IS AHEAD. WE ALL INCLUDING THE DEMOCRATS MUST RALLY TOGETHER TO VOTE BUSH AND HIS LIKES OUT . AMERICA MUST BE STRONG AND ENVIABLE AGAIN IN THE WORLD. I LOVE THIS COUNTRY.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:29:33 +0000

Well, he's lying more and more, so I guess he's becoming a better politician. His cult-following refuses to believe anything bad about him, so I guess he has that working for him... but then again, 20% of the nation still thinks Bush is doing a good job. Guess they're pretty similar in that regard.

By: Mary (Louisiana)

Mary (Louisiana) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:28:54 +0000

I don't think God put this man in the position to run this Country to let him fell. So all you people that say you believe in God let go and let God handle his sons business now. We are all God's children.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:28:11 +0000

Obama was the underdog throughout most of the primary season. So I wouldn't read too much into some mild difficulty in finishing it off- the big dog never goes down without a fight. Obama will actually begin the general with a cushy lead, though, and with his honed skills I don't think McCrap will stand much chance.

By: NEVER OBAMA THE LIAR

NEVER OBAMA THE LIAR — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:28:09 +0000

Obama needs a trip to forest lawn for a long,long rest.

By: gary

gary — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:22:23 +0000

WOMAN THAT BELIEVES. GET A LIFE. O.B. NEEDS HRC MORE THAN SHE NEEDS HIM.WITHOUT HRC ON THE TICKET,YOU WILL NEVER SEE HER VOTERS. WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND. THINK ABOUT IT ALL YOU HATERS.

By: Karl

Karl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:16:13 +0000

Obama is much stronger since battling Clinton (R-NY) this past year. He's stronger. Now to the championship!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:16:08 +0000

Before the inexcusable behavior of the Democratic party with regards to Senator Clinton, I may have been inclined to vote for Obama. Now I feel there is no way I could support Obama, nor could I support any member of the Democratic party. I am appauled by the way they manipulated the system in order to push Hillary Clinton out--blatantly ignoring the sexist attitudes of their own party and of the media, while firing harshly back at anyone who even mentioned the word "race." And their manipulation of the rules in order to ensure that Obama was the candidate is appauling--I remember when they argued that because Gore won the popular vote (nevermind the Electoral votes), he should be the next President. When Hillary Clinton applies the same logic her party did a mere four years ago, she is called "egotistical" and told it was a "last ditch effort" in order to selfishly obtain the nomination. What hogwash! Obama can try all he wants to win back Hillary Clinton supporters; it is not going to do him any good. I'm sure there will be some who will join his camp in an effort to keep John McCain out of the White House, but I for one will not be one of those people. Ron Paul 08.

By: Jesse

Jesse — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:15:20 +0000

Througout the who primary Obama and his campaign portrayed Clintons as liar. Why does Obama need the support of liars now?
Why????????????????

Where is Obama's new kind of politics?
I don't think Hillary, specially Pres. Clinton should work for Obama at all. There was too much insulting comments for him during last 5 months. Obama showed absolutely no respect to him. Democrats should realise that with Bill Clinton democrats would have been nothing, none, Nader, today.

By: Robin in Fl

Robin in Fl — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:13:40 +0000

He dethroned the Clinton's! Even if he looses in the fall, he will have A LOT more clout when he returns to the senate.

By: Carmelle_ Margate, FL

Carmelle_ Margate, FL — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:08:21 +0000

This makes him extremely stronger after all he is Barack Obama, he who brings on change that’s when all the humble people come out and rejoice and be proud that maybe America can change from it's scars. Sen. Clinton should back off and let him take this in without having to construct criticism. It's unfair, it’s un-American and at a time like this and if it were her she'd fell the same way.

By: Paula in Seattle

Paula in Seattle — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:03:59 +0000

The long primary campaign was harmful because it stirred up such animosity on the part of those who think that Hillary was somehow entitled to the nomination (which is patently ridiculous). Obama was and is strong, and he is our only hope for fresh, decent leadership. Clinton absolutely should not be his running mate. Everything she has done during this campaign has demonstrated how unsuitable in character and conduct she is to be either president or vice president. She certainly doesn't fit his platform of positive change and an end to divisive politics. The Clintons had their turn in the White House. I hope the country has moved beyond the Clinton/Bush era and will start fresh. Hillary has done her best to poison the well, but Obama has kept his hands remarkably clean and will continue his signature style of courtesy, kindness, and reaching across boundaries to unite our country around our many shared values.

By: Marlie:

Marlie: — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:32:18 +0000

Why on earth would you think he was weak to start with? He came up against the most powerful, corrupt couple the world has known in decades. Good for Him. Please let him have his moment. Do you think you can do that CNN?

By: DJ - Texas

DJ - Texas — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 22:32:14 +0000

Marvin Sapp says it like this: "Never would have made it... without You [talking about God].... I'm stronger... I'm wiser... I'm better... so much better... Never would have made it... without You!" AMEN!!!

By: kathryn white

kathryn white — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:35:39 +0000

Obama is Gods child, what God has for him is for him. its in Gods plan.

By: Nicole in NE

Nicole in NE — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:25:24 +0000

Let me remind all you people who are claiming they will vote Republican because of MI and FL are laughable! I mean, you do know that the RNC (RepublicnaNational Committe) took half their delegates as well right?

Get informed people! VOTE DEMOCRAT!
All these people willing to vote for John McCain must NOT care about the average American's struggles? Let's make the rich richer and continue Bush's FAILED foreign policies! Give me a break! The country has been going down the crapper and will continue until we get a Democrat in the Oval office.

McCain IS NOT a moderate, he sold his soul to the conservatives to walk the line.

By: Shasta

Shasta — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:24:43 +0000

I would say he is stronger AND the republicans are weaker. Unless more on Obama's past comes out, there is nothing more to say that has not been said about Obama. Those who weren't going to vote for him based on experience, the Wright debacle, the fact that they think he's Muslim, etc, were already not going to vote for him based on those things, so what else is there to bring up? It's almost like that scene in 8 Mile where Eminem's character says all of the dirt about himself before the other guy can, so the other guy has to walk because there is nothing else to say. So for that, thank you HRC.

By: jfs Memhis, Tn

jfs Memhis, Tn — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:00:21 +0000

He will need some time off............he needs to be out of our faces for awhile. He will come back stronger than ever before. Wait until his first trips abroad. He should attract crowds that we haven't seen since John and Jackie Kennedy. These are exciting times with an exciting new era in American Politics. IN SPITE OF THE CLINTONS AND STAGNATED REPUBLICANS> GO Obama

By: Ricky

Ricky — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:59:57 +0000

My entire communtiy will not vote for Obama.
He has fought for the government.
Clinton has fought for the people.

No way Obama.

By: Tam/Stone Mountain

Tam/Stone Mountain — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:59:34 +0000

Obama IS WEAK. HE WILL NOT GET THE VOTES HE NEEDS IN THE GENERAL ELECTION!!!!!!!!!!!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!! GEE I HOPE you people do not have young kids that will go to IRAQ.

GOD HELP US ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: Erik

Erik — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:59:32 +0000

It helped and it hurt him. Most of all, it made him appear human.

By: Xavier, St. Louis, MO

Xavier, St. Louis, MO — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:58:08 +0000

That what does not kill you, only can make you stronger.

By: helped

helped — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:51:36 +0000

Clinton helped him.

He would be totally unvetted in NOV- and that would be a sure loss for him.

Now at least, his negatives are being forgotten as old news.

But I will still write Hill in.

By: Fitz

Fitz — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:51:19 +0000

As I have said so many times before, compared to the dirty laundry of Clinton and McInsane, Obama is a saint. You guys know what I am talking about.

By: Shawn T

Shawn T — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:58 +0000

An unknown politician...

...belonging to the poorest most repressed minority in the nation (african american)

...with a name thats sounds similar to both Osama and Saddam Hussein....

...ran a terrific, well organizd campaign

...avoided petty mud-slinging

...never once lost his cool through repeated attacks

...defeated the mighty Clintons

...prompted record voter turnout

Now thats impressive!

- 26/white male in NYC

By: Romulus, Michigan

Romulus, Michigan — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:41 +0000

No credit for a well organized campaign, a message that millions want to hear. He was never weak. As with all of us there are weak people around us. Most of the time just the experience makes us stronger.

By: enomisa

enomisa — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:24 +0000

I'll never vote for him.

But Clinton took all the heat, he got all the praise.

She helped him become a better candidate.

Maybe now he can at least stand up and speak at a debate.

By: BJ

BJ — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:20 +0000

RHETORIC WILL ONLY TAKE YOU SO FAR!!!

Obama will NOT win in November!

By: errrr

errrr — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:13 +0000

Definitly he is stronger than what he was one year ago, because he was almost nothing then.

However, he is much weaker as a Democratic nominee, because he and his supporters have successfully alienated millions of democrats, who will either stay at home or vote for MaCcain in the fall.

By: Diane

Diane — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:50:11 +0000

The primary season has definitely weakened Obama. Of course, right now his name is "bigger than life" because he and Hillary are all the news. The media has Obama glorified to the point that come election time, the Dem's will feel blindsided when he loses to John McCain. My prediction is that the Republicans will pull this off again in November. Go John McCain!

By: OriginalObamaBot

OriginalObamaBot — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:49:53 +0000

Obama, the United Kingdom Loves YOU!! Europe endorses you and we all wish you well in November. We know you are STRONGER just hang in there!! You've changed the world for my son and you've made me believe again!!

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 20:49:41 +0000

I don't think that he has been weakened. Senator Obama can handle anything that the Republicans throw at him after running against the Clintons for 15 months.