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Obama in North Carolina: Where am I and when is this?

posted at 1:00 pm on May 1, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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Mayhill Fowler starts off her Huffington Post piece yesterday by scolding the national press for its disinterest in Barack Obama’s stump speeches, but may wind up regretting calling attention to them. Fowler, who also reported the “Crackerquiddick” comments in San Francisco, provides a ringside description of what Michael Goldfarb calls an Admiral Stockdale moment:

Just for the record, Senator Obama’s Hickory performance was much better than his Wilmington one. His speech was more grounded and detailed, in little things–adding “the price of a gallon of milk” to “the price of gas”–and in big–entwining his wife’s life story with his own in pleading his case for love of country. In short, Obama was more forceful and passionate. Confronting his displeasure with the Reverend Wright seems to have lit a fire under the Barack ass.

Did Senator Obama know to whom he was speaking? Likely not. That’s been his problem lately on the campaign trail–not knowing exactly where he was. He even made a joke about it in Hickory when he tried to recall where he had just met someone whose story he wanted to tell. “We were down in–where were we?” Quickly he came up with Winston-Salem, and everybody laughed. Monday in Wilmington, however, not only did he seem not to know Wilmington but the date and time, saying that it was “March” and “nine months to November.” The fact that his audiences are largely composed of die-hard fervent loyalists usually masks this underlying dis-connection. But it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

As I wrote earlier in regards to Obama’s appearance on Today, he seems to be running out of gas. Not knowing the exact city could be excusable in the grind of a presidential campaign, although it’s not exactly flattering, either. Not understanding what month it is — getting it almost two months off — and miscalculating the amount of time left for the general election looks more problematic. After all, the long campaign tells us in part whether a candidate can stand up to the demands of the office, and not knowing the place or the month of the present makes one look overwhelmed, at best.

And Obama’s the youngest candidate in the race. He’s the one who should be showing energy, enthusiasm, and presence. Instead, Hillary Clinton and John McCain have shown more of all these qualities, especially of late. If Obama can’t stand the demands of the road as well as the other two candidates, what does that say about his stamina if elected President?

It’s not the only way in which Obama seems outmatched. Hillary’s appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s show last night shows a certain defiance and energy that contrasts sharply with Obama’s refusal to debate Hillary again. It makes her look like she’s itching for confrontation and debate, and if Obama’s too tired or timid to provide it, she’ll go outside the box to find it. It may be subtle, but the message is clear: Obama’s just not up to this.

Right now, Obama’s providing supporting evidence for the Hillary message. If he can’t get his head and his heart in the game, then Hillary could steal the nomination away from Obama in Denver.

Blowback

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Does the Manchurian-Stepford Candidate need recalibrating?

EJDolbow on May 1, 2008 at 1:06 PM

I still remember when Bob Dole called San Diego, “San Francisco” and it was harped by the MSM as a sign of age and that Dole wouldn’t be a proper president because he couldn’t keep track of his location

Defector01 on May 1, 2008 at 1:06 PM

And Obama’s the youngest candidate in the race.

Have you noticed, what little hair he has, is starting to turn?

upinak on May 1, 2008 at 1:09 PM

His campaign bus was parked right outside my group of homes, surrounded by several of our finest, and Ron Paul signs. I should have taken a picture, but it wasn’t worth stopping.. UNCW a beautiful campus, mired for one day by this schmuck. I am giving a lecture to the MBA minority program next week, I hope the stars in their eyes have worn off.

right2bright on May 1, 2008 at 1:10 PM

Not understanding what month it is — getting it almost two months off — and miscalculating the amount of time left for the general election looks more problematic.

Not to his supporters. They are looking forward to August 1968.

RushBaby on May 1, 2008 at 1:12 PM

These guys got nothing on Jerry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlz0he9rtKw

I don’t blame a candidate for dropping into the ‘huh-what’ zone these days. After a few days of campaigning like they do it would take the 101st Airborne to drag my butt to the next stop.

Limerick on May 1, 2008 at 1:12 PM

I’m guessing Rush will be be having “Operation Chaos” bolster Obama now, as he seems the weaker horse in the race.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
I’ve met some Dems who are fervent about getting HClinton back in the White House. I don’t want that to happen. I will be voting for John “RINO” McCain, as he is the least of three evils. What a world.

Doug on May 1, 2008 at 1:15 PM

But it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

Like when she was in ~~Cambodia~~ Tuzla and spoke to ~~counter-terrorism experts~~ girls on the runway?

Yeah, whatever.

Niko on May 1, 2008 at 1:15 PM

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, Barry.

Regardless, I hope everyone’s ready for all the news stories in which we’re told to embrace and find comfort in his disconnection because it proves he’s not a “typical politician.”

World B. Free on May 1, 2008 at 1:15 PM

At least he didn’t started yelling “lockbox!” while his hearing aide whistled.

DrW on May 1, 2008 at 1:16 PM

right2bright on May 1, 2008 at 1:10 PM

awwww that would have been worth a look!

upinak on May 1, 2008 at 1:17 PM

Maybe he still has March on the brain as early that month he had all the momentum.

Then Michelle said how mean America was and really, he’s never recovered since.

JammieWearingFool on May 1, 2008 at 1:23 PM

I’m starting to wonder whether Operation Chaos hasn’t been maybe too effective. In the last few weeks the evidence is that Obama would clearly be the weaker candidate in the general election. He’s got lots of questions that are still unanswered, and probably lots more that haven’t even been asked yet. Besides, Obama does poorly under hard questioning and seems to lose interest if he isn’t surrounded by swooning groupies, and his empty rhetoric probably won’t have the same effect on undecideds that it has on his acolytes. None of this bodes well for him as a candidate in the general election.

On the other hand, whatever else you want to say about “Sir Edmund” Hillary (and I’ve said plenty), it can’t be denied that she’s relentless and implacable. She can almost taste the Oval Office. Nothing and no one will be allowed to stand in her way. Hillary would treat the milquetoast McCain like a steamroller treats a stack of aluminum cans.

Maybe its time to end Operation Chaos. If Hillary gets the nomination and goes on to win the general election, how’s Rush going to look?

Cicero43 on May 1, 2008 at 1:23 PM

it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

That would make a great campaign slogan.

Shtetl G on May 1, 2008 at 1:25 PM

Let’s not use Stockdale as a punch line, huh…

“Now I know (Stockdale’s name has) become a buzzword in this culture for doddering old man, but let’s look at the record, folks. The guy was the first guy in and the last guy out of Vietnam, a war that many Americans, including our present President, did not want to dirty their hands with. The reason he had to turn his hearing aid on at that debate is because those fucking animals knocked his eardrums out when he wouldn’t spill his guts. He teaches philosophy at Stanford University, he’s a brilliant, sensitive, courageous man. And yet he committed the one unpardonable sin in our culture: he was bad on television.”
–Dennis Miller in 1993

Vatican Watcher on May 1, 2008 at 1:28 PM

Confronting his displeasure with the Reverend Wright seems to have lit a fire under the Barack ass.

Buns you can believe in?

mymanpotsandpans on May 1, 2008 at 1:32 PM

Don’t worry Barack. Just click those sparkling red shoes one more time, and you may well find yourself standing in Kansas. Right alongside Thomas Frank.

chief on May 1, 2008 at 1:32 PM

If Hillary gets the nomination and goes on to win the general election, how’s Rush going to look?

Hillary would put Rush in her cabinet. McCain would put Obama and Hillary on his.

ThackerAgency on May 1, 2008 at 1:33 PM

Professor Chaos will be at Coors Field during the convention, with his minions.

Leopold Stotch on May 1, 2008 at 1:38 PM

How come nobody faints at Obama rallies anymore? Dare I begin to think the fainting was contrived?? So even his supporters are getting tired of this endless campaign.

HawaiiLwyr on May 1, 2008 at 1:38 PM

Bambi can’t take it. He can’t take the trail, he can’t debate, he can’t think for himself…because he is an ACTOR, a performer. When it comes to real life, he can’t cut it.

Imagine, with the press fawning all over him, surrounded by an army of worshippers, he can’t CAMPAIGN unless he’s reading from a script. He is UNFIT to lead…he does not have a steely core. He’s too squishy…maybe too many warm fuzzies have been bestowed upon him.

JustTruth101 on May 1, 2008 at 1:39 PM

Do you get a nickel every time you use “Crackerquiddick” or something?
It was kind of funny the first time, quite annoying the 50th time, but now, I have to tell you, it’s kind of lost something…

Mindfists on May 1, 2008 at 1:40 PM

Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick Crackerquiddick

Still cracks me up!

RushBaby on May 1, 2008 at 1:45 PM

Hillary could steal the nomination away from Obama in Denver.

And fracture the Democratic party for a generation or more.

If he walks in that convention with 1 more delegate than Hillary they risk destroying the coalition that is the modern Democratic party.

The fact that so many people have a hard time getting their head around the reality of what a white woman stealing an election from a black man out in the open would do to the Democratic party is frightening.

TheBigOldDog on May 1, 2008 at 1:46 PM

Niko, those examples are best brought up in the general :)

Entelechy on May 1, 2008 at 1:50 PM

Is the latest called Repudiagate or Repudiaquiddick?

Entelechy on May 1, 2008 at 1:51 PM

Repudiation Dash.

Niko on May 1, 2008 at 1:58 PM

Why doesn’t he just have that loudmouth wife of his give his speeches for a little while.

benrand on May 1, 2008 at 2:08 PM

the long campaign tells us in part whether a candidate can stand up to the demands of the office, and not knowing the place or the month of the present makes one look overwhelmed, at best.

Let’s be honest here. Nobody can do the job of President (or even run for the job of President) by themselves. They need to have good compentent staff around them that keep them from doing stupid stuff like confusing the Prime Minister of the UK with the French President.

I suspect that Obama doesn’t enjoy the seasoned and experienced staff that both Clinton and McCain have in place. It’s a function of being far too unqualified to build a strong loyal team and run a competent long-term campaign which, if successful, leads to even longer more stressful days.

highhopes on May 1, 2008 at 2:18 PM

Barack has said that he is fond of weed - he’s probably just a little stoned.

No big deal.

Ares on May 1, 2008 at 2:23 PM

What he needs is a little affirmative action to get things going.

Jeff on May 1, 2008 at 2:24 PM

Is that a hammer and sickle red flag I see on Hussein’s lapel?

saved on May 1, 2008 at 2:32 PM

I can sympathize with Obama. It happened to me once, out in California. Took an exit off the I5, went into the restaurant because I had to call the office. When the waitress came over to take my order I had to say, “This will sound crazy, but will you tell me where I am?” She replied, “Wheeler Ridge”, and it became a favorite stop, every time I went through there.

That is why Bill O’Reilly was offering up some sympathy for the poor guy. There Obama was, flying so high, looking like the next president of the United States, and all of a sudden he come crashing down. Poor fellow.

Its why those winning NBA coaches make the big bucks. Somebody needs to coach Obama back into the game. Perhaps they could listen to Rush?

Denver isn’t until August.

rockhauler on May 1, 2008 at 2:38 PM

it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

That has a very strong, very dark side implication.

MB4 on May 1, 2008 at 2:40 PM

It’s not stealing if you win it fair and square :-)

Of course, try telling that to an Obamaton. As far as they’re concerned, he’s already won.

daryl_herbert on May 1, 2008 at 2:40 PM

it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

She has got to know where she is at and to whom she is speaking so she knows if she should say things like , “I Don’t Feel no Ways Tired.” or not.

MB4 on May 1, 2008 at 2:44 PM

But it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

Except when speaking to federal prosecutors about billing records, tax bills, land deals, involvement in Travelgate, Tossing Vince Foster’s office, etc.

In all these cases Hillary Clinton’s answer was “I don’t recall.”

highhopes on May 1, 2008 at 2:51 PM

and W is the idiot. haha

custer on May 1, 2008 at 2:56 PM

Mayhill Fowler says:

But it’s worth noting that Senator Clinton always knows exactly where she is and to whom she is speaking.

Just don’t ask her where she was days, months, or years before, or to explain how her fingerprints end up on documents she has no recollection of handling.

As I wrote earlier in regards to Obama’s appearance on Today, he seems to be running out of gas.

Yeah, well the whole country is running out of gas and Obama will just make it worse, so I’ll chalk that up to karma.

Buy Danish on May 1, 2008 at 3:30 PM

I suppose Obama channeling Admiral James Stockdale at the 1992 VP debate is actually better than having people think he thinks like Rev. Jeremiah Wright, though it is going to make it tough for the DNC to play the “John McCain is old and tired” card if their candidate keeps bumping into furniture and asking people why he’s here.

jon1979 on May 1, 2008 at 3:46 PM

Not to his supporters. They are looking forward to August 1968.

RushBaby on May 1, 2008 at 1:12 PM

Tasty!

ronsfi on May 1, 2008 at 3:48 PM

This post is a little weak. Sorry. Makes us sound like the loons at HuffPost.

faraway on May 1, 2008 at 4:10 PM

What he needs is a little affirmative action to get things going.

Jeff

But who trumps that one, the woman or the black? Next time, run a black woman and you’ll have it covered. Oh, and she has to be a Lesbian for extra credit.

leftnomore on May 1, 2008 at 4:12 PM

I’m not a fan, but give the man a break. Candidates get less than five hours sleep per day on the trail. When you’re running on little sleep and lots of caffeine and you’ve just had the week from hell, it’s not surprising that you can’t remember where you are. I travel for business. Three years ago I woke up in a hotel not sure what city I was in. It happens. Give the man a break.

fleiter on May 1, 2008 at 4:30 PM

I’m not a fan, but give the man a break. Candidates get less than five hours sleep per day on the trail. When you’re running on little sleep and lots of caffeine and you’ve just had the week from hell, it’s not surprising that you can’t remember where you are. I travel for business. Three years ago I woke up in a hotel not sure what city I was in. It happens. Give the man a break.

fleiter,
This type of reporting started long before Obama. Remember, how Ford’s image was harmed through by news anchors replaying his famous stumble off a plane? The problem with this trend is that the treatment is given on an arbitrary basis to different candidates. It gives too much power to journalists pushing their favorite candidate.

When the media thought Obama would win, Hillary got the hypercritical needling. Now some of them think she’s the better shot, and hence the hunt is afoot to find anything to ridiculeabout Obama.

Needless to say, any candidates like McCain or any conservative to moderate, non-liberal will get the full microscope treatment; magnified by the new media.

I’d have some sympathy to either Obama or Hillary if they hadn’t stood by, encouraged or participated in the same type of behavior.

Ragnell on May 1, 2008 at 5:33 PM

Lets set the scene to the Twighlight Zone!

Obama: “Where the h-LL am I”

waitress: Mr.your in Denver,and it’s 1968!

canopfor on May 1, 2008 at 5:37 PM

Vatican Watcher on May 1, 2008 at 1:28 PM

Agreed.

Wanderlust on May 1, 2008 at 5:38 PM

Hillary’s appearance on Bill O’Reilly’s show last night shows a certain defiance and energy that contrasts sharply with Obama’s refusal to debate Hillary again. It makes her look like she’s itching for confrontation and debate, and if Obama’s too tired or timid to provide it, she’ll go outside the box to find it.

I agree; people may not approve of her personal life or political beliefs; but her tenacity and spunk has earned her some respect from her worst critics. In particular,it should help her overcome the criticism that her success is only due to her marriage.

Actually, she still wouldn’t have the right ingrediants to win a nomination for president, but she does have the right stuff to run for a political office without Bill’s help.

Ragnell on May 1, 2008 at 5:48 PM

If there’s one thing age and experience teach you, it’s pacing.

JM Hanes on May 1, 2008 at 7:24 PM