Reader Posts
« previous | TPM CAFÉ READER POSTS HOME | next »
Thomas Edsall Non-Story Gaining Legs
On May 7, Thomas Edsall, political editor of the Huffington Post, posted an article entitled Big Rewards Await Clinton If She Ends Campaign Now.
In the piece, Edsall stated: "One of the most inviting [rewards] is the near certainty that the Obama campaign
would agree to pay back the $11.4 million she has loaned her own bid,
along with an estimated $10 million to $15 million in unpaid campaign
expenses."
Edsall's not an idiot. He knew when he wrote that line that it wasn't true. It's a clear violation of campaign finance law for Obama to pay off Clinton's debt. So why did he write it?
According to the New York Times, Obama was asked about this in Woodburn, Oregon on Friday--probably in response to rumors that are now circulating among Obama's supporters. Obama's answer was vague, unfortunately. I suspect he will need to keep his answers vague for the time being, but it's clearly creating some anxiety among his supporters.
So what's is Edsall up to? Is he a Republican, trying to damage Obama's fundraising capabilities? A Clinton supporter? A racist?
The Obama campaign needs to make a clear, unequivocal statement about this. All they'd need to do is state that it would be illegal for the campaign to pay off Clinton's debt. Edsall clearly has an agenda, and the Obama campaign needs to shut him down--quickly.
Comments (3)
Reading Peter Dreier's article about Edsell and Sidney Blumenthal is informing.
Again, Arianna is on book tour.
May 10, 2008 12:40 PM | Reply | Permalink
What I don't understnad is Edsell's need to bring this issue into the public debate at this time. He failed to take into account the scutiny that would result to Hillary Clinton's on-going campaign.
First, there would be the question as to why Obama is being asked at this time to consider this if Hillary is supposedly doing so well in her campaign. It does it put a spotlight on her funding abilities.
Then there would be the revealing subject of how much debt is in question. Further emphasizing negatives. It would seem if this would give her supporters and future voters pause as to what are the real reasons to vote and support her at this time. There is the idea floating around that she's continuing her campaign to relieve these debts through donor contributions. These articles by Edsell will reinforce that.
It allows Obama to have a public leadership role that would show voters that he is indeed the presumptative nominee. Obama's responses to questions on how he will conduct his presidential campaign by not taking public financing but limiting his donor contributions.
Another thing that this will show is how the other candidates follow ethics reform which Obama as a legislative leader is full aware of the legal model.
Edsell is trying to stir the pot by creating a public outcry.
But to bring up the discussion of finances at this time will show it was a very bad move on his part.
May 10, 2008 1:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
BTW, a lot of the posters at HuffPo on the Edsell article are republicans posing as Obama and Clinton supporters.
May 10, 2008 1:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Post a Comment