Dems play hardball, take risks
WASHINGTON -- As the Democratic nomination race continues in near deadlock, rivals Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama are faced with a delicate task: They're trying to hit each other hard enough to win more contests, without turning off the party VIPs likely to make or break their bids.
The trajectory at the moment is sharper attacks and more of them. The Clinton team is now comparing Obama's tactics to those of special prosecutor Kenneth Starr, whose investigation led to former president Bill Clinton's impeachment. Obama, meanwhile, is signaling he's willing to bring up some seamier aspects of the Clinton years.
There are risks for both sides. Several strategists say references to Starr could backfire by reminding Democrats of what they didn't like about the Clinton administration — its scandals. Obama's more aggressive tack after losses in Texas and Ohio could undercut his themes of unity and reconciliation.
Neither candidate is on track to win the delegates needed for the nomination solely from the popular vote, meaning "super delegates" — party leaders and elected officials free to use their judgment — may be decisive. Pollster Mark Mellman, who is neutral, says that reality will keep the rhetoric in check.
"Super delegates are concerned about keeping the party together," he says. "The surest way to alienate them is to run a scorched-earth negative campaign against your opponent."
Obama is criticizing Clinton's health care plan and pressing her to release tax returns that could shed light on Bill Clinton's business dealings. His campaign circulated a Newsday report Thursday about Clinton demanding that her 2000 Senate opponent release his returns.
Senior Clinton adviser Ann Lewis accused Obama of recycling "old Republican attacks." Communications director Howard Wolfson went further: "I, for one, do not believe that imitating Ken Starr is the way to win a Democratic primary election for president."
Obama spokesman Bill Burton called the comparison "absurd." Democratic consultant Bill Carrick, who is neutral, said it was "preposterous" and added: "She runs the risk of reminding people that she's been a very polarizing figure."
Related Stories
ABC News Live