Bang! Zoom!
EmailHe gave her an opening and she took it.
Last night, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., asked his greatest fault, intimated that he’s not all that organized. In an interview published in yesterday’s Reno Gazette-Journal he said "I’m not an operating officer."
Clinton last night — and today again in an interview with Bloomberg News — pounced.
Watch HERE.
"Well, you know, I was somewhat taken aback by what he said that was reported yesterday," Clinton said, calling it "important that we have a president who understands that you have to run the government … They want a president who they believe gets up every single day and works for them. That requires a president who is hands-on. Who after you set the goals and you give the speeches, you go back to the White House and you start holding people accountable and you want to know what they’ve done today to help the American people.
"You’ve got to take on this government, you’ve got to run this government, you can’t leave it to others. You’ve got to manage this economy. That’s why I’ve been calling for a stimulus package for a number of weeks because I know that if we don’t move now, we’ll have a much deeper and longer recession than we might otherwise have."
What do you think? Effective?
- jpt
UPDATE: Obama spokesman Bill Burton emails: "Hillary Clinton may believe this is a race for who would make the best Chief of Staff, but Barack Obama believes this country is looking for a President who has the leadership, vision and ability to bring people of differing views together around a common agenda for change. The real news in last night’s debate was Senator Clinton’s classically-Washington statement that she was glad the credit card industry’s bankruptcy bill that she voted for did not pass. It may be acceptable in Washington to take hundreds of thousands of dollars from big banks and lenders, vote for their bill that hurts working families, and then say you hope it doesn’t become law, but it’s unacceptable to Americans who are tired of the same political games from the same politicians."
Mitt Romney's Full Speech at CPAC 2012 
Romney Makes His Case to Conservatives at CPAC
Of course it The real Obama is someone who has no business being president.
Posted by: Bryan Shuy | January 16, 2008, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Sen. Clinton is trying too hard to sound like a hands-on, detail-oriented, results-driven manager, just like another president who was so detail-oriented, he couldn’t see the forest for the trees–Jimmy Carter.
Posted by: chuck | January 16, 2008, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
Yeah, it’s effective because it’s not hollow. And it goes to what has been reported on this blog – Obama delegates heavily to underlings who may or may not be ready for the responsibility. That’s not what I want in a prez.
Hillary seems like Bill in that way – a policy wonk who soaks up everything like a sponge. The type of person who, if elected, would have her hand in everything. And read the f ing memos, unlike a certain other pres and a certain other former National Security Advisor. This country is being run by a bunch of neocon zealots whom The People didn’t elect. We need a strong president who attends to the details and doesn’t delegate everything away.
Posted by: cordelia525 | January 16, 2008, 1:56 pm 1:56 pm
This is terrible reporting. FIrst, he di not just say “I am not a operating officer” Why didnt you include his rebuttal? I think it was clear to those of us who actually watched the debate objectively that his response made a hell of a lot sense. Especially when he broke it down with specific examples of Bush’s failures in contract with his leadership style.
Hilary doesnt want to president of the US, she wants to be Dictator of the United States.
Posted by: Jim | January 16, 2008, 1:59 pm 1:59 pm
I agree with cordelia525 – regardless of whether you like Bill Clinton, the Clinton’s are smart people and Hillary knows the devil is in the details. You have to be an operating officer to run this country and you have to be smart enough to keep your fingers in every pie.
Posted by: linda117 | January 16, 2008, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
It could be effective, but the answer has already been posted here–the Jimmy Carter micro-manager type is not what we need. All presidents need to delegate, or they do a dismal job. The point could be for Obama, the people in the White House were frustrated with Hillary’s management style before. She’s the type of boss who thinks she knows it all, wants it her way, gets involved in everything, but blames others and minimizes her involvement when things go wrong. I’m sure most people have worked for that kind of boss, and such an Obama counterpoint would resonate with them. Also, when they were in power, the Clintons had more associates quit under dark clouds or be indicted for improprieties than any administration–even the Bushies. And her fault, she said at the debate, was that she is ‘impatient’. Do we want a micro-manager who is ‘impatient’ for results, puts pressure on underlings, and has a history of attracting underlings who–uh–cut corners to get results???
Posted by: SteveW | January 16, 2008, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
From the handful of comments we can see it is a devastating coment. Attacking Hillary or spinning it to mean a micro -manager won’t blur the fact it shows Obama to be all fluff and no substance.
Posted by: geevill | January 16, 2008, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
More “gotcha” from the two campaigns. Obama should have stuck with the Woody Allen-approved “I sometimes forget my hat,” when responding to the question concerning his biggest fault.
Posted by: DKNY | January 16, 2008, 2:24 pm 2:24 pm
I know you looking for a blow but there was no blow yesterday
Hillary went home then Bill suggested her you have to spin on that and she comes back today to say what she said.
No substance, no sense.
Posted by: ddmk | January 16, 2008, 2:30 pm 2:30 pm
Sam,Bob Johnson, is beginning to irritate me. Why couldn’t he be more like Quincy or Magic who supported Hillary but didn’t diss Obama. Oh, I forgot, that he was not man enough to admit that he was speaking about Obama youthful drug use verses his community work when he Bob, made his infamous speech.I didn’t hear Bob say anything about Mr. “I did not inhale”. Why?
I admire the fact that he was able to become a Billionaire but “what profits a man when he gains the world but lose his own soul”. The Billionaire UNCLE TOM.
This is just one man’s opinion.
With respect to the Operating
Officer question last night, we should keep our collective draws on. Everyone knows the President is among other things the CEO. Obama a Harvard educated man knows full well that “The buck stops” at the President desk.
In my humble opinion we should focus on the more important issues facing our beloved Country. Personally, I would be satisfied with any of the top three running for the Democractic Presidency.
Posted by: Charles J Rox | January 16, 2008, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
As someone who read the context of the initial quotation (before the debate) and watched the entire debate, I find that this article does a less than acceptable job presenting the pertinent conversations and facts.
Obama was initially discussing the type of person he would choose as a running mate, and he explained that he’s not good with “papers”, saying that he would need someone who has good organizational skills like that.
Furthermore, as someone already pointed out, Obama effectively refuted what Hillary said in saying that his point wasn’t that he could not manage the government but that he needs someone who can keep him well-organized.
Get your facts right before you report or make baseless suggestions.
Posted by: Ross | January 16, 2008, 2:37 pm 2:37 pm
I heard Obama say he directed his staff not to give him a piece of paper…he couldn’t keep up with it. Human nature I’d say. He’s a visionary and typically visionaries are not known for personal organizational skills but strong leadership skills. OBAMA IS A LEADER.
Hillary can’t get past her craving for personal power. Uh…by the way…what did she say was her mistake??? I just remember hearing her confirm what John Edwards quickly acknowledged on his bankruptcy vote. Ummmmm…maybe Hillary doesn’t think she has made any mistakes. Surely there weren’t any in all these campaign “mishaps” she had “no knowledge of”.
I don’t doubt Hilary would have a hand in everything to the point of micro managing. I think most people would agree that is not a strong leadership skill.
Top 2 daily activities for Hilary: #1. Compile list of those who crossed me and I must go after
#2. Make sure Bill keeps his pants on and his hands to himself.
That won’t leave much time to “change” a darn thing.
Nevada please help keep the hope alive and let Texas have a choice other than the tired old Clintons again.
I don’t want any more nightly news on sexually explicit activities coming out of the White House. Nor do I want any more discussions on “what is the meaning of is”.
Posted by: A Texan who Cares | January 16, 2008, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
You aren’t helping your guy Ross.
If Obama isn’t organized he can’t manage the Country.
Posted by: Bryan Shuy | January 16, 2008, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Hmmm. Let’s go over what happened the last time we elected a president who didn’t know how to run a government. He left all the details to people who thought they knew better but didn’t. People who have their own agenda (contrary to what the people want). People who told the Prez exactly what he wanted to hear. How’d that work out?
Posted by: Diane Kutney | January 16, 2008, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
A Texan who cares -hmmmm, should you be busy running the Country yourself? Whl else would not have a problem with someone who doesn’t understand a piece of paper handed to him.
Posted by: Bryan Shuy | January 16, 2008, 3:10 pm 3:10 pm
I don’t see what would be effective about this. If Hillary wants to portray herself as some kind of mid-level management wonk who always knows what’s on her desk, that’s great. But after the last 8 years, I’d like someone in the Oval Office who’s visionary, future-thinking and able to rise about the partisan bickering. Nothing she said about herself leads to that conclusion.
Posted by: Bud | January 16, 2008, 3:40 pm 3:40 pm
Diane Kutney – You are so right, Electing Carter and Clinton with no expierence was an issue! Obama will be worse.
This is ridiculous, if none of these libs can answer a tough question then they should get out of the race and NO one should vote for them!!
What Change? Socialism!! That is what they are pushing!!
Posted by: spock | January 16, 2008, 4:16 pm 4:16 pm
Nice update. Too bad he didn’t say that last night.
Posted by: cordelia525 | January 16, 2008, 5:45 pm 5:45 pm
Bud, you wrote: “But after the last 8 years, I’d like someone in the Oval Office who’s visionary, future-thinking…”
President Bush is a visionary and future-thinking president. He tried twice to get Congress to overhaul Social Security. He knows that every year that goes by without the necessary changes will exponentially increase the cost of an inevitable overhaul.
Then there is the War on Terror. President Bush believes that one major component in defeating the terrorists is to spread democracy throughout the Middle East. He envisions Afghanistan and Iraq as successful democracies with thriving economies. That they will become role models for their neighboring Muslim countries, whose people will eventually demand that their governments also become democracies. Another component in defeating the terrorists is solving the Israel-Palestinian conflict. President Bush sees a democratic state of Palestine as the solution to the conflict. The third component in defeating the terrorists is to convince the Muslims to change their education curricula by abandoning their teaching of hatred towards Western Civilization. Efforts are underway in an attempt to do just that.
One reason that President Bush’s approval rating is so low is because he is thinking of the future, while the American people are only focused on the present.
Posted by: James Danley | January 16, 2008, 6:57 pm 6:57 pm
Hillary won’t need a Chief of Staff or a cabinet at all since she thinks she run the entire White House by herself.
She says she wants to be the CEO president? Wasn’t Bush the CEO president, the guy with an MBA? Bush ran the White House extremely well with very loyal and dedicated people who got things done effectively and efficiently… the problem was they were ideologues looking out for themselves and not the American people. And Obama got that spot on when he said he will be engaged, hire competent people and listen to opposing views.
Posted by: Romano le Politicien | January 16, 2008, 7:02 pm 7:02 pm
To Bryan Shuy…didn’t say Obama didn’t understand the piece of paper…he said he would misplace it and needed help organizing himself.
I’ve gotta say that may be the only thing he would have trouble organizing. His campaign and the support he is getting is scaring the heck out of the Clintons. Enough to make Hillary’s little ole eyes turn into narrow slits everytime Obama speaks. Just watch and observe…her fangs come out…venom surges up. We Texans know our rattlesnakes.
Posted by: A Texan who Cares | January 16, 2008, 7:35 pm 7:35 pm
Listen people,
The job of Chief Operating Officer is handled jointly by the VP and Chief of Staff. If a Chief Executive Officer spent his time doing the COO’s job, a company wouldn’t know what to do next and HOW or WHY. COO’s lead companies ‘short term’ in times of crisis or change. If Hillary wants to be a COO for 4 years, she’ll look 73 by 2012. Her administration would be consumed with personality clashes because she wouldn’t let people do their jobs. A leader provides direction and gets out of their subordinates’ way. If America elects this woman on this STUPID argument, you all deserve 4 more years of nonsense and dysfunction.
Posted by: ROB | January 16, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
So Obama has vision but is lack of experience and don’t know how to run government. No to worry, how about having his distance cousin Dick Cheney, come to run the government for him. We are going to continue to have some great time for the next few years for sure.
Posted by: JL | January 16, 2008, 11:13 pm 11:13 pm
JL – First being related to Cheney is the only good thing about Obama and the only bad thing about Cheney! How funny is that?
OK Has anyone heard Obama answer a tough question? If he can not answer question other then what is his biggest fault, then how is he going to represent the US!!
Posted by: spock | January 17, 2008, 9:34 am 9:34 am
Effective?
Oh, yeah.
Posted by: CalD | January 17, 2008, 9:36 am 9:36 am
Where the hell does Hillary get off claiming to be a better manager than Barack? She spectacularly failed on health care and Iraq and (much as I hate to dredge this up, but I know the Republicans will) didn’t even know what her husband was up to ten years ago. The “more experience/better manager” line she’s been peddling is nonsense.
Posted by: Howard B | January 17, 2008, 9:47 am 9:47 am
Look at the context of the question — all the candidates were asked about their greatest weakness and Hillary and John gave some bogus and silly answer — something to the effect of “I care too much” while Barack actually gave an honest answer. Do we want a trust-worthy president or somebody who is more comfortable making up stuff for political gain?
Posted by: ariel | January 17, 2008, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Just too funny that little blurb about Hil on the airplane.
Thought back on all the “hands-on” management she proclaims and the blogs here. It just crossed my mind that not only does she want to run the country…she wants to be a “flight attendant”…tomorrow the captain…then an astronaut.
What a hoot these Clintons are and what wonderful press they make. Don’t know why that little airplane incident garnered prime time coverage. Oh this is the kinder gentler Hillary…that’s why.
We’ve seen shrill, angry, defensive, apologetic (you know the “shhhhh” drug thing), tears, apologetic again (you know that lil ole drug thing again), and stand up comedian. Can hardly wait for the next face of Hillary…my bet is on really angry again right after Nevada.
Posted by: A Texan who Cares | January 17, 2008, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
There Are Three Democratic Candidates Who Agree on WHAT but Differ on HOW
The three Democratic candidates share much in terms of what they would like to accomplish, but differ with regards to how they go about it:
Political experience = maneuver and manipulate (assert against adversary to get what
you want) … [MAM]
Community experience = move-organize-motivate (affirm with others to contribute what
is needed) … [MOM (or dad)]
Corporate experience = seek source of suffering and deactivate (attack detrimental,
disadvantaging, damaging source) … [SSOSad]
Candidate #1 has great political experience within party, state, national and international politics and has considerable skills to operate within such systems. While espousing the moral high ground of doing for others, however, this person disqualifies others in order to gain control of what is to be done.
Candidate #2 has significant and direct community experience within local and state contexts within the country and abroad. While offering the opportunity to gather caring and consensus together into common cause and impulse, this person may be disparaged and disqualified in a competitive framework where being nice, co-operative and collaborative is disadvantaged.
Candidate #3 has considerable legal experience mitigating the negative effects of corporate institutions upon individual, family and community life. While the identification of and working against underlying origins of suffering may be highly beneficial, this person may generate significant counter-currents from existing sources of power, antagonize those who are less assertive, and get caught up (lost) in the ‘good fight’ at times.
Which Method Do You Choose?
Posted by: Damian A Vraniak | January 22, 2008, 7:38 am 7:38 am
VOTE FOR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS FOR AMERICAN AND WORLD RIGHT BELIEFS.VOTE JOHN McCAIN.ALSO IT IS IN THE WORLDS BEST INTEREST TO GET THE MUSLIMS TO KNOW IT IS NOT RIGHT TO HAVE HATRED TOWARDS THE WEST OR A CERTAIN RELIGION. I DON’T.I BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AND HAVE SEEN HIM AND MANY OTHER THINGS TO THIS DAY AND EVERY DAY IS ANOTHER ,(PARABLE),BUNCH OF MEANINGS FOR HIS WILL NOT MINE………………………………
Posted by: louis takacs | January 22, 2008, 2:06 pm 2:06 pm