White House Suggests to Gov. Paterson He Shouldn’t Run for Re-election
EmailPresident Obama has grave concerns that New York Gov. David Paterson cannot win a reelection contest in 2010, and the White House has taken the unusual step of conveying those concerns to the governor himself, several knowledgeable Democrats told ABC News.
President Obama has not personally spoken with the governor about the race, "but it's no secret that Democrats in New York are very concerned about the situation and those concerns have been conveyed in an appropriate way," a source said.
The conveying of those concerns was first reported last night by the New York Times.
"No one has ordered him out of the race," the source underlined, "nor does anyone have the authority to. He has to look at his situation and make the decision that he thinks is right for himself, the party and the state."
A Marist poll last week indicates that 70% of voters in the Empire State — and 65% of Democrats — don’t want Paterson to run for reelection.
White House political director Patrick Gaspard, Democrats say, has been internally leading the charge within the White House to try to convince Paterson to not seek election to a full four year term next November. Last week Gaspard met with the governor to make the case that he shouldn't seek reelection. That meeting took place in New York at Paterson's campaign headquarters on Monday, the same day President Obama was on Wall Street speaking on regulatory reform.
Three days later, Paterson publicly named a campaign manager for his re-election contest.
The next day, Friday, Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-NY, conveyed the White House message to Paterson as well at a dinner, as reported by the New York Daily News.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a Republican, is contemplating a challenge to Paterson. New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is also said to be interested in a run, though challenging an incumbent from his own party — the first African-American governor in state history — poses a set of political risks.
White House officials were underwhelmed by Paterson's performance in naming a successor to take Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's place in the Senate.
-jpt
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Thus spake the great One:
Here my friend, David. Your harvest for screwing up Caroline’s bid!
Posted by: Bob | September 20, 2009, 10:06 am 10:06 am
Does Barack Obama hate black people?
Posted by: mesquito | September 20, 2009, 10:24 am 10:24 am
Wow! I guess Mr. O doesn’t care to quash any sentiments in this country that he’s trying to amass power to the White House !
Posted by: Elle | September 20, 2009, 10:25 am 10:25 am
Paterson should ignore Obama. Just look what Barack does to his friends. Besides, doesn’t Barry have other stuff to worry about?
Posted by: NYCer | September 20, 2009, 10:31 am 10:31 am
Obama, yet again, selling out a friend. If ANYBODY gets in the way of Obama he quickly abandones them. Whether they are longtime friends, mentors, family, or fundraisers. As soon as the truth comes out about their views- or as soon as polls say they are a liability- he distances himself.
Posted by: Ed | September 20, 2009, 10:44 am 10:44 am
Obama should take that same advice.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | September 20, 2009, 10:44 am 10:44 am
“New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is also said to be interested in a run, though challenging an incumbent from his own party — the first African-American governor in state history — poses a set of political risks.”
**********
Interesting statement, that.
Posted by: ceeLeelee | September 20, 2009, 10:50 am 10:50 am
“He has to look at his situation and make the decision that he thinks is right for himself, the party and the state.”…. Isn’t this pecking order indicative of party politics? How about serving the CITIZENS first!!?
Posted by: Whom does Governor Serve | September 20, 2009, 11:25 am 11:25 am
I guess the President is now going to set up his own people to run each state.
Gee, wouldn’t he need a czar for that????
Posted by: James L. | September 20, 2009, 11:25 am 11:25 am
The One has spoken:
“Paterson, thou shalt not run for Governor”.
Meanwhile at the new office of “Czar of State Governors”, the Obama Politburo is busy trying to find a person to run for Governor.
Posted by: Winston | September 20, 2009, 11:35 am 11:35 am
The guy should think of his situation/state and party before deciding whether to run or not!
He must have thought of all those before opening Campaign Office and nameing Manager/
Posted by: Kris | September 20, 2009, 12:02 pm 12:02 pm
Stupid of me but I thought it was the job of the people of New York and not a sitting president to sack their governor.
But heck, what do I know? President Obama obviously knows much more about New York politics. His support for Caroline Kennedy’s senate bid really did the job for her.
Posted by: emilia | September 20, 2009, 12:14 pm 12:14 pm
===are very concerned about the situation and those concerns have been conveyed in an appropriate way===
Yeah, by leaking it to the media.
Posted by: Axey | September 20, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
Any day now Jimmy Carter will accuse Obama of racism.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | September 20, 2009, 12:19 pm 12:19 pm
Clearly racially motivated.
Obama has no business getting involved in this and is a clear abuse of power.
Posted by: Al Sharpton | September 20, 2009, 12:22 pm 12:22 pm
Pardon me, but shouldn’t the voters of New York decide whom to support? Let the people decide without “suggestions” from the Executive branch. The implication is that American citizens are too stupid to make important decisions. Mr. President, stay out of it.
Posted by: grammy | September 20, 2009, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Any day now Jimmy Carter will accuse Obama of racism.
Posted by: Fascist Hyena | Sep 20, 2009 12:19:53 PM
GOP Party Chair, Mike Steele, beat him to it.
Posted by: gobot | September 20, 2009, 1:01 pm 1:01 pm
Why are federal tentacles (Obama and his thugs) reaching into state business, especially in New York and Massachusetts and who they put into power? Hmmmm?
Why is the Obama administration so worried about liberals being in power in those states? Could it be because he needs them so badly to advance his agenda of eventually becoming a “president” that stays for more than 2 terms? (Think Honduras and Venezuela).
It WILL be tried, folks.
Posted by: merle | September 20, 2009, 1:29 pm 1:29 pm
Posted by: merle | Sep 20, 2009 1:29:13
How do you argue against someone who just makes stuff up and then tells everyone it will happen?
It used to be that we would argue politics based on a candidate’s record, policies, etc….
Now, it is fashionable just to say that because a person COULD try something in the future… we must try to preempt it now.
I mean, Obama could try to turn the people of Nashville into banana slugs… but it just isn’t very likely. But who knows, maybe Glenn Beck will be talking about it tomorrow… I mean, it’s on the internet. So, it could happen, right? I mean, if I can imagine it, maybe Obama could do it… so we’d better move heaven and earth to protect the people of Nashville, right?
Posted by: gobot | September 20, 2009, 1:48 pm 1:48 pm
Got to get rid of the guy that didn’t choose Obama’s sister–Caroline Kennedy.
Posted by: tyler | September 20, 2009, 2:15 pm 2:15 pm
What does Obama have against disabled people? He jokes about Special Olympics and now this!
Posted by: kyle | September 20, 2009, 2:17 pm 2:17 pm
Will we hear from Carter, Bill Cosby, Liberal Media, and Charlie Rangel?
This has to be because Patterson is a black man.
It probably has nothing to do with politics but his skin color.
Posted by: ollie | September 20, 2009, 2:20 pm 2:20 pm
BLIND LEADING THE BLIND!
Posted by: Kris in AL | September 20, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
Mr. Obama, please take your own advice. Quit before you ruin this great Nation.
Posted by: Annette | September 20, 2009, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
Big Brother has spoken.
And he knows what is best for every human, animal, and plant on the earth.
Another Obama government takeover.
Posted by: pat | September 20, 2009, 2:23 pm 2:23 pm
Maureen Dowd must have heard “You’ve got to go Boy”.
Posted by: rick | September 20, 2009, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Is Obama alittle paranoid now that ACORN won’t be in his corner on 2010?
The Democrats may actually have to win without ACORN for once. They still have SEIU funded with our money.
Posted by: glenn | September 20, 2009, 2:34 pm 2:34 pm
rock on Paterson. don’t let know half white man tell you that blind people can run
Posted by: Jesse | September 20, 2009, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
Every day Obama gets more like Chavez.
He tries to diminish the will of the people while he grabs more power.
The people of NY should be angry.
We all should.
Which governor and which state is next?
Posted by: larry | September 20, 2009, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Governor Perdue (NC) and Governor Patrick(Mass)both have very low approval numbers.
Are they next?
I don’t think people in my state (NC) would like Obama sticking his nose in our business. Obama won our state but his approval in NC has dropped significantly.
Posted by: millie | September 20, 2009, 3:01 pm 3:01 pm
Under the bus please!
Posted by: kyle | September 20, 2009, 3:12 pm 3:12 pm
hmm, I think they got the order messed up, In running he should consider what’s best for the STATE, then HIMSELF, then PARTY
Posted by: rachel | September 20, 2009, 3:20 pm 3:20 pm
AP just reported that Paterson will not drop out of the 2010 election.
Good for him.
Maybe standing up to the bullies in the WH will get Paterson some respect and additional support.
Obama should know by now that most fair-minded people do not like a bully.
Posted by: bailey | September 20, 2009, 3:28 pm 3:28 pm
our president jumps into the New York mess but “hasn’t been following” the ACORN mess….methinks he lies.
Posted by: matt | September 20, 2009, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Ok so Obama wants Paterson out.
But why the public humiliation?
That seems to be Obama’s style.
Obama is so in bed with WallStreet and special interest–he is the one that should be embarrassed.
I hope this attempt to bully Paterson backfires in Obama’s face.
Posted by: ollie | September 20, 2009, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Where’s Jimmy Carter on this??
Posted by: JJim101 | September 20, 2009, 4:31 pm 4:31 pm
Only two black governors in the US.
Obama is making the decision for the people of NY that Paterson is not acceptable.
Where is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson?
Posted by: ollie | September 20, 2009, 5:46 pm 5:46 pm
Paterson has ordered a hold on all state contracts with ACORN.
Interesting…..
Posted by: mad | September 20, 2009, 6:04 pm 6:04 pm
Paterson is the worst Gov. of NY state has had in long time. We in NY have lost so many jobs sense he took over 18 months ago. He should not run in 2010 because he is so hated in ny state. We the people of ny state want him gone today. ( if we could get him gone today. He keeps taking from cny and upsate,ny
Posted by: shar | September 20, 2009, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Crack me up.As Michael Steele says, Corzine’s ratings are as low as Patterson’s, but Obama isn’t pushing him to walk the gangplank. What’s the diff? Oh, yeah, skin color and connections to wall street. Hmm. Not a smooth move by this white house, but then I am more and more convinced the gang there is tone deaf.
Posted by: GetReal | September 20, 2009, 7:24 pm 7:24 pm
Prez: MYOB
Posted by: mom | September 20, 2009, 7:25 pm 7:25 pm
Wow.
Obama for Supreme Ruler of the Universe!
Wonder if this is about the Acorn funding???
Mr. Obama, where to begin?
Posted by: Tito | September 20, 2009, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
It’s not the President’s job to dictate who runs and who doesn’t. Let the man run and let the people decide.
Posted by: KateSue | September 20, 2009, 11:08 pm 11:08 pm
By the logic of the Obama supporters, that makes Obama a racist and he must hate blind people. There is just no other explanation. lol
Posted by: charlene | September 20, 2009, 11:38 pm 11:38 pm
Wow, why is this President meddling in State affairs? And why is he asking one of only two Black Governor’s to step down and make room for a White guy? Isn’t this RACIST? He showed his true colors when he and the Gov of MA, like two ghoulish Liberals, discussed Kennedy’s replacement AT THE FUNERAL! It’s the Chicago Way!
Posted by: Sunnyr | September 21, 2009, 1:29 am 1:29 am
I agree Millie. When we decide to get Bev out, we’ll do it in our own good time.
NY may be just like NC. It was so bad by the time the current administration took over, it is just taking that much longer to dig out. Our Govenor is so busy dealing with all the investigations of the Easley administration, she hasn’t had a lot of time to do anything else.
One of the main complaints about Patterson is still the Caroline episode. Caroline was the engineer of that little drama, but she is Obama’s bud. Maybe that is still eating at him in addition to the ACORN stuff. After all, since Patterson wouldn’t hand the Senate Seat to Caroline, Obama still owed her.
Posted by: Melanie | September 21, 2009, 4:14 am 4:14 am
Not only is President meddling in New York’s State affairs, he is also meddling in Massachusetts affairs as well. Massachusetts Governor says White House pressing for quick Kennedy replacement.
Posted by: Gene | September 21, 2009, 8:06 am 8:06 am
President Obama doesn’t have time to follow the ACORN fiasco but he DOES have time to follow and comment on Kanye West on MTV, the Cambridge police department arrest logs AND time to meddle in the governor’s race in New York?
“I’ve been fighting alongside ACORN on issues you care about my entire career. Even before I was an elected official, when I ran Project Vote voter registration drive in Illinois, ACORN was smack dab in the middle of it, and we appreciate your work.” Barack Obama, November 2007
Selective hearing…
Posted by: WWTP? | September 21, 2009, 8:59 am 8:59 am
President Obama’s internevtion in Gov. Patterson’s decision whether to run or not may cause anger amongst liberal democrats. But we must look into the future and realize that democrats must retain every seat possible in the upcoming 2010 elections. With Giuliani lurking in the shadows, we need someone who can beat him. Andrew Cuomo is the man to do it. New York needs good leadership, but we cannot have Giuliani using 9/11 as his sole campaign mantra.
Posted by: Ray Flores | September 21, 2009, 10:12 am 10:12 am
It is time for the parties to disband. They do not have the welfare of the American people at heart. The Party seems to think it is always right and doesn’t care what the people say or think. Let people run for office on their own merits.
Posted by: Goodie1712 | September 21, 2009, 10:19 am 10:19 am
Wouldn’t you think that a man w/a Yale Law Degree would KNOW that there’s a difference between state and federal gov’t? Hey Obamma, what kind of classes did you take at the university?
Posted by: G | September 21, 2009, 11:19 am 11:19 am
Those of you saying this is a racist move are hysterical. Like someone said above – maybe Obama is ALSO predudice of blind people!!! Oh no!
Paterson is the worst Gov we have had in recent times. He wasn’t even elected by us! He moved in during one of the worst times for our country financially and did a horrendous job. He needs to move out. Yes, I agree with everyone that this is a State matter and Obama really shouldn’t meddle, but as a NYer, I’m glad he did!
Posted by: leighann | September 21, 2009, 1:50 pm 1:50 pm
My first thought was that it had to be a payoff to the Clinton’s. Hillary sees the writing on the wall and wants to distance herself from a failed foreign policy. But Obama can’t just let her go without a few strings attached. Give her the governorship and maybe she will keep quiet through 2012.
Posted by: joedoe | September 21, 2009, 3:13 pm 3:13 pm
I know this is not the first time any party as asked someone not to run…mostely because their ratings are low. Remember Arlen Specter….republicans did not support him so he became a democrat, how about Joe Lieberman…they would not support him either so maybe Patterson will become a Republican…no loss
Posted by: talmag | September 21, 2009, 4:33 pm 4:33 pm
a President meddling in state affairs. A president on 5 news channels and excluding 1. A president telling us what is right. Starting to sound alot like socialism, or maybe even fascism. Obama does not walk on water although he seems to want us to believe he does.
Posted by: cld1111 | September 21, 2009, 11:50 pm 11:50 pm
The one thing I find so ironic about all of this is we fought WW2 because of Hitlers dreaded socialist.It was not only going to ruin Britain and Americas way of life,but also the whole world.
But as soon as that war,with all its death,destruction and misery ended what happened,the whole world became socialist.
Why did we fight ww2 in the first place.
Posted by: J.Baker | September 22, 2009, 1:26 am 1:26 am
Mr. Steele: What did you call your follow republicans when they failed to support Arlen Spector ? You did not support them either so they left the party. There is nothing unusual about realizing that this person cannot win and ask him to step down. This state is too important to lose. And, by the way, I remember when the republicans abandoned Mr.Cain when he ran against Bush and I was a big Mc Cain supporter and the venemous campaign they ran against him inferring he was not a rel hero. That is when I started having doubts about the party to which I had belonged to for 20 years. Last year, I ditched them as they no longer portray my feelings…they only want those who agree with their biased feelings and accuse you of being un-American if you don’t agree. So Mr. Steele, I am older than you and know this party for a long time and you are not correct with your racist comments about Our President. you need to develop a spine and stand up to Limbaugh and those who profess the lies in your party…
Posted by: talmag | September 22, 2009, 4:36 pm 4:36 pm