Search
About This Blog
Resources
Blog Roll
- Captain's Quarters
- Cliff Schecter
- CNN's Political Ticker
- Conservative Grapevine
- Crooks & Liars
- Daily Kos
- Drudge
- FactCheck.org
- Huffington Post
- Instapundit
- Little Green Footballs
- News Bloggers
- Political-Buzz
- Power Line
- RedState
- Slate - Trailhead
- Swampland
- Talking Points Memo
- The Daily Dish
- The Plank
- The Young Turks
- Wonkette
Obama's 'Yes, We Can' Trend and Swift Boating
Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiyev's favorite catchphrase, in Tatar, is Bez Buldyrabyz!" That has the same meaning as "Yes, We Can." Media in Tatarstan (which, by the way, is a Russian republic located in the East European Plain,) picked up on the similarities between the two men after they saw the "Yes, We Can" music video on YouTube that features Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas and a slew of other famous faces like Scarlett Johansson, Kate Walsh of ABC's "Private Practice" (formerly of "Grey's Anatomy), and that guy who plays "Sucre" on FOX's "Prison Break" (Amaury Nolasco). Internet portal E-Kazan.ru alleged Obama borrowed the phrase, but Shaimiyev's spokesman said it's probably just a coincidence.
Elsewhere, The Politicker notes that Walter Veltroni, who quit his job as Rome's (Italy) mayor to run for prime minister with the new Democratic Party, is now using the slogan as his campaign motto. In his campaign videos on YouTube - which feature U2 singing "One"in the background - all of the video text shown is in Italian, except for the very last phrase - "Yes, We Can" - which is in English.
After the jump, Michelle Obama is now proud of her country and her husband says he's already seen signs of "swift boating."
Meanwhile, Obama's wife, Michelle, has had an apparent slip of the tongue that has some of the right wingers in a frenzy. Apparently, while speaking before a Milwaukee crowd Monday, Michelle Obama said: "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am proud of my country and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change." (You can watch the video here)
Blogs like Redstate.com are in a tizzy, saying an "African-American, Princeton-and-Harvard educated attorney , who has achieved a great deal in her life ... and who is married to an African-American man who is a U.S. Senator, has never been proud of her country before?" The Weekly Standard also analyzes her comments.
Jill Zuckman of the Chicago Tribune, said on MSNBC Tuesday Michelle Obama's remarks are nothing to get all riled up over, saying she's not used to speaking to huge audiences at such public events before, and didn't mean anything by it. "I don't think she was saying she was ashamed of the country before," Zuckman said.
(As a sidenote, Newsweek has an in-depth profile of Michelle Obama and her role in Barack's campaign in its Feb. 25 issue)
Update: At a campaign stop later Tuesday, John McCain's wife, Cindy, took a direct slap at Michelle Obama. "I'm proud of my country," Cindy said at a rally introducing her husband. "I don't know about you, if you heard those words earlier. I'm very proud of my country."
And in other Obama news (because we just can't seem to get enough of him these days), the White House hopeful told NBC's Matt Lauer in an interview that he's already experienced some of this year's "swift boating" by his opponents. That's the phrase which has become mainstream political jargon after the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth clobbered John Kerry in his 2004 White House bid.
"First of all, I've had to go up against the Clinton machine," Obama told Lauer (an oft-used phrase by the senator from Illinois when he tries to convince voters he's one tough cookie who can successfully fight against well-oiled Washington competitors). "We've been battle tested over the course of this primary."
Obama again brought up the "scurrilous" e-mails that have circulated about him, including ones saying he's a Muslim and that he doesn't pledge allegiance to the American flag. "That may not come explicitly from the Republican National Committee but I think we'll probably see some of that coming from the underground."
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 6)Jebinb11:54AMFeb 19th 2008
He says he is for change, new , fresh ideas. Yet he is using people who used to count in the past. He is using speeches from the past. What is so new and fresh?
What are his ideas and what are his stolen ideas
and why MICHELLE OBAMA SAID SHE IS JUST NOW VERY PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY. I AM AN AMERICAN AND ALWAYS BEEN PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY.ANOTHER OBAMA GOOF WHEN THERE NOT SCRIPTED.IF SHE IS JUST NOW PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY SHE SHOULD HAVE LEFT ALL THOSE YEARS THAT SHE WASNT PROUD OF OUR COUNTRY. Pretty narcissistic and self-centered.
Jenn12:00PMFeb 19th 2008
Oh and by the way they did a vote world wide... and Obama is favored all over the world. To me that sounds unified.
Jenn12:01PMFeb 19th 2008
Retarded article. Other Countries don't apply. As to most politicians quote America's great historical figures.
Kitty12:04PMFeb 19th 2008
OF COURSE OBAMA HAS SEEN SIGNS OF SWIFT BOATING... He and the media have been doing it to Hillary for months now.
Obama believes it is fair to attack Clinton, but whenever anyone questions ANYTHING about his campaign he whines about being "personally attacked" with racial undertones.
I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE CLINTON to run on an Independent Ticket to level the playing field after what the media has done to her should they succeed in handing the nomination to Obama.
CLINTON '08
Despite The Swift Boating Media
dang199212:06PMFeb 19th 2008
Better Obama than Hillary! She's just an excuse for Bill to circumvent the 22nd amendment and a dyed in the wool socialist.Dick Morris was right! The pastry chef has as much experience as she has in the White House.Character does count and the Clintons are morally bankrupt. They'll say and do any thing to win. Keep them out of the White House
PeaceofChristBwithU12:07PMFeb 19th 2008
Hilary Clinton is using a scorched earth policy - if she can't be the nominee, she will destroy Obama's chances in the general election. Someone needs to sit down with the woman and explain that if she looses the pledged delegate vote and the popular vote, it over. No more dirty campaigns, dirty tricks, politics of personal destruction aimed at the other guy. No more stealing pledged delegates, manipulating super delegates, trying to change the rules in Florida and Michigan. No more Hilary!!! Either you win or you don't - it would reflect better on you if you could respect the Democratic Party and the process enough to abide by the wishes of the voters.
dang199212:14PMFeb 19th 2008
Hilary worked on the appeal for the Black Pantherswho tortured and executed anFBI informer. She has got to be very intelligent-after all she turned $10,000 into $99.000 in a matterof hours in a cattle trade. Yes-she did pass the bar exam in Arkansas after failing the one in Wash.D.C.She wants to raise the middle class --by tearing down the upper and she wants to garnishee the salaries of those who do not purchase health insurance. The best that Democrats can do?
wolfreview12:22PMFeb 19th 2008
Apparently AOL / AP are siding with OBAMA on this issue. Their lead headline states "CLINTON CAMP ATTACKS..." As if the offender is not Obama himself. They are SPINNING this issue as if Obama is the VICTIM. When he's clearly borrowing, cheating, stealing from others because he's riding on their coattails and has nothing of his own to show. We all know "I have a dream" "We hold these truths to be self evident" and the like, because they are ATTRIBUTED TO THEIR AUTHORS. Mr. Obama is a highly educated attorney who knows that it is illegal, immoral and dishonest to use others ideas and word without attribution. NO MATTER HOW HE TRIES TO SPIN IT.
Pjayee12:27PMFeb 19th 2008
Obama's people get riled at every mention of Hillary , yet when Obama and his now I am glad to be an american wife say anything or vote by mistake by hitting the wrong button (Please we were all born yeasterday), it is an accident or they didn't mean it or Hillary is after me, talk about cheating and lying.
Davidg12:27PMFeb 19th 2008
Obama believes he has been "swiftboated"? He ain't seen nothing yet.
He's another Bush, a guy who has never really had to deal with anything, but believes he has carried the weight of the world.
dang199212:28PMFeb 19th 2008
I'd like someone to explain what "swift-boating "means.I read Unfit to Command" and before I believe John Kerry who served 4 months in Vietnam-got credit for two tours and hobnobbed with the enemy in Paris while still in uniform and demanded citations for purple hearts questionably deserved-I believe the Swift Boat Captains were truthful.So do many people,including high ranking naval officers,more intelligent than I.
Jebinb12:33PMFeb 19th 2008
He says he is for change, new , fresh ideas. Yet he is using people who used to count in the past. He is using speeches from the past. What is so new and fresh?
What are his ideas and what are his stolen ideas
ruthe12:34PMFeb 19th 2008
the clintons will so and say anything to win gthis election coming from liars and cheats i think this helps obama shows how desperate hillbilly is besides she uses obamas words all the time she's pathetic
Linda12:34PMFeb 19th 2008
Well, here we go. Another round of lies and hate mongering. People. Why are you so willing to believe lies that debase and not believe truth? If you want to attack Obama on his record, research it and knock yourself out. But real research will show you that he has reached across the aisle to pass more important legislation than any of his opponants, including the one who has decades under his belt. Get over the fact that he's black. Get over his middle name. Look to the issues...and make sure you look at the actual issue, not what someone who wants him gone makes up.
SusanM12:38PMFeb 19th 2008
When was the last time you heard ANY foreign country readily admit they embraced, liked and respected a message from one of our politicans? It sure hasn't been in the last eight years of the Bush/Cheney Administration with the exception of the T-Shirts on sale in London featuring pictures of GW and Tony Blair. Tony Blair is holding a sign saying "I'm with Stupid." They were flying off the shelves. I have lived and traveled in Europe, the Far East and Northern Africa. I can tell you that under the Clinton Adminstration we were a joke because Bill couldn't keep his pants on. They all knew about Monica, the cigar and the famous dress. My German neighbors have asked me on a couple of occassions, "Haven't you had enough of the Bush and Clinton families?"
International credibility is essential to our status as a world leader. Senator Obama is giving us that. He has captured the attention of many leaders around the world. Not just the ones quoted here. When was the last time ANY foreign leader was interersted in our primary process? They just wanted to know who was invited to the big dance. I was in Paris last weekend and standing by the Eifel Tower a French couple was watching the Yes We Can video on their wireless computer. I was amazed by this. France is exactly known for its warm feeling toward America. They wanted to know all about Obama. He is capturing the imagination of the world becasue he is positive and has touched a deep need in all of us that goes beyond our borders. That we can make the world a better place. That we can be better friends, better allies and better citizens. That together we have the power to change the world.
To those cynics and swift boaters who try and stop this movement by your hate, lies and your ugly words, you will not succeed. To those who raise your voices in bigotry and condemnation, you will not succeed. To those who call the supporters of this movement Koolaide drinkers and Obamabots you will not discourage us. We want change and together we can make America, the land that we love better, stronger and the beacon of hope it was destined to be.
Hope Changes Everything
Obama 2008
jade086212:45PMFeb 19th 2008
Woooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
McCain just passed his wife the microphone on CNN and she said she always have and always will be proud of her country. What a swipe.....Can't blame that on the Clintons.
Hillary '08
legalatina12:45PMFeb 19th 2008
Obama just got endorsed by Marxist/Sandinista leader President Daniel Ortega...doesn't that tell us enough? Obama is unfit to be President of the United States of America....it's not his time and not his place.
Jinaki12:45PMFeb 19th 2008
Mike
So we should go with the "tried and true" like the idiot,G.W.Bush, whom you probably voted for. When this nut took office the country had a surplus (now we have record deficits); we had a growing economy instead of a looming recession(while the Republicans had control over the White House and the Congress); we now have a widening gap between rich and poor, thanks to tax give-a-ways to the wealthy; jobs are going overseas with an ever increasing trade deficit thanks to your boy george; we are in an unwarranted war because of the lies the current administration has told. I would vote for ANYBODY who I thought could change the status quo, but thank God we have a capable candidate in Barack Obama. So get out of your butt and do the right thing.
legalatina12:46PMFeb 19th 2008
Obama just got endorsed by Marxist/Sandinista leader President Daniel Ortega...doesn't that tell us enough? Obama is unfit to be President of the United States of America....it's not his time and not his place.
Latest Elections News Headlines
Latest Politics Headlines
Most Commented On Posts
Most Recent Comments
Politics Video
Will.I.Am on Obama's Internet EmpireWill.I.Am ponders on how Obama and the internet have changed politics forever. (Oct. 3) | |
Mo Rocca 180: Dolly vs. AbeDolly Parton or Abe Lincoln? You must choose! | |
Reid: Presidential Politics Harming Bailout PlanSenate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Friday that the time has come for presidential politics to leave the negotiating table as lawmakers work to reach an agreement on a financial bailout plan. (Sept. 26) | |
Dems Blame McCain for Bailout Deal BreakdownSen. John McCain's self-portrait as a bold leader willing to set politics aside to save an endangered financial bailout plan took a pounding Thursday from top Democrats and even some fellow Republicans. (Sept. 25) | |
Street Team '08: Pigskin PoliticsA football game is the last place you'd expect to find political proselytizing, but this year Democrats are ready to make a hail mary pass in Idaho. Produced by Brian Rich of Idaho for MTV's Choose or Lose Streat Team '08 at chooseorlose.com. (Sept. 25) | |
| « See More Politics Video | |
Declare Yourself is a campaign that encourages young Americans to register and vote.
REGISTER TO VOTE NOW AT:www.declareyourself.org
Mike11:46AMFeb 19th 2008
Are Americans, as a nation, in massive denial? Has anybody researched Barack Hussein??? He is the most liberal member in Congress....period! He is an admitted drug abuser. He has three years' of experience. He get's the majority of the black vote - DUH - no surprise there. He has little or no foreign policy expertise...why would/could one....one who is true to their heart and mind...possibly think this guy could lead the most powerful nation on earth? This is not about popularity...a fad....or a movement...this is about our future and who best can protect and lead Americans and lead this nation in a very very threatening and troubled world!