(Video) Obama's effective week

the team over at CBS News are not the only ones noticing a difference in Barack Obama's tone this week.  Encouraged by his supporters to be more aggressive, the freshman Senator is stepping up the rhetoric on Senator Hillary Clinton, and is making huge headway among older voters, who traditionally show up to caucus.

CBS News has been following Obama all week, and notes on his changed attitude:

Obama needs an aggressive mindset if he plans on duking it out with the Clintons with any kind of success.

It's lines like this that impress me:

• Earlier this week, Obama said he is "impatient" for change in Washington: "As you can tell, it's starting to get a little chilly.  It'sgetting close to caucus time.  You need somebody who is impatient."
• Instead of limiting his reach to advocates of Washington reform, he is also addressing voters with economic needs.  He said this in an Iowa ad just released: "I'm telling the CEOs it hurts America when they cash out and leaveworkers high and dry. It's an outrage. And you've got to have someonein the White House who believes it's an outrage."

In fact, here is that ad:

For a 30-second spot, that is very good.  He is in a statistical tie with Hillary and Edwards.  Let's hope this carries over to the debate next Wednesday.

Comments

[Michel]

I remember a few months ago you said this site would officially endorse a candidate. Has that happened, or has that plan been dropped? Are we currently going with "anyone who isn't Hillary"? :)

[Matthias]

GO OBAMA GO! For a strong USA and a better world!

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Michel, great question. I have delayed it a bit, only because lately while Edwards has shined, Obama has fizzled, and I wanted us to choose one of the two. But this week, Obama has done well, while Edwards continues to drop in the polls. Though, I would like to get an endorsement squared away by the end of the month. Who do you favor, Michel?

[Michel]

I prefer Obama... man my opinion has changed so much over the last few months! There were times where I really hated each of the candidates... but one thing's for sure, I never ever liked Hillary. The problem is getting people to understand why I love Bill so much yet hate Hillary so much (and I only really found out about Hillary as she was planning to announce her candidacy. Before that I thought she'd probably rock). Anyway, if I had to pick, I'd say Obama, but that is not to say I dislike Edwards. But... -- not to say he's more sincere, but Obama at least portrays sincerity better than Edwards. Plus, a lot of Edwards' mystique is gone from 2004. People may subconsciously associate him with "loser".

Note that it isn't that Obama hasn't been attacked. It just feels that way because he handles it before it even becomes a problem for his campaign, in such a well-spoken manner that makes you turn on the attacker. And I think the media likes him for announcing what he's going to do before doing it. It makes their jobs easier.

I think he's got the shot, because he's been second most of the time. The American media is really bad at keeping track of ranks 3 through n, which is probably why you have a two party system. :)

So, who is Obama? I'm locking in my final answer. Confirmed.

[Chief Editor: Todd]

Wow, like 6 good points on that one. What you said about the media being happy at Obama for announcing his latest offensive before it happened was completely true.

Also, the genuine part is a huge issue. Lately, I actually believe that Edwards is in fact sincere, but he gives off the wrong impression. It's not his fault. But we need to have a candidate that sends the right message.

Also, nationally speaking in terms of money, Obama, unlike Edwards, could compete nationally with Hillary beyond Iowa. Remember, if Obama wins Iowa and New Hampshire and even South Carolina as well, it's not over. The Clintons will not give up. This thing will drag out to February 5th. I think California will pretty much decide it all -- because it's an all or nothing state in terms of delegates. If you win the primary, you win all the delegates. Only that would put Hillary away for good.

Lastly, Obama excited my generation, as Kennedy did for the boomers. We need someone like that -- someone with great vision. Not that Edwards doesn't have vision. I just think Obama comes across a little better.

Still, I would like to see Obama be more aggressive during the debates. We will see on Wednesday.

I really do like both candidates though. I've given up on Richardson, since he is now raking in lobbyist money, which foreshadows the likely fact that he won't do anything as president to curb lobbyist influence. Obama or Edwards. LOL For me, still undecided.

[George]

yes, it will be damn difficult to finish off Clinton. She's fight for her life. For this is her life. I feel like if she lost she'd just go away forever.

[Michel]

More tragic things have happened. We certainly shouldn't pick the next leader of the free world based on pity :)

[George]

i guess i was commenting that her going away forever is a good thing. she's a hack thru and thru.

One more thing is that her experience is so overrated in my eyes. Being a first lady is not experience. Winning a Senate seat in NY as a Dem is not impressive either. They discuss Obama never having to win a big election, how about Clinton. What has she won?