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Geffen hurting Obama, not Clinton

Posted: Thursday, February 22, 2007 12:31 PM by Hardball

The brawl this week started by David Geffen has captured a huge amount of attention.  Most people in this country don’t know who David Geffen is.   And for most of those in between New York and California, he represents something that they are just not too comfortable with – Hollywood values.  So go ahead, Mr. Geffen, attack away at Sen. Clinton.  Do you think that actually hurts her? 

No, it doesn’t.  The Hollywood game is nothing more than a money game in the Democratic primary.  My guess is that lots and lots of those writing the big checks to Barack Obama this past week will also write a check to Hillary Clinton, and maybe even John Edwards.  Note: No one should doubt that the entertainment industry is sincere in their politics.  I can’t think of another community that so frequently contributes and works against their own financial self-interest (Republicans are still the party of tax cuts for the rich) in the interest of their hopes for the country at large.

Hollywood expects the bi-annual bashing that it receives from the political process.  They don’t like it, but they accept it. It used to be a virtual certainty that at some point during a presidential campaign, one candidate or another will decry the culture disseminated by the entertainment industry and absorbed by our youth.  Perhaps this presidential election will be different since at least all the Democrats know that much bigger issues are at stake here than looking for excuses for errant children.  But it works when they do it because Americans DO believe that Hollywood is responsible for a large part of the coarsening of the culture. 

The more that David Geffen thinks he is helping Barack Obama by attacking the Clinton’s, particularly on moral grounds, the more he exposes Obama and the entire Hollywood community to such attacks.  Doesn’t seem like a very good strategy to me.

Tune in to Hardball tonight at 5 and 7 p.m. ET for more on the war of words between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

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I believe Ms. Rosen is trying to protect Hillary's image too much. Geffen's remarks may not be accepted by the mainstream but the mainstream must ask themselves if a power player like Geffen who is a staunch democrat sees Hillary for what she is than there might be something to it. It's something the mainstream Democrats are asking themselves why Hillary won't apologize the continuance of obfuscation is the Clinton Legacy.
First of all, if I read one more sentence that states something to the effect of "most people between California and New York", I will scream. I am certain that us Chicagoans do NOT identify ourselves with the small towns in the midwest, and I doubt the people in the suburbs of Chicago identify themselves with the people in the suburbs of Wichita. We are not a red area on the map, have a large minority population, have a large gay population, and last time I checked the City of Chicago has no farms, even within the surrounding fourty miles or so. Further, you do not have to be from New York or California to know who David Geffen is. Anyone with any interest in music knows who David Geffen is. Anyone with the internet has as much information regarding business, politics, Hollywood, and so on, as the average New Yorker or LA resident. David Geffen's remarks were spot on. Hillary Clinton can not win the presidency because Bill Clinton's past actions will drive the more conservative away in droves. As a Democrat, I would NOT vote for Hillary Clinton because of her support of the war, her coziness with the Bush family, and her inability to admit this war was absolutely wrong and the fault lies with everyone in Congress who authorized it, including her. Hillary Clinton's camp just seems pissed off that Geffen, a former Bill Clinton supporter (read: big donator), now is giving his support to someone else. Obama did not tell Geffen what to say. Is Obama going to be responsible for my blog comments now, too? Ms. Clinton, I think you will be mighty suprised when not as many women vote for you as you think will. I am a woman and would love to see a woman president, but not as much as I would love to see a GOOD president these days. Your reputation in your home area here was tarnished when you chose to represent New York as a senator, not Illinois where you are from, or even Arkansas- which would be understandable. Ms. Clinton- you are not your husband.
Geffen's virulent comments are extremely divisive to the Democratic party candidate's race as a whole. The Republicans are probably cheering silently and hoping for more of the same. What Democratic party supporters should be most cognizant of is sticking to the hard issues and not indulge in muck raking- which really is the trip Republicans are excellent at. Perhap's Geffen is a closet Republican!!!
Are you insane? Nothing will galvanize the Republican party like Hillary Clinton getting the Dem nod. Bil & Hil used to be the ones that Hollywood threw their money at, but since they've put their money on a different candidate it's suddenly a controversey - please. Write from you heart if you will, but be honest with us and yourself and just say that you are more interested in Hillary getting the nomination instead of washing over with this nonsense.
In attacking Sen. Clinton, David Geffen is letting personal emotions and history get in the way. Remember what Michael Douglas' character, Gordon Gekko, said in "Wall Street:" "Don't get emotional about stock." Geffen should take a clue from Gekko and put personal grudges aside for the benefit of the Democratic party as a whole. Then again, when has Hollywood ever been able to forgive and forget?
Mr. Geffen doesn't believe Hillary can be elected, that is why he spoke the truth about the Clintons. Hillary's reaction indicates the harm done to her.
Wow! I read Ms. Rosen's article.. then the comments afterwards.. and Colleen from Chicago.. YOU are spot ON! I agree with what you said and then some... Thanks for typing what i was thinking Colleen! So is this the new rule... NOBODY can say anything bad about Hillary? and more importantly, Geffen is a private citizenship , its called freedom of speech and from what i hear he said it NOT Obama... Sounds like Hillary's camp is grasping at straws here... looks like they are a little worried... hmmm
As usual Clinton Inc. spin goes into high gear. What Hilary Rosen and the rest of the Clinton apologists don't want to hear is that what "Media Mogul" Geffen has hit the nail on the head. What he said DOES resonate in flyover country and it scares the hell out of the Clintonistas to hear him say it.
Let's review, the election isn't until a year from November. This kind of chatter and mudslinging is truly unbelievable this early in the going. Everyone knows that Geffen gave money to Clinton before, nobody should think he won't again. This is what gives politics a big black eye. Anyone who follows this stuff, at this time, really needs to get a life. The race will surely end up between these two folks, let's all get smarter, tell everybody else to drop out, and save our economy some wasted matching funds. Let the two of them fight it out, and let the best Man win......
I so agree with Colleen of Chicago; I too am sick and tired of the Ms.Rosens of the country assuming that everyone who lives between the coasts is L'il Abner--uneducated, unconnected, unaware of the world and of politics. For God's sake, Hilary, since Mr. Gore invented the internet and since W.R. Hearst invented the newspaper, we provincials have been able to learn about the big bad world outside our tiny farms and villages. Why, I even managed a PhD from a far-off university, and didn't lose my way home when I graduated. Hell yes, we know all about Geffen and his vendetta against the Clintons; like you, we don't know exactly what personal affront set him off but we've seen the same viciousness from Dick Morris for years so we know how former Clinton "friends" can spew hatred and lies about them. I myself am from Illinois and have favored Senator Obama but now am beginning to worry about him. He should have made clear he rejects the kind of slander Geffen provided and he didn't. He just might be less than he purports to be. We saw years and years of Clinton-bashing by his enemies and hated it; why in hell would we put up with it all over again? Of course, how would I know? I live in a little town somewhere between California and New York, and I never understand politics or law or Hollywood or why New Yorkers mispronounce Houston St. I'm sure glad Ms. Rosen is around to educate me!
Kudos to you Colleen. To say that most people between California and New York don't know who David Geffen is would be the same as saying "most people in California and New York don't know what WalMart is." Hillary "Pants-Suit" Clinton is so on the fence about everything, she stands for NOTHING. She is not her husband - not even close and she will read the same newspaper headlines across the country stating: OBAMA WINS DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOMINATION!!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA SOLVES PROBLEMS!!!!
Seriously . . .NY to LA? The coasts are what makes this country great. I'm not saying that there is anything wrong with corn country. We do need to eat.
It is so disappointing to see two good people get caught up in the old "trash em" politics. There are those that love Hillary and/or Obama and will not change no matter what people like Geffen do or say. Then there are those who are so naive that they are swayed by who says what and who seems to be winning the 'trash em' battle. It would be wonderful if all the candidates (and their staffs) would refrain from directing negative comments about each other and instead focused on their positions on the issues.
Geffen pulled no punches and he is the first to say outloud what many Democrats are thinking. If Hillary wins and is a disaster what do we do elect Jeb Bush? It's time to move on. Go Obama.
I think it is obvious from reading this article whom Hilary Rosen is rooting for in this election. Isn't it ironic Hilary Rosen is accomplishing the same goal for Hilary Clinton's campaign under the guise of legitimate journalism, yet pointing her finger in hypocracy at Barack Obama and Geffen? I will not vote for either by the way, but I just found this to be ironic and comedic at the same time. Leave it to MSNBC to bring us the very best in political humor!
On Colleen's comment - she is correct the Hillary is not Bill and I for one am very glad. As Mr Geffen indicated in his remarks - the CLinton's are all very accomplished liers. Hillary lost any chance of my vote long ago. For a women to lie to herself about her husbands infidelity (first campaign) and then lie again when caught dead to rights (Monica)- she even blamed Bill's dead mother for his lack of control over his hormones. If she can't be true to herself, how can anyone expect her to be truthful about anything at all. She has a long track record of saying whatever she needs to when she sees personal gain for her or Bill. I don't know who the best candidate is - but I know who it isn't!
She did not say anything to make her point. Still want to know how Obama would be "hurt" by this?
David Geffen should stick to what he does best, produce bad music. There once was a time when Mr. Geffen garnered some respect in his field. But, alas, the lure of riches has turned him into another Hollywood money grabber who lost his soul. Take his money, Barack, and lose your soul with him.
I think Senator’s Obama and Clinton are divisive not inclusive candidates. Neither represents what America is looking for to replace he who must not be named. I also think that the national news media, especially Chris Matthews, is stuck in some sort Groundhog Day version of no news day and trying to generate interest in a Presidential campaign that is irrelevant at this day and time. We have 12 months before the Presidential primaries begin and heaven knows what sort of calamities or crisis the world will face before then. Who wins either party’s primaries in 2008 will be likely dictated on how they respond to the issues and events that are yet to occur. I think it is also a historical fact that much of the early jockeying is between Senators who have more freedom in ignoring their elected duties then do governors who are actually running some rather large governments already. This Geffen brouhaha is the kind of problem that will escalate and repeat into the summer exposing to the American people the liabilities of any particular candidate. By then, when American’s start to get serious about the next President and they have a better insight about Iraq and the surge, Iran, etc they’ll see that these Senatorial types come up short and will start looking at other candidates. Look for each party to select an incumbent governor or a retired lawmaker (like Edwards or Gore) to lead their party in 08.
Ms. Rosin is apparantly falling all over herself to protect Hillary Clinton. Does she really think that we are so dumb that we don't realize that Mr. Geffen's comments have nothing to do with Senator Obama. Senator Obama HAD to respond once the Clinton Campaign called him out. They knew this and Ms. Rosin knows this, which why the Clinton Campaign did it. Ms. Rosin shame on you! Obama Campaign: No need to apologize for my remarks, I'm my own man.
For an industry that is so ruthlessly hated with intensity of 10000 supernovas, it's amazing that Hollywood stays in business. Plus, if the nation hates NY and CA as much Hillary Rosen says they do, the last thing DEMs would want is a candidate from one of those states. FACT: No DEM from the Northeast or CA can be president, ever again. It's an absolute scientific FACT. Deal with it and move on.
ummmm well us hicks in missouri do happen to know who geffen is as well as all the big players... please dont patronize us when you are clueless to your own statements. this blurb isn't so much for hillary or obama, i am just rooting for anyone other than a bush or clinton to run the united states.....
Hillary came across as thin-skinned and hyper-sensitive to the kind of remark she herself makes. She needs at all costs to avoid appearing shrill; it would be hard, on the other hand, for Barack Obama to seem shrill. David Geffen contributed to Barack Obama's campaign, but he is not a campaign official, and Obama is not responsible for what he says. On the other hand Hillary's campaign people have attacked Obama for attacking her. I'm afraid she sounds like the unpleasant monarch of Alice in Wonderland saying, "Off with his head outside; I am the Queen!"
The Hillary Clinton campaign, in its response to David Geffen's interview, has taken a page from the campaign book of Carl Rove. Was anyone else reminded of the swift boat campaign against John Kerry? Before this flap, I was undecided about who to support in this nomination battle. I still am. But one thing now is certain. It won't be Hillary Clinton! To attack Barak Obama for comments made by one of his supporters and contributors is more than absurd. It smacks of desperation, it is dishonest and it is petty. I have had enough of such politics under the Bush banner. I don't need more of it under Hillary Clinton's.
Bravo, Mike! I, too, think that if a Hollywood type is calling someone out as a liar, I must remember his fortunate frame of reference and wealth of experience.
Colleen In Chicago: I agree with everything you said except one thing. That "Hillary cannot win because of her husband's past actions". In fact, Hillary is not electable in spite of her husband. Hillary is not electable because too many see her as aloof, cold and calculating. Now if Bill was running again he would win hands down, in spite of Hillary.
I live in New York and vote 99% Democratic, but I can't vote for Hillary to be President. David Geffen is right; Hillary is far too polarizing a figure. Electing her would surely lead to Congressional gridlock, at a time when America needs action. Any Democrat but Hillary...
Well, I think Geffen hit a nerve.... Hillary has huge problems and I want only one thing, to win the White House for the Dems. It seems as soon as the chance to win the White House happens, extremist candidates like Hillary jump to the fore front to claim they represent the mainstream. And she is now on a scorch earthpolicy to knock out everyone else. We will lose if she wins the primary. Hillary won a beauty contest in New York( and probably could have won in California if she wanted to). She has no experience except she knows Bill. Her belief in the war is just crazy and it is no nothings like Hillary that let the war happen. As someone who has served 2 tours in Vietnam, war is real and not some video game. This is not what we need.
What has what Bill did got to do with Hillary? That is like saying if your husband raped or murdured someone, that it is YOUR FAULT. I also would have you ask all the women and children in New York if they will vote for her or not. I bet more will than don't. She did a lot for them. Ask any senator or congressman, even a republican and they will tell you the same thing.
Mr. Geffin just said what happens to be on everyone's mind regarding Hillary Clinton. He was brave enough to say it. Also, the comments made by the Hillary camp make them out to be engaging in negative politics. They are trying to attack obama for statements made by someone else. This is still a free country where people can express their opinion. And that is exactly what david Geffin did. There is an old saying," If you can't stand the heat, get out of the frying pan". It is an impression that Hillary doesn't like to get burn.
I am disappointed with both candidates. Hilary for her stiff formality and her lack of openess re. her vote for the Iraq war ("THE worst foreign policy error in the history of the country"). I think everyone would extend her a great deal of understanding if she would simply state that she was misled by this administration challenging anyone with a differing view as being unpatriotic. An administration that lied, misrepresented, cherrypicked, distorted any and all information. Many honourable patriots, including Ms. Clinton, were fooled into supporting this very great tragedy. I suspect that Mr. Obama might have been fooled as well. Mr. Obama remains a knight in shining armor because he so generalizes his message of hope, that one likes him immediately without really knowing him. He is, at present a much more compelling speaker than Ms. Clinton.I believe that Hilary would do more for Universal Health Care than anyone else, and that her solid political experience is helpful. I understand that Hilary is trying to pierce Mr. Obama's teflon shield, and I'm sure that Obama exults in a former prominent Clinton supporter go public. I would rather see their policy differences aired publically than political sniping. I want to see debates on Universal Health Care, Education, Foreign Policy and other urgent issues. I can't help but think about the nearly trillion dollar expenditure in the Iraqi Holocaust, and what a difference this money would make in treating Poverty, Housing, Health Care, and Education. And those deaths........
Obama will be hurt by this for the reasons Don Peake gave above--a lot of Democrats hoped he stood for what he claimed, a politics of hope and not of personal attacks. He's talked a good game about "new politics" but when he allows or seems to approve of the kind of personal hits Geffen made against both Clintons, he is seen as just another pol and no "bright articulate and clean" new candidate at all.
Hilary Rosen = Clinton sycophant. Mr. Geffen's comments about the Clinton's are those of a private individual free to give money to whomever. Certainly the Clinton camp wasn't complaining when Mr. Geffen was providing them money in the years past (and letting him sleep in the Lincoln bedroom).
I am offended that the Clinton campaign is misrepresenting that David Geffen is an operative for the Obama campaign. He is just a supporter. Hillary represents Democratic power politics at its worst. Obama represents hope for the future. I hope he doesn't take the bait on this vicious and fraudulent attack by the Clinton campaign. Someone needs to expose it as just that. False and vicious. It is Hillary who is playing slash and burn politics, not Obama. I believe she will be hurt in the end.
I have read all the "President Obama" threads. Can anybody tell me where he stands on anything? How will he keep Iran under control? How will he keep N. Korea under control? What about Russia providing Nuclear technolgy to Iran? How will he face the fact that Islamic Facists want to kill us all when he himself is a Muslim? Where does he stand on economic policies? All of the posts above blindly follow this man without knowing anyting about where he stands. As an Independent voter who might actually vote for Obama need to know alot more. As far as Geffen is concerned he will always back a far left wing candidate as possible, just like all Hollyweird does.
Mrs. Clinton is looking for a reason to tarnish Mr. Obama image and to lose some Hollywood support is a big loss to any candidate. Lets face it Hollywood can be very influential. Does Mr. Geffen hurt Mr. Obama as this article states, I think not, Mr. Obama is not responsible for what every donor is stating. Mr. Geffen was a bit blunt, we may never know why he made these statements, but he was very close to the Clinton's and may have more insight to them than most of us. I believe his statements would have been taken with a grain of salt, until Mrs. Clinton made this a issue so the press just ran with it. I am bi-partisan moderate Mr. Obama is the only candidate that can lure voters like myself. I too was raised in Hawaii about the same time Mr. Obama lived there, I am about the same age as Mr. Obama. I look forward to support someone that sees the dire need for change in American politics and understands multiculturalism. Hawaii is a melting pot of ethnic backgrounds and is a good example of how people of all ethnic backgrounds can get along. I wish I could raise my kids in Hawaii, its a great atmosphere to raise a family, very family orientated and it teaches you family values and how to get along with everyone. Mr. Obama is getting labeled as a rock star. I think that what people see in him is political change, someone who honestly knows that grass roots change is possible. Someone who listens to all sides of the argument than makes a decision.
Colleen, well spoken.
Well Hilary Rosen at least we know that you are backing Mrs. Clinton. Obama is not going to be hurt by Geffen and as more and more of the truth surfaces regarding the politics of Mrs. Clinton the more the Democrats are going to realize that she can not win. I love how she was for the war, even voted for it but now grandstands that she was given false information from the Bush Administration. Meanwhile during her husband's presidency both Hilary and Bill were taped on numerous occasions claiming there are wmd's in Iraq and that Iraq poses an immediate threat to the US. The Democrats that are tired of following the same old horse that is a part of the problem will see the light and vote for Obama.
I am a women who has voted for a democratic president for the last 28 years. I think it is the right time for a women or an african american president, however I cannot in good conscience vote for Hillary Clinton. If she gets the nomination I will for the 1st time in my life vote republican.
We're sick of the status quo. Hillary Clinton represents the status quo and Hilary Rosen hasn't figured out that we, the people, want drastic change. Too bad for her.
I'm going to get boogers on my keyboard pulling my finger out of my nose to type, but this mid-west person can't figure out why Hillary attacked Obama because someone else said something mean. What's she going to do when the republicans start in? Blame Gore?
Here is your winning ticket, hands down. Obama as President and Bill Richardson as Vice President. Obama takes care of the domestic issues and sends Bill Richardson across the world to regain our respect in the world.
If the Dems can learn only one lesson, I would love to see them stop the sniping at one another. Stick to the issues and tell us what they're going to do to set this nation back on solid ground both internally and internationally.
You're right: Geffen doesn't hurt Hillary; Howard Wolfson's sleazy, Bush-like campaign tactics hurt Hillary. It makes her look desperate and petty. Chill, Hill!!!
There's no need for me to type what I have to say: Just go back and re-read the second comment from "Colleen, Chicago IL" - that's sums up what I would say perfectly.
Lord, I am so tired of people... Look, One Politics is always about being polorized... We actually all have very different views with each other, and when people say Hill can't win because she has to much baggage is crazy. Does anyone even look at past elections... Who wins? The person who most POLORIZED the election (Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush) No one wins by not embolding voters. And the point of Geffin is this - anyone that knows him from Hollywood knows exactly the Type A personalality he is... Anyone see swimming with Sharks, he is a very vindictive person to anyone who cross's him... And being rich doesn't give you the right to speak your opinion and it mean that its right.
Doesn't everyone realize that the Republicans are licking their lips everytime they think about Hilary winning the Democratic nomination. They would love to run against her! If she's getting this upset about what David Geffen said (which probably isn't too far off the mark) just imagine how the GOP will make her look when they pull out their meat hooks.God only knows what kind of dirt the Republicans have on Hilary. Trust me, if she gets the nomination, the entire planet will hear all about it. Secondly, anyone who thinks they can call the Democratic Parties nominee today is like trying to predict who the Superbowl Champion will be in 2009. You might have a guess, but so many things can happen between now and then its impossible to know for sure.
Howard Wolfson, Hillary Clinton's communications director, demonstrates the mud-slinging, fact free nature of her campaign. Why would he refer to David Geffen as Barack Obama's "campaign finance chair" when Geffen has no role in the campaign? Only to sling mud at Obama without regard to the facts.
The Clinton campaign, and their supporters, Ms. Rosen included, look a bit desperate. They have seen how Obama's campaign is starting to take over the heart, minds and wallets of a big number of Americans and they are using the comments of a PRIVATE CITIZEN to attack Obama. I'm starting to think Hillary felt this race was hers from the start... but Obama is the one that is really shinning so far.
People are nuts on here... Life long Democrats are saying that they will vote for Republican is the nominee... are you kidding me... when people write stuff like that - I thank god that the interent isn't the true reflection of the world... People wake up... don't make silly threats like I rather have Mitt Romeny than Hillary Clinton... Just Nuts...


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