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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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Comments

This blog proves Geffen's point: Hillary is a polarizing figure. I second the remarks made by CA in Tuscaloosa and generally agree with Travis in KC (but I would vote for Bill if it were possible for him to run for a third term).

Cole Jones (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:19 PM)

LOL, if Hillary and her folks take such umbrage regarding Geffens comments/opinions..and go so far afield to demand Obama distance and rebuke and refund and etc...Just how are they EVER gonna' be able to handle what the GOPerited righties have planned for her should she actually get the nomination? The Hillary camp should be far more worried that the GOPs actually rather SUPPORT her nomination for they figure will be a BGTIME EASY to motivate their core base to vote for ANYONE other than her and wonk hard and furiously to make sure she is defeated !!!!

Patric C Orange County CALIFORNIA (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:22 PM)

What has Hilary done to all of you and what has Obama done for you?

Patricia Wood (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:25 PM)

Phil in Lake Forest, CA ..Obama is a christian not a muslim.

Ricardo in California (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:27 PM)

The Clinton Campaign has responded to accusations of lying with more lies about Geffen's status within the the Obama campaign. Also, those of us from the midwest are well aware of who Geffen is and the industry he represents. Is is just this kind of coastal arrogance that has cost the Democratic party the last two presidential elections.

Matthew Keane, Washington DC (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:29 PM)

My big problem with Hillary is the fact that, if she didn't have the brass to divorce Bill after all that he did to her, in front of the world, how can she lead the greatest nation? People are laughing at her for staying in the marriage just for political reasons.

eric, Fort Wayne, IN (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:30 PM)

Phil of Lake Forest, CA- if you take a second to educate yourself on Obama, you would know his policies and that he is not a Muslim. Hell, if you read a newspaper, you would know that much! There goes your theory on who knows what based on what state they live in, Ms. Rosen!

Colleen, Chicago IL (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:35 PM)

In a separate article in today's MSNBC Politics section, titled "Clinton says she's not a big Gambler", comes the following quote: ""I never think ahead," Clinton said. "I'm like the person sitting in the dugout. I don't want to talk about it during the game."" How can anyone run for any public office anywhere in the world when they never think ahead?

KT, Florida, California, Wisconsin, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, & Tennessee (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:35 PM)

No doubt everyone is sick and tired of the experienced politician. At first I thought Obama would not have a chance. We cannot have another Bush like person in office. It seems these days every country hates the US. Obama seems like the natural choice of everyone running so far. If Chuck Hagel runs I would likely consider him too since he seems to have a mind of his own and is not part of the good old boys club. We need someone who can unite the country and get us back in the good graces of the world. This go it alone attitude Bush has cost this country far too much. If a vote were held today between Hillary and Obama I would vote Obama.

Kevin, Lincoln NE (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:36 PM)

Phil from Lake Forest: AMEN! I am so happy to see an intelligent comment like yours on here. I feel the same way- What does this man stand for? He's against Iraq. Okay, how does he plan to get us out? I honestly don't know where he stands on a single issue other than hope. He's pro-hope. What a stunning position.

Christine, Washington, DC (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:37 PM)

I also agree, in part, with Colleen in Chicago, and C A, Tuscaloosa, Al. Hillary Clinton carries way too much negative baggage, I'll be voting Republican, if she is the Democatic candidate. Mr. Obama is not responsible for Mr. Geffen's statements. As things stand right now, Mr. Obama has my vote. I also agree with those who are reminding us that it is way too early to have to listen to campaign rhetoric.

Della C., Brookfield, Illinois (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:38 PM)

the one guy in hollywood who speaks the truth gets trashed? does anybody think what he said is not true? it is a harmless accusation anyway, the dems who will settle this already have their mind made ubout what kind of person she is.

John, Portland (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:39 PM)

I believe that it is time for change. I am 61 years old,and I think that it is time to remove some of those OLD Cronies out off office they have spend enough of my hard earned tax monies we need new people and new ideas this country need a change. Let the younger generation have a say in things these old ideas and old habits are what is wrong with this country. There are to many WAR LOVERS in control. Let peace prevail

Viola (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:41 PM)

Hilary is obvious carrying water for Hillary. This is not the first time I've seen her go to bat for Ms. Clinton in a way that seems inapproriate for a so called neutral party. If she is a Clintonite she should just say so and let her agenda be known.

James Thomas (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:43 PM)

Really, isn't this much ado about nothing. The first primary/caucus is almost a year away. As much as I love presidential politics, even this is too much too early. Let's (the pundits and the fans) give it a break. In regard to the best ticket, Obama-Clark. Let's put Bill Richardson where he truly belongs, the State Department. He would be a terrific Secretary of State!

Tom Madsen, Gresham, WI (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:44 PM)

Too much talk against Hillary; and strange, coming from democrats, women, and hometown folks. We'll need to get over this and ask Obama and Clinton to refrain from going against each other (they would make a great team together)and work on emphasizing each other's qualities; enough that we have the republicans against us, and a lot of people would still vote for anybody that isn't black or a woman, regardles of anything else.

Daniel, Columbus, OH (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:48 PM)

Coarsening American culture? No, Ms. Rosen, what coarsens American culture is when you have immoral, unethical, incompent men elected as President and then defended by DC pundits who don't know what middle America values but yet continues to claim they do.

S S, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:48 PM)

Looks like only the last name change from Hillary C to Hilary R. How come David G was a good guy when he gave the Clinton's help in the past. Pour it on Mr. Geffen. We must start calling things the way they are. If you want to see what happens when we give politicians a past just look at the mess in Iraq.

Mo Mara (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:49 PM)

I was born in Michigan and raised just outside of NYC, yes the pizza in the midwest sucks.....however there is no lack of IQ, education or for that matter Hollywood stars (Jeff Daniels for one) that live in the pathetic area between NY and LA. Those of you who think that this is a wasteland are self absorbed followers of all things Paris Hilton and the like. I love NYC and Seattle and the little farm towns across our nation that feed you morons born and raised on the coasts and never spent any time living in the heartland. If you think that for any reason you are better than the farmers that feed you, try going without that midwestern food for a few days. As far as Hollywood and politics, that is simply an avenue for well heeled well funded folks to try and make a difference in the most screwed up world at the most screwed up time time since my birth (1962) far as I'm concerned God bless em, they do more than most Americans to change this quagmire we are in. Most yes most Americans don't vote in local elections and the turnout is not much better at most national elections. VOTE, VOTE, VOTE if you don't vote don't talk about politics....period

Brad, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:50 PM)

How interesting is it that Ms. Rosen failed to mention anything about the comments made by that South Carolina State Senator, who stated that because Senator Obama is "Black" if elected will hurt the Democratic party. Now, the Clinton's true color comes out!

J. C. Wilson, Maryland (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:51 PM)

Hilary Rosen insulted every one outside of Cal. & N.Y. I live in a suburb of Cleveland and know of Gefen. None of this bickering makes a difference. Senator Clinton's supporter insulted a lot of people complaining about what a Senator Obama supporter said.

E.P. Mayield Hts. Ohio (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:54 PM)

I think Hillary's the one who's hurting herself. I didn't see this so much before, but she's looking very hateful going after Obama, who comes off as very nice and squeaky-clean, idealistic, etc. She comes off looking shrewish and just plain mean in all this - if she keeps this up, she'll lose. Hilary Rosen is NOT a disinterested party here - she's working for Hillary Clinton. You need another blogger who's less biased here.

Karen Porter (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:55 PM)

I wonder if in retaliation the Clinton camp will out David Geffen to the rest of America (i.e. all that stuff between New York and California), perhaps even reveal that Geffen is allegedly in a relationship with a handsome 40-ish brown-haired, very closeted movie star. It is not beyond Hillary Clinton to turn on her gay constituents when it suits her ambition and use their sexuality as a way to demonize them. Of course, the big joke on Geffen is that neither Hillary or Barak Obama supports gay marriage. Kind of ironic that the woman and the black guy both think that civil unions are enough, that "seperate but equal" is actually equal.

Sam (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:58 PM)

Hillary Clinton? Never in my lifetime! An opportunist and a snake in the grass whose time has come and gone!The Republicans are salivating at the thought of her getting the nomination.The Dems in the end won't nominate her as it is sure to lead to defeat in 2008!

Pete Leary Newport ,Rhode Island (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 2:58 PM)

I wonder if in retaliation the Clinton camp will out David Geffen to the rest of America (i.e. all that stuff between New York and California), perhaps even reveal that Geffen is allegedly in a relationship with a handsome 40-ish brown-haired, very closeted movie star. It is not beyond Hillary Clinton to turn on her gay constituents when it suits her ambition and use their sexuality as a way to demonize them. Of course, the big joke on Geffen is that neither Hillary or Barak Obama supports gay marriage. Kind of ironic that the woman and the black guy both think that civil unions are enough, that "seperate but equal" is actually equal.

Sam, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

Unfortunately, this country is no more ready for a woman president than it is for an African-American president.

Dawn, Ventura, CA (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

Hillary Clinton is a VIPER and polarizing so as not to be electable! A hideous human being who carpetbagged gullible New Yorkers!Who in their right mind would consider her as presidential timber?

peter leary newport , RI (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:00 PM)

Barack Obama is my homeboy!

Jake, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:02 PM)

Hillary can win the nomination, but wont win the preidential election. Obama is the next Bobby kennedy we lost in 68, he can truely turn this country around! would love an Obama Richardson ticket!

Rory McDerman, Wheaton, II (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:03 PM)

Can i just ask a simple question: Why is Obama referred to as 'African-American'? Wasn't his mother a white woman from Kansas? Wasn't his mother the one who raised him (not his dad)?

BK, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:05 PM)

Hillary can win the nomination, but wont win the preidential election. Obama is the next Bobby kennedy we lost in 68, he can truely turn this country around! would love an Obama Richardson ticket!

Rory McDerman, Wheaton, II (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:06 PM)

This is ridiculous. If this is what passes for a "personal attack" we are doomed. This is a NON-ISSUE. What is the Clinton camp hiding?

Art, Santa Cruz, CA (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:08 PM)

Who better to criticize Mrs. Clinton than someone who knows her and supported her husband in the past? I think both women, Ms. Rosen and Mrs. Clinton, doth protest too much. Mr. Geffen, to any astute follower of the national political scene, has only said openly what others have whispered. At this point in time, this is much to do about nothing. Geffen paid his $2,300.00; let him say whatever he wants, the voters will decide.

Steve O. Sinclair - New York, New York (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:09 PM)

Just to throw a different name and thought on the fire. #1, yes as a Democrat that goes way back to working in Bobby Kennedy campaign in 68 I am worried that Hillary might be polarizing and unelectable in general (depends on who opponent and who is on ticket in part) #2, Obama is bright new talent no doubt and maybe the near future, certainly the future. I am still awaiting some substance and some position papers, #3. Lets not forget Mr. John Edwards. Check out his polling data against all major GOP opponents in a general election, check out his favorable/unfavorables and may I remind all he has actually ISSUED some substantive policy statements AND said he made a mistake on the IRAQ vote and apologized for that error!

Richard, Dallas, Texas (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:15 PM)

The worst thing that the democrats can do to themselves is to forget that while winning the primary is important but only to lose the general makes their campaigns a pointless exercise.A negative campaign against any democratic candidate will impact their chances in the general.The smart thing to do is to keep the campaign focused on the issues and not on fellow democrats.

Walter Woronowicz, South River , New Jersey (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:17 PM)

Yes... this was Hillary's double "Sister Solja" moment. She endeared herself to the mainstream by bashing Hollywood and the minorty candidate. Now when it comes time to pick a running mate she will have an excuse not to pick Obama. She is Brilliant.

james O'Hara (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:18 PM)

As a staunch Republican who lives within 40 miles of Chicago in a farm town (Hi Colleen, take a trip outside down I-55 some time and expand your horizons!), I could tolerate Obama far more than Hillary. While I fundamentally disagree with him, I respect the fact that he stands for something and is true to his beliefs. He also has a "sense of class" that is sorely missing in DC. I hope that his presence elevates the campaign past the usual mudslinging, "gotcha" type of politics that reduces our choices to simple sound-byte politicians that manage to offend no one for a period of 12-18 months prior to an election. Ms. Rosen, your comment about Republicans standing for tax cuts for the rich is the same kind of stereotype that my party uses to portray Democrats as "weak on terror", etc. Could you please stop it and talk about the issues? It's hard to listen to your point after you spew that type of invective. Thanks, Cliff

Cliff, Plainfield, IL (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:18 PM)

I wouldn't bother to comment about the name-calling of Geffen and, in particular, Howard Wolfson, but Ms. Rosen's distorted view of Americans is beyond dumb. Could someone at MSNBC (Keith, are you available?) explain to her, Chris Matthews, and anyone else who demonstrates ignorance of everyday Americans, that intelligent, informed, thoughtful people populate every part of this country. And I've known of David Geffen since the early Seventies. Get real.

Karen, Portland (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:19 PM)

Many New Yorkers and I am one of them, have a different perspective on the 2008 presidential race. Those of us on the Democratic side were putting down bets on which of the two New Yorkers will be the first to reveal their TRUE COLORS former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (my bet) or Senator Hillary Clinton. Well I lost and it’s still February of 2007. Seriously, folks our list of Presidents should not read Bush, Clinton, Bush, and Clinton. America is NOT a banana republic, or a constitutional monarchy – we are a democratic republic with 300 million people. Surely, there is sufficient leadership talent around to make a fresh start.

Brian, Dutchess County NY (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:20 PM)

What an unbelievable short-sighted and misguided "commentary" this was. It doesn't seem Ms. Rosen has any grasp of political reality at all. Hillary Clinton's potential weakness as a candidate was her husband's past pecadillos, her current and his past campaign's thuggery and her coming off as a "shrew". Mission accomplishe on all three - a full 21 months before the election!!!!! Way to look Presidential Hill! How could any 'hardblogger' think that this looked good for Hillary - the same campaign that threatened Hollywood recently with "you're either for us or against us". What kind of liberal tent is MSNBC fronting here? It's disgraceful.

Rock (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:20 PM)

I agree 100% with Colleen in Chicago. Also, I'm sick of hearing people say Barak Obama is too young and doesn't have enough experience. I look at Bush and the nightmares he's created for the US, and supposedly he had experience-LOL, yea right. See what I mean. I think it's time for someone who is a bit of an outsider, someone young, intelligent, someone who is not affraid to dream of how great this country was and can be once again. If you listen to Barak Obama speak, you will know you are listening to someone with unlimited possibilities for positive change.

Ken Morris, Harrisburg PA (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:21 PM)

The idea of staying with Bill after what he got caught doing is distasteful. Hillary hsa no backbone and lacks the energy to distance herself from all the shame Bill brought on her and himself. You got it right Eric in In.

Lanny Ms. (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:21 PM)

Again, you people are losing focus. It's not Democrats vs. Republicans. It's the people vs. the corporations - Educate yourself on the issues and you should vote for the person not the party. We need to wake up and see how the country can be changed for the better and which candidate - from any party - will serve our interests. We all know the mudslinging will go on - choose not to participate. Force your representatives to answer the tough questions and hold them accountable for their actions. Request information - publish it yourself - get the word out... The only way we are going to make this country great is to take it back - from the corporations. The media in this country is biased - it's corporate owned- it needs sensationalism to generate revenue and profits. There are alternatives - find them and use them. Americans need to stop blaming the Bushes or the Clintons - look behind the curtain and see who is really running the show. The Fed, other banks (giant corporations) and huge, multi-national corporations get paid no matter who is in control. They love to see us fighting among ourselves, oblivious to the truth. Consume less, save more (not in banks!), reduce, reuse, recycle! Wake up! Wake up!! Wake up!!!

Frank, Omaha, Ne (flyover country!) (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:23 PM)

"Can i just ask a simple question: Why is Obama referred to as 'African-American'? Wasn't his mother a white woman from Kansas? Wasn't his mother the one who raised him (not his dad)? " BECAUSE HIS SKIN IS BLACK. ARE YOU CONSIDERED CAUCASIAN? ARE YOU FROM THE CAUCASUS? WHAT A CRAZY THING TO SAY! Cliff-Sorry that I missed Plainfield as being within 40 miles of the city and being a farming community (which, for the most part, it is not. It is a regular old suburb and the people work regular old jobs, got fam there). You are right, you are .5 miles within the forty from downtown. Just about as far as you can be and still be within forty miles. One more note worth mentioning- how come when Bush and McCain were gearing up for their primary, the mud flung from the Bush camp towards McCain was less publicized than this story about an Obama supporter- not Obama staff? Just a question.

Colleen, Chicago IL (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:23 PM)

Hey, what about Tipper Gore when she testified about the recording industry and wanted it regulated. Just the other day I saw her husband do a introduction at the Grammy awards. He's also up for a acadamy award for his film. What's wrong with this pitcture anyway? Maybe that's why Geffen back Obama. Cause he tells it like it is. Nice to hear some straight talk for a change. It's been a long time coming.

norb bauer jackson, michigan (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:33 PM)

david geffen is a musical entrpeneuer with few ventures into hollywood. hollywood is movies and tv not music. so mrs. rosen why dont get the first "fact" correct before you go on telling others. you media people are all the same. youll say anything as long as someone reads or watches it and unfortunatley i just fell into that trap. i dont know how you all sleep at night knowing that tomorrow youll attempt to destroy another human beings life.

Jonathan, Lexington, Kentucky (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:34 PM)

Geffen was completely right on. I had torn up Obama's fund-raising letter before this dust-up because I planned simply to support the eventual nominee whoever it is, but after Hillary manager Wolfson's performance on Hardball (what an arrogant bottom-feeder), I'm getting out the checkbook for Obama and getting active in the primary fight. I've had all the weathervane politicians I can stomach and Hillary's the Queeen of the genre. Her 15 minutes should have been over long ago. Like McCain and his whoring for the Creationists at the discovery Institute, Hillary will do anything to serve her ambition. She can't be trusted. She's not right for the party or the country. If we're going to put up a woman I'd rather it be Boxer. She's 180 from me on a lot of things, but I know what she believes and I know she believes it, and unlike Hillary, who nobody elected to anything before she moved to New York, Boxer has earned a shot at the the top.

Ron, Raleigh, NC (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:35 PM)

According to an article on today's TIME.com, Ms. Rosen is a Hillary Clinton supporter, although she certainly doesn't disclose that anywhere in this anti-Obama post. Well, I'll disclose that I'm an Obama supporter, so what a surprise she thinks Obama is making mistakes. Are there any ethics at all in political blogging?

GC, Manchester, NH (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:39 PM)

I firmly believe that the Obama-Clinton division has been cleverly staged to make voters say, "Republican who?" It doesn't matter what is being said about either, (see ex-president Clinton in '96), just so long as no republican name is mentioned. Democrats will come together, when they have eventually numbed, or, is it dumbed, the minds of America to anyone else in the presidential race. That is why it has started so early. Oh, and by the way, conservative, and mostly Republican supporting talk radio show hosts have already eagerly taken the bate. Witness how many times you heard Shawn Hannity talk of "Speaker of the house, Nancy Pelosi" prior to November's election.

Mike, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:44 PM)

I don't see how picking on Obama helps her. I'm a republican, but would vote for him if my party isn't smart enough to give their nomination to the real New Yorker.

Mark Royse, Columbia, Ky. (Sent Thursday, February 22, 2007 4:54 PM)



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