Open Thread

December 23rd, 2007 10:18 AM

For general discussion and debate. Possible talking point: Racial Under Current is Seen in Clinton Campaign:

[A]n important development in the 2008 Democratic battle may be the building backlash among African Americans over comments from associates of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton that could be construed as jabs at Sen. Barack Obama's race.

These officials, including Clinton aides and prominent surrogates, have raised questions or dropped references about Obama's position on sentencing guidelines for crack vs. powder cocaine offenses; on his handgun control record; and on his admitted use of drugs as a youth. The context was always Obama's "electability." But the Illinois senator's campaign advisers said some African American leaders detect a pattern, and they believe it could erode Clinton's strong base of black support.

Is this a fair criticism of Hillary's campaign, or a stretch? Will this impact her success as a candidate, especially if media outlets like the Post focus on it?