Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Obama's Must-Fix List

Among his chores: broadening his base of voters

By Jonas Oransky,  Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2008 5:11 PM CDT

(Newser) – Deeming Hillary Clinton knocked out, John Judis takes a look at Barack Obama’s flaws in the New Republic and finds the Democrat with much to work on before Election Day:

  • His base: Obama has become too dependent on young and black voters, after early success with white men.

  • His ideology: He's seen as too liberal. Great showings among moderates and conservatives in Iowa have been followed by big losses in the political middle.
  • His forcefulness: Hoosier voters called Clinton better commander-in-chief material by a 9-point margin. Obama has to buck the “effete” image.
  • His priorities: The public cares less about the war than it once did. He needs to get more comfortable with the economy.
  • His faith: He’s lost churchgoing voters and will need to get them back without bringing up his departed pastor.

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama greets supporters.
Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama greets supporters.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama.
Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Bradley Manning Wants Obama, Clinton as Witnesses

Most Popular National Politician Today Is ...

Obama Leads From Behind on Gay Marriage, Too

Why Obama Really Went to War


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne