More From The American Leadership Project

ALP official Roger Salazar e-mails:

The American Leadership Project is a committee of Americans who have come together to shine a backlight on issues that matter most to our nation's middle class and do it in a positive way. These are positive ads that serve to raise awareness about these issues at a critical time in our nation's history and in places where they are paying the most attention. Right now that's Ohio and Texas. Sen. Clinton is a champion of these issues. ALP supports her positions and we say so in the ads.

Comments

Too little, too late. These types of ads plus not going negative might have helped Hillary in earlier states, where if she had won (or not lost so badly) the narrative wouldn't be so strongly against her. But as it is, she's about to be buried under the avalanche.

Posted by SDinIA | February 20, 2008 1:36 PM

The American Leadership Project is a committee of Americans who have come together to shine a backlight on issues that matter most to our nation's middle class and do it in a positive way.

Oh, well, in that case...

Posted by Jeff Larson | February 20, 2008 1:40 PM

Nothing argues quite so eloquently as winning. At this point Obama is exceedingly eloquent. I agree, it's too little, too late: scoreboard.

Posted by Dan in Ca | February 20, 2008 1:53 PM

a committee formed to shine a light on issues that matter most to our nation's middle class....bankrolled by 100,000 dollar donations from the Democratic machine elite. Good luck with that.

Posted by wj | February 20, 2008 2:02 PM

backlight? why not just a light?

Posted by hayworth | February 20, 2008 2:34 PM

Thanks Marc, that really clears things up.

By reading this comment you are consenting that this comment is not obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable, insulting, offensive or rude. TIGHT expressly disclaims any responsibility for any violations of local, state, or federal statutes or regulations or common law that may arise as a result of, or in connection with, the posting of this comment. TIGHT reserves the right to amend, append, or delete this comment at the sole discretion of TIGHT.

Posted by TIGHT | February 20, 2008 2:38 PM

I'm sorry, but if you are contributing to a shadow organization to get around campaign finance restrictions on individual donations, how do you know what is important to the middle class?

Posted by neilrlca | February 20, 2008 2:56 PM

Salazar was Bill Clinton’s assistant White House press secretary.

http://blog.thehill.com/2008/02/20/american-leadership-project-ad-for-clinton/

Posted by Chris | February 20, 2008 3:07 PM

shine a backlight on issues that matter most

What the heck does that mean? I've seriously never heard this phrase. I understand "shine a spotlight," it's a well-worn cliche. But I've never heard this phrase, and it makes no sense. Backlighting things tends to obscure their details. Ever taken a picture of someone standing in front of a bright lamp, or the sun? And their face is totally dark? That's backlighting.

Why would anyone come together to shine a backlight on things? Is this a group of obsessive Clinton-loving silhouette artists?

And what's with the antecedentless pronouns?

These are positive ads that serve to raise awareness about these issues at a critical time in our nation's history and in places where they are paying the most attention.

Huh? Who are "they" that's paying so much attention? Voters? Reporters? Maybe demented bears?

Who the heck do they have writing these statements? You'd think with the kind of money they claim to be raising, they'd be able to afford someone who could write passable copy.

Posted by anonymiss | February 20, 2008 3:08 PM

I don't have anything to add, I just wanted to thank the posters here for making me laugh by ridiculing this really silly statement by Roger Salazar. Shine on, you crazy backlight diamond.

Posted by TKD | February 20, 2008 3:20 PM

"What the heck does that mean? I've seriously never heard this phrase. I understand "shine a spotlight," it's a well-worn cliche. But I've never heard this phrase, and it makes no sense. Backlighting things tends to obscure their details."

Yes, it does. Its fun watching these phonies reveal themselves.

Posted by Kim | February 20, 2008 3:26 PM

Clinton needs a backlight because she's an old-school LCD - high power consumption, inflexible. Obama's an organic LCD... he can wrap himself around any surface, doesn't require a permanent supply of power to get his message across... no backlight needed to highlight his self-evident virtues, either.

Posted by Zach | February 20, 2008 3:27 PM

Backlights are useful for casting large, frightening, shadows from insubstantial objects.

Posted by miked98 | February 20, 2008 3:59 PM

Too funny and this ad is supposed to save her failed campaign? To think, I even considered supporting her at one time, then I showed up for her appearance in Reno only to find out it was 'restricted' to a hand picked audience of 12 supporters while the rest of us fools stood outside with our noses pressed against the window, lol. Glad I figured out so early what she's all about

Posted by Lynne B | February 20, 2008 4:02 PM

Hillary had better give some thought to her behavior in the remaining weeks of this campaign. She is still a U.S. Senator, and it would be a shame to see her power in that role diminished because she embarrassed herself so badly in the primary campaign.

Posted by cousin vinnie | February 20, 2008 4:27 PM

That statement was somewhere between Clintonian and Orwellian.

Posted by brad | February 20, 2008 4:47 PM

a committee formed to shine a light on issues that matter most to our nation's middle class....bankrolled by 100,000 dollar donations from the Democratic machine elite

Are you suggesting that people looking to roll $100k into a joint and smoke it don't identify with the day-to-day lives of America's middle class? For shame.

Posted by J.B. | February 20, 2008 5:22 PM

Nice judge of character John McCain is, his 2nd wife-Cindy is a former drug addict.
http://www.oliverwillis.com/archives/2008/02/20/cindy-mccain/

Posted by Al | February 20, 2008 6:31 PM

Thank goodness for this group. I was feeling really lost without any of that leadership, and here these guys answered my prayers!

Hats off to the other commentators, except Al.

Posted by Vermando | February 20, 2008 6:47 PM

Has anyone tried to access the web site they list in their add? It doesn't exist. It does say it is under construction.

I guess they aren't doers either.

Posted by SmokeyJoe | February 20, 2008 7:40 PM

i thinks its brilliant. this is Hillary's answer to Move ON ...oh what? you nobama folks don't think its fair..waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!

Posted by debbie | February 20, 2008 10:46 PM

Nobama! That's oustanding. I'm going to add it to my file of hilariously cutting (or are they cuttingly hilarious?) variations on Obama's name.

So far I have:

1. Oprama
2. Nobama

Any other treasure troves that this blog can offer up? Reader Chuck Thies, you out there?

Posted by Jeff Larson | February 21, 2008 12:38 AM

Pathetic.

After losing 10-state primary and caucus races to her rival, Barack Obama, an increasingly desperate and unbalanced Hillary Clinton, is relying on her pals to swiftboat Obama in hopes this will help her be victorious.

Don't Hillary's Harpies get it?

The American people are rejecting Hillary. After 8 years of Bush/Cheney, the American people have zero interest in going backward to a third Clinton term.

Since 1988, the Bush and Clinton families have had a stranglehold on the presidency. They treat this office as if it is the family business. It's not and the voters have had enough.

So go ahead on, form your 527 and swiftboat all you want but Hillary Clinton isn't going to be the nominee. The Democratic nominee will be Barack Obama and the sooner Mrs. Clinton accepts this fact, the better it will be for her and her power-hungry husband.

The fat lady is singing, Hillary.

Posted by Christopher | February 21, 2008 8:11 AM

Let the establishment all waste their dough. Maybe that (plus losing) will finally teach them that their days are over.

Conjures up images of how hard people can fight when they're backed into a corner and about to lose it all...for good, I HOPE.

I'm ready to be proud of my president for bringing us together to reinstate respect around the world for the UNITED States of America (not the red, blue, purple or fuchsia States of America).

Posted by anon | February 21, 2008 12:38 PM

I wonder if the the copy writer who wrote this also conceived of the Clinton Ad that draws a parallel between her and night shift workers: "She knows what it is like..."

How does her inability to develop a strong campaign staff foreshadow her competency in the White House?

Posted by laura | February 21, 2008 2:09 PM

"i thinks its brilliant. this is Hillary's answer to Move ON ...oh what? you nobama folks don't think its fair..waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"

Debbie, surely you must be kidding! This is exactly the type of comment I would expect from a neo-con, and or shill Republican,you know the Republican party, the party of the wealthy and the ignorant? The sad fact is that if true, Hillary is resorting to a typical slimy Republican tactic, that alone is reason enough to prove that Obama represents the only true change that matters.
I will concede that Hillary would be better than John McCain,however Obama would without question be better than Hillary, so far a majority of Democrats agree.
Votevets!

Posted by John | February 21, 2008 2:35 PM

Sheer desperation my friends! Groups like this Political Committee defines itself perilessly close to violating their own cause. Such as they are, they are forbidden from working primarily for the purpose of electing or defeating a candidate. And, that is just what their sole purpose is. Like, do they think we Americans can't read and write or think for ourself. I agree with--the "too little-too late" theory. These Hillary patsies are making a last ditch effort to stop a rolling a cannon ball that is already out of the shoot and their reach.

Posted by esther | February 21, 2008 3:07 PM

To whom it may concern: Want to read the ALP's political committee filing via PDF? Go to Google & type in American Leadership Project, then scroll down to where it reads PDF. They can gear up all they want, their gears are already stripped. Not to worry!

Posted by esther | February 21, 2008 3:24 PM

This is a disgusting attempt to go completely negative on a candidate, Barack Obama, who has not replied in kind. This is just the kind of politics we are tired of and is a shining example of why Hilary is behind in the polls. There was a time I would have voted for her but, that time has passed. I have seen how she will stoop to anything to win and we've had enough of that. It brings back pictures of George Bush in both of his campaigns. She can lose and still be held up as some kind of good example unless she goes along with this type advertising.

Posted by W. Goin | February 21, 2008 3:30 PM

"I thinks its brilliant...waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!"?

Say what!!??

"Debbie" is a delusional moron.

Posted by Johnny Angel | February 21, 2008 4:50 PM

3 Major Hillary Problems:

The Clinton/Bush clans have operated the White House as family businesses since 1988. We all want a change.

Hillary's "Experience" - since when did First Lady count as critical training ground for the Oval Office? Would we have elected Nancy or Rosalyn for President? Her "35 Years of Experience" slogan is an insult to the intelligence of all Americans.

Rich Friends Creating Shadow Funding Organization sounds downright sleazy on the Network News.

Posted by Glad She's Done | February 21, 2008 5:28 PM

The Millionaires obscured my view last election. THEY WILL NOT THIS TIME !!!

STAND UP !

HILLARY> PULLEASE, WASHINGTON CRONIES WATCH OUT !

Posted by Swift Boat Lies won't win this time ! | February 21, 2008 7:48 PM

More evidence that Hillary Clinton is the candidate of the past - old school politics - win at all costs. We do not need a few elitists with $100k each to throw at an attack strategy strung with cute lines and sound bites determining our future.
Until one month ago, I honestly thought Hillary Clinton had strong character and that I could support her if she won the nomination - her unacceptable behavior of the past month has done nothing but generate a divisive environment - it certainly had that impact on me. It is so embarrasing that Senator and President Clinton can not see the larger picture past their own reflections. In my 50 years and as a working professional, I certainly won't be taking my input from this ridiculous group of political players - never trust those who have to use a loophole in campaign finance to make their point. If they had a strong position, they wouldn't need to dump $100k each into attack ads - they would be able to influence a broad grouping of the Democratic party members with professional discussion and personal dedication. Please find a different party in which to enroll and stop ruining ours!!!

Posted by Cathy | February 21, 2008 7:56 PM

Poor, poor BILLary!

Can't wait to see what she does in the debate, in just a few minutes. I voted for a few more CROCODILE TEARS!

We have a few bets going on...Bill has put his foot in his mouth so many times, he just finally "shut up!"

...putting Chelsea on the campaign trail was a joke! In her lil whisper, "Vote for my mommie!"

Hillary - you just knew that you could out pace, out race and out do Obama! But you didn't have a PLAN "B" - just in case --- YA LOST!

I told hubby from the start I didn't trust you - guess that's called "women's intuition, huh!"

...and to Mrs. McCain:

You just opened yourself up babe -- do you really think hubby was true blue, to his former MISTRESS --- YOU!

Posted by Sistah | February 21, 2008 8:00 PM

Swift Boat for sale. CHEAP but it worked four years ago. Not so reliable today. Will sell to anyone willing to make a large donation for sinking ship.

Posted by Bob--on my way to Ohio | February 21, 2008 10:50 PM

The Republican noise machine will make Swift Boat seem warm and fuzzy in retrospect if BO were the nominee. Hilary is the ONLY ONE that can beat them - she's been doing it for years. It seems that BO supporters care nothing that he HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING - except guess right on his vote to go into Iraq. It takes more that just a good guess. He is the Democrats version of the guy who sat for minutes reading "My pet goat" when the country was in crisis. BO is much like Bush, he has no experience and you want him to have the top job. I'm all for training the unskilled laborer in any sector of the workforce, except the Oval Office.

Posted by Hilary Lover | February 22, 2008 1:22 AM

Just saw the ALP commercial. If that isn't political, I don't know what is. Poor Hillary, made all the strategic mistakes in her campaign, and now wants to change the rules to win at any cost (superdelegates, seating Florida and Michigan delegates when her name was the only one on the ballot, ALP, etc.). She's already lost, the only thing she can control at this point is how bad she wants to look and whether she wants to retain any residual reputation afterwards.

Go Obama! (from another "delusional" supporter who can't stand Hillary's schoolmarmish attitude. "Ready from Day One"? Give me a break -if you can't even manage your campaign, how can you be an effective president ?

Posted by Asian for Obama | February 22, 2008 4:15 AM

Baby got backlight!

Posted by Don Thieme | February 22, 2008 5:57 AM

Hillary's only big experiance was a bad one. Bad Billy Bob said, " I did not have sex with that woman." Do politicians really lie? YAH! What a sack of S---. Bill left his DNA on the notorious blue dress owned by a smart cookie that did not send it to the cleaners. Presidential souvenier folks! Since the top-fish,(fish stink for the head not the tail) --the Super delegates have the power at the convention to do as they dam well please, maybe they will bypass us voters, number of delegates and take a 2nd ballot like in the old days which will end up with the White House chef (another first lady) who has 6 years experiance in the White House being the nominee for Pres. Despite the fact Hillary wears the pants and rides up on the former Pres's coat-tails, she never was Pres. SO ~where is the experiance.If her husband was a dog catcher instead of a skirt chaser, suppose Hillary would have dof catching experiance and skirt chasing experiance. Hillary's claim is senseless and crass to boot. 3rd term Clinton baggage? No way. Most thinking voters would rather die and go to hell than see the HillBillys and their garbage make a comeback!!!! The way she comes off with Obama is a disgrace to her. Worst part is she is too power-mad to know it. BIG EGO.

Posted by Esther | February 22, 2008 12:56 PM

As you saw last night this type of negativity is now above the American people. "Fool me once---". Stick to the issues, healthcare, the economy, education, the war etc. Let's rise above please, if you don't you will be "booed" on stage and off.

Posted by LA | February 22, 2008 3:05 PM

It looks like this effort is not only distasteful, it's illegal. See Bob Bauer's opinion at:
http://www.moresoftmoneyhardlaw.com/news.html?AID=1202

Posted by Yankee Sue | February 22, 2008 5:13 PM

good luck with your backlights, ALP. I'm guessing Hilary will probably donate the balance of her campaign earnings to Borack's campaign when she loses.

Posted by alice | February 23, 2008 10:30 AM

Thank you American Leadership Project. Senator Clinton is the most qualified, knowledgeable, eloquent and gracious candidate. In addition she has unique international standing and respect. She is indeed presidential. I applaud your support and thank you. We need her as president--she is the only one that can address the current challenges that our country faces.

Posted by Nancy Gerber | February 23, 2008 8:34 PM

If middle class so dear to ALP how come they realized it last week and half? We always had middle class!! I think they should get smart and instead start new efforts for chelsea 2016 or maybe socks 2012 starting from today :)

Posted by Night Riser | February 25, 2008 12:13 AM

Change Means Gay Marriage President

I doubt you will print this because the media seems to be part of Senator Obama’s campaign. Most Americans are being duped by Senator Obama due to the media blackout on the unequivocal statement he made during the 9 August 2007, LOGO channel, and Democratic Candidate debate in support of Gay Marriage. Is the media being silent because they want Senator Obama to get the nomination, only to lose the race because of this one clear issue? Senator McCain’s campaign won’t give Senator Obama a pass on this one and the voters of Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania deserve to get an answer on this before the March 4 primary votes. Let Senator Obama stand by his statement and let the voters choose the candidate that best reflects their values. I’m neither a political hack nor a participant in Senator Clinton’s campaign; we were fooled in Georgia, don’t be fooled in Texas, Ohio, & Pennsylvania. I’m simply an observant citizen.

Obama shies away from admitting that his health plan also mandates coverage on all children. And Hillary's 35 years experience includes: staff lawyer to the Children's Defense Fund, staff lawyer on the Watergate investigations, chair of the nationwide Legal Services Corporation, managing partner of a prestigious law firm, board director for several corporations, the defacto government senior executive personnel manager for 8 years, and US envoy to almost every international body concerned with children and women's rights, and the Senator with the most legislation passed on veterans issues,children, etc, for the past six years according to US Senate records..

Posted by Wayman Duane Williams | February 25, 2008 2:12 PM

The idea seems doomed to fail.

Check out The American Leadership Project:

http://www.theamericanleadershipproject.com

Good luck.

Posted by Andrew D | February 25, 2008 3:01 PM

If it was still possible to be disgusted and shocked at anything Hillary would do....

What kind of vicious, self-centered, self-serving blind ambition would lead her to use the same tactics of the Swift boat scumbags?

I can't believe I used to support her. I'm ashamed of it. She'll pursue the nomination using every scumbag trick in the book knowing full well it would only lead to a McCain victory in November...?

Obama will win anyway and this heinous, shrill, nasty, divisive woman will fade away - hopefully BEFORE she does irreparable damage to our part.

Posted by Dave Davis | February 27, 2008 1:22 PM

hi there i would like this groupo to use the things that obama had said .I would like to see a ad that he is in saiding about small towns people cling to there guns and religion Run a ad using his own words against him saw the picture where he refuse to salute the flag .saw ad where he said that clinton and edwards was accpet money from special interst but he change his tune when the same people started giving him money It was special interst money when he was getting it but when he was getting it then it change from special interst to respectfully unions .when he flip flopon the embargo with cuba in jan 04 he said it is time to end it because it utterly failed to in effort to overturn castro but in aug 2007 he told cuba american he wouldnot take it off because it could be use it as important inducement for change.he have flip flop on illegal immirgration,marguana,public financing ,thepart about i donot get any money from oil companys. But you look and find out that he did accept money from oil company pact

Posted by cheryl | May 1, 2008 11:24 AM