Shots on the House

This morning, Jamal Simmons, an oft-used Obama and DNC surrogate, appeared on CNN and had a few curious, if not offensive, comments.

Jim Geraghty reports:

A moment ago, my NR colleague David Freddoso, author of The Case Against Barack Obama, appeared on CNN. He was followed by Obama surrogate Jamal Simmons, who dodged David Freddoso’s discussion of Obama’s successful effort to get all of his rivals thrown off the ballot in his first race. Simmons said he only saw “a man using means at his disposal to win an election, shocking!” Yes, but we’re constantly told that Obama isn’t just another typical politician; learning Obama is as craven, ambitious, ruthless and no-holds-barred as the rest refutes the centerpiece of his campaign.

Simmons quickly brought up the Paris Hilton stuff, saying “McCain is in a running debate with Paris Hilton” - which, as the jovial Bounds comment above notes, is not accurate.

Then he dismisses Freddoso by saying he is “a typical right wing blogger, National Review, you know, against health care for kids.”

So, let me be clear here, Jamal.

You’re acknowledging Senator Obama did indeed force all the other candidates off the ballot in his first run for office in the Illinois State Senate in 1996? Barack Obama, a politician – let’s be clear, that’s all he is – who decries “Rovian” tactics and politics, exhibited such political ruthlessness Machiavelli would have blushed. Beginning your professional political career by denying Chicagoan voters a choice, Senator Obama, fails to qualify as “new politics,” even by a Chicago-insider definition.

While Barack Obama and Paris Hilton both have much in common (Vapid, attention seeking individuals with roughly the same legislative experience: None), Paris is actually espousing a more comprehensive plan than Obama. He has, after all, had worse advisors, but I think she may be a bit busy in Maui, Plouffe… That’s hot.

Moreover, I know the Obama campaign has become a master of political dodgery, just ask Jon Ralston who had a brief, and rather blunt run in with the junior senator, however to dismiss a valid question because someone is a “typical right wing blogger … [who is] against health care for kids” is perhaps the most intellectually bankrupt response of the cycle – even if the claim were true, Jamal.

Come prepared next time and hell, maybe even think about actually answering a question or two. What a novel concept.

UPDATE: Welcome, CR Nation readers!