Meaning: The quote "Message to Obama: Fighting the Clinton machine won't be as easy as picking up favorable press clips" by Rich Lowry, the editor of National Review, is a political commentary that reflects the challenges faced by then-Senator Barack Obama in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination against Senator Hillary Clinton in the 2008 election cycle. The quote encapsulates the idea that Obama's campaign would face significant obstacles in dealing with the formidable political and media apparatus associated with the Clinton political dynasty.

Rich Lowry's statement highlights the notion that the Clinton machine, a term often used to describe the extensive network of political allies, donors, and operatives associated with the Clintons, presented a formidable obstacle to Obama's candidacy. This characterization of the Clinton political apparatus as a "machine" implies a well-organized and powerful structure capable of exerting significant influence within the Democratic Party and the broader political landscape.

The reference to "picking up favorable press clips" alludes to the idea that Obama's campaign strategy of relying solely on positive media coverage would not be sufficient to overcome the challenges posed by the Clinton machine. It suggests that Obama would need to employ a more robust and strategic approach to navigate the political dynamics and media environment that favored the Clintons.

In the context of the 2008 Democratic primaries, the Clinton machine was perceived as having deep roots within the party establishment, with longstanding relationships and alliances that could potentially sway the outcome of the nomination process. This implied a significant hurdle for Obama, who was positioning himself as a candidate of change and a departure from traditional politics.

Lowry's message to Obama serves as a cautionary reminder that successfully challenging the Clinton machine would require more than just a charismatic persona and positive media coverage. It underscores the need for Obama to develop a comprehensive and resilient campaign strategy that could effectively counter the influence and resources at the disposal of the Clinton political operation.

The quote also reflects the broader dynamics of political competition, particularly within the context of a high-stakes presidential nomination battle. It illustrates the complexities and strategic calculations that candidates and their teams must consider when confronting entrenched political forces and well-established rivals.

In summary, Rich Lowry's quote "Message to Obama: Fighting the Clinton machine won't be as easy as picking up favorable press clips" encapsulates the formidable challenges faced by Barack Obama in his quest for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008. It underscores the influence and power of the Clinton political apparatus and the need for Obama to adopt a sophisticated and multifaceted approach to navigate the complexities of the political and media landscape.