Political Punch
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper
Jake Tapper is ABC News' Senior White House Correspondent based in the network's Washington bureau. He writes about politics and popular culture and covers a range of national stories.
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Obama Snubs Hillary
January 29, 2008 11:42 AM
The caption to the New York Times photograph reads: "Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton greeting Senator Edward M. Kennedy on Monday night as Senator Barack Obama turns away."
And the Chicago Tribune's blog says that "At the SOTU, Obama's Clinton snub was the news."
Obama strategist David Axelrod was asked about this on Morning Joe this a.m.
"Now, there's a picture that we're seeing, that we saw across the wires from last night's State of the Union address," Joe Scarborough said, "where it appears that Barack Obama turns his back on Hillary Clinton, snubs her, and people on the floor said that it was -– appeared to be intentional, that he didn't want to be around, didn't want to shake her hand when Ted Kennedy was there. Can you comment on that picture?"
"No, I don't think he snubbed her at all," Axelrod said. "First of all, they acknowledged each other as they entered the chamber. But I think he knew that Senator Kennedy and Senator Clinton were friends. This was obviously an awkward day from that standpoint, and I don't think he wanted to stand there while Senator Kennedy was greeting Senator Clinton. And I think that was an appropriate sentiment. Unfortunately, the camera caught it in a different way, and so it got interpreted that way. And that's the kind of environment we're in right now. It's a very competitive race, so every little thing is going to be interpreted in that way. But it was really a matter of letting Senator Kennedy have his own conversation, his own greeting with Senator Clinton without him hovering over them."
Continued Axelrod, "in this environment, every single thing can be – can be inflated and interpreted and will in a political – in a hyper-political light. But it is what I suggested. I think it's understandable that he would not want to stand there with Senator Kennedy as if he were lording it over her. You know, I understand that."
Speaking of Senator Kennedy, while its most famous resident backed Obama yesterday, Cape Cod's newspaper went with Clinton.
- jpt
UPDATE: ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports that Obama has pooh-poohed any idea that he was snubbing Clinton. Read more HERE.
January 29, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (83)
Sure looks like a snub to me....
I'm GREATLY disappointed in Obama....
Childish behavior, to say the least...
And he's campaigning as a "uniter...!!"
Yeah......... right....!!!
I was on the fence, but I'm all for Hillary NOW...!!!!
Posted by: Butch1227 | Jan 31, 2008 4:25:01 PM
Here is the true picture of Senator Obama doing what he said, talking to Senator McCaskill at the State of The Union Address in January 2008.
Posted by: EnergyWizard | Jan 31, 2008 3:34:28 PM
There was no snub.
Obama turned to answer a question from Senator McCaskill the next day, but someone chose to cropout McCaskill.
That's the real story.
Posted by: Mr. Unite Us | Jan 31, 2008 12:23:22 PM
This is such a non-story, or should be. The single photo being used is not very helpful; other sites show multiple, sequential photos that support Obama's version of what happened. What annoys me, as an undecided voter, is how Hillary is picking up on this supposed snub to make herself look, again, like a victim.I'm so tired of her using that schtick to create sympathy for herself, instead of winning votes by winning arguments.
Posted by: Kilkee | Jan 31, 2008 11:20:39 AM
Whether Obama intentionally snubbed Clinton isn't the issue to me. For me, I want a leader that will look his enemy in the eye at every opportunity. The incident at the SOTU told me a little about his character. As an intelligent Independent, I am hoping these candidates won't under estimate my ability to select the person who will be most likely to accomplish something in the Whitehouse. No matter what their party.
Posted by: Dan McDaniel | Jan 31, 2008 8:57:22 AM
If you look at the photos appearing on most news channels, her eyes are not focused towards Obama. Besides, even if he did snub her, she should have made an effort to get his attention to shake his hand if that was her intention. I don't think he snub'd her, I think she shub'd HIM! Think about how easy it would have been to get his attention yet she did no such thing and then makes a statement along the lines that her hand is still extended. Politics, ya gotta love it! :-)
Posted by: Ron | Jan 31, 2008 6:16:05 AM
Enough with the race-baiting and misogyny of the Obamites. Until John Edwards endorses one of them--I'm voting for John on Feb. 5th just as planned. Obama has a lot of explaining to do. Chi Trib is WAITING til Obama is the candidate to do all the Rezko dancing on his political campaign grave they can. Wake up!
Obama needs to sit down with Carol Marin, the conscience of Chicago and 'splain himself. If he survives after that--fine.
Posted by: anna nemos | Jan 30, 2008 10:12:42 PM
til john endorses somebody else
Posted by: votejohnfeb5anyway | Jan 30, 2008 10:09:40 PM
It was not a snub! This is the New York Times trying to play the gender card. The suggestion if Barack snubbed Hillary that is proof positive that he is mean, immature and passive aggressive. This is Clintonian spin. They will use anything to tear down the character and inspiration of Obama. This is the only way they can win.
Posted by: Sean | Jan 30, 2008 8:31:59 PM
The media treats Obama and Hillary evenly? What are you smoking? MSNBC and CNN are Obama's personnal spin stations. It's as if he writes the stuff they report. I have never been more disgusted with the media in my life. I'm a republican who'll vote Mccain, so i dont care who wins the democratic primary. But my God, the media is blatantly fixing this election for Obama.
Posted by: kda | Jan 30, 2008 2:57:48 PM
"Great communication Obama the UNITER / DIVIDER has. Never congratulated Clinton on her both wins. Now Obama acting like a baby at the State of the Union Address."
It never ceases to amaze me how many people who seem to support Hillary have show little capacity for analytical thought in the blog context. Whether they are or are not in the larger world, I cannot say.
This quote is simply put patently untrue.
WHO failed to congratulate whom? Please recall where Hillary was after the monumental South Carolina win. She was giving a stump speech in Tennessee. Her concession/congratuation was what 30 seconds?
Also, I think that the media is pretty even-handed in its treatment of Obama v. Clinton(s). It would be nice to see some Hillary supporters do the same.
The Rezko issue is one "scandal" and I say that in quotes because even our Republican leaning paper, the Tribune, has found no wrong doing on the part of Obama and has called his public disclosures uncommonly candid. Clinton supporters, how many scandals have the Clintons been involved with? And if you think it's all done and vetted, you have another thing coming (see Sunday's New York Times piece by Frank Rich). And compare candidness by candidates, when are those papers going to released, Senator Clinton?
If you judge the character of a person from a very small snapshot of a moment that you were not present for, I certainly feel sorry for you. I judge a character by a longer view, say 35 years for example.
Posted by: Thor | Jan 30, 2008 12:53:29 PM
do you know how many times hillary snubbed him on the senate floor? do you know how many times hillary moved on to speak with the other person next to barack?
do you know that obama actually likes and respects hillary? do you know that he reprimanted supporters who were making fun of the emotional break-down of hillary on national television?
hillary has been the most snubbish politician so far in this race? do you remember how she ridiculed a republican congressman during her testimony on her health proposal during her husband's administration?
do you know how she ridiculed ted endorsement on abc by claiming that uncle teddy would not be able to do obama's battle for him? now imagine, obama had said that about clinton upon receiving the endorsement of uncle charlie rangel?
when he said that hillary is liked enough, he really meant it; but it is unfortunate that they used that against him.
when richardson failed to listen to a question that was posed to him, it was obama who came to the rescue and wispered to him what the question was and prevented him from being embarrassed on national television. would clinton have done? hell, no!!! she would have just taken advantage of it to score political points.
had obama cried on television, hillary would have jumped on tv to claim such a wimpy man is not ready to be president.
i know that she would have said that because as a politician, hillary is vicious, and unforgiving.
Posted by: mm | Jan 30, 2008 12:36:04 PM
Do we really want a mean spirited male in office again?
Posted by: Finn | Jan 30, 2008 9:07:45 AM
Obama will fit right in. He's a male chauvanist just like Bush. I can't stomach is ugly face.
Posted by: Ros | Jan 30, 2008 9:02:18 AM
ABC news with another in depth and hard hitting story. Why did hillary even respond to this with an interview...sad.
Posted by: Don | Jan 30, 2008 9:00:36 AM
Just more news sensationalism, make news were there is none. Fox News and the Enquire are out to raise TV ratings, sell more newspapers, etc. The Picture is a picture, not the video. How can you possibly even make a judgment on a single frame of a video? If you look at the picture, you can read it as, he was never even looking her way. No, just put a caption on it and it bias everyone as a Snub.
Posted by: anonymous | Jan 30, 2008 7:09:39 AM
Clinton is NOT going in for an Obama handshake. She is clearly looking at Kennedy in every picture.
Clinton people, get over yourselves.
Posted by: jonathan Anderson | Jan 30, 2008 2:47:56 AM
Hillary was on several of the news channels tonight and they asked her about it and from what she said I feel like obama snubbed her and this to me does not represent what he so passionately speaks about in all of his stump speeches. obama is not the man he speaks about! this is not the only time he has shown this side. poor character and poor judgement on his part!!!
Posted by: Muniz - Texas Latino | Jan 30, 2008 12:01:32 AM
Yes, the issues, the issues, the issues….
However, ACTION (not talk) speaks to a person's character, and the character of any future President of the United States of America is a very important issue. The President should exude a level of poise and class regardless of who he or she meets - would Mr. Obama choose to snub world leaders that he doesn't like? Either a person has class and can function within the upper echelon of society, or does not... and this should not be a gray area for our President.
I am still on the fence, and Obama did nothing with this move to win my vote.
Posted by: TruBlu | Jan 29, 2008 10:23:33 PM
Hillary was looking for a photo op with Obama and Kennedy. I would not be surprised if Obama's people warned him in advised him she may try something like that. It's the "no hard feelings" shot. Obama wants it to seem like a big blow to Hillary. Hillary wants the opposite.
Alternatively he may just hate the Clintons for their race baiting.
Posted by: David | Jan 29, 2008 9:56:38 PM
Obama is too mean to be president. Snubbing Hillary, shame on you; act like a gentlemen, not a unkuth dope.
Obama is too ugly to be president.
Posted by: Rosa | Jan 29, 2008 9:44:42 PM
THIS IS NOT NEWS!
This is something I would expect to see on the front page of a tabloid at a supermarket. Surely ABC could focus its energies on something more relevant as opposed to catering to the sensationalism that runs rampant through the news today. Please do us a favor and find something of value to fill the last few minutes of the newscast. Leave this kind of stuff to TMZ.
Posted by: Brian | Jan 29, 2008 7:14:44 PM
Finally someone remembers that Ted Kennedy is not "Camelot". Ted Kennedy will never be like Jack. Jack atleast had a spine and an a** to back it up with. Turning his back on the Clinton's after they both have always been there for him ---- well, that proves how much of a jerk he really is. Wonder if he'll get a spot on the Oprah Show now. Everyone should flood his email and let him know what a back stabber he is!
Posted by: cjiscro | Jan 29, 2008 6:48:28 PM
Everytime I see Ted Kennedy I also see pictures of a young woman, Mary jo,do you remember her. And if the Kennedy torch was passed to Obama, then the women will be coming out of the walls, the Kennedy men didn't make the best husbands. So Clinton hater's it is tit for tat. Bill didn't kill anyone and his affair in the WH is not different than what JFK did.
Posted by: S. Arabia | Jan 29, 2008 6:26:36 PM
Ted-- It's "Paine," not "Payne." Perhaps the first person who should (re-)read, and apply, "Common Sense" is yourself. Great book.
Posted by: Alex | Jan 29, 2008 6:13:33 PM
thomas payne wrote a book called common sense. i think if everyone were to read it,and apply it, then you would have to vote for huckabee.
Posted by: ted | Jan 29, 2008 6:04:32 PM
Wow. ABCNews has really lost all credibility. First, it offers fawning coverage of GW Bush last night, with nary a hint of criticism following Bush's usual dishonest, divisive, and manipulative speech. Now, a piece of non-news made into an attack piece on Obama's character.
I think the corporate class is in panic-mode right about now. Well, let their true colors continue to fly. If ABC does not serve the public interest in reporting honest, balanced, and critical news, as is its solemn oath, then let us pray that citizens will continue to serve that interest in the voting-booth.
The morality of the Clintons is in doubt, now on the left and the right. Meanwhile, politics is becoming something positive and exciting again. Not a moment too soon for the Republic.
Posted by: Alex | Jan 29, 2008 6:03:56 PM
any woman in her right mind would divorce her husband for cheating on her. it just shows you the selfish ambition of hillary to stay married. when you go to the polls, ask yourself "do i want to vote for somebody who doesn't care much about our country and is only interested in her selfish, egotistical ambition?" you may vote for whom you wish of course, but please read between the lines first. thank you
Posted by: ted | Jan 29, 2008 5:58:03 PM
and i guess that makes hillary jezebel. lol
Posted by: ted | Jan 29, 2008 5:50:09 PM
i think bill clinton may possibly be the anti-christ.
Posted by: ted | Jan 29, 2008 5:46:54 PM
Obama is a liar. He snubbed Hillary because he is a bitter, nasty, ugly person. He is so fake and has an evil soul. He also lied. Now the story is Claire asked him a question. Yeah right. She was clapping and so was he. No question asked in any of the pictures I've seen! He snubbed Hillary and leaned over to Claire to avoid Hillary.
Obama is a repulsive human. If you would call him that.
Posted by: JB | Jan 29, 2008 5:01:03 PM
Arrogance and immaturity are two words that come to mind as I looked at Senator Obama snubbing Senator Clinton for all America to see... is this the kind of different politics Senator Obama is promising to deliver? I am certain that Chris Mathews and all the other media supporters of Obama will find a way to criticize Hillary for being a class act last night as Obama's behavior spoke louder than any of the words he reads of the teleprompter. Lots of words but no actions to match for Senaotr Obama.. last night snub is just another example of says one thing and does another.
Posted by: Vicky | Jan 29, 2008 4:56:57 PM
Quote,I WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU. Obama says that he didnt know Rezko was indicted when he did the house deal. Rezko had been indicted for a year when bought this mansion with Rezko help. I guess Mr. Obama wasnt reading the Chicago newspaper. Maybe he was too busy voting "present".
Just remember he will never lie to you.
Posted by: frankie | Jan 29, 2008 4:53:12 PM
As a black male, it's disheartening that the media continues to claim Hillary's campaign played racial politics against Obama. The reverse is more accurate.
Obama's South Carolina campaign chair, Jesse Jackson Jr., crassly declared that Hillary never shed tears about Katrina victims in response to her famous "welling-up" incident in New Hampshire. Isn't that playing the race card?
Soon after, Obama's staffers released a memo implying that Hillary's campaign was "racially insensitive." For proof, the memo referenced Hillary's MLK-LBJ gaffe and Bill's "fairly tale" speech. Hillary's comparison was clunky and ill-advised but hardly racist. The fairy tale Bill referred to was Obama's Iraq war vacillation, not to race. Yet rather
than criticize this dirty trick, pundits bought into the lie that the Clintons are bigots.
It's disappointing that reporters are too politically correct to confront Obama about his campaign's abuse of racial politics.
Posted by: DJK | Jan 29, 2008 4:49:51 PM
Are you people a bunch of shallow 8th graders? This is the stupidest non-news story of the political season so far.
Posted by: Howard B. | Jan 29, 2008 3:53:10 PM
Shame on obama..he has no class..I'm sorry don't want a man like obama being my president, imagine him acting like he has no class in front of other presidents from other countires
Posted by: jessica | Jan 29, 2008 3:51:39 PM
So lets see, Barack Hussein Obama turned because Senator Claire McCaskill was asking him a question and in this attempt to deny he snubbed Hillary Diane Clinton neither he nor Senator McCaskill can say what the question was. Now who will, ” Say or Do Anything” to get elected? This is what happens when you endorse a child to do a mans hob
Posted by: edenz21 | Jan 29, 2008 3:48:56 PM
"edt" was correct above; Obama would be much more hypocritical to act all nicey-nicey after the Clintons' treatment of him (and I have always been a Clinton fan). A cropped photo does not tell the whole story. Too bad someone doesn't have a video, which would tell more of the story. As it is, when the rest of the photo reveals that Obama is in conversation with Ms. McCaskill, it is a no-brainer. And as for class, Obama is quite classy for allowing Ted Kennedy and Hillary to have their space and for not raining on her parade. Hello!!
Posted by: Vera | Jan 29, 2008 2:52:21 PM
ahania-Are they communicating telepathically? because their lips are closed and she is looking at Hillary.
Nice try. He is not talking to anyone. Barack Obama is merely a man and a very flawed man at that.
Posted by: geevill | Jan 29, 2008 2:51:46 PM
The fact that Ted Kennedy called Bill Clinton to tell him that he was going to endorse Obama and not Hillary. Tells the story about the Washington Good Old Boy Club. The fact that he is so mad about South Carolina when maxnews ran the story 6 weeks ago that the Big 4 were coming out against Hillary. Kennedy and Kerry because they were mad the Clintons did not endorse Kerry early enough and Al Gore because he was mad the Clintons did not do enough in Gore's campaign. It is all about the Good Old Boys and not what is good for America. Obama wants to talk change and join the Good Old Boys what a politician. Obama wants to fling mud and be the victim what a politician.
Posted by: ryan | Jan 29, 2008 2:50:03 PM
TO JACK TAPPER:
Why in the world no one has ever investigated the fact is, in 1963, not only was Hillary Clinton a republican, but she was also a staunch supporter of republican Senator Barry Goldwater, well known as a segregationist and one of the most vocal senators adamantly against the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is why he lost in his presidential bid to Lyndon B. Johnson?
She described herself in her memoirs as ‘an active Young Republican’ and ‘a Goldwater girl, right down to my cowgirl outfit.’
Why Hilary the Goldwater girl had her law school memoir sealed?
PEOPLE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU FROM OR WHICH ALLEGIANCE YOU HAVE, WE SHOULD ASK FOR HER LAW SCHOOL MEMOIR TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC SO WE CAN BETTER TRACK HER PAST. BECAUSE, BACK THEN, SHE WAS A FIERCE OPPONENT OF THE CIVIL RIGHT MOVEMENT AND A STRONG SEGREGATIONNIST.
Posted by: RBDUVAL | Jan 29, 2008 2:34:17 PM
Great communication Obama the UNITER / DIVIDER has. Never congratulated Clinton on her both wins. Now Obama acting like a baby at the State of the Union Address. Grow Up Obama Trolls also. Obama is not GOD. He stole money needed by the poor dealing with Rezko.
Posted by: Odoggy | Jan 29, 2008 2:29:48 PM
MORALLY SPEAKING, THE COUNTRY CANNOT VOTE FOR HILARY FOR ALL THE REASONS YOU'VE ALREADY KNOWN.
ADULTERY
CORRUPTION
HATE MONGERING
Posted by: RBDUVAL | Jan 29, 2008 2:28:02 PM
Oh, for God's sake, this is such a non-story. How bored are you people?
Posted by: ahania | Jan 29, 2008 2:19:45 PM
Don't worry. Obama is being built up. The RNC is saving the Rezo stuff for after he wins the nomination. They already have the timeline. Did you see the McLaughlin report on Saturday? What scares me right now is why are all of the Republican pundits supporting Obama. For some reason they are really afraid of Hillary and Bill. The news media will not cover the issues because Hillary plans to cut out about 100,000 contract jobs from the pentagon. Bush tax cuts won't be permanent. Hillary is going to clean house and she and Bill knows how to do it.
Posted by: concerned citizen | Jan 29, 2008 2:17:41 PM
Why would we read into the moment verses the intent...no harm intended I am sure
Posted by: black top | Jan 29, 2008 2:13:32 PM
Why would we read into the moment verses the intent...no harm intended I am sure
Posted by: black top | Jan 29, 2008 2:13:04 PM
To blue2008 --
YOU MUST HAVE SOME NERVES LIKE THE HILL-BILLIES TO TALK ABOUT REZKO.
WHAT ABOUT WHITEWATER?
WHAT ABOUT THE SHADY FINANCING OF THE CLINTONS LIBRARY?
WHAT ABOUT THE CONTRACT WITH THE SAUDIS?
WHAT ABOUT A CONVICT AND THUG LIKE MARC RICH BUBBA HAD PARDONNED?
WHAT ABOUT RENTING THE LINCOLN'S BEDROOM AT THE WHITE HOUSE TO THEIR FINANCIAL BACKERS?
THE REPUBLICANS ARE WAITING PATIENTLY TO EAT HILL-BILLIES ALIVE
Posted by: RBDUVAL | Jan 29, 2008 2:12:18 PM
A "snub" would be an intentional or intended slight directed at Sen. Clinton, which this does not appear to be. What's next, determining what Sen. Obama's mood is by the color of tie he's wearing?
Posted by: chuck | Jan 29, 2008 1:57:40 PM
The media is a joke. He was simply giving Kennedy and Clinton space to speak for a second. The spin in this one picture is unbelievable and shows the stupidity of the press.
Posted by: Alex | Jan 29, 2008 1:44:26 PM
Oh please!! This is a new low for the press. This is a non-issue. Who cares about whether or not Obama and Clinton are in the perfect body language in every photo to suit the fickle media at every given second.
Obviously the news media is trying to make money off of a contrived controversy on a potentially less divided race going forward...to the press it needs to be said, "grow up"
Posted by: mark | Jan 29, 2008 1:41:41 PM
Talk about over inflating a split-second snapshot. Who really cares?
Posted by: dc | Jan 29, 2008 1:34:57 PM
This is how Obama acts when not in front of a teleprompter. Judge for yourselves American voters.
Posted by: geevill | Jan 29, 2008 1:31:30 PM
loool when you read the Hillary suppoter's views you can tell they are guided by hate, get look beyond your nose.
1. as said earlier clinton wins but in the house she wont be able to pass a policy--empty promises.
2. If Obama was interested in dirty politics Monica would definately be back in the media by now.
Clearly Bill came out so so ofended he thoght it would be easy for the wife, which never happened, You ever wondered y Hillary's campaign doesnt Link itself to Bill? and yet they are out yelling that Hillary is the best? hmm some food for thought.
If you are interested with Giving America a diferent positive direction we only have one person to do it
Posted by: edwin | Jan 29, 2008 1:29:48 PM
TC -- O's "you're likable enough, Hillary" comment in New Hampshire is another example, yes: clearly, as a decent guy, he was attempting to be light without patronizing her. Then the media turned it into a defining moment. Do we really want a president who is so plastic and calculating that every tiny word and gesture is deconstructed in the most cynical manner?
Posted by: Pete | Jan 29, 2008 1:25:10 PM
Give us a break! You dont know the dynamic and keep in mnd that the NY times endorsed Hillary?? What if they had greeted each other before. Stop reading into trivial stupid issues. A snapshot doesnt define the whole story.
Posted by: seyi | Jan 29, 2008 1:17:30 PM
"Obama has always tried to be above the fray, so why would he act any differently now that he has the wind at his back?"
Above the fray? Oh please. Did you watch last week's SC debate? HE THREW THE FIRST STONE making that comment re: Walmart. Clinton merely gave it back to him mentioning Rezko and Obama claimed to have worked a measly 5 hours through a church tied to Rezko and that was the extent of their relationship (ignoring the fact that Rezko donated 200k to Obama's campaign and Obama bought a house through Rezko 300k less than the asking price....must've been some 5 hours).
Obama is a liar. He's smooth, I'll give him credit for that.
This coverage definitely shows his true nature. He should've shaken her hand. After all, it's politics but instead he snubs her. It's an insult to anyone's intelligence that the Obama campaign spins it once again to favor Obama. He snubbed her. That's obvious. Even CNN reported it live last night when it happened.
Posted by: Wake Up Democrats! | Jan 29, 2008 1:12:01 PM
I thought Barack said Hillary was "likeable enough" in New Hampshire?!
This, again, shows the darker side of the angelic figure the Obama-loving press have painted.
He in fact has a side to him that is petty, juvenile and small. Remind you of any current resident of Pennsylvannia Avenue?
Is this really the person who "bridge the partisan divides" when he cant even shake her hand?
In these unguarded moments BO reflects what I have observed from a lot of the followers of his "hope" message...and that is hate.
Throughout the summer and fall he portrayed Hillary as being the equivalent of Bush and Cheney, so I guess it's not so hard to understand why his followers have such animosity towards her.
Posted by: tc | Jan 29, 2008 1:06:22 PM
THE FACT THAT RIGHT-WING REPUBLICANS LIKE AND EVEN SUPPORT OBAMA DOES NOT SPEAK WELL OF OBAMA. HE IS WINNING IN 'COOL' POINTS WITH AN EXTREMELY SHALLOW CAMPAIGN. PEOPLE SHOULD VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE WITH THE BEST POLICIES, NOT THE COOLEST RHETORICIAN. THIS REALLY SHOULDN'T BE A SILLY GRADE THREE POPULARITY CONTEST. VOTERS: PLEASE MAKE A SERIOUS CONSIDERATION BETWEEN CLINTON, EDWARDS AND OBAMA.
Posted by: jack jackson | Jan 29, 2008 1:05:31 PM
So sick of the idiots who defend this creep. He is a BLATANT hypocrite. Accuses Hillary and Bill Clinton of attacking him yet he is JUST AS GUILTY of the mudslinging as any of them. He lied to the media re: his relationship with Rezko (who incidentally was arrested yesterday but CNN didn't bother covering it becasue they were on a high from Kennedy's endorsement. They are clearly pimping Obama).
Obama's Wife made a comment re: how the Clinton's can't run their own house so how are they going to run the white house? Did the Clintons rush to the media whining about how they are unfairly being judged?
obama is a hypocrital, inexperienced, manipulator. I was not a Hillary fan (initially for Edwards) but the audacity of this campaign and the media coverage is enough to make me vote for Clinton (since Edwards doesn't have a chance and things are so tight btw. Golden boy Obama and Hillary nutcracker Clinton.).
Can America really afford to make yet another mistake after 8 years of Bush?
Posted by: Obama is a hypocrite | Jan 29, 2008 1:05:02 PM
Idiotic. How about returning to the issues? I know most of the folks in the media aren't equipped to deal with economics or geo-politics or the coming shift to a new energy paradigm, but perhaps a few stout reporters might see fit to bone up on some of the real problems facing the nation and the world. JFK really was a transformational president, but he died 45 years ago in a very different world. And his kid brother has hardly been the perfect polisher of the legacy.
Posted by: Edt | Jan 29, 2008 1:02:48 PM
And this is important how?
lets say it was a snub- is it better for him to shake her hand after all of the dirty politics and personal attacks the Clintons hurled at him over the past couple of weeks? I would say THAT would be hypocritical.
Posted by: carrie | Jan 29, 2008 12:52:44 PM
It was a snub. It just goes to show that Obama carries a grudge. He should have shaken Ms. Clinton's hand. If he gets the nomination, he will need her help to win in November. The media continue to give him a free ride. His surrogates,and M. Obama said nasty things about Ms. Clinton, but was not called on their statements. The buck stops with Obama. He can't continue to claim ignorance. Kennedy's praises were way over the top.
Posted by: Vivi | Jan 29, 2008 12:52:44 PM
Once again, the media is at it again!
For the record, Obama and Clinton had already greeted each other on the way inside. In the picture, Clinton was greeting Sen. Kennedy for the first time that evening and Obama was simply trying to be respectful and give them their space. He realizes that they have been friends for a long time and he didn’t want to gloat over his recent endorsement.
If Obama really wanted to get ugly, he would bring up Monica Lewinsky, the whitewater controversy, bill’s impeachment, etc… Obama has always tried to be above the fray, so why would he act any differently now that he has the wind at his back? READ BETWEEN THE LINES, PEOPLE!
Posted by: Roxanne | Jan 29, 2008 12:50:51 PM
This is funny!!I was a big hillary fan--I've read alot of her books--but remember folks we are all humans!I think Barack is too--if someone constantly witch hunts me----and insults me, berrates me--and comes out to me and says hello there buddy!!I think I will be pretending if I offered my hand back. Clintons have proved that they are no different from the Karl rove politics of slash and burn that Barack is trying to change--if Hillary wins--she will not get the majority in congress and all her plans and bills will never pass--therefore all her promises are really just empty!!So the media should really stop this nonsense--Barack or John edwards any day--Rumor is Bill Richardson is endorsing barack!!!Al Gore is sealed!!!
Posted by: chris | Jan 29, 2008 12:50:37 PM
Is no one in the media going to call Mr. Obama out on his bald faced lie during the South Carolina debate, when he said that his only connection to Tony Resko was 5 hour of billed legal work? What about his home that he purchased for $300,000 below market value with Mr. Resko help. Also he neglected to mention the letters he wrote to city and state officials supporting his political patron Mr. Rezko's in his successful bid to get more than $14 million from taxpayers to build apartments for senior citizens. Most of which are now boarded up. It's well documented that Mr. Obama has had a nearly 20-year relationship with Rezko, but yet stood in front of the whole nation and lied about it. What gives? Mr. Obama is now saying his association with Resko was, "a bone-headed mistake." We can ill afford another president who makes bone-headed mistakes, we been down that road already.
Posted by: blue2008 | Jan 29, 2008 12:48:35 PM
definition of a snub: someone extends their hand to you and you turn away. Looks like Hillary was extending her hand to Ted K. not Barack...why all the fuss???
Posted by: doc | Jan 29, 2008 12:47:00 PM
If anyone is over analysing this or basing their vote on a picture, then you're an idiot. Let's get back to reporting real news and not trying to speculate what was going through each of the candidates minds when they were in close proximity to one another.
Posted by: ryaple | Jan 29, 2008 12:46:11 PM
WHO CARES HOW BOEING AND SAD YOU HAVE TO RIGHT ABOUT THIS !
SHE'S A MONSTER ANYWAY !
WOULD HILLARY SHAKE MONICAS HAND ?
Posted by: shane | Jan 29, 2008 12:45:35 PM
My goodness. The cackling hyena-speak is circulating today, with the media playing into "I am the victim" defense to everything of the Clintons, huh?
Obama is known and admired to be a decent fellow, even Republicans who have worked with him say the same. If he had butted in and been effusive etc. while Ted Kennnedy was trying to make peace with Hillary, we may have seen headlines "Obama Rubs It In to Hillary."
GET REAL, GROW UP!
Posted by: commonsensepoliticstoday | Jan 29, 2008 12:44:48 PM
Dont know how many others are as incensed as I am about these chain emails being sent to religious groups and others that question Sen. Barack Obamas patriotism and religious beliefs. (See press link to last weeks open letter from Jewish groups being bombarded with these emails:
The use of the Internet to spread false information about a political candidate--- and thus to affect the outcome of an election--- is particularly abhorrent to me.
We cannot regress to old-style dirty tricks. In the public interest, we need to get behind these emails---and identify who originated them.
If you have received such an email, please forward it to me.
negemail53@gmail.com
Posted by: truth | Jan 29, 2008 12:43:25 PM
Watch out for the Clinton operatives on this site, trying to twist another example of Obama's humanity into a big horrible story. Remember the Clinton's only strategy: Win At All Cost.
Posted by: Pete | Jan 29, 2008 12:41:34 PM
obama gets the support of a libertine and old alcoholic who left a young woman to die in his car while he slept it off and then turns his back to hillary. what a man. i mean, what a boy. now i know who i am voting for: HILLARY.
Posted by: ron | Jan 29, 2008 12:41:09 PM
I thought Clinton and Obama had been seeing quite a bit of each other lately.
Posted by: Matt Wood | Jan 29, 2008 12:37:30 PM
Hillary was looking for a photo op with Obama and Kennedy. I would not be surprised if Obama's people warned him in advised him she may try something like that. It's the "no hard feelings" shot. Obama wants it to seem like a big blow to Hillary. Hillary wants the opposite.
Alternatively he may just hate the Clintons for their race baiting.
Posted by: David | Jan 29, 2008 12:32:48 PM
Echo Ann, Five soldiers were Killed yesterday and you are talking about a handshake between Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton. She did not extend her hands to Obama and he was CLOSER to her.
Posted by: Tennessee | Jan 29, 2008 12:30:29 PM
Thank you JPT for bringing this to our attention. These very small details show how someone can promise big and deliver small. Is this how Mr. Obama will bring people together?
Posted by: jeremy | Jan 29, 2008 12:29:30 PM
Obama knows exactly what he's doing. He's a master Poker Player. He plays everyone. What a jerk.
Posted by: democrat_2008 | Jan 29, 2008 12:25:42 PM
I saw the snub and I made up my mind... HILLARY CLINTON got my vote!!
LOL! Just joking. Last night's snub didn't do it, but Obama's hypocritical behavior did. Says he's for one thing, while doing another is no way to show you're the "Real Deal".
Posted by: TallyFL | Jan 29, 2008 12:20:04 PM
Sorry but the photo sure looks like Obama, who talks about being a uniter and not a divider, is snubbing Clinton. Actions sure speak louder than words.
Posted by: Bobber | Jan 29, 2008 12:19:19 PM
This is a politcal blog, not the front page.
Posted by: Geevill | Jan 29, 2008 11:56:50 AM
Five soldiers died on Monday in Iraq and yet this is the top story..
Posted by: Ann | Jan 29, 2008 11:54:34 AM
This is too funny. the media is doing damage control for their Messiah.