Political Punch
Power, pop, and probings from ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper

« Previous | Main | Next »

Clyburn Says Blacks Think Clintons "Hell-Bound" to Irreparably Damage Obama

April 25, 2008 9:52 AM

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-SC, the highest-ranking African-American in the Congress, has some tough assessments of la famille Clinton today.

To Reuters, Clyburn -- who is officially neutral in the Democratic presidential race -- repeated the speculation that Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, is looking to destroy Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, so that Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., wins the White House in November and Clinton can make another run in 2012.

"I heard something, the first time yesterday (in South Carolina), and I heard it on the (House) floor today, which is telling me there are African Americans who have reached the decision that the Clintons know that she can’t win this," Clyburn said. "But they're hell-bound to make it impossible for Obama to win."

Clyburn did not call for Clinton to bow out, just to take the rhetoric down a notch.

"There's a difference between dropping out and raising all this extraneous scurrilous stuff about the guy (Obama). Just run your campaign … you don’t have to drop out to be respectful of other people."

Clyburn also took aim at the Clinton campaign's sudden voting-rights fever for Florida and Michigan to count, even though those states disobeyed party rules and held contests in which no candidate competed and where, in the case of Michigan, Obama wasn't even on the ballot.

"I think it's so disingenuous … (adviser James) Carville and Sen. Clinton were all on TV. I've seen them two or three times this week, talking about counting Florida and Michigan."

Obama did not campaign in those states because the Democratic Party said Florida and Michigan wouldn’t be included in the formal tally for the nomination. "Her name was the only one on the ticket in Michigan and still 42, 43 percent of the vote was against her," Clyburn said.

To the New York Times Clyburn said there was a near "unanimous" view among blacks that the Clintons are "committed to doing everything they possibly can to damage Obama to a point that he could never win."

Clyburn also said of the many comments former President Bill Clinton has made about race -- most recently his curious complaint that the Obama camp played the race card against him, then his denial that he'd said that -- that "black people are incensed over all of this."

"When he was going through his impeachment problems, it was the black community that bellied up to the bar," Clyburn said. "I think black folks feel strongly that that this is a strange way for President Clinton to show his appreciation."

- jpt

April 25, 2008 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (276)

User Comments

Feed You can follow this conversation by subscribing to the comment feed for this post.

Oh along comes the race card again!

Posted by: Abdy | Apr 25, 2008 8:59:30 PM

You Democrats amaze me. Why does your party always run candidates who are losers? Can't the Democratic Party find any candidates out there who are level headed and morally acceptable to Main Street America? The Clintons are losers and now Obama. Why didn't the Democrats support a good and decent candidate like Senator Joe Biden? He has the foreign policy experience and the legislative background to be a good commander-in-chief. But, oh no, the Dems want to make history! Well, you folks will soon see that liberalism in America is about to become history.

Posted by: Larkin G. Mead | Apr 25, 2008 8:44:05 PM

I hope any of my black brothers and siters reading this will just ask yourselves a few questions.
Why has obama snubbed the Black press?
Why did obama decline the invitation to speak at the State of the Black union?
(for every election year that it has been going on the presidental cand. gave a speech-except barack)

Why did obama and his handlers purposely say no thanks to meeting with the established black leadership.
(obama does not care about the special needs of the black community)

Mr. clyburn should remember-at least bill clinton tried to include black people at the table.

obama' table was already filled. before the black people showed up.

this question really is who is barack obama-the uniter-he and his people have managed to divide this country and set race relations back 50 years.
and if you think about it this is right in line with his leftist radical supporters and I believe his views and their agenda-they would love for this country to be torn up.
the only way we can heal race relations
is to first unite to try to resolve the ecomonic issue for all.
obama cannot do that.
if you want real equality
vote for hillary-she is the strongest on the economy.
obama only copies.
obama will have people back in the welfare line, on food stamps, and remodeling the projects-that bill clinton started to tear down and build good housing.

a vote for obama is a vote against YOUR economic interest.
think about it people...

Posted by: jgaw | Apr 25, 2008 8:28:05 PM

Okay, here we go again. It was predicted by a number of individuals that the Obama supporters would try to play the race card shortly before NC and, sure enough, Clyburn is out there trying to get the AA's riled up again over some imaginary trumped up claim. Obama is damaging himself by "clinging" statements and promoting McCain for president. Clyburn is so transparent it is ridiculous. This is the kind of stuff that is setting race relations back by 25 years. Obama chose to set in front of a crackpot minister for 20 years listening to him spew racist remarks. No way would I sit in front of a minister for 20 years and listen to him say derogatory remarks about AA's. I'd get up and walk out and even if I was related to the minister, I would take him to task over the remarks and if he didn't stop it, I'd go find another church. Chicago is a big town, there have to be an assortment of AA churches. Oprah got up and walked out.

Posted by: jkr | Apr 25, 2008 8:19:52 PM

Clyburn didn't seem to mind Oprahpalooza rallies - Oprah telling African Americans to vote for THE ONE -
the black one!

Didn't hear a peep out of Clyburn after Jesse Jackson's racist remarks about Hillary during the NH primary - "she didn't cry over Katrina victims."

Nothing from Clyburn about Obama's sexist remarks about Hillary - "her claws come out" and she's "too emotional."

Hillary has been too kind to Obama!


Posted by: JoseyJ | Apr 25, 2008 7:44:48 PM

Clyburn is repeating conspiracy theories found on Obama blogs - about Hillary and 2012.

Reminds me of Judy Miller's NYT articles based on bogus info provided by BushCo.
Then Cheney goes on Meet the Press and holds up the NYT and says - "see, there are WMDs in Iraq."

Clyburn really stooped low for this one.

Posted by: JoseyJ | Apr 25, 2008 7:39:26 PM

so here's the story!

As you can see from the win for Obama in Iowa, whites are more than ready to vote for a black man.

At that time, Obama came across and a great orator and NO BAGGAGE!

Travelling light is truly the way to go.... but everyone has a history. And as time went by, more and more of Obama's history was uncovered.

And some of it was unsavory.... like his permitting Rezko's tenements and tenants to go heatless because Rezko claimed he didn't have money to pay the bill...... While at the same time, Obama was taking money from him

And some of it was "unfinished" like his 135 "present" votes.

And some of it was downright evil.... like his voting for late term (live) abortions!

And some of it was scary.....like his being a magnetic field for such anti democracy people as Auchi and Ayers, and his contacts in Hamas and.... of course, his beloved pastor, Mr. Wright.

It's kind of like the onion tale..... as the layers are peeled, more of the fleshy part of the fruit is revealed.... and more of the SMELL!!!!!

Back to the beginning.

There were A LOT of white folk who were willing to vote for Obama...back then.

So do not say this is about race.... (Unless you're ready to admit that this very well might be a reverse-race case ;-) )

But eventually, the warm fuzzy feeling that emanated from Obama...was overpowered for some by the smell of the onion...

And I think it's time to be honest:

Obama is NOT Martin Luther King!

As for me, I don't want his associates formulating foreign policy for my country in the oval room of the White House...... or anyplace else


I'll take my chances AND chanGEs with Hillary!

Posted by: eyes open | Apr 25, 2008 7:00:29 PM

An also I think this call of racism every day is backfiring on his campaign. Because I am tire of this stuff for every little thing it racism. PLEASE!!!
the obama camp started this stuff in SC after NH and now they continue to this day. If working people who dont want a Unity Pony doesnt vote for him we are all racist. STOP and Quit the race obama.

Posted by: toby | Apr 25, 2008 6:57:26 PM

This part of the game the obama campaign said they would play after Penn. was lost to them. Who knew it would come in the voice of a (neutral) congressman not on the (payroll).
They said they were going to more negative I guess they meant 75% percent instead of 50%.

Posted by: toby | Apr 25, 2008 6:53:55 PM

Clyburn, Exit polls and charges of racism, NYT op-ed pieces, one or two 3rd tier endorsements - this is what Obama offers to mask his overwhelming defeat in PA. where he spent more than any other candidate EVER - and still lost!

Rep. Clyburn - you're being played!!!!!

Posted by: s. valenti | Apr 25, 2008 6:47:22 PM

oops, i used the word boy somewhere in my comment, OH OH! I'm a racist now, pish posh. Clyburn, Obama wont be annointed, he has to fight for it, and Bill/Hillary have every right to fight back, but "oh, whaa, they may deny us first black president" Well, Obama may deny many more women of their 'first' SO? It's stupid when women come out against Obama for that reason, and its stupid for you do it. SHAME ON YOU, CLYBURN! Meet me in Ohio!

Posted by: rigs | Apr 25, 2008 6:47:04 PM

I think (and hope) that everyone is waking up to the fact, that the Clintons only care about themselves. Anyone not voting for them are labeled "unimportant", whether it be a race, gender, state, or other demographic group.

That's just how they are.

Posted by: wolf | Apr 25, 2008 6:21:44 PM

James Clyburn try to make the medias who are bias to Mrs. Clinton busy for his news, intead the add of Rev Wright in NC.

Posted by: Abdullah | Apr 25, 2008 5:24:25 PM

Dear Honorable Clyburn:

I wish to thank you for your political neutrality. I also respect your honesty, in proclaiming that many African-Americans believe that Senator Clinton wishes to destroy Senator Obama beyond political repair. However, please remember that President Clinton has declared that a Clinton-Obama Dream Team would be unstoppable, sweeping America in political triumph. And Senator Clinton has also embraced the idea of a Dream Team. Historically, fierce competition within each political party primary has always been fair game. And if Senator Obama is unable to withstand the heat from Senator Clinton, he will most certainly succumb to attacks from the Republican Attack Machine. If Senator Obama fails in the primary, it will be from his own undoing. I have yet to hear him embrace the idea of the Dream Team, even the Obama-Clinton version. I encourage you to press fully for the Dream Team, which would mostly certainly resolve the dilemna the Democratic Party finds itself in. And the Team would most assuredly triumph across America in the national election - a win-win situation for all. Thank you for your time and your thoughts.

Posted by: Franklyn | Apr 25, 2008 5:22:42 PM

Apparently like so many Obama supporters, the Representative believes we should just annoint Obama the nominee. If it wasn't for pesky voters in Texas, Ohio and PA the primaries would be over. Senator Clinton stays in the race because a lot of people want her to. These people gave $10 million to her campaign after PA. Believe me the Republicans are not going to anoint a Democrat as President. Grow up all of you.

Posted by: Kathy Corey | Apr 25, 2008 5:21:53 PM

People have compared Obama with JFK & Lincoln. Both Junior members of Congress / Senate before entering office. Both young and represented Change....

Both DIED IN OFFICE.

Look closely at who is chosen for VP. This year, it might really be important.

With all the turmoil in the world, Global Warming, etc., doomsday analysts pointing to the end times, including all the ancient calendars pointing to 2012 as the end of time .... who knows....

Maybe it can be stopped.

What the world needs now is not more war and in-fighting, but love - unity - peace - understanding - brotherhood.

Obama may provide the right leadership at the right time in history. It's time for a leader to stand and provide change. It's time for a revolution - not with guns, but with words and action - not of force, but of strength & wisdom.

This Republican isn't sold on McCain - definitely not ready for another Clinton in the house. Obama needs to stand on his own - not the actions of other that may have shaped some of who he's become.

It isn't unheard of listening to other points of view - to know what you don't want, or hearing the other side and making up your own mind. Perhaps, he's heard enough of what's wrong and has determined potential solutions - and is willing to work with the common elements to unite instead of using differences to divide.

His plans have not been completely unveiled for the public to see - because we would get bogged down in the details, that make us uncomfortable. They may hurt some, while helping the greater good. Time will tell - if he gets a chance to get very far. He deserves a chance - so far, he's earned it.

Posted by: Doug | Apr 25, 2008 5:20:11 PM

I believe Bill is trying to do exactly that. This way if Obama is the nominee they hope he loses to McCain and then Hillary can run again in 2012

Posted by: lisa | Apr 25, 2008 5:18:01 PM

James Clyburn, you ole' spiritual, wade in the water, backwards ole'time Democrat from the ole' time good ole' boys backroom and backwoods wheeling and dealing politician (ans I use the word politician loosely).

You rode the coat tails of Bill and Hillary Clinton FOREVER, and now your racist, race-baiting, duplicitious, backbiting self sees the chance to have a so-called Black Man in the white house and your black nationalist, racist sheet came out of the back of your closet.

With your race baiting statements against Bill Clinton, you sir, to me an African American, lifelong Democrat are no better than David Duke.

Please "chill out" and stop making our leaders look ignorant and racist.

After all, my children are watching.

Posted by: informed democrat | Apr 25, 2008 5:15:10 PM

The Clintons' clan had always been morally bankrupt entity. It is the African American community’s naivety that they have so successfully exploited in the past to an extent that the African American community was made to believe that he was one of them! Now that they Clintons are on mission, determined to go the length for White House, that Obama from nowhere appears to prevent them to achieve their long-time thought and planned goal, that the Congressman from SC as well as the entire African American community seem to be discovering who the guys Clintons are and their determination to not only atomize Obama, but also to explode the Democratic Party. The white US citizens want to punish the African community for having defended the Clintons as the most immoral and corrupted beings the time they needed to be put out. Now that the African American community is discovering who the Clintons really are, (bunch of venomous snakes) they are please to tell the African American members. You deserve!

Posted by: tetedaku | Apr 25, 2008 5:08:31 PM

I have seen many interesting comments in this blog for both sides, but I have not seen anyone grasp the true “endgame” for both sides (especially the Clintons).
Who have been the real power broker and leader of the Democrat party since 1992- Bill Clinton.
Who has pretty much (over these 15 years) formed the Democrat Party Machine (or the DNC) and everyone in that machine is in his debt for their position- Bill Clinton.
Now, in 2000 Gore pretty much had to get the nomination because he was the vice and tradition dictated he be given a chance. But really how hard did the machine work for him, hard, but who rarely actively campaigned for Gore- Bill Clinton (of course he was a bit of an embarrassment at that time).
If Gore won then after 2 possible terms (with HRC in the Senate - getting that experience chip and news coverage) it would now (2008) be HRC turn to take her appointed nomination. But I think the machine really did not want Gore to win too badly you see since Bill would no longer be the power broker running the machine - it would have been Gore (if elected) I wonder how hard they (the machine) really tried, Gore seems quite distant to Clinton ever since- I think he knew the “fix was in”. Who remained the puppet master - Bill Clinton
Now in 2004 it was dicey, too early for HRC, and Bush was too strong, but if a Democrat won that year then HRC would be out of the picture for good to run for president. What to do? Well, make CERTAIN that a liberal east coast democrat gets the nomination, folks let’s face it, anything is possible except a liberal east coast democrat winning the presidency (that is a fact show many times over). The machine simply maneuvered Kerry in as a “sacrificial lamb” who’s only purpose was to do the assured - LOSE! Who is running the DNC machine - Bill Clinton
Now, if anyone really doubts that Bill and the machine he built and runs had ever had any other plan than to keep Bill in charge (the machine was built by him- for him, and everyone in it is beholding to him for their position). If Bill is replaced then so are they in time, and they like their power and jobs too. The only way was HRC as president, not anyone else, in fact, it would solidify them in position like no one in history.
2008- HRC was all but anointed as the “certain” candidate for the democrat party, but the machine had not counted on BHO, that was a situation that was not in the plans - EVER! It was certain to be over by super Tuesday - not even any plans or money contingencies after that. BHO turned all the machine plans upside down- they never “saw the bolt that hit them”. The definitely want HRC to be the candidate and even better the president, but the last thing they want is BHO to be president, Gone will be Bill as the real power of his machine, gone will be the people in the machine — - that WILL NOT DO — - PERIOD.
So follow me here, they have little to lose really if HRC or BHO lose in NOV., but the worst case is if BHO wins in Nov. So they will not hesitate to run this primary till the bitter end and get nasty to decrease BHO chances of winning in Nov., so what if the party is split, they are still in charge. They have to stop BHO anyway they can, they can’t be sure that McCain can stop him, but between McCain and the Clinton machine, BHO hardly stands a chance. GIVE THIS SOME THOUGHT!
I voted for BHO in the primary, by the way

Posted by: Jim | Apr 25, 2008 4:57:44 PM

Post a comment





 

POLITICAL VIDEOS