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War of Words Rages Between Clinton, Obama Camps

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March 22, 2008 2:31 PM

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller and Kate Snow report:  Gen. Tony McPeak, one of Sen. Barack Obama’s co-chairs, addressed, on camera, Bill Clinton’s remarks from yesterday in North Carolina.

Clinton in Charlotte said, "I think it would be a great thing if we had an election year where you had two people who loved this country and were devoted to the interest of this country and people could actually asks themselves who is right on these issues, instead of all this other stuff that always seems to intrude itself on our politics."

McPeak, at a rally in Medford, Ore., read Clinton’s statement and responded, “Both Barack Obama and John McCain are great patriots who love this country and are devoted to it. So is Hillary Clinton. Any suggestion to the contrary is flat wrong.”

He added that he was astonished and disappointed by Clinton’s words and that he doesn’t believe these types of tactics belong in politics.

McPeak said Clinton should understand this, being a victim during his own previous campaign.

“I'm saddened to see a president employ these kind of tactics. He, of all people, should know better because he was the target of exactly the same kind of tactic when he first ran 16 years ago. They had no place then. These tactics have no place in American politics ... And I am happy and proud to support a candidate who loves his country so much that he would never play that kind of divisive tactic."

Yesterday, McPeak made an off-camera statement likening Clinton’s remarks to McCarthyism. But today, his rhetoric was admittedly tamed. “[The]senator's got me on a short string here 'cause occasionally I say something a little earthier.”

McPeak, in the past, has been somewhat of a loose cannon for the Obama campaign -- most notably coming under criticism for his comment following Hillary Clinton’s tearful moment in New Hampshire when he said that Obama “doesn’t go on television and have crying fits: he isn’t discovering his voice at the age of 60.”

McPeak later took back those comments, and the Obama campaign distanced themselves from his remarks.

Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson calls McPeak's comments about Bill Clinton's words a "deliberate misreading" of what Clinton said.

Referring to yesterday's reference to Joseph McCarthy, Wolfson added, “I think most Democrats would be shocked to learn that a two-term president was compared to McCarthy.  Comparing Bill Clinton to Joseph McCarthy is an outrage and ought to be retracted. That is a deliberate misreading of what the president said, and [McPeak] knows better.”

Wolfson said that Clinton's original remarks had "absolutely nothing to do with Sen. Obama."

Clinton deputy communications director Phil Singer said he would encourage members of the media to question the Obama campaign about why they continue to invite McPeak to speak on the campaign trail. “It’s a question they should have to answer," Singer said.

“Senator Obama talks about running a high-minded camp and then continues to associate himself with someone who engages in these kinds of personal attacks," Singer added.

He said that, to compare Clinton to McCarthy “doesn’t pass the laugh test.  Instead of willfully and deliberately distorting Bill Clinton’s remarks, the Obama campaign ought to do a better job of making the case for why their candidate is ready to be commander-in-chief.  Manufactured attacks like this one aren’t going to divert attention from the Obama campaign’s recent political troubles.”

Obama, himself, did not address the issue at his town hall. Instead, in a bizarre order of events, at the top of his speech, said, “I’m gonna go a bit out of order here. Usually I don’t do this,” as he prompted McPeak to come on stage to make his comments on Clinton.

And Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton said, in a written statement, "Since the Clinton campaign had a news-less conference call, reiterating tired lines of attack with no basis in reality, instead of responding with a call of our own, we are going to give the press corps a break so that we can all enjoy this holiday weekend with our families, and maybe even watch a little basketball."

UPDATE:

ABC News senior national correspondent Jake Tapper asked Singer how the Clinton campaign could be so offended by McPeak’s comments when Bill Clinton, in 1992, suggested that former President Bush used McCarthyism tactics. Singer replied, “President Bush actually employed a McCarthyesque tactic to which Bill Clinton responded. Bill Clinton didn’t question Obama’s patriotism.”

And when Singer was asked about Wolfson comparing Obama to former independent counsel Ken Starr, he said, “Ken Starr raised questions about Sen. Clinton’s ethics. The Obama camp is doing the same thing.”

March 22, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (490)

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Obama had to call someone else on stage to attack Bill!!!! This man is truly shameless. He is not even man enough to say his own mind. How idiotic can Obama be. In the WH, not that he will ever get there, probably he will call on Michelle to say the hard parts of the speech to the other world leaders.Men, another new low!!!!!!!

Posted by: lluluadorl | Mar 22, 2008 2:38:34 PM

llulu:

I think it was good that McPeak was made to town down his attack on the Clintons, and in asking him to do that, Obama showed both his leadership and control that Hillary wasn't able to show during the Ferraro incident.

Gerry went on to say the same ridiculous stuff 50 more times on TV. McPeak was quickly reigned in during both his incidents.

Posted by: memoryaid | Mar 22, 2008 2:49:19 PM

That Obama guy is just to much. It turns out that the company that looked at the passport files is headed by an Obama advisor. Obama is just plain stupid or is the biggest liar on this earth.

Posted by: jim | Mar 22, 2008 2:51:30 PM

Give me a break, everyone that heard that remark knew what Bill was trying to say. It is just more shameless race baiting tactics by Barrack...Maybe Barrack should denounce his lifelong mentor who spews hate

Posted by: Chipo1965 | Mar 22, 2008 2:52:16 PM

Now I remember why I was so sick of the Clinton's in 2000, that I didn't even bother to vote for Gore!

Posted by: Chris D. | Mar 22, 2008 2:54:46 PM

Memeoryaide: Gerry was speaking the truth about this race, another instance of Barracks campaign twisting words to race baiting. Pretty soon no one will be able to say anything about ethnic origin in the country without Barrack turning it into a slight against him and/or his church

Posted by: Chipo1965 | Mar 22, 2008 2:55:46 PM

I had some reservations about Obama early on but all these strange twist of events have led me to believe I could never vote for him. To much politics as usual with him. I wanted to believe in his change message but he doesn't walk the talk.

Posted by: sue | Mar 22, 2008 2:56:06 PM

Can Bill ever shut up. I mean after she gives the state of the union, does he get five minutes? Does he get to "clarify" her statements, every time she makes a speech. Just who is going to wear the pants in the presidency, if she gets elected? Is she her own "girl" or not??? What the hell is she running for? Is she just Bill's "sponsor", is that why she let's him speak for her?Why can't SHE be the President all by herself? It's not like she's senile yet like McCain? This is the worst kind of stereotype for women, and she's running on it. "I'm in charge, but I've got a President to take over when things get too tough." What hogwash. Either she is going to be "her own girl", or she can just stay home for once. Not that it's gonna keep Bill home anyway. Personally how can you blame him?

Posted by: cba | Mar 22, 2008 2:56:19 PM

So it was Obama's advisors company who looked at the passport files. Wow, that's change you can believe in.

Posted by: Jack | Mar 22, 2008 2:58:07 PM

I love Bill Clinton ... he can say in a few words what it takes NObama three days to put in a pointless, racist speech!!

Posted by: Jackson | Mar 22, 2008 2:58:22 PM

Bill Clinton needs to begin to chill just a bit. Let the rest of the primaries play themselves out. But it appears Obama is going to win the Democratic nomination. And if the 527's want to play the Wright sound bites ad naseum this fall (and begin to sound more and more like a Michael Richards--aka, "Kramer"--rant) then let them. America isn't going to fall for that okie doke again. Not this time.

Posted by: frankiestage | Mar 22, 2008 3:00:44 PM

I never heard anyone speak negative about the Rev Wright’s color. It is what he stated. If Rev Wright was Caucasian his comments would still be offensive. Obama turned it into a racial issue. Obama also supplies a picture of Rev Wright at the White House and a letter thanking him for attending.

I don’t know about you but I’ve never been to the White House and then Obama defends Wright’s comments in context. It does not seem to me that Rev Wright was treated badly by former President Clinton, yet he spoke with so much hate for Hillary Clinton.

From Day one Obama’s plan was to seek the support of a divided democratic party then try to unite the party in the general election.

Obama’s goal was to polarize the party in the same vein that Kennedy did with Carter years ago.

Posted by: Truth | Mar 22, 2008 3:01:04 PM

Obama can say "typical white people" and he is all over Clinton for saying nothing offensive. It never ceases to amaze me what his thought process must be.

Posted by: Janet | Mar 22, 2008 3:02:03 PM

Obama will talk about anything but solutions for America's most critical problem: THE ECONOMY!

Posted by: Paula | Mar 22, 2008 3:02:05 PM

LOL! Looks like the Clintonistas are here in full force today. Keep it up, morons...even if you do manage to steal the vote from Obama with your GOP i-like smears and tactics, you will have turned off so many Democrats that McCain will walk away with the election. In so doing, however, the Clintons will finally be relegated to the fluid-stained dust-bin of history where they belong! Go away already!

Posted by: Change4Good | Mar 22, 2008 3:03:11 PM

When did the Hillary supporters get so angry? Do you think the vitriolic nature of the campaign might reflect your candidate a little bit. The only read differences policy-wise between HRC and Obama is her flip-flop on the war. In every other respect he is the ideal candidate, yet I read these comment boards and the Clinton folks are all so po'd. Just because he has beaten the pantsuits off her so far to an insurmountable lead is no reason to be so bitter. If she was more likable or less of a known quantity as a gouble-talking phony, she might not be in this mess. Don't be so angry, IT HURTS THE PARTY.

Posted by: tom | Mar 22, 2008 3:05:06 PM

Come on, President Clinton’s comment were not anywhere near McCarthism…Obama just wants to make a big deal about this to deflect the attention off him and his “spiritual mentor.”

Posted by: Albert | Mar 22, 2008 3:05:43 PM

Just imagine if Clinton were the one blocking a DNC approved revote in Michigan! The press and Obama would be calling her a cheat, and a lot worse that I cannot print here.

Obama has turned out to be just another politician with a lot less experience.

Posted by: Sam | Mar 22, 2008 3:06:12 PM

Ya gotta love it! Bill, you did it again. Got them talking on and on and on. You really must have a lot of influence out there, because they sure are worried about every word that comes out of your mouth. Atta, boy!

Posted by: Byme2 | Mar 22, 2008 3:07:10 PM

This is really getting amusing. Obama was supposed to be the candidate who would transcend all this type of "politics as usual". Now he will do almost anything to get the focus off of his "Reverend Wright problem". Pretty low blow here Obama people.

Posted by: Jim | Mar 22, 2008 3:07:24 PM

If Hillary would drop out of the race as she should because it is impossible for her to take the lead, none of us would be wasting our energy fighting each other.

I don't care what Bill or Hillary or Barack say about each other anymore. None of it matters because the nominee is Barack Obama. He has a 170 delegate lead in pledged delegates. It is impossible for Hillary to take the lead. We should all be yelling at the super delegates because they could end this thing right now so Obama and the democratic party can focus on winning the election.

Posted by: J in Seattle | Mar 22, 2008 3:08:54 PM

Let's see, Tuesday Obama made a speech to do damage control for the Wright race issue. Wednesday-Obama does damage control of the damage control for throwing grandma under the bus in the first damage control speech. Thursday-Obama does damage control of the damage control of the damage control and calls grandma a "typical white person" throwing grandma under the bus for a second time. Friday-Obama does damage control of the damage of the damage control of yet another damage control for "typical white people". Wow! That's hard to follow. Poor grandma. So many tire tracks. Saturday-Obama uses another lap dog for more damage control. Can't wait for Sunday.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:09:01 PM

Obama cannot face real hard facts and issue...that's truth he ignore's everything and turn it around like he's the innocent victim all the time...instead of blaming Wright he blames his white grandma, instead of admit he does business with Rezko he denies it...etc etc what else is this guy hiding?

Posted by: MARINE4EVER | Mar 22, 2008 3:10:39 PM

I am sickened by the Obama Campaign. I find Obama to be a total hypocrit and racially discriminatory toward whites and expecially white women. Obama is doing everything to cause and start a racial civil war. I am disgusted by Obama's constant attacks against Hillary and Bill. I have always voted Democratic since 1952 but I will vote for McCain over Obama. Hillary is a proper leader for USA. Go Hillary Go.

Posted by: DemocratForever | Mar 22, 2008 3:11:07 PM

A further comment about the Reverend, if he despises Hillary so much and hates "rich white people" so much, what the heck is he doing dining at the White House with all these type of people who he shows such obvious hatred towards in his sermons? Is the food that good at the White House?

Posted by: Jim | Mar 22, 2008 3:11:41 PM

I love Bill Clinton and always will. Never in my lifetime has the country or me personally been so prosperous than during his administration.

At least with Hillary we know what we are getting.

With Obama, the unpleasant surprises just keep coming.

Posted by: Michelle O | Mar 22, 2008 3:13:40 PM

Again, we see Obama playing divisive politics despite his call to a higher order to end the same old politics in Washington. His campaign and his surrogates propel these personal attacks on Hillary Clinton which only makes him out to be a coward. His whole campaign is predicated on race and he HAS brought race into these campaign from the very start not just recently. He is seen as shameless by many in the working class in his character assasination on Mrs. Clinton

Posted by: Jane | Mar 22, 2008 3:14:03 PM

You know, when this race started I was so happy that either way, we had two great candidates...Obama and Hillary, but after all the nastiness coming from the Clinton camp, I'm convinced the only one I would EVER vote for now is Obama. So, even if by some trickery or party hackery, Hillary swipes the nomination, I would rather vote for John McCain then see the Clintons in the White House again. There was a reason I didn't vote in 2000 and I thank the Clintons for reminding me why! By the way, all you creeps here questioning Obama's patriotism and descency should be ashamed of yourselves. You're falling right into Rush Limbaugh's pocket. Thanks for losing us the White House again!

Posted by: Sharon DeMateo | Mar 22, 2008 3:14:36 PM

Where in Bill's comments does he mention Obama?

This is the Obama campaign playing the race card again, and Hillary should push back hard.

Posted by: DK | Mar 22, 2008 3:15:24 PM

Per the DNC rules, pledged delegates are not bound to the electorate. They can change their vote at the national convention. While the number of thme that have changed in the past elections has been small, this race is so close and unpredictable that it will matter. The superdelegates may not be the one to tip the election to Clinton. The pledged delegates can do it also. Currently Obama's projected lead is 3.5% of the pledged delegates. It wont take many to change that. Voters need to realize the media sites are simply projecting a best guess and their margin of errors are greater than the margin of the projected lead. The race is not over by a longshot. Remember when Obama said if he can get within 100 delegates, he has a shot? This is what his strategists in his camp were referring to. Clinton knows this is true also. Both camps have admitted that both of them will be going after pledged delegates (not just superdelegates) at the convention. There will be a lot more dirt known to the public by August. I am seeing information about Obama coming out regarding stock purchases in a company that benefitted from his legislation, suppoedly he got caught campaigning in his Senate office (federal offense), the outcome of the Rezko trial is not known yet and he has an advisor at the trial every day, and now a company headed up by one of his advisors employed the people who illegally peaked at passport records? Oh yeah... lots more to come! The accusations against Clinton that prompted the lawsuit on her schedules have been shown without merit now that the schedules were released. I suspect other accusations will also be shown without merit. But in Obama's case, he has consistently denied, lied, then admitted to lying while trying to turn the attentino off of him. His judgment is being questioned on many fronts and his credibility continues its dive downward. The race is not over, stay with it Hillary!!!!!!!!

Posted by: DCVoter | Mar 22, 2008 3:16:08 PM

Bill Clinton's comments were hardly a slam against Obama, and anyone who thinks so - including Mr. McPeak - is just looking to start a fight. All President Clinton said was he believed his wife and Sen. McCain both love their country...he said nothing about Obama, nor did he question Obama's patriotism.
I'm tired of Obama surrogates looking for something to fight about. Let these primaries in the remaining states and Puerto Rico play out, then move on to the convention.

Posted by: John Cummings | Mar 22, 2008 3:20:27 PM

Bill Clinton judging anyone's patriotism is a joke! He and Cheney had their opportunity to be patriots, but passed the test. They let others bleed for our freedoms! He wants to elevate himself (and wife) to a position that never of them have earned or deserve. He is beginning to bring back all of the drama and none of the substance of a man that time is slowly passing by.

This is the latest sound bite to distact everyone from the real issues--The war, the economy, the ecology. Maybe if we all look over here no one will look to close at the Hillary papers just released and realize that she has been lying about NAFTA, and her readiness on day one. Nice try Bill, but not this time.

Posted by: DQuinn | Mar 22, 2008 3:20:35 PM

Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton both are selfish, arrogant and unprincipled people. Period. No place for them in Politics, forget presidnecy.
John Mccain is a decent man but he has no qualification other than supporting every war since Vietnam. No way he should be President.
Barack Obama has shown to be an intelligent person, has leadership qualities, talks with candor and shows a keen sense of being in touch with the pulse of the country.
He should be nominated President and we can all save a lot of money in avoiding these campaigns and elections.

Posted by: Venkat | Mar 22, 2008 3:22:17 PM

I wish all you Clinton supporters would be as angry towards Clinton's ethics ( come on, everyone knows they're dirty...face it) as Obama's association with Wright.

Also, why aren't you guys in an uproar about all the evangelical preachers spewing their hate...Hagee, Parsely, Robertson.

Posted by: Cathy | Mar 22, 2008 3:24:08 PM

LOL! Where was Clinton in Vietnam...oh that's right, he ducked out of the whole mess! He's a fine one to be talking about patriotism! McCain's got to be the luckiest guy ever running for office, as the Democrats prove--yet again--why they can't be trusted to run a Dairy Queen, let alone the country!

Posted by: George | Mar 22, 2008 3:24:31 PM

It saddens me to see all the Democrats fighting. I live in Oregon and I would not be upset to see the Super delegates start taking sides now to avoid a drawn out race.I really don't care if my vote is counted or not. We need this decision to be made or we will not get health care in the future. I must say.. this last comment by President Clinton makes me so sad. He was a President that I really liked (despite his infidelities) and now he seems to be supporting the Republican cause at every turn having wonderful things to say about McCain. And Obama releasing that picture of his Preacher with President Clinton is a bummer too. We need to pull this together. I also think Clinton needs a wake up call on the pledged delegate votes. Are we gonna see a scorched earth because she doesn't get what she wants. Its time for folks to make a call. Superdelegates STEP IN!!!

Posted by: Tricia | Mar 22, 2008 3:25:06 PM

Let's see, Tuesday Obama made a speech to do damage control for the Wright race issue. Wednesday-Obama does damage control of the damage control for throwing grandma under the bus in the first damage control speech. Thursday-Obama does damage control of the damage control of the damage control and calls grandma a "typical white person" throwing grandma under the bus for a second time. Friday-Obama does damage control of the damage of the damage control of yet another damage control for "typical white people". Wow! That's hard to follow. Poor grandma. So many tire tracks. Saturday-Obama uses another lap dog for more damage control. Can't wait for Sunday.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:25:12 PM

Obama people are waiting what Clintons say anything or on anybody that can be used for their advantage. They just want them to open their mouth so that they can hammer them with the help of Obamas Internet machinary and high paid media. But, Americans are great and they know what to do when they go to voting booth.
Hillary will win 2008

Posted by: Gubby | Mar 22, 2008 3:25:12 PM

If Hillary was strong enough to stand alone, she would. But she's not and that is why she has Bill. Working women that do it alone every single day know a phony when we see one. You know her too--The wife of the supervisor that works with you--Yeah, she is a plus in the office...right. Keep telling yourself that.

Posted by: DQuinn | Mar 22, 2008 3:25:28 PM

What has the democrat party become that they had to scoop so low to dis on one of their own a former President of the United States. I think this party is not what I thought it was. We are down there with the republicans.

Posted by: lois | Mar 22, 2008 3:26:32 PM

The Obama Crew is too busy whining to talk issues. They've been trashing Bill and Hillary at every opportunity and you don't see them whine.

Posted by: TOM | Mar 22, 2008 3:29:08 PM

I'm not a "Clinton person", just an average hardworking American, but I support what Bill said because it's true. We need to work on the issues. We need an experienced President who loves this country and wants to protect us and help us stay strong in every way. I would never feel loved or safe with someone as divisive as Barrack as President. My family history includes whites, blacks and Native Americans, but I guess Barrack would classify me as "typical white person" since my skin is pale. Instead I judge people by their hearts and character and not the color of their skin. I believe we need to vote based on character, actions and experience and not just on the color of someone's skin, age or their political rhetoric. I'm grateful to Bill Clinton for having the guts to bring this up.

Posted by: Maggie | Mar 22, 2008 3:29:16 PM

Ok enough is enough the Obama campaign is resorting to the same old politics that they said that they were going to replace. This coward of a canidate had to get an old general who has attacked Hillary in the past in the most personal of terms they admonished him then and now they pull him onstage to do Obama's dirty work while he stood their acting like he is not part of this continued attack to harm the image of Bill Clinton for political gain. They are desperate to change the subject from his racist and ant-american preacher of his they will resort to anything. Well Mr. Peak I think you should ask Michelle Obama why she just started to love her country? Why the man he stands beside sat and listened to the most hateful and antiamerican speech for 20yrs and did not question it or remove himself from it.

You dare compare Bill Clinton to McCarty when Obama's campaign uses race as a weapon to destroy their political opponets. What you have done general is to start a war within this party and the result is that Mr. Obama may win the nomination but those who support Bill and Hillary Clinton will never support Obama and by doing this you have given victory to McCain!

Posted by: Russell | Mar 22, 2008 3:29:19 PM

OBAMA playing the race card AGAIN. Bill did not even MENTION Obama! This is getting so old.

I am getting sick of the Obama campaign.

Posted by: DJK | Mar 22, 2008 3:30:03 PM

As we approach the 4000th casuality of the Iraq War, our economy's in the crapper and more Americans are now turning to John MCain as the person they'd most trust to run America, I can't believe this is all Bill Clinton and the Democrats have to do...trumpet the "patriotism" of Hillary and the other party's candidate. I really am so disgusted with this country and now my party. Honest to God, we really, REALLY need a third party in America before we're destroyed by fools like Rush Limbaugh and Bill Clinton!!

Posted by: Edward G | Mar 22, 2008 3:32:25 PM

DQuinn-Why is Obama standing with Wright then? And throwing his grandmother under the bus, twice. For Wright. That's quite a profile in courage there, throwing a grandmother under the bus for his hate mongering, American swearing preacher. You deserve each other.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:32:53 PM

Clinton isn't McCarthy, but he did know what he was doing. He's an expert on the power and the meaning of words, and he is the ultimately campaigner. He lives for this stuff, and he relishes the use of shading and insinuation. (Do we all remember "plausible deniability" and "what is 'is'"?)

Both sides just need to turn the rhetoric WAY done. Bill needs to shut up and go into retirement. The Obamaniacs need to calm down. And everyone should just let the candidates speak for themselves.

Posted by: James | Mar 22, 2008 3:33:17 PM

But did you see that General? He was *so* obviously reading exactly what the Obama camp dictated for him! Look at the video. These weren't his own words! He has proven that he is very good at spewing his own words.
These were the words that the Obama campaign wanted to say, but Obama was too chicken to say himself!

Posted by: mary | Mar 22, 2008 3:33:41 PM

Disrespect a former president? I don't have to, he does a good enough job of disrespecting this country for himself. He sets himself up to judge a patriot and he himself failed that test during Viet Nam. I refuse to allow him to elevate his position to judge patriots when I lost family and many friends for being REAL patriots. This is a conversation he should not have started--but it is making everyone look away from the Hillary papers and that was the intent wasn't it?

Posted by: DQuinn | Mar 22, 2008 3:33:41 PM

Cathy-Damage? Let's see, Tuesday Obama made a speech to do damage control for the Wright race issue. Wednesday-Obama does damage control of the damage control for throwing grandma under the bus in the first damage control speech. Thursday-Obama does damage control of the damage control of the damage control and calls grandma a "typical white person" throwing grandma under the bus for a second time. Friday-Obama does damage control of the damage of the damage control of yet another damage control for "typical white people". Wow! That's hard to follow. Poor grandma. So many tire tracks. Saturday-Obama uses another lap dog for more damage control. Can't wait for Sunday.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:34:50 PM

Cathy,

I am sorry that you don't get it, but we are in an uproar about all the evangelical preachers spewing their hate...Hagee, Parsely, Robertson as well. It doesn't matter if it is from the far left with Obama's pastor or the far right with the evangelical pastors. The hate is wrong coming from all sides.

Posted by: lois | Mar 22, 2008 3:35:16 PM

First they put out a photo of Bill Clinton shaking hands with Wright as if we are to beleive that Bill sat in Church for 20 yrs and listened to this hateful preacher. Then they say that Hillary has chacater flaws. Today they trod out this old general to make a political attack while Obama stands there and listens. Is this the new kind of politics that they preach about. well it looks like old style attack politics to me and thats change we can do without.

Posted by: Russell | Mar 22, 2008 3:37:35 PM

Dogsoldier

You're comparing what Obama has said as a candidate to the President of the United States engaging in sexual activity in the oval office (with an intern young enough to be his daughter) as the same thing...are you kidding me?

Posted by: Cathy | Mar 22, 2008 3:37:46 PM

Dogsoldier--Since we are talking patriots--Although I don't agree with Rev. Wrights comments I do think he has earned the right to say them. A Marine who did not shirk his duty to you and me or to this country. That is more than Bill Clinton can say.

Posted by: DQuinn | Mar 22, 2008 3:38:46 PM

Obama just keeps getting worse and worse. The Clinton's campaign basically isn't supposed to utter a peep. He isn't even trying to hide the negativity and gross exagerations anymore, he just doesn't actually want the words coming out of his own mouth! That's coming next week though I'm sure.

Posted by: DWC | Mar 22, 2008 3:38:53 PM

DQUINN

are you implying that married women can't stand on their own?

wow! here's a whole new campaign issue we can throw into the ring!

In any case, Hillary, married or not, has shown on many occasions that she is more than capable of standing on her own... like in getting health care for 6,000,000 children!

Aside permitting Rezko to get away with not heating the apartments in his run-down tenements during Chicago's blustery winters...... under B O 's watch!...... (and these were mostly blacks and latinos.. f a m i l i e s) !what did Barack accomplish?

Vote how you want..... but as for me

I'm urging my candidate to:

GIVE 'EM HELL, HILLARY!!!!


Posted by: questioner | Mar 22, 2008 3:39:37 PM

Jackt51-Throw it baby! 'Cause we can throw harder. Anyway, why did Obama choose Wright and throw grandma under the bus? Twice!

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:39:45 PM

If Obama has a lead on delegates, he won alot of them with lies. Lies about his dealings with Rezko, a Syrian businessman who could produce alot of money from the Mideast for Obama's campaign and 1.65M home. Also, of course, lies about where he was in the pew! If the liberal press had been doing their job instead of swooning over Obama, we would have known about Rev. Wright sooner and Obama would be history. Also, if we hadn't gone to war in Iraq, Saddam would probably be flaunting his nuclear weapons right now - and where would that put Obama's judgment. I'm proud of all our armed forces over there protecting not only Iraqi freedom, but also our American democracy.

Posted by: pinion65 | Mar 22, 2008 3:42:26 PM

DQuinn-I do not hate you or anyone on your side. First, you are an American. Second, we are on the opposite side. Three: We both choose words as our weapons just as you. Four: This in itself is our lesson to the rest of the world . . . we fight with words and change governments with words and that is the ultimate lesson of democracy itself. Agreed?

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:44:17 PM

That draft dodging, fornicating former president Bill Clinton has a lot of gall to question anyone when it comes to patriotism. Where was he when was a young man and this country was at war with whoever? Whoops I forgot "I didn't inhale"

Posted by: Ron | Mar 22, 2008 3:45:39 PM

Bill Richardson said that Obama speech won him over.Which speech Mr Richardson ? The one he borrowed from Rev Wright?Democrats are the most gutless set of politicians, they are unreliable and jelous of each other and you cannot count on them.What did Obama promise you Gov Richardson?I am sorry for you because Obama is going to loose and you are going down with him.How can you support such a racist?Obama is a big time racist and l am tired of people comparing that opportunist and racist to MLK.Is a disgrace and abomination to compare that toad to MLK and shame on you people for doing that.What has Obama done to warrant such coparisms?The idea that he wants to be President of this great country makes me sick and the Democrats must think little of this country to want to nominate somebody like that.If this is not the worst kind of affirmative action l dont know what is.I am also tired of their whining.

Posted by: Iffymens | Mar 22, 2008 3:46:02 PM

Obama leads in delegates. Hillary wins the popular vote without Florida and Michigan. What then? The Democrats can lose an election *they* said was impossible to lose and destroy all rights to the credibility of the DNC.

... or

we can tell the candidates to work out their positions and run together. Impossible, Pelosi says. Impossible the Obamites say. Impossible? It is the way to win and hold the Presidency for sixteen years. Anyone in the Democratic Party who can't grasp the changes that would bring shouldn't be in politics at all.

Posted by: len | Mar 22, 2008 3:48:27 PM

You know how I judge patriotism?

Obama has been an advocate of extending health benefits to our veterens- actively seeking that they be compensated for serving our country.
Also, he has spoken out about a senseless war, wishing that our young men and women come home.

Patriotism is devoting one's life to service-military or civil.

Posted by: Cathy | Mar 22, 2008 3:49:43 PM

Oh, come off it Gen. McPeak! Get hold of yourself! His own pastor Rev. Wright yelling "GOD DAMN AMERICA!" the man who married him and baptised his children! You're are cheering on a candidate who comes from the far left fringe of American politics. You can't compare Sen.Clinton and Sen. McCain to Sen. Obama's off the wall politics; it will take lot of red, white and blue paint to make Sen. Obama appear patriotic specially, "wright now!"

Posted by: charleschaplin | Mar 22, 2008 3:49:54 PM

Questioner--I'm not implying anything--I am saying that I have worked for over 25 years and my husband has never felt that he had to jump in and help me because I couldn't do it alone--If he really wants to be the first man that much--shouldn't he be studying up on how to serve tea? Let's keep this in the real world--Hillary would not "rule" alone--If the phone rings at 3:00 a.m. We all know who's gonna answer it--because he is answering it now! And women that have been fighting the glass ceiling for many years aren't fooled--We've been around the "wanna be but don't wanna do women" all of our live. That is why so many of us support Barack.

Posted by: DQuinn | Mar 22, 2008 3:50:50 PM

for Hillary, LOL. You were never for Hillary and no one believes for a second you were.

I digress.

Attention Obama and your advisors! Tell us why you breached the security and looked at McCain's passport file!!!

Posted by: jim | Mar 22, 2008 3:51:55 PM

I read this thing, and you know what? THE MEDIA IS AT FAULT! At fault for making a mountain out of a mole hill. Hey, I didn't know KARL ROVE had ties to ABC!

Posted by: RW | Mar 22, 2008 3:52:05 PM

"Since the Clinton campaign had a news-less conference call, reiterating tired lines of attack with no basis in reality, instead of responding with a call of our own, we are going to give the press corps a break so that we can all enjoy this holiday weekend with our families, and maybe even watch a little basketball." I think that whole statement was a convient cop-out not having the decency to address the issue. Seems very convient. I dont see the mannerism of the Obama camp acting high minded . I have some reservations.

Posted by: Robert | Mar 22, 2008 3:52:15 PM

For Hillary-Would you be kind enough to fill in the blanks not mentioned in the above article. I'm interested in how you'll read a man's mind without even personally knowing him. Furthermore, I'd like to know how you developed this mind reading capability you seem to process.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 3:52:22 PM

And now we find out after he tried to blame Clinton someone working for an Obama advisor accessed the Passport files.

These guys make stuff up to whine about. This time they got caught.

Posted by: s.b. | Mar 22, 2008 3:54:25 PM

I pity you wannabe political pundits who grasp on to every word and conform the definitions towards your own leanings.

Personally I'm happy to learn that Senator Obama will be our next President. I'm tired of 20 years of Bushs in power and Clintons for 8 years. I could not imagine we Americans being so stupid to elect another Clinton or a Bush lite again. This Nation needs a broad sweeping system change, change that begins with you wannabe political analyst.

Posted by: Umbrellaman | Mar 22, 2008 3:56:33 PM

No matter how it gets spinned, at the end of the day the fact remains Obama will never overcome the Wright controversy in a general election. He will also likely face an election-eve indictment from prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald for taking bribes from Tony Rezko. This candidacy has been the creation of Karl Rove and his cohorts from the outset.

Posted by: Factcheck2 | Mar 22, 2008 3:56:40 PM

Thanks Thinking

Okay so let me get this straight. Obama is connected to Wright, all the republican candidates are connnected to some crazy evagelical pastor and Clinton's connected to Bill...

Looks like all the candidates must not be patriotic then...

Posted by: Cathy | Mar 22, 2008 3:59:40 PM

I love obamas sexist comment that Clinton is using the "kitchen sink" strategy. He is now saying all kinds of things about her personally. Talking about her character calling her a liar etc. I guess he is using what could be called the "tool box" strategy since he wants to get off the subject of race SOOO badly, only to make it about sex. With his now infamous "Typical White Woman" remark about his own Grandma!! I am white but I am sorry he to be "Typical" in his mind!!! I thought he was about ALL people, the agent of change and hope. Give me a break!!! From one "Typical" woman to another. I wonder if other races have "typical" woman or just white folks???
hillary4change

Posted by: Brenda P. | Mar 22, 2008 3:59:51 PM

Thinking,

Listen very carefully -I AM AGAINST THEM AS WELL. I don't understand that you aren't getting what I said.

I hope you have a very nice holiday! :-)

Posted by: lois | Mar 22, 2008 4:00:41 PM

It seems that the Obama campaign is into digging up old photos and asking people to draw conclusions. Well I think Hillary should reissue the Obama/Osama photo and let us draw our own conclusions about it. Thanks Obama!

Posted by: Russell | Mar 22, 2008 4:01:12 PM

Bill Clinton remarked that it would be nice to have two patriotic nominees for the presidency and not all this questioning. When challenged by Gen. McPeak, your site posted the replay that Bill meant it was too bad Obama's patriotism was being unfairly questioned.

So Bill Clinton thinks Obama should not have a chance to be a nominee because his patriotism is being unfairly questioned? Wow, how how fair that is of Hillary's hubby!

Had he meant to say no candidate like Obama should be attacked regarding his patriotism, he is perfectly capable of making himself understood. And you know darn well that the implied remark was don't vote for Obama because his patriotism has been questioned. Shame on Bill!

Posted by: I. A. Beychok, M.D. | Mar 22, 2008 4:01:12 PM

Umbrellaman-Did you say 20 years? 20 years? Exactly, Obama sat there for twenty years in SILENT PROTEST and then his PROTEST grew so strong he included his CHILDREN and WIFE to strengthen the SILENT protest. Wow. Talk about a man of convection.

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Mar 22, 2008 4:01:33 PM

I agree with the general in the general sense. I always considered Bill Clinton the greatest President in my lifetime, but he has diminished his own stature and his status in history during this campaign for Hillary. I guess this was the price he must pay. After all, he does owe his wife a huge debt. Powerful people always have a powerful, and sometimes dark force, that drive them to achieve. Namaste. God Bless.

Posted by: Shane | Mar 22, 2008 4:04:38 PM