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Clinton, Obama Field Questions at the Compassion Forum

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April 13, 2008 11:00 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper and Sunlen Miller report: The two Democratic candidates met on stage briefly in between solo segments at CNN’s Compassion Forum in Grantham, Pa.

From the body language between the opponents during their brief handshake on stage, it seemed the the events of the weekend had led to the icy reception between them.

Hillary Clinton was asked about the "shame on her" comments Barack Obama had made just a short while before the forum.

Clinton put the ball back in Obama's court, saying he will have to explain his comments about "bitter" Pennsylvanians -– but again compared Obama to Al Gore and John Kerry.

"Well, he will have to speak for himself and provide his own explanation," she said. "But I do think it raises a lot of concerns and we've seen that exhibited in the last several days by people here in Pennsylvania in Indiana.

"Someone goes to a closed door fundraiser in San Francisco and makes comments that do seem elitist, out of touch, and frankly patronizing," she said. "That has nothing to do with him being a good man or a man of faith. We had two very good men and men of faith run for president in 2000 and 2004, but large segments of the electorate concluded that they did not really understand or relate to or frankly respect their ways of life and I think that has been an issue for voters."

Clinton also said that this is a political issue being discussed.

"This is a legitimate political issue, and there are some issues and there are some issues that are not, but this one is and I do believe that Sen. Obama will have a chance to explain himself tonight and I am sure he will take that opportunity," she said.

Obama admitted his words were clumsy, but said he did not mean to demean faith and he defended his original comments, saying that "clinging" -– as he described Pennsylvanians clinging to religion -– is a good thing per the scripture.

"Scripture talks about clinging to what's good," he said. "And so it's very important -- my words may have been clumsy, which happens surprisingly often on a presidential campaign, but this is something that I've talked about before, I've talked about in my own life, which is that religion is a bulwark, a foundation when other things aren't going well. That's true in my own life, through trials and tribulations. And so what I was referring to was in no way demeaning a faith that I, myself, embrace. What I was saying is that when economic hardship hits in these communities, what people have is they've got family, they've got their faith, they've got the traditions that have been passed onto them from generation to generation. Those aren't bad things. That's what they have left."

Obama said it is unfortunate in a presidential campaign that people have been trying to misconstrue his words –- and that Clinton painting him as an elitist is "a good example of what happens on the presidential campaign, is that we try to tear each other down instead of lifting the country up."

The forum was intended for a discussion on faith in front of religious members of the community.

Obama was asked about Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and Obama took issue with the way his former pastor has been portrayed amid the controversy.

"The most recent loop that's been playing -- Rev. Wright's greatest hits, so to speak -- are, I think, both a distortion of who he is and what the church has been about, but also express, you know, some comments that I think are deeply offensive and are contrary to what I believe. ... And, you know, pastors are imperfect. Certainly, the membership is imperfect. I, as somebody who is sitting in the pews as a sinner, is imperfect."

Clinton laughed when she was asked at the forum if she thought God thought she should be president.

"I could be glib and say we will find out," she said. "I don’t presume anything about God, I believe Abraham Lincoln was right that in admonishing us not to act as though we knew God was on our side. In fact, our mission should be on God's side. And I have tried to take my beliefs my faith and put it to work my entire life and it has been gratifying to view the little I’ve done to try and help other people, which is really what motivates me."

April 13, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (188)

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Obama should campaign On Hillarys Bosnia lies.....lies....lies as hard as she is on his bitter remarks

Posted by: jAYjAY | Apr 13, 2008 11:12:42 PM

Hillary loves guns and bible. Bill loves interns and cigars!!! These two millionairs are sympathizing for poor rural America...Give me a break!

Posted by: venus | Apr 13, 2008 11:16:09 PM

When Obama was asked at the Marin County fundraiser by an audience member, why he was behind in Pennsylvania, he blamed the voters in Pennsylvania either to ingratiate himself or to make an excuse for being behind. Throwing the little guys under the bus to suck up to the big guys is a serious flaw and lying about it non-stop is an even bigger flaw. No one seems willing to confront him about this which is pretty startling. Are we afraid of Obama or are we just unbelievably gullible?

Posted by: duck476 | Apr 13, 2008 11:16:24 PM

It's pretty ironic that Obama is out there again downplaying Wright and saying his words have been distorted and yet we have the eulogy he just gave and Wright starts by paying homage to Rev. Farrakhan and other dignitaries and then says:
"White supremacy is the law of the land, from pre-school through law school."
He also slams the founding fathers "who planted slavery and white supremacy in the DNA of this republic." And he caps it by calling Thomas Jefferson "a pedophile."
And this is how Wright honors a friend at a funeral? By condemning America, its founders, and its white supremacist orientation? Obama didn't know Wright spoke this way consistently, even though he sat in the pews for more than 20 years and calls Wright "his spiritual mentor"?? This is the kind of hate Wright preaches even when he knows America is watching him closely and it's affecting Obama's candidacy. Is Obama that out-of-touch or is he just flat-out lying on Wright?

Posted by: hopesprings52 | Apr 13, 2008 11:19:57 PM

Okay, Read again the above (hopesprings52 at 11:19:57 PM)
Think about that, and pass it on, people, we need to get smart here. There are some serious issues at stake.

Posted by: el kyle | Apr 13, 2008 11:26:27 PM


I enjoyed watching the forum and believe Clinton spoke from her heart and I like how she talked about her faith in God. When questioned she answered in a manner I could relate to. I liked the policies she talked about and they were very promising.

I kept wondering why the audience clapped after something Obama would say. It was out of line. Sen Obama never talked about his faith with deep personal meaning. Unfortunately, I had the impression it was another stump speech.

I hope and pray the religious community noticed the difference too.

Posted by: MM | Apr 13, 2008 11:28:41 PM

Bottom Line: Obama continues to lie
every chance he gets....

Posted by: tina | Apr 13, 2008 11:35:58 PM

It was shocking to hear that Obama rhetoric...

Posted by: audrey | Apr 13, 2008 11:37:02 PM

ABC will never put this on their front page or at that top of their newscast, but all we can do is see if they report it at all. Don't wonder why people are bitter, 81% say the country is headed in the wrong direction. Politicians and media who lie to us are part of the anger.

Bill Clinton Flashback: "All These Economically Insecure White People...Are Scared To Death"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/04/13/bill-clinton-flashback-al_n_96433.html
"The reason (George H. W. Bush's tactic) works so well now is that you have all these economically insecure white people who are scared to death," Clinton was quoted saying by the Los Angeles Times in September 1991.

Same vibe, different guy. Who's gonna hold Bill's feet to the fire on this they way this media wants to do with Obama. I've heard 'we don't know what to do with Obama.'

How about be fair.

Posted by: kravitz | Apr 13, 2008 11:40:27 PM

MM, my observations as well. Clinton spoke from the heart, Obama from his talking points.

Posted by: Oldgaman | Apr 13, 2008 11:43:34 PM

Hillary trying to wrestle the nomination away any way possible at a, "Compassion Forum"? Hmm.. what's wrong with this picture? Is Hillary really motivated to helping people or, is it the tens of millions of dollars that would come from book deals, speeches and private retainers? Is there a money changer in the house?

Posted by: Chris336 | Apr 13, 2008 11:44:25 PM

Senator Clinton is at her best when she sticks to the things she believes in, rather than what polls well. She wouldn't be in this mess if her advisors had let her be a normal person (or instructed her to do so). Unfortunately for her, it seems that whenever she gives a glimpse of herself that she feels a pathologic need to try to be 'tough' the next moment.

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 13, 2008 11:47:34 PM

I can tell most of you guys never been to a catholic school before. Obama's answer on the science question was dead on. Science reinforces faith. For example Entropy, the most important concept in thermodynamics, states that things tend to go from order to disorder. If this is the case then technically the universe shouldn't exist because it violates the entropy state. Hillary has lied more times and has been proven had lied more times then any candidate running. So when I hear you guys demean someone like Obama I take it has a compliment because you guys don't have a good head for judgment of character.

Posted by: MM | Apr 13, 2008 11:48:18 PM

Hillary sounded like a blithering idiot. Did you notic that the people stood and cheered when Obama came out. They sat and politly clapped when Hillary came out - that sums it up for me. Additionally the clapped longer and stood longer. They clapped after when he was talking about Re wright. I guess you guys missed that one too. read the tea leaves folks. Hillary is donw - People don't like a constant, habitual liar.

Posted by: julescator | Apr 13, 2008 11:50:37 PM

You guys forget there wouldn't be a debate on religion it weren't for Obama. The Democrats didn't start considering it until Obama started reaching out to Churches. The Republicans had a monopoly on the religion debate until Obama even the score.

Posted by: MM | Apr 13, 2008 11:52:02 PM

Clinton spoke from the heart and Obama spoke from a political pulpit.

Posted by: catherine in nm | Apr 13, 2008 11:55:38 PM

@NMOV:

Apparently you sat in the pews to be so familiar with his sermons? It would seem the Christian thing would be to not cast the first stone.

Guilt by association is pointless. We all are not that different from each other. And my guess is that everyone in the midwest is only separated from Reverend Wright by two or three degrees people (that old "Kevin Bacon" six degrees game for those who don't understand me).

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 13, 2008 11:56:34 PM

re: oldgaman -
a, "compassion forum" could be the magnifying glass, the ear to the wall, the means we've been seeking for understanding the candidates.
Earlier, as in months ago, BO made much of his faith, but when his pastor became politically embarassing, nothing else has come from him on the subject (on a personal level).
HC doesn't need money, I see her as flawed, but truly doubt she's motivated by profit.
How a person sees the world and the universe, how ethics and leadership come into their philosophy, how they see change in themselves and the world around them, what they see as the source; these are key.

Posted by: el | Apr 13, 2008 11:57:13 PM

The crowd at this forum seemed pro- Obama

Posted by: Vanessa | Apr 13, 2008 11:57:15 PM

to: No More Obama Votes

I can tell you've never been to Black Liberation Theology Church before. Before the BLT bashing starts (Dr. Martin Luther King was a preacher of BLT). Rev Wright, the person you describe has a hate-monger, Serve has a Marine, Went back to military as part of Medical Unit, who served his country after that by becoming one of the doctor who attended to President Lyndon B Johnson when he became ill. Obviously Rev Wright is a hate-monger but then again they accused Dr. King of being a Communist.

Posted by: MM | Apr 13, 2008 11:57:20 PM

Of course, the crowd was pro-Obama......CNN aired the show.

Posted by: catherine in nm | Apr 13, 2008 11:59:39 PM

I am awake and I am for Obama. Sometimes I am drunk and spew things favoring Hillary. Huge mistake! I apologize for that in advance. I am for Obama.


========================================
Hillary, the Witch of the West!
========================================

Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | Apr 14, 2008 12:00:02 AM

fake WCM returns...

have a good night everybody...

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 14, 2008 12:01:59 AM

MIguy

Insulting someone for disagreeing with you on who to support is not becoming.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:03:49 AM

@MM:

Sorry - what was the insult?

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 14, 2008 12:05:02 AM

I'll say it one more time religion and politics don't mix.To many diffeent faiths in this country.As long as a person belives and goes to church that is all that matters.No one trys to push religion onto you.
Many of youin here should try church ,you have hate so bad it isn't funny anymore .........Your remarks are sicken

Posted by: h | Apr 14, 2008 12:05:48 AM

Hillary's responses were both compassionate and inspiring. I'm glad we (my family) had a chance to hear her religious views and how her faith has influenced her political career and decision-making. Her comments were thoughtful and spontaneous. She demonstrated a commitment to the underprivileged, and to all Americans. Obama’s comments sounded canned and rehearsed. There didn’t appear to be any real feeling behind his words.

Posted by: Mike in NC | Apr 14, 2008 12:06:31 AM

MIGuy

So calling someone, fake WCM is not condescending. Mine your words that was very condescending to West Coast Messenger.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:07:37 AM

It is the content not the wording of OBAMA's inflamatory message that causes him trouble. People go to church, and holds gun because it is part of the American culture in small town.
A) OBAMA fabricate the reasons for rural Americans going to church and holding on guns. He quotes the Scripture in English for the definition of 'cling' not in the same context as he uses it. He virtually throws the whole town under the bus to please the billionaires for money.
B) Hillary made an over-statement about Bosnia trip, in the war zone.
Look at the lies that OBAMA made:
1) He filled up a survey form with his own handwriting on it and yet he denies it and the media caught up on him with evidence.
2) Go to Factcheck to see his oil spill.
3) The fundraising with the billionaires contradicts his ad of taking money from grass roots.
4) The false ad he put up in order to show NAFTA takes away jobs for a guy who is later found to get a huge compensation from the closing of the company.
5) He claims that Kennedy has anything to do with his father's sponsorship to this country and he use the Kennedy's connection to boost his campaign. (not true; go to www.Factcheck.org)
6) Staying in a church for 20 years that preach hatred and racism to his children, he claims that it is the black culture. The 20 years of venom could be seen from his outbursts at times.
7) His voting record shows that he frequently wants to go back on his ballots. He frequently claims to be misinterpreted.

Posted by: John_Lai | Apr 14, 2008 12:09:26 AM

h.....
this was a [compassion]forum, not religious. The issues do overlap, but separate are: denomination, prophets, various names of god, even nationality and hopefully, political party.
you probably have thought out some good stuff, but take more time writing it out so people can understand your point better.

Posted by: ameliaus | Apr 14, 2008 12:10:37 AM

@MM:

No disrespect, but you misunderstood me. The 'real' West Coast Messenger on the blogs is an avid supporter of Senator Clinton. Lately, there have been some 'fake' messages from West Coast Messenger (as well as others) that purport to support Senator Obama. In actuality, I was standing up for West Coast Messenger against the person impersonating him/her.

I can understand your confusion - I hope you understand my intent now.

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 14, 2008 12:11:21 AM

The only way to settle this is for West Coast Manager to reveal his of herself.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:12:51 AM

Here we go again ...

Obama's words were "clumsy," to be sure, but I find it curious that two of the most affluent members of the Senate would describe a former community organizer as out of touch. Sounds politically motivated to me—nothing more than tired old identity politics, yet another desperate attempt to distract us from the real issues of this campaign.

Let's not be duped, folks. We need to move beyond the politics of division. We need a leader who has the vision, character, and ability to bring positive change to the White House and to our nation—change that neither Clinton nor McCain can deliver.

Posted by: Jim | Apr 14, 2008 12:14:55 AM

@MM:

Not really necessary methinks. For the past month, including today and tonight on the blogs, WCM has been pretty fervently pro-Clinton.

Whether I agree with WCM or not, taking over someone's nickname as a joke or out of pettiness doesn't play well. But then again, I guess some people need to have some fun...

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 14, 2008 12:16:52 AM

For better or worse, McCain is no Reagan...

Posted by: MIguy | Apr 14, 2008 12:19:31 AM

People ARE bitter and angry. I think Obama gets punished every time he speaks the truth. Guns and faith are important to certain sections of the population, and when they have lost everything else, they turn to what they have.. I really don't understand what this whole uproar is about. The media, especially CNN and Fox News, is stoking this current "controversy". We must be terribly ignorant, or immature as a nation, if we cannot differentiate between reality, and the lies spoken by the likes of Bush, Cheney, and the Clintons. Look at what is happening to our country. People are losing jobs, homes, and are fighting the rising cost of gas and food, health care and essential items. The war in Iraq, which should never have taken place, seems to be going on for ever and ever. Bitterness exists, not only in the small towns but also in the big cities, and if we don't change things now, I am afraid our nation will end up in chaos. Obama has been touring the small towns and is keeping a finger on the pulse of those people.
Clinton is the one who does not understand the true state of our country. She is desperate and is using GOP tactics in attacking Barack. We need to question her loyalty to the Democratic party. Ever since she lost Super Tuesday, she has shown her true nature. I used to be very supportive of the Clintons. But she lost my vote a long time ago. She is the one who should apologize to the people in the small towns, for her support of the war, NAFTA, and for her lies about her foreign endeavors!

Posted by: Ann | Apr 14, 2008 12:21:39 AM

People ARE bitter and angry. I think Obama gets punished every time he speaks the truth. Guns and faith are important to certain sections of the population, and when they have lost everything else, they turn to what they have.. I really don't understand what this whole uproar is about. The media, especially CNN and Fox News, is stoking this current "controversy". We must be terribly ignorant, or immature as a nation, if we cannot differentiate between reality, and the lies spoken by the likes of Bush, Cheney, and the Clintons. Look at what is happening to our country. People are losing jobs, homes, and are fighting the rising cost of gas and food, health care and essential items. The war in Iraq, which should never have taken place, seems to be going on for ever and ever. Bitterness exists, not only in the small towns but also in the big cities, and if we don't change things now, I am afraid our nation will end up in chaos. Obama has been touring the small towns and is keeping a finger on the pulse of those people.
Clinton is the one who does not understand the true state of our country. She is desperate and is using GOP tactics in attacking Barack. We need to question her loyalty to the Democratic party. Ever since she lost Super Tuesday, she has shown her true nature. I used to be very supportive of the Clintons. But she lost my vote a long time ago. She is the one who should apologize to the people in the small towns, for her support of the war, NAFTA, and for her lies about her foreign endeavors!

Posted by: Ann | Apr 14, 2008 12:21:47 AM

Hillary is the Better Candidate and would make the best Nominee for the Democrats.


Obama seems fake even on something he says he beleives in.

Of course Obama will come back tomorrow, Putting someone down to make himself look better,Casting blame for something upon someone to take the eyes off him.

Maybe some day Obama will grow up and be a responsible Adult.

Posted by: seah | Apr 14, 2008 12:22:52 AM

How could this phony hypocrit get to where he is? BHO has been criticizing both HRC and WJC whenever he opens his big mouth. He calls the Clinton administration the same as Bush's. Now he is the crying baby again for being criticized calling middle class American names. Isn't it the same strategy of crying to have been slaved for 300 years as an excuse for reason to condemn the country that brought him all his opportunities.

BHO is inspired by a person of hatred, isn't that the real shame?

Posted by: boneheaded | Apr 14, 2008 12:23:54 AM

Tonight I think Clinton made a MUCH bigger gaffe than Obama's "bitter" comment: She insulted Al Gore! Is she trying to push him into endorsing Obama the same way she pushed Ted Kennedy into Obama's camp (after implying that Ted's brother, John, had nothing to do with the passage of the civil rights laws)?

Posted by: MikeL | Apr 14, 2008 12:25:48 AM

John Lai

A) This fabrication you speak of is not a fabrication at all. The context of what he was saying would clearly showing that of Republican values. If you read the whole passage and not cherry pick it is hard to call it condescending or Flamatory
B) Hillary told the Bosnia Tall Tale In January, February, and two times in March. She lied, no one misspeaks about sniper fire that many times.
1) That may be true. but that survey was filled almost over decade ago, during the Clinton Administrations. Things have change since then.
2)Obama doesn't take money from Federal Lobbyist or PACS. Hillary even defended special interest in a Daily Kos Forum in August.
3) Obama has raised more money from small donors then any other candidate. Billionaires will not help because of the max $2,500 limit. Why Hillary funds are tapped out.
4)That False Ad turned out to be true. White House documents confirmed no one knew her opposition, and she was actively Lobbying for it.
5)Kenedy endorsed Obama, and I don't think a white person sleeping with a black person is a typical thing you do in Southern Segregationist States.
6) Rev Wright's church is alot like other black churches in Chicago. See my earlier comments on Rev Wrights character, and then visit any inner City Chicago South side Baptist black Church. You'll surprise how not racist they are.
7) This is also wrong. Out of thousand of votes in the Illinois State Legislature, and The votes in Senate. I count two fault votes. Hint Hint he has more Legislature experience then Hillary.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:26:22 AM

John Lai

A) This fabrication you speak of is not a fabrication at all. The context of what he was saying would clearly showing that of Republican values. If you read the whole passage and not cherry pick it is hard to call it condescending nor inflammatory
B) Hillary told the Bosnia Tall Tale In January, February, and two times in March. She lied, no one misspeaks about sniper fire that many times.
1) That may be true. but that survey was filled almost over decade ago, during the Clinton Administrations. Things have change since then.
2)Obama doesn't take money from Federal Lobbyist or PACS. Hillary even defended special interest in a Daily Kos Forum in August.
3) Obama has raised more money from small donors then any other candidate. Billionaires will not help because of the max $2,500 limit. Why Hillary funds are tapped out.
4)That False Ad turned out to be true. White House documents confirmed no one knew her opposition, and she was actively Lobbying for it.
5)Kenedy endorsed Obama, and I don't think a white person sleeping with a black person is a typical thing you do in Southern Segregationist States.
6) Rev Wright's church is alot like other black churches in Chicago. See my earlier comments on Rev Wrights character, and then visit any inner City Chicago South side Baptist black Church. You'll surprise how not racist they are.
7) This is also wrong. Out of thousand of votes in the Illinois State Legislature, and The votes in Senate. I count two fault votes. Hint Hint he has more Legislature experience then Hillary.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:27:01 AM

sorry for double post. I hate spam also.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:28:27 AM

As a devout Christian, Hillary Clinton never connected to any of the questions asked. She was informed it would be personal, not political and she then went to town with her regular rhetoric. For the people who see Obama as "just words" and a "liar", it just goes to show how disconnected we are as human beings. Obama was personal and answered most questions directly. He put himself out there and I expect him to do the same as President because I am willing to take the risk to trust him. Trust a Clinton? I think not!!!!

Posted by: Mike | Apr 14, 2008 12:31:05 AM

As a devout Christian, Hillary Clinton never connected to any of the questions asked. She was informed it would be personal, not political and she then went to town with her regular rhetoric. For the people who see Obama as "just words" and a "liar", it just goes to show how disconnected we are as human beings. Obama was personal and answered most questions directly. He put himself out there and I expect him to do the same as President because I am willing to take the risk to trust him. Trust a Clinton? I think not!!!!

Posted by: Mike | Apr 14, 2008 12:31:16 AM

Senator Clinton's comments were thoughtful and compassionate. Senator Obama just trying to make it through with more political rhetric and nonsense. Senator Obama lacks sincerity and compassion. He does not answer questions in any direct manner. I believe Senator Obama is just another politician who will say or do anything to misguide the voters to get elected.

Posted by: Senior Citizen | Apr 14, 2008 12:31:39 AM

It's astonishing how Hillary spent the past 2 days yammering forcefully about Obama's smalltown folk comment, calling his remark demeaning and referring to him as being an elitist yet when the subject was broached during the forum, there was an obvious reluctance on her part to fully respond, mostly insisting that she will let Obama respond to the question until she was pressed again about it at w/c point she responds w/more detail. She was also not very effective when it came to answering the questions and mostly providing long drawn responses that are obviously prepared lines that have nothing to do w/the question - leaving the audience befuddled and forgetting what the question was in the first place because of her usually long, nonsensical response. Guess that explains why the crowd only applauded when she was first introduced and when she left the stage. Obama, on the other hand articulated himself well, looked polished, more confident than Hillary and appeared to be presidential. His responses were not only on point but impactful, hence the crowd constantly applauding his answers. I understand that some of us will support the other candidate and that is okay, but you'd have to admit, based on the crowd's reaction, which candidate do you think they found more compelling? And that was a pretty diverse crowd. Think.

Posted by: honeychild | Apr 14, 2008 12:32:14 AM

Yikes, where are the reasonable, smart people??? I can't believe how nasty the anti Obama crowd is. What a bunch of insecure, cynical nitwits we have on this board, posting more lies and cynicism... Those people would have never voted for Obama anyway. The people who can think for themselves and can see brighter days ahead "get" Obama's message. The rest of you want more of the same. It's ashame you can't see clearly thru your veil of hostility and negativism! GO OBAMA!!!

Posted by: Melissa Jackson | Apr 14, 2008 12:37:07 AM

Catherine in NM ~ CNN to most political circles is also known as "Clinton News Network" because of their very obvious pro-Clinton stance.

Posted by: honeychild | Apr 14, 2008 12:38:12 AM

No More Obama Votes

Let's put this in perspective. I doubt you've met Rev Wright, or been to his Church. You'll calling a person racist on loop a footage. You past Judgement on a person you've never even met. Yes there are racism in churches. Sunday contains the most segregated hour of the day. I learn from a Jesuit that Church is not just it's leader, it's everybody, it's a group gathering to serve God. You've erroneous gloss over his service to the country yet he is anti-American. You gloss over what his Church has done for the community - yet you say he preaches hate. I am appalled at your lack of empathy. You can't place yourself in someones else's time frame. That is why you speak so erroneously about Rev Wright. Don't be surprised that older black people may hold racist sentiments towards whites, oppression does that. Any preacher of Black Liberation Theology is a preacher of agape. Anything else is a distortion.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:39:18 AM

Senior Citizen

It's ironic that you don't support Obama becuase you think he is Hillary.

Posted by: M&M | Apr 14, 2008 12:42:43 AM

Why do people care what a candidate's pastor says? I don't care. Who cares? It's just something to "cling" to for folks who are jonesing for a promised handout from Hillary.

Posted by: jenny mceneny | Apr 14, 2008 12:45:18 AM

NEVERVOTEOBAMA

Seeing has that the only thing wrong with what I said. I consider it a compliment. Good luck with that argument, Hillary has more Billionaire bundlers then Obama does.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:45:41 AM

The biggest reason to vote for Obama is that he can be trusted. Other reasons are his ability to organize a 250 million dollar organization, his campaign, is better than either opponent and to inspire the country because he has a vision for this country in the future that neither of his opponents possess. He has the ability to gain support from religious leaders from the pro-life movement, Doug Kmeic and the pro-choice movement. He will be able to lead the country towards peace in this area of public life.He is uniquely capable of finding common ground with diverse viewpoints.

He has never demeaned his opponent whether he was leading or behind in the campaign. He is the most talented presidential candidate in a half century. It would be tragic were he to lose to a disingenuous, mendacious opponent who is dominated by lobbyists and special interest groups.

Posted by: Ron M | Apr 14, 2008 12:49:06 AM

Let's be real the only one who will bridge the gap in this county between the red states and blue states, black/white and etc.. is Sen Obama.

Posted by: Mike | Apr 14, 2008 12:50:07 AM

Second that Ron M

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:50:44 AM

Second that Mike

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 12:51:31 AM

I don't know what channel some of you were watching but it was pretty clear from the audience at Messiah College that Sen Obama's thoughtful eloquent answers were very well received

Sen Clinton used a compassion forum to continue her baseless attacks on Sen Obama.

People who have been devasted by this economy are not turning to their faith to watch Hillary Clinton morph into Jimmy Swaggart or Annie Oakley

Unfortunately the woman doesn't have a drop of authenticity in her body

Posted by: alison | Apr 14, 2008 12:51:44 AM

Obama - it would be nice if you could take responsibility for one thing you did or said. Be a man, not a deceptive hypocrit, calling any criticism racist. You are the one who is a racist by justifying it in your speech, just as you frame Joe Biden when he complemented you. You are worse than Bush on lying about opponents.

Posted by: boneheaded | Apr 14, 2008 12:52:34 AM

And talk about condescending: I am from Pennsylvania and when I saw Hillary on tv today taking a shots of whiskey and bragging about her love of guns, I was very insulted. I thought that was really demeaning and undermining of smalltown folks from PA. Does she think that everyone in these small towns are that provincial and simple minded that the only way to connect with them is by going to the local bar and take shots of whiskey? Is this something she typically does to gel with people? Not to mention, this is the first time I have seen her pull this act during this campaign cause I certainly didn't see her pulling this stunt in Rhode Island or California, states where small towns exist as well. And so it leads me to believe that this is what Hillary thinks folks from PA are about, a bunch of whiskey swigging, gun-totting, small-minded people and I find that insulting, demeaning and downright offensive.

Posted by: honeychild | Apr 14, 2008 12:56:06 AM

Some of the questions they asked Hillary were dumb,like does she feels god wants her to be president?

Now come on for educated people that is a question, they kept up this god thing when asking Hillary questions, when Obama came they gave him a pass with it.

Obama did distort the truth in one of his answers because he danced around the Islam part, when the truth is he did study the Koran and Islam when he was young but I guess that is something he wants to keep hidden and not talk about.

Even though he did try to say when he lived in Indonesia it was secular and people mixed at his school to sort of water down the Islam connection.

Posted by: SJ | Apr 14, 2008 12:57:49 AM

It is true religion is not necessary in the presidency. But it is important to know ones religion to know there value systems. One of the first things Atheist had to form was a values system. I am not railing against Atheist, but Atheist took alot of their values from other religions and melded them to their viewpoints. Similarly the basis of values differ from Christianity, to Judaism, to Islam and the other religions. So when taking into acount religion Christianity for instance, Jesus calls for us to be servants and act agapicly, (Did I invent that word, I hope so - root: agape). By this standard Hillary is not up to snuff. She hasn't serve are country like she claims. Walmart, Lobbyist, she was only a Senator for 6 years people. Obama has been there. His resume is pack with things that don't pay well but are spiritually awarding. Yes atheist can be spiritual. Everybody on this blog should leave go to bed and wake up in morning, call in sick, and work at soup kitchen, the Salvation Army and serve this country and fight the poor.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 1:01:30 AM

fight the poor LOL!!!! I mean fight for the poor. Hillary going to have a field day.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 1:02:15 AM

Ron - Name one single original policy idea from the mouth of your so-smart-looking-down-on-you-bitter-voters hypocrit? What Obama said has not been thought out by others?

wait, he is selling Hope, only he looks down poor people as hopeless bitter losers who can only cling on guns and religion.

Guess that is his original idea.

Posted by: boneheaded | Apr 14, 2008 1:04:45 AM

Ahhhh you Republicans and Clintonites and rabid racists are getting desperate aren't you !It's actually funny and pathetic at the same time . Did you hear how Hillary Rambo Clinton actually took Bill's place in Bosnia because it was so dangerous ? Yes and she dodged sniper fire , grabbed a bazooka out the hands of a marine and she took out that sniper ! As of today she is the great white hunter too ... out in the fields and marshes every Sunday ! What ever she needs to be to get a vote , she is ! Clinton takes big campaign contributions from PACs and drug and insurance industry lobbyists ( Obama does not ),this is the same person who took money from financial folks on Wall Street and then voted for bankruptcy bill that makes it harder for regular folks to get a fair shake ( Obama voted no ). Who do you think is out of touch and elitest and a fraud / phony ? Obama said working guys like me are getting disheartened and bitter and we are ! Obama 08 !

Posted by: Tim O | Apr 14, 2008 1:04:46 AM

boneheaded

Take a history class. Study the 1960s, 1970s. Learn something and stop being boneheaded. Show some empathy. If you don't know it look it up. Obama speech is called to end racism in America. Get Real. Stop talking about it, and start acting in getting rid of racism. The best way is to get educated and educate others.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 1:05:23 AM

I think Obama is a great leader.But I d ont know why he was mumbling so much on the compession forum , and looked so stupid,I think maybe he is on some kind of medication.

Posted by: Francis | Apr 14, 2008 1:06:19 AM

@ MM
Saying African Americans have a right to hate whites is like saying all women have the right to hate men. BTW, Don't be surprised if women beat the crap out of all the misogynists that have oppressed them for thousands of years by voting for Hillary.

Posted by: No More Obama Votes | Apr 14, 2008 1:07:01 AM

Nothing wrong with Hope. It put food on the table. I got through grammar school. It kept me off the streets. It got me into College. It got me a scholarship. Having Hope has worked out for me.

Go to Chicago and go to the project. Find out what a place with people without Hope looks like. Have you seen children of Men, that is a world without hope. Because without hope for a future what do you live for.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 1:11:27 AM

Will somebody please put this lying witch and all of her STUPID supporters out of their misery. America should hold a major celebration on the day she's finally kicked into the street where she belongs.

Posted by: luigi999 | Apr 14, 2008 1:12:04 AM

It would be very disappointing if women were to take their oppressed selves to vote for Hillary just to make a point. That would set back the entire female race back to square one. It's one thing if Hillary's views appeal to you, but to introduce the idea that women who have been oppressed for years will end up voting for Hillary is not only absurd, it also is insulting to free-thinking, confident, smart, independent females.

Posted by: honeychild | Apr 14, 2008 1:16:38 AM

NEVERVOTEOBAMA

Actually, Zip, Nada. I should be paid. I was following this champaign since the beginning. Yes over a year ago. I know everything that went down. Obama inspired me to leave the country. I went to Argentina to study for a summer. I learned so much a bout the world. I understand what he is talking about. Reality Check the world doesn't Hate us, there just extremely disappointed. That why understand the need for Obama. Too many no show politicians show up for votes and leave us in the dirt when push comes to shove. I fee if I don't at least do a little with the time I have I will explode. This is an opportunity to put someone in power that didn't get rich off exploitation, or from heritage. But someone who is committed to us and got lucky. I liked Hillary before August. But you are welcome to your opinion.

Posted by: MM | Apr 14, 2008 1:18:41 AM

I'm surprised to see so many comments blasting Obama's comments as merely rehearsed talking points and praising Hillary on her ability to speak from the heart.

Were you people not watching the beginning of this forum when Hillary was asked at what moment(s) she had felt the spirit of God was with her and all she could come up with was a rambling answer about pretty sunsets and wooded scenery and generalities about how other people feel?

What about when she was asked how her faith has helped her make decisions on potential life and death matters (like, say authorizing a war?) and all she could say was that its a hard decision that needs to be informed by facts and information from different sources. While that certainly makes for good policy, her answer completely sidestepped the role of faith in her decision.

Posted by: RJ | Apr 14, 2008 1:20:14 AM

MM - sorry, but cannot help. evry time I get caught I become boneheaded. Learned how to be hypocrit from the true practitioner BHO.

It is Obama who skillfully framed evry one who criticized him as being racist. At the same time, he is being mentored by the hatemonger for 20 years, untill he was caught.


Posted by: boneheaded | Apr 14, 2008 1:21:24 AM

obama looked awkward and insecure uninformed and as usual taking his lead from hillary. the only thing this guy is good at is tele-prompted speeches that others wrote.

Posted by: sonia trevino | Apr 14, 2008 1:26:27 AM

Obama is the USA Hitler

As many people who he manipulated with their minds, brainwashed, is astounding.

His campaign follows Hitlers almost to exact.

His youth run around like broken records defending him no matter how wrong he is.

His friends are a who who's in coruption and destruction. Rezko, Ayers, Wright to name a few radicals and his close friends.

His arrogance, egotistical and elitest attitude.

He plays and thrives on peoples problems and weaknesses.

Playing other governments in political games.

His lies and lies on friends and family, he even threw his own grandmother under a train. How low can you go?

He lied to the black people in Selma.

He promised the gays marriage and benefits rights.

He promised the Blacks restitution for slavery.

He promised non-profits government funding. even though they do not pay any taxes. He has it all wrote up and ready to go. maybe his church wanted that or the hospital his wife works at. sure seems odd.

He is a constitutional lawyer who wants to re do the government.

Yes America Be very afraid

Vote No for Obama

Posted by: seah | Apr 14, 2008 1:27:08 AM