Barack and Michelle Obama at the Iowa State fair last week.
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Did she or didn't she?
That's the question some political observers are asking about recent comments from Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, that could be interpreted as a swipe against her husband's chief presidential rival Hillary Clinton.
In Atlantic, Iowa last Thursday, Michelle Obama pointed to the strength of her own family and said the next president must be "somebody that shares our values."
"Is he somebody that respects family? Is he a good and decent person?" Michelle Obama asked the crowd about the next president. "Our view is that if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House."
The comments went largely unnoticed until an article in Tuesday morning's Chicago Sun Times suggested the statement was an indirect swipe against the Clintons, whose previous marital problems have been well documented.
The accusation immediately got top billing on The Drudge Report, a conservative Web site, and Obama himself was asked about the comments in a conference call earlier Tuesday.
The Illinois senator emphatically denied the comments were aimed at his rival and added, "There was no reference beyond her point that we have had an administration that talks a lot about family values but doesn’t follow through."
He also noted that his wife often speaks about children and families in her campaign remarks.
Katie McCormick Lelyveld, Michelle Obama's communications director, also told CNN, "the only family Mrs. Obama was talking about was the Obama family."
– CNN's Alexander Mooney and Martina Stewart
From CNN Politics
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I doubt it. I think it's a direct shot at the vulnerable Republican front-runner Rudy Giuliani who has been married three times (once to his second cousin) and supposedly has a horrible relationship with his children. Wouldn't that make more sense?
How sweet it is..
Please – you call this a swipe at clinton? Give me a break. So anyone talking about family values now is taking a shot at the Clintons? This is getting pretty ridiculous!!
I cannot believe the media would stoop this low to destroy Obama. I can't take it anymore. I see you will stop at nothing until he is beat into the ground. Can anyone of you so-called journalist do some real reporting and find out who is making this an issue. Clinton might be a great place to start!
Black people will never matter to this country! Well, at least we tried. All the best to Obama and his family. Sorry you have to deal with this slander!
It amazes me how the media will try to turn everything into a controversial subject.
Also, it may just be me, but for being so "liberal," the MSM is doing a much better job of stoking the fires between the Democratic candidates than the Republicans. You hear Romney call out Rudy on immigration, but that's about it. It seems like hardly a day goes by without a Obama-Clinton tiff.
Why is Clinton and Edwards never characterized as taking swipes or attacking when they say negative things about Obama? This is the media choosing words that show bias against a particular candidate. I hope it has nothing to do with race, but you have to wonder. Is CNN showing its true colors here? And as far as what Michelle said, she said the same thing 2 weeks ago here in Reno NV. CNN is just slinging mud at this wonderful lady. She would make a warm, fun, energetic first lady. I want to see her there in the big white house. She is as remarkable as he is.
Poor Hillary! Always the victim, isn't she? These stories are getting a little thin. And ridiculous. Why does CNN feel such a terrible need to keep her in the new every minute of evey day??
non-issue! it is only the prejudice of the listener or reader that would lead them to connect those comments to anyone. Giuliani, Gingrich, Clinton, and a whole string of politicians COULD spring to mind, but let's concentrate on major issues. It is Michelle Obama's job to talk about good family, mom and apple pie. Don't drag her into the mudslinging, when she didn't sling any.
It is quite clear that misconstruing the sincere words of Michelle Obama regarding the importance of strong family values is just another political tactic to illicit political support for Hillary Clinton by the mainstream media.
This is pathetic. If you read the whole quote, she was obviously talking about her own family, not anyone else's. So one newspaper and Drudge make a big deal about nothing, and you guys follows suit. Why don't you do some real reporting instead of being an echo chamber?
Yes, she did take a swipe at Clinton, and I thought it was hilarious. The actions of William Jefferson Clinton set back the Democratic Party's image of a family first party by his actions (the ones we know about at least). If she couldn't control Bill's actions then, how can she do so now? I thought Clinton was a great president, but he hurt our party. Hillary couldn't control him in Arkansas or Washington, so how can she control him as the "first gentleman"? Hillary is the most transparently fake politician I have seen since Nixon and I commend Mrs. Obama for calling her out on her indifference to her husband's actions both as a wife and a Democrat. Hopefully Obama, Biden or Edwards will get the nomination, if not it will be the first time I have ever voted for anyone other than a Democrat in the national election.
I would say her remark is relevant only to Giuliani, not to Hillary, as a presidential candidate.
Giuliani has personal family problems (several marriages and unhappy kids). However, I do not think Hillary has done anything "inapproiate" in her personal faimily affairs (although her husband's behavior was considered inappropriate).
Hillary endured it all through no fault of her own. In the end, their relationship appears fine, and she has become a stronger person.
This may be a plus point to Hillary that she was able to resolve family conflicts, that Giuliani was not able to do, or that Obama or other candidates may not know how.
This again point out that HILLARY IS VERY EXPERIENCED, in personal family affairs and in federal and international politics, that Obama and other candidates can only dream about.
If anyone took the time to read the transcript, it is clear that she is not attacking hillary but talking about her own family:
"So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care."
Did she or didn't she? OMG has our election process turned into a mindless soap-opera?
Michelle Obama – NEXT time someone asks you if your comments were aimed at a political rival simply answer,
"If the shoe fits – wear it"
Both of the Clintons are constantly taking "indirect swipes" at Senator Obama.
Especially by using the word "experience" in just about every other sentence they utter.
I wonder how many times Bill and Hillary Clinton said the word "experience" while he was running in 1992. Zero, perhaps?
Mrs. Obama has every right to tout her strong family. Good for her!
"So our view was that, if you cant run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime."
The complete quote. Can we move on now please??
Its about time the Democrats started talking about family values again. Bill set us back 8 years, and a Hillary win will push that even further back.
Anyone but Hillary "08"
Wow...you guys are really scraping the bottom of the barrel to find negative things to say about the Obamas. Maybe you should stick to reporting the facts instead of innuendo.
Of course it was a swipe at Hillary. Obama never takes responsibility for ANYTHING. It's his staff's fault, he didn't know anything about it,he can't be responsible for what other people say. People if you don't see a pattern here and he wins you will surely get what you deserve. It's just the rest of us that will have to suffer.
I started out really believing this guy, really pulling for him. The more he stays in the more his mask cracks. First Edwards wife,then his wife and now he carries Rove's water for him in attacking Clinton.
I think Biden is the best choice but I would vote for Clinton if she got it. I WILL NOT vote for Obama, he's running in the wrong primary and personally I don't want a "First Lady" who stoops that LOW against a fellow Democrat.
The Young and the Restless. I think thats what CNN is trying to make our presidential race into. And I think there really taking the Obama campeign seriously. thats why we keep getting Obama articles with 99.9% of them targeting him in so many different ways! I guess what there trying to say is....If you want to be the first black president your gonna get there with a lot of wounds. And heck just wait until your in office it will get worse!Go Obama!
I totally agree John, talking about a presidential candidate's experience is a nasty swipe. After all, I want an inexperienced president in the middle of what could be the most volatile time in world history don't you? Shame on Hillary and the other democrats!
The Mrs. will ultimately cost you the nomination, Mr. Obama. I commented to friends about her behaviour the first time I saw her on Oprah. You will not be able to rein her in. She is a huge liability to your campaign. Obviously you cannot run your household so well either. Perhaps a job might occupy her time. Volunteer work – in something not related to politics. She is abrasive to the public.
Jeff Eby, I completely agree with you. It annoys me so much how some news stations have become so biased (i.e. anti-Obama and pro-Hillary). Every chance there is to shed even the slightest bit of negative light on Obama, CNN snaps it up with pleasure yet barely anything negative about Clinton is ever reported. Yes, every now and then, something somewhat negative about Clinton is addressed, but no where to the degree of Obama news.
Once again the media is creating news instead of reporting it.
I agreed that Mrs. Obama should be proud of her strong family and show it off. We need way more examples of that in the US. What better way to tout it then as the NEXT First Lady of the United States. (News media, don't be hating that you can't find anything really wrong with this future First Family)The country is due for a little fairy tale JFK, Ronald Regan presidency
Its a GOP strategy to get CNN to publish such a story. That way its beneficial for the republican hopefuls not to talk about the policy issues, but stir up fight between Obama and Hillary. If anyone take a quick review of the Democrat and Republican candidates, the qualifications of most of the democrats is much more superior than republicans. People should argue and weigh the candidates on their agendas and not personal matters. These republicans talk about 1)prolonging the war2)ban abortion 3)ban gay marriage 4)cut taxes for rich 5)continue Bush's policy on polluting air 4)no diplonmacy 5)stop immigration 6)no universal health care.
Its a GOP plot and democrats should not fall into this trap.
CNN, it distresses me to see your reporting stoop to these levels. With you down in the gutter who are we going to turn to for unbiased, relevant information?
As everyone has pointed out, Mrs. Obama's statements were clearly about her own family. There was no swiping going on. CNN should be correcting the Chicago Sun and The Drudge Report through this article rather than passing on their blatant misinterpretations.
I love the way the media picks and chooses what part of the quote from Ms. Obama they used. What, the campaign isn't juicy enough for you, so you have to start stirring things up that aren't even in the stewpot?
Do your jobs–report the news and stop slandering people!!
CNN...this is pathetic. this is not TMZ.
Oh, please!! The Chicago Sun chose to mention it and of course the disgusting Drudge Report used it as another way to cause discord in the Democratic camp. Mrs. Obama didn't aim her comment at Hillary, neither is it necessary in this blog for some to take a swipe at Hillary when neither she nor anybody in her campaign mentioned it at all.
Something is wrong with the Clinton campaign when they think that saying Obama is a "good and decent person" is an attack on the Clintons. Methinks the lady Clinton doth protest too much?
Oh please. When is somebody at CNN gonna say something nice about the Obamas and stop bashing them over nothing.
Did anyone actually see Michelle Obama introduce Sen. Obama at the Iowa state fair. It was incredibly moving and what she spoke about was being "not afraid." We've spent so much time being negative and wondering how to tear politicians down we ignore our problems. I'm tired of that. You know who thrives on that mentality? Corporations like CNN and FOX and Bushites. They love it because everybody's too busy to notice that we are losing our country before our eyes.
Obama can bring that around, he can put back some semblance of order to this out of control media we have, and that's what scares the powers that be.
Go check out Michelle Obama's speech either on cnn video or youtube. At least CNN posted it. That's something. They have to be subtle on their attacks just in case the boy actually comes through and upsets Hillary, which looks more and more likely as time goes on and you look at people's reactions to politics as usual both on these boards and elsewhere.
Obama 08
"Its a GOP strategy to get CNN to publish such a story"
Can democrats actually disagree without calling it a republican conspiracy?
Are the republicans making Elizabeth Edwards say silly things?
Are the republicans making Richardson stumble on his answer to gay questions?
Did the republicans hire Monica to seduce Bill?
WHAT do the democrats take responsibility for, Elizabeth?
whoever she aimed, to associate between personal affair with good presidency is complete nonsense. I will not cast my vote base on whose family is most loving. Obamas, please bring some substance to the table.
Not a Democrat or a Obama supporter, I don't like his record on the issues in the Illinois senate, think he has serious problems on the issues now and so forth but I hope she did. Clinton and her campaign run around taking swipes at everyone and then play the victim when they call her on it. This is especially true of how she treats Senator Obama. She reaps what she sows.
I think the CNN Political Ticker secretly likes Obama! 6 of the last 10 posts were about him.
What is the saying, any publicity is good publicity?
Obama '08!
It's laughable that CNN is being slammed for reporting the truth! Obama's polling is tanking. Hillary is garnering almost 50% of the vote even though there are 8 people in the Democratic primary.
If it wasn't for the press Obama wouldn't be where he is right now. He's a superstar, not a president. Well, guess what, as the hype slips away America is seeing Obama for what he is. CNN is just reporting the news. If you want Obama praise go watch ABC!
It is quite a stretch to interpret those comments as being an anti-Hillary swipe. My goodness, it's plain to see that Mrs. Obama was talking about a general principle and maybe a family motto, not lambasting Mrs. Clinton. Geez.
I think to be a President you have to have good morals and be able to take control of your own life before you can take on a task of presidency, I made two mistakes on voting I won't make another one I will probably vote for Obama, I have gone republican and I don't think it turned out so well. I think Mr. Obama might know what it is like to have a rough life and know how people are hurting, the government is not stepping in and doing anything about high prices of food and insurance, especially people that make minimum wage and have to pay $3.00 for a gallon of gas and $6.00 for a gallon of milk, we get poorer while Exxon and consumer gets richer. Mr.Obams seems very compassionate man and we only get that from God. Unless he does something I don't like between now and then I will probably vote for him. Although President Clinton made a mistake he is human and our Country was not in the mess that it is in now.
It really does seem odd that the media is jumping on this little story like rabid dogs on a squirrel. They must really not want Obama to win. They seem to be trying to do everything they can to cause strife for camp Obama.
Thank you to the sarcastic person who noticed my comment about the Clintons using the word "experience" every 10 seconds.
You obviously didn't get that I was pointing out the hypocrisy of the Clintons' argument. Mr. Clinton was the governor of a small state and had no foreign policy experience whatsoever. Back in 1992, he didn't even provide a clear answer to whether he would have supported the first Gulf War.
Oh, and by the way, being first lady does not count. As a recent Newsweek article pointed out, she did indeed watch her husband do the job. So did his personal secretary and the Secret Service agents.
While Senator Obama was serving the people of Illinois as a policy-maker in the 1990's, Mrs. Clinton was making her own schedule at her own convenience and leisure. Sometimes she was giving speeches about public policy, but often she was doing traditional fluff-work, such as a campaign in 1998 to save America's historic treasures.
I'll be happy to debate Clinton supporters on the experience question any day.
i am so tired of obama and his wife being dissected.. when is this kind story going to stop and get down to what really is important ??
Michelle Obama's just trying to match the intensity of Elizabeth Edwards. If that means slamming Hillary, then so be it. Right?
http://www.political-buzz.com/
Just exactly what are Obama's values??? I'll bet they are no better than the rest of us in this crazy world. Obama and his wife can go home and stay there. He is absolutey "NOT" presidential material. He has already been involved in too many issues. Bye Bye Obama and take your wife with you.
Sure would be an addition if CNN had the fortitude to respond to the many folks that participate in their blogs. It seems to me that CNN enjoys stirring the proverbial "pot" then sits back and lets the viewers take over. Would like to hear CNN defend their bias toward Clinton at every turn.
Since when CNN is the Drudge Report a Conservative WEB Site? only a most liberal / Left new outlet like "CNN" would make that statement!
Seriously, the media is so pro-Clinton that it's a crime. How does saying "if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House" a swipe at the Clintons? It could've just as easily been a swipe at Giuliani. The Obamas should be proud of their family, and I don't see how bragging about your family is a swipe at the Clintons–it's almost as if Obama is being punished for NOT cheating with an intern or fooling around with a woman other than his wife.
I think some people are just being oversensitive. We're so used to politicians who cheat and lie to both their families and the American people that we're shocked and surprised when we find one who doesn't.
The bottom line is Mrs. Obama is 100% CORRECT and good for her for speaking the truth. Anyone that finds offense in what Mrs. Obama said does so from a guilty conscience.
Nothing more than media spin.
When I first read the comment I thought of Rudy Giulliani. He has infinitely more family issues than any of the other candidates.
The truth is, it wouldn't surprise me at all to find out Michelle had no candidate in mind. She was simply stating that Barack is a family made with a stable family life.
Leave it to the media to spin an innocent comment.
Obama may bomb Pakistan and start WW3. I'm more concerned about that then about what his wife says.
Not conservative – Not Liberal.
The Drudge Report is a popular U.S.-based news website run by Matt Drudge. The site consists primarily of links to stories from the mainstream media about politics, entertainment, and various current events, and to many popular columnists, although Drudge occasionally authors a story of his own. The Report originated around 1994 as a weekly subscriber-based email dispatch. Today, the Drudge Report resembles a simple weblog, though Drudge himself dislikes this classification.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drudge_Report
To all the complainers:
Despite persistent whines from all quarters, I see no evidence of media bias on the part of CNN.
They report both positive and negative stories about the contending candidates of both parties. They give less exposure to those who make less news. (Sorry Ron Paul supporters, but flame wars don’t count). Candidates who want more media exposure need to find ways to generate it. (It can be done. Obama has come out of nowhere). It isn’t CNN’s job to give equal coverage to all candidates. It’s their job to report the news. If your chosen candidate isn’t making any news, then they aren’t a very good candidate.
To John from Erie PA:
Who are you to decide that “being first lady does not count”? This isn’t some game where you can declare “tap-tap no first ladies”. The American voters get to decide what counts. Anyone who followed the Clinton administrations in Arkansas or the White House was aware that Hillary Clinton wasn’t just hosting banquets, she was a senior policy advisor. She also has six more years of experience in elected national office than Senator Obama.
This cat fight story makes the ticker and yet no where on the CNN site do you see this story. Anytime bad poll numbers come out about Bush, FRONT PAGE. Could CNN have an agenda?????
WASHINGTON — A new poll shows Americans' approval of Congress sinking to all-time lows.
The latest Gallup Poll found that approval of the legislative branch of the federal government hit 18 percent in an Aug. 13-16 survey. Those disapproving of Congress stands at 76 percent.
People should be more concerned with a do nothing Congress Oh no wait, Congress isn't doing anything because the Bush fairies are stopping them. My bad! Can't wait for the next ticker story about Hillary going to the bathroom!
To Lance in Monrovia: I'd like to talk to you about an issue. I see the picture pretty much the same way you do in regards to the media. Please respond and I will state the issue.
Thanks
Actually, I see it as Obama 'walking the walk'.
He's a Christian. In the New Testament, 1 Timothy 3:1-5 it says:
"1) Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2) Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3) not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4) He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5) If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?"
If you're a person of faith or not, it's hard to argue with this passage. I think it is very relevant and shows more of aphilosophy of life than merely being a'swipe' at somebody.
Have a great day,
Chip
Stop it CNN!!!!! You guys are pathetic. Now your attacking the man's wife. Michelle didn't take a swipe at anybody. Do you journalist think your untouchable people? Stop slandering people and start printing things that matter! Also, why is your ticker loaded with everything that Obama's doing. Are you obsessed with him because he's the real deal and he doesn't scratch your back?
The media is really the cause of so much discord in this nation. M. Obama may have taken a half swipe at Hillary but who cares but the media trying to sell it self. If you think this is all Hillary is going to face when the real test come from the swift boaters and the Karl Roves of the Neo-Con group you had better fasten your seat belt.
well unfortunately president clinton did cheat on mrs. clinton but we also have to remember she didn't know it was happening so if i were mrs.obama i would watch what i say cause it could come back to haunt her.sometimes we as women think we know our husbands but as mrs. clinton got the shock of her life you never know it could happen to mrs.obama and yes it was a cheap shot at mrs. clinton ...i would rather have mrs. clinton in office because of what she went through she is a strong person.and she has 5 votes from my family.....oh and i love president clinton i wish we could have him running our country again.the best president we ever had and i know mrs. clinton will be the next best one also .
Oh my goodness! It’s now a video link on CNN. CNN should be defending Obama against this attack. That would be responsible reporting. She was CLEARLY talking about managing HER own home. For all of those posting only to bring down Obama you are ignorant childish FOOLS for not being responsible adults and repeating the truth. Obama 08!
Someone posted:
"well unfortunately president clinton did cheat on mrs. clinton but we also have to remember she didn't know it was happening"
And they characterize Obama as naive?
With the general market getting dragged down by the subprime market meltdown you would think the market would be a bigger issue then stupid political jabs like this one.....
I am not American. I cannot vote. But I feel it a duty to comment.
VALUES!? VVValues. In 2007? Whose values? No one worth listening to would ever mention the word; unless she be illiterate and unaware of where we are, globally, on the issue. Oh! for heavens sake. Look, really, I am stunned, unable to believe.
AND FAMILY MANAGEMENT?!?? Living for 40 years with an unfaithful husband, facing the whole world with it for 8 years, and still being there, at sixty. Oh darn, I do certainly call that miraculous, not just good.
If this is how Ms Obama intends to aid her husband, then, yes, please, for your own sake, be quick to hire Mr Rove if haven't already.
When the wives of the distant 2nd and 3rd dem candidates (Obama & Edwards) keep bashing you, it can only mean that they are jealous, have become insecured, and angry about the ultimate possible outcome.
Hillary is winning and other candidates' wives are whinning!
Is this one of the category of letting the righteous throw the first stone sort of good...sorry...values?
Have any of you read Obama's book? I did. I've always voted Republican. Obama will be the first Democrat I've ever voted for ever.If Obama can reach an over 50 white female...he could pull this country back together. Hillary does not have the compassion to do that. Michelle will be a wonderful First LADY.
This was in very poor taste...and yes, it was obviously a swipe!
This is what happens when we begin an election process too soon. Reporters and news services begin "interpreting" events, postulate possibilities, imagining "what if's" and generally degenerating into silliness. I am a hard core Republican, but by golly I will stand up for Michelle Obama and all others who are so unfairly treated in this process.
Interesting that everyone assumes it's about Clinton when there was no mention of her and she actually used the pronoun "he" in the statement. That says more about Clinton and what the country thinks of her than anything Michelle Obama could possibly say.
I took the comments to be about the Clintons immeadiatly. Low Blow!!!
Michelle DOES have a point. The whole Monica scandal highlights how embattled Clinton was in office and yes, there still obviously is a lot of bad blood remaining over the whole incident.
Obviously the Republicans will continue to use that against her and she represents a lighting rod over an already polarized political climate.
Not everything is about the Clintons and their tired old soap opera.
I still don't get it! What's with all the hype about Barack Obama? The man is not presidential at all. He's no rock star. Are all you people really that blind? How can you vote to nominate someone with no experience nor foundation at a time when our country need a true leader? I think if Mr. and Mrs. Obama want what is best for our country, they would pack their bags and support Hillary Clinton.
Clinton 2008!!!
Mary Miles of Port Huron, Michigan. You obviously do not know Michelle. She had a very respectful career prior to involving herself more with her husband's run at the White House. She remains active in the Public by helping families. At some point, you have to decide when to give up your normal duties to focus on the main goal. People like herself should stay silent. On second thought, maybe you are right. If she gets a job or volunteers more, maybe she will gain all the wonderful experience that Hillary Clinton gained as 1st lady. Gimme a break!
Talk about Polorizing. Seemed to me Cinton was veryhomorable with the way she handled her married life and family. Her and her husband are still togeather after enduring public attacks for more than 20 years. They seem to be a very close nit family. (Clintons) We know nothing of the Obama's. Baracks roomate from college had something interesting to tell us but the Obama campaign shut him up real quick. Played some CON off like he was someone just hunting for money. ha smells fishy. No I do not like Obama. I am a Democrat who will not vote Democrat if Obama is nominated. His wife doesn't seem much like 1st women material either.
I am sorry if you noticed , but at the debate (ABC) they kept trying to get Clinton to slam Obama and she refused, but Obama still brought up his old rethoric. Clinton keeps saying the Democrats need to unite to get a Democrat in office. If we don't get a Dem in office we will continue on the same path. May I remind everyone. Bill Clinton never declared war against Irag. He did bomb a couple of military airports when Sadamn violated the no fly zone, but the Clintons did not invade Irag or even show signs to during Bill Clintons Presidenty. It happened on both sides of him. Can any of you remember the 90's Clinton did not go to war with IRAG.
To David from Salinas – normally your comments are worth reading and add value to what is normally a very immature correspondence. But media bias? As I said yesterday on another link, do a search on news on this website for hits on Hillary and Obama, and the numbers are 7 to 1 in Hillary's favour. (Today, however, Obama is getting more coverage in the political ticker.) Hard to believe Hillary says seven times more intersting things than Barack. Maybe Karl isn't the only one obsessed with Hillary.
To Chip – you don't have to be a person of faith to see the good sense in the verses you quote. You may need to be a person of faith, however, to overcome the despair when you consider the current crop of politicians.
Also, you might want to look at the quote in context instead of just posting any bogus insinuation you find on the internet:
Roger Albert of NYC posted that Obama will bomb Pakistan. I see many of those that aren't Obama supports don't listen. He didn't say that he would bomb Pakistan.
Furthermore, CNN is trying to discredit him because they KNOW he's going to win the nomination and ultimately the Presidency.
Also, polls are mere amusement. If they were so correct – Gore would have been President. And, while the national polls that are manipulated give Hillary a lead, Facebook has their own poll which gives Obama a 20 per cent lead over Clinton.
Why do you keep allowing my comment and then take it off. Because I ask what happen to Baracks College friend that hit the news earlier in the year that Obama campaign said was only seeking money. What information was he wanting to offer and where did he go? Or is it because I said Mrs. Obama was Polorizing. Very stern. Listening to her I felt uncomfortable. Sorry but its the truth. I have commented three times they keep disapreeing. Barrack Obama also has supported Bush's war for his support in the confirmation of one of Bush's war Generals. Which Senator Clinton voted against. This is fact . Look at Senator Clinton and Senator Obamas Senate vote. Exactly the same except for one missed vote on Obama's behalf and the General comfirmation vote. Barack Obama may be President one day. but his rethoriic is making strong Dem. like me dislike him very much. sorry one may not agree but fact is fact.
Frank, Hartford CT: I thought your comments were hilarious, but unfortunately very true. We, The People, should be concerned about more important issues our country is facing, and not this nuisance so-called news.
I really hope it's because Lou Dobbs is on vacation that this biased report was on the show. They ran the same story with the partial quote. I kept screaming at my TV, "Show the whole quote!" I hope he reams a few people for that screw up.
Well, if the Obamas can't even control their 6-year-old's television viewing habits, I don't know what Mrs. O is talking about. Bad timing on the Obama comments.
That was a very low blow and I dont think it was necessary.
Well...Anderson Cooper just reported that Michelle Obama attacked Hillary, and that "we are now waiting for response from the Clinton camp."
Unbelievable.
Well, it is sure becoming clear that Barak Obama is the target because he is the one to beat. He is the only threat to HC in the primary and god knows the republicans don't want to face the ground swelling of the Obama campaign. On the other hand they are completely ready for the Billary campaign. Barak Obama is clearly the candidate with a new approach and the energy and determination to bring people together for real creative change.
He is certainly the new face America needs out there to restore our tattered prestige throughout the world.
He has the potential for a strong and
productive presidency that could cripple the already ailing republican
good ole boys club.
Obama all the way – watch it grow people – I am so proud of you America
for getting behind a sure winner !
CNN, must you act like Entertainment Tonight? After viewing the clip it's obvious to anyone that she wasn't even thinking about the Clintons or the Guilianis...you are really stretching to come up with this bogus controversy.
THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT WOULD THINK THAT AND MAKE SPECULATIVE COMMENTS CONCERNING WHAT SHE SAID WOULD BE JOUNALISTS, REPORTERS, AND THE MEDIA,IN GENERAL. WHO,IS IT, ALWAYS WANTS TO PUT A TWIST ON WHAT YOU SAY? THE MEDIA AND ITS JOUNALISTS, AND REPORTERS. PEOPLE, THAT SIT AROUND AND TWIST YOUR WORDS TO SELL NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES. WHAT I WOULD SAY TO BARACK AND MICHELLE IS TO IGNOR IT. BECAUSE, YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE WAY THEY PROCESS WHAT YOU SAY. MANY THINGS YOU'LL SAY WILL BE REPORTED IN A HURTFUL WAY, ONLY TO DEMORALIZE THE TWO OF YOU. THATS WHAT THIS COUNTRY IS ABOUT, I'M SORRY TO SAY. LIKE MY TREATMENT COUNSELOR USE TO TELL ME, "DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL", WHICH IS A HARD THING DO, WHEN SOMEONE TWISTS WHAT YOU SAY. BUT, I'VE FOUND, WHEN PUTTING MY COUNSELOR'S ADVICE INTO AFFECT, THAT IT DOES WORK. WHEN SOMEONE PUTS A TWIST ON SOMETHING I'VE SAID. TO ME, IT'S LIKE WATER RUNNING OFF A DUCKS BACK. IT DOESN'T AFFECT ME, IN THE LEAST. SO, TAKE IT IN STRIDE, AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS MR. AND MRS. OBAMA.
whoever she aimed, to associate between personal affair with good presidency is complete nonsense. I will not cast my vote base on whose family is most loving. Obamas, please bring some substance to the table.
Posted By Kenny, Huntington NY
***************************************
LISTEN, MAKE SENSE IF YOU'RE GOING TO COMMENT. SHE DIDN'T AIM AT ANYBODY. YOU MUST BE SOMEONE WHO IS STUDYING JOURNALISM. MRS. OBAMA'S COMMENTS WERE NOT AIMED AT ANY OTHER CANDIDATE. BECAUSE SHE TALKED ABOUT FAMILY AND DECENCY IS WHERE THE INFERENCE IS COMING FROM. BUT, I WOULD SAY: NOT!!!!!
SO, AGAIN, IF YOU'RE GOING TO COMMENT MAKE SENSE, OR DON'T COMMENT AT ALL. AND, YOU NEED TO BRING SOME SUBSTANCE TO THE TABLE YOURSELF. AND, MAKE YOU COMMENT(S) MAKE SENSE IN THE FUTURE.
Not only isn't this a swipe at the Clinton campaign, all I can say is that the campaign better develop thicker skin if they think it is!
The Republicans are going to be far less subtle should Mrs Clinton win the primary – especially having eight years of video of Mrs Clinton, her husband, and a string of women to parade around.
It's going to be ugly, please Democrats, nominate someone else so we don't have to relive it both during the election and for the next four years!
This can be interpreted as a jab at Guliani and Clinton. The question is: And so? What if it is? Guliani keeps marrying his sisters and cousins and divorcing them with impunity. I'm even surprised he's a leading contender on the republican side. As for Clinton, at the end of the day truth hurts. It's fair to characterize Barack as naive but when he points out flaws in his rivals, they start weeping...
THIS IS NOT NEWS.
QUIT MUDDYING THE WATERS WITH THIS TRIPE.
START BEING RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
"Mrs. Obama was talking about was the Obama family" if it is true, we don't want involve their family business, just talk at your own house with your own family. Long, long time ago, even America wasn't born, Chinese said, if you handle yourself, you can handle your family, if you handle your family then you can control the Country. This logic is not new plus not changed. I ask Obama, if you couldn't run your wife's mouth, certainly you can't run White House, is it make sense?
you guys at cnn may not post my comment.but all the same i will give u a piece of my heat.i used to think high of cnn.but i have discovered that i have been wrong all along.it is obvious that u are part of the clintons political macineries and u will stop at nothing until u have distroy all there opponents
umm, reading this article was a waste of my time. Frankly, whocares?!? This has nothing to do with the presidency.
ya know... I'm a registered Republican and have voted Republican the past two elections (I'm still young), but Obama is the only democrat I would vote for. If Hillary wins, I will yet again vote Republican regardless of who it is.
I don't think CNN is doing anything to destroy Obama, I think they're just obsessed with him. I can't help but notice that I constantly see articles about this particular democratic canidate. I don't see too much about the other canidates.
Do you think they are really just trying to boost the attention to Obama?
I am a Democrat who prays that Hillary will not get the nomination to run for president of the U.S. The media is pushing for her because they think she will bring far more controversy than any of the other candidates and they may be right. I do not want to see this country go through any more of the negative news coverage we have seen with Bill Clinton and George Bush. We need a president that both parties will support and put and end to all this fighting within. I don't care what party the candidate represents as long as they provide for all the people of this country. Hillary you do not have the experience to run this country. Most wives know when their husbands are cheating believe me I know from experience why didn't you?
Hmmm... it does look like Michelle Obama's comments harmed Hillary's campaign–the only question is whether or not that was her intent. In addition to talking about the importance of a strong family, Michelle Obama also says "Is HE somebody that respects family? Is HE a good and decent person?"
Of course, if she was trying to hurt Hillary's chances of being elected, there's nothing wrong with that
.
You know it really ticks me off that people look to the presidency as a "moral role." If you want morals go to church! Politics is NOT the place to look for morals! Also I agree with rob, but would like to add that the media always paints a different picture when they speak about blacks. and this is a perfect example. Just like during Katrina when they reported that white folks were "scavaging" and then in the same breath from the same reporter black folks were "looting" the point is as long as the media uses seperate language to descibe whites and blacks we will always be on the short end of the stick. It is just amazing to me that we are so advanced and yet we are so caught up in a system that requires such heavy use of a "race line." I wish Mr. Obama the best of luck. I also wish Mrs. Clinton the best of luck. This country really needs a change of leadership, one that is not from a white protestant male. I think it is a fine idea to have a womans touch in the presidency. I also think it is a fine idea to have a black mans touch in the presidency, after all this country's great wealth was built on the backs of slaves and the oppression of non white people.
No, she obviously wasn't referring to the Clintons. Maybe you can apply her advice to them...but that's up to the audience.
Why is this news? To fuel disenchantment or Sean Hannity's talking points? Thanks CNN for this stupid gossip report. I'm getting more and more disgusted with your reporting.
-A guy trying to objectively follow the '08 race.
CNN is desperately trying to make something out of nothing here. She was mainly highlighting her husbands strenghts as a family man, Not trying to take a swipe at the Clintons. But if the cap fits, i guess it fits.
I'm beginning to lose respect for CNN. Look at all the article on Obama during the last few weeks. Negative...negative...negative. Political spin on all his actions, and now, non-actions.
Hillary Clinton the victim? Give me a break!
Aww, poor little Hillary. Another vast right wing conspiracy against her no doubt. It's so vast it is even sucking in the Obama's. PLEASE!!!
One day this nation will realize, the Clinton's are good people, ON CAMERA. Way too much baggage for the White House. Yes I know they ALL have some kind of baggage, but there aren't enough bedrooms in the White House to unpack all of the Clinton's baggage, AGAIN.
Can any of you remember the 90's Clinton did not go to war with IRAG.
– Jimmy, Cherokee Oklahoma
Yes, I remember... I remember Billy doing nothing to stop the growing hatred aimed at us. What we know today as terrorism. Sorry Jimmy, but a return of pre-911 Clinton mentality will not protect us in the new millennium either..
I think I have about had my fill of CNN...When you guys decide to start covering the Dem. candidates in an unbiased manner, please let me know. As for now I think I will start tuning into to FOX news...at least
taking "swipes" at all Dem candidates is a bit more "fair and balanced" than what is going on at CNN.
To Maddy in Hartford and Debi in Philadelphia:
How the two of you and the media can see this as a swipe against the Clintons is beyond me. Read in context the comments are solely about Obama's capablitity in running his own house and that capability extending to the running of the White House. You have been manipulated by the media. You who need to start thinking for yourselves.
Of all the people to attach that statement too, it certainly wouldn't refer to Mrs. Clinton. If it did apply to anyone it would be Rudy Giuliani! He blantantly disrespected, his wife and his children if a very public way.
Hillary can only control Hillary, not Bill Clinton's wondering eye. However, Rudy controls Rudy.
This is the poorest display of journalism I have seen in a long time. This statement was made a while ago and now it is a story because another newspaper made an assumption.
HEY CNN LOOKS LIKE YOU GUYS NEED SOME GOOD HELP, I WILL WORK FOR HALF THE WAGE AND FAR BETTER WORK>
Has anyone read her entire quote???What a joke! Mrs. Obama says on one hand that family should come first and she is running her household properly and on the other hand, she tells us that she gets her girls out of bed, gets them ready, dumps them off and doesnt see them until bedtime! Nice family. What ever happened to being with your children and REALLY raising them? What a pathetic hypocrite!
Obama supporters are saying on the one hand that Michelle was not talking about Hillary and on the other hand are praising her for "having a point" about Hillary. You can't have it both ways. It was either directed at Hillary or it wasn't.
My feeling is it was directed a Giuliani. And although I'm a Hillary supporter, I love Barack and Michelle. The reason I won't vote for Barack, however, is that his supporters spew the same anti-Hillary bile that Republicans do. On the whole, Hillary supporters seem upbeat about both Clinton and Obama. Obamaphiles are killing their candidate.
Oh, give me a break. There must be SOMETHING of substance going on in politics. The original quote is not at all controversial.
The only people who would be offended by what she said are those who are too dense to find the transcript of what she said and those who already are feeling guilty about their family life for one reason or another. If Ms Clinton is secure in her family life, she'll laugh it off. I mean, were any of the other candidates offended?
Oh please. Can the candidates, and spouses talk about real issues? And can the media STOP making headlines out of non-stories??? I am worried about my health care, taxes, the enviroment and other real issues.
This was NOT a swipe at Clinton. CNN just wants a chance to put Hillary's name in another headline.
Did you all watch Michelle's speech? She was brilliant!
I would be honored to have her as my first lady!!
From my reading of both posts by others and misquoting or quoting out of context by various "news" sources, Obama is quite a threat to the status quo!
The perceived threat is SO large that the reporters now have to twist someone who actually believes in strong family values! Sad to think that some have to sink that low!
I trust Americans, like myself, who can see through the myriad 'misquotes' and decided for THEMSELVES who is the best candidate to remove this fine country from the quaqmire & morass of polarized politics and arrogant, self serving foreign policies.
Talk about family values and the first political family that comes to mind are THE CLINTONS...your children are a direct reflection on what values are being taught and demonstrated at home . Chelsea Clinton has to be one of the best role models for any young girl to look up to!!!!! Chelsea Clinton went to public school for her first 8 years ...unlike The OBAMA girls...Chelsea had a working MOM who got her up in the morning and brushed her hair....etc..etc...How is doing your job as a MOM considered a MORAL VALUE....Raising your children to be RESPECTABLE young adults is raising your children with good moral judgements.....Chelsea Clinton has lived through a lot ..always in the public eye...having a MOM like Hillary to look up to and to guide her from right and wrong regardless of what her peers are doing shows me why HILLARY CLINTON should and will be our next PRESIDENT...The Clintons ran the WHITE HOUSE and RAISED a wonderful daughter...from a working mother of 4 wonderful gifted children (educated in the public school system)
Wonder whether anyone who posted comments criticizing cnn for this story would be willing to ditch this particular news organization and start getting the news from some other outfit? Seems to me that's the only way to get the message across. Hit them where it hurts. 'Nuff said.
Unbelievable, any one here who thinks this was a swipe at Clinton is a self-delusional fool. It was not, and anyone who was honest with themselves would know that. Read what she actually said. I'm disgusted with you all.
Can someone from CNN please answer this message with a direct answer? why is CNN so pro Hillary Clinton? what has she ever done to deserve besides be the wife of a man who cheated? come on america
Hillary Clinton kept her marriage together and should be applauded for that. She did what any good Christian would have done and showed forgiveness. It is time the news media did the same. Mrs. Clinton has worked her entire life in good works the force behind her husband and it is her time now to be the leader – and she is a leader! That is obvious by the manner in which she presents herself as a Senator, a candidate and as a family person.
Unblievable. Media just ought to stop this nonsense and pounce on Romney or Guiliani or McCain or Thompson or somebody for a change. They're always fighting, attacking one another, and lying yet they get away with it. Michelle Obama was speaking of her family, which was very clear. Why does everything Obama and the Obamas say have to be directed towards Hillary Clinton? Because the 'powers that be' want it that way, that's why. Clinton shouldn't flatter herself so much. Attention is not always geared towards her. And it's also past time that Obama be called front-runner. (Romney, whose national poll numbers have always been in the toilet - what 2%, 8% high, is called front-runner.) Obama's been first in the money race both quarters of either party, leads the donor race of either party both quarters and leads in polls in some caucus states (the only place Romney leads, Iowa). Why should Hillary then constantly be called front-runner just because she leads in National polls of 340 likely Democratic primary voters surveyed, who it appears are polled every 2 days?
No, it was about her own family. Only the repubs would create a false argument and the world falls for it. There are people dying in Iraq and we are talking about "fake" impressions taken out of context. By the way, she is a refreshing hope that people coming onto the world stage are honest, intelligent and not prone to "bumper sticker" rhetoric.
The quote in context:
That one of the most important things that we need to know about the next President of the United States is, is he somebody that shares our values? Is he somebody that respects family? Is a good and decent person? So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care. They just know that I was at home to tuck them in at night, and it keeps them grounded, and, and children, the children in our country have to know that they come first. And our girls do and that's why we're doing this. We're in this race for not just our children, but all of our children.
I can't believe you haven't corrected this yet. And I'm with Juanito, it was just bizarre to hear Anderson Cooper announce they were waiting for Hillary's response. I guess you're all working for her at CNN now.
Read the entire text of the speech. Mrs. Obama was pointing out the way she runs her own household, she was promoting her family as a role model – and saying anyone who wants to be in the White House should be one as well.
This snippet was taken out of context and interpreted to push somebody's political agenda, which is to create division among Democrats, as though that will strengthen a weak Republican field.
I am not sure whay anyone is making such a big deal about this. yhis is what Political paties do. The try to make their opponents look bad. This is not a new tatic it is just the way it is. And since it is so common we should just read it and move on to what is important, the issues.
Ashlee Camirand (26)
Wyomissing, PA
Even though I do not support Obama because due to his lack of experience. I do not believe that his wife was taking a direct hit at Mrs. Clinton. I totally support the Clintons, because together they have done more for me than any other political figure in my lifetime (I am 40). If Barrack wants to make sure he's in the White House, maybe he should eat crow and ask Hillary if he can be her VICE President once she gets the nomination... THAT TICKET WOULD SURELY WIN! Then once he has some experience in the White House as Vice President, maybe then can run alone for the President's after two terms as Vice.
This is the type of hogwash journalism that I would expect from one of your rival news networks. Shame on you CNN!
Nice try at denial, she was clearly taking a shot at Hillary Rotten Clinton. Spin it how you want but these two camps are actually competing right now for the endorsement so they may take shots at eachother, if you can handle it. Weak minds people.
Mrs. Obama was talking about the Clinton's...no doubt. Pitty, though, that this lady considers herself above Hilary R. Clinton, a woman that had to make one of the most dificult choices a female has to make...keep the cheater...A woman who is capable of forgiving her husband for such an act, is the kind of person who I want for President...one that has the guts to stand without shame, and makes her OWN decisions. Been happily married now does not reflect what will happen if Mr. Obama wins the Presidency.
Honestly, you Clinton supporters...Obama has more years of political experience than does Hillary. She may have visited a few more dignitaries, but she has about the same level of experience in foreign policy, none. He tendencies are alarmingly similar to Bush's in terms of government openness and accountability. She acts like she's got tons more experience with the presidency, but what she's got is experience asking people for money and playing the Beltway Game.
Obama's books are excellent if you would like to know more about him, and The Audacity of Hope is very good at explaining what he wants to do for America.
Soundbyte stories like this from the MSM are obscuring the truth about Obama: once you know what he's really like, you'll support him. This shows itself to be true in the vast numbers of Republicans supporting him. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the nomination is the much tougher fight for Obama. If he wins the nomination, he's probably going to win in a landslide. If you watch the coverage of Obama at the local and city level, it's overwhelmingly positive. And it consistently mentions Obama's broad appeal.
I have confidence in Obama's campaign strategy, and I think it will make the difference come primary time this winter. But these stories by the MSM scare me, because their bias toward Clinton is very clear. (Not reporting that she got booed more than once, and then saying she won the debate? WHAT?)
If you want to watch our country topple like the Roman Empire in the coming decades, elect Hillary or a GOP candidate, and Washington will proceed with its half-assed business-as-usual semi-actions (like No Child Left Behind, and immigration reform, and Iraq proposals, and a few relatively insignificant increases to minimum wage, and nonexistent bridge repairs, and over-deregulation of big business, and health care [Anyone remember Hillary's last stab at health care reform?], and ethics reform, and welfare reform [when what we really need to do is teach the man to fish instead of giving it to him], and energy independence [Congress has basically done what the auto industry told them to do], and making Social Security solvent [it's easy, just ditch the earnings cap, but Congress won't because rich people no likey that], and supporting our veterans [a fair portion of those troops that Americans have paid millions of dollar to proclaim support for will be homeless in the future if nothing is done], and so on. I could go on, but if that doesn't get the message through to you, your name just might be Karl Rove (or Hillary Clinton).
How come nobody brings up the issue of Clinton emphatically denying, in an interview a couple of years back, that she would not run for presidency. But here she is RUNNING for president? Instead they are focussed on issues that are entirely trivial. I wonder what meaning they will read next into Obama sneezing! Utterly rediculous!
Someone posted the following as Michelle Obama's original quote. I couldn't find a reference for it. If this is her actual quote then this is yet another example of the way the media disgustingly twists people's words.
She's talking about not allowing a run for the presidency ruin their family. Here's the quote:
"So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care."
"So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care."
Post the ENTIRE quote in your joke of an article, CNN. This is getting absolutely ridiculous! Does CNN have no journalistic standards anymore?
This kind of news is what I expect from Fox News......Shame on You CNN
That one of the most important things that we need to know about the next President of the United States is, is he somebody that shares our values? Is he somebody that respects family? Is a good and decent person? So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care. They just know that I was at home to tuck them in at night, and it keeps them grounded, and, and children, the children in our country have to know that they come first. And our girls do and that's why we're doing this. We're in this race for not just our children, but all of our children.
These are her actual words, just keep posting them so that people will know the truth instead of the "ratings truth" CNN puts up. Looks alot like self reflection to me.
First of all its not slander...its libel...
Second of all, i agree that any arguments made by the obama companion that would propel family values to the top of a voter consideration should not be construed as an attack or "swipe" (whatever that means) to any of the other candidates.
It is laughable how sound bites can be turned around to behoove a non-existent story.
Jon
P.A.
Well, I'm an extremely liberal, undecided voter who is no fan of Hillary Clinton. That said, I was completely disgusted with Michelle Obama's comments, that were clearly aimed at Clinton. Please people. I don't care about peccadillos, but criticizing Clinton for the sins of her husband is lower than low. Not taking responsibility for it, and spinning it into..what? What was the point again? Still waiting to hear that.
Who among us has a perfect family? None of us. Thank you. I want our politicians to run the country well, not get into this holier-than-thou garbage.
I hope she was finally talking about the grifters. It is time the candidates quit "skirting" around the crux of this Clinton legacy run. Where is Monica's picture?
I think Mike had a good point there, why no one is addressing the issue of Clinton saying she would not run for president but ends up going back on her words, for some reason it has been taken off...probably by the same type of people who are reading meaning into Mrs. Obama's statement on family values, which is not addressed to any of her husbands political rivals in anyway.
Sherry
I haven’t posted on this story, because I don’t think politicians’ personal lives are any of my business.
I don’t think the tones of most of the comments serve our nation’s interests in these trying times.
However, on the charge of media bias, I don’t see how anyone could think CNN was being pro-Clinton by running this story. CNN is running an entertainment business, with advertising revenue based on ratings. They report the news they think their audience will want. As near as I can tell, CNN’s only bias is toward CNN.
It is about the Clintons! Mr. Clinton lied to the USA in the public eye of his marital affairs!!! Remember the healthcare promise from Hillary, it went nowhere! How would you feel if it was your daughter, niece, sister, etc. doing the intership at the White House! When you can answer that, "nogibbons" you can justify your comment. The Clintons are a disgrace, NO CLINTONS ON THE HILL!
CNN = CLINTON NEWS NETWORK
...STILL
Mrs. Obama most likely did not intend to take a swipe at Senator Clinton, however, I think she is enjoying the fall out from what was a simple line taken out of context by the quote un-quote main stream media. Please CNN, there are bigger issues at stake in this election to bother with what a Senator's wife says on a campaign stop. More importantly, who is more qualified to lead this Country? That's what we should be talking about.
CNN, you've become a parody of yourself. You guys are to LAZY to fact-check and use ONE SENTENCE out of a speech to smear this woman. Folks, this is the FULL text of her comment:
MICHELLE OBAMA: That one of the most important things that we need to know about the next President of the United States is, is he somebody that shares our values? Is he somebody that respects family? Is a good and decent person? So our view was that, if you can't run your own house, you certainly can't run the White House. So, so we've adjusted our schedules to make sure that our girls are first, so while he's traveling around, I do day trips. That means I get up in the morning, I get the girls ready, I get them off, I go and do trips, I'm home before bedtime. So the girls know that I was gone somewhere, but they don't care. They just know that I was at home to tuck them in at night, and it keeps them grounded, and, and children, the children in our country have to know that they come first. And our girls do and that's why we're doing this. We're in this race for not just our children, but all of our children.
Where in that comment does she refer to Clinton? You guys seem to be on a mission to tear Obama down and anoint Hilary to the throne. This is the same way Bush got into office. BTW, folks, CNN's pollster, Vinod Gupta, is a Clinton Supporter who's donated thousands to her campaign. Google it.
Well...it's obvious that some of the commenters have decided to believe that Michelle Obama was attacking Hillary, despite evidence to the contrary.
No fair-minded person would read her ENTIRE quote and conclude that she was attacking Hillary.
Sad to see such intellectual dishonesty here.
Even worse, I watched the political panel on Lou Dobbs an hour ago, and ALL three of them were bashing Senator Obama for "Michelle attacking Hillary".
I mean...why has CNN deliberately chosen NOT to play the entire Michelle Obama quote? All CNN is showing is just a selected portion of her quote, in order to make it SEEM LIKE she was talking about Hillary.
This is beyond the pale.
This is absurd.
All this hype is just more evidence of the rampant racism that still exists in this country. Most people like to pretend that we did away with all that in the 60's and 70's. We didnt. People just choose to not see it when it stares you in the face. Senator Obama is more than qualified for the role of president but i can guarantee that america will not yet tolerate an african american in the "white" house.
To Lee in Fredricksburg: Lee I do think for myself, I read the article and the very first thing that came to my mind was "Clinton" and I believe that was by design.
Say what you want. You can try every trick in the book to smear Mr Obama, but the fact remains that he WILL WIN the nomination and ultimately win the presidency. I can't wait to see the stupid look on your face when the votes come in. You know who you are. Enough Said.
Mrs. Obama's introduction of her husband at the Iowa State Fair is perhaps the finest and most stirring moment I've seen in the entire campaign at any time thus far. She said that's she tired of fear, tired of being afraid. She spoke truly from her heart and I'd recommend anyone to check out the video on cnn.com video.
Sen. Obama and his wife are so much above the crappy attacks and soundbites, it washes off like water.
Attack? I think not. She was merely saying what many christians believe is true in any area of life. There is no need to take on the responsibility of others if you cannot mind the affairs of your own home. That would be backwords and out of order. Are we not teaching our children to set priorities and become responsible in personal matters before they take on even greater tasks?
Regardless of WHO said it, There is a lot of truth to what Michelle Obama said. Maybe morals are what this country needs more of.
Mrs. Obama wasn't talking about Cllinton. Unless you think that every president's wife for the past 200 years was also talking about Clinton. Do you want me to show you the writings of the past first lady's and their statements on the importance of family? She is just saying what everyone – including Clinton herself – says about family. If you think this is about Clinton, it is because you either don't suport Clinton, and you want to make a point that Obama did not OR you do support Clinton and want to make it seem as though Obama is taking the low road. Either way, all of you folks are part of the problem, not part of the solution. Grow up.
Isn't it amazing that almost everyone posting a reply can see through the bull of this story. We aren't as stupid as the media thinks.
Speaking in vague terms about running a household is not a good way to lead into why are qualified to run a country. Make statements such as you have to able to run a household without stating what the definition of running a household is and relating it to running the White House sound pollyanna ish. So, if I can run a household, I can be president; cool. Who cares who she was thinking of, it is an insult (superiority issue)to everyone by trying to say you can do something better because you say so. Running a household is such a private and individualistic and cultural (i.e. America) matter. The way someone runs a household may not work for my family.
Bogus! read the context too!
And everyone else get a life
Peace
I'm a conservative, and I'm big on family values, but I'm sick of how they get tossed around like a political qualification. Yes, families are important, and yes it reflects on someone's character, but any politician can parade his family around. And whoever can suggest that Mrs. Obama's remarks were directed specifically against the Clintons, Bush, or whomever...go jump in a lake.
Whoa whoa whoa, georgewashington! Why don't you think a little bit about what you're implying by saying "politics is not the place to look for morals".
While it is certainly true we see very little morals when we look at politics, it is precisely the lack of "moral" elected officials that has been destroying our children's future for decades. I would certainly agree that we don't need to look to our elected leaders for RELIGIOUS guidance, but if we continue to elect morally deficient people to public office, we are basically complicit in their crimes against the environment, world peace, etc.
You can make the argument that most people are self-serving... but I also say that most people have a conscience. It would seem that the majority of our elected officials over the past few decades are lacking in that department. How else do you explain the predictable ignoring of ENORMOUSLY important, but inconvenient issues? Believe me, government officials have LONG known about certain environmental problems, but have avoided dealing with it because they would lose their jobs and campaign funding if they stood up strong for the necessary change.
Oh, and you want to talk about slavery? Just think for a minute about how things in this country would be if we had cowardly, profoundly self-serving leaders at that time who were unwilling to stand up against it? Any leader at that time knew that to stand up to slavery would probably bring them a war AND a bullet. Fortunately for us, we had leaders willing to make big sacrifices to fight such injustice. Would the leaders we elect these days do the same? I doubt it.
I would argue, passionately, that a decent but average man with a conscience would be a far better leader and make far better decisions when it came to important things than a brilliant, but undeniably self-serving man.
NOW, SPECIFICALLY about Bill Clinton, because I know this is really who you're trying to defend here... Please change your defense to something more along the lines of "He messed up, but who doesn't", NOT the ridiculous argument that "Ehhh, morals don't matter anyway, I only care how well he does his job".
Until the American people FINALLY realize that ALL the problems we see in our country and EVERYTHING we complain about is ultimately OUR fault, NOTHING will ever improve.
One of the mistakes we make is electing self-serving, cowardly pieces of garbage who have no conscience and no qualms over selfishly taking the easy way out and passing the buck (er, the debt) to future generations.
The sooner we realize that the MOST important thing about a candidate is his or her character, the sooner we will start to finally fix the problems our uneducated, lazy apathy has allowed to ravage our country.
Something I would like everyone to think about: IQ is merely a multiplier to one's effectiveness at doing whatever one sets out to do.
If we want to continue to elect those poor in character, we'd do much better to only elect really, really stupid people. The worst thing we can do is elect brilliant, profoundly self-serving people.
I mean really, just imagine you're trusting someone to manage all of your finances. The best case scenario is of course that you find a brilliant and trustworthy individual with a conscience. The WORST case scenario is that you appoint someone with incredible brilliance, but no concern for anyone else, no conscience. You would never be able to catch this person robbing you. Undesirable, but better, would be to appoint a relatively stupid self-serving jerk. You could at least catch him or her swindling you. And last, though not ideal, it would be even better to appoint a relatively stupid, but honest, person.
The sooner we realize this, the better.
It is not for nothing that this adage went thus,” Manners maketh a Man”. In concurrence with Mrs Obama’s assertion, a good leader must show exemplary behavior. As we all know of for those who know,” Charity begins at home and ends outside’. One cannot claim to be capable of effectively leading a country such as the united states of America if he/she cannot lead his/her family.
That Michelle Obama’s comments were an indirect attack on Mrs Clinton or any other candidate is clear evidence of the perverse way some Americans look at issues. Some will say it is the American way of analyzing issues; this is incorrect. Any reasonable person will look at issues from various perspectives before reaching any meaningful conclusion, but strangely enough, this is not always the case with most Americans.
In this vein, I must say that, the assertion that, Mrs Obama’s comments were directed to Mrs Clinton, is not just political distortion of facts; but an epitome of the lack of perception of facts by those who try to interpret her comments for what ever reason and intention (the Clinton Campaign inclusive). For it is not for nothing that this idiom goes thus,” A Dreamer always looks for a shape and figure to suit his/her ethereal essence”.
Any candidate worthy of leading this great country America, should go past the level of
Accurately reading meanings from people’s comments and responding accordingly. America once so great seems to have become an ailing nation so-much-so that, would-be
Preisdents need not be upright in as-much-as they have the money to buy the media to enhance their way up. What a shame? Americans should wake up and stop maintaining the old status quo.
To Debi in Philadelphia:
You're right on! It was by design! Anyone who read the article was SUPPOSED to think about Clinton! The CNN writers deliberately worded things in just that way to create some controversy.
We would all do better to try to look deeper than the most readily available media excrement that floats to the top. Whether or not you like Clinton, whether or not you like Obama, the fact of the matter is that the ARTICLE is divisive, while Mrs. Obama's little speech was nothing but.
I realize that we live in a country where people look for any possible way to justify their positions, legitimate or not (which is in fact why the media makes so much money; we pay them to help us justify our rationalizations), but we, AS A COUNTRY, need to wake up.
The media will shape up once we, as a country, WANT it to shape up. It is doing exactly as we want it to do currently.
The second we want unbiased, unspun truth, the second we show preference to a company that provides it to us... that is exactly when ALL the major news companies will begin providing it to us. They really are just mindless businesses. They will do whatever it takes to keep our favor and get our money.
Think about it.
Give me a break people. First of all, this isn't even a story and much less, why is everyone commenting on it? Just let it go and CNN and all the rest of the news media will learn that no one cares about this non-news stuff.
Do some real reporting for a change and let people make their own conclusions from what is said rather than jamming it down our throats.
On a side note, who cares that someone is a good family man or woman or not. Being a good family person does not make them a good leader automatically. Personally, I'd much rather have someone that was "real" rather than some poster child for "family values". Give me that real person who actually will do something about the real problems in this country, which I'm afraid to tell you are not all caused by poor family values.
Get a clue people and do some research and thinking for yourselves!!!
I don't think Mrs. Obamas comments should be interpreted as a jab at Hilary Clinton. If anything, I would think she was talking about the Bush family and the two mis-behaving daughters of the incumbent President. I applaud Mrs. Obama for not letting the presidential take precendence over the needs of her family. As Americans we always talk about the importance of family but we spend more time at work that we do with our families. I like the Obama's because they present themselves as real people and not politicians.
Michelle, You're no Hillary!
Michelle, you'll never be a Hillary.
Hillary lived in the White House
Hillary will live again in the White House.
Michelle never will.
Michelle, you're no First Lady material
Your swipes at Hillary
Place you in the fishwives class
Not in our White House.
Whoa whoa whoa,
!
Why don't you think a little bit about what you're implying by saying "politics is not the place to look for morals".
While it is certainly true we see very little morals when we look at politics, it is precisely the lack of "moral" elected officials that has been destroying our children's future for decades. I would certainly agree that we don't need to look to our elected leaders for RELIGIOUS guidance, but if we continue to elect morally deficient people to public office, we are basically complicit in their crimes against the environment, world peace, etc.
You can make the argument that most people are self-serving… but I also say that most people have a conscience.
It would seem that the majority of our elected officials over the past few decades are lacking in that department. How else do you explain the predictable ignoring of ENORMOUSLY important, but inconvenient issues? Believe me, government officials have LONG known about certain environmental problems, but have avoided dealing with it because they would lose their jobs and campaign funding if they stood up strong for the necessary change.
Oh, and you want to talk about slavery? Just think for a minute about how things in this country would be if we had cowardly, profoundly self-serving leaders at that time who were unwilling to stand up against it? Any leader at that time knew that to stand up to slavery would probably bring them a war AND a bullet. Fortunately for us, we had leaders willing to make big sacrifices to fight such injustice. Would the leaders we elect these days do the same? I doubt it.
I would argue, passionately, that a decent but average man with a conscience would be a far better leader and make far better decisions when it came to important things than a brilliant, but undeniably self-serving man.
NOW, SPECIFICALLY about Bill Clinton, because I know this is really who you're trying to defend here…
Please change your defense to something more along the lines of "He messed up, but who doesn't", NOT the ridiculous argument that "Ehhh, morals don't matter anyway, I only care how well he does his job".
Until the American people FINALLY realize that ALL the problems we see in our country and EVERYTHING we complain about is ultimately OUR fault, NOTHING will ever improve.
One of the mistakes we make is electing self-serving, cowardly pieces of garbage who have no conscience and no qualms over selfishly taking the easy way out and passing the buck (er, the debt) to future generations.
The sooner we realize that the MOST important thing about a candidate is his or her character, the sooner we will start to finally fix the problems our uneducated, lazy apathy has allowed to ravage our country.
Something I would like everyone to think about: IQ is merely a multiplier to one's effectiveness at doing whatever one sets out to do.
If we want to continue to elect those poor in character, we'd do much better to only elect really, really stupid people. The worst thing we can do is elect brilliant, profoundly self-serving people. I would only add to this , that the worst thing we can do is elect a brilliant, profoundly self-serving person who “is moral.”
I mean really, just imagine you're trusting someone to manage all of your finances. The best case scenario is of course that you find a brilliant and trustworthy individual with a conscience. The WORST case scenario is that you appoint someone with incredible brilliance, but no concern for anyone else, no conscience. You would never be able to catch this person robbing you. Undesirable, but better, would be to appoint a relatively stupid self-serving jerk. You could at least catch him or her swindling you. And last, though not ideal, it would be even better to appoint a relatively stupid, but honest, person.
The sooner we realize this, the better.
Posted By Isaac, Louisville, KY : August 23, 2007 12:33 pm
________________________________________
, Isaac from Louisville KY !
but Americans in general do not separate morals from religion. They link them together saying you can’t have morals if you don’t believe in god.
obviously bush does not have a conscience, otherwise he would not be so quick to throw away American soldiers’ lives away to pad his pocket with oil money. I can say that in my life time I have NEVER seen a moral president.
. Obviously we are reading from 2 different history books because you also failed to mention the economical crunch that removing slavery had on the US. Then you have Abe Lincoln who said that “I wish there was a way to keep the union together without emancipating the slaves.” Again just the fact that Thomas Jefferson continuously drew charts and took measurements of his slaves in order to prove that Africans were merely just a step up from primates, yet he indulged his lust with Sally Hemmings, proves morally bankrupt presidents since the 3rd president, and that fact that white people still pay blacks less than they do for fellow white people only points to me that we have not come that far “morally” yes we are not being whipped with a whip, but we are being whipped in the pocket book and in our social circumstances.
once again, did I say Bill Clinton? No I think I have given enough evidence that the presidency has been morally bankrupt for quite some time. Perhaps if you read a bit of history you would find that the great presidents like Theodore Roosevelt labeled him self moral and the doctrine of manifest destiny as a moral policy, yet what was manifest destiny, if not a measure to protect the monetary assets of the US by trampling all over the human rights of the native Americans and brutally killing them and removing them to reservations which in my opinion were at the time not much better a place than concentration camps, and on top of that it was basically genocide. Millions of natives died at the hands of a moral presidency. It is certainly much, much, much more than “ he messed up but who doesn’t”
I agree with you, but those of us who are actively trying to change the world around us for the better are called unpatriotic because we don’t serve the bush agenda, so I guess it is my fault that he feels that way about those of us who work towards a better world.
Do we have another choice??? I would rather elect the lesser of 2 evils than some moral zealot.
. I am not uneducated. I have had quite an education since bush has been in office. “We need a responsible gov’t” he said, “one that will be honest and forthcoming, and who will own up to their mistakes” “the buck stops here!” I’m sorry but did I miss something here? Iraq is messed up but the buck got passed, federal prosecutors have been fired under suspicious circumstances, but he claims executive privilege to avoid subpoenas. He will not own any of his “he just messed up”s at all but he is religious so that must make him moral and if he is moral then he is a good president. There is a book you should read, it is called “What’s wrong with Kansas” perhaps it may change your mind about why people vote for a “moral president” even though he is screwing them financially, and from a social welfare standpoint. I beg to differ but these things are not just mere “he messed up” issues.
. Yet it is interesting to point out that bush has the lowest IQ of any president that has ever been.
I said it once I’ll say it again, this country was built on the backs of slaves, Native Americans and anyone who was of non-white origin. To me this means that this has been a crooked system from the start, so how a “moral” person can ever be president, is beyond my imagination. I will say that I would prefer someone who robs me blind but keeps us friends with the rest of the worldand keeps us out of a war, than that of a moral idiot like bush who robs us, and gets us hated all over the world, and has people who want to kill us in the name of a deity.
. I would only add to this , that the worst thing we can do is elect a brilliant, profoundly self-serving person who “is moral.”
No one wants to be Hillary. Suffers the indignity of a serial cheater husband so you can grab the brash ring of power thru a Senate seat and presidental run. Hillary is Lady Macbeth on steriods.
I think it is a big stretch to clain that was a swipe at Hillary. However, i still disagree with the statement itself, and hope that the Obama campaign refrains from "family values" smoke screen talk.
the skills required to be a good husband and/or father are NOT AT ALL the same skills required to be a good president. We are not voting for Father of the Year, nor awarding Home Ec badges!
Let's give all of the candidates the benefit of a doubt. It has become so ingrained in our collective psyche, right or wrong, that all candidates are controlled by mudslinging. The first part of the term candidate is the word candid. Let them be candid. Stop looking at there comments through your own world view. Accept the fact that any leader should lead first at home, before anywhere else. Nothing more. nothing less. Is the statement correct? Then accept it as correct. Even the Christ, during his farcical trial, when struck for stating the truth, ask a very good question. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?"
Supporters of Clinton may apply what Mrs. Obama said to her, or they should just evaluate the statement as either personal conviction, a universal fact, a public opinion, or pure rhetoric. But it need not be an accusation.
Since the country at large did not believe that family roles and personality matters were viable factors in public affairs by electing Clinton to his first term, and then by re-electing him, it is doubtful that such a focus would provide any support for Senator Obama anyway.
Why don't we just stick to the facts, and journalists focus on them, rather than adding their own paradigms to the equation?
CNN: Keep reporting the negative press on Obama–makes me work even harder to get people to the poles to vote for him and it's turning many of the black voters that Hillary has against her thanks to her loving husband Slick Bill and all of your blatant negative reporting. Hillary needs the African-American vote, but she's slowly losing momentum with us. As an African-American, I was undecided yet leaning towards voting for Hillary, but not anymore after CNN's and Bill's pathetic antics and to think that I used to LOVE that man. Well, he's still a hottie.
Go OBAMA "08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!