November 18, 2007
Posted: 09:47 AM ET

Obama reacted Saturday to reports that a smear from the Clinton campaign may be coming.

(CNN)–Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama called on his rival for the nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, to put to rest a report that agents of her campaign are spreading word of an alleged scandal involving Obama.

"She of all people, having complained so often about 'the politics of personal destruction,' should move quickly to either stand by or renounce these tactics," Obama said in a statement released by his campaign on Saturday.

Obama's comments stem from a newspaper column by the journalist Robert Novak published Saturday. Novak claimed that surrogates for Clinton have mounted a word of mouth campaign among Democratic circles regarding scandalous information the Clinton campaign has about Obama. Novak said that experienced veterans of Democratic politics believe the Clinton campaign is withholding the release of the information because it wants to avoid a re-play of the 2004 nomination fight, when attacks on each other by Richard Gephardt, and Howard Dean were credited with assisting the rise, and eventual nomination of another candidate, Massachusetts Senator John Kerry.

" The cause of change in this country will not be deterred or sidetracked by the old 'Swift Boat' politics," the Illinois senator went on to say in the statement. "But in the interest of our party, and her own reputation, Senator Clinton should either make public any and all information referred to in the item, or concede the truth: that there is none."

"We have no idea what Mr. Novak's item is about and reject it totally," Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer told CNN Saturday. "Instead of pointing fingers at us, Senator Obama should get back to the issues and focus on what this election is really about."

"Once again Senator Obama is echoing Republican talking points, this time from Bob Novak. This is how Republicans work," Singer went on to say. "A Republican leaning journalist runs a blind item designed to set Democrats against one another. Experienced Democrats see this for what it is. Others get distracted and thrown off their games. Voters should be concerned about the readiness of any Democrat inexperienced enough to fall for this. There is a campaign in this race that has engaged in the very practice that Senator Obama is decrying, and it's his."

"The Clinton campaign has admitted that they do not possess the ‘scandalous information’ in question and we take them at their word," said David Plouffe, Obama's campaign manager in a statement on Saturday. "But what we don’t accept is their assertion that this is somehow falling for Republican tricks. This is exactly the kind of smear politics, Democrats need to fight back on, regardless of the source or the party. Democrats should know that when Barack Obama is their nominee, he will not allow the ‘Swift boat’ politics of fear and diversion to prevail in this campaign."

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– CNN Political Desk Editor Jamie Crawford

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Race to '08


Jacqueline   January 9th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Hmm…Fool us twice CNN and MSNBC and Fox and you get real good at it…You can get away with stealing another election for your corporate candidate…not a problem…Hillary as nominee is a shoe in for YOUR choice of corporate sponsor to win. I'd wish you luck but you guys don't need it as long as YOU own the disinformation/propaganda channels.

therealist   November 20th, 2007 10:36 am ET

"Don't 'Swift Boat' me"

Hey Obama, I think you would have actually had to have been in the military for a group of fellow US officers dispute your accounts of combat..

Jennifer, Denver, Colorado   November 20th, 2007 3:01 am ET

I am disappointed that the reporting on Iowa polls is understated. The fact that Obama is leading should be the opening line, not hidden paragraphs later. Obama is ahead of Clinton at present and that IS big news. He has been behind Clinton in the polls for a long while, and Iowa is very important. So, why not amp this up as done with Clinton's meager performance in Nevada with a favorable audience? What is the goal in reporting these days? Is the same-old-same-old better news than change?

Anonymous, NC   November 19th, 2007 10:04 pm ET

Are we seeing evidence of Hillary's goon squad Dick Morris is so vocal about? Say it isn't so…

JC, Topeka, Kansas   November 19th, 2007 2:10 pm ET

Once apon a time there was a canidate named Obama. obama was a breath of fresh air, then political handlers got ahold of him, and he became a typical canidate without apparently out a history to stand upon. Why do I say this, because Obama started attacking other canidates rather than talking his ideas.

Turn off, now that he is being attacked by parties not named, he crys foul, wwell, all I can say is if you want a public life and you want to thrown stones, you had better be prepared for some stones to be tossed your way.

You want it to stop, ignore it and run a positive, up front campaign. Talk your poliicies and ideas and attack no other canidate. But don't mind me, you lost my vote when the handlers got hold of you.

Frank tulsa, ok   November 19th, 2007 1:31 pm ET

Could it be that Novak is trying to stir the pot? Why doesn't he try to 'cannibalize' his own party?

Consider the source folks, he's a pot stirring idiot using legal anonymity so he doesn't have to divulge the 'sources' that he doesn't have.

Do any of you think it's ironic that this comes on the heels of the Rove advice to Barak? This is calculated crap. Why does Nofacts and Rover all of the sudden care about the Dems primary so much? We're so stupid, we fall for this ridiculousness every time. If we keep buying into it we'll lose the general election for sure.

We all talk about how these idiots have no creditibility then react on this blog like fish to bait.

WAKE UP DEMS THEY STILL THINK THEY HAVE OUR NUMBER!!!! And we're proving them right.

David Columbus, OH   November 19th, 2007 11:03 am ET

Thanks for censoring me CNN. You guys are a real piece of work.

Ron Nebraska   November 19th, 2007 12:24 am ET

Give it up, Barack Hussein Osama.

Hillary's gonna win ( Osama's quaking even before Hillary released the scandalous info

But if Obama somehow does the impossible and gets the Dem nomination, guess what – me and a lot of other Dems are gonna vote for the Republican. Yes we know how bad they are, but atleast they're NOT MUSLIM JEHADI sympathiser.

No way we can have a Muslim Jehadi guy running ( ruining?) America, the last defense against global Islamic terrorism.

Posted By Jim Bremer : November 18, 2007 9:12 pm

Wow, that's really clever Jim. Do you listen to Fox news much or did you make that up all your little self?

muthoni,boston,ma   November 19th, 2007 12:12 am ET

Europe,
You put an intelligent comment stating your views and gave supporting info why YOU like Hillary Clinton. The response to your comment was to get lost and implied you came across like an idiot. We both know from that response who looks like the idiot on here. Don't get angry, I'm sure you understand when people like that spew ignorant hatemongering statements that have no factual basis all they can come back with is idiotic responses.
Posted By fair,washington,dc : November 18, 2007 7:16 pm —————————————–
you are just showing you are another idiot that live in America and just want a fake reputation of your leaders who are ruining your country. Unfortunately, those of us who are not Americans, but live here know this country is far from what the worlds look at it. No wonder people like you see no problem to have Bush in the white house. To be short, just open up your eyes it might change a thing or two in your resourceful and capable country….

James,NH   November 19th, 2007 12:03 am ET

Let Obama grow up first, before he wants to run ( ruin ?) America :)
Posted By Jim Bremer : November 18, 2007 9:14 pm

You grow first….. I am sure you won't even grow to be an inch of Obama is even if we add you another 5000years to live in the universe. Just access this, if you are 25 and he is 46, do you even see yourself to be any close to where you are or you be left there whinning……I am sure even if he doesn't have a shot on this one, he still have a chance. If he doesn't make it he still have a life to live and I bet a very nice one. He already worth 2million. So go figure!

David Branch, Waco, Texas   November 18th, 2007 11:49 pm ET

Obama shouldn't worry about it. The Clintonistas in the trailer parks won't remember it tomorrow unless Jerry Springer makes a reference to it.

Jacob, Des Moines, Iowa   November 18th, 2007 11:02 pm ET

all those who call obama "barack hussein osama" and say he is an islamic terrorist can kiss mine

you all are just racists, religiously intolerable, ignorant people.

now i know there are some people in my own republican party who have the same attitude towards muslims

BUT ONLY LIKE 2 OF US HAVE CALLED OBAMA "OSAMA" OR SAY HE'S A MUSLIM TERRORISTS AND WE DONT LIKE TO AFFILIATE THEM WITH THE REPUBLICAN PARTY

HEY IGNORANT RACISTS…ACCEPT THAT FACT THAT HE IS A BLACK CHRISTIAN WHO COULD BE THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE

Marilyn Bryan, Taylor, AR   November 18th, 2007 10:53 pm ET

All this to-do about a rumor about a rumor.
Who really cares about the issues, when
one can make an issue of a "non-issue?
Surely there are more important things to do than repeat what someone else thinks or says.
Everyone seems to have a different interpretation, depending solely on their personal likes and dislikes.
The last president was elected because of his likeable "personality". That should be an lesson for all time.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   November 18th, 2007 9:36 pm ET

If there is ONE SINGLE PIECE OF PROOF that Barack Obama has done ONE THING to show that he is a Muslim since he was TEN YEARS OLD, then it should be offered so that his opponents don't look so much like paranoids. By their "logic", Obama could also turn out to be a "closet" Catholic since he ALSO took training as a child in Catholicism. The FALSE claims exposed by CNN are as ridiculous as fearing that he might become president and surrender the United States to Vatican City.

sk, NY, NY   November 18th, 2007 9:31 pm ET

BTW- what are the allegations? any detail? what did you say? no details?
then why is Obama and his supporters crying wolf….oh it has just become a very bad habit.

John Halverson DC   November 18th, 2007 9:29 pm ET

Europe:

you are intruding, I doubt that you know very much about our politics and quite frankly after living in Europe I doubt that you even care about our politics. Bill Clinton is/was a complete scum bag!

Jack, Fort Myers, FL   November 18th, 2007 9:27 pm ET

First, Novak's report, like most of his reporting, lacks traceable sources. But, knowing his political leanings, I'm inclined this is about as credible as the Carl Rove recommendations to Obama. Just more machinations from the RNC to create more strife and infighting–so instead of issues the Dems are focused on defending themselves from "unverifiable" muckraking. What suprises me, is the immediate knee-jerk response from Obama's camp. His staff seems to be getting punchy.

Jim Bremer   November 18th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

Making fun of people's names is a favorite pasttime of children, but the best part is that they ALWAYS STOP when the GROW UP.

Posted By Richard, West Palm Beach, FL : November 18, 2007 5:48 pm

———————————–

Let Obama grow up first, before he wants to run ( ruin ?) America :)

Jim Bremer   November 18th, 2007 9:12 pm ET

Give it up, Barack Hussein Osama.

Hillary's gonna win ( Osama's quaking even before Hillary released the scandalous info :)

But if Obama somehow does the impossible and gets the Dem nomination, guess what – me and a lot of other Dems are gonna vote for the Republican. Yes we know how bad they are, but atleast they're NOT MUSLIM JEHADI sympathiser.

No way we can have a Muslim Jehadi guy running ( ruining?) America, the last defense against global Islamic terrorism.

fair,washington,dc   November 18th, 2007 7:16 pm ET

Europe,
You put an intelligent comment stating your views and gave supporting info why YOU like Hillary Clinton. The response to your comment was to get lost and implied you came across like an idiot. We both know from that response who looks like the idiot on here. Don't get angry, I'm sure you understand when people like that spew ignorant hatemongering statements that have no factual basis all they can come back with is idiotic responses.

charles   November 18th, 2007 7:13 pm ET

I just hate to be black! Thant is all what I can say…

jimi,tx   November 18th, 2007 7:11 pm ET

I think this was well timed. Can you see the coincidence of Bonds indictment with this? He was allowed to play all the way then they came after him when he retired, why not before…Ooooh I forgot he had to make money for those owners….
Obama was allowed to go all the way with the campaign till at the end of the debate when they formulated a way to kill his campaign. Why allowed to do that?….Ooooh I forgot he had to be used to cheer up the Americans after 4 years of Bush killing their brains, dividing and straining them by a strings of things, not forgetting the pain this country is in….
Just a thought of what happened could be true or not…just decided to share if anyone look at this that way…..

sally,chicago   November 18th, 2007 6:55 pm ET

"Hillary is just as dirty as Bill.
Posted By Brad, Stockton, CA : November 18, 2007 11:42 am"

Says who? I am not American so I apologize if I am intruding your very well informed discussion. But I lived some time in the US in mid 90s (don't jump on this, absolutely legally).. and it wasn't bad at all at that time.

Except the scandals around Bill Clinton (that learning later how the American politics works I still can see some were possible fabrications) I found that he was a very inspirational American President. Bill represented you very well overseas, the lives of Americans were prosperous and more secure than today, and honestly, he has a presidential appearance. So I don't really understand the 'dirty' part mentioned by some of you, and I certainly don't believe that you have to transfer it to Hillary.

The rest of the world used to look up to America, I doubt this is the case now. I followed Hillary's campaign and I have lots of admiration for her. Obama is insecure and a little bit arrogant. Edwards lost once and now he is playing badly the social class card. Biden and Richardson make very good impressions, but sorry for those who don't agree.. Hillary Clinton is a different league..

Posted By from Europe : November 18, 2007 4:05 pm

You are lost or get lost!. If you are somewhere else some other country, please focus on the problems facing your people or something. What are you telling Americans that they don't know? All what you look here is just being an Idiot…what else?

Chris, Bethesda, Maryland   November 18th, 2007 4:56 pm ET

Clinton to Obama; Suck it up.

Ethel, New York, NY   November 18th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

DUH! Hillary Clinton uses the word "REPUBLICAN" like she used to use the name "NEWT GRINGRICH." Her campaign is about getting dems to ASSOCIATE Senator Obama with the word REBUBLICAN. Hill…you really are hilarious. Why don't YOU start focusing on the ISSUES and not on the other parties.

from Europe   November 18th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

"Hillary is just as dirty as Bill.
Posted By Brad, Stockton, CA : November 18, 2007 11:42 am"

Says who? I am not American so I apologize if I am intruding your very well informed discussion. But I lived some time in the US in mid 90s (don't jump on this, absolutely legally).. and it wasn't bad at all at that time.

Except the scandals around Bill Clinton (that learning later how the American politics works I still can see some were possible fabrications) I found that he was a very inspirational American President. Bill represented you very well overseas, the lives of Americans were prosperous and more secure than today, and honestly, he has a presidential appearance. So I don't really understand the 'dirty' part mentioned by some of you, and I certainly don't believe that you have to transfer it to Hillary.

The rest of the world used to look up to America, I doubt this is the case now. I followed Hillary's campaign and I have lots of admiration for her. Obama is insecure and a little bit arrogant. Edwards lost once and now he is playing badly the social class card. Biden and Richardson make very good impressions, but sorry for those who don't agree.. Hillary Clinton is a different league..

AJ, IL   November 18th, 2007 3:54 pm ET

Unfortunately Obama's campaign has to respond to allegations even if they are stupid and unfounded. Why? Because their is a significant number of Americans that will be in rumors and wild accusations. Novak's piece is written entirely from speculation. He list any sources. Obama's campaign should respond to this but unless anything else comes out of the Novak's crapper. Obama should move on go after the Iowa and New Hampshire caucauses.

Jim, Chicago   November 18th, 2007 3:44 pm ET

Axel, This Obama supporter is also not at ease with the obvious bias of CNN towards Clinton. The folks at "Fair and Balanced" offer similar disdain towards Obama.

For those who missed it, Obama received 65% of the vote at the regional UAW meeting in Iowa.

Axel, RKDA, California   November 18th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

I am TIRED of the bias that CNN has of Hillary Clinton. When Barack had recently gotten the support from a UAW from Iowa…I did not see much of that report.

Posted By Robin, Montpelier, VT : November 18, 2007 6:26 am

Then why are you here posting on a CNN blog? Perhaps you should try that "Fair and Balanced" news network?

angela. hollywood. fla.   November 18th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

The unfortunate part of all this is that WE THE PEOPLE are going to allow News Stations and Unreliable reporters elect a president. I thought the MEDIA should be independent and not one sided . Dont forget this is not a SOCIALIST COUNTRY IT IS DEMOCRATIC and we need to elect the right president. At least a Democrat because with the republicans we have only chaos !!!!! Come to grips people and vote not whaT CNN ,FOX, ABC, NBC or whoever want.

Jim Bremer   November 18th, 2007 2:35 pm ET

Jaki, let's stop with the Muslim crap right now about Obama. His father was an atheist by thetime he met Obama's mother in Hawaii. By all accounts his step-father was a non-practicing Muslim during the four years Obama spent in Indonesia and Barack went to PUBLIC schools while he did live their. This just in: the translation of madrassa is SCHOOL, not "radical Wahabist terrorist training grounds" as the people from Fox News would love to have you beleive. So when someone says he attended a madrassa in Indonesia, tell them that you are glads that he got a good, normal education along with his Christian (Protestant), Muslim, Jewish and Catholic classmates. And on MTP, Obama NEVER said he doesn't or refuses to speak with his former friend Tony Rezko because he's under indictment. Rezko is running from the law. If my friend was skirting the law I wouldn't exactly be in conversation with him either for fear of breaking the law myself. As a guy running for president, of course Obama has to keep his distance. There's nothing wrong with that. At least Obama didn't try to nominate Rezko as director of homeland security.

——————————-

"His father was an atheist . " LOL – did your crystal ball tell you that ? And we're supposed to elect a Muslim sympathist based on your grand testimony LOLOLOL

"By all accounts his step-father was a non-practicing Muslim"
Barak Hussein Obama has a knack of finding non-practicing Muslims as his father !! I've never heard of a non-practicing Muslim,( penalty for quitting Islam is death) but Obama managed to find two in a row – WOW !!

"This just in: the translation of madrassa is SCHOOL, not "radical Wahabist terrorist training grounds" as the people from Fox News would love to have you beleive."

Thank you so much. The whole world is now relieved that madrassa means school :) Hey – you know all those madrassa students who want to slit throats and do jihad ? Turns out they're just SCHOOLBOYS ! Just a small problem – this school is called Murder High.

Barack Huseein Osama for president !! ( Just not President of America, please. Some place like Jihadistan would be fine)

Mark, Springfield, MO   November 18th, 2007 2:35 pm ET

Mark from Springfield:

Do the Clinton's pay you to carry their message? It may have been a little less obvious if you had actually used your own words.
Posted By Sarah : November 17, 2007 11:23 pm

Sigh, I am not for any particular candidate. Right now I am for ANY candidate that ISN'T a Republican. I am one of those sought after INDEPENDENTS. I used to vote for whomever I thought could get the job done but under this president the Republican party has completely soured me on voting for them. The Republican party is going to have to stop groveling at the feet of the religious ultra-right and get back to core principles of the party before I can TRUST them to govern again.

For me I will vote for which ever Democratic candidate gets the nomination. The Republicans have blown it with this Independent voter and the longer they continue to support the policies of George Bush the longer it will take for them to regain my trust.

Asok, Takoma, MD   November 18th, 2007 1:48 pm ET

When Hilary Clinton stumbles and she is criticized, the so called CNN pundits and the Clinton campaign give flimpsy excuses but if any other democratic candidate has a semblance of stumbling, the CNN pundits and the Clinton Campaign blow this out of proportions and even go to the length of branding the other candidate a roockie. Mrs Clinton stumbled on the NAFTA question and even responded in the negative when asked about the issuance of driver's licenses to illegal aliens(a position she did not hold two weeks earlier) in the Las Vegas debate but CNN played this down and their so called pundits who clearly have hopes of having positions in a Clinton administration, with lopsided analysis declared her the winner. Any objective listener will see that Biden and Obama performed better than Hilary Clinton in this debate. Besides, the way CNN posed questions gave one the impression they wanted Hillary Clinton to come out the winner, unfortunately her performance was not up to par. I am sure CNN and the Clinton Campaign think Americans can be fooled or are fools, they should rest assured the ballot box will prove them wrong.

Ryan, New Jersey   November 18th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

I've said it before and I'll say it again:

If this country can't elect such an obviously excellent candidate as Obama, well, then we are doomed to a mediocre future with a mediocre president, and we deserve it.

Kris, Manchester, New Hampshire   November 18th, 2007 12:57 pm ET

why should hillary be president you obama supporters say? Because of this maybe???

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/11/17/84954/402

Markie Bee, Sacramento, Calif.   November 18th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Jaki, let's stop with the Muslim crap right now about Obama. His father was an atheist by thetime he met Obama's mother in Hawaii. By all accounts his step-father was a non-practicing Muslim during the four years Obama spent in Indonesia and Barack went to PUBLIC schools while he did live their. This just in: the translation of madrassa is SCHOOL, not "radical Wahabist terrorist training grounds" as the people from Fox News would love to have you beleive. So when someone says he attended a madrassa in Indonesia, tell them that you are glads that he got a good, normal education along with his Christian (Protestant), Muslim, Jewish and Catholic classmates. And on MTP, Obama NEVER said he doesn't or refuses to speak with his former friend Tony Rezko because he's under indictment. Rezko is running from the law. If my friend was skirting the law I wouldn't exactly be in conversation with him either for fear of breaking the law myself. As a guy running for president, of course Obama has to keep his distance. There's nothing wrong with that. At least Obama didn't try to nominate Rezko as director of homeland security.

Arias, Seattle, WA   November 18th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

It's amazing that so many people are in an outrage by what they think was the truth written in a column by the super-conservative Robert Novak.

Now, who exactly from Hillary's camp, a camp that's known for their loyalty to her, go to their extremes of contacting Robert Novak? Have these same people considered the possibility that this was a dirty trick instigated by a GOP Operative or a GOP Operative attempting to attempting to appear from Clinton's camp?

Please. People can be so gullible.

Rebecca, St. Louis, MO   November 18th, 2007 12:27 pm ET

Does anyone really think that if the Clinton campaign actually DID have damaging information about Obama, they would keep it quiet? Not on your life. This is clearly a pathetic attempt by the threatened Clinton campaign to pretend that she is the candidate of change, which has been Obama's message from the start. Stop the mudslinging, indeed.

Jaki, Tamarac, Florida   November 18th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

It sounds to me that Obama is worry about his past catching up with him. Who knows "what individual" in his past knows some things about him. I, presently, felt that his interview with Tim Russell indicating that he did not speak to his friend due to the federal investigation problem of his friend was something he should not have stated. People that are considered "friends" should be left as that, "friends". I felt that he turned his back on this so call friend. People in politics should be careful in denouncing "money friends" in the media. I don't know if this could be the damaging problem, but if it is, Obama should be worried about it. If he is worried about his muslim upbring, I think the whole world knows his is half-muslim. I am sure the old Republican Major of New York after denouncing his friend, is pretty worried by now. I just think is just "spin" and blaming our beautiful CNN for his bad debate. Pity! is what he is seeking for!

James, Boston, MA   November 18th, 2007 11:43 am ET

It is technically correct that neither of the Clinton's has been found guilty of anything. However, neither was Al Capone until the IRS got him for tax evasion. Guess he didn't do anything else, huh?

Brad, Stockton, CA   November 18th, 2007 11:42 am ET

Hillary is just as dirty as Bill.

Ann, Canada   November 18th, 2007 11:32 am ET

To those asking why Clinton hasn't denied it as if she is already guilty of it…..
""We have no idea what Mr. Novak's item is about and reject it totally," Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer told CNN Saturday."

What part of that statement don't you understand?

Clara   November 18th, 2007 10:59 am ET

Hilary is experienced.

She's got tonnes and tonnes of experience in dodging the issues, has a track record of not having any major success to back her credibility and flees behind a conveneient "female victim" facade when the heat gets too close.

Andrew, Atlanta, GA   November 18th, 2007 10:42 am ET

Oh, and the Hillary haters (Democrats and Republicans alike) cling desperately to her prior "scandals" without being able to cite ONE – and I mean ONE – where she has been found guilty. I mean, seriously. ONE. Give me ONE. You can't. And then when you realize you can't it's all about consipiracy WHY she hasn't been found guilty. Unbelievable. I'm waiting to hear of the "Clinton Crime Family" where the Clinton cronies boil family pets and cut off the fingers of those who cross them. Honestly, wait and see. This kind of crap will come out soon if she's the Democratic candidate. What's scary is that some Democrats are getting close to this already. Just wait and see what the Republicans will come up with. The unjustifiable hate is unbelievable.

thomas, Westchester Co, NY   November 18th, 2007 10:31 am ET

Oh..Barack. Please, tell me u didn't fall for the republican bait…no…no. Bob Novak, c'mom the guy is a complete scum-bag with no conscious. Why on earth would any democratic campaign reach out to that monster.

Eric Palmieri   November 18th, 2007 10:14 am ET

The Clinton camp has something big on Obama…and they are going to wait until the election gets closer to expose it.

-Eric Palmieri

http://www.ericpalmieri.com

A Soldier, Fort Drum, NY   November 18th, 2007 10:14 am ET

I am a lifelong democrat. I supported Bill Clinton for president twice.

I have grown to really appreciate the different campaign Obama is running. He has my full support- he is what the country needs right now: an man so new to Washington that no one has their hands in his pockets yet, he isn't in anyone else's pockets, is beholden only to his own judgement, and has the capacity to change the game just enough to instigate more change.

Hillary Clinton is the choice of the media (CNN- diamonds or pearls? It's so OBVIOUS now that you're doing her bidding) and the establishment. This country has a visceral distate for royalty- it's why we threw the Brits out 200+ years ago.

Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton? No more.

Hillary Clinton will go to any depth for personal ambition- she's in this for herself and her legacy. Obama and his family are running for US.

She's shameless. If she is the nominee, it will mark the first time in my life I refuse to vote. I could not in good conscience vote for such a lying, ruthless, deceitful candidate. Enough is enough.

Mr. Obama, I sincerely hope you win.

Brian Tampa   November 18th, 2007 10:08 am ET

Thank God most of you are either to young or to lazy to vote. I wonder why we continue spending so much on education if this is the continued outcome. Novack is a journalist who wrote a story. Hillary and her husband Bill are KNOWN for being godparents to the politics of personal destruction. They employed these tactics throughout Bill's presidency and now that they are feeling some heat they have broken them out again. I know for most of you history started about five minutes after GWB was sworn in but if you look back on the Clinton era it is full of scandal and embarrassment to the country. Hillary makes Bush look like Einstein. If you want real change vote for Gravel or Paul but since most of you are just pawns on the board then do your country a favor and stay home on election day.

I will be voting for Paul in the primary but once he drops out I will support Rudy. He is the only one on either side who has tangible accomplishments that point to real leadership and you can spare me all the personal attack BS because they aren't running for Pope and none of these people are clean outside of Paul who won't win because he is to dangerous to the establishment most of you decry but then support.

ST from JC   November 18th, 2007 10:02 am ET

Instead of Wolfson attacking Obama for falling for Republican tactics, why doesn't he address Novak for even starting such a smear tactic against Hillary's campaign? Maybe because there might be some truth to what Novak has written.

larry fort wayne. indiana   November 18th, 2007 9:55 am ET

Obama did not do well in the debate. He is just not a good debater so what…that does not make him a bad candidate or it has nothing to do with how good a president he will be. Hillary is more practiced than Obama and that will not make her a good candidate…it's all about ideas and Hillary has some slimy ideas with alot of slimy people that will be back in the White House…We really don't want that again..we need to move on..The president does not debate world leaders and as the world leader we do need more slime in the white house.

Terry, El Paso, TX   November 18th, 2007 9:53 am ET

"'Decent Lady?' Thanks for this post…my wife and I got a charge out of this one. Having friends that worked in the Clinton WH [White House], we have heard stories about her that would stun folks. Anyway, thanks for the laugh." Posted By Anonymous, Norfolk, VA

Here we have a slur on the character of two leading Democratic candidates posted by an anonymous person who heard it from anonymous people who allegedly worked in the White House during the Clinton years. His anonymous wife corroborates these stories.

What IS the story printed by that cranky old rascal Novak? It is this:

Hillary is aware of information about Obama that could potentially ruin him, shame him, or cause him scandal. What could the story be? Perhaps Obama wears lingerie under his business suit? Maybe Obama is secretly a Muslim who goes to a mosque in Chicago wearing a false beard where he exchanges text messages with Osama bin Ladin? Could it be that Obama was video taped robbing a 7-11 in Cicero? Could it be possible that Obama was caught cheating on his bar exam? The imagination runs wild with possibilities – all of them false, of course – but they say where there's smoke there's fire don't they.

And that devil Hillary! She obviously believes in dirty politics and the Politics of Personal Destruction or she wouldn't be collecting this stuff. She WOULD use this information if it benefited her, so she is obviously scum. The only reason she is NOT using it is because it doesn't suit her purposes at the moment. However, if Obama has such dark secrets – whatever they are – then he must be scum too.

Well, that settles it for me. I'm voting Republican. At least you can trust them to tell the truth. Thank God for Robert Novak.

Mark Columbus, Ohio   November 18th, 2007 9:43 am ET

Clinton
Network
News

Enough said.

WatchingHillary.com

Ben Richter   November 18th, 2007 9:32 am ET

There was a time when Barak Obama referred to Clinton as Bush/Cheney light. It seems she's putting on some weight these days. The scales are definitely showing her true nature. But in the end, Hillary hate will defeat her, and then watch the moaning and whining from the HRC camp.

mary ann   November 18th, 2007 9:25 am ET

Does this guy ever speak for himself, he appears to need constant help talking and using other candidate’s words as his own…

The fact he is listening to Rove is the last straw, he so unworthy of leading a great country, he cant even run a campaign???

Dave - Nashville, TN   November 18th, 2007 9:19 am ET

"A Republican leaning journalist…" – hilarious; good one Phil Singer.

Kristen McCabe W. Norriton, Pa   November 18th, 2007 9:17 am ET

Seriusly – I CAN NOT handle Hiolary being president.

You are telling me her camp did not put this out there at a perfect time when she is tied with Barack and Edwards in IOWA…She is despicable and I promise it will be four years of the same with her in office.

Anyone who has to refer to Barack as Osama or somethig else should be ashamed at their ignorance. Have you not moved past 6th grade nominal insults..it scares me that you mindless idiots are able to vote..

Dave, Cheverly, MD   November 18th, 2007 9:06 am ET

1. Hillary's Poll numbers continue to plummet after MSNBC Debate

2. Hillary made it worst by staging the CNN Planted debacle of a Debate.

3. Hillary continues to make maters worst by engaging in their usual Clinton ways. By using Bob Novak to try and get early Voters to worry about Obama being Swift Boated. Obama squashed this be reacting forcefully and quickly. Hillary has therefore helped Obama by giving Obama this early opportunity to show he will not be Swift Boated.

4. Hillary by doing ALL these things are reminding people of ALL the things they did not like about her or the Clintons.

5. Hillary is making it so that when she loses the Primary VOTERS will insist that she NOT be on the ticket as a VP.

Jim Chicago   November 18th, 2007 9:03 am ET

If there is not a shred of truth to Novak's assertion, then why has Hillary not gone ballistic with Novak? Is she content with having her campaign agents slandered, or was this her idea from the beginning?

Jamie Steward NV   November 18th, 2007 9:01 am ET

CNN is did a great job with the Las Vegas debate, the obama whiners are crying here because he lost and he clearly doesnt measure up next to CLINTON…
He's out of this race

CLINTON 08!

Jerry Monroe IOWA   November 18th, 2007 8:54 am ET

GREAT! its time his dirty laundry be hung out like everyine else…

DOWN WITH OBAMA….LETS SEE WHAT HE'S AFRAID WILL COME OUT

Macy Graves NV   November 18th, 2007 8:51 am ET

Obama is now running scared because his attacks on Clinton did not go over well, now he's crying when the tables turn…Too bad obama! More reasons why he is not leadership material..
Stop whinning Obama and get out of the race

Anonymous, Norfolk, VA   November 18th, 2007 8:40 am ET

"…HE SHOULD N’T HAVE POSED SUCH REDICULOUS ALLEGATION AGAINST A DECENT LADY LIKE HILLARY…"

**************

"Decent Lady"? Thanks for this post…my wife and I got a charge out of this one. Having friends that worked in the Clinton WH, we have heard stories about her that would stun folks. Anyway, thanks for the laugh.

Murabma   November 18th, 2007 8:37 am ET

CNN is so pro-Clinton it makes me sick. on the front page the link is labelled "Obama Reacts to Report of Scandal", i.e., there's a real scandal involving Obama, while the actual article (that few will actually click to) is "Obama to Clinton: Don't Swift Boat Me", i.e., a negative to Hilary, CNN's clearly preferred candidate. If you don't believe me, watch the last debate and their shameful coverage of it–ever wonder why they don't show poll responses any more in terms of who folks think won the debates? I'd wager it's because they'd continue to show Mrs. Clinton losing them, and we can't have that now can we?

Max Furr, Onancock, Virginia   November 18th, 2007 8:32 am ET

Everybody should know by now to consider the source. Novak is a dedicated conduit for Republican deceit, propaganda and the outright treasonous compromising of our national security (compromising a CIA operation that tracked proliferation of WMD). You can bet there isn't a molecule of truth to Novak’s story. Clinton was right (even though I'm not her supporter). Wake up America! Don't fall for this again.

Jay, Toronto, ON, CA   November 18th, 2007 8:19 am ET

Obama is a looser, plain and simple. He can't go after Clinton on anything so he goes and listen to Novak. Hello?!? Doesn't anyone of his supporters realize what this guy is? An opportunist FRAUD. I guess Oprah is a looser too…but oh I love Oprah

Christian, Tampa FL   November 18th, 2007 8:16 am ET

This is getting ugly…

We need to know the open truth here. If Clinton's campaign is really doing this, we need to know. We must be aware of any campaign that is as secretive and sinister as the current administration.

If Giuliani and Clinton are the respective nominees, we may have to choose between two candidates very much like the current President that we all so disagree with right now.

D C HAPPY; RESTON; VURGINIA; USA.   November 18th, 2007 8:06 am ET

A HIGHLY AMBITIOUS YOUNG MAN NARTURED THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF BECOMING ONE DAY THE PRESIDENT OF USA BY KEEPING A MIXED NAME OF CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIMS AND BEING FROM BLACK RACE THOUGHT WOULD ATTRACT THE VOTES OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY, MUSLIMS FOR HIS NAME HUSSAIN AND SIMILARLY CRISTIAN BECAUSE HE PRACTICES CHRISTIANITY. I HAVE SEEN LOT OD FARUDS IN MY BUT LIKE OBAMA HE THE FIRST UNIQUE TYPE.

HE IS A STUDENT OF COLOMBIA UNIVERSITY, AND A YOUNG LAWYER SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAUGHT THAT HEAR SAY EVIDENCE IS NOT SUFFICIENT TO PROVE PERSON GUILTY OF ANY OFFENCE. I DOUBT IF HIS LEGAL KNOWLEDGE COMENSURATE THE DEGREE HE CLAIMS TO HAVE OBTAINED.

IF REALLY HE IS A LAW DEGREE HOLDER THAT FROM COLOMBIA UNIVERSITY THEN HE SHOULD N’T HAVE POSED SUCH REDICULOUS ALLEGATION AGAINST A DECENT LADY LIKE HILLARY CLINTON TTHAT TOO A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE AND A COLLEAGUE OF HIS. SHAME MR. OBAMA!! YOU TALK LIKE G W BUSH THE UNIVERSAL LIAR. I, DID

DOUBT OBAMA’S CHARACTER A YEAR BACK AND WROTE ABOUT IT TOO. NOW I FIND IT TO BE GLARING TRUE. NOW I FIND HIM TO BE A PRETENDER AND A FLAT LIAR LIKE BUSH AND HIS LOVELY DEAR COUSIN DICK CHENEY. D C HAPPY

Jim L., Irmo, SC   November 18th, 2007 7:56 am ET

It was a measured, reasonable response. He was not attacking anyone, and you would think that the Clinton campaign would want to clear up any confusion. You would think that, if a journalist was printing lies about Clinton, the campaign would want to move quickly to squash them. Oh well.

Becca Memphis,TN   November 18th, 2007 7:55 am ET

I can't believe the rubes, dem and rep alike, who would swallow anything that spewed from the likes of that sociopathic Novak.

Obama and Edwards lost my vote when they decided to focus on Hillary and not the Gawdawful GOP.

Obama made a huge blunder by attacking Hillary first and making no mention of the poisonous Prince of Darkness. I had high hopes for him, but he continues to disappoint.

Doug, NYC, NY   November 18th, 2007 7:18 am ET

Oh, please.
Obama's TRUTH is enough to make him a joke candidate, never mind anything to be 'revealed'.

A one-term senator with ZERO EXPERIENCE, and MUSLIM sympathies.

Vote for Obama and get another idiot as inept as Bush.

Maeve   November 18th, 2007 7:00 am ET

Zoweeee. Talk about politics of fear and diversion!

Pssssst, Barack. Be careful of who you're taking advice from.

Rove and Novak, of all people!!!

That these two guys almost simultaneously came out with their little "helpful" gems should have been your first clue.

And then there's the obvious: Why would Novak and Rove be trying to be so darned helpful????

Oh gosh! Might it be that they are trying to manipulate the two campaigns into imploding?

I can't believe you fell for it, Barack.

And to the rest of the natterers here: Wise up, People! Quit being such tools!

Richard, London   November 18th, 2007 6:52 am ET

I have a word for all you people who fell for Novak's Conrad-Dobler attempt to stir up trouble between the Democrats.

G-U-L-L-I-B-L-E

Robin, Montpelier, VT   November 18th, 2007 6:43 am ET

RESPONDING TO: Bob Novak, a known conservative leaning journalist, implies that the Clinton campaign has dirt on Obama but won't release it and Obama's campaign instead of questioning Novak's motives releases a statement against Hillary????????

Barack, Barack, that latest statement jut shows that your lack of experience in politics is showing. The Clintons have been running winning campaigns since the 70s and know how to play the game very well, while you just played into the hands of the Republicans. Too funny!

Posted By Bea, Hoboken, NJ : November 18, 2007 3:20 am

—————————————Grown up Democrats do not pay much attention to Bob Novak.

Posted By Buddy : November 18, 2007 4:08 am

…Readers,this just goes to prove that some people still want the same old politics and the same deceitful White House.

Robin, Montpelier, VT   November 18th, 2007 6:26 am ET

I am TIRED of the bias that CNN has of Hillary Clinton. When Barack had recently gotten the support from a UAW from Iowa…I did not see much of that report.

Josh, Toledo Ohio   November 18th, 2007 6:15 am ET

The Republican party should be doing all they can to support a Hillary nomination. She is the only democratic candidate polarizing enough to swing most independents, left leaning republicans, and even some liberals to vote Republican next year. A vote for Hillary now is a vote for the Republicans in November. This would not be the case with Obama.

Think about why Novak writes what he writes and Karl Rove has said what he has said in the past…

Peggy Greensboro NC   November 18th, 2007 6:03 am ET

Can someone please explain to me why CNN changed a question at the request of the Clinton campaign? The asker wanted to ask about the Yucca nuclear waster facility, CNN told her to change it to a question about whether Clinton preferred diamonds or pearls. Clinton didnt feel like answering a tough question again? Frankly, this again shows you how low she will go. Instead of stepping out and telling us what she stands for, she'd rather take a sexist question about jewelry. Think they'd ever ask Guilliani a question like that? And you Democrats are going to nominate her. When the GOP wins in 2008, a prospect that I am NOT happy about considering Stevens can't hold out much longer, and who knows about Ginsberg, you're going to deserve it. Unfortunately a lot of the rest of us won't

Zach   November 18th, 2007 6:00 am ET

Senator Obama should stop making false accusations to keep himself in the news. Enough, Senator!

Matt, Milwaukee, Wi   November 18th, 2007 5:50 am ET

I especially like how Hillary politicizes Obama's response as inexperience. People, don't be taken by this. It isn't inexperience on Obama's part. He has the intergrity to not go the route of standard Washington politics. He is open, honest and direrct and he is honest and direct in his attacks on Hillary, but because he will not play political hardball and dirty tricks like Hillary does not mean inexperience, it means he is the stand-out. He operates with a 21st centry mind. G'head, elect Hillary so we have another 4 years of dirty, sneaky, power-hungry elitist politics and politicians that get zilch done and then complain about it. If ya want a fresh face and fresh new start and to truly move into the new millenium, it's Barack

Sam, IA   November 18th, 2007 4:29 am ET

Novak is NOT a journalist, He is a Republican hack and always has been. He should be swinging by the neck for treason already. Nough said.

Mark Columbus, Ohio   November 18th, 2007 4:18 am ET

I'm a blogger and for the last three weeks, at least out of the more conservative type blogs, there have been rumors that the LA Times is sitting on a story. This story involves a Presidential Candidate that had an affair. Bloggers were guessing three people: Rudy, Obama, and Clinton. No facts to back it up…just LA Times was sitting on a hot story.

WatchingHillary.com

Buddy   November 18th, 2007 4:08 am ET

Mr. Obama, Grown up Democrats do not pay much attention to Bob Novak.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   November 18th, 2007 3:20 am ET

Bob Novak, a known conservative leaning journalist, implies that the Clinton campaign has dirt on Obama but won't release it and Obama's campaign instead of questioning Novak's motives releases a statement against Hillary????????

Barack, Barack, that latest statement jut shows that your lack of experience in politics is showing. The Clintons have been running winning campaigns since the 70s and know how to play the game very well, while you just played into the hands of the Republicans. Too funny!

glen davidson candler nc   November 18th, 2007 3:19 am ET

hillary clinton is a very nasty person when it comes to her getting power,obama hasnt seen any thing yet what she can do to some one, so she can get what she wants.people seem to forget what happen in the past,to what happen to a lot of people.

alan St Louis MO   November 18th, 2007 3:12 am ET

Clinton campaign making attacks saying her openets are using Republican play book

GOOD GRIEF

FACT FACT FACT FACT

NO other canidae is MORE REPUBLICAN then CLINTON.

People come on now. Stop using your hearts and use your HEAD. GO check CLINTON VOTEING RECORD she voted YES to every major republican issue, that Bush wanted. It is only now she votes against Bush. Well sometimes, This lady voted to OK Bush to invade IRAN.

Clinton relies on the HEARTS of the democrats to get your vote. she knows this. She makes the best speeches to make people feel good into voting for her. But the fact is she dont vote by her HEART. She votes for the CORPATES. The same CORPATES that are war profitering. She is also OWNED by the Chines CORPATES, Which is why she is a strong WALMART backer. She has no problem in selling American high paying jobs to the Chines. Leaving us to working at WALMART, or flip burgars at Mcdonalds. Yes 6 dollars an hours.

The fact is American are fed up with wars. True Democracies spred by diplomacy instead of war. The majority of the anti war people are Democrats. Most Democrats have blind faith support for Clinton. If Clinton is President and, she keeps the war with IRAQ and probably start one with IRAN.
What do DEMOCRATS DO??
SO the Democrats have to decide. Do we accuse our selves being STUPID or do we support the war and CLINTON. Now you have the REPUBLICAAN warmongers joined by DEMOCRAT WARMONGERS. And the war is no longer UNPOPULAR. A brilliant move by the CORPATES.

YOU CLINTON SUPPORTERS PLEASE EXPLAIN HER VOTING RECORD TO ME???
Why she votes like a BUSH??
Why do you support her by hard fact??
Not by feel good statements.

TheCubanMissle, Miami, FL   November 18th, 2007 3:09 am ET

I don't understand Hillary sympathizers. What the hell is Obama supposed to do? Bend over and hope Hillary's using KY Jelly? No!

Obama is a fighter and Clinton does not have ownership on this nomination. Clinton's campaign is dirty (they've proven it already) and Obama's people have no reason to put up with her crap.

Lee, Boston, MA   November 18th, 2007 2:53 am ET

To Reggie in Germany:

I'd reply, but I really didn't understand a word you wrote. My apologies.

LeeLe

Bill Williams, Gold River, British Columbia, Canada   November 18th, 2007 2:32 am ET

I have never heard any candidates talking about the North American Indians. It seems they have been ignored far too long. AS President what will you do to improve the relationship with the American Indians.

Travis, Brooklyn, NY   November 18th, 2007 2:11 am ET

I wonder how many of these comments on this "ticker" are plants from the campaigns… Probably more than we think. Our "political process" is pretty much a sham at this point. Corporations, the media and politicians are all in bed with one another. It's becoming difficult to know where one entity ends and the next begins… What happened to America?

Clide   November 18th, 2007 2:09 am ET

AL GORE '08

MCD, San Francisco   November 18th, 2007 2:09 am ET

Novak sold his soul to Rove years ago when Rove was working for Bush Sr. Just look at all the heated comments here… he puts a few words to paper and everybody starts spewing hate! No wonder he thinks he is important. IGNORE the man.. he deserves nothing less.

nquotes   November 18th, 2007 1:53 am ET

At this point I don't think Obama is relevant enough to be Swift Boated…I'm sure Hillary has run checked Obama's record extensively at this point. http://www.enewsreference.com

Juanito, Washington, DC   November 18th, 2007 1:27 am ET

To TheInsider:

Get a life…you have several posts in this one blog topic. Then you copy and paste the same nonsense in other blogs. How much is the Clinton campaign paying you?

Ann, Canada   November 18th, 2007 1:18 am ET

Only the true Clinton haters would believe anything from Bob Novak's mouth, and somehow if he referenced someone else, they would get it around to it being Hillary's fault anyway. Does it hurt much to be so hateful to someone because of their last name? Dredging up old rumours and innuendos that have been proven false really shows not much more than desperation. Obama should have seen this for what it was – another Rovian Novak plot to get one democrat pitted against another. It just goes to show that people will fall for anything no matter how unreliable the source.

charles, texas   November 18th, 2007 1:12 am ET

To yorba Linda, you are right and I can say that you are a very intelligent lady. I was wondering myself on what issue HRC stands for, I can find none. The people who are supporting HRC are not very well educated because a very intelligent person and educated one will never vote for HRC. It has been reported that the support for HRC comes from high school drop-out. But college educated people never will vote for HRC. That is why Obama is doing fine among that group. A poll from NYU has just confirmed that.

Lance in Monrovia CA   November 18th, 2007 12:48 am ET

Obama will never, ever get swiftboated the way Kerry did. Obama speaks swiftly, confidently, and logically and he doesn't take flak from anyone, especially Hillary Clinton. He's a tough dude and he's right to confront false info head on, its the only way to win.

They can't find anything good to get him on so they just make stuff up. Its a testament to how honest and how transparent and how clean the dude really is.

True Observer, IL   November 18th, 2007 12:46 am ET

novak says the Clinton people have scandalous information on Obama and are spreading it by word of mouth.

The article presumes that the information is correct.

What exactly is wrong with the Clinton campaign doing this?

If someone is spreading correct information about their opponent what is so wrong with that?

J., Chicago, IL   November 18th, 2007 12:27 am ET

All the republicans have to do is find someone who is against the war. They still have an edge to win the presidency. The Democrats will need Hiliary to win. Obama just will not tip the scale in what will invariably be another close race. The red states are just too red. Hiliary can turn them Blue, just like Bill did.
Go Hilary

Axel, RKDA, California   November 18th, 2007 12:26 am ET

This is just more of the same from Barack "Owhiner" Obama. The other day I turned on the debate and what was the very first sound I heard? Obama saying "That isn't what you can expect from Hillary." And every time he spoke it was "Hillary said this" or "Hillary did that".

He refers to the other candidates as "Gov. Richards", "Senator Biden", "Congressman Kucinich", etc. What does he call Senator Clinton? Hillary. He's a gentlemen to the gentlemen, but not to a lady? Come on, Obama. I know your Momma raised you better than that!

I personally don't think he has what it takes to be President, and every time he opens his mouth he confirms it as far as I am concerned. John Edwards at least throws in a few good ideas between attacks on her. But he too should learn how to address a lady.

When do you think these guys will figure it out? When it's too late? Senator Clinton is the front runner by a huge percentage for one simple reason… She is the one that most Democrats want. And considering how people are feeling about Republicans lately, after 7 years of lies, corruption, and scandals, I don't think any Republican stands a chance this time around.

PollM, Dallas Tx   November 18th, 2007 12:25 am ET

Hmm. ratings or a Republican agenda.

Is Robert Novak acting as an "agent" for the Republican Party, in the attempt of creating a feud within the Democratic Pary?

http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=1018

.

john, NY,NY   November 18th, 2007 12:17 am ET

Obama just showed his lack of experience and maturity who started bashing clinton agoin based on rumor.

Is he going to start making decision based on rumors if he ever gets to white house.

why would clinton do that anyway when Obama is so far behind.

Dan Sersen Indianapolis, Indiana   November 18th, 2007 12:15 am ET

Isn't this story about 3 or 4 months old? If my memory serves me, it was reported months ago that a "media virus" emerged attributing the Clinton camp for the story about Obama's Muslim grade school and implications of possible fundamentalist teachings. The story was researched and shown to be false, Obama's school was mainstream and not extremist. But the point was that the
story really didn't come from the Clinton camp after all. It probably was Republican dirty tricks after all. Anyway, leave it to Robert Novak for more of the same.

Alex   November 18th, 2007 12:06 am ET

If Obama is the saint we think he is what is he afraid of then, If there is something scandalous about him then maybe america needs to know.

blogger,Ny   November 18th, 2007 12:00 am ET

Here in New York, we are puzzled how saying "no," puts you on your game and wins a debate. We are interested in thoughtful, considered answers, and I would be interested in knowing if those of you in Iowa are actually getting that. Shame on the Nevada Dems for booing anyone who has dedicated his or her life to public service, regardless of how you feel about their positions. CNN and Wolf Blitzer should have explained to these neophites that booing is just plain bad manners. Is there a race going on in Iowa?

Travis O Medford,Oregon   November 17th, 2007 11:58 pm ET

All the democratic candidates are ok but the only one I see as Presidential is BIDEN. I read all these political comments and I noticed alot are saying Biden is good but to bad he doesn't have a chance. I hope everyone in IOWA will give them there votes, so we can get a chance to vote for him when it's our States turn to vote.

Pete, Washington   November 17th, 2007 11:49 pm ET

Bravo Barack !!! Great response to the Clinton attack machine. They were expecting you to sit by and wring your hands while they 'swiftboat' you. Isn't funny that they complained about 'mudslinging' the other night.
Let's not forget their famous line of the "Politics of Personal Destruction", when that 'vast right-wing conspiracy' was questioning Bill's affair with Monica. How ironic, now that Cintons are engaging in the same style of 'dirty politics'. Does it surprise anyone?

Linda Bailey Green Forest Arkansas   November 17th, 2007 11:49 pm ET

There sure is a lot of paranoia in the political camps.

Rosario, Iowa City, IA   November 17th, 2007 11:45 pm ET

During the debate in Nevada, using body language, and code words, Clinton and Biden sent the message to media and followers (democrats and republicans) about stopping Obama now; if he is allowed to continue on trail, then Clinton and potential vice president Biden are in real trouble of getting the nomination. So it is not strange that Novak publishes his column at this moment.
Obama knows better though, and he will respond as a serious president would do it: using reason, and facts. No through intimidation.

Trang, Fremont, CA   November 17th, 2007 11:44 pm ET

Another strategy used by Hillary for not answering the questions:

'People know where I stand. I have 35 years of experience'.

'They are mudslinging me from the Republican playbook'.

Hillary, your issue is inability to answer the questions. Asking you stand on issues when you run for office is not mudslinging.

As for Obama, he is not whining. When someone put out the rumor that the other camp has something 'scandalous' about you, and they are not releasing it, you have to confront it. Rumors create suspicions. He wants to shed the light on the issues. Either they have something on him or they don't. If they do, let the issues come out so he can respond to it. If they don't, then say – they don't have anything. He is for transparency, which is more than I can say for Hillary.

Someone above says a true Democrats will vote for Hillary, and those who vote of others are Republicans in disguise. That's a sure way of driving people out of the Democratic party.

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 11:42 pm ET

ok clinton worshipers take a deep breath and think instead of allowing your blind support for hillary to cloud your judgement, novak mentioned "hillary agents" specifically, hillary can either completely wash her hands off this scandal, and take on novak for spreading a lie, or she can admit that she and her agents planted the story with novak, either way obama did the right thing by responding its a campaign for president and its important that kerrys mistake not be repeated….

Ron Nebraska   November 17th, 2007 11:36 pm ET

So let's see, we can continue on with the same kind of sleazy rumor and innuendo type of politics mastered by Bush/Rove/Cheney and apparently Clinton or we can actually elect someone with character, humanity and ethics that can begin to turn this great country into something we can be proud of again. Gee, I wonder who the brain dead American voter will go for this time?

Silva,Derry,NH   November 17th, 2007 11:24 pm ET

What a woman? I just think people see through and realize how much we need a real president.

Sarah   November 17th, 2007 11:23 pm ET

Mark from Springfield:

Do the Clinton's pay you to carry their message? It may have been a little less obvious if you had actually used your own words.

Daniel, NY   November 17th, 2007 11:21 pm ET

A new general election poll from Wisconsin has good news for both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as they look very strong in this usually tight state. Link

True   November 17th, 2007 11:16 pm ET

Good lord. I'm not even an American, but when I saw "Robert Novak" as the source of this information, I smelled the bait. Obama's done nothing to change my read of him as a good man, and an ideal candidate for when times are good. I feel that the US (and the Western world) cannot afford an American President who is this wet behind the ears at a time when we are all in such peril.

Jack, Fort Myers, FL   November 17th, 2007 11:07 pm ET

He is really reaching for straws now! This is about as left field a comment as I've ever heard. The proof of his actions is in the pudding. His history in politics is recent, documented, and not an obscure group of people not heard from since the 1970's. He cannot blame anyone else when his words and actions blow off his on foot! Swift mind, swift foot, swift ideas, swift team mabye–but not swift boat. The smell of fear, defeat, desperation is in the air.

Jim Bremer   November 17th, 2007 10:47 pm ET

Barak Hussein Osama is deeply scared of something.

Just the mere mention of "scandal" has him panicking and pleading with Hillary "pleasse don't attack me"

Wonder what skeletons are in his closet to make him that sensitive…

Tere, FL   November 17th, 2007 10:35 pm ET

TheInsider,
I was wondering when you were going to emerge from you hole. Looks like the Hillary campaign indoctrination has a permanent effect on you

John Lewis Cincinatti, Ohio   November 17th, 2007 9:56 pm ET

Straight out of the CLINTON playbook.

Mark, Springfield, MO   November 17th, 2007 9:55 pm ET

I can't believe how GULLIBLE people are in BELIEVING anything that comes from Novak. This guy would lie, cheat, steal and sell his mother to the devil to get headlines.

Novak is following the Republican playbook to the letter. He is throwing out a smear that NO ONE could ever verify in the hopes of getting the democratic candidates to start feeding on each other. He is sitting back and laughing his butt off at all of the Obama supporters trashing Hillary for his, more than likely, fake story AND YOU RUBES FELL FOR IT!

In this instance Obama completely fell for it hook, line and sinker and it shows how inexperienced he is at handling political mudslinging from the Republican Right. He should have directed all of his ire and questions, not to Hillary Clinton but to Robert Novak. He should have called Novak to task. He should have said that Novak should produce proof of what he wrote or he would be called a liar who makes up stories. Obama should have tossed the ball back into Novak's court and never addressed the Clinton Campaign.

It shows way to little experience in dealing with smear tactics. It also indicates that if he is the nominee he will probably be brutalized by the Republican attack machine and never be able to effectively fight back. In other words the Democrats will lose the presidency.

Wynter, Loudon, NH   November 17th, 2007 9:49 pm ET

Another story related to the still "uncharged" journalist that brought us the Valerie Plame outing. Novak has gone downhill and is starting to fall into the area of scandal sheet writer. It's deplorable. Leaking rumor and innuendo as fact in the middle of a primary is incredibly stupid of Novak. If you have facts then tell them. If not, don't write about it. Isn't that considered libel?

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

When will Novak finally see the inside of a jail cell?

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 9:45 pm ET

I am really getting a kick out of the Obama supporters tonight. Between the debate denial and the Novak blunder it's like, "Saturday Night Live", here Thanks guys, for the entertainment.

Jose Card   November 17th, 2007 9:42 pm ET

If Hillary were to be elected, the American history would have recorded her as the first American female president with a footnote that says she shares her presidential power with her husband so it doesn't count.

I am an independent. If I must elect a female president, I would choose Dr. Condoleezza Rice with proven records of extensive public service. She is also a full professor in political science at Stanford.

John, Milwaukee WI   November 17th, 2007 9:20 pm ET

I can't imagine anyone voting for either her or Obama. They have both proven to be liars.

Kimmie, Yorba Linda, CA   November 17th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Obama is a very serious candidate that I am growing to like more and more. He will not let Hillary Clinton fool us again. She believes we owe her the Presidency and she is prepared to use and divide us by gender, generation and/or which ever way she must in order to get elected! This, coming from a WOMAN. Yes a WOMAN! All this wink and knod junk is rediculous. I am too intelligent to vote for my President just because the candidate is female. Hillary is crazy to pull that kind of stupidity out of her hat. We (women) think just like everybody else. The problem with Sen. Clinton is that she has not given us any answers to difficult issues about which to think. Come on, Hillary, stop this childish nonsense of spreading awful rumors.

Darrel, Iowa   November 17th, 2007 9:13 pm ET

Hillarys true colrs are now shineing thru quite plane. Can't answer a question with out a political dance and the stage she is on won't be the same one when the sun comes up in the morning. Her experance for President?
What would that be? I can't tell'
If she ain't got anything positive to say and or give some straight answers on the campain trail/ Then I think we need to look some where out there for REAL LEADERSHIP! We need change/ the last 16 years were bad. Just hope and pray the right independant will come along. One that will level the playing field for All Americans.
Huckabee maybe/wish he was independant!
Independant Voter

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   November 17th, 2007 9:07 pm ET

Why isn't Novak in jail over the Plame incident?!

Jay, Northern Cambria, PA   November 17th, 2007 9:02 pm ET

Sick of this type of politics????? Look at Huckabee. You might be surprized.

Jennifer Godden, New York, New York   November 17th, 2007 8:55 pm ET

What in God's name is Obama doing?

Is he imbalanced?

Pepe Le Pue   November 17th, 2007 8:44 pm ET

Even though Robert Novak is a partisan republican, and may be ill-intended in publishing this article, I believe him.

Novak has too little to gain in fetching a story like this one.

Barrack made the right move dealing with this issue before it gets people wondering and anticipating some sort big blow to his campaign. And Obama is showing a little too much class dealing with Billary, when he has her cornered. Just like Karl "satan" Rove suggested, he needs to punch her right where it hurts.

Romney would have a field day with Billary, he is super aggressive.

Obama 08

Jeremy, Petaluma,CA   November 17th, 2007 8:41 pm ET

I am not surprised that something like this would come from the Clinton machine. Hillary has been a back stabber her entire career. Remember how much support they gave Gore when he ran for President? NONE. She was attending his fund raisers asking for money for her campaign. The lady has been a ruthless, classless politician her whole career. The Clintons are masters at appearing to be caring politicians, but the truth is they have always been about gaining power for themselves and nothing else.

Kudos to Obama for calling her out. Obama was correct to comment direct to the Clinton party for this as they are the mudslingers here. Obama's character will come through in this election.

Mike, Owosso, MI   November 17th, 2007 8:36 pm ET

As an ex-die hard republican of forty years, I can not believe how easy the democrats in this comment section (and most other comment sections) give up instantly and start pointing fingers at each others candidates in their own party when things happen instead of looking at “republican dirty tricks”, which happen a lot more than you think. I think if you are a democrat, you have to be realistic at this point and realize that Clinton probably will be our candidate (if you like it or not), that’s just the way it’s going to be. Sure she may not win all of the states, but she is leading by double digits in enough to wrap it up now. The republicans have a similar problem with their religious right wing people and they have already basically said they will support whoever gets the nod, even if it is not exactly who they want. So Democrats, we can beat ourselves up some more and help the republicans make some future advertisements or we can be educated voters here (and not dreamers) and start uniting and not the republicans win the big one again.

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 8:36 pm ET

clinton is being coronated and forced down our throats this is a democracy and that will not work in america!!!

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 8:30 pm ET

heres a loser, anyone who votes for hillary, if she gets the nomination she will lose the general election, wow imagine the republicans in power another 4 years, ouch!!!

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 8:28 pm ET

im a life long democrat and will vote for obama, hillary doesnt stand a chance against the neocons, one swiftboat ad from them and she is gone, her and her campaign cannot stand up to scrutiny!!!

Seth, San Francisco, CA   November 17th, 2007 8:26 pm ET

This is silly. There is a rumor that there is a rumor……..that both sides say does not exist..

I never heard of this rumor till now… So is the rumor that there is scandalous information about Obama, or is the rumor that Clinton is spreading rumors???? And who is actually spreading the rumor??

will, studio city, CA   November 17th, 2007 8:25 pm ET

Nobody should be surprised that Novak is eager to stir up dust. With Rove gone, Hillary and her crew are more than willing to step in and give Novak something to write about, as it is clear he has no original thoughts to express. Same old, same old. The Clintons playing dirty? Shocker. That they are begining to attack Obama only means that the polls are shifting, as they should, away from Hillary. Real change is needed, and it is Obama, not Hillary, who will bring it. At least the Clintons are smart, so they know this, which is why, like an animal caged, they are resorting to last-ditch dirty politics.

Robin, Montpelier, VT   November 17th, 2007 8:24 pm ET

Responding to:

CLINTON 08!

Posted By hillarylover – sa tx : November 17, 2007 6:28 pm

I am personally sorry and scared for you…and all the other hillraisers…

oh yea "turn up the heat" everytime I hear this I think of a Junior high pep rally…

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 8:23 pm ET

Posted By Scott, Bethlehem, PA : November 17, 2007 5:07 pm

Iceberg Slim is an OBAMA blogger. If you were bright enough to be insulted by it, I would accuse you of circular reasoning…

Anonymous, Hickory, NC   November 17th, 2007 8:18 pm ET

"First Karl Rove and now Robert Novak?? Come on people. Their actions continue to do a great disservice to our nation IMO. Do you not recognize this is another dirty trick to divert attention? "Divide and conquer" has become the right wing strategy, when we have a chance to "unite and win" next year."

*******************

OMG! The blind allegiance is nauseating. It is always someone other than the Clintons.

Robin, Montpelier, VT   November 17th, 2007 8:17 pm ET

Replying to: Sen. Obama, only momements after assailing Sen. Clinton for not giving a straight answer to the drivers' license question at the previous debate, gave an even more rambling and imprecise response to the exact same question.

I got to hear Senator Obama respond to this question and as much flack Obama got for his answer, I was very surprised. The important points Obama was making clear were the why's and how's of illegal licenses and explaining the details and his reason why they are important. And in fact Obama did say yes, but with an explanation. But Hillary…"no" with no explanation why she changed her mind on that 5th and final answer and on top of that she was given a big pass on that – why??? Hillary could not even truthfully answer the "Gender card" issue that was given to her at the debate. After she dodged the truth with a rambling women's rights type of answer, she said "no I have not played the gender card in Las Vegas"…ummm, nice usage on words but she (and knows it) has used it, as the moderator explained. Time after Time she ducks, lies, denies..she is smart,so why does she and her campaign go to stupid?

Ben   November 17th, 2007 8:16 pm ET

I applaud Senator Obama for his quick and direct response to this story. The Clinton camp has been using surrogates for weeks now in an effort to diminish the candidates who are going to cause her a third place showing in Iowa.

The Clinton campaign knew that if Senator Obama did not call for her to denounce the article, the rumors would grow and spread throughout the media. And now that he has done so, they want to make this issue about experience. Wolfson and Penn represent the worst in American politics.

The Clinton campaign is deplorable. They will lose badly because the American public has had it with Clintonista politics. Hillary can join Karl Rove under his rock when this election is over.

Jen, Gainesville, FL   November 17th, 2007 8:13 pm ET

To Zak,

This is how I view the question and answer regarding driver's license in the Thursday debate. I was surprised that Obama was asked the question again after he gave a clear answer without any hesitation in a debate two weeks ago.

The people who deserved this question should be those who did not get a chance to answer it or did not answer it clearly. An appropriate question could be raised to Hillary, "Why happened in the past two weeks have helped you finally make up your mind about the driver's license issue?"

It was a poorly managed debate indeed.

QUENTEN A. Moore TX   November 17th, 2007 8:12 pm ET

Anyone with an ounce of brains should know that Novak is a republican con man and he gives his soul to the republican party to distract the people from the truth.
He is worse than the fox opinion network and that is about as low as anyone can go in my book. I believe nothing that comes out of fox and only see it by accident, I do not click on anything that says fox up front or pay any attention to what they say for it has been SLANTED AS THE HEAD MAN SAYS AND SLANTED NEWS IS LIES AND WE HAVE THEM EVERY DAY WITHOUT A NETWORK THAT SAYS IT IS FINE TO SLANT WHAT THEY CALL NEWS.

Brian, Columbia, SC   November 17th, 2007 8:07 pm ET

Obama is a man of good moral character and professionalism. He calls it like it is. Sounds like another third party (Novak) throwing sand between the gears. Its sad seeing canidates waste time and hard earned American money (donations/tax…etc) to set up smear campaigns on other credible and legit canidates.

Grace, Washington, Iowa   November 17th, 2007 8:06 pm ET

Senator Clinton, you hear the man – PUT UP OR SHUT UP. It's that simple.

You've been campaigning for President your entire life and you're being beat in Iowa by a guy, you're OLD enough to be his mother. Now you're resorting to the OLD triangulation tricks and trying to hide your own scandal that is about to explode in December. YOU'RE GOING TO FAIL!!

The truth is – you can't win squarely "without plants" and you're NOT going to win. Hang your OLD suit and shut up !!

AN, Fairfax, VA   November 17th, 2007 8:03 pm ET

CLINTON TRAILER TRASH!!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Eric, Edmonds WA   November 17th, 2007 8:03 pm ET

The people blasting Obama so hard for this seem nuts to me. What should he do in the face of potential character assassination or the insinuation that he has skeletons in his closet? Ignore it?

Yeah, that worked really well for John Kerry.

Who's being naive now?

Barb, NN, VA   November 17th, 2007 8:02 pm ET

HERE WE GO AGAIN WITH THE CLINTON ANTICS! But this time a fellow Democrat is making the complaint. ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THE CLINTONS ARE LILLY WHITE AND BEYOND REPROACH ARE FOOLING THEMSELVES. WAKE UP SHEEP!!

J. McKinney SW MO   November 17th, 2007 8:00 pm ET

I believe the Obama group messed up big time. Clinton didn't make the claim–Novak did. If Obama doesn't have anything in his past to hide, then he should have just kept quiet. But obviously he was worried about what it is, so wanted it out in the open, so he could try to straighten it out.
The Clinton camp is correct–this was inexperience.
We need Hillary.

julianbook, NY, NY   November 17th, 2007 7:57 pm ET

Hillary's husband was the worst president ever by a long streak. Note that the first World Trade Center attempt happened under Clinton's watch in 1993. When you try to bring down 2 buildings with 50,000 people in them, it's the equivalent of trying to set off a nuclear bomb in the financial center of the world. A serious and competent president would have seen and treated it as such. Clinton had ample opportunity to nail Bin Laden as his whereabouts were quite known. He was sleeping on the job literally and figuratively (with interns like Monica and the others). The next , successful attempt in bringing down the WTC was planned while Clinton was sleeping, and Hillary was helping to put out lies to the public ("vast right wing conspiracy and all that crap). Bush inherited the Clinton failure. As a result, we've had over 3000 people lost in WTC, almost had the Pentagon destroyed, etc. This has brought us into the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, with possibly a million people killed or maimed, all types of suffering, another 4000 Americans dead, and a practically bankrupt economy. And we're still in the mess, with more people hating us worldwide than ever conceivable. What we need is an intelligent president – someone actually committed to the public interest – to lead us out of the mess, before we wake up under a mushroom – which would probably lead to the end of the planet earth, as the US would have to react, or just wait to be hit with more nuclear bombs. It's that serious. You can be certain that Bin Laden, who's net worth is estimated at 300 million, is working with his associates on how to make a nuclear strike on the US. Hillary is even more incompetent and self-oriented than her husband, who would be the shadow president in her administration anyway. Nice lie she tries by saying that she would send him around the world as a goodwill ambassador – but then again, as William Safire said years ago, she's a "congenital liar". Obama is the only hope.

Sandy Johnson, Anchorage, Alaska   November 17th, 2007 7:54 pm ET

Bob Novak. Who would believe anything he says regarding an opposition party. Look at the turmoil he created with Valerie Plame. Forget about it. Obama does not need to make this a public outcry and he needs to just move on with his campaign. Enough already.

Robin, Montpelier, VT   November 17th, 2007 7:48 pm ET

Of course I expected the Clinton campaign to come back as if this is Barack Obama's fault or to try to tout his inexperience. I yes would check out the facts, but if once it got out into the media – which it did, I would expect Barack to question it and assertively move forward. And Barack Obama did that with the inner strength he possesses when dealing with conflict…direct, to the point and clarity of what needs to be done, as a President might have to. Barack quoted saying "She of all people, having complained so often about 'the politics of personal destruction,' should move quickly to either stand by or renounce these tactics,"" The cause of change in this country will not be deterred or sidetracked by the old 'Swift Boat' politics," the Illinois senator went on to say in the statement. "But in the interest of our party, and her own reputation, Senator Clinton should either make public any and all information referred to in the item, or concede the truth: that there is none." So basically, Barack Obama asks did you or did you not?… So what does Hillary and her people say…."Once again Senator Obama is echoing Republican talking points" The Clinton campaign also says they have no idea…Again, the Clinton campaign on the defense and in fact are they throwing the "mud" now???ummm. I'm more inclined to believe Novak at this point.

JFK, PHX, AZ   November 17th, 2007 7:33 pm ET

Great response by the Clinton team! Kudos for them calling this what it is! Diversion and distractions from the election and issues at hand. Obama needs to get back into the campaign and stop worrying about 'gossip' columnist Novak. Maybe then Obama can change some voters minds… or not…

Sumiko Honda   November 17th, 2007 7:33 pm ET

Boo for Hillary!!! She and her camp is guilty!!! It's exactly like something She would do.
I hope her polls fall as fast as America's trust for her.
She won't be President. That's good for America, even if that means 4-8 more years of Republican leadership.

Jim L., Irmo, SC   November 17th, 2007 7:30 pm ET

His response was reasonable and well directed. He asked her to meet the story with a vigorous response if she, or her campaign, did not plant the story.

Reggie, Germany   November 17th, 2007 7:24 pm ET

So Lee from Boston and all the others I guess all of you are saying if this article read Obama or even better John Edwards had the dirt on Hillary etc. That she and all of you would not react? Or is it only in her case that reaction is legitamate?

I would think in eiither case she would
be jumping to defend Obama and herself from the OBVIOUS "in the view of her campaign" Republican smear tactic. After all she accoring to Singer's response, is being used by them!!

What happened to the best qualified person to take on the Republican attack machine??? Where is our great defender?? Where is her outrage that the would use her in this manner??

No she'd rather chide Obama for being their toll when she and "her agents" not he was there chosen weapon!

That is of course assuming all that was written there is not true.

As for rational Lee, where is the rational in that???

John, Stamford, CT   November 17th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

Robert Novak belongs in a jail cell. What credibility does he have and why would anyone believe anything this creep says? Hey Clinton haters: BUSH is destroying the country and the WORLD! Wake up!! We need him and his party out of power. Hillary is one million times smarter than this hideously ignorant tool of every special interest that is against OUR interests. Vote for a winner. Vote for Hillary.

Toronto, Ontario   November 17th, 2007 7:17 pm ET

I'm so ashamed, as a woman, a progressive and a feminist, of Hillary Clinton.

And as much as it drives me nuts when I hear idiots like Chris Matthews and his ilk blathering on with his old school sexist crap about "the grating sound of Hillary's voice" to the point that I want to stand up, defend her and remind him that he'd NEVER consider making a disparaging comment about a male candidate's "grating voice", I still cannot bear the thought that deep down in my bones, I have no doubt that Hillary Clinton would, will be and is, playing the dirtiest game and wouldn't think twice to step on the Constitution — just like Bush & Cheney once she's in the WH. What's equally frightening is that on the Republican side, undoubtedly Rudy Giuliani is capable of doing the exact same rotten thing and would have no respect for the Constitution.

I have no stake in this game. I'm a Canadian, but it's so very depressing to watch the debate the other day and realize that it was no accident that those's boo's and jeers were solely aimed at the only 2 top opponents of Hillary Clinton: Edwards & Obama. Everyone on that stage challenged each other as well as Clinton, but only when Obama and Edwards challenged Hillary Clinton, did those boo's dependably appear, as if on cue. For shame. For shame.

jack,tx   November 17th, 2007 7:17 pm ET

I think Hillary will flock to Giuliani and you know what, what the republicans wanted and another republican will be back in power…Just continue this Hillary.

Leo, VA   November 17th, 2007 7:09 pm ET

You are another plant, right?
Posted By zak,boston,ma : November 17, 2007 6:42 pm

No Mr. Zak, you are subjective and incapable to admit that Obama, otherwise an interesting character, was often lost and rigid at the debate , and now is jumping on whatever stupid thing a Republican said trying to divert the attention from his very poor performance. No matter how much you support your candidate (if you really do) show some respect for the people posting here.

mountain man   November 17th, 2007 7:04 pm ET

What a baby! Obama sounds like he is begging for mercy "Please Hillary don't attack me!" Obama is a wimp. He's also stupid because if the Novack story is true then it is saying that Hillary has dirt on Obama but they aren't using it. So acording to Obama Hillary is taking the high road and he is whining about it.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 7:03 pm ET

It seemed obvious that the network and “moderator” were pro-HRC. Now, as facts emerge, it appears that:
1. a question to HRC was planted; 2. the audience consisted of HRC supporters hand-picked at the last minute; 3. Carville engaged in post-debate commentary supporting HRC without disclosing that he is a current HRC advisor.
I’m sure HRC will say she wasn’t aware of and doesn’t support such actions. Again? How gullible are Americans anyway

Posted By Bill,wellesly,ma : November 17, 2007 6:36 pm

Couple of facts:

It seemed obvious that the network and “moderator” were pro-HRC. Now, as facts emerge, it appears that:
1. a question to HRC was planted; 2. the audience consisted of HRC supporters hand-picked at the last minute; 3. Carville engaged in post-debate commentary supporting HRC without disclosing that he is a current HRC advisor.
I’m sure HRC will say she wasn’t aware of and doesn’t support such actions. Again? How gullible are Americans anyway?"
Posted By michael, nyc ny : November 17, 2007 4:32 pm

Couple of Obama operatives with EXACTLY the same post. Is there a place on his website to copy that from?

In answer to the question, How gullible are Americans anyway?", Not as gullible as some seem to think.

ss,chicago,Illinois   November 17th, 2007 6:56 pm ET

This is a Republican trick to keep Democrats divided so they can win.
Obama should have asked Bob Novak to reveal all he knows. Clinton is way ahead in the polls, and she just had a very good debate so it makes no sense that her campaign would engage in this. Could it be that the Obama camp planted the story to get back on track since losing the Thursday night debate? Obama is no saint. He accuses Hillary of not providing straight answers but he himself does not give straight answers to the same questions. Let's bring civility back to campaigning.

a.thomas, ny, ny   November 17th, 2007 6:48 pm ET

Democrat Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois, enjoyed by far the most positive treatment of the major candidates during the first five months of the year
Obama 46.7 positive, 15.8 negative
Clinton 26.9 positive 37.8 negative

Posted By TheInsider : November 17, 2007 4:21 pm

HILLARY IS RATED MORE FAVORABLY THAN OBAMA BY THE DEMOCRATS, AND OBAMA WILL NOT BE NOMINATED.

Hillary receives 50 percent plus of Democrats citing her as their choice for the nomination. She has a favorable rating from 82 percent of Democrats and Democratic leaners, while only 16 percent have an unfavorable view of her. Obama has a favorable rating of 70 percent. Also, 64 percent of Democrats say they would vote for Clinton enthusiastically in the presidential election, while 49 percent feel this way about voting for Obama. Democrats also perceive Clinton as being most likely among the Democratic candidates to defeat the Republican in the 2008 election (56 for Hillary vs 16 for Obama).

zak,boston,ma   November 17th, 2007 6:42 pm ET

A transparent and clumsy "politics-of-hope-I-can-change-the-subject" attempt to get beyond Sen. Obama's abysmal showing on Thursday night. Why do I say abysmal: in what has to rank as the single most embarassing (and revealing) moment in presidential debate history, Sen. Obama, only momements after assailing Sen. Clinton for not giving a straight answer to the drivers' license question at the previous debate, gave an even more rambling and imprecise response to the exact same question. And this after more than two weeks to prepare a response to a question everyone in America knew would be asked. It was so bad, the audience actually laughed at him. Obamaphiles: when your candidate has to grasp at a life raft thrown into the water by Bob Nofacts to try and save his candidacy, its over.

Posted By Dazed and Confused in DC : November 17, 2007 4:09 pm

You are another plant, right?

Steve, Aurora CO   November 17th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

Wow… It's not that he can't take criticism, it's that he can't even take the suggestion of potential hypothetical future criticism. What a loser.

Bill,wellesly,ma   November 17th, 2007 6:36 pm ET

It seemed obvious that the network and “moderator” were pro-HRC. Now, as facts emerge, it appears that:
1. a question to HRC was planted; 2. the audience consisted of HRC supporters hand-picked at the last minute; 3. Carville engaged in post-debate commentary supporting HRC without disclosing that he is a current HRC advisor.
I’m sure HRC will say she wasn’t aware of and doesn’t support such actions. Again? How gullible are Americans anyway

pam   November 17th, 2007 6:33 pm ET

This country will never heal with Hillary at the helm. She is a very scary woman. I can not understand the people who support her. Can they not see how truly horrible this woman is or do her "fans" just want to see a first in the WH so badly that they will be blind to all she is? She is evil, corrupt and power hungry.
Obama is hope and light in the dimness of the Hillary political machine. I will never vote for her. If she is the choice of my party I will vote for the other side just to stop her. Bush-Clinton-Bush…look where it has gotten us! We are

Zeus Racine, WI   November 17th, 2007 6:33 pm ET

Gee, folks, and the ISSUE here is WHAT?

Let me see: Novak, a proven liar and fruit-loop, writes something nebulous, presumably coming from a Clinton “Contact” intimating something “Negative” about Mr. Obama…

And, the response from my thoughtful, intelligent and mature Democrats is for them to go completely bonkers and either attack the credibility of Clinton or come to the rescue of Mr. Obama.

Isn’t it just marvelous what (1) lying, fruit-loop [i.e. Mr. Novak] can accomplish within the Democratic Party?

I sincerely hope, for the sake of both America and what appears to be an extremely out-of-control, overly emotional, Democratic Party, that you folks find your meds B/4 the actual election.

It’s bad enough, sad enough, to have to live with an insane president who wants to kill everything brown in the Mid-East, bankrupt America, while turning it into a subsidiary of Mexico; we really can’t afford all of this sheer nonsense from Democrats too…at least if you seriously want to put a Democrat in the White House!

hillarylover - sa tx   November 17th, 2007 6:28 pm ET

CLINTON 08!

Rich Orl, FL   November 17th, 2007 6:25 pm ET

First Karl Rove and now Robert Novak?? Come on people. Their actions continue to do a great disservice to our nation IMO. Do you not recognize this is another dirty trick to divert attention? "Divide and conquer" has become the right wing strategy, when we have a chance to "unite and win" next year.

The primaries have not even been held, yet. Yes, Clinton did well in the debate the other night but not guaranteed the nomination, so please put away the wide speculation. I have a lot of respect for both Clinton AND Obama. In fact, it may surprise some that I’m trying to decide between Biden and Obama for the primary, but I will back Clinton if she gets the nod. My spouse loves her, and I see why by the other night. That’s all. Peace.

regvoter   November 17th, 2007 6:25 pm ET

Taking Hillary at her word is the equivalent of taking the word of a known liar and terrorist. Obviously, Obama is not ready for the presidency.

obama supporter   November 17th, 2007 6:22 pm ET

Better hope Hillary doesn't get the nomination then. If she does, it's all over. She's the LEAST electable candidate, by far. And that's putting it nicely.

jz,Iowa   November 17th, 2007 6:21 pm ET

Fired up, ready to go and just DONATED again. "Steel our resolve"…heck yeah, it will. You want to see "heat", Hillary, you got it.

american   November 17th, 2007 6:20 pm ET

Yes! This is what we need to do… Respond in a positive way. Donate to the campaign, buy yourself some Obama-gear, make that call to volunteer in you Congressional District.

HRC knows she is going to lose Iowa. This little ploy of the Clinton Campaign will and is backfiring on them. It is only making us Obama supporters stronger and more fervent to insure Obama gets elected President of the United States of America.

I, too, would NEVER vote for Hillary if she had gotten the nomination. I would write in Obama's name!

I AM FIRED UP!

I AM READY TO GO!

LET'S GO CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!!

Bob Novak, Washington DC   November 17th, 2007 6:20 pm ET

CNN planted everything: the moderator, the audience, each and every question! They even planted the background color to make Hillary look good. What else, oh yes, CNN raised the temperature to make the men feel the heat and make the cold Hillary warm.

a.thomas, ny, ny   November 17th, 2007 6:18 pm ET

Novak is not a credible journalist, after his involvement in the Valerie Plame affairs.

Considering Novak's relationship with Karl Rove, it does not suprised me that this is another trick by Rove, or the republicans to create in fighting within the dems party or to perusade the independents not supporting Hillary, after Rove's earlier suggestion to Obama to go after Hillary.

I think that, as this is just a rumour originated from Novak, Obama's anger should be towards Novak, instead of towards Hillary.

On the other hand, it would not surprise me that there is scandalous info dug up by the republicans, as they spent millions and millions in finding scandalous info about the Clintons during Bill Clinton's election and administration in 1990's. Not many new candidates can be subject to this scrutiny like the clintons.

This is just another dirty trick right out of the republican playbook.

Bob -Browns Mills, NJ   November 17th, 2007 6:18 pm ET

If Obama is so upset with Clinton because of a Bob Novak piece then he better hope he is not the nominee. Forget about Swift Boating, the Republican machine will sink him like the Titanic!

democrat   November 17th, 2007 6:16 pm ET

How sad that my beloved Dems and my favorite news station are engaging in the “bushie” dance. It pains me to see this behavior as being the same old political high jinks, it appears that the voters are viewed as dumded down and will accept such theatrics. Based on what I heard last night I will change my party affiliation to Independent on Monday. This pronouncement from a baby boomer who marched in the sixties for civil rights, protested in the seventies and became mainstream in the eighties and always felt that I had a duty to help those less fortunate in America….
I can no longer distinguish between the two political parties.

— Posted by emsie

TAUREAN, CHICAGO,IL   November 17th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

It's funny how almost everybody on this board is spreading lies about Hillary. How in the world can she make CNN plant a question, also all the candidates had the same number of tickets. Before the debate in Las Vegas the polls showed her leading the state with 51%. I'm just sick and tired of people hating this women for being independant and smart. Accusing her of all these lies with no facts that she did any of these things. She has my vote no matter what anybody says about her.

Independent in IA   November 17th, 2007 6:00 pm ET

Public To Obama…..grow up and stop whining…

therealist   November 17th, 2007 5:58 pm ET

Hillary lies with the ease of a 3 yr old and a rehash of her old vast right-wing conspiracy smoke screen stmt is just more proof that Novak is really the one telling the truth..

RightyTighty   November 17th, 2007 5:55 pm ET

"A Republican leaning journalist runs a blind item designed to set Democrats against one another."

Funny that's not how Hillary described Novak when he quoted Bush sources about Valerie Plame. He was king then. But of course, dems will follow along, everything must come from the great and powerful "vast right-wing conspiracy"..

Ha Ha!!

Lee, Boston, MA   November 17th, 2007 5:54 pm ET

Almost every supporter of Sen. Obama that posts here sounds like a crazed lunatic. Seriously. I see so few rational takes on Obama's actions and his campaign's remarks that I find it hard to take his candidacy seriously.

Makes me sad, too, because I really wish there were rational people out there supporting him with rational rationales.

Lee

J. Nicholson   November 17th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

The repulsive Bob Novak just can't keep his mouth shut. We know he is just a Republican mouthpiece. Why do we pay attention to him?

Shoshiru Takemitsu   November 17th, 2007 5:49 pm ET

Not many people are surprised by these allegations against Hillary Clinton. She is the "Queen of Mean" when it comes to politics. She was pompous and obnoxious at the latest Presidential debates. It showed even in her face.
The scandals and corruption coming out of her campaign is a disgrace. The planted questions at Clinton rallies, and now the smears against Obama are despicable. But not surprising.
Many think Hillary thinks She is invulnerable. But I think She will have the shock of her life when, in light of this latest allegation (regardless if true or false) She sees her polls and support come crashing thru the floor.
Whether the Obama allegations are true or false, Hillary is ruined because :
1) Just the fact that She and her campaign would be suspected is damage enough.
2). If true, She'd be wise to quit the campaign tomorrow !!!

Kathy O., Bethlehem, PA   November 17th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

ROBERT NOVAK is still considered a journalist and is on someone's payroll??? How is he still employable… I thought he was at the bottom of the media barrel after what he did to Valerie Plame.

John Smith, Austin, TX   November 17th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

It has gotten to the point now that if Obama or Edwards win the nomination, I'll vote Democrat. But if Clinton wins it, I may just have to vote Republican next November for the first time.

cicilia,nashua,nh   November 17th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

News networks are supposed to be neutral, fair and balance in their reporting. When they pick sides it becomes bad
Posted By michael, nyc, ny : November 17, 2007 4:06 pm

You are so right, but this isn't what you expected to see.

"The press also gave some candidates measurably more favorable coverage than others. Democrat Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois, enjoyed by far the most positive treatment of the major candidates during the first five months of the year—followed closely by Fred Thompson, the actor who at the time was only considering running. Arizona Senator John McCain received the most negative coverage—much worse than his main GOP rivals."

Obama 46.7 positive, 15.8 negative
Clinton 26.9 positive 37.8 negative

Obama has been getting fawning coverage from the press and it hasn't enabled him to overtake Clinton.

http://www.journalism.org./node/8187

Posted By TheInsider : November 17, 2007 4:21 pm

First, personally I think Obama didn't ask for that coverage.

Second, I think supporting her in the Network center is ok but not in the debate. I found that to have gone too far from question planting to making the debate to best suit her strong points and get Obama at his weak points.
I watched the debate and all what I said was 'wow'

SD, NY, NY   November 17th, 2007 5:46 pm ET

Wooh, these Obama supporters are sooo desperate. I almost feel sorry for them

William   November 17th, 2007 5:37 pm ET

Obama has been swift boating Clinton and helpiong GOP for weekks. What he is talking about?

George, Texas   November 17th, 2007 5:37 pm ET

The vast majority of the "obama" supporters on this blog are republicans in disguise. Its funny taht republicans are so scared that thay resort to these levels. Any true democrat wants Hillary to win. We love and enjoy the level of rage and discomfort it will cause to republicans.

Carol, Pittsburgh, PA   November 17th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

Ah, things were so much more peaceful when Novak was quietly waiting to see if he would be among the indicted for outing Valerie Plame. It's way past time for him to hang it up and for us to stop giving him any credence! And I certainly hope the Democratic bickering ends soon — enough already!

Susan Cusson, Mohave Valley, Arizona 86440   November 17th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

Will OBama give it up. He lacks the maturity, experience, and in tegrity to pull this off for the country. He is the one who does not get it. I am a baby boomer and I get the problems. And, oh by the way, I am not over the hill yet. Go Hillary!!!!!Let's hope thay all try to keep it clean. P.S. When I got my license to drive, I had to show my birth certificate.

jacob,boston,ma   November 17th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

Is CNN waiting to go down with Hillary? Either that or distance themselves from her.
I can smell a rat!

jb   November 17th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

OBAMA: 'It will only serve to steel our resolve' wow

R. A. Conway, Issaquah, WA   November 17th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

I do not trust Mr. Obama and I never will. I am a lifelong Democrat and I find the general atmosphere surrounding the Obama campaign to be filled with half-truths, mud-slinging and attempts to make other candidates look bad through planting and propegating rumors meant to generate sympathy for Mr. Obama.

The candidates positions on issues and their demeanor, character, and ability to defeat Republican candidates at the ballot box drive my vote – not innuendo or rumor. Mr. Obama falls well behind Mrs. Clinton in all of those areas. Whiner crybabies looking for sympathy are signs of a weak candidate and inexperienced (even self-destructive) political organization. So sad that Mr. Obama – knowing he can't win on issues – will stoop to this – and to use the repulsive Mr. Novak as a source, disgusting.

Manuel Gonzales, Artesia, NM   November 17th, 2007 5:25 pm ET

FIRST ROVE, NOW NOVAK !!!
C'MON OBAMA, DON'T FALL FOR REPUBLICAN SMEAR TACTICS…DO NOT LET THEM DESTROY WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS GOING…WE CAN WIN THE HOUSE AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT IS WHY THE REPS ARE SLINGING EVERYTHING AT THE CANDIDATES…IF EDWARDS WAS A THREAT TO HILLARY, I CAN GUARANTEE YOU THEY WOULD FIND SOMETHING ABOUT EDWARDS TOWARDS HILLARY OR VISA VERSA..
OBAMA, KEEP YOUR COOL AND DON'T FALL FOR THE SLIME AND SLEASE OF THE REPUBLICANS TO UPEND OUR SUCCESSFUL RACE…
NOVAK IS PROBABLY BEING USED BY ROVE AS ROVE USED THE SWIFTBOAT PEOPLE AGAINST KERRY….
YOU REPUBLICANS ARE NOT GOING TO DESTROY OUR COUNTRY…WE LET YOU GO EIGHT YEARS AND WE ARE IN A MESS BECAUSE OF YOUR INCOMPETENT PEOPLE !!!
STAY OUT OF OUR BUSINESS !!!!

Bernard, Scotch Plains, NJ   November 17th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

Obama shouldn't worry about Hillary, he should be more concerned with the Swift Boating The Clinton News Network has been doing since he entered the race. Like their so called unbias panel they had after the debate, come on CNN even a blind man could see what you're full of, the Hillary LOVEFEST was so sickening, I had to swith to FOX (of all channels) for a little relief.

Ruth,VA   November 17th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

The press controls what people hear and read. They love HC and Bill, most voters are pretty uninformed about the issues. Hence they can make decisions based on very superficial facts. It is no wonder the other good candidates can’t get any traction. Just think of the headlines if HC wins. Sells a lot of news. Now that Obama has stood up to this, lets see what will play out in the next few months.

Jim, Connecticut   November 17th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

Gee if only Wolf Blitzer had this information before the debate he could have . . . Oh, that's right the Clinton campaign wouldn't let him ask about it..

Good doggie, Wolf.

Brenda,Newton,Iowa   November 17th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

It is sad to see that not only the front-runner, Clinton, but also major media outlets like CNN, are scripting questions in what is supposed to be an open democratic process. This sort of disingenuousness is what makes me cynical about the political process. Why do we accept this sort of behavior, let alone reward it?

John Z., Mt. Pleasant, IA   November 17th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

Remember that the madrassa story, that FOX News picked up, actually came from an Insight magazine story based on rumors they said the Clinton campaign was spreading: http://www.insightmag.com/Media/MediaManager/Obama_2.htm

Dan, Columbus, OH   November 17th, 2007 5:19 pm ET

"These punks are underestimating Sen. Obama's toughness to fight back. He is not your text book politician!"

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE… er, um, I mean, don't underestimate the power of the Clintons. But I'm repeating myself.

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 5:14 pm ET

Americans will vote no to hillary no, no to divisive politics, no to lies, the office of president will not be given to someone who doesnt want to be questioned on what their stand is regarding issues,(asking hillary to clarify her positions is not attacking her) she doesnt want to be attacked but she has called obama "naive and inexperienced" what a hypocrite she is!!!

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

Couple of facts:

It seemed obvious that the network and “moderator” were pro-HRC. Now, as facts emerge, it appears that:
1. a question to HRC was planted; 2. the audience consisted of HRC supporters hand-picked at the last minute;

The moderator was biased, the crowd was pro-Clinton (Clinton is polling around 60% of the vote in Nevada) and was, "hand-picked".
Where do you get these Facts?

"The protagonist, a fox, upon failing to find a way to reach grapes hanging high up on a vine, retreated and said: "The grapes are sour anyway!" The moral is stated at the end of the fable as:

It is easy to despise what you cannot get."

The fact is that Clinton did what she needed to do, Obama was laughed at for his (190 word) driver's license flummoxing and Obama supporters are like the fox in Aesop's fable.

fair,washington,dc   November 17th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

Barack,
Agree or disagree, the Swift Boat folks were above board, specific in who they were and what they alleged. Clintonian smear tactics are well recognized all by themselves. They don't come any more two-faced than Hillary.

Did someone complain about "mud" earlier this week … LOL

Posted By Jim in Orlando, FL : November 17, 2007 2:23 pm

You know I just needed to respond to this. Quickly, for clarification lets look at what the SwiftBoarding of John Kerry was . Seven Republican veterans just prior to the general election came out twenty plus years after serving with Kerry and made accusations that what he said he did in Viet Nam was false. Their only facts were I was there I was an eye witness. I am a military Vet and this incident in my opinion is a dark day in military history. If this had been a Republican candidate that this crap was pulled on there would have been such an uproar in the military community it would have still been resounding today. This is not a Democrat/Republican issue this is some folk taking a mans military record and smearing it for political purposes and the only reason there wasn't outrage from the military community is because the military is a Republican block. Don't know what aboveboard you are talking about, but I would love you to show me the facts and not some vicious old Republican veterans playing dirty politics. The only fact in their whole story was they were there serving with Kerry and there were folk that were also there that defended Kerry's claims so now this just becomes a baseless accusation.

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 5:09 pm ET

hillary when asked diamonds or pearls what do you prefer? both she answered i thought that was very greedy of her, most diamonds are blood diamonds, a vast majority of americans cannot afford to pay their bills talk less of owning diamonds or pearls, worth less question by CNN, hillary will lose the nomination, americans dont want a leader who plants questions and allows the booing of other candidates when she is simply being asked to clarify her stand…hillary is the classic picture of a politian america doesnt need and cant afford!!!

Scott, Bethlehem, PA   November 17th, 2007 5:07 pm ET

CNN and Hillary Clinton rigged the Las Vegas debate. The audience was purposely filled with Clinton supported and all audience questions were planted.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/11/17/84954/402

Reggie, Germany   November 17th, 2007 5:00 pm ET

You know when I read these comments scolding Obama I have to ask myself, have you all gone brain dead. This is a situation where someone, somewhere is attempting to performing character assassination agianst him.

Now this can only stem from one of two places. Either Novack is a liar and this is his or a republican concoction, or there is truth to this story. Either way Obama rightly needs to take a stand and say basically what he said today.

Now if Hillary is innocent of this SHE not Mr. Singer needs to respond and say catgorically that this is not true. Obama is her peer and running for the same position she is. He posed a direct request to her personally and deserves a direct response from HER not a surrogate. None of use would expect any less in the same situation.

If in fact there is no truth to this then BOTH!!! Hillary and Obama need to decend on Novack like a ton of bricks and demand answers and let it be know in bno uncertain terms that THEY as Democrates will not tolarate such acts.

I don't see how anyone Hillary supporter or not can see even the slightest bit of justification for what Mr Singer wrote. I would advise you all to read his statement again and see if you don't find it insulting and I must say a bit opportunistic on his part. Mr Obama has just been blind sided and slandered by innuendo and he accuses him of echoing Rebublican talking points and (here's the kicker) uses the moment to try and score political points by implying and I qoute,

"Experienced Democrats see this for what it is. Others get distracted and thrown off their games. Voters should be concerned about the readiness of any Democrat inexperienced enough to fall for this. There is a campaign in this race that has engaged in the very practice that Senator Obama is decrying, and it's his."

This is to me the lowest form of opportunismus and above that its disingenuous. If the shoe were on the other foot Hillary would not only be all over Obama she and Bill would be crying conspiracy and Swift Boat attack. After all Bill warned us only a few days ago about that didn't he. Are did he only mean in Hillary's case??
It really makes me wonder if maybe there is something to this story. Even if it was just to bait him into defending himself in order to issue this statement. And where's Hillary????

I'm sorry people but if you can tell me with a straight face that you agree that it would be right to attack you yourself this way if you were in Obama's situation and issued his statement ……

Then I guess I'll have to start praying for you immediately.

Hawk,Texas   November 17th, 2007 4:57 pm ET

Any one that would believe anything that comes from robert novac, is either a fool or a republican. let it go obama. you haven't been a angel on this either. not telling the people about your agenda. just bashing hillary.

Jacob, Des Moines, Iowa   November 17th, 2007 4:56 pm ET

wow you liberals are blind even when referring to your own party

anyone who isnt following the carrot hillary dangles in front of them can clearly tell that obama will be the democratic nominee

all the non-commited experts, republican, independent, and democratic, can tell that hillary is about to peak in december

if dems are smart they will not choose clinton as their candidate..if they do, they loose in november

if republicans are smart, they will realize they NEED to choose Rudy as our candidate, if we don't we loose in november

BajanLuv, Newport News, VA   November 17th, 2007 4:55 pm ET

I am bothered by one thing: A republican hack, used Clinton's name in vain (according to her), she comes out swinging at Obama but says nothing about NOVAK–I thought she knew how to handle the repubs. If she does, now is the time to show us. I am glad that Obama ran his campaign the way he did. Can you really win at politics with an issues only campaign? You still have to respond to attacks like these or you will not win any way. We are in deep trouble. I don't like Novak, he is a lot of things, but liar? far from it–he likes to leak info to see the blood after. If he is pressed, he will tell us that it's carville and I would be very disappointed.

My advice to Obama: Answer them all swiftly and forcefully. Clinton does have political "experience" not all good. BTW: If she does win the nomination(I hope not), she will expect you to go out and help her get the Black vote.–I wish you would—-

Jason, Rockford IL   November 17th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

Laura,

Just to let you know if you read either "Audacity of Hope" or even moreso "Dreams from my Father" you can read quite a bit about Obama's "record" that you are calling for. Obama reveals quite a bit in the book that might interest you if you are looking for that.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

"I was an undecided voter before the Democratic debate in Las Vegas, but now I know I will not support Hillary Clinton. She planted questions at the debate, she intimidated the moderator beforehand, she stacked the audience with her stalwarts, and now she is covering up her so-so performance at the sham debate with a whisper campaign against Barack Obama. How hypocritical!"

Posted By Joanna Harman : November 17, 2007 4:18 pm

Ms. Harman,

Your POST is an obvious plant. Your anti-Clinton rhetoric could not have been honed since the CNN debate that you seem to be in the extreme fringe minority in interpreting. Every spurious claim and half-truth comes RIGHT from the Obama camp!
Indeed, I suspect that you have often posted here before in support of Obama.
For an undecided voter, you seem to have decided to hate Hillary quite a while ago.
To question a candidate, to dispute a candidate, even to disparage a candidate is what the current process is about, but to misrepresent yourself in the service of a candidate disguised as an, undecided", truly is hypocrisy

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama   November 17th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

What a load of crap!

Senator Obama's campaign can't make legitimate news so they come up with this?

What a load of crap!

Jaik , chicago, IL   November 17th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

Novak has terrible politics, but he doesn't make things up out of the air, Clinton does however. All Hillary has to do is make the hint of something wrong with Obama, she knows she just needs a couple points here and there

J Edwards, Rio Rancho, NM   November 17th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

CNN, DO YOUR JOB!

You have the self-proclaimed "best poltical team in Washington. Tell them to get to the bottom of the story.

But we all know you won't because that would undermine your cushy status in the Clinton regime.

Prove to those of us who believe wholeheartedly that CNN is now an arm of the Clinton Campaign (aka Clinton News Network) that you are not.

If Mrs. Clinton thinks she can play "swiftboat politics" with Senator Obama, she has another thing coming. She's got more dirty laundry in her closet than a Little Rock Laundro-Mat.

And rest assured, if CNN won't cover the story, we voters will. Wanna play dirty politics, Bill and Hill? Bring it on!

Peter,PA   November 17th, 2007 4:47 pm ET

I always knew Senator Obama was a very intelligent person and a comment like these demonstrate that he is more than brilliant. Huge brain power but very humble – just the combination for a descent human being.

Just read Speeches from Senator Obama and clearly demonstrate that President Obama is what the country needs right now and for the future prosperity of our world.

Her Royal Highness Queen Inevitable is definitely looking backwards and trying to leave the country fighting the controversy of the past.

Obama, we are ready to follow your leadership.

Lee, Ann Arbor, Michigan   November 17th, 2007 4:43 pm ET

Hillary-lies, lies, lies, lies, lies, lies, lies, lies.

Her (and Bill) are just ruthless liars. They do not know how to tell the truth.

They're just selfish, hypocritical, self-serving individuals and THE AMERICAN PEOPLE DESERVE BETTER.

Peggy, McLean, VA   November 17th, 2007 4:39 pm ET

This tactic matches Hillary's ice-cold eyes. As a woman, I cannot understand what women see in her. CNN's debate implementation and coverage was dreadful. James Carville as objective commentator?? Please…

Mark, Long Beach, California   November 17th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

The more fool Obama for believing Robert Novak. This incident certainly argues against his judgement.

Novak has a proven track record among republican operatives for planting political "disinformation".

michael, nyc ny   November 17th, 2007 4:32 pm ET

Couple of facts:

It seemed obvious that the network and “moderator” were pro-HRC. Now, as facts emerge, it appears that:
1. a question to HRC was planted; 2. the audience consisted of HRC supporters hand-picked at the last minute; 3. Carville engaged in post-debate commentary supporting HRC without disclosing that he is a current HRC advisor.
I’m sure HRC will say she wasn’t aware of and doesn’t support such actions. Again? How gullible are Americans anyway?

Here is a link in the new york times proving that CNN planted the 'Diamond' question.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/behind-clintons-diamonds-and-pearls/

Ruth Bethinger, NYC   November 17th, 2007 4:30 pm ET

I have respect for the Clintons as masterful politians, but I find it rings false when they imply that they would never smear an opponent. It has been reported on in hundreds of articles for a decade the lengths that they go to take down opponents by any means necessary.

The Clinton camp also knows to plan things several steps in advance, and knows that by leaking to Novak, they get political cover because they can pretend to dismiss Novak as a conservative that nobody trusts, while keeping the smear alive.

Tired of Corruption LV   November 17th, 2007 4:28 pm ET

Typically when someone is guilty and they are called on it – they usually scream louder than an innocent person. Just like Clinton is doing right now. She is attacking Obama personally by calling him inexperienced becaused he had the audacity to question Clinton concerning this report from Novak.

It's amazing how little Clinton knows. She had no idea there were planted questioners in her audience, or that Mr Hsu was a crook, or that Peter Paul was raising money for her, or that mr. Bush was going to invade Iraq, or that the Iran vote can give Bush the go ahead to invade Iran and to keep troups in Iraq indefinitely, and the list goes on.

How can anyone want a person so out of touch with her surroundings not to mention her bad judgement in the highest office of the nation.

I am praying the people in Iowa are seeing through all of this. And are sick of the Clinton games.

Mitchel, Newport News, VA   November 17th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Hillary Clinton in three words: liar, liar, liar.

BajanLuv, Newport News, VA   November 17th, 2007 4:23 pm ET

Amir, CA Annaheim:

I nerver once called you stupid or an idiot in my post. You did call me a name in response but hey, who is counting? Follow your own advice.
Obama did the right thing by responding because it would have been worse Monday morning, if the tactic had worked. Get some rest, Amir.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 4:21 pm ET

News networks are supposed to be neutral, fair and balance in their reporting. When they pick sides it becomes bad
Posted By michael, nyc, ny : November 17, 2007 4:06 pm

You are so right, but this isn't what you expected to see.

"The press also gave some candidates measurably more favorable coverage than others. Democrat Barack Obama, the junior Senator from Illinois, enjoyed by far the most positive treatment of the major candidates during the first five months of the year—followed closely by Fred Thompson, the actor who at the time was only considering running. Arizona Senator John McCain received the most negative coverage—much worse than his main GOP rivals."

Obama 46.7 positive, 15.8 negative
Clinton 26.9 positive 37.8 negative

Obama has been getting fawning coverage from the press and it hasn't enabled him to overtake Clinton.

http://www.journalism.org./node/8187

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 4:20 pm ET

novak specifically said "clinton agents" if this is not a planted story by the clinton team, let them deny it vehemently, refute it and go after novak to stop incriminating them, the clinton team have to come clean as this will surely backfire!!!

V.C. Novosad   November 17th, 2007 4:19 pm ET

I just heard a long-time Democratic party commentator tell Brian Wilson on Fox News that Bob Novak's so-called "leak" is an old Republican play-book strategy to divide and conquer. Hillary and her campaign handlers have denied the Novak story, and considering Novak's journalistic dirty tricks, looks like he's trying to stir up another Valerie Plame controversy to prop up his twilight fledging career.

Barak Obama should have gone straight to Novak and demanded that he either explain or shut up. Common sense asks why Hillary would engage in Novak's
little "dirty tricks" when she is ahead in the race.

I really feel bad that Senator Obama is being treated this way, and I hope everyone, including him, will realize who is to blame for this.

Joanna Harman   November 17th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

I was an undecided voter before the Democratic debate in Las Vegas, but now I know I will not support Hillary Clinton. She planted questions at the debate, she intimidated the moderator beforehand, she stacked the audience with her stalwarts, and now she is covering up her so-so performance at the sham debate with a whisper campaign against Barack Obama. How hypocritical! Would she like it if the press dug into Bill Clinton’s post presidential sex life? How about using presidential pardons to raise funds? How about the illegal bundling by Norman Hsu? And she has the nerve to accuse John Edwards of throwing mud for talking about fixing health care? God, what is wrong with the news media? Clinton News Network indeed.

Mike, VA   November 17th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

Sure everybody is corrupt and shows lack of integrity in this country except Obama and his supporters. The guy looked incompetent in the last debate and now is trying to play the victim card. Yeah, don't Swift Boat! so pathetic.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 4:14 pm ET

I heeby challenge the CLinton supporters to prove even just one example of Obama resorting to perosnal attacks. It can't be done, because he hasn't.

Really?

Obama Campaign Tactics

11/17/2007 2:43:50 PM

Today, Sen. Barack Obama echoed Republican talking points by repeating a totally false claim by Republican Bob Novak about the tactics of the Clinton campaign.

It might be a good time for Sen. Obama to take a look at the tactics of his own campaign.

The Obama campaign pedaled an opposition research document, titled Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-Punjab), attacking Hillary for her ties to the Indian-American community:

Senator Barack Obama disavowed the document his campaign aimed at Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton last week, saying today that it was "stupid and caustic." The headline of one of the documents, which referred to Mrs. Clinton as 'D-Punjab,' touched off a furor among Indian-American groups that called on Mr. Obama to apologize for the remarks. [New York Times, 6/18/07]

That FactHub site is a MUST read

http://facts.hillaryhub.com/archive/?id=4261

Ydnar, Chicago, Illinois   November 17th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

Hillary's campaign continues to prove their scandalous behavior and their affinity to Rovian tactics. The latest scandal demonstrates that they are completely out of touch with the majority of Americans (democrats, independents, and republicans) in thinking that this “win at all cost” is what people want.

Barack Obama is one of the greatest political counter-punchers that have come on the scene since JFK. Consequently, everything the HRC campaign does against Barack will backfire and expose your true colors. My advise to you Hillary, if you want to be able to walk away with some dignity after you lose the primary, you need to start running a much cleaner campaign. I know that’s asking you a lot.

NP, NY, NY   November 17th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

I am not surprised that Mark Penn, Hillary's campaign manager, is stooping to this level. After all, he also does PR work for Blackwater, the mercenery firm that has killed dozens of Iraqis w/o provocation. While I don't like Bob Novak, he has never published lies in his columns.

Dazed and Confused in DC   November 17th, 2007 4:09 pm ET

A transparent and clumsy "politics-of-hope-I-can-change-the-subject" attempt to get beyond Sen. Obama's abysmal showing on Thursday night. Why do I say abysmal: in what has to rank as the single most embarassing (and revealing) moment in presidential debate history, Sen. Obama, only momements after assailing Sen. Clinton for not giving a straight answer to the drivers' license question at the previous debate, gave an even more rambling and imprecise response to the exact same question. And this after more than two weeks to prepare a response to a question everyone in America knew would be asked. It was so bad, the audience actually laughed at him. Obamaphiles: when your candidate has to grasp at a life raft thrown into the water by Bob Nofacts to try and save his candidacy, its over.

Jason, Capin , Iowa   November 17th, 2007 4:07 pm ET

Novack is a republican–he is just trying to create a distraction for democrats. Obama is getting desparate if he is grasping at this story. Even a cursory review of Novack's record will show that he is a conservative. For goodness sake the story appeared in the NY Post–which is owned by FOX.

Zuki, Bloomingdale NJ   November 17th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

Dear CNN – Your debate was a disaster to say the least. Whether Novak is telling the truth or not – Clinton still needs to issue a clear statement distancing herself from this smear. It's not like it's beneath her or her campaign to be involved in something like this.

michael, nyc, ny   November 17th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

It doesn’t take a genius to identify the bias of some of the major news networks in covering the presidential election. Democrats are heavily covered compared to the Republicans. However this is not the point I want to make here. I want to focus on the democratic side.When you look at time allocated to the individual candidates on the democratic side, there is a wide difference. For anyone who has been following the residential race, like I have been, you must have noticed that Sen. Hillary Clinton gets the most coverage on many major networks notably CNN MSNBC and ABCNEWS. This comes in two forms. They either talk about Hillary Clinton or they talk about Bill Clinton.
More so, even on stories that are highly negative about her or him it is spun to look good. The headlines are either confusing or worded to create doubt in the minds of the reader. Top negative stories about the Clintons particularly Hillary Clinton are not readily available for their readers or viewers. For example let’s look back at the story of the Clinton camp planting questions in events. It took several hours for CNN to report on it on TV or on their heavily tracked page “Political Ticker” As a matter of fact it was buried within the website late in the evening (Actually, other candidates had to pressure CNN to report on it). Most negative comments about her were not posted or are juxtapose with comments that defend a despicable act in politics like lying to the American people. More so, they are not kept on the page for a long time. On the other hand positive stories about Hillary are often left on the main page of political ticker for a very long time. The opposite is always done when it concerns other candidates like Frm Senator John Edwards, or Senator. Barack Obama. I could go on and on but, I don't have time I can't provide the complete details. However, I challenge anyone who reads this story to prove me wrong. I am now in the process of collecting web data to back up my findings. I will publish it as soon as I complete it. After the scheme that CNN pulled in the last debate it is clear that they are out to choke Hillary Clinton down our throats. News networks are supposed to be neutral, fair and balance in their reporting. When they pick sides it becomes bad

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   November 17th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

"Shut you're fat face Hilary….What about Vince Foster? Tell us."

Posted By Booger, Bear, DE. : November 17, 2007 2:58 pm
—————————
Three independent investigations concluded the Vince Foster committed suicide. The United States Park Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, a coroner, Independent Counsel Robert Fiske and a 3-year investigation by independent counsel Kenneth Starr ALL AGREE IT WAS A SUICIDE.

"Shut you're (sic) fat face" when you don't know what you are talking about.

amir   November 17th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

BajanLuv,
Hey, do not call me stupid, you idiot. Look at the facts and argue in sensible way. Stop name calling. I am not a supporter of Clinton and am undecided and independent. Just stick to issues. Do not be personal, other wise you would be a scumbag like Novak.
Obama has potential but he does to have to resort to this dirty game and play into republican trap.

Again, do not call people stupid in public form. Learn some manners before you participate. Your name sound like a Hindu and go and do sing Bajans to God and cleanse your heart. Then make some sensible comments so that other can learn and help this politics to be not so dirty.
I wont reply to you any more and thus bring some sanity to this forum.

Patrick Lincoln, NE   November 17th, 2007 3:54 pm ET

I'm no fan of Novak, but his info is usually good…

This is dirty tricks by the Clintons. Classic tactic; they are known for it. Start a whispering smear campaign, all the while claiming to be above it because "while you know the scandal info is there, you won't use it." Of course, if you weren't going to use it, you would have stayed quiet, right? So, the whispers, the rationale, the entire thing is a dirty political move to try to raise the sense that Obama is tainted without actual evidence.

Yo, Hillary. Have some integrity. If you've got the goods on Obama, bring 'em forth. If not, you need to step up NOW and refute Novaks claims.

Jack   November 17th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

I heeby challenge the CLinton supporters to prove even just one example of Obama resorting to perosnal attacks. It can't be done, because he hasn't.

Calling her on her policy is not personal, it's appropriate. Asking her to denounce or stand by Novak's lame attempt at a smear is exactly appropriate, and her response, as usual, smacks of opportunism and smallness.

Come on CNN. We realize you are just protecting your coprorate interests, but we are not fooled, and you are thereby damaging your reputation. "Most Trusted"? Trusted by who?

Rex, Houghton, MI   November 17th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

Bob Novak an opinionist, not a journalist so America and the Obama campaign is wise to ignore him.

What I would like to hear is CNN's justification for planting questions in the Democrat debate the other night to ensure Clinton received soft girly questions.

Phil, Evans, Georgia   November 17th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

Why are they so ready to talk about obama's inexperience. Being in the white-house while your husband is president is not presidential experience. And nobody is as inexperienced as Bush.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 3:52 pm ET

Obama supporters blaming Clinton for a story by NOVAK that the Clinton camp says they have no knowledge of and no, "dirt", to spread. Novak is probably laughing hysterically.

Those praising the Obama campaign's handling of this story so far should re-think their pre-conceptions, about both blaming Clinton, and not seeing if the story had legs (and attribution) before coming out swinging.

fair,washington,dc   November 17th, 2007 3:51 pm ET

All I know is when you get past weather there is negative stuff, if the Clinton camp had anything to do with it or whatever what I am looking at is how Obama who is trying to be the next President of the US handled it…and my conclusion is badly. I'm not paying attention to you Clinton bashers cause theres no point. What I do know that if the Republicans and Novak did leak this to cause a clash in the Democratic party it worked like a charm because of the way Obama responded. I mean come on the article said they had something , but they were not going to release it because they didn't want to cause exactly what is happening. I don't get into conspiracy theories. but the few times I've watched Obama what I've come away with is how smart he comes across, I'm not too sure he didn't fly off the wall on this innuendo, he said/ she said item to bring some kinda rally to his campaign. I thought is was an experience thing at first, but Obama's a smart guy and I don't think this got past him that this could be a Republican ploy,I think he's playing politics.

RuthieM   November 17th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

"Once again Senator Obama is echoing Republican talking points, this time from Bob Novak. This is how Republicans work," Singer went on to say. "A Republican leaning journalist runs a blind item designed to set Democrats against one another. Experienced Democrats see this for what it is. Others get distracted and thrown off their games. Voters should be concerned about the readiness of any Democrat inexperienced enough to fall for this. There is a campaign in this race that has engaged in the very practice that Senator Obama is decrying, and it's his."

To the Clinton people: Your quote above is pure BS and you know it. Since Novak supposedly started this, and he is indeed saying the 'Clinton Agents' then if the 'Clinton Agents' have nothing to do with this or know nothing about it, instead of putting out the above jerkish and typical and 'experience' garbage Clinton response why doesn't Clinton and Clinton Agents go to Novak and ask him what is this, what are you talking about.? Just the fact that Clinton people are responding directly to Obama says that this is coming from Clinton. And the fact they have not sought out from Novak what this is if they say they know nothing about it. Otherwise, they would not be responding like this, they would go directly to Novak and say STOP IT, IT IS UNTRUE, where did this come from! So I believe Clinton is guilty as charged, whether they really have something or not, and I tend to think 'or not'.

Nate, Denver Colorado   November 17th, 2007 3:44 pm ET

One must wonder whether the politics of getting elected are really what we desire to be the politics of our President. The way campaigns are run, do we really get to see the characteristics of candidates that will make them great leaders? Or are we making choices based on petty popularity? I fear it is the latter, and that is a kind of politics not worthy of candidates running for the office of President of the United states, it is a brand of politics better left to High School elections.
This being said, not only should rumors of rumored scandal not be newsworthy, but any response to such hearsay should elevate the candidates above it. Pointing fingers as Obama just has and pointing a disparaging finger right back at her opponent for lack of experience as Hillary has is petty, unneeded, unwanted, and cnn, it is not newsworthy. Tell me about Healthcare, Wellfare, Pension reform, foreign policy, and meaningful issues.

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 3:42 pm ET

All i know is in politics when you are attcked you respond very quickly so as not to lose credibility, the obama campaign responded well, the american people will see hillary for wht she really is callous and miscalculating and grossly inexperienced, America is all about change and the American people will choose change in obama,its time for honest change that is all about the American people, that hillary cannot provide, she is corrupt and defends a corrupt system that doesnt work for middle class America,she attended a meeting on nafta and said in the debates all she could remember were a bunch of charts??? i dont think the American people want a president that doesnt pay attention when American jobs get lost to questionable trade agreements… hillary go home and be a good wife to bill before he does something stupid again, the more i think of bill, the less and less i like him…..obama 08!!!

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

Of course, instead of just "renouncing" the claims, the Clinton campaign goes negative and uses it as an excuse to personally attack Obama.
Posted By Ron, TX : November 17, 2007 2:43 pm

Wrong again;

"Clinton spokesman Jay Carson said “we have absolutely no idea what he’s talking about. … We have no contact with Bob Novak; we have no idea what this column is based on.”

Asked if the campaign had any secret information about Obama, he said, “No. No, we don’t.”

Carson also scolded Obama for “walking right into a Republican trap,” after Obama personally challenged Clinton to come forward with any scandalous information she has about him — or admit she has nothing."

Another rookie mistake.

Matt Sutton, Central Point Oregon   November 17th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

Thanks Hillary for showing us once again the contrast between the dirty politics of the past, and the politics of hope for the future.

We will all be donating lots of money today at barackobama.com. Thanks again for the inspiration Hillary.

BajanLuv, Newport News, VA   November 17th, 2007 3:35 pm ET

Amir, CA Anaheim:
What the hell are you talking about? This is not about Obama, this is about Clinton tactics. We have seen them all before. Did you read the substance or just the stupid CNN headline. Go to another news source and read the substance. Please vote for Hillary, it's what you deserve. Hope the rest of us don't have to love through it. I hope Obama also contacted Novak. He is a sleeze, but he hasn't been wrong about the substance. Hil, be like John Mccain, come out and deny you had anything to do with it. You protest too much. Why go into the Repubs playbook etc–jeez.

nevadamuley Las Vegas, Nevada   November 17th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

Someone Swift Boating Barak Hussein Obama?
First of all you gotta do something before you can be Swift Boated. Good Bad or Indifferent, you gotta do something.
This guy doesn't have the gut to be the leader of the free world.
199 words to say yes to immigrants getting drivers licenses. Come on Barak, you sure hammered HRC at the last debate on the same issue.
Makes me wonder why in the world you were not prepared for a question that was soooo predictable.
Presidential, I think NOT!

Dave, Cheverly, MD   November 17th, 2007 3:24 pm ET

Obama did right by replying to this Clinton/Novak mess. He should reply to any and all lying attacks.

This is yet another example of Hillary's TRUE poll numbers in Iowa. This is a desperate act that will back fire. Iowa voters are smarter then that.

This is an insult to Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina voters. Make any candidate that stoups this low pay fo this at the polls. Clinton/ Novak up or shut up!

stan pitts p.a   November 17th, 2007 3:23 pm ET

The American people are gonna get what they deserve in hillary, more of the republican style, from someone who wants to be commander in chief this is really low, if you think you have some thing the public should know by all means expose it, if you dont shut up and dont try to ruin our political process, folks a vote for clinton is a vote for divisive politics and further polarization of our country, she cant hope to re-unite this country by playing this type of games!!!

AGAINST THE WIND   November 17th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Oooooooooooh, just like I thought you big bad chump. Go jump in the resevoir! CNN..don't forget to moderate this comment! O TAY.

Jed in Texas   November 17th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

The "Orange Jumpsuit Party" want Osama to win because they know he doesnt have a chance to win in the RED NECK RED STATES.Believe me ,I live among these Morons!

Kenny, South Carolina   November 17th, 2007 3:18 pm ET

Notice instead of just saying these allegations are untrue clinton uses every single thing she can to make Obama look bad. She is spewing so much garbage from her lips that I feel like I need to wash my monitor after reading it. Disgusting.

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 3:16 pm ET

Clinton has a 20 point lead nationally and a double digit lead in EVERY state except Iowa. Obama has NEVER reached the 30% percent mark in the nationals.
There is no logic to Clinton's camp leaking anything to Novak. Axelrod and company may wind up shooting themselves in the foot for taking Novak's bait and impugning Clinton based on his story.
What do they say it it turns out that Novak has nothing?
What do they say if there is something, and their public statements MAKE it surface without any CONNECTION to Clinton?
The one thing that they have accomplished is to keep this story filling the newshole for the next cycle or two. How that benefits their candidate is anyone's guess.

Karen,ny   November 17th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

They should put their money where their mouth is because Hillary isn't afraid of the punks, so name a time she knows the place. What do you think she is a pushover? I'll kick your ***. She is not going to take being "attacked" all the time. Got it!!!

Jim H, Glendale, CA   November 17th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

I've got to say, Obama seems to have gone off the rails. I have some hooks into the Clinton campaign, and I haven't heard a thing. I probably wouldn't care. But for Obama to react to a shapeless smear — of the Clinton campaign — by the Prince of Darkness, the outer of Valerie Plame, just shows how much he's gone off the rails. He's just not disciplined. (Psst — even if a Clinton source was whispering things, you don't react to it. You prepare your response in case it ever surfaces. And you clobber everybody in the field with facts; and you certainly don't dance on Bob Novak's string. Jeez, Obama, what a disappointment you are.)

Daniel, NY   November 17th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

Obama can also start drumming up his electability argument with a new general election poll from Iowa that has him crushing all Republicans when Hillary is struggling.

John, Detroit, Michigan   November 17th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

okay, first he was talking about being swift-boated with e-mails, now he's talking about getting swift-boated with republican suspicions of a suspected Clinton secret about himself? All after he criticized President Clinton for even bringing up swift-boating.

This guy is getting more and more ridiculous with every post on the ticker. He showed his true incompetent colors during the debate when Hillary beat him in just 5 minutes. Just drop out now Obama.

Amir, CA Anaheim   November 17th, 2007 3:06 pm ET

Obama could be desperate as he fumbled on drivers' license issue. He is using every opportunity and venues available from the republicans to paint the other candidates of "swift boating".

Obama, when you think from your heart , you look cool and very convincing. By resorting to this pre-mediated and pre-calculated “swift boating” accusation is only going to destroy further down. No one becomes noble at expense of degrading another fellow human. Politics is a dirty game but you got to play your card right when you have the proof of “swift boating” by others but not on a republican columnist.

Please for the country sake keep it cool -the anger against fellow democrats; maintain some civility in this whole campaign

James Newark NJ   November 17th, 2007 3:06 pm ET

Phil Singer? Could this be the new Karl Rove or a combination of Mr Rove and Scooter Libby? Democrats beware! Correction: America beware!

Bonnie O., Raleigh, NC   November 17th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Hillary Clinton would use whatever tactics necessary to discredit a rival-especially a rival who is getting so much positive attention from the masses. For Hillary, like Bill, it's politics as usual.
Obama '08!

nameless   November 17th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

I knew it'd be good! Wow, her campaign must be mighty scared to pull this kind of stunt. As I've said before, the lady of the kitchen is going to need more than an asbestos pant suit if she tries this Karl Rove/Mark Penn stuff with Obama!

David Mackey,Portland Oregon   November 17th, 2007 3:03 pm ET

Once again the short, ugly troll has emerged from his dank and odorous cave to do mischief. Polititians need to stand up and demand truth and accuracy in reporting. Rumors and Inuendos make for Lousy Journalism. Obama is probably a little raw after thursdays debate. They should concentrate more on re-enforcing his political adequacy than creating a "possible" swift boating scenario based on a questionable story by a Republican politial hack. Has anything good or progessive ever come out of this idiot's reporting?

"Don't Swift Boat Me Bro!"

Mary, Maryville, TN   November 17th, 2007 3:01 pm ET

I can not believe a nominee for the Democrats would stoop so low as to take a page out of Karl Rove's play book. But then that shouldn't suprise me – Hillary would just be another extension of the way Bush has govern the past 7 years – "Brownie, you are doing a good job", "hello K Street, open your wallets".

Glad to see that Obama will not stand still and take the 'mud slinging' by Clinton. Barack is getting to look better and better to this Independent voter – and – Hillary continues to CONFIRM why I could not bring myself to give her my vote. The job of our President is going to be a BIG one after the mess Bush/Cheney have left and playing 'cute' and hiding behind being a 'woman' just will not wash in the world's turmoil of today.

There's going to more to worry about on Jan. 20, 2009 than "who stole the 'W' on the White House computers'.

Ev Hyattsville, MD   November 17th, 2007 3:00 pm ET

So the Clinton campaign has "no idea what Mr. Novak's item is about". I guess it all depends on how you define the term "no idea". Is this "no idea" , the same as "no idea" the campaign was planting questions in townhall meetings??? Or is this "no idea", like the "no idea" concerning the $850,000 in contributions from Mr. Hse??

Michael, NYC, NY   November 17th, 2007 2:59 pm ET

CNN, give it up, you are not going to put Clinton in the white house.

What you are risking at best is loosing the credibility of your company and at worst, a boycot.

I wonder how your employees can go to sleep at night and not think about all their daily dishonesty.

Stop your sneaky little tricks and come back to professional integrity. Treat all the candidates fairly.

Booger, Bear, DE.   November 17th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

Shut you're fat face Hilary….What about Vince Foster? Tell us.

Ray, Rochester   November 17th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Must be that "vast right-wing conspiracy" right??? When all else fails, let's blame Republicans for our own idiotic campaigning.

What a bunch of morons. Congrats Dems, your congress approval rating is 11%, your nominees are void of any ideas that will actually work, you kill the progress being made in Iraq, you ridicule the surge that is paying off, and now you point fingers at each other. What a bunch of clowns.

Good luck in 2008.

PollM, Dallas Tx   November 17th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Seven Democratic presidential hopefuls went head-to-head on the issues Thursday night, with the biggest pressure likely on front-runner Sen. Hillary Clinton.

Who do you think won the CNN News Las Vegas Democratic Debate at the University of Nevada?

———-> http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=996

.

charles,Newton,Iowa   November 17th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

This Wolfson response is nothing more than another slam on Obama.. Wolfson and HRC are out-doing Karl Rove..which I did not think was possible.

Novak has to be put on the spot to clarify and confirm this .. he is a jerk but usually does not tell outright lies…

I am donating again to obama to assauge my anger a little. I am more determined than ever to work for an Obama victory ..in Iowa and beyond.

This will backfire on HRC in Iowa and beyond.. every fairminded voter out there is going to realize that they do not want the Clinton team back in power when tactics like this are standard operating procedure.

Obama to victory in 08…Rally around our guy.

leo, atlanta ga   November 17th, 2007 2:54 pm ET

down with CLINTON !!!!!!

Gail,Fresno,Ca   November 17th, 2007 2:53 pm ET

Bring it on witchy woman………every time you pull this kind of stunt you show your true Clinton colors and us Obama supporters donate to him every time you cackle.

Rebbeca,townsend,PA   November 17th, 2007 2:52 pm ET

Senator Obama just KILLED a dirty plan by his fast personal statement. That is the way he will govern. Straight forward, fast and smart.

James, Boston, MA   November 17th, 2007 2:51 pm ET

Has anyone else had enough of this negativity? This country is in desperate need of leadership and guidance, not the petty bickering and backdoor politics that have put the country in the shape it is in. None of the front three contenders have been upfront, honest or POSITIVE. If you step back from party lines, backing dollars, gender and race you really have to ask yourself would you actually trust these people with the fate of our future? They argue with themselves, how are they going to unite all of Congress or the nation? Please think carefully on these people before we get stuck with another 4 years of arrogant presidential governing.

Anon Berkeley, CA   November 17th, 2007 2:51 pm ET

Wonderful. I read another headline about Obama and what is it? Instead of talking about his platform and what he'd do as President, it's something about Clinton. This is why I'm really turned off by this guy and Edwards. It seems that everytime they say something, their response will include a reference to Clinton. He talks about how he's different from those in Washington and how he will unite the country, but he still uses old tactics, i.e. attacking the one who is leading the national polls for the sake of winning the nomination. Not the best way of uniting people, in my opinion.

Well, I ought to give him credit. His attacks are not anywhere near as blatant as Edwards'. Nevertheless, Obama needs to focus on what's important: promote your platform and stop making these kinds of statements because it is "in the interest of our party" as he said himself.

And no, I'm not some Clinton fan who foams at the mouth when I read these kinds of things. I also like Biden and Dodd. It's also worth noting how these two guys hardly ever go out of their ways to say things about Clinton and how Edwards and Obama almost never make statements like this about Biden and Dodd. And Biden and Dodd are nowhere near the front of the pack. What a coincidence.

mountain man   November 17th, 2007 2:50 pm ET

So whats the attack I'm dieing to know now?

vicky,nashua,NH   November 17th, 2007 2:49 pm ET

Good reply.

Now if they could just let this die?!? Clearly Hillary's little plan didn't work out

Isabel,charlestown,boston   November 17th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

Way to go, David!

In case they can't tell (maybe they should ask Blitzer), these are simple "yes" or "no" questions!

Martin, Sicklerville NJ   November 17th, 2007 2:47 pm ET

Mr. out the CIA agent hack Robert Novack is at it again. It's high time the American people, Dems & Republicans reject this kind of sleaze and slime. Mr. Novack and all who employ him should be rejected and bannished from the politcal conscience of American sentiment. Albeit a competition both candidates should have ignored this filth from such a vile human being. We "are" a much more decent people than this.

Nelly,manchester,NH   November 17th, 2007 2:47 pm ET

Way to go, David Plouffe! Take no prisoners….

Here is Plouffe's statement:

“The ‘experience’ America’s looking for today is not the practiced Washington art of evasion and deflection. Once again, the Clinton campaign refuses to answer two simple, direct questions:

Are “agents” of their campaign spreading these rumors? And do they have “scandalous” information that they are not releasing?

“Yes or no?”

Jim Calumet City, Illinois   November 17th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

More garbage from Novak, a mean and spiteful old man and confidant of Karl Rove. A red flag that both are trying to steer the upcoming election and stick us with another incompetent to run the White House.

virginia in tucson, arizona   November 17th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

I'm amused at the self-righteousness of the statements from the Clinton campaign. Is this the same campaign that accuses people of mudslinging when they challenge one of Hillary's positions? Is this the campaign that calls another candidate "naive" and "lacking the experience to be president" in response to a policy statement from another candidate? Is this the campaign that insinuates that other candidates disagreeing with Hillary are ganging up on her? I agree, Hillary, let's get back to the issues and run a fair campaign. If your people are being accused of scurrilous rumors, then issue a statement reassuring Obama that never would you engage in those tactics since you, of all people, know how unfair they are.

Peterson,des moines Iowa   November 17th, 2007 2:45 pm ET

Howard Wolfson, Clinton's campaign communications director, said she has "no idea" what the item is about. "Once again Senator Obama is echoing Republican talking points, this time from Bob Novak," he said in an e-mailed statement. "This is how Republicans work. A Republican leaning journalist runs a blind item designed to set Democrats against one another. Experienced Democrats see this for what it is. Others get distracted and thrown off their games. Voters should be concerned about the readiness of any Democrat inexperienced enough to fall for this. There is only one campaign in this race that has actually engaged in the very practice that Senator Obama is decrying, and it's his. We have no idea what Mr. Novak's item is about and reject it totally. Instead of pointing fingers at us, Senator Obama should get back to the issues and focus on what this election is really about."

OMG!!! Howard Wolfson is the devil incarnate. This is really low…even for Hillary. She's outdone herself this time. It will be a cold day in hell before I'd EVER vote for this woman. I pray to God that people finally open their eyes and see her and her minons for what they really are. This is really disgusting. God Bless Barack Obama.

Jason Welch, Atlanta, GA   November 17th, 2007 2:45 pm ET

I don't believe Robert Novak one bit. It would insane for the Clinton campaign to try to pull a trick like this. After all, look at what she and Bill have been through with scandal. This is just an old dirty trick by an old dirty Republican journalist to create divides within the Democratic Party. Hell, look what he did in helping to out an undercover CIA agent. TREASON!!!

4 O Redding CA   November 17th, 2007 2:45 pm ET

The special interests are getting together against Obama, helped by CNN e.g. by bringing Rove's expert analysis into the ticker.

Vik N   November 17th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

Who are you going to believe – Obama or the Clintons?

Bethany, St. Louis MO   November 17th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

I am so proud of Obama for taking the stand of integrity in this pathetic debacle produced by Clinton's people.

Joe Mathews, Manchester, VT   November 17th, 2007 2:44 pm ET

Once again Novak's involved in a sleaze attack. Not content with "outing" Valerie Plame and ending her CIA career, he now does someone's dirty work here. Perhaps he wants Clinton as the Democratic nominee in the hope any GOP candidate will swamp her.

Clinton and her campaign aren't off the hook either. Witness John Mc Cain's quick denouncement of the "push poll" attempt on Mitt Romeny candidacy via his Mormon faith. Mc Cain also rightfully called for the New Hampshire Attorney General's office to investigate.

Clinton campaign's response sounds like they may indeed know something and are hiding it. Again, the proper response it call for an investigation of whomever is responsible for this and full cooperation to stop it. Obama's perfectly right to come out early and forcefully against Novak's garbage. It's past time he's put out to pasture.

Incidents such as these have no place in our political process from any source and involving any candidate. Clinton, above all, should know this based on her history of the past 15 years. Enough!

Ron, TX   November 17th, 2007 2:43 pm ET

Of course, instead of just "renouncing" the claims, the Clinton campaign goes negative and uses it as an excuse to personally attack Obama.

Muthoni,boston,ma   November 17th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

My dad once told me, Truth will come from every corner and never bend any low if you still have truth in you——–Here is what it is.

cn   November 17th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Great response Barack!!! I'm really proud of you for defending your good name!This is the perfect response by Obama here. He shows toughness and integrity. He will fight for his good name and yet he does this without making the same kind of attack against hillary. Toughness and integrity put together. Isn't that what our Presidency is suppose to be about? And as a member of the American media (once the most unbiased media in the world) shouldn't you CNN be fighting for the same?

And why didn't you post Axlerod's response to Singer that they are once again deflecting and ignoring the question?

Kellie, Albuquerque, NM   November 17th, 2007 2:41 pm ET

Clinton is just plain scary. How can anyone run a normal campaign with her in the race? Arrogance, manipulation, and power-thirst are all that comes to mind with a Clinton.

Benard,Derry,NH   November 17th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

This is what bothers me, and I'm glad Obama referred to this in his statement: Hillary has complained and accused him and Edwards of mudslinging. Yet, Obama, time and time again, says nothing but positive things about Hillary personally…like she's capable, intelligent, etc. When he has something personal to say about her, it's positive.

However, she called him "naive and inexperienced" and continues to do so. THAT is mudslinging. THAT is a personal attack.

Her hypocricy blows me away
Hope for America is Barack!

Tracy, New York City   November 17th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

Obama is once again admirable qualities of a brave and honest leader. I trust this guy to be President and I know he would be a great one.

Hilary on the other hand just baffles me. She gets a tough question at a town hall and she runs for cover claiming the questioner is a plant.

Her fellow candidates justifiably ask her to decalre her stance and address criticism that she is has a tendency to flip-flop on issues and plays politics for the sake of politics rather than tackle the real problems and she ducks under the cover of being attacked and accuses the others of dirty politics.

I just can't bring myself to trust her. She may talk well on prepared lines, but the issue of deep down trust just isn't there.

Shel, Seattle, WA   November 17th, 2007 2:39 pm ET

I agree with Mr. Singer; it is slightly hypocritical for Obama to be criticizing Hillary Clinton for supporting personally critical attacks when he himself has been doing it for months now. Let's get back to the issues, and have the candidates talk about what they themselves will do for America, and not just trash the other candidates.

jim,boston,ma   November 17th, 2007 2:39 pm ET

Are there no depths to which this woman will not sink?

David,tennessee   November 17th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

There has been much information and polls regarding Clintons electability problems, especially amongst republicans. She and her "Agents"(what is this James Bond?)are lieing. Hilary is saying this to smear Obama again, for the hundreth or more so times. She knows she can't keep fighting even the scientific polls showing her 50%+ of our own democratic party will not ever nominate her no matter what. Wish that poll was given much more attention. Also, there have been rumors that the republians have inforamtion on Ms. Clinton but are using it for the genreal election. It's my guess that because of that, Hilary is now turning this to make it look like Obama is unelectable. She has sealed her records, right there repubs and even dems think that is a sign she's hiding stuff. Her refusal to release those records and Obamas constant referrence to it, has put Hilary & Co. in attack mode against Obama.
I'm glad Obama made the statement and we need to put pressure on for her to stop this rediculous dirt smearing tactics. I believe whole heartedly they never expected Obama to make it this far and threaten her so called inevitable win. IMO he is most likely ahead in Iowa based on the campaigns doing their own inside polling. This is Clinton Machine smears and detroy anyone in their way. If they had something she would have used it by now because she wouldn't want Obama to even win Iowa where it will count most, much less worrying about general election. Hope we can all find ways to counter yet again this nasty dirty rotten attempts to take Obama down. I know we'll not let it happen without a fight. They are lieing plain and simple. She is loosing by all accounts except in the national polls, controlled mostly by media and Mark Penn. And of course her name.
Now hope arise again in the midst of all evil that went on in Nevada..

Joeley Reno, Nevada   November 17th, 2007 2:38 pm ET

This shows that Obama will do anything to take the bumbling, stumbling image of him in the Vegas debate away.

Clinton doesn't have to swift boat Obama, he does a fine job of making himself look less than presidential.

ANY of the other candidates would make a better leader than Obama, yes, even Kucinich.

Clinton has the strength, skill, character and ability to get this country back on track and that's what we need right now.

w19 CA   November 17th, 2007 2:37 pm ET

the special interests are coming together against Obama, helped by CNN e.g. by bringing into the ticker headline what Rove of all people has to say about Obama.

SilverB, Lilburn, GA   November 17th, 2007 2:37 pm ET

Wao, it takes a genius not only to plant questions but scandals too!!!!

Lets put this Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton scandal ridden family tree politics to a complete END

Zou,des moines,Iowa   November 17th, 2007 2:36 pm ET

If Hillary's people are suggesting something against Obama that they won't reveal, this is a mighty dirty way to win an election and I hope it will work against her.

I think this is even worse then the John/Mitt robo-calling fiasco in NH.

If this can be found and revealed quickly that's the end of Hillary. PERIOD!

rita,florida   November 17th, 2007 2:35 pm ET

here's a positive take on Obama's response:
wow, this man defeats me.

Marko Dezdri, Portland, OR   November 17th, 2007 2:34 pm ET

That goes to show how inexperience this little boy is. Osama has no regards for the truth, and it's so desperate due to his stalled campaign, that anything that can be use to try to hurt Clinton, he grabs it.

Maybe when he grows up he might want to try again and run for President. But he will lose twice!

Hillary '08!!

Naomi,charleston,s.c   November 17th, 2007 2:34 pm ET

Thank you, Senator Obama for coming out with a strong condemnation of these tactics and for challenging HRC to come clean with info or refute this story.

This will not reflect well on HRC in Iowa where they respect a fair fight but despise dirty politics.. if HRC is found to have spread unfounded rumors.. she should be banished from democratic politics forever…….
Go Barack!

Hank,baltimore,md   November 17th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

What an articulate and eloquent response.

That's our guy!

GO OBAMA!!

Ken, San Diego, CA   November 17th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

What in the world is Obama thinking??

From Bob Novak no less….

sally,nashua,nh   November 17th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

Bravo Barack!.This will backfire to HRC bigtime and now the ball is on her.
Barack 08! I want this guy as my president!

Hillarylover - SATX   November 17th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

Whatever Obama! You're beginning to sound like Edwards.

Zackary,Newton,Iowa   November 17th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

These punks are underestimating Sen. Obama's toughness to fight back. He is not your text book politician!

It is sad but it is what it is. To clean this we have to have the right person with principles and conviction as the POTUS.

pl. at the UN for a while.   November 17th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

Mr Obama is harping for candor once again.
But if everything about hismself really was cadid, why would he so terrified by the "truth"?

SUSSY   November 17th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

This is the perfect response by Obama here. He shows toughness and integrity. He will fight for his good name and yet he does this without making the same kind of attack against hillary. Toughness and integrity put together. Isn't that what our Presidency is suppose to be about? And as a member of the American media (once the most unbiased media in the world) shouldn't you be fighting for the same?

Please everybody, call out these guys for not giving Obama credit where credit is due for responding toughly for his good name.
WOW!

TheInsider   November 17th, 2007 2:28 pm ET

Obama’s advisors have made a real blunder by responding to Clinton instead of Novak, and Clinton’s camp has already seized on tying his response to, “inexperience”. If Novak has nothing, Obama looks like a fool. If there really is dirt on Obama and Clinton HAS been holding it back and this forces it into the open, Clinton can blame Novak for his role (and tie it to the outing of Plame.) and Obama can blame HIMSELF for insisting that the info be released.

bill t., omaha, ne.   November 17th, 2007 2:27 pm ET

Oh brother, two spoiled, overpaid politicians accusing each other of using talking points. What else is new?

Micah, Atlanta, GA   November 17th, 2007 2:26 pm ET

Clinton campaign is a smear machine. They operate by intimidation. When you have to resort to smears this late in a campaign, it signals one thing: A sinking campaign. The Clinton campaign is in deep trouble.

jana, Iowa   November 17th, 2007 2:23 pm ET

this is scare tactic it will fail and it is officially dead this is how you deal with rumors you chalange those who spend there time in dark to come out in to the light, SHOW US OR SHUT UP

Jim in Orlando, FL   November 17th, 2007 2:23 pm ET

Barack,
Agree or disagree, the Swift Boat folks were above board, specific in who they were and what they alleged. Clintonian smear tactics are well recognized all by themselves. They don't come any more two-faced than Hillary.

Did someone complain about "mud" earlier this week … LOL

Micah, Atlanta, GA   November 17th, 2007 2:23 pm ET

Clinton campaign is a smear machine. They operate by intimidation. When you have to resort to smears this late in a campaign, it signals one thing: A sinking campaign. The Clinton campaign is in deep trouble.

Hillary is a joke - Mira Mesa   November 17th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

The response from Clinton cronies is not surprising. Clinton started with saying Edwards was using tactics from the "Republican playbook", now this underling, Singer, is saying that Obama is echoing "Republican talking points". Hillary seems to think that anything is better than a republican when that is only partially true. Any democrat EXCEPT HILLARY is better than any republican. But ANY republican is better than Hillary.

LinnieFB, Corona,CA   November 17th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

So is this an attempt to deflect from CNN'S shameless handling of the debate, your 'Clinton cronies' commentators, or the slant you have shown the Clinnton's from the beginning of the campaign? That is the REAL story that is spreading like wildfire around the web!

There is little difference between the tactics of Novak and the tactics of the Clinton's and We the People are tired of it!!!! The sooner all of these folk are off the national stage, the better for our country!

CNN are you going to let your network go down the drain with them?

JIM,BOSTON,MA   November 17th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

YES! I WAS GONNA POST THIS RIGHT HERE. I READ THIS AND BEING HELPLESS I JUST FEEL SO MUCH HOPE…..

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   November 17th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

Obama – not only should you be worried about Hillary, but you should also be worried about CNN.

CNN – why haven't you come clean about how you PLANTED the question for Hillary in the last debate? The UNLV student said publically she was going to ask about the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Facility – but that CNN forced her to change her question into the "Diamond and Pearls" question.

ADMIT THE TRUTH… or are you too ashamed to be honest with your viewers?

fair,washington,dc   November 17th, 2007 2:20 pm ET

Wow Obama…you fell right for it too…if they didn't release the so called damaging evidence what are you out here crying about being swiftboated.Even
if they do have it you just made yourself look bad by jumpig out there like that…talk about playing your hold card too early…the only ones that are gonna be with you on this one is your supporters and the Republicans cause they do indeed want to cause kaos in our party…theres that experience thing.

EE   November 17th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

I would really doubt if the Clinton campaign isnt behind this.I hate dirty politics. I neither support Clinton nor Obama but things have happened in this campaigns that make me wonder why the Clinton campign would do this

They sent emails to people alleging a senator of the United States(obama) is a muslim plant, then same campaign people circulated a picture of senator obama with his hands down claiming it was during singing of the anthem(thereby questioning his patriotism).

This is silly to me. It shows how they feel so insecured about thier chief rival

Jed in Texas   November 17th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

Ahhh Good old Robert Novak,another guy thats going to be wearing an Orange jump suit soon.They can start a new party from Prison, lets just call them the "Orange Party".

Jen, Gainesville, FL   November 17th, 2007 2:15 pm ET

I have not read the Novak report. But my gut feeling tells me that Obama is an noble man and I trust him. I believe that Obamas are going through this for the country, but the Clintons are doing so for their power and her personal ambition. I do not trusted anything the Clintons say. They are crooks.

BajanLuv, Newport News, VA   November 17th, 2007 2:13 pm ET

This is so Hillary!!! Well done!!! Polls must be looking bad in IOWA. Put out a rumor, pretend innocence, play victim. If you vote for this, this is what you deserve. We should stop blaming the republicans. She is definitely using their playbook. Obama had to respond to this because the rumor is out there. I agree, put up or shut up. Speaking of closets, have you opened yours lately Hillary? We have to give it to her, she is a good politician. Is this what we really want? Do we want to be divided for four more years? More hate? I can go ahead and give this one to Carvelle(sp). I am beginning to believe that the Dems really don't want diversity in this party, they want the same old establishment. How did that work out for ya last time?

Shardule, Boston, MA   November 17th, 2007 2:08 pm ET

In my opinion, this is a total meh.

Novak's credibility is questionable. So, quite simply, if he is 'correct' in his statement, then Obama has made a powerful but courteous response.

If Novak is simply trying to pit Dems against each other with unsubstantiated claims, then Clinton's campaign is correct.

This is a situation in which both the Clinton and Obama camps have each made the correct response. Now, it's up to the truth to actually prove one of these candidates' camps correct.

Susan, Burbank, CA   November 17th, 2007 2:07 pm ET

This woman is cut from the same cloth as the Republicans she charges with smearing her. The is so devious. America cannot afford another President like her.

SD, NY, NY   November 17th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Come on Obama boy – stop crying.

Laura - Tulsa OK   November 17th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Why don't these people just get up and tell voters what their record is and let us decide in the polling booth.

This campaign has been one person after another talking trash and not telling voters about their records but being arrogant and testy with one another- both parties are guilty of playing politics before they're even elected. If this is any indication, we can expect four yrs. of drama.

NOTHING is going to 'change'.

Mavis Hill, Scottsdale, AZ   November 17th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

i see you link a story about a republican hypocrisy to a negative democratic story. Don't you think this is a bit hypocritical of you, CNN? I thought you might be above this sort of politics in presenting true "journalism", but I guess not. Pretty disappointed in you, CNN.

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