November 26, 2007
Posted: 05:00 PM ET

The Obama and Clinton campaigns are locked in a war of words.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – The campaigns of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, began a new war of words Monday over reports that the Illinois senator’s PAC may have directed a majority of its campaign contributions to politicians in the key early nominating states.

"On the campaign trail, Senator Obama is outspoken about his desire to reform the campaign finance system so it was surprising to learn that he has been using his PAC in a manner that appears to be inconsistent with the prevailing election laws," Clinton's campaign said in a statement.

Clinton's campaign said 68 percent of the donations from Obama’s PAC, Hopefund, were given to officials in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. But Obama spokesman Bill Burton said the majority of the funds were given to candidates outside the early primary states, and to Democrats nationwide facing tough re-election fights.

"The latest personal attack from Hillary Clinton is a completely false attempt to misrepresent Barack Obama’s full disclosure of his campaign finances," Burton said in a statement.

Burton also took aim at Clinton’s reluctance to release financial, fundraising and White House records in full. "Senator Obama's commitment to disclosure is one that Hillary Clinton does not share, and until Senator Clinton is willing to make this commitment… she’s not really in a position to point fingers at others," Burton added.

Clinton spokesman Phil Singer immediately fired back, calling on Obama to respond to questions raised by an analysis of Hopefund donations published in today’s Washington Post. “The Obama campaign's failure to deny that it committed campaign finance violations speaks volumes," said Singer in a statement. "Instead of launching irrelevant attacks, Senator Obama should answer a simple question: Did Obama campaign officials direct the Hopefund to make contributions to officials and entities in states holding nominating contests? If the answer is no, they should just be direct and say so."

–CNN Associate Producer Lauren Kornreich

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


A Voter in N.Y.   November 28th, 2007 3:56 am ET

The queen of finance said so, it must be true. Hillary knows every way in the world to use those campaign funds. She is better with the money numbers making magic like David Blane.

This is her true experience in fighting the GOP for the past35 years and winning, if you consider not being put in jail for her numerous frauds winning.

By the way, she still has that little matter of a multi million dollar scandal coming up in the Western District federal court yet doesn't she?

Williamsburg, VA   November 27th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

NO, NO, SAY IT AIN'T SO!!! The "CULTURE OF CORRUPTION".

Independent in IA   November 27th, 2007 4:45 pm ET

Obama looks like if he had his nose any higher in the air he'd drown in the first rainfall…but then, most turkeys are pretty stupid.

DJ, Los Angeles, Calif   November 27th, 2007 3:51 pm ET

This coming from the same woman that calls the D.C. lobbies representative of everyday Americans.

Yeah right Hillary.

Danielle Clarke Delco Pa   November 27th, 2007 3:50 pm ET

with the theme that the increasingly desperate-sounding Clinton campaign is
pushing that Obama has essentially traded money from the Hope Fund for
endorsements in the early primary and caucus states, I find it supremely
ironic that one of the recipients of a contribution from the Hope Fund (in
the amount of $4,200) was none other than the Senate campaign of one Hillary
Clinton. Given the fact that she dumped $10 million in unused money from
her Senate campaign into the Presidential campaign, it's pretty clear that
the Hope Fund has indirectly supported Hillary's campaign.

Since these were supposedly all about getting endorsements, I wonder when
Hillary will be endorsing Barack Obama. (And FWIW, some of the other
recipients have endorsed Hillary.)

By the way, here's a listing of all the House candidates who got money from
the Hope Fund for House races:

Altmire, Jason (D-PA) $7,500
Arcuri, Michael (D-NY) $5,000
Barrow, John (D-GA) $2,500
Bean, Melissa (D-IL) $15,000
Boswell, Leonard L (D-IA) $15,000
Boyda, Nancy E (D-KS) $2,500
Braley, Bruce (D-IA) $10,000
Burner, Darcy (D-WA) $2,500
Busby, Francine P (D-CA) $10,000
Carney, Chris (D-PA) $10,000
Castor, Kathy (D-FL) $1,000
Courtney, Joe (D-CT) $5,000
Cranley, John (D-OH) $5,000
Davis, Jack (D-NY) $5,000
Derby, Jill T (D-NV) $5,000
Donnelly, Joe (D-IN) $5,000
Duckworth, Tammy (D-IL) $10,000
Edwards, Chet (D-TX) $5,000
Ellison, Keith Maurice (D-MN) $2,500
Ellsworth, Brad (D-IN) $7,500
Evans, Lane (D-IL) $10,000
Farrell, Diane Goss (D-CT) $6,500
Filson, Steve N (D-CA) $2,500
Gillibrand, Kirsten E (D-NY) $2,500
Goldmark, Peter James (D-WA) $1,000
Hafen, Tessa (D-NV) $5,000
Hall, John (D-NY) $1,000
Hare, Philip G (D-IL) $5,000
Hill, Baron (D-IN) $10,000
Hodes, Paul W (D-NH) $10,000
Jackson, Jesse Jr (D-IL) $2,100
Jennings, Christine (D-FL) $2,500
Johnson, Hank (D-GA) $5,000
Kagen, Steven Leslie (D-WI) $2,500
Kellam, Phil (D-VA) $3,500
Kilroy, Mary Jo (D-OH) $5,000
Klein, Ron (D-FL) $7,000
Lampson, Nick (D-TX) $2,500
Loebsack, David (D-IA) $5,000
Lucas, Ken (D-KY) $5,000
Madrid, Patricia A (D-NM) $5,000
Maffei, Dan (D-NY) $2,500
Mahoney, Tim (D-FL) $5,000
Marshall, Jim (D-GA) $7,000
Matheson, Jim (D-UT) $2,500
McNerney, Jerry (D-CA) $5,000
Melancon, Charles J (D-LA) $5,000
Miller, Les (D-FL) $2,100
Mitchell, Harry E (D-AZ) $5,000
Murphy, Chris (D-CT) $5,000
Murphy, Lois (D-PA) $6,500
Murphy, Patrick J (D-PA) $16,326
Paccione, Angie (D-CO) $1,000
Perlmutter, Edwin G (D-CO) $5,000
Rodriguez, Ciro D (D-TX) $5,000
Salazar, John (D-CO) $5,000
Schakowsky, Jan (D-IL) $1,000
Seals, Dan (D-IL) $5,000
Sestak, Joe (D-PA) $5,000
Shea-Porter, Carol (D-NH) $7,500
Shuler, Heath (D-NC) $10,000
Space, Zachary T (D-OH) $5,000
Spratt, John M Jr (D-SC) $5,000
Spencer, Selden (D-IA) $2,500
Sulzer, Joe (D-OH) $5,000
Sutton, Betty Sue (D-OH) $5,000
Tinklenberg, Elwyn (D-MN) $2,000
Walz, Timothy J (D-MN) $3,500
Weaver, John Michael (D-KY) $1,000
Welch, Peter (D-VT) $7,500
Wetterling, Patty (D-MN) $3,500
Wilson, Charlie (D-OH) $7,000
Yarmuth, John A (D-KY) $3,500

I don't see any particular pattern of money going to early states (or even
to Obama supporters). The main pattern is that a lot of these people were
in very tight races (or at least races that were supposed to have been very
tight).

AND MY CONGRESSMAN JOE SESTAK ENDORSED HILLARY hmmm

what a farce hillary is for even daring to bring this up!

jack, ny, ny   November 27th, 2007 3:04 pm ET

Martha and David.
Don't blame hillary to answer Obama back. He has been attacking her like a pitbull for months and people are buying B.S. So she is just answering him back which she should have done months ago.

jack, ny, ny   November 27th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

I have notied that Obama is NOT a gentleman. He always refers to Her as "hillary clinton". Where as Hillary always refers to him as Senator Obama. May be all those drugs fried his braim enough that he has no manners.

Rodney Dallas TX   November 27th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

JE, Watertown, NY

I used to live in Watertown NY. I miss the snow up there.

Ginny, Byron, CA   November 27th, 2007 1:53 pm ET

Hey, J E from Watertown, NY, Add smug and self-satisfied to your description of Obama's expression in the photo. If only he had some experience and depth, he MIGHT be a viable contender.

mary, des moines, iowa   November 27th, 2007 1:25 pm ET

Obama is buying votes in Iowa, NH….That could be considered as bribery.

He learnt this trick during his "foreign relation experience" at age 6-10 in Indonesia.

AJ, IL   November 27th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

CNN (aka the Clinton News Network) at it again. Instead of this ticker addressing the need for more openness and honesty in politics, CNN presents us with a picture with Obama and Hillary in which Obama looks as one blogger said "sneaky" and Clinton look presidential. Also, ticker digs into Obama's openess and leaves Hillary secretiveness and bogus accusations alone.

Jose Card   November 27th, 2007 11:27 am ET

Senator Clinton is the last person to attack anybody about campaign donations. How can she point her bloody finger at others on campaign finance?

Why doesn't Bill release the documents to show us what a perfect record the Clintons had over campaign donations?
She must be joking.

Sarah   November 27th, 2007 11:00 am ET

The Hopefund provided donations to democratic candidates in more than half of the States in this country.

The most interesting of the donations was one given to Senator Hillary Clinton. A total of $4,200 dollars was given to Hillary Clinton during her last senate race. Given that Hillary transferred $10 million from her senate fund to her presidential fund, it is fair to say that Hillary stood to benefit from the Hopefund.

Many other recipients of funds endorsed Hillary. The fund was created to promote all democratic candidates. The recipients of the funds are a matter of public record. There is nothing to hide here- no scandal, just promotion of the democratic party.

There is the distinct aroma of desperation coming from the ailing Clinton camp.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   November 27th, 2007 8:09 am ET

Although, I'm intrigue and desire more information as to "when" Mr. Obama finally woke up to the fact that to fund a national election is expensive, and his values may have to shift some to accept perfectly legal PAC, and other types of funding. Mabye he can be entirely funded by Opra…she sure has the $$ to do it, oops, no that is a violation of election fund raising too. I am becoming a little tired of the playground attacks. I'll be glad when this tit for tat is done–and we finally have a Democratic candidate!!

JE, Watertown, NY   November 27th, 2007 7:22 am ET

Obama looks sneaky & cunning in this pciture towards Hillary.

Truth Seeker DC   November 27th, 2007 3:15 am ET

can anybody say Hsu or Peter Paul?

Nick G, Scottsdale, AZ   November 26th, 2007 11:35 pm ET

how about you post the full obama comments?

Anderson, des moines, ia   November 26th, 2007 10:45 pm ET

The latest Gallup poll shows that Hillary is the only dems candidate electable in the next general election.

The new Gallup Poll finds Sen. Hillary Clinton is the ONLY dems presidential candidate with an advantage over both former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Sen. John McCain in head-to-head matchups for the 2008 general election for president. The poll of 897 registered voters nationwide was conducted Nov. 11-14, 2007.

Note however, a new Zogby Interactive survey shows Sen. Hillary Clinton shows a different result. But, Zogby uses a controversial "interactive" methodology and is not based on traditional telephone polling. The interactive poll surveys individuals who take part in online polls. These online polls are useless as one candidate’s supporters can take part in the interactive poll to manipulate the poll results.

Juanito, Washington, DC   November 26th, 2007 10:36 pm ET

Well….Obama's campaign DID respond and said that the money did not go to politicians in the early states, so what is the Clinton spokesman talking about?

Nice try, but no dice.

Arnez, Culver City, CA   November 26th, 2007 10:34 pm ET

In general terms, Republicans are fiscally responsible. Democrats are supposed to spend spend spend. Here is evidence pointing to this generalization…

Think…how many textbooks can the democratic campaign money buy for our kids if it wasn't wasted on advertising?

joan niantic, ct.   November 26th, 2007 10:29 pm ET

Its a laugh to hear Shillary discussing other candidates funding practices. She is the one with funding from questionable sources. I am not an Obama fan as of now, and I sure as hell do not want another 8 years of the Clintons and their dealings. Enough of the political dynasties!!

Alexander, Washington, D.C. USA   November 26th, 2007 10:26 pm ET

Hillary calling someone out on campaign contributions is absolutely ridiculous. Just ask Mr. Peter Paul

http://www.peterfpaul.com/

Rodney Dallas, TX   November 26th, 2007 10:07 pm ET

Obama is a crook….

Clinton 08

Danny Beaulieu, Gainesville, FL   November 26th, 2007 9:59 pm ET

Listening to Hillary Clinton's bogus attacks is like listening to nails relentlessly grinding on a chalkboard. It's like she thinks everybody in America is an idiot. The same goes for Romney and Giuliani. The three of them should lock themselves in a closet and spew their rhetorical vomit on each other until they realize how childish they are.

Aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   November 26th, 2007 9:58 pm ET

there once was two running for president
neither could back there words and it was evident
before too long they sang the same sad song
that america was truly unpleasant
no check could be written that a lobbist had given
that much they couldn't agree
But here are the facts from both side of the tracks
Barely black is a tom, with more in common with Osam
while the other is homely and gay

Ivelisse   November 26th, 2007 9:44 pm ET

ssssooooooooooooooo…..

where are ALL those DIE HARD Obama supporters…… How are you going to ignore this now?????

this guy is so full of AIR!!!, I'm hoping this is the last straw and he will finally GO AWAY!!!!!!

Adam, Plano, TX   November 26th, 2007 9:24 pm ET

"The latest personal attack from Hillary Clinton is a completely false attempt to misrepresent Barack Obama’s full disclosure of his campaign finances," Burton said in a statement.
what part of "completely false attempt to misrepresent" does the clinton campaign not understand? do they need a definition of false?

false [fawls] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adjective, fals·er, fals·est, adverb
–adjective 1. not true or correct; erroneous: a false statement.
2. uttering or declaring what is untrue: a false witness.
3. not faithful or loyal; treacherous: a false friend.
4. tending to deceive or mislead; deceptive: a false impression.
5. not genuine; counterfeit

Brent Kansas City, MO   November 26th, 2007 9:14 pm ET

Looks like Obama was to good to be true. I knew no politician could really be above money and politics.

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   November 26th, 2007 9:09 pm ET

Obama, his spokesman and supporters are dishonest and uncultured. Obama's campaign is below the level of Presidential Campaign.

JFK   November 26th, 2007 8:55 pm ET

Please report ehat is truth. I know the headlines will changee to make it more explosive. Go CNN, carry water for Clinton

Tex Mex, NYC, NY   November 26th, 2007 8:42 pm ET

HIlary Rodham Clinton shamelessly showing her true colors attacking fellow democrats contrary to what she earlier professed. Is there any promise that this woman can keep?

Jim in Orlando, FL   November 26th, 2007 8:35 pm ET

Hillary is concerned about the integrity of the fundraising and campaign finances of the other candidates. Is this a joke ?

Ryan, New Jersey   November 26th, 2007 8:32 pm ET

Thanks CNN, for you know, doing your job and getting to bottom of this finger pointing and telling us which campaign is correct in its accusations….oh…wait..

Markie Bee, Sacramento, Calif.   November 26th, 2007 8:18 pm ET

Did Hillary pay off Iowa Gov. Vilsack's $400,000 campaign debt after he endorsed her? Yes or no? Obama's lawyers and a former FEC lawyer have said what Obama has done is NOT in violation of FEC rules. Keep bringing up the campaign money issue Hillary, that's fine with us. Is it time to hit up those dishwashers in Chinatown for another $1,000?

John Adkisson, Sacramento, California   November 26th, 2007 8:15 pm ET

It would be nice to know what the policy of this important blog is with respect to publication of comments.

I have provided numerous comments over time and, until recently, have seen them regularly published. In the past several weeks, however, I have found that the disclaimer that "not all comments" will be posted — stays on the comment for many hours, and then the comment just disappears.

A lot of thought goes into these comments and I would like to know what standards are used to censor or limit them. I would also like to know what percentage of all appropriate comments (because my comments are never immoderate or in bad taste) are not posted.

I have enjoyed participating in CNN's ticker blog, but I do not want to waste my time if it is no longer tailored to be a free flowing platform for political discussion.

Is there some way these questions can be answered for me and all of the other participants who must be experiencing the same frustration?

Len, sparks Nv   November 26th, 2007 7:31 pm ET

Yes, I wonder what Hillary is hiding? Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Where is her money going? And why don't we have a reporter going through her checkbooks to see what she does with it?

connie floyd, crockett,texas   November 26th, 2007 7:27 pm ET

maybe Mr obama should not of opened up the sparring in the first place. if he can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. this whole thing has been brought up by obama and edwards, now they can't take it. how will they handle the republicans. hillary's remarks are nothing compared to where the the republican smut machine can manufacture. if you win obama, don't cry about the crap you'll have to bear.

TD, Garland, TX   November 26th, 2007 7:24 pm ET

Just another Hillary Clinton smearjob.

You and your attack machine's days are numbered Hillary, her shrill attacks are more desperate by the day.

Hanna,andover,ma   November 26th, 2007 7:12 pm ET

what an ugly picture!

James,Nashua,nh   November 26th, 2007 7:03 pm ET

Any educated person would see this as reframing political attack to personal attack so that we can think this is like Hillary previous mess when she said she has a scandal for Barack and she doesn't want to use it.
Whatever Hillary!

Harry,Iowa   November 26th, 2007 7:00 pm ET

wow, this looks like trying to attack Senator Obama the same way he asked if Clinton campaign about scandal that was published by Novak. Unfortunately, that was personal and this is not!. We know Obama is careful enough. Don't fool us Hillary!

JD, des moines, ia   November 26th, 2007 6:58 pm ET

Obama is buying votes in Iowa, New Hampshires and South Carolina. Obama might learn this questionable nomination tactics during his foreign relationship experience at age 6-10 in Indonesia. On the other hand, considering his personal character flaws when young, it does not surprise me at his current behavior all.

When Obama launched his presidential campaign in January, he stopped raising money for his Hopefund, the political action committee (PAC) he used to raise millions for fellow Democrats in previous campaigns. But in recent months, Obama has handed out more than $180,000 from the nearly dormant PAC to local Democratic groups and candidates in the key early-voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, campaign reports show.

Some of the recipients of Hopefund's largess are state and local politicians who have recently endorsed Obama's presidential bid. Obama's PAC reported giving a $1,000 contribution, for instance, to New Hampshire state Sen. Jacalyn Cilley on July 25, six days before she announced she was endorsing Obama for president. Likewise, state Rep. J. Todd Rutherford, a lawmaker from South Carolina, received a $1,000 contribution from Obama's PAC on Sept. 24, a few months after he endorsed Obama.

Scott Thomas, a Democrat and a former FEC chairman, said "there's probably no doubt" the PAC donations were aimed at increasing support for Obama's presidential race. Kent Cooper, the FEC's retired chief of public disclosure, said the commission, if it chose, could declare that Obama's presidential campaign and PAC were "affiliated," meaning some activities involving the PAC could be declared in-kind contributions to the presidential campaign that would exceed current donation limits. Cooper said. "I can't believe the Obama people can keep a straight face and claim these aren't part of the presidential race."

Dwayne Mesa AZ   November 26th, 2007 6:57 pm ET

I would like to see HRC explaination regarding the Chinatown fundraising scandal as well as the felon collecting money for her campaign. Full disclosure Senator Clinton starts at home!

David, Manchester New Hampshire   November 26th, 2007 6:48 pm ET

now, overall i do support hillary (actually im caucusing for Biden but i doubt he will be viable)

however, i have be slightly turned off by her straight out negative attacks on obama and other democrats.

obama isn't giving contributions to officials to gain support, i doubt if any of the democratic candidates are doing so.

plus i dont think its strategically beneficial for her to step in these waters since it will just help to bring back the fact that she takes lobbyist money

i do not think she takes them to be like any other corrupt politician, but i do think she takets them because its the only way she can raise money

hillary should dial down the attacks just a noch. its leaving a bad taste. i cant help to notice she looks a little shrill

Taran, San Diego, CA   November 26th, 2007 6:43 pm ET

From the Washington Post:

Scott Thomas, a Democrat and a former FEC chairman, said "there's probably no doubt" the PAC donations were aimed at increasing support for Obama's presidential race. "But in my experience, the commission has not had the stomach to reach out and characterize those kinds of contributions as impermissible," Thomas said.

Kent Cooper, the FEC's retired chief of public disclosure, said the commission, if it chose, could declare that Obama's presidential campaign and PAC were "affiliated," meaning some activities involving the PAC could be declared in-kind contributions to the presidential campaign that would exceed current donation limits.

"At this stage of the race, for a presidential candidate, it is a brazen effort to use every avenue to influence an election," Cooper said. "I can't believe the Obama people can keep a straight face and claim these aren't part of the presidential race."

The bulk of donations from Obama's PAC to state and local candidates this year went to Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. In addition, there were more than $60,000 in donations to national candidates in those same states, including $9,000 for Rep. Paul W. Hodes, the first member of Congress from New Hampshire to endorse Obama earlier this year.

In addition to donating to individuals, Hopefund donated to several key Democratic groups in the battleground states, including $30,000 each to the Iowa House Truman Fund and the Iowa Senate Majority Fund and $15,000 to New Hampshire's Friends of a Democratic Senate.

Lance in Monrovia   November 26th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

Can the kettle really be calling the pot black?

For Hillary Clinton, of all people, to be bringing up anything with regard to campaign finance is just beyond reason. She's the person who took money from Chinese illegal aliens, from Norman Hu, from the board of Wall Mart.

Here is the most corporate politician in possibly modern day history, part of the duo responsible for bringing us NAFTA and Monica, with a reputation for shading the truth and outright lying with regards to scandal, someone who only a few weeks ago was busted planting questions in the audience of a question and answer in Iowa, now shaking her unsteady finger at Barack Obama?

Obama has been the most transparent politician in recent memory. He disclosed his tax returns and his one earmark, something no other politician has done in the race. He's passed meaningful oversight in ethics in the Senate, the first reform in a generation. His finances have been scrutinized and re scrutinized.

His PAC money was used up BEFORE the Presidential race officially wound up. He doesn't take money from corporate lobbies.

Yet, he's still matching Hillary Clinton for money. Why?

because America trusts Barack Obama, and they haven't trusted the Clinton's for a long time.

That pot is looking blacker every day Mrs. Clinton. Have fun serving the rest of your term in the Senate.

Obama 08!!!

James,Nashua,nh   November 26th, 2007 6:38 pm ET

It is good Cnn to consider there is a candidate by the name Barack Obama!

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   November 26th, 2007 6:32 pm ET

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands…!

Ken, San Diego, CA   November 26th, 2007 6:30 pm ET

Of course Obama's PAC put money into the early states.

The problem is, by being whollier-than-thou you sort-of put yourself into a pigeon-hole.

I doubt Obama did anything against the law, but I suspect that 68% of his PAC funds DID go to candidates from the early states (for obvious reasons).

ROB, Baltimore MD   November 26th, 2007 6:24 pm ET

Wait..you can't be serious…has she lost it…I know of all people HRC and her people are not even going to try and open a can of worms, about money of all things(GUPTA)…does this women forget she's being sued in California for taking Illegal campiagn money I Saw Stan Lee on that video and heard her voice…..Hey Just ABC's Brian Ross about this. She's desperate and now we all know what the Novack story was about..this is a nasty women…..poor Hillary….to bad she's gonna be 10 points down by the end of the week in Iowa….Obama 08

Vik N   November 26th, 2007 6:21 pm ET

Clinton accusing a Democrat of giving money to other Democrats to help get them elected? Wow…that's a new one.

Nando, Palm Coast,FL   November 26th, 2007 6:17 pm ET

Hillary wheels are coming off and this is the best the Clinton Camp can Do, I would really advise Sen Clinton not to debate Barak on this issue because she will just open up the Floodgates on her past. !!!!!!!! be carefull what you wish for Hillary.

Obama 08,12

Bert Rand NYC   November 26th, 2007 6:15 pm ET

Bring it on HillBill… The only one that wreaks of @%$! is you.

Dave, Cheverly, MD   November 26th, 2007 6:13 pm ET

Hillary just said less then 2 weeks ago at the JJ dinner in Iowa. That she wanted the Democrate to not attack each other and she wanted to "Turn up the het" on Republicans.
Hillary must have read the polls and oncve again "Flip Flopped". This is baseless and petty.

Mattia, San Francisco, CA   November 26th, 2007 6:11 pm ET

Pretty lame on the Obama camp's part. After all the showboating regarding a change in campaign financing? Hypocrisy is looking to be a defining trait of Obama's.

Alicia NYC   November 26th, 2007 6:09 pm ET

Obama's contributions are perfectly legal please see page 152 and 169 of the pdf

http://www.fec.gov/law/cfr/11_cfr.pdf

tired of corruption   November 26th, 2007 6:03 pm ET

Hillary is really scrambling. The Clinton slime machine is coming out in full force now that the voters see Clinton for what she is - or I should say isn't.

And how about those polls showing ALL republicans beating Clinton in a mock election. When Clinton won by 1 or 2 percentage points it was front page news for weeks and hit all the talk shows.

No, CNN will only assist the Clintons in mud slinging and false accusations to take the focus off the fact that she has no substance. If she wasn't Bill's "wife", she would be home baking cookies.

TiredofPolitics - New Orleans, La   November 26th, 2007 5:56 pm ET

blah blah blah…. It's sad how few talking points are actually being debated these days.

http://www.fred08.com/virtual/taxrelief.aspx

A detailed plan with actual numbers. Amazing…

Check out his social security plan too.
You won't get a whif of SS from the others.

K Feild, NY, NY   November 26th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

I love this picture… Miss… Mar-y… Mac, Mac, Mac…

laurinda ny   November 26th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

im disgusted with both parties actually.isn't is just like our overly materialisic culture that whoever raises the most money wins !

Martha McCahill, Oakton, Virginia   November 26th, 2007 5:26 pm ET

Can you please tell me how an adult running for the Office of President of the United States can talk about being the best person to "beat" the GOP?

It isn't that Hillary Clinton's statement is politically suicidal and horribly stupid (I guess she just doesn't want or need any of those GOP votes), but that the statement is so divisive, war-like and hate-filled in a time when this country so desperately needs peace and cooperation.

What is this? High school? Obviously Hillary sees the Presidency as nothing more than an intramural football game. And where does a Presidential candidate get such terms as "BEAT" the GOP? It's disgraceful, and I really can't believe that no one else has caught her on this.

Has anyone told Hillary about 9/11 and the fact that the terrorists–not the GOP–are the enemy? That this country has been beaten to a pulp very well enough without her mindless pandering adding to our depression over 9/11 and the Iraq war?

It's mind boggling what these politicians get away with.

Percy Goode, Atlanta Georgia   November 26th, 2007 5:24 pm ET

Go Hillary Go. It's about time you let the Senator from Illinois have it. Everytime I hear Obama speak, I get more annoyed.

Bev, Sacramento, CA   November 26th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

I'm not surprised. Obama is weak, shallow, inexperienced, and unable to articulate any logical, reasonable plan for America. He needs all the help he can get; whether it is from Oprah or from using campaign funds illegally. Way to go, Obama!

edgery, Arlington VA   November 26th, 2007 5:18 pm ET

I don't condone "buying" influence, whether it's with lobbyists or through the use of leadership PACS to officials in early primary/caucus states.

That said, what laws or regulations is Obama accused of violating? So far, none of the press reports on this have identified anything other than a vague notion of wrong-doing.

Keith, IA   November 26th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

So now Obama is bribing supporters?
Jeez this guy can't be trusted!

John Adkisson, Sacramento, California   November 26th, 2007 5:12 pm ET

What is going on? Clinton's internal polling must have her slipping badly. She went from decrying "mudslinging" one week — to resorting to one mudball after another the very next week.

It is laughable that Clinton would attack anyone over campaign ethics given her decades of scandal. She must be sliding steeply to bring up a topic so close to her own vulnerability.

Fred, Reston VA   November 26th, 2007 5:10 pm ET

I knew all of this "hope" and "change" stuff from Obama was just noise. I hope people wakeup and see Obama for the phony he is. Clinton is not perfect, but at least she is not deliberately misleading. She's just deliberatley vague. Which one is worse?

Ron, TX   November 26th, 2007 5:08 pm ET

I don't think campaign donations is a subject Clinton wants to get into. Obama is completely transparent. She is not. Should we start re-asking about Norman Hsu and his $850,000, or what about the Chinese dishwashers that gave her $2,000 when they only make minimum wage? How about the Peter Paul $2mil fundraising scandal she's part of? Or the promise she made to Vilsack, who later endorsed her, to pay him $400,000? I could go on for ages…

Her allegations are completely unfounded. Not a single person has said they backed Obama because of the money. Nor have any of them been tied to backing Obama because of the money. It's not a crime to help fellow democrats get elected to office. She should back up her claims before she dives into such wild allegations. She really is grasping for straws here… those latest poll numbers must really have her campaign scared. She's no longer inevitable and her mudslinging proves it.

What was it she once said? They aren't attacking me because I'm a woman, they're attacking me because I'm ahead? Well now, she's attacking Obama isn't she?

Steve, Hampton, VA   November 26th, 2007 5:06 pm ET

Hillary accusing someone else of campaign finance impropriety…talk about the kettle calling the pot black.

Obama, take a page from the Clinton playbook. Repeat after me, "I don't recall", "I had nothing to do with that", "I have work to do for the American people".

Alicia NYC   November 26th, 2007 5:05 pm ET

Hey Senator Clinton meet kettle. There are $400,000 why Vilsack supports Senator Clinton. In my opinion it sounds like a Quid pro quo for a endorsement.
http://www.kcci.com/politics/11407584/detail.html?rss=des&psp=news

Walt, Belton, TX   November 26th, 2007 5:03 pm ET

Wonder how much Hillary got from her husband's pardons? Maybe half of the total?

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