December 3, 2007
Posted: 03:09 PM ET

Former top-Bush aide Karl Rove is offering Barack Obama some advice.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is getting advice from an unlikely source: former top Bush aide Karl Rove.

The man behind Bush's two presidential victories took to the pages of the Financial Times Sunday to offer the candidate some unsolicited suggestions on how to beat rival Hillary Clinton.

In an open memo to Obama, Rove said the Illinois senator currently appears "weak and ineffectual," and should start sharpening his attacks on the New York Democrat.

"Stop acting like a vitamin-deficient Adlai Stevenson," Rove writes in reference to another Illinois Democrat who twice ran for president and lost. "Striking a pose of being high-minded and too pure will not work. Americans want to see you scrapping and fighting for the job, not in a mean or ugly way but in a forceful and straightforward way."

Rove also suggests Obama exploit the "real doubts" many Democrats feel about Clinton, take clear stances on the issues, and better articulate the type of change he is hoping to represent.

Finally, Rove says Obama needs to decry what he calls Clinton's complaints that she is "being picked on."

"Find a way to gently belittle her whenever she tries to use disagreements among Democrats as an excuse to complain about being picked on," Rove writes. "The toughest candidate in the field should not be able to complain when others disagree with her. This is not a coronation."

"Blow the whistle on her when she tries to become a victim," he continues. "Do it with humor and a smile and it will sting even more."

Rove's memo comes the same day a new poll out of crucial early-voting state Iowa shows Obama seems to have taken a lead over Clinton, 28 percent to 25 percent. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is a close third at 23 percent. With the poll's 4.4 percent margin of error, the race in the Hawkeye State is a statistical dead heat.

Responding to the memo, a Clinton campaign spokesperson said, "Why is Karl Rove giving Sen. Obama advice on how to win? Could it be that he thinks it will be easier for Republicans to run against the unknown gentleman from Illinois?"

Politico's Jim VandeHei said it's more likely Rove is seeking publicity and wants to have a voice as the election unfolds.

"If you're a gambler you want to be at the table, and he very much wants to be part of this debate," VandeHei said.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Karl Rove


McKay Niehl   January 4th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

Please tell me why is a Republican helping a Democratic Candidate? Is it because they have him as "THEIR BOY?" or is it because they think they cannot win over Hillary Clinton and they know that in a National Election they can beat a Black Man? As a person of the Main Street America Society(which means average American Nobody)I can tell you that on a National scale, a Republican can beat Hussien Obama.

By the way, what change is Barack Hussien Obama talking about? He has never said anything except, "It is time for a change" Well we are not fools. We know that it is time for a change because President Bush is in a term limit job. He cannot stay in office unless he decides to activate that clause in the Constitution that gives him war time privileges. So definitely it will change nomatter what. I am so dissappointed that the people in power has so little respect for our sense.

I do not believe that there are people who are undecided. I believe the "Under 30″ group that you are so fond of talking about are jumping on a Band wagon and one not good for My Country. We need experience, knowledge, foresight and people who know how to work for the betterment of America, and that is not Barac Hussien Osama. OUR MILITARY BOYS DOES NOT NEED THIS PERSON TO EVEN BE ASSUMED IN CHARGE. BUT IF CARL ROVE IS WORKING FOR HIM WE KNOW WHO IS IN CHARGE HERE!!!!!!!!!!
I WILL BE VOTING EVEN IF I HAVE TO WALK ONE HUNDRED MILES AND I WILL BE VOTING FOR JOHN MCCAIN!!!!!!

Bill, Daejeon, South Korea   December 8th, 2007 6:41 am ET

I was looking and looking and I found it:

Everyone loves Obama. Karl Rove wants the best for the country and he sees that the best in the country is Obama. This doesn't mean that he thinks Obama is more likely to lose in the election. He thinnks Obama stands for change which is why he is trying to help Obama. I think it's good advice. I would love to see people call out Hilary on her lying more.

Posted By Karsen, Iowa City iA : December 3, 2007 8:04 pm

Bingo. Look people, there's no sinister plot here. Rove actually likes Obama, and he's trying to help him. Try not to look to far into things.

RuthieM   December 4th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

I think Karl Rove hates the Clintons so much he really wants Obama to beat her! Because surely he isn't stupid enough to think that the Republicans can beat Obama.

John, Waco, TX   December 4th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

I can't believe how short-sighted Democrats are. This is why Democrats lose to Republicans, because of strategists like Karl Rove.

I'm a Republican who obviously would never support Obama, but this is a clear and obvious attack by Rove on Barack Obama. Rove is associating himself with Obama to try and taint him. Karl Rove knows he is poison to left-politics. He is trying to drive more people to Clinton because he knows she is easily defeatable with all of her baggage and divisiveness. Rove's memo now handicaps any attack Obama dishes out because Clinton can now say 'He's going by the Karl Rove playbook.' Then watch the hackles rise on the backs of caucus goers. You have to admit this is a brilliant move on Rove's part. It's so manipulative. But you gotta take down Obama some how since all we have against him is the "inexperience" charge and his funny name and that can only go so far.

M. Gray OKC, Ok   December 4th, 2007 12:58 pm ET

Why in the world would Obama seek or accept advice from Rove, the Rogue. Obama's platform is change from the old school, good ole boy politicians and pundits. Now he's pandering to a known liar and suspected treasonous criminal. What a hippocrit.

Kat, Fairfax,VA   December 4th, 2007 11:01 am ET

This little weasel should have been behind bars a very long time ago.. If HE is backing Obama—- I will be keeping my distance!! This man is a criminal- have a criminal giving you advise … is dangerous….

Santosh   December 4th, 2007 9:33 am ET

Rove is just reacjing out to Obama because he probably likes the young fresh face and it reminds him a lot of the young George W. Bush, someone who may have been inexperienced but was intelligent and had a great sense of vision. I don't know if Obama has the same level of substance as President Bush did but he's certainly willing to learn and Rove likes hard-working visionary people like that.

Carol---Des Miones, Iowa   December 4th, 2007 9:28 am ET

What a joke! Rove must have gotten a degree in Psychology. He really wants HRC to be the Democratic nominee—the Republicans would literally shread her. So if America takes notice of Rove giving Obama advice, they would reject the vote.

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   December 4th, 2007 7:32 am ET

May be Rove matches with Obama, they will play the same games.

mark wilkes barre pa   December 4th, 2007 5:52 am ET

wait a minute,,, did the financial times pay Rove for the article they ran or did Rove buy the pages to post an " open memo " to Obama. come on ,,, do you really think what rove says is going to affect the outcome of the primaries. Get a grip.. rove/bush days are over,,, nothing he says now can change the minds of people who dispise him for whatever they think he did. the same goes for those of us who think another 4 to 8 years of clinton/Bush type politics will not be good for the country. some of us think having a president that half the country loves or despises is not the way to get things done. I did not come to this reality from ANYTHING Karl Rove ever said.

alan St Louis MO   December 4th, 2007 3:58 am ET

Karl Rove know that if he can get his name linked to Obama, Then Clinton can win the primaries.

Karl Rove Want Clinton to run in the General Election, Any Republican nominee has a 50% chance of better of wining against Clinton.

any other Democrat nominee besides Clinton have a shoe in victory regardless of what NEO CON they nominate.

GET SMART PEOPLE WHY IS KARL ROVE TRING TO DESTROY OBAMA??????????????? KARL ROVE KNOWS IF HE LINKS HIS NAME TO OBAMA. OBAMA WILL BE DESTROYED.

IF you fall for this and pick Clinton over Obama you are nothing but a STUPID SHEEP and falling for KARL ROVE trick again for the third time. HE FOOLED YOU TWICE ALREADY AND GOT YOU A BUSH FOR 8 YEARS.

Karl Rove know that mild conservatives and independents will vote republican before they vote for Clinton. Mild conservatives and independents want to vote for Democrats this election. There is only one person who can stop that. CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IF Karol Rove was scared of Clinton He would be trying to offer Clinton advice on how to beat OBAMA

GO OBAMA and BIDDEN

Raymond, El Paso TX   December 3rd, 2007 11:38 pm ET

This Thanksgiving it was May and Flower, I have a pretty good idea who it'll be next year.

Mary, Westmont, IL   December 3rd, 2007 11:34 pm ET

American's are sick of the bush/clinton bush/clinton crap. Rove sees Obama moving up in the polls and it scares the s**t out of him. The repugs are not scared of Hillary..they have alot to bring her down with, and that is besides the point that people really dont like her all that much. But Obama…now there is a formidable candidate. He is ethical and always on the up and up. They cant dig up any dirt on him. He has fought and fought for the people not corporations. That has the repugs shaking in their boots. Of course Rove is going to publicize his "advice" for Obama. Because if Obama does any of those things even if he already planned to "do it with humor and a smile" Now everyone would attribue it to Rove's advice. That Rove is a sociopath…but he is smart.

Deniece, Seattle WA   December 3rd, 2007 10:51 pm ET

As an educated student in government politics, I cannnot believe how worked up people are getting over something Karl Rove said. Barak Obama is not as timid and umprepared for being president as people think. The problem is that we as American citizens have become use to being lied to and manipulated by our leaders. Maybe its about time we bring our selves out of this attitude and start fresh. Obama is just as prepared or better off being president as Hilary Clinton. I think its about time we get out of electing people into office who have been corruped by politics. Thats why we should take a better look at whats better for the country and not just our wants.

MCD, San Francisco, CA   December 3rd, 2007 10:49 pm ET

There was a reason why Bush Sr. kicked Rove off his campaign. Too much sleeze and underhandiness.

Notice how it is all just a game to Rove… tweek somebody here… tweek somebody there… see what happens.

Too bad he doesn't have the conscience to realize just how much damage he has done… this isn't a game… people are dying.

KBarnes, Southern, MI   December 3rd, 2007 9:54 pm ET

The comparison with Adlai Stevenson was already made in Slate Magazine. And, unfortunately, may be true.

Frank Esper, Cleveland Ohio   December 3rd, 2007 9:51 pm ET

The Biggest Republican Rallying Cry is "Hillary for president!" Nothing will mobalize the republicans, which right now are disenchanted, to the polls like Hillary can. Hillary is a REPUBLICAN SUPPORTER …not by her desire, just by her existance.

Andrew Mossman Edwardsville, IL   December 3rd, 2007 9:41 pm ET

Mr. Rove,

If you were to give advice to another Democratic candidate opposing Senator Obama, would you urge them to use push-polls exploiting the possible rascist sentiments held by the voting public?

You certainly didn't have a problem doing that to John McCain in South Carolina during the primary season in 2000. Call were received by voters in which they were told that Senator McCain had an "illegitimate black daughter", and the potential voters were then asked if that made them more likely or less likely to vote for Senator McCain. Seeing as Senator McCain's daughter is neither black or illegitimate, I wonder, what despicable things would you recommend in campaigning against candidate who actually is black?

London   December 3rd, 2007 9:22 pm ET

Mr Rove seems to have read the Art or War. Weaken your opponent by encouraging them to fight internally and weaken themselves. Thank God for someone like Obama who has illustrated wise "judgement" who wont think twice listening to Rove and his narrow minded comments.Why is Rove in the headlines anyways???Please!

OBAMA 2008!   December 3rd, 2007 9:05 pm ET

Well If you ask me Obama can her any day he's going to be a better president and she will can't be there's just no way,if she does the house will once again be filled with lie's and nothing else. There will be to much drama in the house for her too even try to act like her husband isn't running the country. There will be to much for her to care about this country! WE NEED SOMEONE WHO WILL GO THERE AND CHANGE THE HOUSE NOT THE HOUSE CHANGE THEM OBAMA IS THE RIGHT PERSON!

Albert Brake, St. Albert, Alberta, Canada   December 3rd, 2007 8:57 pm ET

Hello Albert Brake here from St. Albert Alberta, Canada.

Hilary will win, She has played this game for years, and knows how it is won or lost.

However, If Rove wanted to beat anyone really bad he would have been looking for his guy or girl years ago. He helped Bush, he can help monkey win.

Tom Des Moines, IA   December 3rd, 2007 8:46 pm ET

Obama doesn't need Clinton's advice and frankly the advice sounds a wrong to me. If Obama followed this advice, he'd lose because he'd give up what's taken him this far. I think Rove wants Clinton to win the nomination and he's hoping this will take Obama down. Rove is a snake and a liar and he shouldn't be trusted.

D. Endo, Honolulu HI   December 3rd, 2007 8:12 pm ET

Is it me or does Karl Rove giving "advice" to Obama is like George W. giving a lecture on "smartness" at a Mensa convention.

Karsen, Iowa City iA   December 3rd, 2007 8:04 pm ET

Everyone loves Obama. Karl Rove wants the best for the country and he sees that the best in the country is Obama. This doesn't mean that he thinks Obama is more likely to lose in the election. He thinnks Obama stands for change which is why he is trying to help Obama. I think it's good advice. I would love to see people call out Hilary on her lying more.

Sergio, Lancaster, PA   December 3rd, 2007 7:55 pm ET

it seems pretty obvious that a memo like this would be and OPEN memo for a reason. The worst of intentions should be assumed.

George, Attleboro MA   December 3rd, 2007 7:47 pm ET

Obama/Hillary 08

Chris Hassel, Saint Paul, Minnesota   December 3rd, 2007 7:25 pm ET

It's official: Karl Rove and his ilk want to face Senator Clinton in next November's general election. There is no other reason for him to have sent Senator Obama that ridiculously obvious open-letter filled with "campaign advice." These "genius" commentators on CNN, et al, are once again having trouble connecting the dots, it seems, so I'll do it for them: Mr. Rove wants to link his name, however tangentially, with Senator Obama, and therefore drive some voters to Senator Clinton (which could be crucial in such a close election cycle) so that she wins the nomination.

Senator Clinton is a known quantity–certainly she's a heavy-hitter, but the Republicans know how to fight her, and they've got a lot of political ammunition (so to speak) on her: her time in both Arkansas and the White House will be mined for fodder, as will her somewhat inconsistent voting record in the U.S. Senate. Senator Obama is still a bit of a mystery (to everyone, really), still a bit of an unknown quantity (especially when it comes to the closing stages of a campaign), and the Republicans would like to avoid playing more of a guessing game if they faced him. Hence, advice designed "for Senator Obama" from one of the people Democrats hate the most is published in the national press. It's classic reverse-psychology–so obvious that a lot of people are missing it.

Of course, not all would be roses for the Democrats if Senator Obama were to win the nomination, because he has a few gaping holes in his resume', too: his lack of experience in both national and international politics. However, if someone with a lot of experience and solid, popular policy proposals–someone like Governor Richardson, for instance–were to win the nomination, it would most likely send the neo-con strategists into panic mode….

Hillraiser for Hillary   December 3rd, 2007 7:21 pm ET

if i read the F.times memo correctly karl rove said now you ask for my adive here it is…so whos lying Obama or rove.tell ya the truth they should both go hide.

Hillary is coming out with the Clinton Machine i wouldn't want to be in this smackdown for sure.Bill im sure is advising her.He is the smart one the best worldwide Political Machine in that mind of his.
I want Hillary to win,i trust her more than Obama's inexpierence.he doesnt even make sense,go look at hillarys fact hub..i bet she had a rough time or her advisers,putting that on there,all those words he said is like a teenager.

Kim, Dallas, TX   December 3rd, 2007 7:03 pm ET

Rove has a driven personality and loves the chase. He isn't trying to get Obama elected so that the Republicans can beat him. By the way, Obama is showing in polls to be the one Democratic candidate that many Republicans are transferring allegiance to. Rove loves figuring out the pyschology behind winning and he has always been a master at the game. Afterall, how else could Bush have been elected TWICE, it defies all sense of reality. I don't care for negative, manipulative campaigns, but if you hear what Rove says and follow just some of the points made, it could make a difference. Obama has much to offer our country and Clinton would only bring it down.

John Ogor, Hokins, Minnesota   December 3rd, 2007 7:03 pm ET

Rove's comment leaves a lot to be desired. Taking his precious moments, if he had any, to post something on the Financial Times for Obama, can mean one of the two things: one, either Rove politically hates Hillary, so much so that he'd rather see Obama win the Democratic nomination or he has seen some convincing indications that Obama will be the Democratic nominee. The second possibility holds more water than the first one. In no doubt, Rove would like to associate himself with a proposition that is likely outcome. He has been referred to as a political genius. It is for that reason and some more, that Rove wants his 2-cent advice added something to the Obama win. Even more, may Rove is looking for a possible White House position in the Obama administration.

tapera, Toronto   December 3rd, 2007 6:54 pm ET

I hope people will be able to see Rove's agenda. He is trying to make it difficult for Obama to do his thing.
If he really wanted to advise him then he would do it directly. Why do it through the media?
I hope people are smart enough to read in between the lines.

Nick   December 3rd, 2007 6:48 pm ET

This is no surprise…Rove is barely staying out of jail, and after hitching his wagon to the worst president in history, will never work again. But, like many a madman, he craves attention. This is a good way to get it. I think he's absolutely correct though, and I'm a big Obama supporter. I'm also a big believer that Hillary is unelectable on a national scale. She has made far too many enemies to win at this point, even against a black man in a country still with its share of racists. Luckily, most racists don't vote!

Bob Sagat, Syracuse, NY   December 3rd, 2007 6:38 pm ET

If you have any intellectual capacity whatsoever and could actually comprehend the above article, you would realize that all the advise Rove has solicited to Sen. Obama is completely useful and holds a stinging truth to it. Putting Democratic and Republican ideologies aside, Rove "hits the nail on the head". If i were Obama i would suggest taking this advise. Finally, one last note. The only reason Americans are voting for Hilary Clinton is because they are so reminiscent of the mid – late 90's era of Bill Clinton that they hope to revive our declining nation by emulating that administration. One thing you all should remember is that the majority of Americans are stupid. I'm only 17, yet it is so blatantly clear to me that Hilary Clinton will not save our country from its perils.

Janice, Edmonton, Alberta   December 3rd, 2007 6:33 pm ET

Why am I not surprised? Rove is a ranting wannabe with a murky history of his own. His constant attacks on Hillary Clinton are getting old and less believable as time goes on.

I guess he just wants his 90 seconds in the spotlight… over..and over…and over again!

Kat, PA   December 3rd, 2007 6:33 pm ET

I would say that lieing about reasons for starting a war, outing a covert CIA operative on WMD, rather than vetoing a law, doing statements afterwards saying it is law but I am not going to follow it, just to name a FEW, and of course not to mention Scooter Libby while he lets border guards sit in jail while he prosecutes after Mexico says that they better………
Clinton doesn't even come close to what we are witnessing in the WH now for calculating and dishonest.

Posted By Patty, somewhere : December 3, 2007 3:42 pm

Patty, get over it. Bush is going to be gone on 1/20/09. So will Cheney & the rest of their cronies. They will be gone & we need to get past this whole we hate Bush stuff. I don't think too many people like him.

It is time to vote for someone not because you hate the current president but because you believe in what the candidate stands for and will do. One candidate (HRC) spends her campaign doing nothing but hating on Bush and trying to see what the polls say.

Obama seems to be truly trying to do this. HRC is nothing more than another Bush/Clinton/Bush/Clinton no change, too much bipartisanship politician.

jmaya, iowa   December 3rd, 2007 6:27 pm ET

Thank you Mr BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA for abandoning the politics of hope and showing THE LOWEST LEVEL morality and value in your campaign.

All Democrats need to put their hand on their heart and ask themselves if they want a democratic presidential candidate to win who gets advice from the political snake Carl Rove or uses Carl Rove's advice from back door to put other democratic candidate down.
I will never ever vote for Obama for any post.

Iowa, make sure we make our self proud by voting this intellignet and smart woman -Hillary Clinton for president of 2008!.

Dooze, Mountain View, California   December 3rd, 2007 5:57 pm ET

I need you all to calm down and trust Obama. He is way too smart for this Rove fool.

There's no way Obama will take advice from a republican to face republicans, let alone from Karl Rove…so just relax, Obama will get stronger and stronger each day…

John,Page, AZ   December 3rd, 2007 5:42 pm ET

CNN is a joke! One and a half hour ago I looked at this comment and it was full of people that hated CNN for always glorifying Hilary Clinton(look at pictures of her compared to the others). Now the comments are all gone! I wonder why?

Predicta New York, NY   December 3rd, 2007 5:37 pm ET

wake up people. This country's political landscape is still 20 years from electing a woman or black man as president. Sure, Obama or Hillary will win NY, CA, NJ, NH, VT, etc…But if you want to beat the republicans you better make sure you have a shot of winning those red states in between Nominate John Edwards. He'll beat any republican candidate in a landslide.

ronnie knoxville, tn.   December 3rd, 2007 5:25 pm ET

rove is still getting under the skin of the people against President Bush. and I love it !

Ryan Schilling, Pittsburgh, PA   December 3rd, 2007 5:08 pm ET

The right wing republicans will never vote for Hillary or Obama or any democrats. Even if Bush brings them to banruptsy or any economic hardships, these bunch of loosers will vote a republican. So, democrats should vote their conscious and make sure that they bring a dem to the WH. Any democrat is better than a republican.

Ryan Indianapolis   December 3rd, 2007 5:04 pm ET

With victory in IRAQ looking more and more like it will happen,,,I dont believe it will matter what candidate the Dems put up. They wanted defeat so bad in IRAQ and now it is blowing up in their face. GW should be praised for his steady leadership and the democrats should be called out for being Cowards and hoping for Defeat for political reasons.

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama   December 3rd, 2007 5:03 pm ET

I believe Carl Rove went to work for Senator Obama the day he left the White House (or before).

Senator Obama's negative campaign smacks of everything that is Carl Rove. But I don't think he's working exclusively for Senator Obama; he must also be working for former Senator Edwards.

Wake up people, the Republicans do not want to face Senator Clinton in the campaign, because they know she can win.

There are no strong candidates on the Republican side. They believe they can beat Senator Obama or former Senator Edwards.

Republicans would like nothing more than a wounded Democratic candidate coming into the general election.

It is their only chance.

Jose, New York, NY   December 3rd, 2007 5:03 pm ET

I guess Roves thinks it easier to beat Obama than Hillary in the general election. For once, I agree with him.

KE, Lawrenceville, GA   December 3rd, 2007 4:59 pm ET

Rove who? The Republican party killer! Now, the Obama campaign killer….Keep up on keeping up.

Drew, Pittsburgh   December 3rd, 2007 4:20 pm ET

Can we stop this bickering between Democrats? It's pathetic at this point.

Let's vote for a candidate that doesn't have 3 years experience, or one that doesn't make Republicans blood boil and will get nothing done because the GOP will refuse to work with her. Let's not vote for opportunists, or a candidate that is only in the spotlight because they give good speeches (but have no real plans).

Let's vote Joe Biden 2008.

timmer   December 3rd, 2007 4:19 pm ET

After Rove's comments to Charley Waters the other day about the Dems being responsible for the Iraq war and that Bush wanted more time for Hans Blixt to do his work, how can anyone believe anything that Rove says. Karl is a skunk!

Rachel, Lexington, KY   December 3rd, 2007 4:19 pm ET

Karl Rove absolutely wants Hillary Clinton to be the Democratic candidate because nothing unites Republicans and convinces them to get out to the polls to vote like their hatred of Hillary. Rove just wants for her to be so weakened and savaged by attacks from within her own party that she will be easier for the Republican nominee (whoever that may be) to beat.

Plus, of course, Rove desperately wants for his opinion to matter — which it no longer does.

Matt, San Jose CA   December 3rd, 2007 4:12 pm ET

Yes, let's listen to Karl Rove since he did such a fantastic job steering the Bush administration's policy (that was sarcasm for all you republican morons out there).

Anonymous, San Diego CA.   December 3rd, 2007 4:12 pm ET

I believe the republican right, which Mr. Rove represents, wants Obama to be the candidate the republicans run against in 2008. They think, in my opinion, that the american electorate is in general too dumb or too "red necked" to choose a half black candidate, no matter how qualified or brilliant that person may be.

Mike, Cleveland, OH   December 3rd, 2007 4:11 pm ET

Rove is trying to drive a wedge between two Democratic campaigns. People stating they will vote for a third party if their candidate doesn't win the Dem nomination, are falling for Rove's dirty tricks.

If you want a Democrat in the WH we ultimately need to remain united.

Michael Sheridan, Grand Rapids, MI   December 3rd, 2007 4:09 pm ET

I'm a Democrat. I would never, never vote for anyone (Obama) who would take advice from the odious Karl Rove. It is people like Rove we Democrats want to get rid of. Disclaim his advice Obama or suffer the consequences of losing my vote — and other's, I'm sure.
Posted By Joan Nicholson, Austin, TX : December 3, 2007 3:32 pm
This is exactly the sort of response Rove was looking for.

Obama didn't want Rove's advice, didn't seek Rove's advice, and is doing just fine without Rove's advice. But just because Rove printed his "advice" somewhere without Obama's knowledge or consent, Barack now has to prove his Democratic bona fides by denouncing Rove, "or else."

This is patently ridiculous – if the GOP find this tactic works, Novak and Will and Krauthammer and every other rightwing pundit will be offering their "advice" to the Dems, and Obama (and all the other Dem candidates) will spend more time denouncing Republican "concern trolls" than they will spend on anything else.

Obama should ignore Rove, and so should we.

Syd, Fort Campbell KY   December 3rd, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Take a look at the youth… I know a lot of people who are voting for the first time, and voting Obama. If Obama does not win, they're going to write in someone else. I cannot ethically vote democratic if Clinton is running.

Rove's suggestions are silly. He's been making all kinds of crazy comments lately… see, "Bush didn't want to go to war so soon!" I'd ignore this.

tired of corruption lv   December 3rd, 2007 3:57 pm ET

If Rove really wanted Obama to beat Hillary in the primaries, he would have done it very privately.

But in reality, the repubs want to run against Hillary because she will be easy to beat. So Rove is trying to make it look as if he and Obama are in the same corner and that will turn off dem voters for Obama. Hence, the big media splash by Rove – the man is not stupid – he just thinks the public is.

Obama has republicans switching sides and coming out to vote for him – do you really believe that Rove wants that to happen. He knows that won't be the case if Clinton is the dem nominee.

Bruce, San Diego, CA   December 3rd, 2007 3:56 pm ET

Rove ultimately wants a Republican in the White House. Why would he give any advise to a Democrat? To aid the Republicans. One of the most backhanded, sneaky, unscrupulous advisor's that has been is not going to suddenly help out those who oppose his good ol' boys network tax shelters and other money making mechanisms (Iraq war). I suspect he wants to use Obama as a tool to throw some more dirt at Hilary. Usually he is not so obvious. Maybe he's losing his touch. Why is CNN treating this as news? Seems like a Fox network thing to do.

Betsy - Ashville, Ohio   December 3rd, 2007 3:54 pm ET

The day Rove left the Whitehouse anyone who has been following this admisnitration knew it was not for a change or spekaing engagements as he said but clearly from his record to bring down Hillary Clinton. Bush graciosuly helped him out the door he no longer needs his underhanded retoric since he cannot run again. This is no surprise. It's shame. I was so sure a Republican could no way get back in 2008 and the more I see I see the Democrats imploding and Repulicans shifting and it flat out scares me. Thanks God it is still early but then again that is scary too! Rove is right where he planned to be and I think he most likely on schedule the American voters in general are fickle.

Titania, East Coast, USA   December 3rd, 2007 3:50 pm ET

Or he could just do it ala Bush and get the CEO of Diebold in his pocket and win the election the same way Bush did in 2000 and 2004.

Aaron Fields, Des Moines, Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 3:47 pm ET

This basically conservative country is not mature enough to elect a minority or a woman as president yet. The fact that the media has made such a big issue of this should tell you something. Moreover, John Edwards has earned this nomination. He ran for VP last time (name recognition), he doesn't turn off Republicans and independents, his views on social issues display his concern for the future–and he is charismatic. If the Dems want to win in 2008, they need someone who can reach out to most Americans–the middle class and the poor. John Edwards is that person.
-A concerned Iowan

scott,manchester NH   December 3rd, 2007 3:47 pm ET

i had a whole thing written..and once again, it got rejected…oh well.
so, to sum up…Rove needs to do everything he can to defeat clinton because if she is elected to the WH, she will be in near total control to dig up all of the nasty little pieces of dirt on the things he denied being involved with (attorney firings, Plame,etc)..and that would put him in a real bad spot…

THAT is the reason he'd help my grandmother to get elected if it meant being saved from that mess…

hmmmmm, no-brainer, you think?

Bob, San Diego, CA.   December 3rd, 2007 3:44 pm ET

It appears obvious that Rove is not in retirement and still working for the right wingers via smear tactics and whisper campaigns. Can someone please put a gag order on him. Whenever he opens his mouth, America suffers.

Patty, somewhere   December 3rd, 2007 3:42 pm ET

In response to:
EXACTLY the same way many of us feel about the Clintons. No couple in the WH have been more calculating and dishonest than have been the Clintons.
Posted By Lou, Williamsburg, VA : December 3, 2007 2:14 pm

I would say that lieing about reasons for starting a war, outing a covert CIA operative on WMD, rather than vetoing a law, doing statements afterwards saying it is law but I am not going to follow it, just to name a FEW, and of course not to mention Scooter Libby while he lets border guards sit in jail while he prosecutes after Mexico says that they better………
Clinton doesn't even come close to what we are witnessing in the WH now for calculating and dishonest.

Wendy   December 3rd, 2007 3:42 pm ET

Why do so many people surprised that Rove gave advise to Obama? Obama already played by GOP playbook, as far as attacking Clinton is concerned.

Brian, Austin TX   December 3rd, 2007 3:42 pm ET

To all those putting down Obama, you are truly underestimating him. He has a lot more support than any of the republican candidates. I am no fan of Karl Rove, but I think that he, like most of America just doesn't want to see Hillary in the White House. I believe he'd rather see his republican colleauges (almost inevitably) lose to Obama than Hillary as the Democratic nominee. I see a bright future with Barack Obama as our president.

OBAMA '08!!!!!

Esther,manchester,nh   December 3rd, 2007 3:41 pm ET

HILLARY IS GETTING DESPERATE AND COWARD. LETS WAIT AND SEE WHAT WILL HAPPEN. I CAN TELL YOU RIGHT NOW OBAMA WILL WIN ON A LANDSLIDE. KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN HILLPRAISERS!

Chelsea Garen, Vista, California   December 3rd, 2007 3:41 pm ET

What a shame ! Obama: you listen to Carl Rove, who is in the down-hill, a Republican. If you listen to him more, you will get into down-hill too.

Aidyn, NY   December 3rd, 2007 3:39 pm ET

I think that Rove knowns that an Obama on the ticket means a sure win for the Republicans come November of 2008.

Kat, Pennsylvania   December 3rd, 2007 3:38 pm ET

This is one Republican that definitely hopes Obama can win because I want to vote for him in the general election. I have voted for Republican presidential candidates my entire life, but find myself drawn to Obama. He is an inspiration & I think would definitely draw many other Republicans, something Hillary Clinton can never do.

KD, cherry hill NJ   December 3rd, 2007 3:35 pm ET

It is so obviouse that Rove and the republicans want obama to run and be the dems nominiee because he has a secret weapon that they can use during general election so they can have a cake walk to an easy win. that weapon is a name and it is called HUSSEIN as in Barack HUSSEIN Obama.

Joan Nicholson, Austin, TX   December 3rd, 2007 3:32 pm ET

I'm a Democrat. I would never, never vote for anyone (Obama) who would take advice from the odious Karl Rove. It is people like Rove we Democrats want to get rid of. Disclaim his advice Obama or suffer the consequences of losing my vote — and other's, I'm sure.

Lisa, San Diego, CA.   December 3rd, 2007 3:30 pm ET

I want to hear what the Obama camp has to say about all this and if they are considering any of Rove's advice.

k david   December 3rd, 2007 3:27 pm ET

Republican Barack Obama. The secret is out. We have a Republican running as a Democrat. America there is more or LESS to Barack Obama then you think. Talking with Karl Rove and Bloomburg. Leaves alot to question about his loyalty.

Posted By Jimmy Sanborn : December 3, 2007 2:26 pm

that is not all remember only just a few weeks ago Barack Hussein Obama was taking advise from Robert Novak. he actually took Novak's word Over Clintons word and attacked Senator Clinton for something she never did.
Shame on Barack HUSSEIN Obama. He has no party loyalty. wonder next he will be working w/ dick morris and kenneth starr

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   December 3rd, 2007 3:26 pm ET

There is NO ONE that could help the Republicans win the next presidential election more than Hillary Clinton. In a year when Republican voters are uncertain about who to support for their nomination, her presence on the other side of the ticket will guarantee a huge turn-out just to defeat her. Obama would be much harder to beat than Clinton because he is immensely more likeable and trustworthty than Hillary.

Ahtram, Oakton, Virginia   December 3rd, 2007 3:26 pm ET

First of all–who wouldn't want advice from an expert, a two-time winner? Second of all–it was all really good advice. Someone has to get Hillary on her "victim" act, or we're going to have a victim for President.

I only hope Rove goes back to offering his recommendations to Republicans.

Mike, Milwaukee, WI   December 3rd, 2007 3:26 pm ET

He did this to Kerry in 2004. Attacked him because he knew the Dems would rally aroud Kerry and nominate him! If we Dems fall for it again, we will only have ourselves to blame! He did it in 04 because he did NOT want to face John Edwards! he is doing it know because the GOP does NOT want to face Barack Obama

E.D.   December 3rd, 2007 3:24 pm ET

Barck Obamas seems polite, conciencious and honest. Definately not we used to when it comes to the general population in the US let alone politicians. I applaude the fact that he is showing that it is possible to maintain the dignity that our government and our country so desperately need. I do not understand how the american public is listening to Hillary Clinton. She has already demonstrated that she is driven solely by her enormous ego and more need ofpersonal power. If we are stupid enough to elect her as president all we are going to revisit is her complete disregard for the will of the people and the continuation of her sell-out to big corporations. Is anybody paying attention? We cannot afford to play politics like she does so well. We must be serious about the future of America.
Obama is the only candidate that can truly change the status quo.
Make no mistake.

Michel, Los Angeles, CA.   December 3rd, 2007 3:21 pm ET

IF OBAMA WINS THE PRIMARY THE WHITE HOUSE GOES TO THE REPUBLICANS…OBAMA IS AN EASY DEFEAT!! GO FIGURE

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2007 3:20 pm ET

republicans aren't the only ones saying Hilary is the least electable of the dems. She is so polarizing that whoever the republican nominee is, will make the election about her instead of the issues and the war.

Noel Bynum, Winston Salem, NC   December 3rd, 2007 3:20 pm ET

Actually the complaint that republicans hate her is ignorant and completely illogical. The far far right wing does hate her passionately, yes that's true. But as shown by her senate elections and general public standing that always ends up backfiring on the Republicans. In New York when she first ran, hate groups like Stop Hillary Now tried to attack her, ironically some of them were sued for falsified information. Independants and moderate republicans ended up siding with her Those who have worked with her like Senator Graham (R-SC) and even Mccain respect her very much. Mccain said in 2005 that she would make a great president. She is very well respected by people who truly know her and work with her. The arguments again her are usually character based, mudslinging, and inaccurate and most logical American's are starting to see though them. Obama will be smashed in a general election and he would be a divisive president. He votes over 95 % of the time with the Democratic party. He is a stereotypical ,idealistic, "textbook" sort of liberal. The main reason hes been this successful is his superficial attributes like his charisma. We need someone who chooses more pragmatic progressive solutions that are best for the country not just the democratic part. Clinton is the best choice for all Americans.

Jack Jodell, Minneapolis, MN   December 3rd, 2007 3:17 pm ET

Rove, the last thing ANYBODY needs is your advice on ANYTHING. You are a vile liar and have done this country a horrible disservice by lying the worst President of all time, George W. Bush, into office. We all know you are addicted to control and politics, not public service. You no longer fool the public; we all know your perverse game. Kindly keep your warped comments and interfering advice to YOURSELF!

Dan, TX   December 3rd, 2007 3:12 pm ET

Seems to me he's doing just fine without your help Karl….

were,lowell,ma   December 3rd, 2007 3:05 pm ET

Rove, just take your break from politics and keep off American people because they know better than you do. Obama is liked by us all and you should not use your stupid tactics so that people can think otherwise. Ask Hillary if she need your support!

Rob, Blacksburg Virginia   December 3rd, 2007 3:04 pm ET

The LAST person anyone needs to hear from is Karl Rove. His legacy will be as the man who slashed and burned US politics to support one man, and let the country go to waste. The one man he did support, has the lowest ratings of any US president in history, and is headed for impeachment. Way to Karl! You're not that good mate. ;-)

True   December 3rd, 2007 3:02 pm ET

Karl Rove's three chief claims to fame are 1) that he poisoned the political process and the American political mind in ways heretofore unimaginable, 2) that he committed a treasonous act by publicly identifying the CIA operative in charge of a program whose aim was to keep nuclear weapons and materials out of the hands of our enemies, and 3) that he twice got the worst President in American history elected to power. I think that credits him with a portion of the blame for every bit of damage this administration has done. And now, in some sort of cheap marketing tactic, he inserts himself into the public consciousness again. When's the book coming out? Hate is a word I have used maybe 5 times in my 52 years, but I hate this man. I truly do.

Marge Hibbing Mn   December 3rd, 2007 3:01 pm ET

yep indeedy ….pull those dirty tricks. Which Obama seems to be starting to do.

After all if the republicans could only stack the ballot boxes and get Obama as the candidate they would be able to take the presidency again.

Jon, Boston, MA   December 3rd, 2007 3:00 pm ET

Republicans don't say anthing bad about Obama. Every conservative talking head lauds Obama. Their dream is that Obama will be the democratic candidate. In fact most of the obama "supporters" on this blog are republicans trying to bring clinton down. Its clever–with Obama as the candidate –the repblicans can't lose.

Mark, Marietta GA   December 3rd, 2007 2:58 pm ET

anyone who is dumb enough to believe that Rove is doing anything except manipulating the media to get Hillary as the nominee is RETARDED!

Heck, even Bush is in that game.

Face it folks, they want to see Hillary as the nominee because they are already working on 8 years of material from Bill to slam her with. She's the perfect dem candidate to rev up the republican base.

If you think Rove is actually giving Obama advice here rather than muddying things up to help favor Clinton you deserve what you get on election day.

Michael Beusch, San Mateo, CA   December 3rd, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Karl Rove is considered a genius by some. I don't share that opinion. Any sleaze can win by sinking to the lowest level possible. Obama would lose my support if he were to take the advice of a lying character assassin like Karl Rove.

Joe, Boston, MA   December 3rd, 2007 2:52 pm ET

Rove needs to get a life! Dude, go back to Texas and stay there. We're all set with you and your fat, blobbering mouth spitting out hate techniques.

You're a loser and will always be one. You think you're a great political advisor but when you think about it you're really not more than a punk whose a want-a-be.

Rich, San Francisco, CA   December 3rd, 2007 2:50 pm ET

Rove is Wormtongue.

No one should heed his words.

They are poison.

http://scorpionbowl.blogspot.com/2007/08/karl-wormtongue-begone.html

None of your business key west Florida   December 3rd, 2007 2:48 pm ET

They must be afraid of her!

J Houston, TX   December 3rd, 2007 2:47 pm ET

Vote Clinton 08. Or hand over the whitehouse to the republicans for another 4 years.

The concern is more about your football team (Democrats) winning the game than getting a good President. I can think of good leaders on both sides, why can't you?

George   December 3rd, 2007 2:46 pm ET

Is this kind not the kind of politics that destroyed the caeer of Ms. Plame, remember McClelan; the senator from GA. Remember the allegations about John Kerry and his Vietnam service to our Country. Anybody who can follow this man's advice is sick, there is no humour in lying and destroying other people just because they are not stupid enough to follow your sick mind for political gain. Rove needs to shut up and hide his shame for a whle.

Billy J Austin, Tx   December 3rd, 2007 2:44 pm ET

It is obvious, that he is really trying to provide cover for the republican who runs, if he uses these tactics, by saying 'look even the democrats were saying it'.
It is also obvious they think it will be Hillary.
For the life of me, I can't figure out why everyone (especially reporters) assume that it will be either of these folks. Edwards is still the best candidate. I can't imagine why folks don't give him the press he deserves.

Manassas, VA   December 3rd, 2007 2:43 pm ET

There go the Dems……crying again. I must give it to them, that's their best strategy……crying.

jack,Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 2:41 pm ET

Karl Rove must do this because of the meeting Barack had with mayor Bloomberg. He must come out and spoil everything because he is a poisonous illitrate republican who want to cause another chaos. He just miss the white house where he drove Americans crazy. Go away Rove. American people deserve better than this. We love Obama no matter what you say!

Realist, Atlanta, GA   December 3rd, 2007 2:40 pm ET

Look lets just not vote at all….all of this is meaningless…US citizens need to ban together and fix our social, educational, and economic issues. People are losing homes, jobs, and our educatution system is failing. I say we boycott the polls and the large corporations that are dirving the elcetions anyway. It doesn't matter who becomes President if we don't stanf up for ourselves.

Jeff, Schaumburg, IL   December 3rd, 2007 2:39 pm ET

This is part of the Republican "Attack Clinton to help her win" machine. The Republicans this time around are more concerned with making sure Hilary wins the Democratic nomination than who their own candidate turns out to be.

Any Republican vs. Clinton stands a good chance. A lot of Dems and indy Dems do NOT want more of "the same" (i.e. Bush Clinton 1980-2008), but more importantly, there are VERY few indy-Repubs who would ever vote for Clinton. A Clinton nomination is a slam-dunk presidential win for the Republicans.

jw arkansas   December 3rd, 2007 2:38 pm ET

a vote for obama is a vote for the republician rowe know this

saul, austin tx   December 3rd, 2007 2:30 pm ET

I want to echo Joe Wilkins from Michigan. I am a democrat that cant vote for Hillary. I am not sure who Joe thinks of when he says a "moderate Republican". He must be referring to Ron Paul. All the others think that the raping of Iraq was a swell thing to do and it has all gone just fine there. Everybody talking about "victory" but nobody defining what exactly that means in practical terms — and for the most part Republicans seem to be fine with this. The whole lot of the Republican slate other than Ron Paul are conservatives of the all violence is good violence stripe, because somewhere along the way violence became a "family value" and if you are not a fan of violence against weaker people then you must be a coward. And the best as democrats we can do is Hillary or even Obama!! Screw Rove — he and Dick put us here and there is no easy way out, the fog is too thick. With or without the benefit of his wisdom this whole 2008 campaign is a tragedy. Again, Ron Paul is the only one that gets close to an answer — Kuchini was acceptable until he began conversing with UFOs, of all things.

Bryon Burks, Wichita, KS   December 3rd, 2007 2:29 pm ET

This is just Karl Rove's desperate attempt to remain relevant; fortunately he lost any relevance on current events a long time before he left the White House. Good riddance!

Jimmy Sanborn   December 3rd, 2007 2:26 pm ET

Republican Barack Obama. The secret is out. We have a Republican running as a Democrat. America there is more or LESS to Barack Obama then you think. Talking with Karl Rove and Bloomburg. Leaves alot to question about his loyalty.

Claire Celsi, Des Moines, Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 2:23 pm ET

Rove is simply playing a game. He knows that causing division among the democratic candidates will further divide democrats. Quit playing into his evil hand and ignore the dummy. After all, all he's got left is his political strategy penchant. He has no college degree or skills to fall back on.

brooklyn   December 3rd, 2007 2:23 pm ET

He's more poisonous than a poison snake. He has an agenda and loving every minute of this cnn blogger moment. Have every confidence that Obama knows this. So I am not worried.

Judith, newton,Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 2:21 pm ET

Rove and Bush are getting stressed the attention Obama is receiving from Republicans and Independents. I am a republican for Obama. This cinism need to stop. We have already seen what Karl Rove and Bus administration can do to America and the world..

nottoolatetoseethrough   December 3rd, 2007 2:18 pm ET

If Obama starts listening to that, that, that…Rove character, he will never hope to gain my vote.

Rove is the worst of politics.

Posted By Jim Sherwood, OR : December 3, 2007 1:33 pm
———-

The truth is Obama has been doing just that. Sooner or later, voters will realize why they want Obama, not Hillary. Just like Obama said himself, there is always someone stood up for him. Imagine, facing debate with Republicans, Obama has no records to win. What a piece of cake for them.

Jerry, Denver, CO   December 3rd, 2007 2:17 pm ET

Mr. Rove are you running for President? Are you a campaign advisor for any of these candidates? The answers is: NO!!!

Butt out buddy, your five minutes are up!

jim,boston,ma   December 3rd, 2007 2:17 pm ET

VandeHei, Tell Rove to SHUT the hell up!

Chae, Overland Park, KS   December 3rd, 2007 2:17 pm ET

In what area of the country is Barack Obama unknown? Clinton is grasping at straws trying to hold on to a dwindling lead that is only going to get smaller as people really start looking at the other options, all of which are better than her. She is resorting to dumb attacks that only make her look worse.

Peter Fernandina beach florida   December 3rd, 2007 2:16 pm ET

This makes you wonder since Rove and his bunch of clowns could never beat a Clinton in the past; Maybe the neo Nazi's are concerned?

Mary,Des moines,Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 2:15 pm ET

This guy should go into hiding with Clintons in littleton Arkansa. They are so little in what they are saying.Childish!

Lou, Williamsburg, VA   December 3rd, 2007 2:14 pm ET

"I despise him and wouldn't trust him further than I could spit at him."

+++++++++++++++++++

EXACTLY the same way many of us feel about the Clintons. No couple in the WH have been more calculating and dishonest than have been the Clintons.

Patty, somewhere   December 3rd, 2007 2:13 pm ET

Did people ever wonder at all why Rove left the WH at this time? He left so he could inject himself in his usual way into this final year's campaign on behalf of Republicans. He is much more useful to republicans now out of the White House than in. Watch for his useful little tidbits all over the place and just remember who it is coming from and the real motive will turn out to be the direct opposite of what is being said.

Wendy, Pittsburgh, PA   December 3rd, 2007 2:11 pm ET

The antics of this lowlife crook are not real news. Rove is just trying to be the Paris Hilton of politics. Alas, his slimy talent for injecting psycho into legitimate debate has once again worked to garner him some attention. Congratulations, Rove. Hopefully we'll all soon become immune and you'll be reduced to pathetically jumping after microphones, or maybe biting the heads off chickens…

Donald - Ramsey, Minnesota   December 3rd, 2007 2:10 pm ET

See Clinton lovers, she can't possibly be an effective president, Republicans hate her too much and unfortunately for her, she will still have to work with them. They despise her and will most likely vote against everything she proposes, for good reason though, her judgment isn't the best!
Posted By Anonymous : December 3, 2007 9:59 am

No, they are afraid of her, pretty much in the way you are afraid to post your name…birds of a feather.

Michael, Boston, MA   December 3rd, 2007 2:08 pm ET

Rove is a dangerous man. Rove is more dangerous than Osama bin Laden. Rove's strategies are more dangerous to the average American citizen than the threat of a nuke attack. Any candidate whom associates with him, or takes his advice, will quickly be scratched from my consideration as a candidate. Due to Obama's bashing rather than telling American's his policy and strategy goals, I've lost faith in his ability to work as a leader and in a team within his own party.

Florian, Los Angeles, CA   December 3rd, 2007 2:08 pm ET

It's pretty obvious that Rove is trying to influence democrats to vote for Hillary, as it would be easier for a republican candidate to win against Hillary, than Obama in the presidential race. Obama's record is shorter and cleaner, and thus is more likely to win the presidency than Hillary.

T. Tim, Lodi, WI   December 3rd, 2007 2:06 pm ET

The Repubs must REALLY be afraid of Hillary Clinton! They've put their attack dog–Rove–hard on her trail.

Jennifer Jones, Ft. Lauderdale, FL   December 3rd, 2007 2:04 pm ET

Yes, Opray Winfrey and Karl Rove would love to see Obama win the Democratic ticket instead of Clinton. Republicans know they can't win the election from Clinton. They also know they will win over Democrat Obama.

Rob Fil, Koloa HI   December 3rd, 2007 2:01 pm ET

Rove tells Obama how to win election: just cheat!

Bob C., California   December 3rd, 2007 2:01 pm ET

Personally, I wouldn't trust ANYTHING Karl Rove has to say. Why is he giving advice to "the enemy"? Surely, it's not for altruistic reasons. He craves attention and his own self-aggrandizement. He should be doing this for McCain or Romney or someone in his own party. He also has this insatiable hatred of Hillary Clinton (and Bill, as well, of course). The man cannot be trusted, and anyone so blindly devoted to Salacious Crumb (Bush) and Darth Vader (Cheney), is NOT going to be so generous to the other side. I'm so ashamed and embarrassed for voting for Bush in 2000 (I wasn't so blind in 2004), so this whole Rove thing stinks to high heaven!

Patti in Dallas, TX   December 3rd, 2007 2:00 pm ET

C'mon folks…why would Obama listen to Rove? Whatever Obama has been doing (i.e. *without* Rove's radical advice) has catapulted him into a dead-heat & possibly a lead over Clinton in Iowa. Why would Obama "fix" what ain't broken?

xX   December 3rd, 2007 2:00 pm ET

Someone please rendition Rove to Egypt for some alternate methods of interrogation please.

David Birmingham, AL   December 3rd, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Horrendous Advice.

If he stays positive he will win.

Fred, Raleigh, NC   December 3rd, 2007 1:54 pm ET

Some must've missed the recent story about Rove's tactics in the '04 election. Howard Dean was leading the polls and on fire. Rove's strategy? Attack John Kerry. End result, hard core Dems rise up and defend "JFK" , dragging what was then a middling candidate across the finish line in Iowa. The Bush campaign wanted John Kerry at the top of the ticket. Now Rove is beating up Hillary. The very obvious conclusion to anyone with a brain is the GOP wants Hillary Clinton as the Dem nominee. A ticket with HRC at the top will set the Democratic party back many years. Of course that's what Rove is shooting for. Obvious, and will be quite the funny story if Dems fall for this yet again.

Steve, Eugene, OR   December 3rd, 2007 1:51 pm ET

I think that turd blossom just wants to see the two leading Democrats going at each other's throats as viciously as possible during the primary season, so that the eventual nominee will be nicely softened up for the general election. A brutal primary fight sure would give plenty of ammunition to the republicans in the general election…. Still, as far as electability is concerned, Obama beats Hillary hands down. National polls consistently show both him and Edwards trouncing all of the leading republican candidates. Hillary still beats them, just not as resoundingly. I suspect that Rove simply realizes that the republicans really do have an abysmally weak field of candidates this year, so he's trying to get the Dems to self-destruct before the general election. I suspect that all of the Democratic campaigns will see right through this strategy, and will simply ignore his "advice." What a slimeball.

Michael Sheridan, Grand Rapids, MI   December 3rd, 2007 1:49 pm ET

The Republicans want Obama because they know he can't win in the electoral college. States that have polarized racial issues like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Iowa will become automatic Republican wins because many white people in those states will not vote for a black president….
Posted By marquis : December 3, 2007 10:45 am

I'm pretty sure that any white person who wouldn't vote for Barack Obama just because he's black wouldn't vote for ANY Democrat. The Democrats lost the ignorant racist vote in the 1960s, and nominating Hillary isn't going to win them back – nor should we be trying to do so.

As for the notion that Rove is some sort of evil genius for getting W. elected "twice": Rove's stated goal was a "permanent Republican majority", which he and the GOP thought he could accomplish by getting Republicans to support the most divisive social and economic policies seen since the Gilded Age. How has this worked out? The GOP got their hats handed to them in the 2006 Congressional elections, a worse defeat than the Democrats took in 1994. And 2008 is shaping up to be even worse for the GOP – just look at all the rats like Lott and Hastert who are getting out of Congress while the "getting's good".

Rove is no genius – but he is an effective bomb-thrower, and he's a master at sowing dissent within the opposition. His purpose in giving "advice" to any Democrat is to get Democrats all worked up at one another, hopefully to the point that many of us will refuse to support the eventual winner of our nomination process.

Look for Karl the "concern troll" to provide similar "advice" to Obama, Edwards OR Hillary during the general election, too, in hopes that his stench will cling to the Democrats and reduce our enthusiasm to turn out at the polls in November.

Chris Paddock, Charlotte, NC   December 3rd, 2007 1:47 pm ET

Instead of attackin one another, Dems should concentrate on exposing and attacking the dismal record of Bush and his Republicans in the last eight years. That is what will get them in the White House, not the juvenile bickering that they are displaying at the moment.

David Tomlinson, Chicago, IL   December 3rd, 2007 1:47 pm ET

Hillary For President in 2008, Obama for Vice President. Rove for the lowest pit in hell.

And, to the idiot that posted that this is all the more reason not to support Hillary in 2008 because the Republicans hate her and won't work with her, now we have to get permission from the Republicans before we are allowed to run for office? Are you born stupid, have a major head trauma that caused that, or did you take a course?

aj huntington ny   December 3rd, 2007 1:46 pm ET

Im so glad to see this topic on the Political Ticker today. Where else would the Democrats go today to vent?

Lynn McDowell, Seattle, WA   December 3rd, 2007 1:46 pm ET

I keep reading essentially that Rove is speaking to Obama because Republicans don’t want to take on Hillary. This line of thought seems rational, except for the fact that Obama seems to have better numbers against the Republican Candidates than Hilary. This is because independents and more liberal republicans are seeking a new direction. Also, there are a good chunk of Republicans (like myself) that would vote for Obama but would never even consider voting for Hilary. The truth is, Republicans understand that winning the white house in 08 is unlikely, so you may as well root for the person who is going to unite instead of divide. Is it so unbelievable that some Americans would rather have the two best candidates in the general election rather than the person most likely to be beat by their parties’ candidate?

megan   December 3rd, 2007 1:42 pm ET

I would rather see 8 more years of a Republican than Hillary Clinton (and I am a registered GA Democrat)

Nick, Collingdale, PA   December 3rd, 2007 1:41 pm ET

It's obvious the republicans would much rather face Obama and not Hillary. Rove and the Republicans already know that they can't beat Hillary.

Steve, New York   December 3rd, 2007 1:41 pm ET

WAKE UP PEOPLE! The only reason Rove is doing this is because he knows none of the republicans can beet Hillary, but CAN beat Obama. Which is why he wants to help Obama beat Hillary. Nice try Rove LOL!!

Troy   December 3rd, 2007 1:41 pm ET

Rove sees Obama as naive, stupid,unintelligent, oaf, plain dumb and a good for nothing idiotic nincompoop. Thus the advise. Even if Obama heeds his advise, he still won't win. This Obama has no chance. I wouldn't have even voted for him as an alderman.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 3rd, 2007 1:40 pm ET

To Joe Wilkins, Michigan:

Hillary Clinton stated she would "consider" nuclear action against Iran.

Just like all the GOP candidates.

It's time to re-evaluate your posting, no?!

Geraldine, Mead, OK   December 3rd, 2007 1:38 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is the candidate for those who are nostalgic for pre-Bush 9/11 days, when instead of being vigilant with regards to what was really going on during the Clinton administration, everyone was playing golf hoping to be the next Tiger Woods, and watching Jordan, Pipen, and Rodman wow us playing for the Chicago Bulls. The 90's was a breather between wars, Iraq 1 and 2, after the Cold War. If Hillary wins my bet her administration will look more like the Nixon Whitehouse, which is when she cut her teeth in politics as a Republican.

Bill, IA   December 3rd, 2007 1:38 pm ET

I agree with "douglasq", Rove is up to something. I despise him and wouldn't trust him further than I could spit at him. Either Clinton (my first choice) or Obama (my last) would make a better President than the monster that Rove helped bring to power.

Ray, Detroit, MI   December 3rd, 2007 1:36 pm ET

Wow. Amazing. Once again CNN shows us exactly how easy it is to manipulate an audience with something as simple as a blog entry title.

What happened to the lost art of reading comprehension? For those of you who forgot to read past the first sentence: Rove wrote this memo on his own, in a newspaper. Obama never asked for it, or wanted it, and I'd bet a good amount of money that he doesn't even know about it yet. It even says "unsolicited suggestions" right in the piece!

What's next. If O.J. Simpson suddenly wrote an "some advice to H. Clinton" entry on his personal blog. Would all of you knee-jerk people then say: "Gasp!! Clinton is taking advice from O.J., what's the world coming too!"

Shame on CNN for their continued mis-reporting and situation manipulation. Much like their unending need to portray the 2008 race as a boxing glove on boxing glove slugfest in order to boost their ratings.

But more shame on all the responses for so easily swallowing the obvious bait that CNN throws your way. Thanks, everybody, you continue to prove that stupidity in America wasn't a 2004 fluke.

John Adkisson, Sacramento, California   December 3rd, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Karl Rove is fully discredited and his only legacy is divisiveness.

Why his so-called "advice" is a news story is beyond me. He and Clinton are two peas in a pod when it comes to political strategy — pretend to have a positive message until it is convenient to put forth spurious attacks.

This cynicism is precisely what people know Obama is fighting against. Rove knows that having his name associated with Obama's could only help Clinton. His motive is obviously to boost Clinton's primary candidacy because Republicans are salivating to run against her.

Obama doesn't need cynical advice– he understands tough politics, but he has insisted on staying on the high road and trying to move the public to a new day when the Roves and the Clintons are remembered for what they are: the ugly politics of the past.

Joe Wilkins, Michigan   December 3rd, 2007 1:33 pm ET

Rove thinks Obama is an easier candidate to beat but he is wrong.

I am a Democrat but can't possibly vote for Hillary. The women is a war monger. I find her as frightening as Bush.

If the Republicans nominate a sane, moderate candidate I will vote for him. I never thought after 8 years of Bush I would consider voting for a Repub but Hilary is scary. She says she would consider a NUCLEAR attack against Iran….just what we need. Obviously she is bought and paid for by AIPAC. Personally I am looking for an American President, not an Israeli one.

If the Repubs nominate some crackpot I will stay home and not vote.

Ben Colburn, Keene, NH   December 3rd, 2007 1:33 pm ET

Hmmmm….. a republican advisor advising democratic candidates how to beat each other up and make one another look bad. Nothing suspicious here.

Jim Sherwood, OR   December 3rd, 2007 1:33 pm ET

If Obama starts listening to that, that, that…Rove character, he will never hope to gain my vote.

Rove is the worst of politics.

Brendan H., San Antonio, TX   December 3rd, 2007 1:31 pm ET

There are some interesting parallels in history here and all connected:

First, when Nixon ran for re-election in 1972, he was trailing Senator Muskie in the polls, roughly 54% to 46%. Then Ken Claussen, the Deputy Communications Director under Nixon, authored the now infamous Canuck Letter. Not only did Muskie have to drop out of the race, he had to leave politics. Claussen operated with the USC mafia, a group of lawyers (Segretti, Chapin, Porter, etc.) put together to sabotage the DNC and destroy opponents, personally.

Second, come forward to modern times and observe the same tactics being waged by Karl Rove. Now it appears he is "helping" Obama?! Rove and the RNC fear Hillary Clinton, and they should because she's tough and will surround herself with top caliber people, from both sides of the political spectrum, in order to straighten the country out after yet another failed Bush Administration of Terror.

Nixon feared Muskie, so they sabotaged Muskie to get the candidate they wanted to face – George McGovern. Rove and the RNC recognize that the advent of a Black Democratic candidate might polarize the country and people would vote on straight race lines which plays right into their model.

By the way, when Karl Rove was a wide-eyed, 19-year-old, political hack wanna-be, he had a mentor.

None other than Donald Segretti. The same Donald Segretti of Watergate infamy mentioned herein.

The acorn doesn't fall far from the tree!

W. Artis, Goldsboro, NC   December 3rd, 2007 1:23 pm ET

I think Obama should move very cautiously on this. Rove's comments may have some validity, however, Obama must remember, his is a Democrat and Rove is a Republican. This may come back to "hurt" Obama in the long run. Rove might be trying to take down the two Democrats that are a threat to the Republican Party..as they say, killing two birds with one stone.

Mike S., New Orleans, Louisiana   December 3rd, 2007 1:20 pm ET

What Karl Rove is speaks so loudly I can't hear what he's saying.

And I don't put much stock in words coming from someone who should be in prison.

Kansas City   December 3rd, 2007 1:18 pm ET

Rove's a very smart man, who knows the ins and outs of politics in this country, as well as the hearts and minds of Americans and that the racism in this country runs so deep that the majority of American voters would never elect a black man.

Mike Orlando, FL   December 3rd, 2007 1:17 pm ET

I'm sure this is what Obama wants. Wow, this really is going to hurt him in many ways. Obama shouldn't accept the information, he should nto even associate himself with Karl. Bad choice Obama, bad choice!

Go Hillary!

James Davies Madison, WI   December 3rd, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is from Regan era politics. When republicans had absolute control (Regan took 49 states). She is always on the defensive, lying, deceiving and hair splitting, anything just to try to win. She has the highest "disapproval" rating of any one currently running for the office of the Presidency. If she wins the primary she will lose the general election, and if by some miracle she wins the general election she will divide America so deeply that we may never recover. Barack Obama is of a new generation of democrats, democrats who do not feel a need to lie and deceive to gain power. He is more honest and has huge support from a wide range of people. And as for "Anon" from NY, Barack is destroying Hillary among women voters so maybe check your facts once in a while.

Mia, Stafford, VA   December 3rd, 2007 1:15 pm ET

People Karl Rove just wants to be part of the action. No one from the Republican party is beating his door down to help with their campaign, so he picks the most popular Democrat to give advice to because he knew everyone would have something to say which in turn means people are talking about him again.

See it for what it is – someone who is full of himself and wants to be in the lime light again.

Jeff - Jacksonville, FL   December 3rd, 2007 1:08 pm ET

I'm still trying to figure out why someone hasn't indicted this guy for leaking Valerie Plame's name. Isn't that a federal offense?

Oh wait, I know why…because the guy who told him to do it, his boss, George W Bush told him to…

Whether Hillary, Barack, or John (Edwards) get the nomination, any of them will be a vast improvement over the current administration…Heck, even one of the Republicans would be an improvement…and that's saying something.

Mike, Chicago IL   December 3rd, 2007 1:05 pm ET

Found this in an earlier comment.

http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2645320920071126

Looks like Obama is more electable than HRC and her camp would like you to believe. More so than she is.

HRC is divisive and most everyone in this country has made their mind up about her. I don't think that she has much of a chance of changing peoples perception of her.

She may win the nomination, but does she have prayer of winning the office? I hope not, I'm tired of the Bush's and Clinton's both. It's past time for new blood and new ideas.

the Truth, Elsewhere, USA   December 3rd, 2007 1:04 pm ET

Oh yeah, future news flash, H. Clinton as just been charged with setting up a false hostage situation. She will be charged with taking her own helpers as hostages to make it look like her health care plan will work. Folks, Hillary Clinton will probably be behind this whole hostage thing. Another trick, lie, and plot to steal American votes by getting sympathy. What a waste of our time. Trust me people, don't be surprised if you find out that she planed the entire hostage situation. Such a liar.

Tom Millar, Washington, DC   December 3rd, 2007 1:04 pm ET

I think many of you have this one backwards. I think Rove's piece aims to harm Obama in the primaries. I think that Karl Rove wants the Reps running against Hillary and is afraid of Obama in the general election becuase of how well Obama is polling amongst independent voters (he is also the most popular democrat among republicans) whereas Hillary is, whatever you think of her, a polarizing figure.

In my estimation, what Rove has done here is predict what he thinks Obama is going to do over the next few months as he seeks to "sharpen" his distinctions with Hilary as we approach the Iowa caucus and first primaries. Then, when Obama actually does these things, Hilary and others will be able to denounce his tactics as "straight out of Karl Rove's playbook for Obama."
Amongst democrats in the primary elections, any connection for a democrat with Rove is very damaging.

Rove's piece seeks to put Obama is a catch-22. Obama can't sharpen his stances against hillary effectively because he'll be accused of taking notes from Rove. If he doesn't sharpen his distinctions with HIllary, however, he'll be hurt.

Rene DFW   December 3rd, 2007 1:01 pm ET

David from SF – I think you have drank the RNC Koolaid. Bush is an idiot and so are you!!

Jake Grubman, Wheeling, IL   December 3rd, 2007 1:01 pm ET

I'm confused as to why Barack Obama is labeled "unknown." Clinton is losing to Obama in Iowa, and her campaign calls him unknown. That seems like a mistake for a lot of reasons. First, it's clearly wrong. He has a major player in Washington since 2004, and the Clinton campaign's refusal to acknowledge that seems belittling. Second, their use of the word unknown here indicates that, yes, Hillary Clinton is losing to an unknown. Barack Obama might not have as much name recognition as the Clintons, but he has demonstrated in recent weeks and years that he is a strong candidate, and he deserves a little more respect than the Clinton campaign appears to be giving him. Of course, that doesn't mean that the Obama campaign is flawless in this area. Their criticisms of Clinton have been a little exaggerated at times. But the words that Clinton's spokesperson chose here just seem out of place and wrong.

David, Dallas Tx   December 3rd, 2007 1:00 pm ET

Jim from Topeka said, Rove making suggestions to Obama on how to beat Clinton means only one thing. Rove does not want the Republican candidate [sic] to have to face Clinton in the General election.

Ridiculous.

Rove has the connections to communicate with Obama privately, but instead he chose to use the media. There’s only one reason for that choice: so that you would see it.

Rove knows publicly associating his name to any Democratic candidate will hurt that candidate.

Clinton is no longer the Democratic heir apparent, and that worries Rove, especially with the primaries almost upon us.

So he reached out to Obama, publicly.

Clinton is divisive; Obama is inclusive. Which is likely to garner more independents and Republican defectors in the general election? Rove knows the answer. ;)

Rove played you, my friend.

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2007 12:57 pm ET

Classic good news/bad news situation. Good news? Obama gets some good advice for free. The last "scholar" the American people elected was Woodrow Wilson, and it took a three way race with divided Republican opposition to do it.

Bad news? It seems like only the Grim Reaper will spare us from having to listen to that rodent Karl Rove. This man has the morals of a weasel on speed.

Ashley B., San Diego, CA   December 3rd, 2007 12:56 pm ET

First of all Obama is not ahead in any key state:

And also Karl Rove is trying to use Barack Obama to pave way for a Republican victory. He's a smart man and if Obama takes this advice it is obvious that he is as inexperienced and naive as his opponents say that he is.

The Truth, Elsewhere, USA   December 3rd, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Great. All you Clinton groupies keep it up. I have no clue why you insist on spreading lies that H. Clinton will win the elction. Karl Rove no matter how sneeky he is has some good advice. See, Clinton is a joke. If she were to get elected, she would run the country based off of emotion rather then logic. She can't possibly do the job. Stop writing comments out of emotion and base them off of fact. Obama is the only one who can unite this country and the only one beside a few other Dem Candidates that can get a large percentage of republican votes. It might not be a lot but the Republicans trust Obama more than Clinton. So stop posting out of emotion and think logically or are you relfecting how your candidate really is? An emotional, lying, sneaky, back stabbing, fact ignoring, cry baby who is always picked on. You can post all the bs you want, but we know Obama will come out on top. Keep and eye out as the polls take a change for the worst for Clinton. She really sucks and you know it. Or maybe you want a liar for a president.

George L., Buckeye, AZ   December 3rd, 2007 12:48 pm ET

The fact that people are reacting immediately with Republican-bashing, or Clinton-bashing, or Obama-bashing prior to actually fully reading or digesting the information is a hell of a lot scarier than Karl Rove.

Why, because you people actually have a say in who becomes President and choose to ignore relevant information. That's more dangerous than any spinster like Rove.

Robert, New York, NY   December 3rd, 2007 12:46 pm ET

Karl Rove should be in prison, not on CNN.

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   December 3rd, 2007 12:45 pm ET

mr. obama, this is an evil man. if you want to win do like carl tells you.

Nathan Prophet   December 3rd, 2007 12:44 pm ET

Carl Rove is a pathological liar. He has proved that, and he's at it again with his "Congress pushed Bush into War" lie. No telling what he has in mind with his Obama advice – probably just an "ego trip." And, he's not so smart in my book; he's an idiot and a war criminal.

Ty, Okc   December 3rd, 2007 12:43 pm ET

What’s really happening is that the Republican are realizing that their strategy of pump-up HC has failed, so now they are trying to use some reverse physiology by promoting Barack in hopes that it will turn people toward Hillary. There is nothing for them to attack Barack with, so they are desperate.

Bubba, Swainsboro GA   December 3rd, 2007 12:42 pm ET

Looks like Rove's voting Democrat now, like everyone else this year.

Chris, Orlando, FL   December 3rd, 2007 12:42 pm ET

Rove helped an idiot like Bush win two elections.

What have any of you Libs accomplished besides begging for handouts?

James, Houston, TX.   December 3rd, 2007 12:39 pm ET

Obama should listen to Karl Rove? Well, He did manage to keep Geo. Bush, Dick Cheney and Himself out of Jail after 9/11. Then there'the PUP, Libby!
Tom Lamay and the infamous Sec. of Defense; Oh, lets not forget Ms. Rice. Wow, thats quiet a Salad. Put that in your Rice Krispies!

Chris, Middletown, CT   December 3rd, 2007 12:38 pm ET

as much as you hate him – he wins elections – I seriously question anyone voting for Hillary….is it that you don't listen…or don't get the fact that she doesn't answer any questions??

jack   December 3rd, 2007 12:38 pm ET

The accusation that Obama is a Rove flunkie is laughable.

Almost as laughable as a Hillary supporter calling Obama a flip-flopper.

Both are such obvious lies, it barely needs comment.

As for Rove's motives, it should be equally obvious. He's stated time and again that Hillary will win, and nowthat she's slipping, he's out to poison the well of her adversary.

Rove would love nothing more than Hillary vs. the Reps. Obama would torunce them, seeing as he pulls in a lot of moderate Rep support. Duh?

VoteForChange   December 3rd, 2007 12:36 pm ET

Obama won't attack Clinton too much if he wants to be on the ticket as VP. If Clinton's nomination is as inevitable next year, and Obama doesn't do much to win before, it can easily be assumed that a deal has been made to have him on the ticket for 08.

Jesse, Burnsville, MN   December 3rd, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Listen up morons! It doesn't say that Obama is taking Rove's advice. It says that Rove wrote an opinion piece giving Obama advice.

For you people tearing apart Obama because he is now working with Karl Rove, you are too dumb to be given the right to vote.

Dave, Chicago, IL   December 3rd, 2007 12:33 pm ET

CNN – Fire Karl Rove – He is a liar and a hack.

JP, Austin, TX   December 3rd, 2007 12:32 pm ET

Rove is nothing more than a hate- and fear- monger. That's all he's got. He's never been, and never will be, anything else.

Only the weak-minded buy what he's (been)selling.

Pete, Grand Rapids, MI   December 3rd, 2007 12:31 pm ET

The conspiracy theorists are comical…

So Rove is such an evil genius, he’s giving Obama tips to beat Hillary because Obama will be easier for a Republican to defeat?

Or maybe Rove is an even more evil genius than Democrats thought; and Karl knows Hillary is really weaker and he’s tricking Democrats into thinking Obama is weak thus splitting the Democratic vote ensuring victory for the Republicans?

…Stop smoking the wacky tabacky, it’s making you paranoid.

Emmitt S. - Dallas, TX   December 3rd, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Don't quit. Don't you even quit.

Jesse, Burnsville, MN   December 3rd, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Monte Brown,

You are an idiot and NO Democrat.

Dorian, Brentwood, CA   December 3rd, 2007 12:30 pm ET

So the Reps have sent out their master of slime to try to stem the tide of Hillary's ascent. Instead of suggesting the very weak Obama start articulating a strong, specific message that contains real meat and substance (as Hillary does), he advises him to become even more down and dirty than he is now. Republicans are a desperate bunch, as is Obama and his team. They know they're losing and will now do anything, no matter how low, to change Hillary's momentum. Thank God, most see through Rove AND Obama and will not be swayed by smoke and mirrors this time around.

Marcus, Independence MO   December 3rd, 2007 12:29 pm ET

I rather agree with Rove's comments and in my opinion they reflect the competitive nature in Rove to win. He can't understand why someone like Hilary who we all know has so many flaws and yet she's leading the presidential race. I think Rove's opinion of her is that of man who watched the pot call the kettle black. I mean how frustrating can it be to watch Hilary win when after all she voted for everything Bush tried to have passed. But then publicly denounced the man. She's a head case and she probably gave him the biggest migraine ever with her wishy washy political tactics.

HISTORY REPEATS   December 3rd, 2007 12:26 pm ET

you know whats funny everybody in here cursing obama for taking roves advice. but you all eat up the bull that gets thrown aeround by these candidates then you curse then for just doing business. because thats what the race is. its all business. these candidates probably like eachother but that have to sling mud to appease the masses. when you are a sales rep for wal-mart its all business, so image what it must be like when you are running for the highest seat of power in the world!! good people need advice from people like rove because america has become a consumer nation. the type of nation that judges on looks….a jerry springer audience, a nation of people that think the trojan warriors looked like brad pitt lol….

Robb, New York   December 3rd, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Responding to the memo, a Clinton campaign spokesperson said, "Why is Karl Rove giving Sen. Obama advice on how to win? Could it be that he thinks it will be easier for Republicans to run against the unknown gentleman from Illinois?"

Really?!?!? This is the same old self-entitlement attitude that the Clinton campaign has carried from the start that is wearing thin with voters. Obama doesn't need advise from Karl Rove to beat Hillary; she's doing a good enough job at that by carrying herself with this smug "You have no choice but to vote for me because I'm so great" attitude. Hey, Clinton "campaign spokesperson," I've got news for you: the Republicans want to face you more than they want to face Obama because your candidate has got so much dirt on her and is so unpopular with a majority of Americans that any Republican– even the lower tier of candidates– can win in November. They fear Obama because he represents a real change from the "old way" of Clinton politics. Trust me, the last thing they want is Obama as the Democratic nominee.

Hmm… the latest polls say that Obama's got the lead in Iowa and is gaining nationally. Maybe that's because he's exposed the Clinton campaign for what it is– an arrogant bunch with total contempt for the public and an air of self-entitlement so thick that they can't be bothered trying to conceal it. The GOP salivates at the opportunity to bring Hillary down; they couldn't do it with Bill, but I guarantee you that if they get the chance in the general election, they'll take Hillary down.

Julie, Albuquerque, NM   December 3rd, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Advise from Karl Rove? Former advisor to President Bush? Go for it Obama! We'll read about you as a former candidate for President!!

M. Johnston Chicago IL   December 3rd, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Unfortunately, Rove is not yet irrelevent. Hopefully soon. This type of strategy is cunning and effective when lobbed at the general public who seldom delve beyond the surface of such tactics. It successfully elected a buffoon twice to the White House. Karl is probably finding it hard to step into oblivion as are the rest of the cronies who all have books in the works. No thanks I have plenty of doorstops.

Rose Hillrose, Chicago, IL   December 3rd, 2007 12:24 pm ET

I love to see Rove as the Achilles on Obama's foot. It will have public outrage drag Obama down forever.

GO Hill.. New AP polls show Hillary leading everywhere including Iowa.

Rose Hillrose, Chicago, IL   December 3rd, 2007 12:24 pm ET

I love to see Rove as the Achilles on Obama's foot. It will have public outrage drag Obama down forever.

GO Hill.. AP polls show Hillary leading everywhere including Iowa.

Daniel, NY   December 3rd, 2007 12:21 pm ET

Not one but TWO new Iowa polls today have Clinton with a massive lead in the caucuses: Link.

Cleveland, Ohio   December 3rd, 2007 12:20 pm ET

Is it me or is it SOOO obvious that the reason Rove gave this advise is BECAUSE the republicans WANT Clinton. It is no mystery that Carl rove is considered poison to anything he touches (even Carl knows this). He wants people to think Obama and Rove are togetehr in order to scuttle Obama.
Make no doubt
The Republicans FEAR Obama …they Desperatly need Clinton to have any chance at all

Maryann   December 3rd, 2007 12:18 pm ET

I am so pround of myself at this point because I have mentioned this all along. Republican want Obama so desperately and they will do everything they can to help Obama so Republican can beat him easily. Remember"Republicans open arms to Obama"
I can make this conclusion while ago is because I listen, I read, I do research, then I think. This is a good wake up call to all Obama supporters. You can't always go by someone's charming, good speaker. You have to "read between lines" and do your homework. Life taught us many lessons already.

Bob, Syracuse, NY   December 3rd, 2007 12:15 pm ET

Advice for Sen, Obama, don't trust a word that this man speaks – he is the devil reincarnated!

Collea-Devi Goetz, Ft Collins, Colorado   December 3rd, 2007 12:15 pm ET

While I think Obama is great in his own way; I am for Hillary for President 2008 AND 2012 –
I don't think Obama needs to start developing Rove/Halliburton thinking – ALL of the Dem's are MUCH better than that. Obama would make a great Vice President and the mentoring and training he gets from Hillary and Bill would make him an ideal candidate in 2016. But for now, he is too inexperienced and has too little diplomatic/political (common) sense to be elected, whereas the main reasons to vote Hillary for President 2008 are:
from my pov, of course.
1. To end the war in Iraq. To combat terrorism, strengthen our military and care for our veterans effectively. To restore America’s standing in the world and repair our alliances. To build a more tolerant, united America, working to achieve big goals again with a President who is ready for change and ready to lead from day one.
2. She is a moderate and is experienced in working with all sides of the aisle; can work well with global leaders; is intelligent and has good manners where it counts. She has proven herself a diplomat when visiting more than 80 countries, working with Congress and all interests. However you view Bill, he is a global asset to this country. She is the only candidate with enough EXPERIENCE and maturity to lead this country. She's not against "big business", but she DOES want everyone to be able to prosper.
3. She is strong where it counts. She has learned from her mistakes, knows how to ask for directions and from whom, and has devoted her ENTIRE adult life to serving this country and its people. When she speaks she deals with the ISSUES not slimy muck and only responds ~ appropriately ~ when absolutely necessary to answer unfounded, erroneous and/or malicious gossip.
4. To achieve universal, affordable healthcare. To create good jobs for middleclass Americans with the right investments in modern infrastructure and in new, clean, energy efficient technologies that reduce our dependence on foreign oil and combat global warming.

5. To provide world class education from universal pre-kindergarten to affordable college for all. To promote 21st century scientific innovation, including stem cell research.

6. To return to fiscal responsibility, move back toward a balanced budget and safeguard Social Security and Medicare for future generations. To restore competence and end cronyism in government with a President who cares about and works for Americans who have been invisible to this administration.

7. MOST IMPORTANT TO ME. I believe that she will end our current “Disaster and War Economy” paradigm and replace it with a Universal Trade / Production / Scholastic / Artistic economy while making the other changes that will promote a NEW paradigm.

For an America that works for ALL Americans – there's only one – Hillary Clinton – President 2008

AJ, IL   December 3rd, 2007 12:14 pm ET

Karl Rove is a great Republican strategist. He knows that running against Hillary is tantalizing. Rove knows that the Republicans have ammunition against Hillary from the 1990s till today. Her weakness to take definitive stands on important national issues, except healthcare is to the Republicans advantage. Running against Obama is very unpredictable from the Republican camp. Rove is publicly unpopular now (i.e. Bush Administration's spokeman & brains), and he knows that giving Obama advice in which Obama follows-up on it will be detrimental to Obama's campaign relatively to Democrats and Independents.

Try again Rove, Obama and his campaign are not "naive enough" to follow your advice. Your quitting the Bush administration is evidence enough that you think the Republicans have a lost cause. Why aren't you giving advice to the Republican presidential candidates in a public forum?

Frank tulsa, ok   December 3rd, 2007 12:10 pm ET

Karl got sand kicked in his face when he was a kid and has a secret crush on Hillary. This is his only revenge.

Danny Lee Marysville, CA   December 3rd, 2007 12:09 pm ET

If Sen. Barack Obama take Karl Rove advice that's mean he's Republican. Also, do not listen to Karl Rove and do not vote for Barack Obama because his cousin of V.P he could do same thing like
Republican.

Colors   December 3rd, 2007 12:08 pm ET

There is a saying that he or she who is without sin cast the first stone. By now the Republican attack propagandists are concentrating their plan on Clinton, not Obama, expecting that she would be the inevitable Democratic presidential candidate. What does that tell you?

For those Obama's lovers (same people 24/7 here) time to think if you are doing a right thing for this country. Charming outside caused us a big result like Bush. We need a true leader. That is Hillary. AND MAKE NO MISTAKE. HILLARY IS NOT, I SAY IT ONE MORE TIME, SHE IS NOT BUSH. Opponents want you to think that way. Time to wake up !!!!!!!

Will   December 3rd, 2007 12:07 pm ET

The real reason Karl Rove would offer unsolicited advise is not to help Obama win the Democratic nomination, but to assure a loss on two fronts. Why write an open letter in a national newspaper? Why not give this advice to him via phone call or email? By making these suggestions openly, Replublicans have now put Obama in a postion to pick a lesser of two evils. If he doesn't follow this advice the voting public will not view him as a strong candidate which will hurt him in the polls. If he does take note of the advise then he will be viewed a a person that has changed tactics, and strategies on the advise of the opposition.

jaz k, los angeles, california   December 3rd, 2007 12:07 pm ET

if you don't know who OBAMA is by now. you've probably decided not to watch tv, read magazines, or the daily press for the last 2 years.

Besides, who knew Bill before he became the candidate of choice?

hillary's campaign advisors sound pathetic in their smarmy attacks on Obama.

tired of corruption lv   December 3rd, 2007 12:06 pm ET

Rove is banking on the voters not being intelligent enough to see through his tactics.

Now that the polls are showing Senator Obama coming out on top against ALL repubs and Hillary not doing so well – even losing to McCain, Rove & Co. need to play their dirty politics and hopefully turn people against Senator Obama. And CNN & the Clinton machine are very happy to exploit this. You will see CNN play this forever.

This type of low-class, slimey political game is not played by Senator Obama – the Clintons and the repubs have been playing this type of game for decades. Let's put a stop to it NOW>

Jimi,boston,ma   December 3rd, 2007 12:06 pm ET

Wow, This guy is really behind. We moved away from politics of picked on long time ago and we are remaining with 5 chapters to complete the washington political text book. Wake up Karl!

Brad, from the great state of Texas   December 3rd, 2007 12:05 pm ET

Call Rove all the nasty names you want… he is a proven political mastermind, and Obama would be wise to at least consider this advice if he wants to win.

T-Bone Raleigh, NC   December 3rd, 2007 12:04 pm ET

It's obvious: Rove views Obama as the real threat to the Republicans, so he gives fake advice to hurt Obama amongst the Dems. Rove has made clear from the beginning that he doesn't think that Clinton can win due to her high negatives. Clinton is Rove's preferred candidate. This is all just a pathetic ruse to damage Obama. Sorry Karl, you're little fake out failed. Thanks for playing.

Crafton Timmerman - Charlotte NC   December 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Advise from Karl Rove? This man is deplorable and so insecure that he can only lead by fear and intimidation. If I were a candidate, the absolute last person I would want to be providing public advise would be Rove..or Cheney or Rumsfeld. They are all 3 the same and have lead our nation into diastrous time both politicially and financially. Once again, advise from Rove?

theprofessional   December 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

This comment is hilarious:

Responding to the memo, a Clinton campaign spokesperson said, "Why is Karl Rove giving Sen. Obama advice on how to win? Could it be that he thinks it will be easier for Republicans to run against the unknown gentleman from Illinois?"

Considering the Republicans have done nothing BUT talk about running against Hillary for the last seven years, to the point of obsession, I don't think this is an argument the Clinton camp really wants to make.

Simon,washington,DC   December 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Who is Karl Rove talking to. To himself?

Jim Topeka, Kansas   December 3rd, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Jim get a clue, it's not that they don't want republicans to go up against Hillary its that they really do hate her and her sneaky, lying, good for nothing ways!

Posted By I said it, FL : December 3, 2007 10:01 am

Get a clue, the Rove machine (in its sneaky, lying, good for nothing ways) does nothing that it does not feel it can capitalize upon and advance the Republican adgenda.

If they felt that they could win against Clinton, they would be all for placing her on the ballot. However now, if they can knock her out of the race, and replace her with Obama, they feel that the election will go their way with another 4 four years. Can this nation handle another 4 years of Republican rule, I don't think so.

Dave, Seattle, WA   December 3rd, 2007 12:00 pm ET

It seems the person Rove is most scared of is not Hillary, but Obama.

He's know that all shades of Republicans will oppose Hillary; however, moderates and independents would swing toward Obama.

So, Rove gives Obama suggestions to distract Dems. If Barack aggressively draw distinctions between himself and Hillary, he'll be accused of following the Rove playbook. If, to avoid any appearance of following Rove's suggestions, he passes on opportunities to note Hillary's weaknesses, Hillary gains the upperhand.

Either way, Rove wins: Republicans get to rally around beating Hillary.

Obama should be able to avoid this however: Simply note his recent climb in polls as proof he does not need Rove's help. Also, he must continue to, as he has been, show himself as the best, more experienced candidate to lead America to change, safety, and prosperity.

dannymac61   December 3rd, 2007 12:00 pm ET

Not that Rove knows that much about "purity" and being "high minded."

Ricky, Newton, MA   December 3rd, 2007 11:59 am ET

I'm not a big fan of Rove at all, but people who are calling him stupid and un-newsworthy must have forgotten that he single-handedly won Bush two elections. I will continue to dislike the guy, but I'm not going to live in denial like a lot of the people on here and say Rove is stupid or irrelevant.

Jacqueline Griffin, Washington DC   December 3rd, 2007 11:58 am ET

The Republicans are up to their unscrupulous ways again. This would not surprise me any if it is true. The Republicans are smart enough to know Clinton and Edwards are the only candidates that have a chance aT winning the presidential election; therefore if Obama is the chosen candidate; he would not have a chance in hell of beating a republican. THINK PEOPLE!

jms, Tn   December 3rd, 2007 11:53 am ET

It is more and more obvious that rove does not want Hillary in the White House. That makes me want to support her more.

Mike, Houston, TX   December 3rd, 2007 11:52 am ET

Of course Rove wants Hillary to be the nominee for the Democrats. Hillary and Rove both play in the same trenches and Rove's tactics will be played out again in America. Rove knows that most democrats feel that Hillary is not really electable and we don't want another election mired in seedy campaigns with dirty money flowing in.

Obama presents the only clear alternative to the status quo. He is a fresh face whose past is not full of skeletons and hidden closets.

Eliz.Egger, Camano Island, WA   December 3rd, 2007 11:50 am ET

It is now becoming clear why Karl Rove
resigned. He can now with the help of theCorporate Media devote all his time
to sliming the Democrats whom he deeply
hates. Not a day passes that his
propaganda doesn't show up. He now
has a column in Newsweek (I cancelled
my subscription). CNN has something
on TV or in print about him just about
every day. He appears constantly on FOX. Does the Corporate Media really
think that implementing the agenda
of this psychopathic cockroach really
contribute to their welfare?

Maria, SF CA   December 3rd, 2007 11:48 am ET

Classic Rovism at work here! You would have to be an idiot to not see it.

Rove wants to taint Obama's campaign with his "friendly advice" knowing that the stink of Rove is hard to wash off. The Republicans would LOVE to run against Hillary Clinton. It is Obama that they fear the most.

Karl, you need crawl back under that rotting log from whence you came and the media needs to stop reporting what this traitor spews as if it matters. The Democrats don't need "advice" from a man who helped destroy America.

Tamiko, Mill Creek, WA   December 3rd, 2007 11:44 am ET

Why is Karl Rove and the Republicans so concerned about Sen. Obama beating Sen. Clinton? I believe that they (Republicans) have a better chance of winning the election with Sen. Obama as the nominee. My advice to Sen. Obama is: Be careful of the motives that these people have; Use wisdom; and most of all PRAY!

Todd, SLC, UT   December 3rd, 2007 11:44 am ET

What does Karl Rove and Mitt Romney have in common?

They are both Mormon's. Is there a trend that we should pay attention to here?

Lloyd DeMoss, Arcadia, Iowa   December 3rd, 2007 11:42 am ET

Hillary is by far the easiest Democrat to beat for the Republicans. The Joking is over, they want her to win.

Zack Parkinson, Canton IL   December 3rd, 2007 11:40 am ET

I think Hillary is just trying to win being the first woman president rather then being our president and a good president.

Debra, Bradenton, FL   December 3rd, 2007 11:40 am ET

So, Rove cannot spell "weak" or was it the CNN Ticker Producer? Rove is irrelevant!

matt   December 3rd, 2007 11:39 am ET

And, of course, HRC uses Rove's unsolicited atricle to accuse Rove of "hearting" Obama. Anyobdy really going to buy a secret Rove-Obama alliance?

http://www.political-buzz.com/

John Karsten, Virginia Beach, VA   December 3rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

I do not understand. Why does everyone think HRC has experience, maybe first lady experience, but not political experience. Really, how does one claim experience when she has never really did anything in public office until her election in NY. Just because you are screwing the president, does not mean you have experience. For you HRC types who keep telling me to vote for her because he can not beat the GOP, keep holding your breath, he has my vote and no one else. PEACE OUT!

Buddy, Baltimore   December 3rd, 2007 11:37 am ET

Obama's best buddies, Bob Novak and Karl Rove.

cindy staffa,huntsville,al   December 3rd, 2007 11:35 am ET

I believe Karl should take his arrogant self back home and spend his time trying to undo some of the damage he has already done. Mr.Obama is a very intelligent and forthcoming man who will win on his own merits if this is what the country wants. We dont need another "Florida debacle" this time around.

J Williamson Buffalo, NY   December 3rd, 2007 11:34 am ET

Rove should be sitting in a jail cell for his role in the Plame affair. The Republican pres candidates have absolutely nothing to run on (how WOULD ANYONE be able to run on the "successes" of the Bush years)? Instead the best thing they can come up with is Hillary as the bogey-woman. It's the fear-factor thing all over again. It's pitiful, painful, and embarrassing – and it's worked for them in the past.

Frank tulsa, ok   December 3rd, 2007 11:32 am ET

Rove is going to go down in history as the most superficial political genius of his day. His vintage and dubious 'behavior modification' model has nothing to do with the issues. When it comes to the issues that really matter, he falls flat on his face (ie social security etc..) He thinks he can make voters react like Pavlov's dog by pulling a few superficial strings. He's dipped in the well one too many times, buuuut never underestimate the stupidity of voters. Rove doesn't.

Bukky, Baltimore MD   December 3rd, 2007 11:31 am ET

And please if this was advice he actually though Obama would take he wouldn't publish it. This is done so that if/when Obama strike back at clilnton it will look like he his following roves plan. Knowing the EVERYBODY hates Rove… his polls will plummet and Clinton will be nominated. You a FREAKING IDIOT if you really thing Rove is trying to help out Obama here

Ihate Hillary, Boston MA   December 3rd, 2007 11:29 am ET

I encourage readers to check out the entire "memo." I love how ClintonNewsNetwork carefully picks a couple lines from the memo that poke jabs at Obama. They are obviously ignoring anything that hurts Billary….much like their neglect of the planted question from Hillary campaigner in the GOP debate. The complete memo is actually chocked full of valid points about Hillary's lack of competence and other vulnerabilities. The line at the end about Rove's possible motives for the memo is extra nauseating. Maybe he thinks Obama will be easier to beat….but maybe he just thinks Billary would be terrible for our country.

Sue, Seattle WA   December 3rd, 2007 11:29 am ET

I agree with some of the posters above that this is a Rove tactic to get Dems to rally behind Clinton more. I'm staunchly Dem and I will never vote for Hillary Clinton. Might as well vote for a Rep if you vote for her imho.

hey allons,tn   December 3rd, 2007 11:28 am ET

yes obama listen to carl rove he made the g.w. bush administration the most arrogant lying administration the american people has every had.i wouldn't vote for you for dog catcher it takes slime to take slime advice.

Joe G, Washington, DC   December 3rd, 2007 11:28 am ET

(CNN Worthy) Breaking News: Satan tells Clinton how to defeat Edwards! Not to be outdone, Santa Claus tells Romney that McCain has bad breath!!

Brad Burklow, Harrisburg, IL   December 3rd, 2007 11:26 am ET

Let's see, Obama started from scratch about a year ago and is now in a perfect position to defeat the most vaunted Democratic machine in history. Rove on the other hand is either a has-been or a never was. He's obviously jealous that Obama knows more than he does about the American electorate. I hope Obama can now bring this in for a landing.

Russell - San Francisco, CA   December 3rd, 2007 11:26 am ET

How sad. Evidently Mr. Rove isn't taking his relegation to the pasture very well. Why is it always the irrelevant who insist on being bloviate?

Mike, Minneapolis, MN   December 3rd, 2007 11:26 am ET

Is this Rove trying to undo his last 2 decades of smearing. Is he trying to negate his evil by helping the other side…Or is he shaking in his boots becasue of Hillary? No one will ever know what's really behind his actions becasue he is and always will be a pawn! Shut up Rove. No one cares about you and your advice.

Bukky, Baltimore MD   December 3rd, 2007 11:25 am ET

They want Dems to rally for Clinton becuase she is the must beatable. Independants will not vote for her and repubs will not cross over to vote for her. If she is nominated she will buried in her own dirt.

The most they can do to Obama is "swift Boat" him but by now i hope people will see through the repub tactics because we've seen them before. Obama was smart for writing a book about all his dirt before the repubs start slinging it at him.

dmw, roeland park, ks   December 3rd, 2007 11:23 am ET

It is obvious to me, that Hillary will beat any Republican if she is nominated. The one Rogby poll everyone continues to site as an example that Hillary is beaten by all Republicans is an online poll where anyone can vote however many times the choose to vote. It is not scientific. Hello people, wake up and see the scam of these type of polls. They are only trying to lead you all to a slaughter.

Obama, started off as if he was pure and God-like, but over time, he has shown himself to be an illusion and all of his supporters are being led to vote for him. If he does get the nomination, then the Republicans will have a field day with him and his inexperience. They will play the race card in all of the Southern states who will not vote for a black man. Just look at Tennessee and Harold Ford. They picked a noboby verses an experienced black Senator.

Obama, I fear has been taking all of the media and consultants suggestions for a while now about attacking Hillary. And, Obama, who looked like a nice change early on, has turned into an attack hound because he has been listening to the Rove's of this campaign. He has fallen for the tricks and he WILL NOT get my vote. His plans for America are ideas from Biden, Hillary, Edwards, Richardson and others. None of his ideas are truly his own. He did not even keep records when he was a State Senator. This man is not right for America at this time.

George L., Buckeye, AZ   December 3rd, 2007 11:22 am ET

It is interesting that nowhere in his advice did Mr. Rove suggest that Obama lay out a clear vision for the American people and present clear, conspicuous, measurable goals for reaching his vision of the changes that need to be made in this country.

And really folks, THAT is what should worry us more than anything else.

MoreOfTheSame '08!!!

Sensible Joe, Gainesville FL   December 3rd, 2007 11:22 am ET

Karl Rove, the college dropout whose nefarious career has been driven by mancrushes, ought to lie low, keep his mouth shut, thank God he's not in jail yet and repent of his sins instead of meddling in other people's campaigns.

Ryan, New Jersey   December 3rd, 2007 11:21 am ET

Unbelievable. Rove gives ADMITTEDLY unsolicited advice to Obama and all of the sheep out there will go after Obama because of it. Rove is playing you Democrats, AGAIN! He wants nothing more than to see Clinton get the nomination, because he knows EXACTLY how to beat her. By associating himself with Obama he knows he can scare you away from him! He knows what a boogie-man he is to all of you! He knows that polarizing the country against Hillary will be an even easier task than it was with Kerry. Hillary has done half the work for him!

Democrats, Liberals, Centrists, Everyone, WAKE UP. This man is manipulating our sound-byte world every waking moment, and we're eating it up.

Whenever I think of the way Democrats will react to this by bashing Obama I think of this line:

"Please, Sir, may I have another?"

Cory, Pennsylvania   December 3rd, 2007 11:19 am ET

Was this not already a headline a couple weeks ago? I believe it was. Old news, CNN, old news.

Rodney Dallas TX   December 3rd, 2007 11:19 am ET

Come on Obama….take his advise!!!

Doug Brooks, Louisville KY   December 3rd, 2007 11:16 am ET

You want to know why so many young people support Obama? We are sick and tired of the 60's generation fighting the same battles, along the same lines, year after year, and telling us we need to pick one or the other. We want a new direction, not the one we've been down the last 40 years.

Clayton,Gilbert Arizona   December 3rd, 2007 11:16 am ET

Karl Rove is truly trying to create the most spectacular defeat of the democratic party in history.
They can't win if Hillary runs. They need to take her out before the primaries like they did to Howard Dean.
Winning Obama is easy.Even though Americans are too ashamed to admit it,all you need to do is to just point to his race and that will be the end of the story. Republicans win.

California   December 3rd, 2007 11:16 am ET

If Mr. Rove did indeed write the article as quoted by CNN, then why would anyone take his advice when he writes "week and ineffectual" instead of "WEAK and ineffectual".
Let us hope this was a CNN typo.

Ken, Tucson, AZ   December 3rd, 2007 11:14 am ET

Hard core Republicans, like Rove, won't like or cooperate with any Democrat. Just look at how they're blocking everything the current majority in congress puts forth. If Republicans are rooting for Obama, it can only mean one thing… they want him to be the nominee because they know they can beat him in the general election. They actually fear Hillary.

J.Crobuzon   December 3rd, 2007 11:13 am ET

Rove: Still Running America! "Former" top aide, ha ha ha. Sounds like he's still drawing a paycheck to me. This is a surprise, though; I thought the GOP was more frightened of a woman than they were a Black.

jenny, paxton MA   December 3rd, 2007 11:11 am ET

rove is using osama bin laden's tactic: confuse, divide and disrupt the enemy by throwing bones out every now and then. only, rove is not motivated by any cause but by his addiction to the game of power. do not waste your time, people. rove is like any cyber troll: ignore him and he'll go away. he and his ilk can't be good for humanity.

Carol Lipski sc   December 3rd, 2007 11:11 am ET

I do not believe I would take advice from a snake from the other side.

Daniel, NY   December 3rd, 2007 11:10 am ET

Given that the latest general election poll released yesterday has Obama beating every GOPer and tying McCain, I don't know if Rove should be giving him advice.

Monte Brown, New York, NY   December 3rd, 2007 11:09 am ET

Barack Obama cannot beat Clinton on policy so he has to do what the right-wingers do best, go to the puppet master Karl Rove, a.k.a. Richard III, for “plots and inductions, dangerous of drunken prophesies, libel and dreams.” This is a sad sad day in politics. Barack Obama knows that he can’t beat Hillary Clinton because Hillary is running her campaign for the American people. Hillary wants to be the people’s president. Obama wants to feed his ballooning ego. Barack is running for his own selfishness that is why he has to go to scumbag right wing Roves for advice.

Americans should not vote for anyone who associates with the likes of Karl Roves. This man masterminded the rise of the reactionary government. Roves is helping Obama because he knows that an Obama victory is a Republican victory. Obama does not care about American people. America does not need the change Obama’s offering. Obama wants to change Washington? That’s a crock. Obama just wants to mess it up for the entire Democratic Party. Obama is no Democrat.

Roves, Sean Hannity, and all the rest of the Hillary haters know that when Hillary seals the deal with the nomination the right wing ideology is going into the abyss. That is the CHANGE WE NEED. We don’t need Obama. We already understood what we were going to do before egomaniac Obama said that great speech. Obama is a distraction and it is sickening how he is aiding and abetting the right wingers.

Hillary and the American people will win the race and will bring forth the CHANGE WE NEED. If Obama wants to get down and dirty then he can go right ahead. Hillary is not afraid of Roves and she is definitely not afraid of Obama. She will finish Obama off then move on to fight the reactionarys without a dent in her battle armor. Obama is Benedict Arnold.

Jim in Orlando, FL   December 3rd, 2007 11:07 am ET

Its a real hoot reading all these Hillary supporters aka Bush haters ! Rove got GB elected twice, and love him or hate him, that's success ! I am one of many Republicans who would hope most for Obama to win the Democratic nomination ! Not because I think he is more beatable … hardly !! Rather, I can go to bed election night knowing that I can live with the results I awake to.

Mary, Reston, VA   December 3rd, 2007 11:05 am ET

Boo-hoo-hoo, the other candidates are picking on me.-H.R.C.

Jose   December 3rd, 2007 11:05 am ET

Maybe Castro should give advice to Bush on how to run a democracy too.

Come on people – wake up!

If Clinton is the nominee, it will bring out every republican and every dead republican to vote against her! No one will care who the nominee is, they'll just vote to keep Hillary out!

Wake up people before its too late!

Bob, Roxboro, NC   December 3rd, 2007 11:02 am ET

Although having Rove in your corner isn't too helpful these days, he has nailed it with his assessment of Hillary's cheap trickery. She can alternate between fierce and pathetically injured in a heartbeat.
So go ahead you poor misinformed Hillary supporters. You and the majority of working Americans will be treated just like Bush treats us if she gets control of the executive branch.

David B, Sterling VA   December 3rd, 2007 11:01 am ET

I guess Karl Rove's creepy obsession with the Clinton's will never end. The man has devoted his life to trying — mostly unsucessfully — to block Bill and Hillary's political ambitions. The lengths he has gone to in this single minded obsession are truly appalling.

Richard Ward (ex-pat), Paris, France   December 3rd, 2007 11:01 am ET

It would be refreshing if the candidates told all of the spin doctors to keep their comments to themselves. It is unfortunate but it seems that the US is being run by people who hire the best consultants rather than by people who can do the most to help the people of the country.

Carol, New York, New York   December 3rd, 2007 10:59 am ET

Wow, I cant believe thick headed some of the people commenting are. And I am surprised people cant see this for what it really is.

Rove knows very well that Obama is not going to take any advice from him. Rove clearly not giving advice, but trying to create and confirm myths about Obama's character and campaign.

Why is he doing this? Well because its obvious to everyone that Obama is becoming the lead candidate for the white house, and the republicans(and Hillary) are scared, and now are refocusing their attacks on him.

CAMERON, ROANOKE, VA   December 3rd, 2007 10:58 am ET

Come on now Obama. Do you really want to be taking advice from someone associated with the Bush Administration? How low and a little umm, desperate shall I say?

Joel Reston, VA   December 3rd, 2007 10:58 am ET

Hillary's tactic of playing the victim when anyone is critical of her shows that she is weak. If she cannot take the nature of politics, then she does not have what it takes to be President.

David San Francisco   December 3rd, 2007 10:57 am ET

Obama doesn’t have a chance. He will not be elected to the presidency.
Bush does not communicate well, but he is a wise and wonderful leader.

Fa'iz, Omaha NE   December 3rd, 2007 10:57 am ET

Rove knows the Democratic party inside out. One reason Rove would publicly advise Obama, is to rally undecided Democrats around Hillary. He knows that Democrats don't trust his intentions. Don't be fooled by his actions.
It is well known, Obama is less polarizing than Hillary amongst Republicans. A survey by Zogby Interactive shows, Clinton trails five top Republican presidential contenders in general election match-ups. Obama and Edwards, still lead Republicans in hypothetical match-ups ahead of the 2008 elections. See: http://www.reuters.com/article/politicsNews/idUSN2645320920071126

Bill, Alabama   December 3rd, 2007 10:56 am ET

Karl Rove should keep his mouth shut considering the amount of damage he has already done to this country. This entire country should also not buy into what he says, nor should anyone buy his book which will make him rich. The book will come.

Ron   December 3rd, 2007 10:56 am ET

Rove is an idiot, that's what we don't want is more of the same old mud slinging. Let's stick to the issues. Obama is just a weak canidate. The mud slinging just shows how weak you really are. Rove..get a life.

Jon, Toledo, OH   December 3rd, 2007 10:55 am ET

Hey, CNN! Why are all my posts always stuck in moderation? What gives?

elmerg, Colorado Springs, Colorado   December 3rd, 2007 10:55 am ET

"Please ignore the man behind the curtain, please ignore the man behind the curtain!"

Jasen, Norcross, GA   December 3rd, 2007 10:54 am ET

I think it's scary that Rove is giving advice to a Democratic Candidate. It makes it seem as though he knows something that the public does not know.

Daniel, Westminter, Colorado   December 3rd, 2007 10:53 am ET

Hello editors at CNN:

Illinois senator currently appears "week and ineffectual,"

I too like the senator. But I've never thought of him as an entire week. He's more of a day of the week. Please turn spell check off and stop sending to India for copyediting.

Tevin, Raleigh, NC   December 3rd, 2007 10:53 am ET

All the Clinton supporters that say all the Republicans and Democrats attack her because she's unstoppable don't make sense! It makes more sense that sense there's sooo many people attacking her, it's just the opposite. All these people have votes that will NOT go to Hillary! I know mine won't!
So step into reality!
Obama '08!

Brian, Columbus, OH   December 3rd, 2007 10:53 am ET

agreed, I think all the GOP hates Clinton. doesn't have to do that they would rather face Obama. they just don't want to see a Clinton get very far. Hillary is so polarizing she'd lose anyway. regardless, we do not need to continue with the Bush/Clinton rule/regime/monarchy, etc.

AJ; Montpelier, VT   December 3rd, 2007 10:53 am ET

I'm sure the phone lines between Rove and Obama are now burning up. Rove is just the kind of person that Obam would turn to for help. Obama is another G.W. Bush – an empty suit with a thurst for power.

Hillarylover in SA   December 3rd, 2007 10:52 am ET

Megha, San Antonio, TX – "What a bastard. Can people not see that Obama is a Rove Campie…why else would he be getting memos now. Disgraceful, Mr. Obama!"

Come it's a given that Obama was asked to run by the Republicans. All you Hillary Haters can hate all you want. She is the one that will win. Clinton 08

Posted By Megha, San Antonio, TX : December 3, 2007 10:00 am

Brian Tampa   December 3rd, 2007 10:50 am ET

Carville is the same thing as Rove. All good politicians have these guys. It makes me laugh to read how Dims applaud Carville and hate Rove. Have you ever heard of the word hypocrite?

Richard, St. Paul, MN   December 3rd, 2007 10:47 am ET

In it's natural habitat, the Rove-snake will often feign interest in it's neighbors, only to slyly attack and inject its venom when the neighbor has relaxed its guard. Be very wary of Rove-snakes, especially when they're confronted in their natural habitat of Washington….

Jen, Gainesville, FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:46 am ET

Rove's memo reminds me of the Bin Ladin tape surfaced shortly before the election between Bush and Kerry a few years ago. Of course, Bin Ladin wanted to Bush so that he can grow his terrorist group.

Rove is not helping Obama. He is manipulating the democrats' minds by associating Obama with Rove. He hopes that the democrats would throw their innocent, maybe perfect, son off the road before the republicians face their rival.

Itstha Truth Jackson Miss   December 3rd, 2007 10:46 am ET

Rove can give all the advice he wants.
We are still a racist society.
The only advice that will help Obama in the final analysis is "do the Michael Jackson skin make over" and you might stand a chance.

marquis   December 3rd, 2007 10:45 am ET

The Republicans want Obama because they know he can't win in the electoral college. States that have polarized racial issues like Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Iowa will become automatic Republican wins because many white people in those states will not vote for a black president.

This is why Republican outlets like Fox are always pushing the Clinton can't win mantra. They want Obama to get the nomination. They know that any of their numbskulls candidates can beat Obama in the electoral college.

Sad but true. And not surprising the Republicans are playing the race game.

Sam Jones, Howell, NJ   December 3rd, 2007 10:45 am ET

Rove is a major demon. However, if Obama wants to win he has to be stronger. I'm not sure if Obama is electable..after all. This is the still the "Good Ole" USA. The republicans.."read good ole boys" will probably not elect him. and Guiliani is the "anti-Christ"

Roy, Merrimack, NH   December 3rd, 2007 10:45 am ET

First Rove was saying Clinton was the inevitable nominee. The conventional wisdom was that he was hoping she'd be the nominee because he thought she was beatable.

Now he offers public "advice" to Obama and the conventional wisdom is that he wants Obama to run because he's beatable.

How about this idea? Maybe Rove just enjoys seeing his name in the media because he's an egotist? Or maybe he has a book deal coming up and wants to somehow seem relevant?

Turn off the light and let Rove crawl back under his rock.

Daryl, Columbia SC   December 3rd, 2007 10:44 am ET

I almost bet, this is a planted seed to cause dissension among the democrats…to better help the republicans when the times comes to vote for our next president.

josh   December 3rd, 2007 10:44 am ET

Elsewhere in the news, CNN tells you to vote for Clinton.

Jim , Maine   December 3rd, 2007 10:44 am ET

Just as in the series Deadwood , Carl Rove should be fed to the pigs. He is one of the Masterminds behind the Hell we are stuck with in Iraq and should pay the consequences.

Jon, Minnesota   December 3rd, 2007 10:43 am ET

Jim Topeka of Kansas -

It's quite possible Rove simply doesn't like HRC. It's equally likely that he's approaching this as a simple thought experiment or gaming exercise on politics.

Personally, I'm a fairly liberal-minded voter with a nasty intermittent independent streak. Between the two (Obama and Clinton), their are far more match ups against potential republican candidates that Obama would win than Clinton.

I'm just tired of dynasties, to be honest…

matt, St. Louis, MO   December 3rd, 2007 10:43 am ET

Hey, what do you know! Karl Rove telling a candidate to be an overly-aggressive, egotistical, ham-fisted attack dog is the best way to win over the American people.

And the saddest thing of all is he's right…

R. Moore, Raleigh, NC   December 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

In response to Clinton's campaign spokesman: Republicans are in favor of Obama defeating Clinton only because we would be able to live in a country run by him but are terrified of living in a country run by her.

Tim, Atlanta GA   December 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

If you read his column, it appears to me that he is using it as a clever way to attack both Hillary and Obama. By giving "advice" to someone on how to beat someone else, it provides an effective platform to outline the faults of both people. I don't like Karl Rove… but he is a very smart politician. He probably realizes that Hillary and Obama are both very strong candidates!

Patrick, New York, NY   December 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

Wow..I couldnt disagree w/ u more MIke USMC. Rove dosent care about Repub. or Dem that must be the joke of the year. Rove is a die hard Repub. and will remain so the rest of his life.

Clinton is right this man is obsessed with her and he knows the Clintons are tested, know how to win and can beat Republicans. He is scared to death of Clinton becoming the next President and totally turning this country around and saving it from all that Bush did to this country.

DO YOU GUYS HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN FOR THE LEGACY OF HIMSELF AND THE BUSH WHITEHOUSE!!

IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER CLINTON TO FIX ANOTHER BUSH'S MISTAKE!!

CLINTON 08

apronthezine   December 3rd, 2007 10:42 am ET

Rove isn't giving advice to anybody. He's just using this "memo" as a not very subtle way to attack both Obama and Clinton.

I'm sure that right this very second his tiny black heart is giggling nefariously at its cleverness.

banko   December 3rd, 2007 10:41 am ET

Rove era of corrupt politics is over. OBAMA represents real people, freshness, intergrity and the hope for America.
Rove days are over and he should dispear into oblivion.

Tim Sunderland, Rancho Cucamonga, CA   December 3rd, 2007 10:41 am ET

Does Obama really need Rove's advice? Looks like he is doing a pretty good job of keeping Hillary on the ropes right now. Obama just needs to continue to follow his strategy when the Clinton machine starts to get nasty.

Tom Meyer East Windsor CT   December 3rd, 2007 10:37 am ET

Karl Roves advice clearly shows that Republicans act with a vengance and contempt for the American people to get their way. We have lived through enough devisevness under George Bush. The next prresident must represent ALL the American people not the candidatees base. Ask the Evangelicals if they feel exploited and discarded now. Barack Obama needs to maintain his American pride and determination- time for Rove to disappear.

Will, NYC   December 3rd, 2007 10:37 am ET

Karl Rove knows what he is doing, by offering 'advice' to Obama, he is subtly connecting himself to Obama in the minds of democrats while reinforcing the view that Hillary is the victim of a conspiracy. Simple reason? Hillary is the candidate Rove wants. He knows she is terrible for the democratic downticket (whereas Obama will actually help because he at least appeals to smoe republicans) and the best candidate the republicans can face. She is divisive. The republicans need that divisiveness.

Chris, Washington, D.C.   December 3rd, 2007 10:36 am ET

Is the typo up there CNN's or Rove's? I'm refering to "week and ineffectual."

Lance in Monrovia, CA   December 3rd, 2007 10:34 am ET

More likely Rove's starting to realize his strategy of only attacking Hillary Clinton has backfired and now Obama is a really credible threat. So he now turns to phrasing his attacks on Hillary as "ways of helping Barack Obama." That way, he still calls Hillary a front runner and gets to put jabs of weakness in on Obama as well, giving the RNC code for how to best attack Obama, on his supposed "weakness of high minded ideals."

What this does is deftly suggest the problem that the RNC will have defeating Obama. Rove's attacks on Obama's "weakness" won't fly. Obama has shown consistant strength of both position and character AND JUDGEMENT, unlike any other candidate in either party that has a viable chance of winning.

The Republicans are very, very worried about Barack. This shows it.

Maryann - Orlando, FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:32 am ET

Nice of Mr. Rove to tell us who the Republicans are afraid of! Ha!

And if this is a direct quote from his 'open letter', then it's "weak" not "week". Ha again!

"…gently belittle her" Oh, give me a break! Would he tell Obama to 'gently belittle' any of the male candidates? This guys is an idiot.

Vince Foster   December 3rd, 2007 10:30 am ET

I don't think so, Jil Topeka, Kansas. I think he just despises her as much as the rest of us. He just doesn't want slick Hillie to get the nomination.

douglasq   December 3rd, 2007 10:29 am ET

Evil as he is, he's very intelligent and shrewd. You've heard of the Anti-Christ? Rove is the Anti-James Carville. Whatever he is up to, he's thought it out three steps beyond the obvious.

The question is: How does Obama take his advice without appearing like he IS taking Rove's advice?

Cristina, Orlando, FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:29 am ET

Did Rove really spell "week" incorrectly?

Penguin Bristol, Pa   December 3rd, 2007 10:28 am ET

Be careful Barack! This is the same man who said 2006 was a sure win for the Repubs. Karl also claimed it was the Devilish Democrats who wanted the war in Iraq. I remember an old adage 'You lie down with the dogs you get covered with fleas'. If the Turd Blossom doles out advice, run the other way.

Brad, Omaha NE   December 3rd, 2007 10:27 am ET

Mr. Obama do yourself a favor and NEVER LISTEN TO THIS MAN EVER! a lot of us think you are doing a great job by being who you are – an honest person with the ability to lead.

I'll vote for a player before a hater.

Obama 08

Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA   December 3rd, 2007 10:27 am ET

It's actually very good advice. I hope the campaign hasn't dismissed it.

Very Angry Cape Coral FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:27 am ET

Hey Rove! GO TO HELL and stay there.

Matthew, Des Moines IA   December 3rd, 2007 10:27 am ET

People need to stop and ask, why is Karl Rove giving Obama unsolicited advice about bringing down Hillary. No other candidate is getting the same attention as Senator Clinton. Both Democrats and Republicans are attacking her because they now she is the one who truly can't be stopped. For the amount of attacks this candidate has taken and still manages to stay competitive in the polls is truly worth my vote. Thank you Obama for abandoning the politics of hope and showing me your true colors as an indide the beltline politician.

Mike USMC 95-99   December 3rd, 2007 10:26 am ET

I dont agree with you Jim,

I think Rove has a behaviour of gravitating to a person who he thinks should & can win, but doesn't know how to win…Similar to a gambler, drug addict, or other addicted person; he needs that "high."

I don't think he really cares much anymore about the (R) or (D); in fact, he is probably working to fix his tarnished reputation with Americans and maybe, just maybe, he feels a bit responisbile for getting this guy elected…Maybe he thought he could steer Bush away from bad policy once he was in office and found out he was wrong…

He knows the game very well, but no candidate will ever trust him again on post-election strategy…

Hawk,Texas   December 3rd, 2007 10:25 am ET

When is this pond slime going to be put behind bars where he belongs?

Eric, New York   December 3rd, 2007 10:25 am ET

Hey Karl, September 2007 called. They want their campaign advice back.

No wonder why Bush's popularity is in the 20's.

Brandon, Tampa, FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:24 am ET

Don't listen to him, Obama!
IT'S A TRAP!

Dan, NJ   December 3rd, 2007 10:23 am ET

If Rove says you're doing something wrong, you must be doing something right.

Bas Hegge, Utrecht, The Netherlands   December 3rd, 2007 10:23 am ET

Please note: CNN has misquoted Karl Rove.

Karl Rove uses the words "weak and ineffectual" rather than "week and ineffectual".

Don, TX   December 3rd, 2007 10:23 am ET

The Clinton campaign released a comment saying "Just asking: Why is Karl Rove giving Senator Obama advice on how to win? Could it be that he thinks it will be easier for Republicans to run against the unknown gentleman from Illinois?" in response to the Karl Rove Memo.

But let's remind everyone who warned against falling for a Republican trap during the Novak "secret dirt" story–
"Clinton's camp swung back, denying they were spreading rumors about Obama or that they planted information with Novak, wondering why Obama would want to fall into a "Republican trap" to "pit Democrats against Democrats." – Sun-Times 11/18/2007

So Hillary, are you FOR or AGAINST falling for Republican traps? Or rather, do you just fall for them when it suits your agenda?

JOANNE BRANDRUP, BOURNE MA   December 3rd, 2007 10:22 am ET

IT SEEMS APPARENT THAT THE REPUBLICAN
BASE IS SO AFRAID OF HILLARY CLINTON
THAT THEY ARE GIVING ADVICE TO OBAMA.
IN ADDITION, THEIR MOTIVATION IS TO
HAVE A CANDIDATE NOMINATED WHO THEY FEEL THEY COULD BEAT. IT IS UNFORTUNATE
BUT TRUE THAT THERE IS STILL A RACIST
DIVIDE IN THIS COUNTRY – AND THEY ARE
BANKING ON HAVING OBAMA NOMINATED BECAUSE THEY FEEL IT WOULD BE EASIER
TO WIN OVER A BLACK MAN. MY PERSONAL
HOPE IS FOR A CLINTON-OBAMA TICKET –
WHICH WOULD BE VERY HARD TO BEAT!

Oswald Neimon, Rockland, ME   December 3rd, 2007 10:22 am ET

Um. Looks "week?" Is that a typo, or did he spell it that way.

This sounds more like a complete and utter scam than something newsworthy.

JP, Austin, TX   December 3rd, 2007 10:21 am ET

These Rove "op-eds" are just a forum for him to take sniper shots at the Dems. The Republicans would love to face Obama instead of Clinton. No offense to Obama, but he his not nearly as formidable a candidate as Clinton.

Give it up Rove. Isn't there a subpoena waiting for you somewhere. And if the criminal justice system does it's job, maybe and you and Scooter can be cellmates. I'm just saying.

Lee, Ann Arbor, Michigan   December 3rd, 2007 10:21 am ET

Hillary's going to get real nasty shortly. She knows that she is being backed into a corner and her ugly fangs are going to start showing even more.

I think the American voting public is starting to see how her ONLY GOAL is to get in the White House and have that POWER.

SHE REALLY CARES NOTHING ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE. She and Bill are only interested in their agenda.

AMERICA CAN DO BETTER THAN HILLARY.

Ryan, New Jersey   December 3rd, 2007 10:21 am ET

Greeaattt, so now anytime Obama criticizes Hillary's campaign it looks like Rove's idea and that's what she'll say. Could the Republicans be any more afraid of Obama being the nominee? I doubt it.

anon, new york, NY   December 3rd, 2007 10:19 am ET

Why Rove advsisng Obama?

Why I generally don't like this Rove monster for his dirty tricks in the white house days, I do agree his comments that Obama is "weak and effectual" and "vitamin-defiicient". For sure, Obama is no Joshua, Kennedy or Clinton.

The fact is Obama is young and inexperienced! Just fluff, no substance. A big flip-floppers.

Obama thinks that he has lots of support from blogs and media. The truth is that those are from the republicans, including ROVE. These republicans want Obama to win the nomination and thus help him to trash Hillary, and then beat him down during the election! Obama has no chance to win the next election!

The attacks from the republicans will tear Obama into pieces. Guaranteed.

Hillary beats him in getting women votes, black votes, minority votes….

Hillary has endured and persevered for past 16 years against the right wing republicans. Time and time again, Hillary has proven herself as a survivor and winner.

Most democrats know Hillary IS THE ONLY ONE to get elected, and she will get the nomination.

Hillary 08!

just joe   December 3rd, 2007 10:18 am ET

….regarding Carl's memo to Obama: he is one of the primary reasons for the lousy GOP ahowing in the last general election, so he now becomes the astute political analyst? Give me a break….he is another ineffectual Texas n'er do well.

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2007 10:18 am ET

Looking at the polls, Obama evidently doesn't need Rove's advise..

Ryan   December 3rd, 2007 10:17 am ET

I think the author means "weak" and not "week." It's spelled correctly in Rove's Financial Times article.

Estelle Reyna   December 3rd, 2007 10:15 am ET

Take some advice from the man who got the most unlikely of all candidates (George W) elected twice!

Peace Corps Volunteer

david, Cherry Hill, NJ   December 3rd, 2007 10:14 am ET

This is not news. Carl Rove has been advising Barack obama for a while now.
Next Dick Morris and Kenneth Starr!
Shame on Obama 08

alphonse, Richmond, Va   December 3rd, 2007 10:13 am ET

I wish Karl Rove could spell WEAK the correct way.."week"?

Jon, Toledo, OH   December 3rd, 2007 10:13 am ET

Jim from Topeka, Kansas wrote: Rove does not want the Republican canidate to have to face Clinton in the General election

That may be true, or it might mean that Rove is giving false advice to Obama because he wants Hillary in the general election because he believes the Republican candidate can beat Hillary. Whatever the case, I wouldn't take Rove's advice. He's a snake and should not be trusted.

Juan Carlos, Leesburg, VA   December 3rd, 2007 10:13 am ET

week or weak? There are no professional journalist any more. Blogger here, blogger there and immediacy culture that is at least partly responsible for the state we'are in as a country.

I miss the old CNN – where communicating the news was the key goal. Not ratings.

Bill, Streamwood, IL   December 3rd, 2007 10:13 am ET

I believe that all of the candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination have the morals and the principles to ignore Karl Rove. Refer to Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, and Luke 4:1-13.

Rove should stick with the Republicans. He'll find more takers with the GOP.

C.E., Minnesota   December 3rd, 2007 10:13 am ET

Is this a JOKE. Why should Obama Take advice from this guy. If you ask me this sounds like he is trying to point out everything he feels is negative about Obama, WHO CARES ABOUT WHAT CARL ROVE AND HIS OPINION ON HOW TO BEAT CLINTON. If he thinks its so easy why isn't he running for President.

John Martin Cincinnati, Ohio   December 3rd, 2007 10:12 am ET

I agree with The Architect, Obama needs to reignite the fire, he is losing that clean articulate flair about himself.

brennan mcdowell   December 3rd, 2007 10:12 am ET

you misspelled "weak"

Mike, Atlanta, GA   December 3rd, 2007 10:12 am ET

Karl Rove is the author of modern day nasty politics. He used every dirty trick in the book to get Bush elected, and then re-elected. And we're all paying the price for it. I personally hope that more than one candidate has the strength to run a clean, positive campaign. This negative stuff has only fueled voter cynicism.

So to Karl Rove, thanks, no thanks. Go away.

Sam, Lexington, Kentucky   December 3rd, 2007 10:11 am ET

Hey Jim from Topeka,

I disagree. I think Rove's comments reflect the fact that a good number of Republicans would likely vote for Obama, if he wins the democratic nomination. If Hillary wins the nomination, this country will become divided as ever!

John, NY, NY   December 3rd, 2007 10:11 am ET

Is there anyone here who cares what Rove has to say? He has been a perpetual trouble maker. With his acid tongue he wants to make sure that people listen what he has to say and oh my God who gives him the great coverage???! Clinton News Network (CNN)

Brad, Charleston, SC   December 3rd, 2007 10:07 am ET

Just the opposite! Typical Rove here, to attack the person that is least "electable," Clinton, so that we will rally around her because we think Rove hates her. I knew he would rear his ugly head again!

Obama/Edwards '08!

John C Marietta, GA   December 3rd, 2007 10:06 am ET

This is an old trick from a man who has lost all credibility. What Karl rove thinks or says is not worthy of repeating and certainly not news.

Nita - SA - TX   December 3rd, 2007 10:02 am ET

Jim – I couldn't have said it better. Of course everyone knows Obama doesn't have a chance. It so crystal clear. Vote right! Vote Clinton 08. Or hand over the whitehouse to the republicans for another 4 years.

I said it, FL   December 3rd, 2007 10:01 am ET

Jim get a clue, it's not that they don't want republicans to go up against Hillary its that they really do hate her and her sneaky, lying, good for nothing ways!

Megha, San Antonio, TX   December 3rd, 2007 10:00 am ET

What a bastard. Can people not see that Obama is a Rove Campie…why else would he be getting memos now. Disgraceful, Mr. Obama!

Anonymous   December 3rd, 2007 9:59 am ET

See Clinton lovers, she can't possibly be an effective president, Republicans hate her too much and unfortunately for her, she will still have to work with them. They despise her and will most likely vote against everything she proposes, for good reason though, her judgment isn't the best!

Jim Topeka, Kansas   December 3rd, 2007 9:58 am ET

Rove making suggestions to Obama on how to beat Clinton means only one thing. Rove does not want the Republican canidate to have to face Clinton in the General election, but want the Republican Canidate to face someone that Rove feels he can beat, that being Obama.

Dan, TX   December 3rd, 2007 9:56 am ET

Rove, the last thing Obama wants is you associating your name with his in any way. He rejects you and your negative campaigning.

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