December 13, 2007
Posted: December 13th, 2007 10:50 AM ET

A Clinton advisor has apologized for suggesting Republicans will seize on Obama's admission of drug use.

WASHINGTON (CNN) - A top advisor to Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign apologized late Wednesday night for suggesting Republicans will likely seize on rival Barack Obama's admission of drug use should the Illinois senator win the Democratic nomination.

"I deeply regret the comments I made today and they were not authorized by the campaign in any way," Bill Shaheen, the New Hampshire chairman of Clinton's campaign, said in a statement.

Shaheen, the husband of former New Hampshire governor Jeanne Shaheen, caused an uproar Wednesday afternoon when he told a Washington Post reporter he thinks Obama's chances of winning a general election matchup are seriously hindered by the fact he has admitted to using marijuana and cocaine.

"The Republicans are not going to give up without a fight … and one of the things they're certainly going to jump on is his drug use," he said. "It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?' There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome."

The comments were immediately called "desperate" by Obama's campaign spokesman David Plouffe.

“Sen. Clinton’s campaign is recycling old news that Barack Obama has been candid about in a book he wrote years ago, and he’s talked about the lessons he’s learned from these mistakes with young people all across the country," said Plouffe.

Meanwhile, Clinton campaign spokesman Phil Singer said the campaign did not authorize or condone the remarks.

"Sen. Clinton is out every day talking about the issues that matter to the American people," he said.

The latest back-and-forth between the two campaigns on the issue of Obama's electability came the same day a new CNN/WMUR poll showed the two candidates statistically locked in a dead heat in New Hampshire. Clinton stands at 31 percent, with Obama just 1 percentage point behind – a statistical tie, given the poll's margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • New Hampshire


laurie   January 22nd, 2008 3:14 pm ET

lol ?All these big wigs giving their endorsements to Hillary are simply doing so because they want cabinet seats and billary is promising them! Even the media in the beginning was praising this new man on the scene and how he was so great and then Bill Clinton ranted about the media and then guess what........the media backs off and all of a sudden HIllary was great with them!

Anne the Heartland of America   December 15th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

Did anyone watch the Bill Moyers PBS interview with Dr. Ron Walters lastnight on how race is playing out in the campaign? Dr. Walters is the director of the African American Leadership Center at the University of Maryland. He had some very interesting concerns to say about Senator Obama's campaign strategy. He pointed out that many African Americans just don't feel the connection with Senator Obama nor that he is actually focusing on the major problems which concern them most ie poverty, the fact that 50% of the prison population is black, and the mortgage/foreclosure crisis – which is especially hitting the black community hard.

In fact Dr. Walters pointed out that Hillary's campaign had a much broader base of diversity than Senator Obamas! And she was very focused and in tune with the issues of the black people, which is why the African American Leadership Center decided to support Hillary. (As much as women love Oprah -she just doesn't live in most women's world. And Dr. Walters actually went further, saying some pretty surprising observations!)

Even the Mayor of Atlanta, Andrew Young has cautioned that Senator Obama does NOT have enough leadership experience yet. And is also supporting Hillary Clinton in her bid for the White House as well. (This is from a black man who was very involved with the Civil Right's movement in the South)

http://reddingnewsreview.com/newspages/2007newspages/andy_young_explains_why_he_is_no_07_091000299.htm

For me (as a woman who grew up in the Civil Rights era) it was between Hillary and Senator Obama. But to be quite frank, when Oprah invoked Dr. Martin Luther Jr's "Dream Speech" – it just didn't ring true to my ears – Dr. King Jr's DREAM was for ALL children of ALL race and colors to live in harmony as EQUALS. And personally, Oprah seemed to make it into more of a racial issue.

So after listening to Dr. Walters lastnight and then doing some more research. I'm going to proudly stand up and cast my vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton as the next President of the United States of America.

I'm so excited for my daughter – that she will finally get to live in America as an equal to men AND no longer as a second class citizen!!

NightOwl WinterStorm USA   December 15th, 2007 10:48 am ET

Hey Obama – Just Say NO

Jessica M., El Paso, TX   December 13th, 2007 7:13 pm ET

It is interesting how people are trying to say that Obama won't be attacked because Bush did the same thing. HELLO! Bush did the same thing. I fail to see how this comparison is good for Obama.

Mike. NJ   December 13th, 2007 6:24 pm ET

It is ironic that Shaheen is claiming the Republicans will bring up Obama's past drug use as a dirty trick as the justisification to using the same dirty trick. I think we have had enough of the negative campaigning found in the Rove/Bush and Clinton days of past.

John, Euless, TX   December 13th, 2007 5:17 pm ET

BARACK OBAMA will be eaten alive by the Republicans if happens to win the nomination. Democrats are shooting themselves in the foot for letting him get as far as he has. He is not qualified enough. He will loose to the Right Wing system. Democrats have done it in the past. It is time to elect the toughest person capable of beating the Right Wing machine. You know who she is.....

AJ; Montpelier, VT   December 13th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

There was nothing to apoogize for. The comment was valid. What, it's okay to elect a criminal to the presidency, as long as he didnt get caught and later "admits" it? This was not altruistic honesty on the part of Obama. He wanted his transgressions out there prior to his run for the Presidency. It was a very calculated move. He was hoping it would then be a non-issue. Judging by the views expressed in this blog, he was right. No one really cares about a lack of character as long as they "admit" you have such a lack.

You Know Who Tampa FL   December 13th, 2007 4:25 pm ET

Pretty pathetic when they have to dig...that deep...that far back. Lol. They've got nothing else on his ADULT character & behavior.

Elizabeth, Vero Bch, Fl.   December 13th, 2007 3:52 pm ET

That's the best the Clinton campaign can do? If that is the worst thing that the opposition can find, then I think he might make a good president.

Steve, Portland, OR   December 13th, 2007 2:18 pm ET

Sounds to me that Hillary can't even manage her own campaign personnel let alone the country.

Mark   December 13th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

Why does CNN give us this nonsense twice? Yes, Hillary apologized for a comment made an adviser, and Obama replied: "I just think people are feeling a little worried about the polls,".

Hillary was a lady, Obama a jerk. He could say something nicer than this arrogant comment.. the polls mean nothing yet Mr. Obama! Stadium acclamations do not always translate in votes.

Hillary will win the nomination because the Americans are practical people, they cannot be fooled with Obama's demagogy!

roger, conway sc   December 13th, 2007 12:56 pm ET

Obama & Edwards started the negative crap...I was in hopes the Clinton campaign would not have apologized...they both have now stopped the negative crap...I have been a democrat my entire life but I will not vote for Obama, I will either not vote or vote republican...

Dan, TX   December 13th, 2007 12:54 pm ET

Just Say NO to Clinton.

Enza, London UK   December 13th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

Have we all forgotten that former presindent Clinton admitted to also marihuana use, and did not even have the courage to completely own up to his use with the 'I did not inhale' line. I do not think that past use is the issue, as much as how you manage that past behavior

Dan Seattle, WA   December 13th, 2007 12:36 pm ET

You Hillary supporters are so naive.

If she wins the Dem nomination, the Republicans have enough dirt on her to build a mountain twice the size of Everest.

There's really not a lot the Republicans can do with it–that's what happens when you're honest about it. It really becomes a big issue when you lie about it. The Clintons, more than anyone, should understand that. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Fortunately, the Republicans have many warts of their own that the Dems can pick at all day long.

MrMason Little Rock, Ar.   December 13th, 2007 12:36 pm ET

Obama's admission of drug use as a teenager has nothing to do with the man he is today. If everyone's future and the future good they could do is based on mistakes they made in the past, no one would do anything worthwhile. Obama just admitted to making the mistake. I wonder how many high ranking officials and former presidents have taken drugs and not admit to it. I am sure it's more than just Bill Clinton who enjoyed his college years.

Paul Watson   December 13th, 2007 12:35 pm ET

Hillary never used drugs?! Give me a break!

Jennifer, Evergreen, CO   December 13th, 2007 12:26 pm ET

I am ashamed to be a Democrat. We are supposed to be above this kind of mud slinging. In fact, I believe it was Hilary Clinton who suggested her rivals focus on her record instead of making personal attacks against her. Maybe she should practice what she preaches. Shame on her and her campaign.

BARNEY FRANK   December 13th, 2007 12:25 pm ET

Hillary knew about this drug hit on Obama and then gets to rehash it again by her apology. Of course she knew, just like she knew about Bill many, many women. If she did not know, how can she be the smartest woman in a gereration and not know about woman in her own home.

stanley pitts pa   December 13th, 2007 12:22 pm ET

all you hrc supporters pls take off your rose colored glasses and see the truth for what it is, if hrc as a candidate running for office cannot control her own staff effectively and avoid these MISTAKES, how on earth is she going to control big goverment? another day another lie from hrc followed by a denial, if she cant even contain and control her campaign staff, how is she going to control the many big branches of our government? i think the handwriting is on the wall folks, she needs to just go away because i dont think she is ready to run our big government, she can try again in 2016!
running our government in this critical moment will be much harder, and require a better organized candidate. To truth and justice, obama 08!

Aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   December 13th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

If you actually put all of these Ivy Leaguers on a polygraph machine you'd find most of them are coke heads. Cocaine only stays in your blood or urine for two to three days. It is easy to pass a urinalysis. You ever wonder how these type A personalities keep pumped up and going: Methamphetamines and cocaine. Lawyers, politicians, clergymen, all of positions of power are well acquainted with cocaine and speed. Marijuana on the other hand is not a (Rich Man's Drug) and it is easy to find in someone's bodily fluids. Type A's don't want to feel laid back, giggly, or relaxed (aka stoned!) These guys like to feel invincible, like they could rule the world? Now you know why the Supreme Court handed down the decision that keeps crack offenders (aka poor people, minorities) with a longer prison sentence. They don't want to lock up all their buddies. Sort of how wealthy people don't get Kingpin charges when they get busted with a large quantity of any drug. Their lifestyle allows them to buy larger quantities. Legalize the agriculture of hemp and marijuana and decriminalize all marijuana offenses: Makes more ethanol per acre than corn, the government could use the money they waste on the war with marijuana to fund more education programs (aka: guns and bombs), and they wouldn't have a prison population that outgrows any other nation in the world daily. Barrack Obama should be ineligible to run for any political office and have his medical insurance declined for prior drug use, the same as any other known drug user, until the hypocrisy and fairness in the system is changed for the rest of us. And yes I'm a huge pothead, but I'm one of them long haired, liberal, artist types so I don't expect much sympathy from anybody; especially, from cops and politicians they get a raise everytime an easy target like me gets busted.

Aaron Smithsburg, Maryland   December 13th, 2007 12:15 pm ET

If you actually put all of these Ivy Leaguers on a polygraph machine you'd find most of them are coke heads. Cocaine only stays in your blood or urine for two to three days. It is easy to pass a urinalysis. You ever wonder how these type A personalities keep pumped up and going: Methamphetamines and cocaine. Lawyers, politicians, clergymen, all of positions of power are well acquainted with cocaine and speed. Marijuana on the other hand is not a (Rich Man's Drug) not to mention it easy to find in someone's bodily fluids. Type A's don't want to feel laid back or relaxed (aka stoned!) These guys like to feel invincible, like they could rule the world? Now you know why the Supreme Court handed down the decision that keeps crack offenders (aka poor people, minorities) with a longer prison sentence. They don't want to lock up all their buddies. Sort of how wealthy people don't get Kingpin charges when they get busted with a large quantity of any drug. Their lifestyle allows them to buy larger quantities. Legalize the agriculture of hemp and marijuana and decriminalize all marijuana offenses: Makes more ethanol per acre than corn. It has the most protein of any leafy green vegetable; plus, the government could use the money they waste on the war with marijuana to fund more education programs (aka: guns and bombs), and they wouldn't have a prison population that outgrows any other nation in the world daily. Barrack Obama should be ineligible to run for any political office and have his medical insurance declined for prior drug use, the same as any other known drug user, until the hypocrisy and fairness in the system is changed for the rest of us. And yes I'm a huge pothead, but I'm one of them long haired, liberal, artist types so I don't expect much sympathy from anybody; especially, from cops and politicians they get a raise everytime an easy target like me gets busted.

Geri,Sacramento,CA   December 13th, 2007 12:09 pm ET

Shaheen should not have apologized for his comments. He was absolutely within the limits of justified criticism. And. . .why should he apologize when Obama himself has been twisting Hillary's words, distorting her intent, and criticizing her mercilessly, without anyone challenging him and without issuing any apologies for lying about her positions on a number of issues. Just hope the voters see through the Obama sham.

AConcernedMom West Coast   December 13th, 2007 12:07 pm ET

As a parent do we really want our Leaders telling our children "Don't worry even if you're a drug user, you too can grow up to be President someday"??

Maybe the bigger picture is what is Our Nation coming to?

And correct me if I'm wrong here but wasn't Bush's drug and alcohol addictions when he was older – which certainly doesn't make it any more right, but maybe that's why it appears more palatable.

I haven't read Obama's book yet but did he go into rehab? Maybe he could spin it like Bush just did and tell the kids about how dangerous drugs are and why he gave them up.

Because I guess Just Say NO is obviously not working...

PW Va   December 13th, 2007 12:03 pm ET

As meticulous as Hillary is, I find it more than a bit suspcious that the "smartest woman in the world" had no prior knowledge of the very well-timed comment of her campaign chairman.

This little incident reeks of DESPERATION on the part of the Cinton campaign and any respect I had for her has entirely evaporated. Shame on you, Hillary, for enlisting methods utilized by the Republican "play book."

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   December 13th, 2007 12:00 pm ET

I don't believe an apology was warranted. Shaheen was right in his analysis as to how republican will use this information. From the initial remarks by Obama I thought it
unwise to expound on the topic with anything more than a cursory answer. Of course this will be red meat to the GOP. They are eagerly awaiting an Obama nomination, however it won't happen. Hillary will win the DEM nomination.

Jim - Tucson   December 13th, 2007 11:59 am ET

The amount of marijuana coming into the U.S. is staggering. A multi-ton bust in AZ is a weekly occurrence. Check this link.

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/082007/08092007.xml

It states "From October 1, 2006 through July 31, 2007, marijuana seizures at the I-19 checkpoint have totaled 65,563 pounds."

If you do the math that's a about one gram for every 10 Americans. This coming from ONE checkpoint in AZ. That's just what the border patrol was able to seize. Who knows how much made it through undetected.

From what I can tell maybe having admitted to smoking pot might be a positive for a campaign.

Perrell, Lincolnton, NC   December 13th, 2007 11:58 am ET

I think that it is beneath the Clinton camp to even reach this low and try to knock someone off the top of the polls. I think it was her that said the negative campaigning needed to stop. Well she is the one that has really been behind all the mud slinging so to speak. My support will most definitely be with the Obama camp.

Diamond   December 13th, 2007 11:57 am ET

An apology is as useless as a corpse. Hillary Clinton should personally apologize and then fire Shaheen if she still needs our vote.

Now we know why people hate her so much.

The Clinton campaign wants to make sure that if Hillary is going down, she should take Democrats' best chance with her.

Patrick, Bethlehem, PA   December 13th, 2007 11:57 am ET

Moses killed, Peter lied when he betrayed Christ, Saul turned Paul murdered Christians, Abraham Lied, Jacob was a Deceiver, King David an adulterer and murderer, Solomon an idol worshiper, Barack Obama smoked pot and used drugs. Hillary Clinton – Perfect

Dorian, Byron, CA   December 13th, 2007 11:56 am ET

Why is Obama hailed as being an "honest" politician, as if it is wonderful, postive thing to admit having committed criminal acts? If that were Hillary, she would have been eaten alive by the Obama campaign, Obama, and the Republicans. Again, Obama has reinforced how disconnected his brain is from his mouth. I don't want this guy anywhere near the Oval Office. (And to all of you who bring up the fact that George Bush did the same thing: do you really think comparing Obama to the biggest loser president in American history is going to put the stamp of approval on Obama's use of drugs?)

Bill O'Neill, Palatine, IL   December 13th, 2007 11:55 am ET

"Electability" is a legitimate concern for the Clintons. Perhaps they should consider dropping Hillary and endorsing Laura Bush. She has 16 yrs. experience, drugs are not a problem, and she is way more "electable" than Hillary. Billster

Jessica M., El Paso, TX   December 13th, 2007 11:55 am ET

I love how Obama and his supporters always use Republican myths, lies, and talking points to make their case against Hillary. You should be ever soooo proud. What is it with you people, maybe you should just vote Republican because you seem to be more in agreement with them than anything else. The person above who used the Novak column for their miserable attempt to "prove" any points against Hillary is proving something else....that they are a politically ignorant person. Novak is an obvious, and I mean OBVIOUS, Republican hack.

Matthew, Washington, DC   December 13th, 2007 11:50 am ET

This is getting pretty ridiculous. From the anti-Muslim story, to the Kindergarden essay story, to the drug story: this looks to be less like a back-and-forth exchange and more like one-way ludicrousness. I have yet to see one "dirty attack" of this depth (that being very shallow) coming from the Obama campaign.

Joe NH   December 13th, 2007 11:50 am ET

CNN is biased, oprahbama must be paying them as well....
SICKING COVERAGE CNN...

Elizabeth Subjeck, Buffalo NY   December 13th, 2007 11:48 am ET

It is highly revealing that the Clinton Campaign is using the Republican party to mask her own team's comments about Mr. Obama's drug use. I guess folks have been correct about the "vast conspiracy" out there...but who has generated the conspiracy is the real question!!!

Jaik , chicago, IL   December 13th, 2007 11:47 am ET

Oh Look, a fresh way for CNN to recycle this story again today for the headlines. CNN will do anything to muddy up Obama if it will help Clinton. The bias is overwhelming.

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   December 13th, 2007 11:41 am ET

Has Hillary actually talked about an issue yet?

All I can remember is her mounting attacks on her rivals, and constantly contradicting herself.

Garry,boston,ma   December 13th, 2007 11:38 am ET

Big whoop, Hillary has plenty of demons to sacrifice on the alter of her presidential candidacy. Shaheen is no different and will simply be replaced by another dirty politican the liberal media will not cover..

lol...I am glad people have mastered the media.. Poor me and everybody who have witnessed how all this game was played against Clinton and media hype...I guess after these elections we should all flush this network down the toilet...

Steve Miller, Tucson, AZ   December 13th, 2007 11:34 am ET

Senator Obama's drug use would not be an issue when I go into to cast my vote. At least he has been honest about his youth.

Let us remember that Mr. Bill Clinton "didn't inhale" and our current President Mr. Bush said that he not given up "drinking whiskey" he would not be where he is today.

Instead of trying to throw mud let's stick to the real issues like the economy, the Iraq war, Iran and nuclear proliferation, the resurgence of the Taliban, the energy crisis and health care.

jean,charleston,s.c   December 13th, 2007 11:33 am ET

wow, what goes around comes around. Look ath Novark shame..
http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Robert+D.+Novak%3a+Clinton%27s+whispering+about+Obama+slush+fund+unfounded&articleId=3e991779-b0d5-4ddd-87b7-7b2ed7c219e0

Dave, Evergreen CO   December 13th, 2007 11:33 am ET

Shaheen sould be fired. This is at least as outrageous as the 'muslim plant' e-mails sent by campaign workers in Iowa.

Lori, Sacramento CA   December 13th, 2007 11:32 am ET

Obviously Obama was trying to show high schoolers (and baby boomers) how hip and cool he was. Why he would have given the Republicans so much red meat shows a real lack of judgement. And they will eat him alive if he should, by some miracle, become the Dems' candidate. It was fine for Shaheen to bring up the subject because he is absolutely correct about the Reps using it to smear Obama and, after all, it was Obama who brought it up in the first place. And we all know how, no matter what Hillary says, Obama, his campaign, and supporters jump down her throat, twisting and distorting her intent. Talk about desperate.

Kevin, Nashville TN   December 13th, 2007 11:31 am ET

The comment made by Mr. Shaheen may or maynot have been intended to belittle Obama, only he knows his heart. But nevertheless,we all at some point in our lifes have made mistakes and/or have regrets. Kinda like standing in the sun and casting a shadow, no matter how long we live the shadow will always be trailing behind. Over the years I have learned that for most of the things that I experienced as a teen was a great teaching tool when raising my children.
Though I do not by know means condone drug and alcohol use. I personaly do not think that the past should be made present if an individual has moved past that era and attempted to better themselves.
Hey Shaheen, Hillary; "let those without sin cast the first stone."
Mmmmmmmm............

Chris Myers   December 13th, 2007 11:31 am ET

It's funny how Obama does not say when the LAST time was that he used drugs. High school? College?

Any candidate should have to own up to adult criminal behavior and with Obama it is simply more of the same Democrat double speak.

There is nothing this guy says that believable.

Charles T, VA   December 13th, 2007 11:30 am ET

Democrats you deserve what you get if you nominate Clinton. Hillary will send the democratic party into 16 years of exile because of her greed for power.

If Hillary thinks she is smart well she has just started a storm. The statement about selling drugs is racist and a set-up to smear Obama so reporters can ask him questions.

I got NEWS, reporters will be asking every Presidential candidates if they did drugs and that includes HILLARY. This is just the beginning, Hillary will drink her own coffee brewed by her campaign.

If you can't see the consistent wickedness and devilish ploy by this woman then you are all blind.

You know what? I hope she wins the nomination so the republicans will teach democrats a lesson they will never forget, and the Clinton name will be soaked in mud right where it belongs for life.

Gabe, Austin TX   December 13th, 2007 11:30 am ET

By admitting what he did was a bold move and one that no other politician has the guts to do. Many people do stupid things when they are young, and the smartest one's learn from their mistakes and move on.

By telling us the truth on this unflattering part of his life, he has gained the trust of the people, and I thank him for that. Finally an honest politician we can look up to with admiration.

JUDE CT   December 13th, 2007 11:30 am ET

Once again this is pure politics. First the Clinton campagn noted the fact the Obama used drugs in his younger days, then now they are using a reverse method of attacks by apologizing. There by keeping the negatives in the news. Obama, you better come out swinging. Though the majority of America supports you, we want to have a president that can fight back. Unleash your arsenals!!!

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   December 13th, 2007 11:29 am ET

If you're tired of the same old crappola. Visit John Edwards–and please contribute. Not taking any money from PAC's and obtaining campaign funds from only grassroots efforts–he needs the help to block the Billary and OpraBama express and their huge donor blocks.

RMRN.Y.   December 13th, 2007 11:25 am ET

Don't you people realize that Barak Obama is about helping others! He speaks the truth about his youth so he can impact
the High Schoolers he speaks to.

His very example shows that you can rise above any mistake and be productive again and even run for President.

This is a campaign of integrity by a man with a heart for the people.

Rock the nation and the world!!!

Obama 08

Luke, LA, CA.   December 13th, 2007 11:23 am ET

I did not have sexual relations with that woman...!

Hillarylover in SA   December 13th, 2007 11:22 am ET

Why should Bill Shaheen apolgoize? He didn't put the stick in Obama's mouth.

Roger - IL   December 13th, 2007 11:22 am ET

To MB Nekong -

He didn't try to hide it or lie about it. He didn't say "He didn't inhale".

What he told the high schools was that his drug use was taking him down the wrong path, he stopped and look where he is today once he applied himself.

I am not an Obama supporter, but I give the man credit for not hiding his past. Can all the candidates do that? Did you ever use drugs or even try them? What would you say to your students?

Roger - IL   December 13th, 2007 11:19 am ET

Shame on you again CNN!

Yesterday the headline was Clinton Staffer knows how to go after Obama.

Today it reads Obama Rival.

If you are going to say the Clinton Camp attacks Obama, you should also say Clinton Staffer appologizes.

You cannot have it both ways. Whatever happened to fair journalism?

Jason T   December 13th, 2007 11:18 am ET

Here's something I read on MSNBC's First Read:

"... one day before Shaheen's comments, Tom Edsall wrote a piece claiming the Clinton camp was quietly talking up the drug story."

Team Clinton has been saying they didn't have anything – yeah, right.

BR-New York City   December 13th, 2007 11:18 am ET

Sad, Sad, Sad...How many of you believe that Bill Shaheen's comments wasn't authorize by the Clinton campaign? If they haven't found any dirt on Barack Obama by now, they should firer their investigators. The guy is clean...don't start fabricating stories for political gains. The American people won't buy it. Maybe Hillary can run again in 2016.

Barack 08

Donna, Naples, FL   December 13th, 2007 11:16 am ET

Excuse me, but didn't George Bush admit to using cocaine? This is pathetic. Why oh why can't politicians stick to the issues – oh yeah, they don't have any answers!

Tom, Iowa   December 13th, 2007 11:15 am ET

This doesn't change the fact that the comment is now out there. This staffer knew what they were doing and they aren't sorry. It's this kind of garbage that makes me dread a Hillary white house. We've had years and years of this divisive garbage and I'm sick of it. America deserves better. Maybe I'm naive to assume someone other than Hillary would improve the situation, but I know she won't. I have seen independents say that they would take anyone in the Republican field over Hillary. That is frightening. She is too polarizing for me.

MB Nekog   December 13th, 2007 11:13 am ET

I don't believe he should have to apologize. His point is true. As a professor myself, I was shocked and stunned that Obama so flippantly admitted drug use during his visits to local high schools. What a role model! Hillary in 2008!

notbuyingit.   December 13th, 2007 11:13 am ET

It's too late. It's already out there and reporters are gearing up to ask: "Senator Obama did you sell drugs?
The Clinton's campaign has acted like the Republicans when they made those charges. They set out to do the damage they are hoping will happen and try to walk away from it. I hope the American people are smarter than the clintons think they are not!

Taylor, Boulder, CO   December 13th, 2007 11:12 am ET

From what is presented in this article, it doesn't seem that the Clinton advisor was taking a jab at Obama. While I back Obama's campaigne, I think what Shaheen said was valid. The Republicans will most definitely exploit the honest comments Barack made about drug use when he was a teenager.

Surrealist, Fort Myers, FL   December 13th, 2007 11:11 am ET

He said..they said...he apologizes...she apologizes...

You know, I can't wait for this to be over. I am beside myself with excited thoughts of John Edwards busting both their heads with big "North Carolina steak" as he declares: "I told you so!"

Eilee, Oley, PA   December 13th, 2007 11:10 am ET

I notice that the Clinton campaign keeps putting out dirt against their rivals, then they "apologize". The comment is still out there. Apology NOT accepted!

Bob, Powell OH   December 13th, 2007 11:10 am ET

With the current president being a former drunk and cokehead, how can Republicans use this against Obama without looking like the blatant hypocrites they are?

Dawn, State College, PA   December 13th, 2007 11:10 am ET

Shaheen is silly. We have a president in office now who abused alcohol and also took cocaine (and probably marijuana too) as well as his wife...funny how we forget that...but then Bush's entrance into office was a little 'shady'. God forbid a person is honest. Obama should get accolades just for his honesty.

Glenn,Birmingham,Al   December 13th, 2007 11:09 am ET

The Clinton camp needs to avoid ethics. Hope no one looks at them to close. At least he admits that he inhaled. He is just eating these Washington insiders up. Could this man actually be a leader in the making? What a refreshing change.

mimi, Indianapolis, IN   December 13th, 2007 11:07 am ET

Interesting !!!! Hillary & Company – Keep trashing Obama and apologize later or even ask staff to resign seems to be the mode of operation. How desperate can they get trying to bring "the inexperienced" guy down. I guess we are truly learning what experience really means.

OverTheRainbow, KS   December 13th, 2007 11:06 am ET

Typical Clintonista playbook. Have someone say "something" against a candidate, and see if it gets any legs in the media, or a positive reaction from the public. If it doesn't, have someone "else" in the campaign disavow it. Then apologize ("Oh, I am so deeply sorry ....") that it shouldn't have been said at all. But they still "got it out there" for people to mull over. No one says anything in their campaign unless it is authorized. These Clintonistas are truly despicable people.

Go Obama-rama-mama! '08!

Tom, New York, NY   December 13th, 2007 11:06 am ET

He apologized for what will appear to be an attack on Barama...but what he said is factual and truthful....but he did the right thing in apologizing and clarifying it was just his opinion and not a statement that came from anywhere else....but people will say he is lying and make up their own "truths" anyhow.... but again, the guy did not say anything that was not truthful....

Fritz   December 13th, 2007 11:06 am ET

Wow... The Clinton campaign manager for New Hampshire makes a statement about the chief rival and suddenly he isn't speaking for the campaign? Good luck spinning that one. Remember Charles Barkley being misquoted in his autobiography?

Michael, Houston, TX   December 13th, 2007 11:04 am ET

I wonder if Hillary also "didn't inhale".

kt, ny, ny   December 13th, 2007 11:03 am ET

i am pretty sure that since bush, a guy who has known to do MANY drugs, including cocaine and marijuana, in addition to having a DUI, pretty much negates any stupid talk about a little pot someone smoked when they were younger. honestly, who GIVES A CRAP. puritanical, hypocritical america apparently.

Stephen   December 13th, 2007 11:03 am ET

saying it was not authorized means it was authorized, then just apologize, im sure they will bring it up again, its very desperate of Clinton to bring up something that is not news, most people know and do not care, they are actually glad about his frankness on the subject.

Clinton is on her way out ...

Yammy, Binghamton, NY   December 13th, 2007 11:03 am ET

OMG, he used marijuana? Did he inhale? The Clinton's didn't inhale so they're ok.

Tim, Charleston, S.C.   December 13th, 2007 11:02 am ET

Is Hillary really a closet Republican? She keeps using "Swift Boat" tactics to attack her opponents. (Of course she had NOTHING to do with the slander...) Tacky, very tacky.

Incredulous, VT   December 13th, 2007 11:02 am ET

Way to go Billy, you need every Democrat's vote to put Jeanne in the Senate and you make thousands of Obama supporters in New Hampshire mad as a wet hen. "Loose lips, sink ships".

This one's almost as good as the "NY Times" caucus blog this morning reporting that Clinton's upper echelon staff is sitting on their duffs in Northern Virginia and not one of them has any experience in Iowa. See link below.

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/12/13/clintons-caucus-crunch/

Jeez Hillary, for someone as bright as you are this both of these incidents are really dumb. Better get "Fear of Flying" Wolfson so get in the car and out to Des Moines. Remote control ain't gonna work.

Ryan, Nashua NH   December 13th, 2007 11:00 am ET

Typical Clinton move. Put something underhanded out there, step back into the shadows, then push out some nobody to take the blame. Anybody but Clinton '08

Doc - NY, NY   December 13th, 2007 10:59 am ET

Hiliary Clinton's campaign is absolutely pathetic. It certainly reflects on her desparation as her position as front runner is gone. Grow up.

CorruptUsr   December 13th, 2007 10:58 am ET

Big whoop, Hillary has plenty of demons to sacrifice on the alter of her presidential candidacy. Shaheen is no different and will simply be replaced by another dirty politican the liberal media will not cover..

Dereck, Los Angeles CA   December 13th, 2007 10:57 am ET

It's kind of like a lawyer saying something in court that he shouldn't have said, the opposing side objecting, the judge sustaining, and the lawyer then "withdrawing" the comment.

It's off the record, but the jury still remembers it.

Clinton's camp can apologize all day, but they knew what they were doing. And they fully anticipate residual damage – despite any hollow apologies. What other garbage will they try to pull as the DNC approaches?

Evan, Chicago, IL   December 13th, 2007 10:56 am ET

The guy can apologize all day long for saying what he did but he got what he wanted out there. this always seems very intentional, like they know they'll have to issus an apology but said it anyway. Politics (pile-o-tricks) as usual.

MidniteRyder Everytown USA   December 13th, 2007 10:51 am ET

Yes the Hillary Team has managed to shoot itself in the foot once again. It seems that it is its own worst enemy (and Cheney isn't even anywhere in sight = pun intended)

Yep appears Obama didn't even need Rove's advice on how to beat Hillary (BUT still one has to wonder just why the GOP Mastermind is so keen on ousting Senator Clinton?? I'm sure Rove's busy now – sharpening his knives for the next victim = no pun intended)

DJ Dearborn MI   December 13th, 2007 10:50 am ET

They forgot to ask if he inhaled?

Joe Wilson   December 13th, 2007 10:49 am ET

He should be frog marched across the Clinton campaign lawn in front of National TV..

speaker   December 13th, 2007 10:38 am ET

Sounds good right. I love you Obama dreamers.

Latest Rasmussen Poll in Iowa has Clinton ahead by 3 points.

Latest Suffolk/WHDH Poll in New Hampshire has Clinton ahead by 7 points.

Obama is dropping like a rock. Probably because people are beginning to realize that he can't win the electoral college and they don't want the Republicans to keep the White House.

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