CNN

Honesty appears to be the best policy! Hillary may be confused with this issue since her husband always mixed a little deception with the truth, that is, until he was truly caught with his pants down and had to fess up. Obama at least rattles his own skeletons before the GOP pulls them out of the closet.

Is this honestly the image to which we would want our children to aspire? And is this truly the legacy we want for the future of America? We the Parents and Teachers Associations All Across America Stand Up and Shout NO MORE!!

Bill Shaheen is my lawyer, a crummy one at that, and the fact that he is co chairman of Hillary's campaign makes me even sicker. Vote Obama or we are all in serious trouble for the next 8 years!

Posted By Anonymous Somewhere, NH : December 13, 2007 3:35 am

Hmmm – right and this lady who doesn't even have the brains to dump her lousy lawyer and get a new one is telling the rest of us how to vote?? LOL

GOP TROLL

Just ask Bill Clinton, he should know. And while you're asking him, ask him if Hillary joined him, they were hippie boyfriend and girlfriend.

I'm soooo relieved we won't have to listen to ANOTHER 8 years of Bush telling our future generatons: "Don't worry if you were a C or D student – you too can someday grow up to be the President."

Instead we can just have Obama advise the little darlings: "Don't worry if you are a drug abuser – you too can someday grow up to become the President of the United States of America."

Has such a nice ring to it, don't ya think?

You peeps crack me up = You are such a hoot and a half. I'm sure there's a village somewhere in Texas which will be soooo happy to finally have it's Idiot back. Yep – obviously Just Say NO isn't working.

Inhale or not to inhale that is the question (which will determine the 2008 Presidential election).

come on!!! we need REAL people and if youve never done marijuana then ill tell you what....youve missed out!!! you gotta try things because how can you understand people if you know nothing about what they have been through?? you know what i hate about these "conservatives" is that they wish they could bring us back to "leave it to beaver" but the problem with that is LEAVE IT TO BEAVER WASNT REAL!!!!! none of that brady bunch stuff was real!! thats why when national lampoons vacation came out everybody related to the griswalds!! everybody thinks there family is, at least a little bit, disfunctional. life was never leave it to beaver, so why do our presidents have to be???

JTo McKinney SW MO

1 sentence is a stmt.
2-4 sentences are an in-depth opinion.
5 or more usually go unread due to the numberous other rambling rants.

In your case: I blurred out after: How far do we carry this "honesty" thing?" skipping down to "I am for Hillary–we need her."

nuff said, now I’m rambling..

This photo looks like he's auditioning for American Idol. Wonder if he would be sent home as the "geek" he is. Between him and Hillary I don't know which is the most laughable as President. My fellow Democrats–take another look at John Edwards. Let's oppose the media selecting our Presidential candidate–and do it ourselves!

J. McKinney of SW MO says, "I don't exactly understand this 'honesty' thing. Does it completely fix everything?..."

I don't understand the "pretend" thing. Why pretend that the truth is other than it is. Street drugs and party drugs are common in America, including the traditional American drugs horse, maryjane, and blow as well as the newest products of America's pharmaceutical industry like oxycontin. There is no reason for unmarried women to pretend they are virgins. There is no reason to pretend that Congress is not owned lock, stock, and barrel by corporations. There is no reason to pretend any more that those corporations are even slightly interested in our welfare. There is no reason to pretend any more that America is the greatest, best, toughest, biggest, proudest anything.

We have lots and lots of problems. Our country doesn't just need to have a couple of screws tightened; we need a complete overhaul, a lot of body work, and a paint job. We are not riding around in a Ferarri.

I have always seen Hillary as an opportunist. Now we see her true colors when teh times get tough and her numbers start to slide. How will she act if she were to ever get into office and things got tough?

I am glad things are starting to come out about the real Obama; no thanks to the media. He, himself told us that he used drugs heavily in college and growing up. So, now, they want to get on Hillary's case and once again yell about Bill. Obama and his campaign are such hypocrites. Obama wants to have it both ways.

Obama is an extreme left wing person and the more his records are revealed the better informed we will be. Right now, he is living on HOPE and his arrogance to think that he will be able to fool the Democrats; then if he wins the nomination, the Democrats will be horrified when the Republicans spill all of the left wing issues Obama supported while a State Senator.

The Democrats will then lose the general election because no matter what you all want to believe, America is not a left wing country.

Edwards and Obama started the negative attacks on Hillary when all she wanted to do is discuss the issues. Now, that Obama's veneer is starting to crack, all of his supporters are upset and his campaign continues to try and divert his left wing liberalism.

Well, you reap what you sow.

Todd Dedham, what did the Clintons do to you that makes you hate them? Why do you take it so personally? Seems to me that overall things were not so bad under Bill Clinton's watch.

Since when does it take 2 days to moderate one of my posts??

>>Your comment is awaiting moderation. Due to the volume of comments we receive, not all comments will be posted.

(My post–again)
I don't exactly understand
this "honesty" thing. Does it completely fix everything? Obama apparently did some pretty serious drugs, and because he was "honest" about it, that makes it all ok, and he is wonderful. How far do we carry this "honesty" thing? If it is learned that someone murdered someone 15 years ago, but they admit it now, does that mean that the murderer is wonderful, because he is now being "honest" about it, and it was a long time ago, and he is a better man for it now? Or is he still a murderer? And on Obama's drug use, and drinking. I think it is worth wondering, if he gets the presidency, if things get rough, he might go back to the drinking and drug use. I don't agree that "everyone" did drugs and went on drinking binges at a teen. I didn't, and my friends didn't. And I don't think it is anything to be proud of, even if he is "honest" about it.
I am for Hillary–we need her.

Posted By J. McKinney SW MO : December 12, 2007 7:50 pm

Obama tried drugs as a teenager: So What? He has strong character, which is the only relevant issue. Were Republicans should not play this up – Bush abused drugs and/or alcohol well into his 30's. It seems to me that Hilary Clinton needs to pay more attention to the character of her staff.

I'd rather have a guy who smoked a blunt and admitted it (Obama) than a guy who had more snow up his nose than on the slopes of Kilimanjaro (Bush) and won't admit or acknowledge it.

sadly...they're all pathetic..bush was an avowed drunk for 25 years of his life...and now he's running america..go figure..dont tell me his brain cells aren't burned out..lets not foget he woke up one morning and said.."god"told me to go to iraq..problem is..god never told him when to get out...great!

No not everyone has skeletons in our closets. Most of us do. But not everyone and that isn't fair to the good people who have lived a decent life. Shame. Obama prior drug use isn't the story. That he isn't a worthly candidate is. I can't imagine why this man thinks he has a chance. Vote right – vote Clinton. or for that matter vote for anyone other than Obama.

I didn't inhale. That was a lie. Like I never had sex with that women was a lie. We need people who can tell the truth. Tell the Clinton's that Obama has my vote.

There is NO evidence that Hillary ever took drugs when she was young. There is evidence that she did NOT take drugs. Someone she wrote to nearly 40 years ago when at college had kept her letters and they were made public about two months ago.. In one, she wrote how upset she was about a friend's use of drugs, clearly indicating she was then against use of drugs.

This is ridiculous. Dubya is too much of a coward to tell the truth about his own drug use, and he got elected twice. I can honestly say that the best and the brightest people I have ever encountered usually smoked weed at some point in their lives. Those that never touched any drugs, are frequently (not always), wierd, scary types that I wouldn't trust to run a faucet, much less a country.

Obama has a better chance at getting pregnant than winning this election. He can save his time and money, and go home now.

Posted By Jennifer, Palm Beach, FL : December 13, 2007 9:49 am

Declarations of desparation, heh, Jennifer.

To all appearances, Obama's wiping the floor with Hillary and it's largely her own doing. She has no one else to blame when she's at home watching the Presidential election results in her nightgown, next November.

I don't know why people are getting hyped up over Obama. He is not going to win. If Iowans throw their votes away at Obama they are just going to make this a long drawn out process, but Hillary will be the nominee.

It is so hard to believe that Obama and Edwards are tied with Hillary in Iowa. It sounds to me like Iowans are listening to the people who thrive from hating Hillary. Neither Obama nor Edwards can beat Hillary on policy. The only people who will not vote for Hillary are people who do things out of spite.

Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate, the most experienced candidate and she's READY TO LEAD.

Lord knows what Hillary has been smoking these days! I'm pretty sure she would not want anyone discussing her past indiscretions let alone Bill's!

Another sleazy surrogate from the Clinton campaign-

This follows Andrew Young saying Bill Clinton dated more black women than Barack.

And Geraldine Ferraro saying Mrs. Clinton was the victim of sexism at the debates.

And Tom Vilsack saying "who really watches Oprah anyway?"

Q-OKC posted "HILLARY CLINTON IS AN IDIOT, FIND ME AN HONEST POLITICIAN, A JUDGE OR LAWYER, AND DEAR FRIEND YOU HAVE FOUND GOD!"

Do you really believe this? To imply that Lawyers and Judges and yes, even politicians are all dishonest proves that you are the moron that you claim Hillary Clinton is. Perhaps you should run off to see the Wizard and ask for a brain...

Susan, you're right. We need better judgement after the last two Presidents. That's why Clinton's a big "no go".

I am personally glad to have a candidate for President who is willing to tell the truth – it is a refreshing change!

BTW – Obama came out with this long before he announced for he was running for President – read his book Dreams of my Father that was published in the mid-90's.

What this is is a complete desperation move by HRC because she knows that she is going down.

Obama has a better chance at getting pregnant than winning this election. He can save his time and money, and go home now.

Polygraph test don't just focus in on drug use, there are some pretty graphic questions asked. I say give every candidate a polygraph test and let the results be publically exposed. Remember, people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Obama supporters posted about Obama's drug use by their convenient way. They are confusing the TRUTH, truth is what that means he used drug when he was teens. We are talking about the qualification of the President, tell your mistake or bad childhood is not a proud thing as the candidate. Obama supporters like to put the ring on the nose and make nosering, put the ring on ears make earrings, what about tonguering?

You Clinton sheep are not only blinded by BDS, you are the most hypocritical posters as usual.

Just like I applauded Bush for admitting his past indiscretions, I do the same for Obama.

Secondly, BUSH IS NOT RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT ANYMORE (no MORE Bush's).

You geniuses doing the hammering, can you ALL look in the mirror and say you NEVER twisted one up or maybe tried a little nose candy at a party in the 90's?

We have a politician that is speaking the truth, something we should covet, but you are attacking him because he is not YOUR candidate, he's not mine either, but he earned my respect.

Two phrases come to mind, "I didn't inhale" and "I did not have sex with that woman", so much for the truthfullness of your king.

This reeks of the typical Clinton "dirty tricks" of the 90's, raise your hand if you have seen this before, the gutless wonders have their surrogates spew the hate so the message get's out there, they come out and claim they had nothing to do with it and the media let's them off scot free with "no blood on their hands" and the needed "damage is done.

The 90's are long over and they can't get away with this anymore.

so he obviously has worse judgement than many people. By all means, we need more bad personal judgement in the White House after the last 2 presidents.

Hillary 08! (Women really run the country, so let's admit it and elect one!)

Posted By Susan : December 13, 2007 8:43 am

Susan, you're kidding right? First of all, he HAD poor judgement...25 years ago. You never exercised poor judgment when you were a teenager? If not re drug use, than boys you dated, friends you chose, decisions you made. If not, then by golly, you should run for President.

And you apparently forget that one of the past two President's was Hill's husband, based on that and the depths to which her campaign has and is sinking, what on God's green earth, makes you think her judgment will be any better.

As for your last statement: Just keep telling yourself that as your paycheck is about 80% of your male counterpart's

You really should wake up and try to inform yourself OBJECTIVELY. Take off the Clinton-colored glasses and do a little research.

And this from the "I didn't inhale" and "define is" camp. Another well deserved self-inflicted blow for "wanna be queen hillary". Again all New Yorkers should be very proud of the reverse carpet bagger for showing her true colors

BS
Many Americans were able to lead productive lives and NEVER use illegal drugs. I think, his exploration of his past sins–was preemptive–in case any skeletons leaped from the closet. This guy, and Hillary, have been grooming themselves since "Hahhvaad" education days, to fit into a system, and collegial community that by it's very nature is "exclusive" and "narrow viewed". Like his book, the only thing "audacious" about himself, or Hillary for that matter–is that somehow they are in "touch" with the needs of everyday Americans. If you've never had to choose with paying your utility bill or buying food–you are not in touch with everday Americans, particularly, at this time in our nations history. They are Ivy League "wanna-be's". Thier messages–change like the wind in reaction to polls. They really believe that by controlling the "science" of the political process: money, proper message, poise, personna...it will win an election for them. Fact is, Americans have grown up and understand how the process works, we understand and clearly see the machinations in their words and on the air. At this time in history–Americans are looking for the genuine article–not more of the same false hope/no action leadership. The only Democratic candidate who retains large favor–and has stayed on message without being twisted/reactive to the polls–is John Edwards. He really lived as an average American. He really lives today, in touch, with average Americans. He really believes in what he says, and practices what he preaches. His family is representative of the fact–and his record is also representative of the fact. Both Hillary (more Bill?) and OpraBama are devoid of anything but career aspirations–Edwards has fire, zeal, and the will to "fight the good fight" in Washington. He will "really" kick up some dust, and perhaps–change the plight of the average American voter. His Presidency, is the only one that promises to be as historical as Roosevelt or Kennedy.

Give me a break. Obama's past drug use is the least of our worries about this man. Get real and start being concerned that he's an empty suit held up by allot of hot air.

Hillary is a despicable person. I am a life long Democrat but if she wins the nomination I will vote Republican. How dare she make an issue out of nothing. If she wants to call into question someone's character, she might want to look across the table at her own husband.

"Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?"

Bingo!! I think we just heard what the hidden dirt on Obama is.. Was that a Freudian slip Hillary or politics of personal destruction??

Who cares? He's a junior senator from Illinois and that's all he'll ever be for the next 4-8 years.

up until now i've been observing the political campaigns thats a low blow by the clinton campaign to bring up past drug use as a negative when obama has been open about the issue. if anything this gives drug users and others with various indescretions in their past hope that a person can over come any obstacles and still do great things with their life. obama just got my vote.

I have been a republican the majority of my voting years however I can honestly say that I have voted all my years based on the character of the individual and the topics at hand. I have voted for democratic offices in both local and federal positions in the past. I have yet to decide in this presidential election and probably will not be able to decide until the final two candidates. I found this article rather comical to say the least. We as a society preach honesty and forgiveness. We are a nation of laws and moral character yet for the majority of our society has at one time or another broke a law in ones’ life. As an individual we must all learn from our experiences and decide which road we are going to take. I commend Mr. Obama for correcting his path he was on and choosing the path of honesty, integrity, and public service. Furthermore he was honest about his past and that is very commendable in my book as he is honest to himself as well as to his constituents. If I were Obama's advisor I would just reference the “source” of this story and leave it at that!

"When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?" -said Bill Shaheen, a national co-chairman of Clinton's campaign.

"These comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way," -said Clinton.

ie..., the chairman of Hillary's campaign is not authorized to speak for her campaign.., in this case.

Hmmmm..The Clinton Camp should be very very careful here. They need to remember who disgraced the whitehouse, while in office, by comitting ADULTRY !!!

Obama gets in trouble for telling the truth? Only in Washington do you get in trouble for being the one honest peg in a corrupt hole.

1)2/23/07 David Geffen makes negative comments about Clinton at an Obama fund-raiser. Character attack.
2)11/3/07 Obama mocks Clinton for playing the gender card.
3)6/19/07 Obama said his campaign made a dumb mistake for criticizing Clinton's financial ties to India.
4)A youtube ad shows Clinton in the 1984 movie format. Great ad. Guy that did it has ties to Obama camp.

This is when the fun begins. LOL

Senator Clinton reel in those campaign persons speaking out of line! Telling the truth should not be a hinderance to a candidate. Have we forgotten the George Washington cherry tree story? Go Senator Obama, focus on what is good for our counrty and let Hillary's own campaign people ruin her.

Obama saying this makes him more real, most of the country has probably smoked pot or tried cocaine, so for him to level with the fact that he tried it, he seems far more human. Clinton is trying to seem like a better person, but in the end just looks stupid for trying to take easy, underhand digs at Obama. smooth.

The minute you need to resort to using Obama's past admission of drug use as a way of discrediting him tells me you are not confident in your own abilities-give me break-who cares what he did in the past-judge him for what he is doing today

Posted By Jerry : December 12, 2007 7:05 pm

OK, Jerry, first of all, Clinton did go negative first, and still hasn't stopped. Her "campaign" has, for the last several weeks, leaked misinformation and outright falsehoods re Obama, digging up kindergarten and third grade essays, planting questions in both GOP and DEM debates, packing audiences (with an assist from CNN).
She is desparate, she is a liar, she is a megalomaniac, and Flying Spaghetti Monster help this country if she becomes President.

Secondly, the Obama drug use is a non-starter for the GOP. They would have to defend W's use and abuse or come across as being major hypocrits(then again that has never stopped a career politician before). Besides that, Obama's drug use has been in the public domain since he wrote his first book.

Essentially his honesty in this matter has pre-empted anything the GOP may try to do with this information. By the time the general campaign heats up it will just be old news.

EVERYONE has a past, EVERYONE has a skeleton or 2, NO ONE is perfect! But FEW people have the INTEGRITY and HONESTY to look you in the eyes and say 'I am human, I made a mistake, I am sorry to anyone I may have hurt. And I have learned from it'.

Does Clinton think the Republicans will not jump on the Bill affair, the Hillary Health Care plan while Bill was the Pres., the Hillary sexual preferences? If she wins the nomination they will use every one of these. And does anyone in the world think Bill did not inhale?

UPDATE: Shaheen issued the following statement Wednesday night: "I deeply regret the comments I made today and they were not authorized by the campaign in any way."

When 'the campaign' realized this one was backfiring in their faces...they retract Shaheen's statement. What a JOKE! Are they going to get rid of him too? There has been a lot of that going on at the Billary camp!

I can't believe they are even questioning Obama on this one. This is what politics are all about, mudslinging and Billary is doing a great job at it. This country needs something new and having the Clintons back in the White House is old news!

Go Obama!!

The more they try and tear him down the more the People will rally behind this decent man. Like the Republicans or Clinton can take the HIGHER road on this issue, give me a break.

Obama for change: 2008

Who would you rather have as a present, some one who tells the truth or some one who avoids it. Very Bush like of the Hillary camp me thinks.

Just because some idiot in New Hampshire made some stupid unauthorized statement Hillary is again being demonized. What candidate
ahs control over everything everyone in the campaign is saying? None! So let's get real people..

The pot calling the kettle black yet again, We all know Bill did drugs, and Dubya was a drunk and did cocaine, probably smoked pot too. Hillary s futile attempt to slam Barack for being one of the only politians I have ever met that actually tells the truth. This didn't hurt him it gave him credibility, something Hillary doesn't know anything about. Thank you Barack for telling the american public the truth it is refreshing. Can't wait for you to be President so we can finaly fix our country. It will be nice to actually hear the truth in realtime instead off finding out 4 years later what was really going on like in the Clinton and Bush administrations. The public can handle the truth.

As the saying goes, Deperation is a stinky cologne. Or in this case, perfume.

it is really time for a president to wake up and realize the economic benefits of ending the drug war and taxing certain substances for recreational use. can anybody say bye bye national debt?

the clintons have attracted, and surrounded themselves with, weasles like shaheen. remember the disgusting weasle from the past, who got caught with his pants down with a prostitute in a sleazy hotel room to whom he blabbered top secrets (or something like that) shared with his boss, bill clinton? you know the sleazeball that fox news regularly has as one of their disgusting political pundits... oh well, my brain refuses to retain dirty names like that.... these sleazeballs are like miniature versions of karl rove, their mentor.

This is outrageous; Shaheen has, in a back door way, just accused Barack Obama of being a drug dealer. This is overt racism. The Clinton camp did the right thing by firing the two campaign workers in Iowa for sending the false e-mail about Obama being a Muslim plant, they should show Shaheen the door today.

I for one would prefer to have a president who's actually a human being and admits it, than one who pretends they're on some sort of robot programmed for "perfect" morals. Look where electing someone on that platform has gotten us over the last eight years.

The people form an idea and personal sense of what's right and wrong is via trial and error; Obama tried it and knows its hubris firsthand. I trust that more.

Youth wants to know: (Since the Clinton camp brought it up.) Did Hillary smoke dope and where and when did she see Bill smoke dope? Because anyone their age (my age) who claims to have gone through Yale, Oxford and the Sixties in that period and claims they never smoked the joint being passed around is not squaring up and no one in their generation believes them. People smoked dope in court and in the stairwells of banks and publishing houses. It was the bonding ritual of the generation.

I wonder if the politicans know why we have such little trust in them. Somethings never change. As they get more and more desperate, the deeper the mud. It is a hell of an example for our youth to follow.

I agree with Jesse below me...

that actually made me more respectful for Obama. I'd rather have someone who has gone through those situations and try to stop it then someone who hasnt. I bet 90 percent of the time the person who has experienced one of the issues will do a better job of handling it.

number two, hes apparently a very honest man. i havent heard about any of the past experiences of clinton. Thats something i would definitely like to see more of.

Hillary, please don't punish me for supporting you...I feel pain when you go out and talk negative. STOP negative campaign NOW. Hillary08!!!!!!!

He may have been honest...but I bet if it weren't for that book...we wouldn't have heard a word about it.

When referencing Obama's drug use, Bill Shaheen's comment struck me as odd: "There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome."
Have we become so decadent and self indulgent that considering recreational drug use as an irresponsible, self destructive, and questionable behavoir is now old fashioned? I hardly consider it to be a 'dirty trick' to question a candidate for Commander In Chief of the United States Armed Forces about his self admitted illegal drug activities. I may be behind the times, but I believe buying, selling, or using marijuana and cocaine was and still is against the law.

Cocaine is serious stuff. I actually think it's not so bad that the public was reminded of Obama's mistake. Many of us managed to grow up and not use cocaine so he obviously has worse judgement than many people. By all means, we need more bad personal judgement in the White House after the last 2 presidents.

Hillary 08! (Women really run the country, so let's admit it and elect one!)

These candidates will say anything to get elected. Once elected, everything changes. Depends, on who buys them out first.

It's become totally acceptable to make mistakes or trash someone else as long as you apologize later, or say you didn't know anything about anything. Even if those mistakes kill, maime or emotionally destroy thousands of lives in a war based, not on necessity, but one based on lies, fear and greed. And, there's always the old hat trick where someone in your camp used dirty tricks against a rival only to be recanted later and, after the seeds of doubt have been planted, or the damage has been done.

WOW! The Clinton campaign is REALLY deporate.

Your kidding right? Come on bill didnt inhale??Im sure hillary didnt either???Yeah thats it and the easter bunny is gonna bring me that egg,Santa is going to come and bring me ALL the gifts that he had forgot to bring!!!And what hurts hill,her husband siqned NAFTA.

Why should something like that hurt him. Remember our curren tpresident and the one before that. But not even because of that. People grow. He can have compassion or understanding for others who may have taken that path, because he knows how/what can make it happen. And further, what about these ridiculous new drugs created legally, approved by our gov't!

I just can't believe that the Clintons are so self-destructed. Come on. Can someone come to their rescue? That is so sad. I am feeling that Hillary needs to protected against herself. Please, stop the suicide. That is surely not a good way to put an end to such a great career.

I think it's time for a complete reform in the Clintons team. Fresh blood is need and Hillary needs to sit down, take a look around, and ask herself whether or not she should drop out of the campaign. It would be very much easier to handle instead of keep advertising their negatives. It is obvious that they are heading towards another national scandal.

Now, is it too late for the Clintons? Not at all, but they can't afford to lose one more MINUTE of this campaign. Time is running out.

I would trust a candidate that admits to his past rather than hiding it or trying to "sugar coat" it as something less serious than what it was. If anything his honesty would make me consider giving him my vote. It's nice to see that someone human, with real life experience is running for president for once.

Hillary and her spokespeople are the Achilles heel of the Clinton campaign.

Obama's honesty is refreshing. Besides, it is time to end the drug war nonsense and stop persecuting our own people for smoking what God has given us naturally. JUST SAY NO TO THE POWERFUL PHARMACEUTICAL LOBBY THAT PUSHES *ITS DRUGS* AT US CONSTANTLY.

Antidepressants, anyone?

Sure wish we could get some news on the Edwards campaign. I guess if there's no scullduggery or mudslinging–the status and activities of other leading primary candidates isn't reportable.

Better reel in your dogs, Hillary; you're campaign seems to be rift with people who speak for you who "don't speak for you". THIS is what we're all so tired of–don't you get it yet?

Obama '08!

What about George Bush's substance abuse problem? At least Obama's "drug use" is in the past. Bush not only has had past substance abuse issues, he apparently has an ongoing problem with alcohol, etc..

Does the Hillary campaign know something that we don't? Why would anyone ask Obama if he has sold drugs? Hmmmmm.......Interesting.

I think it's wonderful that Obama has the integrity to be honest about parts of his life that weren't exactly pure. I would much rather have someone in office who is genuine and does what he thinks is right instead of doing what will get him elected. Perhaps, instead of voting for who we think will win, we should vote for the people who are going to do what is best for the country.

Who cares!! Let them use all the dope they want. Just because someone didn't smoke pot means we should trust them?

Wait... this man has used illegal substances before? That makes him sound almost (I don't know), crazy? Maybe even human? & surely we can't elect one of those crazy "humans" into office, now can we? What is this country coming to??

Having a President who hasn't tried drugs in his youth would be un-American.

As a Obama supporter, this is old news from a few weeks ago. Many of the posts were positive because he DID NOT LIE. I could careless what the man did or did not do years ago. My true fear is that most americans will think that he is a bad or unmoral person because he did drugs which is not true. Hiliary would rather lie, just to save face than tell me the truth. So with that said, HRC is saying that any person who used drugs in the past is BAD and SHOLD NOT be president. Whatever.....Obama has my vote. Honesty in the white house, could you all imagine that?

The Sillary Campaign is getting sillier every day.

What Sillary being honest about your youthful years too much for you to bear?

Obama is honest, open and i belive more truthful than any candidate we have had to date.

Sillary self destruction is now imminent. Plus waht a dumb way to try and derail the Obama train.

well your time is almost up SRC.

Obama will soon be able to focus on winning the election and bringing this country back to common sense politics and get the middle class back into the lime light where they belong any way

Obama 08

Yet no one ever discusses George W. Bush's years of cocaine abuse…..

Posted By Wayne, Greenville TX : December 12, 2007 6:14 pm

Wayne, no it's never reported... Well, it is only pointed out on a daily basis by the secular, socialist libs on CNN... but that doesn't count... and neither do the indiscretions of a liberal politician. Only Republican faults are unforgivable. Four legs good, two legs bad, right Wayne? Go back to the sheeple farm where you belong.

To the chase:

1- Hey Hillary, did you inhale?

2- Why isn't your team asking where he bought it? Is it because he's half black? That sounds racist to me. If he was 100% white, I doubt you would be asking if he sold it to anyone.

3- Apparently you cannot manage a small campaign team, how can you expect us to trust you to govern the most powerful nation on the planet?

I don't see what the big deal is! Having admitted to doing it, shows a sign of integrity and a person whom is willing to take responsibility for his own action. Isn't this the type of person whom we are looking for to be accountable for the people of this country. Or are we wanting another puppet? People there are real problems going on in our own back yards, smoking a little pot over 20 years ago is not a barn burner. Smoke or not, I am still voting for Obama!

Hillary becomes desperate. The only thing is, going negative makes people like her even less and not want to vote for her.

WHY CAN'T SHE FACE THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DON'T LIKE HER, DON'T TRUST HER, AND WANT HER (and Bill) TO GO AWAY.

I don't see why it's an issue. I mean our President used cocaine and is a former alcoholic. Our former president smoked weed – and other kinds of cigars which got him into a little trouble...

None of the candidates in this election have a squeaky clean past and if any of them claim to they are full of it. Frankly, I don't care what they may have done in their past. It is irrelevant. What we need to focus on is the future. There are more important things to worry about than who smoked some dope when they were young. The candidates need to stop slinging mud and start slinging some hope to the people on the streets. This country is in rough shape and we need someone who is going to try to fix it or at least point us in the right direction.

When the polls showed Hillary Clinton's lead evaporating she did what the Clinton's are expert at: mud slinging, and the politics of personal destruction. Her campaign is starting a high tech lynching of Obama. The country would be far better served if ANYONE other than Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination. As a proud Black woman I will never vote for this woman. She is polarizing and throws whatever mud she can find when she fears losing. America can do a lot better and I urge all my fellow African Americans not to waste their votes on this phony.

It's "dirty tricks" to point out that a guy who wants to be president used to be a drug user? Last time I checked, it was against the law. Just because he was "candid" about it in a book doesn't make it any less true. I guess if I rob a bank and talk candidly about it, you should assume I'm rehabilitated.

Tied in Iowa? Who cares. Useless red state that, in the end, doesn't matter.

Let's talk about states with real electoral votes–California, New York, etc.

If the way she runs a campaign is any indication or a preview of how she would function as president, I don't think we need it.

Just think about it.

Bush is an alcoholic. Who has a criminal record for this stuff? didn't seem to effect him in the end.

But seriously. Give me Al Gore. Please.

To his credit Obama has been very honest about his past. A lot of people do things as a teenager they regret later. Unlike Hillary's husband Barack was candid and open about it. I'm sure Clinton did'nt inhale he just ate the brownies instead.

We have no doubt that the republicans will bring this up. How do we know he isn't toking it up right now w/Michelle and Oprah. That's the only way these fools would honestly believe he has a chance – is if they were on some awesome trip. Truth be said Obama really isn't the candidate people should be backing. Far better candidates. I support Hillary 100% but there are some really good candidates running Biden being one.

to: Kathy Caudle; Salt Lake City, UT : December 12, 2007 7:33 pm.
I agree no one really cares aboput pot use...ITS THE COCAINE JUNKIE PART THAT IS THE REASON FOR GREAT CONCERN!!!
thats what you want to represent you! NOT US!

I will vouch for Tom Topolinski's comment, as a fellow classmate of Obama's at Punahou School in Honolulu. Around 1978, there was a push for athletes to treat their bodies as "temples" as a reaction against the existing culture of substance-use-as-expression-of-manhood (a culture we still have on college campuses). Since Barry Obama was an athlete (on a State Championship Basketball team, remember), it's not surprising he inhaled. And remember, shortly after the "body as a temple" movement was aimed at the athletes, we had the overzealous use of steroids and other enhancement drugs. We're talking about an elite preparatory high school where Barry Obama was a member of the literary elite, not just the athletic elite. And unlike the 60's, our poets went to Princeton, not to pot.

I find Obama's memoir candid, accurate, and insightful, just like the candidate you see in front of you. After 36 years of knowing this man, hearing from common friends at Harvard Law School and students at Chicago Law School, and from people who knew him on Chicago's South Side, I have no worries about his past. The Clintons and the Republicans should dig all they want - the more people discover about him, the more people admire him.

I cannot say the same about the Clinton campaign. The more one discovers about how it operates, the less one thinks of all involved. No wonder Al Gore distanced himself in '99 and continues to have no part in its aspirations.

I agree, I dont think voters care too much about a littel pot, but COCAINE is a very different story. Yes, Bill Clinton smoked Pot, he never claimed he was a cocaine "JUNKIE"
I think this makes oprahaboy not such a good role model for our children...

"junkie" and a "pothead."

I have no problem with the Smoking pot, should be leaglized anyway, but a cocaine "JUNKIE" is someone who had a terrible habit and that is a different story!!!
Like we need another DC politican like EX-DC Mayor Barry caught smoking crack in a hotel...

good choice oprah!

And you believe Hillary & Bill never smoked dope together? I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn New York… Ya interested?

I think we should have a mandatory drug test for ALL candidates (both parties) and see what comes up.

Heck, they do it in the private sector, why not our Public Officials...those that are making "informed" decisions for the rest of our country.

Think back people: we ALL did things then that STILL today we're not proud of but this man stepped up and told the truth. Clinton did not. I'll take O'bama any day over Clinton (either of them)

Obama used drugs, but he didnt' stay on drugs. I think his admission is inspirational. It tells kids that their life can turn around even if they have done some stupid things. It also tells them not to waste their life as he did. With the help of Oprah, he is able to reach out to many of them, have an organization to get them involved in public service early. Public service can be a noble profession and not dirty as politics these days. Many people stay away from politics simply because of these ugly attacks.

I am glad to see both Huckabee and Obama rise in the poll. The American people like to see decent people as their president, people who can bring the country together, and people who can heal their wounds. Both of these people have this quality.

They will have to withstand the attacks because of the nature of politics these days, and yet not to attack back, and still stand strong. This is their test and challenge.

Hillary has sunk down to the attack level. Let's hope they can both stand strong and turn this country around. The people of these early states send a strong message to a candidates – play nice – no more politics as usual. That would destroy this country. Tell the people where they intend to lead them and not to attack their fellow candidates.

Henry, the reason Jesus isn't a politician is not because he's too honest, but because he's too smart. So saith the Huckster. Anyway, with all the Christian rhetoric coming from the Republicans, can they possibly emphasize "punishment for past sins" over "forgiveness?" Geez, then where would their White House icon be?

Those were just "youthful indiscretions".

Who hasn't done drugs sometime in there lives. At least he isn't denying it. What was that " I didn't inhale". At least he is honest by taking the stand and admiting to it. Are we ever going to find a "Virgin" President????

When Hillasry was working her summer in Haight-Ashbury for a known communist law firm what chemical experiments did she do? If she was not experimenting, then she was one of a kind in that area at that time.

Bush is candid about his alchohol use, Big headline. Bush lies to the american people at every turn and yet everyone buys this BS? 3 blackeyes. 3 BS stories. Give me a guy who tells what the skeletons are every time. Bush gets elected with a history of DUIS and Cocaine abuse that he never admits but this will sink Obamas ship when he readily admitted it? Only in America and only in the looney world of Faux and Hate radio will this blimp fly.

What is telling is that Shaheen stated that is was the 'public admission' of drug use and not the drug use itself that was the potential problem. I extrapolated that to mean that Hillary could have used drugs too but she won't admit it, So We Win !!!

Come on Now ! Bill and Hillary were coming of age at the

dawning of the Age of Aquarius.
Ah – quare – ree – us
Aquarius.
Ah – quare – ree – us

Seriously, the majority of people in our generation have tried something, even if just alcohol, and most have then grown up to have normal, productive lives. It's not like he's confessing to murder. Looks like it's mudslinging time already.

Looks like Barack never recovered:

http://www.law.com/jsp/dc/PubArticleDC.jsp?id=1196849068428&hub=TopStories

...NOT.

Go Obama!

To the obnoxious racist who still believes "We The People" still think as we did in the 60's, stop making a fool of yourself. Obama can win this thing!!!
And why does everyone overlook the fact that this guy is special, more special than any african american who ever ran for the nomination, maybee because he's half white?

Maybe Oprah can get Dr Phil to talk to Obama about his drug use. maybe it's got something to do with "audacity" or being a minority. LOL

Bill Shaheen is my lawyer, a crummy one at that, and the fact that he is co chairman of Hillary's campaign makes me even sicker. Vote Obama or we are all in serious trouble for the next 8 years!

It's just sad that Clinton and her officials are making direct attacks at the competition regarding things other than political issues. Useless jargon like this pushes an uninformed voter to pick a candidate.

Please, people, read about the issues! Don't rely purely on character, charisma, wealth, and vanity. It's this kind of abuse of democracy and the right to vote that causes problems for this country.

Don't worry Hillary, if Obama can beat you, then he can beat anyone!

The country needs the smartest and most honest candidate, and that person is Barack Obama!

Shame on Hillary for her smear campaign! She's falling hard, and only trying to take others down with her!

Obama 08!!!

Well...if you got nothing else to talk about...

Hillary is pathetic and this truly shows how desperate her campaign really is.

May God spare the nation from this nasty woman.

Past drug use??

Where the hell is the Ticker story on Criminal Bush and the Cowardly Democrats voting ANOTHER $70B into this loser war?

Where's the ticker story on Bush vetoing children's health care again?

What the HELL is wrong with you idiots, CNN? Bush's DRUG problems?

How about his criminal behavior? How about pulling your heads out and quit abdicating your role as public informer.

The media in this country used to be a valuable government check, especially during the '60s.

The media now is an irrelevant government propoganda tool.

So what the guy has a past like we all do.. its what learn from his experince what make a man up .

Let me see: hmmmmmmm
OBAMA breaks a law to smoke put and breaks another law to snort cocaine for years!!!! (not one time) even before he was of age to drink. (broke that law too)
But, he says he did it now so, he is honest. WOW he is GREAT!!!!! You have to be kidding me.
Clinton's advisor says it will hurt his chances for the election and that is probably true without a law broken and he is the one being made out to be a bad person and not the law breaker who is going to be our highest government official (president)??? MAYBE–I doubt it, but someone who is supposed to obey all of our laws has broken many bad and serious laws.

Hey, if a murderer murders a child and says he did it, does that make it ok if he admits he did it, because it is honest and you vote him in to head our schools say?

YOU GUYS ARE NUTS!!!!!

Senator Obama will not even make Senator next time after everything comes out.
I pray he will not be our President.
We have had enough of an inexperienced alcoholic and drug addict C student already in office, we do not need another one.

why do all the negative attacks come from hillary?

Let me get this right. We need someone in a top post working for Hillary, tell us that the Republicans are going to bring up the drug use issue of Obama. I don't suppose you would have brought it up anyway? Pretty desperate move, you must be starting to understand we don't want Hillary or what she stands for.

Yo! What a strategy! saying in front of young people that i used drug when i was young. OMG! So u teenagers can use drug and one day u can be a president of United State? U must b joking Mr. Obama!
It's not that u r telling the truth but it's u r trying to be a hero for teenager. u r trying teenagers to use drug and saying it is normal and nothing's wrong
Come on Grown up Mr. Obama.

I like his honesty, and I'd same the same thing if a Republican admitted it. I'd rather have an honest policitian that's experimented with drugs than a dishonest policitian.

Just another Clinton campaign backfire blunder! I hear so much about how great this Hillary political machine is well
Axelrod has kicked there ass at every
Billary smear at every turn! This alone
will generate another 2 Pts. in N.H. for the man of integrity.

Rock the nation and the world!!!
Baroooock the vote!!!

I also find it ironic that Senator Clinton wants to make "electability" an issue. Perhaps she should talk to her pollster Mark Penn (before she fires him) he would tell her that she of ALL the Democtratic candidates has the HIGHEST unfavorables in a general election campaign. He would also tell her that polls have consistently shown that Senator Obama does as well or even better than Senator Clinton in matchups with the Republican candidates.

hey karl rove said he could tell barack obama how to beat hillery clinton the cocaine marjuana smear about obama may do clinton in but they thank obama would be a easy win for the republicans open the doors here come the republicans white house again 08

I'm not concerned on where Obama has been, but on where he is going.Obama has a lot of good ideas and points in his campaign that I have applauded. The one negative that I have being a former Marine,will be his view on patriotism as a US President.As a citizen of the United States freedom has given us the privilege not be patriotic if we don't want to be patriotic. When Obama didn't were an American Flag on his appell or hold his hand over his heart during the national anthem is his right, but where I feel he has alienated at least a lot of serviceman past and present is that he is running for President of the United States where patriotism by it's leader or prospective leader of the free world is looked upon on how we became who we are and where we are going;This shouldn't be tossed with such cavaliere in running for president.I haven't made a decision on who to cast my vote,But because of his personal views on patriotism as President of the United States I can't and will not be voting for Obama.

The hypocrisy abounds! Is there anyone in the civilized world who doesn't believe that Hill and Bill were doing drugs back in their "hip" law school days of the 60's? (Of course Bill, at least, didn't inhale!)

Uh huh!

What's a moderate Republican to do? Dear old Dr. Dobson is threatening to ressurect the suicide wing of the party lest we dare say a candidate who says an abortion is okay if the mother was raped on a leap year when the Cowboys are in the Superbowl can bear the standard during the election. Some of us don't like being blackmailed. Some of us may have some silly notions that an abortion is a necessary evil, or that maybe the people ought to have a voice in politics over the deepest of corporate soft-money treasure troves. Some of us may not even be scared by the concept that gays and lesbians might want to form stable, nuclear families.

This, however, I vow. We hate Hillary Clinton to the core. This woman, more than any in America, will make us remain in common cause with Dobson's ilk if for no other purpose that to stop that shrew from realizing the power she so desperately covets. She will be the single, driving, unifying issue that brings Republicans of all stripes together. We will put aside differences and work together to defeat this shrew.

On the other hand, Obama just doesn't arouse the same hatred in us. He seems to at least stand for what he believes in, not openly prostitute himself to every causehead that a focus group says will bump him two points. Sincerity and character count. He's sincere, and he has the (expletive deleted) to admit that he did the drugs he did, instead of trying to say something contrived like "I didn't inhale."

We won't vote for the man. Certainly you must realize that. On the other hand, a number of us aren't exactly going to go out of our way to stand in his path to office either. If Shrewery is the nominee, you can bet I'll take the day off and drive people to the polls if it halts her path to office. If Obama is the nominee (and Romney, Huckabee, or Thompson is the Republican nominee), I may just stay home and play video games.

The thing about this attack that gets me isn't that it's idiotic, it's that it just reeks of the kind of childishness we've seen from Washington for the last eight years! Enough already! I'm sick of it. The man screwed up in his early life. I'm 24 and I can relate. I can only hope to have had a tenth of the success Obama has had in his later years, but even if I don't attain that, I wouldn't expect anyone to blame my mediocre life on mistakes I made in High school! The Clintons are this country's past, Obama should be its future!

SERIOUSLY, Obama definitely wins for honesty. I would be willing to bet money other candidates have also tried or experimented with substances in college. We all make stupid mistakes that seem fine at the time. So what, he said that he tried it. We obviously ALL know he doesn’t do it now so let’s get over the drug thing. If anything him mentioning his past makes him a better candidate in my eyes for being honest and showing that he is a real person just like us and he too makes/ made mistakes in his past.

Give Obama credit for honesty about his youth,it didn't damage his amazing intellect, Bush got a free pass.

Wow, Obama did drugs in high school. Stop the presses – the four horsemen are riding! Please, at least he had the sense to quit. And now has the sense to admit to it. It makes the man human. I'm glad to see a candidate admit to being human for once instead of skirting issues, redefining words or slinging mud to divert the fire to someone else. Hillary should be ashamed of herself. With all of the bull that has been slung at her family, some true and some not so true, one would think she would have more sense than to bring up issues from high school years. It is rather disgusting.

"It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'"

Gosh, I don't recall anybody asking Bill Clinton those questions..."Did you sell them to anyone?" Somehow I have to think that if Senator Obama had white skin, that question would never even come up in a debate...But maybe I'm wrong. Let us hope that these questions don't come up, because they are no longer relevant. Gosh, Senator Clinton, maybe it's time to start looking into better aides and people working on your campaign. They seem to be doing more harm than good...

I HOPE he's experimented with all sides of life.... it makes a person more well-rounded (even if those choices are the wrong choices– we learn from experience) and he's a better candidate in my eyes.

For the sake of the Democratic Party Obama has just got to bow out. Even if he gets the nomination he is not electable, especially after having admited a horrible history of drug abuse. It helped him emotionally as a kid huh. Well, we have no idea the emotional roller coaster that a President gets on every morning. What is to keep him from using again. BOW OUT OBAMA!

"the fact Obama done drugs is of no big surprise. I beleive a guy on DRUGS could do better than the present administration."

I more than likely will not vote for Obama ( or Clinton for that matter ) but I commend those who can manage to be honest about their past, own up to it and try to make a difference by learning from those past mistakes. Maybe its the ones who have been at the bottom and have risen up from that ( without forgetting) are ones with the qualifications to lead a country, and have comapssion for the mounting problems facing Americans, – not someone who has always lead a privileged life and in my opinion can not possibly understand ( they can say they can though ) what are facing the majority of American citizens.

The Clintons need to go home.

By the way, the update...the guy who made all these ridiculous comments has apologized.

Look, enough is enough.............so Bill pushed the barrier by saying he inhaled not exhaled, then george admitted he snorted, drank and smoke, but is rehabilitated....now comes Obama who says straight out he did and he moved on............if we are being honest Amderica, the sad fact is that drugs are part of our culture, particulalry in the rite of passage....so lets all grow up, be accountable and be real, we have done IT (whatever) but we need tranformative leadership for our national cause.......so the truth soothes and heals and what we all have learned gives all of us the insight on which to realisically move forward. Let us go forward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and is there any alternative to doing so?????

Either Hillary is so desperate and is throwing in all dirt she can pick on Baracks way and this not working well for her OR her campaign is in such disarray that her staff are out of control and are issuing unsanctioned statements as she claims.
Either way doesnt look good for Clinton. She is a loser.

Why is that CNN only selects to post negative blog comments about Hillary Clinton and not Obama? Is it because CNN is endorsing Obama? Every time I post a comment, for some reason it is not "selected." In fact, I challenge you to print this. Every time a blogger posts a comment a little disclaimer pops up that says "CNN reserves the right to select postings." HMMMM.... Now, for a point of discussion... why is it that no one is discussing the national polls and electability of Obama? Hillary Clinton holds the ONLY hope for the Democratic Party to attain our Nation's highest post. And why is it that so many people refer to Bill Clinton's misteps? HE'S NOT RUNNING, She is!

Besides the poor judgement that Obambam's drug ABuse demonstrates....

He simply doesn't have the experience to be an effective President OR more importantly beat a republican contender in the south.

Hillary Clinton is shady. Bottom line. There is a laundary list of sketchy Clinton dealings out there that keeps getting bigger. Moreover, It's one thing If she can't control her volunteers spreading false rumors about Obama's religion in Iowa (she's had to let 2 of them go in the last week); but it's entirely another thing to not have a handle on your New Hampshire CO-CHAIR. My god. That's ridiculous. Shadiness + a complete lack of leadership.
Not a good recipe for...well, anything good or worthwhile.

I think that the fact that Obama took drugs and overcame them should be something he should be proud of. He can be a good model for those who take drugs and help to discourage taking them. them

The Clinton Campaign absolutely is disgusting to me, as a Democrat, it's sad but true, I don't think I will be able to support Clinton if she wins the nomination...PERIOD!

Honestly, who cares? If you haven't been stoned once in a lifetime you are not living. Marijuana is the biggest cash crop in almost every state in the union. I have never heard of someone coming home and beating their wife after smoking a joint. Herion and Meth are a problem, but pot...who cares???? There is no story here. If you are so square that you can't imagine a world with drugs maybe you should read a book other than the Bible.

I do get the distinct impression that Hillary is trying to insinuate that Obama should lie about his past experiences experimenting with drugs. I just have to say, that makes me wonder if it was Hillary's idea that Bill said he never 'inhaled'. If they only knew how many people knew better than that, and to make it worse, it made bill clinton look like a fool, as everyone I know didn't believe a word of him not inhaling.
Obama told the truth, and I don't think Hillary knows how to deal with someone doing that, or Obama who can admit the truth of what he did, better than hillary's own husband could do.
I think Obama gets a lot of credit for being honest.

Obama is probably the only candidate who was honest in his answer regarding drug use. Given the age of the candidates, I doubt any of them grew up without at least trying marijuana. C'mon, Hillary, I bet you tried it!

Wake up America ... look at all the millions of children taking prescription drugs dialy. Yes, some doctor has prescribed them to take a drug, a foreign substance, everyday. This country has got to come clean about drugs, all drugs.

For Hillary to shove this topic up to the top of her campaign focus screams loudly that this is crunch time. Let's keep this campaign about what is most important. It is always the "dirty player" (the poor looser) that tries to sidetrack the public, confuse the topic with crap so as to bolster their own position.

Keeping it clean Obama, you make us so proud ... you make all women proud because you understand us and have compassion toward all things that matter, to us and to our children.

Clinton's the one who needs a bonghit. honesty is the best policy. Plus she might get some heightened insights to the human conditions surrounding her on this little blue dot in a vast dark space.

Good Lord, pot is made by the Lord, and the only criminals now are the people that keep it illegal! Bring it, Obama, and legalize it so this madness can be sidelined and we can solve some real issues before us all.

Truly sad. Senator Clinton's campaign has finally decided to go to the gutter; I guess the "fun part" has truly begun. Shaheen's retraction on the same day he made them smells. Senator Clinton's campaign obviously wanted someone to throw some dirty punches so they got one of their stooges to do so. If Senator Clinton's campaign is truly not behind this they should ask for Mr. Shaheen to resign as her campaign co-chair. If they won't then that means they are okay with his statements.

One final note I find it ironic that Mr. Shaheen faults Senator Obama for being honest about his past when he was a teenager. I guess truth is a foreign concept in the Clinton universe ("I didn't inhale"; "I did not have sex with that women").

there is a serious credibility issue with the Clintons and those whom they keep in their twisted, little inner circle. Sen. Clinton-i'd suggest that you move on and focus on more substantive issues. If by some miracle she is the nominee, she should be concerned about what questions republicans will ask her, like, what has she done for the state of New York that makes her qualified to be our next president?

The agendas between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama have the different: Hillary has more real planning and concept to change America, but, Barack Obama has only follow Hillary footstep, no new idea and actual facts shows he did for American, although he told people he was drug user in his teen age, but it don't mean he is honest, he told because he knows people sooner or later should know, and to avoid it happen, the better way said by himself. the history we should know, if the animal’s habit likes to eat human, it won't change at all....

Obama has done drug before. That is nothing to brag about. We need a better Democratic candidate then that. Hillary Clinton 08

Is Bill Clinton running for president? Heck no...then why should HIS smoking a joint matter to the Hillary campaign. Oh I get it, anything about Bill the Clinton haters can use to bash Hillary. While Obama the Saintly one gets a free pass for using coke, not smoking a joint.

I'm visiting my very conservative folks outside of Indianapolis and of course politics came up. I mentioned my support for Ron Paul, and my dad chimed up,"I don't think the country is ready for uhhh, that black guy." I said, Obama? Yes, he replied. I said why not. My mom jumped in, "because he's Muslim!!!!"
I was floored. MY parents, married for 56 years and totally misinformed.
And yet, these type of people go out and vote. Covering their racist views with misinformation they consider to be factual.

The Clinton campaign must think the general public is REALLY stupid. OF COURSE the campaign authorized him to say that. And they're worried about this leaving "openings for Republican dirty, tricks"?? Really. Should I list the likely scandals that the Republicans will hit Hillary with??? Don't think I have enough room.

Maybe hillary should be questioned about HER drug use.
Back in the 60's and 70's, who didn't experiment with all that was available?
Obama has at least admitted to his "mistakes".
I', not really sure if we are ready for a black president, but i would vote for him before I would vote for Hillary.
There-I said it.

The questions Shaheen states the Republicans will ask are not dirty tricks, they are questions that should be asked of any candidate who admits to drug use.

touching illegal drugs means this man has difficulty in controlling himself, he will have problem in accepting suggestions from others, such as GW Bush

Somebody just ask her. Someone who is in the position to more than I am, ask Hillary Clinton if she used drugs in college or high school.

Honesty. Huh, thats an odd detriment to one's character. It is much easier to respect a leader who admits to faults and has corrected them then one who denies them to begin with. Why are real, everyday values ignored when it comes to the election process?
This is not a partisan based opinion...I have historically voted republican.

you have got to be kidding. this from "i didn't inhale". get ready for a backfire on this one.

CNN
I recommend you open a presidential debate about global warming policy issues. Ask presidential candidates "if he or she becomes president, does he or she make a mandatory limit on greenhouse gas emission?" I think a lot of American concern about this issue. This time Bali meeting, Bush administrition refused to make a mandatory limit, make many people disapointed. Global warming become so serious, big strom,hurricans, wildfile keep coming in Amecria, in the world, Africa drought, Arctic ice melting, mountain glacier shink, bangladesh's cyclystrom and so on. IPCC report say very like human drive the global warming. We need action now, if it act earlyer, it is cheaper, we have no time to wait. But Bush adiministrision do not care about these, just save their big oil and big coal companies benefits let Bali meeting did not get a goal. Our hope is next president, so American citizens should know presidential candidates's thinking about whether make a mandatory limit on greenhouse gas emission and whether join Kyoto protocal? As I read NYtimes I know American citizens' awareness about global warming are upper ane upper. Does CNN give them a chance to support who they will elect? Thank you very much.

Absolutely absurd. This pretty much is the last nail in the Clinton political coffin. Stick a fork in her,she's done.

Funny how all these little shots are being made by lower Clinton functionaries, and immediately disavowed by the campaign headquarters after the damage is done.

Isn't that what the mob used to call a "throwaway gun"?

At least he was honest about his drug use. Some people would try to hide the fact that they ever used drugs in the past.

Since Obama has been very honest and candid about his drug use, repeatedly calling those actions a mistake, it would be difficult for his GOP opponent to attack him on the issue without coming across as exceptionally dirty and negative.

I hope that America has moved beyond that kind of attack, but we'll see. I say that the Democratic party must absolutely unite behind whoever is the candidate and do everything to overwhelm the Republican attack machine.

Actually its Obama's 2005 book not 1995 book.....oops, CNN made a boo-boo

Do you all live in boxes? Of course it was bad that he said that, you forgotting what rallies the right? Morals, and religious convictions. While I cannot say that my canidate of choice is the most honorable person, I can say that she gives me more security than Obama. Hope is nice, but really can you mix a country with it? We need someone who can start going when we need her, and Obama would require lessons that our country does not have time for. Obama, get over yourself and do something useful in the Senate, god knows we need you there.

Hillary knows all about right wing tactics. She uses them all the time. What a "Bush" league attack.

I appreciate that he disclosed his drug use, no big deal.

He had no choice in his name, no big deal.

But no matter how you wrap it, there is still no experience in running or managing anything.

Experience counts, not intentions.

Hillary's husband blew weed, cheated on his wife in the White House, and lied directly to the American people about having a relationship with MS. L.

Give it up Hillary.. Everyone respects Obama for his honesty. We're all much more concerned about your fund raising scandals.

president obama, rome is burning around you!! please put the joint down!!!!

At least he admits to it and tells the truth, unlike Bill Clinton and George Bush.

The whole world scoffs at Clinton's remarks that he didn't inhale.

Most people are resigned that Bush also did cocaine and pot, since he only says that he made mistakes and was an alcoholic at the minimum.

What in the world is with all this dumping on Hillary Clinton? Here is a person who has faithfully and impeccably served the state of New York, including one re-election. So she has proof of a good job recognized. Now the Obama people are doing to her exactly what they are accusing her of doing to him!

Furthermore, he continues to say he didn't vote for the war, and was not for the war. Well, how could he have voted for the war since he was Illinois and not in Washington. But Senator Clinton was on the line serving what she thought was right for her country, while Obama was safely ensconsed in Illinois. I have nothing against him, except that now he has turned into what sounds like a swiftboater. We voted with our hearts over experience last time; we can't afford to repeat these last years.

The Clintons are the last people on the planet to complain about others using drugs.

Ha how funny..yesterday I made a comment on hear how CNN hadn't brought up the obama drug use yet this week. I stand corrected now.

So I guess Hillary will be the next Mother Superior.

Who cares what he did in his past as long as he is not doing it now. We all make mistakes. Most of the politicians have probably tried an illicit drug sometime in their past, and refuse to admit it for fear of damaging their careers (Do you expect anything less from a politician). At least he acknowledged the fact that he did do it and that it was a stupid thing to do, unlike former Pres. Clinton. I feel he is by far the most honest candidate that we have, and if selected by the Democrats, I would vote Democrat for the first time.

Clinton Recipe: Attack. Deny. Attack. Deny. Repeat, as necessary.

I've had just about enough of Senator Clinton. If she's nominated, I hope there is an independent candidate that I can vote for, because this Democrat sure won't vote for her.

90% of the adult population in America has no doubt smoked marijuana at one point in their lives.

Another poll actually had Obama in the lead in NH today, for the first time since MAY!

Throw dirt, then "disavow" it? Please. Do they think we are all ignorant yokels who can't make the connection? This fundamental lack of integrity, I am sad to say, seems to underscore Hilary's character. She is smart, talented, hard-working... but I just can't trust her.

Hillary Clinton's self WILL hurt herself

The clown in office now has reportedly used marijuana and alcohol; any criticism would be hypocritical

Because our current president didn't do any drugs in his youth.....

Obama's drug use SHOULD be brought up, often! This country is on a slippery slope when we start treating drug use as the norm and an acceptable trait for a Presidential Candidate. Most folks I discussed this with had no idea Obama had used "hard drugs". It isn't "Dirty Tricks" to bring to the forefront information that a candidate provides themselves as Obama did.

Honestly Hillary, this makes you look like someone whose campaign is quickly going down the drain. I thought you could do better than this.

If a cocaine snorting alcoholic named George W. Bush can get elected, why can't Obama?

sure seems like someone is getting desperate

and its still a clumsy move of desperation, her husband also did drugs and if he won the presidency, i dont think people care to much if the candidate smoked when he was young (some 25 years ago) and is OPEN and TRUTHFUL about it

Okay many young people make mistakes in their lives. Obama has already written about it and admitted to it 12 years ago. It has been his personal demon that overcame as young person.

The Hillary campaign is just looking desperately for some relevantly terrible information about Obama. They have talked about his experimenting with drugs as a teenager to his third grade "essay", 'I want to be President'. The Hillary campaign just doesn't get it. It hurts Hillary when her campaigning gets "personally" negative against fellow Democrats. Obama shows us he has class.

Some of Hillary's opponents could easily take a shot at Hillary and Bill, stating that 'we don't any more personal infidelity scandals to diminish the prestige of the White House'. America's already has a diminished image in the eyes of the world based on Bush's last 6 years as President.

I have been and probably always will be a Republican, but I will say it is more than refreshing to hear a politician admit to his/her past indiscretions. NONE of us are perfect, and we all make mistakes. This is how we grow in life...by learning from our mistakes. I greatly admire and respect Obama, and I am strongly considering leaving my party to vote for him in the '08 election. His honesty and straightforwardness on many issues has greatly impressed me. Thanks Obama for letting us know that you are human, and that you have learned from your past. The majority of America appreciates your honesty.

Obama can be trusted to tell the truth only if you are too stupid or brainwashed to know what the truth is.

He claimed he wasn't planning on running for President as long as the other candidates. Yet it is well documented that he has been planning on running for president since he arrived in the Senate, since he was in law school, and even since he was in grade school. Now when these things are pointed out his response is not to attempt to defend himself by claiming that he was in fact telling the truth, (or admitt he was lying); but rather to respond by making the issue that people were talking about his childhood. Apparently his childhood is only relevant when he is claiming it as his foreign policy experience.

No one was criticizing Mr. Obama's drug use per se, simply pointing out that it opens the door for all sort of messiness in a general election. The larger point is that we don't know alot about Mr. Obama and that carries a risk. His popularity is largely a honeymoon period he benefits from because he hasn't been in the public eye for long. To confuse that for electability is quite ignorant. Mr. Obama's willingness to discuss this so openly puts him in a very tough position. When it becomes an issue in the general election he will have to address it at lenght or risk being a hypocrite. This will not be a help to him. I also find it quite hypocritical for the Obama camp to constantly stress Clinton's high negatives, but when th Clinton camp points out vunlerabilties of Obama in the general election that is wrong.

I also heard that the Obama camp claimed that the Clinton camp has gone negative because they were losing when the race was positive. It is clear that Mrs. Clinton began to slip after the Philadelphia debate when the entire democratic feild went negative against her including Mr. Obama. For the Obama camp to now claim that Mrs. Clinton went negative first is the type of bold face lie that has become the mark of Obama. Railing against the system does not mean you are telling the truth. It just makes you lies all the more hypocritical.

Posted By Jerry : December 12, 2007 7:05 pm

Even if Barack had started running for president as soon as he arrived in the senate that's still only three years. Hillary Clinton has been preparing to run for president since her husband was in office. In fact the DLC has been preparing her to run since 2000. So your accusation there is asinine.

Clinton went on tv and called him Naive FIRST. He has not made personal attacks on senator clinton but simply disagrees with the way she plays politics.

So your point was?

The remark on Obama's honesty has 2 purposes: to scare people away from voting for him in the primaries, and as a trial balloon to see if such attacks will work for Hillary's campaign.

It was a very stupid thing to say, it won't work, and if it's an indication of conditions in the Clinton camp, they're in far more trouble than I thought.

'she's moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years'

She is almost in his college years, just in time for the IOWA caucus

Oh, don't forget he as President of Harvard Law Review

I am actually stunned at how a supposedly veteran campaign can bungle something simple like this and implode so quickly.

Just as most folks start paying closer attention to this race, her backers seem to be in panic mode. Not quite "profiles in courage stuff" that's for sure!

All the while their infantile attacks just seem to boost the credibility of Obama and get more potential voters fired up to go to the caucuses and polls for him instead.

Being a Senator tells you only what someone "Stands for". If their voting record agrees with your own philosophy, I guess that's something, BUT the job of Senator is a sad beginning for a President. Better a Mayor or Governor who has actually made executive decisions and has had to prove to voters that they can keep taxes down and keep cities safe by punishing criminals.

If this is true (that Cliniton's people are raising this as a roadblock), then they are indeed desperate and beneath contempt. This goes right along with citing his kindergarten dream of being President. Reeks of desperation. I am a Hillary supporter who is becoming quite turned off.

I Listen to Sean Hannity's radio show every afternoon. It is gut churning. He is positively giddy over the prospect of Barack Obama becoming the nominee. He despises the Democrats, yet everyday is pushing for Obama. Now why do you think that is? Why is Karl Rove giving Obama tips on how to defeat Hillary?
The Republicans know they can slaughter Obama in the General election. Implications that his 'brain is affected by his past cocaine use'. He come from Muslim roots and secretly is trying to help the Muslims take over the world. Or how about this, "Do you trust a man with only two years on the National political stage?" "America has big problems, Do you trust a guy with so little experience?
It doesn't matter if these things are true or not, it works.

John Kerry, a four term Senator, and winner of the Purple Heart; made to look like a flip-flopper and lying, coward. Max Cleland of Georgia, lost 3 limbs fighting in Vietnam; the Republicans had him looking like he worked for Saddam Husein. John McCain lost to Bush in the 2000 primary; his own party accused him of having a 'black baby.'

The Democrats always go for 'hope' and 'change,' and they always lose.
In spite of the unpopularity of the war, you put Obama up there, and the Republicans will win the election.
I live in Georgia, Evangelical Heaven. Rudy Gulianni could say he supports public abortion, free at your local supermarket and he would win the General Election over Obama.

Hukabee is having his little surge right now, but at the end of the day, it will be Rudy. And you put Rudy "hero of 911" against Obama "inexperieced Muslim supporter". Which 'soundbite' do you think will resonate with the general population?
How many times do the Democrats have to lose to get it? BE RIGHT AND LOSE should be our motto.

This is just sad. Hillary Clinton and her advisors are unable to challenge Obama on any current issue with even the least bit of substance... and guess what... the republicans won't be able to either. Obama is well ahead of the field and will become our next president in 2008. He will take on the responsibility of rebuilding our once great nation... Lincoln anyone???

Wouldn't it be refreshing if the canidates and press actually covered something important like SS, ending the war, poverty in this country and a number of other issues rather than trivial issues like this.

Just tell me what you will do if elected rather than kicking dirt on everyone else.

I personally would not vote for a man who refused to cross his heart or say the pledge of allegiance. But that's just me. His past drug use is incidental. Everyone's done something in their past they regret.

Focus on the issues, not on the character.

Let's let all of the perfect people in the country cast the first stones. I for one am not perfect, will not cast stones or pass judgements. I have learned from my mistakes in life and appreciate anyone mature enough, honest enough, or responsible enough to admit them. When that person can also go on to become a model citizen with much to be proud of, I would say they have done quite well in life. Those who try to hide past mistakes are people I am more concerned about.

So What? they are attacking him now because he admits using drugs as a kid? I give him points for having the courage to admit it.

Yes, I am favoring Hillary's candidacy regardless Obama drugs use/addiction, because I don't trust him and his ability to do anything serious if elected. I certainly disliked that he used this 'confession' trick to fool voters. This is not honesty, this is Oprah like show.

I don't like Obama because he is a left-wing politician and I don't like that too many Americans follow him like he is an idol. I find this disturbing. I don't see anything original in his 'vision' .. some old socialist/populist ideas. If nominated, he will lose in front of Huckabee or even Romney because many Democrats will cross the line.

Obama folks may claim this is "desperate," but in the end it's true. As an old Democrat who has seen the GOP dirty tricks game, we should be aware of this. And the Obama people shouldn't complain, because, if they win the nomination, they had better be prepared for this and a lot more, I'm afraid: his low voting percentage, his strange statements about foreign policy, his lack of experience, his awkwardness on the immigration question, and his lack of specificity on a wide range of issues. I'll be behind him if he gets the nom, but I'm very afraid that he's not at all prepared for what is ahead of him if he does.

If that is all Obama has to worry about from Republicans, he is in good shape. With Hillary…

So what?

Looking at all the candidates on the right and the skeletons being unearthed in their closets, I'd say this guy is refreshingly honest.

I don't exactly understand
this "honesty" thing. Does it completely fix everything? Obama apparently did some pretty serious drugs, and because he was "honest" about it, that makes it all ok, and he is wonderful. How far do we carry this "honesty" thing? If it is learned that someone murdered someone 15 years ago, but they admit it now, does that mean that the murderer is wonderful, because he is now being "honest" about it, and it was a long time ago, and he is a better man for it now? Or is he still a murderer? And on Obama's drug use, and drinking. I think it is worth wondering, if he gets the presidency, if things get rough, he might go back to the drinking and drug use. I don't agree that "everyone" did drugs and went on drinking binges at a teen. I didn't, and my friends didn't. And I don't think it is anything to be proud of, even if he is "honest" about it.
I am for Hillary–we need her.

This just proves Obama is a real human and very honest...we forgot what that virtue looks and sounds like.

Get on with the issues Democrats!! Stop the War!!

I'd rather have a leader that knows first hand about these issues. I think they will have a more realistic view rather than relying on others or using statistics/studies. The past only haunts you if you try to hide it.

At least he did blow and not crack, otherwise he'd face double the punishment! oh wait, that's no longer the case...

December 12th, '07

Nobody cares that Barack Obama once smoked a little pot. Remember Bill Clinton who said he "...never inhaled" the weed he smoked? What a crock that was AND remains. The gaul of Mrs. Clinton to challenge Barack on his past "drug use" when her own husband was a drug abuser!

This woman has some gumption to challenge someone else's so-called drug use when her own husband not only abused drugs himself but also proved he couldn't keep his zipper up and cheated on her chronically with other women. Without doubt Mrs. Clinton needs to clean up her own back yard before she throws stones into others' yards.

Reporters at CNN and other television outlets should demand Mrs. Clinton's records be opened, instead of playing up this sort of self-amusing triviality about supposed drug abuse of her fellow candidates. But then, again, you reporters at CNN and other news outlets won't even call President George Bush by what he in fact is and that's a LAME DUCK PRESIDENT. Such proves you're prejudiced and racists becuase you're favoring Mrs. Clinton and her candidacy and trying to smear Barack Obama. Thank you.

Kathy Caudle
Salt Lake City, UT

I don't even care if Republicans are right or will use dirty tricks. Obama has an unstable path anyway so any American with a minimum of common sense would think twice before voting for him. For too many reasons this guy should not be considered.

Anyone who doesn't know that both Clinton's smoked pot and likely took other drugs in college is simply being delussional. The difference between Hillary and Obama is, SHE LIES ABOUT IT. And, so what else is new. She lies about everything. The country, as we entering into a disasterous recssion, doesn't need the "enator From India", Mrs. Outsourcer. I might think about voting for her when she apologies for the thousands of jobs her company outsourced and introduces concret legislation to tax the living snot out of companies that *HAVE* outsourced any goods or services and flat out ends all foreign guest worker visas, especially the H1-B and L-1 visas.

Uhh, Billy C. didn't inhale? If you believe that one I've got a bridge to sell you. I applaud Sen. Obama for his unbridled honesty. Wow, honesty. Now that is something shockingly different in American politics. I think can handle it. I'm voting for Obama.

The link is almost a year old. Why cannot you link to the Shaheen quotation>

Why does the link not contain the Shaheen quotation?

Now obama winphrey can see how it feels to be ahead in the poll every other day. CLINTON still is the best choice

Again, Obama stands tall and says the truth, as it is (he never lied about this stuff, to the American people, hint, hint Bill). His past drug experience is nothing for him to worry about. The Clinton camp is reaching way out now, for anything that they think might help them regain confidence in the voters mind. But that confidence boat has sailed. I am proud of Obama and admire his full life experience.

wait what's the acceptable line again? no drugs, but can sleep around, drunk driving OK, what about porn? apparently politicians didn't do any of this stuff and the most ideal people on the planet. no wonder they are out of touch with everyday people.

"There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome," he added.

Wouldn't it create as many openings for other campaigns, Republican or Democrat, for dirty tricks and such?

I for one, like the fact that he admitted he screwed up, and then got himself straightened out.

I respect Obama for his honesty. I am tired of being lied too. The last 8 years have been like a bad marriage...

Go Obama!!

Republicans would actually have no right to jump on obama for drug use. It was widely known Bush had been a coke head and he still was elected president.

HILLARY CLINTON IS AN IDIOT, FIND ME AN HONEST POLITICIAN, A JUDGE OR LAWYER, AND DEAR FRIEND YOU HAVE FOUND GOD!

HER HUSBAND DID EVERYBODY ELSE BUT HER AND SHE NEVER COMPLAINED, IS THAT THE KIND OF SUBMISSIVE PRESIDENT THAT WE NEED...

NIXON, KENNEDY, JOHNSON, BUSH, BUSH AGAIN, REAGAN,
PLEASE STOP ME...BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE...

Bill "didn't inhale", and George W. Bush used to snort cocaine before he found Jesus and became a nutcase. Yeah, I'm sure that past drug use is going to come back and hurt Obama.

What a nonstory!

yeah, like we believe Hillary never smoked a joint?? Give me a break!

Sorry, I just can't cite Honesty as an Achilles Heel in an election age defined by poorly painted liars. He is giving us full disclosure.

Better that than Hilary's financial scam cover ups. And I suppose she didn't inhale either.

"Clinton spokesman Phil Singer said 'the comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way.'"

Does Clinton actually think this excuse will fly every time she goes negative? We're hearing it several times a week already!

HAHAhahahaha

"There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks." This from a CLINTON campaign official? Seriously?

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Is she (Clinton) that desperate to stoop this low? Who cares if he used drugs, a least he can admit it.

Let's get on with this and find out who is going to be the best President.

If anyone thinks he is going to smoke a bowl in the Oval Office maybe they should be examined.

The Republicans will attack because a good offensive attack keeps people from looking at their past drug use.

This is a bogus desperate attack by the Clinton campaign. This is something that happened in Barack's early years and something he has admnitted to many times in his book and publicly. In fact, he is quite proud of the fact he was able to overcome the problem and excel to where he is today. Obama has been honest and straightforward about it, something the Clinton's have a hard time comprehending.

Anyone have any doubt that Hillary and slick Willie inhaled, snorted, or in her case, whatever, in their hippie days (which seemed to have lasted a lot longer than most folks). While we're at it, let them compare STDs. That ought to be a real humdinger!!!

So what?!

I was there with Barry (high school) . He wasn't as bad as this is turning out to be.

He was a stellar student, got great grades, played sports, and had a great social life.

Everyone should give this a rest already. This is an act of Hilarity Clinton.

Wake up. Republicans can't use it because it isn't a scandal! He was honest and straightforward from the beginning, so all a they would be doing is inviting harsher scrutiny on themselves.

As an Illinois native myself, your comments are incorrect. Ryan and Obama were tied before the bafoon had to drop out....Keyes got 10% of the overall vote while Obama got a staggering landslide electorate vote of 90%....

Keyes sit this one out my friend. If you can't convince a state to vote for you how in the world do you expect a country to.

I'd give as much credence to a Clinton comment about Obama as I would to a Huckabee comment about Romney, or anything Fraulein Koulter says ... that is no credence.

Why is CNN even running this "story?" Such drivel usually appears on the fair and balanced network.

"There are so many openings for Republican dirty tricks. It's hard to overcome," he added.

By the time Obama has to respond to Republican dirty tricks, he'll have plenty of experience from handling those from the Clinton campaign.

Here is the Obama campaign response: “Hillary Clinton said attacking other Democrats is the ‘fun part’ of this campaign, and now she’s moved from Barack Obama’s kindergarten years to his teenage years in an increasingly desperate effort to slow her slide in the polls. Senator 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. He plans on winning this campaign by focusing on the issues that actually matter to the American people."

CNN Moderator felt the need to censor my original post... there must be a maximum amount of pro-Obama posts allowed at CNN??

My comments were similar to:

HOW CONVENIENT!! Hillary's campaign uses the Republicans to get a list of attack questions about Obama's past drug use.

Perhaps Obama's campaign should release questions they fear Republicans might bring up about Hillary and the Clinton Scandals:

1. How did Hillary feel about her husband being accused to sexual harrasment or rape?

2. How does she reconcile the apparent hypocrisy of her (now) calling for a full investigation of the alleged rape of a KBR employee in Iraq.... yet any time a woman accused her husband she attempted to discredit the accusor?

so what, Hilary is married to Bill...doesn't that say enough about her?

Obama is being singled out for telling the truth about his pot smoking past? Thank Goodness he has the courage to admit it.

At least he is brave enough to admit it; unlike Hilary's husband who lied and said he did not inhale! Please!

Maybe he will lead the way to legalize marijuana and end the drug lobbyist hold on our government.

Obama can be trusted to tell the truth only if you are too stupid or brainwashed to know what the truth is.

He claimed he wasn't planning on running for President as long as the other candidates. Yet it is well documented that he has been planning on running for president since he arrived in the Senate, since he was in law school, and even since he was in grade school. Now when these things are pointed out his response is not to attempt to defend himself by claiming that he was in fact telling the truth, (or admitt he was lying); but rather to respond by making the issue that people were talking about his childhood. Apparently his childhood is only relevant when he is claiming it as his foreign policy experience.

No one was criticizing Mr. Obama's drug use per se, simply pointing out that it opens the door for all sort of messiness in a general election. The larger point is that we don't know alot about Mr. Obama and that carries a risk. His popularity is largely a honeymoon period he benefits from because he hasn't been in the public eye for long. To confuse that for electability is quite ignorant. Mr. Obama's willingness to discuss this so openly puts him in a very tough position. When it becomes an issue in the general election he will have to address it at lenght or risk being a hypocrite. This will not be a help to him. I also find it quite hypocritical for the Obama camp to constantly stress Clinton's high negatives, but when th Clinton camp points out vunlerabilties of Obama in the general election that is wrong.

I also heard that the Obama camp claimed that the Clinton camp has gone negative because they were losing when the race was positive. It is clear that Mrs. Clinton began to slip after the Philadelphia debate when the entire democratic feild went negative against her including Mr. Obama. For the Obama camp to now claim that Mrs. Clinton went negative first is the type of bold face lie that has become the mark of Obama. Railing against the system does not mean you are telling the truth. It just makes you lies all the more hypocritical.

so why was the use of marijuana not used against Bush? Democrats just stupid? Why wasn't his arrest for cocaine used against him? His DWIs?

if you are republican you can do all the drugs and women you want without attack...democrat/ better not even use Listerine; it could be used against you...

oh, wow, and you say there's a bogeyman, too? scary.

as an influential person your past is your structure..... it helps determine who you are..... if you use your trials and tribulations to triumph and become something greater than before you have done something great.... guess what its called...... you have grown.

Run Barack Run!!!

INTEGRITY/HONESTY

"Every violation of truth is not only a sort of suicide in the liar, but is a stab at the health of human society." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Integrity has no need of rules." - Albert Camus

"A life lived with integrity – even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune – is a shining star in whose light others may follow in the years to come." - Denis Waitley

"Integrity is not a 90 percent thing, not a 95 percent thing; either you have it or you don't." - Peter Scotese

For Clinton to suggest that Barack Obama sold drugs is flatly racist. It's worst than Republicans claim he attended a madrassa. Did Democrats attack George Bush for his drinking and potential cocaine use? No. They were largely silent even though the media was fascinated with the story. Even Guiliani, no fan of Obama, said that Obama being candid about past drug use was refreshing.

This is really disgusting. I can't imagine this will be lost on South Carolina voters.

I believe his drug use was way back in his past, and something we should look past. He has achieved a lot in his career and campaign and we should simply focus on this as opposed to some minor indiscretions of the past.

I've always believed that if President Bush could beat the rap on alcoholism, any other president or presidential hopeful with "youthful indiscretions" should as well. In Bushes' case, "youthful years" reached age 40. The Clinton campaign knows better to bring this up, considering the "I didn't inhale" statement from our former President.

Well, if Bush's admitted alcohol and substance addictions didn't hurt HIM, I fail to see why anyone else should be held to any different standard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Kimbro

Clinton speaks down on Obama for admitting to drug use, but she in fact
openly defended a known killer and member of the black panthers, clinton is far from clean-thats the pot calling the kettle black.

At least he admits it; so there is one less liar in the mix.

This latest attack by the Clinton camp is disgusting. I think that she has decided that if she can't win the nomination, she will destroy whoever beats her. No wonder that the defense contractors who support Republicans are also donating to her campaign - she is the last best hope of the Republican party.

Asking if Obama ever sold drugs is beyond the pale. How about asking if Hillary sold her vote in the Senate to any of the companies, lobbiests, or Chinese interest groups that have paid Bill Clinton well over $41 million?

Very white, virgin-like and pure Hillary... always plants the seed through other people. How many people actually believe the crap about Bill's failure to inhale?

Bush used cocaine and has never been honest about it. I bet you someone knows and will bring it out into the open if people attack Obama on this one.

Obama was honest and direct about this. It will hurt him but not because people think Clinton is any more honest. If Hillary has a wobble between now and Christmas, she'll lose the nomination. Obama is refeshing and refreshing is very hard to beat when it organizes as deeply and effectively as he has.

Let me remind you all, if people were perfect then Jesus Christ would be running for President. We all have our flaws but at least this guy is honest enough to tell us the truth. A breath of fresh air if you ask me.

Instead of jumping on Obama for past drug use, why can't they talk about specifically what she will do if elected?
And get those records of the Clinton years released.
This was just a low blow. Many people in this country – INCLUDING HER BILL – have tried drugs. Who cares.

Here's a great microchosm of the entire Clinton Machine. Attack someone who's honest, for being just that–honest, while being one of the most corrupt and ugly organizations of people ever created in American politics.

Yeah, real smooth Hillary. God forbid we should have an honest person in politics.

I don't think that the Republicans will make much of an issue on his drug use, at least not nearly as much as his fellow Democrats. I don't care for him myself, but I prefer his openness to "I didn't inhale!". Unfortunately, there is no difference between the hyprocrisy of either party. If Obama does admit, he's a drug user. If he doesn't admit, he is hiding something. I think the laws on drug use should be enforced, but I also think that there should be forgiveness of past mistakes.

Bush just shows his courage by overcoming his alcohol and cocaine days. Obama has done this, talking about it in 1995, then getting elected to Senate.

We already talked about this same topic previously and people strongly supported Obama.

Now Clinton has a co-Chair of the New Hampshire campaign out of control. They have to disavow his statements. Can't Hillary control what her own campaign is doing.

Hillary, please show some leadership!

I love it! Clinton is basically advising that Obama should have lied. And this advice coming from a campaign that has lost its once-huge leads in the polls. Clinton's campaign is the only one that actually does worse the more it campaigns in a place (see trends in Iowa, NH, SC). Take a hint, this old politics is dead!

Obama should have been more careful about detailing his past drug use. Any fool knows this is exactly the kind of information the GOP thirst for and yes, this will certainly be used against Obama if he wins the Democratic nomination.

Or is he just "hoping" it won't.

OH MY GOSH......YOU GUYS GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?? IS ONE OF HILLARY PEOPLE REALLY SAYING THIS?? WOW!! Drastic times call for drastic measures I see. I actually liked Hillary at one point and said if Barack lost I would vote for Hillary, I place my hand on my heart if Hillary wins the nomination I WONT VOTE AT ALL!!! I DON'T TRUST THIS LADY, HER STAFF, AND ANYTHING ABOUT HER!!

Open honesty never hurts. Hillary should try it sometime..

.....he even looks high in that picture

And Hillary has proof but she isn't going to show to us because "she's above "politics of personal destruction",

...isn't that conveeeeenient.

It's not like the majority of this nation never once touched illegal drugs and will vote based on someone having the courage to be honest about past mistakes.

And I guess we'll see the right wing confirm their hipocracy again if they try to slander Obama over this issue, while ignoring Bush's past cocaine use.

Clearly it's more believable when a candidate simply says he didn't inhale. If only Obama had paid attention to that precedent, he might be leading in Iowa and NH by now. Oh, wait...

Seriously though, kindergarten papers and now this. The Clinton sleaze machine is reeking of desperation.

interesting double standard the media has going on when it comes to Clinton... when it's attacks on her character, it's the big news and they're more than willing to cover it... but when questions are raised about Obama's character, it's utter desperation on Clinton's part and no work needs to be done by the media to hold him to the same standard Clinton is held at.

Senator Clinton in an act of Desperation *Que the Jazz Music* lets give her a round of applause she is on her way out....

i guess he just shouldn't have inhaled......then all would be good with the Clintons eh?

Well, it didn't hurt Bush 43 and look at what a great - oh, what a minute.

Bottom line people. Inform yourselves. Don't wait to be told. Check out the candidate's voting records at http://www.thomas.gov. You may be surprised to find Hillary Clinton actually has been hard at work on issues that matter to many of us. You may be equally disappointed at the record of some others.

Did Clinton inhale? Desperate times.
Obama wins on honesty.

OBAMA 08

Gee, Obama is someone we can trust to tell us the truth.

Can you say the same about Clinton? This will end up hurting her more than it will hurt Obama. My guess is Hillary will end up 4th in Iowa. Her negatives are now to high!

Obama '08

Yet no one ever discusses George W. Bush's years of cocaine abuse.....