January 14, 2008
Posted: 07:18 AM ET

ALT TEXT

Clinton and Johnson attended services at the Northminster Presbyterian Church Sunday (Photo Credit: AP)

(CNN) – BET founder and prominent Hillary Clinton supporter Bob Johnson said Sunday he is 'insulted' with the Obama campaign's latest criticisms of Clinton, and appeared to take aim at the Illinois senator for his admitted drug use as a young man.

"As an African American, I'm frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Bill and Hillary Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book," Johnson said while campaigning with Clinton in Columbia South Carolina.

In a statement released by Obama's campaign Sunday afternoon, former South Carolina State Rep. "I.S." Leevy Johnson, an Obama supporter, said he was offended Clinton did not condemn Johnson's comments.

“It’s offensive that Senator Clinton literally stood by and said nothing as another one of her campaign’s top supporters launched a personal, divisive attack on Barack Obama,” he said. “For someone who decries the politics of personal destruction, she should’ve immediately denounced these attacks on the spot.”

Clinton's campaign says Johnson was not referring to Obama's past drug use, but rather his career as an organizer and state legislator. Meanwhile, Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, another African-American supporter of Clinton, said of the comments, "Sometimes people say things that aren't sanctioned … I can't speak for Bob."

Later Sunday, Johnson maintained the comments were not in reference to Obama's drug use: "My comments today were referring to Barack Obama's time spent as a community organizer, and nothing else," he said in an issued statement. "Any other suggestion is simply irresponsible and incorrect."

In Obama's 1995 book Dreams of My Father — a book that was little read at the time, but recently reprinted — the future presidential candidate writes he was once headed in the direction of a "junkie" and a "pothead."

Referring to his emotional struggles as a young man, Obama writes, "Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it. Not smack, though."

Last month, Clinton New Hampshire co-chairman Bill Shaheen resigned his post after suggesting Republicans would likely raise the issue in a general election.

"The Republicans are not going to give up without a fight … and one of the things they're certainly going to jump on is his drug use," Shaheen said then. "It'll be, 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'"

Both campaigns are locked in a heated back and forth over recent remarks from the New York Democrat and her husband that have touched off concerns among some African-American voters. Clinton has alleged Obama's campaign is distorting the remarks — an accusation Obama has called "ludicrous."

Related video: BET founder on Clinton, Obama

– CNN's Sasha Johnson and Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • South Carolina


Nobama!!!!!!   January 13th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Bwahahahaha!

*gets popcorn*

jimmy   January 13th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

"There are thieves in the Temple."

Adam, Pittsburgh, PA   January 13th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

I've always said I'd vote for the Dem nominee no matter what, but Hillary is really making me rethink this.

Obama4ever!   January 13th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

OBAMA4EVER January 12, 2008 5:44 pm ET

LOL HE LOST N.H. BY 2 POINTS HE WON IOWA BY 7 POINTS TO A WOMAN WHO THINKS ITS HER BIRTH RIGHT TO BE THE PRESIDENT!

GO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   January 13th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

So let's hear from the Yalies who partied with Bill and Hill. Did either of themever inhale anything?

charlotte   January 13th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

the GOP will have a field day of Obama, if by some fluke, he wins the nomination

PulSamsara   January 13th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

It is time to pass the torch away form Clinton-Bush divisive politics of the past 20 years. It is time to move forward !
I hope we have an independent candidate to vote for if Hillary is nominated because I will vote against the Dems for the first time. I fail to see how Clinton can stand for a new direction this country desperately needs.

Martha, Georgia   January 13th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Robert Johnson is another Al Sharpton, pander to the Clintons because its time for payback. Obama has just thrown a wrench in Hillary's campaign and she is using anything and any fool to make her case. Enough of the Clintons and their "IOU" friends. Robert Johnson is notorious for stepping on the toes of those that are vocal in the communities. Now I remember why BET is black ENTERTAINMENT.

Lisa   January 13th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Obama was honest about having experimented with drugs as a TEENAGER. Before he went to college.

Bill Clinton said that he smoked pot in college but didn't inhaled (sure), oh and not while on American soil. Bush's youth lingered until his 40th birthday.

It doesn't bother me that someone has made errors, but I prefer the honest people. Mr. Clinton's finger wagging "I didn't have sex with that woman" has shown the world that when he gets indignant, he is usually lying.

mike   January 13th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

what did she promise him. deal making is the key and old washington politics.

Another Steve   January 13th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Agian. This is old stuff. Can we move on? If not then I'd like to know where Hillary was while Bill was trying marijuana, but not inhaling. At least he has always been honest with the voters about his youth, something the Clintons have a hard time with.

Amy   January 13th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Maybe if Bob Johnson would actually "read" Obama's book "Dreams of My Father" he would not taken Obama's words out of context.

Shame on the BET founder to say anything derogatory about Barack Obama. The BET network is the most misogynistic network I have ever seen. Has anything positive ever come out of Mr. Johnsons promotion of gangster rap, and misogynistic videos.

Maybe if he read Obama's book, he could learn a little self-reflection himself.

Tracy   January 13th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Obama opened up about his drug use long long ago, and admitted it was a huge mistake. He hasn't touched them since he was a teen. He's talked to teens, urging them to resist drugs. The only difference between him and the Clintons is that the Clintons "didn't inhale." Yeah right. Americans listen to and respect Obama's judgement so much more than the Clinton's lies.

David   January 13th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

She is really showing how good a republican she can be, she makes the mistake, and when the newswires bring it up, she points to the other camp and say she is being distorted…

Anyone who had read the actual transcript cannot deny that she de-emphasized Dr. King's role and emphasized President Johnson…

Sorry that it makes African-americans a little angry, but Clinton said it, not Obama…

Lets see how many people buy this slam from the Clinton Machine

Bryan   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Now that they are threatened, the Clintons are coming out with an ugly compaign. This shows the sort of administration they would run-just more divisive politics and degeneration of our political culture. We need someone that can bring people together and be level-headed. I am for Obama, but I would certainly vote for McCain over Clinton the way this is going. Democratics should consider that Obama and McCain are likely the candidates of the moderate middle. That is not because they are the most moderate candidates, but because they are the ones least likely to continue the poltics of division we have suffered over the last eight (16?) years…

Parama   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

If Hillary gets the nomination, republican candidate gets two votes in our household. If Barack gets the nomination, we will gladly vote for him.

Patty D.   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Let the mud slinging begin! With behavior like this, you would think they were Republicans.

brainsplus   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

… immediately I heard the political spin by the Obama camp on this, I was worried for them because if they think this would win over African Americans, it actually might not but instead become a liability … thanks a trillion

"As an African American, I'm frankly insulted that the Obama campaign would imply that we are so stupid that we would think Bill and Hillary Clinton, who have been deeply and emotionally involved in black issues when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book," Johnson said while campaigning with Clinton in Columbia South Carolina

KATHY   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

This is really appaling and disgusting, yet not so surprising considering Hillary Clinton's campaign tactics of using the attack dogs like her husband & other supporters to try to smear B. Obama, while at the same time using her "tears" and "that hurts my feelings" messages to claim some sort of martyr status against the anti-feminist boys club.

Refering to an elected official who has started with nothing, unlike Mr. Johnston, who was sued by his own sister, beat out other networks for the O.J. Simpson "If I did it" interview, was accused more than once of improper relationships with female employees, fired his own wife, and runs misogynist videos which glorify drugs and show scantily-clad Black women on his network. And his accusing B. Obama of being S. Poiter? What is his point, exactly? Obama is younger than Clinton so he doesn't have her "34 years of experience" - even though most of those years were spent as First Ladies - but he has worked for causes just as much as she has in her years in office.

And her affection from the Black community is for BILL - who wasn't running the last time I checked - or is he?

Veronica Ward   January 13th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

I can't beleive they are bringing this up again! I don't think it's Hillary's fault but you have to wonder if she's that desperate. If I was Obama, I wouldn't even waste my time commenting on this kind of crap!

Florence, South Carolina   January 13th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

For all of the voters who are talking about rethinking the Democratic race because of Hillary are not really using your head, You and I and everyone know that Obama is full of Hot Air. No Experience, Empty Suit will not keep this country safe' look at the facts and issues that are at hand. WAY TO GO HILLARY CLINTON NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.,

New York Independent   January 13th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Bob Johnson has one interest: his own corporate ambitions. He appears to be as principled as the campaign he is flacking for. Shame, shame, shame.

Carl L.   January 13th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Please please Hilary do not stoop this low. If you are to loose then loose gracefully. If you win let it be because the people saw you fit to be a leader. But to try and bring down a fellow front front runner (by any sneaky means) is just not cool.

Amen.

Mikel   January 13th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Please read Obama's FULL response. Not enough news sites are showing this. Thanks to Ben Smith at Politico.

What we saw this morning is why the American people are tired of Washington politicians and the games they play. But Sen. Clinton made an unfortunate remark, an ill advised remark, about King and Lyndon Johnson. I didn’t make the statement. I haven’t remarked on it, and she I think offended some folks who felt that somehow diminished King’s role in bringing about the Civil Rights Act. She is free to explain that, but the notion that somehow this is our doing is ludicrous.

I have to point out that instead of telling the American people about her positive vision for America, Sen. Clinton spent an hour talking about me and my record in a way that was flat-out wrong. She suggested that I didn’t clearly and unambiguously oppose the war in Iraq when it is absolutely clear and anyone who has followed this knows that I did. I stood up against the war when she was voting for it, at a time when she didn’t read the intelligence reports or give diplomacy a chance. She belittled the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate despite the fact that she stood on the sidelines during that negotiations on that bill.

I have to say that she started this campaign saying that she wanted to make history and lately she has been spending a lot of time rewriting it. I know that in Washington it is acceptable to say or do anything it takes to get elected, but I really don’t think that is the kind of politics that is good for our party, and I don’t think it is good for our country, and I think that the American people will reject it in this election.

What I want to do is spend time talking about how we are going to make sure that people who are losing their jobs get work. How are we going to make sure that our young people are going to afford college? How are we going to make sure that the subprime lending crisis does not lead to an all-out recession? How are we going to create the kind of foreign policy that allows us to bring our troops home and makes us safer and goes after a genuine terrorist threat? Those are the issues that we are going to spend time talking about in this campaign and if Sen. Clinton wants to be distracted by the sorts of political point scoring that was evident today then that is going to be her prerogative.

Phil   January 13th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Hillary lost my support early on when she started talking about the "republican machine". The only "machine" is the separation and polarization of issues that people like that force on the American people. Red state or blue state MOST PEOPLE agree on many of the issues in America. And on the lower percent of issues that are fairly polar, they share a lot of common ground.

It's the false polarization that is the problem.

Marilyn, Marion   January 13th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

"IF" Barack get the nomination, he won't know what has hit him when the Republicans dig the dirt up on him, for instance, his Islamic Muslin connections! His speeches are like a preacher in the pulpit, not a presidential candidate. He never talks specifics, like Hillary does. I am for Hillary and the only way we will defeat the Rep. is with Hillary. Barack has a shady past that will cause us to lose the election.

Tom Davie   January 13th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Dear Senator Obama.

As a Clinton supporter, I state for the record your admitted drug past was when you were young, and has NOTHING to do with who you are now.

Senator Clinton has herself suggested she admires you. Your drug past is NOT an issue to me in the slightest.

This story is some kind of rehash , but clearly suggests that African americans are keenly aware of the Clintons contributions to them.

The guy who even brought it up stepped down , and Hillary herself is certain it is not an issue.

We believe Hillary has some major experience , especially with Bill being president in a very successful administration, that you do not. We believe the white house should go to Hillary.

However, if you are elected by the people. we will be PROUD to support you in your march to the white house.

Robert in Albuquerque, NM   January 13th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

As a black voter, I don't care what your skin color is. What I do care about is your PROVEN track record and Mr. Obama doesn't have one. I'm voting for Hillary!

Jon   January 13th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

as an undecided voter all i can say is… aren't we done with this yet?

Courtney S.   January 13th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

I will NOT vote for Hillary Clinton if she is the nominee… I will vote for a Republican because I have dignity.

Its a shame SHE is the first viable female canidate….

O.   January 13th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

This actually pales in comparison to the completely false claims they put out alleging that Obama would not stand up for a women's right to choose. NARAL and Planned came out and vehemently denied this false allegation (sent out in an e-mail by the Clinton camp). This may have actually affected the women's vote in New Hampshire, but regardless, it's the baseness of the attack that is what's really upsetting.

Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA   January 13th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

The Clinton campaign is disgusting. They really really are disgusting nasty campaigners. I don't to hear another word about them complain about Republicans when they conduct themselves like this. I used to have so much respect for them. Wow.

Ellen   January 13th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Bob Johnson is talking about some one? Let me see - BET is a good representation of Black America? I am insulted that Bob Johnson the man who created BET would take issues with any one and the Clintons should be ashamed to be associated with him. Bob Johnson could have done so much more for Blacks, but instead he sold out and allowed his cable station to show a video of a rapper degrading a BLACK woman by slipping a credit card down her butt (among the other videos). NOW that is something to be insulted about! Bob - go chase the benjamins and stay out of politics - that is your real love…

gal   January 13th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

they are right to vet this get. the media won't do it and it's legit to ask question

Pablo   January 13th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I'm still waiting for Obama to stoop to Hillary's level. I'm still waiting for Obama to use the race card. I'm still waiting for Obama to call out Hillary's constant lying of experience when it was nothing. And yet, he's above all that. How ANY Democrat could continue to support Hillary after the last couple weeks is beyond me. I understand if you did when it was thought that Obama had no chance, but NOW? Sure, vote Hillary and continue to set a precedent of bi-partisanship politics with yet another member of our two Royal Families.

Robin, L.A.   January 13th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

How is Hillary supposed to control Mr. Johnson's words?

A more accurate ticker title might be BET Founder Slams Obama

CNN, your coverage is STILL blatantly anti-Clinton.

No Sleazebags   January 13th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Cheap shot after Obama's honesty. Bill didn't inhale, didn't have sex with that woman. So glad Johnson's "insultued", he's an "insult" to our intelligence. GOP for four more. Thanks Hillary for the latest member of the Billy Shaheen fan club!

Tim   January 13th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

African-Americans (and other minorities like myself who have suffered from real racism) are offended by him screaming racist every time someone challenges him. He has a record, he should get it out there, and run on that instead of accusing everyone of being a racist. He needs to get off his high horse and realize that it is appropriate to scrutinize a presidential candidate. And, by the way, Clinton did not criticize him in this latest story…it was Mr. Johnson, who is a prominent voice in the African-American community.

james   January 13th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I really wanted to vote for Hillary but her remarks about MLK were beyond measure and can not vote for her after that.
when she did make that remark, then says Obama disorted what she said then says Obama is great, what can makes her think she can act all she want and get voted in the office while we have this great guy beside. I am not a fool Clintons!

Carol   January 13th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Agreed, Adam, Agreed.

Erline   January 13th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

I get mixed message from Hillary all the time. I don't even know what she stands for. It is clear this time household name is not a path to Presidency!

Go Obamarama!

Bimmer   January 13th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

His drug use should be an issue. Just because he made a confession that does not exonerate him. He will be sending the wrong message to the young kids that it is OK to do drugs withour realizing that for one who recovers from it there are many whose life is ruined.

Mati   January 13th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Media, Obama and some others are crossing the line saying that Clintons are racist. You can say other things if you want, but not this. I am happy not all African Americans are buying this low propaganda. Give them credit for what they did right. Hillary was always supportive of civil right movement since she was a student, and Bill Clinton was not called the 'black president' for nothing. I am happy they stand against insinuations from.. whoever.. I want to know what Obama did for the black community other than being half black.

Karl   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

wow, this is one of the biggest messes in America. I doubt anyone would have ever known something that personal in his life had he not admitted it in his book. If Ms. Clinton wins the democratic nomination I will vote against her no matter who it is for…

Kevin   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I always thought I'd vote for a Democrat above a Republican candidate, however I'd vote for McCain above Hillary. She picks her daily personality from her well-equipped and funded closet, and manipulates words and actions from anyone who possibly stands in her way.

People view her as a strong personality, however what kind of person would tolerate a cheating husband other than to ride out the storm for political gain. Please America, do not let this woman become our next president.

S.K.M. Boston Mass   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Ya know, this whole issue could have been resolved after Bill started to make those calls to clarify things. Clyburn was satisfied with the Clintons attempts at damage control for what was, as even I as an Obama supporter will say, misstatements. Now, after Clyburn has said he'd stay neutral, they're dragging this whole sorry mess back out into the open. First on Meet the Press, now this. The only thing they seemed to have learned is to use an African-American to make these kinds of statements.

Ben   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I will never vote for Clinton NEVER… Doesn't anyone see that she injected sexism and race into this thing. She's setting the party back decades.

Hannah   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Appearing with black People in your pictures doesn't mean I am voting for you. These are old leaders who have followed white people and persuade them to do them favours when they need them but when things like Katrina hit they have noone to help them. I am a spanish and hillary concerns and the republicans is not what I am looking for.
I want someone who can talk to me or who I can reason with and I am voting Obama!

La'Kitgum, NH   January 13th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Obama's drug abuse should not go unchallenged. We already know what an alcholic president called Bush did to our country and friends. We can't continue to elect prsidents who have abused substances because sooner or later - as we experienced with Bush - they will abuse the country at large through misplaced and misdirected policies.

david frank   January 13th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Hillary and Bill have run a terrible, divisive and hateful campaign. I too always though any democrat would be better than bush, but now I'd support anyone except Clinton. She is corrupt and mean.

Cathy   January 13th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I am so sick of Hillary's negative campaigning. She tries to keep her hands clean by getting others to voice these ideas, but she has tarnished her entire campaign and I will not vote for her because of this.

Rey-Rey   January 13th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Whoa….
Wait a minute!
A guy who is somehow connected with BET chastising a man for being upfront about his drug use in the past?
Buddy…
Who the hell are you to talk! Your crap station constantly toasts the gangstah-schtick…
You made/make your bling money off that…
Jive-turkey fool…

Rob   January 13th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

The egomaniac Bob Johnson who has named a basketball team after his gigantic ego has little place to make such comments. He is a business man that is looking for favors if and when Clinton is elected. He is willing to throw his race and the people that made him very rich under the bus to get some credit for his apple-polishing remarks. This is dirty politics sanctioned and promoted by Clintons. That is why Obama is such a breath of fresh air and has my full support

Mary   January 13th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Clinton is looking more and more like Bush with her dirty tricks. I will not be able to vote for her in 2008.

TH   January 13th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

why we must to rethink? the problem is in front of our eyes. we need a president , not a actor that we only know about his part in the movie, not in the real life. What we need is president do the real thing, not thing in movie.

Robin   January 13th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

It takes Hillary to turn Black against Black. Even though Bob Johnson looks Black he is White. It's what Chief Dan George called "The Black Whiteman".
"I voted for Bill, I won't vote for "Hill".

Mike, Conway, AR   January 13th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

I'm with you Adam. I've voted in every major election my entire voting life, but if Hillary is our nominee, I'm not voting.

Alice Newman Center Harbor NH   January 13th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

How many years has Bill Clinton taken heat for "I didn't inhale" while George Bush's alcoholic record was sealed … just like his military records.

How many postings were there about Hillary's "tears" - although she just choked up when someone said something kind rather than hateful but Bush is allowed to cry at a memorial in Israel this week with no comment.

Knowing the GOP and their nasty tricks and lies (just ask John McCain) everyone knows they will bring this issue up - Obama himself, just brought it up first.

With the vicious e-mail lies about Obama's name, church and upbringing clouding our in- boxes, when Mitt himself called Obama "Osama" on numerous occasions, not to mention the radical talk shows, why is Hillary chastised and the GOP getting a free ride on being nasty?

If Obama can't take the heat from a Democratic challenger on an issue he himself has admitted to, he's in for a very, very long year. The Swiftboaters for Lies are just starting to board their boats and load their weapons.

jp/michigan   January 13th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Mr. Obama has giving the republican party ammunition. They will be checking sideways and backwards for any thing in his or this families past to jump on. I know honesty is the best policy so what ever there is fess up. GOP, as well as democrats have been on the Clintons for years.

suzanne   January 13th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

She buys her endorsements, and is currently trying to surpress democratic voters in Nevada. She is shameless, a phony and a fraud. Those who support her are as disreputable as she and her husband.

Bill, NY   January 13th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Bob Johnson Should be Ashamed of him self, And BET promotes young black Americans to be stand up citizens (hypocrite). Give me a break Bob, and Stop being a mouth piece for the Clinton campaign!

Lee   January 13th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

As an African American I am quite insulted at the content BET has and continues to put on the air. Maybe Bob should clean up his own back yard first.

CelinaB   January 13th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Hello BJ
We prefer Obama's judgment to lead, as opposed to the Clintons even after whatever he was doing in the neighborhood. Yes, he still opposed the war, based on visionary analysis. Clinton never read the intelligence report, voted to take the country to war, and never had the guts to face the truth and apologize.

As for Bill Clinton, he never inhaled. We also remember him during the Rwanda massacre, he sat, and watched and worried about MLowisky.

*Light*   January 13th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

this remark made by bob johnson is so incredibly foolish and ignorant. if you want to endorse hillary then fine. it's a free country. do what you'd like. but to make sly remarks and speak in "code" against senator obama by saying, "Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book…" is disgraceful, cowardly and serves no true purpose in this campaign.

man up mr. johnson! don't try to hide behind interpretations of what you meant or didn't mean to say. if you are going to be so bold and open your mouth and speak out against someone, then at least have the courage to stand up like a man and shoot it straight while fully speaking your mind. man up! stop hiding behind partial statements.

now i am sure he will turn this all around and say that he was not referring to obama's past history with drugs. i am sure mr. johnson will say we are all taking his words out of context. now the clintons will have to get out to the media AGAIN that these words and statements that came from their campaign were misunderstood. somehow this seems to be a common theme now in her campaign.

i find the actions of mr. johnson low and disrespectful. i support obama and have no qualms with mr. johnson or anyone wanting to endorse and stand behind any other candidate. but i would implore mr. johnson to back his candidate based on her merits and stop taking childish and cheap shots at senator barack. negative campaigning is something that the american public absolutely unequivocally does not like.

OBAMA '08

R   January 13th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

have you ever watch BET? they play ganster rap video's.. that channel is nothing but a disservice to black america and more importantly black women to begin with.

Bimmer   January 13th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

I do not think the media is their due diligence in raising questions about Obama's flip-flops, use of something and confession and his church. Now that he is a fornt runner he should be probed as was others before it is too late.

rkwallace   January 13th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

There is always a difference in a person that admits his youthful indisgressions verses those who continue to hide theirs.

I'm more concerned with the person who learned from their mistakes.

Mike, Clio, Michigan   January 13th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

This is beginning to get disgusting….we've had a somewhat positive campaign for a while, at least compared to past years, but now it's taking another turn for the worse.

The fact that Obama is admitting his past history so candidly is something to be commended, not criticized.

Oh well.

JACKIE SINIUS   January 13th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I always thought that he who has not sin, let them cast the first stone. As much as I like Hillary, I know she doesn't have a halo over her head, only God does.

Concerned Citizen, IN   January 13th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

"Clinton's campaign says Johnson was not referring to Obama's past drug use, but rather his career as an organizer and state legislator."

Except in the context that he used it, he was clearly implying negativity because his work as a community organizer would not be someting you would point out in the same tone. He is attempting a clear contrast between Clinton's work for the African American community "while Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say".

Another attempt to smear Obama by a Clinton supporter. Now I will say that it may not have been sanctioned by Hillary, it may have, but either way, he was referring to Barack's admitted drug use.

Its too bad the head of the national drug prevention program said that Obama has done the right thing to answer honestly. Something I very much doubt Hillary and her husband can say.

Lance   January 13th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Im african american, educated, and very very perceptive. So with that said, just because the PRESS says that African Americans overwhelmingly support the Clintons. That doesnt necessarily make it true. Of course there are some African Americans that seem to believe they can get some type of gain (political, privately, or otherwise) from the Clintons.
I truly believe that weve had enough of the Clintons. Barak Obama may or may not win the white house but Id rather vote for Obama/Edwards than a clinton any day and in any way.
To think Hillary would make such insults about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and how he wouldnt have made progress without President Johnson. Thats going way to far with how bad she wants to win the White House. And its also insulting the former President Bill Clinton would call the Obama race for the White House a fairy tale. Its way too much……………………………………….I could care less how many African-Americans would rather have the wool over thier eyes. I just cant support the Clintons any longer. I feel they are using the African American vote for thier own political agenda, and the best way to get vote is by visiting African-American churches, and appearing to be compassionate.

A Change We Can Believe In   January 13th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Simply because leading members of the black community took offense to Clinton's remarks, other leading members feel they need to fight back. He openly admits to making a huge mistake and even had the guts to publish it.

He wears his heart on his sleeve and there's no surprises. What was the last time you could say that about ANY POLITICIAN, let alone the next president of our great nation.

She said controversial things in hopes to deter minority voters from voting for Obama. It backfired… live with it. Don't encourage or 'not discourage' others from taking low blows because you or your husband made a poor campaign choice.

Yes We Can.

John Boots   January 13th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Who is Johnson to point out and put down Obama's past drug use? First off, I am impressed with Obama's honesty and candidness about the subject. The american dream is that anyone can do or become anything. If a black man heading in the wrong direction, en route to becoming a 'junkie' or 'pothead' can turn his life around and be as successful as Obama, then all the power to him. And we as Americans should be proud of him as a symbol of this dream.

Secondly, Johnson has made millions, if not billions from BET. A quck visit to the BET website you can see videos with many beeped out comments. On the home page, in the Lifestyle section, the headline reads "See sex tapes of the rich and famous." Furthermore, we all know that many of the artists that appear on BET sing about drugs.

I am not saying that any of the above is necessarily wrong and I applaude the freedom of speach the BET execises as a media provider, however, Johnson can not attempt to take the high road in politics when he makes money of the very thing that he condemming.

kate   January 13th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I agree Adam … ALL TIME LOW FOR THE CLINTONS .. They are trying to divide black people … those they gave a few crumbs against others ..

Hedy   January 13th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

I have read and listened to what Bill and Hillary said and I found nothing racial about it.

leroy   January 13th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

That quote makes absolutely no sense at all.

terrondt   January 13th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

well, i always said if obama is the nominee i would support him. im not sure if it is not hillary. bloomberg or gop for the 1st time in my life of voting in 20 years. goes both ways.

shawn   January 13th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

bob johnson should be ashamed of himself !!! this is the same guy who's shows on bet degrade black women everyday… it took black mothers to stop the late night video show he had on.

kewl breeze   January 13th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

YEAH ,,,, the head of BET … has anyone viewed the junk on that network …. and did Hillary ever inhale ? OBAMA is the MAN ….. he is a threat the old school Black activists who are washed up … washed up is what they are

Jermaine   January 13th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Hillary can go to as many black churches as she wan, but she is the Devil. She need to blame her campaign, herself, and her husband for all their ills and not OBAMA. She got MAGIC JOHNSON in IOWA, no MAGIC there, now she go get the founder of BET, come on, who is he anyway. Maybe instead of attacking OBAMA he need to worry about his programs RAP video's direspecting women, and showing and glorifying drug use etc. OBAMA admitted his drug use years ago, that speak to his character. It tells allot about Hillary and Bills character when we have to revisit the 8 years in the Clinton Presidency. OBAMA can hit Clinton hard if he wanted to, but he choose to run a different campaign to unite this Nation. Hillary and her surrogates are so afraid. OBAMA did not say one thing about MLK, Hillary did, but she is too proud and arrogant to say she made a mistake, she was tired etc. This pass week, both her and her Husband are out trying to correct what they said, what they said they ment or they would not have said it in the first place. They are calculating, and a so not worth the air they bread.
Hillary and Bill DNC moved up the nomination primary and caucauses to benefit her, it did not work out as planned and now they are crazy. In Nevada, the Unions endorse OBAMA, now Hillary and her supporters out there are trying to stop the vote, it won't work. In NH she rigged the election, and won by a hare, it won't work. A VOTE FOR HILLARY IS A VOTE FOR GEORGE W. BUSH. She is more like him than she is not, check her voting record in the Senate. Will the REAL HILLARY PLEASE STAND UP!

"OBAMA-NAPOLITANO, 2008″

PW Va   January 13th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

The Clintons, especially, Hillary, have now become the lowest of the low…in my opinion, they're not only beneath contempt, they're beneath GW Bush, at this point and that's LOW!

Bob Johnson, is becoming like so many others of this ilk (Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson to name only a few) ready to jump on the Clinton bandwagon (thinking there will be some type of pittance of a reward by doing so) and will be just as conveniently forgotten by the Clintons once they deliver black votes to Hillary's campaign.

I fear Dr. King would be ashamed to have been associated with Jackson and Sharpton because it seems somehere along the way, they forgot what the struggle was all about in their "need for greed." The struggle was about obtaining a vision for the future and giving and leaving HOPE as our legacy for those that follow.

G.Dever   January 13th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

What about the SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE that I hear the Democrats stating as so important. And, yet, in this photo sits Hilary speaking at a church and Obama, today, giving a political speech in a Nevada church.
I thought this was not permitted and that federal funding could be removed for any church that allowed a political speech or supported a political candidate. Will both of these churches now invite all of the other presidential candidates to speak to their congregation? If not, why not? And if yes, when will the invitation be extended?
I am so tired of the black churches that use their pulpits for their political agendas. And, yet would be the first to complain of any other church that even attempted to speak of anything political. It's not only a double standard, but a VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW! Why is CNN closing their eyes to this and not reporting these outrageous violations.
If the press is truly unbiased, this would be investigated!!! Let's see what CNN does.

Jodie   January 13th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Mr. Johnson has a lot of nerve. I'm sure he took a puff or too. In fact he is in the age group that was tryng drugs during their college. Also wasn't there a report that he had some affair? I'm not saying of this is true but he who is without sin shall cast the first stone. Bob you shouldn't be throwing stones!

James   January 13th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

As a young white man in the 1960's and 70's I smoked pot, and I actually inhaled, and I tried other drugs as well. I am now approaching the age of 60, and I do not think that what I did then during those young years makes me incapable of having good judgement and being responsible. As parents and grandparents, we all know that some of our decisions during our teen and early adulthood years should not be held against us for the rest of our lives. Hillary must remember that her own husband smoked pot, and the rest of us at least admit that we inhaled. How do we know that she and Bill did not do the same thing we did? At least Barack Obama has been honest about it instead of saying "I didn't inhale" Bill also said "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" and that was not during his teen or early adulthood, that was when he was President of the United States.

LaTonya, Berkley MI   January 13th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Hillary is making it harder and harder for me to support her. These personal attacks coming from her people (but without her approval, yeah right) are leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

While I have never used illicit drugs, and certainly don't condone it, I find Senator Obama's honesty and forthrightness about the topic refreshing. Especially in light of her husband's 'I didn't inhale' response to drug use.

Try again Hillary. Attack the man's plan for how he'd run the country. Attack the man's previous record. Attack the man's platform. But leave a bad choice the man made 20 to 30 years ago alone. I certainly wonder what you've got in your closet.

You and your husband really shouldn't go here. And using a shill like Mr. Johnson (the founder of BET? Don't even let me go there) certainly doesn't help.

Jan, Evergreen, CO   January 13th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Bob Johnson is a stooge for Bush's corporate America. The drug use Obama has admitted to is old news. Jeez, who but Billary did not do any drugs during the 60's and 70's? Of course Bill didn't inhale. What a crock. Stick to the issues that are important. Is Billary and Team scared if Obama is elected that at the first sign of crisis he will do some blow? Give me a break! Cry me another river Billary! Billary will scrape really low to get her 15 minutes of fame. Go Obama!!!

ragingcentrist   January 13th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Clinton and her surrogates sure are gonna turn a lot of Democrats into Independents, aren't they? Every Independent voter I know is wanting to vote for Obama. If Hillary wins, I'll vote for Bloomberg or McCain.

Utrena   January 13th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

SC registered voters PLEASE vote now for Barack Obama! This is a travesty… You don't have to wait until January 26, 2008. You can vote absentee in person. Call your local Voter Registration office for further details. This can not be the next four years of our lives.

Obama "08

Mark C. Eades   January 13th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Here we go again. The Clinton's will stop at nothing to get back in the White House.

anthony   January 13th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

This is war now Hillary, without us you have no chance in November,

Larry Buchas, New Britain, CT   January 13th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Uh, Bill? Bill?

You said you tried but "didn't inhale." I respect honesty and coming to terms with one's past. The Clinton gang is dishonest and prefer to criticize others standing in their way.

They have participated in deception and division their entire political career. Obama's campaign stands for unity and hope.

Rita   January 13th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Well…I guess now Clyburn is going to issue a statement calling Mr. Johnson racist for bringing up the drug use thing…

If any other politician had a history of drug use, it would be fair game in the election. Because it's Obama, doing so makes the discussion racist.

Can anyone explain this?

Major Man, Petersburg, VA   January 13th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

How ironic, the founder of BET the network that pushes more images of drug use, criminal activity, and mysogyny in the African-American community than any other media outlet goes on the attack of Sen. Obama.

Where's the outrage among Black women about Bob Johnson's network creation? This is the ultimate pander. Sameful!

Julie, Binghamton, NY   January 13th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

The guy stated that is not what he was referring to- why does the headline say otherwise?

JCole   January 13th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I agree with some previous posters - I am a registered Democrat and have always voted that way; however, if Hillary were to win the Dem party's nomination I would start looking elsewhere. I am an Obama supporter, but have said (until recently) that if Hillary were to win the party's nomination I would vote for her. I don't see how I could possibly do that now after all of the terrible remarks that have been made by her and her campaign over the last week. I have to believe that this is how she would run her white house and our country and quite frankly I think that that is the last thing our country needs right now! Hopefully the Clintons will realize soon that they are not only hurting themsevles their campaign, by allowing these negative comments, but America as well!

Utrena   January 13th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Nice try but we know what was inferred… Bob your words were: Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book"…

aj   January 13th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

wow! Does the photo with Mr Johnson supposed to make us vote for Hillary! Please BET has gone to the dogs! They show nothing to educate our young people. Get Real!

John, NC   January 13th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Is Hillary going to cry her way to the White House? What a phoney.

Dilan Jay   January 13th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

As a hardcore democrat I never thought I'd consider voting republican. Still if it comes to Hillary vs McCain I probably will go the other way.

Or I'll probably not vote.

Terry   January 13th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

It sounds like the pot calling the kettle black. Anyone who dosn't remember Mr. and Mrs. I didn't inhale, should not throw stones in their glass house!

Jason, California   January 13th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

I have never seen a picture of the Clintons visiting any churches to give speeches or talk to any other group other than African Americans. You spend money on venues for other groups why not African Americans. I understand the history of meeting in black churches but also I know that now we have other venues (and I'm not talking of night clubs which is where Former Pres. Clinton visited in DC.) so lets let Sundays be a time of worship.
I am insulted by Bob Johnson as an African American; BET was and is the worst station on the air, even when he owned the station. What happened to the news that was broadcasted on the station, replaced with videos of course? Bob Johnson is it not true that the Clinton administration had less African American employees than that of the Bush administration??

Jude   January 13th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Mr Bob Johnson, one of the main profit maker of the BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TV. As an African black, I don't see how your BET has helped uplift the spirit of black Americans. All I see is music videos and programs that are really uneducational to people who seek to break a stereotype and transit onto mainstream America. For you to come out and criticize Barack on his previous drug use as a youthful adult, just shows how irresponsible you are. When we look at black dignitaries in America who truely make a difference, Al Sharpton made the list and you definitely didn't.. Since money is the only thing you have speaking for you, America will have a new voice in the white house. And it will be the voice of Barack Obama.

anonymous   January 13th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

People! do not let the apparent hype fool your intelligent minds. Hillary is using a African American to gain publicity and votes. He has surely fell into her trap. I say where was this mogue when the Black community needed him. Making his millions of dollars.

People! Wake up and smell the coffee. Obama is our man and has the platform that All Americans can stand on.

Beans   January 13th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

I will NEVER vote for Hillary either–NEVER. She's dishonest and can't be trusted. The experience she keeps speaking of is full of scams and dishonest politics.

She planned for this man to speak up…just another way she does her dirty work. They won't find skeletons in Obama's closet because he has been honest and disclosed everything. So now they'll pick on anything he's been honest about.

Most people under the age of 60 have used drugs in some manner. Even Bill Clinton did…but of course he didn't inhale. Just another example of the Clinton's deceipt.

Get real…he used drugs…he has moved on. And, oh baby, look how he's moved on! Move over, Hillary, he's come a long way, baby!

HA!

Axel, California   January 13th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

What's wrong with a few "Youthful Indiscretions"? Other than it sounds like Republican double talk, of course… :D

evita   January 13th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

wow. what a hypocrit. this supporter of hillary's is the same person who SOLD OUT to certain "special interests" for the mighty $. what a joke. since when is he or anyone else including hillary lacking of moral weight and significance able to even mention barack obama's name?

…oh yes, and hillary understands what it is to be a minority? to be less prevalent? ha! her name, her husband's name/reputation has never allowed her to be a minority. time will tell and show how terribly off and wrong mr. johnson and hillary are to be so divisive and so arrogant but the only candidate with a true vision, passion, and strength to lead our country in such a time is mr. barack obama.

Amazing   January 13th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Bob Johnson made millions running that BET station and now he's trying to be insulted.

Tom Davie   January 13th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Golden rule

Distort anything Hillary or Bill say as RACIST no matter what.

never mind he was called the black president. Never mind all the Clinton contributions to african americans.

just key in on the obama camps attempt to paint them all of a sudden as outright CRACKERS all of a sudden.

After all, we got a south carolina vote coming up.

This makes me ASHAMED to be an american when people pull this crap.

JON, COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA   January 13th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

bob johnson should stay out of this. he need to worry about he bobcats team and leave politics alone. At least Obama is telling the truth and the republicans enough problems of their own

Geoff Ombao   January 13th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Though I have never voted for a Democrat for president, I would definitely do so for Obama, should he get the nomination. I believe his message of unification is exactly what this country needs, not the smear politics that Senator Clinton practices.

Senator Clinton should not passively allow her supporters/campaigners to insult her fellow candidates. If this is how she treats her fellow democrats, then I shutter to think how we Independents will be treated if she is elected. (God help you if your a Republican …)

Mekki   January 13th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

it's funny !!! llok clinton is not a president yet and she is dividing us already :-). what we need is a uniter , we are sick of this politics where you keep attacking each other and then you say,,,oh oh it's not personal…what the F……….. if this is not personal,,,so what is it then ??… i am so angry and sick of the clintons politics,,,i like bill alot but it's time to change and america does not belong to the Bushs and the clintons…maybe next will be JEBB bush…MMM why not !! pfff clinton did it so why not Bush again… they make me sick.
ciao

Micah, Canon City, CO   January 13th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Oh as if.

I've never known anybody to refer to street-level organizing and community aid as "doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing…"

Perhaps we should be more concerned that Clinton's supporters can't actually refer to community service but only allude to it. What a ridiculous cop-out.

The suggestion that he was referring to anything other than Obama's drug use is preposterous.

He should be ashamed of himself. Way to attack one of your own for a buck you hypocrite.

And no, the Clintons are not racist. They're filthy political chess-players who will pit two people of another race against each other, but no, they're not racists.

If this is Hillary's new voice (what's new about lying?) then I'm putting in my ear plugs. This sort of awful political guerrilla warfare makes me sick.

John ny, ny   January 13th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Hannah- don't worry about hillary. My family hardly ever votes however we will make up 15 votes in my family who are first time voters for one of yours for hillary.

__________________________________________________________
Appearing with black People in your pictures doesn't mean I am voting for you. These are old leaders who have followed white people and persuade them to do them favours when they need them but when things like Katrina hit they have noone to help them. I am a spanish and hillary concerns and the republicans is not what I am looking for.
I want someone who can talk to me or who I can reason with and I am voting Obama!

darrell   January 13th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Obama is stirring up Much, Just by his message of Hope.

Modern day Pharisee’s are loosing power and control

Instead of a fall of a country, we are witnessing the fall of a legacy, of a outdated Status Quo.

Hope prevail over all attacks

All about the Money

The American people are going to win this time.

America Sellouts come on all income levels.

Condemnation is not the will of God, just redemption

Is this where we are going as a Democratic Party.

How important is the drug issue. He brought it out in his Book. He must have foreseen the attacks coming.

Talked to Classroom of students as early as Dec. 2007.

The Dem. vote is going to be split. GOP in again in 2008.

Stop the self-hate, and the self-righteous hypocritical judgement. We suppose to be about issues that have not been addressed by the Old Status Quo.

Mr. Johnson has paved the way for many. Do not hate the product of this progress. Be a mentor to him for progress.

Did Mr. Johnson have big Problem with Bill Clinton’s issue as a youth, or other democratic politicians?

Peace, Be still, to

Make nothing of this Naught

Disgusted Black Man   January 13th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Personally I am horrified to say the least, the thought that blacks are supporting Hillary Clinton just because Obama is not black enough or "I rather vote for a winning candidate". Lets be smart and not vote for Hillary just because she says she supports blacks. She may support the blacks personally but her donors and her buddies may not. If Hillary wins, Hispanics will be getting more attention than us. Don't believe me, check the polls in Nevada. Hispanics are voting for Hillary because she has major plans for them and their association. For blacks, it is just all talk. Let's be smart and think for minute before casting our votes.

If Hillary wins the nomination, there will be a Republican president and it will be a landslide victory. Hillary is playing a great game and taking advantage of Obama's honesty. For the first time, here is a black man who is really close of winning the White House. For us blacks, lets not complain later that "Blacks never get any opportunity". Here it is and it may not happen again for a long time.

Mark Morris, Cupertino CA   January 13th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Mati said" I want to know what Obama did for the black community other than being half black."

How about turning down a lucrative law career to be a community organizer in the poorer communities in Chicago, or being a civil rights lawyer?! Hillary's supporters seem to be as uninterested in the facts as she is.

Hillary dodged every legitimate question Tim Russert asked her this morning. She refuses to accept responsibility for her many errors in judgement. Her experience is a joke.

To quote Chris Rock:
"I don't want the pilot's wife flying the plane!"

Margaret   January 13th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

My opinion of Hillary Clinton (and Bill Clinton for that matter) sinks to new lows each day.

Aaron Levitt   January 13th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Well, whatever else is going on here, Bob Johnson is obviously lying through his teeth.

First, he says, "…when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book."

Then, he says that he was referring to Obama's community organizing! Sure thing: Johson couldn't bring himself to say the words "community organizing"; it was just too shameful. Tell me another one!

BTW, Dreams of My Father is an extraordinary book by and partially about an extraordinary man, written before Obama was playing on the national stage. It's well worth reading, particularly now that he is running for President.

elziax   January 13th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Ask yourself: It's not possible to live a life without doing things you later regret. Most people surpress these things, even the memory of them - and thereby throw away the chance to learn and benefit from their mistakes. Others admit these mistakes - to themselves and to others. They learn from them and can even teach others not to do the same mistakes.

Don't know about you, but I'd always prefer someone as president who honestly and openly admits his mistakes over someone with a perfect, sleek biography without any turns, ups or downs. I simply cannot believe them, because a biography like this, without any mistakes, without anything to regret, always is fabricated!

People who pretend to have lived a life like this are for sure not in the positions to throw mud at an open and honest personality like Obama. Like someone else said long ago: "Let him without sins throw the first stone!"

Adam   January 13th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

NANCY REAGON did drugs
GEORGE W BUSH did drugs
BILL CLINTON did drugs

Drug use is a problem in our country. Using drugs at some point in your life does not disqualify you for presidential office.

anonymous   January 13th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

I had also thought I was going to vote for the Demcratic nominee no matter what, and I will vote for Edwards or Obama, but this is the last straw for Clinton with me. If she wins the nomination, I'll vote for Huckabee or McCain, if one of those two win on the GOP side. Her true colors are showing through now, and after the last seven years of Bush, I don't want another person like that in the White House.

jay   January 13th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

shame on you! johnson on taking a shot at a brother like tht.

agnes   January 13th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I hope someone else come up with a BET channel after this or Black Americans turn off this channel and teach this guy what is to say this and what it is to diminish Obama!

Matt   January 13th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

We can go back and forth all day talking about the cheap shots BOTH candidates have made against each other. It is a wash.

I am voting for Hillary because she's the most intelligent candidate running, she knows the isues inside and out, and has phenomenal international support.

We need to fix the economy, ramp down the war in Iraq (and use those funds more appropriately), and rebuild international relationships.

She is ahead of the game on all three issues, IMO.

srs   January 13th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

The best metaphor I can think about the difference between Clinton and Obama is the difference between owning the stock of large company e.g. Hone Depot and a Start up e.g. Google. In the case of the former the one thing that one can say for sure about the large cap is that CEO will do well no matter what happens to to the rest of the investors- not so about the start up.

Whoever doubts this is an accurate description of the Clintons consider that at the end of the first Clinton Presidency the Democratic party had fewer senators, congressmen, governors, state legislatures and big city mayors. Their Presidency was a disaster for the Democratic party but they did all right

asheto,Maryland   January 13th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Bob Johnson should be ashamed of himself and Hillary who always cries about personal attacks sits right there and did not condemns Bob's attacks on Obama.I had always respect ed the Clintons but the recent comments from Bill and Hillary made me to rethink about their attitude towards African-Americans.It seems hypocritical and it sounds like the Obama surge has expose their hypocricy towards blacks. Keep your heads up!! There is more shocking comments to come from the Clintons.

kai, NYC, NY   January 13th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Obama talks like a preacher man, sometimes like a motivational speaker. He talks and talks, but I never hear him say anything. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon like blind mice. I've listened and haven't heard anything. I don't like Hillary, but at least she talks about real issues.

Tad Hunter   January 13th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is getting desperate and slinging the mud around and around! I'm not moved by her alligator tears and I'm not amused by her phony southern accent! I would NEVER vote for this infortunate woman.

Cheryl   January 13th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Just another day of the Clintons clarifying what they ment to say. I get the feeling that if what they say is questioned, they will put a spin on it to change it to a different meaning. It's like they shot from the hip and then have to cleanup the mess. Is this the candidate we want to elect when they have to correct most of what they say? Seems like they need a course on communications.

Biggdawg   January 13th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Whatever. The media just chooses to ignore slights of Clinton by Obama supporters.

JD, WI   January 13th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Obama just released an economy plan, which is a total copycat of the Clinton plan released last week. This is shockingly embarrassing that has never seen in political history. Even his economic advisor admits it’s similar to Clinton plan.
Is this how Obama bring about change? By changing numbers of an opponent’s plan?
If you can’t even come up with an original idea how can you be a change agent?
Of course, Clinton camp has been asked for meat all this time.
But it is unthinkable that Obama will produce meat stolen right from the Clinton’s refrigerator. This is real armature stuff.

robby10001   January 13th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

As I have written previously, The Clintons and their allies will stop at nothing to seize power. This is a frightening time for America.

Dave   January 13th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

The Clinton's and their supporters are desperate.

martha   January 13th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

This is to answer the writer….named kevin,,

to answer your question what kind of a woman would stay with a man who cheats . It takes a very special woman.. strong woman..a Godly woman…..

You see…it is much easier to leave the man than to forgive him…..most people cannot take the heat therefore they should get out of the kitchen……Mrs.Clinton, it seems she is very comfortable in the Kitchen….

Clinton '08′

David   January 13th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Obama just lost my vote. He says he is for a new kind of politics and that he wants to unite, not divide. Then why is he dividing his own party? First, his operatives are trying to embarrass Hillary in Michigan by urging people there to vote uncommitted. If he wanted to have a say in Michigan, he should have kept his name on the ballot. Now this attempt to play the race card over MLK. Just shows his rhetoric does not match the reality, and he is just a typical politician who will do anything to get elected. This is what he calls unity? This is new kind of politics? What a hypocrite.

Jeff, Rugby ND   January 13th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Whatever.

kendall   January 13th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Will somebody please explain to me why Barak Obama cannot be criticized? You guys are ridiculuos and you have a huge double standard. So many of you post such negativity about Hilary Clinton here and then get your feathers ruffled when some criticizes your guy, Barak. Obama was flat in the polls for a long time. Then his backers told him to ramp it up against Hilary. He did and now he has more support. Yet any time Hilary or anyone even remotely connected to her mentions Obama's name, she gets lambasted. DOUBLE STANDARD. My mother once told me, "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen– that is you, Obama and all your supporters. Can't Obama take it? I hope he can because he'll get a lot worse on the world stage if he's elected president.

Gil - California   January 13th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

Bob Johnson, you are offensive to me. You'd be called a carpet bagger in other timies. Make your money off your people and keep you own people down just to keep your mistress happy. What has she promised you for your spew of hatred?

Eldon, Camarillo CA   January 13th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

This race baiting is really getting old. Either one of these candidates needs to just stand up and say that this garbage needs to stop. I could care less which candidate is seen as "black enough". They both need to talk about the issues affecting us, not this drivel.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   January 13th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

BET founder Bob Johnson I'm laughing at you just like Hillary is laughing at you. She's only taking advantage of this photo opportunity, the laughs on you Mr. Johnson.

Bo A.   January 13th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

If anyone should be accusing Obama of drug use it shouldn't be Bob Johnson - and there I thought BET was about helping the black community get back on its feet in spite of its past troubles. Hillary is doing worse to the democratic party by encouraging division. She's making sure that by the end of this primary, most of the people who finally got hope about a new kind of politics and came out to vote would have lost it again! What happened to her "finding a new voice" after NH? I'm very disappointed!

Ronald Nfor, NY   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Response to Bimmer's comment:

Either you are a plant from another campaign or you are just outright illogical and biased. In other blogs, you mentioned Obama's not changing his name to be an issue. Well in America we don't think that is an issue to determine who becomes president. As for Obama's past drug use, no mudsligging will stick because Obama has been forthright about it and if you think that did not exonerate him, too bad. This a campaign for the president of the United States, not for who sits at the right hand of God for dinner. Bush admitted he was an alcoholic and went on to win the White House. I don't think that has made more young Americans alcoholic.
Once again, Mr. Bimmer, challenge a candidate's position on the issues and quit the personal attacks. This makes you look like a plant from the mudsligging machine.

AJ, IL   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

For all the Obama haters that want to go back 30+ years into his past to talk about his admitted drug abuse while in his teens is total B.S.! He was reflecting on his real life moments. He already admitted that it was a mistake and doesn't encourage anyone to do drugs. Bill Clinton was more famous for getting involved in the African-American community, not Hillary Clinton.

The Hillary Clinton campaign has constantly changed their tactics when it comes to Obama. Now they have settled in on the following:
1) Have Hillary bash Bush
2) Have Hillary supporters (i.e. Bill Clinton, Bob Johnson, & others)
personally bash Obama
3) Have Hillary bash Obama when the Hillary supporters do it and are not
called on it.

ANDROLOMA, Commerce City, Colorado   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Will there ever be a time in the distant future when we can speak of drug use without the hysteria associated by negative stereotyping? America has paid dearly for alienating its domestic subcultures; well the nation should get what it pays for.

ezzy   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

So we are suppose to BELIEVE that Johnson's comments, "when Barack Obama was doing something in the neighborhood that I won't say what he was doing but he said it in his book," really means that Mr. Johnson was putting Barack down for doing community service and organizing? WOW, just wow! Please, let's all get some wits about us and stop allowing HRC to pull a Bill O'Reilly spin session on a us on a daily basis. The man said what he said and meant what he meant!

Frankly, I'm tired of her and her campaign making stupid mistakes and blaming Barack's supporters and campaign for it. From this example to the countless others like the voting scandal currently going down in Nevada with the Caucus'. It's one thing after another coming from their camp and then they point the finger and say "but, but, it was really Barack that did it." This is a woman, and I say this as a woman, who wants to WIN at any cost. This has been her plan for years so please don't be fooled. Ask yourself, If she can't take responsibility for her war vote and she can't take responsibility for her supporters and campaign handlers words and actions, do you think she will be able to take appropriate responsibility for our country? If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a $$%%$ duck!

Good Grief..it's so sad. Can't we move forward together as a country into a different direction than Bush and Clinton? Please….join together against this polarizing woman. Stand up for HOPE and CHANGE and CLASS. This is so 90's and we need to do better than this. WE can do better than this….together!

john   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I don't see why Obama's drug use as a teenager should affect his presidential campaign. Bill Clinton smoked marijuana, George W Bush is an ex-alcoholic and has used other drugs and they both made it in to the white house.

Mekki   January 13th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Good call anonymous !!! i hope that Obama will win the nominee and having OBAMA/Edwards ticket ,,,that will be the best for the american people!!!
WE CAN DO IT !!!
Ciao

Anonymous   January 13th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Bob johnson is the ultimate sellout. He sold bet to whites and now he's selling his support to whites, so whatever he has to say to or about black america is irrelevant.

Chris, Orlando FL   January 13th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

As a candidate for the most powerful job in the world, anything and everything is fair game. He should be scrutinized just like any other candidate, and if he was a druggie, then he should have to answer for it whenever, wherever, and by whomever the issue is raised. That was his decision to smoke pot, drink booze, and snort coke, and now he has to live with the consequences.

Annie   January 13th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Hillary, give it up. You are going to divide the Democratic Party. Bill left it in disgrace with his conduct in the White House, and now you are trying to destroy a honorable Black man just so you can become President. If you must destroy someone to achieve that, what does that say about your character? I do not care of Obama is Black or White, which in reality, he is both, You are appealing to the older generation in this latest attack, but remember, we are old enough to have seen how low you and Bill will go.

Tina ny, ny   January 13th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

It’s offensive that Senator Clinton literally stood by and said nothing as another one of her campaign’s top supporters launched a personal, divisive attack on Barack Obama,” he said. “For someone who decries the politics of personal destruction, she should’ve immediately denounced these attacks on the spot.”

These guys are just cry babies. Why does she has to denounce anything. It is true. Obama people are too sensitive. How the hell Obama is going to go ahead in the game when he can't even take little bit of heat. He is just made of eggshells ready to crumble.

Katy Hill Prescott Az.   January 13th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Hillary spent the entire interview with Russert turning his questions into attacks on Obama. She didn't answer a single question to my satisfaction so from here on I will give her speeches and interviews the same attention Bush gets…I'll turn them off.

Lauren   January 13th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

The Clintons should be ashamed that they associate with someone like Bob Johnson.

Vincent, Tamaqua, Pa   January 13th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

If Barack gets the nomination no one in my family will vote for him.

If Hillary gets the nomination she will get all five votes.

Pray to God that Hillary wins!

Robert   January 13th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Is it me, or are there more Obama supporters on this site than anywhere else? And all of these political figures, much of whom nobody outside of their own states and districts has ever heard of, endorsing Obama as of late. You dont see that kind of scurrying coming from Edwards or Clinton? It's almost as if everyone in the Obama camp is afraid of losing.

Tina ny, ny   January 13th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

anthony- whatever. We sure showed Obama in NH. There are people smarter than you.

______________________________________
January 13, 2008 4:44 pm ET

This is war now Hillary, without us you have no chance in November,

b.lee   January 13th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Just like Bush, Hillary is surrounding herself with the wrong kind of people, she should distance herself from Bob Johnson and his negative comments about Obama, to say you are proud of Obama while in church only to compaign with someone with views held by Johnson only reinforce the perception of your candidacy as one of division.

James   January 13th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Is Bob Johnson the same idiot CEO who reinforces negative black stereotypes by replaying rap videos about black rappers rapping about money, drugs and women on his former network? Guy must be shaking in his boots knowing that Hillary is subject to monetary bribes and Obama is against this. Classic example of the status-quo trying to defend his lifestyle. What a fool.

S.K.M. Boston Mass