January 23, 2008
Posted: 03:49 PM ET
Clinton is going after Obama in a new ad.
Clinton is going after Obama in a new ad.

(CNN) — Democrat Hillary Clinton is launching a radio ad in South Carolina Wednesday that targets Barack Obama's recent comments on the Republican Party – her campaign’s latest effort to capitalize on the Illinois senator’s recent remarks.

The spot highlights a portion of his recent interview with the Reno Journal-Gazette in which the Illinois senator said in part, "The Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years."

"Really? Aren’t those the ideas that got us into the economic mess we’re in today? Ideas like special tax breaks for Wall Street," the ad's narrator asks.. "Running up a $9 trillion debt. Refusing to raise the minimum wage or deal with the housing crisis. Are those the ideas Barack Obama’s talking about?"

Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have repeatedly raised those comments on the campaign trail. Obama's campaign has said the two are mischaracterizing the original comments.

Responding to the radio ad, Obama spokesman Bill Burton called the ad a "negative, dishonest attack."

“In her newest negative, dishonest attack, Clinton claims that Obama praised Republican ideas apparently in an attempt to obscure her record of voting for Republican ideas like bankruptcy, NAFTA and, of course, the war in Iraq," he said.

"That fact that Hillary Clinton has praised Ronald Reagan and supported some of the very worst Republican ideas just underscores that she will say or do anything to get elected,” said Burton.

The Clinton campaign maintained the ad was straightforward.

"This ad straightforwardly uses Sen. Obama’s own words in his own voice saying the Republican Party was the party of ideas for the past 10-15 years," Clinton spokesman Mo Elleithee said. "We can understand why the Obama campaign would be frustrated with that. The bottom line is that Sen. Clinton is running for president in order to replace those ideas with new ones like jumpstarting our economy, creating jobs and protecting people’s homes."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • South Carolina


Ken Hayes   January 27th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Obviously, once again the democrats are perfecting the fine art of the circular firing squad. I voted for Obama in Iowa, but I have respect for Hillary. The press seems to favor Obama and McCain. Hillary is seen as part of a team of crooks. McCain got where he is because he is a statesman? McCain in a speech, along with the whinning Lieberman, describes hot spots all around the world. Are we heading for a multi-front war from the tip of Africa to South America. If Obama runs against McCain the Republican Race/Hate machine will rev up to high gear. McCain will disavow these tactics while all the while reaping the benefits of hate and bigotry. (After all Reagan perfected the art of soft-core bigotry, the sly wink and nod towards Jim Crow and the Stars and Bars.)
My wife believes we will get what we deserve. If we get McCain I dare say we will pay with deah and debt for his delusions of empire. (Think Rome and the legions spread thin.)

keep the peace   January 25th, 2008 9:49 pm ET

Although Hillary is the one suppositly running for President, her husband is the one campaigning. This man sold technology to other countries that poses a serious threat to this Country.

Whats wrong with people this is not a game. This is serious. The media makes mockery of this whole campaign.

Bill Clinton should not only be allowed back in the White House, he has no right to praticipate in our governing process. HE IS A SERIOUS THREAT TO THIS COUNTRY ! ! !

No felon is allowed to even vote. WHERE IN THE LAW IS HE EXCLUDED?

This man was impeached! How in the name of common sence is this man allowed to determine who will be the most important leader in the world! ! !?

The fact that she, Hillary Clinton is married to this thing should automatically disqualify her.

WAKE UP PEOPLE THIS IS A SERIOUS SITUATION.

Matrix   January 25th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Hillary and Bill are only in this for them selves. They don’t care about us, the Democrat Party or respect the office of the Presidency. They will do anything to regain the office, even circumventing the laws of our land which limits a Presidency to two terms. Think about it, they will be back in the White House for four or eight more years.. Do we really want that? Also, Bill disrespected the office while president and is doing so now by his personal attacks on Obama. His comments on Obama has been child like and unbecoming a former President. Hillary nor the Democratic Party has any control over him. So, what makes everyone think he will respect the office once back in the White House again. Basically, he will try to regain the White House from Hillary unless she can control him which she has been unable or unwilling to do thus far.

Obama needs to get out of the mud fight with them and return to the issues and his vision of the future for our great nation.

From The North   January 25th, 2008 12:49 am ET

JoAnn in Florida

Isn't that Jeb Bush Country? Likely why your voting for Obama
the Candidate whom the Republicans can beat and rip apart….hence put them in office…..So you must be a Republican, yes?

asianchick   January 25th, 2008 12:32 am ET

Politics have always been dirty. Negative campaigns are called smear campaigns for a reason.

If Obama can't take the criticisms and/or distortions, he should just drop out. Other politicians have created worse campaigns. And… it's not as if he never created a smear campaign. Who is he to call the kettle black? I dare say, pure hypocrisy.

He says that he's bringing something new. Something fresh. What does he mean by that? When he says he wants to implement tougher measures to fight crime, how would he go about it? Is he pro-lethal injection? Pro-choice or Pro-life? Or maybe, he'll just vote present every single time.

Terry   January 24th, 2008 6:43 pm ET

Me and my team are former Sen Obama supportes now supporting Sen Clinton and the reason why is because Sen Obama and his team continues to play the race card. We finally realized that he has no issues accept for being a proud black man and making history.

It was his team that started the race card. When Oprah Windfrey a former Clinton supporter went on national TV and said I am proud today to announce my endorcement of an Afican American candidate and a proud black man for President. I will do everything I can do to help him make history and beocme the first African American President. Nothing about his cridentials in the endorcement.

Then it was Collin Powell on Fox stating we could see history being made because an African American man may become President and I am proud of him for that. Again nothing about his cridentials.

Then the republicans started adding fuel to the fire Hannity on is talk show talking about the Clinton's playing the race card, Bennet on CNN during the Nevada primary talking about how the Clintons are playing the race card. All knowing that if the keep it alive the African American community leaders will run with it.

Today on MSNBC was another African American leader attacking the Clinton's on playing the race card and how when it comes to the primary the African community will not forget and will rise up against the Clintons and there so call black President Bill. And if she wins the African American community will remember then. Again playing right into the republicans hands. I want to remind the African American community there are more white voters in America then African American.

I have read and listened to African Amercan leaders stat that it was the Clinton's that strarted the race war to take advantage of the election. Are you crazy? What ever would the white Clinton's gain by making the African American community angry? Sen Clinton had over 70% of the African American vote rpior to the Obama team starting the race war. Since it has started she now only has 17% of the African American vote so do you really think they gained by starting this. Look at the team that gained and you will see who started it. Obama's team played the African American people like a fiddle and they followed right along. EVIL

Lets vote on issues not whos African American, White, Female or anything else. Just vote on issues please and right now Sen Clinton has the best plan for the issues followed by Sen Edwards. I have not heard any issues lately for Sen Obama except his color.

From England   January 24th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Obama's issues are better than Hillary

JoAnn in Florida   January 24th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

My husband and I have always planned to vote for Obama. We decided last nite to vote for him or not vote at all. We will never vote for Hillary. The Clintons are dividing this party and this country. Please wake up democrats, we had the wind at our backs until Hillary got started with the lies and tears. Haven't we had enough of this. I pray we end the Bush-Clinton sagas.

Gloria b   January 24th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Hillary has a lots of friends, and they will vote for her.
CNN let's Hillary's friend see their comment too. I only see Obama's friends comments. PLEASE CNN let me see my comments.

Gloria B

Gloriab   January 24th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

I cannot believe it!! a few emails for Hillary
give me a break!! Hillary has a lots friends that will vote for her. This web is only for Obama friends. PLEASE CNN be neutral. Let's Hillary friends see their comments too.
Gloriab

sharon in NY   January 24th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

I, too, am tired of all the bickering and negative comments about each of these two candidates. However, it is not THEIR bickering I am tired about; it's the public's!

You're all falling into the news media's traps to "sell news" instead of looking at the candidates themselves in their campaigns/debates and what they see as real issues and what needs to be done. They, like every American, have the right to speak their minds, and, we, as voters, have the right to believe what they say or not ,as well as comment on what they say. There is an awful lot of negativity emitting in the previous comments, and, it appears that it is the "people" that are ruining the Democratic party….not the candidates.

al   January 24th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

There are 700 plus post on this article; I read most and skimmed over the others. Talk about negative, angry feelings and thoughts!
If these post are representative of the U.S. population, no wonder America is sinking. What politicians say and do to get elected is what gets them elected. Grant you most of it, if not all, is stretched to the point of utter nonsense; however could they get elected if they told the American people the truth about each other, and what they can or can not do once elected…. Doubt it!!

Would it be better if we for once apply our energy and minds to the goal of getting what we need and deserve from our government? Like economic stability for all Americans. I feel that if my earnings would just keep up with my needs, not wants, I could afford to take care of myself. Then, the government would not have to worry about my well being. Our leaders could work on things like ending the war, securing our borders, gaining oil independence, repair our countries infrastructure, regulating foreign imports, educating our children and on, and on, and on…

We can’t change history, and history should not predicate the future, but it does and will.

Dave   January 24th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Oh! the Clinton!!! Don't you just love to see them not return to the White House?
They are reminiscence of all things old. Behold America, let 's start something new, let's turn the page on old politics, let's end the Bush-Clinton family rotation to the White House and let's all restart on a new footage.

Citizen   January 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

All Obama Lovers,

R U Sure of this guy? Which country he was living in for last 10-15 years. Oh may be in Indonesia.

FromCanada   January 24th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

To Bill and Chris,
Canada does want Hillary to win. We want someone who can bring the USA back to it's former glory and that's Hillary. Obama is like electing Oprah. All talk. No substance.

scriptora   January 24th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

How nice to have an ex-president husband who can do your dirty work for you while you take yourself off to New Jersey and walk the "high ground." Bill Clinton, by virtue of his previous office, has the chance to say and do anything he likes–usually wanting the media to capture his gaffs and then throwing a fit when the media report what he's said. I'm wondering if he isn't running for president himself. Who, exactly, will be in charge if Hillary gets into the White House?

Also, why does Hillary keep touting her experience. The big move she made was to get health insurance coverage for folks when Bill was in office, and we all know what a failure she was there, mostly because she cannot "work and play well with others."

Is Obama perfect, or even close? No. On the other hand, I think that old saying about "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know" is one that can lead people into disaster. It did when people re-elected Baby Bush.

From Vancouver Canada   January 24th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

As I read these comments it becomes increasing evident that the comments supporting Obama are both immature and fatuous. This is why Hillary will win the nomination - the smart people are getting their facts elsewhere. You Obama supporters on this page are talking to yourselves (and Republicans).

In spite of all the "dissing" back and forth in the debate, it was obvious that Obama was "back on his heels" when asked to answer anything substantive. As time goes on his lack of qualifications for the job will become more evident. And he will continue to distract the media and his audiences with "Clinton bashing" and/or bland "Change" chants that no one can disagree with.

Bye, Bye!

Jim   January 24th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

HILLARY WHO? I THOUGHT SLIPPERY WILLY WAS RUNNING.

Bob   January 24th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I want to know:

- How is Hillary going to stop the losses of American jobs to overseas competition when she favors outsourcing and has brought the #1 outsourcer of US jobs to India into New York?

- How would Hillary encourage the return of manufacturing to America - we don't make a TV, a DVD player, a computer, or even a darn video game anymore.

- How will Hillary end the war? She claims to be opposed to it, but is on record as saying we may be there for "decades".

- Why does Bill Clinton speak for her over and over again? Why can't she speak to us herself?

SJ   January 24th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

The more I watch what is happenning, the more I pray to God that Obama is the winner of the convention. I have come to the conclusion that It would be better to support a Republican like McCain or Huckabee than to further support any efforts of the Clintons. They (especially Bill) seem to desire this presidency a little too much, and are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. It makes me reconsider all of the conspiracy stories I remember hearing from republicans about them during their administration (ones I thought at the time were rediculous), but now I see behavior and decisions on their part that make me reconsider.

I am a self-employed white male, age 35, liberal, widower with 1 child, registered Democrat currently living in Texas, but I will vote Republican or abstain from voting if Hillary is the Nominee. I will also encourage my fellow constituents to do the same. I cannot in good conscience support the very kind of behavior that we so desperately wish to leave behind in politics. We are better than that. We deserve better. It is by far time that we have a much higher bar in politics.

Duke   January 24th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

"they will vote Republican for the first time in their lives. You know what–if you do that, it means the machine wins and you no longer count. "
—————————
Just like the "terrorists win" if we don't fight the war? Wasn't that line great, too?

Frank J. (MO)   January 24th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Honest Abe January 24, 2008 11:38 am ET

Hey, Everybody:
A lot of people here are saying that if Hillary gets the nomination, they will vote Republican for the first time in their lives. You know what–if you do that, it means the machine wins and you no longer count. How about do what I"m doing–if Hillary wins the nomination, I will REFUSE TO VOTE for the first time in my life.

Don't be forced to vote for someone you don't believe in. Just don't vote.

In fact, the more people who don't vote the better. It's all crooked anyway. I think maybe the only way for us to take our democracy back is by refusing to vote.

Think about it.
————————————————————————————————————

Abe, not voting means you'd be indifferent … I could not stand idle by. My family and I would do whatever we can to stop the travesty of a Billary ticket (Would they actually select a photo-op 'vice' president ?)

I fought against King George II from day one … and it was difficult in 2000 because of the Clinton scandals. In 2004 the doctrin of fear won against the obvious and another run for the Royal Billaries will burn another general election for the Democrats.
No, I would vote against Billary, I would contribute to the opponent's campaign and I would put up signs in my yard for the opponent's campaign !

Frank

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   January 24th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Bill Clinton is doing a great diservice to both his wife's poliltical campaign as well as the Democratic party in general. His rants present an angry, often irrelevant individual lashing out at all who don't see it his way. The new Team Clinton hardball tactics will ultimately fail because they only reinforce the American's public's fears about their lack of character. The American people are ready for a new brand of leadership and the Clinton's are utilizing an out of date playbook.

Honest Abe   January 24th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Hey, Everybody:
A lot of people here are saying that if Hillary gets the nomination, they will vote Republican for the first time in their lives. You know what–if you do that, it means the machine wins and you no longer count. How about do what I"m doing–if Hillary wins the nomination, I will REFUSE TO VOTE for the first time in my life.

Don't be forced to vote for someone you don't believe in. Just don't vote.

In fact, the more people who don't vote the better. It's all crooked anyway. I think maybe the only way for us to take our democracy back is by refusing to vote.

Think about it.

Louis, New York   January 24th, 2008 10:44 am ET

This woman started all kinds of crap within her own party, most senior democrats don't want her back in office and they are backing Obama. Yet she expects us to believe republicans will work with her? HA!

Talk about a fairy tale!

They will stonewall her just to protest her bing in office. We will have a stagnant Congress and Senate for her term. There will be absolutely no change in anything, because the government won't do anything except spend millions investigating the Clinton's for 4 years.

ANYONE BUT HILLARY '08

Lori, Woodland CA   January 24th, 2008 10:36 am ET

Sam You really are on your high horse this morning aren't you? Hillary is back campaigning hard in South Carolina after a 2 day break in some other states. Same thing as what Obama did during the Nevada campaign when he took a break and campaigned in California in hopes of snagging some of Hillary's women voters. And by the way, of course you'll vote Republican because you are a registered Republican on here just trying to brainwash the Democratic voters.

H Eugene Morgan   January 24th, 2008 10:22 am ET

For all who support the idea that Obama's remarks are taken out of context. look at his video in his own words, stating he is for pricating social security, which he now denies. Hillary at least votes, whether or not we agree with the vote, she just doesn't show up present. Hillary and Bill haters seem to forget or ignore the prosperity they had under Clinton and how these same people voted for a President who lied to us to go to war. Clinton's affair didn't take the lives of our brave men and women and innocent people, nor squander the Clinton surplus.Hate is a very strong word that so called morally people should refrain from using in this manner. Put the blame where it belongs and don't use Hillary as a scapecoat.

The Observer   January 24th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Didn't G W Bush stand as a unifier not a divider?

Look where that got us!!

Dontbuyit   January 24th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Sen. Obama better buckle up!! Whoever gets the dem. nomination is going to see attack ads that will make the 2004 "swift-boating" of Sen. Kerry look like childs play.

Sen. Obama lost in NH because he could not get the "youth" vote to the polls. It's not the Clintons fault.

Chris, Bethesda, Maryland   January 24th, 2008 9:47 am ET

Sorry Omar Norfolk VA, Obama does not have Clinton's back against the wall. She's the one with the initiative right now, and ads like this are what's making it possible. Which is too bad. If I ever had any thoughts of voting for Hillary, this last incident cured me.

At the same time, Obama needs to grow a pair and start hitting back. She's Hillary Clinton for crying out loud, the job is almost done for you. You don't even need to run fictional ads, just run with the truth - Iraq War, NAFTA, you know the drill. Then run that ad again and again until your propaganda machine is heard as much as hers is. No one's asking you to lie, but if you won't fight back for what you believe in how do you expect us to vote for you?

Sean   January 24th, 2008 9:42 am ET

Go Hilary……………….And take Bill with you!

Tom, Austin, Tx.   January 24th, 2008 9:40 am ET

January 23, 2008 4:12 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I am getting the same feeling - sick, tired and angry - when I read about the politics of Bill and Hillary, much the same way I do whenever I read about the politics of GW Bush. Anyone else like that? That is a bad sign. Clinton = Bush. Let's vote to change the political climate. Please make Obama the democratic nominee.

Why waiting moderation?

Michiel   January 24th, 2008 9:03 am ET

The only candidate out there still talking about the issues, is the man everyone seem to regard as an afterthought! I for one am sick and tired of hearing nothing but the petty bickering between Clinton and Obama. I don't care who said what or who said it first, it still takes two to argue (or 3 if you include Bill).
Let these two self implode and vote for the man who will really unite this country and pick us up out of this depression (both economic and emotional). Vote for JOHN EDWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sam   January 24th, 2008 9:03 am ET

HILLARY DOESNT CARE ABOUT ANYBODY BUT HER FAMILIES POLITICAL EGO AND DYNASTY.

Kate   January 24th, 2008 8:56 am ET

Listen up Democrats! This is EXACTLY what the Republcan party wants! Divide and conquer! As the saying goes lately…."Divided we fail"….Even Karl Rove, remember him, is giving Obama hints of how to beat Hillary Clinton in the primaries…..why? Because the Republicans will be able to beat Obama…..think about that! We don't want another 4 years of Republican idiocracy…..do we?

sam   January 24th, 2008 8:25 am ET

REALITY CHECK! Hillary doesn't care about SC. She only showed up for the debate & has been long gone - Leaving negative tv ads & 'The Hatchet' Bill smearing Obama in the media. Sounds like an honorable Presidential candidate???? If Hillary is the best the Dems can do, they can't do. Will be voting Republican.

Jeanine   January 24th, 2008 8:06 am ET

My theory: I believe the Clintons had this whole Presidential race planned before Pres. Clinton left office. In his disgraceful moment with that White House Aide, he lost it. He lost the power to think for himself as soon as he got caught. No woman in her right mind would stand by her man without some sort of retribution! Hillary Clinton got hers. She must have told him that since he wanted to act like a man of dishonor he should use his talents to work for her! So what did she do? She established herself a seat in Washington. She sent Bill out to the area that would do her the most good and get the votes she needs….Harlem. What better way to work up some votes than to put him to work for her and gather as much African American votes as possible! Next, she decides to run for the Presidency. Mystery is solved. I think not. Plan is more like it. Of course he does care about getting out there and campaigning for her. He had better. He owes her big time. I call it shrewd and cunning on her part. Is she really willing to work for the people like she says? I think not. It is all about power. Here is a woman scorned in front of all the world to see. She needs to get her dignity back and what better way than to make him work for her. One problem came up. Barack Obama. She did not count on an African American running against her. So what does she do?She pulls the race card on Obama that way the eyes are off of what she really did….put the former president of the US out on front street.

Cheryl   January 24th, 2008 8:06 am ET

GO HILLARY GIVE THE WIMP SOME OF HIS OWN MEDICINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HE CANNOT HANDLE THE TRUTH!!!! YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL, I AM BEHIND YOU ALL THE WAY AND OBVIOUSLY ACCORDING TO THE POLLS A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE TO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HILLARY 2008

Sophia   January 24th, 2008 7:52 am ET

Enough already! All Obama and Clinton are doing is helping the Republican Party. It's about time they both stopped acting like children. Let's talk about the issues and stop with the stupidity. I'm getting to the point of hoping Al Gore or Michale Blumburg decide to run,. We need someone who isn't going to go around like those two.

PAUL PROVIDENCE RI   January 24th, 2008 7:51 am ET

We all know what Hillary's back room is doing and has been doing. Digging up the floor of Obama's house and making mud to sling. She was saving this for the GOP, but she was loosing. A little tear and finding her voice, mix some mud, get Bill into it and now we have a war. Sounds like Bush's war to me.

marty   January 24th, 2008 7:08 am ET

"Am I confused, or wasn't it under a democratic president in the 90s we had a balanced budget, surplus (strongest economy in 40 years) and the U.S. had great foreign relations?"

You are confused, because the president you're thinking of was a Republican, and his name was Ronald Reagan. He took a defecit and economy in a recession from Jimmy Carter, when we had gas lines and Carter was on TV telling everybody to turn their heat down and wear a sweater, and turned it into a thrivnig economy with a balanced budget and a surplus, inside of his 8 years.

And don't forget that we also had the strongest military under Reagan. American hostages were held for months during the Carter years. Hostages were given back the day Reagan took office, and we had no threats of terrorism or attacks against us, period, under Reagan. Clinton made huge cuts to the military budget, and weakend the military considerably from what it was during the Reagan years. Wonder why we've been attacked over and over again since?

Enough said.   January 24th, 2008 6:53 am ET

I have to agree here with the posters who have a head on their shoulders.

Clinton has a right to challenge Obama's record. And he hasnt been shy about challenging hers.

We look at the candidates and see what who would do a better job. I am wholy convinced Clinton would.

Politicians dont just wave a magic wand and get bi partisan agreements. If Obama could make the HONEST case he could get the job done better than Clinton, I would vote for him.

Calling Obama 'CLEAN' and Clinton 'DIRTY' is probably the dumbest and most naive thing I read on these boards. They are ALL dirty, no matter what 'Honest Al ' platform they are trying to sell.

I am a family man with a wife and daughter. I dont care about all this song and dance. I dont care if Obama claims he is the great Uniter. I dont care if Bill was president before. All I care about is my family . I care about the ecomony , ending the war in Iraq , and restoring our image across the world.

Is this too much to ask?

Ann Aloha Independent Thinker,PA   January 24th, 2008 6:00 am ET

Obviously by majority of these posts…EDUCATION should be at the front of the debate.
Being so easily swayed by media spinning and bias reporting and the simple minded comments that are spewed is examples of political garbage at it's best.
If a comment or statement disturbs you and you decide to change your political party, then you weren't committed to that party to begin with.
And to see the right winged extremist comment here to take advantage of your weakness is actually entertaining and a comedian or the host of a talk show would be a fool not to use many of these comments as material for their JOKES.
THINK AMERICA!!!

Fred   January 24th, 2008 5:51 am ET

Hillary should be ashamed. It's just another case of making a play on words. I am no Obama fan, but his words about Reagan were true, and completely taken out of context for political gain. All he was saying is that REagan was a transformational figure in politics at the time. He simply was pointing out the Reagan had enough political savy to push his agendas through, created the Reagan Democrats, and moved the nation in a way that strongly supported him and his policies.

He never suggested that these policies were good, just that REagan was successful getting them through, and that for whatever reason or another, Reagan seemed to transcend politics.

Bill and Hillary are up to old tricks, and in my opinion highly lacking in ethic. I voted for Bill twice, and for a democrat in just about every other election on the national, state and local level. But after that display the other night, it leaves me wanting for an independent. (no Mr. Dobbs, your rants had nothing to do with that, I still think you are a big fat bag of hot air)

Hillary is polarizing, and in my opinion once again, not the right figure for what we need. Many people absolutely loathe her, and I am starting to fall in that camp as well.

Obama is not off the hook either. I still have yet to hear any substance from either of them, but he is all about fancy speeches and "inspiration" His big time senate endorsments is just an indicator of the boys club in the senate, and all of those clowns trying to forecast who will be the winning ticket.

Edwards, although I just don't see his policies as practical, is the only one that actually tells us his policies. The repubicans are absolute joke this go around, but members of my party should think long and hard before they pull that lever, and examine their motives before they do.

Barbara   January 24th, 2008 5:02 am ET

Clinton needs to examine herself and promote herself not attack another candidate just because he has the poll lead in SC. I hear alot that she is saying about Obama but not much positive about herself. She reminds me of the current administration that uses fear and manipulation to lead the country.

dave   January 24th, 2008 4:44 am ET

hello america!! I hear the call of hope and hope itself in Obama but what does he truly bring to the plate? Present with no true stance? You all judge the clintons on their past mistakes with no forgiveness but yet obama sold and did drugs (his book) he has worked with rescor who is now under indictment. The Clintons have made the same mistakes many people have and had maintained there didnity but you all seem to forget. The economy was great and there were jobs for all. NAFTA was a remant that bill was stuck with from Reagan and sr. Bush, and yet bill balanced the buget and made a surplus until lil' Bush took over. Proven policts and strategy win me over more than hot air filled with hope! I hope i still have a job and my kids can go to college to make more than 15 bucks an hour. also want to know how many men out there had an affair and got caught did your wife leave or did she stay. takes true patience, loyalty and commitment to their vows dont it?

John   January 24th, 2008 3:20 am ET

look at how weak Mr Obama handle the situation… He only talk talk and talk…. no real action. I think Hillary will be the best for the new president of 2008
Please vote for Hillary. Thanks 1000

Ginny CA   January 24th, 2008 3:12 am ET

Seems to me this is good for Obama. If he can just keep the bickering going he will never have to talk explicitly about real issues and exactly how he will achieve his goals for our country. And, he gets to excuse his lack of substance by saying he's too busy answering charges against him. Funny, Hillary is continuing to get her message out to people across our nation while withstanding and answering all sorts of incomings from the Obama camp. The lady can really muliti-task. Poor Obama. I think he's really in over his head.

KM   January 24th, 2008 2:56 am ET

What's in Hilary is only negativity. This lady is tough and can be a good administrator, but she is not trust worty to lead our nation to prosperity since her campaigns are made of false information. If she is nominated I will vote for any Republican runnig for president.

Wolf in NV   January 24th, 2008 2:50 am ET

Confuse, distort, confuse, distort, confuse, distort -

that is the double teaming C strategy and the media is buying it hook line and…

Our nation is above all of this, but not our status quo politicians.

A fresh perspective, a real leadership style is coming, has arrived.

South Carolina you have the privledge to vote for good, solid change.

The kind of change we need is on your ballot South Carolina, vote change.

David Snider   January 24th, 2008 2:17 am ET

charlotte,

apparently, you didnt watch the debate.

Obama said it was fair for her to bring up Rezco.

Are you blind or perhaps deaf?

dine   January 24th, 2008 2:03 am ET

FIRST OF ALL
YOU ARE MORE IGNORANT THAN YOU CLAIM THE CLINTON'S SUPPORTERS ARE. OF ALL PEOPLE, GIVING YOU THE BENEFICE OF THE DOUBT, YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER AND SAY SOMETHING INSPIRING LIKE YOUR CANDIDATE, BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT YOU DONT HAVE MUCH TO SAY EITHER, OR DO YOU.
SHOW YOUR INTELLIGENCE BY LOOKING AT THE FACTS.
AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO SAID THAT YOU WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HILLARY ARE NOT TRUE DEMOCRATS.
LOOK WHAT IS AT STAKE AND CHOOSE WISELY INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING ABOUT THE CLINTONS.
THIS IS AN ELECTION, DIFFERENCE AS TO BE MADE. SO OFTEN THE OTHER SIDE HAS DISTORTED THE CLINTON'S COMMENTS; EVEN CLAIM THERE IS A LINK BETWEEN THE DEATH OF THE FORMER PRI-MINISTER AND HILLARY, THE MEDIA JUST BROSH IT OFF. SO LET'S PLAY FAIR AND FOCUSSING ON THE ISSUE BUT THE SAD THING IS OBAMA DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TO TALK ABOUT.
YOU CLAIM THAT YOUR CANDIDATE WANT TO UNITE THE COUNTRY SHOULDN'T YOU BE HIS VOICE.

JohnS   January 24th, 2008 2:01 am ET

Before and immediately after IOWA, Edwards was SEEN as ANGRY; yes, very different and ANGRY. How short minded are we as a nation?

In NH, Hillary cried being close to losing to a "black man." Women rushed to her rescue to save the day. Now, Bill is out there daily. If Hillary wins this nomination, can we say that she did it at the backs of women and her MAN? I guess it is hard for such people to stand alone!!!

Well, after all the previous and ongoing negative commercials about a "black man," are we to say that he has no RIGHT whatsoever to CLEAR his own GOOD name even if he does not get your vote?

I guess the reasons above validate the thinking for NOT taking the "popular votes" very seriously; thanks to the ELECTORAL COLLEGE, there are tons of simply "ill-informed" people out there who should certainly stay out of the voting process; the system cannot depend on the judgments of such people. As a result, your popular votes will really count LESS, thank GOD!!!!

HilBaEd   January 24th, 2008 1:53 am ET

I am so disappointed with the banter and the negative opinions being formed about both Hillary and Obama. You throw out enough negativity and that's what we'll get in the end. A divided country (already we are being forced to separate the woman vote from the racial vote), a divided Congress (where none of the policies of either candidate will ever get enacted because there will be a complete bipartisan rift), and a continuous decline of our economy, our currency, and the well being of our country leaving us open for international takeovers, weak borders and neglected anti-terrorism efforts (how are we going to pay for it if we can't balance a budget; especially with the huge deficit Bush's administration has left us with). This is not the time for separation. It's the time to hear the specific policy proposals from all candidates (Democrats, Republicans, Independents alike) and choose the candidate this COUNTRY feels will help us out of this crisis we are up against (even if that candidate doesn't belong to a party you are currently affiliated with). It might be boring politics without the fighting, but I'd prefer boring than bickering with no improvements, higher taxes, higher unemployment, and higher crime rates! If we don't get along now, after all of the backbiting, we'll hate each other. This country has come a long way. It was founded on the principals of freedom of choice, speech, religion, and equality. We are so losing that ground if we fall into this negative ploy of "old politics." You don't have to join in this. Let the press and media know we aren't interested in them reporting these useless sound-bites and send a message out to the candidates to talk policies and budgets and cease the meaningless bickering. We are in trouble! We've got some healing to do from the past few weeks and vast improvements to make to our country. Let's not get stuck in the whirlpool. It leads to nowhere!

all my posts go to moderation then disappear   January 24th, 2008 1:31 am ET

and, by the way, ads showing obama saying one thing, then the opposite, in his own voice and his own words, are extremely fair, extremely accurate, and extremely effective, even though you (and other obama supporters) try to distort the facts. when it's his own words and his own face saying two different things, and lying about what he said, only those who refuse to see truth can't see it. and those who think it's unfair or somehow objectionable to show his own words, just because they don't like how he looks when his actual words are shown, have much to learn. i am so glad that vitriolic bloggers don't actually represent most people.

Lance in Monrovia   January 24th, 2008 1:28 am ET

Stop The Drama, Vote Obama! Stop The Drama, Vote Obama! Stop The Drama, Vote Obama!

I will not vote for Hillary Clinton. I never believed I'd say that, but I wont. I'm a lifelong Democrat, and I have spent years defending the Clintons. It's so obvious, now that their back is against the wall, that they will say or do anything to protect their egos and their legacy, even if it means destroying the Democratic party.

They are the representation of old ideas and old politics. Barack Obama is the future. He is the next President of the United States, a sincere, trustworthy, doer instead of a backstabbing double speaker.

I would trust Barack with my kids and my wallet, I'd trust Bill Clinton with neither.

Obama 08. Stop The Drama, Vote Obama!

Chad   January 24th, 2008 1:24 am ET

Under the Cinton administration America enjoyed it's largest level of economic prosperity in History. Bill Clinton left office with the largest surplus of any American President in History. Not because of a republican congress that fought him on his drive for a balanced budget, but because of his vision, leadership and economic prowness. Never before has a president been under the microscope more in history. Bill Clinton may not of inhaled but he didn't snort.
More people rose above the poverty line under Clinton's leadership than under any former Republican president in the 20th Century.
Why is Clinton hated so much? Well after Repubicans ousted Harry Truman no other Democrat has served more than one term in the Oval office. The republicans thought they had hold and grasp on power but they never counted on Bill Clinton. They even ahd a group of Neo-Conservative Lawyers who sole job was to dig up dirt and fins a way to impeach Bill Clinton. If Liberal and Democrats spent 8 years and millions of dollars trying to impeach Bush it would have happened long ago. Wake Up, The Clintons are the key to getting America back on the right track! What do you Anti-Clintonites hate so much about peace and prosperity? Instead of voting why don't you Obama supporters just mark present on your ballot!

ricky   January 24th, 2008 1:18 am ET

Hillary's ad is insulting to the audience's intelligence. Anyone who's heard the original comments form Obama knows that she's taking his words out of context and adding in her own narrative commentary to make it sound completely different. Dirty, dirty, dirty. Just like Billy. Unless you have an IQ of about 4, everyone can see right through it. We cant have someone like her running even a corner store.

Andy, TX   January 24th, 2008 1:16 am ET

As a Republican, I do not really cares who wins this nomination.

However, I am amazed that no one is recognizing the last 20 years of White House residency have been only two families (Bushes and Clintons)…do we REALLY want another Clinton (or Bush) any time soon?

Maybe it's time for someone else…

BC   January 24th, 2008 12:59 am ET

I'm an African-American, and very proud to be, and there is no doubt that other ethnic group feel the same as I do. So there is no shame to believe in someone you can identify with, especially since this United States of America has a "TRUE" Black Candidate, and possibly the only "TRUE' Black President, and this would never be possible if people of all ethnic background did not believe a Time for Change is finally upon us. It is not Obama who has initiated this RACE thing, but the democratic opposition who fear the possiblility of losing to a "Black Man."
I use to admire the Clinton's. Voted for him, and praised a "job" well done. But I found out the true nature of this couple, and If I have to vote republican, "so be it."

sammy   January 24th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Go Hillary, everyone should realise that words dont speak louder then action, Obama is trying to vow voters like polticians do in third world countries by promising the world on the flip side he wont do any if elected, if elected the Repulicans would have a field day and win the election, Hillary clinton has all the experience to take this country to the next level and bring peace in the whole world, go back in history and see what Bill did when he was the President, everyone should get over the dishonesty and vote for HILLARY

jack   January 24th, 2008 12:49 am ET

after read all the comments here i can finally understand why u americians have such a stupid president in the white house,who was elected TWICE by the same stupid guys,and u guys again,r going to embracing another stupid lameduck with the same hope for change
No doubt u americans r doomed to be laughed at all around the world.

Mary   January 24th, 2008 12:38 am ET

I'm voting Obama or Republican, even Mitt –"who let the dogs out " is better than this garbage…

Stick to the issues Hillary. Your husband would have done a lot more for this country is he could have stuck to the issues, instead of a year of impeachment.

Liz   January 24th, 2008 12:35 am ET

I liked bill clinton until now - more reason to to move over to obama.

Too bad by Nov our economy would be falling even faster to hit rock bottom by 2009 or 2010 - feel sorry for anyone who wants to take the steer when the global economy is collapsing. The fiscal irresponsibilities of the last few years of Bush - republicans and democrats is going to hurt all of us. obama run away - help us to always remember you as the last person in America who still had vision and belief in america and not swallowed by the economic calamitiies tha is waiting for all of us.

Robert M. Reidy N.Y.   January 24th, 2008 12:29 am ET

Bill and Hillary are dividing the democratic party and Obama supporters
will either vote third party, talk themselves into voting republican or most likely
just sit out the general but you are disconnected if you think that they are going to go
into the voting booth and pull that lever for Hillary, if she wins the primary.

Hillary is polarizing the democratic base just like she polarized the country !

Amy   January 24th, 2008 12:23 am ET

To those who support Clintons (whether you got here with or without much reflection), do you truly believe that her "Clintonism" style - attacking others and denying one's wrong doing- will lead to "getting any thing done" in Washinton? Whoever believes in it must be living in a fantasy of "a fair tale"! With Clinton(s) in the presidency, we are certainly looking into dirty muddy turmoils for years to come. Just see how excited those commentators are now!

jane   January 24th, 2008 12:14 am ET

Burton, I think you have paradoxed, your personality should flip the coin over and leave Hillary alone. God knows you think women should have an apron on all of the time , be subserviant and emotionally abused. TRUST ME, there are ladies like Hillary that can do a better job than a man in several professions…..I can land a retired F-14 better than any man. As for her husband……wouldn't you be on your spouse's band wagon???

eddie   January 24th, 2008 12:12 am ET

wow the republicans have a good chance of winning now. thanks alot clinton.

Montes   January 24th, 2008 12:10 am ET

Do we know what objectivity is. That was an objective statement. He has a point, during the 1980's Ronald Reagan and the Republican party were able to get a majority of the public to see them as a party of fresh ideas and of a new era. Reagan's firist inaugural speech gave the impression that he had plans to help the country. Now were these ideas good, and did Obama endorse them, no. Also its ironic how Hillary Clinton is criticizing him for "endorsing" the republican ideas of the 1980's when she began her "35 years of experience" as a part of Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign, who was a Republican.

Anna, IL   January 24th, 2008 12:09 am ET

"How can there be compliants about "dirty politics", if so many of the comments contain language much worse than anything put out by any of the campaigns."

Very well said dianne. Unfortunately, I think the candidates are reflection of our selves and vice verse. We don't deserve a better President. We voted for the Bushes twice, and now we're about to vote for the Clintons again. Does this sound like a country that really wants a change? I don't think so. We are like children who come back to live with the parents after going away to college. Americans are afraid of change. We change when we have to, but not if we don't have to. Very sad.

Tyler in Raleigh   January 23rd, 2008 11:58 pm ET

So Hillary goes off about those evil Republicans and their attack machine…. how awful they are, they are the party of bad ideas.

WOW!! What a huge Clinton pot calling the Republican kettle black. She is using an attack machine that is as much scum as the swiftboaters.

Thank you Hillary, for making Obamas point. The Republicans were the party of ideas. NAFTA, corruption, lies and dirty attacks… you have taken them all and made them yours.

Bruce Vander Haagen Ann Arbor Michigan   January 23rd, 2008 11:57 pm ET

Hey Hillary seems like it was your husband Bill who signed NAFTA Go Mitt

Ryan   January 23rd, 2008 11:55 pm ET

Hillary continues to talk about the great economy of the 90's (coincidentally the same time period her husband was in office) but forgets to talk about the dot com bust that followed his era. Why doesn't anyone remind Hillary of this? Does she think we all forgot how the economy imploded the last year of her husband's reign? I wish Obama would quickly brief the country on this topic. Maybe she would be quiet then.

brian   January 23rd, 2008 11:47 pm ET

How much you wanna bet he'll come out with an ad that attacks or critizes Clinton?
Any betters out there? This is politics ladies and gentlemen and he's no better.

John   January 23rd, 2008 11:46 pm ET

I'm a republican, and I'm not particulary happy with how my party has been running things. Not to say I'd vote democrat, but let's just say that I have a strong inclination to not vote at all in the coming election, or protest vote for Bloomberg or another 3rd party candidate.

That said, to say that I dislike Hill & Bill is an understatement. In the event that they ARE nominated, Bill and Hillary WILL get me the to the polls for the express purpose of voting against them!

Obama is about ten times more electable than Hill'n'Bill. If you democrats nominate Hill, let us not hear much knashing of teeth when another republican ends up in the Oval office for the next 4 years - you've been warned.

jose argueta   January 23rd, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Hillary needs do stop the negative politics and tell us what she can do for the nation and not tell lies about Obama. Negative ads isn't going to help her win because we have brains and use them too. Hillary wasn't worried about Obama at the begining of this campaign until she saw how much change he brought to the it. Hillary saw how much people actually responded to Obama and all she can do is destroy him so she can win. We have brains and we want change in America. Obama is that change and he together we bring change to this nation we love so much. Hillary, STOP THE NEGATIVE CAMPAIGN AND SAY WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER, IF YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH PEOPLE WILL LISTEN. IF YOU ARE NOT, THEY WILL CHOOSE WHO THEY THINK CAN HELP THEM. FUGDING THE TRUTH ISN'T GOING TO HELP THE CLITONS, INSTEAD IT WILL HURT THE PARTY.
OBAMA FOR CHANGE 2008!!!

Juanito, Washington, DC   January 23rd, 2008 11:42 pm ET

At the dedication of the Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.: Bill Clinton (May 5, 1998): "The only thing that could make this day more special is if President Reagan could be here himself. But if you look at this atrium, I think we feel the essence of his presence: his unflagging optimism, his proud patriotism, his unabashed faith in the American people. I think every American who walks through this incredible space and lifts his or her eyes to the sky will feel that."

JOHN   January 23rd, 2008 11:40 pm ET

BARACK NOPE CLINTON YEP AS SOON AS HE LOST A STATE HE STARTED WITH THE COMMON CRY THEY WE ALL HEAR FROM AFRICAN AMERICANS SINCE GOD KNOWS WHEN

JOHN   January 23rd, 2008 11:38 pm ET

LETS GO HILLARY

dj   January 23rd, 2008 11:26 pm ET

Bill is evil

Raman S   January 23rd, 2008 11:22 pm ET

I consider myself to a Democrat, but at this time, I will say ABC (anybody but Clinton). If Hillary is the nominee for the Democrats, my vote and money will go the Republican candidate, even if he is the slimy ex-Mayor of NYC.

Seam, Philly, Pa   January 23rd, 2008 11:21 pm ET

Hillary is obviously proving to all of us that she has no intentions on working with Republicans to get things done for this country. She represents the same old, same old. No change. It will be a long 4 - 8 years of division and fighting along with a lot of finger pointing if Hillary is nominated. That's the truth.

This country baffles me. Democracy doesn't mean we should vote the same families to lead our country every election.

Bill   January 23rd, 2008 11:21 pm ET

For the past few weeks I have noticed a different tone to the gutter campaign being played out in the media by the Clinton campaign. Even the blind can see that James Carville is back and has taken over the wheel of this unsteady as well as rudderless ship. The Clinton/Carville political focus is to program the electorate in the primary states down to race , gender and age by baiting their opponent with misrepresentation in hopes of programing the undecided to vote against Senator Obama.

The American people are in need of a leader . They are not looking to vote for the winner of gutter debate tactics . The Clinton/Carville team is hoping the citizens of the United States do not notice their objective and just buy into their hidden agenda of using race against the first best hope ever for a Black American President.

The past few weeks have shown the true colors of the Clinton/Carville Team. The were and always will ever be Red-Necks. Their attempt to hide this has been successful in past campaigns but will not be in this campaign .

Does anyone remember when the Clinton's were going to adopt a black child ?

Maybe James Carville had a poll conducted and found it wasnt such a good idea in up -state New York .

Frank   January 23rd, 2008 11:19 pm ET

Hillary is doing a might fine job, trying to further divide the country.
She is really an ice-queen who thinks she will be crowned as an empress.
Divide and Conquer, isn't it Hillary? Let's demonize Obama and the entire Republican Party! Wohooo! You are really bringing some change!

Donna   January 23rd, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Let's all for just a minute be adults. We all know that the media will say just about anything to attract viewers. Sadly ,our human nature at times draws us to negative news so that we have something to talk about. Please cast a vote for what is best for our country and not listen to the media put their spin on things. Do your research on what the candidates have done for our country and cast a vote for someone who has the knowledge and fortitude to get us out of the mess we are in. Please Dems don't put another Rep. in the White House!

Angelina   January 23rd, 2008 10:59 pm ET

The Clintons are doing what they know best…dirty old tricks, lies and wahtever it takes for them to get to power. Anything and everything will now be twisted, this is how the Clintons deal with issues……………….

I am still asking WHO IS RUNNING? Bill or Hill or BILLARY?

Can this person who creates so much division lead a very divided country?

Dwayne, Pa   January 23rd, 2008 10:50 pm ET

Couple Senator Obama's leadership abilities with Governor Richardson's Foreign Policy experience and BAM! The ultimate Democratic team!

JD   January 23rd, 2008 10:47 pm ET

It's unreal how some people can hear the truth, read the truth in a lot of these comments and still not get it– still be snowed by the Clintons.

Obama's real comments and his real intentions are clear and he DID NOT say the Republicans had good ideas. He said they had BEEN the "party of ideas" which is true. They dreamed up and implemented the "Contract with American, ": " No Child left behind, " the idea of constitutional amendments regarding marrriage (huh?), tax cuts for the rich, etc, etc. They have dominated the legislature for over a decade and look where we are…in the dumper. Obama is not so stupid as to be praising the Republican party, but your BUYING IT , because Hillary said it? Huh??

Slick Willie Rides again. Go Obama!

calvin   January 23rd, 2008 10:37 pm ET

GO OBAMA

Dwayne, Pa   January 23rd, 2008 10:27 pm ET

They've been saying that Hillary Clinton has a lot of support from the less educated people.
That is very obvious by reading some of the posts on here!

Mark   January 23rd, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I like how Obama just talks and talks. Its all he does, what is he actually going to do besides tell us about hope? If i was a Dem, I'd NOT vote for him, but I'm not.

GO McCain!!

Mark   January 23rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

I like how Obama just talks and talks and lies. Id I was a dem, I'd vote Hillary, but I'm not. GO McCain!!

Joe O.   January 23rd, 2008 10:13 pm ET

and by the way. for all the people who said obama started the attacks, UNTRUE. hillary came after him about reagan and he defended himself. at the S.C. debate he used the national stage as a place to answer to the negative attacks from hillary. were not whining and complaining as obama-supporters, we are trying to let the TRUTH reveal itself.

calvin   January 23rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

HERE IS A STORY
OF A EVIL LADY
WHO WILL LIE TO THE PEOPLE FOR VOTES

AND BRING DOWN HER OWN PARTYED

THAT LADY IS H I L L A R Y

HERE A STORY

OF A WINNER

WHO CAN BRING US TOGETHER
TOO WORK HARD TO GET THE JOB DONE
THAT MAN IS O B A M A OBAMA OBAMA 08

Mark ,Lake Geneva   January 23rd, 2008 10:08 pm ET

President Reagan ended the cold war,thats a good idea!President Bush Sr. liberated Kuwait but did want to go into Baghdad becuase there was no exit plan,thats a good idea!All republicans hate Hillary,thats a good idea!
Obama 08,thats a good idea!

Joe O.   January 23rd, 2008 10:06 pm ET

This is blatant dishonesty on the part of the Clinton campaign. When you read the quote that Sen. Obama gave the LVRJ in context, it is CLEAR that his message was not to say that he agreed with the ideas of the Republican party, or President Reagan, but to say that Reagan was an idealistic leader in the sense that he thought outside the box. The clear intent behind it was to say that as President he would motivate to push the Democratic platform across in the same way the Reagan pushed across the GOP platform.

Multiple media outlets have also agreed that the Clinton's taking this quote by Senator Obama and using it to say that he somehow agrees with conservative ideas and policies is blatant lying.

As a proud Democrat, I am disgusted with the way that the Clintons have acted in the past 2 weeks.

Julia, California   January 23rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

If Obama and his campaign team continue to trash the Clintons, it will turn many of us sick. My friends and I watched the debates and news. We will vote for Hillary for her courage, intelligence and fighting spirit. We will not vote for someone who lacks experience whatsoever. Obama needs to grow up and face tough deicisions.

TF   January 23rd, 2008 10:05 pm ET

Well whoever had a problem with dynasty should have addressed it in 2000 when GW contested.

That was even funnier then , he had the same name with his dad then and still America voted for him then and again in 2004.

So anyone waking up in 2008 complaining about dynasty is just a lame excuse of a campaign

Bill   January 23rd, 2008 10:01 pm ET

Attack is a good strategy of defence, if you can't attack enemy and defend yourself well, who else can believe you can attack our enemy and defend this country, I think Hillary scored higher in this virtual combat so far, so keep up the good work….Hillary, the show just started….

rlkidd   January 23rd, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Why shouldn't Obama find some republican ideas to be positive?
Neither party can claim to have all the right answers.
If Hillary is just going to follow the democrat agenda, then she will not get my vote.
Presidents should be for all the people , bringing together all parties.
Once you have attained the highest office in the Nation, you should be able to put all of party bs behind.and do what you think is right for all American people , not just your political croneys.

Lori, Woodland CA   January 23rd, 2008 9:58 pm ET

Dee Ward: Right! I can never understand what it was that they didn't like about the Clinton years: the peace or the prosperity?

Anna   January 23rd, 2008 9:57 pm ET

Yamaka -

Really? Hmmm….I'm white, my family is too as far as I know. :) We all support Obama. My Japanese-Hawaiian friends support Obama. I also have Hispanic and Filipino friends supporting Obama. I was just at an Obama rally and saw just about every color of the rainbow cheering for him.

But keep repeating your garbage - it inspires intelligent voters to go in the other direction!

Maureen - Salem OR   January 23rd, 2008 9:54 pm ET

Someone on TV the other day made the comment that this "Dynasty" thing had gone too far and we needed to end it, i.e. Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton…? I had never even thought about it before, but once I did, it really started to scare me. Is anybody else (especially you students of history) getting nervous here? If we let the "Clintons" get in there again, it would mean being led by two "dynastic" families over a period of 28 years. Shades of the Czars or the Pharoahs of Egypt. What's going to be next for 2016 — Jeb Bush? Chelsea Clinton? This is just crazy.

Tosha J. - Dallas, TX   January 23rd, 2008 9:51 pm ET

I was truly excited about Hillary, at the beginning , running but when I looked at her records, I wondered why would I consider voting for her. My anwser was because of Bill's term.

I realize that I am gazing back in our past history.

In order to move forward from our current Presidential issues, there need to be changes made. The only persons that will enable us to move forward as a strong country are Obama and Edwards.

I believe that Hillary will only play in the tired, weak government system already set into play. I am not saying that at times you will not have to work the system but change is the key for moving forward and judging by her voting records positive changes will not be what she stand for.

I would like to see Obama (pres.) and Edward (vice pres.) for '08.

Vote for change. Don't let these political tactics distract you.

cheibany   January 23rd, 2008 9:47 pm ET

Mrs. Clinton should refrain of mentioning her experience since the outcome her LONG lasting years can not make her stand out of the group. If she is strugling againt a new comer, I wonder what the years of experience served.

TF   January 23rd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Look let's face the facts and not play politics here.
When Obama was talking of Reagan etc, he was saying that Reagan used the opportunity to create an absolute change.

Note that he actually put Nixon and Clinton together as presidents who did not move the country to a new level. Everyone knew that he potrayed Reagan in a positive light and Clinton/Nixon in a negative way.

Obama was on the defensive because he knew that Reagan was not popular with blacks and the clintons are aware of that.

The issue of fairy tale, this was also politicized, what bill meant was that you cannot think of winning an election based on words without backing it with the history of your experience. It had nothing to do with his colour.

The obama campaign are as crafty as anyone else so no one should paint Obama as an innocent man who was being hounded.

Remember in politics, there are no permanent friends nor enemies, the bush-Mccain feud was worse than these and serious wounds were created which may never heal but they are all chummy now.

charlotte   January 23rd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

NO DOUBT IN MY MIND, OBAMA IS THE MAN OF CHANGE. HE HAS TURNED THIS INTO THE DIRITEST PARTY FIGHTS I HAVE EVER SEEN. HE STARTS THE DEBATE WITH AN ATTACK ON HILLARY AND WAL-MART, THEN CRYS FOUL WHEN SHE HITS HIM RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES WITH REZKO. NOW, WAL-MART MAY HAVE LABOR ISSUES, BUT THEY HIRE A LOT OF PEOPLE. REZKO, ON THE OTHER HAND IS A MAJOR LIABILITY TO HIM. 5 BILLABLE HOURS MY A– A HOUSE DEAL THAT STINKS OF CORRUPTION. LET'S SEE IF HE CAN STAND UP TO A KEN STARR INVESTIGATION.
RATHER THEN DEFEND HIS COMMENTS, HE SAYS WELL, WELL WHAT ABOUT WHAT YOU SAID. TAKE AWAY HIS SERMON AND HE SSSTURTTERS AND SSSTAMERS. ANY DEMOCRATE WHO WOULD VOTE FOR A REPUBLICANS DESERVES THE LAST 7 YEARS

HannahBanana   January 23rd, 2008 9:45 pm ET

What's so shameful about saying something good about Reagan? He was an amazing person, that, through great talent and courage, changed our world for the better.

What? Because I'm democrat I can't admit that? For goodness sake, he can take credit for "That wall" coming down! Isn't that what Obama wants to do too? Tear down walls? Walls of red vs. blue, white vs. black, poor vs. rich, etc??

I wish Obama would just stand up and say that he means it. If he's going to claim to be the "great uniter", there would be no harm in pointing out the good points of both parties.

Can't both Republicans and Democrats be open-minded enough to seriously look at the other party to try to see what the other might just have going "right" ? Why do we have to be so divided along party lines that we can't meet somewhere in the middle?

I think Reagan was incredible @ communicating and @ portraying an admirable figurehead for our country. I also think Bill Clinton was incredible @ communicating and @ social reforms. We can learn from both if we're willing!

Don't be ashamed, Obama! You Must UNITE as you say you will!!!

Mike   January 23rd, 2008 9:38 pm ET

Obama's comments were an attempt at running a general campaign by trying to win votes from the other side. Unfortunately, in the process, he pissed off his own side.

It just shows that he doesn't have the political skill or judgment not only to win an election this fall but to run a two-party country.

Every time Obama screws up, everyone just blames Hillary. Wake up people.

bc   January 23rd, 2008 9:37 pm ET

CNN the tabloid has the nerve to call itself the best, the most trusted, etc. I guess they don't realize their obsessive slanting of the "news" to help Obama just turns us off. If his own tactics hadn't been so awful, and if he wasn't such an empty suit, I might have found it in me to try to support him, but how can anyone support the candidate all the media are pushing for - change, my a__, it's typical dirty tricks.

PA Democrat   January 23rd, 2008 9:17 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is a disgrace. She has neither the intellect nor temperment to be President. I voted for Bill Clinton twice and am ashamed of how he behaved in office and how he has behaved in this campaign.

The Clinton's attack on Obama's Reagan comment is a further disgrace. In no way did Obama support Reagan's policy. Obama was correct in that Reagan transformed politics in 1980. In that election the Democrats lost demographics that for years had been FDR, Truman & JFK Democrats. Instead of recognizing why this happened and working to re-build their political base the Clintons look to use this quote out of context to attack Obama.

I will vote for the Republican candidate if Hillary is the Democratic nominee. This country can not move forward with Hillary. It is time to turn the page on the Clintons. This is not their country to play with for their advantage. Hillary has the potential to lose in a landslide in November as the Republican machine will destroy her.

Kelvin from newyork city   January 23rd, 2008 9:16 pm ET

For some of the of the comment i read i can't beleave people could be so cold harted is this what they teach there children. Who started the war was it the clinton no. When the wtc attact took place the president said i am asking all nation to help find these evil people for the ones who die at the wtc and there family, and of this day still looking, When all of this is going to stop, that was my first time i ever voted so please people no more war the clinton is for peace not war. Hillary you have my vote to the end.

Monique Nguyen   January 23rd, 2008 9:15 pm ET

I wish that both Hillary and Obama stop focussing on each other but to focuss on helping American people on health care issue , mortgage crisis , education for young kids , get the troop home….there are more important things to work on . Please.

Brad J   January 23rd, 2008 9:14 pm ET

The Clintons are at it again…

Nicole   January 23rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

I was undecided until recently. Hillary Clinton has been attacked since day one and was running a pretty clean campaign. When she finally does start to defend herself a little, the media twists things in order to make her look like a dirty politician. I watched the So Carolina debate not once, but twice and in its entirety. And from what my ears heard, Obama made some pretty nasty digs of his own and definitely threw the first punch. But the clip you see over and over on CNN is one of a feisty Hillary. I really hope it backfires. She has my vote!

matt smith   January 23rd, 2008 9:08 pm ET

if hill ary is the democratic canidate, i'll pray for a third party canidate or vote republican

Renee'   January 23rd, 2008 9:03 pm ET

To O.A.
I will sign a petition I already sent an email to the DNC telling Mr. Dean real democrats are tired of this mess and are not going to continue supporting this mess.

J   January 23rd, 2008 8:59 pm ET

Should the next president be more center on domestic issues, while maintaining a strong millitary to defend this country?

Bimmer   January 23rd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

It is interesting to see that CNN moderator has no issue in publishing comments criticizing Clinton.

Comments criticizing Obama stay there forever awaiting moderation.

jb   January 23rd, 2008 8:56 pm ET

Bill needs to get out of the campaign. Since his presence, the tone has been completely negative. This is not what the American people want. Perhaps we need to recall his own record of dishonesty with the press and the public.

Jack   January 23rd, 2008 8:53 pm ET

Hillary will be back thursday. Obama, will not win SC.

Anti Clintons   January 23rd, 2008 8:51 pm ET

The ad was straight forward!!! you have got to be kidding!! those ads lie like the Clintons always do. They are saying that there is money in the bank when the check will bounce sky high, and they don't care, they think they deserve to be in the whitehouse like before.

Hitlery voted for NAFTA, the war in Iraq, later to try to say she didn't have enough information about it, that is as straight forward as it gets!

Wh oever votes for the Hitley clown, deserves to get what they get!

Obama 08!

wpnsgy   January 23rd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

The 90 were great ? Hmm Bill inherited a economy on the rise from a Republican. Budget was balanced by A republican congree. and one poster said we felt safe under Bill Clinton Glad you felt safe Because we did nothing despite being attacked over and over again. Bill left office with an economy sliding into recession and an emboldened radical muslim movement unchecked that would haunt us. I hope Hillary wins the Dem Nomination because she will not win in November keep attacking Hillary & destroy any chance fro the dummycrats

mylord   January 23rd, 2008 8:50 pm ET

All this nonsense about Clinton, Obama…It don't matter why he said what he said, he said it. And when i heard what he said about the Republican, my thought was, you mean he couldn't come up with a Democrat to make that analogy. He screwed it up and Hillary caught the bait.,and used it against him. Look! If he Obama can't fight Hillary, how in the world can he win against the Republican's. We lost two election because of dirty trick by the Republicans, they don't want Hillary to run, becuase she would beat the sock's off them. They build up Obama because he's a nice guy (cable news commentator, Republican's), and guess what, nice guys finish last. You don't bring a poodle to a fight, when your opponent brings a pit bull. We sent two nice guys before (Gore, and Kerry), and guess what, they both lost. You liberals, and Democrats writing here still don't get it, you want all this nicety. Remember the minority leader Daschle (nice guy) ran out of office, never before was a leader of any party ran out of town, but he was. Just keep talking about all this nice crap, and be prepared to have 8 more years of Republican's.

Nick   January 23rd, 2008 8:49 pm ET

I just think it is funny that Obama can't get off worrying about Bill Clinton. Doesn’t he realize that he is running against Hillary Clinton not the former President? Does he really want to get into a political battle with a President that was well liked from all likes of people. Does he really know who he is running against? I would think he would worry about the person he is running against and not their spouse. This is why he should not be President… He doesn’t know how to focus on the right target, even when he is getting hit by all directions. As a President I would expect that person to be able to handle this, he is showing us in the USA why we shouldn’t vote for him, Hillary doesn’t need to, he is doing it all by himself!

I am from PA and would love to Hillary Clinton become are president - Bill had us living well for 8 years and now its time to get back there! Vote Hillary in 2008

veronica   January 23rd, 2008 8:44 pm ET

Senator Obama,
Stop whining, and instead explain your positions to the voters.

Charlotte,NC   January 23rd, 2008 8:44 pm ET

To the Clinton lovers: Read the full quote before you make any judgement. Note how he says all Republicans talk about is TAX CUTS. Is that a compliment?

Here, courtesy of FactCheck.Org, is the full text of what Obama told the editorial board of the Reno Gazette-Journal:

Obama (Jan. 14, 2008): The Republican approach has played itself out. I think it's fair to say that the Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years, in the sense that they were challenging conventional wisdom. Now, you've heard it all before. You look at the economic policies when they're being debated among the presidential candidates, it's all tax cuts. Well, we know, we've done that; we've tried it. That's not really going to solve our energy problems, for example.

bucj   January 23rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Bill Clinton Stated, there are still to people around who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and risk their lives, and they were Andrew Young and John Lewis, which he may be right; however where's the recognition and the respect for the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who was there when he was shot and witnessed the horrofic event. Mr. Clinton ask the Reverend Jesse Jackson or the honorable Congressman James Clyburn who started the race card?

CC   January 23rd, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Is it just me or does it seem that CNN is giving a lot more coverage to Bill and Hillary than they are to Barack Obama. The only coverage is see of Obama is one story on how he's fighting back against the mis-truths repeated again and again by the Cilintons. How about covering what he's doing on the campaign trail, how he's responding to voters, and how he plans to change the direction of this country? Is CNN trying to sway the electorate by side stepping stories on Obama?

P Cortez   January 23rd, 2008 8:41 pm ET

Good going to the Clintons!!!! The greed and selfishness of what they want is bringing back the same cynisism in politics that has been in the past….in that environment, the clintons will thrive. And people with a real want to help their fellow man won't.

I do hope Senator Obama wins, but with tactics like that…..well, it's hard to not get any mud on you when your opponent insists on throwing. The same name after the title "President" isn't change. Using dirty politics to thwart an opponent isn't change. There is no honor in how her and her husband are working together.

Get ready for Hillary and Billary.

Steve   January 23rd, 2008 8:39 pm ET

It IS truly incredible to watch people defend the Clintons, claiming that the poor, poor Clintons are not getting a fair shake from the mean ole press!!! WaWaWaWaWa!! The press carried, lied for, protected, and made excuses for Clinton from the time he ran the first time. But you probably don't remember that, do you? That's because you have been Clintonized and all but your selective memory is gone. IF, and I do mean IF, there is any favoritism being shown towards Obama, there is NO better person to recognize it than good ole Bill.

Keep it up Bill!! Your making me laugh and making yourself out to be a fool.