February 18, 2008
Posted: February 18th, 2008 10:20 AM ET
Obama and Patrick are longtime friends.
Obama and Patrick are longtime friends.

(CNN) - Striking similarities between Barack Obama's words and those of Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick during his 2006 election campaign have raised eyebrows and attracted traffic on YouTube.

A central passage in the stump speech Barack Obama has been giving in recent days - aimed at convincing voters that his campaign is not just about lofty rhetoric - is adapted from Patrick, Obama's campaign acknowledged over the weekend.

Deval - an Obama supporter - issued a statement this weekend, saying: "Sen. Obama and I are long-time friends and allies. We often share ideas about politics, policy and language."

Click here for full story.

– CNN's Josh Levs

Filed under: Barack Obama


Ken, Suitland MD   February 18th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

IraqWarHater (1:34pm) says: "Goooo McCain!"

Now that is brilliant! You are against continuing the Iraq war, but you would vote for McCain??? Your IQ suggests that indeed you SHOULD vote [R] no matter who their candidate is.

America is about to take an IQ test this Nov. We've done poorly on the last two. But this one has been made very easy by the failed policies of the very people who wish you to fail the upcoming test. In fact it is so easy, that the very sanity of those who continue to fail the test should be viewed with some suspicion.

Karen   February 18th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I finally understand..... I think DEVAL PATRICK is boring.

Twinkie   February 18th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

THIS IS SILLY. Once again ditracting from real issues. If this type of thing is all the Clinton campaign can come up with, making an issue of the fact that Obama has speech writers and borrowed a few lines of one speech from a friend who also used some of the same team in their candidacies (ie, you use some of the same people, you get some of the same language) not to mention the fact that Mr. Patrik knew about it and approved of the use....then the Clinton campaign needs to dig down further into the bag. This makes Hillary look silly and petty. As far as attacking someone for being able to give great speech and saying that it's not important....I ask that we would all look to the current POTUS............'nuff said

Democrats in '08!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason   February 18th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

I say people should be angry at CNN and other media outlets for being soo obvious that they are biased. I mean for people who are smart its nothing new, but for the majority of the citizens out there who only get their information from these media outlets are being manipulated! this is a shame because America is supposed to be the leader of democracy yet we don't practice it in our own country. SHAME on CNN! this is just sad.

gina   February 18th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

Good catch on the "No Red States.....only the United States"...What else has Obama plagiarized? How about "We are the change we have been waiting for." Didn't Stokely Carmichael use that phrase once upon time?

James M.   February 18th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

Obama continues to be a great, inspirational speaker regardless of where he gets his material. Citing work in a speech is not wrong. Everyone does it...including Hillary. Get real people and quit acting as if Obama is the only person out there doing it. It's an obvious strength of his that the weaker nominee is trying to exploit. It is no big deal. Again, Hillary would be more successful if she were to focus on something positive, rather than resort to old, fear mongering politics. Why would anyone choose to support anyone that is driven by inciting fear in others...rather than choose to support someone that inspires you to want to be a better country...a better, stronger people?

aggiemom   February 18th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I think Obama is so popular because he is not that same ole politics we have had for years. America wants change, we don't want to continue to live like we hve been living in the past. We all want change.
Hillary has had her chance with her health care and it DIDN'T work, her husband was in the White House for 8 years and we needed change then, I remember lets take our White House back being shouted everywhere.
John McCain is our American Hero and needs to be respected but not in the White House.
So we need change in our country and Obama is the only one that can do it. He will bring people across this country together and that is what AMERICA needs.

Texans for Obama 08

Tom (Philadelphia)   February 18th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Harsh accusations for people who I'm sure have written a paper using others words! People you are missing the big picture. He was using these phrases as examples as to what he means. The irony of it is that Hillary is using words to belittle Obama. Words aren't important? Do you think Hillary would be able to convince the American public that she can change Washington. Oh one more thing in light of the fact that Obama has done nothing up until now, let's look at all the things Hillary has not accomplished as of yet in her supposed established career. Hmm. . . healthcare reform. . . . .hmmm. . . cutting back tax cuts for the rich. . . .keeping jobs from going over seas. . . .prevented a war from happening. . . .bringing the hopes of millions of Americans out of the shadows. Need I say more. So for all the supposed inaction of Obama, there seems to be quite a bit on Hillary's behalf as well. Think outside the box people and don't be the pessimist Hillary wants you to be!

viv   February 18th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I agree, the clintons egos are about to be crushed. so they are desperate. keep that in mind

Chester   February 18th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

"How do you vote on this issue Senator Obama"?, he answers with a firm and resounding "PRESENT".

Mr. Ohio   February 18th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

During the 90's the Clintons destroyed the Democratic Party while they chased their own personal interests and ambitions. It took 12 years for the Dems to take control of congress again. If these people come back to power, all the progress that the Dems have made in the last couple of years will vanish and become a mediocre party all over. Dems, you better wake up and vote for Obama. These people are power hungery.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Not only will Obama not become President, but his value on the speech circuit just went waaaayy down.

Hillaryfan   February 18th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I like how everyone just repeats what Hillary says about Barack..." he doesn't talk specifics" Please...John Mccain and Hillary talk about what they will do but don't talk in public about where the money will come from..what percentages will be...who will be affected, what specific dollar amounts will be used from certain salary tax brackets. Everything is all platitudes unless you go their websites or go straight to the plans on their talking points....until...Hillary, Barack and John are a bunch of people pleasers until either one of them get the nomination.

xtina   February 18th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

If Obama would spend more time giving facts on how he was an agent of change when he served in state govt, we wouldn't be having this conversation. But because he did NOT "change" anything, he has to fill his speeches with feel-good "Oprah speak" - in other words, empty slogans and vague promises. I mean , really what has he done already that saved us money or made gov't more efficient while serving in Ill.?

Annamica, OH   February 18th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

So she changed it to YES WE WILL...because honestly anyone can promise change...but! Yes We Can is not even an Obama original. It's so amusing how for the first time in I can't remember how long, CNN publishes an article that can be viewed as negative toward Obama (although true), and the Obama supporters are crying about it.

angelina   February 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Hillary can't come up with her own slogan....
so what does she do? COPY Obama Yes we can TO Yes we will, then she attacks him on his use of words.......
Now this has become really really silly and desperate on hillary side... After all who cares........

Terry   February 18th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

For those who are so blind to the Clinton’s politics and antics you are just asking for more punishment, isn’t 16 years enough of lies, sex scandals, greed, corruption? A vote for Clinton is a win for McCain as another person commented above; you people deserve another Bush after bush, until your inferior breed becomes extinct.”

Uptown   February 18th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Obama is beating the Clintons fair and square!
This is the best they can come up with?!

Gonzalo   February 18th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

I have issues with both Hillary and Barack(a lot). But what is troubling to me is Obama has fashioned himself as the "change" candidate. The candidate where American people can impose all their dreams and hopes onto and one who is a great orator. Than it happens that some important parts of his speeches were from another person(does it really matter if it was with approval). For Obama and his supporters THIS IS BIG A DEAL, people vote for Obama when they see and hear him. Apparently not even his rhetoric is for real change. You add this to him backing out of public financing, revelations of his water downed nuclear energy bill(basically conceded to status quo), and the number of blemishes that are sure to come. Than, what you have is a candidate that has not ushered in an age of the politics of hope but one who exploits hope for political gain.

aware   February 18th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Hillary the HOPE of 08 :)

Obama does demonstrate a pattern of using the words and ideas of others as his own. I watched his face as Hillary spoke at the last debate. It was interesting to watch his eyes connect with her ideas. Barack is a charismatic novice.

I hope he never has to face the Republicans.

If not Hillary then John McCain – Barack can whip up a crowd with someone else's words but he can't do the job.

aston   February 18th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Imitation is the ultimate flattery! It should be celebrated, not denigrated.

emptyslogan   February 18th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

At first time, I felt attracted by Obama's speech. But if you listen more to his debate, you will find he is just yelling slogans with his vibrate voice without substance. So that voice mislead millions youths with help of media. Does media ever asked him "how to unit Republicans?", "what will be his new-tricks if not old-washington-tricks?", "What really are his changes to how?"
When at debate, he can not yell, only talk, then you will find he has hickups when he talks. It was not so fluent anyway during preivous debates he gave.

GA   February 18th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Does this man have a single independent thought. He didn't come out with his economic stimulus package until after Clinton and Edwards, and seemed to make his plan a combination of theirs; he took Clinton's ideas for his recent economic plan; now he's using someone else's speech as his own.

demwit   February 18th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Just words..

Peter Cananda 4 Obama!   February 18th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Joe in Ma. but Hillary camp is saying that Patrick is their guy and he endorsed her. So, where is the true story lies.?

gary   February 18th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

AT LEAST CNN FINALLY DID SOME REAL REPORTING ON NOBAMA. HE IS A PUPPET ON A STRING. WAIT TILL THE GENERAL ELECTION IF NOMINATED THE REPUBLICANS WILL FRIEGT TRAIN OVER HIM.

HILLARY O8 OBAMA NEVER

therealist   February 18th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Tax and spend, tax and spend, etc, etc..

The dems say the same thing over and over and over. Statically, this is bond to happen every other speech. CNN is just now getting it??

Liam   February 18th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Thanks CNN- thanks for helping to fracture the Dem party even more. Look at all this bickering, as a Republican, I am absolutely loving this. This is a great example of how desperate the Clintons have become and this is a great example of how hollow Obama really is. How is Clinton showing leadership by bringing an issue like this up? How can Obama handle the real issues when push comes to shove? Your party doesn't deserve anyone's votes. Pathetic!

Jack   February 18th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

First of all the education of Hillary and Obama supporters is greatly over empahzied.

Second, to respond to many of these post, how many have actually taken the time to get to know both canidates without pre-concieved idea's.

I have. I went to several Obama rallies, and several Clinton rallies. This is what I discovered. Obama is exciting. His crowd is fired up. He, however, is long on promises and short on solutions. If I were to vote for slogans and words, Obama is my man.

Clinton rallies were exciting also. However, she is more detailed and makes a point to ask and explain her stand on issues. In the three chance's I had to hear her, she met me everytime and asked me what I thought. I never could get close to Obama. Crowds were about the same.

At this time, I thought Obama spoke from his heart. I liked that, but still wanted to know more. His web-site offered little help and his supporters even less. Clinton has provided more detail and says she will not make blanket promises because she will have to answer to the American people. I find her more honest, more knowledgable and her experiance is fundamental in making changes this country needs.

Now that I know that Obama's words are not his own( discovering last week that his speech writer crafted this message on his own) and watching his latest attempts to get out of real debates convinces me that Hillary Clinton is by far the best choice and will get my vote.

We need to get away from the retoric of campaigns and news media and look at each person. There is too much hearsay and gossip. My decision is mine, based on not hiding behind the keyboard and actually learning about each person. Obama is not bad, he is just not what everyone thinks he is. Clinton will be a great leader if given the chance.

Please take this election seriously. That means not just voting for someone based on words or hearsay.

Karim   February 18th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

It's funny how driven some political fans are to point fingers. Whether you're for Obama or Clinton, you're not doing anybody any good by name-calling and whining in favor of your preferred hopeful. You're only showing the rest of the United States that speeches about "change" are only a veneer over your standard rhetoric.

In the spirit of political evolution, let's all be adult about this and pay attention only to the issues, alright? Spending your time telling one candidate and/or the other to grow up only shows your pettiness in a race that should be about positions, not scandal or strategy.

Mary Hammack   February 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Obama doesn't want to upset the apple cart. Everything he has done is to pave the way to become President. He has missed 44 percent of the senate voting days, when present he only voted present. He pulled his name off the Michigan primary because he knew Hilary was going to win.
He is a good speaker, but it also noted that one of his speech writers is a writer who wrote Present Kennedy's speeches.

Tim J H   February 18th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I hope Sen John Edwards reads this thread, sees what a fraud Obama is and then endorses Hillary!!!!!

The same applies to the people of Wisconsin and Hawaii who vote tomorrow in the primaries – ditch obama and vote Hillary!!!!!

HILLARY 08!!!!!!!

kdaye   February 18th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

obama is lame.

Joe in MA   February 18th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hey CNN – -thanks for the heads up! I didn't realize that Obama was friends with that bum Patrick. All of the more reason not to vote for him. Patrick has made a mess - and lied - here in MA, and his "riff friend" Obama will do the same. Not with my vote!

hkitty   February 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

The problem is not that one candidate is co-opting the words of another. It is that Obama is presenting his words as the center-piece of his election, rather than policy. As a result, his words have to be his own. As he has said, words matter. Well, they matter less when they are not your own and you have nothing of substance to back it up. Besides, we could also give credit to Bob the Builder for "yes we can" as well as Cesar Chavez. So ," yes we can" does not belong to Obama, he coopted from others and it is being co-opted from him. The problem is then there is nothing left.

Tom, Boston MA   February 18th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

There is NO idea, i say again NO idea ORIGINAL under the sun, people, that you can claim as yours and yours only.

the whole notion of "originality" and "copy right" is simply another manifestation and tool of grabby greedy fraudulant system called capitalism / individualism in which whoever grabs something and anything, by force or by sheer speed, claims s/he "owns" the thing.

you people deserve another Bush after bush, until your inferior breed becomes extinct.

Peter Cananda 4 Obama!   February 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Well at least Obama didn't quote any words from her, but I can testify that I have heard Hillary and her fans using Yes We Can on several occasion. You know what, it okay when you ranout of ideas , words and borrow from the best. Hillary there is a saying if you can't beat them you join them, so it is okay you borrow ideas and words from our next president obama. You won't be charged, becuase you used it for a good course.
Yes We Can.

I will be mad if I hear Obama using Hillary ideas of taken money from lobbyiest and specail interest. Hillary also copy Obama economic plans. You know what guys it is good hse copied Obama, because it shows Obama is more knowledgeable. Hillary keep copying there more words and ideas from our next President Obama

Democrat   February 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Okay, enough is enough!

To both sides, Hillary supporters and Obama supporters, for your own sake, stop this non-sense bashing of one another. It will only make the republicans stronger.

Take a look at some of these comments:
"Hillary has no experience, she's a liar, deceitful, bla bla bla.."
"Obama is all words, he's full of hot air, bla, bla bla"

The truth is they are both about the same:

Not that trustworthy,
Have something up their sleeves,
both have lied at one point or another,
both have been unfair
Both have some voting records they are not proud of

They are both attacking one another and guess what people? They'll probably surprise all of us at the end and end up great political buddies.

So STOP wasting your breath and quit making the other democrats angry.

This is pathetic. All Hillary supporters say they won't vote for Obama and the Obama supporters say they won't vote for Hillary.

You are all going to LOSE! to the republicans. So, fine, don't vote for them and we'll end up in war for 100 years, we'll keep taxes high for the poor and low for the wealthy, healthcare will remain as horrible as it is now, our reputation around the world will keep deteriorating, we'll all be drafted for war and continue living in "fear" of terrorism!

Is that what all of you want??

Stop this NOW, quit insulting one another for supporting another candidate. We want a democrat in office. All this political bashing is a part of the game and you are all hurting the democratic party by this childish non-sense.

Democrat 08

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Sharing is a virtue.

But, copying from others on a test or taking credit for others work during a job interview for the Presidency....... well safe to say most people recognize that as wrong.

Turn out the lights, the party's over for Obama.

Jeff from California   February 18th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

More BIllary games I see. Tacky. I'd vote for an Obama Pres, Hillary VP ticket – her ego would never let that happen though. But I would never vote for Hillary for Prez. Polarizing even within our party – just look at the comments you all wrote. Given both candidates are equally qualified and decent people – Barack is the better choice against McCain. Plain and simple. If she were to win, the partisanship would be terrible. Besides, if she weren't previously first lady she wouldn't even be here. A woman for president, sure....Hillary, no.

JohnS   February 18th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

I guess this is HOW Hillary knows how to fight! Is this how Hillary and her surrogates have been TESTED? This issue so childish that it will soon start to TURN OFF independents like me who are out there for the Dems. Give it up, if Hillary was going to win this nomination, she would have done so before NOW. Each day, her chances gets SMALLER and smaller. She cannot afford to downhill with the Dem party!

rock usula   February 18th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

I've listened to many of Obama's speeches closely to see what is all the hype. But I still don't know why so many find it swooning or inspirational. I don't even know why some people compares him to JFK. He's no where close. I think John Edwards speech "Two Americas" in the 2004 race is much more superior to any of the Obama's speech.

"Let us agree without being disagreeable" – what do you mean Mr. Obama? Please clarify. All we see is that you disagree just like any other politician. "Yes we can" – what do you mean Mr. Senator from Ilinois? Do you mean that when we elect you, we will have to do the work for you? You also have to put in long hours in the office.

Oregon Voter   February 18th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

This is why you don’t base your campaign on being a good speaker. If you're main push for the presidency is that you can use words to inspire people, then you better be using your OWN WORDS to do so. By taking excerpts from other speakers and rehashing them as you're own you lose all credibility.

Obama really should have run on substance, not rhetoric. At least when Hillary takes a phrase from someone else (ie: you don't have to be straight to shoot straight) she tells you who she's quoting before saying it…

John in PA   February 18th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Obama "borrows" words for his speeches. Obama "borrows" policies from Hillary. Who is he going to "borrow" from if he wins the election? It's a scary thought. He can't be "wishin' and hopin'" his way out of this one.

Mary   February 18th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Sadly, sadly, if Obama gets the nomination, McCain will be our next president.

After the convention, the spotlight will be shining right through all Obama's pie-in-the-sky, kumbayah speeches and interviews.

He can practice and mimic MLK's rhetorical style and plagiarize his friend's speeches all he wants.

The electorate will eventually see him for the empty suit he is and will jump off his cult train. The republicans will get their candidate in the White House, and we can all look forward to 100 years in Iraq.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Obama has never had an original idea -– If he wants change so bad he should start with the dim bulb in his head. -----

Obama even ripped off “Yes We Can" from the 1960's Democrats in Texas.

Democrats have been using the "Yes We Can" “Si Se Puede” slogan in Texas for decades. Sí se puede (Spanish for "Yes, It can be done!") is the motto of the United Farm Workers. it was originally coined in 1972, during Cesar Chavez's 25 day fast.

Along with Dolores Huerta, both Hillary and Bill Clinton used "Yes We Can" “Si Se Puede” while registering Latino voters in the Rio Grande Valley as young Democrats.

Let's say adios to the Phoney Baloney Obama

Dee, TX   February 18th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

This is perhaps the most ridiculous accusation so far. So what if he repeated a good idea or repeated something good someone said. We all repeat things we heard people say....this is just ridiculous.

Lory   February 18th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

This is history. There has been no instance of a Republican or Democrat nominee plagiarizing the words and thoughts of others. Obama sets the prededent, which is a shame for a man who pretends he is going to make the right decisions on DAy One. Whose right decisions on Day One, Two, Three? Obama's? You thought the right guess as I did. This latest exposure of Obama's bankruptcy of original ideas means a big thing for the American people – a big gamble with their future if Obama makes it to the White House. That gamble is a clear and present danger to American family and country security and prosperity in the future. There is one safe and rational alternative for our peace of heart, mind, and soul in America and the world – HILLARY!

Free Thinker   February 18th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

this is so trivial. how many speeches do you think where people have recited those famous historical quotes? too many to count, are all you hillary supporters going to call plagiarism and phony on them too? This isnt going to sway any Obama supporters because we know this is just another feeble attempt at the clintons to claw at whats left of their faltering campaign.

Set   February 18th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Ya know, this is rather disappointing. One commentor stated that Hilary used Kerry Healy's 'Just Words, Just Speeches' attack. Did she point that out when she borrowed it? Or is it okay for her to borrow the attack, but wrong for Obama to borrow the rebuttal? Is it a case of I can do something (in the case of Hilary) but if you do it (in Obama's case) I'm gonna label you a plaigarist. Is the Clinton campaign that desperate to score over voters that it has to be trivial. What is the solution vs. speeches message not working?

Moreover, and this is the catcher: IF WORDS DON'T MATTER, WHAT DO YOU CARE WHOSE THEY ARE?

Michael from South Carolina   February 18th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Sue, I have been screaming this for weeks. They always keep my stuff in moderation and finally delete it. I do NOT curse on here, but I do support Hillary. I guess I go agaist the grains of CNN. I have tried to respond twice in this same blog and NOTHING!

Bob, Florida - RFO   February 18th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

There's a finite number of word combinations, everyone of which has been used before. This such a joke that it does not warrant time on CNN.

We need a strong third party so if HRC gets the final DNC nod at the convention then I propose that Barack and Chuck Hagel team up and run for President/VP under the Unity 08 banner.

Go Barack '08!

Truth hurts   February 18th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Hillary supporter are so irrationally funny. They marvel at a non issue and try to attack Obama on anything. That's how desperate you (mostly ladies) have become. Would you please grow up and accept the fact that your candidate is the weakest one of the two, especially in a general election. Look at her senate record. Even with less years than her in the Senate, Obama has a better record.

Where was she last week when he voted against immunity to phone companies? Right, she was probably busy fomenting some ridiculous and gratuitous attack!

H   February 18th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

DITTO!!!!!!!!! I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR THREE WEEKS TO GET MY COMMENTS IN. GUESS WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK GOOD ABOUT HILLARY.

CNN keeps putting my comments in moderation. You should be including every comment except those that are obscene and not keeping people's comments out because you don't like them. This is a blatant attempt to keep most of the comments pro Obama to support the extensive CNN bias against Hillary. Other news outlets like FOX and ABC are putting everyone's comments in.

VKC   February 18th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I watched over the weekend a movie called The Man Of the Year with Robin Williams. I was shocked when I heard Robin Williams give a speech during his Presidency-They're are no RED STATES, NO BLUE STATES ONLY THE UNITED STATES?

Does that sound familiar??? Obama stole that line too....

what a joke
Go Hillary Clinton!!!

Dem123   February 18th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Obama supporters can give any explanation or lift definitions from every available dictionary ,the truth is that their dreamer was copying speeches which was main selling point at least till before today.We are electing a president not a motivational speaker who at best is quite low on originality.

James R   February 18th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I have to wonder if the Clinton and McCain camps are now attempting to put their own spin on the phrases that the Obama camp has been using since "day 1" in an attempt to try to bring supporters on board for themselves? It would seem that they are very envious that an upstart such as Senator Obama was able to develop such a strong following amongst his supporters by truly giving them something which they just might be able to believe in to effect change; that being a government "for the people by the people", much the way that it was originally intended to be.

IraqWarHater   February 18th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

To say that Hillary is borrowing his campaign rhetoric is rather farfetched, “Yes, We Can” and “Fired Up, Ready to Go.” Is that the best that the Obama campaign can find?! We, as people, ALL use those phrases. "Mom, this place is a MESS! We can't clean it!" is easily answered by "Yes, We Can!" And "Are you ready for the game son? We gotta be there an hour before it starts" Is often answered by "I'm Fired Up, Ready to Go" He's no different than the rest of them playing the blame game, at least Hillary knows what she is doing and doesn't "borrow" whole sentences instead of fragments. Looks like a lot of us Democrats will wind up voting Republican just to make sure this wolf in democrate clothing doesn't win it. Crap, didn't think I'd be saying this but..."Goooo McCain!"

Jacqueline Samms   February 18th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

After reading these bolgs..I have only one thing to say. 1/2 the country is intelligent and half are not. How is this important to our lives? We should focus on this "Are we better today, then we were 8 years ago?" Or, are we struggling? Obama's words are inspiring and hopeful. With the way things are going, hope is all I have.

Jbecks   February 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Hillary supporters sound an awful lot like republicans in this list of posts. Have any of them stopped to think about what kind of an attack this is? Sharing campaign rhetoric with a political ally. Does she hope Obama won't point out all the times she has said "yes we can" and "fired up and ready to go" on the trail? Borrowing from her rival as opposed to her friend. This is disgusting and the response by Hillary supporters has driven me out of the democratic party. I'll vote for Obama if I can but if not, I'm goin for Nader. You all make McCain's job easy by being ridiculously malicious to your own party. Hill would rather the party be destroyed then lose this nomination. I hope the Clintons come out of this campaign weaker then ever and with no office of their own.
It's one thing to believe Clinton would make a better president, but to be outright against Obama because he is a better speaker than her is about as intelligent as voting for Huckabee. Democratic voters have about as critical a mind as republican evangelicals and it makes me sick. In fact, to hell with Nader, these posts just make me want to move away.

Deborah   February 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Can Obama do anything on his own???

Praetorian, Fort Myers, FL   February 18th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

If you compare the "we'll take care of everything" social agenda of both Obama and Clinton-....

We'll you "educated people" who support them–really should read Mein Kampf.

If you remove the"hate mongering" and just focus on the "social agenda" plans–there are some amazing similarities.

***Also see–"What we stand for" link of the website of the Democratic Socialist Party, U.S.A.

Educated–and smart are not always synonymous!

kcfromtexas   February 18th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

This just underscores what we all know–there is nothing original about Obama, prepackaged, preprogrammed and complete with Obamabots.
I'm also all about Hope – Hope that Obama loses.

JohnAR   February 18th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

For all of the Obama fans out there saying that this is a non-issue, you're wrong. This is an issue. This man is running off of someone elses speeches. The whole "Yes we can" and "Change" is not original material. The speeches that Obama is giving are documented speeches and now it's blowing up in his face. It's about time.. Anytime there is something negative about Obama, it's always the same comments by the same Obama-bots. You claim that Hillary is desperate. Get some new material people. Grow up and look at the facts. Hillary has far more experience that Obama and can actually walk the walk. Can he actually follow through with his promises? I think not....

crawf   February 18th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Have any of you every committed plagiarism? Just remember, if you copy or repeat words that belong to someone else without their permission is plagiarism. Yes Barak, used some of Gov. Patricks words, but it wasn't word for word, and he had permission also. Barak, will get my vote, I'm ready for a change!

Hillary had my vote at one time, but I'm a female and I'm entitled to change my mind!

Dan, California   February 18th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Wow, Obama is stealing someone else's words just like MLK did to earn his doctorate. No surprise here, since there's a total double standard in the media. IN fact, they'l probably edit this comment out.

Eric S   February 18th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

It doesn't matter whether Patrick gave him the permission to use those lines. All his campaign dwells on rhetorics and when people find out those rhetorics are not even his own, he is finished.

matt g   February 18th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

It's funny, Hillary can't come up with anything better to throw at him than this. People who posted the he is a phony, get real. Hillary is running off her husbands tail winds. Notice that he is starting to get out of the picture and she starts falling behind. It was a nice thought, The first women president, I guess the only thing wrong with that is the fact the it was the Hill-A-Monster.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

CNN is calling Obamas reuse of others speeches "Adapted Material". Adapted Material is like taking a book and creating a movie. The film producer gets permission from the writer, but the original source is credited (that's why they call the scroll at the end of movies "The Credits")

We've all been taught in school that when you copy someone else’s work you add a foot note to let everyone know where it came from. Where are the foot notes in Obamas speeches?

Let's just call it what it is – plagiarism. Calling it "Adapted Material" is just a sugar coating. CNN, like most of the press sugar coat everything for their darling baby Obama.

I listened to Obamas Speeches and I never heard or saw any credits. It's Ok to copy your pals work, unless you are taking a test and have to demonstrate that the knowledge is yours, not your pals.

The campaign for President is a test, an interview. Obama wants us to believe the knowledge is his own. But he's been using cheat sheets all along.

The problem for Obama is that he wants everyone to think he is new and fresh. Turns out he's old and stale.

Obama the Phony Baloney. There's not enough mustard in all the worlds delis to make that taste ok.

Karen, Florida   February 18th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

It's funny. Obama supporters jump all over Hillary if she sneezes, but catch their "messiah" doing something less than honest and all they can do is turn around and continue to sling mud at Hillary. Gosh, what's the matter? Is the Gilded Lily starting to tarnish? See, it's just cheap metal under that gold-plating. Nothing is as real as it seems, especially OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY 08 ALL THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Hillary = BUSH = FEAR TACTICS   February 18th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Hillary, just like Bush, is using her FEAR TACTICS on AMERICA. Are we in RED ALERT Hillary?

Remember when Hillary, Mit Romney, Huckabee ……. All began to use the word CHANGE after they saw how Obama was able to use the word effectively?

Obama said, “Well, its nice to see everyone getting on the CHANGE BANDWAGON.

IMPORTANT READ: What if Hillary was not as experienced as her opponent, what would she say? I can answer that for you. She would say that we need CHANGE. How do I know? Well, the Clinton’s did it in the ’92 Presidential Campaign. Bill had ZERO White House experience and Bush senior had 12 years plus served in WWII and had just been thru the experience of Desert Storm and more.

Hillary, you are just like Bush BUT this time your fear tactics will not work on the American people.

We know that Hillary has been on a non-stop BAD JUDGEMENT streak.

We need to stop the Bush and Hillary BAD JUDGEMENT streak.

Vote Obama ‘08

Daniel Beloved_ID   February 18th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

The Clinton campaign should be the last to accuse Obama of plagiarism. Throughout this race, she has been trying to go against her nature to be Obama (talk, act, breath like him). She would wish god made her different. Being president does not mean you cannot borrow good ideas from your friends. Hillary, you are good in making things happen. Obama has the gift of a charismatic leader.

Jared Six   February 18th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Clintons are smart on destroying image of candidates. This is another NH restaurant. Smart in both Calculation and manipulations, but let them know that they will not manage to stop Obama, he is for change and people are looking for change! if she was for change why still there are children left behind after her 8 years in WH, why we do not have healthcare if she was for change. Cheat nobody hillary Obama baby keep it up change is for OBAMAS

Curliss   February 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

I cant believe it really took this long to expose Obama. Goes to show you that the media was responsible for his rise to stardom...Hillary or McCain are only the real choices for president for 2008. However, I would support a Clinton/Obama ticket if it were to be. Perhaps 8 years under Hillary will prepare him to be president some day ?

Jane   February 18th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Absolutely right, Jack! I haven't lost faith in the opposite sex. But there are a lot of men out there that continue to have great feelings of animosity and hatred for Hillary Clinton—not knowing what her experience and credentials are but simply not wanting to know.

I believe these are men who can’t appreciate equal rights for women in the boardrooms across America, in the home, in the workplace and definitely can’t come to terms with the fact that a woman can run for the highest office in the land. Not just any woman but one who is by far smarter than a lot of presidents before her—a woman of great intellect who has the ability to ask the hard questions, coupled with the indomitable will to answer those questions.

I believe if this country got lucky and if you are a Democrat, both admirers and detractors of Hillary Clinton will see a leadership of this country you haven’t seen recently.

Manuel TX   February 18th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

Obama did not credit Deval in his version of the speech. That, by definition is plagiarism.

Worse, the entire basis for Obama's popularity is that he delivers "inspiring" speeches, so it’s more than a bit disingenuous to say that presenting a speech as his own when it clearly is not is not troubling.

It hardly matters that Deval is his friend.

Hillary’s use of a phrase like “Yes we can” is done with the implicit knowledge that Obama’s campaign is using that same phrase. It’s mild form of poking fun at the Obama campaign.

Also, the Obama campaign originally stole the phrase “Yes we can”, “Si se puede” from the United Farm Workers. It was their protest phrase from the 60s.

Shaun   February 18th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I think it is misleading to say some of his "stump speech" is adapted, as the language in question is really the words he used to respond to an attack. I think this makes a difference, as the words are not a fundamental component of the message he's been sharing with voters. Indeed, the response, adapted or not, is a perfect response, and likely the only real way to respond to a criticism that "words don't matter." In context, it's not objectionable at all.

John, Chicago   February 18th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Obama: "I pledge to you that I will do everything I can to put all the good ideas from everyone together and present them to you through me."

LOL

bernardo   February 18th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

hey why all those hillary supporters don't demand that she file her taxes which is more important than commenting about words from barack speeches. Give me a break people!!!!

Steal material   February 18th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Not only is Obama only about speeches, but also he can't even make his own speeches without stealing material.
.
Obama can't even come up with his own campaign speeches, This just proves that Obama's speeches are nothing more than just words.
.
Obama is fraud.

Bouts in Minnesota   February 18th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

What is most amazing to me is that people can blame a candidate for using some lines– good ones, I might add– that he adapted from a FRIEND, and use that trivial issue to condemn everything about that candidate. I don't know of a great speaker in the history of humankind that hasn't adapted some line or phrase of someone else's work to make a point in his or her own speech: After all, we connect with people based on what they've heard, seen, and experienced before. We all do this, whether we're talking to thousands, or talking to a group of friends. Why, then, do we sink to hypocrisy when someone else does it? Did he "rip off" his friend? His FRIEND says "No." There. Next topic, please.

I believe this issue is being raised at this point in the campaign to get those who are already ready to pounce on Obama all "worked-up" (I may have borrowed that phrase from someone else - I want you all to know that now!) and talk incessantly about this trivial issue. Unfortunately, it's working like a charm (again, some other phrase...)

I think it's silly for any candidate to point fingers - silly enough for me to dismiss this issue out of hand (another one).

Joe G   February 18th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

All candidates borrow from each other and history. But that's not the point. Obama is about change, right???

I voted for Clinton twice, once for Gore and Kerry, but will never vote for Barak Obama.

It's all a facade.

William B Lewis   February 18th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

I am amazed that the consensus on this post seems to imagine that politicians write their own speeches. This has never been the case. JFK had a team of speech writers (logographers for anyone with more than one brain cell). Bill Clinton had a team of speech writers.

Obama too has speech writers. So what? So what? So what?

I believe racist Americans are not able to ambush the policy debate against Obama so they're doing so in increasingl petty ways.

The only phonies here are the idiots critiquing a stump speech's validity based on its past usage. If it was valid then and is valid now, so be it.

Jack   February 18th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

How is this Hillary's fault? Her supporters started saying "yes we will". This is to answer and contrast the "yes we can" message. A huge differance. Hillary will, while Obama can, but doesn't mean he will.

CNN runs one negative piece on Obama and people call it the Clinton News Network. Funny. CNN has fallen over itself the last 6 months to cover the same ole speech by Obama, not focus on issues, and use any excuse to bring down Clinton.

Obama is not new. His change and hope speeches are written by a middle age white guy. Yes, they all do it, but Obamanites believe this is his vision. Its not. He is the best politician since Bill Clinton, even better because he has sold America on retoric, while the real solutions we need have been drowned out.

Tim J H   February 18th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

La Raza if you want an example of what real "desperation" is how about the Obama campaign sending a heckler to try and ruin a Clinton rally in Ohio hosted by Bill...

Obama is a politician's politician – a machiavellian individual who will gladly say anything or do anything as a means to an end.

His purported stance against the Iraq war is a joke – he was not in the senate at the time to take a vote on the matter

He talks of change but in the same sentence during an interview with the Chicago Tribune newspaper advocated that America should bomb Iran – a comment that would be more akin to coming from Bush than a Democrat nominee.

During a debate with Hillary he let slip that America should send troops to Pakistan to search for the Taliban without asking permission from the Pakistani Government first...What kind of change is this kind of talk going to generate exactly?

Thank God people are starting to wake up and realise that Obama is nothing but a false prophet – a sham hidden behind a mask of rhetoric and cliched buzz words!!!

April   February 18th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Hillary's "yes we will" was her saying it back to her supporters who had been chanting it to her...........it is a MOCKING of Obama and his "yes we can" not a theft............he says he can which is different than actually doing it.......get it, hence the mocking "yes we will"

Furthermore can all the people saying Clinton is desperate please GET OVER IT!!!!!! she is only ~50 delegates behind......a drop in the bucket of a large state..........stop acting like Obama has it all sewn up. I have even seen people suggest she drop out ........you mean to tell me you wanted Obama to drop out after Super Tuesday when he was ~90 delegates behind???? I don't think so, and I would not have expected him to..........Just because she is behind does not mean she is done.

BobW   February 18th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

"First he brings Oprah out to gain him notoriety."

A common campaign practice. What other purpose does Bill serve in campaigning for Hillary?

"Then he drags out all the Kennedys to give him credibility."

I recall seeing a couple of Kennedys standing on a stage with Hillary

"Then he advertises, advertises, advertises- even in Florida where they all agreed NOT to campaign but he was the only one that did."

Hillary runs campaign ads and the Florida ad was not Obama's fault but rather the fault of the network.

"Then the superbowl and rock concerts and videos making entertainment out of the race for Presidency."

Do you mean to say that campaigns should not be fun? Hillary was quoted as saying just the opposite.

"Then he BRAGS about raising the most campaign money EVER- when the economy suffers and people are hungry and losing their homes."

The majority of that money came from the very people you speak about whoes jobs were lost because of Hillary's favorite trade policy-NAFTA that her husband signed into law. Hillary is the one who can afford to write herself a check for 5 million dollars. Obama has even released his tax returns for public scrutiny by voters. Hillary refuses to. She and Bill are millionaires who have profited during these economic hard times.

"Then he recants on being willing to accept public financing once he finds out that he can out raise and out spend everyone else."

Obama has not recanted. He has simply pointed out that he is keeping his options open.

"Now this. All from the Candidate of CHANGE- the one who stands against politics as usual. People, what do you think all this Media Circus is?"

Now appearing in the center ring, Hillary insisting on seating delegates that she previously agreed that wouldn't count. Hillary will astound the media circus with the same smoke and mirrors she used to explain away her support of the war and amaze the public with promises like, "I won't use my senate seat as a stepping stone to the presidency.

Anna, SW Missouri   February 18th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

This is so funny that it is rediculous. Obama helped the Gov get elected. For all we know, maybe Obama wrote the speech that the Clinton camp is trying to say was plagarized. It is not, since the two are working together to get Obama elected, so obviously he had permission to use the words. I would think that the Clinton camp would have enough brains to realize that. So once again it is just throwing mud, hoping it will stick.

But, when you look at the speech that Hillary gave in Iowa, she was in fact plagarizing Obama's words. I think we can all agree that Obama would not give her permission to use his words. So let's talk about her character. She has been trying to come up with new ways to sell herself this entire campaign, but everything she does is a copy of what Obama had already said and done.

Once again this shows how desparate her campaign is, but they really should know by now, that they should check and make sure that what they say can not backfire on them.

Ron W., SC   February 18th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Talk is cheap! Especially if the words aren't even your own original words.

Barack Obama is like a really good cover band. It's OK to go out and hear them play live once in a while, but you wouldn't want to own one of their CD's.

Betsy   February 18th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Obama supporters are suppose to be smarter than Hillary supporters? Are you serious? Because they all sound like they had a lobotomy to me.

RPV   February 18th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Speaking of similarities...
Has anyone noticed the similarities between how Hillary is running her campaign and how Bush ran the Iraq War?

1.Both expected a cake-walk.

2.Both put loyal cronies in high ranking positions.

3.Both treated dissenters with contempt

4.Both blew-off the early signs of resistance.

5.Both changed their rational for entering the campaign multiple times.
(Imminent threat, WMD, freedom)
(Inevitability, Change, Solutions)

6.Both had to fire cronies and start bringing in qualified help.

7.Both have suragates that will say anything

8.Neither will admit a mistake.

9.Both seem to believe that the truth is relative.

10. Coward democratic Congressmen and Senators supported the cause untill it looked bleak and then jumped ship.

Hillary is plagiarizing Bush's War Plan!!

Credit to Professor Nellie for this brilliant observation.

Tom   February 18th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

For those who don't know, the definition of plagiarism, from dictionary.com:

1. the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work.
2. something used and represented in this manner.

Please read the whole thing before improperly using the word in reference to this situation.

Dem123   February 18th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

I totally agree Obama is all about his image.Iraq war and his SPEECH is a good case in point.Liberals and media need to wake up before it is all over.THIS IS BLATANT PLAGARISM,HOW CAN WE TRUST A PRESIDENT LIKE THAT?

Sue   February 18th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

CNN keeps putting my comments in moderation. You should be including every comment except those that are obscene and not keeping people's comments out because you don't like them. This is a blatant attempt to keep most of the comments pro Obama to support the extensive CNN bias against Hillary. Other news outlets like FOX and ABC are putting everyone's comments in.

Donna F   February 18th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

If Obama and Hillary and so identical in ideas and he has speech writers, uses others speech parts...then explain to me exactly what is the CHANGE? So far it is status quo...what will matter is action and inplimentation of ideas...that to him are not new , not only his...so what is he changing.....His foreign issues are limited...he has not even visited the countries if his special foreign relations committee...he has been so busy contributing to superdelegates, and accidentally hitting the wrong button to vote.....does he do that when he sees he was in the minority of the vote?. So if he voted for the was...that is old news....NOW we are in a war.....does he really think rushing to bring the troops home if safe....is he making promises he will delegate off to others to keep for him.....he cannot already keep the agreement with McCain about funding a nomination he has not received yet. Remember if something is too good to be true... Go Hillary.

Marie/Madison,WI   February 18th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

I scanned through postings. Finally, doubts about Obama start creeping in and there are less hysterical posts, more thoughtfulness.
The shift is right. I said it long-long ago, after hearing him for the first time: Obama == PHONY !!! It is a risky (even dangerous) path if he is a nominee. He is weak in debates because one needs a substance to debate. You can't hide behind stomp speeches. I am glad the issue of plagiariat surfaced up now when it is still not too late to turn this campain around. Wisconsin, Ohio, Texas: PLEASE, PLEASE bw wise. Turn him down. He gotta be stopped.

Bob - MA   February 18th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Let me make one thing perfectly clear, those are some of the most inspiring and most frequently referrenced quotes in American history. As a student of history, I have personnally quoted both President Kennedy and President Roosevelt on several occasions in the past.
The Declaration of Independence contains the WORDS that this nation was founded upon. So think about it people, if you are going to accuse Obama of plagiarism for this, then you are going to have to accuse most of the politicians and students around the world. Including Hillary Clinton.

Judy   February 18th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

When you base your candidacy largely on your oratory skills, it speaks volumes when you have to steal speeches from other politicians. I guess sticking to topics like the economy, health care, the war, and education (those things that really matter) are too boring for Obama. They don't give him those "applause lines" he talks about and so enjoys. I would prefer a president who's not in the "inspiration business" but ready to take care of business.

It's pathetic that Obama tries to put himself on the same level as Martin Luther King and other great leaders who truly inspired. What an ego.

Lisa   February 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Why is it HILLARY stooping to a new low when it's OBAMA that got caught plagiarizing. He is the one that sounds desperate.

Tom   February 18th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Im not sure who is dumber? Obama thinking he can sell hope in a can or Rich liberals thinking they can actually buy hope in a can

April   February 18th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

for those who have an issue with mandated healthcare

do you have an issue with car insurance, how about home owners insurance? these things are required or you face criminal charges.

the thing is Obama supporters are touting change but the main reason they reject hillary's healthcare plan is because of its change, never mind it is change for the better.

If you paid for healthcare insurance the same way you did car or homeowner.....a premium and you pay every month, and it is required or else bad luck for you (car insurance you get a ticket if you dont have it)............it would be a change from a norm at first but would reduce the cost and increase the quality overall

In contrast by not mandating it, when the uninsured go the hospital for an emergency situation it would be required you treat them, but then they can not pay, so the hospital has to write it off as a loss....as those losses pile up the need to make them up and like any company will offset them by increasing the prices which over time will slowly and steadily increase the price of coverage.

Kurt   February 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

This will have no traction; just like the Rezko thing. Trumped up charges. That is all.

The Clinton camp (and everyone else running for president including republicans) has been taking lines from Obama ever since Iowa, particularly on the issue of change. The change bandwagon has only so many seats.

Betsy   February 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Obama is a FAKE! He stole "Yes we Can" from the migrant workers! Not once of original thought in his body! PATHETIC!

Karen   February 18th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Obama's rhetoric is finally coming to light, this man has not broken down a single plan, all he does is say what he is going to do, but he does not say how, and how it will be paid for, Obama supporters better wake up and realize that the situation in America is becoming very bleak, their are millions of homeless people, thousands more losing their homes due to foreclosure, the dollar is not worth what it use to, the healthcare system is a mess and so on and so on, so many problems and they have chosen to blindly follow this false prophet, this man is not genuine, nor is he different from any other politician, the sad thing is that all of these people will be so disappointed when they realize what harm they have done to our country by blindly voting for this man that has no true character, but has managed to hoodwink them into thinking that he is the second coming. Not only did he use this speech word for word, but he also plagiarized Hillary's Economic Plan earlier last week, had this been her doing this you would be asking for her head on a platter, his followers are as hypocritical as he is, and they are also hate filled and divisive, and this from people who follow a man that claims to be a uniter.

Jack   February 18th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Funny how Obama supporters are "outraged" that CNN would do a story like this, but were overjoyed with the hundreds of anit-Hillary stories that CNN has ran.

As for Hillary's experiance. She has never claimed that he time in the White House is her only credit. She has critized some of her own husbands policy's. Her experiance before the White House is extensive and people really should look at those accomplishments, not pick and choose. She fought for children, workers rights, invironmental issues, just to name a few, before she was ever a first lady of anything. In her time in the White House, her experiance comes from her relationships built around the world where she forged great relationships with over 88 leaders around the world. She fought for human rights across the globe. Yes, she failed on healthcare, but atleast she made the effort to do something no one though even possiable. Anyone who knows about this time period, knows what really happened. As a Senator, she has done great work and most say she did more than anyone after 9/11 to help her State and our country. She has also worked to insure that millions of children have healthcare and her commitment to our soldiers in unwavering. I am tired of people knocking her record. She has had failures. She has admitted to those. She has admitted that she would have made differant choices than Bill. She has proven herself to be a fighter. She will lose, but never give up. Obama can not compare his record to hers. This is why supporters and haters focus on "wal-mart" or her war vote, because they know her record is solid. I admire the fact that she has done so much. I am angered that African Americans have over-looked her record on civil rights. I am angered that people on these blogs have no clue about this women and only use gossip to attack her. Hillary Clinton has everything this country should admire in a leader, we are just to lazy to realize the truth.

Whatever the outcome of this election, Hillary will still be here. She will continue to do wonderful work for Americans. Obama, has already threatend us that he will go away if he doesnt get his way. I want someone committed for a lifetime, not an election cycle. Hillary has my vote now and forever.

Mike   February 18th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

It's really sad to see supporters of both Hillary and Obama go at each other on CNN comments section like this. From what I see, if Obama wins the nomination, then Hillary supporters won't support him at all in the general election. Same if it is the other way around. Sad but true.

You can blame Clinton, and you can also blame Obama about this because of his continued low blows on the Clintons and their legacy. Obama should also stop the same old "Washington politics" attack that he's also guilty of.

John   February 18th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

As far as I know, there's only one constitutional lawyer who has written a best-selling novel on the complexities of the American political system in the race. I'll vote for that candidate, thanks very much.

Marge 4 Ward   February 18th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Obama and his many layers ... just like an ONION... one layer after the other gets taken off ... and you are excited and anxious to see more .... and so you wait for the next layer to reveal more ... and in the end you have a stinky, smelly pit that you wish you had never opened in the first place.

John   February 18th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

don't get it. Have they never heard the expression the pot calling the kettle black?

The Clinton campaign keeps attacking Obama on places where they have very weak stances. Exelon. Public Funding. Now this?

Devon Patrick and Barack are close to best friends. Devon Patrick has told the press he has given this line to Obama! Hillary is the one who has stolen line after line from Obama. What a joke.

What is this woman's game plan? To give John McCain the Presidency? Cause if she keeps this up that's exactly what shes gong to do. I know this much – I will never support a Clinton again.

What a shame. Three months ago I still considered Bill and Hillary one of the leading couples of the Democratic party. It takes a lot to get on my bad side.

Beating Hilary in the primary will be more pleasurable than beating McCain in the general election.

Jan E   February 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

You Dems are not ready to lead the country. Every time you get an open chance, you mess it all up! Every thing turns into a religious argument for you and you seem to form cults around individuals not principals. For Hillary supports, maybe you will get what you wish for at the detriment of this country, but that does not matter to you I guess.

Adam   February 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Can this man do ANYTHING on his own? He's like a political puppet – can't make a rational thought on his own! Not surprising, have you seen him try to defend and promote his policies on the spot in a debate? We don't need an orator.

This man is all scripted talk and NO action. Open your eyes people!!

mhanna   February 18th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

watch the clintons loose another too state tom

negative campaigns is not the answer

but the main thing clintons are facing is rejection

ppl are just fed with these power hungry that will do or say anything to get elected.

obama 08

jason   February 18th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

fortunately, no one with sense will be bothered by this sort of 'news.'

unfortunately, you sort of have to be senseless to be a hillary supporter or republican – and there are plenty of those.

Mary   February 18th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

O-IS-HP: Obama is a Hypocrite and Phony. It's about time Americans start asking the hard question abou real issues and his record in the Illinons & US Senate. Substance over Speeches any time., please. Hillary 08!

Aguonye Christopher   February 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Even Christ used some lines from the prophet Isiah"s writings during his teaching ministry. So what are talking about.?There is nothing new under the heaven. What America needs is a sincere, honest leader who can confront Russia, checkmate China and fight genuine terrorists. Not conmen who will waste tax payers"s money fighting wars that never should be fought. America's influence and power is painfully on the decline. globally. America needs a leader who can restore its badly dented credibility in the international arena. May God continue to bless America.

Obama Rules!!!   February 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Hillary's new word is: "Yes we Will" Now all of you Hillary fans need to shut up, and go with the issues and the man that can speak fluent English with Hope and and REAL plan for America. Incidently, does Hillary ever wear women's clothes (she is not feminine at all). Interesting how she was not upset about Monica??? (Think about it).

Cris   February 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Wow... silly people – Obama and Patrick are close friends and shared strategies and language with one another. He wholeheartedly supports Obama using his lines and goes on to say that he sees know reason why he needs to be given credit for them. What a joke – Clinton needs to stop scraping for attacks and bow out!

Christy   February 18th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Hillary Clinton has been sounding like a mini-Obama lately and this is definietly something dug up by the Clinton Dirty Politics Campaign.

Obama for President! It's time for Character and Ethical Leadership!

dave   February 18th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Oh my god!

That is sooo funny!!!

All the inspirational speeches and then it results that it wasn't his own words.

Come on guys., this is a race for the white house, I hope its not late to choose the candidate with the experience required to the job and not the baby candidate.

And by the way, Obama stop saying that your words inspire people, their are not your words hehehe.

Go Hillary!

hillary over obama   February 18th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Copying does matter with obama since he claims tp be the first true politcian.. Is he hypocritical of his anti Hillary ad "politics as usual"?

You bet he is!!!! Wake up America-he is a typical slickster politician.

Christy   February 18th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Hillary Clinton stoops to a new LOW!

Chester   February 18th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

The only word Obama could come up with on his own, was the word "present". The same word he used almost 200 times when "voting" on issues he too afraid to be for or against. Obama is a man of little to no substance. In some ways he represents politics as usual, like when he cuddles up to Ted Kennedy, other times, he just doesn't want to get involved. What a loser. Obamaniacs, wake up, he is not the savior. None of them are.

Steve   February 18th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Hillary Clinton: "Yes we will"

Hillary Clinton: "I'm fired up and ready to go!"

It's one thing to have the same speech writer as someone else, it's another to take things directly from your opponent.

April   February 18th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Can I just say that for Obama to insinuate that WORDS matter while using those quotes is just ridiculous.

"I have a dream" while they were words that inspired, there was a lot of effort and even lives that went into achieving civil rights. There were people and hard political stances that had to be taken and to widdle the movement down to only words is really improper.

"We hold these truths to be self evident......" words yes, but they are the words in the first document of our nation the first bill if you will. That document also took a lot of courage, determination, hard political stances, and lives lost in the fight in order to obtain it

WORDS WITHOUT ACTION ARE EMPTY. The point is, that without the action that came with these words that Obama is quoting, they really would not mean much!!!!!!

HILLARY = BAD JUDGEMENT   February 18th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Hillary said in her recent stump speech “YES WE WILL”

McCain said in his recent stump speech “I’M ALL FIRED UP”

Hillary has changed her words so often that she doesn’t even know what she is running for anymore….she is getting desperate and I can see from the above comments, people who want her in are desperate too.

The FACT “is” that Hillary has shown BAD JUDGEMENT on MANY of the IMPORTANT issues.

Steve   February 18th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I am so glad to see finnaly people realize Obama is just all words, some of them are not even his own!!!

Mrs. America   February 18th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

The more I know about Obama, the less I want him for president, at least right now. I hope people catch on before it is too late for 2008. He so clearly is too inexperienced for the job right now. He doesn't even have any laurels to rest on yet. Clinton 2008, Obama 2016.

Kim Johnson   February 18th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Is that all you can come up with on Obama. Wow sounds like someone is in panic mode.

Abby   February 18th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

What do you expect from Barack "Hopeless" Obama??? He copied Hillary's economic plan. Even his "famous" speeches are taken from another politician!

EXPERIENCE MATTERS
SUBSTANCE RULES
VOTE FOR HILLARY "RESULTS" CLINTON!!!

Peter Cananda 4 Obama!   February 18th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

Ann from los angeles if you don't know what to say just be quiet!

jason   February 18th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

is there anything original left to be said?

note that the clintons' supporters don't jump on the fact that she had 8 years to do what she's promising now, and didn't.

Let's talk about "action" vs "talk" shall we?

the reason I see that Obama isn't giving definitive solutions to things is because, though he has "default" plans, he ultimately wants to leave it up to the people to decide the best course of action – you know, the way a democracy should be.

wheras hillary would rather do whatever she wants, then launch a propaganda campaign until everyone is brainwashed into believing it was the right course of action (even if it fails) – you know, sort of like Bush.

tired of dynasties   February 18th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Keep it up Clintonistas, guarentee that all the new and excited voters leave the party in disgust. Heres a headline, Whats good for the dynasty is not necessarily good for the country. I realize this might be hard to understand but try, after all you are supposed to be a genius.

isabel   February 18th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

I love cnn ADAPTED MAERIAL. It used to be called PLAGERISM

hillary over obama   February 18th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

CNN why dont you also air Hillary supporters in Hawaii???
How stupid Only Obama has Aloha spirit??–as you aired 2 people saying??????????? How stupid to even air and how biased.

Your reporter should be taken off the air!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dare to print this about your biased reporting.

sunny   February 18th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Surprised, that the media is burying this info .. shouldn't this be prominently displayed.

A candidate's integrityy is a very important issue... Thanks to youtube..

La Raza   February 18th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Hillary is desperate. Even if she wins Texas and Ohio, she must win by a decisive amount. If it ends up in the Superdelegate's hands, they will pick Obama. If they pick hillary, there will be a riot and Hillary will fail to win in November.

tired of dynasties   February 18th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

And nobody said plagarized, Apparently the clintonistas have become what they hate. What part of that harlem office does KArl Rove sleep in?

N. Burse   February 18th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Have we stooped this low? What did you want him to do.....use MBLA format and cite references. If that is the case then everybody plagarizes every day! Let's focus on the real issue at hand- a competent LEADER who will lead on DAY1 ! Oops.....Hillary said that!

Josh   February 18th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

This is only a "non-issue" to Obama naive supporters, because it's not negative towards Hillary.

How's it feel Obama supporters?

Actually, if you want Deval's reading of the written lines, and Obama's reciting, they're IDENTICAL...Tone, speech patterns, and words alike.

This does matter...he's a hollow candidate; his "economic plan" has been described as a blatant copy of Hillary's by non-partisan critics.

Obama gave his "grand" speech 15 days AFTER the Iraq Resolution vote...he makes comfortable stances, to preserve his image.

Obama is all about image. NO.Thank.You.

Lory   February 18th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

That's what has been clear all along. Obama is a plagiarist because he borrows his words from past election slogans like HOPE, Change and Yes, we can. And let it be historically recorded that it has become pathetic that some Americans, worse, college students, graduates and professionals have been victimized wittingly or unwittingly by Obama's oft-repeated flights of hallow and empty oratory. It will be no wonder if Obama has borrowed his political arguments from other politicians. That is not the art and skill of making right decisions, but of copying decisions. The ironic tragedy of it all is that while some Americans have reaped the fruits of education in colleges and universities, and become leaders and managers in their careers, they are miserably failing in the task of selecting a Democrat nominee who has the experience, the breadth of knowledge exhibited in debates, and many years of performance in the Senate which Obama's campaigners unreasonably dismiss as old politics and the status quo which they to rational men they are not. Know that, Sen. Kennedy and Gov. Doyle of Wisconsin know little of how to rebut this exposure of Obama's plagiarism because they and their fanatic followers can only say that this is a NEGATIVE AD, period. I never thought that a Senator and a Governor could be so bankrupt of reasoned arguments that the only thing they can say is "negative ad, negative ad, distortions," and no more. You have not heard from their followers? They will have the nerve to say AMEN. The rest of American will answer a resounding, NO, ENOUGH. The alternative is Hillary by all means!

April   February 18th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Thank-you CNN for actually reporting this!!! I applaud you. Keep up the good work of fair and honest reporting. The kid gloves are finally off.

tired of dynasties   February 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Hillary Clinton cribbed Si Si Puede, fired up and lord knows what else. She is also claiming her husbands experience as her own. What the hell, was it a really slow news day. I don't want to hear any more about CNN being biased against Clinton.

This is ridiculous.

Ted McDonough   February 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

When are the American people going to wake up and realize this guy doesn't have an original idea in his head? Not until it's too late i'm afraid.
This campaign of hope and change is a sham....there is no evidence this guy will change anything or evidence he's capable of changing anything.....there's a lot of evidence to suggest this guy is purposely avoiding detail and debate on the issues. Wake up America!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

The Clintons' and Bushs' make the world think they are the Kings and Queens of America. Why not change the Constitution and let them rule this country and be done with it, no elections, no will of the people, just successions.

Felipe   February 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

OBAMA LIKE I MENITONED A MILLION TIMES ON HERE BEFORE, HE IS ABOUT ALL FALSE HOPES AND LIES. AND IF YOU SEE HIM LIVE, YOU WILL FIND OUT THAT IT DOES SOUND LIKE IT'S ALL SCRIPTED AND CONTRADICTIONS LIKE NEVER BEFORE. OH AND IF YOU REALLY LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAY'S, HE ALSO FLIP FLOPS ALOT.

Don, Rochester, NY   February 18th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Barack Obama possesses not an ounce of originality or substance. This "adapted material" is only one very small example. Wake up America and vote for REAL change...GO HILLARY!

Honestlady   February 18th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Wow....I guess desperate times call for desperate measures!!! The Clinton camp is just coming up with all kinds of ridiculous accusations now.

Texasboo   February 18th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

The ones who keep referring to Obama as a "preacher" is negating the fact that he is a U.S. Senator with an Ivy league degree! The more I read this denigrating type of description, the more I sense that this is blatant prejudics and the red of the necks are starting to show.

But thank God Obama knows who he is and so does a lot of his endorsers who don't hold Sen. Obama in the same regard.

OBAMA '08

Micahel Guinn, Ventura, CA   February 18th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

The Clintonites never cease to amzae! Were you guys born in a bubble? Political allies share ideas and words everyday- Nothing new. Senator Obama's vision for this country is shared by MILLIONS of us- he is our mouthpiece-You guys need to get a life-and a real basis for your displeasure! You need to calm down and remember that it's the Republicans we need to defeat in November. You just keep on "loading their guns".

Ramirez (Texas)   February 18th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Give me a break Hilary,

You are using YES WE CAN, is it OBAMA or your concept ?

Jim   February 18th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

The closer Obama seems to get to the nomination, the more scrutiny is surfacing. Every day he becomes more and more what he says he isn't. Doesn't take much to figure him out. Just read the rhetoric of his supporters, there's no more depth to them than there is to him.

Frank of El Paso   February 18th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

I guess Obama's speech writers are running out of ideas that he needs to borrow some from a close friend. This is the main reason why I am voting for HILLARY! Rhetorics will not fixed our economic problems, will not solve the war in Iraq, will not put solution to the recession., ACTION and DECISIVE policy making will. HILLARY with her tested experience will bring solutions for Change and this is what we need! Hope the young voters will realize this!!!!

Ean   February 18th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Hillary = Action? What, like her heath care success in the 90's? No, that couldn't be it. That was a mess. The legacy the Clinton's left in the White House? No, that's certainly not it. NAFTA? No, that would be political suicide. Oh, I know. It was her support for Bush over the past eight years. That's it. That's what you meant by action.

Give me a break...what action? She can't even keep her campaign staff on the same page (or paid for that matter).

35 years = Foundationless

Don't confuse "action" with "results." Maybe you need a Webster.

Good luck...You're going to need it.

Jen, Gainesville   February 18th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Hillary used "Are fired up" Ready to go" in a rally before Iowa. This was caught by the press. Just recently, the Clinton campaign borrowed Obama's slogn "Yes we can" and made her "Yes we will." The Obama campaign neither complained or make it a big deal. These were copying from the competing compaigns.

Compared with this, borrowing phases from a close friend is the least one should complain about Obama.

John   February 18th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Evelyn:

The Case Management Conference hearing in Paul v Clinton et al on February 21, in Los Angeles Superior Court will finally set a trial date in the long delayed civil fraud case and it will set a schedule for discovery that will include the sworn depositions of the entire Clinton family and the Clinton hierarchy of the Democratic Party.

GP   February 18th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

the media would have jumped on Clinton...YES IT IS SENATOR EMPTY WORDS

John   February 18th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

You're right...the candidate that has written two best selling-novels, one devoted entirely to policy, can't come up with an original line.

Here's a question. Devon Patrick used this part of the speech when his opponent said "talk is cheap" and "words don't matter." So was Hillary plagerizing his opponent?

Amy   February 18th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Wow Clinton Slime balls are all over tyhis blog...

saying "gotcha"

Obama used a portion of these when he ran for Senate in 04.

Unbelievable how this is actually news. Hillary Clinton is a jjoke and so is her new network.

Oh CNN how about reporting that Hillary Clinton is saying "Yes We Will"

Your a joke.

kcfromtexas   February 18th, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Adapted?? Are you kidding. Is Obama the understudy. If Clinton did this, it would be all over the media and she would be accused of plagiarism and the media would run it as breaking news every 5 minutes and the front page of every paper and website would print it over and over again. Yes, Anderson, the rules are certainly different for a woman, especially one named Clinton.

Tim J H   February 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

It is true that with over 6.6 billion people talking all over the world everyday, no one actually owns words. However, some very famous "quotations" rather than mere words are being used by Obama for his own political gain.

Using catchphrase quotations from the likes of Martin Luther King Jnr, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandella is a much more insidious misdemeanour than mere plagarism: All of the above were Human Rights activists, Altruistic individuals who put their fellow man before any personal or political gain. Both Gandhi and Dr Luther King died for their causes, Mandella spent two decades as a prisoner…

Obama is using these great historical figures as tools for his lust for power – creating buzz amongst the young and disenfranchised with false promises of "Hope" and "Change" where he cannot possibly achieve all that he says.

America should be very wary of what type of "change' Obama would bring to the White House, God forbid, he gets elected!!!

"Audacity of Hope"? AUDACITY OF FALSE HOPE MORE LIKE!!!!

Krishna   February 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

Let us not give importance to flowery speeches. After the time of President Lincoln these speeches were penned by army of speech writers to fit the interest of their patrons and delivered by the candidates as their own.

As all of us know President Lincoln's speeches were penned by himself based on his innermost feelings and convictions. His speeches did matter then and have stood the test of time since then.

At the end of the day what matters to us?. We need somebody who can confidently face the myriad problems our nation faces and can still advance the welfare of all of us,

Educated Man for Obama, Philly PA   February 18th, 2008 12:34 pm ET

The Obama haters will love this story. Here comes the false attacks of empty rhetoric and accusations of stealing speeches.

People are too stupid to be realistic about all of this.

It's no wonder most educated people support Obama.

John   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

enomisa

Hillary Clinton said, and I quote:

"On Universal Health Care, my opponent says 'no we can't." I say, Yes We Can!"

She didn't start using yes we will until she was caught red handed.

Difference? Obama and Patrick are best friends. Obama and Hillary? Not so much.

both sides now   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

What the heck is at the root of this "Obamamania", anyway? All I've heard from him are hollow speeches and empty slogans. There's nothing of consequence there, just this blind follower mentality among his supporters, like lemmings. Come up with an attractive catch phrase, pump some $$$ into a clever ad campaign and and you too can become President. If that's what we as Americans want, that's what we'll get. Guess that's why our restaurant of choice is McDonald's.

Jessica   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

nadeem February 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

"When Hillary steals Obama's Yes We Can – nobody says – well a 'word'

Obama stole this slogan too!!!!!! He stole it from Dolores Huerta, who by the way, supports Clinton. Oh, and get this, Gov Patrick Deval was using the slogan too. Get your facts straight.

Kris, PA   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

The more I learn about this guy's character behind hidden the veil, the more I just cannot bring myself to put my trust (or vote) in him.

Sigh...

Phillip, Memphis   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

They often "riff" off each other? Riff is a term originally used to talk about a melodic or lead line from a musical instrument. Then I believe it has morphed into a term for a "Rap". I am not sure I want a President who "riffs" at all, I think i will leave that to musicians. Oh, but i forgot, he IS a rock star.

I think Obama will be agreat president in about 8 years, but more and more we are seeing shallowness and naivete. If he is the nominee I will vote for him, as one way or another we have to get the neocons out of the White House, but I sure wish he and his supporters would wake up and see that the time is not now... it is after 8 more years of seasoning.

Gabriel   February 18th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Obama and Deval Patrick are best friends and Patrick himself acknowledged and credited him for using the speech language. And why not? The message is same. They both responded to the same attacks from establishment candidates.

These "experieince" and "substance" attacks are akin to Affirmative Action attacks – that these successful have somehow gotten a job they didn't deserve or weren't qualified to get. It's an underhanded attack, and I am begining to see it for what it is.

my computer printer was busted for Plagarism   February 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Did he ever say he wrote the speech? Nope. Nice that you are grasping for straws hill fans. That means you know you are losing and fast. Good.

josh   February 18th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

"Adapted Material"?? Try stolen.

This just proves the point further that Obama's speeches are nothing more than just words.

Obama is a fraud.

prothonotar   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Ha ha... well Bill stole the Republican platform when he was in office, so what's the big deal?

Ben from D,C,   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

This really isn't a big deal. If people take their vote away from Obama because of this, then they are basing their vote literally on words!

A. Harrison   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

That's just it, we know the Clintons, good or bad. We do not know Senator Barack Obama. Wake up America, we're used to calling it like it is and I smell fudge.

Hillary 2008!

OBama 2016? Don't know after these stolen speeches.

sheikhhasan   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

shocked at american politics. all these useless issues that spreads around the media when media is supposed to cover important issues about the candidates. What is wrong with this country? and when i see all these people shouting at each other because Obama used someone else lines during speech, so he is not ready for president? american are dumb to the infinity.

reality check   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

uh, Andrea? Nice speech but Obama has been a main player in this game of politics.

Lisa   February 18th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

WHOA !!!!! CNN

This is NOT his stump speech.

This was used in an address to the SEIU.

Clinton News Network at its best!

john   February 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Sounds like Deval Patrick should be running.

J from DAHOUSE   February 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

America please listen up. The greatest speakers throughout history had speech writers. Do you think Dr. King wrote I have a dream by himself? No, he had speech writers. Guess change is not original either ( Remember Bush 2004 and Dole 1996) Neither is hope. Hope has been around before any of us has been. Change and hope is not original but they are desperately needed in this country.

A Stronger America '08

Evelyn   February 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Pres. Bush said he was a uniter not a divider and his slogan was "Yes America can" – sound familar? Then Sen Obama uses words of JFK and MLK in his speeches. After Sen Clinton has given her policies he now has copied them and says he had them before and has mesmerized his supporters so they don'even check him out. Rezko's trial is supposed to start March 3 so maybe people will see him for what he is – a corrupt and copycat politician.

josh   February 18th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Ah, plagiarism at it's keenest. It's plagiarism not "adapted material" LOL. Why should anyone vote for a president who can't come up with his own speeches but rather relies and steals from someone else regardless if that other person agrees to it or not? We want someone with integrity, someone who can think on his own, and say things that are "real" and solutions-driven not just poetic and eloquent. These times in America we don't need eloquent speeches taken from a poetry anthology, we need real solutions to real issues.

EM   February 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

When will someone pick up on the fact that a large percentage of Clinton's "35 years" has been spent as first lady? Trouncing speeches is one tactic if there really is no serious substance or experience to fall back on. She married well, let's give her that and it was a huge benefit for her, let's give her that too. Why are women "crossing over" to Obama from Clinton? Simply because being first lady isn't really enough "substance and solutions" even if she would like us to count all her "35 years". Be honest, for once, about the number of years of real service.

Elizabeth   February 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Clinton's new motto is "yes, we will" . . . has she attributed that?

Google the term!! Before she ever used it, it was being used by Obama supporters.

So they are plagerizing, then. . . if that is the definition (which I think is ridiculous).

Rachel from Oregon   February 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

That's what writers do... Adopt ideas from other writers. Ever wrote a paper you guys? Or wrote a speech? Give me one example where you did not use an idea previously brought up somewhere else? I'd really like to know.

josh   February 18th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Who is this guy? Speeches and rhetoric has been his only selling point, now we find out they aren't even his own words or thoughts? Give me a break – he is going to run our country? NO!! He will rely on many, many, many advisors to run our country – who will THEY be? I'm not taking a chance – at least with Hillary we know what we are getting.

Chills   February 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

1988-1992 Bush
1992-2000 Clinton
2000-2008 Bush
2008-2016 Clinton
2016-2024 Jeff Bush
2024-2032 Chelsea Clinton

AMERICA WAKE UP!!!!!!

Liz   February 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Obama only speaks in generalities. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr. is not inspiring. At least Hillary actually says what she is going to do.

MIwatch   February 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

NO CHANGE AT ALL! SAME OLD TRICKS from 2006.

Mike   February 18th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Here's the best thing. As soon as all the Obamakins read this they instantly start to pounce on Clinton, pointing out how she is "bad". If you really want to get your point accross try telling me why Obama is good not why Clinton is bad. I don't see the Clinton camp saying anything about using others' speaches so why bring them into it like this is thier story?

I don't think Clinton is questioning his speaches or where they came from but questioning his grasp of detailed policy issues and the experience to act on them

Dylan from CA   February 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

wow. give clintonites a small bit of non-news like this and they make a desperate attempt to use it to justify why he shouldn't be presdient.

oh so a phrase he used is similar to one used by his friend in his campaign? who cares? honestly.

how about members of the clinton campaign's ties to the war in iraq for news? or her willingness to subvert the will of the democratic party electorate and place her own interests over that of the party?

the "hillary or mccain" comments are really telling about her supporters as well. they, like her, are not progressives and probably not even democrats. a democrat certainlyi wouldn't support a warmonger under any circustances.

i will never vote for this woman. i'm hoping after obama sweeps her again on tuesday she'll do what's best for the party and gracefully bow out.

hillary – go away.

OhioVoter   February 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

Wow. This is the kind of "fair and balanced" reporting I would expect from CNN's competitors. I am shocked that this is merely "adapted." See, "adapting" is fine, when you tell people you are paraphrasing from someone else.

As a Harvard Law Review editor, Senator Obama is well aware of what is appropriate when you "borrow" someone else's words or ideas. Obviously, there is no need to attribute words that are clearly identified with someone else (i.e., references to statements by JFK, MLK, etc.), but here Senator Obama said these words as if they were his own. And that is wrong.

If Hillary had done the same - without giving credit to the original speaker - she would have been called a liar and vilified. It would have been the top story on every news website. As it is, this is buried under Huckabee going BOWLING.

Julie, Binghamton, NY   February 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

Deval is living proof that we shouldn't vote someone into an executive political position in this country if they have little experience but can manipulate voters with words to vote for them.

Words are cheap. Anyone can promise the world. Only a few people can actually deliver on that promise- but those people are wise enough not to promise it in the first place.

Texasboo   February 18th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

LOL@ Hillary's latest attempt of "plagarism". You know her new slogan is Tested and Ready from day one. Is that the same as Rudy's Tested. Ready. Now? You Hillary supporters are not showing fairness in trying to slam Obama. This is laughable and truly pathetic.

How many slogans have Clinton stolen over the course of her campaign? Like 10? I mean her message changes every stump she's in.

Obama -We need Change=Hillary is Ready for Change.
Obama-Yes We Can = Hillary Yes We Will
Cesar Chavez-Si Se Puede, Hillary Si Se Puede

OBAMA '08.

James   February 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

My dear fellow brothers and sisters wake up! Remove that black, racist garb from your face, and support/vote with wisdom and intelligence. This is the first time, we proud, black Americans can prove that we no longer see things in black and white. We've grown to be far more intelligent as a community.
This economy and our contry as a whole is too much in a bad state, and we can't afford waste to give it to a great guy, but who has near-zero experience, and still needs to learn things as a Senator before being ambitious enough to be the President. He surely will be one after another 8 yrs. By that time he would have learnt through his mistakes, and would be more tried and tested. Can you imagine if he makes some mistake as the first black Preseident this time???
I've woken up and has changed my mind to vote for Hillary this time.

pd   February 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

CNN you need to release my comments from moderation once in awhile!
All those beautiful words were backed up with substance. The problem is not your use of words Senator Obama, it is the lack of substance behind them. I don't doubt you probably have substance, but you have sold the electorate short by implying that you do not need to provide it. Just dangle a shiny toy in front of us and we will be mesmerized by it. Moreover, as good as a speaker as you are, you are no Thomas Jefferson, FDR. JFK or MLK. Indeed, the need to sculpt you into these figurese speaks to your shallowness. Perhaps, after spending more time working for the American people as these people did, you will able to be in their company. Ultimately, what I like about HRC is she really is a workhorse and not a showhorse. I just respect someone who works really hard for the country.

Be Fair   February 18th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Butch, Not when the writer is a supporter who gives them to you.

Are all you people so naive that you think Hillary & McCain write their speeches?

LOL

Juanito, Washington, DC   February 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

So let me get this straight: First Hillary attacks Obama for giving speeches, now her camp attacks Obama for using material from Duvall Patrick's speeches? I thought the Clintons hated speeches, so why do they care where the speech was taken from? Funny how Hillary can take this approach, yet just last week at a campaign rally in Virginia, she was leading the chants of "YES WE WILL, YES WE WILL" (sounds really original, eh?)

Harold Smith   February 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

C'Mon people....let me guess...because he used the same lines from another governor(who is a supporter), and (used the same staff).he is not qualified to be President. If we continue to elect officials with the same politics of implementing policy..then you GUYS AND GALS are the blame for rotten politics that will affect us in years to come. Your kids can thank ya'll. Now is the time for change..don't you guys see that. Is Obama perfect No! not by any means..but he does inspire for US to make a change...and Not 1 person ..Like a certain Senator from New York. Wake Up! Don't act like cattle who just hold their heads up when a wolf come around. Geez...Remember "Great Civilazations are never destroyed from external means, but rather from within"

Joe   February 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I think Obama has done a very great job. He looks more convincing and more charming than Hillary. Obama even won the heart of American democrats here in Denmark on the elections conducted here In Denmark. I think Hillary should come forward and support Obama openly. I strongly believe he would perform better than Hillary. Wake up Americans and be sincere with your judgement, throw out this idea of Latino, black, white or Obama borrowing language from a speech . Wake up Americans and be a united family!

Tom Wittmann   February 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Who cares aboutwho was the first to use certain phrases ??

The important thing is what it means and who is saying it now !!

And anyway: practically any formulation is written by the speechwriters, but endorsed by the speaker !!, What matters is the
perception if he is sincere when using it, which is the cse of Obama!

TOM

U.S. Army Vet.   February 18th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

I think CNN needs to do a better job and report about things that matter and not report on things that do not matter.

CNN please investigate the Clintons' income, presidential library funding, and Hillary connection to insurance, pharmaceutical, and financial investment companies. The voters need to know the full truth about Hillary Clinton's and Bill Clinton's secret dealings.

Anonymous   February 18th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Ann in los Ang. can you explain what ideas of Hillary did Obama uses? I understand that in recent rallies Hillary fans have been using Obama yes we can words and recently Hillary used Obama economic plans. Obama also acknowledged that Hillary is coping his ideas and words.
I haven't heard Hillary accusing Obama of stealing her ideas or plans because he hasn't.
So, plaese for God sake never accused this candidates of anything that is false.
I still want Hillary to work with Obama for his vice unless she has more ideas that we haven't heard and if she will return the lobbyiest money.
Thanks you.

Wis is for Hope   February 18th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I can't wait to vote for OBAMA tomorrow. I could careless if Bill Clinton had written the speech. I believe you mean what you say.

Chainswede   February 18th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

I know there has been a lot of hype about anti-Hillary sentiment in the media, but this news agency's actions show the opposite. The last few days have seen steady coverage of the Clintons, interspersed with negative takes on Obama. The clearest example was the recent article, about Hillary's edge in swing states. The suggestive title was muted by the evidence shown in the story.

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

still can't get posted
This is my fifth try
The difference IS that Hillary WILL do what she says, while Obama just inspires people with talk of what he CAN do.
I can live to be 100 yrs old, but that does not mean that I WILL.
HE= promises
SHE= action.
The fact that Hillary DOES translate talk into action is the very reason that people dislike her. When you stand for something not everyone agrees with you and you get people mad.
When you play safe behind pretty words and never take a stand- or never cast a controversial vote- no one gets mad. You can't anger anyone with a policy of inaction and compromise.
We do not want compromise on important issues. We want someone who WILL bring about change.
So far lots of politicians say they can...yet none actually DO.

Kevin   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

LOL. This is hillarious. CNN is so negative toward Obama. Ha, Ha.

I love the reactions this is getting too. Very astute. Ha. Ha.

Somehow we've gotten offtrack (again.)

I have to say, I blame the Clinton campaign. To say that words don't matter, to say that Obama is ONLY empty speeches, to suggest he's "all hat and not cattle", to suggest that out of group of 10 people Obama's plan will deny healthcare to one of them, to suggest that Obama doesn't want to answer questions, to distort the fact that their plans for the future are nearly identical, to try to put him in the "black candidate" box. Ugh, it's so tiring and disappointing.

Senator Clinton has lost this Texan's vote in the primary (and in our caucus too.) She may even lose it in the general election (I'll reevaluate after the nomination if that's the case.)

Ken, Suitland MD   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Its a slow day for CNN. The [R]s haven't given them another obvious blunder to capitalize on, so CNN moves to more subtle attempts to MAKE news by stoking the bad feelings between the [D] candidates and supporters.

We have people dying in Iraq and Afgahnistan, a president who flaunts breaking the law, and an unapologetic [R] party and its presidential candidate who want to keep the mess as it is.......And media outlets like CNN feel they have to go make stuff up? You'd think after being complicit in the lies and story telling that led up to the Iraq war, the media would attempt to learn a lesson and modify its approach, so that it would now seek out and analyze meaningful news stories -- and you would think that it would not be all that hard, given the obvious battle bewteen a president who wants to be King (and a whole party that supports him) and a Congress so brow beat and timid they can't find their butts with both hands.

How about this CNN, or any other news outlet.....America whose self image thrives on heros and their "stories", at this critical time in its history has none. No one is willing to step up and defend this country from both external and INTERNAL threats. There is no one following in Patrick Henry's footsteps appealing to the American people to stand up for thier rights: "Give me liberty of give me death". All America can muster is a wimpy demural to a bunch of fear-mongering chickenhawk politikos who themselves have dodged service to their country. And now we have a political party that has actually manuevered someone that does have real war-hero cedentials into a position to follow the chickenhawk policies of the cowardly aparatchiks that went before him. How does such a potential American hero allow himself to be bought off, to make such a bad decision, to take such a drastic fall, to miss a real opportunity? And for America in general, those who deign to be led by aparatchik cowards and their politiacl progeny must reap the judgement of history.

Joann   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

This goes to C.Marie above – Marie, none of the candidates write their own speeches. People write them for them – they may fill in here and there but they have Professionals write them because they pay them to "sensor" if you will. I will bet you Obama's speeches are written by Jesse Jackson or Sharpton. Trust me they are not his own words. Even his "yes we can" was taken from a 10 year old Wesley Snipes film. Nothing about this guy is original probably thanks to his writers. Go Hillary.

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

The difference IS that Hillary WILL do what she says, while Obama just inspires people with talk of what he CAN do.
I can live to be 100 yrs old, but that does not mean that I WILL.
HE= promises
SHE= action.
The fact that Hillary DOES translate talk into action is the very reason that people dislike her. When you stand for something not everyone agrees with you and you get people mad.
When you play safe behind pretty words and never take a stand- or never cast a controversial vote- no one gets mad. You can't anger anyone with a policy of inaction and compromise.
We do not want compromise on important issues. We want someone who WILL bring about change.
So far lots of politicians say they can...yet none actually DO.

Jenny   February 18th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

If words don't matter why does Hillary plead for more debates ? lol

why o why   February 18th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Allan there's a big difference between someone writing a speech for you and "stealing" another person's words. Didn't mom teach you that stealing is bad? No integrity whatsoever.

Kim   February 18th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

there is no such thing as PLAGARISM, all words and all speach's come from someone else, Hillary's just so happen's to come from Bill, HER HUSBAND!!!!!, what now!

David, Dallas Tx   February 18th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This is fluff, not an issue.

By contrast, I have a major problem with Hillary wanting to force those who can't afford insurance to buy it or face criminal charges. I don't care if she borrows someone else's words to describe her plan or not–it's still deeply troubling to me that she is willing to hurt the poor in order to help the insurance companies.

Joann   February 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Like I said – Obama has an answer for everything. He's one of those guys that if he was caught "red handed" stealing (just making a point) he'd say it wasn't him or it was for a good cause ! Enough of his "inspiration" already! He's no better than anyone else – they are all trying to win – my vote is Hillary at least she has the experience to back up her plan (a plan by the way which Obama doesn't have).

ChicoSez   February 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Didn't Joe Biden have to withdraw from the presidential race once upon a time when it was discovered he used some of Tony Blair's speeches. To have Obama supporters say it doen't matter what he does because he has integrity. Its OK to cheat if you have integrity, wow. Now that is some biased thinking. Plagerism is useing the words of others without acknowledgeing their source, its irrelevant if the original author is a fan of yours or not. You have to cite the source or your a cheat. Any college freshman should know that, even a harvard lawyer. Actions speak louder than words, its said and the reason those words meant so much coming from MLK or JFK is that they had sacrificed and fought for those words, not just mouthed them. What has Obama done? Led men into battle like JFK, or maybe lead marches to change grevious civil rights violations like the Jim Crow laws. Or battled polio like FDR, or the British like Jefferson. To have Obama compare himself to these great American heroes is frankly disgustingly egotistical and only the lovesick fail to see it. I belong to a political party, not a personality cult. If the party turns into a cult, I'm outathere.

Anonymous   February 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

I think Obama has done a very great job. He looks more convincing and more charming than Hillary. Obama even won the heart of American democrats here in Denmark on the elections conducted In Denmark. I think Hillary should come forward and support Obama openly. I strongly believe he would perform better than Hillary. Wake up Americans and be sincere with your judgement, throw out this idea of Latino, black, white, yellow or Obama borrowing languages from a speech. Wake up and be a united family!

Puddytat   February 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Ann ... you're crazy ... Obama will drive the 'ol B.S. Traitor Express right into a stroke ! ! ! !

Anonymous   February 18th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

TALK ABOUT THE NEWS MEDIA SCRAPING THE BARRELL. DON'T WORRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ALL KNOW HOW YOU PEOPLE STICK TOGETHER IN THE END. THIS COUNTRY CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FAT CHANCE .

LifeLongDemocrat   February 18th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

The issue is attribution. If he uses someone else's ideas and words he should name them as the source.

The age of the internet has allowed this. On the other hand the internet makes it easier to catch these people.

Corey Tapper   February 18th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Wow, all Obama has is his inspirational speeches. Now, he can't even come up with them on his own. It's time for people to see through this. We need someone who can lead and bring solutions from day one.

That's why I voted for Hillary in the primaries!

observer   February 18th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

It is really funny to see that for Obama fans, no matter what he does, he is correct. Poor Obama fans, use your brain.

hillary08   February 18th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Cant Obama offer more that cliches and generalizations?
Maybe his lack of experience shows through his aggressive campain?

Debby   February 18th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Big deal I don't care if Obama quotes the Bible. I am more worried who is going to back this guy for VP and advisors since the Preacher Man doesn't like the "old politics of Washington" .

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

I'm surprised that so many people are unable to see the distinction between "yes we can" and "yes we will".
When Hillary says, "yes we will" vs Obama's "yes we can"- that is not stealing. The two statements are not the same at all. CAN do is NOT the same as WILL do.
I can live to 100 but that does NOT mean that I will live to 100.
Hillary is making a distinction between promises and action. Lots of people can do lots of things- but only a few people actually WILL do great things. We need a President who WILL do for the people, not one that can do for the people.
ALL the difference in the world between we can, and we will.
You people obviously missed the whole point.

MJ - Bethlehem, PA   February 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

This is just more non-issue garbage fed to the main stream media by the Clinton Campaign to use as a smoke screen to hide their failing campaign.

I am so sick and tired of her childish campaign. I have seen student council campaigns in high school that were more focused on facts than her feable attempt at a presidential campaign! Why does the MSM even give her campaign airtime for such trash and childish behaviour?

Joe   February 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Butch, the majority of ideas are adapted from other people's words. How many ideas do most people have that aren't derived from conversations or teachings? Barack was one the only ones that didn't fall in line when Bush was rushing to declare war on Iraq. He's able to break out of the "Us vs Them" mentality that has paralyzed our politics and our society. Perhaps, we should take a good hard look at ourselves before we try to condemn a man that's asking us to be better than we have been and to have hope again.

barb   February 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

It seems to me that Obama didn't really steal the speech since his friend who spoke the same words in his 2006 speech said he and Obama share their ideas philosophy and words together all the time. When you find a word or phrase that speaks your heart, and the guy gives you a green light to use them where is the stealing? Not there, I'm so sorry this campaign has gone negative again. It was so great when the clintons played nice and each American could choose for themselves. I guess when they stopped fighting, everyone started to recognize Obama's greatness for themselves. That got the Clintons uptight..

Stephen   February 18th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

What's concerning me right now is the amount of people on this blog that are defending Obama on this issue. And I say this because according to exit polls, Obama supporters are more educated than hillary supporters. So I'm wondering about how many Obama supporters plagiarized their work back at school, because they thought plagiarism was 'no big deal'.

Also, whenever Obama says something from MLK, he is always sure to credit MLK. Why the double standard?

Chills   February 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

If Clinton has the same words as Obama will she be able to inspire and arouse followership in the way and manner Obama has done? Will she be herself and stand on her own rather than rely on the old political machinery of an ex-president that happens to be her husband....you know just the way bush relied on bush. Lets reward Obama for leadership and organization instead of looking for reasons to bring him down.

Clint   February 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

LOL! Wow, they are really reaching for material here. This is a total non-issue!

DrFill   February 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Talk about a non-story.......
DrFill

RGV for Hillary   February 18th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Again this just shows that Obama is nothing but words, promises, and rhetoric. When will Obama supporters see the light? We need solutions and experience in the White House. We need Hillary Clinton as our next President.

Vote Smart, Vote Hillary!!!!

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Nadeem,
When Hillary says, "yes we will" vs Obama's "yes we can"- that is not stealing. The two statements are not the same at all. CAN do is NOT the same as WILL do.
I can live to 100 but that does NOT mean that I will live to 100.
Hillary is making a distinction between promises and action. Lots of people can do lots of things- but only a few people actually WILL do great things. We need a President who WILL do for the people, not one that can do for the people.
ALL the difference in the world between we can, and we will.
You people obviously missed the whole point.

d   February 18th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Get Monica off your mind. This is HILLIARY FOR PRESIDENT !

And it is an issue between both of them. Get with it. Old news !

David Tomlinson, Chicago, IL   February 18th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

>The man may be a good leader, and no doubt that in time he may make
>a good President, but now is not the time. He still needs priming.

Not to mention a couple of coats of paint.

What the hell do I know? I voted for Anderson in 1980.

Clinton – Obama – 2008

Sad day   February 18th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Why am I still awaiting moderation?? CNN: post me even if you disagree with my statements. I am losing respect for this news company.

Wow…so not only does he not have any original ideas, but he also doesn't have original words either? Impressive Mr. Obama. I also love how he 'claims' not to get funds from lobbyist, but instead asks the lobbyists to reach out to their constituents for individual donations. Having them campaign for you and taking their money is the same thing. What a hypocrite! The more I get to know him, the less I like him.

Dave   February 18th, 2008 12:13 pm ET

I don't know what the big deal is here. He uses lines from other people, so does that really mean he has none of his own? I don't follow that reasoning. I heard the speech in question by Deval Patrick, and it was amazingly well written. Why is it a big deal that Obama paraphrased it?

It really saddens me how closed-minded people are. I don't care who you're voting for so long as you shut up about how all of your candidate's supporters are smart and everyone else is an idiot. There's way too much of it on all sides and it disgusts me. "Proud to be an American"? I can't say that I am at this moment.

joe   February 18th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

OBAMA...FAKE..HYPROCRITE...POLITICIAN

Michael   February 18th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

This isn't his Senior Thesis, this is real life. If Obama hears a good turn of phrase he should use it.

Patricia Davis   February 18th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I was beginning to think Obama was "all hat and no cattle" and now I see that the hat isn't even his!

Jill   February 18th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

oh no. now the obama-zombies are going to try and defend their leader. Everyone that I have talked to at college who supports him has no idea what he stands for, what he did in office, and what things he "says" he will change. That is scary. Everyone who is voting for either Hilliary or Huckabee can give a very clear awnser as to why they are supporting them and what needs to be done. I wonder why most political science majors at my school are not voting for Obama, its because we have been following the political game for a long time and know an empty box politician when one shows up.

Puddytat   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I hope people are paying attention to the African support . Are they all falling into a trance when Obama speaks too ??

Do the African Muslims know that Obama is a Christian ? What would happen to him if his Wahabbi friends found out ?

Florida   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Obama's talent is making beautiful and inspirational speeches, but those words are copied and are not coming from his heart. Can we count on him to run our country?

Joan   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

The point simply is that people see him as a refreshingly original political figure. Something that no one has ever seen before. Through the power of oratory he is liftiing people.

But when your words/arguments are unoriginal and just rehashed from someone else then I suppose you are contradicting the very premise of your campaign.

If Sen. Clinton's campaign was based on soaring speeches I think it would suck to find out that she was not the source of those speeches. I think you should apply the same standards to Sen. Obama.

Jeff from Jersey   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Plagerizing words,plagerizing promises and plagerizing policies!
Plagerizing and not just speeches,is the one thing Obama does best.
He's a street hustler in nicer clothes now and he'll hustle you right out of your hopes,your dreams and your future.

Obama's new book will be "The Audacity of Theft " !

Tom in MA   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

I posted when there was 1 comment on the board. Why am I still in moderation.

david   February 18th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Clinton News Network thinks it found a big fish. so what? is it a news? haha. Sen . Clinton is copying Obma style and she uses some of the words Obma uses.

Trev   February 18th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

So, he copied his economic plan from Hillary and now we find out that his speaches are also copied.

John   February 18th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Butch-

Have you read the article? You know, the part where the guy who said the thing originally said him and Obama are good friends (they're actually close to best freinds) and they share lines all the time?

GJ   February 18th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Obama is a very, very good actor.
Politics is something else.
It is about reality.
Think twice before you decide!
GJ

v.cifaldi&paul   February 18th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

OBAMACANT'S

E. L.   February 18th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Comon now CNN and everyone else out there fishing. You HAVE to come up with something better than this. Your horns are showing.

James ( Independent )   February 18th, 2008 12:08 pm ET

Now i know why the exit polls have repeatedly shown that Clinton supporters are less educated, and you people are really going to be voting ??????????

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

I see many posts over and over by the same Obama supporters.
I support Hillary, and I can not get posted.
CNN why is this?
I'm trying again
I'm always reading about how Clinton will do anything to win- while in reality it is Obama who will stop at nothing:
First he brings Oprah out to gain him notoriety.

Then he drags out all the Kennedys to give him credibility.

Then he advertises, advertises, advertises- even in Florida where they all agreed NOT to campaign but he was the only one that did.

Then the superbowl and rock concerts and videos making entertainment out of the race for Presidency.

Then he BRAGS about raising the most campaign money EVER- when the economy suffers and people are hungry and losing their homes.

Then he recants on being willing to accept public financing once he finds out that he can out raise and out spend everyone else.

Now this. All from the Candidate of CHANGE- the one who stands against politics as usual. People, what do you think all this Media Circus is?

Lets hope it is not too late to REVIVE the Clinton campaign. That woman is clearly the best to lead us out of this mess.

Sarah   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

My goodness people, Hillary didn't write this story, the media did and thank goodness we are finally starting to hear about this. I will reiterate, Obama is a great guy and will make a great president in about 8 years or so. Do not vote someone into the highest office based on speeches and platitudes (that are not even his own original thought). Would you hire someone with such little experience?

Please, for the sake of our country! Give him time to learn the ropes!

Read his interviews, he didn't even WANT to run for president but was pressured from advisors saying now is the time to jump on the hype from his wonderful Democratic convention speech (it was great). He himself was unsure but they said not to miss this opportunity.

Ean   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

By the way…most of what we cherish in the Declaration of Independence was borrowed from other sources. “We the people” was not original thought. Nor was the pursuit life, liberty, yada yada yada….

Because this verbiage was borrowed without consent, does it make it any less powerful?

If you’re going to hold our nation’s founding fathers harmless, then you can’t criticize Obama for using his friend/supporter’s material.
This is ridiculous.

Kimmie   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

So? Who cares? Wisconsin Vote Obama 08!

Lori   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Vote Hillary if you want some changes in Washigton.

kevin from alaska   February 18th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

That Hillary Clinton health care mailer was disgusting.

Barack Obama would never send you pictures of dead soldiers in Iraq and ask "Hillary, why don't you apologize?"

LL   February 18th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

To people who failed to see why this is of any concern.
It might not be a concern for McCain if he borrowed words from Romney. But it's serious concern for Obama. Why? Obama is supposed to be an agent of change. Now, not only he completely "borrowed" speech from someone else, which is not a orginal "change", but also this "someone" else was supposed to be an agent of change as well but failed miserably in MA.
Is it a concern? I think it is.

RJ   February 18th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Obama recognizes that it takes a "majority" of Americans to make things happen. His words are designed to inspire all Americans to come together. [JFK was the last leader who had the same approach.]

The Clintons will ony succeed in continuing the "great divide". The real issue in politics is to build enough of a consensus across all party lines to get things done.

That involves a "unity" that I believe Obama will bring to the office of President.

Ephy   February 18th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Other people's words are used from time to time in political settings. I frankly cannot understand why such a point got media's attention and tends to make us lose our precious time. Senseless the argument is.

Esther   February 18th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

WHO IS OBAMA?
Barack Obama is still a stranger to me. We need more facts,
with more objective reporting and less opinion/
entertainment news.
Service in the Illinois State government,. three years in
Congress,and what he has really done? The American
people do not really know him. Why the rush to become president
wthout taking the time to establish a proven,national record
and produce real results? Leadership is more than words.

Jim, Carbondale, IL   February 18th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

Wow, Obama used a similar argument to defeat a similar attack. What's the controversy in that?

Mark Porter   February 18th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

If Deval gave Obama permission to use his lines, or if they had the same speech writer, it is not theft. And seriously Hillary folks, you candidate has started using lines like "Yes we Will" and you are accusing the Obama camp of plagarism. Unreal. Also, stop calling the Barack supporters Obama-bots. He is better on policy than she is and many of us have come up with our support based on that. Also, name calling really makes me want to vote for your candidate in a general election. You need us on your side if your lady wins, insults isnt going to help that.

Jan   February 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Hey...its called plagarism and you get kicked out of college for it. Anyone who has taken even an entry level english course knows how to cite sources. And they know it is REQUIRED, because there is this thing out there called INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. Obama went to Harvard and you can be sure they made an issue of this. Not crediting another person in written form is the worst sin on campus. Not credting another person in a speech is the same thing. And even if the writer says its ok, you still have to cite!!! In this case, wherein the culprit has built a campaign on "inspiration" and "vision" and "oratory gifts"...well, this is nothing short of pathetic. And underhanded. Expel him.

Jon, Pittsburgh, PA   February 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

Barack Obama is as phony as the day is long. Main point to consider:

He did not vote for or against the resolution to use force in Iraq – HE WAS NOT A SENATOR at that time. He was elected to the Senate in November 2004. We will never know how he would have voted.
49 Republicans for 1 against – 29 Democrats for 21 against – total 78% for.

So let's stop this stupid "I was against the war from the beginning" crap. So were a lot of Republicans and Democrats that voted for the resolution. Read their speeches on the Senate floor after the vote – Hillary was very clear on what her position was. We do need to put a stick behind our carrots.

His speech opposing the war came 2 weeks after her speech.

EEGuy   February 18th, 2008 12:03 pm ET

"so what if he had words from other people??. Did he ever claim that his speeches were completly original? Have we seen official scripts? Do we know that there is no works cited page giving credit to others whose words he used? Come on people….stop being so trivial"

Finally, someone with some sense!

Letha   February 18th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

How can he lead a nation and promote change when he has no ideas for change. Some quote or ideas from someone else's speech is fine, but it seems that Obama has no orginal ideas himself. That doesn't seem like change to me.

Jenny   February 18th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Who cares ? Hillary steals words and messages from Obama all the time ? This is nothing but trivia especially coming from the Hillary campaign - if words dont' matter what is all the uproar over ?

Does Hillaary promise to stop talking since words don't matter ? lol

john alves   February 18th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Plagiarism, is Plagiarism, is Plagiarism:

How can we believe Mr. Obama when he speaks, now that we know that it may not be his own words.
When Joe Biden did this in 1988, the media didn't let up on him and he drop out. Let you all say little or nothing about Obama doing so WHY>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dave   February 18th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Yes, Butch, there are laws against borrowing lines from a speech of a friend who says he approves of it 100%. Obama's going to jail, possibly for life.

Good thing you're not a lawyer.

Jeff from Jersey   February 18th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Obama has STILL done NOTHING and he never will!Those who attach all of their hopes and dreams to Obama will fall further and hit the bottom harder than they ever imagined possible!
He's a street hustler that's better dressed now.He's going to hustle you right out your dreams!

Ean   February 18th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

Oh my gosh!!!! That certainly makes him unable to govern the free world!!!! At least Obama can string together a few words that actually make sense. Bush is still “working hard to put food on his family."

If I were an Obama supporter I would think twice now that I know he shares dialogue and compares notes with his friends.

Maybe the reason he's so willing to use his friend's words are because they are true and powerful!

JKH   February 18th, 2008 12:01 pm ET

And this guy is a good example to the young college students that adore him?

Ro   February 18th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Deval and Obama are friends. Deval is an Obama supporter. Deval and Obama share ideas. Deval and Obama share the same speech writer. Deval has approved Obama sharing "these words." It's a non-issue.

neutral   February 18th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Thats why we read novals,books and consult each others otherwise i shouldnt be reading CNN on my screen now Obama is Charismatic in leadership Gd Bless Obama God Bless America

m   February 18th, 2008 11:59 am ET

Wake up America!!!!!!!!!

Nothing of his is origial. He should go back to Chicago.
This guy has much more money than Clinton does for campaigning.
Why is he ahead of Clinton, then, with such a small margin????????
All you Obama supporters think he is a strong candidate, but wake up, without his campaign mgrs. tellling him where to go and what to say, he doesnt have a stand on anything. A speech means nothing. It is what he has done on the record that only counts. He missed many votes in the Senate, and he couldnt even vote against the war since he wasnt in the Senate then. He cannot prove how he would have voted at that time. This is his only claim to fame.
Take that away, what would/could he say? On;ly his unoriginal – vision speech. (puke).
Voting for Obama this November will give the White House to the republicans.

MoneyTalks   February 18th, 2008 11:59 am ET

People, think simple:
1/9/2001 One American Dollar = 1.51 Canadian Dollar
2/9/2008 One American Dollar= 0.99 Canadian Dollar
Makeup Your Own Minds!

Butch   February 18th, 2008 11:59 am ET

"Adapted" material?
Sounds more like stolen material. Aren't there laws against that?

Jacob S   February 18th, 2008 11:58 am ET

I fail to see why this is of any concern.

Are we to believe now that whenever anyone comes up with and speaks about/makes public a new idea or argument, anyone else using that idea or argument in a speech in the future is off limits? What's the use in new ideas if people can't use them? How would the world be if it had been considered taboo for people to take ideas from Locke or Jefferson?

The sharing of ideas remains central to the continued development of human rational thought. For Obama to take ideas that make sense from others is not only acceptable but a good thing to do. It looks like Senator Clinton may even have to take ideas from her supporters now that her argument that Obama has no substance and speaks only empty words has been utterly destroyed.

J   February 18th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Politicians have been lifting speech ideas for ages. Part of the problem is that we have been hearing the same arguments (change, old Washington, corruption, ties to money, etc) from politicians since our country was founded, and there are only so many good return arguments to make. If someone had accused me of being all rhetoric, I would probably argue that words are powerful as well, and the examples that I would think to use are the same famous phrases that Obama and Patrick have referenced.

Allen   February 18th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Are you freaking serious...lol! You people are seriously concerned about Obama borrowing language from a speach (from one of his supporters) that is applicable to the current situations? We live in a political environment where presidents don't write their own speeches and have a team of speech writers who formally transform the ideas and thoughts of the president into substantive speeches!!! And your concerned because he used words from another supporter's speech? Ridiculous...you guys are really trying to find a way to tear down an incredible presidential candidate. Well good luck and I bet some of you are still arguing that he's a Muslim...lol.

TheONE   February 18th, 2008 11:58 am ET

You guys are so lame talking about how Obama is coming with fresh ideas in his speeches so that must prove he can't run the country. That's simply ridiculous. This is a man who wrote the book "The Audacity Of Hope", if he couldn't effectively articulate his own ideas then surely he couldn't have the ability to write a best selling Novel. You Hillary supporters look for the smallest thing and the jump all over Barack about it. This really makes you guys look extremely desperate. It's like you guys aren't even voting for Hillary anymore, your just voting against Barack and that's the Big difference. Barack's supporters are voting for Barack they are not against Hillary they are just supporting their candidate. Take off the Hillary blinders for 5 seconds and reexamine the candidates and I'm sure you will come out with more perspective than you have now.

Healthcare   February 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

But the point is, speech is supposed to be what Obama is good at. If he can't even do a good speech without his own ideas, I don't know what he is good at.

Betsy   February 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Well the media is finally realizing what I have known for months now: OBAMA IS A PHONY!!!!! This guy is as fake as a three dollar bill. There is nothing original about the guy. He steals speeches from his friend, steals ideas from Hillary Clinton and uses them as his own. This guy is a total media creation and I guess the media is the one that will finally deal him a death blow. NOBAMA!

Brendan   February 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Change is brought about when a whole society stands up and decides to make it happen. No one person can force it, not even a seasoned veteran of the political game. A lot of the time words are what it takes to get the ball moving and not only inspire people, but convinve them that it is worth being inspired to begin with. We will make our own change when we find something worth rallying behind. At this point, the attack on Obama's words is an attack on everyone who finds something in them. Hillary is showing that her political "experience" is a boon to her campaign, not to the people or their country.

john   February 18th, 2008 11:57 am ET

jodi said "Come on people….stop being so trivial." I have to disagree. I don't want the person who is an agent for "change" to be an agent of "let me copy something that was said before as if I said it anew". that by definition is NOT change and completely negates the premise he is running on.

Brent   February 18th, 2008 11:56 am ET

So the people who defend this and Obama certainly have never been to college because this is plagiarism... Whether he was given permission to use the work or not, he needs to cite that this is not his idea, nor his work, otherwise, fools like half the American population think that Obama is really saying this and that these are his words (and not the words of others)...

This is shocking, and he will get eaten alive by the Republican McCain in November... People who are against Hillary just don't wanna take the time to read her views and stands, they are quite good.. Her healthcare plan wont bankrupt the nation and people that can't afford it can apply for GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES so they will be able to afford it, plus she will only take a certain percentage of what one makes as their income, therefore a far cry from driving one bankrupt...Obamas healthcare plan cant even be declared universal since it leaves out sooo many people and to say so is a falacy...I think people have it in for Hillary without even knowing what shes about...And those people make me sick!!! HILLARY 08!!

Jan E   February 18th, 2008 11:56 am ET

It is scary that a serious candidate for the presidency like Hillary tells us that words don't matter!! We all remember the words "I did not have sex with that woman" that came from her husband!! I guess these words don't matter either. Something to think about!!

Luis   February 18th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Oh, I hope people can see thru.... empty words we heard before... Finally. I hope is not too late.

Andrea   February 18th, 2008 11:55 am ET

It is a shame that as Americans we have come so accustomed to voting for someone based on who will give us the most, that when a candidate such as Barack Obama comes along, and challenges politicians to remember that they are elected to serve the people and not themselves; that leadership is about character, integrity, and honesty; and that while policies are definintely important, the ability to bring other leaders together so that we create solutions is also important. We have had plenty of former Presidents who were not as experienced as we would have liked them to be in one area or another. However, I have yet to hear a candidate not only want to make change in policy, but change in the mindset that caused us to create such poicies that are not fair or equitable to the american people. While we argue back and forth about experience, change, being a maverick, etc. we are still in an economic crises, a war that has taken too many american lives, and no health care. When I pay my bills no one ask am I a republican, democrat, independent, moderate, conservative, or liberal. We are paying $3.00 or more for gas whether republican, democrat, independent, moderate, conservative, or liberal. If your unable to make your mortgage payment, or are a part of this current mortgage crisis, the mortgage companies nor banks will ask if you are a republican, democrate, independent, conservative or liberal. I challenge all who read and write to this blog, to consider this when you make your choice to vote, regardless of which candidate you choose. Barack Obama recently stated in an address to the Democrats at the Wisconsin Founders Day Dinner that "it's not about who can play the game of politics, but who can end the game of politics". The only solutions these games have brought us are a failing encomony, a war, and americans still with no healthcare.

Tom, ALBUQUERQUE, NM   February 18th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Obama is a FRAUD and is not fit at this time to be President of the United States. Obama is nothing but oratory and has no accomplishment as a Senator. Yes, he is a senator but his opponent was weak and late entering the contest. The GOP would Skew him if he ends up being the nominee. He would be handled a McGovern style defeat.

J.K.   February 18th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Come on, Hillary. Run with this one. "Striking similarities." Make that your campaign message for the next seven days. Please, oh, please..

KD   February 18th, 2008 11:54 am ET

I do not think Obama necessarily emulated to a degree of fraud. In fact, nothing wrong with him and his friend speaking in the same language. However, if this was Clinton, the headline would have read "Clinton steals speech ideas" and Obama supporters would have been all over this with negativity. Don't pretend that would not have happened either... The press coverage is so biased....

Kristi from Indiana   February 18th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Does it really matter where or from whom the "words" from these speaches come from? All that matters is the person who is delivering the speech do so in a manner that affects those who are listening in a positive way. I think we can all agree that Obama has accomplished this in a way that hasn't been seen since JFK, MLK or even Bobby Kennedy. Dems need this infusion of hope to come together and win the November election. Go Obama!

NoObama   February 18th, 2008 11:54 am ET

America needs a Genuine patriot! Not a phony who derives his talking points from others. Who is he going to turn to for important decisions such as the economy, war in Iraq, and foreign policy? His lack of experience and credibility is so transparent. Question to Obama's supporters – Would you want a guy elected for the toughest job in the World when you now know that he does not even have original lines for his stump speeches? This is serious folks. The honeymoon is over.

Listel   February 18th, 2008 11:54 am ET

As Obama indicated words are powerful, meaningful, and inspire people. Just look at the raising support Obama has received. He is touching people with his words, his ideas, his dream and his determination. This is a race between two very inspirational people who would both be great as the next president. However, Sen. Hillary Clinton has changed her attach on Obama because she obviously see’s how much of a threat Obama is, especially because he touches so many people with his WORDS. She has consistently attacked Obama. Shouldn’t this race be about presenting your own plans and beliefs to the country, not trying to bring down your opponent? Obama is motivating people to become more active, to care about politics, and to actually believe they can make a difference and that he SUPPORTS the people. Hillary supports obviously feel very threatened by Obama if they can’t even acknowledge Obama’s strengths. Our next president should be more concerned about giving power back to the people of America, about bringing us together as a country, about motivating people to get more active. CLEARLY that is Obama.

Zip It Up   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Put Wolfson and company back in their cage. Non-issue. Patrick and Obama are close friends and if Patrick's upset, he'll say so. Slow news day or more Clinton desparation. Hey Bill, better stay in Ohio and smack another heckler!

Democrat   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

This was not apart of Obama's prepared speech. This was his reponse to Clinton trying to convince people that nothing good every comes out of inspiration. WORDS DO MATTER. All candidates use parts of other's speeches.

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

By not attributing his phrases he is attempting to take them as his own when they are not, that is called plagiarism. It would not suprise me now if Republicans and others are now going to go over everything Obama has written and said to see if he has plagiarize anything in the past. Plagiarism have sunk other political careers.

Steve   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

NO candidate writes all their own words OR policies.

Plus, there is no other way to make this particular argument. Let's see, I want to defend the importance of words/speeches... who do I quote...

MLK, JFK, FDR...

Think, people.

Aaron   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

I am a Obama supporter and if anyone can show me proof that Hillary writes every single word she says on her own and they have not been copied from anyone else, then I will vote for her.

Until then, I'll be wating and watching all the spin here about everyone else is allowed to have speech writers except for Obama.

George in OH   February 18th, 2008 11:53 am ET

No wonder he copies speeches DIRECTLY from others, just like he shamelessly copied economy plan from Hillary's.
If you are a college student, I hope you can do the same in your term thesis and explain to your professor why you shouldn't be graded F. Young America, since when your moral has been sinked to such a new low?

KFitzpatrick   February 18th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Why doesn't the media report when Hillary Clinton basically steals all of Obama's lines and slogans?

Thomas   February 18th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Will someone please tell me, what has Senator Clinton done. I read a blog where New Yorkers claim they cannot think of anything that she has done for them. Regardless of who you back, see this in both lights, not the one that favors your arguement, There is no one in this world that will throw there support behind just anyone. A lof of people of power do not like looking bad. Both candidates offer a lot, otherwise people wouldnt back them. I continually see Senator Clinton supporters saying that Senator Obama has not substance. Do you think millions of people are that gullible to fall in line behind someone with no substance. Keep in mind, Bill Clinton himself, was in his 40's with zero Wsahington experience when he won the presidency. What is good for the goose is good for the gandor.

cosma   February 18th, 2008 11:52 am ET

Tell me who owns words I tell you who talks new words.Get to know the power of what we say.Mark every candidates words you will be a witness, Change carries all of that

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Okay CNN,
You never post my comments.
I'm going to keep trying
I'm always reading about how Clinton will do anything to win- while in reality it is Obama who will stop at nothing:
First he brings Oprah out to gain him notoriety.

Then he drags out all the Kennedys to give him credibility.

Then he advertises, advertises, advertises- even in Florida where they all agreed NOT to campaign but he was the only one that did.

Then the superbowl and rock concerts and videos making entertainment out of the race for Presidency.

Then he BRAGS about raising the most campaign money EVER- when the economy suffers and people are hungry and losing their homes.

Then he recants on being willing to accept public financing once he finds out that he can out raise and out spend everyone else.

Now this. All from the Candidate of CHANGE- the one who stands against politics as usual. People, what do you think all this Media Circus is?

Lets hope it is not too late to REVIVE the Clinton campaign. That woman is clearly the best to lead us out of this mess.

Jack   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

This is just more proof that Obama is all retoric. Words are important, but most of his words are not his own. While Obama is put upon a pedistal, more and more evidence has emerged that his messages are just borrowed theme's from politicians past. Hillary Clinton has solid policy issues that she discusses. Guess that's not as exciting, but its crucial to have that knowledge and experiance for our next leader. Our country is in turmoil and this is no time to elect a president because he can use words. We need action. I hope America wakes up soon. You can say anything you like about Hillary, but you can not say that she is not the best prepared to lead this country.

pd   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

All those beautiful words were backed up with substance. The problem is not your use of words Senator Obama, it is the lack of substance behind them. I don't doubt you probably have substance, but you have sold the electorate short by implying that you do not need to provide it. Just dangle a shiny toy in front of us and we will be mesmerized by it. Moreover, as good as a speaker as you are, you are no Thomas Jefferson, FDR. JFK or MLK. Indeed, the need to sculpt you into these figurese speaks to your shallowness. Perhaps, after spending more time working for the American people as these people did, you will able to be in their company. Ultimately, what I like about HRC is she really is a workhorse and not a showhorse. I just respect someone who works really hard for the country.

Lynne Kieper   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Obama's "inspirational" rhetoric is intended to evoke an emotional response, and it has been highly effective; however, unless he can show some substance beneath the inspiring speeches, he is just committing emotional blackmail. Like the traveling evangelist's tent revivals of old, attendees at one of Barack's rallys feel uplifted, and get carried away on a high tide of emotionalism. These are troubling times, and while being hopeful and optimistic is nice, a little bit of pragmatism thrown in would be useful. We cannot afford to make another election mistake based on how someone makes us feel. We need someone who inspires confidence by their experience, depth of knowledge and understanding of our place in the world if we can have any hope of digging out from the mess in which the last two emotional choices have left us.

enomisa   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

I'm always reading about how Clinton will do anything to win- while in reality it is Obama who will stop at nothing:
First he brings Oprah out to gain him notoriety.

Then he drags out all the Kennedys to give him credibility.

Then he advertises, advertises, advertises- even in Florida where they all agreed NOT to campaign but he was the only one that did.

Then the superbowl and rock concerts and videos making entertainment out of the race for Presidency.

Then he BRAGS about raising the most campaign money EVER- when the economy suffers and people are hungry and losing their homes.

Then he recants on being willing to accept public financing once he finds out that he can out raise and out spend everyone else.

Now this. All from the Candidate of CHANGE- the one who stands against politics as usual. People, what do you think all this Media Circus is?

Lets hope it is not too late to REVIVE the Clinton campaign. That woman is clearly the best to lead us out of this mess.

John   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

So are we ignoring the fact that John McCain said "fired up ready to go," or that Hillary Clinton has suddenly become a candidate of change who said, and I quote, "my opponent says no we can't, I say yes we can." Really? So we only report on it when Obama quotes one of his closest friends, with their approval? Wow, what objective journalism.

Vic   February 18th, 2008 11:50 am ET

Didn't Biden have to drop out of the 1988 Presidential race for plagiarizing Neil Kinnock's speech (UK)?
Would the press press Obama about this?

OBAMA 08   February 18th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Ethics are not lofty.However, it is no surprise that the Clintons belive that.
As the #1 democracy on the planet,it might do us good to get back to
ethics.It was what we were founded on.

John   February 18th, 2008 11:49 am ET

Man..is the MSM still really ignoring the fact that Obama's policy is more complete and transparent that Hillary's? Obama has proven he has a more detailed and complete understanding of foreign policy, the economy, and domestic policy than any other candidate. Are we really still focusing on the fact that he is only speeches? The guy has a nationally best-selling books entirely devoted to policy! Get a new story, this one's getting old.

susan   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

So far Obama has only words to speak and promises to be made. I have seen Hillary in action and know what she is capable of producing. Hillary is the clear choice for the american people. GO HILLARY !!!! !!!! = equals 44 President. She will make the changes we need.

John W., Milwaukee, WI   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Ah, how we practice to deceive...

Obama taking words and phrases from other people and candidates, while attempting to portray them as his own?

Is this the new: HOPE, CHANGE and UNITY?

No wonder his own wife calls him: STINKY!

HILLARY FOREVER!

Hong   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Borrow and rephrase, borrow again and rephrase again, ... ...
Not only words, but also the policy "proposed" by Obama.
Obama needs to be more specific about what he meant by the changes that he will bring to this broken country. He said this country needs fundamental changes, but not incremental changes. However, I still cannot see what are the fundamental differences between the policy "proposed" by him and those already been there for long.

g   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

this is not about plagarism. this is about action. dr.king did more than give nice speeches–he lived a life of action and inspired others to a greater cause outside of himself. senator obama does not inspire to a greater cause–he inspires people to vote for him.

Peace   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

There is nothing wrong Obamas speeches to be taken from the others. who knows, may be those others took them from the others.

Obamas deserves a credit. He did his homework before he started the race. He is gifted. How many people out there can put the speeches they way he does. Whether you like him or not, the reality is, HE IS INTELLIGENT.

Ed K.   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Obama has invoked the words of all our heroes and people call him a second coming, of what we don't know. This Preacher is a man of words and being he has little else to offer, words seem to be serving him well with people that are looking for HOPE, INSPIRATION and UPLIFTING. I HOPE by convention time most people will have him figured out and we can get Hillary ready to face McCain in the Fall. People should realize, if all they are looking for is HOPE, INSPIRATION and UPLIFTING they should go to church. What our country needs is experience and hard work. Hillary Clinton has earned her shot. Who is this OBama? Where did he come from? How many people really know him? WE need to let Hillary heal our country for the next 8 years and then if Obama proves himself he could run the country for the next 8 years. Just think Dems, 16 years without the republican blood suckers.

Chaunda,IN   February 18th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Well while I wait for any of my other comments to get out of moderation purgatory let me sa this. Word are not necessarily free. It is call copyright infringement.

observer#1   February 18th, 2008 11:47 am ET

Most odservant people have noticed everything he says or does is "borrowed" from someone else. I am surprised this is just coming to light. We heard most of his speeches begining in the 60's. This is change? It's like he just drpped out of thin air and into a Presidential race. I understand he is the only candidate that delivers speeches from the aid of a teleprompter. It is not surprising he not only does not do well with debates but also seems to avoid them.

karen   February 18th, 2008 11:47 am ET

My vote in the primaries didn't count. My vote in the election will. Talk behind closed doors, in restaurants, homes etc, in the state of Florida is simply, we will only elect someone with experience not a rookie again with his own agenda. There is nothing original or unique about Obama.

ewok   February 18th, 2008 11:46 am ET

If words were really as cheap and easy as Hillary says, then why does she not compete better at them. She is right there is a difference, but it is more than words and vision. It is the quality that makes a leader people will follow. JFK, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton all had it. They could speak and people would be inspired and follow them (though I could never understand why in Reagan's case). Obama has that quality too. He sees a way forward for our country and people are excited about following him there. But, great leaders need great doers to make it happen. Hillary for Vice President!

Rosalynd   February 18th, 2008 11:45 am ET

It is not Senator Obama's fault that he delivers his message more effectively than Ms. Clinton. The Republicans have run a campaign of fear since 9-11 and you better believe McCain's campaign is going to give speech after speech with more of the same. Hope trumps fear and that message has to get to the people. The Obama camp has it right! If Senator CLinton happens to get the nomination, She is not going to beat McCain talking about some elusive 35 years of experience and that she is the candidate with solutions.

The Republicans will hammer her on the Mandates of her Health plan and her stance on the war, not to mention her mantra of so-called experience is going to get blown out of the water. I hope you Dems have the sense to look beyond your democratic base and choose a Nominee that can get the support of a broad audience. America is in trouble, Don't screw up this election with the worng choice.

Independent Voter
Florida

Eric S   February 18th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Words are cheap. Especially when they are not even yours. How could he withstand the GOP's attack machine if he keeps acting like this?

ECC   February 18th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Go for Obama , Go for Obama.

SD, NY, NY   February 18th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Clinton is picking up momentum; you can feel it and see it in the poll numbers (TX, OH, PA..)

Jen, Gainesville   February 18th, 2008 11:45 am ET

Because these are powerful words, they are used again. How many times have people cited "I have a dream"? Do you hear any complaints? Or should we? Besides, Patrick and Obama are both friends and the promising politicans of the new generation. I feel proud of them!

Paul   February 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

America doesn't need another preacher who's selling dreams. Dreams won't put bread and butter on the table for American workers. And since I'm not living on Fantasy island, I'm voting for someone who can make a difference in the next four years. Someone who WILL FIGHT for our jobs, who WILL FIGHT for a better health care system for us Americans, who WILL FIGHT for our children's future, and who WILL FIGHT for american interests on the world stage. That's why I'm not scared to say that I'm voting CLINTON.

Karen   February 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Yes, that's plagiarism! Obama plagiarized, but it's not his words. That's not honest, and Obama betrays Americvan people because American people thinks that's his words. Stop Voting for him because Obama lies to us. That's awful!!

Mirror   February 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Just wanted to say thanks for deleting my comment, and allowing ignorant comments to posted instead. Great job, and keep up the biased Clinton News Net-work.

Xtina Chicago, IL   February 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

Words do matter and they do put food on the table, just ask Bill Clinton, he charges 450k per speech. What a hipocrite of Hillary to say it doesn't matter.

Bayou Joe   February 18th, 2008 11:44 am ET

How about his signs with Cesar Chavez's Slogan "SI SE PUEDE" being used to promote himself to Hispanics? Chavez was a man of principle and his cause was just. I cannot say the same for this wolf in sheeps clothing.

Ron, TX   February 18th, 2008 11:43 am ET

Is this the BEST DIRT that the Clinton campaign can dig up on Obama? That he's borrowing some lines from a good friend with the good friend's complete knowledge and support?

And the Clintons, at the same time, are trying to argue that Clinton, with her truckload of scandals, is a better bet against the Republican mud-slinging machine?

Will, Little Rock, AR   February 18th, 2008 11:43 am ET

He misquoted FDR who actaully said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" and not "we have nothing to fear but fear itself." Many people get this quote wrong and so did Obama. The way FDR said it is more powerful than Obama's misquote. If words matter, then take the time to get it right.

Ana in Shanghai   February 18th, 2008 11:43 am ET

What she meant was that Obama´s words are cheap....not "words" in general.

Andrea   February 18th, 2008 11:42 am ET

For someone who doesn't want the same Washington politics or the same Washington players, he sure does plagiarized from the 'old' politicians in Washington, including Hillary Clinton's economic plan.
I want my president to be a leader, not a follower. I believe it is better to be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else, and Obama is clearly the latter.

Educate1st, Post2nd   February 18th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Could you explain why Clinton is more substantial then Obama Rossi? Would it be that she voted for the war in Iraq, forcing people who already can't afford healthcare, to have it? The lies, deceit. inability to manage her campaign or control her spouse, and the inability to inspire a pile of dog crap. When are people going to get with the program and educate themselves 1st, and then post 2nd? Probably once it's too late, and they'll still be off the reservation.

jodi   February 18th, 2008 11:42 am ET

so what if he had words from other people??. Did he ever claim that his speeches were completly original? Have we seen official scripts? Do we know that there is no works cited page giving credit to others whose words he used? Come on people....stop being so trivial.

Jim, American in Paris   February 18th, 2008 11:42 am ET

Obama needs all the help he can get as anyone can see from his school boyish behavior during debates with Hillary.

He is someone who can't do it alone. He needs a helping hand from stronger people all the time. We can feel that he improvises in debates because he's looking for the words that his speech writers make him rely on.

The truth is Hillary has a very good past record that not only America knows but the whole world knows and respects.

Hillary is a very strong leader who also cares about those who are weak and in need of a better life.

She is self sufficient and can talk in depth about her plans for America in a very clear and convincing way. She knows how she will put her projects in place in a bi-partisan way for all Americans.

Obama is a risky unkown factor as of present. All we know about him is what he tells us, which I'm afraid is only words!

Where is his proven track record or achievements in Washington or in Illinois for that matter? No one knows!

He's basing his whole campaign on being the new unkown face with some cool music added on!

That's not enough to become President of the United States!

Cali   February 18th, 2008 11:42 am ET

It's a known fact that Hillary takes and uses slogans from Obama's speeches. What other pettiness will be brought up by Senator Clinton? Talk about being deseparate. Obviously, words do matter.

Obama '08!

Sandi   February 18th, 2008 11:41 am ET

This is the first time I have read something that reflects negatively against Obama. I agree with "me"bebble, tyler, and Kay. Go Hillary supporters, Hooray for some truth on CNN. Let's hear the whole story. Hillary is not a female candidate, she is a candidate. Barack is not a African-American candidate, he is a candidate. I want the honest candidate. I want the media to be watchdogs not Barack's lap dog.

BUSH-HAD-CHANGE-TOO   February 18th, 2008 11:41 am ET

Youths are easily mislead by media and empty slogans. Lenin cheated millions youths for revolution in U.S.S.R. and Mao cheated millions youths for Culture Revolution in China. What were the results? Their inspiration and vision killed millions and made their people in poverty for half of centuries. Bush had slogan "CHANGE" at time of his election. Now, Bush's leadership and vision cheated millions Americans for 8 years. Please don’t forget IT WAS AMERICAN ELECTED HIM OVER AL GORE BECAUSE OF HIS "CHANGE". Will another empty slogan "CHANGE" cheat millions American again? People, Get Real! Don't Be Fooled by VISION, CHANGE, and INSPIRATION...

People, think simple:
1/9/2001 One American Dollar = 1.51 Canadian Dollar
2/9/2008 One American Dollar= 0.99 Canadian Dollar
Makeup Your Own Minds!

LL   February 18th, 2008 11:41 am ET

The point might not be Plagiarism, Obama supporters. I agree with you.
But the point is, speech is supposed to be what Obama is good at. If he can't even do a good speech without his own ideas, I don't know what he is good at.
You tell me.

j   February 18th, 2008 11:41 am ET

So what !!!!!!!!!! All politicians are guilty of this. Hardly anything a politician says is original.

SOLOMON   February 18th, 2008 11:41 am ET

He is a great hope for the US and the world, as usual the media people are trying to creat fault when some greatness appears in sight. We have not seen a patent right written on all the statements that he made. Please do not spoile the only great hope to solve American problem.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 11:40 am ET

Obama has never had an original idea -– If he wants change so bad he should start with the dim bulb in his head.

Obama even ripped off “Yes We Can" from the 1960's Democrats in Texas. Democrats have been using the "Yes We Can" “Si Se Puede” slogan in Texas for decades.

Sí se puede (Spanish for "Yes, It can be done!") is the motto of the United Farm Workers. it was originally coined in 1972, during Cesar Chavez's 25 day fast.

Both Hillary and Bill Clinton used that slogan while registering Latino voters in the Rio Grande Valley as young Democrats.

Just Say No to Phony Baloney Obama - (just say no brought to you by Nancy Reagan, re: just say no to drugs)

NEW YORK   February 18th, 2008 11:39 am ET

and billary is so fake ,because every speech she does it almost seems like she quoting barack, now its yes we will so pathethic

George B from Westerville   February 18th, 2008 11:39 am ET

I just got a great idea for a speech ... I have a dream ... yeah, that's catchy. Obama, you have my permission to use my idea.

One Love   February 18th, 2008 11:39 am ET

How about Hillary quoting from Obama – "Amerca should believe, Yes we can" There is no doubt she used what Obama have started, How about all the Politician who start using Obama phrase – "Change we can beleive in" Including miss Clinton, first lady for 8 years.

Laura New York   February 18th, 2008 11:38 am ET

Adapted Material? Or there are just so many ways you can spin Yes We Can! Uhmmm Barack Obama........NO WE CAN'T with you.but.....
Here's an adaption for you....

YES WE WILL WITH HILL!

Corey, Maryland   February 18th, 2008 11:37 am ET

You people are something else.... So what if he used Deval's words in his speech. Didn't Deval say ,"We have nothing to fear but fear itself," oh man someone get on his case for quoting FDR, send out the police we have a word thief here. Retarded Hillary supporters..... Your just pissed off she lost it, just accept it already and lets move on.

Obama Richardson 08!!! Edwards for Attorney General

Stah   February 18th, 2008 11:37 am ET

This is not about speech or good talk.
This is not abourt lagacy
This is about solutions to our economy, morgate crisis, Healthcare for our kids.
Parents care more about a real solutions than younger people because most of the teenager still depend on they parents income. They don't really face yet the real life.

I'm suffer alot with the economy than I will vote solution tomorrow.

Mike in NYC   February 18th, 2008 11:37 am ET

With the exception of Ron Paul, the default setting of all of the candidates was "tug the heartstrings with platitudes."

Obama is the worst of the offenders, though, by far, and I'm including the Repubs.

Tim J H   February 18th, 2008 11:37 am ET

It is true that with over 6.6 billion people talking all over the world everyday, no one actually owns words. However, some very famous "quotations" rather than mere words are being used by Obama for his own political gain.

Using catchphrase quotations from the likes of Martin Luther King Jnr, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandella is a much more insidious misdemeanour than mere plagarism: All of the above were Human Rights activists, Altruistic individuals who put their fellow man before any personal or political gain. Both Gandhi and Dr Luther King died for their causes, Mandella spent two decades as a prisoner...

Obama is using these great historical figures as tools for his lust for power – creating buzz amongst the young and disenfranchised with false promises of "Hope" and "Change" where he cannot possibly achieve all that he says.

America should be very wary of what type of "change' Obama would bring to the White House, God forbid, he gets elected!!!

colorblind   February 18th, 2008 11:36 am ET

it wont be long now...... enjoy it while you can.... where is a quote we all will be using soon " Obama kicked Billary's butt"

AMK   February 18th, 2008 11:36 am ET

So now Obama is equating his words with MLK and T. Jefferson's? This guy has had too much of his own koolaid......

Rob   February 18th, 2008 11:36 am ET

This isn't part of his 'stump' speech, CNN! It was part of ONE speech he gave when Clinton attacked him. I am about one more spin article away from cancelling CNN on my cable, and urging everyone I know to do the same.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 11:36 am ET

We've all been taught in school that when you copy someone elses work you add a foot note to let everyone know where it came from. Where are the foot notes in Obamas speeches?

Let's just call it what it is – plagiarism. Calling it "Adapted Material" is just a sugar coating.

CNN, like all the press just sugar coat everything for their darling baby Obama.

Niki B.   February 18th, 2008 11:35 am ET

DUH!! It is about time that the mian stream media pick up in it He has used everything from Dr.King to JFK and even rival Bill Clinton. Which should be no suprise since he is using Bill's campian advisors.

I find it funny how nasty Obama supporters are to the Clintons but all of these people are supposed to be supporting him because he will bring"unity" to this country...he can't even unify a political party....MY VOTE WILL ALWAYS BE FOR SUBSTANCE NOT CHRISMA!!

Tanya   February 18th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Are we surprised ? No we are not.
The only thing Obama has had going for him.. were his speeches.
Now when he seems to try to go the distance with Hillary on issues...he reads from tele-prompters and notes.
Today it is clear that some of his words may have been borrowed from others....now it is also clear why he won't further debate Hillary.
He's running out of his own ideas. His lack of experience is now showing through.
LET"S GET REAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go HILLARY !!!!!

Peter NYC   February 18th, 2008 11:35 am ET

Speeches are words. I want to see Barack back up his rethoric with actions. Although he strikes me as a formidable individual, I can't help but think that he is way too green for this job. However, he should be ready in eight years.

Hillary gives me the feeling that she truly knows what awaits her, once she is sworn in as the 44th president, particularly on the economy and diplomatic relations worldwide.

Yes, Barack is exciting and inspiring, but in the real world poetry does not sustain. After all, vying for the presidency is neither a popularity and/or beauty contest, nor is it a platform to point fingers at others, pretending that you never made a wrong decision in your life. One needs the skills and determination all in one package, which is why Hillary is the perfect fit.

Mirror   February 18th, 2008 11:35 am ET

It's amazing what comments you choose to allow, and the comments you don't allow. I'm sure you're following the comment policy by the book. Why is this article worth publishing when you could be doing a piece on why Hillary won't release her tax returns?

In regards to the current topic, I second what Johnson said. It's a clear understanding of the topic, and someone who is in touch with reality.

Clinton News Network in full-effect.

Tricia of Charlotte, NC   February 18th, 2008 11:34 am ET

All of you Obama followers are just robots..whatever he says, you say "Hallejuah!". Geez, don't you have brains, get your own opinion. He's all talk, no action.

10 out of 10 terrorists say vote Democrat!

Tricia of Charlotte, NC   February 18th, 2008 11:34 am ET

All of you Obama followers are just robots..whatever he says, you say "Hallejuah!". Geez, don't you have brains, get your own opinion. He's all talk, no action.

10 out of 10 terrorists say vote Democrat!

LL   February 18th, 2008 11:33 am ET

wow, serious Plagiarism.
every college student should what happens when you are caught in Plagiarism.

pj   February 18th, 2008 11:33 am ET

i heard Hillary say, at a rally "yes we can" and she used it on her four page flyer that was on cnn yesterday, so her supporters really cant talk about stealing ideas.

that being said, it is a good arguement to the "words dont mean anything" crap hillary is throwing out, so why not reiterate it?

and finally, Hillary keeps saying words mean nothing its action that counts, but those are empty words as well, whats her point?

Tricia of Charlotte, NC   February 18th, 2008 11:33 am ET

All of you Obama followers are just robots..whatever he says, you say "Hallejuah!". Geez, don't you have brains, get your own opinion. He's all talk, no action.

10 out of 10 terrosists say vote Democrat!

Too late   February 18th, 2008 11:33 am ET

oooo, say "just words" is unoriginal now??!?!? Gimme a break!

CNN manufacturing "news" again. C'mon give it a rest.

Joe-Wilmington, DE   February 18th, 2008 11:33 am ET

Yeah, whatever. Talk about something meaningful.

Karen   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

American people must wake up because Obama parlizes from others so we should not vite for him because obama has no experience in White House. It's disgusting to hear that it;s not his words!! Please think twice not to vote for him! Obama is deceitiful to us! American people think twice because Obama tries to ber hypocrite to us!

phillip27   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

i love that he not only lifted the speech of another person, but that the speech itself was a lifting of the best lines from past great men. Its amazing how easily people are blinded by words and charisma in this media driven society.

chris   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Obama is like the New Economy. Only bubbles – but the moment you take the veil off he will disappoint his supporters. Please vote carefully – vote for CLINTON

Arshad   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

David Axelrod is a significant adviser to both Governor Patrick and Senator Obama. So it's not surprise that there will be some overlapping in campaign strategies and arguments. At the end of the day, no speech of any candidates is his or her own words, they are written by a speech writer. And words are not patented. And if they are Clinton herself steals Obama's lines, words and languages every day. When Clinton attacks Obama on his ability to deliver inspiring speeches, she attacked them as "cheap words". Seems Deval's opponents in MA did the same. As his friends and adviser and supporter, Deval recommended Obama answer those cheap shots in the way he did. So where is the problem anyway.

It seems like Clinton campaign is sinking and looking for anything to hold on to for saving their political lives. Pathetic, plain and simple.

E.C.Rossi   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

Obama certainly knows all the inspirational slogans. Well , I'm old
enough to have been inspired by JFK in 1960. However, now I look
for something more substantial in a candidate. To my mind,
Clinton is far more substantial than Obama.

Ann   February 18th, 2008 11:32 am ET

I think people are finally seeing that Obama is no different,
and very unlikely to go the distance. If by some miracle
he makes it into the race against McCain...then McCain
will have a field day....it will be a slam/dunk for the Republicans.

yappy   February 18th, 2008 11:31 am ET

who cares ? Obama has integrity and authenticity. the Clintons don't have a real bone in thier body. they scare me and then should scare the rest of this country. For 1, Bill can't shut up.... there is NO way he isn't going to be trying to run the show in the WH. his ego is the size of Alaska.. I am already sick of his face. Obama is THIS close to retiring the Clinton name to the history book. WOW> I would be scared too if I were them.

Johnny at Work   February 18th, 2008 11:31 am ET

Obama’s speeches do have nice words. Too bad they are always somebody else’s words. ------- And now Obama thinks he's Thomas Jefferson, John Locke, and Franklin Roosevelt? As well as John Kennedy and Martin Luther King? I fully expect him to declare himself Jesus Christ at any moment.

JFK, MLK, FDR, Lincoln, and Jefferson; their great speeches and writings did not invoke or use the words of others. They were original. Unlike Obama, who's never had an original thought, and must copy the work of everyone including Hillary and even McCain. --

Lets just say goodbye to the phony baloney Obama.

patti   February 18th, 2008 11:31 am ET

I have to agree with Hillary. Barrock can talk the talk but Hillary can walk the walk!!!!! We need a President that can take action and Hillary
is most able!!! Unfortunately we are living in very frightening times and Hillary has proved that she is able and can stand up to pressure! People should not vote on charisma. They need to look at all the issues our Country and this World are facing. Go Hillary! I am behind you!

Sheldon Crawford   February 18th, 2008 11:30 am ET

Yes, those words have been used before. Considering the attack coming from Sen. Hillary Clinton accusing her rival of lacking substance, Sen. Obama has no other choice than to react as he did–which i might add was a darn good comeback. The point here is, Senator Obama is an extremely intelligent individual who has been blessed with the gift of words.

Utilizing those words DOES NOT ALTER MY DECISION TO VOTE FOR HIM. Oh! for the record–I LOVE HILLARY ALSO. LOL

Jalwa   February 18th, 2008 11:30 am ET

If the Democrats nominate this phony Obama, who is he going to turn to for stump speeches for the November election? We Republicans would love for Obama to be the Democratic nominee. We can shread him to pieces for lack of experience and his position on the War. He is wrong for American security and is just a BIG phony. Game On!!!

shane   February 18th, 2008 11:30 am ET

If words really didnt matter and if speeches were truly irrelevant, then why is the clinton campaign wasting so much time talking about and trying to dismiss Obama's speeches? IF his speeches were really irrelevant they shouldnt even be talking about them. In fact no one should! That goes to show you words DO matter.! You can have all the policy plans in the world, but if you cant motivate people to come together and compromise, which WORDS often do, your policy plans mean zero.

Chris   February 18th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Who cares if people use that same quotes from famous speeches that have already been said. It was in response the her criticism about words don't matter, in WHICH THEY DO MATTER!

If words don't matter, than we should only teach our children math and science in school. I guess the words in the constitution doesn't mean anything as well.

Cyn   February 18th, 2008 11:29 am ET

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...

Dave. San Diego, CA   February 18th, 2008 11:28 am ET

Plagiarism? You've GOT to be kidding me. Being how Deval Patrick is an Obama support, I'm sure he granted him permission to use the lines. Second, everybody uses other people'ss words on a regular basis. Hillary continues to use the "I have a dream" mantra DAILY as does Obama. Yep, she has a dream alright, it's to drive the US into even deeper debt than Bush has. She wants to mandate everyone to purchase her healthcare plan regardless of whether they can afford it or not, by threats of wage garnishment if necessary.

This woman is not only going to break me, she's going to break the country and put us into Bankruptcy.

Dias   February 18th, 2008 11:28 am ET

The clinton campaign is really desperate. She has been attempting to use Senator Obama"s words for the longest time but she just does not have the conviction and the authenticity to deliver like that he does. And after all, It is not about words it is about a different mind set in america and she can never deliver that. She represents the past and Senator Obama is the future of America.
Obama 08

Desiree   February 18th, 2008 11:28 am ET

I guess Obama isn't as original as we thought. You would think with all the speech writers he has he could have come up with something to call his own. Sounds like a typical politician to me.

Martin   February 18th, 2008 11:28 am ET

About time the media was fair. More of this reporting is only good for the democratic process. I for one will be a very angry guy, if the Rep's get elected in November because the Dem's got caught up in HYPE over Obama. He will get eaten alive during a national election, he is not ready and that will become clear. Don't lose the chance for the White House by denying the best candidate the chance. Vote Hillary.

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI   February 18th, 2008 11:28 am ET

IT SEEMS TO ME HILLARY,S TALKING POINTS HAVE COME FROM BOTH JOHN EDWARDS AND JOHN McCAIN.

Tonya   February 18th, 2008 11:27 am ET

So what...MLK Jr. himself one of the best orators of our time "borrowed" alot of material in some of his speeches. It's not a big deal to me...He's a wonderful speaker (and in my opinion, Hillary is too) and his speeches have a profound effect on people...Whether they are his words or someone elses from another time/place, doesn't really matter to me...

mary   February 18th, 2008 11:27 am ET

How is he going to run our Country when he can't even think for himself by using other people's speeches. No wonder he doesn't want to debate! No one wil be with him to tell him what to say. What a phoney!! I don't expect this message to go through because the media is so wrapped up in Obama and they don't want anybody to say negative things about him. The Republicans are going to have a field day with him!

Mirror   February 18th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Kay – The majority of the negative remarks are from HRC's angry supporters, please read the blogs more thoroughly. The HRC supporters have the pulse of HRC.....angry, desperate, and willing to put fellow Americans down instead of speaking about the issues at hand. Try being positive, and good things will happen.

Against the Cult   February 18th, 2008 11:26 am ET

CNN what about Larry Sinclair?

Bill Evans   February 18th, 2008 11:26 am ET

Everyone talks about the Billary team....
I have a better one – since Hillary is the candidate she should be first.
How about:

"HillBilly" It sounds more appropriate I think.....

BobW   February 18th, 2008 11:26 am ET

"Is Obama running out of new comebacks against Clinton?"

Well...I guess it wouldn't look good if he said what many of us feel about Hillary. After all, it wouldn't be nice to call her the B-word.

JKan   February 18th, 2008 11:25 am ET

"FAKE" is the word that best describes Obama. Dig in more, you will discover more. Why the guy wants to give speeches and not debate? Because he has nothing ORIGINAL. Many halready know this and are exasperated by the media backing him with deep BIAS.

Joseph, NY, NY   February 18th, 2008 11:25 am ET

Words don't matter actions do. Obama forgot the other famous words "actions speak louder than words", besides the preacher man can't even come up with his own words. Is he going to have everything done for him if he gets in the white house, not good. We need a hands on person who knows how to get things done, not a poet, pretty words are good for the naive who believe them and who are not in touch with reality.

Educate1st,Post2nd   February 18th, 2008 11:23 am ET

Well said Johnson, much respect for you and your view.

Lafontaine Benoit   February 18th, 2008 11:23 am ET

These two guys are buddies, and everybody knows that. Hilary is from the past and we are moving to the future. Did anyone watch ABC this morning? This correspondant from Washington has something against Obama. Maybe it is because he is winning. I will never vote for Hilary

Kim in Columbus   February 18th, 2008 11:22 am ET

Nice how the Obamabots are already defending his speech stealing. Yet if it were Hillary, they would be on the attack.

The man may be a good leader, and no doubt that in time he may make a good President, but now is not the time. He still needs priming.

rhian   February 18th, 2008 11:21 am ET

I'm so glad this story is hitting other networks after it was first reported on ABC. It just shows how scripted Obama can be. He may say it well....but that doesn't make it original. And it doesn't look good that he and his best bud share speech excerpts. This is the kind of thing that brought down Biden's first run at the White House.

Hillary's point is still valid: Obama's rhetoric is often vague and general. That's not inspiring. That's just dull.

Victor   February 18th, 2008 11:21 am ET

It tells me it's a close race. nothing more.

Nathan,   February 18th, 2008 11:20 am ET

This shouldn't be about Obama using some words that other politicians have used. That's stupid and once again CNN has missed the point. The focus should be on the words he is not using such as specifics about his plans and how he will implement them. I don't think it should matter if he recited the Gettysburg Address word for word. The focus should be on the rhetoric versus the specifics. Thats where his specches appear to be coming up short, on specifics.

James   February 18th, 2008 11:20 am ET

Hillary Clinton is a joke. It's time for her to stop this negative campaigning and leave the race. America has decided and we don't want you!

Roy   February 18th, 2008 11:19 am ET

What does Hillary think that she is doing on the campaign trail when she is speaking to her audiences??? Is she not using words in an attempt to move voters to accept her position??? If not, then perhaps she should simply appear before her audience and simply stand in silence.

viv   February 18th, 2008 11:19 am ET

I noticed that Hilliary is desperate, she has taken alot of Obama's words and has began to use them for her own. I am sick of this craziness and think that hilliary should step aside. I believe that if for so weird reason she becomes presodent it will be bill dictating and her just enjoying the title. like Rodney says why can't we all just get along. (NOT), we need to let Obama get in their and clean house and begin to live in th 21st century. Hilliary thanks but no thanks we have been there done that now lets move on to someone new. bye Hilliary and hello Obama welcome to the white house.

Brian   February 18th, 2008 11:19 am ET

So if words matter so much Obama should stick to Public Financing like he said he would.

It takes law to make words matter, not hope.

You people are so narrow minded it makes me sick.

Ben   February 18th, 2008 11:19 am ET

Mr Obama what single thing you have don as a senator.

Anthony   February 18th, 2008 11:17 am ET

Words matter when you back them up with actions. The founding fathers and MLK literally sacrificed their lives over the powerful words they spoke and wrote. It is reasonable to question whether Obama's words should carry the same weight since his resume is a bit sparse on solid policy achievements.

josh   February 18th, 2008 11:17 am ET

make up your own stuff loser, i dont need to be inspired you idiots i just need the president to do their job of which his experience sucks. hes NOT READY, we are at war you o biter lovers

Mati   February 18th, 2008 11:17 am ET

What, his young white speech writer is not even original? What a joke.. and you who worship Obama anyway ..

W.D. Fyfe   February 18th, 2008 11:15 am ET

I find it enlightening and entertaining that what Joe Biden did in 1987 was called plagiarism while Obama's speeches are now called adaptations. Words do matter when you're the media's darling.

Rae   February 18th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Being down to earth will allow Obama to work with people on both sides of the political spectrum.

slojac   February 18th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Interesting topic about words. It is true, it is perfectly OK to use another persons words, BUT one should give credit where credit is due. Otherwise this in known as plagiarism and is highly frowned upon by all educational systems.

JonhQ   February 18th, 2008 11:15 am ET

Slow news day CNN? Here in Boston, this is old news. Obama endorsed Patrick when he was campaigning for Gov. he came here raised money for him (which he does very well) and talks to him often. You telling me you failed to notice Patrick's slogan 'Together we can' is Obama's second most popular slogan. So what? So long you are not borrowing from your rivals during the same contest.
What's ridiculous is Hillary Rodham saying"'I'm fired up and ready to go"

Las mascaras de la nada   February 18th, 2008 11:15 am ET

More CHANGE?

David, Los Angeles, CA   February 18th, 2008 11:14 am ET

There's no story here. Patrick and Obama, who are close friends, were attacked on the same subject by opponents using the same or similar words, and they used similar words in responding. Big deal! Now please report on Bill Clinton's flat-out lies (such as how Obama has "explicitly" said the 1990s were no better than this decade, when he has said no such thing), and on Hillary's refusal to release her tax returns, and refusal to say how she would enforce her mandatory purchase of health insurance law.

debi   February 18th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Cant people out there realize this guys not original????????????
I have been writing for 2 months now just how unoriginal he is.
Doesnt he sound alittle like Kennedy and mostly, Martin Luther King–the way he gives a preacher-like speech???? How decieving and slick.
This guy is so slick, people are just learning this now?????????
How arrogant for a Jr Senator to feel he is qualified and somehow owed the White House.
People wake up before it is too late. The Republicans will hammer him down so bad. At least we know Hillarys' negatives and she can put up a strong fight.
At this point, dont look at what this barracuda has gained as far as votes go, arrogance and the slick quality he has will mean nothing this fall.

Michelle in Philly   February 18th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Seems like he can't make his own anything, first taking Hillary's economic plan and making it his own, now someone elses speech, what's next? This is the person we want leading our country?

I sure as hell don't

carol   February 18th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Hopefully people with see that air head Obama for what he is. Know ideals and just runs his mouth about inspiring. What a joke he can't even come up with his own word, sounds like a PHONY to me.

Dems in 08   February 18th, 2008 11:13 am ET

Johnson, the difference is those people you mention are notable figures in our country's history, and in a speech, they should be cited. IMO, taking a governer's words from last year isn't quite in the same ballpark.

Vic   February 18th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Who among you at CNN have the courage to take this on in a full piece???

Knocked out of 1988 race due to plagiarizing a speech
Senator Joe Biden, who was knocked out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 by Mike Dukakis is hardly the best the Democrats can put forward. Back then, he plagiarized a speech by British Labor Party Leader Neil Kinnock. Kinnock, who himself went down to defeat by one of the largest margins in UK history, was no role model, and Biden should have stuck to doing what all other politicians do–plagiarizing the work of their own speechwriters.
Biden has gained some credibility with his articulate, objective and forthcoming analysis of the Iraq War, given from his perch atop the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But he is, after all, another has-been who never was.

Source: Condi vs. Hillary, by Dick Morris, p.230 Oct 11, 2005

LDMEYERS   February 18th, 2008 11:12 am ET

For over 20+ years we have had Bush & Clinton and I will admit that the economy (for me anyway) was better when Bill Clinton was in the White House..........BUT.....Bill Clinton did not come into the White House ready to run (he was laughed at by White House know-it-alls). So the argument about "experience" does not persuade me. Some say Obama has done nothing since he has been in office BUT....for all her experience what has Hillary done? I will not base my vote on memories of Bill Clinton. The USA economy and relations have changed. We have had a President who refused to benefit anyone but friends and himself. America wants/needs to experience FREEDOM from fear and change. WE CAN DO THIS!! YES WE CAN!!

GO OBAMA! WE NEED YOU!

Jim   February 18th, 2008 11:11 am ET

This is just ridiculous. Nonsense like this reeks of desperation in the Clinton camp.

What's next? Obama uses the word "is" and that word was used– as we all know– by Bill?

For that matter, I watched Hillary give a speech in Ohio using the refrain "Yes we will." Is THAT a scandal too?

Rae   February 18th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Some of the words that Obama speaks often bring tears to my eyes. If anyone is really watching and listening there is no way you are not effected by the words. He makes you want to listen.

I know that He doesnt use cheap tricks to try to get this nomination. He is down to earth and thats a good thing to work with

Berkeley   February 18th, 2008 11:11 am ET

The Clintons have brought wealth, peace, and prosperity to this country when they were trusted to do so.

What has Obama brought?

Words?...promisses? ....

Where's the beaf?

Rob   February 18th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Hillary uses Bill's words / speaches from his campaign all the time. Why is it an issue for Obama to use excerpts from his good friend's speach?

Jill   February 18th, 2008 11:10 am ET

I can remember a time when, in school, we were expected to memorize famous quotes – "words" – spoken by famous individuals or written by famous authors. Are people so ignorant today that they do not recognize these inspirational lines? And especially since Gov. Patrick and Obama are close friends (and, I believe I read recently, one of Patrick's former speechwriters now works for the Obama campaign) it is not surprising they borrow lines. You don't see Gov. Patrick having a problem – and if anyone could complain it would be him.

Clinton is the one who should be taken to task for saying "Words are cheap". Shame on her – if she really thought so she should shut up.

David Jones   February 18th, 2008 11:10 am ET

So what about when Billary Clinton steals phrases from Obama...like change, and fired up/ready to go, and yes we can....

Can we call her out on plaigarizing too please?

PLEASEEEE CNN, GET YOUR REPORTING RIGHT!!
Those in politics copy each other all the time.

I am ashamed that we call Reagan the Great Communicator; a man who brought down the Berlin Wall with Words; and communist Russia with not a single shot fired, but more WORDS...but CNN is now denigrating someone who inspires, exites and truly articulate a vision to unite all of us.

Shame on CNN!
Shame on Billary!!

GO OBAMA!!!

Karen   February 18th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Obama's whining again. Everybody's pickin' on me.

Dave   February 18th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Hillary's "ready on day one" is from a George HW Bush presidential campaign

California Independent   February 18th, 2008 11:09 am ET

Obama followers called him new and inspiring. Now they are WORMing again (W hat O bama R eally M eant) for their prince. He's original? Yes, no. He copies? No, yes. Intelligent people have known the name of his speech writers all along.

Favreau (Obama's speece writer, that also wrote for Kerry) calls himself and Obama supporters kool-aid drinkers. The phrase did not come from those that think his followers are a cult, but from the campaign itself. But that doesn't phase a follower either.

Least Of All Evils   February 18th, 2008 11:09 am ET

How many times has Hillary Clinton use the phrase"YES WE CAN" and "YES WE WILL"?

Please CNN! Please! Must be a slow news day.

Larry from LA   February 18th, 2008 11:09 am ET

You have to love the Clinton's. Since Obama is running a smooth and effective campaign let's see if they can dig up something that may appear negative right before the primaries tomorrow. If the media wants to dig up of tons of negative things just review the Clintons past. Obama will look like a choir boy.

GB   February 18th, 2008 11:09 am ET

How rare it is to see ONE negative report on Obama's campaign. To take someone else's words as your own is deceptive , especially when the entire campaign is based on his words rather than accomplishments. When all is said and done CNN will be known as the network along with MSNBC as biased. How disappointing it is to actually see how low you have become- instead of reporting the issues, you are trying to manipulate the campaign towards your goal of having Obama as the nominee.

Hill Will   February 18th, 2008 11:08 am ET

First he steals Hillary's Healthcare Program now he steals someone's else's speech. Can this man think for himself? What a THIEF!!! Go HILL

James Fletcher   February 18th, 2008 11:08 am ET

Just another example of a drowning Clinton campaign making issues out of non-issues, continuing the same ole say anything, to get the headline. It is sad really. Too bad she used the "cry" in NH. I think this country is ready for a woman president, JUST NOT THIS WOMAN!

Mark   February 18th, 2008 11:08 am ET

What else is Obama copying and from whom? A presidential candidate should be in a position to show some originality in positions, policies and rhetoric. He has recently adopted Hillary's economic plans. During the debates with Hillary, you could feel him saying 'me too' after Hillary spoke. How is he going to handle the presidency without a stint of orginality?

Aboomah 4 Obama   February 18th, 2008 11:08 am ET

I must be missing something here. What is wrong with 2 Democrats using the same quotes in their speeches, especially since they're friends and they support each other?

50 years from now, which of the below contemporary quotes do you want to hear:
1. I did not have sex with that woman
or
2. Yes, we can!

Psst....Mrs. Clinton – your desparation is showing!

Ben from D,C,   February 18th, 2008 11:07 am ET

I don't care who said it as much as I care about what it means. Obama is right.

Frank   February 18th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Tomorrow will be looking at the effect of dirty politics ...can Billary succeed with her smear campaign? Giving the amount of effort some of her supporter put in their decision making, there is a very good chance that she will.

Either way, a victory for Billary will result in a defeat of the Democratic Party. I have never seen so many Democrats in my town and at work that are so determined not to support a Democratic candidate in the general election. All these poeple -including my family- would vote Republican for the first time her in Missouri.

Jan E   February 18th, 2008 11:06 am ET

Words do matter and when they come from the leader of a powerful country like this, they matter much more. Presidents lead by words and actions, but the right words do inspire the right action to follow. Presidents are not bureaucrats who execute fixed plans, they are motivators, peace makers, and consensus facilitators. What they say makes or breaks deals.

Cait   February 18th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Nothing wrong with saying things as long as you give the author credit for his words and thoughts. Crediting the source make you look intelligent and worldly. Plagerism makes you look dumb and unable to lead. Folks, it is also illegal!

McCain will eat him and his words alive.

air sick   February 18th, 2008 11:05 am ET

This is not the only time Obama has plagiarized. He has also adopted many of HRC's solutions for America as his own. He continues to quote or invoke the names of JFK and MLK because he has no original ideas of his own. I am really getting tired of this Obama hot air balloon ride and I don't think I am alone in this sentiment.

Andrew   February 18th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Its less about him using someone else's words and more about using them to justify an argument that his words matter. If he's so rhetorically gifted, why does he have to used someone else's material at all?

It goes to the core of his entire campaign...new, fresh, authentic, all of which are dispelled by recycling old speeches.

All bark...no bite

Sting   February 18th, 2008 11:05 am ET

Poets, priests and politicians have words to thank for their positions.

So I guess words do matter.

Dem123   February 18th, 2008 11:04 am ET

Obama campaign will just do anything .Plagarism of a colleauge is different from quoting leaders from the past on their spoken words,I hope people get it.Of course having copied Hillary's health care plan it is not a surprise that a speech would be copied since that is the only foundation of his candidacy.This should be a headline and we should start asking some tough questions if only media will wake up from it's Obama dream.

Tom   February 18th, 2008 11:03 am ET

This is a major non-issue. The two are friends, acknowledged by Patrick, and Patrick is okay with him using words that he has used, in fact applauds him for it. Only those desperate for something to hit Obama with would turn something like this into an issue. I'd prefer to see candidates focus on the actual issues that affect all Americans in this election.

Kay   February 18th, 2008 11:03 am ET

I noticed the majority of people adding their negative remarks are Obama supporters. What does that tell You?

Go Hillary OR McCain!

Tyler   February 18th, 2008 11:02 am ET

The issue is not whether Obama was drawing upon inspirational words from the past, but rather whether his presentation and ordering of those words was in any way borrowed. Clearly, his organization and discussion of the quotes he invoked are strikingly similar to Deval Patrick's; if the text of Obama's speech were a college essay, he would be seriously questioned about plagiarism.

Mind you, this is not the first time Obama has lifted phrases from others. Check out Bill Clinton's speeches and debates from 1992. Obama has incorporated several lines verbatim from Bill's script. The oft repeated line about "sending the same old politicians back to Washington and expecting a different result" is straight from Bill.

Odd that the media does not seem to attend to this. A college professor certainly would, and in the harshest way.

Matt   February 18th, 2008 11:02 am ET

Are you kidding me? This guy's only trick is giving speeches and they're not even original?

Brian   February 18th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Who is this guy? Speeches and rhetoric has been his only selling point, now we find out they aren't even his own words or thoughts? Give me a break – he is going to run our country? NO!! He will rely on many, many, many advisors to run our country – who will THEY be? I'm not taking a chance – at least with Hillary we know what we are getting.

AJ, IL   February 18th, 2008 11:00 am ET

This is a non-story CNN.

Obama in '08!

Charles   February 18th, 2008 11:00 am ET

Hey Hillary how much money does your husband Bill make in the words he has been speaking since he left the presidency? Okay then go ahead and tell me if words don't put food on the table. Just save us the time and go in search of a better argument Hillary please!! This makes you a very bitter loser!!!

Ann, Los Angeles   February 18th, 2008 10:59 am ET

This isn't the first time...Senator Obama used two of Senator Clintons economic ideas and incorporated them into his own speech on economics the other day...........................looser!

It is one thing that everyone talks.....yep – but since he seems to be a follower of where others have gone it is only right he would take their words and ideas also. No leader here!

Jeanne Sanford, Hillsdale, Mi..   February 18th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Obama should be on American Idol; but President of the United States? Come on - Jeanne

Roger, SC   February 18th, 2008 10:58 am ET

I have a feeling the more we get to know Obama the more we are going to learn that he is not the so called ROCK STAR that some seem to think he is......

Charlotte   February 18th, 2008 10:58 am ET

Plaglarism is all he is, MLKs' "the urgency of now". "I have a dream." Now he is trying to steal Hillarys' plans as his own. Why must he compare himself to others all the time. He is no JFK! He is for change yet has the elders of the party leading him around by the nose and elbow. The status quo in Washington are the Senators that are there now. He is not a uniter, he is a greenhorn with lofty ideas that are nice have but the reality is the status quo will remain intact.

Bleuceruleum   February 18th, 2008 10:58 am ET

I don't understand Clinton's constant blather about how "There's a big difference between us– speeches versus solutions, talk versus action."

Right, Hillary. Seems to me there's a lot of speeches and talk going on both sides- which is normal, isn't it? She's making a lot of promises but where's the action? The follow through? And she had eight years- supposedly gaining all kinds of 'experience'. I voted for Bill Clinton and waited to see how Hillary, being such a strong First Lady, would initiate changes that would improve my life as a single working female. And nothing changed. Nothing changed for me or for my single friends who were working mothers, or the elderly people I knew who were on fixed incomes.

The only change came in my healthcare: my insurance premiums went up and, due to a pre-condition I was not covered for an entire year until the pre-condition terms were met. So I went without healthcare. As far as my job and Life- nothing changed. Thanks, Hillary and Bill. I listed to your big talk, your speeches and hoped. And you didn't deliver.

I believe Obama has the integrity- something missing on the Clinton side of this campaign- and the intelligence and determination to make changes.

saazny   February 18th, 2008 10:58 am ET

so obama is even running out of original speeches... this is what happens when you run a campaign devoid of original ideas...

Tom in MA   February 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

I voted for Deval Patrick in both the primary and the general election based, in part, on his speeches. Since then he has generally made a mess of things and displayed a singular lack of aptitude for the job. I will not make that mistake in the national election. Obama can make all the pretty speeches he wants but I don't think he has the skills or experience for the job.

Bebble   February 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

All of Obama's speeches were taken from others; it's about time someone is picking up on it.

nadeem   February 18th, 2008 10:57 am ET

When Hillary steals Obama's Yes We Can – nobody says – well a 'word'

anne   February 18th, 2008 10:56 am ET

Hillary is giving speeches, using words, to bash Obama giving speeches, insanity, oh yeah, how can she say his speeches are wrong while giving a speech, this makes no sense to me at all. Wake up people, the Clinton's are playing games, like usual, don't fall for it.
Obama 08

Allan Cook   February 18th, 2008 10:56 am ET

So what? You don't think some of those speechwriters went from Patrick's campaign to Obama's?

C. Marie   February 18th, 2008 10:55 am ET

So now the one thing Obama had great speeches and they aren't his? Who is surprised by this. After all these Obama supporters who talk of him writing all his own speeches. I am sure we will here the explanation.

Meanwhile here is a great quote I read and have been sharing."If Hillary walked on water, she would be criticized for not swimming," Chris Lehane said. "And if Obama swam, he would be lauded for being able to do what Hillary could not do."

Expresses what many of us voters have been feeling.

me   February 18th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Like I have been saying....he can give a good speech...but he can't even give an original speech....he's a fake....Don't be fooled by this guy!!!

Danielle   February 18th, 2008 10:54 am ET

I find it disturbing that CNN titles this article "some of Obama's stump speech adapted material." Call a spade a spade; some of Obama's stump speech is plagiarized! According to the online writing lab (OWL) at Purdue, "plagiarism is the uncredited use (both intentional and unintentional) of somebody else's words or ideas."
When Obama uses parts of Patrick's speech, word for word, without crediting Patrick, Obama is PLAGIARIZING.
If Hillary Clinton would have done this, I guarantee the press would have called it plagiarism.

Lee   February 18th, 2008 10:53 am ET

Why isn't this the story of the day. I guarantee that if Hill had used another persons "words" the media would blast her. I don't understand why the media will not go after Obambie the way they go after Hill.

catherine   February 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

So finally people found out where obama 's speeches came from ? And people understand why MT did not vote for obama. Those people in MT understand what will happen if a man of "yes we can" got elected..................

Hey   February 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

As long as he means what he said, I could careless who originally said it. Yes We Will? Nice try Hill.

Sal   February 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

McCain should want small Government. Hillary's pot is drying up.

When Obama agreed to the public funding, it was base on a balance playing field. The field has not not been balance or fair. Special interest groups, and 527 have played a strong role in this election year. 527 groups have worked for the candidate with using the candidate's monies. So, until they resolve this issue, in evening the playing field, it would be wise for Obama to support such an agreement with McCain.

Hillary needs to support her Party.

McCain needs to earn his money by "Working Hard at getting the Support of All America"

Obama is for Change

michael me   February 18th, 2008 10:52 am ET

so they share language. and the person he shares the language with has no problem with it and supports it.. what's the problem then?

H   February 18th, 2008 10:51 am ET

I'm very disappointed about Obama. I thought he wrote his own speech. I can't believe he copied it. I watched Deval replay from YouTube – almost identical.

In addition, what's up with Larry Sinclair's story. Who is Obama? Can someone please run a story about him. We have the rights to know before we vote for our president.

josh   February 18th, 2008 10:51 am ET

obama is a phony

Joyce memphis, tn   February 18th, 2008 10:50 am ET

Nice spin CNN!!! If Hillary copied the speech of another politician, then you would have SMASHED her...no matter how close their relationship might be. Oh, while you are at it, can you mention how Obama's recent policies are carboncopies of Hillary and Edward's proposed policies. I've noticed that every time Hillary elaborates on a specific policy (except Healthcare), Obama mentions it in his speeches a week later like he formulated it!!! This was happening during the begining of the campaigne with Edward's Greehouse workers plan and again with Hillary's plan to get rid of the No Child Left Behind Act. He is a PHONEY!!! He only knows how to speak. He doesn't want to debate because he doesn't know how to execute his policies. If he get the nomination then McCaine Straight Talk Express will CRUSH Obama!!! Remember, people like McCaine because he tells them the truth, not what they want to hear. And Obama's balloon will slowly deflate to a humilating defeat. To those who back Obama, remember you get what you vote for....PHONEY FLUFFINESS!!!

omale t. omale   February 18th, 2008 10:49 am ET

words are not cheap, it is from the aboundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, we are held accountable by the things we say, we become people of honor when we stand by our words, words are not cheap.

Tony, Wilton, ME   February 18th, 2008 10:48 am ET

I see it's Obama's turn in the barrel. Should Hillary succeed in catching up, I'm sure the media will dutifully shift its sights again.

Why haven't we seen much about McCain's flip on torture? Oh wait, the media likes McCain so he gets a bye.

And journalists expect us to take them seriously.

JB   February 18th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Bill is negating speech making while he is out making millions giving speeches. Can he speak hypocrisy?

Johnson   February 18th, 2008 10:48 am ET

No one owns words. With 6.6 billion people talking everday in this world, we are bound to say the same words, lines, sentences from time to time. A lot of what Obama says also comes from Gandhi, mlk, kennedy, and others. There isn't anything wrong with saying things that are inspirational that has been said in the past. The times may change but our hardships remain the same. Words have the power to inspire, to lead, to bring about peace, and it is often through words that great changes in the destiny of a nation comes about.

Andy C.   February 18th, 2008 10:48 am ET

Is Obama running out of new comebacks against Clinton?

Thursday   February 18th, 2008 10:47 am ET

I will be so glad when this is over.......Words DO matter.......

Becky in Indiana   February 18th, 2008 10:47 am ET

That is what a good speech composer does. Hillary takes phrases from Obama's campaign frequently. With that said...
OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

California Voter   February 18th, 2008 10:46 am ET

I think people are beginning to see through the rhetoric , and questioning whether he is speaking from his heart or simply trying to woe people through fine words. Wasn't his friend Patrick also running against a woman, and wasn't David Axelrod also his campaign chair. I hope America takes a deep breath, before they vote for Obama.

Mar from Phil.   February 18th, 2008 10:46 am ET

'Action' is a word. Appropriate actions are effectively carried/implemented by appropriate words. Thus, words are important in taking appropriate actions. Go Obama! We admire you here in the Philippines.

todd Bronson   February 18th, 2008 10:46 am ET

"Stop the bus, there's a Rite Aid!"

What's next for Obama, ripping off quotes from Hallmark Cards.

Look under inspirational.

Sad day   February 18th, 2008 10:45 am ET

Wow...so not only does he not have any original ideas, but he also doesn't have original words either? Impressive Mr. Obama. I also love how he 'claims' not to get funds from lobbyist, but instead asks the lobbyists to reach out to their constituents for individual donations. Having them campaign for you and taking their money is the same thing. What a hypocrite! The more I get to know him, the less I like him.

Jane   February 18th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Why should this surprise anyone? Obama is obviously very good with words when rehearsed and when adlibbing the same slogans—but not very good thinking on his feet. That is why he abhors debates and discussing the issues. And, by the way, the 18 debates he claims he had with Hillary were not all with her—they were part of the general debates with the other candidates. It’s time we have more one-on-one debates on the issues with the two of them alone.

Eli   February 18th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Well well now it is surprising that Obama (the inspirational speaker) is adapting his speeches from others. So it seems that people have been right in saying the last few weeks that his speeches had no substance. Lets hope people realize this before it is too late.

dorothy   February 18th, 2008 10:44 am ET

Clinton ,
use Brack word /change

Karen   February 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

This is clear biasness. Had this been done by Hillary Clinton it would have been blown up all over CNN and other Media outlets.

Mir   February 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

More than similar (ignoring quotes, obviously) in terms of cadence and phrasing of intro/point. David Axlerod is the common denominator, not the shared ideology between obama and Patrick. At least the men who are quoted actually earned the right to say what they said, btw.

d-stuff   February 18th, 2008 10:42 am ET

Finally, CNN picks up on this...so late..and it continues to get pushed down in the Ticker. CNN fails at being fair once again. go to realclearpolitics.com for the best digest of REAL news.

Anonymous   February 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Why is this article buried so deep on the CNN site. Shouldn't this be on the front page above Huckabee bowling?

Burt WI   February 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

When Obama isn't busy using Gov. Patrick's words verbatim, he's busy using Hillary's. In the last week, I've heard him use her exact words and phrases to lend impact to the economy plan he copied from her, and from her issue about making college more affordable and reigning in predatory student loan companies. The man, weak on ideas and using the same old lines over and over has now decided to steal Hillary's lines and her agenda. Everytime she comes out with a new blueprint for change, within a couple of days, he comes out with one that is just a warmed-over version of Hillary's. He's a phony, like Bush, and people had better realize it before they put another unqualified president in the White House.

Vic   February 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Here is a report in light of which we should consider Obama/s "plagiarism". If the press could do this to Biden, then.....

Knocked out of 1988 race due to plagiarizing a speech
Senator Joe Biden, who was knocked out of the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1988 by Mike Dukakis is hardly the best the Democrats can put forward. Back then, he plagiarized a speech by British Labor Party Leader Neil Kinnock. Kinnock, who himself went down to defeat by one of the largest margins in UK history, was no role model, and Biden should have stuck to doing what all other politicians do–plagiarizing the work of their own speechwriters.
Biden has gained some credibility with his articulate, objective and forthcoming analysis of the Iraq War, given from his perch atop the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But he is, after all, another has-been who never was.

Source: Condi vs. Hillary, by Dick Morris, p.230 Oct 11, 2005

AF   February 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

I always knew he was a phony!

Matt John   February 18th, 2008 10:41 am ET

Obama's words are his selling point, but when they're tapped from another source what are we left with?

Doud   February 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Well, that's an interesting CHANGE....

tc from Virginia   February 18th, 2008 10:40 am ET

Plagiarism?

J. McCaskill, MS   February 18th, 2008 10:39 am ET

Not "adapted material," but it is down right plagiarism. Wheter it was intentional or not. Do not try to cover this up with a civil tone. It is what it is.

Hillary '08'

Ronnie...Charlottesville, Va   February 18th, 2008 10:39 am ET

This kind of plaigarism de-railed Joe Biden years ago......but nothing really matters anymore.

Elsa   February 18th, 2008 10:39 am ET

I heard that Gov. Deval Patrick has similar backgrounds as Barack Obama, and a very good orator also, and that was how he got elected but he failed to deliver the results, that is why people had fed up with somebody like him and voted for Hillary instead. Is this the case?

Please don't keep me waiting in moderation.   February 18th, 2008 10:38 am ET

But dear Hillary, all of the knowledge in the world will be of no use if you cannot motivate people. Reagan had hoorible ideas and the reason he got to implement them is because he could inspire others to go along with them. I think Obama has ideas and he will be able to sell them. If you had that ability, we would have a health care plan now.

uk   February 18th, 2008 10:38 am ET

it will be interesting to see how Patric is doing after 2 years in office. How much Hope and Change he has produced in his state. I think Mr. Obama's records may be no different than Pritric's.

Go Hillary, you have been tested and proven to be the leader and the solver of American dreams. The words need to be supported by actoions. Where is the meat!!!!

Jeff from Jersey   February 18th, 2008 10:38 am ET

Not only is Obama all talk,this is just more evidence that it isn't even his OWN talk.He's been running his campaign on nothing more than the words of others from the very begining!His speeches have ALL been the pilfered words of Dr.Martin Luther Kinf,John F.Kennedy and Robert Kennedy and now this blatant theft of another's!
Obama is a phony!He always has been!
He has DONE absolutely NOTHING since he was first elected and he WILL DO NOTHING!
He has been nothing but words right from the very start and he doesn't even have the skill to conceal his theft of the words of others!
He will STEAL your vote,he will STEAL the Presidency and he will STEAL this country unless you wake up to this phony before it is too late for us ALL!

Aaron in Virginia   February 18th, 2008 10:37 am ET

How is this news? At all? Of any kind?

Joe Voter   February 18th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Sure Hillary... "Words are cheap." That is, unless you or or husband are given a paid engagement. In that case, they will cost you $250,000.

lata   February 18th, 2008 10:36 am ET

All he had going for him were "great speeches" and even those are rip offs!! And he is front runner for democrats !! pathetic indeed...

matthew   February 18th, 2008 10:36 am ET

"Adapted Material"?? Try stolen.

This just proves the point further that Obama's speeches are nothing more than just words.

Obama is a fraud.

Adam   February 18th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Clinton and Obama have the same grasp on the issues. Obama has just as detailed plans as her. So she is making a false point. What she doesn't say is that her inability to raise the money and the crowds because of her inability to inspire would let all the air out of the Democratic balloon if she were the nominee. Where would those committed volunteers come from if she was the nominee? There wouldn't be as many that is for sure. Every time she says that words don't matter and that she is the only one who can accomplish anything, when Obama has accomplished so much, then I get more and more insulted because I know she is being irresponsible with her words. Yes, words do matter and her words make me mad. Will I go out an knock on doors for her if she keeps insulting me? I don't think so.

Sheri   February 18th, 2008 10:35 am ET

He's been copying Hillary's policies, too, so I'm not surprised.

We need an independent thinker who is quick on her feet in the White House, not a guy that can't even come up with his own campaign speeches.

B   February 18th, 2008 10:34 am ET

HA... so not only is he only about speeches, but he can't even make his own without stealing material.

jp/michigan   February 18th, 2008 10:34 am ET

Obama takes others words, slogans and quotes, He takes from the candidates solutions to the issues facing Americans. Dose he have anything of his own? Oh! Yes, he was against the Iraq War ( as states in 20002 at a ANTI-WAR rally). He sells cloud- like platitudes, instead of substance, achievements or policy.

z   February 18th, 2008 10:34 am ET

So? Every politician does that to some extent. Hillary's taken some of Obama's words... "Change???" C'mon

Eric S   February 18th, 2008 10:33 am ET

He borrowed Hillary's economic policy and Patrick's speech. Does he have something to offer by himself?

JC, Hot Springs, Arkansas   February 18th, 2008 10:33 am ET

Barack Obama is a phony! Go Hillary!!

Sylvia   February 18th, 2008 10:32 am ET

FINALLY the truth is coming out....sad to late for so many voters

all you ZOMBIES taken in by "his" speeches....lat time I checked speech are just WORDS....look for ACTIONS

he is aonly feeding you words hat HE never wrote much less BELIEVE or will act on.....STOP DRINKING THE KOOL-AID

WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

J. in PA   February 18th, 2008 10:31 am ET

The Clintons are so desperate. Is this what you call "vetting"? This is ridiculous grasping for straws and "gotcha" politics.

Kat Williams   February 18th, 2008 10:31 am ET

hummmm-guess he isn't perfect afterall!!
Vote for a real person and a real leader-Hillary!!!

why o why   February 18th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Ah, plagiarism at it's keenest. It's plagiarism not "adapted material" LOL. Why should anyone vote for a president who can't come up with his own speeches but rather relies and steals from someone else regardless if that other person agrees to it or not? We want someone with integrity, someone who can think on his own, and say things that are "real" and solutions-driven not just poetic and eloquent. These times in America we don't need eloquent speeches taken from a poetry anthology, we need real solutions to real issues.

Jack   February 18th, 2008 10:31 am ET

Vote for the person with the best ideas, not the speechwriter.

I'm concerned that Obama doesn't talk more openly of his specific ideas and plans.

What is he afraid of? Why doesn't he take a stand?

Stephen   February 18th, 2008 10:29 am ET

It was bad enough with empty rhetoric, now we find out that he also plagiarizes? That must be pretty embarrasing.

Kelsey   February 18th, 2008 10:28 am ET

This is such a nonissue...the two men are close friends and campaign on behalf of one another. This is a lame attempt on behalf of the Clintons to bring down Senator Obama...and if this is all they have to throw at him, they are really grasping at straws.

An Agnostic Democrat   February 18th, 2008 10:27 am ET

And John McCain and Hillary have been stealing parts of Obama's speeches all along. How relevant is this really? Especially considering all the bald-faced lies they've been telling on the campaign trail anyway.

Next important topic please ...

Tony, Tulsa, OK   February 18th, 2008 10:26 am ET

The arrogance is overwhelming. Not only does he steal lines from Governor Patrick, but he does so in order to make the fallacious claim that because he can make a good speech, he will be just like all those great presidents who could also make good speeches. What a phony.

Dennis   February 18th, 2008 10:24 am ET

If Clinton is going to borrow Kerry Healey's attack, then Obama might as well borrow the defense. I also think that the attack lacks merrit and is a sign of nothing better to say or argue. If you don't know Obama's plans by now, then you are just ignoring them.

CST   February 18th, 2008 10:24 am ET

And it all begins to emerge. It's going to be comical how hollow this man really is.

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