February 29, 2008
Posted: 03:01 PM ET

ALT TEXT

Obama said Friday Clinton's ad is an attempt to scare voters. (AP Photo)

(CNN) — Democrat Barack Obama said Friday that rival Hillary Clinton is trying to scare voters with a new television ad that raises the prospect of a foreign crisis over images of children asleep in their beds.

"We've seen these ads before," the Illinois senator said at a campaign event in Houston, Texas. "They're the kind that play on people's fears to scare up votes.

"Well, it won't work this time," he continued. "Because the question is not about picking up the phone. The question is: What kind of judgment will you make when you answer?"

The ad, launched Friday in Texas ahead of that state's crucial March 4 primary, shows children asleep in their beds in the middle of the night while a narrator references a potential national security crisis and asks, "It's 3 a.m. and your children are safely asleep. Who do you want answering the phone?"

Obama campaign manager David Plouffe denounced the ad in a conference call with reporters earlier Friday. And in his comments in Houston, Obama said, "We've had a red phone moment. It was the decision to invade Iraq. And Senator Clinton gave the wrong answer. George Bush gave the wrong answer. John McCain gave the wrong answer."

The Clinton campaign meanwhile vigorously defended the ad, and brushed aside notions it is reminiscent of the famous Lyndon Johnson "Daisy" ad, which portrayed a young girl counting down to a nuclear attack.

"This is a positive ad," Clinton adviser Mark Penn said. "Very soft images, not at all like that ad. Soft images. And it poses a question to people that they have to answer themselves: Who do they want to pick up the phone?"

"That ad basically envisions the apocalypse, and that is not what this ad does," Clinton communications director Howard Wolfson said. "This ad basically says, 'You know what? We are electing a president and it matters who is handling a phone call in a crisis at 3 a.m. as president.' That is a legitimate matter for a presidential campaign."

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


John Johnson   February 29th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

He's right. It probably won't work this time, because people are eerily following Barack Obama like he's the Messiah. I've never seen anything like it and truly fear for this country. Wake up people! Obama is a wolf in sheep's clothing, and only those who have the gift of discernment can see it. Trust me and turn away from him.

Oregon Voter   February 29th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Nonesense. People know the difference between realistic concerns and "scare-tactics." This is not a scare-tactic, and if Obama's followers are "scared" by it then that's because Obama isn't fit to handle emergencies!

Trevor   February 29th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Clinton is only tellin' it like it is. Who needs an apprentice like Obama in the White House?

Darth Vadik, CA   February 29th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Its Rove politics and should be rejected.
We, the Democrats, rejected it when Bush and Rove did it.
We, the Democrats, should reject it when Hillary does it.

….and didn't Hillary say that Obama is using Rove politics, oh please Mrs. Hillary Rove Clinton spare me your tactics.

DELMARVA   February 29th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Just say no to fear-mongering.

We are well past tired of it.

Obama '08

Jose'   February 29th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

We have nothing to fear!! Obama is hear!!

Communists for Obama '08!!!!

Rich in Seattle   February 29th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

When did Karl Rove begin working on the Clinton Campaign?

Jay   February 29th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

"Now, one of Clinton's laws of politics is this. If one candidate is trying to scare you and the other one is try get you to think, if one candidate is appealing to your fears and the other one is appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope."
-Bill Clinton, 2004

Bill   February 29th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Great response from Obama, it shows the difference between the him and Clinton.

Mimi   February 29th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I don't think the ad itself is scary. It's a nice ad. It doesn't talk about war and other stuff.

Stop spinning around the story! What really scares me is Obama's presidency!

California Independent   February 29th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Let's see… where to start. Bar..ack, ack, Brack, ack ack (That's a chicken) or how about sniff! sniff! Wah…..

One of these days, the guy is actually going to quit whining.

INDY PENDENT   February 29th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Obama you are also a scary one.
Who are you?
Where did you come from?
How did you rise so quickly in the Political World?
Who really is behind the Curtain Controlling you?
What change are you hoping for exactly?
Questions, questions, questions, but no direct answers from this puppet on strings.

Alison   February 29th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I don't think it's a bad ad. I think it is a question a lot of people are asking themselves. Who do we think has the right judgment to lead our country? My answer to that is Barack Obama.

jlixard   February 29th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

“Now one of Clinton’s laws of politics is this: If one candidate’s trying to scare you and the other one’s trying to get you to think, if one candidate’s appealing to your fears and the other one’s appealing to your hopes, you better vote for the person who wants you to think and hope.”

-Bill Clinton, 2004

Jordan - San Marcos TX   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

How is this ad positive? It's meant to scare the living snot out of me and my fellow Texans who have already, or are planning on or considering voting for Barack Obama.

The great thing about the Rovian politics is that they do not work anymore. Espeically among Independents and Democrats and even many Republicans in Texas.

Obama '08

anon   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Barak Obama's whole campaign: "Hillary voted for the war. Change! Vote for me!"

Check his senate record. It's all partisan votes. He hasn't authored one single piece of successful legislation, and the senate committe he chairs has NEVER met while he's been in charge.

He's all talk.

Pep rallies don't win the game; actions in the field do!

Brian   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Clinton is trying to use Bush circa 2004 tactics to get voters to support her out of fear, obviously. But what she forgets is that this tactic works on sheltered, small-town Republicans, not world-savvy Democrats.

Obama doesn't have to go negative with Hillary because she does most of the work herself. Good job Hillary!

TT in NY   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

When will Hillary realize that this is the exact kind of campaigning that us democrats hate about the GOP? Obama represents hope, change and a better direction for our future. Clinton represents the same old politics that got us into this mess in the first place. It is Barack's time

Dylan Kay   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

We had a "red phone moment" and you failed miserably, Hillary.

We need to change the way we respond to "red phone moments'.

Hillary, you are not it.

Nick   February 29th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Man, if there is one thing I hate politicians do it's "won't somebody please think of the children" fear mongering. This sort of thing is exactly how the war was sold on us. This is just confirms Hillary is the Democrat Bush.

laura   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

This is a serious ad for a serious question. Who do we want in the white house making decisions? I think it makes a good point. Hillary Clinton is the most capable and experienced candidate on the democratic side. Clinton offers change with predictability and stability, but Obama offers change with uncertainty. Clinton, Obama and McCain are all candidates that will reach across party lines. I am a democrat and if Hillary is not the democratic nominee, I will vote for McCain.

J. in PA   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I denounce and reject fearmongering.
I denounce and reject Hillary Clinton.

Angela   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Oh please…I can't take it anymore

CNN - you've lost a viewer

Anyone who is sick of the CNN bias against Senator Clinton should watch Dan Abrams on MSNBC….I have to pay extra for MSNBC but it is well worth it.

Lets see if this makes it on the blog - you are so very good at deleting anything negative about Obama. Your delete finger must be very sore.

KC   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Voters should be scared. They should calm down and think why they pick Obama. As I talked to a lot of Obama supporters, they all said Obama is sexy, handsome…

Hillary is giving a wake up call!! Accept it first, think think think!!

Charlotte   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

People need to ask themselves this question. Maybe he'll just say present. Maybe Ted and Kerry can take turns spending the night. Oh wait, they voted for the war too. Hummmmmm Maybe Oprah will be there. No matter the question, his answer is I did not vote for the war. We get it, Obama did not vote for the war.

Dominoid   February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Thank you Senator Clinton for running a disgusting ad that cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars to run and for giving Barack Obama all the FREE press he needed to point out your attempts at fear mongering.

John   February 29th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Clinton is desperate and would run any ad she thought would help her win. I'm not saying that in a negative way - she thinks she would be the best President so she's willing to do what it takes to win. Is this as "bad" as Lyndon Johnson's ad or an ad which shows the 9/11 attacks? Probably not. Is it a "scare" ad? Of couse. Candidates have been running scare ads for years.

ANTI CLINTONS   February 29th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

What else is new? Clinton is trying to pull out all the stops now, she knows it is all over for her but she is going to try anything desperate, what a fool. Time to go back to AR Clinton.

Everyone can see through her and she knows it, but in her hollow place of a brain, she thinks people will vote for her, a vote for her is a vote for failure. Haven't we had enough of that already!

Lynn   February 29th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Way to go Obama…keep it positive but quickly answer negativity or attacks…..Obama 08

Anonymous   February 29th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

I don't want Hillary answering the phone at ANY time of the day.

Steve, Minneapolis   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I just have a feeling, a very bad feeling that the Election 2008 will be the most divisive election in the history of this country.

Bill Jay   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Barack Hussein Obama stop already with your silly attacks on Hillary…………

Jeff   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

….and the person I want answering the phone is Hillary Clinton.

April in Texas   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Out with old Washington and in with a new working Washington. Its time for the American people to to vote for change and to follow through to see that change happen. Obama '08! He can answer the phone and make the correct judgement call.

Brian M. From Fort Mill, S.C.   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

It's 3AM at the White House. The phone rings. Hillary answers. It's Mark Penn. She says, "You're fired!"

diamond965   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I hate to be the one to say it, but all the emotional ups and downs that Hillary has displayed is exactly why people do not want a woman in the white house, female harmones. Obama has maintained a type of resolve that is becoming of a President, Hillary just doesn't have it and that is what has been apparent through this democratic nomination's process, she would not represent this nation to the best of its ability. Obama 08…

Ohio Democrat   February 29th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Once again, I suppose Obama has smoothed over and canceled out any doubt about his experience, which does not exist. Boy he is slick with his answers, but he has no experience to be nominated to run for president of the United States.

Hillary 08

Ben   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

This ad can only hurt the Clinton campaign, for two reasons: (1. it strengthens in people's mind the perception that the Clinton camp is willing to use the same sort of fear tactics that helped Bush beat Kerry, and (2. the remind people of Clinton's prior judgment in a tough situation–the decision to invade Iraq–which most Democrats are still mad at her about.

Allan Camden, SC   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Thanks, Barack. After next Tuesday, I hope you can concentrate on beating up on the Republicans and not have to deflect nonsense from your own Party. If ever you have another "debate" with Mrs. Clinton, please ask her why she doesn't say this sort of nonsense around you, but waits until she has a microphone all to herself.

GObama 08!

Dusacre   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Hillary,

Please go out like a lady!

Karin   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Who do they want to pick up the phone?"
President Obama!

Here in Ohio, all of my pro-Hillary friends see the writing on the wall. Hopefully, on Wednesday, Hillary will see the same and stop throwing mud - start unifying against McCain.

Lou   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

The only explanation for this overreaction is that this AD plays into fear of Obama campaign, NOT Voters.
Lacking foreign affair experience is Obama's soft spot. Besides, his stance on Israel is suspicious. How can we trust this guy on dealing with our enemies?

Hillary is right!!!!!   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Senator Obama stated during the debate that he wanted to take that one vote back because………

being a Constitutional Law Professor I knew it was the wrong vote and I did it anyway……………

So where was his judgment then ??????????? That was like voting 'present'……..and how the MEDIA hasn't picked up on this????

He clearly showed very poor judgment to vote knowing it was wrong? DUH!

st louis   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

It won't work Hillary!!! Shame on you.

Karen LV   February 29th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

I cannot believe they call this a positive ad with very soft images! Maybe Iraqi citizens should answer with their own ad, featuring their children in bed blown to pieces with American bombs with the same focus: Who do they want to pick up the phone?

Kimo   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Got to had it to Hillary. She has managed to not only to be able to polarize the country, but split the Democratic Party. Wouldn't surprise me if she asked Nader to be her VP choice.

BG - Texas   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Acutally I'm real scared that either of you two will pick up the phone.

John McCain is starting to look real good about now and is probably enjoying all of this pettiness. There's a reason all these republican are voting in the democratic primaries and that's to pick a democratic candidate that will be easy pickings in November.

lolo333   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

He's go a lot of nerve saying Hillary is trying to scare up votes when he is THREATENING black representatives to vote for him or else. He needs to stop being such a cry baby already.

Bob   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is now a Republican.

jerry   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I was afraid of Oboma long before any phone ringing ad appeared. A nice fellow but what has he done, wherein lies his experience????

mikefrieman   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

um….i don't even understand this add. It is stupid. And honestly…i feel more stupid even thinking about it. lame.

David   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Hillary is now using Ghetto politics to resurface in the race, but it is already over. Fit to be VP, not President.

Obama 08 and beyond!

Charley   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

She is going out (if that is her fate) as she came into the political orbit three decades ago — as a smart, serious and sound policy maven who leaves to others soaring rhetoric and stirring emotions.

He is a very untested blank slate - be careful what you wish for

Terri Patanus   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

She is not trying to scare them they are to stupid realize that this nation will be right where it is 5 years from now. He has no intensions of working. His idea of working is "a dream" not work he wants us to do his job for him.

It will back fire…….

Hillary 08

if Obama is on this ticket I will switch to McCain

EXPERIENCE will prevail

Paul   February 29th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Shut up obama, we have had enough of your empty speeches
talk about the issues in detail and stop preaching, and show us what you have done?

Hillary is our best candidate, she has a plan to lead our nation, we know her for years, and many of us do not even know her in person, thus, we cannot judge her based on perceptions. Go to the facts, we are talking about our nation and our economy. Enough with the dirty politics that you pretend not to use. Let us face it, Hillary is our best chance to succed and improve our lives at this time. Thus, we must support her.

Hillary for President
Hillary- Presidente

Praetorian, Ft. Myers, FL   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I wouldn't say the ads were attempting stir up fears…just stir up some reason and logic amongst some of you brain washed "Obama HOPErs".

Maria   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Obama is an idiot! What a cry baby! If he is such a shoe-in and a "uniter", what does he have to worry about! He should start trying to win over those Clinton die hards!

I am not convinced! MOST of his present CNN blog supporters are just plain MEAN! If they are so SURE he is going to win, start playing nice! They should try and UNIT the party not further dividing it by bashing Clinton.

At this point, I as an independent, I will vote McCain over Obama! This bickering is the same old thing! So much for CHANGE!

Tim Ohio   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Why is Hillary attacking Obama with these crazy ads she had her chance in the debate, I think Hillary is going to lose in Ohio and Texas because of these negative ads. American people want change we need a leader like Obama who going to fight for us like health care, economy and the war in Iraq. I see so many people in my neighbor with Obama signs for changes. My next door neighbor is a white women and she for Obama she said she tire of Hillary negative remarks against Obama.

db   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

If Obama is a blank screen–then Clinton is a soap opera of lies and deceptions. Is there anything the Hill-Billys will not do to gain the White House?

Sean   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Well, if it came down to who I would trust, I think sometimes actions speak louder than judgment. Considering that Obama has been too busy on the campaign trail to worry about his Senate sub-committee duties so he can be elected, he's proven that he thinks talk means more than actions. Again, it's about just talking the talk and not walking the walk.

And in his reply to that vote, it's easy to stand on the sidelines and cheer or jeer when you're not in the position. And in 2002, he wasn't in the position.

In relation to who I would trust at 3a.m. to answer the call, that would be both Senator Clinton and Senator McCain. Senator Obama would be the last person I would want to answer the call.

Matthew   February 29th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

I don't want Hillary answering the phone. Or anything else for that matter.

Andy   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Mr. Obama you might be busy running for the next election so you won't bother answering the phone. What about neglecting that Senate committee for foreign relations in Afghanistan where you are a chairman simply because you were busy running for president? You either postpone your duties or respond just Present to calls.

Anyway, by addressing so 'forcefully' the phone ad you just show you know you are vulnerable when it comes to national security. Hillary will be 100 times better than you although she is not perfect either.

Grif   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

You're doing that yourself, Obama.
Honesty is all they require from you, and you are'nt delivering…. Why?

Jim in CT   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Senator Obama and his expressionless, fainting, zombie followers have already scared most sensible, clear thinking, political thinkers a long time ago! As a liberal, who is somewhat to the left of Senator Obama, I'm frightened by the desperation of my fellow liberals and their willingness to embrace a complete political neophyte, who has accomplished nothing more than enrapture us with his oratory and promises.

gene   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Right on! Obama is a kid playing in a sand box. Two wars, looming recession, chaos in Pakistan, mid east in turmoil, gas going to $ 4.00 per hour, Iran going nuclear, North Korea is nuclear, the air stinks and this kid considers this his sand box and wants time to learn. God help us! God help us ! God help us! I "hope" the Obama supporters "change" their minds, If not, there is only one alternative, John McCain.

Leah   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Hello? I think it was Obama who was playing the fear and depression card in the past year. Hillary's new ad is a peaceful ad about picking a right person to do the job. Being a president is not an easy job, and you might have to stay up late. It's a REAL job and Hillary is prepared and knows what this job requires her to do!

Why do you spread fear Obama?

Nicole   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Clinton is hurting our party!! Please drop out already so we can unite, instead of making the divide larger. If we go to Denver divided we will lose in NOVEMBER!!!

Heather Peterson   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

I think I want Obama to answer the phone.

Roger   February 29th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Move along, nothing to see here. Just more craziness from the Clinton campaign.

Texas Terry   February 29th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

The question more aptly Senator Obama should be will the person answering the phone act appropriately like Senator Clinton does voting 55 more times than you in the 110th Congressional session even though she also is running for President? Or will you answer the phone and not "answer the call" just as you are not performing responsibly in the sub-committee you were elected chair for and have not made a significant contribution to again, by your own words, because you have been on the campaign trail. Talk always has been and remains cheap. Your actions reflect your ability which to date is sub-par to that of Senator Clinton. If you get nominated the Democratic candidate Senator Obama, you are going to have a hard time getting a great number of Hillary's supporters out to support you. It is easy to move from supporting you to her because you have no substance. On the other hand it is very difficult to move from substance to talk..

Skip   February 29th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Obama would have White House calls forwarded to someone who knew what they were doing.

Nicole   February 29th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Clinton is hurting our party!! Drop out already so we can unite, instead of making the divide larger. If democrats go to Denver divided we WILL lose in NOVEMBER!!!

Sam   February 29th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Fear is the best propaganda tactic to use when one is afraid that an argument can’t be won on substance alone. We saw it with Bush. That was his ace in the hole, and the public folded. Let’s hope it doesn’t work again.

Patricia   February 29th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Why should I comment if it's not bashing Hillary then it doesn't get posted. Cnn your network is a joke.

Texas4Obama   February 29th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Senator Obama is about Hope and Unity.
Seems as if Hillary is about division and fear.

Be informed and make the right choice!

Obama '08

Scott from Los Angeles   February 29th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Hillary, are YOU borrowing from Rove's playbook?

SL   February 29th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

This is a great response. It shows relative calm which is unheard of in today's political environment.

PH in OK   February 29th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

It does matter who answers the phone. And I want someone that can answer the question with out saying…."I agree with what Senator Clinton just said." over and over and over. He is a blank screen, she is the real deal.
HILLARY '08

Jen, Gainesville   February 29th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Obama is right on!!

Steve, NJ   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Experience is one thing, but the inexperience to make sound judgments is extraordinary. Obama is the real deal.

Tim   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Here's how the Obama campaign should respond. Produce this ad:

Opening shot: A mother walking down the hallway in her dimly lit house.
She opens the door to a bedroom, as a voice says,
"It's 3am. Do you know where your children are?"
She looks into the room…and an empty bed. Then glances over to the picture of her son, decorated in military uniform.

Voice over: Yes. We know where our children are. They are fighting the war you voted for, Hillary. It's time to bring them back.

carol   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

That is the right answer obama. Way to go. God bless you.

dmw   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

They should be scared if Obama is nominee. The man has no National experience and he himself said he would not run for President because he knew he had no experience.

I am scared to death of him being the nominee. It was bad enough with George Bush being a uniter, stating he would change Washington and so likeable everyone wanted to have a beer with him.
All hell has broken loose since George Bush took office. I do not want the same thing again, this time from the Democrats.

I vote Hillary or I vote McCain. They both have the experience on a National and International stage. Too much is at stake for hope. Hope has its place, but, the times are too trying for a rookie in the White House again.

SID FROM NEW YORK   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

"Tell me what you regard as your greatest strength,

so I will know how best to undermine you;

tell me of your greatest fear,

so I will know which I must force you to face;

tell me what you cherish most,

so I will know what to take from you;

and tell me what you crave, so that I might deny you."

go home hiliary

deacon   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

"soft images"??? the message is the same…44 years later the same ad….. it's time for change people.

enoch needles, jersey city nj   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Hillary doesn't have a red phone. She has a princess phone…and the sense of entitlement that comes with it.

*click*

mike   February 29th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Clinton did make the wrong choice. If I had to choose between clinton or obama on experience id choose obama.He may not of been around as long as hillary but the time hillary as been in the senate has not been a good track record.

Flem   February 29th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Hillary Clinton: ready to go negative on Day One!!!

Richard   February 29th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Why does Obama ALWAYS invoke Clinton's Iraq vote when anything about him is questioned? Doesn't he have any other basis for running or anything else for his defense?

Maria Christine V from Dallas TX   February 29th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

the obama supporters and the media act like he is a messiah! Sorry I already have one; don't need another one… in fact many will follow him anywhere even if it lead to the cliff!

Jay   February 29th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

hmm ….. someone was talking about lifting a trick from Carl Rove's playbook.

Mark   February 29th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Desperate times call for desperate measures, eh, Hillary?

Jim   February 29th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Hillary's ad scared me. Matter of fact, I'm so scared (of Hillary, that is), I just voted via absentee ballot for Sen. Obama.

Foreignerz   February 29th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Obama is inspirational and cute. He will a great commander of chiefs

MIKIT   February 29th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Obama is not ready for this….He has had no EXPERIENCE…..if a something does happen to the USA then he will not no what to do….
He should run in the next election…..

CB   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Yes it matters. Hillary better hope Bill don't have the door locked.

Go Obama Go! Yes we can! Change we can beleive in!

vl   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Honestly, the ad isn't bad. Besides, do I want someone to answer the phone that has the answers (Hillary) or someone to have to wait and ask, then repeat what the answer is (Obama)?

bj   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I would want the person with sound judgment and capable of making the right decision to answer the phone. That would be OBAMA. Hillary in a business suit at 3:00 a.m. in the morning. That's something wrong with that picture.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Hillary sounds more like a republican, namely George W. Bush and John McCain. Hillary should be smart enough to know the republicans are using her in their attempt to stop Obama but she is allowing her ambition to make poor choices in her campaigning. The DNC or somebody needs to advise Hillary to cleanup her act or join the republicans. Vote Obama.

Lou   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Every time Obama supporter say same words and lines on internet comment board, I couldn't help wondering if they were told to say so.

An Agnostic Democrat   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

No surprise coming from the union-busting, Blackwater connected Mark Penn. The Carl Rove of Hillary's campaign. Maybe he can convince us that Blackwater didn't slaughter all those innocent Iraqi civilians, too (including all the "children" that Hillary allegedly wants to "protect").

Carol   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

This ad is very thought provoking and one voters should consider.

As far as good judgement, using General Tony McPeak in his latest ad is questionable. McPeak was very eccentric and controversial during his commands in the Pacific and the Joint Chief of Staff. Ask any of your friends who served in the military during the 90's.

Tom   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I agree that it's a valid question. If America is in some sort of crisis (which I'm sure we will be again… ;) who do you want to answer the phone? John McCain, of course!

Carol   February 29th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Yes, unfortunately, Hilary did not bother to read the intelligence on Iraq. She made a decision that made all children unsafe in a needless war.

Veronica in CA   February 29th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Clinton will not answer "present" when she picks up the phone.

Kwaku, Boulder Creek, California   February 29th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

The more desperate the Clinton campaign becomes, the more Hillary scares me frankly. Wake up Americans! Don't let fear-mongers cow you into living your life in constant fear. This is so unAmerican! I want my President to offer hope not fear. Fear clouds our judgement and leads to ill-cinceived policies like Iraq. Reject fear and live life hopefully!

Patricia   February 29th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Cnn are you guys not sick of hearing the same things over and over again.Please stop campaigning for Obama.

forobama   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Obama is our savior! Hillary is an old woman who will never be in white house again!

Scott   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

I think that we should want to be able to say who we want to answer that phone. I have thought about this a lot, and the answer is simple…not Hillary Clinton. 35 years of taking credit for others actions, an actual record of failed policy and horrific voting record.

She is quick to turn nasty and is stubborn. Exactly the type of personality and decision making that you want to avoid when the phone rings.

Thanks for reminding me that you are not the answer Hillary.

wasforhillary   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

It's ture.. this is the kind of AD George Bush would run and I am a Hillary supporter. You other Hillary supporters need to get real… this is surely about scary up votes…

regina   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Obama stop living in the past, it is getting to be old news, you were against the war we get it!!!, but given that you are not capable to know how to get out. we don't need to real live the Iraq vote just like you claim we don't need to re-live the fights of the 90, give me the fights of the 90's anyday. President Clinton has been the ONLY DEMOCRAT to make it to the White House in 28 years!!!!

Ore   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

The reason why Hillary is awake at 3 am is because she is wondering where Bill is.

Seriously though. Does she really think this is going to work?

P_Luvs_B   February 29th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

"Well, it won't work this time," he continued. "Because the question is not about picking up the phone. The question is: What kind of judgment will you make when you answer?"

Ha! Gotta Love It!

OBAMA '08!!!!!

Diane / mo.   February 29th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Hillary, Shame on you trying to use our children sleeping at night to get votes. That add just made me really angry and helped me make up my mind to vote for Obama!!! Enough scare tactics. from Clinton
Surely your team can come up with a better idea instead of trying to scare mothers at home and older woman who care about their grand children.

This is very Typical of the Clintons when the chips are down . And something they have learned from being good freinds with the Bush's.

Yolanda   February 29th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

He is scare again? Another fear bomb? LOLLOL

forobama   February 29th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I think Obama is very cool, I love ya Obama. Obama is hope change and everything.
Love ya, Obama.

JUDE CT   February 29th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Hillary has to learn to accept defeat, then maybe we the people can someday, give her political life a break.You don't scare anyone Hillary, for you are not God. I pray for you all the time Sen Clinton because you are selling your soul to the devil. This election is going to come down to good over evil. Obama "08!

jm   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Being in New York on Sept 11 2001, I think Obama is mistaking when he calls this fear, it actually is reality. The terrorist who want to bring harm to The United States have not gone away. I truly believe they will try to hit us again within the first year of the next Presidency. Look at history: first attack on the US was in the first year of Bill Clinton's Presidency and the second was the first year of Bush's Presidency.

Please people for the sake of the people who are going to be attacked open your eyes and see that this is real.

Carole   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Quite frankly Obama, after September 11th I am scared who will be in office picking up the red phone. So I think that ad is a good one and should make people think long and hard about who would be answering the red phone.

You condemn Hillary and McCain for their vote, but you do not take Kennedy, Kerry, Daschle to task, but instead accept their endorsements. All of them voted to give Bush the authority. You could not vote at the time, so I guess we just have to take your word for it that you would not have voted as they did.

You are not superior to Hillary or McCain just because of that vote. I do not have confience in you that you will make the right judgment in a crisis at all since you do not have any experience in dealing with a crisis. Goes right back to who has the most experience and who learns from their mistakes. You cannot learn from your mistakes because you have not been around long enough to make any. Sure hate to have a President in training when our world is so unsafe - give me Hillary any day.

B (in Texas)   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

This is not a "scare tactic". What's scary is how alarmingly unprepared Barack Obama is to be president.

L. Menezes   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

As always, yet again she is only helping Obama. The answer to that question is so simple. Anybody can answer a phone at 3:00 am. I wonder where on earth did Hillary find such advisors. I think they are better off doing cartoons for Walt Disney rather than organising political campaigns.

Mothers in Ohio For Obama - MOFO   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

EXCELLENT response from Mr. Obama and Mr. Plouffe! The reason that Hillary and her crew are playing on people's fears is because they are DESPERATE! Give it up already!

OBAMA '08

HILLARY ALL THE WAY   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Clinton is just speaking the truth. this is a wake up call.

OBAMA 08   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

FOUR more superdelegate for Obama just so far today…How many did Clinton get today…CNN needs to UPDATE the delegate numbers they are posting

Andrew   February 29th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

John Johnson –"only those who have the gift of discernment can see it"… lol. So who blessed you with this gift?

dede arbuthnot   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Sen. Clinton is bipolar. One day she is an angel, the next day she a devil, then she intellengent, and finally insane. Just imagine what will happen if some one would really call her 3 am in the morning.

Independent   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

The first time I watched the ad, I thought it was from McCain. Need I say more?

Pia   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

The ad doesn't scare me or my children. However, Hillary herself, does.

jennifer   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

the phone rings, unanswered (I count 6 times) - through the entire ad, until at last Hillary is seen , presumably at 3 am, in full campaign attire and ready, at least, for an attractive photo. Illogical, poorly conceived, decidedly unpersuasive in its attempt to elicit votes through fear.

hg   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

If you can't see why the way the campaign is running will reflect the poor leadership she'll show in the white house, then I understand why you're going to vote for her…based on her experience…even though her experience with campaign involvement has spanned over 3 1/2 decades…and she's not showing much of that experience now. ???? I don't get it.

oprah lover   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

well, whether this ad is scary or not, that is the problem which HC's campaign should worry about. If they lose their votes because of this, they will face the consequences themselves. I don't see why you got so upset about it, dear B.H. Obama. What are you afraid of?

Erik   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Senator Clinton must have hired Karl Rove under the table.

Paul   February 29th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Well, to answer Hillary's question about who we want answering the phone:

Barack Obama has little children, and he answers his own phone.

I'd like to see someone protecting American families who has little kids themselves.

Obama in 08!

john   February 29th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

hey guys, i think right now what america needs is someone who has good communication skills and hillary clearly does not. In a crisis i would expect obama to bring the country together rather than hillary. Look at her now. She does not even know what her position is. She is simply going to break down soon. The clinton campaign simply represents the old politics and i am very sure that obama would get rid of much of the 'dirty' politics that is quite certainly prevalent itn america.

Manuel TX   February 29th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Charlotte,

Ted Kennedy did not vote to give Bush license to use force in Iraq, but Kerry did.

But I do agree that Obama would let the call go to voice mail and the recording would say "present"…"click". :)

Nothing scary here, just Hillary competing for these states. The Obama-bots should not be worred…right…they've already won…right?

norb   February 29th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Well, whoever is picking up the phone won't be reading a children's book upside down waiting for the photo opp to get over.

Taruna   February 29th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

all i see is my comment awaiting moderation..cant you CNN guys ever be fair.

SharonR   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Nothing in the ad attacked Obama we should be asking this kin of question we live in a different world after 9/11 we don't need to far every day but we do need to think about this

La Cruz for Obama   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

You know i was always thinking. Why does Hillary act like a republican. Republicans tell us what we want to hear then do nothing for us. But they take our taxes. Did you guys know Hillary was a republican. That is why she voted for the war and uses scare tactics. The scariest thing would be her answering that phone. We would have no idea, which Hillary she is that night.

dee   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Obama it don't take Hillary to tell anyone you don't have a clue to what you are doing, just quoting your book.

Lionel   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Obama campaign: What do you say in the phone when you hear that Al Qaeda is "back in Iraq" … they never left. Voting for or against the IRAQ WAR is OLD NEWS….MOVE FOWARD and tell us of the FUTURE PLANS not EMPTY RHETORIC.

Julie   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Trying to convince the American public that you're the only hope they have is a scare tactic.

Eric   February 29th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

And in his comments in Houston, Obama said, "We've had a red phone moment. It was the decision to invade Iraq. And Senator Clinton gave the wrong answer.

Actually, Obama let the phone ring and didn't answer it. He didn't vote 'yes' or 'no'.

rick   February 29th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

between this ad and the attempt to circumvent the texas caucus vote, it has become apparent how desperate hillary had become to win at any cost

Tuesday   February 29th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

I definitely want the Senator from New York to answer the phone! The ad is not scary and Obama is just looking for excuses and distraction with his vagueness and empty speeches. By the way, I am a 25 year old Black man! I am so shocked at how the media has hyped up this man, who if given the chance to answer the phone he would probably say "PRESENT". If given the chance to answer the phone he would probably put the call on hold and get out a script or manual.

Senator Clinton all the way! Oh, another writer said something funny and that is that Obama would be too busy running for re-election that he wouldn't have time for the call….

Canadian Opinion   February 29th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

With the Clintons in the White House ,it would be hard to say who would be in the bedroom at 3:00 a.m.

Izabele   February 29th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

It's not fear, it's a reality. That's what president does, he/she resonds to crisis. And we need to pick a president who will be able to answer that call. I saw the ad, and it made me really think who would I want to asnwer that call, and my answer is simple- Hillary!

James Nelson   February 29th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I wish these so-called "independents" and "democrats" (also known as Republican shills in sheep's clothing) who'd rather vote for McCain would just shut up and do so. They and the five other nutballs in America who think he'd do such a great job handling Iraq should be very happy with each other and his new One Hundred Year War.

Claire   February 29th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Why is Obama so nervous about this ad? I thought it wasn't any different from any other ads. Hillary wants people to think of the fact that she is more experienced. That's all and that's true. Why is Obama scared of somebody pointing out the obvious?

Stop being a cry baby Obama.

KMAN   February 29th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

So, does Hillary have the RNC writing her television ads now? Apparently fear-mongering is no longer in the exclusive domain of the Republican Party. Hillary, your campaign's use of the tired old fear card only shows how truly dishonest and lame you are! Pathetically deperate on your part … now wouldn't you and McRelic make for an amusing race … the two of you trying to see who could out scare the other for votes … you are both trapped by your old school thinking!

Cheryl   February 29th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hillary,

you have officially become PITIFUL

hello   February 29th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Obama should stop whining.
did not he distorted Clinton’s record in his AD.
I think by running for President without any experience he has divided democratic party.
he should have waited for his chance that way we could have democratic rule for 16 years.
8 for HRC and 8 for him.

Sue, NY   February 29th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hillary wants the democratic party to unite together when the primaries are over, but, if she continues to use negative, fear tactics she is not going to achieve that. I voted for Hillary for NY senate. I will not vote for her for president. I am very tired of the politics of yesterday and I used to think it was only the republicans that were doing it….and then she ran for president and I see that she is in the same negative, "what's in it for me" camp. I listened to all of the fear tactics of GW Bush during the 2004 campaign and I couldn't believe people were believing it. And now, here we go again, but instead of GW Bush…it's our very own NY Senator, Hillary Clinton. She has lost my vote.

lou   February 29th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Let me tell you a live example of media bias.

A moment ago I did experiment on this board.

left 3 pro clinton message first, only 1 approved so far
left 2 pro obama message then, both approved in one minute
media bias, bloody true

NevadaDem   February 29th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

i'd want Obama. Hilary would say "why did you call on me first?"

Fed up in CT   February 29th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Obama is such a hypocrite. As if his "Harry and Louise" ads in Ohio were NOT the kind that play on people's fears to scare up votes. And he was quite adamant defending himself about using these kind of tactics. Pathetic.

maynard   February 29th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

hillary think about what you are doing… it looks like the end of your politcal life as you know it…. keep up the same old crap and it will bite you in the end.

your political career is just about over your days are numbered

Fred   February 29th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

My question is, will Michelle let Barack answer the phone at 3:00 in the morning?

Whiskey   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I love how their are several idiots on this blog saying that Obama is a whiner. Hillary is the one engaging in smear tactics and false accusations as her lack luster campaign and personality have left her grabbing at straws. She makes democrats look bad.

AMoore   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I, for one, am fearing about the possibility that person like Obama running the whole country. This guy has no freaking idea about the US foreign policy, let alone his possible liaison with Muslims (not only because of his Hussein middle name and the pic on internet). Like it or not, experience does play an important role here. We cannot afford to send an apprentice to the house when the economy is tanking and the terrorist countries are watching us.

Felly   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Hillary is a bipolar and a fear monger. She is very unstable and I would not want her answering a White House call at 3:00a.m. Wondering what Bill will be doing at 3:00a.m.? President Obama will pick up the phone with the best judgement.

Roger B from Portland, OR   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I love it. "Soft images." Yeah right. You are showing kids asleep while talking about international crisis! Does it not matter what we say as long as we show people a pretty image? Hey, I have a great idea for Hillary. Do an add talking about nuclear war…but do the whole thing over an image of a box of puppies. It isn't fear mongering because we are showing puppies! They are cute and soft images. Oh look at how they play as we tell you that if you don't vote for Clinton, your face will melt!

The irony here, of course, is that a lot of Clinton supporters say this is what Obama does; shows us a pretty image so we don't care what he says. But then, I listen to both canidates and I hear what they say…and I like Obama's plan for uniting the country rather than villianizing any opponent they have.

It doesn't help that I remember things like Bill Clinton bombing another country to take attention off the fact he got caught with his pants down…if Hillary is anything like her husband, we are in trouble!

Alonzo Demetrius, FL, USA   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

What foolish people they must be to think there is nothing to fear in this world. Obama knows he has nothing to fear from the Muslims, being one himself…

D.   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Why when the truth is speaking, Obama called it's scary. I think he's scared if voters really got know him, to know how he handled his job in the past. He had done nothing in leadership in his more than three years' post as the United Staes senator. Look at his records, he's given chances to make changes, but nothing had happened.

Texas, vote for Hillary. You can count on her to make the changes happen, not just speak of changes.

Moyphee   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Obama authored 152 pieces of legislation in just 2 years while Hilary authored 20 in her 8 years in the senate. Obama has a decent record for his time and if you look at his record in public as whole Hilary's heir-apparent claim goes south.

Her refusal to release her tax returns prove that she is 'Bought and Paid For" by the same special interest that funds her campaign.

Shaking hands with world leaders and negotiating with them are completely different.. Neither candidate has any real foreign policy experience worth bragging about …and neither did Bill Clinton for that matter. Too much experience makes one a creature of habit and that's even more dangerous.

Chuck in Oregon   February 29th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Wolf,

It does not take an atomic scientist to answer the phone… hello, or President …. speaking… or what ever. I would hope the person answering that phone call is calm, level headed, and as the mind not to make any rash quick decisions without first gaining all the facts, weighing all options and making decisions in the best interest of the American People. In my mind what she is eluding to is there is a need for someone to quickly respond with out hesitation or thought to the situation. Any one can do that. I truly do not want that kind of person answering that phone at 3 am. Seems to me that kind of thinking is exactly what has placed American in the position it is in now.

Robert   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

It's Silly Season, and Hillary's people just don't get it. We have the Republican Party to pull out the scare tactics, which most of us will not listen to. This has been the policy of the current Administration for the last 8 years, if you can't reason with them through common sense, scare them. Really over the scare tactics, really over 'Silly Season' politics. Really ready for change and all Americans to dig in, get dirty and get the job(s) done.

Channell   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Its incredible how people hate Obama because of his name, because of the way he speaks or because of his positivitity during this campaign. People have said some ignorant things in regards to Obama and to his voters. Its one thing to say he is inexperienced and therefore I choose not to vote for him but it is another to not pay enough attention to the Presidential race and educate yourself on each candidate and base your decisions off of that.
Ignorance is not going to move this country forward it is only going to bring us down.

terry   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Hillary is the one who's scared. Texas and Ohio people are already abandoning Hillary based on these stupid tactics. This is real dumb of her.

Jen   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Obama will hang up the phone because he doesn't have an answer for you and he will go back to sleep.

Bill Jay   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA stop it with your silly attcks on Hillary.

Real Person   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Okay..let's do a quick reality check in history. Senators, on the whole, have made poor Presidents in the U.S….at least those without some management experience otherwise. Right now, none of the three leading candidates to pick up that phone - of either party - has a great advantage in management experience.

What I do see is two candidates on the Democratic side who are both appealing in different ways. I'm starting to lean in one direction, though, because one of them seems to always fall back on "politics as usual" strategies…and I just don't think "the usual" is the answer I want given on that phone…the time has come to walk the walk of a global nation…that doesn't mean giving up sovereignty, or anything like that - it just means learning that treating people with love and respect will be far more likely in the long run to garner the same in return…and in those cases where it does not…there are lots of other strategies besides "nuke 'em".

INDY PENDENT   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

A glimpse at the 2 candidates answering the phone.

Hillary's Answer to a Phone Call: Do you know what #@$^%* time it is. Do you know who the ^%# this is? How dare you call me at this hour you insolent %#*.

Obama's Answer to a Phone Call: We gotta have HOPE brother, we can CHANGE this. Don't worry if we HOPE and CHANGE all will be okay.

BR   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Yes, It does matter, very much. And this American would rather hear, the cool, collected, thoughtful voice of Sen Obama, and not the shrill, crazed howlings of Sen. Clinton; which has been her hallmark of late. We need a rational thinker, not an emotional reactor. Sen. Clinton's tears and outbursts during this campaign, make me feel that she is a little high strung, and wouldn't respond rationally when it really counts. And honestly, to echo Mr. Obama, she hasn't responded rationally in past "decisions", so why should I believe that she'd give more care to future important choices?

Jessica   February 29th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Oh Please, Sen Obama, there will be crises, and your experience will be called upon! Are you prepared to show up at 3 am in the morning for it? Or will you vote present again? Do you even know what this job is all about?

Hillary 08!

Joshua, Austin TX   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Re: laura February 29th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

We do not need the bad karma individuals like you bring to the party.

Trev   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

It does matter. We have to think beyond the hope and joy and to the crises that seem to define most presidencies. That is just the way it is in the REAL world.

Go Hillary

Nate   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

As a republican I say go ahead and nominate that chap dems. I've watched the guy in interviews and the majority of his reponse is "uh, err, ummm, I think, errr, ummm." The guy obviously cannot think on his feet. Sure he can deliver pre written speech just fine, but you are going to have to be more than a good reader to be president. When someone brings up a legitimate issue with his past or policies (either Hillary or someone over here on the right) he either whines and plays the victim card or says we shouldn't have gone into Iraq. On the victim card he needs to toughen up. If his feelings get hurt that someone questions why he only voted 'present' how is he going to deal with foreign leaders? On the whole Irq thing. We could sit here and debate until we are blue in the face about whether or not we should have gone into Iraq. The fact of the matter is we are there now so we have to figure out what is best for America going forward. Stop trying to prove you have great hindsight and start trying to show some foresight. Comments like "I'm pulling out of Iraq, but I'll go back in if AQ is there." show just how clueless this guy really is. So please go ahead and nominate the guy. Come November when this whole rock star crap has long worn off you are going to be asking yourselves what the heck you were thinking.

Bill Jay   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA try being polite.

Mickie in PA   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

It is ironic tha Hillary's supporters keep touting her "experience" — guess who else has experience — George W. Bush and look where that got us. Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan both only had experience as governors when they ran for President. Guess what experience John F. Kennedy had — first time senator. The only experience Hillary has had other than as a senator is by osmosis from Bill — or was she making the decisions for him? Let's focus on what they stand for and I do not like Hillary's voting record - that's the bottom line.

lou   February 29th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Obama:
People should be scared… this is serious business and your empty words of “hope” really scare me… Hitler, Fidel, Stalin come to mind… we were fooled recently by the “DECIDER” self called the “uniter”

MeluBarney   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

CNN bias… let's boycott CNN.

Edi   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

On a Canadian television station last night(CTV) there was a report about Obama's scare tactics. It stated that a sr. official for Obama told a Canadian gov't official that he would not pull out of NAFTA and not to believe what he said on TV. This was subsequently denied by a Candian gov't official who said it was not right to comment on American affairs, but last night it was RECONFIRMED that a sr. official for the OBAMA camp did phone the Candian gov't and said he would not pull out of NAFTA. Scare tactics, I think, for both Candians and Americans.

Dominoid   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

"Hello, this is President Clinton. What we have an unspecified emergency. You didn't call me first did you?"

Marge, Vermont   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Wasn't it Hilliary who said:"Words are cheap!" Yet, she constantly uses cheap tactics, words and innuendos! A "get real" check is in order: You are losing Hillary!

New Yorker   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

The Clinton Spin Machine is at work saying that Obama must win all of Tuesday's primaries. Do we want Clinton spin, manipulation, distortions for the next four years? Or do we want a breath of fresh air - Obama?

eliza from ohio   February 29th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

We have lived through enough fear politics to last us a lifetime! I am sick of politicians resorting to such tactics. If Hillary is so confident that she is a better candidate than she should be able to make her case without using fear and negativity. This attitude is exactly what needs to change in Washington, and Obama understands that!

JBiggs, VA   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Obama isn't perfect, but he's steady.

My immediate reaction to the ad was "Which Hillary will answer the phone at 3 AM? Sarcastic Hillary, Honored- to-be-here-with-you Hillary, Shame-on- you Hillary, teary Hillary, or Fully-vetted-so-I-won't-release-my-tax-returns Hillary"?

Her switching personas makes me feel she's extremely erratic, and the ad actually underscores and reminds me that she is exactly NOT the person I want answering the red phone.

As an independent, my reaction to the Clinton ad is probably not what the Clinton campaign would hope for.

therealist   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Look! Look!! Two chicken hawks trying to show which is tougher…

Polanco of Jersey   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

The question is if you are ready to handle the presure of foreing policies and national security, that's the question Mr Obama and we are not sure about you but we are about Hillary Rodhan Clinton there is nothing to fear but yourself Mr Barack Hussein Obama.

dm   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

neither democrat is worthy of presidency! mccain for president!

Georgie   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Obama is SO negative. Hummmmm, thought he was the agent of Change. Not So Huh ? All Hillary was doing was making a point of reality. We all know the world is dangerously unstable right now. Especially the Middle East, this is a possibility you know. I don't want a President that will answere the phone on a crisis @ 3AM & say "Present". Hillary is the President with the clear head who can make those instant decisions, based on sound experience & knowledge. Support Hillary & Vote her in !

sascha   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

It's just tactics, so what? Mrs. Clinton has to fight for every vote like Mr. Obama, and this commercial just underlines her "I am more experienced than my opponent" argument. But people shouldn't forget, that she could give the wrong answer, as she did at the beginning of the Iraq war….

Mike H.   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

The ad is both fair and thoughtful. There are very likely to be crises where the President must make a hurried decision wthout the full benefit of the advice of his advisors. Given the manner in which Obama has thus far addressed foreign policy issues, I shutter to think of him as the man answering the phone.

Barack Oprah   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

In fact, Obama's "experience" scares much more people in worldwide.

NYC Native   February 29th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Now we have two "long national nightmares" - the Bush presidency and the Democratic primary slug-fest. With all the vitrol from both Hillary & Obama camps attacking each other's supporters, how are we supposed to "unite" when Election Day comes in November??

kd   February 29th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Funny, if Obama had this ad, it would be showing his strength. All HRC asks who is ready on day one

BJ   February 29th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Blows me away that a JUNIOR senator with no real leadership experience thinks he knows it all. What's even more shocking is that there are actually young voters who think he is the best thing they have ever seen or heard.

Joke.

Red phone Huh?   February 29th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Obama was NOT in office when the vote was taken, but he IS on record saying he WOULS HAV EVOTED PRECISELY THE SAME HAD HE BEEN!

Eva   February 29th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Barack Obama has had no "red button moment." That is a lie.
He was elected to serve the people of Illinois in the U.S. Senate
in 2004, and began his service in Jan. of 2005. The War in
Iraq began on March 20, 2003. He had no vote on that war.
He had no intelligence upon which to base a stance on the
Iraq War, so his claim to superior judgement is baseless.

Bill Jay   February 29th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA nice name by the way. Real American
of your parents. Well we hope the devil does not come out of ya.

Mike   February 29th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

I can remember two "red phone" moments in my lifetime. The first was the Cuban Missle crisis, the other was on 9/11. JFK had the judgement not to immediately order an air force strike on Cuba, as some of his military advisors suggested. His patience, courage and intellect helped us to avoid a nuclear war. If you've ever seen Fahrenheit 911, the most disturbing scene is when GWB is reading a book to children in Florida and is informed about the twin towers being hit. He sits