March 10, 2008
Posted: March 10th, 2008 11:34 PM ET

JACKSON, Mississippi (CNN) - A few days after an aide to presidential contender Hillary Clinton accused her rival Barack Obama of behaving like Ken Starr, the Illinois senator kept up a recent string of counter-attacks, charging her campaign with strategically leaking a photo of him in African clothing and employing the “Republican playbook” in their effort to re-take frontrunner status in the Democratic race.

“When in the midst of a campaign you decide to throw the kitchen sink at your opponent because you’re behind, and you start - your campaign starts leaking photographs of me when I’m traveling overseas wearing the native clothes of those folks to make people afraid, and then you run an ad talking about who’s gonna answer the phone at three in the morning - an ad straight out of the Republican playbook - that’s not real change,” Obama told voters at a Mississippi campaign event Monday night.

The photo of Obama dressed in traditional local garb during a goodwill trip to Africa surfaced in the days before the critical March 4 contests. The Clinton campaign denied reports of any connection with its appearance, and Obama said at the time that he believed the New York senator’s assurances she did not know anything about the picture before it was published on the Drudge Report Web site the week before voters went to the polls in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island and Vermont.

"...I take Senator Clinton at her word that she knew nothing about the photo. So I think that's something that we can set aside," Obama said at the Ohio debate late last month - a remark re-circulated by the Clinton campaign Monday night.

In a statement, the Clinton team attributed Obama’s Jackson remarks to his losses in last week’s primaries, and pointed to the Ohio comment, in which he seemed to absolve Clinton herself, though not her campaign, of responsibility for the photo’s distribution.

–CNN's Rebecca Sinderbrand and Chris Welch

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Mississippi


E. Bertin   March 11th, 2008 4:33 am ET

Thanks Obama and keep going positive

prcleburne   March 11th, 2008 4:32 am ET

I must have missed something. When was it determined that the photo in question was leaked by the Clinton campaign?

Prince George, Dallas, Texas   March 11th, 2008 4:23 am ET

We knew all along that the Clinton Campaign leaked the picture to spread fear as part of their "kitchen sink strategy". The Clintons will say and do anything to get elected. This time America is ready to turn the page. We do not have room for their brand of politics. In OBAMA we TRUST!

Gene   March 11th, 2008 4:19 am ET

Following Obama's logic, you should have DONE NOTHING (bad or good) BEFORE running for president. Just reach the necessary age and voila! -you're a candidate!

PoliticAL   March 11th, 2008 4:13 am ET

The only good thing about a protracted Democratic Party nomination, is that McCain and the republicans have only two months to wage a campaign. They are in an awkward position because they really don't know who they will face in November.

Lindsay Graham   March 11th, 2008 4:12 am ET

The Clintons are scumbags. Wake up America!

psburton   March 11th, 2008 4:02 am ET

Considering his senior advisor on foreign policy Samantha Power resigned over her "Monster" remark perhaps Senator Obama should clean his own house before casting aspersions on the behavior of his opponent, double talk on campaign finance and back channeling over NAFTA? Really the difference in the two is one is running on her message and the other thinks He is the message.

PoliticAL   March 11th, 2008 4:00 am ET

Senator Obama should stop whining his opponent's campaign. There's no crying in baseball or politics. Thoughen up Senator, we don't need hypersensitive in the White House at this point in our nation's history.

Marco   March 11th, 2008 3:52 am ET

barackstar08.com very hip Obama shirts

She's just a really bad person

Mike, PA   March 11th, 2008 3:46 am ET

The only difference between Clinton and Spitzer is that people can empathize with Bill's cheating. I mean Bill doesn't drink. He has no escape! Who can blame him for not wanting to wake up next to muff diving thunder thighs.

chevy   March 11th, 2008 3:43 am ET

ahaahhah of course shes certain! but her campaign is in involved, i mean in my mind its too consequential that obama lost his 11win streak after these pics and rumors of his nafta deal came into public, which were not true, call me naive but, clinton benefited TOO much from those rumors.

Andrew   March 11th, 2008 3:41 am ET

I like Obama talks of bringing change to D.C. and uniting our parties and country and then he goes and makes a sweeping generalization that Republicans resort to cheap tricks in elections.

Jot   March 11th, 2008 3:30 am ET

Obama you leaked the photo yourself to blame Hillary. By the way, that is your photo what it wrong with it. That is why Clinton says you are unexperience in foreign affairs

jeremy   March 11th, 2008 3:26 am ET

I don't know anymore if either are running a fair election, but I can say this: it seems that a majority of the negative attacks are coming from the Clinton campaign and that a greater majority of the attacks of character are from the Clinton campaign... and that is sad.

post this cnn   March 11th, 2008 3:19 am ET

i wish i could take on the clinton campaign one by one... they absolutely disgust me and the people who support them are the ones who are delusional not the obama supporters. obama critics always say people are being duped and mislead, but the truth is people who claim Hillary Clinton should be president are. This woman is evil and if anyone cannot see through this then obviously you have a problem and need to have your head checked. Comments....bring it

marketprofits   March 11th, 2008 3:18 am ET

Clintons are finished. Get with it CNN (Clinton's News Network).

CNN = Clinton's News Network

You suck CNN, probably worst than Lewinsky. Oops, only Bill Clinton would know that. Sorry CNN.

Chris   March 11th, 2008 3:16 am ET

Good One Obama. Hillary is a monster and does not belong in the US politics. We do not want another Fraud like Bush representing our country. We want you. We want someone new and someone who will restore the pride of the country.

Go Obama. The whole country is counting on you.

Johannes   March 11th, 2008 3:13 am ET

Hi CNN,

why do you still write about Clintons victory in Texas???
As far as I know, it is Obamahs victory.

dave   March 11th, 2008 2:59 am ET

the clinton tactics are starting to get old, just like them. Oops did i write that, well its time to get to the real issues like water gate or realising thier tax returns , how bout that.

JDB   March 11th, 2008 2:57 am ET

Hillary Clinton (D) – The D stands for Divisive; cause she sure doesn't seem to be a Democrat the way she is tearing apart our party. The same old thing. Shameful.

Antonia Mincheva-Smith   March 11th, 2008 2:56 am ET

I am married to American Philip Smith – He is republican votes for Barak Obama. I ask Him why He do that. He said that America need His ( Barak Obama) change not Clinton or John McCain. Clinton is old name with lots of sins for American people. She try to change now but is to litle too late.
I believe that Obama wins Texas but no body even talks about that. Why? – Same old people same old politics. Same double talks.

msk-   March 11th, 2008 2:42 am ET

Obama the saint is now attacking. Call that a change?????

go Hillary.

Paul   March 11th, 2008 2:41 am ET

The Drudge Report Web site did report at the time that it got the picture from a Clinton campaign source despite the campaign's later denial. I have never doubted otherwise, and the longer Hillary Clinton slithers through these primaries the more low down rotten "strategies" will be employed. Hillary Clinton needs to slither down her hole and stay there.

U Smart   March 11th, 2008 2:36 am ET

Let's not worry much about the past. let's concentraate on the future. Splitzer's odeal is only a tip of the iceberg to what will be obtained in the white house if the Clintons are allowed back. Morality do not mean a thing to the New York Gorvernor or Senator either. Let alone the infamous Bill. Americans, do we wish to go through all that again?

JS   March 11th, 2008 2:30 am ET

And he accuses Clinton of going negative? Mr. Holier than Thou is throwing an awful lot of negative spin out there these days.

Grif   March 11th, 2008 2:28 am ET

Mr OBama! It doe's not matter what you do, or don't do.

Why is it that a small fry, is so wrapped up ... Mr Obama's illusion of Government :: :: ::

I have yet to discover. Wake Up OBama!!! So many little Mtoto's.

In addition, you let them all down. I saw them, but you weren't there.

dave   March 11th, 2008 2:23 am ET

Obama, you owe the public to stand up for yourself. You have to let voters know how nasty they are. Otherwise, voters can be deceived.

Jamal   March 11th, 2008 2:13 am ET

YES WE CAN!
OBAMA '08

Vig   March 11th, 2008 2:13 am ET

This seems to be Obama's game: He struts around the stage with one hand on the microphone and the other in his pocket, looking a bit too casual. He waits for Clinton to lobe a challenge his way, and then he turns it back on her. This is Presidential? This is smugness.

Thomas   March 11th, 2008 2:12 am ET

I agree with Obama on the underlying point, but if he wants to be successful in Washington and actually have a presidency of change (working to get things done), he needs to back off the demeaning republican rhetoric. To suggest that the Clinton behavior is solely a republican play is disingenuous and short-sighted, now matter how much I like him, and in the end will undermine his ability to be successful on real issues.

clement adu-larbi   March 11th, 2008 2:12 am ET

Who did you think will winn the democrate nominee

clemen adu-larbi   March 11th, 2008 2:09 am ET

Obama l have send you some mails so l want to nkow wheather you have received them or not.

Hillary For President!!!!!! Ohio   March 11th, 2008 2:01 am ET

Obama Moma would have lost my great state of OHIO anyway!!!!!!!

CMS   March 11th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Let amateur hour begin...both these people are jokes. Look between the lines, they are manipulators.

Vote for a 3rd party people! We need a viable 3rd party to keep both the 'Pubs and 'Dims honest.

Darren   March 11th, 2008 1:56 am ET

im still wondering to myself, what exactly is the point of this here article?

Mary,Calgary,Canada   March 11th, 2008 1:55 am ET

Clinton went negative,thats a fact!

John White, Texas   March 11th, 2008 1:48 am ET

Sen. Clinton is not right for this country and the Democratic Party. She will not win because she is using low down and dirty tactics. All of the Democratic voters know and can see this. Just like the New England Patriots, cheaters never win!

Dom   March 11th, 2008 1:48 am ET

Obama was just being a gentleman – which is proving to be counter-productive when facing off against a scheming, conniving and corrupt opponent who will stoop to any low to win the presidency so that she and her partners (in crime) may make shady deals and pockets large sums of money.

The Obama camp should continue to seek for greater scrunitiny of both himself and Clinton – and let the people decide who the real deal.

Wisconsin   March 11th, 2008 1:43 am ET

What a surprise, Hillary's campaign is garbage. A vote for Hillary is a vote for fear ad's and lies!

BTW the girl in Hillary's fear ad is voting for OBAMA to pick up the phone and so is most of America!

Wayne   March 11th, 2008 1:42 am ET

Clinton knew about the photo according to the drudge reprt

maya   March 11th, 2008 1:39 am ET

Okay- but what is Obama's point? Setting aside the important fact that Obama said that he believed that Hillary did not leak the picture but then turns around and uses it against her, if Obama is using this as a reason as to why he lost Ohio and Texas, he is actually making the case as to why he should NOT be the nominee. The GOP is going to use more of the same and in fact worse stuff against him. If he can't be tough against this pillow punching, Dems are in serious trouble in November...

Nanthu   March 11th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Sen. Hillary Clinton is desperate and want to win the nomination by telling anything against Obama. This is not a good politics.

Mike   March 11th, 2008 1:32 am ET

...then what was the garb, is that traditional, mimics his last name I say?

(I know that this won't get posted)

Andrew, florida   March 11th, 2008 1:31 am ET

Jackson remarks? Oh, you mean remarks in Jackson. Here I thought CNN would perpetuate Clinton's spin. Do you plan on mentioning Clinton supporter Geraldine Ferarro's comments tomorrow?

"If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position," Ferarro said. "And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

Tito   March 11th, 2008 1:30 am ET

Of course Obama is right to point out Billary's campaign tactics! He is smarter than Billary to get into bickering on a live TV debate in Ohio! He is on a higher pedestal and character than Billary will ever be!
President we will respect, Obama 2008!

Patty   March 11th, 2008 1:30 am ET

Why is he making an issue of his image as if it is some dirty nasty image to be ashamed of? He appears to feel that he should be ashamed yet I don't know why. Noone seems to be making any big deal about it other than him.

Illinois   March 11th, 2008 1:28 am ET

That's a kind a tactic

TerryD   March 11th, 2008 1:26 am ET

Most people believe that the Barack Obama campaign released that photo themselves and then tried to pin it on Hillary R. Clinton.

What a joke, so what Obama that you look like a dork in your outfit.

Was that not the same picture that was on your own website originally?

Barack Obama I think thou dost protest to much

dale in indiana   March 11th, 2008 1:26 am ET

if obama didn't want his picture floating around why did he put those clothes on and let the a.p. take pictures of him. is he that naive to think no one would notice, especially him running for the presidency...

dale in indiana   March 11th, 2008 1:22 am ET

if obama didn't want that picture floating around why did he wear the clothes and let the a.p. take pictures of him. is he ashamed or just naive to think no one would notice, especially him running for the presidency.

Joanna   March 11th, 2008 1:20 am ET

Can anyone calculate the voters state by state? I do think Hillary won more voters but less delegates now. Because in the big state, a pledged delegate represents more voters than in the small state. And in the primary, a pledged delegate represents more voters than in the caucuse.

Hopeful 4 PA   March 11th, 2008 1:19 am ET

SHAME ON YOU HILLARY CLINTON!

Come on Pennsylvania, show the rest of America that you're not deceived by these despicable Clintons. The Spitzer Affair should remind us all how shameful the Clintons were in the White House. Now some are talking about letting them back? No. It won't happen. After a win in Mississippi, Hillary would need 63% of the votes in ALL the elections to follow in order to catch Obama's commanding delegate lead.

End this madness. Please.

Marilyn   March 11th, 2008 1:18 am ET

Nothing wrong with the ad; it was not playing on fear but rather reality. Nothing wrong with the photo, either. No one has been able to prove that the Clinton camp had anything to do with it. And why is Obama so ashamed of that photo in foreign garb? Nearly every politician does it when visiting a foreign land. Obama seems to be making a big stink over an insignificant photo instead of focusing on the big issues facing the next president. And, believe me, if Obama thinks these two little issues are Republican tactics, he's in for a big surprise should he become the nominee. They'll blind-side him daily with much, much worse than this.

APM   March 11th, 2008 1:18 am ET

Her actions are the signs of ruthless desperation....

But HOPE will prevail!

OBAMA '08

frank   March 11th, 2008 1:17 am ET

I can not stand Hillary Clinton. I voted for her husband twice, defended him against the "right wing conspiracy", and praised his years as president as success. But now that I see Billary will say and do anything to steal the nomination, I forever will despise them for what they truly are- D.I.N.O! (democrats in name only)

Fired up & ready to go!   March 11th, 2008 1:17 am ET

I'm looking forward to great results for the Obama campaign, tomorrow – Go Mississippi!!! It's your day . . . .

My grandfather, a Padre in a Hong Kong POW camp for 4 years, knew that hope was important. He had faith and he had hope. He noticed a lack of hope in young people and was concerned about that. If he were here, he would be standing with us saying "Yes we can!"

JerryZ   March 11th, 2008 1:16 am ET

She and her surrogates are slim. They will pay at the end.

McCain will win the nomination.

The wisdom of the DNC will let Hillary and Obama slug and bloody each other. Obama has the pledge delegate lead.
When the DNC super-delegates overturn the pledge delegates for Hillary or run to Obama side, one side will not vote, may vote for Nader or McCain.

You fools are falling into the conservative republicans plans. If they overrule Obama, 90% of the black vote will be gone and all of the first time and young voters will join.
If jumping to Obama, over sixty years old and women will protest. I don't want to miss the uneducated that Hillary always says she gets. They don't know better and the DNC are spineless.

james bradford   March 11th, 2008 1:15 am ET

i feel that hillary clinton must drop out of race she cant win and all she is doing now is helping john mccain

Ronald Watson   March 11th, 2008 1:10 am ET

Obama is ok, but we need some one who can stand up to the republicans.
as well as corperate america, and i don't think that Obama who sit's there and say's that the republicans hadsome good idea's.
all they did is cut low income people's programs that helped them get by, do you people forget the great years we had under bill clinton.
if your smart you will put your vote to clinton, and secure are future,,,,,,,,,,,

LaLainKCMO   March 11th, 2008 1:09 am ET

Tactics like Clinton's are NOT real change.

And now she's throwing in the kitchen sink? What kind of strategy is that? It's like now since she's going DOWN she's going to do it in a blaze of glory.

Yes We Can. Si Se Puede.
Obama 2008

Leslie   March 11th, 2008 1:08 am ET

Why does CNN keep fueling the photo thing?

Pon Mao   March 11th, 2008 1:07 am ET

Hillary Clinton keeps saying that she's a fighter, who is she fighting against? Is she going to start another civil war? or is she going to start wars with other countries? That's really scary.

Why can't we have peace on earth? Maybe because we have too many politicians like the Clintons?

Leslie   March 11th, 2008 1:07 am ET

Did it ever occur to Obamians that maybe the Republicans "leaked" the photo? As for the photo being "leaked", how can it be "leaked" if the photo appeared in publication previously?

Independent   March 11th, 2008 1:05 am ET

Throw her tatics back in her face.

Go Obama!!

Corey   March 11th, 2008 1:03 am ET

Sounds to me like Hillary and her cronies are GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY as charged. They have said everything EXCEPT that they are not guilty of these abhorrent acts. Shame on you Hillary Clinton. SHAME ON YOU!

OBAMA '08....

Hillary never!

Doug from Toronto   March 11th, 2008 12:57 am ET

The clintons know how to engage in a down and dirty mud slinging engagement. They're experienced at it and have survived credible and uncredible attacks on their charater. They are numerous broken adviseries left in their wake. If they can get Obama to compete in that forum, he'll be out of place and quickly lose ground. The clintons already are saturated with mud and can only benefit by getting Obama dirty too.

Jay in Kansas   March 11th, 2008 12:57 am ET

So you believe he till she's winning?

Just admit that the whole concept of your presidency is gone. You're not an inspirational figure because you can't even stick to your own convictions. Imagine if this was foreign policy.. first he takes [insert dictator] at his word THEN he thinks its propaganda.

If every prom king was president of the United States.. Popularity is not a job credential

jujub   March 11th, 2008 12:57 am ET

CNN is grasping at straws again to contradict Barack Obama. He said, "...your campaign starts leaking photos..." He did not say "Hillary leaked photos..."

Hillary! You did not win Texas. Its all about the delegates and Barack Obama will win more delegates than you when the final votes are tallied. You also did not win Michigan because his name was not on the ballot. You are nothing but smoke and mirrors and Barack is all about integrity.

Clilntonite   March 11th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Why deny your COUNTRY (like your wife: MICHELLE)..??

Obama is a liar..He knows we tells people one thing and truly means another..>

With Clinton we know what we get: Success, Strong Economy, More money for College Tuition.

AMERICA THE GREAT FOR HILLARY

LATINOS FOR HILLARY 08!

JJ   March 11th, 2008 12:52 am ET

I would not put anything past the Clinton campaign. People need to wake up and realize that Hilary Clinton is trying to pull a 2000 election stunt. If the shoe was on the other foot and Senator Obama was in her place and wanted to have MI and FL to be counted, she would be the first one to say that he has to play by the rules. It seems that the only person who doesn't think the rules apply to them is her!

Ron   March 11th, 2008 12:51 am ET

No One should be surprised..unfortunately ther will be some people who are fooled. She's a fighter alright..a DIRTY FIGHTER who doesn't care if she leaves a path of destruction behing her like a tornado..Ladies and gentlemen..IT IS ALL ABOUT HER!! and the Hell with the rest of us.

California Dreamin is Back   March 11th, 2008 12:49 am ET

VOTE FOR OBAMA IF YOU BELIEVE IN RAIMBOWS, HEARTS AND UNICORNS. OHH I forgot, also if you believe in the EASTER BUNNY, THE TOOTH FAIRY, AND BIG FOOT...

Come on all you OBAMA plants vote for OBAMA, lets chant together..."vote for OBAMA I Believe in RAIMBOWS, HEARTS AND UNICORNS...

Slap Stick, FLORIDA   March 11th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Look Obama, stop complaining and do something about it.

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