March 25, 2008
Posted: 08:03 PM ET

ALT TEXT

Clinton criticized Obama's pastor Tuesday, her first direct comments on the matter. (AP Photos)

(CNN)Hillary Clinton would have long disassociated herself from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright if she was a member of his church, the Democratic presidential candidate said Tuesday — the first time she or her campaign has commented directly on the issue that has swirled around rival Barack Obama's campaign in recent weeks.

"I think given all we have heard and seen, he would not have been my pastor," Clinton said in a press conference in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The comments came hours after the New York senator made similar comments to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in an editorial board interview. (Watch Clinton's comments)

"You don't choose your family, but you choose what church you want to attend," she told the paper. Clinton also repeated those remarks in the press conference.

An Obama campaign spokesman said Clinton's comments were part of a "transparent effort to distract attention away from the story she made up about dodging sniper fire in Bosnia."

“The truth is, Barack Obama has already spoken out against his pastor’s offensive comments and addressed the issue of race in America with a deeply personal and uncommonly honest speech," Obama Campaign Press Secretary Bill Burton said. "The American people deserve better than tired political games that do nothing to solve the larger challenges facing this country."

– CNN's Alexander Mooney and Peter Hamby

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Jeremiah Wright


Jane   March 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Hillary,

You lied about being under sniper fire in Bosnia…

What gets me is that you were laughing and smiling when you told the story.

We have men and women getting shot at every day in Iraq and getting shot at is not a laughing matter.

You make me sick !

maya   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

I SAW THIS SPEECH LIVE and I was wondering how it would be SPUN. She answered a DIRECT QUESTION about HER. She did not go out of her way to attack Obama–SHE WAS ASKED A DIRECT QUESTION.

Deal with it Obama people- this issue WILL NOT GO AWAY and will infact only get worse in the general election when not among Dem friends/voters!!!!

Vince - Phoenix   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Wow…

That's right, Hillary…. make SURE you keep the "controversy" going….

so WHEN you finish losing, all the rethuglicans have to do is keep playing YOU over and over.

Nice job.

(whose side are you on, anyway???)

nancy   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Is this all she can bring up on Obama ?

Hillary is the one lying about everything. I do not believe anything that comes out of her mouth anymore.

How can you tell if she's saying the truth when she lies so much?

tomdavie   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Good for her. Its the truth.

Obama has lost the Clinton democrats with this speech. Our candidate rejects Obamas fundamental choice on a personal level.

Way to go OBAMA. Way to steal defeat out of the jaws of victory for the democratic party.

LatinoNation   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

As a Latino Catholic myself and so many at my church who can not believe that a pastor would talk like that ! God does not appreciate that i don not believe no matter how troubled are lives are ! I Love AMERICA do you?

CR   March 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

What about her involvement in "the Family"? From what I've heard this is a fairly controversial group. When will the MSM report about this!?!?!?!

Glenn   March 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

For the love of God; please spell Pittsburgh (with an H) correctly!

Counting Down   March 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

She is terrible. I would like to note that there are many people that have been close to the Clintons that have been convicted of so many felonies; that she was a Goldwater girl, etc. Please, give me a break. Get off your high horse.

Hillary, this is why over half of America cannot stand you. I am a woman and didn't vote for you in Texas and will never vote for you for anything.

Good BYE.

Shane   March 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

It's absolutely shocking that Hillary Clinton is bringing Jeremiah Wright back to the forefront after her "sniper fire" comments have come under fire. *rolling eyes*

Go ahead Hillary…keep destroying the Democratic Party. By all means…

Watson   March 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Now that the spotlight has turned to her INEXPERIENCE, she is trying to divert the subject back to race. You can't choose your family but you can certainly choose your husband. Will she repudiate Bill?

Peggy S   March 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Hillary, we dont believe you anymore!! You lied about too many things, and was caught in a lie today!!

I will not vote for an untrustworthy Hillary.

MGP   March 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Hillary chose to stay with Bill Clinton after he cheated on her, numerous times, and publicly humiliated her, numerous times. And Bill Clinton is not blood related to her but is certainly like family.

This is not a place she should want to go.

Deb   March 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

True to Hillary being Hillary…one week later she just HAS to respond to the questions. Give it a break Hillary. You have single handedly divided this Democratic party. This should be our year yet you are seriously jeopardizing us.

The truth hurts   March 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Is that Ferrar lady in her camp? Enough said. More lies from the Queen.

DC   March 25th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Bravo Hillary! Well said! It's about time you took this issue to Obama.

Abraham   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Hillary, you can't "change the subject of coverage" from your flagrent lies about your Bosnia encounter where your daughter was part of the company, witness to the difference between what you were telling the nation and what she, among others with you on the trip, were fully aware off.

How can you lie to the nation about Bosnia, and what are you teaching your daughter by lying to us, even as she would have preferred you tell the nation the truth?

The right thing for you to do now is: Just get out. Really. I doubt the media will buy your effort to "change the subject of coverage from your flagrent lies to the nation" to Obama's now digested Rev. Wright outbursts.

John Griswell   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I vomited in my mouth.

She will never be president.

Sue   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

I urge everyone to go read or view the FULL context of the comments made by Wright. The 9/11 sermon HE WAS QUOTING A US SENATOR. Do your research people!!

Tina   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

And Bill could have not been my husband!!!!

Ray   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

My God, she is nothing but a bi-polar liar. Hey Hillary, NASA needs someone to drive the space shuttle on a 50 year mission, R U Game?

Obama 08

Rob   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

HRC has just confirmed with her actions/words today that there is nothing she won't do for the nomination. How anyone can seriously consider this person for the highest position in the land is beyond pale.

EC   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Oh please! Will someone tell this woman to sit down already!!!

Nikki   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is hell bent on destroying any democrat's chance for wining the election since she CAN NOT and WILL NOT get the nomination. Tear the part down Hillary and take your McCain voting supporters with you.

McCain 08 = America a 3rd world country.

Greg, NY   March 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

That's right Hillary, don't comment on this issue for the past two weeks. Wait until everyone else stops talking about it then bring it up again to take everyone elses mind off of your 'misspeak' and your trying to woo pledged delegates.

Keep it up!

democrattotheend   March 25th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

You may not choose your parents, but you do choose your spouse. Hillary made the decision to stay with Bill after he cheated on her, and I respect that decision and it's her business and not the public's. But I don't understand how she has the moral authority to say that Obama should have left his church and thrown someone who had become like family to him under the bus when he has never questioned her decision to stay with Bill despite the poor role model he provided for their daughter.

Norm   March 25th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Obama attended because he wanted to seen as a typical black man. He has accomplished is goal. Now he needs to been seen as a typical white man also. Must be real tough not knowing who you are!

shirley   March 25th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Yes, I believe Hillary would throw her Mother to the wolves if she thought it would further her political career. However, Pastor Wright was invited to the White House when Bill was in trouble. Hillary must have known about his church as someone mailed him an invitation. I suspect her campaign is behind this nasty reporting on church instead of issues. Her campaign has used race and religion to garner votes based on emotion in the hope we would not notice her fraudulent statements regarding her 'experience' and lack of disclosure of her 2006 tax return. These are REAL issues not being address by Hillary.

Calvin   March 25th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

This is stupid…but they spelled Pittsburgh without and h.

PA   March 25th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

She is trying to change the subject - SHE WAS CAUGHT LYING TODAY ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

keith   March 25th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

She said she was asked what she sould do. She could have taken the high road and stated that it is in the past, Barack Obama answered this issue, and I don't want to rehash that issue, period subject closed! Asked by CNN if her speaking openly about Wright meant the issue was now on the table with superdelegates, Clinton answered: "I was asked what I would do, and I answered the question." IS IT and will she bring it up to the superdelegates to make a point that she is down but let's look at Rev. Wright to kick Obama in the face.

Aimee   March 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Very interesting. Last week, Hillary Clinton's campaign said they would not comment on the story about Reverend Wright. This week, now that she's been hit hard on her repeated (4 times by the latest count) lies about her trip to Bosnia, NOW she'll go there.

Oh, and she'll denounce Don Imus. She'll demand that Obama reject Louis Farrakhan. But where is her denunciation and rejection of Rush Limbaugh and the Republicans who are switching party affiliation to vote for her?

*crickets*

A few months ago I had some respect for Hillary Clinton. Not any more. Desperation is ugly.

Mark   March 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

How do we know that HRC? All you have done is tell lies so far. Plus, did he not minister to Bill after his betrayal? Thought I saw a photo here at CNN?

Nancy   March 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

This woman is screwloose.
No, she wouldn't have Wright as a pastor - but she is willing to stand by her philandering husband just to keep hold of her blind ambition.

Peter   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

What a looser!

Independant   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

I would not have voted for the war.

Dee in AZ   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Ho Hum.

john josph   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

It's time for all democrats to ask:
HILIARY CLINTONS TO QUIT THE RACE
Ans stop this non sense- this madness.

if it was Obama less point than Hiliary the news will ask Obama to leave the race long time ago = I wonder why?

we wanted democrats for hiliary clintons to leave the race and stop this madness HILIARY MUST GO = GO = GO AND RETIRED

To give Obama chance to regroup to defeat John Mccain MC 100
unless she wanted to be Mc Cain 100 her vice President Mc HILIARY 100

CHELSEA from PA   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Gosh, when I hear "Hillary misspeak" say anything now, I see it for what it is: just pure trash. The liar telling Obama what she would do concerning his pastor and church is totally a hoot!

She lies and Bill both lies and cheats. There are many moral and religious women and men around the country who do not support or stomach her laxness with the truth or her acceptance of marital infidelity. I used to just feel sorry for her. Maybe, what Bill did is justified due to her "Hillaryness".

Tim   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Maybe she is lying about that too.

Sure   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

She is changing the subject!!!

Why arent we talking about her LYING about the Bosnia "sniper fire"?!

Independent Voter   March 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Hillary did not leave Bill with all his cheating? Did she? Liar!

james, NY   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

leave it to hillary to nake this political, wait till they find out who your pastor is, I DESPISE YOU

Paris   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Obama’s choices have been very wrong one after another.
And the fact that he is still defending Wright and trying to justify
what was said, shows that he shares the same sentiment.
He just doesn’t have the guts to admit to it.
CNN post my comment.

Greg - New Jersey   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Hmm…Pittsburgh Tribune-Review = Richard Mellon Scaiffe = Arkansas Project = "Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy". Seems Hillary's now taken to bedding down with the enemy as part of her strategy to win. I better get used to saying the words "President McCain".

B. Gorman, New Orleans, LA   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I admire Senator Obama's loyalty to his church. He easily could have picked a "politically neutral" church, but he stayed with the people that brought him to God. It seems Senator Clinton is grasping at straws, trying to open wounds that wish to heal. It is disturbing that she wants to win so bad that she would make faith so trivial in the face of power.

OMG   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

No one cares nor has asked about your feelings on pastoral relationships, Hillary. It is a personal decision, as you say, and clearly doesn't warrant your comment.

However, what does warrant your comment and a truthful explanation is the following 1). why have you exaggerated so terribly your role in the White House? Surely your memory can't be that bad! ie: Bosnia trip …and 2).why you won't release your 2006 Tax Returns. What is so magic about they're not being available until the very moment of the Pennsylvania primary ? Coul it be you don't want folks to see something perhaps like, tax shelters for the $20M Bill received as a payout??????

Let's hear some commentary/explanation on these matters please.

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I no longer know what to believe with Clinton. If she really means what she is saying she should have shown that type of judgement with Ferraro. I am absolutely sure that Hillary will be in Wright's church this Sunday if that will help her overtake Barack. I hope you see through her game plan. She dug herself into a hole with the Bosnia lie so, she is throwing her kitchen sink again to see what sticks and so resurrect her ailing campaign. She needs to borrow a leaf from Obama by confronting her travails presidentially, instead of deflecting them. I wonder how many kitchens she has and when she will run out of sinks.

common sense   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Nice try, Hillary, but people can't be that easily distracted from your bald-faced lies by a topic that has been addressed and fully disclosed. I'll take Obama's loyalty to a long-time friend, conditioned by a willingness to stand up to that friend and criticize his views, over flat-out lies to the American people any day.

Pat   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Save America by resisting the Hillary campaign's gutter politics!

Susan   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I no longer am shocked or surprised at how far HRC will go to win the nomination. From William Shakespeare, "Horrible, most horrible!"

roy CA   March 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

you would throw your own momma under the bus for a vote

WArt   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

She chose to stay with Bill all those years after all the affairs he had with various women, even while President.

david   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

I don't think anyone with any sense would choose him as a pastor.

Renee   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

This is why we are going to lose in 2008 and 2012. She will never be elected after running this type of campaign. I am a white woman in her demographic and she turns my stomach. She obviously is trying to do anything to win and could care less about the party.

E. loz Miami   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Ooooh NO SHE DITDN'T!!!!!!

Brian   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Clintons are so yesterday Jack. First she says she won't touch this subject and cries foul to the Obama team for her own mistakes then she is touching on the pastor thing and all the while accusing the Obama team of playing dirty tricks. The Clintons know of no other way to compete. Bill & Hillary need to read "Things I learned in kindergarden" and then maybe, just maybe this race can get back to the issues because their old style political moves are well known and transparent besides the fact that you can't believe anytihng she says.

John, Miss   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Anything to distract us from the "sniper fire" lies, even digging up last week's news.

Diane   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

The television reporting in all media have not lived up to finding the truth out about all the candidates for voters to make a honest decision. No matter what the media has tried in the course of this campaign. Hillary has continued to remain Presidential.

Obama has gotten a free ride in the media. He has even now trying to pull out the sympathy card for his bad judgment call to align himself with a Reverend that is full of bias hate and anger.

Americans need to take a closer look at Obama, as President. He does not appear to be strong enough to lead and really bring Americans together.

Do Americans really want a leader who really could split the country apart?

Pete311   March 25th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

So what if she would leave the church? So what if he stayed? Neither one believes in the things Wright said, so it's all irrelevant. Trouble is, she's behaving a lot more like Wright than Obama is. I think even Hillary supporters are getting a little nauseated by this transparent political calculation. Bad story making its rounds about the Bosnia trip? OK, let's go ahead and say some more stuff about the pastor thing. Sad.

Sad. Sad. Sad.

informed voter   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I used to think that Hillary Clinton was a smart, tough politician, a great example to young girls that they could be anything that they wanted. Now I just think that she is a sad, pathetic loser.

bill in nyc   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

here we go…keep throwing the mud hillary…you clearly have good judgement…how did that iraq thing work out for you, or marrying bill? you clearly have the judgement to lead…she picks the right pastor the first time!!! whatever happened to those "issues" you talked about…you seemed interested in shifting the campaign towards those…at least before you have continued to spew the same divisive bs out of your mouth…

Mike, Travis AFB, CA   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

This is getting really sad. Since when are we responsible for the words of other people?!! Obama had a connection to this man that spanned for years on a religious basis, not a political one!! Why is this even an issue? The Rev Wright story doesnt feed my kids, lower gas prices, or fix this crumbling housing market! This is an non-issue that will be made into a issue by the bird-brained Americans (and yes there are some out there) who have the attention spans of 3 year olds! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!

DEMOCTAS '08!

Dave   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

I'm sure he wouldn't be you pastor. Her and her husband appear to enjoy a pastor who encourages adultery, I guess we now know where Bill took his cues.

Look it up, Clinton's minister MacDonald.

MAC   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Please….who does this bimbo think she is? And CNN why don't you report on why Obama would not salute the flag or say the Pledge of Allegiance? What kind of a President would not do that? A vote for Obama pushes us closer to the bottom.

Cory   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

She's simply trying to keep the controversy going. Shocker.

George   March 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

She did not innitiate this conversation so Obama fans relax. However, I'm glad she did respond because I would hope anyone who heard those comments while sitting in a church pew would remove themselves immediately from that hate monger. Anyone who screams out those hateful words should not be a paster for any public official. And I'm glad Senator Clinton voiced her opinion of the type of pastor she would choose. Finally someone has distinguished the difference between a family member and a pastor. You don't choose your family….thank you Senator Clinton for making that difference! I can just imagine some people will now judge her for staying with her husband but all I have to say is that she gets more credit for sticking to her marriage vows….for better or for worse.

Rose - Baltimore, MD   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

You cannot be pastored by anyone, you are evil. You clearly know that you cannot clinch the dem nomination yet you want to destroy the dem party before you leave so that if you are not the nominee then the next president should be a republican, giving you an opportunity to come back in 2012. You are too selfish no pastor will want you in their church. Rev. Wright may says some thing that are not agreeable to some people but atleast Obama turned out right sitting under his pastorship, he is NOT wicked but you are.

Mike, Travis AFB, CA   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

** This is getting really sad. Since when are we responsible for the words of other people?!! Obama had a connection to this man that spanned for years on a religious basis, not a political one!! Why is this even an issue? The Rev Wright story doesnt feed my kids, lower gas prices, or fix this crumbling housing market! This is an non-issue that will be made into a issue by the bird-brained Americans (and yes there are some out there) who have the attention spans of 3 year olds! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!

DEMOCRATS '08!

Alina   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Yeap, Hillary, and you think, after the lies about how a first lady gets sent to zones to dangerous for a president (see the video on youtube - her visit in Bosnia, Tuzla), do you really have a right to play the judge? So many lies, and you are in title to judge everybody else… anyway, one thing is sure: Obama's curch may not be perfect, but it surely taught him more tolerance than yours!

Daniel   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Hilary please stop with all the negativity. Release all your tax records instead.

To all other Dems, Please let's stop fighting and saying unforgivable things about each other and the candidates. We need someone who will unite the party and lead us to victory in November, not someone who will do ANYTHING to win the nomination.

Hillary is destroying the Democratic party and this continuous fighting will lead to Dems left polarized from the other candidate. Hillary has polarized the Dems so badly I can imagine what she will do to the rest of the country. This is so demoralizing.

Red Dog from ND but now in Floida   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Give it up. You are a lier and you will never win. You are nothing more than a has been who does not bring anything new to the yard.

Arden   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

If HRC were the only candidate running for office I still wouldn't vote for her. At the start of the exlection campaigns I really considered voting for HRC. But she and Bill Clinton are the most disgusting politcians I have ever witnessed. If anyone will destroy the Democratic party she and her husband will. None of them can call themselves Christian and say the awful things they do especially James Carville. If Al Gore were thrown into the mix in order to safe the Democratic party and Obama was offered the VP I would vote in a heart beat. I pray for the Obama's everyday. They certainly have more forgiveness in them than I do. I still hope that Barack Obama is our next President. (The Al Gore situation I mentioned is the alternative).

julia   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Right on the money.
I am glad Hillary finally spoke out on Wright issue.
At the beginning she took the high rode but i think she just lost her patience with Obama because of his arrogance.
After Wright flap he is still acting like he is superior to her on judgment and racial issues. UNBELIVEABLE…

Barry   March 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Thank you Mrs. Clinton for speaking out on this matter. This is not just a matter of race but it is hatred being preached in the Church. What sort of Church preaches hatred?

A Voter   March 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Pastor Wright wouldn't be Hillary's pastor. That job is taken by Al Sharpton.

Chanda_Cincinnati Ohio   March 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Exactly who is her Pastor? I have never seen heard about her or Bill in church unless it was a photo op. I think it is incredibly foolish of America to whittle the 30 + years of Wrights ministry down to the three or four sound bites the MEDIA chooses to play. If anyone caught the complete transcript of the post 9/11 sermon you would see that some things were taken out of context. But…its easier for some Americans to believe that Wright is a racists and that there was absolutely no truth in any of his comments. We love to believe that this country has no flaws. It is that mindset that has us hated by so many on the world stage. Obama has denounced the statements..he did not say them in the first place, and quite frankly I wish this race could get back to the issues at hand. I thought Hillary had taken the high road on this issue, but after it came out today she LIED about her oh so dangerous Bosnia experience, I guess she had to hurry up and shift the focus. Truth be told, the democratic party is so divided, I don't think either of them can win in November. IF the situation was reversed, and Obama was behind 100+ delegates, the DNC would have tried their best to put a hault to his bid for the nomination.

jane   March 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Senator Clinton's remarks are thoughtful and to the point. I agree with her.

Rock   March 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Give it up!!!!! You lose

Cindy   March 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Ok, at least she finally said something.

It makes sense for her to say what she's saying. It's the only logical answer. Her silence about the historical significance of Obama's speech is also logical.

The only person with real guts on this issue… is Mike Huckabee.

sacto joe   March 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Senator Clinton, you have just crossed the line. What I'd like to know is: When was it that you decided to become a Republican?

Andrea   March 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Give me a break! We are supposed to believe that she would have left a church based on what the pastor said, explosive or not, on a couple of occasions but she didn't leave her husband after he repeatedly cheated on her!

She is such a liar. I am so tired of her saying anything to get elected. It is time for the DNC to start pressuring her to leave. She is just hurting the party.

Michael from Toronto   March 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

It's about time she said something about this whole mess.

Monika   March 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Hillary can you help me with this? Is this my dog sitting next to me or is it a sniper? Please help me!

Derrick Martin   March 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I have listened to the the full text of Rev. Wright speeches and cannot hear were he is preaching hate against whites or the United States of America. Furthermore the church does a lot of good for people socially. What ever happened to separtion of church and state?

scbrown   March 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I and America vomited listening to Obama's pastor.

Scott, Bethlehem, PA   March 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

What does this have to do with the issues at hand?

California Independent   March 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

He would never have been mine. I left a church for much less.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

Dawn Matthews, Pennsylvania   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Oh…now she has a comment regarding the Reverand Wright comments….conveniently as she said she happened to MISSPEAK REGARDING BEING UNDER SNIPER FIRE IN BOSNIA….WHAT A COINCIDENCE!!…I used to support Hillary…but it is clear ….she will not hesitate to lie…but come on..this lie is sooo obvious…YOU DON'T FORGET BEING UNDER SNIPER FIRE !!! YOU JUST DONT!!! SHE LIED TO EMBELLISH HER FOREIGN POLICY RECORD…AND FORGOT IT WAS ON VIDEOTAPE…SHAME ON YOU HILLARY CLINTON..remember it was you who just went on and on about how much words matter….now today in Greensburg, PA you say "THEY WERE JUST WORDS"….Which one is it? Words matter or they dont? Liar Liar, pants on fire!!!! SHAME ON YOU HILLARY !!! CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Carlo   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

The fact that she is bringing Wright back up after Obama submitted his tax returns after her campaign demanded them (and they haven't even submitted theirs yet) makes me wonder even more whether or not she and her campaign had a hand in the situation in the first place. One thing is for sure: she is in NO position to take the high ground on anything.

TEX   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Who believes the queen of spin and "misspeak"? The American public sees her last desperation gasp.

Give us a break!

Nathan   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Senator Clinton will do absolutely anything to get the nomination, even if it means completely destroying any chance that a Democrat can win in the fall.

Can she just take the high road and campaign on the issues? Of course not.

She is a grotesque public figure, more concerned about attaining power than the issues.

Is there really a need for her to continue to tarnish Obama's image? Are we that myopic in this country that instead of discussing real issues, we have to focus on what someone's pastor said? I thought we had separation of church and state.

Frankly, Hillary, I don't want to know who your pastor is, and I don't want to know why he advised you to stay with your cheating husband. You are not a woman I would want any girl to look up to.

ENough already with Hillary's dirty politics. There is nothing this woman does or says that is authentic, and everyone knows it. It's all a game to her, and we're sick of her.

FredB   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

No one can be held responsible for what Rev. Wright will say or do.
But for the Clinton's they will accept money from the Fanjul bros. who are responsable for taking advantage of black in the caribean.
Hillary's so called political experience is really a big mispoke.
We have proof of that now with her trip to Bosnia and the cause of the
Northeast Blackout of Aug.14 2003.

Jose   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

BASED ON HER RECENT COMMENTS ABOUT HER TRIP TO BOSNIA AND OTHER FABRICATIONS, CAN WE REALLY TRUST ANYTHING THAT COMES OUT OF THIS WOMAN'S MOUTH?

OBAMATRUTH.ORG   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Cannot trust OBAMA..I once supported him but he has made statements that are completly false..

He has no stance on so many issues.. He is on vacation while she is working for America..

Must be using all the extra money his MICHELLE made at a "non profit" hospital..or Tony Rezko giving them a treat

Hillary Clinton 08

Judd   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

funny how she originally stated that she had no comment and that this was a problem that the Obama campaign had to deal with on its own, but after she is caught LYING she decides to go foward and make a statement. Same old Clinton.

the truth   March 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

thank God she's my candidate…

"while we of course must protect our right of free expression, it should not be used as a license or an excuse to demean or humiliate our fellow citizens."

AMEN. You should've left, Obama… and you know it.

vjh   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Last week I really thought HRC was being gracious and sympathetic when she stated "no comment". How ironic, she was caught in yet another lie, now she has a comment re: Pastor Wright-maybe as a distraction? I'm sorry, I cannot in good conscientiousness bring myself to vote for this evil person in November, if god forbid she is the democratic nominee.

p scott   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

LOL
For all those who say Obama is destroying the Democratic party I say let's nominate Hillary. When she receives 10% of the African American vote and 10% of the new registered voters and 5% of the youth vote I suppose you will be happy. I will be because maybe she and Bill will ride off into the sunset, never to be heard from again. When will we be able to write the end to the Clinton story becuase I for one am sick of them?

Frances   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hillary, you're still lying!! How can America believe what you'll do anymore. We don't know what you would have done with a pastor OF YOURS……Why would you take your daughter to a country that you knew was dangerous! You also but this same lie in your book. Give up Hillary. it's time for the Dems to have an honest person in charge. Go Barack!

vic nashville,Tn   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Well Done Hillary CNN other medias try to cover Obama. My Grand parents watched Larry king live (favorite show) last Thursday after that our votes for you Please don’t drop out

Jsmith   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

HILLARY!!!!! You LIED about being fired on!!!!! That is worse!!!!! You stayed with somebody who committed adultery!!!!!!!!!!! That is even worse!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jackie Hotchkiss   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

"He would not have been my pastor" well Bill Clinton would not have been my Husband, I think the fact that she stayed with a cheating husband shows that she does not have any integrity and does not deserve to be the president. Barak Obama does not live with his pastor but she lives with a man that shamed the office of the presidency, her lies about her trip to Bosnia shows us that if we vote for her we will be getting a lot more "clinton lies"

mg   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

And I'm sure Barack wouldn't stay married to a cheating, lying spouse for about 30 yrs. Character is not Hillary's strongsuit. Leave it alone.

christian   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

maya,

would YOU please just go away. we'd all be better off.

B. Clausberg   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

. . .Bill Clinton invited Rev. Wright to the white house to pray for him during his impeachment. I guess he's good enough for the Clintons.
CNN do you still have the photo?

tomdavie   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I just find it so hilarious that you Obama guys think its CLINTON who ripped the party in half.

back up a second. Who was the presumptive nominee? Clinton.

Who came in with no experience and HYPED everyone to death?

Why is the party utterly RIPPED in half ? Guess what?

Its OBAMA who has split the party in two. Things were never like this before OBAMA showed up.

Obama made his bed with his HYPE platform, and now has been exposed as a LIAR with his 20 relationship with the church.

He is unelectable folks. This speech by Clinton = the clinton democrats wont support him in the general election.

Clinton cannot make this speech and still expect us to support Obama . Its over folks.

Anthony   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

She is digging a deeper hole for Obama and trying to climb the ladder to nowhere. What she does not realize is that when Obama becomes the nominee, the Republicans are going to use all her words and that of her husband against him. Is this what she would do to win???

Serge the DEM   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

We need to close the lid on the Clintons. Mathematically, they can't win unless Obama somehow ends up in jail… She needs to get out so we can concentrate on McCain. Lets go Dems! Lets unite under one banner so we can concentrate our efforts on the big prize!

Obama '08

Kris   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

And why did you "Stand by your man" inspite of how he insulted you by having sex with an intern right in the White House? Is that because he was the center of power and you knew that you would use his coattails to grab power for yourself?

Shame on you for exploiting what is a truly tragic situation.

Then again we have known that you will burn the village, do anything to get elected.

Kevin, Louisville, Ky   March 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Hillary has no morale authority in this discussion…..maybe she "mis-spoke"

Case closed …Sniper dodging Hillary …….

jaymzz   March 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

so why did the clintons invite reverend wright 2 the white house??? hillary rotten clinton is just trying 2 deviate the attention from her 'misstatements' about her foreign policy 'experience'…

CHERYL   March 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

THANK YOU!

I SO AGREE! ANYONE WHO WOULD CHOOSE TO STAY IN A CHURCH THAT TAUGHT THIS RUBBISH ON A DAILY BASIS MUST BELIEVE IT OR WHY WOULD YOU STAY?

OBAMA IS KEEPING RACISM ALIVE AND DIVIDING THE COUNTRY!!!!

THE FACT THAT HE WOULD NOT AGREE TO HAVE MY VOTE AND TENS OF THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLES COUNTED IN MI AND FL TELLS ME HE IS NOT DEMOCRATIC!!!!!!

HIS CHARACTER AND HIS HONESTY ARE EXPOSED FOR THE PEOPLE TO SEE!!!!

MY VOTE GOES TO SENATOR CLINTON!!!!!!!!!!!

jking   March 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

No offense, LatinoNation, but Catholics of all people have the least right to comment on the Wright situation of anyone!

Perhaps you never heard your priest say something you disagreed with: but how about your entire church covering up. moving around, and paying off the victimes of an entire generation of priests who molested children?

Did you "get up and leave" the Catholic church?

I don't think God appreciates pedophiles, either.

Kathleen   March 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

Desperation is indeed ugly. Shame on you Hillary!

D (NC)   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Can she get any lower. This is so sad. We are Democrats. I know the the Repeblicans would do this, but to hear this from her. Why are we trying to bring each other down. Why aren't we working together. Ist seems like she wants John Mccain to win.

dara   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Unbelieble. Obama attends a church lead by a racist pig of a man and it's OK? This isn't a SMALL issue. This man has told more lies in the last few years than anyone can shake a stick at AND he continually choses to be among anti-white racists pigs. HOW on earth can this man be President???

When Hillary lies, lets face it, it's about stupid stuff. When Obama lies, it's serious. That man will never be President nor should he be.

tom   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

The heat is on because she was caught lying. This is just a way to deflect. Maybe she answered a question, but who asked the question. Did it get asked twice? Let's face it, she was feeling heat and wanted to push the heat back to Obama, just like Carville did. It is a very effective, if revolting and shamefule, strategy.

Dobalina   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Easy to say after the fact Hillary. "he would not have been my pastor". No kidding. You don't live in Chicago, nor do you claim an affinity to provocative thinking and criticism of corrupt policy. You instead claim to take part in policies to which you have made no substantial contribution.

Here's to making controversy out of something that is irrelevant to policy.

How about this. "I would never have lied about my role in foreign policy decisions". See, that was actually pretty easy. Here's another: "An impeached president would not have been my husband."
And let's try one more: "I would not have voted for an illegal war."

Concerned Voter   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

to Jane….You think Clinton's comments on her Bosnia trip are the same as Obama's pastor. Her record has been under scritiny for years and it speaks for itself. Net, she was in Bosnia….gun fire or no gun fire. There is no comparison.

Obama is not electable. He is an agent of hate and racism. He had a choice and choose the road of hate. Most politicians would have seen their career end with this sort of thing. Obama should be held to the same standards.

Gail   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I certainly hope this doesn't go away. It needs to be out in the open so we can understand what Obama has been doing for the past 20 years.

Oops. Will stay in moderation CNN. not nice enough?

Rich in Seattle   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

I thought she only worshiped money and power?

ledel   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Clinton is now just absolutely pathetic ! She can't even tell the truth about her trip to Bosnia. Her misspeak was an outright lie.How can she say what she would have done if she were in Wright's church ? There are photos of Bill with Pastor Wright . Bill must have thought he was generally an ok guy. I'll never vote for McCain, but I would have to hold my nose to vote for Hillary. Please America don't force that choice on me

Roz, IL   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

way to deflect the attention from yourself hill, you've had 2 weeks to comment on the wright issue but picked today to respond…….hmmm

to you hillbilly supports that's still harping and yammering on the wright issue, move on or go to fox or msnbc(morning Joe) where your bigotry and ignorance can be appreciated.

John   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

liar liar billary camps on fire, can't tell the truth, can't wait for the roof to fall in on you.

Pete, Fla.   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Barack left himself wide open by not disowning the reverend. It was a clean and perfect swipe from the Clinton campaign. If the media attacks her for it, then they are down-right hypocrits, since they're the ones who have blown up this scandal.

Dave   March 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

It's kind of like Obama sying his parents met at a civil rights march that happened four years after he was born.

Ben   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Lies Lies Lies YEAH! She voted for the Iraq invasion because she knew she was running for president and need it to look ?tuff? SHE stayed with slick willie after Jennifer flowers, paula jones and others because she wanted the senate seat so she could run for president later!! she is that calculating and scheming, she was willing to sacrifice her integrity and her pride for the sake of political power! 35 years of service to the nation my as*!!Billary Has done nothing for anyone besides themselves is all about having power not our great nation!

Shirley   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

After all Hillary's lies have caught up with her, she's trying to change the subject.

First we had the "resume padding" involving the Irish peace settlement, Then it was the NAFTA lies. Then the Family Leave Act. Now the Bosnia lies. Since when is a lie a "misspeak".

If I were Hillary (God forbid), I'd be trying to change the subject, too.

gary   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

ALL you woman ,I should say children should be proud to see a woman president ,instead of slamming her.If HRC dosnt get elected because of jealous woman ,there wont be another chance for a woman to be equal as a Leader.All you Clinton haters,it will backfire on you.What goes around comes around.

Redmerski   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Obviously, Fox News is biased and sensational. Why should CNN have to follow suit. What's the big deal about Hillary giving a very measured response to questions from O'Bama's pastor. If the questions weren't asked, there would have been no response from her about the situation. Get back to the solid reporting that CNN should be noted for…the campaign is not about you or trying to produce a sensational controversy.

Karen   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Obama supporters are now taking the kool-aid by IV. She was asked about the racist Wright over and over. So-called journalists can't get off the subject, they, just like CNN are obsessed by it. She is asked about him multiple times at every opportunity. If Obama didn't want the creep brought up, he should have left the church, but he agrees with Wright so why would he. Ick.

By the way, if Obama wanted the race issue to die down, why did he say 'typical white person' and send a picture of Wright to the newspaper. He's not only sleazy, he's a moron.

derrick   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

CNN I know you will never post this:

My question to Hilary and her supporters are:

1) What church has Hilary been attending the past 20 years.

2) Did she attend church every Sunday, Monthly or Annually?

3) How much tithes has she paid to her Church?…the bibke says 1/10 th of your earnigs.

4) Has she heard all sermons her Pastor preached the past 20 years?

5) Can she quote a verse from the Bible that speaks about truth?

P Graber   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

You go girl. You're the best.

Getreal   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

We need to get to the issue. Which church people want to go is their option.
Be smart and get to the point.

MotownMusicLvr   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I am sooooooooooo sick of Hillary Clinton. Today she said "Rev. Wright" couldn't have been her pastor. She said you can't pick your family but you can pick your pastor. Well she has her nerve. Bill has cheated on her repeatedly throughout their marriage……..and she has stayed. And you "can" pick a husband. and choose to divorce him for disrespecting you and breaking their vows to each other. She gets on my nerves. She is such a hypocrite and a liar.

Gary in Toronto   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

I'm sure equating Rev. Wright with Don Imus is going to come back and bite her on the a@#.

Really, how much courage did it take to pile onto Don Imus? What Obama did in denouncing the remarks but not the man in his memorable speech - that took courage.

I was struck by the difference in the remarks that Tuesday with Obama's speech on the one hand and Clinton letting us know that issues of race in America were "complicated" and "important". Sheesh…

Phillip   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

It's amazing to me that she would even dare bring this up and then they all wonder how people turn against her for playing the race card??

One thing you all have to know about Hillary: it's only a valid attack if it's proactive; if someone calls her out, like today with these Bosnia lies, it's an attack on her because she's a woman, or it's unfair media coverage. This is the kind of Presidency this woman would bring to the White House. America has to decide if it is ready to go back to the 90s on that one.

I think it's time for us all to move forward. The Clintons have had their time. It's now time for something new.

Obama '08

Ernie   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Hahaha. C'mon Hillary. Get them straws.

I suppose it was inevitable. She needs to keep reminding the people of Obama's negative points so as to keep him "unelectable." Never mind that she was caught in a bold-faced lie last night that would make her even more unelectable and is now in full damage control.

"So I lied. But my Pastor is nicer than his!"

Dekonti   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Why didn't Hillary leave Bill who is a seriel liar? We don't choose our children but we surely choose our husband or wife.

Don't we Hillary?

R. Sherwood   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Look, you can put all those rosi words to her comments. That want change anything. SHE LIED.

Independant   March 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

How many things can you think of that the Clintons have done and you would not do???

Mary in Belltown, WA   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Clinton: Wright "would not have been my pastor."
Me: "Bill Clinton would not have been my husband."

DONALD E. WHEATLEY   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I THINK IT IS TIME TO LET CNN KNOW THAT BARAK OBAMA DID CAMPAIGN IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA. IT CAME OUT ON CABLE TV AND WAS SEEN BY THOUSANDS. SINE IT WAS HE(OBAMA) THAT DID THE CAMPAIGNING, IT SEEMS HE IS TAKING THE COWARDS WAY OUT BY NOT WANTING THE VOTES TO COUNT. HIS NAME WAS ON T HE TICKET, BUT FLORIDA DID NOT WANT HIM.. HE SAYS THAT THE VOTES SHOULD COUNT BUT KNOWING THQT THEY DID NOT WANT HIM, HE HAS CHANGED HIS MIND ABOUT GETTING THE VOTES COUNTED. ONE OTHR THING HOW DID HE GET 55 MILLION DOLLARS IN FEB? WHO WAS HIS DONORS. I KNOW FOR A FACT THATTHE YOUNG PEOPLE DID NOT GIVE HIM THE MONEY EVERY DAY, SO HOW MUCH OF HIS 5 MILLION CAME FROM HIS BACKER OPREY. OR DO YOU HAVE THE GUTS TO CHECK INTO THIS ????

Jack   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

How is that a swipe? She was asked the question and gave her answer. What's wrong with that? I'm sure if it was her pastor who made those outragious comments the media and Obama would not have stopped talking about it. And another thing to all those who keep saying she stayed with her husband after he cheated on her I have one question…don't you all believe in your marriage vows? For better and for worse? Through sickness and in health? What happened to the sanctity of marriage? It proves she's committal to what she believes in and will fight for what she believes in and that was her marriage. Don't see anything wrong with that!

Crazy??   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Anyone bring up the point that rev Wright was right on most of the snippets? I here alot and I mean alot of the opposite point of view. So maybe i'll play the devils advocate. Our involvement in middle eastern affairs in the 80's and 90's grew sour and "those chickens came home".

Its also entirely true that the wealthy and connected control the actions of the govt. (lobbyists etc.) Even in the simplest of examples we still see pregidous in our daily lives. (clinching purse) The only issue that was extreme was the hiv comments. In my opinion everything he said other than that was on the money.

We seem to think that we can do no wrong, and the older generation refuses to accept anything other than the vision of America as "innocent champions of freedom". This is not the case.

I highly doubt my comment gets posted. I'm afraid that my speech will be censored to maintain the attitude mentioned above. I do see alot of spiteful questionable posts so It would be a shame that my harmless comments concerning a such a volitile topic are not posted.

"Typical white guy" for Obama 08.

PhilT   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Google Hillary and the fellowship to learn about the Senator's religious affiliation. She can easily say now "I think given all we have heard and seen, he would not have been my pastor,"

Sort of like "If I had known then what I know now".. Hindsight is 20/20.
It's about all she seems to have as far as judgment goes.

Phil T.
NH

Brian   March 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Every day she speaks she makes the Democratic party look bad.

Constance   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Enough already. Everyone wants Obama to speak for his former Pastor, but that's wrong. People are acting like Obama was Wright's mouth! He is not that man's mouth! So stop expecting him to answer for something someone else said. I swear this is so stupid, and it's doing nothing but hurting our party. The Republicans are just sitting back laughing. While we were nearly getting over the last two weeks, Clinton could not resist the urge to add fuel to an almost burned out fire. I'm understanding this "win at any cost" method now Hillary. What a shame. She's not thinking about my future or other people in my generation (Teens, 20's and 30's), she's thinking about herself.

pgb   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Why did no one ask her in the press conference why she and her husband invited the same Rev Wright to a White House meeting along with many other religioius leaders

allen   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

leave it to the democrats to lose in a year when they should win. HRC is a good woman and if she is the nominee (which should not happen) i will support her because I AM A DEMOCRAT. however, her attacks on Obama today really surprised me. i thought she was better than that. i guess when the press starts focusing on you, you have to change to subject. I don't agree with the repubs on everything, but the one thing i love about them is that they don't destroy their own and that is what democrats have been doing from Geraldine farrero to Tony McPeek.
HRC i am really ashamed of you with this one!

Betty N. Brown   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Obamas choice to stay in that church and subject his children to that racism and to keep the hate going tells me all i need to know.

Jay   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

So Hillary spread the truth a little…Obama LIED about not being at his Church when his Pastor spoke hateful words, then in his "Speech" he said he was there. THEN he lied about NAFTA and Talking to Canada.

OBAMA NEEDS TO DROP OUT. THIS TYPICAL WHITE PERSON WILL NEVER VOTE FOR HIM!!

Russ   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Nice to see CNN advancing another non-story. Also great to see them have a news story about Clinton's Bosnia incident, yet they creatively managed to include Obama in on the story.

Oh well.

Kim, KY   March 25th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

She was asked the question and she answered it. Do you think Obama wouldn't have answered the question…he wouldn't have waited to be asked, he would have commented immediately. I think it was very big of Hillary not to get in this mess before hand but now I don't blame her for commenting given all that Obama's camp has said about her over the last few days. I really hate what's happening to the Dem party but I am so sick of hearing how "negative" Hillary's camp is when it's Obama's camp that is saying the most mean, negative and totally irrelevant comments imaginable, ie. "blue dress". It's getting ridiculous but it seems Hillary always gets the blame…but she's a tough lady she can handle it…I just wonder if Obama can handle what the GOP will throw at him this fall if he does manage to get the nomination…Can anybody answer why he wouldn't accept a total revote in CA & MI??? What's he afraid of?

Optixmom   March 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

My brother and sister-in-law left their synagogue because their Rabbi was using hateful language about Muslims and Christians during some of their worship services. They felt deep disappointment that anyone representing a congregation of worshipers would denigrate anyone for any reason. My immediate family is Episcopalian and both my brother's and my family believe we go to Church or Temple to worship God, and to learn forgiveness, learn to see past differences, and work toward a common good. They didn't want their children exposed to hateful language, so they left. It was not an easy change, but it was a necessary one.

I don't understand why anyone would deliberately subject their children to teachings of hate, especially at Church. I had reservations on Obama's leadership skills from the beginning, and this set of events with his Pastor only adds more reservations for his judgment and parenting skills.

Artola   March 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

She is an opportunist. This was an opportunity to shift the negative attention off of her and onto Obama. If you cannot see that then you are as blind as a bat! She stayed with Bill, because she knew she wanted this opportunity to be president. Who is her pastor? How often does she attend church? Where ever she's going I hope the pastor does a sermon on one of the commandments she's seems to be slipping on - Thou Shalt Not Lie. What the heck is all this business about "misspoke?" She LIED!!! Call it like it is. She told the same lie twice with a big grin and a giggle to go with it. If you people vote in this woman - then "shame on you" for being so blind!

Lastly, I really wish the newscasters would be a little more truthful. Obama did not sit in that church for 20 years listening to Wright preach like that Sunday after Sunday. There is no way that church would have grown to that size and reputation with him preaching that way for 20 years. He was invited to the white house by BILL CLINTON to a prayer breakfast! His horrible sermons are only within the last few 2 or 3 years at which time Obama wasn't even regulary attending. Is there any honesty in politics?

vjh   March 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

To Gary, you posted "ALL you woman ,I should say children should be proud to see a woman president ,instead of slamming her.If HRC dosnt get elected because of jealous woman ,there wont be another chance for a woman to be equal as a Leader.All you Clinton haters,it will backfire on you.What goes around comes around." I am a Dem women who would love nothing more to see a women as a Pres, especially having a daughter of my own. However, Hillary is not 'the' women. She stands by a cheating, lying husband, what kind of role model is she for her daughter ? If there is any backfiring to be had, it won't be towards me or any other women not voting for HRC, it will be towards HRC herself.

j. quinn   March 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

The funny thing is that Rev. Jeremiah Wright was a staunch support and friend of the Clintons during their earlier campaign, until the Clintons seemed to have fallen short fo their promises..

Sayrah   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Hillary is hurting herself and the party with many, many supporters by keeping such controversies going. She is certainly acting like a monster. I would never trust her. I think voters are now attune to her act when she puts on her pitiful face.

Matthew   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Transparent political games or not, Hillary is speaking the truth on this one. Obama's "eloquent" speech means nothing if he refuses to take a stand here. He cannot have it both ways. The fact is, there ar eany number of churches he could be attending. Why this one?

Ted   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

This is getting old. Hillary Clinton really is not in a position to lecture anyone on questionable alliances. By the way, where are those tax returns?

HomoSapien   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

CNN - she is trying to distract you from the sniper fire story and you are biting. Where are all the real journalists??

This Wright issue is dead.

She LIED about Bosnia. Multiple times. It was not a "misspoken" phrase. It was a prepared speech!

A well planned lie.

PA   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

She did not just answer a question!!

She talked about this BEFORE being asked a question!

She said this earlier today in a prepared speech!

She brought this up to change the subject from her lies!!

Don't let her change the subject CNN!

Dobalina   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

To those who continue to insist Obama is an agent of racism: are you really that mis-informed? Are you just trying to provoke a reaction of sorts?

The undisputible fact is that Obama shares both white and black genes - as the majority of the planet does. Do you suggest that Obama abhorrs himself and the family that raised him?

You are obviously referring to Wright's comments. I urge you to look closely at what wright says. Not once does he make derogatory remarks about people of any race. What he does do is suggest that white people manipulated black people for their own selfish gain - which is also a fact that cannot be disputed. The way in which this was carried out is the part that's in question - and I'm not sure that he's really that far off.

Concerning America. I will go further than the reverends statements by saying that on September 11th I was approached by a U.S. Marine. I voiced my opinion to him that America has reeped what it has sewn - much to his dismay. This is not anti-American, or upatriotic. As a person that has lived all around the world, I gained this view by understanding the policies that America has enacted throughout its history concerning foreign policy. After all, it was the United States that initiated that first "Sept. 11th" - Hiroshima. To quote a silly song - that really is quite serious "freedom is not free, it costs a hefty f-ing fee". And sometimes the creditors come calling.

Lee   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Well frankly, I wouldn't have sex in our nation's Oval Office. And I wouldn't be married to a man who cheated on me with someone in the Oval Office, and then publicly lied about it. I wouldn't be married to a man who humiliated me on the world stage. I wouldn't lie about my role in NAFTA. I wouldn't lie about myself and my child being in the line of sniper gunfire, just to gain a vote. So, frankly I'm quite relieved that Hillary and I go to different churches, because I'm extremely uncomfortable lying. And clearly, she is quite comfortable with it. The Clintons are a match made in heaven–both pathological liars who will say anything to get what they feel they are entitled to.

S callahan   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I took the time to listen to Trinity's Church's web site recordings of Rev. Wrights sermons, and frankly if you listened to the whole thing you can put all that was said in context and reflect that the whole sermon was not a hate sermon. Perhaps Hillary hasn't gone to Utube lately. I would strongly suggest she does because she is speaking without the full knowledge of Rev. Wrights sermon. The fact is, perhaps it's time for confession because in the book i read though shall not lie or bear false wittness.

jess   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

cnn, please write about hillary about 'the family'

Bill Turcottte   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

All you guys ( I mean Guys ) at CNN do is pick on Hillary . She was asked a direct question and she anwser it . CNN needs to get off its high horse and start talking about Obama and Hillary view on the war , the housing market ect .. Can CNN not figure out a way to make the hard questions sexy . It seems all CNN can do bring up cheap gossippy news .

Sarah, Upstate NY   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Oh, please. Both Hillary and Bill know Rev. Wright very well, and there are numerous pictures of Rev. Wright visiting the Clinton White House and sitting next to Mrs. Clinton at a prayer breakfast and so forth.

This issue should be over and done with. For her to be using a relationship between Obama and the reverend to further her own ends, when SHE also knows the reverend quite well, is pretty disingenuous.

Means and Ends   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I can't believe she was able to even answer the editorial board questions, what with all the incoming sniper fire, mortar shells,and Bosnian special forces gunning for her. Man, she is one brave person.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

This is one of the few things I can agree with the lady on.

Rev. Wright–and his ethnocentric (rascist) twist on christianity demonstrates a whole new view for white people of how segregation by choice–is a chosen path for thousands of America's blacks.

Who's prejudiced–not us white guys.

pat mcdevitt   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Why does cnn give Hillary Clinton so much air time? Compared to Barack Obama and John McCain, there just doesn't seem to be a balance. If Hillary is not speaking, her picture is in the background. Does Hillary's campaign pay cnn for this coverage?
Thank you.
Pat

Trina   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Obviously trying to distract the public from focusing on her blatant lie about "Sniper fire." Additionally, an attempt to distract the public from focusing on her reluctance to release her tax returns after Senator Obama has released his. Shame on you Hilary. This smacks of desperation!

jim   March 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

wow, deflect any questions about her sniper meltdown to the tried and true days of Wright. She really shouldn't get into the argument of pastors as her's isn't the model of consistency either. Remember when this campaign was about issues?

John Colson   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

It is what it is now let's move on. Many more issues to address than this crap. Obama stays with his church, Hillary stays with Bill. What about my dwindling money accounts, my dropping retirement funds, the costly war, fraud in government, unregulated greed, incompetent officials and hey, what about the borders, man!?

Alonzo - AZ   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Kim, KY:
Actually it is FL & MI. Why would he? She agreed to the same thing he did 18 months ago. Why now, after she needs the votes/delegates does this issue see the light of day. If she was so concerned about "disenfranchising" the voters she should have spoken up when the issue was addressed 18 months ago by the DNC. How convenient that she now levies accusations at Obama. I'm an independent and I look at these "issues" through those eyes. I'm not hear anything substantive about the real issues that are facing this country from any of the candidates. Let's move on.

rl   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

DERRICK you are getting a little too personal. Which person should be the first to throw a stone???????Mirrors are made to take a good long look at yourself, your lives and if you need to compare your life with anyone then I want to know where in the bible it states that when Jesus dies HE LEFT YOU IN CHARGE???????????Like it is said your tongue is your greatest downfall. Point at people with one finger but take a look at your hand three fingers point straight back to YOU! THIS IS SOMETHING I LEARNED FROM MY PASTOR. THANK GOD HE DOES NOT POINT HIS FINGER BUNCH OF FOOLS!!!!!!!

N.C.   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Party's equivalent of the bubonic plague. When will it end??? Oh, the humanity…

Electioncenter   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Oh Hillary, do you really want to start to talk about morals now, its a slippery slope.

Obama/Richardson 08   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Do anything to keep your head above water right Clinton? Fact is your poll numbers are tumbling. Obama has a 24 point lead in NC now…and your PA lead is down to 10. Drop out now you have no chance!

Bob Purdy   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Philandering Bill would not have been my choice for a husband either, if I were a woman.

susan faber   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

voet 100000000 clintons

susan faber

piecrust   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Hillary Lied? what about Obama? He's a blatant liar!!!!

Debby58   March 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Obviously Hillary Clinton is trying to divert attention from her 'mistatement, i.e, lie' and her lack of transparency on her tax returns. Until this election season, I never knew Clintons could resort to such opportunistic tactics to win the nomination! This is disgusting and there is no way for me to support her ever for presidency.

Chris   March 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Bill and Hillary= Dysfunction Junction.

chrarles   March 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET