April 13, 2008
Posted: 08:30 PM ET

From
Sen. Clinton wasted no time Sunday night before again criticizing Sen. Obama for his recent remarks about small town America.
Sen. Clinton wasted no time Sunday night before again criticizing Sen. Obama for his recent remarks about small town America.

GRANTHAM, Pennsylvania (CNN) — Minutes after Barack Obama tore into Hillary Clinton for criticizing his comments about some small-town Americans, the New York senator said again Sunday that those remarks about some could be seen as “elitist” and “patronizing.”

"But from my perspective the characterization of people in a way that really seemed to be elitist and out of touch is really something that we have to overcome," Clinton said at the Compassion Forum, airing on CNN.

"The Democratic Party, to be very blunt about it, has been viewed as a party that didn't understand and respect the values and the way of life of many of our fellow Americans," she said, adding that the fact that the comments came at a “closed door fundraiser in San Francisco” helped reinforce that impression.

She said that Obama was a good man, but compared him to unsuccessful Democratic candidates Al Gore and John Kerry.

"We had two very good men, and men of faith, run for president in 2000 and 2004. But large segments of the electorate concluded that they did not really understand, or relate to, or frankly respect their ways of life," said Clinton.

–CNN Associate Political Editor Rebecca Sinderbrand

Filed under: Barack Obama • Faith • Hillary Clinton • Pennsylvania


joe   April 14th, 2008 1:41 am ET

Hillary according to Edward Kein's book , THE TRUTH ABOUT HILLARY needs to turn to page 442-43 and read I MADE MY SPEECH AT GOUCHER'S WINTER CONVOCATION from her biography Clinton, LIVING HISTORY. Part of her speech said ….we have a choice how to react. We can be pulled down by these disappointments, or we can be made BITTER and angry. But then , we are the losers….. Hillary has taken her own choice of words and turned them on Obama. Obama may of called us bitter but he never called us losers.

Lyz in Maryland   April 14th, 2008 1:40 am ET

Translation:
Obama: People are angry ("bitter") and they have good reason to be.
Clinton: How dare you call them angry ("bitter")?!

The whole thing is ridiculous. Why are you treating this obviously desperate ploy like it's a real story?

mitch from ark.   April 14th, 2008 1:40 am ET

HERE COMES THE KITCHEN SINK!"I WILL FIGHT",ALL THE LIES,BEHIND DOORS TRADE DEALS,ATTACKING ANOTHER DEMOCRAT[AND HIS SUPPORTERS],FOR TELLING THE TRUTH?SHE WILL LOSE THIS NOMINATION,OBAMA WILL WIN,BECAUSE SHE IS TOO NEGATIVE AND INCAPABLE OF BEING HONEST.IF SHE HAD ONLY HAD THE GUTS TO SAY WHAT BARACK SAID,ALL ALONG,SHE MAY HAVE HAD A CHANCE.I'D RATHER RIGHT-IN RON PAUL,THAN THAN THE CLINTONS.AT LEAST,HE RECOGNIZES THE NEED FOR CHANGE IN THIS NATION.

DSG, Lakeland   April 14th, 2008 1:37 am ET

HRC gives a new definition to the word "SPINSTER". Hilliary, please stop with the diversions from your campaigns spinning. You know exactly what Sen. Barack was talking about when he spoke about people being bitter about the way the government has things going. You will do anything to be the first woman president, so you can make history. I used to think that you would be a good president back in the day, but now I see that you aren't even a good person, with all the lies and spinining, etc. You are just a rich old lady who enjoys power and want to make history. Oh, and by the way, tell Bill to sit his ole butt down somewhere and take your partner McSame with him.

Doreen Adams   April 14th, 2008 1:33 am ET

Why is religion being discussed at all? Is everyone forgetting there is supposed to be Separation of church & state. I prefer to have a friend who did not believe in the supernatural, but if a president is capable of keeping his or her supernatural beliefs out of the presidency, that's fine. Why are both of these candidates talking about the biblical character of god as though it were a good doer? Are they forgetting that the bible contains more violence than any other book written - even "In Cold Blood"? Come on, people! The biblical god wanted to kill everyone in the floods, kill the firstborn, and it goes on and on! This is the same biblical character whom people like Hillary and Obama believe in and claim the character as loving them unconditionally! Richard Dawkins has more sense than any of the candidates. Richard, wanna run!?

linda in illinois   April 14th, 2008 1:32 am ET

please OBAMA an elitist??? Are you kidding. Obama grandmother
was poor on food stamps,depended on the church and friends at one time in her life. She worked hard and instilled MORALS AND VALUES
in her grandson. He worked hard to get into HARVARD. That should be something to be PROUD of. How DARE CLINTON try to demean
that. CLINTONS MADE MILLIONS off of us white catholic union workers. CLINTON IS THE ELITIST…. now she's drinking with "the common people" She has millions but STILL has NOT PAID those
common workers ACROSS this country that she used for her campaign…..SHE MAKES ME SICK

Ray Ito   April 14th, 2008 1:27 am ET

Hillary's casting Al Gore in a negative light is it because she and her husband unsuccessfully tried to woo him to endorse her but he refused?

This "bitter" comment that she's blowing out of proportion will backfire. If she's wise she'll quickly drop it. Campaign environments are very dynamic - they change so fast.

fanObama,ok   April 14th, 2008 1:26 am ET

after mouthing words all weekend about the bitter comment, when hilliary was asked she said "sen. Obama gonna have to explain that for himself". this woman is always playing unfair politics. she is so pathetic. i appreciate Campbell Brown for forcing her to speak about. Obama always takes the high road. when they blundered last week he never spoke about.

Lisa   April 14th, 2008 1:26 am ET

Geez, she sounds bitter….

angel   April 14th, 2008 1:25 am ET

I never was so tired in my life listening to Hillary…she sounded so cocky,very calculating not to lose a vote.It doesn't take a genius to know the things behind her lines. WHAT'S ACTUALLY TRUE AND REAL IN THIS WOMAN?

CREDIBILITY is now the true and real issue with H….Leave now Hillary,please….Move on,will you?

Tom A   April 14th, 2008 1:24 am ET

The amazing thing about this story is the fact that one could actully state that he "mis-spoke." Clinton is such a hypocrite.

Kai Tamara Hare   April 14th, 2008 1:22 am ET

Our country has benefited from great leadership from both political parties. We have, however, come far afield from our Founding Fathers intent on separation of church and state where candidates for presidency must now take a vivid position on religion. We have forgotten Tocqueville's warning "religions should be more careful to confine themselves to a proper sphere, for if they wish to extend themselves beyond spiritiual matters, they run the risk of not being believed at all" ; we now find ourselve in the tug of war between religious militants which demand and impose their religious convictions on our nation "masquarading political agenda in a veneer of spirituality". We are a spiritual nation but our great strength in government is toleration of many faiths and to keep our religious leaders out of politics: The late Father Robert Drinan stepped down from politics, Former President Richard Nixon appealed to the late Billy Graham to not support any presidential candidate. Just look at Iran if one were to allow clergyman to lead a nation. If there is a direction our country needs to go, that is to renew our country's basic precepts.

Same of moaning/   April 14th, 2008 1:21 am ET

To listen to her pee and moan about some one else is sickning/ Would rather she talk about why we should vote for her. This would
be a welcome change on the campain trail. If is all she has is negativeizm, we can't use her to lead any place in this country.
Time for her to get her carpetbag out again and hit the trail.

Delaware   April 14th, 2008 1:20 am ET

What Obama meant is all the lies that Candidates like Hillary is telling us during campaign and when they get elected they forget about us. He was was talking about the old Washington way that people are fed up with. Do not negotiate trade with Columbia and when we find out you tell us you were opposed it. This is what people are bitter against the lies the fake promises. Not because you told us that you were opposed the trade deal with Columbia does not mean we believe you. Hillary is telling us that she is experience has she been president before? No! Neither is McCain and Obama. We need a trustworthy president with good judgment not Hillary. She told us lies about Bosnia and Columbia enough is enough.

chris   April 14th, 2008 1:18 am ET

Bye bye Obama

Go Hillary Go!

Jon, Los Angeles   April 14th, 2008 1:18 am ET

No, No, No, Hillary has been twisting what Obama said. This lady can lie to her teeth! I never thought I would dislike this woman called Hillary Clinton.

I regret ever voting for the Clintons. If I could take my vote back I would. Voters in Pennsylvania should vote wisely unlike me and vote for Obama.
He is the right person for the highest office of the land.

April in Texas   April 14th, 2008 1:15 am ET

I am curious and noticed that first she claimed why do I always get chosen to go first and today she chose to go first, I dont get it. Also it seemed that Obama received much more clapping and where she just walked up to the stage he shook hands on his way down. Her responses seemed to be alot about her though and avoided many subjects where as Obama addressed them as directly as he answers all questions. I hope those in doubt are satisfied as he answered the questions.

Obama 08

Anonymous   April 14th, 2008 1:14 am ET

Obama's "bitter" comment sounded like a clear belief that economic hardtimes tempts us to become gun totting religious anti-immigration bigots. Tonight he "misconstruded" his own words. He wasn't straight with us, and dodged his own prejudices.

Rob   April 14th, 2008 1:14 am ET

Do Bill and Hillary go to the same church as Monique Lewinsky?

Tilson Kephas   April 14th, 2008 1:13 am ET

In view of the political campaign, I for one see that we can not convince everyone without them knowing what we are made of. We have to learn to earn everyone's trust and respect by delivering the words of truth and doing the acts of truth. The mirror is not our exact image but what's in us is what needs to be revealed…. for talking and acting are two different perspectives. While these two perspectives compliment each other, it discloses the real one.

Malem, Federated States of Micronesia.

BNS   April 14th, 2008 1:10 am ET

Hillary needs to be quiet and let this issue drop off the radar.

The Democratic nominee cannot afford to be seen as somebody who cannot take the heat, so why is she turning up the fire?

The Democratic nominee cannot afford to be criticized in this way, so why is she still talking about it?

LEAVE OBAMA ALONE!!! Hillary, you are messing up this party by continuously bringing to light this guy's faults! Can't we just move on and elect the man and get it over with?

If Hillary continues this kind of stuff, then we will see Obama for what he truly is BEFORE the general election in November!

WE CAN'T HAVE THAT!

So — SHUT UP, HILLARY!!!

Kat, PA   April 14th, 2008 1:08 am ET

Said the pot to the kettle…

As a rural northeast PA voter, I can tell you people are bitter here. People claim they want an honest politician, but when they get one the others throw the kitchen sink at him.

Z, St. Louis   April 14th, 2008 1:06 am ET

If anyone knows bitterness it's that cackling shrew.She thought she
could basicly just walk right into the White House because of
who she was.She's bitter because not everyone will kow tow to
her.She's blatently angry with her own party for allowing someone
to challenger her and now she's even more angry that her party wouldn't
change the rules to suit her so she could win or at least save face to
loose less badly.

For the record, I think political parties are uselss entities and neither
party is worth voting for..I choose NONE OF THE ABOVE…

Rick / Denver, CO   April 14th, 2008 1:03 am ET

Clinton….with this level of stupidity and immaturity that you exhibit in your campain, you're becoming a disgrace to the Dem. party.

Instead of mainpulating words and speeches of others, answer the question that CNN asked you a few days ago about the $800,000 you pocketed from the trade lobbiests. I thought you'll be someone different…someone with strength and credibility, but you proved me that I had the wrong choice….I thank you for showing your true side…your side of disgrace and being such a low and shallow person…

What's next for you?….outsourcing NASA and DoD to China? Or moving the Fed. Reserve to Columbia?

No wonder you never make sense cause you're never sober…not even at 10AM…ooops, hope we are not in Bosina right now….

Michael G- Ventura, CA   April 14th, 2008 1:00 am ET

Hillary needs some R&R. Apparently she is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress that incurred while dodging bullets in Bosnia.
This is just another example of "win by whatever means".
I suggest that her R&R begin NOW…
She is a disgrace to the Democratic Party.
Shame on you Hillary!

Jose Francisco   April 14th, 2008 12:55 am ET

I'm sorry but Mrs. Clinton seems disingenuous, elitist, dull, lame, condescending, and unabashedly pandering when she speaks to groups in more natural free flowing setting whether in CA, TX, OH, PA, etc. And this is to all U.S.A.er of any and all skin colors.

Too many of her attacks and so called issues contrasts and campaign statements have sour and bitter as main ingredients. She's simply too petty and maniacally opportunistic.

Christian   April 14th, 2008 12:53 am ET

Hillary has already lost this election. She will not go into the convention with more votes, states, or delegates and as such Obama will take the majority of the superdelegates and win the nomination.

All this is doing is hurting the party's chances in November. Read Obama's comment and think about what he's saying. It's neither controversial or false; it's the truth. Hillary's petty politics are a shame.

George from Minneapolis   April 14th, 2008 12:48 am ET

It was very refreshing to watch the forum. Obama was brillant. He did not take the easy way out like Hillary. He gave answers that may have not been the safest answers. I appreciate a person who is honest. It was VERY OBVIOUS that Obama was speaking from the heart while Hillary was very measured, making sure she gave the safe answer.

Obama looked and sounded like the next president of the united states.

If you ask Obama a direct question you get a direct answer. If you ask Hillary a direct question you get a response that insults my intelligence. blah, blah, blah.

Obama is the most HONEST politician I have ever seen.. Just what America needs. If you want someone to tell you what you want to hear, what may make you feel good, vote for Hillary. If you want someone to be honest with you, regardless of how it makes you feel, vote for Obama.

ITS VERY SIMPLE

larry   April 14th, 2008 12:47 am ET

Oh, how the truth hurts,Obama shows his true colors!!!!
HILLARY 08

Edith Stafford   April 14th, 2008 12:46 am ET

Hillary Clinton is a sore loser she needs to lay off on Barack Obama especially on the "bitter issue" she is trying to distract attention from her elitis sniper fire lie and the tons of money her husband Bill has made from speeches promoting NAFTA . Pennslyvanian should vote for Barack Obama he feel and understand what pain and suffering they are going through from what NAFTA has brought to them. Hillary and Bill feel the riches from NAFTA. GO OBAMA 08

JANE--FLORIDA   April 14th, 2008 12:46 am ET

HRC is wicked. How dare she make the statement about the feeling of the Holy Spirit. I'm glad God is forgiving and merciful because she should have been struck down for that lie. God also says that we are to love our brothers and sisters. He says how can we say that we love him when we have not seen him but can't love our brothers/sisters who we can see?

Obviously, no one from that school had Bible versus 101. I would have loved to have seen her face if someone had posed that question? Talk about cat who swallowed the canary look!!!

dee rathersome   April 14th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Hillary should stop using her constant victim angle and present her politics in a true and effective manner. No wonder she'll never be the front runner. The american people are not as gullible as she thinks.

Don't forget, check out youtube, the shocking video hillary clinton doesn't want anyone to see. It's very informative.

frank O   April 14th, 2008 12:45 am ET

Dear Hillary, American people are more worried about your comments rather than Obama's characterization of a group of people in PA.
Let us just break down some of the things you have said Hillary:

Hillary: " I am against NAFTA". Lie
Hillary: "I ducked snapper fire in Bosnia". Lie
Hillary: "I met a pregnant women who died for lack of treatment". Lie
Hillary: " I am against Columbian trade deal". Lie

Obama, characterized a certain group of people which is actually true in many ways. He did not lie. No, unlike the Clintons, Obama did NOT lie.

Zak   April 14th, 2008 12:44 am ET

Hillary Clinton will deliver just the same thing others have done. If America wants to CHANGE then Hillary is NOT the candidate. She seems to me a "me too" person.

Fred   April 14th, 2008 12:44 am ET

She and Bill are bought and paid for by Columbia for NAFTA.

Ken   April 14th, 2008 12:44 am ET

For Hillary to infer that Al Gore wasn't elected because Americans viewed him as elitist is unfathomable. Al Gore would be President today if Bill Clinton hadn't perjured himself–torpedoing the Democrats election chances in the process. Her husband owns the Democrats failure to maintain the White House–just like Hillary owns the Clintons' failure to deliver on their health care promise during his two terms and now she wants people to believe she can deliver when she's President–what she failed to do when her husband placed her in charge of solving the problem under his administration. The result will be the same the second time around if Americans are naive enough to trust her to solve our health crisis.

melisa   April 14th, 2008 12:43 am ET

she right things and just patien okay cnn

dee rathersome   April 14th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Hillary Clinton is again grasping at straws regarding her so-called concern for americans and their way of life. She taunts the validity of Obama by pointing out a "comment" she said, and yet, she misspoke,
missjudged, and out right lied about many things in and concerning her political life and aspirations. I find it hard to believe that no one has mentioned the suit Peter Paul filed against Hillary Clinton, in April 2006, regarding the largest election fraud case in the U.S. This case is proceeding in a Clalfornia court. Facts and accusations have been reported about the charges on MSNBC, Fox News and the Washington News. John Arman, a Constitutional Law Specialist, stated that this case directed showed the extent the Clintons will go to undermind the case presented against them . However, FEC laws deem it a felony it exceeded 1.2 million in campaign contibutions.
Peter Paul further explains his charges on youtube. The shocking Video Hillary Does Not Want you to See Part 1 & 2. Again, I cannot understand why the public has not been appraised about this case.

Nicha   April 14th, 2008 12:42 am ET

CNN stop playing into this so called "bitter" issue with Hillary Clinton. I am a CNN fan and will no longer be if you, CNN, continue to harp on this issue. It's no issue. It's the truth!! People are bitter and upset and if it doesn't apply to you or anyone else, keep on moving.

Prab   April 14th, 2008 12:41 am ET

She is really desperate right now, she knows that it's impossible for her to win the election, uncless the SD all go to her.

dave   April 14th, 2008 12:41 am ET

well fair is fair….saint barack complains that MS HRC is taking his <> comment out of context and should accept his correction,,,but when mccain says his <>comment was taken out of context, obama does not accept the correction given by mccain,,, so why should anyone accept saint obama"s so-called corection for his very stupid comment???
mccain/condi08!!!

Cris   April 14th, 2008 12:40 am ET

Wow! Is this a sign that Al Gore has given the Clintons a piece of his mind and told them he is gonna support Obama? Else, I don't think her answer would appease Gore in any way now, is there?

Chantel   April 14th, 2008 12:39 am ET

I must say, that Hilliary clinton character is so "Bitter" about…
Her lack in support over the US,
Her inability to keep up with her lies and stories correctly
Her inablilty to keep her husbands mouth shut…or something else,
Her inablity to appeal to young voters like Barack,
Her inability to be the Democratic Presidnetial Nominee.

Since these things are not in her control, I can say that she is very much Bitter, an not just upset!!!

Dorothy   April 14th, 2008 12:38 am ET

I believe Barack and his family are praying for Hillary and Bill. Her elitest comments were far from appropriate at the forum and showed exactly where her spiritual beliefs rest.

What she sees and hears are clear indicators as to what needs to be healed in her.

Dorothy/white/57yr/Alabama

T. Michael Cullen   April 14th, 2008 12:34 am ET

Barack is the one who has recently "misspoke", Hillary flat out lies about many things. Most people at least wait until they are President to start lieing to us.

Amrk   April 14th, 2008 12:33 am ET

ouch! well we know who Gore is going to support. What was she thinking?

Josh, Charlotte, NC   April 14th, 2008 12:26 am ET

WAY TO GO HILLARY, MADAME PRESIDENT!!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! I can't wait to vote for you in the North Carolina primary. You WILL WIN this election!

HILLARY '08!

Sol   April 14th, 2008 12:24 am ET

"But large segments of the electorate concluded that they did not really understand, or relate to, or frankly respect their ways of life," said Clinton" .

…..This lady has some issues …… if she refering to Gore (an undeclared superdelegate) and Kerry both leaders of her own Dem. party.

From Canada   April 14th, 2008 12:24 am ET

I watched the forum and your article isn't quite right, Senator Clinton when asked about Obama's statement answered that she will let Obama speak for himself but she was forced by bias Cambell (she's obviously pro-Obama) to said something about it. Senator Clinton was very professional all the way and stick to the topic. I find Cambell a bit rude and unprofessional.

Daniel Stevens   April 14th, 2008 12:23 am ET

These are the things that make it hard for me to post rationally and not just "fire off an angry post." These are the things that make me just beside myself with angst directed at the Clinton camp. I watched the form and thought that Senator Obama was genuine and explained in perfect clarity this statement. But if you watch the 15 second sound bite they played at the end you would have thought all he said was 'oh sorry'. We the people MUST find a way to kick the media out of this debate so long as they are going to construct the message to keep a controversy going. There really should be a site something like "nosoundbitesuckers.com" that is non partisan and posts the entire statements that the sound bites come from. I know you can almost always find them but it would be nice to have a single place to go.

Incredible   April 14th, 2008 12:22 am ET

Barack Obama is, unfortunately, an ultra double face politician.
He attended a church with a racist, hatefilled pastor who "introduced" him to Christianity, marry him, baptized his children and lectured him about faith and religion for 20 YEARS!
Now while in a closed fund raiser in San Francisco, he uttered the words, "they cling…..to", "they" he says…..I can just see picture him, so suave, looking above people and using his finger as he usually does, perhaps not to that audience, but I can just picture him.
BO and his wife are the biggest opportunists. They are not for real. They are not what AMerica needs. Please America WAKE UP!!!

freddie   April 14th, 2008 12:20 am ET

HRC claims she does not talk down to voters…but she will lie to them til she's blue in the face. I hope she keeps running her mouth on this issue because it will come back to bite her. Talk about an elitist. She has been living in a bubble the last 25 years. She and her husband are so out of touch with what the American people are looking for. Obama was great in the Forum tonight and notice he got a standing ovation when he came out and way…way more applause. This country will be missing out on a one in a lifetime opportunity if this man is not our next president. Go Barack. Annie Oakley…ha ha! Love it!

vli   April 14th, 2008 12:19 am ET

In the Debate tonight…. did Obama just say that the reverend is NOT his Spiritual Advisor….I could of swore he has said in the past that the Reverend was his spiritual advisor?????

Jen in Harrisburg   April 14th, 2008 12:19 am ET

Okay I just finished watching this whole thing and I may have been on the fence before, but I'm not anymore.

Hillary Clinton's answers were outstanding. She was so detailed and thoughtful in each one of her answers.

She spoke from both the heart and the mind and carefully weighing both sides.

I have never seen Senator Clinton this insightful or thoughtful before and I really, really liked her.

I thought Senator Obama was very good too - but his answers were far more on the surface - far more political.

Senator Clinton went far more in depth, more spiritual in her answers.

I would be very proud to see Senator Clinton become President. I have confidence that she will be able to make a difference.

Delaware   April 14th, 2008 12:17 am ET

Columbian trade deal, Bosnia what is next for Clinton trade deal? May be Cuba, Iran, Lybia, Syria, Sudan, Or communist Korea.

Matt   April 14th, 2008 12:15 am ET

Good grief. He was trying to say that the people, not just in PA, but across the country are frustrated and unhappy with the economy and what the government has done. Hillary, you are being so picky it is not even funny. You are rediculous!

Shrimp Barnicles, NY   April 14th, 2008 12:14 am ET

And that silly and foolish talk of the media going against Hillary and giving Obama a free ride should stop today. The media has no respect for anyone. They don't care who you are. They just want to improve their ratings. Right CNN? See I told you. Fox News seem to have been incoporated to run against Obama on the same day he announced his decision to run for president.

yaw   April 14th, 2008 12:13 am ET

so this guy wants to call American voters Bigots due to bitterness and Hillary shouldn't defend the american people what nerve on this guys part. If he was just stating the plight of rural America why is it that this comment came out the way it did at a forum where only rich people were? Obama is insulting you to the same rich people that run the companies that sent your jobs overseas. And once again you have biased CNN say silly things like hillary pounced on it. John King pls act like a journalist not a groupie for Obama and i heard Roland Martin say he was an independent (lmfao) personally i thought he was Obama's blood brother. Sad but now i need to double check ur reportings with u know who b4 cause this medium has become sooo groupie esk.
WHY DO STORIES WITH NEGATIVE COMMENTS ABOUT HILLARY ALLOWED TO REACH ABOUT 600 BUT WHEN PEOPLE CRITIZIZE OBAMA COMMENTS ARE CUT OFF SOMETIME AT ONLY 50. CNN CNN CNN WHY? TOOOO OBVIOUS!!!!!

Juan Grain   April 14th, 2008 12:09 am ET

She knows better.

CL   April 14th, 2008 12:09 am ET

Obama is a good man. I appreciate his faith, words, whatever experience he has, and his intentions. I believe that Hillary is right on on all counts and if I could I'd cast my vote to her. This is not about adamant and rabid bloggers needing so badly to cut their opponents until they bleed profusely.

SC for Hillary   April 14th, 2008 12:09 am ET

Every time Obama open his mouth, he put his foot in it, the same for his wife Michelle, I bet Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, and Tony Rezsko was at that Fundraiser in California where he down right stereotyped those people in Penn., If he really felt that what he was saying was not stereotyping those people, why didn't he say it to their face. Obama is an opportunist who has been in the senate for one hour and think he is ready for prime time, he is far from ready, look who he surrounds himself with, corrupted Rezsko, Terriost Bill Ayers, and married to terriost Michelle who has never been proud of this country,
YES HE WILL not win the general election in November, THE CHICKENS WILL NOT COME HOME TO ROOST FOR HIM IN NOVEMBER.

Larry from LA   April 14th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Hillary put down Al Gore and John Kerry. Do I hear an Al Gore endorsement for Obama coming soon? Hillary the elitist calling Obama an elitist is very funny. Hillary could care less about the American people because it isall about her. Wake up America. Hillary has been giving nothing but clues along the way about what a lying flip flopper she really is.

Shrimp Barnicles, NY   April 14th, 2008 12:07 am ET

Oh my goodness Hillary. She is behaving like a child. It is very apparent that this woman will do anything, say anything to get elected. This whole "bitter" issue is stupid and irrelevant. The Clinton campaign is trying to get milk out of a brick. She thinks the American voters are stupid and can't sort through her silly tricks. See how Obama surges in the polls in Pennsylvania this week leading into next week. Just wait and see.

nazirmo   April 14th, 2008 12:04 am ET

Both candidates took a little turn away from the topic of faith forum and at times where possible turned it into a political debate or perhaps a political forum. Obama towards the end of his session at one point to a question from the audience just went on and on for a long period of time talking about every possible political issues he would take care of as President. The list was endless. I thought when will he stop. It was a faith forum I thought not a political forum. He spoke of the economy , the poverty and you name it. I know that Kerry is backing Obama but did Hillary lost Al Gore's support by her comment as to why she thought he and Kerry were defeated.

dj   April 14th, 2008 12:04 am ET

What a piece of work she is.

Fire Alarm   April 14th, 2008 12:03 am ET

Ok! One Day HRC speaks of wining big states, and how that most qualifies her for the nomination. The claim days ago was that Obama has won small middle American states; and by that he is intrinsically un-electable. Now today (according to HRC) senator Obama is out of touch with the same people in their small towns and states where he has held impressive leads over her. Furthermore, if any individual rakes in over 109 million; can they seriously infer that they know the struggles of the family who for generations have worked with great pride in steel mills and plants throughout middle America. And if this so how come HRC's message has not resonated more with these Americans? Doubt and more Doubt I say when candidates will do and say anything to be elected. More And More lies and misleadings underscore what appears to be a personality disorder on the part of HRC.

Elizabeth   April 14th, 2008 12:02 am ET

A man who came from a single mother on food stamps, had everything against him in life, just paid off his school loans at 46 years old is somehow an elitiest. On the other hand we have Billary making 109 million dollars and I forget the 800,000 they got in their bank account for Bills talks in Columbia. When was the last time she went to shoprite? John McCain's is comes from a very rich family in the beer business. Need I say anymore. Billary represent the power elite make no mistake.

Observer   April 14th, 2008 12:02 am ET

Give it up, Hillary! You have done more than anything else to destroy the Democratic Party, all just to support your HUGE ego. You act like you are entitled to be president; but guess what: you have to EARN it. Your "anything goes" strategy is sickening! You don't care one wit about the future of the party, otherwise you'd step aside and let a true leader take the nomination. I was once one of your biggest supporters, but that's a thing of the past.

Kc,Atlanta   April 14th, 2008 12:01 am ET

I strongly believe that Obama's comment on blue collars across small
town in Us is miss-spoke,it did not come out quite as good as it meant,though the critics might have legitimate claims,but the under-line truth on the "Bitter" word in question remain undeniable.

Debby   April 13th, 2008 11:59 pm ET

Kudos to John McCain for not attending this farce of a forum. I wish Sen. Clinton did the same. This was nothing more than CNN again propping up their Golden Boy because of the Wright controversy. What a waste of 3 hours.

Unshrub   April 13th, 2008 11:59 pm ET

She hasn't won yet either. She may not even make it as far as they have. It's a little presumptuous for her to think she is going to even get the nomination.

Tom   April 13th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

Talk about elitist ,Sen. Clinton can declare aillion dollar income over 7 years , not go to church and does"nt shoot a gun, what a liar Sen. Cliunton is along with her story of Boseina and a lady being refused healthcare., along with her other mis-spoken statements. I want Sen. Obama to be our next President …….NOT A ELITIST Sen. Clinton that gets caught in all her fairy Tales.

Jim   April 13th, 2008 11:58 pm ET

with Hillary Clinton there's the biggest hurdle to overcome for Democrats: LACK OF TRUST IN HER WORDS.

Of course she never sees her own shortcomings. She's a Clinton!!

Billie Jelks-Hood   April 13th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

I am amazed at Sentor Clinton, comments about Obama, being an "elistist" and "patronizing",especially after releasing her tax returns, last week end. Obama, grew up without a father figure, raised by a single mother who had to secure food stamps for her family ,even his grand parents where very limited in monies. Here again she is throwing the kitchen sink ,and they do not stick. Senator,
Clinton is showing despration, listen to all the cheers for Obama as he enter the stage compared to Hillary Clinton. The Clinton, machine is working overtime to win the election and she is turning more people of than on.
I was an avid supporter of Senator Clinton, being a female of 64 years old but, she has lost my vote finally.

spyturtle   April 13th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

HIllary went duck hunting. Watch out for Bosnian snipers!

Allan   April 13th, 2008 11:53 pm ET

Um, yeah, Hillary, we remember 2000 and 2004 very well.

Then it was the REPUBLICANS who smeared the best candidate as "elitist." I never imagined that a Democrat would stoop so incredibly low.

The Clinton legacy is finally dead.

Cindy in California   April 13th, 2008 11:52 pm ET

I really can't believe Senator Clinton's desperate spin on Senator Obama's words. I truly think she knew that he was not demeanig anyone when he made his comment. But she saw that as an opportunity to take the heat off of her and her husband's support for the Columbian Free Trade Deal, and the $800,000 he was paid.

Obama's comments sounded more like empathy for what people were feeling and what they are going through.

I also am amazed that she would expect us to believe that a person who spent most of his political early years on the south side of Chicago as a community activist and helping people who lived in the projects and is an elitist.

She is the one who earned $110 million dollars over the past ten years, and gave a large percentage of her charitable contributions to her own foundation, The Clinton Library, so who is the elitist. Give me a break.

Dee   April 13th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Very Strange response from Obama. No control on his emotions. Acts like a kid???

Elizabeth   April 13th, 2008 11:50 pm ET

Personally I think her attacks are shameful. It shows she will do anything to get this nomination. Anything……She thumbs her nose at Howard Dean and the party leaders who have repeatedly asked for the candidates to not do exactly what she is doing.

Scott C   April 13th, 2008 11:49 pm ET

Clinton is coming off badly for this attack.

She is a very negative campaigner… and since she is most definitely going to lose she is just trying to destroy the winner.

Scumbag

Sarah Smith   April 13th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

WHO believes THIS statement: ??

"The Democratic Party, to be very blunt about it, has been viewed as a party that didn't understand and respect the values and the way of life of many of our fellow Americans," she said,

The Democratic party has been down in the pits & dungeons of the american way of life for generations..

Hillary THIS IS A STUPID STATEMENT!

Don't tell me the Democrats are ELITISTS! 'OUT OF TOUCH!!"

Hillary! your mental capacities are diminishing at

WARP SPEED! you ARE IMPLODING!

and the COUNTRY wants to OGLE YOUR DOWNFALL! boo hiss!

rudy andl   April 13th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

What a hypocrit. She must be feeling the heat. How about her hubby and his financial interests, Now we find out the the Chinese goverment if financing the Clinton clan. Who is out of touch? Get out Hillary while you still have a reputation in some quarters.

Charles   April 13th, 2008 11:47 pm ET

The last time you used a gun Billary, was to kill the Democratic party.

Obama '08!

Dan, TX   April 13th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Wow, still talking about this. ok, keep talking.

I just want the democrats to come together around the nominee whoever it is. I'm not really a very strong democrat. I understand appreciate republican philosophy and democratic philosophy. There are times, economic, social, foreign policy, when republican philosophy seems better, and other times when democratic phiilosophy seems better.

This is definitely a time where democrats need to win. Republicans were given power and they abused it and lost their way. They need a break to re-examine their values. We need to elect a democrat this year. Either one is fine. I'm voting for Obama, because I think he is vastly superior in many ways to Clinton. But I will hold my nose and vote for Clinton if I have to. I expect Clinton supporters to vote for Obama if he is the nominee, or take personal responsibility for the consequences of electing McCain.

D   April 13th, 2008 11:44 pm ET

Wow…Al Gore and Kerry….

Sniper fire   April 13th, 2008 11:43 pm ET

Hillary, You are out of touch and very toxic to the democrats.
I understands you have no chance of winning and you are just staying to divide the democrats and help McCain.
Obama needs to fight back and bring all NAFTA, Colombia and her financial records and the millions of dollars they gained by supporting other governments have trade deals with the US.

Realistic   April 13th, 2008 11:42 pm ET

So a former Wal-Mart director for 6-years who is worth more than $100 million dollars and who can't raise money from the little people but instead is financed only by big-dollar donors from Wal-Street is complaining about Obama being an "elitist"?

Yes, it certainly is Silly Season in politics . . . . . . I wonder how many little people from small towns got to use the Lincoln Bedroom when the Clintons were last on the throne?

sharon   April 13th, 2008 11:42 pm ET

So now she's not only trying to take down Barack with her Republican talking points, she's dissing Gore and Kerry too. This woman is just too unbelievable for words.

Brittany Stamps, MO   April 13th, 2008 11:41 pm ET

What world is Clinton living in? Many Americans are loosing their houses, jobs, and loved ones in the war and cant afford gas, healthcare, and education. Naturally, people are not going to act patriotic and proud of their government while dealing with these hardships. Instead people turn to God and sometimes react in a negative way.

Bridget   April 13th, 2008 11:41 pm ET

To have Hillary Clinton and John McCain saying almost the exact same response verbatim is actually rather frightening. If we democrats are to believe Clinton herself is not elitist, then we would have to believe the same thing about McCain. Haha!

Life goes on...   April 13th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

Can we say milking this for what it is worth? She speaks of Obama dividing the party but clearly her mission is to severely divide the party if she is not successful in becoming the nominee. The things she is bring up will only add to the Republicans benefit. Hopefully, someone in Hillary's camp is aware of this!

Avis, Richton Park, IL   April 13th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

The sad thing is, some people will still vote for Hillary Clinton. Even though she's the elitist! Barack barely made $1,000,000, however the Clinton's made $190,000,000. She should be ashamed! Some people still will not vote for Barack Obama because they never were going to vote for him in the first place. He's a lot more honorable than the Clintons. She can't tell the truth about anything and she has the nerve to call Obama on it, come on people.

Mark   April 13th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

Does she think people are STUPID?

He was talking about how people VOTE during economic crises in America.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH HER?

Pooh496   April 13th, 2008 11:39 pm ET

It wasn't just his offensive comments that were wrong, but also the reaction he got from his well connected crowd of rich donors.

They were laughing at all of his insensitive remarks like it was all a big joke. Small town people are proud and should not become the punch line in order to drum up money!!

SHAME on you Barack Obama, SHAME on you!!!!!

Darrell   April 13th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

I have recently viewed commentary from CNN guests discussing Barack Obama's upbringing in a single-family home, essentially portraying his condition as disadvantaged. How can anyone honestly develop this view while overlooking the fact that he attended an elite private school in Honolulu, Punahou, where tuition has historically been very costly?

This is hardly a kid from the projects. Furthermore, why did Obama choose Hawaii over Indonesia? Honolulu isn't Newark, New Jersey.
It is one of the more desirable cities in the US and one of the most tolerant of mixed-race families.

honkey white guy from cali   April 13th, 2008 11:37 pm ET

she is so out of touch go home Hillary

Sue   April 13th, 2008 11:32 pm ET

She was not comfortable during this performance. That is because she knows all the lies she has told, and to do it infront of a faith based former made her seem snobby and derisive . This woman is not the right candidate. She will be torn to shred by the Republicans like a duck on those duck blinds she been shhoting on! Give it break lady, you are a fraud

Ericka   April 13th, 2008 11:31 pm ET

I think Clinton had started playing politics way before this "bitter" comment. I hope that the American people are intelligent enough to realize the idea of a man raise in a single parent home with an average income could be an elitest. Now someone who makes 109 million dollars in ten years,has a normal childhood, and have already lived 8 years of her life in the white house . . . is a different story!

Democrat From Mandeville, LA   April 13th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

Obama will expose himself for who he really is. This statement about the PA blue collar workers, his relationship with Obama, the statements from Michelle and his goings on with Ayers and Rezko provide us with a window to his soul. Obama did this all by himself dispite the media's failure to scrutinize him at the same level that Hillary's been scrutinized.

I will continue to have faith in Hillary to be our next President.

Dale Arnold   April 13th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

yeah kerry didn't understand and gore well he just understood tree's
but hillary God yes she understands all of america.
what a phony! pleazeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Nick - Arlington, VA   April 13th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

this is getting pathetic

An Agnostic Democrat   April 13th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

Frankly, Hillary we don't respect your way of lying, you elitist millionaire. Hillary Clinton: The Leona Helmsley of politics is such a fake. Always politicking; even when it comes to expressing faith, she has to get her "hit" in. What a sham the Queen of Mean is. She never looks at ease or comfortable. I guess that's what happens when the lies roll off your lips so effortlessly, but the body language can't deny the real truth about her dishonesty. And on top of it, she puts herself above Al Gore and John Kerry. Hillary you couldn't measure up to either of these fine gentlemen in a thousand lifetimes!!!

Truth-Chicago   April 13th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

It is okay for her to make a mistake, but no one else. The one without sin should cast the first stone. Hillary you should know better. She is definitely the one with so many. Let be honest! Have she been under snipper fire lately.

Franky   April 13th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

So, let me guess what's relevant……,Hillary not explaining what "level" she's in "Dante's Inferno" or the bitter comments???? …..Actually is the bitter comments, LOL!!!! I gotta say, me and the boys sure would hope we meet ladies like that……..actually, we do, LOL!!!

Hillary, I was right. I think I just know you a little more…..as for my boy, let's just say that I know what "level" my boy is in "Dante's Inferno"…..

Susan MO   April 13th, 2008 11:27 pm ET

Many Americans are upset with his rude and critical remark. Now that we see him like that……..we are now for Clinton.

Marilyn Bryan   April 13th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

All of the sniping that Senators Clinton and Obama are engaging in
is not good for either or the Democratic party. They should stick to the issues that really matter and leave the nit-picking to the media.
Enough and too much, already.

Sabrina Las Vegas, NV   April 13th, 2008 11:25 pm ET

She's such a sleazy politician. She will do and say anything to win.

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   April 13th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

"The Democratic Party, to be very blunt about it, has been viewed as a party that didn't understand and respect the values and the way of life of many of our fellow Americans," Hillary said.

You got that right, lady.

The Democratic Party sees the American populace as consisting of two groups: those too dumb, too improvident, too ignorant, or too something to take care of themselves, and a much smaller number of those who don't fit into the first group and who, since we're all "equal," must somehow be cheating and therefore must be compelled to surrender their, ill-gotten, stolen, wealth to the first group.

No, that doesn't reflect any great understanding of "the values and the way of life" of Americans. At least I hope not. If it does, if the Democrats are correct that a large fraction of Americans would be content as child-like dependents of a Big-Mama government, the country will not long survive.

Rita   April 13th, 2008 11:24 pm ET

Howard Dean, or whoever is in charge of the Democratic party, please shut her up. If McCain wins in Nov., we all have Hillary Clinton to thank for it. She is writing their play-book for them. There has never been a more important time then now, to have a democrat as president. With the war, high gas prices, lost jobs, and all the other problems, that Bush has done nothing about, this should be the democrats year to win. She does not have my best interest at heart, when she is doing, or saying anything to win. She is the one who is out of touch. Shame on you Hillary Clinton for turning on your own party.

Sarah Smith   April 13th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

BITTER?

NOBODY knows BITTER like YOU HILLARY

You are BITTER NOW and will be MORE BITTER in YOUR OLD(er) AGE

when you fade away in DISGRACE !

You do NOT represent one ETHIC, MORAL or VALUE

that THIS COUNTRY chooses to stand for, support

(except your looney Alheimer's supporters .. who LOVE your scallywagging).

I don't SWALLOW for a moment that Hillary is 'in touch'

she's psychotic and deranged..

Tricia   April 13th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Let's get the record straight. Hillary Clinton was brought up in the very pleasant suburbs of Chicago. Her father was a properous fabric store owner. The cabin in PA was a summer home by a lake so lack of heating was no hardship. She had ballet lessons, skated, there was tennis, etc. etc. Get the picture? She went to Wellesley College and then straight to Yale. In the late 80's and early 90's she was named as one of the 100 most powerful lawyers in America. She served on the boards of Wal Mart and TCBY. Barack Obama did not have such a privileged childhood and after college went to Chicago where he worked with the unemployed and disadvantage. He realized that a law degree would make him more useful when dealing with bureaucracy and took time out to attend Harvard where he did extremely well. So after graduating he could easily have got a job with big bucks. He went back to Chicago to keep his promise and continue his work. Shame on you Hillary. You are the elitist. A real little rich girl.

Powered by the People   April 13th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

Bitter no!

or should he say people are happy prices of gas are at 4$ a gallon.

PA is not bitter about jobs Leaving

They are the happiest town in the union, even when they are loosing jobs at a faster than average rate.

Hillary the millionair can empathize, that right empathize.

Less than five years ago Obama was in debt over his head

but hillary can empathize The Million dollar 2% person

Lew Erwin   April 13th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Clinton's attacks on Obama are doing great damage to the Democratic Party! The Republicans will gain greatly by these tactics!

Karen in Ohio   April 13th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Clinton said that it is "trivilizing" to call an experience of feeling being loverd by God. Isn't it an insult to human kind? The "feeling of being loved by God" is a common human experience. How can it be "trivilizing?"

She said that the question on Obama's "bitter" comment is "legitment." By her logic, her belittling human spiritual experience is a legitment issue too.

Do we deserve such an idiot "commander-in-chief"? Can she simply leave us alone?

Ricardo Williams   April 13th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Senator Clinton should refrain from telling these personal stories. I saw her nose growing longer and longer as she spoke about some woman whose son and grandson was murdered. It turned out the son was at the forum and her grandson was home with his mother. My question to Hilary is do you believe the mind, heart, and spiritual soul is the same as the Father, Son and Holy Ghost,?

obams   April 13th, 2008 11:20 pm ET

Sen. Clinton, you can stay and keep trying to destroy our great democratic party. since its allowed, and no one apart from your humble self can throw you out of the campaign. I wish you well in 2016.

Carol Lucic   April 13th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

I cannot believe she is puting herself above Al Gore. Does that mean maybe Gore is going to go for Obama?

Bernice   April 13th, 2008 11:19 pm ET

HILLARY CLINTON WAS LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER ON TONIGHTS FORUM. VERY TELLING!

KNOWING OF GOD AND HIS WORD DOES NOT MAKE FOR A CHRISTIAN, IT MAKES FOR A HYPOCRIC.WHEN YOU DO NOT APPLY IT TO YOUR LIFE.

HILLARY STUBBLE THE WHOLE TIME SHE WAS THERE. NOT MAKING A BIT OF SENSE TO THOSE WITH UNDERSTANDING OF CHRISTIANITY. SHE WAS A JOKE! I KNEW SHE WOULD BE, I KNEW SHE SHOULD NEVER HAVE WENT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. GOING TO CHURCH FOR YEARS DON'T MAKE YOU A CHRISTIAN IT'S A KNOWING OF GOD AND ALLOWING HIM TO LEAD AND GUIDE YOU AS YOUR LORD AND SAVOUR, A YEILDING ONE'S SELF TO HIM AND HIS CONCEPTS. HILLARY LIFE DOES NOT SHOW ANY REFLECTIONS OF THIS! THERE WERE DEMONS IN THE TEMPLE EVEN WHEN CHRIST WERE THERE. COMING AND SITTING COMFORTABLE UNTIL THEY CAME IN CONTACT WITH CHRIST. THERE'S DEMONS IN THE CHURHES NOW!

GOD'S WORD LET' S US KNOW THIS IT SAYS THE SEPARATION OF THE WHEAT AND THE TARE WILL TAKE PLACE IN GOD'S TIMING SEPARATION OF GOD'S CHILDREN AND SATAN'S, ALL MIXED TOGETHER EVEN IN HIS HOUSE.

DON'T TRY TO MISINTERPET THE WORD BY SAYING DON'T JUDGE FOR HIS WORD SAYS WE ARE TO WE ARE TO KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS! IN NO WAY ARE WE TO BE BLINDED BY THEM.

HILLARY MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE SOMEONE READ MORE THAN ESTER THE INDEPENDANT WOMAN TO YOU.

DISGRACEFUL!

Marc   April 13th, 2008 11:18 pm ET

Hillary accuses Barack of patronizing and then spends the entire evening patronizing religious people and lying about herself. She will do and say anything to be elected. What she says has no relationship to what she does.

Ft. Myers gal   April 13th, 2008 11:17 pm ET

It's really apparent how the media is walking on eggshells when it comes to Hillary. Her campaign's constant cry of victim and gender bias has everyone running scared, and they are going out of their way to not offend her.

Instead, they are taking it out on Barack, criticizing his every word.

Here's the proof of biased media:
Hillary says she 'mispoke' about her life being in danger from sniper fire and the excuse is accepted;
Obama says he 'mispoke' about the government leaving people bitter, and the media still says he has yet to explain himself.

The media has yet to truly vet Hillary during this campaign- Lord knows she has so many REAL issues that are hard to hide. I think the media knows this but chooses to go soft on her because they don't want to be accused of biasness.

jt   April 13th, 2008 11:16 pm ET

Hillary is correct!!

Gore , Kerry and Obama are the same. They are losers.

Vote Hillary!!

Hillary!!!

Ricardo Williams   April 13th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

Senator Clinton should refrain from telling these personal stories. I saw her nose growing longer and longer as she spoke about some woman whose son and grandson was murdered. It turned out the son was at the forum and her grandson was home with his mother. My question to Hilary is do you believe the mind, heart, and spiritual soul the same as the Holy Ghost, Father and Son?

Larry   April 13th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

I've lived in PA for over 50 years and have talked to a number of people here, and so far no one has been offended by Obama's remarks. It is really a non-issue that is being exploited for political gain. Obama's analysis may not have been perfectly accurate but it was not far from the mark. However, it will take more than a two-week visit to understand small-town Pennsylvania and its customs and traditions.

MOLLY   April 13th, 2008 11:13 pm ET

GO HILLARY !!!
Obama will not win due to his radical comments and radical friends - his background & judgment are too questionable to be elected President of the UNITED States.

The Good people of PA will decide to vote for obama - or - NOT!

OBAMA IS ARROGANT!

Joe   April 13th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

I hope somone will ask Kerry and Gore to respond to Clinton's comment about them.

James from SC   April 13th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

She who is without sins cast to first stone!

How quickly we forget our lies and cheat of the public trust.

How do we remember the suffrage we suffered as we vacationed at our lodge by the lake.

How do we remember what we suffered by eating the most expensive of foods and drank the best of wines. Nay, this is not elitism but the example of an everyday American life.

Concerned Democrat   April 13th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

This woman, Hillary Clinton, is so petty. It's just so pathetic. She makes me sick , honestly. Obama never hammered her on her Bosnia lies and her top most advisor meeting with the Columbians on trade aggreements she claims to oppose and support by her husband(even made thousands of dollars out of it) , even though they were issues that Obama could have exploited to his advantage.

What Obama said is a reality and human nature. You take consolation in what you know wont disapoint you. When Bill was in crisis for the Lewinsky saga. What did he do? He invited religious leaders to help him. In other words he(Bill Clinton) turn to his faith.
It's the same analogy that can be drawn from Obama's comments. When people lost their jobs because of these trade aggreements and feel like the Governments is not listening to them, they take consolation in what they know wont dissapoint them…pets, faith, hobbies etc. May be the word "cling" is what he shouldn't have used.

Chris   April 13th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

Hillary would probably say the same things that Obama said if she had a chance….Right now she is just trying to gain election points.

I'm not fooled.

gabriel   April 13th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

hurray! more distractions from actual issues! you go hillary!

Jane   April 13th, 2008 11:09 pm ET

She's a pig.

Pat M Canada   April 13th, 2008 11:08 pm ET

I believe Obama came away as the most credible and fomidable opponent tonight. He unveiled a bit of himself tonight and actually gave the audience a peek of what lies beneath. I think it would be beneficial to his campaign if he would uncover the veil a bit further.

Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA   April 13th, 2008 11:07 pm ET

Hillary acted like she knew her days are numbered! It was so obvious she looked and talked so uncomfortable during the whole time! Hillary is such a divisive and deceitful person.

Hillary is UNELECTABLE! The Clintons will for sure drive out people to vote against her!

sophia nyc   April 13th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Is the DNC listening? She's insulting ALL OF US!

A CANUCK   April 13th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Hillary never gives a straight answer……she dances around the question and goes completely off topic……you start to think… what the heck is she talking about???…….On the other hand Obama was straightforward, concise and very informative. There is no doubt he will be an honest and hard working president for all the people.

Jonze   April 13th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

And it really seemed canned and out of place. Sort of like her jokes during the debates - preplanned and forced.

Also drawing connections between Obama and Gore might not be the best idea as most Democrats highly respect Al Gore and he is a respected party elderstatesman. Kerry on the other hand, I could see that as an insult in that even Dems were turned off by his stuffiness and held their nose to vote for him.

Shirley   April 13th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

Hillary and Bill have made 109 million dollars since they left the White House, Hillary's husband and campaign manager were both lobbying for the Columbian Trade Deal. Who's out of touch? Oh, and Hillary did support NAFTA, she called it a 'great achievement'. I heard her.

lori Iowa   April 13th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

It is evident that Obama does not respect the small town way of life and that is pathetic. The longer he refused to apologize and states that his thinking is WRONG then the longer this issue will linger…. Now it is being reported that the crowd was laughing when he made the "bitter" comments and he was stating this as a joke and then he said more insulting stuff. He is racist!

I'm sorry but he has insulted not only people in Pennsylvania, but small town america everywhere. We hunt, we fish, we go to church and guess what we are not bitter…..though I will say, when he goes to his church…..those "typical" black people that he is listening with sound kind of bitter. The problem with all of these misstatements is that time and time again they sound like he thinks he is better then everyone else…..and then "his wife is just recently proud of america" It sounds to me like they don't even like America and who americans really are!!

alice2   April 13th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

I watched the whole thing and Barack was JUST MARVELOUS -
Hillary NOT IMPRESSIVE. You can tell Barack is spiritual. I like his explanation of the issues he was asked. Could not have been better.

Ed from Pa   April 13th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

"Clinton has told interviewers that she has felt the presence of the Holy Spirit on many occasions, and that she believes the resurrection of Christ is a historical fact…"

A historical fact?! You know who else thinks this - and has consistantly brought it into his policies?

George W. Bush.

…A historical fact?! It's a question of FAITH, not FACT, you idiot! By saying the resurrection is historical fact YOU are being ELITIST - that implies that Christ is the savior and every other religion is WRONG!

I really hate double talk… we've never heard Hillary speak of guns or religion and now that they've come up, she suddenly has a story about learning to shoot guns as a young child and feeling the presence of the Holy Spirit on multiple occasions?

…Hello?! Is anybody HOME??

peter   April 13th, 2008 11:03 pm ET

oooo taking a shot at al gore? i wonder how mr. gore will take that….maybe cause him to endore obama? we already know that he felt the clintons cost him the election in 2000 but no reason to take shots at that man.

KE   April 13th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

Elite and elitism is different.

Obama is just not well informed.

Hillary is right. Democrats need to live up to their name.

joyce   April 13th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

i am a white lady in arkansas, and i was in mo, last night, watching the local news channel, and HILLARY was boosing it up with a lot of men in a bar, drinking crown royal and i must agree with the news people she held her licqure very well like some one who doen a lot of it. i wish she could run a desent campaign, she has totally turned a lot of people against her, me included. hillary if you must drink do it in private but you can't hide it from god, he is watching you drink, lie, run down your fellow democrat, SHAME ON YOU, and how about yor preacher going to prison for child abuse,
hillary get in church and get cleaned up

narcis   April 13th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Why did nobody ask them there views on the dead penalty in relation to faith,and why is the USA is the only western country in the world how hold such judgment.

spyturtle   April 13th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

1. Gore won the election.

2. Kerry was beaten by a man descended from New England aristocrats.

3. Go Obama! Watch out for sniper fire!

Bitter Allen Hussein, Visalia CA   April 13th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

Todays quiz:

Candiaite A campaigns hard in all 50 states.

Candidiate B just focuses on a few large "important" states and says the rest of the country "doesn't matter."

According to Billary logic, Candidate A is elitist.

Kathy   April 13th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Clinton wishes she could say that she's the better candidate and be able to believe it…but she knows she's just out to win at all cost. It is time in this country that we actually look to change things in positive ways and take responsiblity for ourselves. Stop the blame game…stop blaming teachers for all things that go wrong with children our children…stop blaming each other for our own mistakes….Let's face it…we as a generation and country have failed our children and our country. Greed and power need to be replaced with a true vision, with all of America working together for a better America. Barack Obama is the person for the job. He's the only one with vision, who can put the right people in the right places and who inspires Americans to think beyond themselves and begin to care for each other once again. Obama '08 and America for ever!

Observer from Canada   April 13th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

Give me a break….you don't think Sen.Clinton has baggage that the republican can use against her if she wins the nomination?!?!?!!!!!!

David   April 13th, 2008 10:59 pm ET

On what grounds can she critisize Obama for being an elitist? She acts like a spoiled brat. She supported NAFTA. Her husband and chief strategist support a trade pact with Columbia. She's made $109 million. She had a more than comfortable childhood with a summer home in Scranton. She's the least credible candid since George W. Bush. Add to this the whole sniper fire story and the fact that she planted a question at one of her own rallies, and it makes no sense why anyone would vote for her. Plus, Obama was right. People are bitter and upset and cling to things that they can count on, like guns and religion. This is a historical fact.

SB   April 13th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Did she really just slam Gore? Okay about Kerry, but Gore? Isn't it Democrat dogma that he won that election. And to say that voters concluded that he didn't "frankly" respect the American way of life??!!! This is big news. Forget the manufactured Bitter-gate.

tess   April 13th, 2008 10:58 pm ET

Why is there a double standard here. When Senator Obama speaks and uses his words not the way he intended, yet truthfully, he is this elistist and he is turning his nose up or looking down on people. He is painted as a man that cannot win this race and shouldn't win. It's played over and over and over again and he is slamed constantly. The MSM is never satisfied with his honest answers, He has to explain more. Why? It will never be enough

When Hillary out right lies to us she is treated so timidly. Oh she misspoke. That is okay for everyone! Senator Obama truly misspoke and everyone is treating him as if he committed a crime.

The reporter ask her about accepting that $800,000.00 and Senator H. Clinton laughed and crabed her head and nothing is said any more. Why isn't she asked and MSM treating her the same way as they are treating Senator Obama about the NAFTA and Crafta deals they know she is heavliy involved in. Is the treatment of Senator Clinton's imperfections okay because she is a Clinton. This makes her more of a credible candidate? I don't understand, will someone explain this to me .

Lisa in Iowa   April 13th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

Obama's father left when he was 2. Raised by a single mother and grandparents, and used food stamps. Worked in south side of Chicago trying to help poor communities.

Clinton used to travel to a summer cottage as a child and played pinocle. Became a lawyer and now is a multimillionaire.

Who is the elitist in this scenario?

Hillary is the one who is extremely condescending and patronizing to her own followers, trying to tell them they are not bitter. Guess what, Hillary - people ARE bitter, and Obama is able to see it, and feel it, and he will work to help us. All you care about is your precious 'legacy' and 'Clinton empire'. You have no idea what life is like for real people. You have lived in a bubble for the last 20 years.

Eli of Stockbridge   April 13th, 2008 10:57 pm ET

110 million makes you elite… sen. clinton can ry to spin it, but she is elite, and surely part of the royal family. limos, fancy hotels, $3000 suits, etc. She never was in touch, unless you can remember the moment she ducked the cannon fire during her landing of a B-1 bomber in bosnia.

Pat   April 13th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

All obama does lie's to us all and a lot of people fall for it I know I was one of them because I had voted for him, and all he does is lie and a racist, just think if it was Hillary that said that he would go after her big time please people vote Hillary or vote McCain but not the racist obama.

Yes I am Bitter   April 13th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I'm bitter that so many Americans are so insipidly "stupid". To vote for people who say they care about them and then do nothing, absolutely nothing to help Americans. Higher gas prices, losing your home, the rich getting richer, and I could go on… yeah I'm BITTER paying $300.00 + a month for gas.

But truthfully, I laugh. And I say to those of you who want to support people who in the end will only care that their cronies get rich, go ahead and vote for them. You get poorer, you lose your home, and you continue to pay high gas prices while those "so" called caring candidates who think people aren't "bitter" will continue to do the same thing over and over again…. Maybe if the Clintons get back in the White House they can charge a double rate for the Lincoln Bedroom and hopefully help home owners, but don’t hold your breath.

Lois   April 13th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

I live in middle America and I am bitter. High gas prices, food, healthcare, prescription drugs, lost jobs, homes lost. Yes I am bitter.
Yes, he probably should have explained that people has reason to be bitter. Would it have been spun any differently if it had been said in an open forum or in Pennsylvania? Probably not. People are looking for anything he says to pick it apart. Clinton should have little to say as she out and out lied. He just told California how much of America feels. How can she explain her faith and justify her lie?? Were we better when President Clinton was in the White House? Yes, but then the scandal of him and Monica and the cigar won out.
By the way, I am very educated, over 50 and own my home. So does that make me blue collar?? But, I am also bitter as to how the economy is the worst it has ever been in my life. Senator Clinton has no idea of how I live, what my faith is and therefore does not know what my values are. Who is she to jump on this band wagon as after all, it was not a Lie.

Andy Gamblin   April 13th, 2008 10:56 pm ET

Dear CNN
My name is Andy I heard Mrs Clinton and Mr Obama
speak tonight on cnn about faith and I beleave that
Mrs Clinton done better than he did and I feel that
she would be the best one for President .

Your friend Andy

Skipper