April 18, 2008
Posted: 11:01 AM ET

From

ERIE, Pennsylvania (CNN) -– In what seems to be a continuing battle between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton over who is more "in touch" with the average American, the Illinois senator made a stop outside a Pennsylvania beer distributing company Friday and tried to made clear his fondness for the fermented alcoholic beverage.

"We like beer," Obama told a group that had gathered outside, according to a media pool report.

Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey was in tow, as well. The two of them had just left a tour of the Erie Bolt Company, and noticed a crowd of about 30 people congregating in front of the Erie Beer Company.

"The steel was interesting, but beer!" Obama exclaimed.

He continued, asking the group, "What's selling best right now?"

"Bud Light!" most people responded.

The two men did not sample any brews on this visit.

On Monday, the Illinois senator mocked Clinton for taking a shot of whiskey in front of TV cameras. But it's not that Obama hasn't made attempts to connect with voters in a bar, as well — On a bus tour stop on March 28, Obama had a few sips of beer with Casey in front of the press. He did not finish the beer.

Filed under: Uncategorized


Demama   April 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

I thought that a study found that he and his followers preferred whine.

Uncle Sam   April 18th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

The pandering is positively palpable in Pennsylvania.

Travis Johns   April 18th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

PLEASE DONT DELETE CNN! Keep posts on here fairly

Obama is the same "washington politics" he is
"fighting against".

Newman   April 18th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

"He did not finish the beer." Well that's it, he wasted beer! Can I change my vote? Just joking! Vote Barack Obama! Come on Super D's we're waiting for you!

Reality Check   April 18th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Really. He just criticized Sen Clinton for having a whiskey shot last week. Of course, he previously tried to play the "typical American" role by having a beer and bowling (or attempting to). So, let's see, he has a beer and tries to get positive media attention for it, then he complains about Clinton having a drink and criticizes her for it, then he professes a fondness for beer.

How hypocritical!! Or is it that women aren't allowed to have a drink Mr. Obama?!

Obama - you are a phony and people are finally seeing it.

b-liberal   April 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Another copied idea. Obama was the "new idea" guy, right?

How come a woman does something and it gets hate speech from the obama zombies. Even Obama made fun of her. Then he copies it and I bet they will say he is SOOOOO in touch, and it was a clever idea.

Cult mentality makes me nervous. Is the Obama cult site going to be built in Texas also?

Eddie   April 18th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I am glad this guy is not a boozer like Hillary,Obama knows how to say no.He want just get plastered to try and fool people into believing somethingto get a vote.

WH   April 18th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Sipping a beer with another Senator is one thing, but actively taking a shot of whiskey whilst hamming it up in front of the cameras is another.

Either way, both of those instances were trivial at best and absolutely meaningless at worst. Way to take a cue from ABC - I'm sure the American people love the ongoing trivialization of our political process.

Sue   April 18th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Nothing worng with having a beer. At least unless you are doing it for show as your opponent did! Go Obama!

Lee WV   April 18th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Quick the Clinton people are working on a new add"Obama is an alcoholic'.Stick it in and twist…

Ana   April 18th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Oh God— can he TRY to be original?? Wasn't he the first to blast Hillary for doing something similar?? Obama is a joke. Typical politician. Typical by-product of the Chicago Political machine…

April in Texas   April 18th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Awesome simply awesome… YES WE CAN!!

Obama 08

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb   April 18th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

If Hillary takes a drink in public; it is deplorable.

If Obama takes a drink in public; he is just thirsty.

Obama will take issue with anything that he can use to get him the nomination. He can not be trusted.

Mama Not for Obama   April 18th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

I'm impressed Obama - that's one important statement you made. I'm sure it will improve the economy, end the war and bring peace around the world. Oh, Obama always criticizes and belittles any question asked of him that he deems does not address policy. He calls any challenge to his credentials or affiliations a "distraction" from the issues affecting voters. Well, Obama apparently you are doing everything you can to distract voters from the issue of your credentials and questionable ability to be the president. You are not ready to be President Mr. Obama - you are inexperienced and have no record of achievement in the Senate. You have directly insulted voters and demonstrated an attitude of elitism. Obama, you will not be able to win in the key swing states in Nov.

Have another beer Obama.

Silly Season   April 18th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

hypocrite

Hanging Chad   April 18th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

CNN, Doesn't Pa. have "State Stores" that sell alcoholic beverages?
No "beer distributing company" in Pa. Get the facts straight!

***AMERICAN***   April 18th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

I can vote for a Beer Man!

Stacy Clarks, TX   April 18th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

GO OBAMA!!!!!

Jon, PA   April 18th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter…but the term "painfully transparent " comes to mind…

Sorry Obama. I do support you, but you don't have to do anything that Hillary has done to win votes…actually, given her negativity, doing the polar opposite might do you good.

I like beer, lots of people like beer. Given alcohol's effect on people, however, I'd be fine if we had a president who completely abstained from drinking while trying to run our country. You know… just a thought.

Paul Pasciucco   April 18th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Why does it matter if a candidate drinks…it seems to me as if we want a leader who drinks the least, rather than flaunts it in front of cameras

Eddie G   April 18th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Get him a case of Yuengling! Great stuff. Get Hillary a case of Old Granddad, she can share it with Bill and his girlfriends!

honkey white guy from cali   April 18th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Oh my ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZZ.

CNN you are really out doing yourself today these wonderfully shocking snippets. Must be a real slow day oh I forgot it is Friday still early we have to wait for Clinton to drop her next big negative attack right before the bell closes the market!

Go Obama 08

lol   April 18th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

what a phoney, he mocks hillary, and then does the same thing. can't wait till april 22, when he loses PA. I'm sure he'll just say we're all "bitter", because we didn't vote for him.

mjc   April 18th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

hypocritical wuss!

Tom   April 18th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

3 sips of a single beer makes you a worse liar than you are a bowler Mr. Obama. No worries - your supporters will blame it on Hillary in sarcastic and childish terms, your "camp" will tell us what you REALLY meant to say, 2 senators will come out in support of you because of your ability to singlehandedly bring yeast and hops together at long last, the clouds will part, the sun will burst forth and Hamas, (whom your pastor allowed to write in his church bulletin and your near backer Jimmy Carter saw fit to meet with and hug much like you had said you'd do (oops, that just slipped right out didn't it?) will stop killing innocent women and children and trying to destroy Israel and all will be right with the world. We're not tired of the "distractions" - they go to who you are and your lack of character. We're tired of you.

Mr Derka   April 18th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

What they really both need is a beer chugging contest. I think Hillary could slam down a beer in one gulp and crush it on her forehead, that would help her efforts to portray her self as an ordinary Josephine…

Or maybe those hats with the two cans and straws?

It's nice after 8 years to know we won't have another dry drunk in the Oval Office…

joyce   April 18th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

good job barack
it is so nice to see a down to earth person for president. we in arkansas feel as if you are our best friend and as if we could call you for any help we need. a real friend for president
how good does it get

mitch from ark.   April 18th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

i like beer,too!i'm voting for obama,cuz he likes beer!finally,a good reason to vote for someone!

Jessica   April 18th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

LOL! We like beer!
But they didn't drink any!
I think these are some confused frat boys…

Steve   April 18th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Didn't finish the beer? I don't trust a dude who can't finish one beer! Heck my grandmother wouldn't leave a beer unfinished

kg   April 18th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

wow, he did not finish the beer! that's incredibly insightful. thanks.

Matthew   April 18th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Reading this story makes no sense to me. Obama professes his affinity for beer- but it's made special note he never finished one.

It also talks about how he harped on Clinton for drinking in front of the press a little bit ago, but now he's doing it?

I'm sorry, what? He's not making much sense to me…

idahosa, Canada   April 18th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

should anyone have a problem with that?

Susan MO   April 18th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

We still cannot believe he slammed Clinton for taking a shot of whiskey.

How childish.

And he is so critical……….America, do not forget his nasty remarks to the people of Pennsylvania. And he 'made light of it'……..basically laughing in their faces.

We do not need a president like Obama. He lost our vote for being so critical..

Now Strongely for Hillary Clinton :)

Nat   April 18th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Ok I'm a staunch Obama supporter, but seriously, why is this considered news???

Willam from Texas   April 18th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

He makes fun of Hillary taking a shot. Now he professes to liking beer. What a hypocrite.

Hillary 08!!

GoHillary   April 18th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Obama you're way too naff to be one of the blokes. Why don't you stick to what you know - trying to flog off your Hope and Change?

It's the only two words your supporters understand.

Mirta   April 18th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

He is so overbearing it is sickening.

Hillary '08

Jbecks   April 18th, 2008 3:09 pm ET

I overwhelmingly support Barack for president but I hope he doesn't waste any more beer like he did on March 28. Just cause you are running for president doesn't make it OK to commit serious party fouls.

sacto joe   April 18th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Not quite in the same catagory as "piston packin' mama" Clinton who couldn't resist the opportunity to show how much more "in tune" she was with the average Pennsylvanian by downing a shot of hard liquor.

But I find it typical that CNN chooses to make the comparison and suggest it IS in the same catagory!

In spite of the protestations of the Clinton Maniacs, CNN and the media in general is doing everything they can to build her up and pull Obama down. Why? Because Big Media knows that Obama is going to roll right over the top of McCain come November, where Hillary is far less likely to win.

It's simple math, folks.

Paula in WI   April 18th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

The point is she faked it.Shots are not sipped.She used it soley for publicity.It was fake.The Clintons are not drinkers that any of us older people ever knew of.Voting for a phoney like Hillary I will never do.
Go Obama…at least your real.

scbrown81   April 18th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

OBAMA HAD THE AUDACITY TO ATTACKED HILLARY FOR HAVING A BEER,

WHEN OBAMA INVITED THE MEDIA TO SEE HIM MILK A COW, HAVE A BEER, BOWL AND HAVE A GOAT CHEEZE SANDWICH.

Kel from Bham, AL   April 18th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Not really much of a news story, but whatever.

Obama 08!

dave   April 18th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

isn't that called hypocrisy?

PA   April 18th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Tuesday night I will be having a beer to celebrate Obama's victory in PA and Hillary gracious exit from the campaign. I can't stand anymore of this democrate on democrate fighting. I won't mind if Obama has to go negative with McCain as much as it has bothered me that Hillary went negative on Obama. We are all democrates looking for the same basic thing - health care, jobs, education.

Michelle   April 18th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Susan shut up! Hillary is done so please face the fact and get on the Obama bandwagon!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOL

Joe   April 18th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

What a phony. He laughed at Hillary when she went to bar and had a shot and some beer. Now he does the same thing. He is acting foollish lately. His comments yesterday about the debate and now his — Obama needs to get back on track.

hugh edwin   April 18th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Oh, so he can't jab her for taking a shot of whiskey, but she can be negative about everything else?

he had the chance in the latest debate to knock her for the bosnia story, but obama took th ehigh ground on that question and many others.

Clinton is so negative it's almost shocking to see anyone else doing it other than her.

Obama will be our next president!

SNM   April 18th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Hi Susan,
I'm sure Senator Obama prefers cocaine instead of beer.

Harvey in Va   April 18th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

makes fun of Hillary and come to find out in front of tv camera him and casey drank beer also…what a joke..just like saying he takes no money from oil companies and no one does. Is this how he will deceive the american people if he is president.

RT   April 18th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Susan, do you know any good recipies for Crow? You are going to be eating a lot of it coming up in the next few weeks!

jl   April 18th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Please Obama. I think McCain can win the beer debate.

Please stick to hope and bringing America together to solve our REAL issues.

Thanks!

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 18th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Obama, our next president, has thus far today picked up three(3) powerful endorsements with more to come. Vote for Obama to restore prosperity and peace in our country and around the world.

joy   April 18th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

hugh edwin get a life and hope you see they funky phoney OBAMA really is before NOV.
Obama, is FAKE

kayla   April 18th, 2008 3:20 pm ET

i agree with you

Peter of Oregon   April 18th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I am sure he meant good Ol' American beer, none of that Canadian or Colombian stuff that Hillary drinks.

Obama '08

Ana in L.A.   April 18th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

He's a hypocrit… criticizing Hillary for doing to same thing last week…
At leasdt he can TRY to be original- typical politician. Typical by-product of the Chicago political machine…

And CNN– please do not delete this posting again. I realize it's not pro-Obama but at least pretend to be balanced. You're a news agency, afterall, not part of Obama's campaign team.

John in PA   April 18th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

What a hypocrite!

Susan MO   April 18th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

I am now strongly for Obama.

After Hillary performance at he debate, she forget she is a democrat.

I can't vote for her. We are now stronhly for OBAMA.

OBAMA 08

oh really?   April 18th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

but what we really wanna know is: was he wearing his flag pin?

way to get the hard news out there, cnn
*finger guns*

Reggie   April 18th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

There's a difference between taking a few swigs of beer on a couple of stops a few weeks apart and somebody swigging down shots of Crown Royal Whiskey and beer on top of it.

skh4450IL   April 18th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Obama was in the bar first having a beer and bowling with Casey. We don't have to do what Hillary does. If we did, we'd be losing!!!

OBAMA 2008

John Smith   April 18th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

I heard that Hamas is backing Barack Hussein Osama for president. Jimmy Cater will be his running mate.

OMG   April 18th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Everyone keeps saying you can't trust a guy who can't finish a beer. Sure, with Bob Casey he took a few sips - but didn't finish. This time, he didn't even touch it.

He is an out-and-out liar. "WE LIKE BEER!!!" Sure you do.

#1 - you aren't driving - so its not an issue for you to have one.
#2 - you are of legal drinking age.
#3 - if you don't drink it - you are disproving your own statment.

NOBAMA

Luis Mejia   April 18th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

Wasn't he saying "C'mon Hilary I expected better" But here he is doing the same thing as soon as he thinks no one is watching. This guy is a joke. He loves to claim one thing and do the other. Old Washington if you ask me.

Mark Hudson   April 18th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

How pathetic!

AZM   April 18th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Oh the Hypocracy…

Change and Unity… ROFLMAO

gary   April 18th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

OBAMA LIKES ANYTHING THAT WILL GIVE HIM A VOTE. AFTER THE VOTES HE TURNS AWAY LIKE NEW ORLEANS. HRC IS OUR ONLY CANIDATE THAT WILL FIGHT TO THE END FOR US. THIS COUNTRY IS LOOKING FOR A BIG FALL IF O.B. GETS ELECTED BY ALL OF THESE CHEATING MOVES.

The Dude   April 18th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I'm really sick of all this online fighting between the Obama supporters and the Clinton supporters. You guys, we need to chill out. Most of us have already voted, we need to let this thing finish.

I have a preferance, but more importantly I don't want to see a continuation of crooks in the White House.

Does it really matter THAT much if it's either Clinton or Obama? They pretty much agree on all the actual issues. At this point it's a popularity contest.

You people who claim that you'll jump ship to McCain are absolute morons.

ANYONE BUT MCCAIN '08!

Ayman Al Zawahiri   April 18th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

Obama for president. We will soon own America. Wait, the Clintons can be bought off also. Look what they gave the Chinese…….

Mac   April 18th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

REAL??? OH my GOD that is rich!

Phoney, phoney, phoney Obama.

Sucking up to the PA voters, all the while insulting them behind their backs.

Lying about where the money is coming from.

Lying about the fact that he supports a complete ban on guns.

Lying, Lying, Lying Obama.

When will America learn?

Michael   April 18th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Liberalism is a mental disorder……..

gary   April 18th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

MICHELLE DONT COUNT YOUR CHICKENS BEFORE THEY HATCH. O.B. IS THE LEADER YET. HE MAY NOT BE AT ALL. AMERICA ISNT GOING TO LET A GREENHORN GO IN OFFICE. GO HRC.

Michael   April 18th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

CNN is preventing free speech and opinions again. Kind of like they do on college campuses.

Ethan1206   April 18th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

does any of this really matter…..I have voted republican everytime I have voted in my lifetime and believe it or not, I am pro Obama now. I don't want another 10 years or more of war and I don't want another Clinton…..Obama is a very intelligent and motivated person, who will do what it takes to turn America into a better country.

PVR   April 18th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is a long time deceptive politician who will lie, and cheat to fulfill her own personal ambitions. Barack Obama is far more decent and credible than either of the Clintons have ever been. Hillary and her supporters are attacking Obama for telling the truth. Truth isn't very important to Hillary Clinton. She seems to prefer political mud slinging to divert people from the truth. The truth is, there was no sniper fire, there was no cancer patient without health insurance, she did not broker any peace treaty in Ireland, but she did support NAFTA which helped her and Slick Willie become multi-millionaires. I could never vote for anyone who's as dishonest as Hillary Clinton. Hillary Clinton is the epitome of old school corruption. I will vote for Barack Obama. It's time for change. OBAMA 08!

Brennan   April 18th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

I would much rather a president not drink.

Ohio Voter   April 18th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Now here is a story that needs attention. Man Likes Beer.

Jose   April 18th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Did you guys ever read the article before commenting? Why are some people writing here that when the articel referred to him drinking a beer, that he copied HRC;

Look at the date, it occurred on during his Bus tour on March 28; HRC celebration with Royal wine in front of the Cameras happens last two weeks, if anything HRC copied it from him and on this visit reported by CNN in this article Obama nor Casey drank anything.

Al Queda   April 18th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

Liberals will be the first people we will take care of……

Gary   April 18th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Why do the terrorists want Obama to win. Can any of you intelligent people answer that? Wait, there are none on here, my mistake.

Rachel   April 18th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Yeah and the irony continues. As I thought everyone obama fan thinks its wonderful even though they tried to dis Hillary for the same thing. I bet If Obama had been asked beer questions at the debate and everyone loved his answers it would have been hailed as the greatest debate every. Sickening it really is.

Kira   April 18th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

wow, and that is news?

THE REAL CHERYL FOR HILLARY   April 18th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

OBAMA

NOW STRONGLY FOR OBAMA 08

Cary   April 18th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Who cares what Obama drank? He is a double talking empty suit that makes liberals feel good about their miserable lives…….

JK   April 18th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Oh - talk about double standards . . . but - according to Obama - it's not ok for Hillary to network with people at a bar in Indiana ??? This guy is unbelievable !

lorrane eugene   April 18th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I would like to respont to mama not for Obama. First he or she needs to understand what the word elitest means. All three candidates are elitest that is the reason why they are running for President. Please take some time to detox your self because i am feeling self hatred on your part ………….

Bond_Dallas   April 18th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

If you guys are making decisions on who to vote for based on beer drinking,,, then surely you don't deserve a good candidate like Obama. You are too blind to see the issues at hand.

Donald S.   April 18th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

SORRY HILLARY, BUT YOU HAVE LOST MY VOTE. DON'T KILL OUR CHANCE TO WIN BACK THE WHITE HOUSE!!!

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