May 4, 2008
Posted: 01:43 PM ET

From
ALT TEXT

(CNN) — Presidential contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have not been on the Sunday circuit simultaneously since February 3, two days before the Super Tuesday primaries. Fittingly, today they chose to sit down with two Sunday morning talk show hosts just two days before yet another major big day in the Democratic presidential nomination process, the Indiana and North Carolina primaries.

The rest of the Sunday circuit featured surrogates of the two campaigns to make a final push for their candidate before Tuesday’s vote.

(Full roundup after the jump)

On NBC’s “Meet the Press” Obama was forced to clarify why he didn’t immediately end his relationship with Reverend Wright when the controversy first broke in March. “What really changed was a sense that he was going to double down on the statements that he had made before,” Obama said. “That indicated to me that…he did not share my fundamental belief and my fundamental values.”

He also took the opportunity to attack Clinton on her recent comments that the US could “obliterate” Iran should they obtain a nuclear weapon and attack Israel. “It's not the language we need right now, and I think it's reflective of George W. Bush," Obama told host Tim Russert.

*********

Senator Clinton was asked to respond to Obama’s comments and if she had any regrets. “No, why would I have any regrets?” she said during her town hall meeting with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week”. “Yes, we would have massive retaliation against Iran” should they attack Israel, Clinton said. I don't think they will do that, but I sure want to make it abundantly clear to them that they would face a tremendous cost.”

Also during the interview, Clinton admitted that it was “troubling” that a recent poll showed that 60 percent of Americans didn’t find her trustworthy. “I know you hear a lot about me. There is a lot out there that…I have no control over.”

**********

On the surrogate front, CNN’s “Late Edition” featured North Carolina governor Mike Easley, who endorsed Clinton on Tuesday, as well as former presidential candidate and Obama supporter Gov. Bill Richardson. Easley called a recent North Carolina poll which shows Clinton down eight points “very encouraging when you look at just a couple weeks ago she was down 34 points.” The New Mexico governor countered with Obama’s lead in contests won. “He's won Guam, it's now 31 states to 15 in caucuses.”

Easley retorted, “We're not going to win White House by winning Guam.”

***********

“Fox News Sunday” had interviews with DNC Chairman Howard Dean, former DNC Chairman and Clinton-turned-Obama supporter Joe Andrew, and Clinton strategist Terry McAuliffe, who also chaired the DNC.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


Tori   May 4th, 2008 6:59 pm ET

Good comment MB. The media are not attacking Hillary like Obama has been attacked. Republicans wants Hillary because they know she can be easily deafeated with her baggages; that's why they want Obama out of the way. Wake up Democrats. Obama is perfect for you. Even with the issues at hand, he can still win against McCain. We are tired of the negative attacks on Obama. He does not share his pastor's view. I do agree that Wright is working for the Clintons because he is also their spiritual run to when in trouble. The media has been one way and it's very unfair to Obama. Why can't we all just get along? Here is a little song for all the Obama haters: Live him aloneeee, why don't you just stop talking him around!!! leave him aloneee, leave Obama aloneeeeee!!!! Obama08.

Mike from Oahu   May 4th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

Ms. Clinton is rattling her saber for the American Jewish vote. Israel's supporters love this kind of military jingoism. Ms. Clinton will do anything to court their favor, regardless of whether it is appropriate statesmanship.

Take note that Israels stance to remain quiet as to whether they hold a nuclear arsenal in their hand is a much more subtle and effective deterrant than running off the mouth that you'll blow them all to kingdom come.

She denounces George W. Bush on one hand, but acts as his political surrogate on the other hand. Lets be honest here, she supported the war in Iraq and she agrees with his posture on Iran.

We need to stop the cycle of arrogant stupidity in Washington with respect to our foreign interventions.

Joseph, Los Angeles   May 4th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

I saw Obama on Meet the Press today. He was poised, informative, knowledgable and very presidential. He didn't pander and made me feel like I'm a dufus like that other candidate who was on with Stephanopolas. I think Obama can not only bring Americans together, he can also work well with both sides of the isle in Washington. I'm convienced that he is the person for this job and I'm willing to give him a chance. The Clinton's have already had theirs, the Bushs have already had theirs, twice! Time for a change and I hope many Americans are not afraid of change. America, we have to stop putting the same families in the White House.

Sheila WA   May 4th, 2008 6:36 pm ET

Excuse me Robert, Obama is in the lead, by popular vote, delegates won and states won. Delegates are the only thing that counts in picking a nominee. But facts don't sit right with you do they? And Obama won by 7 votes in Guam..They split the 4 delegates down the middle.

richard   May 4th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

Get er done Hillary. I pray every night that you will win. America is finally listening to the overall plans you bring to the table. Hillary is the President America has been waiting for.

mick   May 4th, 2008 6:34 pm ET

I also seen Obama on Meet the Press and he never said anything, typical politician I think he is ready to be President and also face Bill "O"

MommaJ   May 4th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

CNN. I don't know who's paying you off, but it certainly is obvious that you are for the Clinton machine. Disgusting. You've lost a fan of this website. I prefer balanced reporting.

The Truth   May 4th, 2008 6:30 pm ET

Hillary is a fighter while Obama is a unconscious objector. While Hillary will fight for us, I don't think Obama will fight for anyone.

Mary C   May 4th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

ELECT JOHN EDWARDS! Bring back John Edwards!

MB   May 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

This week Senator Hillary Clinton spoke on multiple occasions responded to questions regarding Barack Obama’s former minister. She said, “You cannot choose your family members but you can your minister, pastor or rabbi. If the decision was left to me I have made it clear what I would do. I would have left the church.” It is apparent she believes that a person should be judged solely on a few unfortunate comments or actions. And if you vehemently disagree with those actions a person should reject, denounce, and disown that person from your life indefinitely. To my understanding a person still does choose their spouse. By not leaving her husband Bill Clinton for having an extramarital affair with Monica Lewinsky and others, lying under oath to the Supreme Court and the American people, and being impeached by the House of Representatives, suggests that she endorses that type of behavior by grounds of her own statement by not leaving Bill. What sort of precedent is she setting? She can’t have your cake and eat it too!

Robert   May 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I love this talk about the will of the voters…Which will. The half that voted for Obama, or the half that voted for Clinton. We got a tie here. Obama is not in the lead…of course I would not expect his supporters to get that, especially after yesterday when they could not comprehend the results from Guam..( its 7 points..not 7 votes..whine..whine..whine). Looked really foolish to me.

Hillary Clinton is talking about solutions. Obama is complaining about how unfair things are. Obama is negative, his supporters are hateful and Hillary might not win NC, but he will not get that 30 point lead he had two weeks ago.

If you want unknown change…Obama is your man.
If you want some real solutions..Clinton is you women.

Jacob   May 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Concerning Obama's criticism on Clinton's Iran comments:

"If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will," Obama said

That was Obama also being a cowboy except with Pakistan. This guy can't even remember the things HE said nevermind his spiritual advisor.

A Montana Obama Fan...   May 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

Dave,, you weren't listening.. how many times does he have to explain himself to people who are not going to vote for him anyways.. They just keep it up to make excuses to justify themselves..

Get Over it …

Anyone but Hillary in Bourbonnais, IL   May 4th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

If she lies, panders, and twists arms to win the nomination, I will return to the hopeless political cynic I was before Barack entered the race. How can anyone want her for our leader?

john   May 4th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

o'bama all the way, let'S STAY FOCUS AN SEAL THIS DEAL THE WORLD IS WATCHING , JUST LIKE THEY WERE WATCHING ELECTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA, IF SOUTH AFRICA CAN DO IT SO CAN WE.>>>>>>>DONT FORGET FELOW COUNTRYMEN THE WORLD IS WATCHING THIS ELECTIONS……… LET FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SOUTH AFRICA PLEASE.

Dave PA   May 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

So Wright's statements were OK so long as he didn't "double on" on them. Just where does Obama draw the line on racism and hate speech.

Harold R. Moss   May 4th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

In Hilery's speach she said That it upset the man filling his pickup truck. But it didn't upset her.She said she going too get the country in Check. She couldn't even keep Her Husben in Check.. She is Just repeten the republicans, John McCain. I thought she was a Democrate How can she run Bush down when she Sounds Just like Bush. People really need to read between the lines. She would put Mc Cain on Her Ticker,John McCain on his Ticket .
Thank You
Harold

Daniel   May 4th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Jimmy Carter set the record straight when asked if the superdelegates
would go against the will of the voters. He said its highly unlikely that it would happen. And why should they? They have a stake in the winner, not loser.

Yes we can!   May 4th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

WHEN OBAMA CUT INTO HILLARY'S DOUBLE DIGIT LEAD IN PA IT WAS DOWNPLAYED….BUT HILLARY CUTS INTO OBAMAS LEAD IN NC AND IT'S HOT TOPIC NEWS….I'M STARTING TO THINK CNN YOU'RE PART OF THIS RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY TO BRING OBAMA DOWN….SAY IT AINT SO…..
**************************
Please CNN do a fact check, Hillary just said in live campaign stop that she went with a guy in Indiana to go with him to fill up his truck and it cost $63.00 for half tank….CNN YOU DID A SPECIAL ON PHOTO OPS WITH THESE CANDIDATES AND "YOU" STATED THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN ASK THIS GUY 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE TO DO THE PHOTO OP AND WHEN HE TRUCK WAS TWO DOOR AND SHE REQUIRED A FOUR DOOR, THEY BORROWED THE TRUCK FROM THE GUYS BOSS…..the lies and exageration continue, but yet it's never reported…..DO A FACT CHECK AND STOP SLAMMING OBAMA ON EVERY LITTLE THING HE DOES AND SAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BettiH, Indianapolis, IN   May 4th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Last week when Obama slipped barely in the polls, you would of thought he slipped about 5-10 points. Now he has taken back the lead to 4 points over your golden girl, I haven't heard it mentioned at all. Thanks CNN for your balanced reporting.

Anonymous   May 4th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Hey delegates, I know Obama has the most popular vote, I know he has more delegates, I know he won more states. BUT PICK ME I'M BETTER

The Truth   May 4th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Obama's a wind bag. Let's have a real solution to the high gas price. Not only should we get a federal holiday, but the states could do the same. Now that would be a pocketful for us gas users Why is Obama so negative?

Ivan   May 4th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

The 08 election breaks down to this: The Dems cant afford to lose the "Black" vote so they have to nominate Obama knowing he will lose in the general election. The act of "superdelegates" nominating a more electable Hillary Clinton would enrage the black community and destroy the democrat party (if not worse like starting a "race war".

Patricia - Ontario, Canada   May 4th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

I will keep praying that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will be the first woman President of the United States 2009 – two (2) terms.

Charlotte   May 4th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Double Down? Is he a gambler as well as a liar? He threw the Rev. under the bus because the Rev got his feelings hurt by Obamas' rhetorical comments earlier and retaliated. His 'Uncle' didn't much like what Obama said and let him have it with both barrels. It is getting crowed under that bus, first his typical white grandmother, then his mentor/uncle. He will say what ever he has to say to win this election. When will people see him for what he is a 'typical' politician.

Cosmic Comedy Queen Go Hillary!!!   May 4th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

I watched them both. Hillary by far is the most specific and knowledgeable than the other guy, what's his name? "I fall asleep in church for 20 yrs. and I wake up and all of a sudden I'm a presidential candidate, what happened?"

You know, that guy who wants change and is delusional to think when and if he gets in the house that all he has to do is snap his fingers…you know that guy, and the world will beckon to his feet? I think not.

Allen   May 4th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

The gas tax is nothing but fluff and political pandering. What is much more critical is the sleazy conspiracy between the Clintons,Rev. Wright and the news media. I have listened to the Rev. Wright speech that sparked this manufactured controversy. Guess what I heard. The Rev. Wright gushes with love for the Clintons. Don't believe it? Listen to the speech. Rrev. Wright Loves the Clintons! The speech never mentions Obama once. Rev. Wright was a confidant of the Clintons during the Bill Presidency and he still loves and supports them This whole Rev. Wright contoversy is a plot by the Clintons,Wright and the media to discredit Obama. If the truth comes out. Rev. Wright would become a Clinton controversy as it indeed should be.

Paul. California   May 4th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

If 60 percent of Americans don't find Hillary trustworthy, its for a reason.
Bill Clinton was impeached maybe? Why should we elect them again
and expect different results?

justobserve   May 4th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Of course if Obama won, it is not important. Where Clinton won, a few big states then they are important. Isn't the normal way to select a nominee from primaries and caucuses then the winner will go to the general election? She argues of electability but can anyone be sure of who will win the general election until the end of the election day, not at the end of primaries? She is unelectable by the high untrustworthy rating and negative rating so it is arrogant of her to say she is certain to win. Obama can run as Independent. His supporters are disgusted by this attack dog. She is desperate and divide the party for nothing.

Sue   May 4th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I saw Sen. Obama on Meet the Press….very honest, informative and in command of issues. Very presidential. Well Done!
Can't wait until you are in the oval office.

twister49 - oklahoma   May 4th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

he won Guam by 7 votes…all the polls showed her way behind..even with the last precint votes were waiting to be counted….. 7 votes people…this wasn't a win-it was a tie…

Charlotte   May 4th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

I just read another topic that was closed but I would like to address it.
Obama Mama keeps bring up Bills Impeachment, and adultry. First of all Bill was not impeached, if he had of been impeached there would not be a Clinton library, he would not have an office in Harlem. He would not have his retirement etc…The adultry is something he and Hillary have to deal with. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. Many women actually love their husbands for better or worst. I think her courage and commitment are very evident in her decision to keep her marrage together. Call it what you will. Maybe if there weren't so many unwed mothers, this country would be a lot better off. Maybe time does heal all wounds, and as a woman I can say, I know some of the choices that we have to make are not always easy..Women face their problems head on, men think if you ignore it, it will go away..Hillary does not give up easily, she will fight for what she believes in. I admire that quality in a President.

Fred up North   May 4th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Barack Obama :
Strength : Honesty, integrity, Loyalty, Team player
Weakness: Honesty, integrity, Loyalty, Team player. Enemies: CNN (Lou Dobbs, Keith Richburg, Errol Louis, Wolf Blitzer, Jessica Yellin, Jamie McIntyre, Dana Bash, Willam Schneider, Louise Schiavone, Anderson Cooper Campbell Brown
Weapon of choice: Rev. Wright (is he running for president?)

American Girl   May 4th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Hillary is lying again and speaking down to the people she deems as the not so sharp uneducated white blue collar workers.

If that is not elitist then I do not know what is….

Tina   May 4th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Le'ts wait and see after tuesday May 6th.
I wonder why “troubling” that a recent poll showed that 60 percent of Americans didn’t find her trustworthy. “ It isn't troubling this is the consequences of her multiiple lies even the ones that are obvious to the point a retarded could see through. It's seems its run in the family. Take the sniper fire; she lied, Bill lied and Chelsea who accompany lied by omission.The only time she was telling the truth was when she said she has a big baggage. We all know is the truth because she has a regiment of skeletons in her closets

gerald strother   May 4th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

Oregon Democratic Primary
Oregon: Obama 51% Clinton 39%

Steve   May 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Sometimes I wonder if Hillary is on the same ticket as John McCain. She seems to have some of the same war views as President Bush. Maybe she is a undercover agent for the republicans. lol

Steve,

Kentucky

Joe in OH   May 4th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Obama is an ELITIST flipfloper. He should go back to his scramble white-egg. This year I am willing to vote HILLARY CLINTON, but if she doesn't win, I will vote JOHN McCAIN!!!

Hillary or McCain!!!
NO OBAMA!!

David   May 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

I have voted for every democratic candidate for president since 1976 when I first became eligible to vote and I may not vote at all if Obama is the nominee. When he is on TV I pause the DVR until I can fast forward past him, he turns me off. The “elitist” reporters and pundits that bend over backwards to peddle him and justify his naive, limousine liberal fluff disgust me too. What turns me off; probably the most is his healthcare plan that must have been dreamed up by his health insurance lobbyist wife.

Sue   May 4th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Well I feel that George Stephanopoulos was a very good moderator. He asked some very hard questions and did not let Senator Clinton off the hook. On the other hand, Obama had another easy interview without some real hard "issue" questions. He really did not give any firm information.

Mama Sue, Chicago   May 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I'm amazed at how resilient Hillary Clinton is. And how she can ignore the obvious. Every time Barack Obama wins or makes a point, she just shrugs it off as if it doesn't matter. She acts like her failures mean nothing because we have known about them for so long. What she fails to see, or maybe just chooses to ignore, is that Barack Obama is still winning pledged delegates. And that Superdelegates are still endorsing him. And he WILL be our candidate, and then he WILL be our president.
A Mama for Obama!

Shirley-Ohio   May 4th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

It really does matter what happens in Indiana or North Carolina, the race been over Hillary cannot win. She has allowed herself to go on to try to make a case to the superdelegates. Well I say and I am a voter Obama has won fair and square and the superdelegates know if they take it away from him and hand it to Hillary ( an African-American who did not cheat or did not smear anybodies name to get where he is at today) there is going to be hell to pay and you can bet you bottom dollar that McCain surely will when. Any African-American watching or following this race will not vote, plain and simple. Can you blame them if it is taken away from Obama and given to Clinton? If that happens ( and I am confindent it will not) this will clearly be about race and the world will divide even further apart.

Susan MO   May 4th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Go Hillary Clinton!!

She will be a great president :)

Hillary 08 :)

norm   May 4th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

If all else fails and the racists win then 4000 of us have already pledged to vote McCain across 3 states. So long Hillary no matter how you cut it.

carrie   May 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

hillary,hillary,hillary
you know you can not win and now you want to ruin barracks chances
if u really want the best for america
why wont u drop out of this race
and give obama time to regroup for the republicans?
why are you so selfish?
if u have devoted 25 years of your life to the service of people
why cant u add another 8 more years?
you will be 68 ans still fit to run
the race is over this time for you and you know it
barrack has to focus on november
dont ruin america because you are power hungry
what is it with u and that white house anyway
did u forget something in there
you can call michelle obama and ask her to find it for you
if u did
if u didnt,do u want to die there as well?
think of te democratic party and america
do the right thing!

Richard Bell - Winston-Salem, NC.   May 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Vote for Hillary to save the Democratic party. vote for Obama to give the keys to the GOP.

White male for Obama   May 4th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Hillary will give you pennies and take away your hard earned dollars.
Penny wise pounds foolish that is how her idea of gas tax break sounds.

You can't only win big states and not win small states to become
president.

Senator Maccain is unpatriotic with his recent statement on war for oil in the middle east.

A presidental candidate should not have said things what would portray America image as selfish, self centred minded that is willing to invade another country to steal what that country has.

Maccain comment re-enforce those people whom have criticized American invasion as nothing but embition for oil.

How is that for some one who want to be president and a leader of the
free world.

Gary   May 4th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

If Bloomberg, the Billionare from NY is against the gas tax relief, then I think the gas tax relief must be good for us uneducated poor folks.

."The economy's in trouble. When the housing crisis broke, Hillary Clinton called for action: a freeze on foreclosures. Barack Obama said, no. Now, gas prices are skyrocketing, and she's ready to act again. . . . Barack Obama says no, again."

. Let obama go be president of MSNBC, his national mouth piece

Robert Mpls   May 4th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

Hm. Obama was "forced to clarify", and "attacked" Clinton. As if he were being overly defensive about himself, and unfair to Clinton.

Clinton gets to lamely dismiss legit concerns about her honesty with vagueness.

And a moment where Easley makes a crack intended to make Richardson look foolish.

Your bias is showing. Your corporate masters want you to tear down Obama now, so that you can tear down Hillary later.

You guys are pathetic GOP shills.

This comment will await "moderation."

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