May 16, 2008
Posted: 03:55 PM ET

From
Blitzer: Obama hit back a day after Bush's speech.
Blitzer: Obama hit back a day after Bush's speech.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Barack Obama came out swinging against both President Bush and John McCain. At issue: the allegation that those who are willing to sit down with terrorists are no different than those who sought to appease Adolph Hitler in the lead-up to World War II. A day after President Bush’s speech in Jerusalem, Obama gave a tough speech of his own defending his record and then followed up with a lengthy news conference.

Obama’s political strategy is clearly designed to prevent the accusation from gaining credibility. Republicans have successfully raised questions about Democrats national security credibility over the years. Obama and his supporters who fanned out across the television networks want to make sure that those charges don’t have time to resonate.

I remember covering the 1988 presidential race between then-Vice President George H.W. Bush and Mike Dukakis. The Democratic nominee was branded as weak on national security. He was ridiculed for wearing a helmet while on a tank. The picture clearly made him look silly. Even though he had emerged from the Democratic convention that summer way ahead of Bush in the national polls, he eventually lost the election in November.

Many Democrats learned an important lesson in the process. Once attacked, attack right back and don’t wait. Bill Clinton learned that lesson in 1992. It’s seems Obama has learned that lesson as well.

Filed under: Wolf Blitzer


Jamaal Kansas   May 16th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Yes every Attack we will Counter Attack Obama 08 you will not discredit this Hard working american we will Not be Deprived of another Great President!

Billy From Fla   May 16th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

It's great to attack back, but Obama has nothing to attack back with.

This is just the beginning for Obama and I think he will cave under the
pressure.The Republicians are literally going to destroy him.

I hope the Democrats have Hillary on the side lines to pick up
and run with the ball to goal post.

mt   May 16th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

it took him 2 days, this is no swing, this is slow motion.

Dennis   May 16th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

He had to do it. The attack was aimed at him. President Bush meant to target Senator Obama, and Senator McCain left no doubt about it. Failing to respond to these attacks doomed both Gore and Kerry. A topic such as national security required a response. It is just too important. Furthermore, Senator Obama's remarks were at least reflected the truth while President Bush's remarks were designed simply to instill fear in the voters. His remarks analogizing Democrats to Nazi appeasers was particulary out of line.

CHICANO ART, ARIZONA   May 16th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Obama is weak on terror. In fact Obama is weak period. I think his whining about being picked on by a President that he rails against daily is pathetic. He wants to have the debate or not. You discuss the issues you don't fight the premise of having a debate as old politics. These are current issues. I support Hillary, but in the event the democrats are stupid enough to nominate Barrack I will be joining the McCain team because I do not trust Obama and his far left backers.

steve   May 16th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

what happened to all that hogwash about new politics and change?

nobama is such a transparent stereotypical politician without substance

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   May 16th, 2008 4:14 pm ET

Yep. Take a cue from the GOP book, hit 'em right back. About time we had a Democrat candidate who didn't wuss out when somebody calls him a bad name.

I hope he goes at them on the offensive, forget attacking back. He darn well has plenty of ammunition to use after the fiasco of the last 7 years of GOB rule.

Doug   May 16th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Whoever the nominee is, I hope they take this lesson to heart. Don't just attack back, but attack first. Press the attack, don't let up, don't give McCain room to breathe. Keep on him about how bad the country is after 8 years of Republican rule, and about how McCain really is nothing more than Bush's 3rd term.

H. Eugenia DeCelle   May 16th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It is my thinking that no President of the USA should sit down and talk with leaders who condone and support terrorism, without pre-conditions. If indeed this War On Terror is real, it is unthinkable.
That said, covert discussions can and are happening thru intermediaries.

Thank you

proud army and navy mom   May 16th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

this is why i trust Sen Obama with the safety of our soliders. His intelligence and patriotism is evident in every thing he says and does. I believe he will bring our troops home as safely as possible. He is kind yet strong. He listens but is not swayed by the bullcrap from the Republicans.

Dina   May 16th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

It's not that hard to refute the type of low-life and unethical ignorance that has had it's grip on this county for the last eight years as evidenced by Bush the Buffoon and his new sidekick John "Is A Clown" McCain.

KJ in Ohio   May 16th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Barack is playing with the big fellas now. After all the talk about the President being "dishonest and not telling the truth" in regards to Iraq, his skin seems a little thin when it gets fired back.

Brian from Fort Mill, S.C.   May 16th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

The point is that he is able to learn from his mistakes.

Did Hillary learn that using the kitchen sink strategy will cost her superdelegates? Nope! And it cost her the nomination.

Did Bush learn that cowboy diplomacy doesn't work? Nope. He's still doing it.

Did Bill Clinton learn to keep his pants on? Hell no.

Not that big of a LOTR fan but I went for it.   May 16th, 2008 4:16 pm ET

Thanks be to Hillary. She forged in fires of Mount Doom one candidate to beat them all!

Kenneth M   May 16th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

WHAT BUSH AND MCCAIN DO NOT REALIZE IS THAT IT DOES NOT MATTER IF BUSH WAS TALKING ABOUT OBAMA, HE WAS TALKING ABOUT THE POLICY THAT OBAMA SUPPORTS. BUSH, WHO HAS FAILED AT EVERY POLICY HE HAS EVER HAD EVEN WITH CONTROLE OF THE HOUSE AND SENATE SHOULD NOT BE TALKING ABOUT POLICY. HE STINKS AND ONLY 28% OF THE PEOPLE CANNOT SMELL IT. OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL BUSH SPEAKS TO HIM BEFORE HE SAYS ANYTHING. AND BY THE WAY, NOTICE HILLARY IS OFF THE FRONT PAGE? SHE IS STILL RUNNING, BUT NOBODY KNOWS WHERE. LOL. AND HUCK NEEDS TO TRADE HIS H FOR AN F.

mike   May 16th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

the republicans are going to destroy him (Obama)?? with what their success with the "war on terror", or the "war on gay marriage"??

Debby   May 16th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Wolf, it doesn't matter if Obama came out swinging he made the statement in the debate, which does make the Dems. look weak in foreign policy once again. This comment by Bush wouldn't have even been out there if Hillary was the nominee.

charles   May 16th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

bush lied he did play golf.

Temitayo Gidado   May 16th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

YES WE CAN ATTACK THAT IDIOT CALLED BUSH. YES IDIOT.

Docb   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Obama seems to be have a great appreciation for history…he promised last year he would not be 'swiftboated' and has been true to form when the attacks have come both sides.
McCain has not a leg to stand on in the day of a President with a 27% approval rating and a war that is very unpopular with the voter.

Go Obama.

MARTY MCCLAIN   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

I REMEMBER - 1941 - WE WERE TALKING TO THE JAPANESE-
IN WASHINGTON- THEIR PLANES HAD ALREADY LEFT JAPAN
HEADED FOR HAWAII. WE WERE NOT READY FOR WAR - AND IT TOOK US AWHILE. BY THE WAY I AM A DEMOCRATE

GO HILLARY

mitchell from arkansaw   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

obama's campaign has just been amazing.record numbers of new voters,a large base of independent supporters,many crossover republican voters.the organization put the clinton 'machine' to shame.record donations by record numbers of donors,without special interests and pac money.meeting challenges by opponents,directly,and with truth,while keeping his integrity intact.by the way wolf,i'm listening to your interview with mitt,and he is the epitome of elitist arrogance,and knows very little about foreign policy.he is lame.

PCS / North Carolina   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

If the GOP do the "Swiftboating", "Karl roving" or any "race hate" this time around they will learn a lesson. The " Race hate" did not work in NC or MI, it is not going to work. Good bye "Rush", O'Reily", Sean Hannity, and Ann the Hate mongers and Race baiters.

Janice Hough   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

One huge difference in this Democratic Primary is that when Obama has been attacked, sometimes justifiably, sometimes not, he has fought back, and he has learned from his mistakes.

Unfortunately for the Clinton campaign, she has fought back, but she has mostly just gotten defensive about her mistakes.

KE   May 16th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

Bye bye Carl Rove era.

Have we all lost sight of the forest for the trees in the past eight years?
Perpaps the Mountaineers have seen it better than anybody this election year, hope so. The media didn't recognize it. They were too busy with ther math and mind made up already.

Bye bye Carl Rove era.

And come Kentucky and Oregon, this race is not yet over. You can almost see people going to the polls in record numbers, listening to their inner voice instead of all the other noises.

One of my older friends who never voted before said he is going to vote in November for the first time in his life.

YOLA   May 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Oh Billy from FL - how naive of you! Of course he does - he has his movement behind him and we can fight and we can fight dirty too.

So just sit back and watch a winner! Oh, sorry, you have been watching a winner - Mr. Obama!

GERIATRIC   May 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BIG MOUTHS, WHICH MAKES THEM BIG TARGETS, AND OBAMA HAS THE ARSENAL. NOW SOMEBODY, SLAM. THAT IDIOT HUCKABEE

Tjaye   May 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Hmmm…looks like folks are going to see who is "tough" and who is just LOUD!

Go Obama O-8!!!

Mike - Texas   May 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Yes, he attached back, but it took his WRITERS 2 days to figure out how to respond.

He couldn't do it on his own.

What is he going to do in a crisis?? Wait 2 days befor he responds??

Dominique   May 16th, 2008 4:20 pm ET

Yes, Obama has learned - what SCUM "BushMcCain" really is!

They would stoop at nothing to cheat Americans out of our future with their outrageous lies and inuendos!

NOT THIS TIME. they will get their butts WHIPPED and whipped GOOD!

Jeanne   May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Attack right back and knock them out of the ball park, if you can.

Angus McDugan   May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Unfortunately he was attacking back at a comment directed to Jimmy Carter. Paranoid I guess.

Chet, OR   May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

Yeah, Obama will attack back just as soon as his handlers tell him what to say and he practices it before standing behind a podium, reading his "attack" from a teleprompter. Oh, and don't forget the American flags behind him. Gotta do everything they can to dress up this empty suit and dupe us into believing he's presidential material.

AAA   May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

wolf, shut up

No Way   May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

I say about time. Stand up for yourself. Don't take so much time when it happens next. And it will.

Anonymous   May 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I honestly believe that Clinton is the only one who can win in November.; wake up people and try to put a smart. competent woman
in charge-it is past time!

La Raza.   May 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Rumble young man Rumble. You can see the fear in the Repubs. eyes.

Jane   May 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Obama began the attacks from the beginning, Wolfe. Although the Obama-biased media would tell their viewers to think that he's a virtuous victim, it was in fact he who began by airing a negative, misleading attack on Sen. Clinton's superior health care plan. Remember? Thereafter, he attacked her in many of his speeches. Just because you've told us to see it the other way around, doesn't mean that we do. We do have minds, eyes and ears of our own, you know. In my opinion, Sen. Clinton has run a much more intelligent, strong and appropriate campaign.
If we lose this window of opportunity to elect her in November, we will be losing a woman who would probably be the most capable president in our history. Furthermore, she's much more electable than he is.

NickNas   May 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

How simple are you Wolf?!

Obama didn't LEARN this? He just would not be like Hillary and attack needlessly a member of his own team. Her attacks were beneath comment so he ignored her. The Gloves are off now and this man is going to suprise people.

Clinton backer   May 16th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

MT is exactly right - he can't just attack back, he has to have his speech writers write something up with some meat in it, and then inform the press that he's going to "fire back" so they splash his face all over the TV.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

NObama NO WAY

T.W.   May 16th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Hillary is still the stronger candidate. Super delagates and remaining voters take note.
Seat Michigan and Florida. they voted

compddd   May 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Hey Billy From Fla, news flash, Hillary lost the battle for the nomination. Stop posting dribble.

Lynn, Missouri   May 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

I think it's sad that it has to come down to this. Why can't they build up themselves instead of putting down their opponents. Unfortunately, uninformed citizens believe what they hear and vote accordingly, so I guess Barack will have to be on te defensive until Nov. instead of giving his platform to Americans. For some reason, I find that very sad. I guess I have too high expectations of my fellow Americans.

Amy from Washington   May 16th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Obama will respond. He has learned that letting such lies fester only causes a stink later on. If Kerry had responded to the swift boating immediately, we would not have had a Bush second term.

JN in NJ   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Uhm… McCain served with George Bush, he knows George Bush, maybe George Bush was a friend of him (sometimes - nothing to say of South Carolina 2000) However McCain is NO George Bush, whatever Obama says… Great he attacked, but, plese, take aim first!

Truth   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Wow…wolf himself praizing Obama…!
May be this Obama is really good candidate for president
Fianlly, Wolf is becoming fair

Pepou   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Bush and his acolytes are so worried and desperate that they will resort to anything. Intelligence and real strength are on Obama's side. Get used to it losers!

Realistic   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

It is unbelievable that we have yet another weak, oh so weak, candidate in Mr. Obama. The Democrats once again fail to get it right and we are looking at another 4 years of a Republican White House. Mr. Obama should never have been allowed to be a candidate. No experience says it all. This along with his horrific judgment and nasty ties to a racist, American hating church will ensure his demise in November.

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Dialog with our enemies, you know we use to do that once upon a time in this country.
When we competent leadership in the White House. Do you remember when?

FDR talked to Russia - Murderess Dictator Stalin to defeat Hitler
Kennedy talked to - Nikita S. Khrushchev removing missile bases from Cuba
Nixon talked to China – Communist threat, to end the war in Vietnam
Regan talked to the USSR – Evil Empire that wanted to bury our children.

Diplomacy, diplomacy you see it is always cheaper to talk first before you bomb and lay waste to our enemies. Just think we may have been able to save over 4000 American lives in Iraq, and saved 12 billion a month if we kept talking.

We can not force our ideology on other countries beliefs; it has been proven trough out history! If you want to use nukes or gasoline fire bombs and wipe out most of the population like we did in Germany and Japan it may have worked then, but now the rest of the world would think we are insane!

The one thing about Saddam Hussein he took no S**T from any of these people that are controlling Iraq now! Yes he was a nasty dictator that used the chemical weapons that the US gave him back in the 80’s to kill Kurdish threats and Iranian Solders. You see Saddam Hussein seen these people as threats to has regime and government, he knew how to handle these people. Further, Iran was scared to death of him and did not dare to step foot Iraq. We could have used Saddam Hussein as a puppet if we were smart! We could have paid him to do our dirty work with Al Qaeda and Iran like we did in 80’s when Regan was president. Bush does not know how to think on that level he is to arrogant and stupid to know he had everything going for him after 9/11.

You see by keeping Saddam Hussein in power until we got off of fossil fuels would have been the smart and prudent thing to do. We could have positioned ourselves to deal with him on another level at a different time. Bush just made the most bone-headed foreign policy mistake in our countries history hopefully the next president can get us out of this mess.

Obama 08

Joe - Wilmington, DE   May 16th, 2008 4:25 pm ET

Unfortunately, every attack must be answered. Answered honestly and without vindictiveness. Obama is a gifted statesman and he will likely weather any attacks with grace and decency.

Further, there may be lots of folks like me who are nauseated and repulsed by attackers who use half-truths or total falsehoods in an attempt to discredit an opponent.

So take heed Republican party. You may be in for the same rude awakening as Hillary Clinton if you decide to go at Obama like a pit bull on raw meat.

fred   May 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

OBAMA IS AN IDIOT AND DOESN'T EVEN NEED TO BE CLOSE TO THE WHITE HOUSE.

HE SHOULD GET OUT NOW!!

HE WILL NEVER WIN IN NOVEMBER….McCain will win by a LANDSLIDE!!!

OBAMA IS ABOUT AS RADICAL AS THEY GET!!

YOLA   May 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

You guys have been underestimating Barack Obama; you mistook his kindess for weakness!

He has been pretty easy on HRC; imagine if he, the sterotypical black man, was seen as beating up on the older white woman.

Think about that!

However, all bets are off when it comes to the older, senile man that he will have to beat in November.

Alex   May 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

All these Obama haters and Hillary lovers, why don't you enroll in the Republican Party? At least we'd know who our "friends" are before the election. If you feel that McCain would represent your interests better, hey, you live in a free country.

Jaime   May 16th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

GOP = Grossly Obsolete Party

George   May 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

I am a little concerned about CNN's coverage of our upcoming elections. Time over and again, I have found cnn news anchorers, specially Wolf Blitzer twisting subjects and painting certain perspective as oppose to providing news or something worth while educational. The twisting of news and propogation of specific narrow opinions is what ethical journalists refer to as "Propoganda". Just the other day, Mr. Blitzer showed a video from roughly 10 years ago, of Al Gore stating that he was behind the making of the internet. It was totally irrelavent at this point and time, and we have a million and one real issues, yet he choose to put on a lengthy video of Al Gore. I find CNN following the same path that Fox news has adopted and it is rather disturbing.

Freedom   May 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Barack Obama has plenty to attack back with. He is new politics and John McCain and Bush is pathetic……..and any of you that think that Americans is going to sit back and allow another Bush term is not living in a real world.

Go Barack Obama Go!!!

KE   May 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Genius is 1% inspiration and 99 perspiration.
Hillary is it.

Three men race, Hillary will win.

Go, Kentucky, we need more cheer leaders in Oregon, Montana and south Dakota.

Old Women from Minnesota for Barack   May 16th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Obama doesn't cower…Obama doesn't back down….Obama doesn't turn the other cheek.

That is my president.

Hope and change doesn't mean act weak. Be strong and show that you are not going to take republican nonsense lying down. Blow for blow. Bring it on GOP.

Obama '08.

lack of common sense with our government   May 16th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

It's a simple answer… the USA does not talk to terrorists. We can talk with nations that house terrorists, but you do not to the group themselves…

it's that simple…. stop making it black vs white, or republican vs democrat, or big oil vs the little people…

SHUT UP… and use common sense….

Chris from NY   May 16th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

He knew from the begining to attack bac. H e just didn't want to do it with Mrs. Clinton. He's pretty much secured the nomination. The battle has just begun and all bets are off. He may not show to have the gloves on but he sure does know how to throw punches. I will love to see how this plays out. So much for McCain's claim to have foreign policy experience.

Frank   May 16th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

I dislike Bush and his policies that have ruined us so badly. But, there is some truth to what he said in Israel, eventhough that was not the right time or place to say it! Obama is naive and doesn't understand the mentality of those who he would be talking with,i.e. the likes of Ahmadinejad! Just like we were naive in not knowing what will happen if we go into Iraq and let the various life time enemies get a chance to fight one another, Obama is naive in not understanding the fanatic ways people like Ahmadinejad and Hamas rulers think and try to justify their thinking. Obama's apparent foreign policies, for what little he has revealed, will be a disaster worse than what Bush has created. God help us all if he becomes the next President of the United States. CNN: please post my comment.

Michael Kirksville, MO   May 16th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

Yea, great to know our little boy is a quick study. You Obama nuts sure are in for a ride this Fall. Not that we had anyone else who already possessed tremendous experience and knew how to fight for all Americans. Hhmmm, could it be…….HILLARY CLINTON??!!

zuki   May 16th, 2008 4:29 pm ET

I am a Democrat. I dont know why Obama, attacked somebody, when somebody said the same thing that he had said. He was not trying to attack him, he was just repeating, what he had said. Also, his wife Michelle, is angry when someone says that she was proud of America for the first time, when she had said the same. Nobody, is attacking her, for something that she didnt say, but for what she did say. Obama, and Michelle need to stand up, for what they say, not blame somebody for what they had said themselves.

gary   May 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

OBAMA ATTACK BY READING A SPEECH.HE CANT DO ANYTHING WITHOUT BEING PRE DONE.OBAMA IS SUCH A JOKE. HRC HAS MORE GUTS AND MORE OF A FIGHTER FOR US THAN OBAMA WILL EVER BE. OBAMA IS ALL TALK. AMERICA WILL FIND OUT WHEN ITS TO LATE.THIS RACE HAS BEEN FIXED FROM THE BEGINING A,LL THESE SUPER DELIGATES GOING TO HIS SIDE. SHE WINS A STATE AND THE DELIGATES GO TO OBAMA. GIVE ME A BREAK. THIS IS A FREE RIDE FOR OBAMA. THIS COUNTRY IS JUST BIAS AGAINST A WOMAN PRESIDENT. ALL THE CHANGES O.B. HAS BROUGHT IS HATE, DIVISION AND RACIST. HE HAS TOOK OUR COUNTRY BACK 100 YRS, NOT FORWARD. A SMOOTH CON MAN FROM CHICAGO WITH A SLICK SPEECH. O.B. IS NOTHING WITHOUT PEOPLE TALKING FOR HIM.EVERYTIME SOMEONE ATTACKS O.B. AFTER BEING ATTACK BY HIM, HE PLAYS ON THE PEOPLE AND TURNS EVERYTHING AROUND ON THE CLINTONS.I DONT AGREE MUCH WITH BUSH ,BUT I AGREE ABOUT O.B. TALKING TO THE ENEMY'S IS IN SANE. O.B. IS NOT OR WILL BE FOR ALONG TIME ,READY TO RUN OUR COUNTRY. HRC IS OUR ONLY PRAYER. AFTER ALL THE HATE O.B. SUPPORTERS HAVE DONE TO THE CLINTONS, I WOULDN'T EVEN BACK O.B. WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND. HE WILL LOOSE IN NOV. AMERICA WILL DESERVE WHAT THEY GET. NOSTRADAMUS THE CODE WORLD WAR 111 . READ IT AND THINK ABOUT IT.

Tom(Texas)   May 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

I've got something to say for these cowards who call themselves Republicans. You think Obama and democrats for that matter can't fight. The only way you idiots know how to fight is with guns. If you tried to use your amazing senses of humor you might come up with something like Huckabee, who joked that Obama was ducking a gun at a recent press conference. Me and my brother law( a 6′ 250 pound bodybuilding democrat) would gladly take on any gun slinging hot shot Republican. One more thing hope McCain doesn't have a heart attack. Have a nice day Republicans. It's because of hot headed "tough guy" politics that got us into this mess in the world. So Republican's why don't you tell your struggling grandmother, or poor friend in that town down the road( because you all live in towns, the city is the devil, all those blacks and gays, and whites who accept them) that you are sorry the gas will be over 4 dollars by the end of the summer. I guess we shouldn't have voted for that big eared gun slinging president. Have a nice life sitting in church until god helps gas come down.

Frank   May 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

I didn't originally support Obama because I thought Edwards would have been the stronger candidate in November. After Edwards dropped out, I supported Clinton for the same reason.

But I hope that this is Obama's first step toward proving me wrong. I was afraid that he would allow his rhetoric about a new kind of politics and his hope that it was possible would play into the hands of those running the Republican fiction factory.

Now I have some hopes that, as a well-spoken and relatively young man of mixed racial heritage, Obama may be perfectly positioned to show the Republicans up for the fear-mongering, hate-spewing racists that they have always been. McSame is showing himself to be no exception.

Concerned   May 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

You're right Wolfe, but what a lot of people failed to understand is that the reason he didn't come out swinging against Hillary is because she is one of him (a fellow democrat). Now that he doesn't have to deal with Hillary (a fellow democrat), he will definitely come out with gloves on against the GOP.

Watch out!

Susan, Seattle   May 16th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Why are the Repubs so unpatriotic? McSame refuses to sign the GI bill. He doesn't care that 4,000 of our troops have died, he wants another 4,000 to die in the next five years. He wants to double our already trillion dollar debt until we're completely beholden to the Chinese. The Repubs have left our troops to come home in sorry, sorry shape. And that's when they can come home, with all the stop losses. The Repubs are just a scandal-clad reckless spending bunch. True patriots vote Democrat.

lexel   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Yes, indeed, he has learned his lesson well. Mr. Obama's response was proper but I hope he makes more emphasis on the impact the speech of Bush made to USA's strongest ally in the middle-east . It was improper and uncalled for specially on the given occasion. The repubulican party has stooped low and was willing to jeopardize USA's most valued foreign relation in the future (specially if Democrats win) . It shows how divided USA is (so much for our country to lead the world in maintaining peace). And, so much for Republicans bragging about their expertise in foreign relations. Yuck!

Whiskey   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

To all the

"If not Hillary then McCain" fools…yes fools. You obviously are not Democrats in any way , shape, or form and must be a gluton for punishment under the failed Republican rule.

and, even dumber…….
"Hillary in 2012″ morons

You think that she will be entitled the nomination once again. WRONG. I hear many people write how they are bitter and will not support Obama and that he can not beat McCain w/o your support. Well, there is a possibility that the statement may be true. But to think that people will support Hillary in 2012 after many of you plan on turning your back on the Democratic party because your candidate lost, YES LOST, are greatly mistaken.

Smarten up and grow as an enlightened person.

-57 female, white, lesbian, veteran, farmer from WV

American Girl   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Bush has created a Foreign Policy that is dark and evil. Even Bush's friends ignore him. The Saudi's are not even listening to him when he ask them to reduce prices…. Why becasue they too disagree with his foreign policy. So what will he do, attack them becasue guess what they are oil terrorist………

The reason Bush can not influence other nations is because he himself, by himself is Wrong and has led our country down this dark, hate filled path.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction….The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

MCCAIN, HUCKABEE 08   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

LOL You little democrats are so funny!!!!! You think you can beat us with your little change slogans and universal healthcare nonsense!

But in reality, your all little kids wandering around-and fortunately for me half of you are so stubborn they with us!!!

Why dont dems go back to pandering for healthcare and pandering to terrorists and allow McCain to win in iraq and kill the terrorists, and stop homosexuals and abortions from corrupting our country!!

MCCAIN HUCKABEE 08′

Heather   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

I think Obama's learning. I was pleased to see him fire back against bush, both with his campaign statements directly after, and with this speech today. Equally, I was really glad to see his surrogates in the Democratic Party speak out against bush's ridiculous remarks as well. This is what we need, a strong stance and solidarity in the months ahead — this is just a taste of the race-baiting, ethnicity and religion-baiting, and fearmongering the GOP will use against Obama from now until November and we need to nip it in the bud whenever it comes up.

We need to stand strong against it as Democrats and not be weak in our response when they try to swiftboat us — it's not just him, it's us — this election season.

Chuck   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Way to go, Obama.

Rob   May 16th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

his stance on these issues has proven without a doubt that things can and will be done differently. that americas status in the world will be returned after the dark ages that have been instilled by bush/mccain. it's amazing the damage that has been wrought by the repubs and mccain is more then willing to continue on the same path.

Dawn   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Imagine the audacity of the Bush administration signaling that Obama might be too weak to handle the terrorists, when it is 100% their fault that all of the terrorists are gunning for the United States in the first place! Obama will be the president who will show the good judgement to talk when talk might help and to act when action is necessary. Threatening every enemy and acting like the United States has the final word on everything really only pisses people off. Obama has said again and again, he will not sit down with terrorist groups such as Hamas, but he will sit down with the heads of states. Since when is sitting down and talking the same as giving them what they want? Come on!

Carrie Goodeagle Hayden, Idaho   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

The republicans are losers, Huckabee, the so-called preacher, preacher of what "violence," and his idiotic jokes about guns. Let him tell it to Jesus on Judgement Day.

Letha   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Maybe the better question would be for CNN to find out why Obama has been anointed by the press as our new messiah. He is an inexperienced sweet talker and we have all see those people before. We can all say Bush! I for one am getting sick of the retro ’60s drool by the way left liberals and CNN’s playing the game with them.

Chuck, Democrats United We Stand   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Wolf, it is good to see Obama come right back at McCain and soon to be EX Pres Bush. I think that has always been in him, but he has tried to keep it down while campaigning against a democrat. Every one has that fight in them, and it is great to see he is able to fire back with out having to worry about hurting a fellow democrat or the party.

Bobbi   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Obama handed Bush the "fear card" on a silver platter thanks to his being so naive an inexperienced. Go, Hillary, go!

Lisa   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

DNC please do not select Obama as the nominee. He is clearly not ready to become President!!!

nancy   May 16th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

If Hillary is not the candidate then I will not vote for the 1st time ever!
GO HILLARY-It is time for a strong, capable woman running this country.

Uncle Sam   May 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Did you hear that electing Sen. Obama would be a Bush third term? Hey, it makes about as much sense as when it is pinned on Sen. McCain. Apparently, Obama is also a warmonger. And senile. Allegedly.

Americans for McCain '08

Paul   May 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Being from Europe.. It is about time
that a possible american president would sit down and
talk/negotiate with enemies!

It seems your "great" president bush is a coward!! He hides
behind the misfortunate Amercian army, hides behind the thousands
of bombs he has dropped on unsuspecting innocent poeple..
and hides behind his pathetic allies in Saudi Arabia!

Europe for Obama

Nick - Arlington, VA   May 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Clinton Backer….it was clearly not a speech per se…and he writes his own…like the rac speech in Philly…or the speech at the '04 convention….stop hating…if your a democrat get on the train cause we can't have McCain in the White House.

Clear Thinking Indepedent Voter   May 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

It would seem that despite all the labels of fighter that have been placed on other candidates (mentioning no names) , Mr. Obama does not shy away from defending his principles.

He picks his battles …. I like that in a President.

Mark   May 16th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I am a democrat and proud to be so. I strongly disagree with many, many of the President’s opinions and policies!

With that said, I have to be honest. I watched the entire President’s speech yesterday. I did not hear anything in the speech that was directly criticizing any democrat. In fact, his message was no different than it has been in the past.

It amazes me and disappoints me that many of my party’s leaders would take offense to the fact that we shouldn’t negotiate with terrorists and that shouldn’t have direct high level talks with the leader of Iran. The Iran leader believes that the holocaust was fiction invented by Israel and America.

When I heard of the speech, I was thinking of how history has proved that you can’t have high level talks with terrorists and such. I think the President was referring to countries around the world. Pakistan for instance has a cease fire with Al Qaeda. The leader of that country made a deal to appease them so that the can stay in power.

In this case, I believe that we should give the President the benefit of the doubt. We all know the President has no problem critizing use Democrats. Lol If he really was referring to a specific party or politician, we wouldn’t have a problem doing so.

nancy   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Go Hillary! We need a capable woman running this country.

lyn   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

CNN you need stop your madness - Some of these comments need not to be aired. We as black people know CNN is for the Clintons, but these disrespect remarks from some are very offendsive to black race. The people have spoken and they want change. If Obama is the people chose then let it be their chose. I Know it is going to casue some problem to have a black president for the first time and bring out all the racist people trying to said evil things about Obama becasue he is black, but enough is enough and time for all the haters to just move on. It is going to happen a black man in the Whiteman House.

Anna   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

It is long past time to define weakness.
Bush and McCain are very, very weak people. Emotionally weak, intellectually weak and spiritually weak. They no how to do nothing but destroy, fight and kill. That is weakness.
It is going to take an intelligence, a strength beyond bane methods of destruction and shock and awe to bring down the concepts and methods of terrorism.

Paris   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Wolf, GOP is stating the facts and policy differences between McCain and Obama.
It is a fact that Hamas is in favor of Obama. Is it not?
It is a fact that Obama said he would meet with Ahmadinejad
(a presidential meeting) with no preconditions. Is it not?
GOP is only highlighted the differences, they are not attacking Obama.
This is the same policy that didn’t work during Carter administration and unfortunately democrats didn’t learn from it.
Negotiations through NGO’s is very different than a presidential meeting. If Obama had the experience, judgment and the knowledge required of the Middle East he would know that this kind of statement and or meeting would be ammunition for the propaganda machine of the Iranian government.
Just last week Ahmadinejad said “ we have brought America to its knees”.

Yes we can!   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

They just dont get it, every attack that has came against Obama has only strengthened him. The more hillary attacked the more superdelegates came to his side. the more the republicans attack him, is an attack on democratics and now you see entire congress coming to his defense as well….republicans tried tying three local candidates in chicago, louisanna & mississippi to obama and rev wright in heavy republican districts and all three democratics won,,,you all just dont get it…the more you attack the more success obama will have and everyone connected with him will be blessed and those that rise up against him will be cast down,,,,the bible states "no weapon that is formed against you, will prosper"…it just wont work……Obama 2008/2012

fred   May 16th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Mike - Texas, Man do you have that right. Obama can't even speak without someone writing it for him.

Obama speaking on his own:
ummm… ummm …I am Barack obama…umm…. umm…. and I am running umm…. umm ….for president… umm umm Howard Dean umm umm is helping me out !!

Neutral   May 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

The problem of Obambi, he has the notion, the world revolves around him. Appeasement speech of Bush in Israel has NOTHING to do with him, Bush was referring to former President Jimmy Carter who wanted to have a meeting with HAMAS in spite of the fact State Department told him not to do it.

Obama once again committed another blunder, same blunder he committed about news of Novak. This what happen when a man who thinks he's the presumptive nominee shoot off his mouth without checking if his brain is loaded, he is showing how uninformed he is.

MCCAIN, HUCKABEE 08   May 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Marty-you hit the nail on the head!! These democrats want to kill americans by letting these jihadists endanger our people! McCain will kill them all!!! Obama and hillary would have tea with them! You are going in the right direction-vote McCain, not Obama. Stop all the anti-christian abortions and homosexual marriages. McCain will!!!!!!!

McCain Huckabee 08′!!!

PhilT   May 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Hopefully no one needs to attack Mike Huckabee, an ordained minister, for the ridiculous comment he made in front of the NRA about someone pointing a gun at Barck Obama. He should immediately apologize on his own.

I thought Huckabee was a man of conscience, and even appreciated his stand up comedian schtick at times, but this is clearly beneath a "man of God".

Is this what the race is going to boil down to? How would he feel if tomorrow someone actually attempted to shoot Barack Obama?

The GOP is stooping to levels below anything in the past, because these are desperate time for th "Grand Old Party".

Say goodbye boys, it's over for you in a big way in November!

Phil T.

Robb, New York   May 16th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Obama's retort of that so-called president's remarks were right on the money. We Americans have to stand up to bullies like Bush. The man has been a miserable failure from the start and a joke of a president right to the end. He has accumulated his power on fear, the most un-American way to lead this country. America is a better nation than to have to suffer fools and bullies like George W. Bush. He, his soulless, heartless vice president, and the rest of his lot should be impeached and tried for treason, but I guess we'll have to settle for the 22nd Amendment's limitations and Bush's obligation to leave on Jan. 20, 2009.

JDG   May 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

How can you support a party who's only agenda is to raise taxes, point in the direction of the welfare office and attempt to TALK our enemies to death. How quick we forget about September 11th, as if it was another day in paradise. Oh, and our economy, get real, it has cycles just like our weather conditions and believe me the Republican party has nothing to do with Mother Nature. This country was founded on backbone, intestial fortitude and not politically correct casual debate. This country continues to need hard leadership who won't buckle under by cheap criticism.

Dee   May 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

You can't change the campaigning methods much. They are imbedded. So Senator Obama must play some by the established methods. A jab attempted to land and a quick right jab back immediately landing to the opponent's mouth.
America loves fights in the ring and on the stump more so than bowling or playing pool.
I really think Senator Obama has been holding back and the time has come for us to see the future President at work.

Haley Rodman Clemson   May 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Obama's "brilliant" counter-attack was pretty weak. He addressed a crowd of his supporters and basically told them that he was right and that they are wrong. He also called them fearmongers and said that Bush and McCain are trying to trick them. History and common-sense are on the side of Bush, all Obama has is the notion that our sworn enemies will warm up to us if we just give them a little attention and some quality time. Perhaps we should call him Momma Obama.

Obama thinks he is something entirely new and that he defies all logic. He's not. He's another Jimmy Carter.

PCS / North Carolina   May 16th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Chet, wrote OR May 16th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

"Yeah, Obama will attack back just as soon as his handlers tell him what to say and he practices it before standing behind a podium, reading his "attack" from a teleprompter. Oh, and don't forget the American flags behind him. "

You are comparing Obama to the "Dog handlers" in guantanamo bay - Yeah, we are very proud of that

"he practices it before standing behind a podium" - He was a President of Harvard Law Review, and does not need a telepromptor.

CW in DC   May 16th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

For you people that keep saying Obama took to long to attack back - he was already scheduled to have a campaign rally when he spoke up. Instead of rounding up a bunch of press people and saying the same thing more than once, he showed good judgment by speaking in front of a crowd of supporters where he would have both the attention of the people backing him AND the press. Thus, killing two birds with one stone. I guess we can see how he has managed his campaign so well and with great efficiency.

Alex- New Jersey   May 16th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Obama's method of firing back is a great counter punch. He blanked the news media with how horrible bush's attack was right off the bat, and then followed up with the facts in a strong speech.

Going off the cuff with facts can quickly turn on someone with all the fact checkers in the world waiting to pounce. People who look for any mistake or gaff and try and turn the story from what was meant to a game of gotcha on how informed the speaker appears to be.

By emotionally blunting the attack then following up with the facts and his own attack Obama kept the story from gaining ground as Mr. Blitzer talks about. And above and beyond that he came out with a strong statement that will be hard to turn on him by fact watchers.

Whiskey   May 16th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

You morons who write stuff such as "needed someone to write a speech for him or tell him what to do" qare oblivious to politics. Do none of you realize that all Bush, McCain, Clinton, Obama, and every other figure head's speeches are written by others. Republican's toughness on terror speeches…written by others……Clinton trying to connect and heartwarming….written by others. Wake up you clueless people.

HTA, Chicago, IL   May 16th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I have yet to see negatives stem from dialogue between nations. Just because you have dialogue does not mean you are somehow weak. On the other hand, labeling a nation as evil only escalates conflict. Let McCain argue the point and attack Obama, I'll never buy his side.

Ngende Eugene   May 16th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Keen observation Wolf. That's the subtle but mean game of Republicans, that paints a picture that can stick, without any factual backing - Obama answered back with facts.

Mario from Seattle   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

It takes a lot more strength to talk to our enemy and attempt to improve our relations around the globe then to simply generalize them as "terrorists" and attack with out question.

Obama's message is clear. Either continue these old war mongering tactics and breed new hate with hate or CHANGE with diplomacy and a foreign policy to unify this world.

Obama is proving that he is a strong candidate that can take on these old political tactics and will not hesitate to call these unproven politicians to the floor.

leon   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

We are going to see pretty soon who is the real Obama, everything Obama has said he is not is going to emerger from more more negatives statementes and personal attacks to lack of values and loyalty . His pastor will show up again and Obama will say even harder and more destroying things about the man that open his church and arms to launch his political career.

We will see his lack of good judgement, his lack of real policies, he will have no more plans from Hillary to copy a he does not have hiw own.

he will reveal himself as the average and vulgar politician he is

Nando, Florida   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

This is mano on Mano and it will be ugly.

Scott   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

What are you talking about, 2 days?? talk about fuzzy math, Bush made those comments yesterday! Obama is right, McBush has alot of explaining to do w/ foreign policies, and Obama showed alot of toughness today, Obama '08

Republican in Idaho   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Thank you that somebody is finally standing up for our rights. I am sick and tired of Bush and his administration doing whatever they want whenever they want. It is time to stand up for the majority. The majority of us do not like NCLB, it is ruining our public education system, which is precisely what Bush wants. He wants to take away the only thing that makes America great, the opportunity for everyone. I am tired of the Bush administration funding rebuilding of Iraq, while our bridges and roads need fixed. All because his little buddy, Cheney is making millions off from contracts in Iraq. Bush does not speak for the majority of Americans, and yet his stupidity reflects on all of us. We need someone who will make America proud. I am appalled at what the president I regrettfully voted for has done to this nation. I just pray that God will have mercy and restore us to the great nation we once were.

simon   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

WHO was that "ELITE HARVARD" man that did not serve in Vietnam battles; but stood on the deck on an aircraft carrier beneath "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED" banner declaring the worst was over Iraq.

FRIVOLOUS MOCKING POOR EXCUSE for a PRESIDENT

OBAMA don't allow yourself to be ridiculed by the like of COWARDS like Bush and his radio cronies. Bush SHAMED himself, the office of the president, the nations and the people of America and Israel with his stupid remarks yesterday. T
The GOP has a faction that is petty in their opinions; but solid in their ability spread those opinions.
OBAMA, HIT BACK HARDER EVERY TIME YOU STRIKE !!!!!

Keep fighting dems   May 16th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

Gary Obama is a democratic liberal idiot! He cant win in iraq him and the democrats are going to SURRNDER to the ENEMIES and allow these terrorists to win. we dont want that-no no no. We need to WIN in iraq NO MATTER THE COST.
McCain knows how to win wars and he knows what to do in iraq. he has been for this war all along and will NOT back down like the scared democrats do when they see a little blood!!!

This war only has 4000 deaths-no other war has had this few. Stop whining about the economy and vote for a strong, moral candidate- John Sydney McCain

Chris, WI   May 16th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Hey Mike in Texas….

Really? It took his writers two days to figure out how to respond? Really? How did you manage to get that kind of information? Wow, you must have an inside connection that the rest of us don't.

Nice try, but you fail just like everyone else who tries to spew false information about these presidential candidates.

ddc   May 16th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

BillyBob - Obama hit the Bush/McInsane foreign policy smear back just fine. "cave under the pressure"? you're hillusional! The republicans can't run on their policy so they lie and smear. America doesn't want that crap anymore! And, the only thing Hillary will be picking up is that broken so-called "political machine" that Obama has successfully cracked into teeny, tiny little pieces.

mt - Apparently you don't watch the news much! Bush and McInsane made their first comments on this yesterday. Immediately afterwards, Obama responded, as did the rest of the power heads in the Democratic party, including Sen. Clinton. Duh!!!

Steve - So your view is that if Sen. Obama defends himself from and responds to republican smears and lies or points out the hypocrisy in Bush's and McCain's attacks that makes him a "stereotypical politician"? You must be one of those people who send money to Nigeria, because you sound pretty stupid!

jrzshor   May 16th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

was that a "change", "hope" not the same old washington","politics as usual" attack?

Big D   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Obama handled this fabulously!
To those who dismissively say 'he's not ready because he needs his writers to come up with answers for him' — you're wrong. He writes the majority of his speeches himself.
To those who dismissively say 'he's just a typical politician who starts attacking even when he said he wouldn't' — you're wrong. To defend yourself against an unfair attack is completely different than starting a smear campaign.
To those who dismissvely say 'he have tea parties with the enemy' — you're wrong. That's ridiculously oversimplifying his views.
Go Obama - keep pushing back when you're smeared, and don't let them get away with distorting your positions.

Kiah   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

That's the way to fight them. And HRC helped toughen him up, because he used to let things fester and that only fueled her to continue. Once he began to fight back and defend his position he not only gained momentum but credibility in that he was not just some empty-headed rhetorical orator with no substance but in fact was a strong force that stood by his convictions. Obama has been hit by the Republicans from day 1, they have largely ignored HRC and it's because they knew that this was the guy to weaken and go after. His sharp response to both Bush and McCain sends the Republicans and Democrats a very strong message. He is not afraid of them and he will fight back no matter how ridiculous the attack.

Dukakis admitted on Larry King Live this past Wednesday that his mistake was to ignore the Republican attack machine because at face value their smears held no true substance. But in politics you have to venture onto the low road from time to time to show the American people that one you're not gonna tolerate factless allegations and smear tactics.

Barack Obama has done throughout this entire campaign and he will continue to fight for what's right and to clear up the smoke and mirrors in Washington and force everyone to deal with the issues.

Glen   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Obama has exposed the underhandedness and falsehood of the Republican's first major attack of the general election. He's hit back hard with facts. The strategy behind Bush's accusation has utterly failed and left the country, indeed the world, laughing at the ineptitude of our President again.

Jim D   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Way to go, Mr. Obama; just pick those shoes up and try them on for size. And you weren't even mentioned by name….hmmm….

Tobias   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

He has been attacking first so please don't say he's learned anything. This man is nothing more then a lying hypocrite. He is not qualified to be president and he is unelectable. The only winning ticket right now is Clinton/Obama.

PSmith   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

It has started….

Let's all sit down and watch how unpatriotic Obama and his cynical wife will be crushed!

Soon you will realize how bad of a choice you made..

Fools!

-Hillary 08

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 16th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

He thinks thing thru before he acts, something we do not have in the White House right now.

If Bush would have thaught things thru befor he went into Iraq maybe things would have not gotten worse in this country.

Obama 08

FRANK   May 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

BUSH IS RIGHT!! AND THIS COMING FROM A DEMOCRAT… OBAMA ACTS LIKE HE DID NOT STATE HE WOULD SIT DOWN WITH IRANS PRESIDENT W/O PREEXISTING CONDITIONS.. HE DID SAY IT .. AND IRANS PRESIDENT DOES OVERSEE THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARD WICH IS ON THE US LIST OF TERRORIST GROUPS….

OBAMA IS INEXPERIANCED , NIEVE, AND JUST PLAIN STUPID TO EVEN SUGGUST A SITDOWN WITH SUCH A PERSON…

WAKE UP AMERICA!!

OBAMA WILL MAKE THIS COUNTRY WORSE OF THAN BUSH HAS.. WE DONT NEED ANOTHER IDIOT IN THE WHITEHOUSE!!

Lisa   May 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

How stupid is John Edwards looking now? He endorsed Obama and Obama is looking like a lame duck. I'm so glad that Hillary is still in this race.

WhoCareswhatRepublicansGuythink   May 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

It is very sad to respond to this stupid comments made by Bush, but he had to respond becasue some weak minded people might beleive what Bush has said. America we need a president who can lead us to the right direction give our country back. We have seen what republicans can do to this country for the last 8 years, time to wake up and say no to so called Republican conservatives (false Christians).

OROVWUJE ISRAEL NY USA   May 16th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Obama good job, McCain and Bush are both in trouble.

Doyle - MI   May 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

All would never think of Bush as being someone that would have tried to appease Hitler. But, then again I consider Bush to be the modern day Hitler.

A.M. Saqib   May 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Wolf:

Thank you for your approval of 'Obama' handling the situation. What else you were expecting from a man who is naturally bestowed with a unique vision.

United States will be lot safer, lot more respected and lot more propserous and economically strong in the years to come under the presidency of 'Barak Obama'.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

Bluemoonstone   May 16th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Obama is the ballerina on the football field. They've been playing around him, but if the ballerina gets in their way, they are going to hit him hard, and he'll fall even harder.

Sweetie   May 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Wolf,

How can you say "he attacked right back”?

It took over 24 hours for the speech to be written for him!

And even then all he did was confirm he is not ready to lead when it comes to the World Stage!

I'm looking forward to the debate he proposes-I can just see him humming and stumbling and trying to remember what he had read in a book once!

Schalaine Ellisor   May 16th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Bravo Obama!! Bravo Democrats!! Republicans fight dirty and sling lots of mud. Responding to them rationally and logically will probably not work, but good luck anyway!!! On the other hand, I have tremendous faith in the common sense of most Americans. I know they will not buy into the same old rhetoric and scare tactics of a GOP that is rapidly imploding.

Debbie   May 16th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

I pray that Hillary is our nominee. She has the backbone and the strength to take care of Bush, McCain and to be our President, Obama is weak. He has no experience, and at any job I was interviewed for, they always asked about my experience. Obama has done. CNN ruin things for Hillary, they gave all the air-time to Obama. I guess they got a lot of money from Obama for the air-time. By the way, just where does Obama get all his money–from the Republicans. OBAMA DOES NOT HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PRESIDENT, OF ANY COUNTRY. The democrates will lose again and we will another 4 years of grap. Wake up out there, HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT.

Go Get 'Em Barack!   May 16th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

The Republicans are well known for name-calling and mud slinging.
They have had about 8 years in power, where no one has really dared to throw mud back. Now that the Democrats have toe holds, and the American people have shown their distaste for this childish, rude, and crude rhetoric, the Republicans will get a good taste of their own medicine. The vital difference here is that usually the Republicans fire off half-truths and veiled accusations (being the honorable and righteous people they claim to be…sarcasm). Democrats like Obama, will fire back with full truth and the facts. Considering Bush's approval ratings right now (or lack of them), a "shot" of the same calibre as one he sent over will hurt him and his party a lot more.

If I were McBush, I would be VERY wary of any advice to make veiled accusations and baseless "statements of fact." Just as in what just happened with Obama, this will backfire badly. McCain, you are not nearly intellectually agile enough to go toe to toe with either Clinton or Obama. Watch your manners, or you'll be stood in a corner!

Peter   May 16th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Democratic this is only the beginning you will see from now on what the Republican will do to him.
Poor Obama supporters, you are pathetic. You turn off all the Hillary supporters .You still beat on HILLARY, you never will understand or admit that she is the most qualified and prepared to be President your eyes are so close that you cannot see the really color of your Obama.
Hillary is still in the race fighting and winning against the DNC, the establishment, the media, the pundit, you will see in the next remain contexts, people can speak for themselves, they do not need someone to tell or suggest who has to be the next President.
By the way the only chance for the Democratic Party to be a winner in November is having HILLARY on the ticket.
HILLARY 08

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Alot of you McCain supporters need history lessons, we talked too some of the most evil murderess leaders in the world. The GOP has to really dumb things down for you to understand history.

Like FDR taled to Stalin to defeat Hitler.

Obama 08   May 16th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

I have to chuckle at the comments that state that Obama can't take the Republican attacks.( He did respond immediately when the comment was made YESTERDAY!!)

Laughable too are the comments from those who states "politics" as usual; the same people would be saying he lacked backbone if he didn't respond.

He will not be swiftboated; he is not going to wait until something that is thrown at him becomes overblown!! He is going to strike back with thoughtful measured comments. A sign of leadership.

Marc   May 16th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Sad as it may be, I think Obama (and the Democratic Party) need to attack back rather than getting on the defensive. Otherwise all the talk around election time is going to be about things like gay marriage and xenophobia than real issues like the economy and the war. The whole idea of saying that because supposedly Hamas wants Obama to win, we should vote for McCain is ridiculous. That'd be like the Democrats saying that the KKK wants McCain to win.

goodcitizen   May 16th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

Attack Back? Just by looking at him, he is so …so slow, it's like he has to think a perfect word for 5 mintutes to against back. This is just the beginning, he just doesn't have that kind of "tigher spirit". On the other hand, Hillay Clinton is so fast, so tough, and very experenced to deal with that kind of "heat", as we all have seen that.

Now is the moment, American people must open their eyes, support a real deal candidate, NOT an ACTOR!

BETTER FAFE THAN SORRY!
GO HILLARY, YOU ARE THE ONE WE REALLY NEED!

Lori   May 16th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

BO is a total hypocrite. I believe, without question, that he practices "the same old politics" every time, but claims to be above it all. Fake, liar, phony.

If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is a duck. Or a double-talking hypocrite conning himself into the White House.

Of course, the people who support him won't believe this–until it's too late.

I did not know   May 16th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

that to attack back with such heart and energy… that you had to do so while reading a prepared speech written by someone behind the scenes…

KE   May 16th, 2008 4:47 pm ET

I don't understand all this fuss between the leaders of the parties.
Bush was speaking to many audiences because somebody was making threatening comments. Guess who responded so quickly.

Rest of the world is fighting for their life right now and don't really care about those dispute among leaders or who's right.

Remeber it is always poor people who suffer the most in the disasters and the war. Becasue of the leaders's stubborness to change and work with others.

HILLARY OR MCCAIN   May 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Hey Sweetie, "Can I get a telepromter so I will know how to respond back to the Republicans."

A day late and a dollar short Obama. Every other Democrat responded on this yesterday.

Hillary 08

Susan   May 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

But why has it taken him so long?

Lack of experience.

Obama Supporter   May 16th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Anybody who looks at the blog archives and compares my post with the others can see that I am an Obama supporter!

So come on and join the Obama campaign!

Hate Hate Hate 2008
Hate Hate Hate 2008
Hate Hate Hate 2008

Hate Bill Clinton!
Hate Hillary Clinton!
Hate George Bush!
Hate John McCain!

Hate Hate Hate

Obama ‘08

Venus   May 16th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

Way to go BAM!

Tell the American and the world the truth about those dirty pigs-Repugs!

Yes - Wolf - you let them throw the first punch - and then BAM!

Go Obama!

Capt. Smash, Salt Lake City, Utah   May 16th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Again everyone wants underestimates Obama he is born to lead. Go ahead and predict his down fall like the Clintons did. God put this man here for a reason if you cannot see that you are blind.

Obama 08

Stacy Clarks   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

LET'S GO PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!!!

jonny   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

it is SHOCKING that so many people can believe blatant lies, and believe it so strongly that they wont even listen to anything that contradicts what they believe. The lies are few and far between out there, but certain groups of people just grab them up and run with them, like it is the most important thing they have ever heard. I guess that is why the republican style of politics works so well for their supporters. I just hope that the majority of Americans are more intelligent that that.

SCC   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

mt said: "it took him 2 days, this is no swing, this is slow motion."

Actually, it only took him one. Get your facts straight.

So typical…

Docb   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Obama seems to be have a great appreciation for history…he promised last year he would not be 'swiftboated' and has been true to form when the attacks have come both sides.
McCain has not a leg to stand on in the day of a President with a 27% approval rating and a war that is very unpopular with the voter.

Go Obama.

Justin   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Bush was refering to Jimmy Carter talking with Hamas.

Momma for Obama   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Even if one is the kindest person in the world, one has to defend one self, from the attacks of GOP they are pure evil, and will use tactics of fear, hate, division, racism, you name it……….

look where their tactics have us now………..

ruined economy
totally impossible to afford university/college
house foreclosure
hate from all over the world
division
oil dependency fully
jobs going abroad
poor schooling
more jails
more crime
more terroristic attack
food costs going up

on and on and on………..
so GO Obama

leon   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

OBAMA is not qualified to be president he has based his campaign in false ideas and dreams of hopes. he is just an average politician who is playing with voters dreams because he only cares about his political ambitions.

He said that he will talk to dictators without preconditions it is on tape so what is the big deal? is he flip-floping now?

I will vote for Hllay in Novemer, I will write down her name on the ballot.

This coming weekend there are several rallies in Florida to protest the decision of Obama's campaing to refuse to allow a new round of primaries in FL and Michigan. This is the president we will have someone that recognize the rights of people ony when it is not against his will. he is antidemocratic.

Celine   May 16th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Senator Obama has always known how to attack. The reason he has been cordial towards Hillary is because he doesn't want to damage his party (unlike Hillary). Sit back and enjoy the show when it is the Republicans who are unfairly attacking him. Now don't be too presumptuous Wolf :p!

Spider   May 16th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

If the Republicans know what they're doing, they will hit him with this kinda stuff all through the campaign. Get him mad. Make him call a press conference.

"I…er….uh….think that the best….um…thing..uh..in the world….is…uh…change. It….uh….er…is my….uh…fervent hope…that…uh…we can…uh…change."

This man can give a prepared speech in such a way that there will not be a dry eye in the house. Everyone listening walks away with a spring in their step and a smile on their face, if he reads it all off a teleprompter. But, let him talk on the fly, and he sounds like he learned the English language last week. Barack Obama should continue to avoid debates with McCain as he has with Clinton. He cannot debate and "I agree with John" won't work. After he's elected he should probably not allow questions after he gives a prepared Presidential statement. Makes him look like an idiot.

errrr   May 16th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I had never imagined before that there would be one day I support GOP. However, although I don't know if I will support Democratic Party in the future, I am pretty sure that I will support GOP in this fall if Obama is nominated.

ruby   May 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Obama is feeling guilty.. My prayer is that America will see him for who he truly is….

Tim Lovell   May 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

If President Bush, and Sen. McCain was able to go back to the days of Christ, would they have bad mouthed him for sitting down and talking to the enemies?, I don't think so!! I think Obama shows character, has a level head on his shoulder, and would like to be known as a person that would take any step possible to make it one step closer towards World peace. If his stratigies didn't work, at least it would be a step in the right direction. How does that expression go? "What woud Jesus do?" Do not judge lest you should be judged. Who cares if you are Republican or if you are a Democrat, quit the mud slinging and get to the real issues to help mankind.

Whiskey   May 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

“Why do Clinton supporters feel so ENTITLED?”

To all the

"If not Hillary then McCain" and “write Hillary in” fools…yes fools. You obviously are not Democrats in any way , shape, or form and must be a gluton for punishment under the failed Republican rule.

and, even dumber…….
"Hillary in 2012″ morons

You think that she will be entitled the nomination once again. WRONG. I hear many people write how they are bitter and will not support Obama and that he can not beat McCain w/o your support. Well, there is a possibility that the statement may be true. But to think that people will support Hillary in 2012 after many of you plan on turning your back on the Democratic party because your candidate lost, YES LOST, are greatly mistaken.

Smarten up and grow as an enlightened person.

-57 female, white, lesbian, veteran, farmer from WV

Thomas   May 16th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

I see Wolf has now resigned himself to Hillary losing.

leon   May 16th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

DEMOCRATS UNITED FOR HILLARY!!!!

LET'S WRITE HER NAME IN THE BALLOT ON NOVEMBER, WE WILL SHOW HOW STRONG OUR WILL IS,

WE WILL CREATE A BLOCK AGAINST OBAMA THE ANTI-DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

THE CONVENTION IN DENVER SHOULD AGREE ON CHANGING THE NAME OF THE PARTY

I HOPE THEY SELECT A NEW CHAIRMAN AND CHANGE THE RULES

ABAJO OBAMA!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA GO BACK TO CHICAGO WITH YOUR FAMILY!!!!!!!

kaduke   May 16th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

This is so funny. If this goes on, the election will be over in July. Keep throwing those softballs over the middle of the plate, and we'll see the mercy rule go into effect. At least make Obama earn it. This is too easy. People around the world are just shaking their heads in disbelief that we have this moron in the white house. Boy, what a great day lies ahead. Ya gotta love it!

Venus   May 16th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Wolf - when Obama attacks back - it will be with full force from the Democrat party and all supporters!

We are not taking this crap this year!

Adrian   May 16th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Obama supporters will defend him no matter what he does. It seems that once people take a stand, their pride prevents them from admitting they're wrong.

Barack is a FAKE. You know why he plays the "change" card ad nauseum? Because it's the only one he has. He is weak on substance, weak on analysis, weak on applicable knowledge–so he tries to distract from this by appealing to voters' emotions. Anybody who can't see that isn't looking hard enough.

Whoever honestly believes that Barack will bring about a substantial change in the U.S. political system: I have a bridge to sell you.

leon   May 16th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

DEMOCRATS UNITED FOR HILLARY AGAINST OBAMA.

WE WILL TURN A STOLEN VICTORY INTO JUSTICE!!!!!!

David Goldman for OBAMA