October 15, 2008
Posted: October 15th, 2008 09:42 PM ET

HEMPSTEAD, New York (CNN) - Barack Obama distanced himself Wednesday from William Ayers, an education professor with a radical past to whom the Republicans have been aggressively linking him in recent weeks.

Watch: Obama on Ayers, ACORN

Obama said Ayers had committed "despicable acts" 40 years ago as a member of the Weather Underground, which took credit for a series of domestic bombings - but pointed out that he himself had been eight years old at the time.

Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has accused Obama of "palling around with terrorists" on the campaign trail.

Filed under: Barack Obama • John McCain • Presidential Debate • William Ayers


ines   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Obama set it straight. McCain is a lot of hot air – Has nothing to add to help the economy.

Joan Fl Voter   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH McCAIN CAMPAIGN – TOO NEGATIVE!!!!
THERE HE GOES AGAIN!!!!!

Lynne   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

It's time for McCain/Palin to let it go...they are not winning any ground by beating this dead horse into the ground.

lou in ottawa   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

does sarah palin undersand abuse of power?

Dr. Roy   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Is there such a thing as a "former radical?"

TexicoFrom Mexico   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

WHO CARES ABOUT AYERS????ONLY THE REPUGS DO! DO YOU HEAR US DEMS CHANTING CHARLES KEATING? NO! WHY? BECAUSE TALKING ABOUT KEATING IS NOT GOING TO PUT FOOD ON MY TABLE!!! GIVE IT UP PEOPLE! IF YOU CANT WIN ON ISSUES YOU DONT DESERVE TO WIN! I AM A DODGER FAN AND WE ARE GETTING KILLED BY PHILLY BUT IM NOT CRYING BECAUSE PHILLY IS BETTER! OBAMA IS BETTER!!

Fitzpatrick   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Mc Cain is crying look at his face

Tim in Syracuse   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Apparently there are a lot of folks in DC 'palling around with terrorists' and a lot seem to be Republicans.

Joe Sixpack   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Obama said in his book, "Audacity of Hope"; "I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."

From "Dreams of my Father"; "There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white"

From "Dreams of My Father"; I nevr emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa, that I'd pack all the attributes I sought in myself, the attributes of Malcom, DuBois and Mandela".

Carole   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

The guy was named Chicago's Citizen of the Year. Drop it. Barack did not start his campaign in the guy's living room.

McCain is trying to pull a rabbit out of a hat. It's not working.

Lorraine   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

LOL Now McCain is lying about Palin......oh here we go, pimping special needs children

Richie   October 15th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Big O did good on Ayers.

Now McW is going off on what a role model Lipstick is for women. She is the biggest setback to women's rights I've seen in a long time.

Mick   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Great job on this one by Obama.

Vanessa Napa, Califronia   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

McCain is crazy...I am scared. He would not know the truth if it bit him on the fanny.

David   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Does Palin know what a terrorist is? Can she spell it? Just curious.

dustin   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

well duh, he's only been doing it for 2 years

Tim   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Obama just brushes off these ridiculous attacks, this is the type of cool demeanor we need for a president.

Smarter than the GOP   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

bravo Obama!

haha McCain is defending Palin now... she hasn't done ANYTHING! Give it a rest and admit it was a stupid choice.

Disappointed Republican   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

McCain is drowning in his own retheric...

Accountant Guy   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

McBush just got shut down and rejected!! Good job President Obama!!

Obama/Biden '08

Nick   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

I think Obama is winning this, up to now

Nick

vic nashville,Tn   October 15th, 2008 9:43 pm ET

Obama lie

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