Obama hints at a McCain nomination while jabbing Clinton
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.l.cnn.net/cnn/2008/images/01/30/art.obama.ap.jpg caption=" Obama campaigned in Denver Wednesday."]DENVER, Colorado (CNN) – Whoever wins the Democratic nomination for the presidency will be battling Republican John McCain, Barack Obama implied Wednesday in Denver.
Obama also criticized opponent Hillary Clinton in the same sentence, seeming to imply that Clinton and McCain share similar positions on a variety of issues.
"It is time for new leadership that understands that the way to win a debate with John McCain or any Republican who is nominated is not by nominating someone who agreed with him on voting for the war in Iraq," Obama said, taking a swipe at Clinton's 2002 vote in favor of the Iraq war resolution.
McCain, fresh off his win in Florida Tuesday, is now being billed as the GOP frontrunner.
Obama continued the attack on Clinton, implying she also agreed with McCain when it came to giving George Bush "the benefit of the doubt on Iran," and criticizing her for "embracing the Bush-Cheney policy of not talking to leaders we don’t like."
The Illinois senator implied that he "actually differed with McCain by arguing for exceptions for torture before changing positions when the politics of the moment changed."
The Clinton campaign was quick to respond — so quick, in fact, that spokesman Phil Singer emailed a rebuttal to reporters before Obama had even delivered the comments.
Responding to what the Obama campaign sent out as remarks "prepared for delivery," Singer wrote that, with a single exception, the promotion of Gen. George Casey - the two senators have nearly-identical voting records on Iraq.
He also added that Obama is misrepresenting Clinton's position when it comes to the issues of Iran and diplomacy.
In terms of torture, Singer wrote that Obama "couldn't be more wrong." After meeting with various military officials and reading defense reports, he said, Clinton "concluded that torture cannot be part of the American policy, period."
- CNN Producer Chris Welch
Obama, is this the best you've got? Why are you attacking Sen.Clinton? Is it because you are so lacking in specifics, substance, detail and experience that you are attempting to distract the voters? Keep on trying because America sees the real and unlike South Carolina we will get it right. I know my state New Jersey will show South Carolina how choosing a candidate is really done! I like the results from Florida. The results speak volume of what is to come.
Stop acting the fine gentlewoman from New York and talk about yourself, your dealings with REZKO, you being a house at $300,000 below asking price from REKCO and how you claim you only worked 5hours for him. In addition, talk about your "present votes" and why you chose to inject race into the South Carolina primary by telling the voters they have been "hoodwinked, bamboozled, been had and about okie dokie and so on". Those terms were used by Malcom X during racial uprisings. For the record I am a 25 year old Black male and a BIG fan of Malcom X. Another FYI, not all Blacks will be voting for the man without a plan Obama. Some of us know how to exercise critical thinking and apply logics. Some of us will be going for Sen. Clinton on Super Tuesday!
DAVE C – N.J. – With the exception of the question: How does Hillary have 35 yrs experience, none of your questions are worth even debating with you.
If you've bothered to read ANYTHING positive about Hillary Clinton you would know that the 35 years experience is referring to her dedication/fight (since college) for children's issues/education, human rights, women's rights, healthcare, etc. etc. All of these issues combined with what she's achieved while in politics, including what she's absorbed from her husbands political career makes her they most qualified, no matter how much you can't admit it. No matter how much you want to debate the fact that it makes no difference her husband was in politics and that she didn't learn anything, you're wrong! She's also done a very good job as senetor of NY for the last 7 + years as well. It's not even worth continuing to try and reason with someone like you because you'll never understand anyway.
Just admit it already that you're just another man who is threatened by an intelligent/strong/capable woman having power. It makes you feel better to pick her apart. You are most likely the one with the issue(s) not her.
The Illinois senator implied that he "actually differed with McCain by arguing for exceptions for torture before changing positions when the politics of the moment changed."
Attention CNN:
This is worded improperly!!
Barak vs. John will give voters a clear choice.
Hillary vs. John will give voters a choice between a sleazy huckster and an honest man.
I hate to state the obvious.... but race is indeed a factor.
Those with "Party crossover" have typically been African-American for Obama. Last time I checked this was a minority group. Meaning African-American voters are outnumbered by white voters. Bambi has the backing of the financial secure democrats or "bourgeois bohemians". Hilldog has the support of low-income, poorly insured.
BUT REGARDLESS............
Hillary will have difficulty getting elected because she is a woman.
Bambi will have trouble getting elected because he is not completely white.
I doubt either will. CNN is using your attention now to get ratings not report the real news.
Wake up democrats, stand together.
There is a typo in your article. It reads "he" where is should say "she" in the paragraph about torture.
Recent Rasmussen polls show Hillary with 51% unfavorables vs. McCain's 43%. Thus far, Obama has soundly beat her among Independents and Republicans in every contested primary/caucus. McCain has routinely gained support from Independents too.
So if OVER HALF THE COUNTRY does not like Hillary and McCain garners Ind support, how could Hillary possibly beat him? Answer: she can't. A vote for Hillary is 4 more years of a Rep in the White House and as many as 3 liberal Supreme Court Justices replaced by 3 more Conservatives. Hillary supporters: RETHINK YOUR POSITIONS.
O'bama, it is time for you to stop riding on you voted against the Irag war, enough already, Do you think that voting against the irag war and yet voting to fund it will get you nominated, well let me tell you, you need to start addressing the issues that voters want to hear, economy, health insurance etc. you always escape those issues, by giving those I have a dream speeches, because you are very very weak
when it comes to the issues, it shows during the debates. You can't win on attacking Senator Clinton, because you have no experience, and you talk about the AUDACITY of hope. AUDACITY IS THE CORRECT WORD TO USE FOR YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE AUDACITY TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT AND HAVE NOT SERVED IN A WAR OR HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO HELP THIS COUNTRY, YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE SENATE FOR ONLY ONE YEAR, AND HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING BUT LOOK FOR A WAY TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT, WHAT NERVE YOU HAVE TO THINK BECAUSE YOU KNOW OPRAH WINDREY PERSONALLY, THAT THIS WILL HELP YOU, THE AMERICAN VOTERS WILL SEE THROUGH THAT, THEY WILL SAY YEAH YOU KNOW OPRAH, AND YOU ALSO KNOW TONY REZKO, THE INDICTED SLUMLORD OF INNER CITY CHICAGO.
I agree with the Toronto girl, I am also a Canadian, I haven't seen anything so foolish in my life..People would have to be Crazy to Vote for Obama. He has no experience and I don't think the other World leaders would take him seriously!! Obama Who?? I admire Hillary Clinton ,she has a mind of her own and will stand up and not give up for what she beleives in .. I could not Imagine living in a country were you are sick and are turned away because you have no health insurance, I feel proud to be a Canadian, one less thing to have to worry about!!
This is to all voters, please don not vote for someone who is charismatic or is very nice person that you can relate to, or someone you can have beer with, we had this experience in last two elections, let's learn from our past and not to vote based on the moment of what that cadidate says or did, we need someone who is smart, experinece, with a clear and specific plan s for future and caring person to run our country.
To the Toronto girl: No, you may not vote. You are Canadian. You can't spell either. Stick to French. That way none of us ignorant, mono lingual Americans will be able to understand the drivel you are typing. Au revoir!
The problem is that people HATE Hillary trust me and if she win the nomination, we will lose the White House. (Democrates)
Obama you have to go with him................
Hillary Clinton = Democratic Backstabber. She promises to remove herself from the Michigan ballot, then puts her name on at the last minute. Promises not to campaign in Florida, and then shows up for several "private" fundraisers in Florida – making public statements and campaigning to seat the Florida delegates.
As a conservative ... I hope the deceit, lies, and morally corrupt campaign run by the Clintons DOES win the nomination. It will be a sure victory for Conservatives in November!
If Hillary gets the nomintion, I will, for the very first time, vote Republican.
Toronto Girl, please go away. Your comments make absolutely no sense whatsoever. And No, you cannot vote here. period
You know, while I have been favoring Hillary in the primary, I have had a lot of respect and liking for Obama. But that was then and after the remarks he made today – respect is gone. What seriously disingenuous remarks to make about her, while completely playing the game he claims to be above.
Give me a break. I'll take Hillary any day – we know where we stand with her and I trust that she will get things DONE – not just talk about it.
*shaking head*
Independent Voter,
An old story is still a true story. Isn't it?
You guys find all kinds of excuses to vote for the Clintons, no matter how ridiculous!
Barack Obama as this nations leader is our only hope for the future, otherwise with Hillary Clinton or John McCain, its back to the same old Washingtion politics as usual. I am hopeful that the American people will recognize the leadership potential in Barack Obama and support him on his journey to the White House. With Barack Obama leading this country perhaps we as a nation can begin feeling good about ourselves again.
If Barack is smart he would make friends with the Clintons. We need to briong back the days when the economy was at it's best. When Bill was in the White House we had a balanced budget and jobs were being made rigt here in the US. Under the current administration we see jobs going over seas and Hillary will not let that happen on her watch. So if Barack wants to go to Washington he better get on the coat tail of the next American President Hillary Clinton. She is our HOPE!
Dave C, you are so right, Hillary thought she was just goingto ride on Bill's wings and get the nomination like gold on a silver platter, i have asked the same questions but dont get any answers,if Hillary can run from her husband's experience then Laura Bush will be prsident soon. i have no problem with a woman running but have problems with one that runs one her husband's exerience, she should have made her ownfoundation and rode on it. if the system is according to her then anyone that becomes president will get their husband, wife , kids and family to run on their experience. It will Jeb bush, chelsea Clinton, jenna bush et al......give us a break.
the clintons never thought anything could come in their way and thought the nomination was guaranteed for them until obama cam around thats why they hate him so much, but he is here to stay
I dare say Obama won't be "weeping" to make himself seem more human. How many false attack adds is one to bear without fighting back? Watch the debate tomorrow night – now that Edwards isn't there it will be an even one on one match. Hillary might be a better debater, but Obama has the better ideas for 2008.
Obama was "working" instead of voting on this important issue. Of course, you mean he was a a big dollar fundraiser.
Ooops, you forgot to mention that.
I was once an enthusiastic support of Barak Obama. Several things he has said made me shake my head. Last night was the straw that broke this voter's back.
1.7 million dems voted in Florida last night and while there aren't delegates to be given, I can't agree with him that it was "nothing."
How does pointing out Clinton's votes amount to an attack. She did vote to authorize the war. It's a fact, not an attack. Why is CNN trying to spin the story that way?
Obama needs babysitters to run his campaign. I thought he is a leader who will stand up for his own rights, especially from a woman. The Kennedy endorsement was a mistake, BIG MISTAKE.
Obama couldn't seal a river full of poop, and him on the Titinac, he'd still sink!
Hillary for Presidnet