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
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Bill is smart, but Hillary is smarter and has a colder heart. Soon she will stomp so hard on Obama, he won't know what hit him. And by the time she gets to McCain, her dark political machine will be in overdrive. He doesn't stand a chance.
Poor America. The Clintons have always been a team, and empower each other. They will go down as a team... Anyway, don't feel too anxious that Bill Clinton is about to re-enter the Whitehouse. He was lots fun.
Here is the senate gov. website's data on the Iran vote:
Amendment Number: S.Amdt. 3017 to S.Amdt. 2011 to H.R. 1585 (National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008)
Statement of Purpose: To express the sense of the Senate regarding Iran.
Vote Counts: YEAs 76
NAYs 22
Not Voting 2
Guess who the ONLY two not voting were!! Obama and McCain.
As senetor, Obama did not do his basic responsibility of voting the voice of the people of United states, but feels comfortable to blame others who voted on the Situation then. Senate rules should be changed to penalize senators who donot vote on key issues
There goes Obama again attacking Hillary. But it would be a no-no if Hillary does the same. Obama displays symptoms of a bullied husband at home who in turn unconsciously takes the abuse on Hillary.
If Obama wants to inspire people, then his place is at the pulpit. If he wants to unite people, I don't remember the last time my neighbor and I had a fight that needs a mediator to bring us together. Where is the "meat" of Obama's policies?
Only a rookie would believe that he can go to Washington and change things in four or eight years. Keep dreaming.........
I thought the negative personal attacks were done.
Joe
I did not know it took guts to stand for wrong (Hillary for War) She failed to take time to read the fine print.
The guts to stand poise by your position is courage. (not responding to Bush Rants)
As hillary said at a debater " I had to do something"
How about diplomacy first
Then you will win the support of other countries
She is another Bush, She does not beleive in Diplomacy
We owe 1.2 trillion to China, because of the same old policies by the same old status quo.
Joe, I hope you are like most of americans, Wanting change
Obama will not react but respond to the challenges we face.
What is Hillaries Social Security Plan, Have a moritorium.
we need solutions now, Maybe she will change that to look like Obama's plan as well.
Hillary's experience has not help her prevent the misteps mentioned above.
again
Obama proved with his Economic stimulus plan, he is ready from day one.
Hillary is not, Her measage does not transcend Party lines to bring out a united Vote. Check the Stats. Thats not going to win in Nov.
Obama 08
It's unfortunate to say if Hilary wins the primary the republicans establisment, with all destructions, desolations and misery they have brought to the country will remain in power for the worst. I don't think she will be able to beat the republican nominee.
Obama has proven himself as the best presidential choice for democrats and Americaas a whole,come November.Apart from being an Orator, with almost endorsements fro reknowned American groups,and prominent politicians from all over,such as past president Jimmy Carter etc, he has outperformed all the candidates in this race in addressing issues that touch the common American, Healthcare, economy, national security name it. America, Obama is the right choice for you.
I think voters should always vote for who they think is the best candidate on policy and issues of character. I support Obama for his personal integrity and strong policies.
Having said that, I think Clinton is an incredibly divisive political figure. If she is matched up against McCain, she will lose. Very few Independents and no Republicans would vote for her. The incredible Democratic turnout we've seen is a result of Obama, not Clinton. If Obama is the nominee, he can drive huge turnout, win Independents and some Republicans and bring a Democrat to the White House. I have a lot of respect for McCain's integrity, but I cannot agree on most of his policy positions, including his stance on the war. Obama is the best choice for a win for Democrats and the country in November.
Yes i agree with you Souly. lets hear what Obama is going to do instead of attacking....
Go Hillary go....
Joe,
People just need to get over Obama's voting record and the whole 'present' thing. There are some out there who would make you believe that one must say yay or nay to every bill there is on the planet. Political tact requires a bit more than a simple yes or no.
Obama has proven he has enough experience to turn Washington upside down through this campaign. The democratic party is slowly but surely turning their backs to the Clintons and looking to the future.
Obama 08′
Obama's main platform seems to be that he is a better choice than Hillary because he hasn't voted the same way that she has voted - failing to mention that he either has not voted at all because he wasn't in office yet or just didn't show up to the vote. Americans should be smart enough to not fall for this - lack of experience should not be a selling point for a candidate.
If Obama wins the nomination, I will vote Republican for the first time in my life. His tactics of constantly bashing his opponents and stretching the truth on important issues such as his voting record is too much like our current president for me to feel comfortable with.
At least Clinton has the guts to stand there and indicate that she made a poor decision. I think the people want's a person that will hold themselves accountable for there actions, not a person that votes present because it's safe or not show up. Is that all you got Obama. Your going to need something alot more then that. Like experience!!! Not represnenting Rezko. Are you done returning all your money received from Rezko????
If you want a person that can speak very well – vote Obama, but if you want a person that backs up her talk with action – vote Clinton. She is a WOMEN that takes pride on the work she has done and want she plans to do for the people of the United States.
Go Clinton 2008!!!!!!!!!!
Obama says he's the canidate of change, but he really seems to be the candidate of the same old politics of hateful, misleading attacks. Hillary is no better in this regard, but at least has a basic understanding of foreign policy. John Edwards was the Democrats last hope for intelligent political discourse.
I've voted Democrat my entire life but will be voting for John McCain, someone who has proven a willingness to work with both parties and rise above partisan bickering. There's a lot I don't agree with McCain on, but I admire his willingness to take a stand on issues (such as immigration) where his beliefs conflict with a lot of very loud opposing voices. In my opinion, McCain is the only person still running for president who can bring respect back to the office and work to get things done in Washington.
this man gets under my skin he is always the first one to takes jabs at hillary but when she get back with him ..he goes oh poor me ....please everyone dont let this man in..you will live to regret it..we need someone with experience to lead this country not someone who talks a lot of rehetric ....obama should have been a minister he talks like one.....telling you what you want to hear but shows no reality of the situation
..the kennedy years was war as well.....so he was compared. to kennedy whom was having a affair with marilyn monroe and everyone wants to bash bill..cause they know he will stand up to them and they are scared to have him near the white house again......
a vote for obama is the ens as we know it
OK, let's clear this up:
-Obama has never VOTED 'no' on Iraq funding. He never had the burden of being an elected official right after 9/11, and I find it hard to beleive that he would've voted no if he was in office at the time. It's easy to say how you would've voted when you never had to sactually step up.
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Joe, I agree with you. This Obama guy is really something. He has a pattern of voting "present" and now criticize Hillary for taking a stand, although I disagree with her vote. Someting to note, he has started with the negative campaign AGAIN! Hillary is not attacking him and neither is Bill.
Obama camp has realized that they are GOING DOWN and they have to attack Hillary before Super Tuesday. This is disgusting. I just wish Hillary will keep talking about the issues. Obama has no record to run on and is a joke. He lacks substance and depth. Florida voters got it right and we will see that America will get it right come Super Tuesday!
He is the candidate who has been talking about "hope" and "change" and being a uniter. Give me a break! Hillary has worked with republicans and have co-sponsored bills with them. You are now attacking her and you are supposed to represent "change" and unity
I'm sorry my "brotha" this New Jersey resident and Black male is going all the way for Hillary !
This is ridiculous. It's not important to vote – it's important to vote right.
Just because Clinton showed up and cast a vote means jack. She caused the loss of thousands of lives in Iraq and trillions of dollars because she didn't have the backbone to stand up for what's right.
This is Hillary's war too and she's disqaulified from seeking the presidency.
You pretend like you are completely ignorant, Dave C – N.J. All the good Hillary has done for this country is undeniable and can be found all over the internet and in countless books. I do not have the time to rehash all of it for you right now.
And don't you dare imply that Bill got her everywhere she is today. She was the first student to give the commencement address at Wellesley College, and that was before she met Bill. She devoted herself to helping the less financially fortunate before she even became a teenager. She also got into Yale Law School on her own, before she met Bill, and she worked her way up to being very well recognized. Her peers thought she would be the President, not Bill. SHE was elected to the Board of Yale Law Review Editors and Social Action. SHE was nominated by Pres. Carter to the board of the Legal Services Corporation. SHE wrote national bestsellers. SHE went to Ireland to reconcile the Protestant and Catholic women. SHE has had countless achievements ALL ON HER OWN. To suggest otherwise is wrong.
January 30, 2008 3:42 pm ET
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I wish CNN (Obama's mouthpiece) will post my comment! CNN, America knows what you are up to! We all know you are trying to steal the election from the people by giving false information and by misleading ! We know the ditry tricks (Bush 2000 and 2004). We know you are Anti-Hillary! It doesn't matter though because we vote and you can't change our vote! POST MY COMMENT in support of Sen. Clinton!
Joe, I agree with you. This Obama guy is really something. He has a pattern of voting "present" and now criticize Hillary for taking a stand, although I disagree with her vote. Someting to note, he has started with the negative campaign AGAIN! Hillary is not attacking him and neither is Bill.
Obama camp has realized that they are GOING DOWN and they have to attack Hillary before Super Tuesday. This is disgusting. I just wish Hillary will keep talking about the issues. Obama has no record to run on and is a joke. He lacks substance and depth. Florida voters got it right and we will see that America will get it right come Super Tuesday!
He is the candidate who has been talking about "hope" and "change" and being a uniter. Give me a break! Hillary has worked with republicans and have co-sponsored bills with them. You are now attacking her and you are supposed to represent "change" and unity
I'm sorry my "brotha" this New Jersey resident and Black male is going all the way for Hillary !
I hope people take notice that Obama is consistently bashing Hillary yet she can handle it without pouting, snubbing, playing the race card etc. Obama can certainly bash her on her vote for Iraq yet he wasn't even capable of voting on that issue. It seems easy to voice disapproval now. This is something that seriously bothers me about Obama. Someone please explain why he has voted present so many times vs. making a decision????? Then he turns around and criticizes those that do vote yes or no. Annoying. He is sounding more and more like a spoiled brat.
McCain and Clinton do have some things they agree upon. That is not a bad thing. It is high time the GOP and Dems start finding some common ground. That to me shows that Hillary can win the general election. Obama voicing that he will be the uniter yet negatively points out that a GOP and DEM can find common ground. What a joke!
he has a higher democratic rating then she does....she is more middle of the road and can compete there. Second, what ever happened to crossing party lines there fellow. This guy bothers me and I will vote for anyone but him.
They both jab at each other. It's part of the game. However, I would like to see obama rise above playing " you got the goodies".
It's no surprise that the Clintonites are just as nasty as those that they place upon their pedestal.
Independents are the swing vote, and an overwhlming majoirity will not vote for Clinton. It's as simple as that.