Ferraro: Obama camp 'did it to hurt Hillary'
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/13/art.ferraro1.ap.jpg caption=" Ferraro is standing by her original comment. "](CNN) - One day after she stepped down from her role in Hillary Clinton's presidential bid, Geraldine Ferraro said she blames Barack Obama's campaign for the uproar over her recent comments.
In an interview Thursday with CNN affiliate WJAR in Providence, Rhode Island, the onetime vice presidential candidate also said the Obama campaign made a mistake in taking aim at her remarks.
"I do think this was a mistake on part of the Obama campaign," she said. "They didn't have to do this, and they did it to hurt Hillary. I just think that's bad. I think it's bad business, and I think it's bad politics.
"I was accused of being divisive. I think those tactics are divisive," she added. "And the amazing thing is it's not something I started, its something they did in reaction to this."
Ferraro also implored Obama's campaign to turn "the spigot off the hate mail I am getting."
"I find it very, very upsetting," she said. " I've been called all kinds of names, and the attacks are ageist, they're sexist, they're racist. It's been very, very uncomfortable.
Ferraro resigned her fundraising post with Clinton's campaign on Wednesday, after taking heat for telling a newspaper last week that Obama's campaign was successful because he was black.
The Illinois senator's campaign denounced the comments on Tuesday and Obama himself called them "patently absurd." Clinton said she repudiated the remarks, though did not publicly call for Ferraro to resign.
In the interview Thursday, Ferraro suggested she did not regret making the comments, saying she was "talking to the facts," and that the issue of race has been raised several times in the campaign before, including by Obama himself.
"The enthusiasm you get from the black community over this black candidate is wonderful, and I don't think you can deny it," she said. "No more than I remember how people felt when I was running."
Ferraro, who was Walter Mondale's running mate in 1984, was the first woman to appear on a major presidential ticket. She has said she raised about $125,000 for Clinton's campaign.
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
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THE RULE OF HOLES IS:
WHEN YOU ARE IN A HOLE, STOP DIGGING
Lady, do yourself and the world a favor: sing your song in the shower where no one else can hear you!
Wow. She can't even take responsibility for her own comments. Somehow its Obama's fault that she made these ridiculous comments. Unbelievable.
She is tenacious and courageous because she is saying the things that aren't popular, but true. Racism does work both ways, and anyone against Obama runs the risk of being branded a racist or uncle tom. Once more people come from under the mesmorizing xeroxed soliloqies of the Obama Cult, they will at issues more concretely, and probably vote Hillary. Despite what Pelosi, or Wolf think, the Dream Ticket is still very much an option. Don't let CNN kill the Dream.
Vote Democrat
Gee, Ferraro talks about race and CNN and every news station talks about race and the black vote coming in for Obama but who gets crucified?
Speaking about crucified, where's the heat on Obama for worshiping with a hateful, prejudiced man when Obama's message is supposed to be one of unity. Not only does he pray with this man, he treaches his children the same message by involving them with the church.
Where's the heat on what is truly a tolerance of racism opposed to Ferraro's political analysis others are too afraid to admit?
Furthermore, after seeing the video of the Pastor Wright, one hopes his church loses any tax exempt status since he has endorsed a candidate from the pulpit.
I'm sorry, but with all due respect, why is CNN still posting anything the woman says?
This clarification is for any one who is confused.
What would you think or feel if she had said, "That Joe Lieberman, he is where he is today, because he is a Jew."
Unacceptable, Unintelliegent, Not the kind of thinking that unites people.......
Ferraro needs to stop talking to the media and go on a nice long vacation in some quiet out of the way place. And Obama supporters need to take the high road and leave her alone. Personally I find her comments repugnant and put her in the same category as Rep Congressman Steve King of Iowa. Hillary helped fan the flames of this controversy by not shutting it down immediately like Obama did with Samantha Power's comments. Once again Hillary proved she is not a commander in chief, at least not of her own campaign.
No apology was necessary from Ferraro or Clinton. The fact of the matter is plane to see. People misinterpret out of convienence. Furthermore, Obama will milk this for all it is worth.
I so love you Geraldine Ferraro. As an Obama supporter, you're the best thing that could have happened to us!! Thanks!
"I do think this was a mistake on part of the Obama campaign," she said. "They didn't have to do this, and they did it to hurt Hillary. I just think that's bad. I think it's bad business, and I think it's bad politics."
Well what you expect??? I mean, she is your "recruit", right? Whatever support or endorse any candidate will have, TRUST ME, EVERY one of them will be under microscope.........it doesn't matter who endorses who or who supports what. EVERY candidate will be under microscope no matter what their people say or not..........
Give it up Geraldine, its getting sickening every night. If you would of limited it to 1 comment there would not of been such a fuss but you kept throwing gas on the fire. Give it a rest.
One of the major afflictions pervading society today is the lack of accountability for the consequences of one's words, deeds and actions. I had truly expected better from Geraldine Ferraro.
It's the same kind of talk by Ferraro that lets us know that racism will never reach an end. It is not POLITICALLY CORRECT to put comments like that out there in main stream media today. We all know that. I put her in the same category as Minister Farrakhan and David Duke. She may not be a racist, but she sure doesn't sound like a person that's looking for equality amongst all racist and sexes.
I'm pretty certain the words you spoke were meant to hurt Obama and his supporters!
I am so sick and tired of our political leaders eperating America more by playing the race card. If it keeps up i think i will vote for McCain. It's like the old saying if i cant win you wont either.
I just don't understand the double standard....Do we always have to be politically correct about OBAMA..
Go Mcain 08
Wow Blame the Obama camp for a statement you MADE EXACTLY 20 YEARS AGO.
Sticking to the issues would be more persuasive and professional. I think the American people are tired of this crud. The drama is perpetuated in the Media and seen in this degenerating political discourse. In the end, it is the authority of the American people that is being disengenuously subverted. We do not need this anymore – try to win with issues, and arguing for candidate's stances. This is what the American people are starving for when choosing any candidates. So far, Mccain is winning that battle.
Someone needs to put a muzzle on this old fossil.
I don't think that anything said by Ferraro should be taken to much at heart.
Obama's Reverent Wrights You Tube video is much more disturbing.
Obama still attends this church.
It takes a very special kind of person to absolutely refute all criticism & refuse to even consider the idea that they may have made a mistake.
I think this lady is right in some extent though she should not say that. Let look at the number black community voted for Obama. Is he so great that he can get the suport of 90%! Ridiculous.
Why won't she shut up?
So after throwing the kitchen sink they whine win it is used against them. She can dish it but she can't take it, can we say victim card