The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

Bill and Hillary are couple old hippie war protester and back then 99.9% of that crowd was smokin something. Betcha Miss Chelsie has smoked marijuana.

I can't believe that anyone in this country that has the right to vote would waste their chance on an admitted druggie. If you read the book, not only does he admit to using, he says he would have continued using coke if he wasn't broke. This is not the more "recreational" use many have been saying. The man was an addict - there is no casual use of coke.

Maybe the Muslim extremists have a point - if we even consider elevating this person with an admitted serious character flaw to the office of President what are we saying about the character of our country?

Second chances are all well and good, but since when do we not hold our elected officials to a higher standard? How many people have been sent packing from Washington for behaviors that were not even illegal? Can someone explain why suddenly the rules are changing? Please tell me it is not just the color of his skin. Would you honestly overlook the same from Hillary or any other front runner?

In one of his books, here's what Obama said about using drugs in HIGH SCHOOL: "Pot had helped, and booze; maybe a little blow when you could afford it. Not smack, though."

I think Americans, and humans in general, are looking for a presidential leader who is honest, forthright, transcendent and triumphant.

I wonder if Hillary's team realizes how many people experiment with drugs in their youth? Yes, even or esp. in the Ivy League.

If anything, Obama's admission, which he freely made, will make him more relatable.

And he will be respected because he clearly overcame the need for that ...he's clearly not a drug fiend or a drug dealer.

I'm not interested in a President who hasn't made mistakes and overcome them. If one is human, they explore, experiment, discover higher paths, and evolve.

So, if Hillary wants to attack that, it will be to her downfall.

Also, there is a segment of independents I'm sure who detest government regulation of naturally occuring substances like marijuana who will not assign to it a negative image at all, but see it as a symbol of Obama's liberalism.

There are so ways Clinton's attempt can help cement Obama's power, that I'm glad for her desperation.

mike:

It will probably work in Iowa, and definitely will work in New Hampshire -- Obama will never be sworn in as President on January 20, 2009 -- best he can hope for is Vice-President (but it seems he's pissed off the Clinton camp too much for that -- how about BILL Clinton for V.P.?).

This is a total hatchet job. The reporter fails to point out that Shaheen's comments were likely made in the context of discussing how Kerry's record was distorted by "swift-boaters," how McCain's family was defamed in South Carolina, and how Harold Ford Jr. was racially smeared in Tennessee. Providing context would have softened the comments considerably. So much for "truth telling" in journalism.

I think it's interesting that no one is pointing out the obvious: many candidates in American politics have admitted adolescent drug use, but this is the first time there has been a suggestion -- apparently totally unfounded -- of dealing. Does anyone actually think Shaheen would have said that if Obama wasn't black?

BIG mistake on Clinton's part to accept Shaheen's resignation.
He is VERY popular in NH, very personable, and I find it hard to believe he would say those things without approval from "above"
I didn't even know anything about the comments until I saw that Shaheen had resigned. He was used, no doubt about it.
I predict this sinks the Clinton tag team in NH primary, for sure. But, what can you expect...this negative stuff shows the REAL HIL, under the makeup.

There's just not much to pick at where Barack is concerned. His life has been an example for all to follow. And, wasn't it Hillary's husband that 'didn't inhale'?

Content of Character:

Character and judgment are important in a president; assessing them helps voters know what kind of person they're placing confidence in. Many people say Barack is a good guy.

Are political, humanistic, and Christian morals compatible; and are subtle political deceptions conscionable in a president?

Obama is open about his past drug use:

The cocaine and marijuana issue humanizes Barack's campaign image, in contrast to the "messiah" image in play. Common standards condemn illicit drug use; but recovery reflects improved moral character and judgment, which people may identify with generally--appeals to realists.

The messiah-politician image appeals to idealists who need a superman, an "uber" image of Obama, to buy into the claim he can save them from their human plight--poverty or oppression or degradation and the like--by ushering in an Utopian revolution with the magical legislative power in the pen of the US president; it is a god-king image, which in the idealists' minds endows the man Obama with superhuman powers, a mystical deliverer born to save.

Both aim at votes.

With respect to Obama's moral character, the latter reflects an ends-justify-means morality; fictitious savior image of Obama is "good" because promising Utopia appeals to idealistic voters; the reformed drug user image projects to realists a humanistic morality--people make mistakes, learn, improve character and judgment, a life-long process.

Integrating fictitious and humanistic campaign images reflects Obama's assent to differing moral principles: ends-justify-means and human improvement morality. The former utilizes subtle deception and the latter honesty to capture public trust; one is political morality and the other personal; while Obama's campaign image as a Christian suggests an overriding Judeo-Christian morality.

I believe Obama ranks first because very rarely, he speaks the truth. If he did do drugs in his teen years and admits it his opinion does not rattle. It's firm, which I see as an attribute in his favor. Neither teh Clintons nor the Republican Party should touch this point, if they do they deserve to lose.ar1939

If anything is true, those who don't know or (deal with) history, especially their own, will be doomed to repeat it. I would rather see a person who soberly accepts past mistakes and rises above them. That is life experience, different from some of us, but similar to a large number of us. I hope he keeps his wits about him, and forgoes the urge to become defensive. He has made peace with the issue. Yes he will have to acknowledge it in the future, but he seems prepared to do so. Those of you who say you will never vote for an admitted past drug user need to ask yourself, who do you want as president... A person who deals with their own issues so they can deal with ours, or a person who's people are allowed to skillfully bring up the "issues" of others?

it makes me laugh that this is such a big deal to folks.

Have you head that the effects of Prozac, Paxil, and the other "Anti Depressants" that are so widely prescribed and legal operate the same way as PCP? The lower dosage does not give the Hallucinogenic effect, Just some occasional bizarre behavior.

There are too many other examples of "legal" drugs that have adverse consequence to go through them all. Hypocritical Americans Abound In Society.

The discrimination should be put upon Current Actions and Character. I give Obama Kudos for overcoming adversity. His character seems to me to be generally good where as Hillary's seems to be false; What ever the situation might need.

It really is too bad that Obama is about more Socialism. The Warfare Welfare State will crumble under its own burden.

Ron Paul is the only one I would trust with my money and family's security. He really is for Americans First. He would take the power out of the Special intrest Lobbyists hands and return it to the people.

I Vote For Virtue; I Vote For Ron Paul !!!

A known drug user president will make the job of parents and teachers impossible for educating kids don't do drugs. People give too much credit for Obama to be candid about his past drug use based on his own words. In this case lying like Bill Clinton and W is far better than a known drug (especially cocaine) user because of the consequences on our nations drug war would be hugely negative. Don't hold truth so dearly, Santa Claus is not real after all, can you call all the parents lying? Some of you past-drug-user parents out there, are you going to be happy that your kids will only have you as a good role model on drug use, they can have a sitting president to look up to do drugs and they can tell their teachers to get off their back and stop preaching and someday I maybe president too? As a parent, I will never vote for a known drug user, especially a cocaine user, republican or democrat, period!

I'm shocked, shocked that the Clinton campaign would 'accidently' leak this information about Obama. It can come as no surprise to anyone that they play dirty, always have. It was just a matter of time.

Regardless, if it is true about Obama, it will of course depend on the answers, won't it? The Clinton machine can't lose on this one.

Clinton just lost my vote.

Now her camp is blaming the republicans for their OWN attacks (some sort of dimensia?).

I would vote for a president who is not scared to openly talk about our drug policy.

Q. Why doesn't Hillary wear dresses?

A. Her balls get cold.

Ah, Frommaine, actually Repugnantcans are whipping them out in men's restrooms coast to coast. What is it about Repugnantcans and gay sex? They can't seem to get enough...

Posted by: markiebee001 | December 12, 2007 07:15 PM

---------------------------------
Good point. In addition to Liberals I also hate queers and child molesters, regardless of their political affiliation. Thanks for keeping me honest.

This type of behavior is precisely why I will write in Obama before I vote for Hillary Clinton. I would rather vote for Edwards, Biden, heck, maybe even McCain. But I'll tell you this, if Hillary is the Nominee, the democrats may lose my vote. And don't anyone DARE to accuse me of "wasting" a vote. A vote for someone who will continue into plunge America into the black hole we're headed (Clinton) is a far worse decision than to vote for who I really believe can do something worthwhile for the U.S. (Obama) I'll see you all here on January 4.

Looks like Clinton's getting desperate. It's not like anybody believes that "I did not inhale" BS. What's the point of putting a joint to your mouth if you don't? Plus W has had his problems with substance abuse and that didn't change voters' opinions about him.

UPDATEBilly Shaheen issues a lame "apology" this morning. Clinton national campaign spokespersons are saying, "Our bad, oops! We didn't mean it..."

The more negative a campaign goes, the faster it is falling apart behind the scenes and in the polls. Given that Barack Obama "disclosed" this information in a best-selling book many years ago, this is -- an everyone is saying -- a non-issue. Team Clinton fumbles again.

Oh, and to "rahaha" above: Jesus has nothing to do with it. Obama straightened his life out, was HONEST about it (unlike Dubya), and therefore, case closed.

The Clinton campaign is being instructive in this instance; call it negative if you wish but, let's face it, the Clintons know how to win. They are presenting the argument about electability and are giving evidence as to why Obama's general election electability is decidedly suspect. Smart Giuliani campaign managers will constantly bring the subject of past drug use (and possibly past drug sales) to deflect any discussion on real policy issues. The Obama campaign will spend their entire time deflecting or answering questions about his past and will have not real opportunity to present the 'hope campaign' they want to present.

On the other hand, everyone already knows all the skeletons in the Clinton closets. With them, the Republicans will not be able to hide from the policy issues. If they do, the Clinton machine is more than equipped to raise the hardball issues of their own. As said, they know how to win.

I wish this was a different world but its not. No doubt so does Hillary Clinton.

Barak Obama shows no evidence at this point of accepting the terms of modernity.

Talking about the Politics of Hope, the Clintons have been playing this game and have been beaten worse than anyone for nearly 30 years. The fact that they are still willing to be part of the game is the best indication of hope I have ever seen.

Up to this point I have been a Hillary supporter, in part because I think she has more experience than Obama has. I am now reconsidering that position. Obama may have used drugs in his past, but he was honest enough to admit it. As long as he isn't using now, why would I care?? Has he learned from his mistakes? Obviously! Has he matured? Of course! What can a person with that experience bring to the Presidential table? Maybe a more realistic, practical viw of some of our social issues? A departure from the Ivory Tower mentality that plagues our current political body? Ya think? For Hillary to point fingers at someone for drug use more than 20 years ago smacks of desperation, and sleaze. I personally admire someone who is truthful and willing to be held publically accountable for their actions(ESPECIALLY in the political arena). It takes COURAGE and CHARACTER to admit those isseus. Perhaps Obama has less experience.....but these days that could be a good thing. Do I really want to vote for someone who is already so polished in the political machine?? Maybe not. Obama merits closer attention, more consideration from me. Hillary has made a huge tactical error as far as I am concerned, and has shown her true colors as well. Character, character, character.

It's simply a non-issue - the same way George Bush's past drug use was a non-issue during the 2000 campaign.

What is a real issue, however, is the electability of Sen. Clinton. She's the only "leading" Democratic candidate to come out on the losing end to all the 4 major Republican candidates in a recent ABC poll.

Though her camp will try to raise this issue with her opponents, it is Sen. Clinton whom I have the greatest doubts about being electable - not Obama and not Edwards.

Both Obama and Edwards came out ahead of all the other leading Republican candidates in that poll. And both of represent a departure, a change, from the divisive politics that has dogged our country for the past 16 years.

She is simply to polarizing a figure to bring our country together. And it's not completely her fault.

Democrats don't care if their candidate was a past drug user. In fact, they probably see that as a positive qualification.

As Obama rises in the polls, I expect to see more and more of this trash promulgated by the Clinton Smear Machine. As I have thought all along...Hillary is part of the problem not part of the solution.

This is why the GOP lives in fear of Hillary.
She is willing to lower herself to their level.

Well, the Clintons once again have brought Amercan politics back into the gutter. Instead of debating about healthcare, education, Iraq, the economy, national debt, global warming, and all sorts of other important critical issues, the Clintons now have us arguing about someone's past youthfull indescretions. Perhaps its time to clarify Hillary and her husband's past indescretions -- starting with Lewinsky, Jones, Flowers, then how about Whitewater, Vince Foster, Travelgate and on and on and on. America is sick of dirty politics and sick of Bush and now getting sick of the Clintons. We need change.

OK I can't spell. How about cuckold.

If Mr Shaheen and Hillary think that is a fair question, then I believe it is also fair to ask her .. how does being a cucold for 8 years (or more) qualify you to be President?

************************************************************************

That Hillary's camp is in trouble is understatement. What with the fiasco this past Saturday, dragging her 88 year old mother through the killer storms to stump for her?

Yesterday she had Billy sub for her in NH. a better treat for the audience, but a definite sign on weakness from her.

Their going after Obama's admission for experimenting with drugs, after the previous attacks on his kindergarten essay fell through is not only another shot in the dark, but might open sour memories that they have worked hard to bury.

Hillary is knee deep in quicksand and every move she makes to untangle herself only sucks her deeper into the ground.

**********************
The truth of the matter is that people finally caught up with her lies.

http://www.capitolpoliticking.com

Disgusting from Hillary's camp, but why not expect it. Yes he smoked pot and probably inhaled. Big deal. At least he would understand how to deal with other people and cultures, unlike Hillary.

Obama is our *only* hope for someone who can actually deal with most of the world, who now hate us, thanks to warmongers like Bush and Hillary.

With her prospects deteriorating, Hillary responds, as we would expect, with the politics of personal destruction. Apparently she's not satisfied with her 50% disapproval numbers. I can't wait to see her slink back to the Senate in February, as Obama triumphs.

Hillary has never done drugs and she's the one running for president, not Bill. She has the right to raise questions about Obama's past cocaine and marijuana use.

W. Bush is a drunk, a closeted homosexual and an "ex" cocaine addict and look where it got us. Are we ready to elect another former drug user? Is this the change that Obama offers? Lord help us.

My vote will not be wasted; I am voting for Senator Clinton or I won't vote at all.

Abhorrent, vindictive, desperate, shameful, devious, condemnable... and typical for the Clintonian machine. Where was all of this serpentine behavior when HRC was leading in the polls, preparing for her inevitable coronation? And before you leap to Obama attacking her, drop your bias long enough to recognize that he attacked her on the issues and her positions... or lack thereof. In fact Obama recently refused to rebuff HRC's mailers against him on Healthcare because he felt pointing out differences on the issues is a legitimate thing to do. This isn't a "revelation," this issue has been known about for years and in the news a few weeks ago when Obama shared the story with high school students. Was there a noticeable, lasting fallout or backlash on the subject after this? No. What does that suggest? That if the Republicans were going to use it then it should have been the Republicans who raised it. Is it a coincidence that everytime there's an issue with HRC's campaign being responsible for airing Obama slurs that the scandal gets regurgitated "unintentionally" in the media while HRC hopes for a desired effect as she claims ignorance, condemns the actions of the culprits and may or may not dismisses them? For all of you HRC supporters, if you can't see now that a vote for HRC means revisiting and reliving the lies, scandals, divisive, secretive, monarchy-minded and retributive nature of the last nearly 16 years, then you are truly blind minions. We've been there and done that with these type of degrading, demoralizing politics. How in all that is right and proper can we think that continuing that in January 2009 is going to be in the best interest of our country?

It's disappointing to see Bill Shaheen lobbing personal attacks at Obama. Though one realizes he is a formidable Clinton surrogate, his comments may very well come back to haunt his wife, former Governor Jeanne Shaheen, who's trying to unseat incumbent U.S. Senator John Sununu next year.

As the chair of the Laconia Democratic Party in Laconia, NH, I've heard from a number of Obama supporters today who are livid about Bill Shaheen's remarks, with many threatening to not support Jeanne next November. Given that Obama seems destined to accumulate 30 to 40 percent of the vote in January's presidential primary, it doesn't make sense that Bill would want to antagonize such a significant share of the party's voters.

Will the NH Officials Attack Hillary on the Sex Scandal in the White House? Or will it be "Hush hush it's Hillary"

How low will the Clinton campaign go?

Someone said, everyone in America should have a night at the movie and watch the movies "Primary Colors."

Mr. Obama was young and admitted it in his book.

Here we have two experienced professionals and obviously they have got this game down to a science, that they know how to make Americans feel they have "a right" to get back in the White House.

First we have him going all over the country promoting the book and campaigning for her. Something has got to be wrong with this?

If she wants to be President of these United States, why is he campaigning so hard for her?

They have an advantage over everyone.

And the fact that they disgraced the highest office in the United States, are we that desperate for them to get back into the White House?

Where was she when all that was going on? If she could not defend us from that, how can we trust her to defend and protect us, if anything major happens to America?

All I am reading from her, is that I did not give anyone permission to release any of these e-mails or comments.

If she does not have any control over the then President, do not have any control over her campaign workers, how will she have control again over the highest office in America?

Are we that desperate, that America will compromise our values and integrity once again?

The world was looking then, and they are watching us again, especially with this Clinton saga.

If the media (i.e., print, television, radio) is not going to hold them to that disgraceful time in America, remember Mr. Former President said "I DID NOT INHALE," they need to back off of any and every candidate running for the Office of the President of these United States.

If they are going to go after one, they need to go after them also.

Otherwise, who are we kidding?

Judging by the comments here and my own reaction - the Hillary campaign would be making a serious misjudment to raise this.

It is desperate, dirty and irrelavant.

The repub can't really jump on Barack anyhow - because look who's in the White House and his past.

Barack's candor is something that neither Hillary, Bill or Georgie Boy has ever shown.

ugh, who cares?! It was 100 years ago...look at our current president!

He's a racist, wake up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB7XkZUIHEQ

ha ha ha rahaha, i think i will save my born-again card until it is really needed. you born-agains would crack me up if you weren't so scary.

candor is something completely alien to the clintons. i like obama as a candidate more and more every day. i may just switch from the republican party to vote for him, and to keep the liars out.

There is a big difference between George W Bush and Obama. In W's case , he was born again when Jesus saved him. So it's a new life and what he did in his previous life is irrelevant. In O's case, from all accounts, he turned his life around on his own. Jesus did not save him and he wasn't born again. He still is living the same life. So, questions to him are perfectly relevant.

It's high time the media darling Barry Obama answered some questions.

Why should Hillary be ashamed? Anyone running for president knows these things are going to surface...Why does Obama deserve a break??? No other candidates got breaks in previous elections.

I WONDER WHY YOU ALL THINK HE DESERVES A BREAK HMMM... CAN'T IMAGINE THAT ONE....

I have one question for Mrs. Clinton. Mam, have you no shame?

First of all I could care less about either one of them.

However, What kind of president rubs elbows with the likes of Al Sharpton at the Apollo Theatre, and has someone like Chris Rock(racist comedian) introducing him? This was the only decent people he could find to support him when he came to NYC? sheesh what credibility(sarcasm)

Not only that, but he told his mainly all black audience at the Apollo theatre completely different things than he told the multi-cultral nation that he wants to be president for.

He has Oprah Winfrey chearing him on as well, Lets not forget her comments about the "white minority rule" in Africa.

I really don't have time for a president who supports Idiocracy...and is still playing the race card even when it's not applicable.

He also continues to make shrewd comments about Jena, La concerning the "Jena Six" without even having a handful of FACTS. He is labeling an entire American town as racist for an incident caused by a common thug.. who in the end was advised to plead guilty because he actually had a wreckless past and did assault a student.

I guess considering Obama's past he'll have sympathy for every wreckless thug that walks... and will be calling in AL and Oprah to support him since ... he has no REAL connections in Politics. Imagine the mess he'll make on a global scale. He really just needs to back off.

I suggest you really start checking into the man you're wanting to elect for president.

I don't have a tolerance for racism on any level.

Come on people elect REAL leaders...not people from a three ring circus sideshow.

We have a country with real issues... this is not a celebrity contest.

At least Hillary has been around the political block enough to know what's going on. Obama would have to borrow her rolodex...you people need to think about that.

Personally I prefer a republican.

Previews of comming attractions. This sleazy lawyer's wife has announced that she will run against Sen. John E. Sununu.

WaPo -- Time to take this story off as the headline story. It's not the top story on your page. It's not even a story. Trying to make hay out of something publicly disclosed 10+ years ago, as if it were new and shocking, isn't a story, it's creative writing.

This is so awful. What a disgrace. How dare they.

The Clinton's are so disgustingly desperate; it is sad. That their dynasty dreams are going to end in this sort of low politics is perhaps fitting but still depressing.

If ONE MORE IDIOT suggest that Obama take a VP slot I'll just scream! What is wrong with you people. Is not being the BEST person for the job good enough. Or is it something else? You wonder why minorities say, do and believe what they do about opportunities in this country. If minorities are not equal just be upfront and say it. The only thing that exceeds the IQ's of most of you in this great US is your RING SIZE! This is truly sad

Hillary stop being infantile and relying on others to do your dirty work. If you have something offensive, unreasonable, and blatantly negative to say about Barack Obama (or any other candidate for that matter), stop hiding behind your surrogates and say it yourself. It's juvenile and totally irresponsible.

So, is she suggesting Obama may be at risk of doing blow while in office? I suppose that's just as dangerous as receiving it while in THE office. FHRC!

Hey Billary and Shaheen, thanks for trying to win our votes this way! Attacks on Obama warms my heart and really makes me want to caucus for you here in Iowa... [sense the sarcasm???]

Then there's this statement from HRC's camp: Senator Clinton is out every day talking about the issues that matter to the American people. These comments were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way.

1) Billary is *NOT* out talking about the issues, she's attacking Obama daily!
2) Shaheen WORKS for your campaign--don't tell me HRC/Mark Penn/Bill didn't know he was going to shoot off his mouth about this, this has been planned all along. Just the other day HRC says this innuendo "we don't know everything about Obama."

The Billary calculating machine continues... I just can't support it continuing in the White House again.

what a laugh! hillary has never come clean about a criminal real estate deal, and wants to bust a city boy for using blow. I can just imagine the next headline from the old fart former first lady "Obama listens to that long hair rock music." I've been open to Hillary for the past several months, but this closes the door for me. HRC, go back to the 50's with your Stepford buddies!

FINALLY- A candidate who INHALED!!

BRAVO--You have our vote!

OBAMA!!

FINALLY! Someone who smoked a little something that was SMART enough to actually INHALE~~As you have so candidly said--"Wasn't that the whole point??
Bravo- You have now earned my VOTE.

Love your honestly and forthright nature--THAT is what America needs right now, more than anything else. We are tired of the BS and lies.....Thank you!!

Keep on Rockin' in the FREE WORLD!!

Typical Clinton campaign manuever here. Novak reported six weeks ago that the Clinton camp had the goods on Obama about drugs, but "wouldn't use it" in the campaign.

Everyone knows the Clintons have teams of detectives digging dirt on their rivals; then leaking the goods to the media through normally "anonymous" sources. This is their modus operandi.

Obama is a decent guy and really doesn't deserve this. But that's why nice guys don't run for president. Is our country better for it? Think about that before pulling the lever for Hillary this primary season.

Sincerely,

(a random conservative Republican voter)

I am so delighted to see Obama sit by and watch the Clinton campaign implode. The political hacks like Billy should take notice... give 'em enough rope and they hang themselves. Obama's non response automatically puts him on the high ground. Hillary's snarling desperation becomes more strident all the time. Her nomination assures a Republican in the White house.

This just throws into stark relief something that has been disturbing me about the Clinton campaign for a while.

If folks like Mr. Shaheen really find the 'Republican attack machine' so objectionable, it would be nice if they weren't so good at impersonating it. First we have campaign operatives distributing offensive (and racist, IMO) slurs about Obama, now this?

A textbook example of how to 'raise questions' about an opponent, without doing anything as crude as a full frontal attack. Straight out of the Rove playbook, Billy, and saying the Republicans would do it too isn't good enough.

Speaking of being socially responsible...

www.iowacaucus08.com/myspacecontroversy.html

In tomorrow night's debate someone should ask Hillary if she killed Vince Foster. That's relevant because the Republicans might use that against her in the general election. Also, lets clarify her husbands sexual exploits in the oval office. Did he really stick a cigar in Monica Lewinsky's vagina? And if so, why?

Say what? Didn't Bill confess to doing everything except inhaling? I think it would be close to impossible to find a candidate who didn't inhale... and a large percentage of registered voters inhaled. This is the *opposite* of what Clinton's people should be saying.

I want government to stay the hell out of my private life and focus on actual issues, not what someone did when they were in college.

I would rather have a drunk whoring drug addict in office that actually did something about education and health care and poverty and the environment and human rights and this war... then the ex-drunk ex-drug addict we have now.

- Wonka

"I BOUGHT DRUGS FROM OBAMA"
Coming up from the Clinton machine .
more details tomorrow.

'the Republicans might try to use it against him...' Not that the Clinton campaign, God forbid, would even DREAM of such a thing!!!!

What a pack of hypocrites!

Well I guess it's true what Hillary said "It Takes A Village To Lynch A Black Candidate".....
Well not exactly her quote but it seems to me that now that she see's that she is no shoe in for the nomination she is pulling out the folks to start doing her hatchet work. Now it begins the darkness starts to envelop the Democratic party. We have in Obama the first fresh face with fresh ideas and an ideology that could rival Robert Kennedy (yea I am old enough to remember) In Obama we have a hope that I have not had in many years; and no I was not proud of Bill Clinton either. We all knew that this day was coming 8 years ago it is no suprise but Hillary did not see Obama in her crystal ball.

Hillary...whitewater, bill...rape, Ted Kennedy....manslaughter, or....Obama for smoking some dope years ago. If I had to pick one for a neighbor it would be Mr. Obama. However, I do home the dems self destruct, and the next president is named Fred.

Shaheen's wife is running for Senate. I bet in exchange for this bizzare attack her campaign will, or has, seen some $ from Hil-PAC or one of the Clinton's supporters.

I wonder what mud Hillary will sling when she looses Iowa?

I am so ill over this. I just want to puke! Hillary Clinton at this point disgust me. Hillary and Bill are supposed to be political geniuses. I cannot believe they cannot come up with something better than a story in which Obama has admitted to along time ago. This will definately backfire. I hope votes teach the Clintons a lesson and send them packing in shame! Keep your head up Obama!

what a bunch of folks that have posted on this page, why don"t you Hilliary haters read your stuff?you are supposed to check out every thing before you go slinging mud, have you read the news about little o yet?if not why not?seems like a lot of Hillary news have been read and talked about for what? to put her down, it wasn"t her that done all of the stuff you are talking about anyway- sounds like a bunch of kids oh here, i hope she wins and wins big

Hillary's sleazy tactics will make me vote against her -- and I'm of the demographic she thinks she has locked up! I wish she and Bill had Obama's honesty. Give me a break. Hillary must be desperate.

These negative campaign tactics Shaheen is using is not a sign of how Hillary runs her campaign but really more an expression of the real feeling of concern that exists within the internal ranks of her campaign.

Slip ups seem to be happening across the board for the Clinton camp and as things seem to be getting heated up the exchange will be interesting in the upcoming democratic debate at 2pm EST on CNN in Iowa. Will they be cowards like our republican friends or make a true spectacle?

Great post by an Indian American blogger!
http://usinpac08.blogspot.com/2007/12/clinton-getting-desperate.html#links

Did anyone ask Bill Clinton if he was a drug dealer when he said he smoked weed?
(but never inhaled, he said)

This Clinton campaign guy's comment reeks of racism.

The Clinton campaign is desperate and OUT OF CONTROL.

Bye Bye nomination.

But Bill is OUTRAGED by her drop in the polls - Are they loosing their grip on the mainstream American media? Call me Chavez.
Who watches that crap today. Go down like Rather boomers.

Has anyone asked Hillary whether she inhaled? I think I'd like to know.

This line of argument necessarily requires Hillary Clinton to make full disclosure of any prior history involving her use or nonuse of drugs.

America is waiting.

Who gives a flying fxxx....if this stooge who brought this up doesn't get fired

.....it's crap like this that makes politics..and Clinton a dirtball SKANK....who dosn't deserve to be elected....

Tell me what the Fxxx you're goubg to do for me..i don't wanna hear this crap....

To quote a leader from a group which was persecuted under the Roman Empire: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

The Clintons' have just opened the door to their murky past that they have been trying to hide this entire election. Everything about them is now fair game.

[Quote] "Regarding Clinton's January 17, 1998, deposition where he was placed under oath, the judge wrote:

'Simply put, the president's deposition testimony regarding whether he had ever been alone with Ms. (Monica) Lewinsky was intentionally false, and his statements regarding whether he had ever engaged in sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky likewise were intentionally false . . . .'" [Endquote]

One of the second tier folks, who has no real shot at winning -- Biden Dodd or Kuncinich -- should go "there" and ask about all the scandals. If Edwards is feeling sufficiently frisky, I would foresee a masterful cross-examination. (In 1999, Edwards Biden and Dodd voted "not guilty" on the charges before the Senate.)

Someone should be smart enough to cut a deal with Obama -- VP slot?? -- and take her down.

clawrence3 - You are one of the more sane, illuminated posters. And, I would love some popcorn. Salted. With butter.
This is rather like watching the preview of coming attractions, isn't it? But for so many "DUH" rated movies?

Stick a fork in Hillary, she's done.

Hilary!!!!!
is this the only way you can win an election, by playing dirty politics?
Shame on you!!!!

In other news, the chairman of some other campaign expressed concern that Hillary will face tough questions about her failing the DC bar exam, how she could stick around after her husband had repeatedly humiliated her and their daughter, and what sort of social disorder could cause her to go through four years of college and three years of law school without smoking pot.
The very fact that the clinton campaign thinks this stuff will do anything other than further alienate primary voters only underscores how utterly yesterday the hillary camp is. Go away hillary.

Where's that nasty man James Carville at? Are they saving him for after the nominations?

Actually, coloradodog, all that "Hillary did" was have a State co-chairman point out the reality that the GOP will bash Obama over his drug abuse.

The only thing left for her to do now is the Howard Dean "scream". That should just about clinch it.

They really don't have ANYTHING on Obama. Everything they've tried to hit him with has boomeranged back in their faces. Why in the heck, in THIS country, would you try to nail a politician with drug use, particularly when he already disclosed it very publicly?

*The current REPUBLICAN president used drugs and had a DUI, so how the heck can the republicans expect to be successful in smearing Obama with drug use?

*The previous DEMOCRATIC president used drugs, so why would democrats be fearful about it?

Now, I don't just want Hillary to lose anymore, I want her to be humiliated. I hope she even loses NY!

If Dubya had been busted for using drugs as an ADULT, he wouldn't be President now - or would he? Only Dick Cheney knows for sure.

Earth to Hillary:

Are you nuts? You had a chance to be President and you jumped the shark by attacking Obama on teenage drug use.

Put on a dunce cap and go sit in the corner with Rove, Romney and Huckabee.

democraticjack -- I believe 100% in what I post -- you want some fresh popcorn?

It is quite nice to finally see the Kool-aid Democrats say what they are saying about "Billiary"! I remember his crappola we had to put up with ever since he uttered, "But I didn't inhale"....the rot that has rolled from their tongues has ALWAYS been insulting to the average human being. I always remember thinking to myself "Do they actually believe we believe that crap!"
And What's up with the "I'm not a Stand by Your Man....kind of woman" uttered from Hilliary's lips??? Looks like she's sticking to his side like a Siamese twin these days! Hate to Think of that in the Oval office negotiating with dictators from around the world!! I think these 2 lumps of cattle snot should go back to Arkansas where they are so loved and revered by the rest of their family.

I was a Democrat the first time I was eligible to vote. I voted for Jimmy Carter. I believed in him. Hey....what did I know, I was young. Jimmy Carter and Jimmy Carter alone made me see the errors of my ways. I have to admit though, I do not like Bush's stance on immigration. That is a major faux-pax. Maybe this Obama thing can help bring this country together. I'm still votin' republican, but WE DON'T have to hate each other just because we disagree politically. I think the politicians have started this partisan hatred thing to separate us and keep themselves in office, and I think WE THE PEOPLE need to STOP it! We can do that by kicking out all the OLD BLOOD and putting in some fresh faces that REPRESENT US!!! WE THE PEOPLE!!

Good catch, targetaudience -- like I said above, the GOP candidate won't even have to write his own campaign ads next year -- here's some more rope, Dems . . .

But did Obama inhale?

caracraic - "Sorry, I just don't buy that but more importantly - what about Obama's record. In addition to the drug use, he admits that he has few if any records from his tenure as Senator in Illinois and there are countless records of votes during which he merely voted present. On what issues did he merely vote present. Why can't this man take a definitive stand on anything or show a track record of taking on tough decisions."

He, along with several others in the Illinois Senate, had a policy of voting "present" on wedge-issue bills that were proposed for scoring political points. It was a way to make the point that they weren't falling for election-year political ploys.

I think he's done a fine job of taking a stand on tough issues like Iraq and Iran when other candidates were too weak to stand up to the administration.

AGAIN, just for my own sanity; what was the smear Mr. Shaheen made? Hmm?
You might also note, that Mr. Obama brought up the subject of electability FIRST.
I, honest to God, pray that most of the nasty drivel being posted is just people with a snarky agenda and not posted by people who actually believe what they post.

was Obama a druggie or a dealer of crack cocaine?

Stop for just a moment and take stock of this whole leadership debate...look at the total ineffectiveness of Congress and the Senate. No matter who is elected President they still have to deal with the sorry lot of legislators.

What we really need is someone that can whip that sorry bunch into a "working" body again.

Oh wait...that would be us!!!

Hillary...can't trust her! Besides we've been over exposed to that whole regime.

Stop for just a moment and take stock of this whole leadership debate...look at the total ineffectiveness of Congress and the Senate. No matter who is elected President they still have to deal with the sorry lot of legislators.

What we really need is someone that can whip that sorry bunch into a "working" body again.

Oh wait...that would be us!!!

Hillary...can't trust her! Besides we've been over exposed to that whole regime.

Obama was never accused of rape. Hillary's husband was and he NEVER DENIED IT. The accused rapist will lead the nation with his wife is she is elected. Explain to me which is worse a man admitting to a youthful indescretion or a man accused of rape, undefended by his wife, not answering the charge? Will the Republicans make hay with that?

Obama was never accused of rape. Hillary's husband was and he NEVER DENIED IT. The accused rapist will lead the nation with his wife is she is elected. Explain to me which is worse a man admitting to a youthful indescretion or a man accused of rape, undefended by his wife, not answering the charge? Will the Republicans make hay with that?

If she's going to go after Obama over drug use then maybe Hillary Clinton, the same who appears in this picture, should affirm that she has never used illegal drugs: http://encyclopediadramatica.com/images/8/8c/BillHillary1970.gif

A Democratic Party politican slings mud at a fellow Democrat and blames it on unknown future Republicans. Pretty laughable.

I wish I could say that past drug use is a non-issue for me. But the truth of the matter is that it is. I wouldn't have had as much of a problem with his discussing it before an audience of adults but to bring it up in the presence of kids. I think that it sends the wrong message to tell kids that - Hey! You too can drink and drugs and otherwise spend important years of your life in a fog and what the heck - run for President and on pure charisma win the confidence of the American public. Sorry, I just don't buy that but more importantly - what about Obama's record. In addition to the drug use, he admits that he has few if any records from his tenure as Senator in Illinois and there are countless records of votes during which he merely voted present. On what issues did he merely vote present. Why can't this man take a definitive stand on anything or show a track record of taking on tough decisions. Frankly folkes - What change has he actually proposed other than a health care policy that won't even meet the needs of so many. Just seems like its a case of his smiling pretty for the audience and calling in big names to create an impressive show. All show with no proven backbone just doesn't get it for me.

johnswa - "I DON"T KNOW HOW TO INHALE"

That's priceless, dude. Breathing is certainly difficult...

This has been bubbling under the surface ever since Obama announced: http://time-blog.com/real_clear_politics/2007/01/obamas_drug_use.html

Hillary constantly refers to the "Repulican Attack Machine" that has been out to get her and hubby since day one. The Clinton attack machine makes everyone elses look lame.
Here we go again - the 90's all over again.
Uhhhh - "I did smoke pot but I never inhaled" - "I did not have sexual relations with that woman - my cigar did"
Put these two back into the White House and they will balance the national debt by "borrowing" our Social Security funds once again. Bush - Clinton - Bush - Clinton ????
Don't think so.

McCain's campaign brought up the drug abuse issue as well, responding to Obama's anti-funding vote back in May:

"While Senator Obama's two years in the U.S. Senate certainly entitle him to vote against funding our troops, my service and experience combined with conversations with military leaders on the ground in Iraq lead me to believe that we must give this new strategy a chance to succeed because the consequences of failure would be catastrophic to our nation's security."

An aide added: "Obama wouldn't know the difference between an RPG and a bong."

Posted by: Flyer90 | December 12, 2007 07:45 PM

Yeah, Obama will surely beat Bush in the election with those!

Candidates tend to greatly exaggerate their
accomplishments and experience. As far as I can see, there are three candidates who are sufficiently experienced to be president: Dodd, Biden and McCain but they don't have a chance. They actually might be able to comprehend the world. Hillary has no useful experience except staring disapprovingly at Bill during his for behaving like a 16 yearold. Unfortunately, the media needs to sell stories and stars to make hoards of money nd it largely decides elections. We get candidates with hoardes of media consultants who manipulate this game. These pols worry more about their image like some kind of fashion show, spewing meaningless trivial drivel. Taking tough stands on issues is not for them. Actions do speak louder than BS. The political system is broke.

Was this the smear HRC was holding back that Novak reported?

Good point, democraticjack -- someone above actually believes that U.S. Senators are TESTED for drugs before they report to work each day?! "Here Senator Kennedy, please pee in this cup." Although, I'd bet that Larry Craig would volunteer for that job in a heartbeat!!!

What difference does it make what someone said in kindergarten? What someone did as president does make a difference. Something never mentioned is the phone sex, most of you should know what that is, or can easily learn. Your president, the one some of you want back in the White House, spent considerable time engaged in one handed phone calls, or perhaps used a speaker phone, while the pres you now want, knowing all about him, denied his activities. I'll take the kid who dreamt of being Pres in kindergarten.

What is significant is that these low IQ people who post here are also eligible to vote. It is a miracle that the United States survives as a free nation.

The Current Occupant was at least a heavy drinker, if not an alcoholic for years. In the 2000 campaign Bush's people refused to say whether Bush had ever used cocaine. Instead they named a year (don't remember which) from which point forward they assured us the Current Occupant had not used cocaine.

Obama should find that transcript or video and make a similar assurance about himself. Even I'll listen to RUSH the day Obama does that!!

Good point, democraticjack -- someone above actually believes that U.S. Senators ask TESTED for drugs?! "Here Senator Kennedy, please pee in this cup." I'd bet that Larry Craig would volunteer for that job!!!

A major study determined that over 70% of Americans are below average intelligence. The comments here support that study

Come on, it's TRUE!!! You KNOW the Republicans are going to find and play every single trick in the book!!! Obama would be mincemeat by the Republican Attack Machine!!! He does not have the 15 years of experience of getting hit as Hillary has!!! He just is not tough enough to take it, much less be President of the United States!

What about the rumor that Hillary murdered Vince Foster? It is a rumor but we should at least discuss it since the Republicans will no doubt go after her on that issue in the GE. Right? It's better that we bring it up now as democrats instead of letting the republicans do it.

How low can The Clinton top democrat go, lower than a snakes belly it appears.
To accuse Obama at this late stage of drugs is about how the Clinton crowd is looking for any accusation whether true or untrue to throw a wrench into the Obama camp.
It now shows through as to what Hillary Clinton is like and how she would govern if elected, another likeness to Bush, supporting lies upon lies, the one who agreed with Bush to go to war with Iraq, then swallowed her words when it comes to shoooting for Predidency, no thanks Hillary Clinton,your husband was never like that.

Billy Shaheen just doesn't get it, he wonders why voters and the media are not giving more attention to experienced Democratic candidates such as Sens. Chris Dodd and Joe Biden and are instead elevating into the first tier alongside Clinton a pair of candidates with less experience in Washington, Barack Obama and John Edwards...

The electorate (both parties) is just plain fed up with these traditional members of Congress and are exploring anything new.

Look at the current approval ratings.

Obama can easily turn this to his advantage in the general election -- evangelicals love redemption.

Also, Obama's candor on this subject is another example of why this country needs him. If a candidate cannot acknowledge past mistakes -- like voting for the Iraq war -- then voters are going to take everything they say with a grain of salt. Candor begets credibility.

99% of all child molestation occurs under ALCOHOL influence
99% of all domestic beatings occur under ALCOHOL influence
MARIJUANA has caused ZERO deaths directed to it's use.
I'd like to see these fatcat hypocrites bare their liquor filled souls and then criticize Obama for leveling with people and treating them like adults. Screw Hillary and the other lying hyenas. arack might just get my vote for showing the deceit in every other candidate!

The level of hysteria in these comments is only slightly higher than the level of ignorance contained in most of them.
Senator Obama's past drug use was disclosed by SENATOR OBAMA, not Hillary Clinton. Mrs. Clinton is still standing after 15 years of lies, rumors and attacks and she is still the national frontrunner. Can Mr. Obama stand up to the same level of scrutiny? THAT was the question raised by Mr. Shaheen.
Pay attention folks.

I'm sure Hillary is going to come forth with the essay Obama wrote in kindergarten. I want to compare it with all the essays my kids wrote in kindergarten. The rest of you need to dig your kid's kindergarten essays out to compare. I'm sure most of them go: A, B, C, D, and so forth. Just one more lie from a lieing campaign.

Obama was a major drug dealer in High School. The Clintons have seceral customers to whom Obama sold drugs too.

They have pictures of Obama praying facing Mecca.
They have proof of Obama meeting Iranians and receiving money from them.

DING DONG THE__ITCH IS DEAD!

This is a bogus desperate attack by the Clinton campaign. This is something that happened in Barack's early years and something he has admnitted to many times in his book and publicly. In fact, he is quite proud of the fact he was able to overcome the problem and excel to where he is today. Obama has been honest and straightforward about it, something the Clinton's have a hard time comprehending.

I pledge to never, ever vote for a Republican in this universe or any other. They are total dicks. Every. Single. One.
But, unlike the Dems, they keep them in their pants. Posted by: Frommaine.

Ah, Frommaine, actually Repugnantcans are whipping them out in men's restrooms coast to coast. What is it about Repugnantcans and gay sex? They can't seem to get enough...

Hillary has no qualifications to be a presidential candidate. The fact that she is an option for Dems shows how little they have to offer. Bill Richardson is the best Dems have and believe me as a NM resident I can tell you he sucks. Look at the 500 million spent on a commuter train few will use while the rest of the states infrastructure goes down the tubes. Ann Coulter is so correct when she says, "If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans."

Legalize it - don't criticize it
Legalize it and i will advertise it

Singer smoke it
And players of instruments too
Legalize it, yeah, yeah
That's the best thing you can do
Doctors smoke it
Nurses smoke it
Judges smoke it
Even the lawyers too

I think Sheehan's point was that Obama has been getting a pretty easy ride in the media and not been vetted. This drug use issue will be brought up by the Republicians if Obama is the Democratic nominee.

There is a difference between Clinton's marijuana use and Obama's cocaine use in that the former is a misdemeanor and the latter a felony. The Republicans will surely exploit that.

These sorts of things should be brought up now before the general election.

I guess when your butt is about to be whipped in the primary a desperate candidate will say anything about an opponent. It's too bad the Shaheen's don't realize how unelectable Shillary really is.

Maybe they have someone to whom Obama sold drugs to.
Rumors have it that Obama was a major drug dealer in school
Or maybe they have someone who sells drugs to skinny Obama.
For sure this Muslim Messias is going to be taken apart piece by piece by the Clintons.

Your mention of Obama's "refreshing candor" is biased and obtuse. Clearly it was out there and it had to be made by Obama as a preemptive strike. It was something Obama just HAD to do.

As a parent hoping to represent many other parents do you think this confession was made from a sensibile concept of parental
morality and/or common sense?

If you can't see the GOP go over this one in every way possible just think moms and dads. Who did he buy it from and how did he get it and did he swap or sell? This will be among many other issues for the GOP barkeeps to swill who have been trained as mixologists by Rove and other GOP attack meisters.

To think that Obama will be more electable than Hillary Clinton is beyond naive.

The Hillary campaign is claiming the remarks made by New Hampshire co-chair Billy Shaheen were not authorized or condoned by the campaign in any way.

-- and the lies continue to flow.

"On the Tavis Smiley show Obama admitted he never would have admitted his cocaine use (in his book) if he'd known he'd be running for president."

Oh, but wait Josey...that flies in the face of the last embarrassing attempt to smear Obama, that he has been running for president since he was in kindergarten.

Tsk tsk...when dumb smear contradicts dumb smear.

Here is the response from the Obama campaign:

"Hillary Clinton said attacking other Democrats is the 'fun part' of this campaign, and now she's moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years in an increasingly desperate effort to slow her slide in the polls. Senator Clinton's campaign is recycling old news that Barack Obama has been candid about in a book he wrote years ago, and he's talked about the lessons he's learned from these mistakes with young people all across the country. He plans on winning this campaign by focusing on the issues that actually matter to the American people."

Gawd, is that the best Hillary can come up with? Everybody who works in United States Government gets drug tested and Hillary knows that because she was drug tested before she officially took her Senate office, and so was Barack. So Hillary already knows Barack is skweeky clean. Just goes to show, she's got nothing on Barack!

The GOPer's are praying that HillBill is the Demo candidate. They are so beatable by even the weakest GOP candidate. Obama would be harder to defeat.

People that live in glass houses, should dress in the basement Hillary. Having your brother-in-law Roger score drugs for the users that attended your parties in Arkansas, makes it unbelievable you would attack Obama for doing what 90% of college attendees have done, experiment with drugs in their youth.

chicka boom chicka boom don't you love it

chicka boom chicka boom don't you just love it

The Shaheens are representative of New Hampshire's southern border people; the bunch of new people who live and think in Massachusetts Middle Mind but moved across the border to New Hampshire to avoid taxes. It was these demographics which brought the Shaheens to New Hampshire government and it brought the end of New Hampshire's traditional regional character coming to expression in politics. This trashy slander belongs in old school Southie politics and so do the sleazy Clintons and their insidious New Hampshire apparatchiks.

Up here in NH,Bill Shaheen is known as "Mr. Sleaze"
What Obama needs to do is travel the country with Billy Dale.
Remember him?
He was the guy who worked in the White House travel office when Clinton was elected.
Remember how Hillary tried to get him convicted of a crime because he wouldn't easily accede to her demands that he quit so she could put her own hacks in the job?
Yeah that's how Hillary treats the little guy.
She is a danger to the US Constitution and should be defeated resoundingly!
Go Barack !! Go Barack!!

Clinton sleeze politics rises to the occasion yet again. It's sickening. This cr*p is why many people hate politics.

Question for the Hillary Campaign:
If Hillary gets elected to the White House will she return the silverware?

Really, Barack's apparently just Avon Barksdale in disguise.

Regarding Obama's drug use it would be naive even stupid to sugggest that the GOP has not developed an arsenal of weaponry aimed at all the weak spots in Obama's past and present.

Obama's admission of cocaine and grass use was a premptive attempt which cannot work. Forget NH, if he nominated he will be eaten live by GOP. The are kvelling as Hillary hate escalates and hopefully they will have an easy target in Obama.

His votes as State Senator in Illinois were far more liberal than his current positions presumably. He sells change and hope, but his healthcare plan is a far cry from what he wanted way back in ILL,

There is also the matter as to who his politico buddies were and why, etc. It doesn't take much imagination to see the GOP asking who he bought drugs from, and who he may havve sold drugs to.

Forget the Oprah fiasco. It probably buys him votes, but it's pretty sleazy to have the Queen of Giveaways, protector of South Africa, Lady of the Books, film producer, and stealth president intrude herself into a caucus prior to backing a nominated candidate. If it buys votes in our celebrity crazed culture it will do perhaps for the primaries.

Imagine however, the absolute joy experienced by the GOP if Obama becomes nominated! Hillary hate will have succeeded and we can await at least 20 more years of Imperial GOP rule as the Democrats shoot themselves once again.

I am not even going to the Muslim and other extremely divisive issues inherent in regarding Obama.

This is very likely to backfire on Hillary.
People don't like the negative attacks, and it should be beneath Mrs. Clinton for her, or her surrogates, to pursue the nomination in this manner. Barack Obama, whether electable or not, has more charisma than Hillary has, and does not take the patronizing and talking down stance that Hillary often does. I think Bill Clinton is great, but Hillary needs to start showing some charisma, and soon. I'd also like to see how Mrs Clinton claims 35 years experience when in reality she has about the same as Obama. Being first lady doesn't count, although I sure wish Laura were making the decisions in the current White House.

I'm done with HRC.

DONE.

This is abhorrent, Rove-in-SC2000 level filth. She not only lost my vote in the primary, she lost it in the general.

Uh oh, somebody forgot about not engaging in "the politics of personal destruction". I am not voting for him and I could care less if he used drugs. What does this have to do with him running for President? Like she didn't smoke pot or drop acid during the 60's??? How else could she have put up with such a pig of a husband?

This is a perfect example of the Clinton campaign engaging in THE POLITICS OF FEAR.
Our country deserves better, and that is why I fully support Senator Obama.

So I guess this now means Hillary's husband's sexcapades are fair game. How about Bill's inserting cigars in Monica Lewinsky's vagina? You think that might be an "opening for Republican dirty tricks"? Hillary's campaign tactics makes me want to puke. I will never vote for that woman.

Hey Clawrence3...I wouldn't vote for Hillary if she was unopposed...She is DISGRACEFUL.Go OBAMA

CBS GOT HOLD OF THIS AND WAS REHASHING IT NOW: OH NO

DID OBAMA ATTENDED A MUSLIM MADRASSA FOR 4 YEARS?

A.- YES HE DID

WAS OBAMA S FATHER A MUSLIM FROM KENYA?

A.- YES HE WAS

DID OBAMA'S PARENTS MARRIED?

A.- THERE IS NO RECORD OF THE ACT, SO THEY DIDN'T .

DID OBAMA ATTENDED A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN INDONESIA?

A.- YES HE DID, HE TRANSFERRED FROM MUSLIM SCHOOL TO CATHOLIC BUT WAS REGISTERED AS "MUSLIM"

DID OBAMA RENOUNCED HIS MUSLIM RELIGION?

A.- THERE I S NO RECORD OF THIS ACT, SO HE IS STILL A MUSLIM IN THE EYES OF ISLAM

WHY OBAMA DENIES HE'S A MUSLIM ?

A.-OBAMA MIGHT BE PRACTICING MUSLIM DECEPTION, WHICH IS MANDATED BY ISLAM TO GAIN POWER.

DID OBAMA USED COCAINE IN HIGH SCHOOL?

A.- HE HIMSELF SAID SO TO HS STUDENTS

DID OBAMA WENT TO REHAB FOR COCAINE AND CRACK USE?

A.- THERE IS NO RECORD OF OBAMA DOING REHAB, SO HE'S STILL ADDICTED AND USES DRUGS.

WHY IS OBAMA SO SKINNY?

A.- LOSS OF WEIGHT IS A SIGN OF COCAINE AND CRACK COCAINE USE

DID OBAMA MET WITH IRANIAN AGENTS SECRETLY AND RECEIVED 200 MILLION DOLLARS TOI RUN FOR PREZ?

A.- IT'S ONLY A RUMOR, BUT AFTER THAT OBAMA BOUGHT A 1.6 MILLION MANSION WITH THE HELP OF A

SYRIAN MUSLIM, TONY REZCO.

COULD OBAMA AFTER ELECTED PRESDENT BECOME MUSLIM AGAIN?

A.- YES, THERE IS NO LAW THAT SAYS YOU CAN'T

SO OBAMA COULD BECOME A MUSLIM PRESIDENT AND ALIGN AMERICA WITH IRAN AND ALQAIDA? .-

A.-YES HE COULD.

COULD OBAMA THEN TRY TO MAKE AMERICA A MUSLIM NATION ?

A- YES IF HE DISSOLVES CONGRESS AND ELECTS A MUSLIM MAJORITY .

THEN MUSLIMS COULD START ONVERTING ALL CHRISTIANS INTO ISLAM?

A.- YES THEY WOULD HAVE THE OVERNMENT HELP AND ALSO THE POLICE AND TROOPS

WILL CHRISTIANS AND JEWS BE THEN BUTCHERED IF THEY RESIST CONVERSION?

A- MUSLIMS HAVE A RECORD OF KILLING MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WHO REFUSE TO ACCEPT ISLAM IN TURKEY 10

MILLION ARMENIANS WERE BUTCHERED AND BEHEADED BY MUSLIMS.

SO OBAMA COULD MEAN TE END OF FREEDOM IN AMERICA?

A.- YES,

Obama's biggest strength is that he is charismatic, likable and has a positive agenda. Voters will forgive a troubled past if they like the candidate. Just take a look at President Reagan who was divorced and an actor, Bill Clinton and his women problems and George Bush with his alcoholism. They all won despite having character flaws. Hillary is showing her desperation as the polls show a race that is becoming closer. Her real problem is that she is running a passionless campaign. She needs to junk the technocratic approach and get real.

Clawrence3,

I knew, and know, that Billy Shaheen was Hillary's co-Chair and never said he
wasn't.

What I did say was that New Hampshire would have had a better Governor if they'd dredged up some whalesh-t from the bottom of the sea, molded it into a human form, and sat it down in the Guv's chair.

Billy seems to have been formed from the same substance.

The headline should be:
Clinton Camp attacks Obama on Drug Use
Because that is what they are doing.
It's a back door attack
By not bringing it up they are bringing it up.
I don't know if I want another sneaky president. We Don't need another Karl Rove type administration....

I think we call this triangulation. By referencing the dirty Republicans, the slickster in New Hampshire (a confessed attorney) gets in the issue of Barack Obama's youthful missteps, which I consider age appropriate sins of a lesser magnitude than President Clinton's sexual escapades in the Oval Office, for beginners.

I consider myself a Conservative, I am a proud NRA member, and gratefully, a Navy veteran (USNR). I think the young man with the Harvard education is poised, well spoken and brilliant. He is also, in my opinion, a socialist, conspicuously limited in experience that would matter (e.g. military service), and confuses air with soil.

But, he is to be commended for his honesty, which distinguishes him from his anxious political rivals within the Democratic Party's elite inner circle.

clawrence3: Yeah, I will never vote for her. If she wins, I probably won't vote unless there is a reasonable alternative candidate. Rumors just out that Al Gore and Bloomberg may run as Independents. That would change everything.

What does that say about us if Hillary Clinton is the best we can find to lead us. Clinton has yet to make a case that she is a leader, let alone a leader who will bring about change. Her sleazy campaign style indicates that she simply represents more of the same slimy politics.

Let's see, Bill didn't inhale ( BS) and Hillary's brother gets a pardon for trafficking cocaine. Looks like she is and expert on drug abuse in the home.

As a doctor, the marijuana is still just a political issue as long as the liquor, cigarette,and drug lobbies can keep it illegal to protect their industries. Marijuana is not harmful, but, cocaine is. Just because someone has done some illegal activities in their youth does not mean a person can lead a productive life. Example, Bill Clinton smoked dope, had illegal sex in the oval office, pardoned criminals who were involve with him, and how many close people that had negative information on the Clinton's have mysteriously died?? Hillary sucks, and will turn AMERICA into a Socialist country. GOD SAVE AMERICA. Can I say that, GOD.

MAKE NO MISTAKE - SHAHEEN AND CLINTON - THESE PEOPLE ARE THE DINASAURS WE NEED TO DEFEAT!

GO OBAMA IN '08!

Hillary is not from Arkansas. Bush was a big drug user when he was younger, to the point of being an addict. Obama did some experimenting with drugs but was not an out of control addict like Bush. I would wager that Bush's drug and alchohol use had a direct negative impact on his actions as president. Comparing Bush's drug use to what Obama, and probably most other politicians, did in his past. is like comparing WWII to Granada. I believe in forgiving mistakes but a recovering addict in the whitehouse (Bush) was going too far.

By the way there have been some very interesting studies of Presidents and other powerful people, and their drug use. It seems that probably most very powereful leaders were using some sort drugs WHILE IN POWER, not just before. It also appears that their drug use can be tied fairly clearly to their actions while in power. Nixon, Kennedy, Hitler, and many others had known drug and alchohol use issues while in office. Even Bush senior had an incident where his doctors pumped him up on drugs so he could get through a meeting. He ended up falling out of his chair on TV.

tradina and CleverGirl_DC -- I hear ya 2 -- will you join with me in pledging to NOT vote for Hillary Clinton if she's the Democratic nominee?

zb95 -- I hope the Washington Post goes out of business too -- will you join with me in pledging to NOT vote for Hillary Clinton if she's the Democratic nominee?

As a Republican I would find Obama harder to compete against... fearing some Democrat would whip out the race card.

This is very disappointing. I was going to support Clinton and Obama until I was forced to make a choice. Now I think I will send all my money to Obama. He's going to need it if Clinton is going to play dirty like this.

hurleyboo and ninjah -- I hear ya 2 -- join us in out pledge against Hillary Clinton!!!

I personally thought it was interesting that Shaheen is raising questions about Edwards' electability when polls consistently show that Edwards does the best among all of the Democrats against the Republican candidates.

tallik -- I hear ya -- will you join with me in pledging to NOT vote for Hillary Clinton if she's the Democratic nominee?

I am now MORE LIKELY to vote for Obama. Federal drug laws *desperately* need reform. If anyone is going to take the first step in that direction, it's probably someone who has been there.

tja133 -- that Obama campaign response does not answer the questions -- here they are one more time: 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'

Why is this cr*p on the front page? I guess the "Obama is a radical muslim" story did not work so now this. The Washington Post is sinking to new lows. You people should be ashamed to attempt to make this non-story politcal dirty trick into a legimate issue. Pathetic. I hope you paper goes out of business.

norriehoyt and retrosexy -- last time I checked, Bill Shaheen is the State's CO-CHAIRMAN for Hillary. Sounds like more than "a blip" top me.

So I guess then that HIllary should get ready to be asked about her husbands infidelity and how she dealt with that?

Hillary has no viable alternatives to Obama. The Clintons NEVER had any viable alternatives, except their brand of Marxism. Hillary has NO ROOM to speak ill of anyone. She has plenty of skeletons in her closet. Although the drug use question is a fair one, what about the myriad of Hillary scandals, i.e., Whitewater, Vince Foster, the missing billing records, the questionable campaign funds, and on and on. It's time for Obama to shine the light of truth on Hillary, and watch her scamper for the nearest, darkest corner.

The 'Fun part of the campaign'

"Hillary Clinton said attacking other Democrats is the 'fun part' of this campaign, and now she's moved from Barack Obama's kindergarten years to his teenage years in an increasingly desperate effort to slow her slide in the polls.

"Senator Clinton's campaign is recycling old news that Barack Obama has been candid about in a book he wrote years ago, and he's talked about the lessons he's learned from these mistakes with young people all across the country.

He plans on winning this campaign by focusing on the issues that actually matter to the American people," said Obama campaign manager David Plouffe."

Way to go David Plouffe !!! And thanks for organizing the Change Rocks show in Chicago!!! You did a fantastic job!!!

This is what we get from "The best person of her generation."?

Pretty crappy standard bearer for the generation that marched with MLK.

Lioness -- that really doesn't answer the questions: 'When was the last time? Did you ever give drugs to anyone? Did you sell them to anyone?'

If this cadre of Democrats are representative of "The Voice of America" we must destroy the transmitting antenna at once! The Islamic World Destiny movement, tutored in every Madrasa and Mosque, will be overwhelmed with recruits to attack the declining noble, honorable and responsible resolve of the USA. The Old Sailor. San Diego Ca.

What is up with the Clinton team? How can a slanderous comment about Obama and drugs possibly help the Clinton campaign?

Everything this team says or does seems to reflect more on the worst attributes of the Clintons than anything else. To me there's is something refreshingly candid about a candidate admitting to experimenting with drugs, as opposed to, say, telling the world that he tried marijuana but "didn't inhale."

It is now clearly obvious that the Clinton team is truly desperate due to their candidate's plunging poll numbers. But instead of going out with a good clean fight, they are tarring and feathering themselves in the process of trying to tear down their opponents.

Ugly and ultimately self-defeating.

I seriously doubt anything Obamma has done questionable in his life can be held in a cup compared to a lake full of dirty trick, immoral acts, crooked deals, lying , cheating , sexual attacks, selling this country to the highest bidder that are Clintons badge of honor. Why is there never any journalist ever willing to question the Clintons.

Bill Shaheen?!?!? a 'Top Clinton advisor'?!?!
As someone that lives in N.H., I can say that this guy is only even a blip on the
Clinton radar because his wifey ran and won for Gov. of the state. She was a horrible gov. but the Republicans had no one to counter her for 3 terms...all the while she
sat back and did nothing, and when she did do
something finally, she said it was 'for the children'. (sound familiar? straight out of
the Dem playbook) When pressed on an issue, she created a fact finding 'commission' that didn't have to report until AFTER the election...these people have no scruples...
BTW, I saw the line waiting to get into the Verizon arena to see Obama/Oprah on Sun....I've seen no such lines for any Hillary event (and I've seen 2 unfortunately), granted it was Oprah, but still..

I'm a liberal Vermont Democrat who lives three miles from the New Hampshire border. Jean Shaheen was the dumbest and most obtuse Governor I've ever seen. Even more than Hillary, she decided matters by sticking her finger in the wind.

The Republican, conservative N.H. legislature passed a law abolishing the death penalty. She, a supposedly liberal Democrat, vetoed the bill. What an immoral, stupid duffus she was.

Husband Billy seems just as obtuse. He thinks mentioning Obama and drugs in the same sentence will help Hillary in New Hampshire.

Dream on, delusional Billy. You should know, but seemingly don't, that libertarian N.H. and VT voters don't give a hoot about what anybody smokes or ingests.

A large proportion of N.H. voters will applaud Barak for using whatever it was he was using.

Jean and Billy should move to the Bible belt.

Let's See...how can we count the number...of people who have died who have known the Clintons.

All the people they had audited by the IRS who did not agree with them.

Death threats to family members.

Oh, did I mention the deaths...so many killing themselves by shooting themselves in the back of the head or left-handers killing themselves with thei