The Trail: A Daily Diary of Campaign 2008

I can't believe that we can't do better then Hillary or Obama, as a Democrat, why not find someone a little more to the middle of the road. Looks bad to me.

I was a supporter of Hilary; however, her association with Bob Johnson has caused me to jump ship. The comments made by Mr. Johnson were both disgraceful and unprofessional. At first, I found his comments out of line and inappropriate, then I considered the source. I quickly reminded myself this is a man who founded the first all Black television network, and yet did nothing with that opportunity. In fact, Mr. Johnson and BET, under his watch, set African Americans back some twenty years. Mr. Johnson is a joke. He has contributed nothing of substance to the way of life for African Americans.

Bob Johnson remark was an absolute disgrace. Considering the history of this country, it is a shame that black folks still can't work together. Even if you didn't agree with what he said don't give Bob Johnson the right to try to chop the Obama's foot off because he hurt Master Clinton feeling. What did the Clinton's do for Black folks? Under every administration throughout the history of the country black folks have been at the bottom of the food chain. Black folks will always be at the bottom unless they learn to work together. What did the Clinton Administration do for Black folks? Under the ruling families the last 20 years, (Bush 12years) (Clinton 8years), Black folks are at the bottom. You have a Billionaire Black Man still with the mindset of protecting the Master. Wake up Black folks know one is going to truly help you until you learn to love and help for yourself. Vote BARACK OBAMA!!!!!!

Uncle Bob and the Clintons are at it again. I wonder what kind of "sweet" business deal Bob Johnson will get out of his naughty and distasteful attack on Senator Obama. You know Uncle Bob doesn't work for free.

I was deeply repulsed by the Clintons' strategy of using a rich Black man to attempt to tear down Senator Obama. Great strategy " Team Billary"! That's just what this country needs. Every Black Man is a DRUG DEALER and a womanizer... Oops sounds familiar Uncle Bob and Cousin Bill?

Now, Uncle Bob has so many major business interests with his RLJ Companies (Hotels, Real Estate Development, Media, Banking, etc. headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland). He has exploited his "Blackness" to partner with White businessmen to create BET and road blocked other African Americans from creating competing Black TV networks.

Yeah, he's a billionare. But he does not get a free pass.

Let's hit Uncle Bob where it will hurt the most. In his "FAT" wallet. I recommending a national buycott of BET and all of RLJ's businesses. Just like the historical "Bus Buycott". Cancel your BET and remove your money from his Banks and Do NOT stay at any of his hotels (checkout google for the locations) or just avoid all Marriott Hotels.

Good work Uncle Bob! Way to go Team Billary! Sounds like you've hit a new low. You just LOST my VOTE and support. TIME FOR CHANGE!

Hillary and Bill Clinton will do just about anything to win to complete their 30 yr master plan for each to win the Presidency. Part of this master plan including looking tough on military issues, by supporting Bush in Iraq, because, at the time, it looked like a cakewalk and she didn't want to be on the wrong side of the issue come 2008. People rarely point out that 24 Senators had the guts and foresight to go against Bush, people like Russ Feingold. The Clintons are pushing this to a racial discussion to bait Obama into lashing out, so he can be painted as a reactionary. This is their "latest" strategy; there will be more strategies. Barack has been cool and not reacted. Better to let the Clintons shoot themselves in the foot. Of course, we have Hillary, Bill and Bob johnson all in maximum spin control trying to lie their way out of what they truly meant to say. It is ridiculous! They look ridiculous!

The free and democratic World will find it very, very difficult to believe that succession and change of guards since 1988 to date which 'perhaps 'is expected to continue to 2012 or maybe 2016 in a perfect democracy like ours has been and is still between two families. Who will believe that tenancy at the White House in the past 20 years and perhaps another 8 years has and is still being 'democratically restricted or rotated' between a Bush and or a Clinton.
Now that another Clinton is offering 'experience' to serve, is there a guarantee that in 2016 another Bush will not tout 'experience' in other to continue with the manipulation?

I say manipulation because the Clintons in 2000 from the White House did not do much to see Al Gore ( his ally and a sitting Vice President) through to the Oval Office, forget about the Florida Voting Machine excuses or the 'fairy tale story' that Gore distanced himself from Bill because of the inglorious Monica Lewynski scandal involving Bill as President.
Yet they did much to get Hillary into the Senate

In 2004 when Kerry ran, the Clintons did not put in their best, as Past President and Senator, they did not mobilize America to support the Democratic ticket because they were secretly planning for their return, for their own selfish interest.

Democrats should not be surprised at their Posters that read CLINTON COUNTRY.

America has to drop this toga of veiled DYNASTY else it will amount to hypocrisy to criticize long serving Fidel Castro of Cuba, Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Gaddafi of Libya, Bongo of Gabon, Mubarak of Eqypt and all other sit tight leaders.

I am ashamed that the Clintons particularly Hillary after being First Lady of the State of Arkansas and the United States for a combined period of 20 years and another 8 years in Washington as a Senator wants MORE.

What has the Clintons forgotten at the White House after their two tenures that they need so badly as to start with denigrating the tenets of modern America by commenting on the issues that divide us rather than unite us.
Why introduce controversy into the Civil Rights success of the 60's era between MLK and LBJ?
Why describe Obama's position on Iraq; a burning national issue, a position well known before this Primaries as a 'fairy tale'?
Why bring in 'celebrity' Bob Johnson to deride Obama's past whereas Bob's past as a teenager can be described as worse than his, even Bill Clinton's past as the President of the United States, a full blown adult is noted by every living American to have demeaned the office that Hillary is seeking today to occupy.

The Holy Books have never supported extra marital relationships such acts cannot be a good examples of 'experience' Hillary is flaunting.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Obama has been mute demonstrating better maturity and experience by refraining from firing back at the Clintons and Bob Johnson.

Please give Obama a break. In fighting in Iraq, America sent their soldiers, not Black Soldiers, not White soldiers, not colored soldiers.
When they laid down their lives, they died fighting for the American cause, not the White American cause, not the Black American cause.

Obama's succeeded at Iowa & New Hampshire as an American Politician; not as a Black American Politician. His big win in Iowa and marginal 'loss' in New Hampshire (Counting Machine???) made the Clintons to start fighting dirty by introducing prejudice.

Obama's wonderful momentum is predicated on the fact that he knows what the Clintons do not know - that the American society has changed, that it is no longer business as usual; color, race and religion are no longer barriers to any American's ambition.
Obama is campaigning for the office as an American not as an African American. He is asking for and getting the votes from all Americans and not African Americans.

Playing the race game has failed for Hillary and so will the gender game too because she wants to be the first female US President; to make history at the expense of the Democratic Party and other well qualified women in the United States of America.

The Clintons have in their political life enjoyed the support of the African American community ditto the support of the Democratic Party but they have exposed that all they feel is contempt for both the Democratic Party by their nonchalance when a Clinton is not on the Democratic ticket and the African American Community by diminishing the achievements of MLK and demeaning the community where they enjoy being touted as the first 'Black President' in introducing divisive prejudice now that an American of African American origin is making a strong and comprehensive bid.

Polls show that Americans want change in Washington for so many reasons.
Majority wants a new order and will prefer a new face, a new name and a new family.
On this wave, both parties especially the Democrats must continue to ride the crest to take back the White House.

A name, even a 'good name' sometimes can become a liability just like 'experience'.
The Clinton name and incumbency of the Presidency did not deliver Al Gore in 2000 nor did it yield results for Kerry in 2004, so how will it in 2008? Truthful Democrats know it.
Take the case of the popular Tony Blair that took the United Kingdom to new heights, he had to step aside on his volition and in the middle of his third tenure for Great Britain to move on. No one is indispensable especially Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party will fare better in Election 2008 without one of them being on the ballot because of the false assumption that people will always vote for them. Iowa and New Hampshire results prove that.
Democrats should give it to Obama to get the result from today's dynamic and changing America.

The free and democratic World will find it very, very difficult to believe that succession and change of guards since 1988 to date which 'perhaps 'is expected to continue to 2012 or maybe 2016 in a perfect democracy like ours has been and is still between two families. Who will believe that tenancy at the White House in the past 20 years and perhaps another 8 years has and is still being 'democratically restricted or rotated' between a Bush and or a Clinton.
Now that another Clinton is offering 'experience' to serve, is there a guarantee that in 2016 another Bush will not tout 'experience' in other to continue with the manipulation?

I say manipulation because the Clintons in 2000 from the White House did not do much to see Al Gore ( his ally and a sitting Vice President) through to the Oval Office, forget about the Florida Voting Machine excuses or the 'fairy tale story' that Gore distanced himself from Bill because of the inglorious Monica Lewynski scandal involving Bill as President.
Yet they did much to get Hillary into the Senate

In 2004 when Kerry ran, the Clintons did not put in their best, as Past President and Senator, they did not mobilize America to support the Democratic ticket because they were secretly planning for their return, for their own selfish interest.

Democrats should not be surprised at their Posters that read CLINTON COUNTRY.

America has to drop this toga of veiled DYNASTY else it will amount to hypocrisy to criticize long serving Fidel Castro of Cuba, Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Gaddafi of Libya, Bongo of Gabon, Mubarak of Eqypt and all other sit tight leaders.

I am ashamed that the Clintons particularly Hillary after being First Lady of the State of Arkansas and the United States for a combined period of 20 years and another 8 years in Washington as a Senator wants MORE.

What has the Clintons forgotten at the White House after their two tenures that they need so badly as to start with denigrating the tenets of modern America by commenting on the issues that divide us rather than unite us.
Why introduce controversy into the Civil Rights success of the 60's era between MLK and LBJ?
Why describe Obama's position on Iraq; a burning national issue, a position well known before this Primaries as a 'fairy tale'?
Why bring in 'celebrity' Bob Johnson to deride Obama's past whereas Bob's past as a teenager can be described as worse than his, even Bill Clinton's past as the President of the United States, a full blown adult is noted by every living American to have demeaned the office that Hillary is seeking today to occupy.

The Holy Books have never supported extra marital relationships such acts cannot be a good examples of 'experience' Hillary is flaunting.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Obama has been mute demonstrating better maturity and experience by refraining from firing back at the Clintons and Bob Johnson.

Please give Obama a break. In fighting in Iraq, America sent their soldiers, not Black Soldiers, not White soldiers, not colored soldiers.
When they laid down their lives, they died fighting for the American cause, not the White American cause, not the Black American cause.

Obama's succeeded at Iowa & New Hampshire as an American Politician; not as a Black American Politician. His big win in Iowa and marginal 'loss' in New Hampshire (Counting Machine???) made the Clintons to start fighting dirty by introducing prejudice.

Obama's wonderful momentum is predicated on the fact that he knows what the Clintons do not know - that the American society has changed, that it is no longer business as usual; color, race and religion are no longer barriers to any American's ambition.
Obama is campaigning for the office as an American not as an African American. He is asking for and getting the votes from all Americans and not African Americans.

Playing the race game has failed for Hillary and so will the gender game too because she wants to be the first female US President; to make history at the expense of the Democratic Party and other well qualified women in the United States of America.

The Clintons have in their political life enjoyed the support of the African American community ditto the support of the Democratic Party but they have exposed that all they feel is contempt for both the Democratic Party by their nonchalance when a Clinton is not on the Democratic ticket and the African American Community by diminishing the achievements of MLK and demeaning the community where they enjoy being touted as the first 'Black President' in introducing divisive prejudice now that an American of African American origin is making a strong and comprehensive bid.

Polls show that Americans want change in Washington for so many reasons.
Majority wants a new order and will prefer a new face, a new name and a new family.
On this wave, both parties especially the Democrats must continue to ride the crest to take back the White House.

A name, even a 'good name' sometimes can become a liability just like 'experience'.
The Clinton name and incumbency of the Presidency did not deliver Al Gore in 2000 nor did it yield results for Kerry in 2004, so how will it in 2008? Truthful Democrats know it.
Take the case of the popular Tony Blair that took the United Kingdom to new heights, he had to step aside on his volition and in the middle of his third tenure for Great Britain to move on. No one is indispensable especially Bill and Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party will fare better in Election 2008 without one of them being on the ballot because of the false assumption that people will always vote for them. Iowa and New Hampshire results prove that.
Democrats should give it to Obama to get the result from today's dynamic and changing America.

MaryHiggins1:

Will you join me in pledging NOT to vote for Hillary Clinton if she gets the Democratic nomination?

Hillary has proved time and again that she can not run a positive campaign. She has brought so much controversy to the campaign that it has become a constant distraction from the discussion of real issues.

There are a few things that bother me about Hillary.
1. For as much as she claims she is a feminist, she hasn't figured ut how to run without stump speeches from Bubba. She does not represent women who want to stand on their two feet without leaning on a man.

2. The Clintons play the race cards in open daylight. They need a black billionaire man to stand by them, when they defend their words about race. But they ask for a white man to stir up some controversy. This is quite sickening.

3. If the Clinton's thought Obama's record on the Iraq war was really questionable nobody stopped them from saying it at the beginning of the campaign when Obama was accusing Hillary of voting for war. Now that the 15 or so debates are over Bubba brings it up as no body asked about it. How lame can they get.

4. If the Clintons are for the common middleclass African American why did they need a black billionaire to defend them? Hillary smells money. Bob Johnson smells a cabinet post in Hillary's cabinet. How credible can Bob Johnson be.

The 90s are long gone and should not be replayed. The Clintons are not the right ones for this country. The represent the past. Obama represents the future.

I guess because of his unexpected good performances so far, he would now be target for negative politicking and dirty tricks which his formidable competitor is very skilled in. He was not nicknamed "Slick" for no reason. What I will advise Obama to do is no matter how bad Billary attacked you, do not attack back. The reason is that all their attacks are traps to trip you. If you attack her back, it would make her get sympathy from female, bisexual and lesbian voters and she would defeat you. So, just brush off the attacks and move on. In NH, you have seen how she beat you by pretending to cry. I saw the video clip. She did not cry. But the media jumped on it and claimed she cried. And what was the result? More women came out and voted for her and handed her your victory!
So, learn a lesson. Play it straight, buddy. Keep it positive. Avoid negativity, and you would win over the devil. American people are not fools. They know the right thing to do!
myspace.com/ikbe

I am no Hillary supporter, but she has more experience than Obama.

Professional Experience:
Attorney, Rose Law Firm, 1976-1992;
Faculty, University of Arkansas Law School, 1975;
Author;
Former Staff Attorney, Children's Defense Fund; and
Named to "Ten Most Influential Women Attorneys in the U.S."

Political Experience:
Candidate, United States President, 2008;
Senator, United States Senate, 2000-present;
First Lady, President Bill Clinton, 1992-2000; and
First Lady, State of Arkansas, 1978-1980, 1982-1992.
(Now, I know many people completely dismiss her role as First Lady, but there's no doubt she was much closer to the role of Chief of Staff -- like Leon Panetta -- the President's Chief of Staff is a very powerful position, sometimes dubbed "The Second-Most Powerful Man in Washington").

Organizations:
Co-Founder, Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families;
Board Member, Arkansas Children's Hospital;
Board Member, Children's Defense Fund;
Board Member, La Farge;
Board Member, The Country's Best Yogurt Company; and
Board Member, Wal-Mart.

I AM a New York resident. Can anybody out there tell me just what experience Hillary Clinton has? Can you tell me ONE thing she has authored and accomplished for New York State? N O T H I N G! She is a two term Senator that has 8 years experience as First Lady, tracking down her husband's exploits. She also moved to my Liberal state just to win an election! Why didn't she campaign for the Arkansas senatorial seat?
Would Hillary (by any other last name) even be running for anything?
Wake up people! And no, I am not an Obama supporter.

P.S. to johng1:

I doubt that an outfit like AP would Photoshop something like that -- but the MSM has surprised me before -- here's another photograph taken from the same angle, but at a different time, showing the same "big-boned" women behind Clinton and Johnson: http://michellemalkin.com/2008/01/14/what-hillary-supporter-robert-l-johnson-founder-of-black-entertainment-television-said/

rbduval77:

I hope you will join me in pledging NOT to vote for Hillary Clinton if she does get the nomination?

johng1:

I believe she would prefer the term "big-boned" : )

To nhplanner:

You've made a very good point. I really don't know why anybody in the media sees what's going on. Those people (the clintons) are worst than Bush himself.
In New-Hampshire, she played the sensitive and tearful suburb white women who has been overwhelmed by the big black guy (may be abused) while in South Carolina she will play the independent strong black woman oppressed by the white man. She even said that she is proud of Obama. Everybody who knows the history of this country is aware of deep the word Pride resonates among african-americans.
Five months ago, Hilary was my candidate ( God is my witness). But after all those smear tactics and mudslinging, I've decide to go with either Obama or Edward or even independent. The clintons make me sick.

JakeD, that is a somewhat interesting observation. The woman in the background appears larger than the people in the foreground. Is some bad photoshopping going on here, or is that woman just huge?

The Clintons may not be racists, but their campaign is definitely playing the race card. Call me cynical, but I think the Clinton campaign is willing to concede defeat in South Carolina and alienate African-Americans so that she can win white, blue-collar Democrat votes in other states. The campaign has done all it could to keep the issue of race in the forefront with thinly veiled stereotypes pushed by her surrogates that have rightly outraged black Americans. Their campaign believes that African-Americans will come back into the fold after she wins the nomination. The dirty politics make me sick, but I'm not surprised since it is coming from such experienced politicians who were slinging mud all through the 90's. We really do need change and continuing the Bush-Clinton Dynasty isn't the way to achieve it.

So is the African-American lady sitting behind them -- assuming, of course, that photo was taken right after said comment -- which it probably was not.

Can't hear the cackle, but judging by the photo, Hillary sure seems to be enjoying Bob Johnson's crack about Obama in the neighborhoods of Chicago.

Latest RASMUSSEN Poll: Clinton leads Obama among white voters 41% to 27%. Obama leads Clinton among African-American voters 66% to 16%.

cakemanjb:

I agree with you about his lack of time in D.C. -- remember that I am no Clinton fan -- those above alleging that the Clintons are "racist" is beyond the pale. As for Obama's drug use (it's only relevant if he's still abusing drugs) and his middle name (it's only relevant if the madrassa he attended was not secular), why won't the campaign address those issues and then move on?

How stupid do they think people are? Johnson was referring to community organizing????

You really gotta wonder why the Clinton campaign didn't try to pressure him to apologize for those comments, or at a minimum, to distance themselves from them. Instead, Bill Clinton goes on and tries to continue the lie by saying, "We have to take him at his word when he says it was about community organizing."

If there were a worse person than Bill to stand in for someone's credibility in the face of an absolute and clear lie, I cannot thing of one. All this serves to do is remind people that truth is of marginal value to these folks.

BO is playing the race card! To acccuse the Clintons of prejudice is idiotic when everyone knows that they have worked for civil rights for years. What Hillary said about MLK is truth -- he worked hard for African Americans and propelled the civil rights movement. But he could not have made the movement into law without LBJ. This if fact not fiction.

Jake D.

I could really care less what Obama's middle name is , his drug use when he was young , or his lack of time in Washington.

In fact i see his Lack of TIME , as a huge asset.

The more i see of the Clinton's , the easier it makes it for me to give my vote to Obama.

Where was Hillary in 1964 at the height of the civil rights movement? Working for Barry Goldwater who opposed the civil rights bill http://jtaplin.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/dr-king-didnt-just-give-speeches/

Where was Hillary in 1964 at the height of the civil rights movement? Working for Barry Goldwater who opposed the civil rights bill.http://jtaplin.wordpress.com/2008/01/13/dr-king-didnt-just-give-speeches/

What profits Hillary by any gains from her proxies' insinuations and innuendos if she loses alienated voters, including many first-time voters, from her Party?

With the exception of the empty drums that beat themselves to sound their hollow arguments, the stream of thoughtful comments is encouraging. A much higher-toned group than 24 hours ago. The consensus judgment also seems clear.

cakemanjb:

Neither Newsweek, nor CNN before, have proven that Barack HUSSEIN Obama's madrassa was secular BACK WHEN HE ATTENDED -- I will grant you it seems secualr now -- in addition, no one has gotten an answer to WHEN Obama stopped snorting cocaine.

News Week investigated all the smear campaign " forwarded emails " that are making there way around the web. They found the allegations to be totally false in each and everyone of them.

If the skeptics want to know the truth about Barack Obama's childhood , Religion , and the false allegations that claim he took the oath of office by placing his hand on the Koran;

You can get the FACTS here;

http://www.newsweek.com/id/91424

OBAMA 08

It's said that the only cure for White House Fever is embalming fluid. But instead of focusing all his effort on securing a third term, Bill might do well to consider his legacy, lest his words and deeds tarnish it indelibly.

Seriously, people, keep up the "Bob Johnson is a house negro" stuff.

I am not saddened at all -- I hope BOTH Clinton and Obama spend their respective campaign war chests all before the convention -- the best scenario would be if neither get the majority of delegates needed on Super Duper Tuesday.

If Senator Clinton had won Iowa, we might have been spared this barrage of negativity. A negative campaign is predicated on making one's opponent so damaged and tarnished that they become unacceptable to the electorate. That's how an otherwise unpopular candidate can gain political power. Mrs. Clinton's campaign has decided that the only way she can win is by disfiguring her rival, Senator Obama. To do this, she has taken to the lowest kinds of distortion and manipulation.
I just caught her on television. She was claiming that in his defense of the power of words to move a nation, Senator Obama was actually comparing himself to JFK and MLK, which she maintains is an arrogant insult to real leaders of accomplishment -- he being nothing of the sort, apparently. She then pivots to claim that the mantle of these leaders of the 1950s and 1960s should in fact belong to her. She was applauded, those lined up behind her nodding their heads in affirmation.
Geraldine Ferraro claims that the world is mishearing the Clinton campaign's remarks as racist due to the Obama campaign which is appealing to "its base" which is the black community. Is that why Obama did so well in Iowa and New Hampshire? Why so many members of the Washington wing of the Democratic Party are interested in disinforming their voters and dissembling is difficult to figure; you can just feel the party cracking. This makes the battles between Carter and Kennedy or McCarthey and Johnson seem healthy. Why are they so ready to cheapen themselves and how can they be this cavalier about ruining the party? Where is Governor Dean?
Mr. Cuomo's out there shucking and jiving, Bill Shaheen is trying to inoculate Obama from Republican insinuations that he is a crack-head by floating the idea himself, Robert L. Johnson's claim that Obama was doing unspeakable things "in the neighborhood" has to do with community organization, which Mrs. Clinton affirms. The whole choreographed Clinton army, from a former president to black billionaires, is out there spouting anodyne phrases that just seem to be so offensive because the press and a good chunk of the populace have been brainwashed by the Obama campaign into believing their own ears. We should all be saddened by this spectacle.

Look, both Obama's and Clinton's campaigns will characterize whatever snippets from each other's speechs to their own benefit. Negative campaigning has been around since the beginning of the US. Its just nuts to believe that either candidate has the higher road in this regard. I am truly undecided and perhaps less biased than most on this blog and I heard the Clinton comments. There was nothing racist about Bill Clinton's "fairy tale" comment nor Hillary Clinton's comment about "it takes a president" to change laws. I'm certain the Obama campaign was trolling for any comment to spin as racist to create a brouhaha for SC. And I'm sure the Clinton campaign will use whatever comes up--including the drug use. To be honest, if the dems had made more of the fact that Bush is an alcoholic (most of his adult life), then we wouldn't be in the current mess. I don't care really what someone did during their teens, but it may be relevant to others who may not vote for him (goes to his electability) and so is not necessary an off-limits issue.

Racism and sexism does exist in this country. But I don't believe that the Clinton's are racist. It is racist to call Johnson "a house negro". I think some African-Americans damage themselves and their cause by using the term "racist" too loosely.

We, the democratic electorate need to stop fighting and stop attacking the leading democratic candidates. Eventually we'll be down to one candidate and we need to win back the White House. This cannot be done if we damage our candidates in the primaries.

So Hillary sits there while a Black media plutocrat mocks the first credible black candidate for President as just being another black male druggie. Then she claims its really the Obama campaign that is raising the race issue. If Clinton wins the nomination by this pandering to racial stereotype, I hope voters remember in November.

kelsey,

First, Obama hould apologize for the statements made by Jesse Jackson Jr. His argument was silly and should have offended the Clintons.

Second, I don't trust this memo plant at all. It is beyond fishy. It was only sent to one person who REQUESTED it. Only the "Huffington Post" could break the story. Come on. I am not saying you're wrong, just that it seems a little weird. Further if the activist requested information on Hillary's racial attacks, why can't Obama respond to the activist. The "memo" (if its real) wasn't even released to the public. Get outta here.

Obama's campaign played the race card with this memo:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12/read-obama-campaign-memo-_n_81220.html

And this outburst:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEQV4K1eFjI

But Barack said that his campaign had nothing to do with it...is that a lie, or did he just not know what his campaign was up to? He is not the victim in this spat, sorry. For someone who is all about unity, his campaign is being very divisive by playing the race card.

Why are the Clinton's so desperate, am beginning to feel there is a hiden agenda to this whole thing.
Hey african american's, if HIlary can insult our HERO a man that fought and died for the sake of the peace and the little respect that you have today and you still think she is the right candidate to unite this country I feel so sorry, we have been slapped.
She is not sorry for anything because out of the aboundant of the heart the mouth speaks.

Several months ago John Edwards made the comment at a televised debate, "If you don't vote for Barack because he is black, or Hillary because she is a woman, then don't vote for me". It would be refreshing if Barack and Hillary said "Don't vote for me because I am black" or "Don't vote for me because I am a woman". But no. They won't go that route. My point is that both Barack and Hillary are playing the race card. This will get them even more press, and they won't have to talk about the issues. Which, by the way Edwards beats them hands down on. The only reason that he is lagging in the polls, is because he is not controversial enough for the msm to cover him. They like the glitz and the glamour.
Julie

If a crocodiles can eat their own eggs what would they do to the flesh of a frog .
I feel so sick to my stomach to read all the comment from African Americans this is so depressing.

Why are we pretending about this whole issue of racism when is obvious,if Obama were to be a white man will there be conflict as much as what is going on right now?
If Obama was Bill clinton who was not sactified with the beauty of his wife to the extent of disgracing himself while still in the office as a president of the most respected country in the wolrd, will anyone support Obama's wife or his decendant back to that office?
Hilary see Obama as a threat hence attack.

I know Obama as a black man will make do all he can to make a huge difference in this country if he wins, for history sake, right now he is the best candidate.

As a black professional who used to be entrenched in the hip hop community, I am not surprised by Bob Johnson. First he used our only TV channel to promote the worst in Black people. He basically got paid off of the asses of black women.
Now here is our favorite uncle doing a "dance" for Auntie Hillary.
No one should vote for a man because he is the same color, but there should be some kind of unity amongst our people. We can agree to disagree.
This man (uncle Bobby) did nothing for the image of black people in America, and now his goal is to belittle a black man.
This is horrible!
But it will backfire. If not, then I guess Americans are dumber than I thought.

"How many people have actually looked up what he has done in the Senate? How many people know how long he has been in the Senate? Only two years, not even a full term"

And, look at what he's accomplished:

US Senate, 2004 - present

He is a member of the several Senate Committees:

* Committee on Foreign Relations, that plays a vital role in shaping US policy around the world.

* Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee that addresses, among other things, issues of immigration and our borders.

* Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: oversees our nation's health care, schools, employment, and retirement programs

* Committee on Veterans' Affairs: focused on providing our brave veterans with the care and services they deserve.

* 2005-2006: Environment and Public Works Committee, which safeguards our environment and provides funding for our highways

The Numbers

Obama sponsored 152 bills and resolutions brought before the 109th Congress in 2005 and 2006, and cosponsored another 427.

Legislation Passed in US Senate

* Lugar-Obama Act for reduction of conventional and nuclear weapons world wide

* Coburn-Obama Transparency Act transparency in federal spending, found at www.usaspending.gov

* Cosponsored the Healthy Kids Act of 2007 and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 to ensure that more American children have affordable health care coverage.

* Obama worked to pass a number of laws in Illinois and Washington to improve the health of women. His accomplishments include creating a task force on cervical cancer, providing greater access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, and helping improve prenatal and premature birth services.

* As a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Obama passed legislation to improve care and slash red tape for our wounded warriors recovering at places like Walter Reed. He passed laws to help homeless veterans and offered an innovative solution to prevent at-risk veterans from falling into homelessness. Obama passed legislation to stop a VA review of closed PTSD cases that could have led to a reduction in veterans' benefits. He passed an amendment to ensure that all service members returning from Iraq are properly screened for traumatic brain injuries

* Congo
* Darfur

* Introduced Patriot Employer Act, August 2007, to reward companies for keeping jobs in the US

* As a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee, Obama helped pass legislation in the recent improvements to the Higher Education Act to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,10.

* Obama passed legislation with Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) to give gas stations a tax credit for installing E85 ethanol refueling pumps.

* Obama sponsored an amendment that became law providing $40 million for commercialization of a combined flexible fuel vehicle/hybrid car within five years.

* Congress ethics legislation passed by Obama and Feingold that ending subsidized corporate jet travel, mandating disclosure of lobbyists' bundling of contributions, and enacting strong new restrictions of lobbyist-sponsored trips

* Obama has introduced and helped pass bipartisan legislation to limit the abuse of no-bid federal contracts.

fjstratford:

The words came from Hillary, and Bill, and Bob, and Andrew....not from Obama.

Even if the weren't intentionally racist, they certainly weren't a good choice of wording. (I'll give Bill the fairytale one because it falls in line with young and inexperienced).

Hillary is running for POTUS. She trumpets 35 years of experience, and yet she keeps making these mistakes.

Yes, these things need to be understood. They DO need to be discussed. They ARE important in choosing a president. We can't have a president insults people every other day.

Who hasn't she insulted?

Women and men? No, we had pile on, vote for a women, and save me Bill. People were blamed for being sexist.

Middle East? No, she had madrassa and Pakistan.

Hmmm, service people? No, she forgot to leave a tip and then called them liars.

Blacks? Nope, called Obama a drug dealer, a fairytale, and belittled MLK., and then blamed him.

Youth? There's a few comments floating around.

Oh, I know, senior citizens. She hasn't insulted them yet.

Go Hillary!

Here is a quote that is all mine. "Accuse your opponent of doing what you are doing, and in that way you will know what you are doing." Seems like the "Hillary Haters" are taking my advice.

"How many people have actually looked up what he has done in the Senate? How many people know how long he has been in the Senate? Only two years, not even a full term"

Barack Obama had eight years in the Illinois state Senate and then was Sworn into office January 4, 2005, as the US Senator of Illinois. He has 10 years of experience as a Senator. Hillary only has 6 years.

Other than 6 years as a Senator what governmental leadership experience does Hillary have?
She was Bills wife. She did not have security clearance, a governmental job, she did not sit in top level meetings or run the county. She did have a pet project known as Hillary care. She failed with that. She could not lead her idea into action.
She is running on Bill's record. That's pretty obvious and weak, imo.
She was a attorney once upon a time... but so was Barack Obama.
Obama graduated from Harvard Law School where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review.

So, what it boils down to his Hillary has 35 years of 'life' experience. Well, I'm afraid that's not the same as real governmental leadership experience... no matter how she spins it.

Barack Obama has 10 years.
Hillary has 6.

kiku:

fjstratford:

That's not quite right. The Levin ammendment did not give up US sovereignity. It stated that it expected the President to get a resolution from the UN prior to going to war. It's not always a bad thing to work with other people. It does not mean that we couldn't change our mind, or that we gave up control. If we had done this, we probably wouldn't be here.

It then required that the President get permission from the government. My understanding is that it failed, not because we didn't want to work with them, but because people thought it didn't put enough pressure on the UN to do the work needed. So, they gave Bush permission to go to war, without the UN to push the UN. I don't remember if the UN ever followed through or not.

The whole point was to go to war quickly, with or without the UN. This is contrary to what Hillary says, where she expected Bush to work with the UN. If that was what she really expected, the Congress really wanted, they would have passed the Levin ammendment.

This debate is interesting. Really interesting. For years pundits, democrats and the media have posed the question, "Why do the conservatives and republicans hate the Clintons so much?"

Many democrats are only now waking up. They are observing (perhaps for the first time) the Clinton tactic of "blame your enemy" for something you said (whether intentional or accidental).

Mind you, I don't support either Clinton or Obama. And certainly not Edwards either. They are all liberal and want government to be the answer to EVERYTHING (which just means someone- er - that means us taxpayers- have to pay for it) In the end the more we DEPEND on government, the less freedom we will have. The government isn't there to give you a free toaster, car, house, chocolate cake, etc. But I digress.

To be fair, Clinton MIGHT have innocently misspoken about MLK. Let's just give her the benefit of the doubt and say she meant nothing ill about it. OK, fine. It was just an accidental gaffe. That seems innocent enough right? If that's what happened then she should be big enough to admit her gaffe and get over it.

But no, that will never do for the Clintons. They have established a pattern over the years that is the same every time like clockwork. I know most people are bored with history so they aren't remembering the many scandals (Whitewater, Jennifer Flowers, Monica, the checkered accusations from 6 or 7 other women, corruption allegations involving bribes from China, etc.) OK, OK, maybe I'm just a partisan. Fine. But it's not the scandals that are the problem. REALLY. It's how the Clintons DEAL with them. Or how they deal with everyday politics. Rather than just comment on the merits of the debate, they would discredit whoever was asking the question. Rather than saying whether a proposal has pros or cons (and thereby risk showing their hand to half the nation that thinks the other way) they put off actually saying any commitment to one position as long as possible. The Clintons have for years made accusations about other political rivals. It's not the substance of the charges, with them it's the seriousness of the charge. All the while claiming it was the other guys fault. They didn't call Bill "Slick Willie" for nothing. If Hillary gets elected they'll call her the Hildebeast.

Remember the "vast right wing conspiracy" that Hillary claimed was behind Monica Lewinsky? Guess what- Monica had a blue dress, there was no vast right wing conspiracy. (She later claimed that she was referring to the Arkansas project, and she got away with that excuse.)

She and Bill have repeatedly said something and than later said "Oh no, I was referring to this other, smaller issue- not the one that the interview looked like I was referring to." And the "investigative journalism" ethic in the media just vaporized.

All of this disgusts objective citizens. For years the media would give the Clintons a free pass on any inconsistent or dis-ingenuous statements that Bill or Hillary would make. I'm 50 years old and I've seen the modus operandi of the Clinton machine over the years. It's not that Bill and Hillary are the object of my hate. They're not. I may disagree with their politics and their tactics but I don't think I hate anybody. I just don't like phoniness.

The media is only Now (thank God) starting to scrutinize the Clintons statements and actions. It seems that FINALLY the media is not giving them an automatic free pass.

It IS entertaining. I will say that.

Clinton is a phony. Edwards is a trial lawyer phony with a good haircut. Obama is inexperienced (2 years in the Senate? Come on! I don't care how good he speaks. I do like his personality, but personality is not the same as policy.) If he gets elected as the first black president it would probably be a good thing on a social level for our country, but I'd rather have the first black president be conservative and with some experience.

"Hillary is saddled with several criminal investigations that cost this nation millions of dollars."

You fail to mention that after all the $$ spent putting her down, Hillary was proven innocent!

Or do you have selective memory, like you seem to forget that the 1990s were a great time in our country, overall?

Ignatius Anyanwu:

As I recall, the 1990s were a great time of peace and prosperity for the USA.

Nw, look at this memo to convince people that Bill Clinton is racist:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12/obama-camps-memo-on-clin_n_81205.html

If Obama's campaign did not think that they would benefit from this whole racial baiting brouhaha, Amaya Smith who is South Carolina Press Secretary of Obama for America would not have outlined this concerted South Carolina-wide effort at attacking Bill Clinton as a racist.

It appears that Obama's campaign plan is to decisively win South Carolina's black vote by stoking racial hatred.

In short, these people from Obama's campaign plan to win, at the expense of the unity of the Democratic party and racial harmony of the country!

Outrageous!

fjstratford and those who share your views:

You and a few others who think, that Sen. Obama, or any African American is exploiting the coded message in the remarks by Bill and Hillary Clinton, in New Hampshire, are ABSOLUTELY, mistaken.

The comments by Hillary and her husband are outright, offensive and insulting, not only to most African Americans, but also to the work, sacrifice and achievement of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Rather than admit that their comments were in bad taste, and ill conceived, Hillary and Bill Clinton have decided to blame it on Sen. Obama, who by the way, has not even commented directly about the comments by the Clintons -the two most prolific congenital liars in politics.

God, help this our country, if, out of ineptitude and stupidity, we nominate, let alone, elect Hillary Clinton, President.

This pervert and convicted perjurer, Bill Clinton, put this country through such an international humiliation with what he did with cuban Cigar to Minica Lewinsky, and other women, Paul Jones and others whom he sexually abused, and Hillary provided the defense and explanation -the "Right-wing conspiracy", yet, people still gather to listen to such pathological liars. It amazes me. Either that the Clintons are such terrific liars, or most of those supporting them are thoroughly, stupid. Either way, it is an absolute national disgrace that the line between decent standards of conduct, honor and integrity has been blurred in this country, that we are just groping in the dark, not knowing, what attributes make for good leaders. Hillary is saddled with several criminal investigations that cost this nation millions of dollars. In most countries, they would stay low, after the much trouble they have caused in formeting bitter partisanship. No, in America, where we cannot seem to know what the hell we want in leaders, we cannot seem to separate decent individauls who are aspiring to lead our country, and these two liars, whose track records, we are well aware of, as being very divisive. Good going America.

These two liars, Bill and Hillary Clinton, with the likes of the dogs and jackals who have managed dirty campaigns for them before, are back at it again.

As for those 7,000 so voters in New Hampshire, who were moved by Hillary's tears to vote for her (I heard most of them are women), hope you would be proud of what your stupid sympathy vote has caused, and may still cause our country, in letting Bill and Hillary Clinton into national politics. Perhaps, you were not smart enough to recall the bitter partisanship they created in the late 1990's, between Democrats and Repulicans.

Ignatius Anyanwu
California.

kiku:

The Levin amendment would require the US President to get the permission of the United Nations in order to deploy its forces - that is one legal precedent that we shouldn't allow to happen regardless of who is president.

That is why Hillary did not vote for it.

We should not surrender US sovereignty to a foreign entity.

kiku:

The Levin amendment would require the US President to get the permission of the United Nations in order to deploy its forces - that is one legal precedent that we shouldn't allow to happen regardless of who is president.

We should not surrender US sovereignity to a foreign entity.

Barack Obama didn't stick your foot in your mouth Hillary - You Did !

Stop playing the Victim.

"When you attack Martin Luther King, you are attacking what represents great black pride...Ghandi ...Mandela..."

I'm sorry but wasnt Obama the one who said we are ALL AMERICANS. Not just African-Americans, Indian-Americans or any other hyphenated Americans?

BTW, you are wrong about MLK being just a black icon. He is an AMERICAN and global icon. He represented all of the USA, not just Black America. Listen to his "I have a dream" speech. He did not want reverse racism, he wanted racial equality. Not this balkanization into different hyphenated Americans, but a united identity as Americans regardless of the color of our skin.

You seem to assume that "pride" belongs to groups based on the color of their skin or their national origin. I may be average, but MLK will certainly not agree with you.

Hillary is trying to undermine Obama's stance on the war by saying that her votes are not that different. Both have voted to fund the military, not being willing to play chicken with Bush on the soldiers live.

However, there are very big important differences in their history. Obama HAS consistently spoken out against the war.

Hillary has always been cozy with the use of the military, her unbridled support has been stronger than some Republicans.

Here's her history:

White House:

Mrs. Clinton had become a champion of the bombing campaign, and many officials -- including Madeleine K. Albright and Richard Holbrooke in the administration and Tony Blair, then Britain's prime minister -- turned to her at times to stiffen Mr. Clinton's resolve to take on Serbia.

"Bill, you're the president," was a refrain that several administration officials said she used when Mr. Clinton was torn between his advisers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/26/us/politics/26clinton.html?pagewanted=3&_r=1&hp&adxnnlx=1200287273-7XaBQkLS00RGWFAn6YlLRg

The Iraq vote:

Of course, Hillary voted for Iraq, as did many others. She's a lawyer, she knew what it meant, she knew what it could do. There was another vote, prior to the Iraq resolution, introduced by Levin. This called for the use of UN inspectors, and insisted that Bush come to Congress before using military war. Hillary voted NAY. She wanted to give Bush the tools to go to war, presumably so that Bush had sufficient power with the UN.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/opinion/01chafee.html?_r=1&oref=login

Iran:

Hillary beat the war drums harder than Bush in 2006 to take on Iran.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/19/AR2006011903220.html

Hillary was the only presidential candidate to vote for the Iran resolution.

Hillary voted against an Iraq funding bill that tied funds to political progress in Iraq. It passed, 80-14. She was the only Democrat to vote against it.

Barack and roll in 2008! Hillary will stop at nothing including lying and deceit to get back in th White House. Obama did not support the war as Hillary did because she wanted to appear macho knowing that she would be running. or has he pulled the race card out like Hillary's porch boys Bill and now Mr. Johnosn. I a disabled vet home from Iraq and Barack Obama will get my vote because he is a man of true integrity and character. Go Barack Go.

lylepink: I seriously think that too. That these so-called Obama supporters who are spouting racist remarks are not really Obama supporters bu race-baiting Republicans intent on sowing divisions among the Democrats.

I should stop now, before I get to start hating Obama as a result of seeing too much racist posts from his so-called supporters.

Subject: Watch out Freedom of the Press if Hillary gets elected , if she wants to Deny Barack his right to speak of his Opinion likening himself to MLK or JFK

I don't think the issue is about race issues, as much as it is the fact that Clintons are denying Barack the right to say a simple message of hope , liking himself to the Movement of MLK and JFK , as a Inspiration of Hope , so the Clintons instead of attacking Barack on him personal point of view , should have instead gave people their own version of their message of hope being a similar liking to someone they felt association with , like who , I don't know , maybe they feel they are the best there is , that there just is no way to improve on the Legitimacy of the Clinton political war machine . I mean if Hillary is willing to deny Baracks comments , challenging his freedom to speak about MLK and JFK , then what do Ordinary Americans get to look forward to if she is President ???????????????Freedom of the Press will be censored for sure !!!!!!!!!!!


The Clintons started this issue with their comments attacking Barack , instead of sticking to their own message of hope , and all because the polls were saying Barack was winning and they panicked , and the polls were wrong , so what does that say about someone that will attack someone over a poll thats wrong ??????
This is the same result of how mis information that Hillary got she says , that got us into the Iraq war isn't it ???? So will Hillary make the right decisions if the Information is being mis-interpreted and she mis reads the Intelligence Report and attacks a country , so this attack on barack is no sign she has the experience to make the right decisions .

What Hillary is saying here about ;
"If you are part of American political history, you know that speeches are essential to frame an issue, to inspire, and lift up," Clinton said. "But when the cameras are gone and when the lights are out, what happens next?"
Is the job of the president to rally the Congress together for bipartisan achievements , and her record does not support a bipartisan achievement , and she can't point to her husbands record of this , because hes not running , so how can she is a Uniter with all this controversy and our Freedom of speech that she seems to want to censor Baracks rights too claim that he is and would be a Uniter of the Common goals of our country ???
And it looks like the Clintons panicked under the pressures of the polls , and started to wage the attack Barack campaign , that really turned out to be a non issue , if they were to have stayed still as the polls were wrong anyway , so trying to run a campaign by the way the polls read is why the Clintons panicked and choose to attack Barack ?? , is this the kind of Leadership Experience we as nation of united people that are wanting change , to unite us together , it looks kinda hard to accomplish with this kinda approach ????
Thanks and have a Great day . in the Uniter USA . Tony Newbill Wickenburg , AZ

Clinton, Obama spar on race, experience
She says his campaign 'distorted' her statements on Martin Luther King
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22636939/
NEW YORK - Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton suggested Sunday that Barack Obama's campaign had injected racial tension into the presidential contest, saying her comments about Martin Luther King's role in the civil rights movement had been "distorted" by Obama's supporters.

"If you are part of American political history, you know that speeches are essential to frame an issue, to inspire, and lift up," Clinton said. "But when the cameras are gone and when the lights are out, what happens next?"

When you attack Martin Luther King, you are attacking what represents great black pride, When you attack Ghandi you are attacking what represents great Indian Pride, when you attack Mandela you are attacking what represents great South African pride and when you attack me for having no sence at all, you are pointing me to do whatever it takes to restore my pride..vote against Hillary by any means neccessary!

The most amazing thing about the Obama supporters is they cannot read or understand the most simple language. All I see here is nothing but hate. I seriously question if most of them are in FACT not members of the Repub campaign to stop Hillary at any cost/price, and do not support Obama in any way, shape, or form.

As long as the Clintons keep falsely attacking Obama, quoting him out of context, distorting his record, and blaming him for Hillary's blunders, the Democratic Party loses and so does our country. I am ashamed as an American.

What the Clinton's have shown us in the last few weeks is that Obama is right in his contention that the current political game is at the heart of America's inability to meet the challenges we face. The problem with the Clinton/Rove style of politics is the the means determine the ends.

If you run a campaign that deliberately tears down any effort to elevate political discourse, you end up with never ending vitriol. If you never stand up to the false premise that bellicosity equates to keeping America safe, you end up following the neocons into Iraq of Iran. If you send out a mailing on the eve of the New Hampshire primary, attacking Obama for his willingness to solve the social security problem by raising the income ceiling, while supporting no proposal of your own, you leave us with no consensus as to how to fix the program.

None of this should come as a surprise after the Clintons supported Bush 43 when he took us into the war in Iraq. They knew this war was, at best, a short term success and a long term disaster. If they had stood up, other Democrats would have stood up and at very least we would have had a real debate. Who knows, maybe the members of the military and intelligence community with integrity might have been emboldened to step forward.

Politicians have to make compromises, but voting for an unwise, unnecessary war that just strengthens our real enemies, just to advance their own career can never be acceptable.

The degree of the Clinton guilt is revealed by Clinton's pathetic lies. First, Bill "was against the war from the beginning," then the difference between Obama's brave early opposition and Clinton's craven acquiescence were just a "fairy tale."

For many years, we forgave the Clintons because we thought the people attacking them were worse. We could always rationalize by saying to ourselves that on big issues like war and peace- the Clinton's were better. Then came Iraq.

Then, if they were no better on war certainly on the big issue of our time, race, the Clintons were better. Then came the heavy handed effort to suggest Obama was selling drugs and MLK, and by inference Obama, was just a lot of eloquent noise.

Obama is charitable when he says its time to "turn the page." It's time to throw the whole Clinton chapter into the dustbin of history; and if the Democrats don't figure this out before their nominating convention, it will be made all too clear to them next November.

"as a black male offended by the Clintons over a web of attacks on Obama"

This is what I am talking about. AN ATTSCK ON OBAMA's record, qualifications, thoughts, experience, etc IS NOT AN ATTACK ON ALL BLACK FOLKS!

People sometimes think that when one black man is attacked, the whole black community is being attacked too.

STUPID! So if you attack Hillary, all women are being attacked? That's equally stupid.

OMG. I thought Democrats have more sense than this.

What a way to spin things, as a black male offended by the Clintons over a web of attacks on Obama and trying to potray Obama as just a talker like Martin Luther King and hillary the doer like Lyndon Johnson, not only was Obama attacked as having not done anything as a person, when i know of his long record as a community organizer but to cross the line and touch Martin Luther King, i have one word, only ignorant black men and women will vote for Hillary,i say ignorant because if you are smart and well informed, you know it when someone is trying to use racial language to divide us.Iam black and proud, i dont vote based on race and i will vote for my cpncious, i know we have other people who dont support Obama and i can well say, there are other candidates to consider.We have Ron paul and Edwards, who make sence and if you not with me with Obama consider those choices but the thought of Hillary makes me wanna puke!

Wait a second. Fact is fact. Bill Clinton was fighting for civil rights while Obama was still a teenager. Obama was involved in drugs and cocaine while he is a teenager.

So the following statment is true: "Bill Clinton was fighting for civil rights while B.O. was sniffing cocaine as a teenager".

Fact is fact. That is not racist.

Can we get some objective reporting here, please? The Obama campaign did not start this mess.

Reporters, go back and google and see how many other candidates -- Edwards, Dodd, Richardson, Biden, Kucinich or Gravel have had anything close coming out of their campaigns since these primaries.

From the subtle mention of drug use, to the spread of false claims in those memos, to Bob Kerrey's comments, Billy Shaheen --all of these things happened before the New Hampshire primaries. Today, Bob Johnson. Every time it happens, there's some kind of backtracking or apology.

We never saw this when no one thought Obama stood a chance of winning.

Reporters, be fair. Look at the issues, and report then like they happened. Don't try to muddle the waters.

Obama will go on after this if he does not win the nomination.

But guess who suffers in the end? The Democratic Party. The seeds of division are being planted.

There's too much divisiveness in the country as it is already. This nonesense has got to stop.

If Obama's campaign did not think that they would benefit from this whole racial bating arguments... by winning S.C. as a result, Amaya Smith
South Carolina Press Secretary of Obama for America would not have outline this concerted South Carolina-wide effort at attacking Bill Clinton as a racist.

It appears that Obama's campaign plan to win S.C. by stoking racial hatred.

Outrageous!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In the past twentyfiveyears I worked in management positions in government as the first non white to hold such positions ( and I am an immigrant with heavy accent). I have closely studied the way whites and blacks think and worked . Inspite of my 'open mind' which I developed over years and my honest intent to keep race out of my workplace the sad fact is that race is a factor.
1.The so called liberal whites, who claims that they fight for civil liberties, involunteerly, resist blacks and colored peple when they grow enough to be a challnge to them. Minorities are barred from inner circles by an invisible " not beyond this point" sign
2.Many Blacks do not accept minority managers as their supervisors. They have seen and understood that supervisor means white person. "You! Over me?" is the question in their eyes.

Racism is a mental sickness. The types of whites and blacks explained above are not aware of the fact that they descriminate and. they will never admit that they are racists. They are not different from a mental patient in a hospital who will not admit that he/she is sick.
Clitons with Fairy tale and Johnsons who isults Obama are sick as explained above.
Johnsons are like those who traded their own people and got rewards from white owners. No wonder he is billionnire

dagreater1:

OBAMA SHOULD DROP IT!

Here's his campaign's modus operandi on race - look at the memo they are distributing to convince people that Bill Clinton is racist:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/12/obama-camps-memo-on-clin_n_81205.html

leightonvyrene,

I don't know if you were serious, but everyone not just white people say offensive things. My wife won't even let me open my mouth around our international friends.

But, you are exactly right. Hillary's handling of the situation is upsetting. And blaming Barack out of nowhere is ridiculous!

Where have all of the Hillary defenders gone?

Hey Hotnuke -- I have to agree with a lot of the readers here that you seem to have no facts to support your Obama attacks except a lot of hot air. How is laying out the chronological events surrounding Clintons' race baiting campaign hucksterism?

"If a Republican or anyother Democrat had made similar comments, the Charles Rangle, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Andrew Young and other "servants", including the NAACP, of the Clinton's in the African American community would have been outraged with demonstration and civil disobedience."

In fact, why haven't there been demonstrations and public outrage upon the findings of false returns that showed Hillary had indeed not won NH.

If this vote glitching is not faced up to it will continue. Bush got away with it twice and now Hillary? Obama could well win the public vote but the machines wil see Hillary take the nomination.

Hand votes saw Obama win. Hand votes would've seen Al Gore win also. Though I use the word 'erie' to describe his complete submission to that campaigns manipulated returns.

Bob Johnson is a traitor to the black man. Its one thing to support Hillary Clinton over a black man. Thats somewhat admirable because it shows not all of us think the same. But for him to attack Obama personally is a page straight out of the uncle tom playbook.
Besides that Bob , Mr Billionaire , what have you every done for black people other than poison our childrens minds with BET.

Go shine Bill's shoes

As a white person, you know that every so often in public & private life you are going to say something insensitive, or that is misconstrued. The thing to do is apologize for any offense given, & pay a little more attention to how how your statements could be taken. You DO NOT shout that the person who was offended is "Playing the Race card." Or if you do, you just end up looking worse.

Bob Johnson.... What a dumb uncle tom! If you saw the clip, you would have seen the Black people behind him in camera view were not clapping of laughing. So it was not funny! We know what he implied with his acting and suggesting. She and they started the racial tone. Obama looks too be above this crap. Why don't the media ask Clinton's whats up????????

Think, people.

Who suffers if the "race card" is played?
Obama stands to lose much of his white support. America becomes meaner & more acrimonious. Hillary Clinton gets nominated.
This is why Barack Obama is taking the high road; he cares about the country, and besides he wants to win.
So, who do you THINK is fanning the flame of racial division? If this doesn't disgust you, you haven't been paying attention.

Hillary's attacks on Obama over the war are pure Karl Rove. She knows perfectly well that her vote to authorize the war was craven, cowardly and wrong, and she knows that Obama was brave and insightful to speak out against it.

Her attempts to turn this profound negative into a positive is pure Clintonian "depends on what the definition of 'is' is" crap, and it's a primary reason why Hillary must be rejected as a candidate.

What this country DOES NOT NEED is four or eight more years of a Clinton who obfuscates, manipulates the truth, splits hairs and winds up completely untrustworthy, even among her "supporters." We also DO NOT NEED another four to eight years of half the country hating the other half.

We need a president--a DEMOCRATIC president--who will bring this nation together and turn around the horrors of the last eight years. We need Obama. Don't blow it.

I've never voted for a Republican in my life, and always assumed I would support whichever Democrat won the presidential nomination. But I am so appalled and disgusted by the Clintons' slash-and-burn, "politics of personal destruction" approach to Barack Obama's candidacy that I now have serious doubts whether I could support a Clinton candidacy in the general election. (By way of full disclosure, I am a white liberal).

The pattern is just too clear and too consistent to ignore--the Shaheen references to cocaine, the Bob Kerry endorsement transparently attempting to smear Obama with his Muslim connections, Hillary's condescending dismissal of the role payed by Dr. King and by implication every black leader in the historic civil rights struggles of the 1960s ("It took a president"), Bill's contemptuous dismissal of Barack and his candidacy (and not just his Iraq record as Bill later disingenuously claimed) as a "fairy tale", today's totally phony charge that it's Obama and his campaign who are injecting race into the campaign, and Bob Johnson's comments today transparently trying to re-raise the drug issue. This is dirty, filthy, low-life politics, flagrantly playing the race card, and nakedly appealing to the worst racial fears and stereotypes. Obama has studiously avoided race throughout his campaign, and a moment's reflection is enough to see that he has nothing to gain by ghettoizing himself as "the black candidate." Clinton, on the other hand, has everything to gain by trying to bait Obama into a racial response to her despicable tactics, because it would marginalize him as a race-based candidate. The Clintons are not above fighting dirty, and never have been. But this transparent racialization of the presidential race is a new low, and it should be resoundingly repudiated by every Democrat of conscience.

That said, JakeD and fjstratford, I still feel that Hillary owes America an apology for he rude and hurtful comments.

Further, she needs to accept that the hurt she caused will affect her campaign. Unless she has evidence that Obama or his camp said something related to her remarks, SHE NEEDS TO DROP THE ISSUE. She has made this a big issue, because she won't accept the ramifications of her own actions.

JakeD and fjstratford,

You guys are absolutely right. The Clintons are not racist. No matter who you prefer in the debate, you should not make such claims without proof.

Sometimes even Obama supporters can be misguided. Also, don't forget that there are many Clinton haters that will post anything to bring them down. Reasonable and intelligent people can not be swayed by such statements.

teak1,

Can you get a quote on that promise from Obama? I don't recall him saying that but would be interested to know if he did.

Its hard to believe how blatantly deceptive and manipulative the Clintons have been in this campaign. I am so disappointed in both of them.

Obama has long had my vote. But now I know that if Hillary Clinton gets the nod, I can't vote for her. I can't reward this kind of ridiculous dishonesty.

Excuse me!

Did Senator Obama disclose at the Illinois senatorial campaign that he intended not to finish his first term as a senator and would become a presidential candidate at the earliest opportunity?

As far as I recalled, even one year after his election he promised that he won't be a presidential candidate. In the second year he changed his mind and betrayed the people who elected him to the Senate.

Can people still trust him?

I would never vote for Clinton in a million years, but "The Clinton's are racists" is beyond the pale folks.

It was interesting to see her channel her campaign manager's talking points and when she found her own voice she talked of how she's been victimized by her opponent. A COMMON TRAP Trappers in the jungle conceal their traps from
unsuspecting creatures. So do trappers in the human jungle. One
of their subtle traps is sprung after you have turned them down.
The trap is a hurt look or a disappointed reply. Their aim is to
make you feel guilty. Don't fall for it. Don't let them pressure
you into thinking you owe them something. You don't. You are never
responsible for someone's disappointment. He is. Leave it that way."
So she never gets to be president, that's her problem, not ours.

dagreater1:

I was not referring to you. I am referring to these Obama partisans who are accusing Bill Clinton of racism just because he validly criticized Obama's war record.

If Obama's supporters have to resort to boldfaced lies. Bill Clinton is NOT a racist, no matter how you want to spin it.

Those people who think that criticising a black man, even in a valid way, is being racist - they themselves are the racist!

(Check how many posts here has called the Clintons or Bill racist. It's abhorrent.)

Obama has no experience or stand.

Look for his vote in Illinois and US senate.

He has a good narrative but needs to show his leadership and experience. It will be a disaster for the country. HE IS NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.

I am an independent and I will vote for John McCain if he is the candidate from Republican party. If there is anyone else from Republican party I will like to vote democratic but not Obama.

JakeD:

Ha! I hope you are not suggesting that Obama SHOULD be cricized for the HALF of his statement. His statement was not long. It was two sentecnes. To paraphrase, "I don't know because I didn't have all the info. But from what I know, I wouldn't have voted for the war."

Are seriously suggesting that a his comment was too long for the Clintons to accurately quote? LOL. I realize that you are pro-Clinton and that is fine, but don't support things that are wrong. They are misquoting the man.

My statement was targeted at Internet posts longer than say two paragraphs. (Like this one :)

I don't believe that Obama is the one making a big deal about HRC's thoughtless racial remarks and Bill's calculated "fairy tale" comment. He doesn't have to. People can see these devisive remarks for what they are. Of course, HRC and Bill are not racist. They are power hungry. As John Edwards said, they collectively have no conscience. On Meet the Press today, she refused to say she had made a mistake in voting for the 2002 Iraq "blank check" resolution, even though Tim Russert gave her chance after chance to do so. She is the smartest girl in the class, and she gets mad when everyone doesn't just see it. And her mantra about "35 years of experience" is a similar half truth. She has taught law school, worked for one of the largest law firms in Little Rock, worked for the children's Defense fund, been first lady of Arkansas and the US, and for 7 years been a US Senator. Sen. Obama has taught law school, been a community organizer, practiced law, been an Illinois state senator for 8 years and a senator for 4 years. Their experience isn't that muchdifferent. And her experience includes voting for Bush's Iraq war resolution. The proof is in the pudding.

sd71, Obama aggressively repudiated the D-Punjab memo, which was put out without his approval. He told his staff it was never to happen again (see the stories on how he never went negative from after IA if you don't believe me.) Clinton, on the other hand, lied about Obama's Iraq statement in 2004. She lied about his legislative record in the state senate. She lied about his health care plan (15 million uncovered is not accurate) and social security plan (one trillion dollar tax hike is a complete delusion). She lied about her voter suppression efforts in Nevada. And now she's lying about what her surrogate said about Obama. Exactly how long is the democratic base going to let her get away with her constant stream of lies and negativity?

LET'S JUST WAIT FOR THE RESULT!!! WE WILL ALL CELEBRATE TOGETHER, OKEY! FORGET ABOUT THAT RACIAL TONE - THAT'S OLD TACTICS THAT WON'T WORK ANYMORE. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

The Clinton's are racists. They belittle the achievements of African American's, including Martin Luther King and Barak Obama. On these forums, Hillary's more shrill supporters have posted some of the vilest comments imaginable, reminding me more of the KKK than so called "liberal feminists". That these honky's have managed to pay off a few Oreo's to sit with them and provide them cover is despicable, but nothing ever will take back their words and actions. No black voter can vote for Hillary Clinton and call themselves anything other than a slave, a white house maid or garden lackey.

dagreater1:

I never said you posted the transcript from "Meet the Press" (even though you did complain about "You have to look at Obama's full quote.") so I am not the one confusing you with anyone else -- you then posted "Hey guys, if you want people (me) to read your comments. Try to keep them short and on one point at a time. Long winded responses are sometimes more painful to parse than you may think, and they stop perusers from skimming arguments at the bottem of the board.(yes, this advice is targeted at fellow Obama supporters also)".

That's what I'm talking about.

Hotnuke2007, JakeD, and now... xfactor211,

What are you guys talking about? From Xfactor's post.

"Things like this.
This is an embarassment and Obama should be ashamed. "

What is "this?" What exactly did Obama do or say? A direct quote would be helpful. Am I talking to real people here or am I being toyed with?

As far as I understand, Hillary said something offensive. The press jumped on her. And she blamed Obama. Where is Obama's action? What did he do? He didn't speak to the media. Michelle didn't say anything. No staff members said anything. What has upset you guys so much?

dhprunty,

God bless you, my friend. You are just what the 'Democratic Doctor' ordered. Please continue to hypercriticize anyone daring to challenge the 'Placist' status quo asking for a new order while continuing to give the plantation bosses free rein. God speed; and keep voting for those who demean you and take you for granted. Hey, at least it's not a Republican, right?

hotnuke2007
I challenge you to show me a link with a direct quotation from Obama or his campaign playing the race card or painting Bill or Hillary as racists.

I voted for Bill Clinton twice. I caucused for Biden and Edwards in Iowa. However, watching the way the Clintons have attacked Obama so viciously and sneakily in the last month, has turned me totally against them. I now understand why the Republicans hate them so much. When Bill was running it was Hillary's job to attack the opposition, bringing up the spectre of the great Right Wing Conspiracy, while in reality, Bill was dropping his pants whenever he got the chance. Now that she is running, he is the HatchetMan along with her various lackeys. Given the way this campaign is going, my vote last week for Edwards may have been my last for a Democrat.

Bob Johnson, the man who built his billions from exploiting women butts and bodies, no wonder he supports Clinton!! That is the kind of men Bill Clinton likes, the one whose life is evolves around women. Hillary basically reduced Martin Luther King to nothing, and gave all the credit to president Johnson, plain and simple. It is her fault, not Obama, and I hope the black voters punnish her for that, and I hope all the American voters do the same. Hillary thinks we should hand her the democratic nomination in a silver plate!!! But I have bad news for her, YOU ARE GONNA LOSE BIG TIME. Then you and your husband can enjoy the company of Bob Johnson, his BET and the women of BET, at least Bill will!!!.

IT'S ALL POLITICS, POLITICS, POLITICS. AFRICAN AMERICAN IS SMARTER AND WISER THAN THAT! I DON'T THINK THEY WILL TAKE THE BAIT AND BUY ABOUT RACIAL ISSUE THING - THEY TRYING TO THROW TO THIS DEMOCRATIC ELECTION. SENATOR OBAMA CAMP IS DESPERATE TO GET "ALL" THE VOTE FROM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN WHICH WILL NOT HAPPEN. THEY ARE TRYING TO MAKE IT A RACIAL ISSUE ABOUT THE FAIR TALE COMMENT OF FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON - ALL WHAT HE IS POINTING OUT IS OBAMAS IRAQ WAR RECORDS AND THE MLK COMMENT OF HILLARY THEY ARE TRYING TO PUT IT OUT OF CONTEXT. SO THEY ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY AND EXPLOITING IT PLUS ADDING FUEL TO THE FIRE AND TRYING TO DIVIDE THE NATION AGAIN AND MAKING IT AS A RACIAL ISSUE; THAT IS AN OLD TACTICS THAT WON'T WORK ANYMORE AT THE END OF THE DAY THE VOTERS WILL DECIDE WHO IS THE MOST QUALIFIED AND READY TO LEAD THE COUNTRY ON DAY ONE. WE CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER ON THE JOB TRAINING PRESIDENT! VOTERS FOLLOW YOUR HEART DON'T BELIEVE ON PUNDITS, POLLSTER, NATIONAL MEDIA, POLITICIAN ENDORSER. God Bless America!!!

Clinton's racialism wafts from her asbestos pantsuits, fueled by the putanism of her misogynist husband

hotnuke and JakeD....I agree with you. I had started to imagine myself supporting Obama if he were somehow the nominee...but after this, I have lost all respect for him. And we blacks wonder why Republicans don't even bother with us...we wonder why white America can't wait until the Hispanics finally overtake us. Things like this.

This is an embarassment and Obama should be ashamed. I can't even watch him on TV now.

Obama was condescending towards Asian Indians when he called Hillary a 'Democrat from Punjab',besides accusing her of being a foreign agent. Now he is accusing her of being racist.

What Hillary said about Martin Luther is essentially right. He was a great leader, and Lyndon Johnson was noble too.

Gandhi fought the British to free India. He was great. Hitler would have exterminated him in some concentration camp. The French would have sent him to Devil's Island. The British sent him to jail many times but eventually supported India's freedom and when they left, treated Gandhi with dignity and respect.

Maybe its me! Maybe I'm the one whose stupid. Has anyone considered that if HRC gets the presidency that so many favors will be need to be repaid. So I ask the question, where then is the freshness of the administration.

I think that we as Americans should take a risk. A risk to step away from what seems wise and try something new. W

While experience may be the best teacher, it leaves us in the past and too afraid to think!

So I dare ask you to think about it. Think about it. Would you rather keep having to repay 35 years of experience or start fresh

Have a great week

hotnuke2007,

I am not sure what exactly you are talking about when you mention Obama's "Race Hucketerism." I can tell you that I have however seen several speeches where Obama has argued that race should not (and is not) a factor in his candidacy. If you want youtube clips, I can post them here. But I am beginning to suspect that you and JakeD are not very serious in listening and responding to others.

JakeD:

What? I am not the person that posted the transcript from "Meet the Press." You got me mixed up with "thedefendant."

You also never responded to my earlier post. The Clintons intentionally partially quoted Barack to make it sound like he was inconsistent. Aren't you upset that they would do something like that?

dagreater1:

You want comments "short