Obama Sharpens Critique Of Clinton, Warns Of "Divisive" Politics

Associated Press:

Democrat Barack Obama on Monday sharpened his critique of lead rival Hillary Rodham Clinton, warning against a return to "divisive, special interest politics" that had demoralized the country even before President Bush took office.

"As bad as this administration has been, it's going to take more than just a change in parties to truly turn this country around," Obama told supporters at a Labor Day rally.

Read the whole story: Associated Press

Comments

[mongus]

01:20 AM on 09/06/2007

Did you say Madam Chiang Kai Shiek? Yes, you are correct, with all her connections to the Chinese fundraisers, yes she will be Madam President of the Chinese- American Fund-raising Society.

I'll see you at Obama's inauguration, Jan.'09

[SalB]

01:53 AM on 09/04/2007

"Without mentioning Clinton by name, Obama struck back hard at that argument."

All this arguing back and forth BS is largely manufactured. He was describing that he does have experience, just not Washington experience, but that isn't all its cracked up to be. The media all wants this to be negative, so they'll paint it any way they like, and like good sheep, we eat it up. Liking one candidate does not have to mean hating all others.

[Nuzzy]

12:33 AM on 09/04/2007

I was walking across a bridge one day, and i saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. So i ran over and said "Stop! Don't do it!"

"Why shouldn't I?" he said.

I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"

He said, "Like what?"

I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"

He said, "Religious."

I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"

He said, "Christian."

I said, "Me too! Are you catholic or protestant?"

He said, "Protestant."

I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"

He said, "Baptist!"

I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of God or Baptist Church of the lord?"

He said, "Baptist church of god!"

I said, "Me too! Are you original Baptist Church of God, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of God?"

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God!"

I said, "Me too! Are you reformed Baptist church of god, reformation of 1879, or reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915?"

He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of God, Reformation of 1915!"

I said, "DIE, HERETIC SCUM!", and I pushed him off.

... Emo Phillips

In my view, the message of this apocryphal bit of satire also applies to the Democratic presidential contenders: there are differences, but what they have in common is far, far more extensive.

Sure, I prefer Obama over the others, but as a Democrat, I believe we’d be well-served as a nation by ANY of the top 5 (Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Richardson, or Biden). Hell, even crazy-man Kucinich on his worst day would be better than the best Rethuglican on his best day.

So let the campaigning be vigorous, but don’t let it become a blood sport.

[mongus]

01:17 AM on 09/04/2007

Well said Nuzzy.

[RusStyles]

11:30 PM on 09/03/2007

We'll see if the majority of Americans believe in their Constitution; particularly the part about: "All men are created equal..." if we're not just a bunch of hypocrites, we'll vote for the best leader. Not the most experienced, or Biden would be a shoe-in. Obama, as many here have said, is exactly what this country needs to maek up alot fo lost ground. FOREIGN POLICY. The massive deficit. Racial/class conflicts. Educational deficits...You name it, we need it fixed. And the nexr prez MUST be someone with the judgement to surround themselves with a strong team of leaders/advisors. A leader that listnes to reason. Etc, etc...Edwards would make a better VP. It appears that Mrs Edwards wears the pants...Then what would happen if sehe succumbed, or becaem to ill to speak up for a husband?

Let's not blow this opportunity to elect the real change agent.

[smartstuart]

10:58 PM on 09/03/2007

What a joke Obama is...he talks about divisive politics...and then practices it against Hillary Clinton! Is Karl Rove working for Barack Hussein Obama, Or what??? You can't have it BOTH ways, Barack!!!!

[RusStyles]

11:35 PM on 09/03/2007

Watch tape before inserting foot in mouth again..

[naijaman]

11:42 PM on 09/03/2007

smartstuart....did you see Obama's speech? If not, then STFU

[starrianna]

02:25 AM on 09/04/2007

*******************************
Yes! It was lovely!

As I listened to his stirring speech, I skipped and danced around my apartment with my animals, sprinkling fairy dust around and praying to Jesus almighty that we could all live together in harmony with the angels and rainbows and share our feelings because

Obama is a Uniter, not a Divider!
Praise Jesus I believe every word this wonderful black man says! Oh and he's so goodlooking too! I just want to watch and listen, and maybe even have a beer with him! I want to give him the keys to my castle, my country, and my heart.

I don't know shit about him or what he really stands for, or who really backs him (Republicans who want to divide the Democrats so they can win), but I am just so happy and in LOVE with OBAMA!

Obama 08! Praise!

[kishaaann]

10:49 PM on 09/03/2007

Its sad when Democrats base their vote on the fact that they think minority Dems cant get elected president. Darn it, that Deval Patrick. He was probably told that he couldn't win by other democrats too. Boy were they right. Seriously, AA's are solidly Democratic and the most loyal set of voters. It saddens me that so called progressive people here are saying people like me can't get a chance to lead our country by members of our own party. Why don't you vote Republican?

[dijo]

10:33 PM on 09/03/2007

Obama's speech was incredible. The media always spins what any candidate says. You really have to listen for yourself instead of allowing someone to tell you what was said. Speaking of spin...Rupert Murdock, the ultra republican neocon, is all for Hillary. He even held a fundraiser for her. As owner of several major media outlets (including Fox News), Murdock carefully controls what information we are allowed to hear. No wonder the spin seems to favor Hillary so strongly.
Obama has my vote. He speaks with sincerity. He has the kind of experience I want in my next president and he has the wisdom and good judgement to lead. In fact, he is a natural born leader. And I like the direction he wants to take this country.
Obama '08

[mongus]

10:54 PM on 09/03/2007

He has my vote too.!!
It's time for integrity and good judgment.
It's time for a man with a great vision for America.
It's time for someone wisdom and leadership.
It's time.
It's time we do it right, America.
Obama '08

[starrianna]

02:26 AM on 09/04/2007

I don't know shit about him or what he really stands for, or who really backs him (Republicans who want to divide the Democrats so they can win), but I am just so happy and in LOVE with OBAMA!

Obama 08! Praise!

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

10:29 PM on 09/03/2007

I'm not attacking Obama. It's just that in today's reality, John Edwards has a more cohesive and comprehensive message than Obama. The reality is Edwards is more likely to get elected than either Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama. That's what counts, isn't it? To save our representative democracy from these filthy republicons?

I think Obama would make a great VP (holding a place in line for 2016) or HHS or many other posts.

Oh, "BTW" obama 2008, there's more to a strike against a target than 'having them in (his) sites twice'. There are considerations on the ground and complexities that make an apples to apples comparison impossible.

I guess that's where the ivy league education comes into play.

[smartstuart]

11:02 PM on 09/03/2007

Obama has Oprah, Edwards has Lizzy...Hillary has the greatest politician of the 20-21st centuries: Bill Clinton! Why are you Hufftards so stupid about this????

[GreedyOldPsychopaths]

11:06 PM on 09/03/2007

SmartStuart: See oxymoron.

[mongus]

12:38 AM on 09/04/2007

Don't forget that the Greatest Politician "HAD Monica!" He HAD her right there in the Oval Office. Black dress and all.
Boy, what a great American, and what a great role model for his wife.

Also, don't forget, hillary has Hzu, Harold Ickes, the people at InfoUSA, all the REAL AMERICAN lobbyists that she takes money from, or how about the the 'Chinagate' people, and that Pakistani that fled the country, and now we have the Peter Paul law suit.
Boy, what a group of 'good people' she hangs out with. I am really impressed.

I can see those 'unfavorable' numbers improving as we speak.
We are not the stupid ones. Look in a mirror.

[RusStyles]

10:13 PM on 09/03/2007

IF anyone considers Obama's speech "divisive", then we need alot more divisiveness to reunite America. Drawing distinctions between yourself and the competition is both appropos, and necessary to give voters the clearest possible reasons to vote for the coandidate that best fits their values and vision for the country. What the hell is divisive about that? IT's another example of common-sense politics.

[naijaman]

10:12 PM on 09/03/2007

Apparently none of the people attacking Obama here even bothered to watch the speech. It's on youtube and on C-Span's website. I'd like to encourage you to watch it, then decide whether he was being divisive or not. This article here does not do his speech justice...there was nothing negative or divisive about his speech.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

09:47 PM on 09/03/2007

Enough Clinton Bush Clinton Bush Clinton Bush.

There's still JEB and Chelsea, for GOD'S SAKE!!!

Now, Jenna is going to breed?????? GOD HELP US.

[anastasiabeaverhousen]

09:44 PM on 09/03/2007

He does have a place in today's politics. He has a good message.

Trouble is: politics is hardball, and I don't mean that putz Matthews.

Obama2008 makes my point clearly: "whitewater" - not a FUCKING thing came out of that. "vince foster" - not a FUCKING thing came out of that because some guy offed himself in a park. "failed healthcare reform" - the Clinton's were ahead of their time, as usual. The country wasn't ready for what was then, the impending implosion of the healthcare situation. "pre 9/11 planning" - the transition to the bush league included a COMPREHENSIVE assessment of Al Qaeda and how the bush league should concentrate on it. NOTHING was done until we were HIT ON THEIR WATCH.

The rest of his response is equally as droll.

In short: JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT.

[Obama2008]

09:51 PM on 09/03/2007

Clinton had Osama bin Laden in his sights twice and did nothing, healthcare reform failed because Hillary could not build consensus or fight the healthcare lobby that is now funding her campaign. And, OBTW, your vocabulary is most impressive. Ivy League?

[repubesnivel]

11:52 PM on 09/03/2007

MADAM PRESIDENT...get used to it.

[RusStyles]

11:54 PM on 09/03/2007

Oh good...An ambulance chaser in the WH. If our current situation wasn't soo damn dire, Edwards would be ok. We need an extraordinary person to deal with an extraordinary set of challenges. Edwards is too unproven; and he seems to be too henpecked.

[Obama2008]

09:27 PM on 09/03/2007

I watched this speech on C Span today and it was anything but divisive. It was motivational, inspirational, hopeful. I really think that all media needs to be more careful with headlines and soundbites that mislead. Watch the speech and make your own determination. Don't jump to a conclusion with a headline. There is too much at stake in this election to let any media source influence your decision.

[ctalbot4]

12:26 AM on 09/04/2007

What are you saying here? I should read the speach and then I would come around to your conclusions? I watched him on CSPAN and he is divisive and petty, and if I here him brag one more time about the one speach he made against the war, while I may add, he was a nobody in the Illinois Senate, I think I'll scream! The only race he's been in with National Attention was because he was running against Allen Keyes!! Hell, I could beat Keyes! As for his inspirational and hopeful qualities, sorry I quess I didn't get the Kool Aid...If I did I wouldn't drink it!

[RusStyles]

11:07 AM on 09/04/2007

Clearly, you simply don't like the man. THERE'S NOTHING HE COULD SAY or do to "convert" you. Even if he walked atop Lake Michagan and turn one fish onto thousands, you'd find fault: "Well, why couldn't he pick out a better tasting fish..." And, that's ok, he'd have to literally be a chameleon to please everybody. So, vote for a lesser quality candidate because of your inherent bias. It really won't matter...

[tiggersthotfulspot]

08:51 PM on 09/03/2007

Division is precisely what we need *more* of in our politics! Instead of having two parties both representing the wealthy business owners and managers of the USA (and its trading partners). Instead of having two war parties vying to see how much of our resources they can squander on Pentagon boondoggles and optional wars.

Are we to interpret any criticism of anyone as "divisive"?

Are we going to keep pretending there aren't opposing interests in this country? Are voters that stupid? There is a class war going on here. The rich are winning, hands down. The militarists and the jailers are winning, hands down.

[GreedyOldPsychopaths]

10:56 PM on 09/03/2007

An island of clarity and reason in a sea of predilection. It's the "Two America's". Great post Tigger!

[Kally]

08:42 PM on 09/03/2007

Oh well we'll hear Obama bashing and dumping on Hillary more and more as his numbers sink lower. I don't understand why, since the republicans are doing hit jobs on all the democrats, the democrats don't concentrate on the republicans instead of each other. Doesn't make a lick of sense.

[Obama2008]

09:31 PM on 09/03/2007

Did you actually watch the speech? If not, please do so. You may be surprised and amazed at the inspirational nature. You may just decide that Barack Obama has a wonderful, hopeful message for all of us, republican and democrat.

[starrianna]

02:24 AM on 09/04/2007

*******************************
Yes! It was lovely!

As I listened to his stirring speech, I skipped and danced around my apartment with my animals, sprinkling fairy dust around and praying to Jesus almighty that we could all live together in harmony with the angels and rainbows and share our feelings because

Obama is a Uniter, not a Divider!
Praise Jesus I believe every word this wonderful black man says! Oh and he's so goodlooking too! I just want to watch and listen, and maybe even have a beer with him! I want to give him the keys to my castle, my country, and my heart.

I don't know shit about him or what he really stands for, or who really backs him (Republicans who want to divide the Democrats so they can win), but I am just so happy and in LOVE with OBAMA!

Obama 08! Praise!

[smartstuart]

11:06 PM on 09/03/2007

As a loyal Dem, it pains me to say that the Dems have no clue how to win a general election....They think it's fun and games, while the Repukes KNOW politics is a bloodsport where everything goes and no holds are barred!!!