Obama Criticizes Debate, Attacks Clinton For Being "In Her Element"

RALEIGH, N.C. — Democratic Sen. Barack Obama dismissively talked about his debate with Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and the line of questioning from ABC News' moderators, arguing that it focused on political trivia at the expense of the problems facing average voters.

At a rally in the May 6 primary state of North Carolina, Obama drew roars of approval Thursday when he mocked aspects of the presidential debate that had him on the defensive Wednesday night. He faced tough questions about his controversial pastor, his comments about bitter voters in small towns and his relationship with a 1960s radical.

Deadpanning, the Illinois senator said, "It does not get much more fun than these debates. They are inspiring events."

In criticism of his rival, he called the debate "the rollout of the Republican campaign against me in November" and said it represented textbook Washington politics that Clinton was very comfortable playing.

"They like stirring up controversy and they like playing gotcha games, getting us to attack each other," he said. "Senator Clinton looked in her element. She was taking every opportunity to get a dig in there. That's her right to kind of twist the knife a little bit ... that's the lesson she learned when Republicans did it to her in the 1990s."

The Obama campaign also sought to capitalize on the debate, sending out a fundraising appeal titled, "Gotcha," and soliciting $25 donations.

"Last night I think we set a new record because it took us 45 minutes before we even started talking about a single issue that matters to the American people," Obama told the North Carolina crowd. "Forty-five minutes before we heard about health care, 45 minutes before we heard about Iraq, 45 minutes before we heard about jobs, 45 minutes before we heard about gas prices."

ABC News' Charles Gibson and George Stephanopoulos pointedly questioned Obama, and Clinton politely challenged her rival.

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"When you're running for the presidency, you've just got to kind of let it ..." Obama said, pretending to flick lint off his pants and jacket.

Another debate between the two candidates seems unlikely. Obama had agreed to a debate in North Carolina on Saturday, Clinton has agreed to a debate April 27 in Raleigh, sponsored and televised by CBS News. The two camps have not agreed on a date.

"I'll be honest with you. We've now had 21," Obama said of the debates. "It's not as if we don't know how to do these things. I could deliver Senator Clinton's lines. I'm sure she could deliver mine."

Later, taking a question from a fourth-grade boy who said he had been elected his class representative at school, Obama asked, "How many debates did you have to have?"

"None," the boy replied.

"None! That sounds good!" Obama said.

[WATCH]

Comments

[Pammy1151]

You know my mother used to always tell me "what goes around comes around". This will bite ole Hillary in the you know where. Anyone even someone with just half a brain had to recognize how he just handled the stuff thrown at him. Once in a while a little look of puzzlement on his face as he watch the WITCH run her mouth. He is so calm cool and collected. Can you image ole Joh McCain when he gets those kind of attacks. Hmmm can't wait.

Many of us immediately donated money to Obama right afterwards.

The really silly thing about this is she can't win. No matter what. Do the math. It doesn't lie. If she steals it god bless her she won't win in November anyway.

[ammitusen]

"That's her right to kind of twist the knife a little bit ... that's the lesson she learned when Republicans did it to her in the 1990s."
oooooooo! devastating insight, razor edged truth. know wonder some paranoid folks are sneeringly calling him "messiah". after decades of overt corruption and blatant lies truth like this spoken from the lips of a politician is certainly an eyebrow raiser. and maybe a little scary, almost supernatural, for those folks who have grown accustomed to and perhaps even comfortable with obfucations and lies.

[Ork]

I second that.. and just contrast to what stonepier's fav quote was from clinton:

"I just said some things that weren't in keeping with what I knew to be the case" - wow - is that like saying "I lied"

That's the difference!

[stonepier]

I thought Obama handled himself well - without being dragged down into the mud himself.

Here’s my VERY FAVORITE quote from the debate: ‘I just said some things that weren't in keeping with what I knew to be the case’ - wow - is that like saying ‘I lied’ - ??? - Clintonian doublespeak.

Meanwhile: at least 5-6 new superdelegates for Obama. Good. Let’s have some more, please, ASAP. .

Also: ‘In an unscientific ABC News web site poll, Obama was seen as the clear winner. Sixty-eight percent of respondents (27,495) said Obama won the debate, while only 24 percent (9,874) thought Clinton won the debate. Eight percent (3,194) thought it was a tie, as of Thursday morning. An NBC text poll also found Obama was seen as the winner.’

And: UPDATED 4/17 **
Paper Endorsement: The Philadelphia Daily News has endorsed Obama, who has been polling strongly in the city of brotherly love.

Pretty good results.

[ohioangel]

That's right Barack, just "get that dirt off your shoulder" and do what you do best - speak about policies and things that need changed! That's what the American people want to hear about.

[Syco]

So hes feeling like a pimp?

[CindyM2008]

Is Bush yours?

[artfluzzy08]

OBAMA WILL WIN PA.

MARK MY WORDS.

It's a sixth sense or something, but PA will make this man our new President come January 2009.

[joeyp404]

Thank you. If it happens, we'll know who to blame.

[DMC66]

Hey joeyp don't go away mad...just go away.

[Syco]

I'm sure you meant thank

[MKJeeves]

Don't get my hopes up . . .

[SheTiffany]

Mine either.

[Monkeytime]

That would be the best, but I am not counting on it.

If he can keep it to within single digits I think that will do just fine.

After the ridiculously difficult run up to PA that's currently playing out, close is close enough. I mean he started out over 25 points behind. If, in the midst of all the recent mudslinging, non-issue, BS (Wright, "bitter", etc) he cuts her lead by 15 or twenty points, that's a victory of sorts.

I'm not pessimistic, but I think its important that expectations are realistic.

[EyeWantOneNation]

Obama didn't "attack" Clinton for being in her element...he kind of forgave her for it!! He more or less said "oh, it's alright...it's the way she learned how to do it...she doesn't know any better !!!"

Right on, Obama !!!!

When all you've seen is dirty, back-stabbing politics in Washington, why would Hillary do any better ???

LOL !!!

[harriscrl3]

That was his own Gotcha moment at the debate. It came when she started digging that knife in because it validated everything he said about politics and people in Washington. This guy imo is the greatest political mind to come around in a long time.

Carol

[TinaFreeman]

Totally agree, Carol. He is a breath of fresh air in a very, very stale room....

[GeoLee]

This is the time that a vialble third party candidate would benefit in the same way Ross Perot did in 1992 and John Anderson a couple of races before. The fact that of democratic voters only around 72 percent have made up their minds after all this time should tell all who are such strong believers that your candidate needs to figure out a way to not turn off further the other 28 percent. In a group of 6 democratic women voters recently I heard 1 was for Obama, 1 would vote for Clinton and the remaining 4 were sick of the campaign and just wish they had another democratic option. All 6 had never voted for any republican candidate and 2 stated they are considering not voting for president at all as their way of not voting for a republican. So maybe Obama needs to talk to the older women who already support him to find out how to change how he speaks, and respond in ways that are more socially acceptable to their way of dealing with people if he wants to pick those votes. For all of you who will complain about what I have written, try instead to just understand what and how you say things is also often off putting. He clearly is not the greatest politician or he would not be evoking these responses from the largest most dependable Democratic voting group.

[GeoLee]

1 of 2 parts: That kind of comment can also backfire as being condescending and elitist which are two charges that have made headway recently. He would be better off acting as if last night did not happen than to be giving the sarcastic sounding remarks being played on the television today. To older people it comes of as sarcastic and condescending; to the younger set it comes of as being "honest." (There is a divide based on brutal honesty versus honesty spoken in gentler tones) When nearly 30 percent of the voters don't seem to like either enough to decide, it is imperative for the person who wants the nomination to be enough above the fray as to sound presidential. She is attacking and he is whining and condescending about how he views her attracking.) Obama has a sarcastic edge to him that is wearing on the people who are not quite where many of you are and it could become a problem in November if potential supporters are so turned off they go to vote for senator and governor and lower offices and leave the presidential box empty. In any given year, the democratic candidate needs every vote the candidate can get and a young candidate who also appears to be snarly will lose as many older votes as he gains just by his demeanor. Just because many do not like Hillary, it does not mean that we automatically like or will support Obama by default.

[amanda08]

I agree!

Like it’s not her fault, she's just “out of touch” she's in a “political time warp” & only knows the politics of yesterday! It's not her fault, he understands!!

[harriscrl3]

AMEN!!!

She was digging that knife in. The way she phrased that Hamas and Louis Farrakhan comment made it seem like itw as Obama who was associated with them but it was WRIGHT. Keith had to correct in on Countdown. She purposely phrased it that way. Must scare off those Jewish voters who might be hesistating.

I couldnt agree more she was twisting the knife in. They just dont get it they are validating everything Obama is saying about American politics. Obama may want to change the game but he also KNOWS how to play it.

Carol

[Syco]

Seriously i doubt they are going to let him change it without a fight to the death literally

[jazzman]

Watching the debate last night I said to myself, "I've seen this movie before." Only usually when I see something like this, it's Gregory Peck playing Atticus Finch in "To Kill a Mockingbird" or Jimmy Stewart in a film like, "Mr. Smith goes to Washington." In each movie the gentlemanly statesman character overcomes the nasty biting small minded bigotry that surrounds the hero.

They worked hard to grind Obama to dust last night but he stood there and in stately manner withstood their attacks and emerge as the one adult in the room. Move over JFK, we've found our new profile in courage; the symbol of America's re-emergence and dignity. His name is Barack Obama.

[kid5rivers]

Take a bow! And, when you're done, come back and take another!

[in4success]

of course it's her element: http://tammybruce.com/2007/02/hillary_in_her_own.php

[jazzman]

Wow! And Hillary says she's been fully vetted. Look whats waiting for her if she gets the nomination. They haven't even begun with her. This stuff makes the attack on Obama seem like powder puffs.

[kid5rivers]

Only animals needs vetting. Humans need doctoring.

[foxilocks2007]

HAHAHAHAHHAAHHA....THIS shyt right here made my day because I already envisioned how she'd be treating her staff and congress. diabolical!

I will got give one red cent to the DNC until they confirm Barack Obama's nomination. This witch will try to steal the gig.

[AnnlnCA]

As usual, BO crumples under pressure.

It isn't about "real issues" at all. That's the con job Obamanation is trying to pull!

It's about flag pins, plain and simple.

This so called "new breed of politician" doesn't understand how things work in the US. It's about slimey down and dirty gutter politics. If you Obamatrons don't understand that by now, I feel for you.

Dirty tricks, lies and distortions, and bending the truth are how things get done. THIS is the 35 years of experience that Hillary / Bill have. They've perfected and honed these skills. They've been patiently waiting for just. the. right. time. TO POUNCE!!!

Mark my words......when the Political Machine in Philly gets started (ie ward bosses handing out the cashola to "get out the vote" ) and driving people to the polls to make sure they vote.....the right way.....you Obamabots will see how politics is REALLY played.

It's over Husseiniacs.

mwwaaahhhhaaaaahhhaaaahhhaaaa!!

Hillary / Bill '08!

[EyeWantOneNation]

Pathetic....not even funny...just truly pathetic !!!!

[vbwr1]

Exactly and THAT is exactly what Obama wants to change! Hillary is a member of his party so, he didn't want to blast her but make no mistake he will come out fighting against the republicans. Now that Obama knows that Hillary is a republican, watch out!

[jazzman]

Obama's campaign is about change. What you describe is what he's going to change. We haven't always been here. It started with Lee Atwater, was driven on by Newt Gingrich and perfected by Karl Rove. However, the U.S. has known better and will know better again. Us "Obamabots" are going to do everything we can to change it. It can change and will.

The middle dark ages were followed by the enlightenment. Slavery was followed by the emancipation of the slaves. Womens disenfranchisement was replaced by their right to vote. So, if you think things can't change, fine. But just wait...

[sonofsamstone]

Amen!

It's true that people have short memories about these campaigns. It's only become *really* nasty in the last 20 years. Since Lee Attwater. And we see where it got him, right? A brain full of cancer and deathbed regrets for his slimey style.

People can mock "hope" and "change" and condecendingly talk about "the sky's opening up and all being right with the world", but cynicism isn't ingrained into the system. Anything's possible, the sooner people see that the sooner we can move on.

[SteelMaggie13]

One of the things I've noted in these threads is how many anti-Obama folks refer to him as "Messiah" or "St. Barack". Aside from the corny name calling, I take away something bigger from their juvenile names and attacks. They actually see the SAME things we do in Barack...

They see that he's different...
They see that, definitely among the three candidates, he is the most sincere....
They see that he actually INSPIRES the electorate and that people... LOTS of people, for perhaps the first time ever, feel that they are a part of something that is hopeful and bright, some people are daring to dream that America can be great again.

I don't believe he's our "'messiah" and I don't believe he is flawless either.

The only difference between those of us who believe in Obama and those who don't is that they see him through their dark veils of cynicism and negativity. They still know the score, but they'll never quite 'get' it.

[Syco]

Obamabots transform and roll out

[clevelandtocali]

Heeeeee, nice one...

[Tropiholic]

Wishing and hoping and dreaming doesn't make Hillary anything other than what she is, a liar who is LOSING to Obama big time. People have had enough of the politics of smear and hatered. Not this time.

[apcalc]

oh now that isa ridiculous thing to say - politics of smear and hatred?

Just visit here at HuffPo, or daily kos -sites full of smear and hatred.....

[Nommo]

He was pretty easy on that shrew. Too bad so much time was wasted swatting gnats.

[cballen]

word to your momz

[hubbstan]

Hillary Clinton a shameless political thug. Her twisting knife will come back at herself. You will see. All your kitchen sink trash thrown at Obama will be just more dirt on his shoulder to be swipe off.

[JerryTheAngel]

Did you notice when Gibson and George whatever his last name is started in on Hillary's embellishing of her Bosnia trip that Senator Obama didn't stick the knife in. He said it's a long campaign and she should be allowed to be make a few mistakes also. He took the high road and as long as he continues to do this against her and then the Swift Boaters this fall, he will come out on top. The majority of Americans are sick and tired of the two parties talking to each other as if they are enemies of each other. Bring us back the days of President Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil. They were respectful of each other and after they debated whatever issue it was they disagreed on, they went behind closed doors and had a drink together.