Clinton Owes Obama An Apology

I've had it with the Clintons.

The past few months I've tried to defend Bill and Hillary Clinton against some of the more unreasonable attacks from their critics. Just last weekend on CNN's Ballot Bowl, I defended Bill Clinton when critics accused of him of questioning Barack Obama's patriotism. The critics may have misinterpreted Clinton's remarks, I said, giving the former president the benefit of the doubt.

I've also defended Barack Obama in recent weeks against unreasonable charges directed at him because of his association with his church and his pastor. It seems obvious to me that Barack Obama loves his country and is not an anti-white bigot.

Maybe I'm too close to the two Democrats to be against either one. I went to law school with Barack Obama and worked in the Clinton White House, so I have connections and allegiances to both candidates. That's why I've never understood the rabid Hillary haters or the angry Obama opponents. To me, all three candidates -- including John McCain -- are good and decent Americans who have served their country with distinction.

I wish Hillary Clinton would acknowledge that fact too. In the past few weeks, I've been increasingly disturbed by the gratuitously negative tone of the Clinton campaign.

First, during an interview with 60 Minutes host Steve Croft, Sen. Clinton cleverly stoked the rumors that Obama might be a closet Muslim. "No, there is nothing to base that on," she told Croft. But then she slyly added, "As far as I know."

Next, she all but endorsed McCain over Obama for president. "I have a lifetime of experience that I will bring to the White House," she said. "I know Senator McCain has a lifetime of experience that he will bring to the White House. And Senator Obama has a speech he gave in 2002."

Then came the Jeremiah Wright story. Based on the previous tactics used by her campaign, I did not expect Clinton to say much of anything about the Wright story. As Napoleon Bonaparte famously said, "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." And after all, the Clintons have relied on the support of controversial black pastors, include Rev. Jeremiah Wright, to save their own hides several times in the past.

But as time went by, and the Wright story lingered on, it seemed Clinton was perfectly willing to let the uninformed public get the misimpression that Barack Obama is moonlighting as an anti-American black nationalist racist. She knows better, and she ought to be ashamed for not speaking up on his behalf.

Just last month, in one of the many near-death experiences that forced her into a moment of vulnerable humility, Senator Clinton told a debate audience in Austin, Texas that she was proud to sit beside Barack Obama. "No matter what happens in this contest -- and I am honored. I am honored to be here with Barack Obama. I am absolutely honored," she said to applause. For a moment, it seemed the Democratic contest might become civil but competitive. For a moment.

Then on Tuesday of this week, apparently dissatisfied that the Jeremiah Wright story had failed to derail Obama's campaign, Clinton broke her silence on the issue and told a newspaper in Pennsylvania (188 delegates) that Rev. Wright "would not have been my pastor."

She repeated her criticism at a press conference later in the day. "You know, we don't have a choice when it comes to our relatives. We have a choice when it comes to our pastors and the churches we attend," she said.

She ought to be ashamed. A month ago she stoked the fears that Obama might be a Muslim and now she plays on the fears of Pennsylvanians that the Illinois senator is a radical black Christian. I would expect that kind of nonsensical fear mongering from a Republican, but I'm disappointed when it comes from a fellow Democrat.

Even John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has acknowledged that Clinton and Obama are both honorable Americans. When a conservative radio host attacked Obama at a Cincinnati McCain rally last month, the Arizona senator stood up for his Democratic opponents and apologized for the attack. "I have repeatedly stated my respect for Senator Obama and Senator Clinton," he said and promised to "treat them with respect." That was much classier than Hillary Clinton's comments on Jeremiah Wright.

As a New Yorker, I have been proud of Hillary Clinton's service in the Senate, and I harbor no ill will toward her. If she somehow manages to wrangle the nomination from Obama, I will actively support her general election campaign. But I cannot remain silent any longer while my own senator destroys the Democratic Party, and her own reputation, in a desperate and degrading effort to appeal to the lowest common denominator.

It's time for Senator Clinton to act like a leader that I know she can be. Hilary Clinton not only needs to defend Barack Obama, she needs to apologize to him.

Follow Keith Boykin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/keithboykin

Comments

[elbzee]

What Wrabbitt said! There’s a fundamental bottom line to all of this shit. In November, we vote for real change or we vote for war. Those are our choices. Period. After the 7 years of the wreck we call the Bush Administration, I simply don’t want another family running our country. 32 years of Bushes and Clintons. Um, I don’t see any real change. I see a whole lot more of the same, but a whole lot worse now that the executive has such expanded discretionary power. Either we get what we’ve had all this time, or we get Obama. Decisions, decisions… War or Change?. Let’s grow up and make the REAL decision. We’re distracting ourselves with all this crap. Forget race, gender, religion, who should apologize, who should denounce who, who’s screwing who, (insert your favorite here). FOCUS PEOPLE!. Any other way, we lose sight of the point. What would Oblio say?

[gevan]

Hillary Clinton...ashamed...of anything? What we haved learned about the New York Senator's character leads us to believe that she is rarely ashamed of anything she does. Shameless? Yep. To think that John McCain's experience as a prisoner for five years of the enemies of America makes him qualified for a Republican version of the White House...well, actually in the GOP's America it kinda does. Although he wasn't actully at Pearl Harbor, he remembers it well. And if Bush was right on Iraq, then the Japanese were right on Pearl Harbor. It's three AM. Who do want to rouse from their sleepy-headed rest to answer the red phone?

[stormy7]

YOU GOT IT BACKWARDS. OBAMA NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE TO HILLARY SO HE CAN BECOME THE NEXT BLACK VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
CLINTON AND OBAMA IS A WINNING TICKET. OBAMA WITH ANYONE ELSE DOESN'T STAND A CHANCE AGAINST ANY REPUBLICAN.

[gevan]

You said "VICE"! That's just sooo wrong.

[cakelady]

You have part of it right senator Obama owes us the public an apology for lieing to us about not hearing hate from his minister. The reason he came out with his race speech is because he was told that there were more stories about his minister, but also him, his press and his secret service was at one that his people would not comment one instead Obama took to the air waves to try to save his presentcy. http://www.newsmax.com/kessler/obama_america_sermon/2008/03/16/80870.html

[wolverinesm]

Do you realize that you just linked to newsmax.com? And you seem to be insinuating that it might be factual? Just thought I'd let you know before you embarrassed yourself. No need to thank me...these Internets are tricky things.

[JustJoan]

You said "black". That is so wrong.

[RedSonja]

Why do I feel so slimy? With DIRTY politics from the Clinton camp becoming the NORM and NOT the Exception, I can't seem to keep myself from feeling disgusted that she would be so willing to sell out the Party. Ok, so everyone that understands the math knows that it would be next to impossible for her to win. Do I think that she should quit because of that? NO. Do I think she should hang her head in shame at the tactics she is currently using? YES! How am I suppose to look at her as a Person of Judgment, when she tries to have us look at Obama in a negative light as a Person of Judgment due to his “relationship" with Wright, when we should Also then look at her in a Negative light due to her "relationship" with an Ex-President that was Impeached!? Doesn’t she still have this relationship? Has she not made a "choice" whom she wants to surround herself with?. I stood up for President Clinton when the Impeachment took place, {no need to get into gritty details} but none the less... he was Impeached, do wrong, make mistakes, biggies even!.... but we are suppose to ignore her judgment calls, ignore the exaggerations even downright lies, and look past them to her being the person of BEST JUDGEMENT for the upcoming years. I'm sorry. I simply CAN'T. Someone once told me, "Girl, never Spit into the Wind" Hillary... YOU ARE SPITTIN'.

[YellowPanties]

Unless of course you believe the dozens of polls that have shown Obama beating McCain and have shown Clinton losing to McCain.

Unless you consider reality, what you are SHOUTING about makes sense.

[wrabbitt]

Hillary owes the people of America an apology She needs to take off the blinders, and smell the roses. Obama talks change, and not just the names. Helping those who got in trouble with their mortgage not the speculators. Big business don't need no help. Big government has gone to far. Bush is more a dictator or king than a president. And with congress 's approval rating at an all time low, one would think change is in the air. We need to change this mess before we are any deeper in trouble. like we ain't in bad enough shape now! Instead of throwing tea into Boston harbor,we need to throw congress into the Potomac.

[Didi47]

cont'd....

The public has every RIGHT to ask as many bloody questions about Obama as they damn well like and need to have answered! And what is your problem with that? And what on earth is wrong with Hillary answering an extremely pertinent and valid question about her impression of Rev. Wright? Why is that some kind of a bloody sin? Who the hell ever heard of a candidate that ran in an election... where uncomfortable questions... could not be asked?

This is getting stranger by the day. Obama is the one who chose Rev. Wright as his mentor. It is very disturbing. Obama chose Rezko as his friend - it is very disturbing. Obama chose to lie to the people about NAFTA and chose to lie about knowing about the Canadian connection.. It is very discturbing. Obama chose the words "Typical white". it is very disturbing!

And you are suggesting we forget it... because it makes Obama uncomfortable? Or because it makes you uncomfortable? THAT is very disturbing!

Get it?

[PKRWUD]

Didi47, your incessant conjecture does more harm than good. You would be far more convincing if you focused on irrefutable, objective verity, rather than disinformation and iniquitous spin.

Good luck with that.

[tattwa]

I read a comment from a top astrologer looking at Hillary's chart that she is going through some -- to make it simple- Neptunian hits . One of the key word of Neptune is "illusion". Think of her Bosnia's story, a perfect fairy tale, an illusion, and her camp is the one who threw that word to Obama !!!

[Tulka2]

Clinton is a Scorpio. The dark side of Scorpio: slave to sex, fear that death nips always at one's heels, revenge is relished and delusion is welcomed when all else fails. True. LOL

[tattwa]

I think it's time to investigate Hllary's church. Perhaps a certain "Fellowship foundation" . And BTW why no one said anything when it was revealed that Bush is "skulls and bones:?

[Nancyann]

"As a New Yorker, I have been proud of Hillary Clinton's service in the Senate, and I harbor no ill will toward her. If she somehow manages to wrangle the nomination from Obama, I will actively support her general election campaign. But I cannot remain silent any longer while my own senator destroys the Democratic Party, and her own reputation, in a desperate and degrading effort to appeal to the lowest common denominator."

As a New Yorker I don't think she's been anything but a lackluster senator. She has had no major legislative initiatives and seems to specialize in putting up monuments and putting new names on old post offices. I think she and her husband are toxic and a scourge on American politics. I am a registered democrat and wouldn't even vote for her for dog catcher.

How can you say you would support her when she has been a disgrace to this country and the Democratic party in the way she is running her campaign. SHE DOESN'T BELONG ANYWHERE NEAR THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!

[gaynewyorker]

As Maureen Dowd has posited, perhaps Hillary knows she can't get the nomination and is looking to sink Obama in November, give the election to McCain, and allow her to run again in 2012. There's a certain nihilistic logic to this, alas.

[sandpiper1]

I read an article published that she did the same to Al Gore, she did everything to undermine him as VP, including trying to bring Environment issues eg global warming to the forefront because she didn't want him to become President when he ran so she would have her chance. I don't think she gives a damm about the party or the country, as long as she gets her own way. I hope the Democratic Party dumps her and hubby after this fiasco.

[nazgul]

She owes the entire AA, progressive and youth communities apologies. This campaign has become a hurricane of division and insult.

[citizenxyz]

I also feel she owes Obama an apology. She shows no grace or integrity at all. I will never vote for her and I hope she finds some way to get out of this race. I feel she will say and/or do anything if only she can be elected- she seems to feel the presidency is somehow owed to her.

[joeinvt]

Should Obama also apologize to her for the shameless way his campaign has played the race card on her starting in South Carolina or for characterizing her as a liar who will do anything to get elected and has never done anything of any import anyway? I wasn't aware that he had been holding back lest he he give the GOP any talking points.

[Didi47]

Same old, same old.... vilify Hillary trash. I'd suggest you start explaining Obama's fiascos and where is his apology for choosing a racist anti American Pastor as his 20 year mentor? What is with that???

Where's the apology for lying about NAFTA?

Where's the apology for lying about Rezko?

Where's the apology for lying about his inflated record?

Where's the apology for arranging a $200,00.00 a year raise for his wife off the backs of the poor and sick?

Where's the apology for choosing to subject his children - to anti American - anti white rhetoric?

[khristmaskathy]

Thank you! I totally and completely agree with you!

[wolverinesm]

It might be useful to actually view Reverend Wrights sermons before commenting on that. I know it takes time but it really helps. Give it a try sometime.

[TwoCentsWorth]

What an experience to read Keith's article and the umpteen posts that followed. It's like listening to a roomful of elementary school kids arguing instead of discussing -- it devolves into, "Yes he/she did. No he/she didn't." But I loved reading every comment. Only in America! Hang in there everybody, even though you know you won't change anyone's mind about how to vote. Keep trying!

[JustJoan]

That is worth 2 cents. Maybe when someone that was a First Lady and a leader of her Party acts like a child the arguments that follow may sound that way. It also could be the frustration of people ,after all these years of being Bushed, wanting to see someone that is positive, truthful and takes the high road more often than not.

[prittfumes]

TwoCentsWorth: that's rich. Thanks!

[DemsDeBreaks]

Clinton just sank the campaign into the barnyard with her latest comments about Wright.

No, Mrs. Clinton, you don't choose your family, but you do choose what man you want to stay married to. I don't find Bill's adulterous affairs "proof" that Hillary is an adulteress. Or, any of Bill's proven-by-a-grand-jury lies proof that she is a liar. Yet she wants us to believe that Obama is a bigot and anti-American because of a few unfortunate sound bites from Obama's retired pastor. Catholics, hold onto your hats if Hillary ever gets you in her sites -- Based on this logic, I'm sure you'll all be painted as pedophiles.

Mostly I find it disgusting that she is throwing so many rocks from her glass house.

[richw23]

Glad to hear it. I bailed completely about the time of Ferraro - better I should have forgotten she existed. I was on the bubble then, and that was enough, even though indirect to push me over. BTW I thought the speech was the best I've ever heard in the time frame it was made and I'm sure that had something to do with finally giving in to disgust with the Clintons. I never could help liking Bill - I think I'm over that. And it turns out Chelsea is exactly like her mother - sandbag 'em with sweetness until you can really humilate somebody - the mask came off, so a pox on all of that Clinton clan.

[Didi47]

richw23:

There you Obama supporters go again. This time defaming Chelsea. Rest assured the public is seeing your posts... and thank God they can... before it's too late. Obama did himself in with his unbelievably poor judgment.

[standforpeace]

You're right Hillary does owe Obama an apology. However, I supect that he has the same chance as a snowball navigating hell of getting it. Keith, what I think you are just now coming to realize is that the Clintons will raze the housese and burn the fields in their efforts to have their way. What they are doing now may appear especially dirty but for them it's just business as usual. We voters need to decide if we are going to soundly reject this kind of politicking. If not, we get exactly what we deserve.

[lbarnett]

How foolish can anyone be in thier zeal?? You have set a new standard in the endeavor.
You assume your conclusion and then demand an apology. LOL!!!

She has nothing to apologize for, Keith but you have, whenever you decide to man up and stop whining!!

[rjcrane]

I wonder how many more primaries Hillary might have won had she and her campaign not stooped so low in attacking Obama not only alienating all of their prior good rapport among blacks but turning off new younger voters excited by the Obama campaign and now possibly alienating many Democrats who would have been happy to have her as a viable candidate just a few months ago? But instead of pushing forth a positive campaign on the issues, at the first sign of trouble her campaign tried to divide voters based on race and fear in order to win the next contests...and they didn't stiop when this backfired in South Carolina either. When subtly trying to ghettoize Obama backfired badly in S. Carolina, they turned instead to questioning his patriotism by elevating McCain at Obama's expense.

The only path Hillary may have left herself to save her reputation now is to unite the Dems behind Obama's campaign. If she can't or won't do this, my guess is she will face a hostile Senate when she returns. And it could already be too late.

RJ Crane, topplebush.com

[DemsDeBreaks]

I agree. I would have voted for her before Super Tuesday. Given what I have seen since then, I went through a spell where I decided I would stay home if she got the nomination. Now I will vote for McCain. We are holding government hearings on sports figures / atheletes because they are supposedly the role models for the youth of our nation and we supposedly want to hold them to high standards of moral behavior. When are we going to hold up the actual LEADERS OF OUR COUNTRY to high or even common decency standards? C'mon! This is not the Jerry Springer show.

Also, why was Chelsea so 'shocked' that ONE person out of the 70+ campuses where she has CAMPAIGNED at had the 'nerve' to ask about her father's affair? Both of her parents limbo'd under the bar a LONG time ago when it came to morals and standards. She tried to get a pass by not talking to reporters, even though she is no longer a minor child but a 28 year-old adult who is a public figure and using her status as a public figure to influence voters in a national election. What is THAT about?

[Nancyann]

Hillary Clinton is a disgrace to the country and the party. She's a toxic politician who doesn't belong anywhere near the White House.

[mojomagic]

Actually the most toxic people in this country are Obama's supporters who spew vitriol and Obama/MSM talking points without knowing anything other than what they are fed by those two groups.. The bottom of the pits was when they criticized Chelsea when she artfully responded to a rude and impertenent question at a college rally. These Obama supporters are a disgrace to humanity.

[Didi47]

rjcrane:

Had the truth been told about Obama 6 months ago... Hillary would already be the nominee - and you know it. The Obama camp had to try to defame her as much as they could before the truth got out. We all know it.. It's just disgusting that the Obama camp had to stoop to such dirty methods to detract attention away from him. But luckily the TRUTH Always comes back to bite you and this time it came back in time - to avert a disaster. The Repubs would have eaten Obama alive... if he was the nominee and sailed right back into the White House.

The media should be 'put to task' for deliberately misleading and oftentimes lying to the public as well! What they have done to the public is a total disgrace!

[TERRYKEITH4]

Didi47, you're completely out of your mind saying Barrack Obama needed to detract attention from himself. Tell Hillary to show her tax returns now!

[demlover1]

Sen. Obama's decision to be part of an organization and contribute it whose leader and apparently many parishoners made repeated anti-American statements, supported Farakhan, made anti Israel/anti-Jewish statements, said racists statements against whites, made anti-Italian statements and more is Sen. Obama's fault and his problem. And for the record, I think he will have a very hard time winning the general because of this (and some other things which I have read about including his relative inexperience). If a white politician was a member of such and organization and had close ties with it's leader and insisted on staying close with the person and staying in the organization, even when the organization hadn't apologized or rescinded the earlier remarks, they would be lambasted. Many of us suspect that Sen. Obama is getting a break in this regard because of the color of his skin. But African-Americans shouldn't be held to a different standard with regard to hate speech. Hate speech is bad no matter who said it. And for the record, one of the reasons I don't vote for Republicans is because of their close associations with hate monger preachers. Sen. McCain I think has attacked some of these preachers in the past, so I don't know if I can lump him in with the rest, but I certainly would hold it against a candidate if they go to a church or have close ties to some of these anti-gay, anti-Demorat preachers.

[sandpiper1]

Didn't white pastors/preachers who preach the same to their congregation support Republicans, Ford, Regan, Bush et al. Why are they not treated by the same measurements? I think this is a colour issue. Senator Obama is not responsible for what his pastor says and should not have to take responsiblity for it. That's stupid. BTW, isn't the first ammendment supposed to include all Americans, regardless of race. Why is now being used just to serve White America but not African Americans? Did you ask Ford, Regan, Bush to accept blame and responsibility for Hagee, Parsley, Falwell, Robertson, Graham, Schaeffer and the mulittude of other white preachers who make the same statement from their pulpit or in the neocon media?