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.
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The Clinton's owe America an apology! This morning there are reports that the Clinton camp is telling Obama super delegates that they are committing political suicide, and reminding them that it will be Clinton supers who will get "favors." As though Godfather Bill will be consigliori in his wife's graft machine. Then he says let's "saddle up and have an argument", that"that's what America is". Not to me it's not! I may be naive, but to me America is about freedom, it's about justice and improving the lives of people both here and abroad. We no longer concern ourselves with either. "The American Dream" has become a sales pitch, hard work won't make you succeed in this country, cut-throat tactics and self- promotion will! That is what the Clinton's stand for, parsing words, hiding their business dealings, and basking in their own perceived glory! Let me end by resolving a long standing question for Bill, "IS" means fact! It means pertaining to something based in reality, as in Barack Obama IS winning this primary! As in Barack IS ahead in delegates, Barack IS ahead in states won, Barack IS ahead in votes from the People of these United States!
And Obama is out there threatening Super delegates since the primaries started l.e. John Lewis, who marched with MLK in the civil rights fight, who was a supporter of Clinton until the Obama campaign threatened to run another Democrat against him. John Lewis had tears in his eyes when announced the switch and said it was harder than getting beaten up in civil rights marches with MLK. You think the Obama campaign isn't playing dirty. It's just that the MSM gives him a free pass. And as far as Clinton's statement about Rev Wright, you got to be very naive not to know the Swift Boaters are not making commercials right now to be released if he is the candidate. If their is anything questionable in his past, they will crucify him. Better it gets out now ;so the voters can deal with it. Just like he published in his book that he took drugs in his misguided youth.....
Yo
WHO DID SHE LEAN ON?
Who was sitting (literally) right by Hillary's side? You guessed it, Rev. Wright!
There are pics of him sitting AT HER TABLE at the White House prayer session while her slimeball husband asked for forgiveness.
HILLARY'S CLAIM THAT WRIGHT "WOULD NOT BE MY PASTOR" IS A LIE like everything else.
Chicago Tribune: Obama's assertion that nobody had indications Rezko was
engaging in wrongdoing 'strains credulity.
self-exculpatory. His assertion in network TV interviews last week that
nobody had indications Rezko was engaging in wrongdoing strains credulity:
Tribune stories linked Rezko to questionable fundraising for Gov. Rod
Blagojevich in 2004 -- more than a year before the adjacent home and
property purchases by the Obamas and the Rezkos." [Chicago Tribune
editorial, 1/27/08]
LA Times: Fellow organizers say Sen. Obama took too much credit for his
community organizing efforts. "As the 24-year-old mentor to public housing
residents, Obama says he initiated and led efforts that thrust Altgeld's
asbestos problem into the headlines, pushing city officials to call hearings
and a reluctant housing authority to start a cleanup. But others tell the
story much differently. They say Obama did not play the singular role in the
asbestos episode that he portrays in the best-selling memoir 'Dreams From My
Father: A Story of Race and Inheritanc
FactCheck.
newspapers pump up Obama's health plan.' "Obama's ad touting his health care
plan quotes phrases from newspaper articles and an editorial, but makes them
sound more laudatory and authoritative than they actually are. It attributes
to The Washington Post a line saying Obama's plan would save families about
$2,500. But the Post was citing the estimate of the Obama campaign and
didn't analyze the purported savings independently. It claims that "experts"
say Obama's plan is "the best." "Experts" turn out to be editorial writers
at the Iowa City Press-Citizen - who, for all their talents, aren't actual
experts in the field. It quotes yet another newspaper saying Obama's plan
"guarantees coverage for all Americans," neglecting to mention that, as the
article makes clear, it's only Clinton's and Edwards' plans that would
require coverage for everyone, while Obama's would allow individuals to buy
in if they wanted to." FactCheck.
Thanks for the fact check on Obama.
Confirms it yet again, Obama is an empty suit.
If you read MORE of factcheck.
ALL OF THEM.
There are no saints in this election. It's up to us to decide who we think will do the best job.
So if you're going to quote the website, don't pick and choose "your truth". YOU should be as invested in the whole truth as they are. Otherwise, it just makes you as untrustworthy as FoxNews and their cronies.
The whole Rev. Wright controversy is BULL. Remember the outrage over Huckabee saying the constitution should be changed to reflect biblical law? Or the grilling Romney got for the LDS church's
racist policies while he was a longtime member? IT DIDN"T HAPPEN. The rules are hands off the religious beliefs/af
If religious beliefs are a qualification for President, then lets elect a pope. Otherwise it ranks right up there with "nice hair".
The real disgrace here comes from the fact that in Hillary's GREATEST HOUR OF NEED- when the Monica story broke and the Starr report was about to be released WHO DID SHE LEAN ON?
Who was sitting (literally) right by Hillary's side? You guessed it, Rev. Wright!
There are pics of him sitting AT HER TABLE at the White House prayer session while her slimeball husband asked for forgiveness.
HILLARY'S CLAIM THAT WRIGHT "WOULD NOT BE MY PASTOR" IS A LIE like everything else.
She chose him not only to attend the event but wanted him right by her side. I wish I could display this pics here for all to see but they are all over the internet if you care to look.
She is a lying hypocrit.
WHO DID SHE LEAN ON?
Who was sitting (literally) right by Hillary's side? You guessed it, Rev. Wright!
There are pics of him sitting AT HER TABLE at the White House prayer session while her slimeball husband asked for forgiveness.
HILLARY'S CLAIM THAT WRIGHT "WOULD NOT BE MY PASTOR" IS A LIE like everything else.
============
You are so DESPARATE it is pathetic.
He was one of HUNDREDS invited for a prayer breakfast. Nice try.
Sitting next to R. Wright? Are you kidding?
If you don't like liers, here's one instance of many:
LA Times: Fellow organizers say Sen. Obama took too much credit for his
community organizing efforts. "As the 24-year-old mentor to public housing
residents, Obama says he initiated and led efforts that thrust Altgeld's
asbestos problem into the headlines, pushing city officials to call hearings
and a reluctant housing authority to start a cleanup. But others tell the
story much differently. They say Obama did not play the singular role in the
asbestos episode that he portrays in the best-selling memoir 'Dreams From My
Father: A Story of Race and Inheritanc
Uh, loser where is Obama's apology to Hillary AND Bill?
The Clintons were the SUBJECT of one of Wrights sermons titled "Hillary aint never been called a nword"....
Secondly, TRY WATCHING THE 60 MINUTES INTERVIEW. She DID NOT add "as far as I know" until Steve Kroft PUSHED AND PUSHED AND ASKED THE QUESTION 3 TIMES....h
Thirdly, David Plouffe from the Obama campaing was complaining last week that Hillary DIDNT say anything about the Wright situation.
Get a LIFE!
Well said. I'm not holding my breath, though. Hillary doesn't do apologies, even when there's video showing she lied in theft of valor of US soldiers in Bosnia. She's not sorry, she just "misspoke.
I completely agree
ell said. i'm not holding my breath, though. hillary doesn't do apologies, even when there's video showing that she lied, in theft of valor of US soldiers in Bosnia
Rev Wright has made you into a man undercover in the white community who will favor his group over the rest of us.
Keith,
You're missing the point, probably because you have been so close to the Clintons. In a number of stories I've written, the way to uncover clues is to follow the money. Oftentimes that means follow the way to gain power.
Why didn't she divorce her husband? Think about that a moment. Any normal woman would have, unless instead, she needed his support in some future time. Now he's paying off for her saving him from an incredible and scandalous divorce.
Why was this Arkansas woman shopping for a seat on the Senate, and then snapping up the one in New York? Think about that.
What does she have to gain, playing her gender card every chance she gets? Why does she pander to the under-privileged, under-educated, when it is in essence a targeted audience for Republicans?
What does she hope to gain, lying about her background, striving to rewrite her history, and give herself advertising points that simply don't exist?
The questions keep coming on and on, until finally, you are left with one inescapable fact. One upmanship. That's what it's all about. She wants to prove to the world, to her husband, and mostly to herself that she was the power behind the throne ... when in actuality, her place was as insignificant as the First Lady's then, just as it is insignificant as the Senator from New York now.
You are wrong. Not every women who has a husband the cheats on her should divorce him.
You say this because you know? When you are young and have not been married for long, that is a very easy statement. When you have built a life with each other, divorce is an option - but it takes strength to stay together. It might have helped her more if she did divorce Bill, politically. You don't understand what you do not know.
Gimme a break. If she was divorced from Bill, she would have no chance at the presidency. Hillary Rodham wouldn't stand a chance.
Don't hold your breath, Hillary apologize? It's not in her DNA. I am an Independent who planned on voting for either Democrat come November..
Multiple choice question. Is Hillary Clinton:
A) The Tonya Harding of American politics?
B) The Ralph Nader of the 2008 election?
C) John McCain's best friend?
D) All of the above?
None of the above, but here's a question for you.
Is Obama:
A) A great civil rights advocate
B) A expert on Foreign policy
C) Opposed to Jeremiah's homophobia, and anti white/america comments
D) NONE OF THE ABOVE
being black doesn't make him a civil rights advocate, Bill and Hillary have done more for my community than he has. Traveling with your Mom and step dad doesn't make you an expert on foreign policy, and if you were opposed to your minister's core values and beliefs, why sit in the church for 20 years and have him marry you?
"Traveling with your Mom and step dad doesn't make you an expert on foreign policy, "
But i guess getting flowers from a Bosnian girl does?
I'm not sure Obama has a central core to even why he is running for President. So it is easy for someone like me to think it is all about power with him.
If America, and serving the people of America, isn't why he is running - it is confusing. We want patriotism.
You have got to be doing it for us - buddy.
Rev Wright has made you into a man undercover in the white community who will favor his group over the rest of us.
Some Americans thought you were so well spoken - why not give you a chance. Well now, you are looking like some kind of intellectual snob not understanding why we are upset.
You sat in that pew. You preach from a pulpit yourself. 20 years is a long time.
No wonder you are shaken up. There is nothing you can do now. 20 years says it all. You have been defined.
You can no longer try to define your image yourself in this campaign. Maybe in time, doing the work of a Senator, you can point to things you have done that changes the image we have now.
But first - try to understand what we felt after 9/11 - and contrast it with this adopted father of yours. Americans were tramatized and sad. Five days after the event we were still upset.
There is no way you can bridge this gap. Remember - you asked your followers to tear the bridge down.
Rev Wright has made you into a man undercover in the white community who will favor his group over the rest of us.--vsign
This statement is so ignorant and so based in fear. America would be headed by an AA, but the nut and bolts folks in key positions will be no different than any in other previous administrations, so I'm uncertain why you would be suggesting that 'all of the white folks in government' will participate in aiding Obama to favor, according to your false reasoning---his group over the rest of us.
Try reading what Ken Melhman, a former classmate of Obama and current party chair for the Republican National Committee says about what he knows about Obama. And, try turning off Rush and Sean and Laura they are distorting news and information for a reason.
Dear vsign,
Your posts show you don't question Hillary's integrity. That says it all. I know you. I can see you with beer stains and potato chip crumbs on your pants while your filthy jackboots rest on a coffee table. You are glued to Fox. You can't think broadly enough to care about what the Nation needs as opposed to your own wants. You need to get a political life. Do you really want to grimace and wince like the rest of us as the Clintons careen through another tour in the White House. How much damage do you want us to absorb. Think of your country, vsign. Or, just think.
Ad hominem attacks don't address the issues raised. Emotions were running high after 9/11 and Rev. Wright's comments are insensitive, to say the least. Pointing that out and wondering why Senator Obama may have sat through those remarks, or failed to comment at the time when he may have heard them through the grapevine, are valid issues. It's difficult to imagine the Senator never heard about the 9/11 remarks. I accept that he rejects Rev. Wright's views as expressed in the videos, but Senator Obama should've been more forthcoming back when he was being asked about Rev. Wright. Don't blame Hillary for Youtube.
Rev. Wright was not the author of the controversial 9.11 comments, He was actually quoting Edward Peck, former U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and deputy director of President Reagan’s terrorism task force, who was speaking on FOX News. That’s what he told the congregation. Of course, if you only listen to the 15 second loop the MSM is playing over and over and over, i can see that you might get that impression. I think we all need to do more to keep ourselves informed of what's REALLY going on and stop trusting the media to be "fair and balanced".
Obama seemed perfectly willing to allow the media to peg Bill and Hillary Clinton as racists. Where is their apology? As a black person, watching this mess unfold, what is happening, is that America is willing to forget, inspite of his flaws, adultery and lies, Bill Clinton was one of the greatest presidents, and a real supportive figure in the black community. Obama, would be lucky to half the president Bill was.
Why do Clinton supporters continue to try make this campaign all about race and gender? I have to believe it is because they do not want to discuss the critical issues facing this country. The Clinton's chose to embrace Rovian campaign tactics to denigrate and belittle Obama. While Obama is not perfect, he has been forced to defend himself from the outright lies perpetrated by the Clinton's. Progressives, Liberals, Democrats, etc. do not like these tactics and have spent the last several years denouncing same, which is why HRC will never win the Democratic nomination.
Also, I think history has shown that Bill Clinton was not such a wonderful president. The policies implemented during his presidency have resulted in the loss of 1,000s of American jobs. He supported and embraced free trade agreements - agreements that were free from any labor or environmental standards - and he was also instrumental in ensuring corporate deregulation, which has resulted in inflated costs, privacy abuses, and deplorable customer service.
This Orwellian doublespeak by Clinton surrogates and supporters must stop! HRC is going to lose the Democratic nomination because she isn't capable of putting the greater good before her own needs. The Clinton's do not care about anything but power and money.
The Clinton's are toxic and unhealthy for this nation - it's time to move on!
Frankly, Bill and Hill could care less what they are labeled--racists, liars, fear mongers--just so they win. They don't mind playing the race card to get the support of the racist voters because they figure the black vote will go to Obama, and, if she gets the nomination they can smooth things over by saying she "misspoke".
"Obama, would be lucky to half the president Bill was."
What exactly would that be? Handjob?
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