Barack Obama forced to decry adviser's 'monster' remarks of Hillary Clinton

[ruggerson]

FULL STORY

A senior foreign policy adviser to Barack Obama was forced to apologize Thursday night for describing Hillary Clinton as a "monster" during an interview with a Scottish newspaper, a major embarrassment to the Illinois senator who promised voters he wouldn't engage in the politics of personal destruction.

During an interview with The Scotsman, Samantha Power, one of Obama's unpaid advisers, said Clinton would stop at nothing in her zeal to seize the lead from Obama.

"She is a monster, too - that is off the record - she is stooping to anything," Power said, hastily trying to withdraw her remark. In addition to calling Clinton a monster, Power made other unflattering comments about the former First Lady.

(snip)

"You just look at her and think: ergh. But if you are poor and she is telling you some story about how Obama is going to take your job away, maybe it will be more effective. The amount of deceit she has put forward is really unattractive," she said. Late last night, the campaign issued an apology from Power and a statement condemning the remark.

(snip)

In her statement, Power said her comments "do not reflect my feelings about Sen. Clinton, whose leadership and public service I have long admired." She said she apologizes to both Clinton and Obama. "I should not have made these comments, and I deeply regret them. It is wrong for anyone to pursue this campaign in such negative and personal terms."

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "Sen. Obama decries such characterizations, which have no place in this campaign."

Burton did not reply to the Daily News when asked whether Power would continue to serve as an Obama adviser.

[leftofcool]

1. Obama should stand by his word

She should be fired. Yes, she apologized, but one's word is one's word.

[dkf]

6. What are you talking about?

When did Obama say he would fire Samantha Powers?

Are you making up stuff? I'd say your credibility is on the line on this one.

[leftofcool]

23. He said he would fire anyone in his campaign over things like this

Power has already admitted that he said this. read the full story

[yourguide]

27. He said engaging in tactics like this

the truth is the campaign member asked this be off the record. However on the record, I agree with the advisor 100%

[leftofcool]

32. She asked after the fact

It doesn't work that way with the press

[yourguide]

67. I think the point is

it wasnt a conscious tactic to spread this to the media, it's not a campaign strategy to call her a monster even though internally they might all feel that way. She asked that it be off the record, and yes I have spoken to members of the press before and most good reporters will honor that request if stated immediately after the what you wish to quantify. Good reporters want to keep those relationships and most will honor it. Sounds to me like the scotsman just wanted to write an inflammatory story.

[Divernan]

83. It does with any ethical reporter who is not blood lusting for a splashy story.

nt

[Madam Mossfern]

122. Yes it does

I have spoken to the press in many capacities and I have often made statements and said "that was off the record" and it has always been honored. A good reporter knows that if they publish something that someone has asked to be off the record-whether before or immediately after a statment, that they cannot be trusted and that they have no prospect of getting any more interviews.

[seabeyond]

39. i didnt read anywhere about fired. n/t

[leftofcool]

43. "no place in his campaign"

what is it about "no place" that you don't get? He should fire her or she should resign gracefully

[seabeyond]

45. wow. so a little non truth in your title, and you have issue with obama? no, that does not FIRE

that was certainly weak....

[leftofcool]

63. You really should read the entire article

This does not do your candidate any good, nor does it bode well for his campaign of "unity and change." Her remarks negate the entire structure of this campaign and for those things he claims to stand for. As well, I have no personal interest in what he does or does not do with his campaign advisors. However, if he wants to draw my support and money, he should stand by his word, that this behavior "has no place in his campaign."

[seabeyond]

65. please point out where he said "fired". it is NOWHERE. and obama stayed true to his word

tha always bodes well for a candidate. he handled this professionally and responsibly. there is not perfection. there wil always be errors and mistakes. leadership is how one handles it

lets look at a difference

when clinton made comment about obama speech 2002 and mccain good and riled everyone up, a simple, you know.... didnt say it correctly. sorry the way it came out or whatever. then she is done. mistake corrected, move on. shit happens

not correcting the mistakes puts you on KO and has tons of possible supporters so pissed off they are turned off of voting for her if she wins primary.

that isnt smart leadership. and we are looking to hire a leader

[geiger]

51. She's unpaid, how can he "fire" her?

[seabeyond]

58. and it is a lie he said he would "fire". no problem here just putting out blatant lies. n/t

[geiger]

165. good point. got it.

[stillcool]

76. funny isn't it?

the things that upset people?

Clinton Surrogate Compares Obama Ad to Nazi March
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080201/cm_thenation/45278988_1
Fri Feb 1, 2:23 PM ET

The Nation -- On a media conference call organized by the Hillary Clinton campaign today, Clinton surrogate Len Nichols compared an Obama health care ad to Nazis.
----------
Accusing political opponents of Nazism is an outrageous smear. Raising the specter of a Nazi march in response to a health care mailer that evokes the insurance industry is so absurd, it would be hard to take the attack seriously, were it not launched from a high profile national campaign conference call in this crucial stretch of the presidential race. And political observers know, of course, that the Clinton Campaign regularly arranges opportunities for surrogates to launch these kind of smears, which are later followed up with apologies. (See: Bob Johnson, Bill Shaheen, Bob Kerrey, and Francine Torge, to name the most recent offenders. For his part, Nichols did not immediately return a call requesting further comment.
-------------------------
Len Nichols, Director of New America's Health Policy Program, stated, "For nearly 17 years I have worked tirelessly to reform our nation's struggling health system. Today my passion overwhelmed me. I chose an analogy that was wholly inappropriate. I am deeply sorry for any offense that my unfortunate comments may have caused.

[seabeyond]

81. more and more and mre rove/bushco politicing..... i hear hilary supporter LOVE it. n/t

[Divernan]

100. Enough with the big posts full of truths & realities!!!LOL (Great rebuttal!

[CatnHat]

124. I'd say Obama's

creditability is on the line. If Obama is the candidate of change, then prove it. All I see, is Obama falling over his feet. Once again, Obama's judgment is clouded with excuses. If the Obama camp want to fight dirty, bring it on, but hiding behind words and Oprah's skirts, just don't cut it. Don't deceive people in thinking you are something you are definitely not.

[seabeyond]

126. he didnt say fire, that is a lie from hillary supporters. do you want to show me how you own

the lie adn apology or correct that.

he and power apologize. was very profession and an example to hillary and her supporters how to recognize adn correct a mistake. obama has given a good example of why he will be a good leader. he handled this as a leader

[seabeyond]

22. what do you mean ones word is ones word. this was a small mistake. she apologized

it was the appropriate reaction for the incident. responsible and mature. what isnt mature is making a much bigger to do and demanding more than is warranted and too ungracious to accept an apology.

where has obama not kept his word

[leftofcool]

29. Here is the quote from Bill Burton

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said, "Sen. Obama decries such characterizations, which have no place in this campaign."

"no place in his campaign"

[seabeyond]

47. no place in cmapaign = FIRE. wrong. they handled it professionally

lets see if clinton and her supporters can... oooops, already seeing you failed

[Madam Mossfern]

123. The way I read that statement

it says that those ***characterizations*** have not place in his campaign, not that he would fire someone. I think there's a bit of a reading comprehension problem for those who infer that anyone would be fired.

[Cooley Hurd]

2. The Scottish reporter is a schmuck...

...Every journalist knows what "off the record" means. It means "not for publication," and this asshat printed it anyway. The Obama campaign has nothing to apologize for.:thumbsdown:

[shadowknows69]

5. Oops great minds think alike cooley,

I just said the same thing, should have read your post first. That's the way I was taught. B-)

[Not the Only One]

15. agree

Candidates say a ton of things they don't want published and American journalists are pretty good about respecting that agreement between the press and the candidate. The candidates/staff are real people and are permitted to say things normal people say without having to worry that it will be in the media if they request it not be, and if it's not said in public. This reporter is a jerk.

[joeybee12]

20. She said it, and then said this is off the record...she's a fool and naive

because you set the groundrules first as to what is and is not off the record. She fucked up big time, yeah, he should apologize...but in your thinking, Saints don't need to do that, do they?

[mmonk]

88. While what she said was off the record and inadvertent,

Clinton surrogates are ON the record and certainly NOT inadvertent.

[uberblonde]

34. Perhaps you don't understand how "off the record" works.

It's an agreement you make IN ADVANCE with a reporter. You can't make it retroactive because you slipped and said something you wish you hadn't.

Or, as kids say, "No takebacks!"

[shadowknows69]

40. True that. I think I agree with that now.

Wow, look at that, intelligent discourse yielding positive debate. Haven't seen that on DU in a while. B-)

[Cooley Hurd]

42. No, it doesn't work that way...

There's no rule that says you must PRECEDE your comment with the qualifier "off the record." One only has to say to the interviewer "this is off the record," at any time.

"No takebacks." I like that...:D

[shadowknows69]

50. God damn it I have to go find my college notebooks now.

Just kidding. As I said it's been fifteen years for me. I think the reporter should have left it off the record, as I said you usually only push the envelope of ethics for more important matters.

[Divernan]

107. It was certainly contemporaneous.

The reporter/editor got a flashy story out of repeating the word, "monster", but it will be a cold day in hell before anyone ever tries to talk off the record, or on background, with that reporter, or any reporter from that paper again.

[shadowknows69]

119. Exactly, stuff like this is a judgement call that editors have to make

And they shot themselves in the foot with this one.

[Madam Mossfern]

125. Wrong

[MonkeyFunk]

49. Sorry

it doesn't work that way. You don't get to go back and decide what's on or off the record after you say it.

[shadowknows69]

56. It's a technicality

As Cooley is saying it is usually a courtesy that a reporter will allow a whole conversation to be "off the record" after the fact. Also as a journalist you are supposed to confirm your sources, quotes, name spellings, etc. etc. before going to print so one would assume that includes confirming this particular quote. If this was done the aide in question could have demanded that it remain off the record. It's one for the judges. Good talk though guys and gals.
S

[Cooley Hurd]

71. Power said "off the record" RIGHT AFTER the "monster" comment...

:shrug:

[MonkeyFunk]

84. right

the key word is AFTER.

It doesn't work that way.

[Divernan]

102. No cites, as usual. Give us a quote from a journalism organization

or Dean of a Journalism School, or something, other than your biased wishful worldview.

[MonkeyFunk]

113. The terms of an interview

are agreed to beforehand. If the interviewee wants to change the terms in the middle, he or she asks the reporter. For instance, "Can I go off the record for a minute", or "What I'm about to tell you is not for attribution." Then the reporter has to agree to the conditions.

The interviewee can't unilaterally decide the conditions after the fact. Some reporters won't do any interviews that are "off the record".

[Cooley Hurd]

166. Yes it does. It would violate the spirit of "off-the-record" if the one being interviewed...

...cannot dictate what exactly is "off-the-record."

[Abacus]

167. You're obviously correct technically, but

I don't think the reporter really did himself any favors with potential future interviewees.

[Redbear]

74. Actually, you cant make something off the record after you have already said it on the record

When you are in a on the record interview everything you say is on the record unless you specifically tell the interviewer that something you are about to say is "off the record."

[GreenPartyVoter]

135. Seriously, that was my first thought, too.

[shadowknows69]

3. The main thing I want to know

Is if this person said the comments were "off the record" why the hell were they printed? I know it was 15+ years ago I was in journalism school but that was like the rule of all rules. Off the record is exactly that. If you still wanted to leak the info you could go with an unamed source that witnessed the comments but you couldn't quote the person directly. Any other J students want to back me on this?

[Cooley Hurd]

4. Great minds...

:toast:

[Sulawesi]

7. I agree, not defending the comments, but when you say "off the record" and it all gets quoted....

....even including the "off the record" part, that is really bad. No wonder these people dont want to tell the press anything.

Again, to reiterate, her language was not defensible.

[shadowknows69]

18. Agree with that, and I'm an Obama supporter

Personally I think Clinton is a monster but the campaign should be above that sort of thing. :evilgrin:

[Maribelle]

9. I believe if you look at the reporting you will see she said "off the record" after the fact...

trying to cover her exposed butt.

Too late, however, that moonshot was already photocopied to be sent around the world.

Playing games with this "off the record" horse hockey does not always work.

[shadowknows69]

19. I considered that too. Technically you're right.

[Tom Rinaldo]

24. Honest question

Isn't it normally considered necessary to specify in advance that an interview, or certain comments, will be off the record prior to engaging in a discussion with the media? I assume such protocol developed to prevent political figures from pulling back any specific comment they make that they wished they had not said with the retroactive immunity of "off the record".

[shadowknows69]

30. This is a blurry line in this case

Technically the aide did stick her foot in mouth "on record". After more consideration I think they probably were justified in printing it. You usually reserve those strict rules for more important fare though. If "Deep throat" had all of a sudden told W+B that his shit was off the record retroactively they would have laughed in his shadow obscured face lol.

[shadowknows69]

33. Do we have a jounalism ethics forum?

I forgot how much I loved debating stuff like this.

[Sulawesi]

99. Off the record is not a legal contract, it is an agreement that must be kept in spirit if

journalists can ever expect people to speak their minds. She wanted those comments off the record, and they should have been, but the only recourse is to shut out reporters that do not respect the decorum. Happens all the time. I talk to reporters, we often close with what specifically we discussed was on versus off record, and therefore what can be attributed. When it works well, not manipulative on either side, we play nice next time.

[Divernan]

111. That was the unequivocal rule taught at Marquette's College of Journalism.

Although that was a far more ethical and independent time for journalism. Certainly that reporter has burned his/her bridges re ever getting ANY infor from confidential sources.

Remeber Connie Chung sweet talking Newt Gingrich's mother into sharing that Newt called Hillary a bitch who always tried to take over meetings? Poor old lady thought that whispering into Connie's ear was confidential.

[Alter Ego]

8. At least she apologized.

Think we'll hear an apology for the Ken Starr comment?

[durrrty libby]

10. So much for "new" politics of "Hope" and "Change" Obama and Co. clearly exposed as frauds

Here's a link to the original story

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/latestnews/Inside-US-poll-battle-as.3854371.jp

[seabeyond]

14. she made a mistake and apologized. bigger than some of the others.... n.t

[durrrty libby]

115. She had no choice but to apologize. She gets no credit for that

Honestly, I "Hope" BO continues on this path of self destruction

It exposes him and his goons as a bunch of frauds

[seabeyond]

127. of course they had a choice. hillary has chosen to not apologize.

and it was a well intended apology. obama said he would have it, called it immediately. he was responsible and owned a msitake. another thing hillary and people have figured out or been willing to do.

[durrrty libby]

143. The Kook-Aid causes necrosis in brain cells. Just say no.

[seabeyond]

11. hillary supporters put false subject lines. where was obama "forced"

and good for obama and power for doing the responsible and mature thing. it was the correct action to take.

[Maribelle]

21. But he said he would fire anyone. lol Obama sounds just like Bush on this one.

[seabeyond]

25. obama just one day said... he would fire anyone. i dont have a clue

what you are talking about

[cottonseed]

138. Powers comment was not a campaign "tactic". It was an honest and accurate assessment.

She should not be fired. I'd hate to see the things the Clinton's are saying off the record about Obama. I've heard enough from Bill before South Carolina to know it's probably not pretty.

[seabeyond]

140. and btw... he never said he would fire... that is a lie that they continue to promote

but isnt there.

[cottonseed]

144. Thanks. It's hard to keep up with what's true these days.

Reminds me of that cable news study a while back. Fox viewers had far less knowledge of events than viewers of any other station. I wonder if having to read through some of Hillary's supporter's threads is starting to make me stupider.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. Politics Is A Blood Sport

I'm not all that bothered about it... If The Hill is Godzilla Obama is Tokyo:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdWS3ZVD6ik

[debbierlus]

13. Very stupid mistake by the Aide

Never put your candidate in a position where they have to apologize to the other candidate.

[Autumn]

16. The reporter fucked up

that's politics.

[mmonk]

17. If the Clinton camp and their media type lap dogs end up

making her a casualty (yes she is responsible for her remarks but they were off the record) I hope the rest of you can defeat McCain because you will have to do it without my vote (should she be the nominee).

[Maribelle]

26. It was, however, Obama that said he would fire anyone. Obama would be making her a casualty.

Let's try to keep this in perspective, shall we?

[mmonk]

41. I believe I have the correct perspective.

Samantha didn't go to the reporter to say that.

[seabeyond]

55. and obama didnt say he would fire his people for a small mistake. n/t

[seabeyond]

54. lets try to keep perspective. show me the quote obama said he would fire. that is a lie

i think. you dont have issue with typing out lies...... but you have issue with a responsible apology and taking ownership with her comment.

[mmonk]

104. I am. She didn't go out to say that.

Intent should factor in and those that throw rocks aren't in any position to tell anyone to quit.

[seabeyond]

28. it seems obama people very good taking responsibility for error. many own it was stupid

and an apolgy warranted. unfortunately, but as expected i am not seeing any gracious acceptance of apology from clinton people, acting immature adn making childish demands.

i haev yet to see any clinton people take responsibility for the stupid their very own hilary has done

obama people seem to be able to consistently censor their candidate

hillary people lack this ability

[onehandle]

31. The monster quote has been a Big headline on all the morning shows.

Not good for the party.

[Divernan]

112. On the other hand, many listeners think, Damn straight - she is a monster.

[QC]

35. Ah, don't you just love all this hope and unity? n/t

[angie_love]

38. yup I also love how Hillary endorsed McCain over Obama and essentially

became a traitor to her own party. I loved that part the most.

[seabeyond]

60. yes... obama lived up to his part. his person made a mistake. they apologized

now lets see if hillary and her supports have any grace and accept or if they continue with the dirty politics.

[stellanoir]

36. She can't be fired because she is an unpaid advisor.

Here is a great article she wrote last week.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion?bid=15&pid=292522

[Medusa]

37. So when will Hill's "advisor" be fired for comparing him to Starr?

You people have got to be the most hypocritical asses I've ever seen.

[seabeyond]

44. after reading whole artcle more impressed with obama. hillary doesnt feel the need her people do NO

behave this way though.... as the hillary fans jump on power. oh the hypocrisy and fake outrage.... anyway

from the article the only misstep was moster, and really that was minor.... but at least power is respectful enough to say.... her people sem to love her within her group. i thought that was a nice touch for illary. and a couple other little tidbits of positive for hillary. power was certainly not in an all out dissing of hillary.

and it is good to hear that power nad the other dude clearly speak out that they know their campaign isnt going to be ugly.... that says something for obama

obama people got right on it, ... he gets points for that

all in all he handled it in a very professional way

lets see if hillary will do the same. seeing how she is not responding, not lookin like she will, but..... i will hold off, wait and see

[stahbrett]

46. Hillary is not a monster... as far as I'm aware of.

:D

[mmonk]

59. .

but we'll take her word on it.
:rofl:

[zulchzulu]

48. Hillary needs to prove that she ISN'T a monster first

She is in fact a turncoat to the Democratic Party. Being called a Monster isn't as bad as being a traitor.

Jus' sayin'.

[BigDDem]

52. Yet another example of the politics of "HOPE!" and "CHANGE!"

thanks goodness, no more "politics as usual"
Way to go Team BO! Classy.

[seabeyond]

61. yes... they took responsibility and apologized in a professional manner

reiterating they would not allow this behavior. lets see if there is any class at all with hillary and her people, they accept or if they chose durty politics.

[mmonk]

94. Sorry , but the least classy campaign the democratic party

has had in many decades (Clinton) has no moral clarity to lecture anyone.

[PITBOS]

53. this is a good thing for BO. Gets out the fact how

unethical she is.

[debbierlus]

57. No, name calling is not how you do that..........

You don't gain ethics points by name calling, a campaign tactic that is considered unethical.

[seabeyond]

62. and ethical that he held to word, power gave an apology in a professional manner

and obama stays true to his word this behavior is not ok by him. lets see if hillary and her people hae it in them to accept or if they chose dirty politics.

[TwilightGardener]

64. Well, she IS a monster who will stoop to anything, so I can't judge Power too harshly.

[BigDDem]

66. "Well, she IS a monster"

The politics of "HOPE!" and "CHANGE!" yet again.
BO and his supporters are frauds, same old same old.

[TwilightGardener]

68. Hillary's the fraud. She's not a Democrat, she's Lieberwoman, Party Of One.

[BigDDem]

73. Oh, thought you were a fan of Lieberman also....

"I am absolutely certain Connecticut is going to have the good sense to send Joe Lieberman back to the U.S. Senate so he can continue to serve on our behalf" - Guess who?

:rofl:

[TwilightGardener]

79. Was Hillary opposed to Holy Joe? I can't remember.

[BigDDem]

93. Might want to reconsider throwing around Holy Joe

as an insult since your guy was on his team.

:rofl:

[TwilightGardener]

You didn't answer my question.

[scheming daemons]

69. Um...having an opinion that Hillary IS a monster is NOT antithetical to believing in "Hope" and...

"Change".


She's a bad person. A VERY bad person.


That has nothing to do with the fact that Obama and his supporters want to CHANGE Washington. Part of CHANGING Washington is getting rid of the scoundrels.


Hillary is one of the scoundrels.

[snappyturtle]

101. Totally agree. I think it's about time people say what they are

actually thinking....whether we agree with it or not. Anyone who thinks this (dissing the opponent) does not happen in Clinton's camp is naive.

I believe the old gendarme will stay in control and do anything that prohibits real change (attitudinal) in the United States. Bullying is the status quo for the Clintons and bye-bye for "off the record" when it concerns Sen. Obama's people. I guess this is the "change" Sen. Clinton is advocating. If she were smart she'd go after this disclosure too...oh, never mind, it won't happen to her because heads would roll and the media knows it.....David Schuster.

edit: spelling

[Occam Bandage]

70. So, Obama takes responsibility for his surrogates' malfeasance. Clinton doesn't.

[burythehatchet]

72. I don't understand the hyperventilation. What she said is 1000% accurate

What part am I missing?

[seabeyond]

78. yup, you gotta it. bush, republicans and two year olds have a tough time owning for a mistake

and rectifying it, too. can own a mistake, cant fix it

[shraby]

75. Where is Hillary's apology for the John McCain

remarks?

[Tarc]

77. No apology is necessary. Apples and oranges, kiddo

[Occam Bandage]

82. You're right.

One was an offhand remark of frustration by a staffer.
One was the candidate herself praising the Republican nominee over the Democratic frontrunner.

Apples and oranges.

[seabeyond]

89. playing dirty politics doing it on purpose with intent to damage opponent. yes. n/t

[angie_love]

85. Look up in the sky, its Lieberwoman!! Run for your lives!!

Shes the democrats kryptonite and a repugs hero.

[BigDDem]

96. Look, up in the sky it's BO and Lieberman!

"I am absolutely certain Connecticut is going to have the good sense to send Joe Lieberman back to the U.S. Senate so he can continue to serve on our behalf" - Guess who?

[angie_love]

114. nah I like mine better. LIEBERWOMAN NOOOOOOOOOOO

[seabeyond]

86. wrong. obama people own their mistakes, clinton people dont admit to mistakes

who would i rather run the country, one that can recognize a mistake ergo fix it, or one that will run away from, deny, excuse, justify r lie about mistakes, never able to fix one.

cause all are going to make them, that is for sure

[Tarc]

90. It isn't a mistake to say McCain has more experience than Obama, kiddo

The truth hurts I know, but your empty suit of a candidate really is quite green around the edges.

[seabeyond]

95. you in the denyng stage. or excusing. maybe justifying. no, clinton and supporters at all cost

mmust never never never admit to a mistake.

i know that is a HUGE flaw i do NOT want in my president. we have had that for the last 8 years.

[Tarc]

98. Are you being intentionally obtuse?

Clinton said McCain has more experience than Obama. It wasn't a mistake or an accident or a slip of the tongue. It is a statement of her opinion, one with which I wholeheartedly agree. Demanding that she apologize for it would be like demanding that Obama apologize for criticizing Clinton's Washington insider connections.

It is stupid and illogical to demand an apology for a position that a candidate has taken.

[seabeyond]

105. post 76, post 87.... there is plenty for you to excuse or justify

Clinton Surrogate Compares Obama Ad to Nazi March
http://news.yahoo.com/s/thenation/20080201/cm_thenation...
Fri Feb 1, 2:23 PM ET

The Nation -- On a media conference call organized by the Hillary Clinton campaign today, Clinton surrogate Len Nichols compared an Obama health care ad to Nazis.
----------
Accusing political opponents of Nazism is an outrageous smear. Raising the specter of a Nazi march in response to a health care mailer that evokes the insurance industry is so absurd, it would be hard to take the attack seriously, were it not launched from a high profile national campaign conference call in this crucial stretch of the presidential race. And political observers know, of course, that the Clinton Campaign regularly arranges opportunities for surrogates to launch these kind of smears, which are later followed up with apologies. (See: Bob Johnson, Bill Shaheen, Bob Kerrey, and Francine Torge, to name the most recent offenders. For his part, Nichols did not immediately return a call requesting further comment.
-------------------------
Len Nichols, Director of New America's Health Policy Program, stated, "For nearly 17 years I have worked tirelessly to reform our nation's struggling health system. Today my passion overwhelmed me. I chose an analogy that was wholly inappropriate. I am deeply sorry for any offense that my unfortunate comments may have caused.






January 6, 2008, 5:18 pm
Edwards: No Conscience in Clinton Campaign
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/06/edwards-n... /
By Julie Bosman
KEENE, N.H. – John Edwards angrily took on Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton at two news conferences in a row on Sunday, saying that her campaign “doesn’t seem to have a conscience.”





COMPTON, Calif. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton and her campaign tried to mend ties to black voters Thursday when a key supporter apologized to her chief rival, Barack Obama, for comments that hinted at Obama's drug use as a teenager. The candidate herself, meanwhile, praised the Rev. Martin Luther King and promised to assist with the rebirth of this troubled, largely black city.

Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, apologized for comments he made at a Clinton campaign rally in South Carolina on Sunday that hinted at Obama's use of drugs as a teenager.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008...




Hillary: Sorry for Any Offense Campaign (Bill) Has Caused
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB65wJ6Rcfs





Bill Clinton Asks for a Second Chance
By Liz Halloran
Posted February 11, 2008

The morning after his wife, Hillary, was routed in three state contests by Sen. Barack Obama in their dead-heat battle for the Democratic nomination, former President Bill Clinton made his case for her before a packed Sunday service at one of the largest black churches in Washington, D.C.
But first he offered an apology of sorts for racially tinged comments he made about Obama and his candidacy that have triggered a backlash in the black community and among many other Democrats.

Clinton invoked his "worship of a God of second chances" in pronouncing himself glad to be at the Temple of Praise, which claims nearly 15,000 members. His invocation of second chances echoed comments he made early last week at black churches in California, where he campaigned for his wife before that state's Super Tuesday primary, which she won.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/campaign-2008/2008/...




Bill Clinton To Apologize At LA Black Churches
Once again, Bill Clinton is ready to repent.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/02/02/bill-clinton-t...
On Sunday the former president is scheduled to visit black churches in South Central Los Angeles, where he's expected to offer a mea culpa to those who "dearly loved him" when he was their president, Rep. Diane Watson (D-Calif.) says.

Watson, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus who has endorsed Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), tells us she'll usher the former president to more than half a dozen churches in her district where she says he needs to "renew his relationship" with congregants who were turned off by his racially tinged comments in the days leading up to and following the South Carolina primary. (Such as when Clinton compared Sen. Barack Obama's landslide victory to Jesse Jackson's wins in 1984 and 1988.)




http://graphics.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/20080...
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/17/a-feisty-... /
CLINTON ALLIES SUPPRESS THE VOTE IN NEVADA...
On Meet the Press on Sunday, Hillary Clinton said her campaign had nothing to do with a lawsuit--written about by Nation Editor Katrina vanden Heuvel--that threatens to prevent thousands of workers from voting in the Nevada caucus on Saturday.
Back in March, the Nevada Democratic Party agreed to set up caucus locations on the Vegas strip for low-income shift workers, many of them members of the state's influential Culinary Union, who commute long distances to work and wouldn't be able to get home in time to caucus. It was an uncontroversial idea until the Culinary Union endorsed Barack Obama and the Nevada State Education Association, whose top officials support Clinton, sued to shut down the caucus sites.
The Clinton camp played dumb until yesterday, when President Clinton came out in favor of the lawsuit.
Clinton's comments drew a heated response from D. Taylor, the head of Nevada's Culinary Union, on MSNBC's Hardball. "He is in support of disenfranchising thousands upon thousands of workers, not even just our members," Taylor said of Clinton. "The teachers union is just being used here. We understand that This is the Clinton campaign. They tried to disenfranchise students in Iowa. Now they're trying to disenfranchise people here in Nevada, who are union members and people of color and women."
Rank-and-file members of Nevada's teachers union also come out against the lawsuit filed by their leadership. "We never thought our union and Senator Clinton would put politics ahead of what's right for our students, but that's exactly what they're doing," the letter stated. "As teachers, and proud Democrats, we hope they will drop this undemocratic lawsuit and help all Nevadans caucus, no matter which candidate they support."
The lawsuit's opponents make a persuasive point. Creating obstacles to voting is what the GOP does to Democrats, not what Democrats should be doing to other Democrats.




December 10, 2007
Third Clinton Volunteer Knew Of Smear E-Mail

A third volunteer for Hillary Clinton's campaign was aware of a propaganda e-mail alleging that Barack Obama is a Muslim who plans on "destroying the U.S. from the inside out."

"Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential Candidacy," the email reads. "Please forward to everyone you know. The Muslims have said they Plan on destroying the U.S. from the inside out, what better way to start than at The highest level."

Two Clinton volunteers, Linda Olson and Judy Rose, have already been asked to resign from the campaign for their roles in forwarding the e-mail. The AP reported yesterday that Olson, a volunteer coordinator in Iowa County, sent a version of the e-mail to 11 people, including Ben Young, a regional field director for Chris Dodd's campaign. Young passed it on to the AP.
http://hotlineblog.nationaljournal.com/archives/2007/12...

[Tarc]

108. Yep, you've gone from "obtuse" to "extremely ignorant"

Look back at post that I originally responded to, if you can;

"Where is Hillary's apology for the John McCain remarks?"

I was addressing this specific point, kiddo. Please try to stay on topic and not stray off into the fog of non sequiturs and strawman arguments.

[seabeyond]

110. i see.... i was not talking specifics, you had it focused on one.

[CatnHat]

117. Obama touts

"his" campaign is different from "politics and usual" Big joke. Obama is a politician, having his minions do his dirty work; while hiding behind pretty words. At least the Clinton camp don't go around touting their better than everyone else. Hypocrite.

[seabeyond]

128. a mistake that was called and hillary and support with class or graciousness to be

able to accept. says a lot

[TwilightGardener]

97. Yes it is, when you are still in the primary. The Repubs didn't compare each

other to our candidates and conclude that our candidates are more qualified. That's a Hillary desperation tactic--it belongs to her, and only her.

[Name removed]

80. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WolverineDG]

87. One week & counting

still waiting for HRC to reject & denounce racist remarks made by State Rep. Richard Raymond in the Spanish-language paper, El Manana. Not only has she not done this or publically forced Raymond to apologize & leave her campaign, he was allowed to appear on stage with Bill Clinton 3 days after his comments appeared in the paper.

dg

[TwilightGardener]

91. LOL! Good memory. That smear never made it into the media very far, did it?

The Clintons don't care what their surrogates say. Only when it's full-court press negative media attention do they finally apologize.

[WolverineDG]

109. Probably helped by the fact that they changed the online version

too bad they forgot about Google Cache. It's been screencapped & saved & I'll bring it up anytime someone whines about the media being unfair to Hillary.

dg

[seabeyond]

92. illary is allowed dirty poltiics per her suporters, it is all good. just other people cant make a

mistake, or off with their heads, even with an apology, .... no cooth, no class, no grace... to accept appropriate and well meaning apology

[Bluenorthwest]

103. Donnie McClurkin

The end. No apology. None.
So I will be praying for you to be delivered from your curse, out of love.

[seabeyond]

106. you will have to help me out, who is donnie n/t

[CatnHat]

116. Obama

needs to grow a spine and fire her. Obama promised voters that he would not tolerate these kind of personal attacks, then what's the problem, Obama, keep your word and fire her. Put up or shut up.

Guess your "word" means nothing!!!

[redqueen]

120. And Hillary flat-out lied to the voters in OH about her stance on NAFTA.

That's not from some advisor... that's from the candidate herself.

What's her "word" worth?

[CatnHat]

132. You think the

people of Ohio are stupid!!!! What's the matter with you.

Never fails, when Obama camp blunders, and it's always Hillary Clinton's fault. Grow up.

Doesn't surprise me, just proves that the Obama's pretty words means nothing. Politics as usual, if Obama wants to play, then he should get off his pedestal and play, but don't let your supporters do the dirty work for you.

[redqueen]

134. "What's the matter with you." "Grow up." Uhhh... what?

Sorry if you're having trouble understanding what I just said... or maybe you're still in denial about the facts of the matter.

Hillary flat-out lied about her stance on NAFTA, and is most likely STILL lying about it.

Whether or not Ohioans belived her is beside the point.

[CatnHat]

142. Sorry to say

it is you who "missed the boat". This thread is not about Nafta, it's about Obama, there are plenty of other threads on DU that you guys started, go there and rant about it.

If you want to discuss the topic of this thread, be my guest.

But don't make Obama blunders, Hillary's fault.

Spin it anyway you want, no one's buying it.

[redqueen]

145. LOL... you think you get to dictate who gets to say what, and where?

That's funny!

:rofl:

YOU brought up how you think Obama's word is... whatever you said it was.

I just thought I'd do a little educating, since you apparently you think Hillary's word is... the opposite.

Funny stuff...

[CatnHat]

151. Say what you want

I don't dictate to anyone.

Obama and his camp whole defense is to bring out the Clinton 'attack dogs', yeah, that's defending your candidate. Brilliant strategy; especially when Obama's whole campaign centers on "unity", etc.


Obama's campaign is the biggest joke since Bush.

[seabeyond]

147. there is nothing to spin. obama stood up, toook responsibility, stood true to word

acted presidential.... he did good. power did wrong. obama supporters own it too unlike hillary supports with their candidate.

this is not a bad thing. it is an example of what we want to happen in future with stuff.

[seabeyond]

129. he didnt tolerate it. he called it. not tolerate doesnt = fire. he put up. so do you shut up

he held to his word. not that hillary has even bothered to give one that we can hold her too

[CatnHat]

133. When Obama

is basing his whole campaign on "change", don't you think it would be wise for him to keep his "word". Guess not.

[seabeyond]

136. he did keep his word. he calle dher on it. i feel good he kept his word. is hillary going to

even give us her word, at any time. would be a good thing.

obama did what he said he would do. he followed thru. he proved himself that he would not have people mouthing off about others.

[redqueen]

118. That's odd... how was anyone "forced"? Did they put a gun to someone's head?

Anyone else detecting a slight amount of spin, there?

Maybe trying to direct attention away from Hillary's NOT apologizing for her own vile comments?

:rofl:

[smiley_glad_hands]

121. She spoke the truth, whats to decry? eom

[theboss]

130. I probably would have dropped the C-bomb in a debate by now

So...I can't get that excited about the word "monster."

[Raffi Ella]

131. oh that Obama,He just can not catch a break these days.

From losing Texas and Ohio to the Rezko trial looming in the background and now this Un Democratic rheotirc coming from his camp about Hillary.

Poor Obama. :evilgrin:

[seabeyond]

139. he won texas. and he proved himself in this mistake and handled it in a way to give all

us a bump in feeling good about electing him and putting him in the whitehouse. leaders arent afraid of this stuff. they handle it regularly adn consistently. it is when you think you should never have to deal with this that a person is in trouble. he did a good job dealing with this.

i havent seen the same with his opponent when given an opportunity

[rodeodance]

137. oh my!! she must read the smut here on DU!

[jpak]

141. You mean that Ken Starr guy that phoned the Canadians about that NAFTA thingy apologized

to Clinton???

Ya don't say....

[CatnHat]

148. At least

Hillary doesn't raise herself up like some god. That's the whole point of this thread. Obama is not what he says he is. He's a politician, simple as that. He should get off his high horse already. He comes from Chicago politics, his dealings with his pals from Illinois leaves a bad taste in people's mouths. He is no better than his so-called friends and supporters, the truth is, he is only a politician trying to get elected on pure rhetoric.

[seabeyond]

149. no she doesnt ask yawl to hold her to any ethical standard, thank god.... n/t

[CatnHat]

152. Clinton is

for real; Obama is fake. Clinton will help the American people with strength, conviction and action. Obama uses empty words and promises. I'll take the real deal any day.

[seabeyond]

155. clinton is out for self and screw anyone she fucks and her supporters are ok with it

just like georgie and his supporters

[jpak]

150. and Hillary Clinton isn't a politician???

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Hillary Clinton got off her high horse to wallow in the mud..

and I take her word for it, Hillary Clinton is not a $%^&*() - as far as I know....

[CatnHat]

154. They're

all politicians. The sooner you find that out the better. Hillary doesn't hide behind empty words and promises, Obama camp uses empty words as pure rhetoric to get elected. I'll take the real day any day of the week. Go follow "the one" if you want, Clinton will help the people, while Obama hides behind empty words.

[jpak]

156. Yup, you're right - Clinton stands behind her Iraq War Resolution vote 100%

No empty promises there!!!1111

:rofl:

[CatnHat]

159. Obama

speech in 2002 was anti-war, then in 2004 he said he actually agrees with Bush's decision, long after the Iraq vote. Now he's against it again.:crazy:

Mr. Hope is proven to be nothing more than "flip-flopper". :rofl: :rofl:

Mr. Hope and Bush on the same page--go figure.

[jpak]

160. Mr. Hope crossed the Commander-in-Chief Threshold in 2002

Senator Bush War has not...

:rofl:

[CatnHat]

161. Read my post

again.

2002 anti-war speech---

2004 Obama agrees with Bush's decision. GET IT YET!!!

[jpak]

162. Yes - I got it, Clinton was consistent in her support of Bush War - until she became a candidate

n/t

[CatnHat]

163. In 2004

Clinton was fighting to end the damn war, while

Obama was agreeing with Bush!!!!:rofl:

[jpak]

164. "Give me a break. This whole thing is the biggest fairy tale I've ever seen,"

:rofl:

When did Clinton vote to cut off funding for the war??

flippin' and a-floppin'

[Catherine Vincent]

146. Oh, I see. So that's Samantha Power. nt

[OhioBlue]

153. He should have said Senator Clinton is not a monster as far

as I know.

But, he isn't void of class and decency like some candidates.

[seabeyond]

157. man.... i cant do the clinton people. no different, at all from bush and his supporters

this has been an eye opener for me this week. i have not been a part. not even a big obama fan. but after a week seeing what hillary and her supporters have become i am going to work my ass off for obama.

it is sad

in the scheme of things this is not even a hiccup for obama. and the blessing is just further example of clinton = to bush/rove. she wasnt going to win anyway, this will just continue the spiral down. and it will be good for obama i beleive. concrete me even more in his camp

[robbedvoter]

158. Here's the Daily News cover: