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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Clinton: Obama 'irresponsible' & 'naive'

Posted: Tuesday, July 24, 2007 2:57 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under:

From NBC’s Domenico Montanaro

In an interview with the Quad City Times Clinton called Obama’s answer to whether or not he would meet with leaders who oppose the United States “irresponsible” and “naïve.”

The Davenport, Iowa paper wrote: “Clinton rejected the idea she reversed herself and added she wouldn’t foreclose talks with those leaders. But she wouldn’t promise it, either, and she added that Obama is regretting his answer today.

"'I thought that was irresponsible and frankly naive,'" the New York senator said.

We will update when we get a response from the Obama campaign.

***UPDATE 2***Listen to Obama and Clinton's interviews with the Quad City Times.

And talk about a tight campaign, a Clinton staffer also on the line treated the interview like a conference call and told the reporter,"I think it's time to wrap up." The reporter paused a bit, asked a final question and then the call ended.

****UPDATE****Obama hits back

Obama himself responded to the Quad City Times, saying Clinton was creating a "fabricated controversy" and that what was "'irresponsible and naive' was voting to authorize the Iraq war."

“What she’s somehow maintaining is my statement could be construed as not having asked what the meeting was about. I didn’t say these guys were going to come over for a cup of coffee some afternoon,” he said. “From what I heard, the point was, well, I wouldn’t do that because it might allow leaders like Hugo Chavez to score propaganda points. I think that is absolutely wrong.”

"He likened the position to a continuation of the Bush administration diplomatic policies," the Quad City Times writes.

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Comments

I watched CNN's you tube debate. It was a big joke!!!The whole political process in this country is a joke. It's all about who raises the most money. All their pockets are lined with special interest groups. The lies, the deceit, the wishful thinking.....All talk no action...
Just like sequels of great original movies never are great, neither do sequels of presidents; Adams and Bush, are two. America, let's not add a third sequel. Bill was great, Hillary is not.
Can we PLEASE just quit with the Clinton bashing on this issue? Firstly, I don't think MSNBC gives a crap about who wins the next election. They report what happens. Second: The question that Clinton is getting guff for was a blanket one: "Would you as President agree to meeting the following world leaders?" The question was "will you". Meaning, "do you, right now, plan to". Obama gave a blanket 'yes' and then went into the importance of diplomacy. In short, his answer was impulsive and naive. Would he agree to meet them with no pre-conditions or groundwork? I am sure he wouldn't, but that's not what he said. Clinton was commenting on the exact verbage of his comment. And as stated: He's wrong.

BTW...I am looking forward to a Clinton/Obama ticket, so I am not dissing the guy. I just think many of you are being unfair.
By what standards are we qualifying what it takes to lead this country. By cronism, lies and deceit. Or by trying to uphold what this republic stands for, or use to be for the current administration came into power.
She's a very intelligent woman, but the comments today about Obama were uncalled for. There was no chance for a rebuttal in the debate format. If she gets the democratic nomination, he'd be an excellent choice for VP.  Play nice!
Personally, her answer to this question, and her response to Obama prove to me that she has exactly what it takes to be President of the United States.  Even though Obama got the answer right, she got the answer even more right
I like Obama because he seems to be logical in his thinking and responses. If there is no dialogue, then how do you expect to come to an agreement or an understanding which leads to more dialogue?
Clinton's response is standard for someone who's been in politics for so long: suspicious of everyone's motives.
Hilary must apologize for authorizing this wrong war. Stop the politics and get real.
Then who does have what it takes because you make it sound like it's a breeze in the park?
Shallow in Hamden,

You miss the point, predictably.  Obama attempted to do what he always claims he doesn't do:  play politics with sound bites on complex issues.  Clinton rightly used his shallow sound bite against him, since this is, after all, politics.

He is a fool.  She is an excellent politician.

I hate them both, and pray they never set foot in the Oral Office alive.
There's nothing intellectual put forth by the Clinton campaign. They are betting that there are not enough intellectually inclined democrats to recognise that we've had enough:

1) Special Interests
2) PR and pollster run campaigns

How funny is that Hillary is accepting the contributions from the HMOs who "scarred" her
Hillary Clinton is not afraid of Obama.  She is doing her job to make it clear he doesn't have enough experience.  She has it all, leadership, experience, poise and she's smart.  
The question was not the WHEN (timing) of a meeting with Syrian, Iran et al., but if elected President, WOULD the newly-elected president consider meeting with these countries.   Obama answered the question correctly.  Clinton put a carpe diem spin on it.
Obama (and any other President) should immediately speak to, and negotiate with, Ahmadinejad , Bashar al-Assad, Castro (or his predecessor), Chavez, and Kim Jong Il. It's the mainstream media that has allowed the hateful neocons to frame the deabte. Conventional wisdom be damned! This is serious. We need to salvage what's left of this country's reputation before all is lost. And it WILL be lost if we don't begin to quickly  remedy our huge international blunders and mistakes.
Whatever happens - Clinton - Obama - They are both BETTER PEOPLE - I'm just saying - THAN GEORGE "I love dead Muslims & Oil" BUSH!!!!!
I don't consider myself as gender blind as some, but time and time again, Hillary has proven herself to be the most equipped and most experienced candidate to lead this country. Her decisions are both wise and well thought out. I just hope that this country can get over it's gender bias long enough to vote for her, or else we will miss out on the most talented potential leader to step forward in recent time.
This is another reason while this country need the change that Obama represent. Clinton's are too negative to take this country forward. She know Obama outdo her in the debate and here they go negative too much for Clinton's so called change.
Manny Calvin-your post about "it's not a woman's job to be President" is offensive to all the educated, hard working women in America. Mr Bush is the liar. Get out of the dark ages.
Does Hillary ever say anything? Does anyone understand her position on anything, other than she opposes everyone else's positions? For that matter, isn't this the problem with most politicians. Love or hate Bush (I love him), at least the man has a position. I'm tired of hearing what he did wrong; tell me what the Dems would have DONE. Nothing. Bombed an aspirin factory maybe. And btw, where's all the cheering on N Korea's backdown from nuclear mischief??
I believe that this question is proof that Obama is the only choice if you do not want 4-8 more years of business as usual in Washington.
Listen, I'll take Clinton, or Obama over those morons that run this country now. We were not in a war, with a country where the folks we set free now, would like to kill us too! Illegal immigration is out of control, and we are 9TRILLION $$$$ in debt, and beholding to Mexico, China, and Japan who are paying the tab for us to fund this war, at least for now....Way to go Bush & Cheney, you know the guys that were in the Air national guard, and no one ever really saw & Cheney, who deferred 3x's.Good move America, thanks for giving us not one, but two terms. I cannot wait for 2009.ANYONE would be better for AMERICA, and we can rightfully reclaim our standing, internationally.....
The left leaning slant of this page is disgusting.
I can't stand Clinton, or Obama.. I am a registered Dem that is disgusted with this party..  I am going to throw  my vote to either Rudy or the ACTOR...
JD Alexandria
Hilary must apologize for authorizing this wrong war. Stop the politics and get real.
This country will not elect a woman or minority, at least not yet.  So stop wasting your time on these two and look at someoen who has a chance!!!
To eliminate someone for leadership based on their gender is moronic. Bush is a fine example of leadership. He should have stayed in baseball; he always fielded a winner- or did he?
Republicans appreciation of Bush and the fine job he's done is reminiscent of a Titanic passenger praising the job of it's captain.
Hillary and Obama put togeather wouldn't
make a pimple on a good presidents rear end.
I think that Obama made the absolutley correct statement. The President should speak to the leaders of these countries. Yes, with preparation. There will be propoganda spin on both sides as always, but unless and until the leaders sit down and talk how will there be any accord reached? Ignoring them until they go away has not been a successful plan of action thus far. Clinton was using a cheap shot to score points, playing on the press that Obamna doesn't have experience enough to lead. He has lead, in political life for nearly two decades. His only lack of experience is Washington experience.
when clinton lied, no one died.
I believe that this question is proof that Obama is the only choice if you do not want 4-8 more years of business as usual in Washington.
I am glad Hillary fired back! Her asnwer was right and that is what bother Obama.
It's not about a woman being in office.  It's about what you believe it and what you can do.  And she isn't what this country needs.  As far as leadership goes, she isn't really what any country needs!
Hmmm, Clinton is attacking Obama. Maybe she's not feeling so securely in the lead anymore.
It is funny how Hillary Clinton is more concerend about beeing used for propaganada. I think she shot herself in the foot there.

Nancy Pelosi didn't have a problem with being used for propaganda when she went to Syria. She just did the right thing.

Where she needed to exercise this caution was in voting to authorize the war that has killed more Americans than 9/11
What this country needs is to show the rest of the world that we don't just talk about the land of the freedom but we stand by it as well.  Electing Obama in 2008 would send the right message.  
Clinton's right.  Obama's just full of happy talk and it is scary thinking this wimp would be in charge of dealing with terrorism, dealing with Iran, dealing with Syria.  Obama's going to at least have to talk tough on these horrible people around the world like N. Korea before he could be considered for the Commander in Chief position.  His stupid little fairy land comments like that and that his response to another 9/11 would be to make sure the first responders had all that they needed, just shows he's too inexperienced.  Obama can get over this by finally starting to have some original ideas or at least ideas even if unoriginal, and stop his lame generalities and weak foreign policy ideas.  I reckon if ah talk to Ahmadinejad he'll stop being racist.
Frankly, I'd much rather see my country's leader take the bull by the horns and meet with 'problem leaders' himself than sending his lackeys over to do the dirty work for him. I'm not sure where Hilary is really trying to go with this except to make herself "different" from Obama in any other way but her 'go-ahead' vote for the war.
Have you all forgotten that Hilary stole White House paintings and furniture as Bill's term was over? This woman believes she had rights "first" over anyone. Do you really want Bill back in the White House? Saddam Hussein was the first to voice his nasty oppinion World Wide about Americ's Government right after Bill's affair, or fling, while on your tax dollar. Our Country began suffering extreme and disasterous Weather Changes- as well as 9/11, in 2001, just 8 months after the Clintons left the White House with all their stolen goods. Blame global warming all you want, and simply ignore the signs of the times. I know that America will get what it deserves if this couple manage their way back into "our" White House. Free speech, so please post this.
It appears that RUSH Limbaugh's avid Republican listeners are following their orders...Get Clinton
They don't know why.  Sen.Clinton has never done anything, I mean anything wrong. Not one thing.
Oh, yes. She has frightened Republicans that they might lose the Whitehouse.  You people are not voting in your own interest.  Bush has favored the RICH in every way.  You are losing in the economy race. I guess you prefer to help the list of Billionairs grow.
Manny Calvan, you are a shovenist pig. And it's sad that you let your prejudices cloud your judgement. It just makes your opinion bias and dismissable. Sorry, but if Niger and England can have a woman leader, aren't we socially developed enough to handle it??? I guess you are not...and i am sorry to hear it!
I will vote for HIllary!!! Go Hillary! Hillary 2008!!!
She needs to re-think this one.  Look at the Presidents who put out that hand JFK or Richard Nixon before Watergate got him traveling to Russia and China.  Obama could ask to have a meeting, they could decline.  Or have a meeting on the tarmac somewhere like Ford did in Iceland.  Hillary is a pathetic Senator, I can say that because I live in Upstate NY, we are still waiting for all the jobs she promised when she ran the first time for Senate.

C-a-r-p-e-t-b-a-g-g-e-r, Carpetbaggar.

She will go down when her husbands women chasing appears again, a leopard never changes its spots    
Pushing Hillary is the biggest mistake the Democrat mainstream has made since John Kerry. Obama is a better person and candidate.  I'd much rather vote for someone 'irresponsible' and 'naive' than someone craven and opportunistic.
"The woman's a charlatan...." "I don't believe a woman should be that high office...." "She jumped on that like flys on...."  I guess inteligence is not a requirement for these emails.
I liked Obama's response.  I think what he was speaking to, was the current administration's use of noncommunication as a way to somehow bring these leaders and their countries to their knees or keep them on the back burner until the Iraq issue stops hemorrhaging.  At the very least, it's akin to giving the cold shoulder and who needs that?   I thinks its a fresh perspective to say this far in advance that Obama would speak with them (and not "at" them).  It really underscores for me a difference between he and Clinton that I suspected was there.  I get the feeling that another Clinton administration would engage in business as usual and that isnt what Americans want right now.  We can't afford business as usual.  The news clips of her campaign already out today saying that his remarks were naive are certainly politics as usual.  I also don't think that people are that idiotic to believe that as President, Obama wouldn't be advised and would ultimate go after he sends a diplomatic point-man first.  I think he would not add the laundry list of preconditions that Bush has to Iran. I think that he would meet with Korea without demanding that they only meet in 6-party talks or nothing at all.  I think that is what Mr. Obama was trying to convey.
I don't care for either candidate, but I do agree with Hillary.  This is not just a Bush administration's POV, but several administration's before.  ...and why is it so important to talk to these other countries.  Why are Americans, which I am, so eager to be liked.  Who cares if people like or dislike us.  There will always be people who hate Americans and we don't have to deal with them (Iran, N. Korea, etc.).  
Actions are louder than words.  If they (these other countries that don't like America) want to join the civilized world then free their people, invest in their people.  Stop the terror in their own societies and we will speak with them.  The ball is in their court!
Manny Calvin must think a woman should not have such a high office because all the fellas have been doing such a great job, come on.
Was enjoying the different thought processes until I got to Manny Calvin's.  Speaking as a strong woman who has survived breast cancer and the loss of a husband to leukemia all at the same time raising 4 children and working full time, you are an idiot!!  I dare you to do what I did in a 6 month period and not have your little ..... tail tucked between your legs!!!  Surprisingly enough, I as a woman, can change a tire, roof a house, use a circular saw, change the oil in the mower.  This is all at the same time as making dinner and folding laundry. Try that one!!!
The context of the question has yet to be mentioned in this thread.  The question revolved around President Sadat's visit to the Israel in 1977.  The visit had no preset conditions and no agenda other than what was decided upon once he arrived.  

***That visit resulted in a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt that has stood to this day, despite the on going strife that has continued between the other factions.***

If anyone -including Senator Clinton- thinks that opening lines of dialogue is "irresponsible and naive" they lack even a basic grasp of diplomacy.  When it comes to First Read posters, it is simply what I expect from party line shock troops like Jerry, Dave, and Bush Republican.  Coming from a Presidential candidate, it is disheartening and makes it impossible for me to vote for them.

The only thing that is irresponsible and naive is thinking that the current global strife we are enmeshed in can only be solved with force.
ELECT BUSH A THIRD TIME HELL WITH CLINTON AND OBAMA
Lyn, Silver Spring, do I hear a bit of sarcasem and dislike for Hillary Clinton, could you be one of those BUshies!?

Get over the fact she is smart and would make a great president.  You male schovenustic pig


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