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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 Political Researcher



Obama campaign responds to Rudy

Posted: Friday, November 02, 2007 3:15 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:

From NBC's Mark Murray
Regarding Giuliani today calling Obama's Iran strategy "naive" and "irresponsible," Obama spokesman Bill Burton pulls out the Bernie Kerik and Iraq Study Group cards.

"While Rudy Giuliani may embrace Hillary Clinton's policy of not talking and saber rattling towards Iran, Barack Obama knows that policy is not working," Burton said in a statement. "It's time for tough and direct diplomacy with Iran, not lectures from a Mayor who skipped out on the Iraq Study Group to give paid speeches, and who was naive and irresponsible enough to recommend someone with ties to convicted felons for Secretary of Homeland Security."

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Comments

I gotta say this, the Obama campaign has the best comebacks!!!

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:20 PM)

What exactly in Giuliani's non-existent foreign policy experience qualifies him to chastize someone who has spent years on the Senate Foreign Relations committee, has an International Relations major, and has spent time living in a Muslim country?

Giuliani only reminds voters of his complete lack of foreign policy experience by taking on someone knowledgable like Obama.  

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:22 PM)

See, Obama does have claws... they're just designated for Republicans. Oh well, Rudy is stupid so good for Obama, help knock Guiliani down for Hilary. :)

Travis, Louisville Ky (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:23 PM)

It's all about Hillary all the time. She's a neo-con, she's a socialist, she a SOCIALIST NEOCON! Rudy uses Hillary to attack democrats, Obama uses Rudy to attack Hillary and Rudy, but the frame of reference is always Hillary. If these guys can't even rank each other out without mentioning Hillary, how do they ever expect to beat her?


Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:26 PM)

Chuck and Mark,
South Carolina said no to Stephen Colbert but GeniusRocket says Yes. This is the new Internet startup founded by Howard Dean veterans (including Trippi, Gross and Mele). Go to www.geniusrocket.com and click on the primary campaign button for details.
Hope you are well.  Love your blog.

Chris Black (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:27 PM)

MAN THAT BOY GOING HARD IN THE PAINT . LIKE I SAID BEFORE ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO THINK OBAMA IS WEEK ,GET ON HIS BAD SIDE AND SEE . HE IS WAY MORE SAVY WHEN IT COMES TO POLITICS THAN ANY OTHER CANDIDATE BY FAR . WHICH IS WHY CLINTON WONT DARE ATTACK HIM AGIAN . AFTER THIS I DOUGHT IF ANYONE WILL .

KI HOUSTON (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:29 PM)

Right on Obama:
Mayor 'Bluster and Buffoonery' needs to be stopped dead in his demogogic path.  Let's truly begin the polics of hope with intelligence and reasonable planning and avoid all of the inuendos and hyperbole that led us to this disaster in Iraq.
Obama '08

Mitchell Feldman, Vestal, NY (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:30 PM)

Rudy and Hillary deserve each other.  America deserves better.

Mark, Burlington VT (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:31 PM)

"who was naive and irresponsible enough to recommend someone with  ties to convicted felons for Secretary of Homeland Security."

Missed a chance to work in a twofer here.
Should have been "with  more ties to convicted felons than the Clintons for Secretary of Homeland Security."

Just trying to help :-)

Dave, Tn (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:31 PM)

Giuliani as usual wouldn't recognize the truth if it was staring him in his face.  I didn't interpret anything Senator Obama said that would imply the US should "beg" Iran for negotiations.  I get the distinct impression that if it weren't for 9-11 that Guiliani would have been booted from NY.  Just like GW (the great decider), I believe Guiliani is using 9-11 for his own political ambitions and does not have the wisdom to be a great leader and president of this country.

Diane, Grand Blanc, MI (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:38 PM)

I thought obama campaign didn't know where hillary stand on Iran Issue.

ami (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:38 PM)

Giuliani is the worst type of Republican. A war hawk with little moral integrity. He looks like a crook... hmm. A bit like Nixon, to me.

Josh Davis Ca (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:45 PM)

The Clinton people must be thrilled with this.  First, once again, you have two presidential candidates who can't issue a statement without mentioning Hillary.  This does two things: it highlights her central importance to this election cycle; and it confirms the piling on narrative.  And second, if the Democratic left keep saying that Sen. Clinton is either Bush light or a second Giuliani and the Republican right keep saying she's a socialist, most people are going to realize its all BS.  Which, of course, it is.  

Dazed and Confused (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:46 PM)

Now that sounds like the kind of reponse we've been looking for from Obama...direct and with a little kick.  Slammed both Giules and Clinton on policy issues and the wisdom of their decisions...good show.

Rich, State College, PA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:51 PM)

Go Obama!

Erik (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:54 PM)

I guess this is the GOP's coming to grips with the fact that the Dems nomination is far from decided, far from inevitable.

--NSMSNBC (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:54 PM)

I am not a Rudy fan nor was I when he used 9/11 as a platform for his politics.  Seems this man can run around and say whatever he wants but bristles when someone has the audacity to call him to account.  It's about time someone did and while we're at it, let's ask him about how carefully he selects people he appoints to important positions.  

rick rosiak, waukesha, wi (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:55 PM)

Great responce the Giuliani's coments and I like how he threw Hillary in there as well! It really looks like Obama want to be President Of The United States!

Marcel,Las Vegas, Nv. (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:56 PM)

Excuse me?  Why did Obama's spokesperson state, "who was naive and irresponsible enough to recommend someone with ties to convicted felons for Secretary of Homeland Security."  What does that have to do with dealing with Iran?  Is he trying to suggest that the American people cannot trust Giuliani, because he has friends that have other friends that are "criminals?"  If that is the case, then we better not trust Obama, since his pastor speaks hate speech against "white america."

Rob, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:58 PM)

Oh, well said. Those words flowed easily. Mr. G. is a farce exploiting 911. Prior to 911 his approval rate was almost at Bush's level.

Ravine Force, Kissimmee, FL (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 3:58 PM)

Nice!  More needs to come out about the idiot mayor who thinks he's an expert on security.  Just because you were mayor at the time of the attacks does not make you an expert on security and foreigh policy!  Running around with a towel around your mouth and giving interviews right after the attack does NOT make you an expert on security and foreign policy.  Giuliani get LOST!

I'm not sure if I am voting for Obama but I must say I'm listening to him more closely because of his strong position with Iran.  Since when have we become afraid to talk?  Perhaps this is what countries such as Iran is looking for...show them some respect and talk with them.  Maybe direct talks will change the world.

Joe, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:02 PM)

I love what Jon Stewart said regarding Mr. Guliani the other night!  "He is the only man in the world who can say "9/11" 5 times fast with crackers in his mouth"
I want to know what planet these men are on and where they are coming from to say they "protected" us??? 9/11 happened on Rudy's watch- a REPEAT, FOREWARNED attack.  He is no hero to me because he strutted around in the smoke for the cameras.  Same with Bush, who took great care to ignore all warnings for 9/11, then read My Pet Goat while the world watched us under repeat forewarned attack. Stop the crap!  You did not protect us!

Rocky Mtn Woman Salida, CO (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:02 PM)

Nice!  More needs to come out about the idiot mayor who thinks he's an expert on security.  Just because you were mayor at the time of the attacks does not make you an expert on security and foreigh policy!  Running around with a towel around your mouth and giving interviews right after the attack does NOT make you an expert on security and foreign policy.  Giuliani get LOST!

I'm not sure if I am voting for Obama but I must say I'm listening to him more closely because of his strong position with Iran.  Since when have we become afraid to talk?  Perhaps this is what countries such as Iran is looking for...show them some respect and talk with them.  Maybe direct talks will change the world.

Joe, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:02 PM)

Time to start calling it like it is; Rudy starting to boil in his own oil.

Oregon (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:10 PM)

*pow*

Rudy, please.

Wayne, Silver Spring (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:10 PM)

It's easy to say use strict diplomacy when you haven't been in any really tough situations. At least the former Mayor has been tested unlike Obama.

Sharon Slowe (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:16 PM)

I know that Mayor Guiliani wants to appear strong regarding Iran. However, for him, with his obviously extensive foreign policy experience from his time as a mayor, to criticize ANYONE for their lack of experience, is laughable.

chris rand, richmond, va (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:17 PM)

I appreciate Obama's response here, and his staff does a great job turning the table AND turning up the heat. But why on earth won't he do the same to clinton? Obama has to beat clinton before he beats Giuliani, but he's knocking this criticism out of the park while he just bunts every pitch she throws at him. How can you be a candidate for change if you're not willing to swing at your party as hard as you swing at your opponents? Obama, I'll vote for you if show me that you won't do the same thing with diplomacy and pull punches from those who deserve them the most.

On the Fence in 08 (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:20 PM)

Obama like Hilary is a fool!!! If you show a person PROOF that the Holocaust did actually happen - and they still claim it never happened - how can you hold discussions with that. I wonder if Obama would speak to me if i told him that 9/11 never happened & that the twin towers never actually fell - would anyone be able to debate with someone that speaks that way. What if i said Canada should be wiped off the map - should that constitute a debate from the president of the USA.

DON"T VOTE for someone because they're black, or because they're a woman. VOTE for the most logical, and most experienced, and for someone with an actual track record of leadership abilities.

jim, new york (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:20 PM)

I am not a supporter of Obama, but that was a pretty good response.  

Walt Frayne, Bensalem, PA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:21 PM)

We love you in St.LOuis Obama you are the man. Rudy are your panties on to tight.

Kisha St.Louis (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:24 PM)

Classic!!  Calling out Rudy and Clinton on both of their weak spots.  I've always been an Edwards fan, but I could easily support Obama.  In fact, why not have both!

Edwards/Obama '08

Jesse, Burnsville, MN (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:25 PM)

YES!!!  So true...Who does MAYOR Giuliani think he is?  He has absolutely NO foreign policy experience, and NO judgment or wisdom...He's even more of a war-monger than Bush, and has surrounded himself with the neo-cons.  God save us if he is elected!!!

Brian S, Wayne, PA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:26 PM)

If this thing comes down to Rudy and Hillary; I just wont vote.. and it would pain me to do so as I have apparently become addicted to this election cycle. This is more of the same garbage from more of the same insincere, fence riding career politicians, PLEASE let Obama take this away in Iowa and the nation, it's the only hope we've got.

Matt, Beaumont, TX (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:27 PM)

I am waiting to hear Rudy say he is not a divider.

nuanced (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:27 PM)

Well I am from Chicago and like many Chicagoans still waiting for any reason to validate my vote for Obama. We didn't know much about him before and we elected him -well he was lucky the Republicans in Illinois were in total disarray- and he was elected to represent us there. He pledged to serve his full term and bring "change to Washington,' all we have seen in Illinois is the changes made to his fortune, his wealth and his friends. He is not here to solve the transportation problems we are having, he is silent about all the proposed tax increases in Illinois (by his friends in Springfield and his mentor Major Daley), he was silent for the huge rate energy rates increases by ComEed (big Illinois fundraising for Obama), etc.  Where is Obama? Ah, he is promoting his books and promoting him personally. Not wonder his personal wealth has increased 1000% since he went to D.C.

Now, it seems that Obama is now trying to call for attention really. He should not be playing "opportunistic politics" with a serious issue like Iran. Where was he when the critical vote for the initial amendment was need it? He was campaign!  A real calculated move to use the vote Against Clinton afterwards. If the issue was so important then as it is for him now, he should be doing his primary job that is to be a Senator for the State of Illinois instead of campaigning to friendly urban crowds, college kids or doing the TV sows celebrity circle (Tyra Banks, Ellen, Oprah or Hollywood mansion’s fundraising). If the issue is so critical for him now, why he didn’t signed the Webb’s letter co-sponsoring two other pieces of legislation reaffirming that Bush cannot use force against Iran without congressional approval. His “Audacity of Hope” is becoming “The Audacity of one Opportunistic, Energetic Totally Unprepared Politician” using big words and “big friends” to become President. Shame! I still waiting for a real example, policy, record that shows me or anyone else why we should vote for him, he doesn’t deserved the trust we people in Illinois put on him to represent us in D.C. all he is doing is running for President since he got elected.  We still are waiting in Illinois….we still waiting. Where is Obama?

Pete, Chicago, IL (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:28 PM)

Rudy is exactly wrong for this country.  Does anyone actually think that conservative Republicans in Iowa and particularly southern states will vote for him? Please. I like the Obama camps response of pulling no punches.  The New York media will have a field day with the dirt they have on him if Rudy wins in Iowa.  He is so vulnerable to everything he has done and said in the past.  One of my favorites is his telling an aide that all men should have mistresses because it helps your marriage. It clearly didn't help yours Rudy!  What a overhyped windbag.

Jim (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:29 PM)

So, Giuilani is using Hillary's terms to attack a Democrat.
Why is it OK for Hillary to demagouge Obama, but any criticism of Hillary is an abomination ?

Hillary sent out Slick Willie, and Wolfson and all her evil minions to attack Obama.

Then, she flip-flopped and adopted Obama's policy.

Hillary is toast !!
No mercy !!

Giuiliani wouldn't participate in the Iraq Study Group because he wanted to 'cash in' financially on 9/11 !!
instead of adding his 9/11 'insight', he gave paid speeches.
How 'responsible' was that ?
Now Rudy wants to ride 9/11 to the Presidency

Rudy G, 9/11 for fun and profit !!

Sierra, SF (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:30 PM)

GIULIANI IS AN IDOIT... COME ON AMERICAN DON'T MAKE THE SAME BUSH MISTAKE 3 TIMES... THIS GUY WILL TELL YOU EXTACTLY WHAT HE THINKS YOU WANT TO HEAR...YOU WILL VOTE FROM HIM AND THEN YOU'LLL FIND OUT HE IS AN IDOIT LIKE GEORGE W. BUSH AND YOUR STILL NOT SAFE, YOUR HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS ARE HIGHER AND YOU ARE STILL BROKE

pbrown (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:32 PM)

Ouch, talk about a shot across the bow.  I'm glad to see that Barack's commitment to avoid personal attacks doesn't extend to his potential general election opponent!

John Z., Mt. Pleasant, IA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:34 PM)

Oh I'm so sick of Rudy!! He had all of New York hating him until that first plane hit on 9/11.  He's about as divisive as you can get.  He'll pick up right where Bush and his cronies leave off.

Michele, New York (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:35 PM)

WOW - you go Obama - we've been waiting for this!

Dean, Duluth, Minnesota (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:36 PM)

We're so very against a pre-eminant attack on Iran!!  We need diplomacy with them and others in the Middle East!!

Ray & Connie Staudt- Winter Park, FL (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:36 PM)

Touche.

Al, KS (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:44 PM)

I HAVE STUDIED ALMOST ALL THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, BUT SEN. BARACK OBAMA EXCEEDS ALL OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO OPINION AND JUDGEMENT.
IF RUDY THINKS 9/11 IS HIS WAY INTO THE OVAL OFFICE
THEN HE'S ONLY DREAMING.IT'S RUDY'S HOPE TO BE ABLE TO STRUCTURE SUCH MAGNIFICENT JUDGEMENT AS OBAMA HAS.OBAMA, YOU'VE SHOWN SUCH SKILLS OF RESPECT AND INTEGRITY.GO!! OBAMA OUR NEXT PRESIDENT.

PRINCE ,NY,NY (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:45 PM)

Obama's campaign now lies (not with reference to Giuliani, but with reference to Hillary).

Hillary has stated time after time (INCLUDING MONTHS ago on the senate floor) that the way to deal with Iran is with diplomacy and negotiations. Is this the "new politics" that Obama speaks of? The politics of lies and fabrication?

Ken, San Diego, CA (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:48 PM)

Oops there it is, I thought you knew! lol

Barackin' in Nashville (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:49 PM)

Giuliani is a lose cannon and very dangerous for this country at this point in time.

We who lived in New York under his admistration knows the history. In time, the whole country will get to know who this man is.

Theo (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:51 PM)

[[Regarding Giuliani today calling Obama's Iran strategy "naive" and "irresponsible," Obama spokesman Bill Burton pulls out the Bernie Kerik and Iraq Study Group cards.]]

The two "cards," as you so snidely put it happen to be from the deck of cards known as "facts." I haven't seen any criticism from you about Rudy claiming that Hillary and Obama would invite state sponsors of terrorism to their inaugural. That's playing the fear card from a pack of lies. But I guess you need to be extra nice to Rudy so that you'll get invited to his coronation for free cocktail weenies with the rest of the "serious" journalists.

Houston (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:52 PM)

Jesus Christo (en espanol).
Dang (in American english).
This is a whole new phase for the Obama campaign.

Ann Memphis, TN (Sent Friday, November 02, 2007 4:53 PM)



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