Clinton supporter invokes JFK killing

Posted: Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:27 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones and NBC's Ben Weltman
DOVER, NH -- In yet another reference to Democratic Party icon John F. Kennedy -- we've heard several in recent days -- Clinton supporter Francine Torge, a retired educator from Durham, mentioned his assassination in her introduction of the senator on Monday.

"If you look back, some people have been comparing one of the other candidates to JFK, and he was a wonderful leader," she said. "He gave us a lot of hope. But he was assassinated, and Lyndon Baines Johnson actually did all of his work and got both the Republicans and Democrats to pass those measures."

The Clinton campaign has suggested rival Barack Obama, who some have compared to Bobby Kennedy, has been comparing himself to the former president lately.

Obama has talked about JFK's target of putting a man on the moon as an example of the need for hope, but says he did not claim to be like him.

In Dover, Torge went on to talk about why she was supporting the former first lady.
"Here, we find a person who is willing to work for a positive change," Torge said, "and she's told us over and over again how she'll do this. Please listen to her. I get so tired of listening to people on national TV say, 'I don't know what she says. I don't know what she plans to do.' Because she keeps coming to the events and telling us over and over what she'll do."

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Comments

Hey First Read.....

Huffington Post had this story up BEFORE noon PST

Keep up the good work !!

Sierra, SF (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:32 PM)

This is getting disgusting. How much lower will this go? It is only the beginning and already in the gutter.

CG (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:35 PM)

Isn't this the second time today this happened? This seems to be the coordinated message du jour.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:35 PM)

I didn't think this campaign could stoop lower but now it has. Unless the HRC campaign IMMEDIATELY and STRONGLY disavows this statement by one of her supporters, they will have implicitly endorsed it (that doesn't mean tomorrow after they read polls that people are disgusted).

What does she mean? That if people support Barack, he will be killed? I've NEVER seen anything more dirty in politics, and we've all seen a lot of dirty tricks over the past 20 years. Stunning.

Scott (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:38 PM)

This is extremely irresponsible journalism! Are you sure you should be reporting this?!!!!!

John Baines (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:43 PM)

Great. So Hillary's desparation has shifted from Obama not being electable to he's electable but will probably get shot if that happens. Is this some type of fear tactic. Doesn't that prove that her message of having the experience to change things is false considering that the Bush administration is all about using fear to bend public opinion to their side?

Tom, Los Angeles (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:44 PM)

I knew if Obama won Iowa then the rest of the dominos would fall. That's why I spent a week in Iowa working for the Obama campaign. The only thing I didn't know was that it wasn't dominos falling, but a whole freakin house of cards. We've just elected the next president of the US. Come join the bandwagon.
Obama/Webb '08!

Bob in Denver (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:45 PM)

Tactics like this only entrench my belief that Clinton is the wrong person to lead this country.

Brittany, Tacoma, WA (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:45 PM)

What is the implication of that statement...why mention assasination?

Howie Williams,New York,New york (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:46 PM)

Yep, the "Iron my shirt"! plan didn't take off but they got a million of em.

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:48 PM)

I am an African American and I am supporting Hillary Clinton for President because she is an effective leader, has the experience, and has bent over backwards for the African American community. Barack Obama has "effective communication" skills that has gotten people to like him. Although he has some "presidential characteristics" the fact that he speaks well does not mean he is ready to be the Chief Executive Officer of this country! Obama has a lot to learn. We can not take a risk by voting for Obama. The media has been very biased against Hillary and its a shame! No matter what the current polls show, I still think Hillary will will the nomnation and the presidency. She is the only candidate who can beat any Republican. Ok So lets say, hypothetically if Obama does get the nomination- The Republicans are gonna tear him alive! I think the Republican will pick a ticket with John McCain and Senator Elizabeth Dole. I don't see Clinton and Obama on the same ticket!

B. Hayes (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:49 PM)

Nothing to lose but those remaining troublesome shreds of dignitude....er dignity

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:50 PM)

I understand the frustration on Clinton compaign, but the truth is Mr.Obama never said he is like JFK. Dose he talk about JFK and his acomplishment? Yes of course he does but that does not mean that he compares himself to JFK. He brings up a lot of names when he campaings for example Dr.King or Abrahim Lincoln, but to say somehow he compares himself to all thoes great leaders of our nation is nonsense and show how Clinton campaign is desparate. Obama is not a candidate anymore, he is a movement that carries with it the hopes and dreams of American people. Clinton compaign, I think, should be carefull in attacking obama personally because it may backslash and hit their candidate.

Aimal , SLC, UT (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 6:53 PM)

I was undecided but this has helped push Me more towards Obama ... when you can't win go negative right Hillary?

Joseph, Jackson, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:14 PM)

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana - Nothing to lose but those remaining troublesome shreds of dignitude....er dignity . .

The Clintons had dignity at one time?

Molly, Collingsworth Ohio (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:15 PM)

By the way, what is the basis in the claim Hillary Clinton is "the only candidate who can beat any republican"?? Has anyone who repeats this silly mantra not yet heard the republicans would much rather run against Clinton than Obama?

Ernie Osborne, Rollinsford, NH (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:17 PM)

The Clintons are desparate and I guess desparate times call for desparate measures.

Cindy Lee, Crofton, MD (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:17 PM)

Mr Obama may have never said he was JFK, but his fans have surely been comparing him to JFK.

Anyways, i do not blame the lady who said that relative to Obama. I dont think Hillary would support that and Hillary is not responsible for other people's words or opinions.

John, LA (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:17 PM)

i'm voting for clinton.women are the backbone of the family.behind every good man is an great woman.women have been running things for years and the men take credit for it.i think she has what it takes to dig her heels in and get the job done.we need someone who knows how to get the job done.she will know how to run things ,she has been there before.she'll be like an old pro.

jennifer ray,chatsworth,ga (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:18 PM)

Clinton campaign is desparate because she was the front runner from thr get go. therefore, they don't know how to handle the underdog place.

Seatle (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:18 PM)

How about reading the quote carefully, people. The point was not that JFK was assassinated, but that it was LBJ who actually got the work done and the bills passed. Maybe he wasn't as eloquent and dashing as JFK, but he sure as hell got alot accomplished. We know Obama can excite a crowd, but after he gets elected, then what?

Jon, New York City (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:20 PM)

I just don't get the HRC campaign. This election cycle they have said that Barack Obama trying to get Iowa Democrats elected by giving them campaing donations (which is legal) was somehow a bad thing. They've played the "vote for me or the scary scary terrorists will kill you all!" card. They have said that LBJ was more important to civil rights than MLK. And now they are apparently dissing JFK.

I'll grant that LBJ was important. But Hillary isn't LBJ and she most definately is not a JFK. So I don't really see her point asside from her campaign trying to diminish Kennedy. And to think there was a time that I was considering voting for her...

John Doe, The Peanut Gallery (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:20 PM)

Looks like yet another Clinton staffer will be fired/resign/retract/etc.

"If you are captured, you understand that Hillary will disavow any knowledge of the mission. This tape will self distruct in 60 sec. Good luck Jim.."

DanN (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 7:20 PM)

The quote does not say Barrack will be shot but that one person, JFK had the ideas and another got them done. Thats what it takes people teamwork, and of the candidates I think Barrack is the better speaker, thinker and leader. The Clintons, yes both of them will say and do anything to stay in power, that is their motivation. Obama isn't just talking, not just dreaming, he has struck a never in America giving many the belief that we can bring balance back to our government. That after he is elected that he will still care about the citizens as much as the corporations and that he will work towards bringing everyone together to use our greatness to leap forward as a country and sociaty instead of using our energies against one another. The American middle class is the engine that drives this country and we want someone who will lead us, not lie to us. Someone who will follow through, who will not sell out to the big business. Everyone runs on a platform of change and has for 200 years, onone says I'll keep everything the same, do they. So who is going to actually do it?

Joel Ankerich (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 8:27 PM)

Nothing troubles me more than gutter politics. At a time when we are struggling to keep decent paying jobs here at home for true Americans from being outsourced to foreigners that have little appreciation for what we've been through. When we're struggling with healthcare for the indigent and a battered middle class that's finding it more difficult to pay the mortgage because financial institutions have fleeced Americans with their lust for greed and power. And we're confronting climatic changes that threaten our environment and our very way of life. There is a voice of change, underscored by reason and backed by commen sense, namely Barack Obama. Let's put an end to such rancor and choose reason and civility over disparagement, especially at a time when our better conscious is our greater fortune.

Stephen S Rennert, San Antonio, TX (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 8:33 PM)

I'm not falling for the old FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) tactics that so many American politicians have used to such advantage in the past. Obama is running a clean campaign. He's walking the walk. This differentiates him from the pack, and it's one major reason he has my support.

Mitch in Denver (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 8:34 PM)

CORPORATES have already called it for MIT/RUDY.

-NOBODY WHO VOTES-likes any Democrat in THIS FIELD.

jj (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:05 PM)

re: jennifer:
Obama has a great woman behind him! Have you heard Michelle Obama speak--she's brillant! Hilary is an ambitious and dirty fighter. As a woman, I would not be proud of our country electing her to represent us in the world. I have been embarrassed by our leader long enough. Restore some dignity to the office--vote for Obama!!!

Kat, Illinois (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:16 PM)

Go Hillary!! I am not a Democrat but I am totally appalled at how the Democrats have ganged up on her and keep slamming her. I guess must be because she is a woman? The only thing the Democrats will accomplish is once again losing the elections to a Republican because of who they chose to run.

Dee, Tucson, Ariozna (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:21 PM)

If Hillary wins tonight I will not be voting. I'll vote for anybody except her.

Kimberly Brown Kansas City, mo (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:23 PM)

Dee, Tucson, Ariozna (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:24 PM)

What's up with MSNBC tv coverage today? Did they seem exremely biased against the Clinton campaign? It was as though they were calling NH (and the race before the nomination) before any votes were counted

Steve, Charlotte, NC (Sent Tuesday, January 08, 2008 9:35 PM)

IAM FOR HILLARY AND I FEEL THAT THE MEDIA IS VERY MUCH AGINST HER .AND THAT THEY HAVE TREATED HER VERY BADLY. THEY ARE SO MUCH AGAINST HER THAT BY SHOWING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER SO THAT THE VOTERS WILL BE SURE TO CHANGE CANDIATES.AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW WHY MR OBAMA DOES NOT WEAR THE AMERICAN FLAG OR SALUATE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG IF HE CALLS HIMSELF AMERICAN

HELEN NELSON STANHOPE NEW JERSEY (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 2:27 PM)

I am glad that Hillary pointed out that JFK did not live long enough to get his programs pasted. This is should not be misinterpreted as a veiled threat on Obama's life. If white supremacists were willing to kill hundreds of whites in Oklahoma what do you think they will do if a black gets elected? Then where will be? Do you really want to be governed by an ambulance-chaser?

Wilmette, IL (Sent Monday, January 14, 2008 8:41 PM)

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