Hillary hits Obama in SC radio ad

Posted: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 7:13 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
Clinton, trailing Obama by a wide margin in South Carolina, began airing a negative radio ad in the state that criticizes the Illinois senator for recent statements he made about Ronald Reagan.

The ad is a continuation of an attack the Clintons have been making since the lead-up to the Nevada caucuses. They have argued Obama said the Republican Party had the "best" or “better” ideas over the last 10 to 15 years. Media fact-checkers have said those earlier attacks took Obama’s words out of context. So not surprisingly, the South Carolina radio ad tweaks the language to make it factually accurate.

“In her newest negative, dishonest attack, Clinton claims that Obama praised Republican ideas apparently in an attempt to obscure her record of voting for Republican ideas like bankruptcy, NAFTA and, of course, the war in Iraq," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement. "That fact that Hillary Clinton has praised Ronald Reagan and supported some of the very worst Republican ideas just underscores that she will say or do anything to get elected.”

Below is the transcript for the ad, which is tracked by a deep-voiced man with a southern twang:

ANNOUNCER: Listen to Barack Obama last week talking about Republicans.
OBAMA: The Republicans were the party of ideas for a pretty long chunk of time there over the last 10, 15 years.
ANNOUNCER: Really? Aren’t those the ideas that got us into the economic mess we’re in today? Ideas like special tax breaks for Wall Street, running up a $9 trillion debt, refusing to raise the minimum wage or deal with the housing crisis. Are those the ideas Barack Obama’s talking about?
OBAMA: The Republicans were the party of ideas.
ANNOUNCER: Hillary Clinton thinks this election’s about replacing disastrous Republican ideas with new ones. Like jumpstarting the economy, putting an immediate freeze on foreclosures and mortgages, cutting taxes for the middle class and creating millions of new jobs.

With the economy in crisis, we need a president with the ideas, the solutions that get our economy working for all of us. Hillary Clinton. Solutions for America. Paid for by Hillary Clinton for president.

CLINTON: I’m Hillary Clinton, candidate for president and I approve this message

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Comments

I saw the tape, and it sure seemed like Obama was really trying to win the paper's endorsment. Clearly, he praised Ronald Reagan, while delivering a quiet assault on President Clinton. No ideas in the last 10-15 years? Well, how about the Medical Leave Act, Mr. Obama?

East Side Love, Los Angeles (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:18 AM)

Again, I saw the tape, and the its clear that Obama was praising Ronald Reagan. And I strongly believe Hillary is right on this one. No ideas for the last 15 years, Mr. Obama? What about the Family Medical Leave Act??

Eastside Love, LA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:34 AM)

FINALLY! Barack hits back with SOUND information to bring forth the TRUTH to the AMERICAN PUBLIC.. Do you want a REAL wake up call? Let the TRUTHS be known. http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

You may find that behind the HRC campaign is nothing much but a lot of public appearances and little involvement for true change. Its one thing to be at the sidelines and make it MORE than what it is and it is another to go beyond the sidelines and do something about the issues. HRC is NOT as effective as one leads on. Learn the cold hard facts from the link above.

Effectiveness is the essential to being a good President; not false experience! And true experience is the end result of being effective; at whatever is done!

Barack Obama has an EXCELLENT history at being EFFECTIVE at what he does. Comparatively, not many of the candidates and race with that! If the American people are being true to themselves and genuinely selecting a candidate by their ability and effectiveness, then I don't see how we can dismiss Barack Obama; he is the ONLY candidate that has a history that clearly defines his ability to be effective at whatever he is devoted! When he says he want to bring people together, by his history, I must say he WILL bring people together! When is say that he will bring our family members home from the war, judging by his history, I must say that I TRULY believe that he is the man to get this done and when he say he will do it... WHY? Simple; look at his history and his ability to be EFFECTIVE! Other candidates may have desires to change many elements about our country but, have they demonstrated in their history that they have/had the ability to be EFFECTIVE at getting things done?

Again, if America has finally decided to become a fully democratic and republic society, this means we are looking at choosing the best candidate that has the best potential to get the job done. In this case, I think as long as we have the facts and the truths on ones ability to be effective, I would assume that most of America would be looking in Obama's corner by now! When it comes to being effective at getting things done, Obama soars above the rest!!!

G, NH (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:39 AM)

Hillary's divisive tactics may indeed get her a win over Obama after a long war in the primary, but she will have absolutely disgusted so many of us independent voters with Democratic sympathies that we'll not be able to vote for her and will end up voting for McCain.

Hillary,

I realize you want a place in history as the female leader of the free world, but quench your thirst for power somewhere else. This country needs unity right now and not attacks. You are such a polarizing figure that you will be unable to get bipartisan support on anything. Politely bow out and let Edwards and Obama campaign cleanly.

Bob Smith, Tampa, FL (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:42 AM)

THE CLINTON'S, AS AMERICANS, SHOULD MAKE US ALL DISGUSTED!!

LOGICAL (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:47 AM)

What is the purpose of Hillary's ongoing negative attacks? Many end up being proven to be illegitimate. Doesn't she realize that this makes her look like a "dirty politician?"

If Hillary was for change, wouldn't it be hard to instill change when she is a big offender?

Women across America: This is NOT the way to get anywhere! Whatever you do, we need ALL women in the world today to maintain their dignity, honor and values to oneself! Don't follow this path nor make it something you agree with. Women have come a long way in todays society and you DON'T need someone that is "power-hungry" for the oval office to take away ALL of the living pride women has worked hard to estsblish. With all of the petty observations, and petty attitude she has demonstrated, I don't how women of america that would make a true difference!

GW, NH (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:51 AM)

What pure lies Hillary's been putting out. I made Air America listeners cringe tonight, but I said, truly, I will not vote Democratic again if Clintons takes this primary with their dirty tricks. She's tried to split the women for choice lying about Obama. She's tried to split the black vote lying that Obama is making this about race and trying to convert him into an Al Sharpton. She has even split the Latino vote by equating all Latinos to Latino gangbangers from prison who are pitted against blacks! There's no way I can vote for someone like that, I don't care if she calls herself a Democrat. I am female, 50, Latina, and I ask Latinos to reject the Clintons' segregation-strategy! Only a President Obama can keep me as a registered Democrat, anything less, and I am done with delivering my vote slavishly to that party. I will work to make the Independent Party viable with intelligent viable candidates, and to pox on both their houses, the Clinton-Lieberman Democrats and the Republicans. It's becoming too hard to tell Dems and Repubs apart, since they are both, except for Obama, using Rovian tactics.

V, Alameda, CA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:54 AM)

I am a registered Independent. My wife a Democrat. Today, we are strong Obama supporters. However, we have long appreciated the Clintons as good standard-bearers for their Party.
In the past few weeks, our opinion of the Clintons has changed immensely. Our respect for them has evaporated --- completely. The way in which a politician runs his/her campaign is telling of their character and how he/she will govern. Hillary has lost our respect and our vote if she should win the nomination. Believe us, this change of heart is passionate and final. There is absolutely nothing she could say or do now to win our vote in a general election. If she is the Party's nominee, we will sit this election out. We understand the nature of a fierce political race --- it is indeed a 'contact sport' --- things can be said in the heat of the battle that one regrets. This is different than a calculated and systematic plan to sabotage one's opponent with deliberate distortions and mischaracterizations. It is one thing to be 'swiftboated' by the opposing political party, it is quite another matter for a fellow Democratic comrade to stab you in the back.
It really would be great if likeminded individuals could instantly rise up to organize a nationwide movement --- "DEMOCRATS & INDEPENDENTS TO STOP HILLARY NOW". We challenge everyone to take up this cause. Hillary has proven recently that she is not fit to be president --- because she would govern the same way she campaigns --- DIRTY.
Obama has the vision, intellect, character, and judgment to become a tranforitaive leader. As he eloquently asserts, "It is time to turn the page and write a new chapter in American History."

Jim, Globe, AZ (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:57 AM)

It's apparent that all of the folks who are still in the race will do anything to win. That said, Hillary is just a loathsome individual, and nothing of greatness could possibly come about with someone so beholden to the spirit of mediocrity and the willingness to blame everyone else for it. She is truly a politician, not an effective leader, and we cannot ever know the “real” her. Obama might not be the panacea, and I strongly disagree with many of his policies, but he can inspire us to make this world a far better place than it currently is. Also, there are so many exceptional women in this country, that I just cannot understand why any person would, in good conscience, vote for Hillary simply because of the possibility that Hillary could be the first woman elected president of our country. I would very much like to witness the election of a woman as president of our country, and I desperately hope that at least one of the countless women who are truly leaders and who can inspire us to improve the world will one day (soon) run. It’s also interesting to note that if McCain wins the republican nomination, and Hillary becomes the democratic nominee, we will likely have another republican president for the next term (albeit, a significantly better one than we’ve had in a while), whereas, if Obama wins the nomination, the democrats have a very strong likelihood of winning the general election.

Glen Scott, Skokie, Illinois (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 1:57 AM)

Elian Gonzalez was used By Bill and Hillary Clinton to Destroy Al Gore Chances to Win Minority Voters.

Eight years ago, Bill Clinton and Hillary decided to backstab Al Gore by dramatizing the Elian Gonzalez incident for the sole purpose of upsetting the minority voters. Al Gore had to loose according to their strategy to avoid the public's fatigue toward democrats. Eight years of Bill Clinton and another eight years of Al Gore would have been too long for Hillary Clinton to have any chance to becoming President. People already forgot.
King Bill and Queen Hillary will do anything to go back to the White House so they can have their revenge on the republicans like W did with Saddam. Hillary will be worse than W. If Hillary gets the nomination we will vote republicans. We do not agree with McCain all the time but we know he is honest. We want an honest President for this great nation of ours.

Good Luck!

The Average Voter.

The Average Voter (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:07 AM)

Can't believe Hillary is putting so much effort into SC. Strategically it belongs to Obama and Edwards.
She's got NY and California yet she's acting like she's losing everything

Wonder if her insecurities will work against her.
Those insecurities could prove a slip of the tongue and ruin her. all she'll have left will be the gay vote.

riki cooper, hamilton, new zealand (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:11 AM)

Go buzz off, Hillary. No wonder the Republicans would unite if you win the nomination.

Dave, Vancouver, Wash (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:14 AM)

This is disgraceful. She knows full well that she's twisting the truth, everyone with a semblence of intelligence knows that she's twisting the truth, she gladly APPROVES this twisted truth...

Why are people still voting for her?! Even if they don't like Obama, how can they do it? Haven't all these years of lies been enough? What makes the American public think that she'll be any different or any more trustworthy in office? This election is clearly showing her true colors, and yet people are willingly blundering into yet another presidency filled with distortions and lies.

Sure, she appears strong, but even President Bush appears strong in his blind do-or-die speeches. Is that kind of do-anything-to-succeed, blind-to-consequences kind of strength really what our country needs right now? If the American public truly wants her in office, then we deserve everything we get.

Liz, Seattle, WA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:49 AM)

How dare Hillary use Obama's statements against him! lol

Go Hillary!

Hill Fan, FL (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:49 AM)

Obama's hands aren't clean in this campaign by any stretch of the imagination, but he's absolutely right on this occasion. The Clintons are knowingly and purposefully distorting his remarks, twisting them to fit their unhonest agenda. Is she alone in this act? Absolutely not. But regardless, it's incredibly unethical.

Andy, Baltimore, MD (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:00 AM)

HE brought this on himself...is it out of context....Yes...did he say the Republicans were the party of ideas...yes...is this anyworse than implying the Clintons were racist by the Obama campaign by taking her words out of context about LBJ and MLK...no...he asked for this type of warfare and he is going to get it....so much for the poltics of hope...or whatever the hell that is supposed to mean anyways.

john, lexington, ky (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:20 AM)

Both campaigns are guilty of mudd slinging, but the mudd that the Clintons threw really hit me in the eye... this confirms my vote to be for Barack Obama. I understand misundertanding a quote, but after time, and time again, Obama told her she was wrong about what he meant. This is just a way for the Clintons to make him...(I am so mad I can't even finish my thoughts!!!)

Jorge, Covina, CA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:24 AM)

I cannot believe anyone would vote for this terrible mean-spiritted woman. More importantly, there's no way she'll win in November. Overall she won't get many more votes in the general than she is in the primary, she certainly won't get any independent, or republican cross-0ver voters, and if 2006 showed us anything, it's that it takes more than just Democratic voters to win an election. As a fairly liberal independent myself, I will not be voting for her, depending on the republican candidate, if it's her vs someone I don't like, I may not vote at all. I think a lot of people feel the same way, what will the "stay homes" mean for all the close congressional elections. I think Clinton's electability is summed up the best by people like my dad, he's 65 years old, has never voted for a Republican, but if it's Hillary vs McCain he's voting for McCain, if it's Hillary vs anyone else, he's not voting. I think I sit in the same boat, but being young and feeling obligated to vote, I'd probably vote for a 3rd party candidate; maybe Nader will run again and I can make up for not voting for him 8 years ago when he still had his sanity.

Greg, Burlington VT (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:35 AM)

You know, for a candidate who is supposedly the national front runner, Sen. Clinton oddly seems to favor the sleazy tactics of a losing campaign.

Andy, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:48 AM)

i agree with bob smith of tampa. as an independent if hillary and bill win with these lies and deceptions as an independent i will not vote for the democratic party. there will be alot of independent and young voters who will not support the clintons. the dem's will lose the nomination.

ace-independent (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:34 PM)

john, you are out of touch. obama did not call the clinton's racist. the clinton's put that accusation out there as spin and folks such as you bought it without finding out how factual it was. so many americans buy into what the clinton's say just because it is the clinton's. i wonder what you folks will say when the dnc loses the general election?

ace-independent (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 2:38 PM)

Friends:

Unfortunately, the Rovian tactics of the Clintons ARE fooling voters who are not paying enough attention. If you're commenting on forums such as this one, you're one of the few who are. I read these forums fairly often--and I've seen that INFORMED VOTERS KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. The only way to stop the Billary sleaze machine is to SPREAD THE WORD. Go to the Obama website and print out the Fact Check documents. Print out John Kerry's statement about the Clinton swiftboat tactics. Print out articles such as this:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/14/AR2007081401722.html

Then make copies and post, post, post! Post them at work. Stick them inside papers and mags at the newsstand. Give them to people on the street. Leave them on the seat of the bus/subway.

Even in states like New York, where Hillary has a definite lead, it's not winner-take-all. Your vote to Obama counts because delegates are awarded proportionally. And your actions do make a difference. People, we have 2 weeks. GO!

Gracia Figueroa, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:15 PM)

I wish all you republicans would stick to your own primary and leave the democratic candidates along. We know that you wish Obama would win the nomination so you'll could beat him in November. That's not going to happen. GO HILLARY

Ann, Hohenwald, TN (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:15 PM)

Interesting!!! Hillary running a sleazier campaign than Obama? Don't think so. Obama's comment about the Republicans being the only ones with good ideas is pretty mean spirited and any one else wonder why he is not a Republican than? Obama is going to cost the Democrats the election no matter who the nominee is. Hard to make nice after all the name calling is done and the Deocratic party will again be split.

Jen/Phoenix (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:20 PM)

This is for all those people out there that think Hillary Clinton is going to win the election in November. You are wrong, unbelievably wrong. If you didn’t catch the interview with the African-American family in the South Carolina diner, here is the synopsis of what was said. They are going to vote for Obama because they won’t vote for a woman, because a woman isn’t strong enough. If this is their thinking, what do you think the Islamic world will think? This should be on the back of everyone’s mind. What will make us stronger in the eyes of the world? It has been said by Hillary that she has experience and she has been fighting the Republicans all her life in politics. That is very true and cannot be disputed. But what we need now is not divisiveness or fighting, we need unity if we ever expect to overcome our adversaries. I HOPE that we as a country can get over this cesarean rule of the Bushes and Clintons and move on to become the great nation we want to be.

Jim Williams, Wenatchee, WA (Sent Thursday, January 24, 2008 3:42 PM)

Hillary Clinton is the same essence as George Bush, an average person, with a great political machine around her. She doesn't make her own decisions, and rides Bill's legacy. How does a 60 year old women just "find her voice"? She is bright, but the president needs to be excellent in every way and to have a vision. I am depressed just thinking about another sub-prime president. We need a AAA rated president.

Logic, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Friday, January 25, 2008 12:35 PM)

In November we will have a Republican as president. This is thanks to Obama. Clinton could have walked into the presidency without any problem, but egotistical Obama decided to ruin this opportunity for the Democrats. I am a black man who has been a convention delegate in Texas every four years since 1980. I argued in 1980 that Carter couldn't be reelected. I was right. Obama cannot be elected. Hillary has more prep and eperience. Thanks Obama for ruining the chances for a Democrat in 2008. Can you say President McCain?

James Dunn Dallas Texas (Sent Monday, February 04, 2008 9:47 AM)

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