Clinton's attack ad

Posted: Friday, February 15, 2008 3:04 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ads

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
We've seen veiled references and even candidates naming each other in some recent ads, but this attack ad from Clinton running in Wisconsin is the real thing, the genuine article...

Expect those truth-o-meters, Pinocchios and other fact-checking devices to be abuzz.

Here's the script for "Deserves":
Announcer: Barack Obama still won't agree to debate in Wisconsin. And now he's hiding behind false attack ads. Maybe he doesn't want to explain why his health care plan leaves out 15 million people and Hillary's covers everyone.

Or why he voted to pass billions in Bush giveaways to the oil companies, but Hillary didn't. Or why he said he might raise the retirement age and cut benefits for social security. But Hillary won't.

Why won’t Barack Obama debate these differences? Wisconsin deserves better. Clinton: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approved this message.

*** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan highlights the part of the press conference in which Obama responded to why he wasn't debating Clinton in Wisconsin -- in light of Clinton's ad. When asked what the harm is in doing a debate in Wisconsin, Obama replied, "Because I have to talk to voters, you know, every chance I get to talk to voters. We're not only picking up support, we're learning and listening and finding out what they're concerned about. And, you know, the debate exercise is one that I think has become fairly predictable.

"I could make the arguments on behalf of Senator Clinton that she would make against me in a debate. We all know them. You guys could too. And I'm sure the same applies to the other side. On the other hand, when we have a chance to talk to voters directly, when we have a chance to give them a sense of where we want to take the country and that's my priority in these closing weeks.

Asked about his response ad to Clinton's debate-challenge ad on not debating, he said, "Our general attitude is that any time somebody goes up with something
negative, we want to make sure that we respond to it."

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Comments

I'd like to know what they specifically believe is false about his "false attack ads." That quote in general is fairly ridiculous, given that it was her campaign that struck first on this issue.

I guess they may not like the "same old politics" line in his ad, but in general his ad is positive, talking about his own plans and uses sourced quotes.

This issue is nonsense anyway. Seems like grasping at straws to me.

Andy (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:12 PM)

Someone's getting desperate.......

Anne, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:14 PM)

GO HILLARY!!!

hillaryforpresident (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:14 PM)

Yet further proof that Hillary Clinton and her ilk will do or say anything to win the nomination and ultimately get back in the White House.

We will be lost as a nation if she comes out on top. I don't think she'd have made a bad president if she could've just been handed the job; however, what she's going to have to do to get elected will destroy whatever shred of credibility and ability to unify that she's got. Last I heard, the number of folks who have an extreme dislike of her is at 46%. She's working awful hard at another three percent because her math says as long as 51% of the people DON'T hate her, then she'll have a mandate. Reminds me of a certain sitting president we've already got . . .

Scott, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:14 PM)

Cool...this is the part Clinton calls "fun".

I know Obama doesn't want to go negative but are there any 527's yet slamming Hillary Clinton's records? I wouldn't mind donating to remind the Country of how skeezy she is and will be.

Stacy, Virginia (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:15 PM)

WOW! The Clintons are now resorting to distortions and outright likes. I guess I knew the Democratic campaign would be getting ugly, but in my heart I hoped and believed that Hillary would not reach this low. I'm naive.

I voted for Clinton both times and look to the past and admit it was better than the last 7 years with Bush. I'm female, 62 and in the demographic that hoped to vote to see a woman in the whitehouse in my lifetime. I must vote my conscience in the upcoming Texas primary for Barack Obama.

SharonAustinTX (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:16 PM)

I like the ad. I see nothing attacking about it. Challenging him? Yes. And, the man MUST be challenged to state his positions and defend them.

go hil (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:16 PM)

wow talk about false advertisement. Hillary's plan does not cover everyone either. The oil cooperation reform actually HURT oil companies by taxing them more. where has he said that he will raise retainment age and cut benefits from social security? Anyone can make false accusations without any proofs. This would be classified as a negative add. Clinton is at it again try to smear Obama without any proof. Typical washington politics.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:17 PM)

Hillary has already sent out mailers with out right lies on them. I am not surprised she would stoop this low in her tv ads. I used to like her but prefer Obama, but now if she is the nominee I am probably going to McCain. Hillary's repeated lying has shown how little she respects citizens and the election process.

Krissy, Des Moines (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:17 PM)

What more does she want? Why didn't she put in her add that she is willing to garnish wages.

She says, she will raise the minimum wage to $9.50, well since there is some much hatred for her, how on earth will this pass since the democrats are not in control of the House? That's a fair wage to substantiate the garnishment. ROFL (Rolling on the Floor Laughing)

This health care stuff is overrated on her behalf and I find it odd, she would start an ad in Wisconsin, but go court the Latino vote in Texas first.

This is madness, what is next?

Very Concerned (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:18 PM)

When in doubt, go negative. Gotta love the Hillary camp. Don't be fooled, Wisconsinites! Vote OBAMA!

Bruce, Madison, Wis. (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:18 PM)

Hillary Clinton is a shameless politician. She knows, full well, that she is losing this campaign because she cannot compete if she runs a positive campaign. She knows that she is losing the campaign in fund raising so she wants to get free airtime.

I am more and more disgusted in her.

Daniel, Lawrence, Kansas (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:18 PM)

Wow.

Hillary, you can smell the flop sweat on this one.

I can't believe you "approved" this 30 second tissue of lies, but I guess the LOW ROAD is all that's left for you.

Janece, Bowling Green, OH (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:18 PM)

I don't view this as negative more just a an act of desparation by Hillary. I think Obmamas ad that responded to it as the perfect response.. Same old trid and true tricks of the establishment in Washington .

JM (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:19 PM)

Poor Hillary, the desperation is really kicking in.

Dman, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:19 PM)

The "mighty Clinton Attack machine" and this is the best they can come up with? Pathetic.

But, we all know Bill Clinton really supports Obama, and that those slips he's made aren't accidental. Come on, he doesn't want Hillary to be President. Bill Clinton was one of the smartest politicians ever, he might make one slip up, but not the amount he has so far. He earned the name "Slick Willy" for a reason.

Just yesterday on a radio interview he said "vote
for me", not "vote for Hillary" he said "vote for me" and just kept right going. You can't tell me he's this careless to make this many slip ups.

J, OH (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:19 PM)

THAT IS WHY SHE WILL NOT WIN,SHE IS A SICK WOMAN.

JOE WTASON (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:20 PM)

Go Hillary. Get him were it hurts. Mr. Obama just knows that he has Wisconsin on his list of wins which will be slowly going down comes March 4th. The Black Agenda is asking some tough questions for Mr. Obama and his big time supporters: The presidential campaign of Barack Obama has become a media parade on its way to a coronation. Journalists and leading Democrats have done shockingly little to pin Obama down, to hold him specifically responsible for anything beyond his slogans of "yes we can" and "change we can believe in". Prominent Black Democrats, many ministers and the traditional Black leadership class are doing less than anybody to hold Obama accountable, peddling instead a supposed racial obligation among African Americans to support this second coming of Joshua and his campaign as "the movement" itself. What would holding Barack Obama accountable on war and peace, on social security, health care and other issues look like, and is it possible to hold a political "rock star" accountable at all?

Hillary08 (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:21 PM)

I'm a Republican, and even I have to admit that that's the vaguest bunch of crap I've ever seen.

Wow those Clintons (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:21 PM)

Off point but my favorite moment of late is when Hillary said 'speeches don't put food on the table or pay your mortgage'. Umm, Senator? Didn’t speeches by Bill put food on your table and pay off your mortgage? What’s more, didn’t those speeches also enable you to loan your campaign $5 million so you could pay all your advisors?

The point is, the Clinton's will say and do anything to get elected. In doing so they may just end up ripping apart the Democratic party giving us atleast 4 more years or neo-con Republican executive rule.

Dave, Evergreen CO (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:21 PM)

Geez, just when I thought she hit rock bottom. If I wanted this, I would read J. Merle's post in FR.

Go Obama!!!

Jesse, Fallon NV (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:21 PM)

PLEASE let this be the election that finally disproves that adage "Nobody likes attack ads, but they WORK."

America is really trying to grow up here. It's like America is stuck inside the mind of a 13-year-old who is struggling with his first notion of ethics, personal responsibility, and altruism, but just can't trust it. Perhaps the 13-year-old has a history of being abused - told he doesn't matter - made to feel worthless - felt the pain of bigotry and discrimination?

We need a child psychologist to be president. But in the absence of that, I'm voting for the candidate who speaks to my hopes and aspirations, rather than my insecurities and these poking little pretend-barbs of policy slant.

It's just so refreshing to have that option for once . . .

Scott, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:22 PM)

The Clintons are desperate and showing they will do anything to win from attacking, lawsuits, arm twisting Superdelegates, using business deals to win this election.
We the voters want a new government style not the Bush/Cheny Administration again.

David - OH (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:22 PM)

Hillary attack ads won't work. The American people are tired of this type of campaigning. I hope that Obama stand his ground and not debate her. She's just trying to get free air time. If she is so concerned about the people of Wisconsin than why haven't she been there yet? Bill isn't running,she is. If she loses in Wisconsin than she'll probably diss the state like she did the ones that Obama won.

Keeping It Real! (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:25 PM)

How ironic, Hillary accuses Obama of dirty attack ads, and then commences to launch a dirty attack ad less than one sentence later.

By the way, she DID approve of NAFTA
"The Buffalo News reports that back in 1998, Clinton attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and thanked praised corporations for mounting "a very effective business effort in the U.S. on behalf of NAFTA." Yes, you read that right: She traveled to Davos to thank corporate interests for their campaign ramming NAFTA through Congress."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/hillary-clinton-pretends-_b_86747.html

It's time that Washington changes!

BARACK OBAMA! '08!

James, Madison, WI (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:25 PM)

GO HILLARY!!!

for hillary (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:25 PM)

GO HILLARY!!!

for hillary (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:25 PM)

One of the few times he actually took a stand and voted. Shows where the Obama's interest lies. Well at least we can't add it to the 133 times he voted present in the Senate. For a guy preaching change, you sure play it safe.

SCRUTINIZE this fellow will you please folks. Call it whatever you want to call it at least Hilary's attacks are focused on issues. Someone's got to bring them out in the open.

Dan, OHIO (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:26 PM)

Finally she called him out. He doesn't want to debate one on one with her and risk breaking the streak he's on. It's easier to give a speech where nobody gets to talk but him.

RMK, Bakersfield, CA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:26 PM)

Senator Obama is in Wisconsin, has been for 3 days, meeting the people fo the state and answering their questions on issues.

Senator Clinton has been.... ???

Obamacan, Illinois (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:26 PM)

It is about time someone exposed Obama. All these glossy eyed voters don't really know what they are voting for. Obama is just like one of these southern fire and brimstone preachers that has brain washed people through his speaches. When will the substance come out?

tom a, saint michael, mn (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:27 PM)

Hillary, looks desperate...please dont attack when losing...Use attack from beginning, especially after she indicated that their are no major differences between Obama and herself. Now she is attacking on everything from useated delegates to not debating in every state until the end...Why would Obama want to debate everywhere...he is in the lead, plus, the differences are so minor...She just want another opportunity to throw around words like slumlord and maybe shed a tear or two, to rake in the sympathy vote.

Clintons are getting pathetic and petty....

Jason Thomas, Novi, MI (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:27 PM)

Poor Hillary - never knows when to be nice or nasty. She's tried both and neither strategy seems to be helping her. The ad doesn't even make sense.

peb - Boston (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:28 PM)

This will open a can of worms for Clinton. Obama's response should include Clinton's stated plan to garnishee wages of workers who do not voluntarily comply with her universal health care plan.

Mary from Eugene (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:29 PM)

Game on!

Those glass-house-dwellers are throwing stones. It's almost too easy.

Billy, Normal, IL (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:29 PM)

VERY old school, makes HER look really bad.

JohnnyU, WA State (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:31 PM)

WHY WON'T OBAMA DEBATE IN WI??

A retard hillary hack (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:31 PM)

The truth is the truth. Wisconsin invited Obama and Hillary to debate...Hillary accepted, Obama refuses.
Obama as usual...all talk, no action.
I'd like for him to fully explain his relationship with Rezco.
It's pathetic the way the news media, led by msnbc, has given Obama a free ride.
MSNBC is discriminating against a woman. FOX is more fair and balanced than msnbc in this election.

John Doe (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:31 PM)

Yes, Hillary. Wisconsin deserves better than negative attack ads from someone who skipped the state in favor of campaigning in Ohio and Texas.

Matt, Berwick, PA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:32 PM)

Smear smear smear smear smear…

Don't you Hillbots feel dirty now? Good to see that Hillary's giving Barack some practice going against dirty Republican tactics. Why doesn't she just start calling him B. Hussein like Trannie Annie?

Jay, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:32 PM)

wisconsin still clamoring for a debate? hillary would probably tell you she grew up a packer fan, growing up so close to blood border. you know hillary probably went to wisconsin a few times, during her teenage drinking days. oh i forgot, she was goldwater republican back then. just another side of the true chameleon.

ron h., brookfield,il (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:42 PM)

obamanoids angry---obama won state but superdelegates vote for clinton-------obamanoids happy state voted for clinton but superdelegates will vote for Obama----obama and clinton buy superdelegates $950,0000 clinton paid $195----obama paid the rest------

anti-msnbc (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:43 PM)

Why didn't Hillary debate Obama in the fall when she was 20 points ahead in the polls? Why won't Hillary release her papers from her time in the White House? Why won't Hillary release the Clintons tax returns?

Why are the Clintons going negative again - because they are desperate and will do anything to win. Sad!

John = WI (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:43 PM)

It seems most of the writers here are going very personal and very negative about Clinton. Her ad seemed pointed and asked the questions that she can ask in a debate if Obama had the man-courage to face up to her. Why is he running away from a woman? If everyone dislikes her so much, why run from her? Debate her and let people dislike her more...or is the risk viewers will decide she is more competent?

A fan of debates - the press should push for them! (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:43 PM)

GO HILLARY!!!
for hillary (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:25 PM)

____________

Yeah I agree... GO HILLARY!!!!! straight to Hell.

--

HillaryClintonSupport (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:44 PM)

Hillary's ads are starting to make her look more like a Republican than her voting record does.

Steve (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:44 PM)

Too bad the email domain name isn't a mandatory entry when posting to First Read. I bet all of these 'why won't he debate her' posts come from a hillaryclinton domain server.

Steve, San Diego (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:44 PM)

Hmmm... I personally do not think that Hillary (or really anyone with the last name of Clinton) should be attacking anybody... Just a few words can bring back some vibarant memories of what the Clinton era brought us... IMPEACHMENT... LEWINSKI... WHITEWATER...

If Hillary really wanted to debate in WI, then she should have paid more attention to it, not hoping that a last ditch effort will stem the tide of 8 straight losses. The Clinton campaign is desparate. People are jumping ship and he is getting solid endorsements. Maybe the United States is realizing that we do not need any more Clinton... we have had enough...

Someone who voted for Bill Clinton, Williamsburg, VA (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:44 PM)

I love the talk of 'Obama is all talk and no substance'...How quickly people forget that less than a year ago, the comment was that Obama was to detailed and not inspirational enough.....Do we really need MORE debates??? How many more questions are there??? PLEASE! Hillary just needs the free publicity that another debate brings--because she can't afford to buy it.
Nice try. Not biting.

Obama08, Los Angeles (Sent Friday, February 15, 2008 3:44 PM)

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