Obama camp's quiet offensive

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 10:30 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC/NJ's Aswini Anburajan
The Obama campaign has launched a quiet offensive against Farrakhan and his endorsement. Obama held a private meeting with Jewish community leaders in Toledo, Ohio this past weekend, where he addressed concerns that he wasn't tough enough on Israel, on comments made by people like Farrakhan and his own pastor Jeremiah Wright praising Farrakhan. But this appears to be a thorn in the campaign's side that they are having trouble getting rid of.

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Comments

The whole Farakhan issue is being blown way out of proportion i feel people are desperately looking for something wrong with Barak and in the process they are succeeding in sterotyping African Americans

CHARLES, HARARE, ZIMBABWE (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 3:38 AM)

All you, Hillary'supporters, are somewhat forgot how stupid Hillary sounds (You can't simply denounced, we have to be stronger than that, you have to reject)...Any 5th grader knows that : the word "denounce is stronger and will remain stronger than reject". Furthermore, Obama just put a " here is your sign" on her face by saying: If Clinton say so, I would concide the point, denounce/reject. Every one was laughing. Me frankly, I would cried. So in one word she made herself looks like an Idiot. The morale of this, Hillary should think about bying herself a Dictionnary before even think about running for president, and stop that crying that she is doing all the time. I was going to vote for her in Ohio, I am just getting on the Obama train from now on...Gee! I just realize that it is time to change this Democratic party that is been going around Bill for t he past 16 years. So Go Obama !!! for a fresh start. And for those of you, who do not like it, you all can just go to Mexico, I heard they are hiring people over there in NAFTA.

Semper Fi,

Ryan, Cleaveland, OHIO (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 4:09 AM)

I hoestly thought Obama was intelligent and thoughtful more Commander @Chief, Hillary looked angry and whinny and did not answer to my satiisfaction why she has not disclosed her income tax returns as Obama has done.

trusy macdonald (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 4:40 AM)

I hoestly thought Obama was intelligent and thoughtful in his responses more Commander @Chief, Hillary looked angry and whinny and did not answer to my satiisfaction why she has not disclosed her income tax returns as Obama has done.Yes, in my view Obama won.

trusy macdonald (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 4:43 AM)

What a bunch of hypocrits we all are. We denounce Obama for going to a church lead by a person who backs a hate-monger like Farakhan, and 80% of the Catholics in the US do not agree with thier own Popes view on divorce and the sanctity of marriage. Seems to me that Hillary's supporters are desperate. I like Hillary, and would fully support her if she wins, but I do not want Bill in the White House as first man- it would be a media circus with Bill as the head clown. The Clinton's have had thier turn in the White House - time for some new blood!

Mari McCarthy, Chicago IL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:20 AM)

Obama won, fair and square. Hillary had nothing new to say, was negative, whiny, aggressive, and downright silly. Throughout her campaign, she has touted her "experience," which, apart from her Senate seat, amounts to being married to an elected official. Why has the media (and Hillary supporters) given this false claim to experience such short shrift? It contradicts her assertion that Obama gets favorable press coverage. Also, why has her failure to disclose her tax returns failed to provoke more media/supporter scrutiny? That excuse she used in last night's debate was more than a little lame - she's got plenty of "people" doing her hair, wardrobe, extensive makeup, not to mention all those handling her campaign; it is disingenuous to imply that these people couldn't just as well get her tax returns publicized. She is duplicitous. She knows that her upper-class earnings will cost her the sympathies of the working class - which her campaign has repeatedly claimed as its pillar of support.

K. Ciucci (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:40 AM)

President Obama carries, conducts and composes himself like an international leader. He does not bark and whine ... and worse, engage in continual spin. I'm usually a fan of Senator Clinton, but the time has come for her to do what's good for the Democratic Party and for America by stepping down and pledging her support for Senator Obama. She looks and acts desperate.

And on the question of Minister Farrakhan's support, has Obama accepted donations from the minister? No. Has he gone to the minister's events to rally and solicit support? No. Has he renounced and rejected the minister's support? Yes. Case closed.

My "Obama for President" signs arrived yesterday ... right on time.

K Leona, Atlanta, Ga. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:46 AM)

it a shame the hilary and her supporter will never play fair, she is nothing different from the same old politicial we've been seeing always attacking their opponent to gain points. She wom in new hampshire she found her voice but when she is loosing her voice was gone and the remaining she had left in her was to attack. she displayed in the debate she was despirate and frustrated. obama's experience still put a question mark in my mind and this makes me and my family sceptical about him. we've not decided to vote for him but we've decided not to vote for hilary.

dan, austin, texas (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:51 AM)

For change to come to America, we need a unified Democratic party in power and control. We are all focused on 'The Prez" but we had a good one in Bill and screwed our children by fighting him with a Republican legislature. They taxed the poor and killed their children in an immoral, duplicitous war.

The ONLY hope for AMerica getting back on track is A MAJORITY IN BOTH HOUSE AND SENATE. 60+ senate seats, 290 seats in the house. THEN Either candidate would steer America straight. Their ideas are identical, the minute details adjustable. BOTH would have advisors to fine tune the plans...

Personally, I am abhored at hillary's desperation. I mean she cried in new hampshire because she thought she would be creamed, and now, just like a 6 year old... whine whine whine until she gets what she wants. i admire Mr. Obama for his presenceof mind and maturity (LOL at THAT irony), but he needs to be less glib and more direct.

I swore i would vote for Hillary if she ran because America NEEDS a woman to run this homeland, but once i got to know her, I understand WHY the press was set against her. They knew her from the BILL years! LMAO

AND WHO would Hillary hire to keep Bill busy in the Oral Office? Did she LIE to EVERY American when she held his hand on National TV on a Sunday morning as he swore he did noot have sex with that woman. Of course... maybe hillary really thinks sticking a cigar in someone's anus is NOT sex?

Stephen Montrose, CO (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 6:56 AM)

I was dissapointed that you asked basically the same questons again. I guess it was so you could slice and dice what you've repeated before. We heard a little more. Not much. It was clear Obama enteranced began with stage fright. We were sure it was because finally someone would expose his upcoming intertwining relatinship and coming court appearance with good lord Resko. All his caring about the American people pales when you look at his record. Why did he have the records removed from Wikepedia and his church and replace them with stuff that makes him look like the candy man? Wake up! I know most of you news are baby boomers but didn't you learn anything about protecting America? It's not that hard to spot a phony. Hillary can sure spot you for what you are. What an election this will be! God looks over us all. Perhaps it is time for judgement. God is giving us messages, Katrina, tornadoess, earthquakes, weather related foodsortages to name a few. The WAKE UP CALL IS HRE. Collage hasn't helped you much ifyou can't see it.

Roma BEaver Dam, Wi (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:08 AM)

I would like Hillary to reject and renounce all political ploys to inject fear and hatred of Muslims into the race and trying to label Obama as a Muslim. (Two of her campaign workers were caught in the act) the Drudge report is identifying her campaign as the source of the photo. Why does she get an easy out to say "I knew nothing of it." She should reject and renounce this type of politics and tell everyone that she knows Obama to be a Christian and a patriotic man that she has worked with in the Senate.

Lisa, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:24 AM)

As Americans we cherish our freedom. But you have to examine your lives and determine whether you are free. What happened to our freedom to chose life and not death? Electing the President of our choice, is our right (WE THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES), isn't this what the framers of the Constitution wanted. I would elect OBAMA for President because he does represent change. He can identify with the people of the United States on levels that no other President can at this moment in time. He understand the core of the people, what hurts us, what our lives need in order to survive and elevate our out of our current economic status.

O. Dorsey (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:25 AM)

Minister Louis is a white-hater, Jew-hater, and a gay-hater, but HE SURE IS AN OBAMA LOVER. When are you Obama people going to wake up?

teddi, Norwalk, CT (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:25 AM)

If we are talking about debate and what the point of a debate is and what the outcomes should be - Mr. Obama won hands down.

We discussed this in one of my law lectures this morning. As we think that the Brtish are the BEST debaters and have a wonderfu grasp of the English language, and based on the British Parliamentary Style of debating the results of what Mr. Obama accomplished last night are even more vivid the morning after.

He surgically took Mrs. Clinon apart - without any blood - being a complete gentleman and WITHOUT being hostile. And - he used humour. Well done Mr. Obama.

Ingrid, London, England (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:26 AM)

Hey John Doe,
How can millions of people attend catholic church with so many convicted child molesters as priests. You cannot control what the leader of a religious institution believes in, it's one of our freedoms as Americans. You go to your church, temple, or synagog to nurture your own belief structure, not to wholly support what the priest, mullah, reverend, or rabbi believes in as a person.

Glenn Hoilman, Bakersville, NC. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:28 AM)

Hillary was presidential and very well informed. Barak watched Hillary answer questions and then mimicked her answers. Hillary is by far the best candidate.

Naomi, Cary NC (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:36 AM)

OBAMA WON BY FAR!

GO OBAMA '08

Okey,Hamden,CT (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:39 AM)

I keep seeing comments from both sides to the effect of, "If my candidate doesn't win, I'm voting for McCain."

Hold it folks.
If you vote for McCain, you're voting for another four years of Bush economic and military policy.
Do you really want that?!?

Whichever Democratic candidate wins, BACK that candidate and VOTE for that candidate.
We need to turn this neocon nightmare GWB has put us in around.

Expelliarmus, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 7:46 AM)

From my perspective Obama did what he needed to do. He fought Hilary down to a tactical draw.

The second he goes after her hard the reverse double standard will kick in and he'll be perceived as a bully. I thought he did an awesome job.

Having said that I am dismayed with both Democratic candidates as far as NAFTA goes. The way NAFTA is set up and the overall prosperity it provides it's not going to be tossed.

Both of them said they'd threaten to opt out. Huh? Think it through, you tell your largest trading partner and your largest supplier of oil (Canada)that you want to opt out if you don't get a better deal when that country already provides oil at the ridiculously low royalty rate of 1%.

Not a strong bargaining position at all. It's pure politicking from the Democrats on this issue.

bc Indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:00 AM)

obama is just the way forward for the americans, he knows what he represents and how to achieve what he set out to achieve.
Any mistake of loosing him will bring back the old politics we've seen for ages. Let's look forward and move forward and embrace the change

TEEJAY (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:02 AM)

Hillary Won Hands Down! She has been Presidential all along. Obama does seem to grope for words and seems insecure at times. He would learn a lot and gain experience after 4 or 8 year in the White House. Yet Obama is very intelligent and would make a great Vice President. The "dream team" idea with Hilllary as President and Obama as VP would be fantastic for the country!

L. from Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:10 AM)

I've tried time and time again to respond to this subject but for some reason I'm censored by you Chuck, so what's the deal???

Again, Sen. Obama is not the only candidate who has received endorsements from undesireables. You're blatantly race baiting AGAIN! Sen. Obama was endorsed by Farrakhan, so what??? The Republicans are endorsed by Michael Savage, Ann Coulter, David Duke, etc., etc. The Democrats are endorsed by the now ailing Robert Byrd (you do remember that he is a former KKK member, right?). So for you and Tim to even make this an issue is beyond me, and I find it offensive especially when Sen. Obama has PROVEN without a doubt that his coalition is inclusive of EVERYONE. But, even though you guys hit below the belt on this one, Sen. Obama did very well in setting to rest this silly, unsubstantial issue.

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:14 AM)

Billary - Lost!
How exciting!

Luda (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:16 AM)

There is no denying the elite role Min.Farrakhan has within the black community and throughout the world. If we are honest with ourselves we would realize this. Once again, for all those who take issue with the ministers statements, please read/listen to his words in full context. The minister has clarified for decades the misunderstanding of his words. There are conditions in the world that warrant our attention. Race and racial tensions are a paramount ill here in the US. Min. Farrakhan chooses to focus on these points to cause a change in thinking and actions here and abroud for the better. This just goes to show that there is still a slave/slavemaster relationship here in America. This relationship is no longer overt but subtle. I always hear the catch phrases like hate monger, antisemite, etc when referring to the minister, but i never hear anyone say that he is lying or wrong in such statements. If you really want to silence the minister's words, challenge the words on the basis of truth. It would seem like the right thing to do. Would the truth of such a dialogue reveal something greater we are ill-prepared to deal with?

John Doe (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:22 AM)

Barrack Obama has excellent judgement. He has set a standard of behavior, especially when he is being ridiculed and criticized, that is admirable. I want my children to respond with the same grace and style when confronted with sarcasm. It's regal! I sincerely hope he is our next President.

dian hoboken, new jersey (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:24 AM)

out of the whole debate all you got out of it was the Farrakhan question? What did you do - nap?

Hillary had another one of her moods/fits and everybody ignores it?

This woman COULD have her finger on the Button/Key -- doesn't this concern you at all?

connie manes, mattoon, illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:26 AM)

Brillant is not the word that embodied Hillary last night....try...........petty, catty, elementary schoolish! jeez!.....how ridiculous is it to use SNL as a back drop for your points?! IT'S A COMEDY SHOW!!!! they are SUPPOSE to be FUNNY! they were....MOVE ON! and be a REAL presidential candidate, not some petty whiner! she fed into the stereotypical woman in this debate....I hang my head in shame and incredulous disgust. We don't need fighting we need diplomacy.......bottom line....you have to work well with others! You couldn't before, you can't now.........but, some how miraculously your disposition will "change" if you become President....Sorry, this female is just not buying it!

Congratulations Obama! You, powered by the "people" and governed by the "people" will succeed!

KEY Phrase of the day...."Got TRANSPERANCY?!"

Sue (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:28 AM)

I knew it! I knew the race baiting victimologists in the black community couldnt keep it quiet until saint obamam won...can the likes of jesse hymietown jackson and al tawana brawley sharpton be far behind?

Ron, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:30 AM)

Again, whinu, whiny, woe is me, why is everybody always picking on me Hillary now you know what it feels like to be qualified but still get looked over. FACE IT, he's the better of the three.

Leroy Martin, Cincinnati, Oh (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:37 AM)

Go hillary you won the debate, Obama always wait for you to answers the questions first, why because he has no experience. My vote in ohio will be for Hillary, I have seen the light.

diana (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:41 AM)

Elsa, obviously you think writing the same thing over and over again will change the facts. I actually was very turned off to her childish behavior. Obama did come out ahead on this in my mind...

E Kelly, Cleveland OH (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:43 AM)

Anyone in support of israel is undeserving of presidency in these once United States. If there remains any common sense, at all, in the people of America, there will, one day, be a president which will drop israel on its defenseless ass, cold turkey. - Wake up, America! Your own people are being killed in wars started by a country that refuses to take any part in them!

The Truth - Ain't Skeert, USA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:43 AM)

I have been following the Obama-Hillary presidential campaign through msnbc and i find it not only interesting by speeches made by both candidates but also the attention it has created blobally. And i hope that the American peaple realises that a new historical Baby girl or Baby boy is about to be born. And thats what change is all about Not Just Words. About Farakahn i do believe that senator Obama is very much aware of what type of character that man is. And i do hope that the racism issue should also be included in the T.V debates. I think American would want to know were both senator Obama and Hillary stands when it comes to racism because i know it is a sensitive quesstion and thats why it should be debated in this campaign = transparancy. Otherwise i do think when it come to health care theres no big differance between the two but when it comes to security Obama did win. The two are aiming for the big office and none of them has been tested before as a president so let join hands and support who ever wins. Eddy.k from sweden

Eddy.k (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:44 AM)

OBAMA WON THE DEBATE, I'M AN INDEPENDANT AND HILLARY WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH SLANDER THAN ANSWERING QUESTIONS. SHE DODGED MOST OF THE IMPORTANT ONES, LIKE WHAT HER MANDATE WOULD BE, AND LIED ON OTHERS, (HER PREVOIUS SUPPORT OF NAFTA, AND THE MOST DISGUSTING DISPLAY FOR A 60YR. OLD WOMAN, COMPLAINING ABOUT MEDIA PRESSURE AND USING A SNL PROGRAM TO BACK IT UP. NOT PRESIDENTIAL, OBAMA WON MY VOTE YESTERDAY.

MIKE, CHICAGO ILL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:46 AM)

When I see Hillary debate - I see someone that basically can answer any question put to them without a play book and without any hestitancy - in other words someone ready for the job.

John Stevens, Hillsdale IN (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:46 AM)

HILLARY WAS GRAET IN LAST NIGHTS DEBATE!!! IAM A 27 YEAR OLD MALE DEMOCRAT!!! I HAVE A HUGE PROPLEM WITH OBAMA HAVEING TIES WITH FARRAKHAN AND JEREMIAH WRIGHT. VOTERS ARE LOOKING PAST THIS TOPIC AND THE MEDIA NEEDS TO TALK ABOUT THIS MORE. JEREMIAH WRIGHT SAYING THIS IS A "WHITE AMERCIA", THAT IS A HUGE PROBLEM

VERN BALTIMORE MARYLAND (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:51 AM)

It's funny how Hillary will cry plagiorism but than mandates that he use her words after making people fully aware that he did not in any way ask for or neccesarily care one way or the other regarding the support of Farakan. Get real Hillary! Looks to me like she was playing the race card again! Hillary has a way of mandating people see things her way and that's not what the american people are about. We want to here her views and arrive at our own opinions without Hillary feeling like she has to shove it down our windpipes. It is not mandated that we like her or even agree with her.

M.T., Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:53 AM)

We could go on and on about who is supporting Hillary or Obama but are these the real issues that we need to be concerned about? Ellen DeGeneres supports Hillary should all the lesbian haters stop supporting Hillary, see how silly this can get. You have to judge a person for who they are and what they represent not someone else's judgement against them.

Lady Leo (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:55 AM)

TJ, you and your fellow partisans are a joke. The article I read says analysis shows no majo shift after the debate meaning no one really won. Obama is leading in Texas and Clinton is hanging on to Ohio by a thread. Maybe you can send her a trophey for her debate performance.

Gary Patrick (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:56 AM)

Obama cannot have it both ways. He does not want to anger the Black community, at the same time trying to appease the Jewish community. The real Obama is coming out. He is all talk, no substance. I wish the media will give Hillary a break. Will Obama denounce his pastor for calling Farrakhan a great man? will the press please ask Obama this question?

Michael Ajayi, Bolingbrook, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:56 AM)

Hillary acts like a child whose precious toy has been snatched from her. She whines and snaps at any one journalists and all. With such temperament, where is she gonna lead America to. Initially, when people called her divisive, it didn't make sense to me but now I understand why. She sounds very disgruntled and does not take responsibility. That's not the quality of a President. It's good that she is letting it out now. She started the campaign thinking that the presidency was reserved for her. After a long campaign and hard finding out that a more superior candidate in Obama was out there,she is unleashing indecent attacks revealing her true self. Obama doesn't find that amusing and has decided to be above the fray. He has my support anytime anyday. Vote!!!! Obamaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!

Jerry Smith, San Antonio Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 8:57 AM)

I saw Tim Russert on the Today show this morning and he was asked about "always getting the first question comment" that Hillary made during the debate. He was extremely defensive.....maybe there's some truth to the comment! I thought Senator Clinton was did a great job...she was professional, knows the issues facing this country, and provides real solutions to those issues.

sf from El Paso (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:00 AM)

How many faces does Hilary really have?.. I am waiting for all of them to make an appearance.. She went from " I am honored...." to "Shame on you Barack...". I am not surprised President Obama is leading. I am tired of fighting PERIOD... America needs change... Go Obama

sydfoxx, Decatur GA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:06 AM)

Barack Hussein Obama is a muslim, has lobbyist ties, his middle name is Hussein (Saddam Hussein), and Farrakhan supports Barack.. Wake up america. He is looking you in the eyes and not telling you the truth of who he is. (Obama) bin Laden

Osama (Obama) bin Laden, in Hidding (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:09 AM)

I think Hillary did great. Can't believe that Journalist like Tim Russert who is very respected can be so bias towards Senator Clinton. He seemed really angry towards senator Clinton and was not at all fair on his questions and they way he asked those questions. Very disappointed at Tim Russert. MSNBC has been incredibly bias towards Senator Clinton, and they call themselves free news channel.

nn (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:11 AM)

Given what Farrakhan has said in the past about Jews and Israel, is it any surprise that Obama is trying to keep this quiet? I would expect that Clinton or McCain would do something similar if they got the backing of David Duke or someone else that was well connected to the KKK. This is no surprise to me.

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:15 AM)

Hillary was right when she asked the news media to get Obama another pillow as they ask her the hard questions first so Obama can't be caught not knowing how to answer the tough questions. He just follows her lead. I am not a democrat but I was disgusted with Russerts handling of the debate and his whining this morning about being confronted with unfair and biased tactics. The media should report and keep their opinions to themselves!

Patt March (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:17 AM)

Hillary Clinton: Ready to Lead!
(just don't make me go first)

Bruce, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:21 AM)

Twenty percent of Americans who can afford health care just don't buy it because they don't want to, or feel that it's just too much to pay for it? C'mon Hillary! I don't think that people would take such a risk with thier health unless it is actually unaffordable. Obama all the way!!!

Darryl, Cleveland, Oh. (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:28 AM)

Hillary stop your whining "why do I always have to go first" not an impressive display

lynda orlando fl (Sent Wednesday, February 27, 2008 9:34 AM)

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