Clinton attacks Obama on air

Posted: Monday, April 14, 2008 6:30 PM by Domenico Montanaro

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
Clinton has taken her attacks on Obama over the "bitter" remark to the next level. In a TV ad released tonight, Clinton features Pennsylvanians "insulted" by Obama's comments that rural voters "cling to" guns and religion because of their economic status.

Here's the script:
CLINTON: I'm Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

ANNCR: Barack Obama said that people in small towns "cling to guns or religion...as a way to explain their frustrations..."

Woman 1: I was very insulted by Barack Obama.

Man 1: It just shows how out of touch Barack Obama is.

Woman 2: I'm not clinging to my faith out of frustration and bitterness. I find that my faith is very uplifting.

Man 2: The good people of Pennsylvania deserve a lot better than what Barack Obama said.

Woman 1: Hillary does understand the citizens of Pennsylvania better.

Woman 3: Hillary Clinton has been fighting for people like us her whole life.

EMAIL THIS

Comments

The topic of Hillary and guns isn't something new this month. In February, Hillary talked about what she's hunted (this is an actual quote, go check on it):
"A duck, and a lot of tin cans, and a lot of targets. And some skeet."

Look as much as she wants to be a skeet shooter, Bill's given Monica much more of that kind of experience.

SKEET!! SKEET!! SKEET!! all the way back to the White House, Bill!

All right, so I didn't touch on the issues, but at least I had fun.

Yeah... I'm sure they'll post this...

P$, CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:00 PM)

Is this what the Dems want? Hillary using GOP attacks on Barack? Hillary is not loyal to anything or anyone but herself. I hope supers that are sitting and watching this decide to end this kamikaze campaign of Hillary's.

Ron, TC (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:01 PM)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
This is Hillarious. I hope he losses Penn.!

Once again, old school politicians will play mind games with the downtrodden, and succeed! Serves the Downtrodden right; this is what they like. Lets fight over he said she said not what issues they both talked about.

Hillary: Look out.
Enough Said.

She got away with it in Ohio. Why should Penn. be different? O wait, she will take Indiana too. Forget the mark Penn-Colombia-Gate mess. Thats forgivable if there is an ELITE Black Man running. Noooooo.. Must stop the Elite "boy"

WOW! My eyes I cannot believe.

I watched as you guys elected bush. Twice. Then I watched in shock as it seemed Obama was actually winning. What? Say WHAT?! SO I made a bet that it wont happen 'cos Americans are uber retarded at times, and this be one of those times. Sorry to say, but it is the TRUTH.

SO:
Without further ado, Mr. Mcain, your table is ready! Oy! What a mess!!

PS: I say so, Pat Huttington and the like, 'cos Hilary is gonna get creamed in the general. Like, absolutley crushed. I named you Pat, because I know you use your head. But please tell me am full of it and she will handle Mccain....

Dboy, Chicago Il. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:02 PM)

this is one of the reasons why im not a clinton supporter anymore!

bruce (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:02 PM)

You are losing this one Hillary. As an ordinary voter, let me tell you how most people seem to be reading this:

This is very transparent to most of us. After the boos you got today, you should be aware of how transparent it is. You see, the truth speaks for itself. People have an innate ability to recognize the truth. Obama stands up and speaks, and people recognize that he is speaking the truth. You stand up there and you spin, and you take things out of context, you lie, and you try to hurt Obama with your half triths and mudslinging. You stage your photo-ops, you pander to any segment of voters that suit you, you cackle at legitimate questions, and people recognize that you are not truthful. People recognize that you are insincere. It isn't working. You are losing this.

One last thing- Most people like Obama. For you to stand there and slander him, to try to tear him down, it doesn't do you any credit. Especially when you aren't straight with people. We see what you are doing. You are trying to manipulate us and people don't like being manipulated. You try to lie and twist anything and everything to your advantage. This is what everyone means when they say that you are willing to do or say anything to get elected. You talk about being worried that the Republicans will exploit Obama's comments and use them against him in the general election, yet you have been the one exploiting them more than anyone. You can't stop talking about it. You have attacked Obama more than McCain has by a longshot. Is there really nothing positive you can say about yourself, that you feel the need to bash Obama endlessly instead? You are losing this, and we are losing all respect for you.

Mark, Austin, TX (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:02 PM)

Wow, she is a LIAR. That is in NO WAY what Obama said.

She is no longer a democrat

Pete, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:03 PM)

If there is a contest to take words (not even full sentences) out of context, we have a winner!

Michael Tudor, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:03 PM)

Americans who vote for Hillary deserve what they get. Unfortunately, the rest of us are going to be stuck with her too.

Toonbytes, Atlantic City, NJ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:04 PM)

AS I SAID OBAMA WHO???? HASN'T DONE ANYTHING FOR THIS COUNTRY EXCEPT HANG OUT WITH RADICULE ANTI-AMERICANS..... IF HILLARY DOESN'T GET THE NOMINATION---EVERYONE DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND VOTE FOR MCCAIN!!!!

DOLLY SAN DIEGO, CA. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:04 PM)

Opps I am soryy Hillary, this is too late.
the people of pennslyvania have already made up their minds.They are always shouting
YES WE CAN.

Beres (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:04 PM)

I am appalled at the depths to which Hillary Clinton and company would stoop too. At one point in time I really was confused as to who would be the better, more honest candidate. There is absolutely no question in my mind. I will do all I can to help Senator Obama lead our party.

goodcookin (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:05 PM)

Her political machine is out of touch with reality

griff,sea (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:05 PM)

Is there no end to the lengths that she will go to to become president. This woman makes me absolutely sick.

Jill - De (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:05 PM)

I do hope that she has gone too far -- get rid of her. I was willing to have her run until she was through -- SHE IS THROUGH.

Doreen Augusta Maine (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:05 PM)

Blah, blah, blah... So, telling the truths in a poorly phrased way is unacceptable, while outright lies are welcome and very American? Then the world will see us as liars never to be trusted.
It is hard for me to comprehend why her supporters would attack Obama for telling truths while they wink and blink their eyes whenever Hillary tells lies.
The sad truth is, her backers have fallen victims to propaganda and don't know how to get out of the darkness and see thrugh her compulsive lying in order for her to fulfill her political ambitions. She is, after all, the other Bush.

Jon, TX (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:05 PM)

I'm sorry, but North Carolina is in the bag for Barack Obama. There are too many educated folk in NC and they will not vote for Hillary Clinton. People who are smart and know how to read people and do research can see right through her.
Michelle, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 1:21 PM)

See this is the exact same type of crap that Obama was running his mouth about to a small group of wealthy people in San Francisco who each paid $2,300 a pop to listen to him insult the people of PA.

Obama and his supporters are arrogant, rude, and they think that they are smart while anyone who is not in love with Obama is stupid and doesn’t know how to read. Obama and his supporters just don’t know when to quit. It’s comments like this and things like Obama said in San Francisco that are going to cost him.

BTW, as a resident of NC, I always get a kick out of people who make comments about a particular part of the country and they are not from that part of the country.

Michelle in Los Angeles, you need to keep your pie hole shut!

RJ, Greensboro, NC (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:07 PM)

Why am I slightly surpised that Clinton is just like Bush; distorting the truth of a matter.

And Hill here's some food for thought; eat-up:

Bitter… Really? Why would we be bitter? Maybe it’s because the bankers who offered predatory loans are now "retiring" with multi-million dollar packages? Maybe it’s because we are struggling to pay our mortgages while the banks get bailed out by DC? Maybe it’s because our jobs have been shipped overseas, some by Bill Clinton. Yes, we are bitter, and there is nothing "elitist" about speaking the truth!

Still can't figure out what was untrue or false about what Barack said. It's just like most American's not to like what we see when we are shown ourselves in a mirror that reflects what truly is before someone is able to cover it up with falsehoods.

It's good to have a candidate tell America exactly what it needs to hear. It appears to me that his rivals are a little 'bitter' that they didn't expound on this issue first.

Ultimately, we all have reasons to be embittered, having seen our government hijacked by those who seem entirely divorced from our aspirations. Small towns are occupied by some of those who deserve to be most frustrated of all. Barack Obama recognizes that our bitterness is not cured by ignoring it or dismissing it. It is cured by talking about it -- and working to replace it with hope.

Lee- Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:07 PM)

This is real Hillary... She will say anything, she will do anything...to get nomination unless some one kicked to her ass

alien (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:07 PM)

Will no one rid us of this toublesome HC?
The dems don't need this kind of "help."

Bob Wainess (San Francisco) (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:07 PM)

Keep it up dummy! I know of two people today who have backed out of your corner today because of this really transpearant bit of stupidity.

Pacheck, Huntington Beach, Ca. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:07 PM)

This is already backfiring on the Clintons.

End Game (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

I'm mailing my form to my local Board of Elections tonight, and I am withdrawing from the Democratic party. I won't be a part of an organization that has members who behave like, or believe in Hillary Clinton. I despise her and all that she represents.

SB (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:08 PM)

Way to go Hillary!! Look small.You will do anything for a vote. Not all of us make over 10,000,000.00 a year while in public office. You really are "in touch" That is why you cannot see this is the wrong road to go down. You and bill should go duck hunting there in central park.

candi ca. (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:09 PM)

I had a nice long comment to this, but I am too tired to write it all out again. Here is the short version:

1. Voters in this ad were hired. Never would have voted obama anyway.

2. Online small town newspaper cites in PA do not mention this bitter argument - this is a scandal all of Hillary's making. Case in point, in Altoona folks were bused in from other states to say they were "outraged" with Obama about the bitter comments - but none of them was actually from Altoona. Lovely.

3. ARG poll you all keep quoting is bunk - they are notorious for their polls being waaaay off.

4. A poll in the Pittsburgh gazette shows 48% of PA-ians think Hillary is out of touch with us, versus 28% who think Obama is, of 8100 voters (so far):

http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/polls/?pollID=2467

Katie, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:09 PM)

Chuck, you are only helping to hurt MSNBC by allowing John Doe to rant up as though he recently had brain surgery.
We sensible readers keep explaining that Obama meant he did not hear his pastor say things like his Sept. 11 remark because Obama wasn't there. Now John Doe twists Obama's words and says he referred to small town voters as "racists".
Apparently, some of Hillary's backers are having trouble seeing through her lies, or they are so overwhelmed with hatred for people of color.

Jon TX (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:10 PM)

I'm born and raised in Pennsylvania, and not to stereotype, but Barack Obama has described some folks I know quite accurately. I don't think he was being malicious or negative, he was describing typical attitudes that exist in lots of places...in decent people who simply have very conservative views and very down-to-earth interests: there's nothing wrong with that. Part of our problem in this country is that we seem to be able to accept all kinds of opinions about the other guy, but when a comment hits close to home, we're just looking to pick apart and over-analyze every comment a candidate makes. I'd like to see any one of us withstand the pressure and scrutiny these candidates maintain and do any better. Most of us would be gibbering fools.

Tanya Wagner, Mechanicsburg, PA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:10 PM)

The whole party will be hurt by this. We vote for more then the President on Nov. 4th. If Obama is not on the ballot a lot of us will be sitting home. Hillary is a self serving witch.

jmc,Wa (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

John Doe...rather than McCain...without hesitation (since HRC is not even in this contest, yes, over McCain, hands down)

griff,sea (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

All I can say is; "Thank you, Hillary".
If the democratic party is ever going to be able to turn the page then you & Bill's help will be essential. This ad is a fine step in that direction.
With all of you talk of how the regressive attack machine will do this or that I have been waiting with barely contained wonder at what your friends and associates would dust bust.
If this is the extent than all that can be said is... SO.
Hillary, in case you and your self reinforcing dysfunctional campaign has missed it, folks are pretty bitter. Pissed off at all the jobs you and Bill shipped overseas. We wonder when the grim reaper of Dubya/Clinton will arrive to tell us our town is getting shut down or our job is being out sourced.
Thanks for helping us communicate how deeply concerned you are at the current state of affairs.
All I gotta ask is; "When are you going to start quoting Nathan Bedford Forrest in your ads"?

Tom, Tennessee (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:12 PM)

I made a oath to donate $25 everytime Hillary go negative. I this rate I'm going to go broke...:)
Lets all true Democrats join in to show going negative is not the right thing to do.

melvin, NJ (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:13 PM)

Does Hillary Clinton really think so little of these people that she thinks they will buy this?

Chicago Bobby (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:14 PM)

Hillary, you are lower than dirt. She is an "Inspiration to Women Everywher", yet, she drinking shots at an Indiana Pub?

Obama kept it real about people being angry about the government in this country and Hillary hasn't. Oh, and as far as her talking about "She Got The Holy Spirit" is a load of bull. There is nothing christ like about her. She is nothing more than another John McCain. She is pathetic in so many ways, it's sad. Oh, and those Supergelegates are getting tired of her calling them. I still think Obama going to get the nomination. The more she attcks him, the worst it gets for her.

Pat Oakland, CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:14 PM)

Wow. Talk about destroying the party in a last deperate attempt to save herself. You want HER to be president?? Who will she take out next?

sfdem (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:15 PM)

I'm not really surprised that "john doe" is scared to put his name. I would be too if I was a blatant racist. It's crazy/sad to think that about 50% of the UNITED States of America would say the same things.

Charlie A. (St.Paul, MN) (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:16 PM)

question to all you hillery sopporters by some strange twist ypu get the nomination do u see obama peple voteing for her .......... still think u can win without us young people , people of colour mmmm need I go on

misty (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:16 PM)

Any person who spends the time actually listening to what Sen. Obama said in his speech will come to realize that Clinton and McCain are using old politics. I also think that this sort of methodology is no longer popular with the public and will result in negative feedback.
I did, however, enjoy seeing Sen. Obama fight back to these notions of slander and as this election moves further along I think the Obama campaign will start showing its muscle.

..which as you know should be quite a good show.

Curtis Rolf, Edmonton, Alberta (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:17 PM)

This is the only 'Tonya Harding' play HRC could come up with - BUT, she's overplayed her hand... What a rush to the printers to get the 'I'm not Bitter' stickers... what a JOKE...

This is going to backfire...

Two multimillionaires calling the new guy 'elitist'?

Lyn, KCMO - Obama 08 (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:17 PM)

Whoa! Obama and his supporters and surrogates are a very bitter people because...why not..Hillary use it to her advantage. She is not responsible for Obama remark but him. Obama cannot handle it for his stupidity...He look like Howard Dean looking angry in his celebration which will eventually back fired on him...if Obama keep up his blaming Hillary for his stupidity, it too will back fired on him. Obama's supporters / surrogate just do not see the Law of Cause and Effect through how they each think, verbalizes, and behaves from past to present, and future.

Steve P., Washington

Steven Penney, DuPOnt, Washington (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:17 PM)

It's like watching two cats in sack going after each other.

D. Rather, NYC (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:18 PM)

Now who is elitist and out of touch, Hillary?

I live in Central PA, and I find this ad completely condescending. Do you really, really think we're this dumb? You have nothing to pin on Obama, so you're beating this dead horse to a pulp.

I am bitter. Bitter that we are subjected to this kind of crap from the Clinton campaign. Come on Pennsylvania: Let's end this charade right here next week.

Susan, State College, PA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:18 PM)

If the superdelegates think I will support Hillary Liar Clinton they couldn't be more wrong! I will never vote for her. I will only vote for Barack Obama!

Firm Obama Supporter (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:18 PM)

she has no poise, nor grace, nor strength in character. Are we telling girls in america that in order to succeed as a woman in the world, you must stomp on the people around you? its shameful and childish. Is it so important that we have a woman in the whitehouse, or have "not-george-bush" that we are to accept it at any cost? I saw a sign the other day that said "i miss the world's respect." Yeah. Ditto. I miss the American Dream. I am unwilling to risk my life and livelihood because senator clinton see past her own dreams and consider how her actions put mine in peril.

homesick, Novato CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:19 PM)

People DO cling to religion. It's funny that back in the day, you could beat your woman if she suggested men were weak. People do the same thing today. I'm calling you organized goons weak, and you KNOW you wanna slap me up in the name of your religion. Very virtuous.

I hope I see the day (although I doubt it) that organized religions die off and people are free to think what they want instead of pre-programming their children with antiquated notions.

Only Christians would still believe in a heaven. "Hey, it's a party and you gotta worship the big 'man' to get in." No thanks; if there is a Hell, I want to heal the people "down" there first. God banished them to an eternity of damnation? We know now that bad people can be rehabilitated, so that doesn't fly anymore. I'm going deeper than your religions. I'm caring for everyone instead of shaking my head at people who don't think what I do.

Bitter? Yes. And it was you apathetic, do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do, backward, hymn singing, too-simple-to-think-for-myself-and-show-a-little-personal-willpower organized religions.

Say "Amen!"

P., CA (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:19 PM)

I'm a 73 year old black woman and would NEVER vote for Barack Obama. The man is setting race relations back generations. We are trying to heal wounds, not make new ones. The boy doesn't seem to have a brain in his head. I'll hold my nose and vote Hillary.

Alma Stevens, Cary NC (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:20 PM)

Obama is the one that insulted your intelligence. Why are you blaming Hillary? She wishes she had $100+ million in the bank. I dare say they would be lucky to have $30 million and they earned it. They don't have to work. They could just relax and take it easy.

Hillary cares. Obama cares about Obama and his hidden agenda.

Lighten up!!!!

drk in TN (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:20 PM)

drk in TN (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:21 PM)

If Clinton lies her way to the nomination, I will look for McCain's name.

richard trix ocean nj (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:21 PM)

Pander Pander Bear Hillary...how low can you go girl?

Please for the sake of the Democratic Party, make a graceful exit and join the party...put your selfishness aside.

Barbara Snowberger (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:22 PM)

True Blue Dem, there is a reason there is such intense dislike for Hillary Clinton at this point. It's called thinking Americans who don't appreciate being lied to or having condescending strategies and statements pitched at them. Half of the time when Hillary says something, if you go back and look at the source, she has at best twisted the facts. That doesn't excuse some "over the top" comments but Democrats don't appreciate Hillary Clinton running a campaign straight out of the Karl Rove playbook.

Them's the facts (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:22 PM)

This should backfire into HRCs face. Not even the most ardent HRC supporters can with a straight-face equate the term "bitter" with being an elitist? Hillary the populist candidate? Please. Obama's comments were more correct than inflammatory--I'd like to see him incorporate them into a larger commentary than this now infamous sound bite--the reality is there are large pockets of people who have been disaffected by the economic changes of the last two decades and are bitter, frustrated and disillusioned with government and somewhat at a loss at how best to pull themselves out of it. I didn't see these comments as a slam, but a statement of a condition where hope is a thin commodity and where people will need more than prayer, guns and flag-waving to move to the next step. They need a leader with vision and new ideas...Obama has the opportunity to complely flip this controversy into articulating his plans and vision for the disaffected rustbelt...I'm afraid he's losing that window of opportunity. In the end, this shrill excuse to create an "issue" will only confirm the opinions of those who have made up their minds in this race. But it does again highlight the rabid shrill attack instincts of HRC as a contrast to the thoughtful and measured tenor of the OB campaign. I know which approach I prefer.

joepdx1, portland or (Sent Monday, April 14, 2008 7:22 PM)

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