Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Youth Voter, USA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:44:28 GMT

Obama tells me change is new, I agree (not knowing every election Presidential politicians talk about change and nothing changes).

Obama tells me to hope so i start hoping.

Obama tells me to change, so I change my parents since they are past and status quo.

My friends (fellow Obama supporters) tell me to repeat Hillary hate posts 100 times a day, so I do it. It's a change from my other work.

Obama tells me to convince my other immature youth friends to cheer for change, I do it.

Obama tells me to ignore experience, so I ignore my parents experience of knowing the world as again, they are past and status quo.

I ignore every old person who was served nationally as they are status quo. Your national service doesnt count in the new world of hatred filled starry eyed fairy tale following youths like me.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Ron, TX — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:46:08 GMT

Obama is, once again, 100% correct. He didn't force Clinton to say those things about MLK. Hillary seems to think it's Obama's fault she said it, because she never wanted him to run. She wanted this to be her time to rise and shine with no one in the way. When things go wrong, when Hillary doesn't get her way, it's never her fault. It's always someone elses.

It wasn't her fault she slaughtered any chance of health care reform in 1993 and 1994.

It wasn't her fault she voted on the "Authorization of the Use of Force in Iraq" 2002 legislation, she thought it was for "diplomacy"...

It wasn't her fault that in March of 2003, when we went to war, she didn't stand up and say "Oh wait, that's not what I voted for, I don't approve of this war!"

It's not her fault that the most sweeping ethics reform to hit Washington since Watergate was passed with absolutely no help from her at all. It's not her fault she hasn't championed ethics reform. It's not her fault she and Bill won't release papers from the Clinton presidency that prove her "experience"

It's not her fault she's "just a woman" and can't fairly debate two men.

Hillary, when has it EVER been your fault?

I'm so sick of liars and deception in Washington!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Mature Thinking American — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:46:34 GMT

McCaskill was elected with the help of 527 and lobbyist. Way to go Obama, looking for endorsements from lobbyist propelled politicians.

Anyone see the hypocrisy? What a clean Washington we will get? Same old politics!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:47:15 GMT

Say what you will about Obama's team, but they are proving that they can go toe to toe with the Clinton machine!!

Obama '08!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:47:15 GMT

Say what you will about Obama's team, but they are proving that they can go toe to toe with the Clinton machine!!

Obama '08!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Adam, Redmond, Wash. — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:48:54 GMT

Hey, is this the Drudge Report or something? Your headline is directly contradicted in the first paragraph of this story. He wasn't calling Clinton's comments "ludicrous," he was referring to the notion that his campaign was behind them. At least, if you got the body of the story right.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Mark S, NC — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:49:31 GMT

Aswini,

Just an editorial question: How can a tale be "apocryphal" if the person telling it actually experienced it? Otherwise, a nice article.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:50:56 GMT

Obama is exactly right. The Clinton campaign made remarks for which they have spent a couple days offering explanations. And the "attack" instinct has them suggesting that the Obama campaign was involved.

Its silly. The same silliness that I saw when the Clinton campaign made repeated mistakes in November - clearly was the most off-balanced campaign in the Democratic race. And they got some media criticism. Then the "that's not fair" line started. Should criticism be evenly handed out? Or should it be deserved?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Hildy Minton, Nowhere near Tim Russert. — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:51:40 GMT

We all know that Monica Lewinski actually was working for the Obama campaign during the entire cigar fiasco. Barak was also behind the whole "whitewater" conspiracy.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

John Eorse — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:52:17 GMT

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/horsesmouth/2008/01/new_york_times_11.php

Why is NYT not using the full HRC quote? Is NYT secretly endorsing HRC?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Suzanne J — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:53:56 GMT

I'm a middle aged woman, a democrat and I once sent Hillary Clinton a check for $1,000. KICK ME!

She has nothing left in her Rovian bag of tricks but slime.

If democrats don't get it right this time, they don't deserve the white house.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

California Independent — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:56:15 GMT

Message to Tim and Brian:

In the debate Tuesday, will someone please ask Senator Clinton what she accomplished during the first Clinton Administration? You guys have been giving her a pass on her rhetoric of accomplishing change for 35 years. How about a simple question of "what are the 3 most important things you accomplished while in the White House?" It's important information for Americans to know before we vote.

This is a critical question for Democrats. Senator Clinton continues to claim that she has accomplished so much and yet according to her own website, nothing of substance is listed during her White House years.

Republicans WILL NOT give her a pass on the massive gap between her rhetoric and reality if she's the nominee. It would be much better if the questions are asked now.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Toni C — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:56:55 GMT

"She made an unfortunate remark about Martin Luther King and Lyndon Johnson,” he said. “I haven't remarked on it. And she offended some folks who thought she diminished the role about King and the civil rights movement. The notion that this is our doing is ludicrous.”

I agree as I certainly am not associated with the Obama camp but was immediately put off by the statements.

I am an African American and had a negative reaction to the Clinton MLK/LBJ remarks well before the issue became a political hot potato. While some may think that I was offended by the characterization that it was the actions of the great white father (LBJ) versus the awakening of the American spirit (through MLK and thousands awakened) that allowed the Civil Rights Act to come to fruition, I realize that misses the mark. It also misses the mark to think that I view Ms. Clinton as being motivated by race in her remarks.

The Civil Rights Movement took heroes. Johnson was a hero. King was a hero.

My reaction was part this: how dare Ms. Clinton reduce the hero status of King, simultaneously raising the hero status of Johnson in making a political point to attack Obama?

My reaction was more visceral than on point as I applaud Johnson. I don’t think Ms. Clinton intended for me to have that visceral reaction and I don’t think she actually quite understands it. I certainly don’t think she was making a racist commentary even though I admit to having this visceral reaction.

While both King and Johnson were required for the Civil Rights Act to pass, the genesis of the Civil Rights Act was in the Kennedy Administration and in the movement started years before. I have little doubt that Bobby Kennedy would have gotten the job LBJ is credited with achieving done.

Again, I do not believe the statement by Ms. Clinton is racial. I just think it was bound to lead to visceral reaction as it is faulty both historically and factually when trying to make a point.

Her campaign talking point was that words matter but action is required. I agree in principle but the point is lost in the poor example that raises a visceral reaction. In the narrative of her talking points, it came across as an effort to say that if not for Johnson, all of King’s talk was just talk. It disregards the sacrifices of Americans that gave their life in the movement and is insensitive to that American sacrifice as the catalyst of the change.

Words DO Matter

Arguably Kennedy was well on his way to the Civil Rights Act. And historical revisionists that we are inclined to be, we forget that the Civil Rights Act passed before the voting rights act. But the voting rights provisions of the Civil Rights Act were gutted in Congress before ever getting back for Johnson to sign.

Or put into perspective the Civil Rights Act (with voting rights stripped) was passed BEFORE the historically significant and bloody “we shall overcome” march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights

Now Mr. Johnson initially thought that the voting rights act was not really needed because we had the 15th amendment.

Section 1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
Section 2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Technically he was right but the states had used clever devices to get around the law’s obvious (though escaped by literal devices, for you strict constructionists out there) intent.

Johnson recognized that the newly minted Civil Rights Act and the 100 year old 15th amendment were not enough.

“Experience has clearly shown that the existing process of law cannot overcome systematic and ingenious discrimination. No law that we now have on the books-and I have helped to put three of them there--can ensure the right to vote when local officials are determined to deny it.
In such a case our duty must be clear to all of us. The Constitution (15TH amendment) says that no person shall be kept from voting because of his race or his color. We have all sworn an oath before God to support and to defend that Constitution. We must now act in obedience to that oath.” -LBJ to Congress

Again words matter,

Quoting again from the speech Johnson gave introducing the Voting Rights Act right after the Bloody Sunday Selma to Montgomery March.

“There is no Negro problem. There is no Southern problem. There is no Northern problem. There is only an American problem. And we are met here tonight as Americans--not as Democrats or Republicans-we are met here as Americans to solve that problem.”

Obamaesque you might agree. I thought Obama borrowed this in his red state blue state message (though that’s beside the point).

Johnson noted that,

“The last time a President sent a civil rights bill to the Congress it contained a provision to protect voting rights in Federal elections. That civil rights bill was passed after 8 long months of debate. And when that bill came to my desk from the Congress for my signature, the heart of the voting provision had been eliminated.
This time, on this issue, there must be no delay, no hesitation and no compromise with our purpose.
We cannot, we must not, refuse to protect the right of every American to vote in every election that he may desire to participate in. And we ought not and we cannot and we must not wait another 8 months before we get a bill. We have already waited a hundred years and more, and the time for waiting is gone.
So I ask you to join me in working long hours--nights and weekends, if necessary--to pass this bill. And I don't make that request lightly. For from the window where I sit with the problems of our country I recognize that outside this chamber is the outraged conscience of a nation, the grave concern of many nations, and the harsh judgment of history on our acts.
WE SHALL OVERCOME” –LBJ to Congress

Note the fact that Johnson said “WE SHALL OVERCOME” is not a small point to me. It was the rallying cry of the March and of the movement. It mattered. WE Became America, not just the Negro.

My point is that the Clinton message on this point is just flawed and insensitive to many like me. Sure LBJ had to go the next step with the Voting Rights Act. But Clinton’s point addressed the already passed Civil Rights Act as a past tense on having the dream become reality with the Civil Rights Act.

Again the visceral reaction is not warranted by the literal though cynical factualness of her statement. “the dream began becoming a reality with the 1964 Civil rights act” Nor is the fact that Johnson himself embraced the very words of Dr. King in imploring Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. The problem became one of “hero shifting”. Johnson himself discounted his position as hero in the cause:

“The real hero of this struggle is the American Negro. His actions and protests, his courage to risk safety and even to risk his life, have awakened the conscience of this Nation. His demonstrations have been designed to call attention to injustice, designed to provoke change, designed to stir reform.”

Johnson understood my point at the level where it matters. Clinton seems to miss Johnson’s point and used Johnson to score political points to advance the “experience over talk” talking point. I even like Hillary (or certainly Clintons versus the Republicans on Civil Rigths) but was quite disappointed in the tactic.

I’m rambling perhaps but just to have you understand my visceral reaction as an African American. The reaction is much more about King versus politics --not about Obama.

This discussion is just wrong to say that without Johnson the 100 year old 15th amendment would have never been enforced. The courts would have done it through the Supreme Court as the conscience of the nation awakened by King and the movement would have forced them to.

But the time for the voting rights act had immediately arrived because of King’s Bloody March the day before. The day after the march the act was introduced by Johnson to Congress with the text of his speech imploring.

WE SHALL OVERCOME.

We will.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

DJ, Philadelphia — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:57:45 GMT

Hillary Clinton was extremely impressive on Meet the Press. She corrected the record and those affluent in the African American community who charged Clintons' commentary as racist or depressing are now going to have to face the consequences. Clinton took command of the interview with the facts.

Shame on Senator McCaskill. She states that eighteen year old daughter pushed her to announce this endorsement. Pathetic.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

TT — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:59:23 GMT

When is the endless bickering going to end? Hillary Clinton said a stupid, insensitive thing, all politicians do at some point. What the Senator should of done is simply apologize and explain that the implications of her statement (that Civil Rights legislation, even with MLK sacrificing his life for it, would of never came to fruition without LBJ)were faulty and not thought out. She could of simply said that she was tired. Instead of diffusing this situation, Senator Clinton has brought race to the forefront of a campaign that had until this week been refreshingly devoid of such discussions. In a week's time, we as a nation celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King. I hope and pray that both Clinton and Obama would further avoid exploiting him to further their political campaigns.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Judy, Madison WI — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:59:43 GMT

She was so clintonesque ... attacking with sound bites, ignoring the context, but then starting every defensive (and rather shrill) rebuttal with "let's put this in context".

I learned one thing from this week's MTP: Hillary is right up there with G Dub 43 ... I can't listen to either one of them for an hour.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

F. Igwealor, Los Angeles CA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:03:51 GMT

Good job Barack. The politics of hope doesn't mean hoping that you can lie on your opponents and get away with it as the Clintons have succeeded in doing thus far.

Keep calling them out and you'll win the nomination.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Nick, Denver — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:04:43 GMT

this further exemplifies the old, tired politics of division that Hillary Clinton needs to ply in order to win the nomination, but imperil her in the general election.... frankly, i am sick of this... Mr. Obama has my vote.... this BLATANT lying about her own verbal missteps and her personal attacking are completely unacceptable... Hillary personifies the old-guard vile politics we so very much need to cast off in order to make any progress as a nation...

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

nadeem, Canada — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:07:52 GMT

Glad to see Obama is pushing back on the Clinton lies.

Hillary will do anything to get into power.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

POLpursun — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:10:14 GMT

Obama should address many of the things Sen. Clinton had to say on MTP this morning.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Cathy, Upstate NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:16:16 GMT

Here we go with the Saint Obama spin again. Did anyone just see the interview of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on CNN? She is African American and denounces the attempts by the Obama campaign to bring racism into the mix. The Obama camp has twisted the Clinton's words relentlessly, and the media is following suit by only showing small misleading clips made to stir up more controversy. Is this how Elvis, I mean Obama, is planning on running his whole campaign? Oprah can talk about MLK and compare him to Obama, while standing with Obama on stage, but anyone else who dares to speak the name of MLK is a racist??? Is Obama going to play this "I'm a poor helpless black man and a victim of racism" card whenever he needs a boost? It is absolutely ridiculous that anyone is buying into this nonsense! How narrow-minded can you people be? Do you not have minds of your own? Let's not forget that Obama is HALF WHITE but is exploiting, I mean embracing his black half to pander to the hardworking black people in SC. I don't think they will buy into it, because they are smart enough to realize that in truth he has NOTHING in common with them. It's just a pathetic ploy to get votes any way he can. They are smarter than to fall for "The Great Oprah Effect". The Clinton's have been advocating for the black community for as long as they've been in politics, instead of some flash in the pan who got Oprah to stump for him and is only JUST NOW noticing that they even exist. Can anyone say "Hypocrisy???" Hillary for President!!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Fred Sondeegger — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:17:50 GMT

Oh really! Come on! If Mr. Obama continues down this precarious path, i.e., playing the "Race Card", he will truely become just another "minority candidate" following in the footsteps of Revs. Al and Jesse. For those of you who are with him, enjoy your day in the sun because it will be short lived. As for McCaskill, I hope she does not consult with and rely on her 18 year old daughter when making important national voting decisions. This reminds me of the famous Jimmy and Amy Carter fiasco. She's toast from this point on in Missouri. Ok, I guess some out there will now accuse me of being a racist. Just so you know, I only discriminate against stupidity and ignorance, and I see a lot coming from the Obama camp.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Fred Sondeegger — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:17:56 GMT

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Russ Fox Wells, Maine — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:19:58 GMT

Lets move on with this he said she said your not focusing on the American People and i think the big issue is we are now in a recession and until you admit to it and help find a solution all this he said she said means nothing. Dont start talking about plans of raising 80 billion or other amounts to fund some of the crisis the American People are facing because there is no money the pork barrell spending and the waste that is going on would address these issues...
Where would you make the cuts in goverment, You probably are the biggest users of gas and oil, where are you going to make the cuts....I could go on and on but you should be aware of these problems you were ten yrs ago and there still her....Change, your spending, focus on what you need to run goverment and treat it like a business....Find out what its really going to make health care affordable so everyone has the same care as government does..Dont depend on ss to fund your pork barrell spending leave it alone... i can go on forever but thats your job, but your not listening.....Being in office for a life doesnt help the situation youve proven that by the American people addressing the same issue...This is what the mean by change...And not the Mayor of ny reaching into his pocket and throwing ous a couple of pennies....Change Change.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

RJ,Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:22:56 GMT

I am so dissapointed in Obama. I was in his corner against Hillary until he and his campaign supporters played the race card. This makes me question his ability to be a uniter instead of further dividing the country. Many of my friends that were whooped up about Obama feel the same way. If this is what we will get with a president Obama (playing he race card) then all I can say is no thank you.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

glc — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:26:11 GMT

Last week's dust up over comments made by Senator, former president Clinton and Attoney General Cuomo; a weakness has revealed itself. THE CLINTONS BELIEVE THEY OWN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY!!! They are not interest in what is best for the party or the nation. They simply want to win. So the question we should ask(Our independant and republican friends can ask too) our fellow democrats is this: ARE YOU A DEMOCRAT OR A CLINTONIAN? A democrat desires to do what is best for the nation and will work with Republicans and Independants to see that the nation gets the best. A clintonian only cares about being proven right, inspite of being wrong.
Simply put: A DEMOCRAT MAKES THE WELFARE OF THE NATION THEIR PERSONAL RESPONSIBLILTY. A CLINTONIAN ONLY CARES FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CLINTONS.

"No king, no queen no surrender of my God given, right to chose for myself" Salem Poor-

OBAMA IN 08"

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Paul Walker, Germantown, TN — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:26:31 GMT

We will never hear "I made a mistake" or "I am sorry" from Hillary Clinton.
It is ALWAYS someone else that made the error.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Gringo, LA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:28:59 GMT

The resolution was about sending the inspectors back???

Did Hillary completely lose it?
If she indeed believed that on the day of the vote then why didn't she express her disapproval when Bush pulled the inspectors out and rushed to war in March 2003?

Hillary lies and thinks we are fools.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Jereme, Orlando, Fl — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:29:20 GMT

I like Obama's response, its time to start hitting back!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

diane — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:31:06 GMT

I love this as I grew up in Kansas City, Mo. and now live in Illinois. So, it makes me smile to see Missouri's senator endorsing my current senator and the 2008 nominee for the democratic party.
I did not watch MTP as I cannot stand to watch Hillary or Bill after their behavior of the past several weeks but, my husband tried to. After 15 min. he gave up as she was getting on his nerves. He said all she did was sit there bashing Obama and nothing else.
this was the reason she went on MTP. Not to talk to Russert but, to have an hour of free public airwaves to distort Obama's record and lie and smear him.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Barrack Obama — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:31:38 GMT

This is Barrack Obama and I approve this message: I was against the war before I voted to fund it.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Aidyn, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:34:02 GMT

Obama is wong when he saids that Clinton has spend her campaing criticizing him, she has spend most of her campaing talking about the issues, what she has done and what she will do. I think that she should have started critizing him harder a month ago becuase people need to know about Obama. What has he done?? OBama :"WHERE IS THE BEEF?"

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Aidyn, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:34:19 GMT

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Aidyn, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:34:20 GMT

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

MAMN,PALM BEACH,FL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:34:57 GMT

Hillary Clinton is playing a dirty politics by twisting the records of others and claim herself the model women to be the president.I think she will repeat the same misery and secrative,divided,pro-war washington which American people is began to rejecting now.We should be more careful because there are many chances that she will be easiest to defeat by the republicans because they are playing the same fear factor,same slash and burn politics and hillary's dirtyness is no match for republicans playbook.Republican can only defeated by the leadership of Obama who can bring young,independant,moderate ripublicans under one roof.
Go Obama, Yes we can.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

chocolateice — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:35:41 GMT

Barack Obama is speaking the truth about “Change” and “Yes, we can” slogans because we need a new direction in United States for all people. Barback Obama voice is refreshing to those who are willing to take the steps to make the changes along with Barack Obama as our next President of United States. The reason why it is important to support Barack Obama, he wants to take the country into a new direction whereas Hillary Clinton wants the same Bill Clinton’s polices for another 12 years which will overwhelm us. A fresh start with Barack Obama leadership will diffuse the tension around the World allowing USA to speak to those countries that are skeptic of us. With his leadership, we will have better relationships with other countries throughout the World. For this reason, I support Barack Obama for our next President of United States 2008! Are you ready to give Barack Obama your support?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Jen — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:35:46 GMT

Good conference call! This is the right response that Obama should have to the attacks based on distortion of truth and the spirit of swiftboating. I was disappoininted with Obama when he did not respond forcely and swiftly to the Clintons' swiftboating before the NH vote. It seems that Obama has learned from his mistakes. On the other hand, although Hillary won NH by a hair, she totally lost my respect. I thought she was more ethical than Bill and her behaviors in desperation convinced me that they are the same.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Walt — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:36:04 GMT

Talk about being two-faced! Did Obama even bother to see the show or read the entire transcript of the interview? Clinton did NOT ever proactively attack Obama-- and never once made a personal attack, despite continuous prompting and baiting by Russert for her to do so. She was simply responding to the specific questions with specific answers which tried to explain-- and give context to-- her previous comments (and the media's interpretation of them). In fact, she went out of her way to give Obama and Edwards (and other democrats) credit, and did not fall for Tim Russert's numerous attempt to get her to say that Obama was not qualified to be President. Where was this "old political ways" that Obama is talking about. And, PLEASE, don't insult our intelligence by trying to claim no one associated with your campaign has been fanning the fires on the race issue...unless you're now going to claim that Senator Durbin of Illinois and State Senator (and good buddy) Jessie Jackson, JR of Chicago are no longer key supporters of your campaign.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Balck o'lame-ma — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:37:04 GMT

attack the strong points of the other guy, this is Karl Rove politics. the thing is that she needed to sound a bit "Ray-sister" up in New hampshire but now that we are moving south and west she needs to sound like she is just a "sister" too bad for Dumb americans they are just too lazy to know who is who and Obamabi is not willing to fight for his name or honer.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Brad, Chicago, IL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:41:37 GMT

This is one of the most deceptive headlines I've ever seen. MSNBC.com trying to compensate for Chris Matthews?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dorothy Kincaid, Alcoa, TN — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:48:04 GMT

Blacks - please don't vote for OBAMA just because he's Black. Powell, Rice are Black - but think about who owns them. MLKing's words were more than the I HAVE A DREAM, read his other writings and think about his words. THESE people who are flocking around OBAMA would not have and were not on MLKing's side when he was being hunted down by their FBI (Blacks please be alert and read for yourselves) Many Blacks have sold us out and many more will. POWELL LIED AND MEN AND WOMEN DIED. Don't listen to them read for yourselves. King died for us to have that not to be led to slaughter by the same people who turned their heads while he was being killed.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dorothy Kincaid, Alcoa, TN — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:51:27 GMT

DIVISION in this nation. Man what the white man (with the help of token Blacks) won't do.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Adam, Pittsburgh PA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:52:39 GMT

Thank God Obama has the courage to fight back against the Clinton machine.

The politics of hope does not mean turn the other cheek.

Clinton is trying to turn her campaign gaffs against Obama...

…Telling an audience member not to ask Hillary about the war during a CNN debate
… Bob Kerrey's "Muslim/madrassa" lie/comment
… Bill Shaheen's "drug dealer" rumor
… Mark Penn mentioning "cocaine" on "Hardball"
… Andrew Cuomo's "shuck and jive" comment
…The anonymous Clinton advisor's "imaginary black friend" comment
… Hillary dismissing the legacy of Martin Luther King
… Bill calling Obama a "kid"
… Distorting Obama's record on abortion, the war ("fairy tale"), the Patriot Act
… Slamming his "lack of experience" when he has more experience as an elected official than she has and spent more time changing lives on a grassroots level than she could ever hope to
… Planting audience members at rallies
… The "iron our shirts!" plants, leading to her "sexism" comment
… Changing her resume from "experience" to "35 years of experience" to "35 years of change"
… Recruiting Massachusetts residents to fill up her New Hampshire rallies
… Tearing up before the New Hampshire primary…and attacking Obama in the next breath
… Finally "finding her voice"…despite having "35 years of experience and change"
… Hillary uses the fear card ("[Obama presidency] could be the costliest on the job training")
… The ridiculous "he wanted to be president in Kindergarten" smear
… The entire "Charlie Rose Show" interview with Bill ("it's a roll of the dice")

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Phyllis, Dallas, TX — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:53:29 GMT

If the clintons are the family of the first "black president", then they should have known what to say and what not to say. Yes, Hillary has assumed alot when it comes to the Black Community. Although I never looked at Bill as the first black president, I did like him and think he was a good president, I have seen the light.

I hope that Black America see through the clintons. For someone who is supposedly smart, I found her comments dumb. Maybe we are seeing the real Hillary. As a AA woman, I'd vote for a republican before I vote for HRC.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

john, Syracuse, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:53:32 GMT

Hey guys, the headline of this story is misleading. He called the MLK comments "unfortunate" not "ludicrous". He described her blaming his campaign for them as "ludicrous". Good job making the story juicier but it is misleading.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Linda Robbins, Bloomington, Indiana — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:53:38 GMT

Hillary is a smart woman, but she shows her true colors during anything she deems critical of her, her record, or her husband: She becomes extremely emphatic, border-line hostile, and accusational of others (true to the Clinton history). I agree with Obama supporters - I am tired of the old political games and destruction of others' credibility. Obama is running a gentleman's campaign whose response to unsubstantiated slants on his record with a gentleman's response. He refuses to play the game.
I worry, though, that Washington and politics are so ingrained in our country that Obama's departure may cost him a well-deserved presidency. By the way, why hasn't anyone brought up the fact Clinton has not written any legislation that passed. She touts her support of important legislation, but never authored anything.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dave — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:55:09 GMT

I watched the entire show and was annoyed that she answered most of Tim's questions with Obama criticisms. She certainly is focused on finding fault with him right now, makes me wonder how worried she must be about him

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Betty, S.C. — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:55:23 GMT

GO HERE AND READ THIS ARTICLE ABOUT OBAMA BEING A MUSLIM JUST OUT TODAY. THE ARTICLE HAS CONFIRMED THAT HE IS AN EX-MUSLIM AND MUST BE EXECUTED BY THE ISLAMIC LAW SINCE HE NOW SAYS HE IS A CHRISTIAN.

http://news.newsmax.com/?yM.mDK2a1cvzjauo0KIShBRKzQy Here is a quote from the article And he adds: “All this matters, for if Obama once was a Muslim, he is now what Islamic law calls a murtadd (apostate), an ex-Muslim converted to another religion who must be executed. Were he elected president of the Untied States, this status, clearly, would have large potential implications for his relationship with the Muslim world.”
COULD HE BE AN EX-OBAMA IF HE IS ELECTED? That's pretty divisive don't you think.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Tina Garrett, Lee's Summit, Missouri — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:56:11 GMT

We'll be here to welcome you to Missouri, Barack! We're wide awake and we know the Clinton's and what they're about. They are only getting louder and nastier because they see there control slipping away, one voter at a time.

Go Barack! Go!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Jeff Rathdrum ID — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:57:42 GMT

My question is how many do overs do the Clintons get, seems to be alot of attacking and then saying thats not what I meant.
Now lets say Clinton is President and oversea's do you think other contries will buy this, if she says something and it insults a country, a couple days later Clinton will say I didn't mean that, well it might work once but I doubt it!!!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

CelinaB, Lilburn, GA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:00:32 GMT

Clinton with their fairy tale hit and run tactics, made unfortunate remark about Martin Luther King and Lyndon Johnson knowing fully it would enrage the black community.

But we have news for the Clintons triangulation.
If it is not appropriate for blacks, its not appropriate period. If its offensive to white, black, latino, Asian, America, its offensive period. Thats the America that we believe we are, the US of A. Change we can believe in. GO BO

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

independents for change — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:03:37 GMT

no one should expect the clinton's to take responsibility for their own doing. bill said he didn't have sex with monica remember? this is typical of the clinton's. to try and blame obama and his campaign for something she said is ugly and the type of politics they will practice. washington will not get a thing done with the clinton's in office. it angers us that she would just lie on someone else like this.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

eNews Reference — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:04:10 GMT

Hillary Clinton gave a terrible Meet The Press Interview... http://www.enewsreference.wordpress.com

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Noah Thomas, Tampa FL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:08:25 GMT

Obama-Napolitano is the strongest ticket the Dems can offer the country right now.

African American Male-White American Female (without the above example of the Clintonian baggage)

"Obama told reporters that he's been an admirer of Napolitano's for some time, and specifically that "Her hallmark is common sense, she does what makes sense, what works, she doesn't govern based on ideology but on practicality and delivering for her constituents."

Example she deployed Arizona National Guard troops to the Mexican border saying the time is right for a greater state role fighting crime caused by illegal immigration.

What will be the Repubilican response to that?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

TjM, Charleston, SC — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:10:08 GMT

I listened to Hillary Clinton's interview with Tim Russert today and decided that she is quite unfit to be president. I came away thinking that in a head-to-head contest with McCain, she will loose and will so energize the republican base that the democrats will not only lose the White House but the Congress.

This is troubling to me because I do not believe this country can survive another 4/8 years of sticking its head in the sand of middle east wars while ignoring the looming challenges our indebtedness to Chinese capital, failing to invest in the education of our children, and and inability to stem the tide of outsourcing of good jobs.

I took particular exception to the following points in the interview.

1. Sen Clinton argues that she is the best equipped of the candidates to get things done in Washington. I understand why she makes this claim, but simply cannot see why it should be believed.
First, the senator is such a polarizing person that none of her priorities will likely be implemented by the congress without dramatic changes. What I mean here is that even if she wins, many republicans who despise Sen Clinton and what she stands for will treat opposition to her agenda as a badge of Honor. Second, based on the divisive manner in which she has run this campaign, she will not be able to tap into the outstanding field of centrist, technocrats that Obama or Edwards can use to help refine, balance, and implement a progressive agenda.

2. Sen Clinton sells her candidacy on the program and in the campaign by stating that she is ready to be president from day 1. However, in the same breath she tells us that she did not read the NIE on Iraq because of the thorough briefing she received.
In my view, sending troops to war is about the most serious decision a US president must make. To claim that you are ready from day one and that you are a workhorse, yet refuse to take the time to educate yourself about the weaknesses of the arguments and consequences is in my view unforgivable.

3. As a student of history, I believe that a requirement of a good leader is willingness to take responsibility for one's actions whether they are successful or not. Hillary Clinton's claim that she was somehow not responsible for the backlash against her and Bill for the irresponsible race-bating statements made in NH is unbecoming for someone who is requesting to be given the reins of this great country.

4. A good leader should tell the truth. I read the famous 2004 transcript of Obama's interview regarding how he would have voted for the war. I cannot see how Mrs. Clinton and Bill Clinton (a former president) can in good conscience continue this line of attack. I find their willingness (almost glee) to tell untruths and to engage in open dishonesty a serious problem.

Mrs Clinton on several occasions tells Tim that this campaign is not about gender. Yet at every turn she and her husband seem to feel that voters need be reminded that she is a woman.

I am also frankly very worried (for the party) about what she will say when the republicants ask: what 35 years are you talking about Hillary? ..Does this include the time of overbilled hours at the Rose Law Firm, your manifest incompetence in managing healthcare reform, you poor judgment in selecting an attorney general (not once but twice), cronism in the Travel office firings, the Law firm billing records that mysteriously disappeared and then just as mysteriously reappeared during a criminal investigation, Monicagate, your inability to stand up to the Bush administration against rushing into the Iraq war.....

Fellow dems, let's pray a silent prayer each day that by some miracle we do not find ourselves after this fall's election in the now familar predicament of having lost the white house, re-energizing the republican base (losing the congress), two new justices on the supreme court that do not share our values.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:10:21 GMT

Unfortunately Senator Obama is milking this 'race card' issue...he has had his representatives on TV pushing and misrepresenting the meaning of the words of Hillary and Bill Clinton...he has town halls where people say derogatory things about Hillary Clinton and he does nothing to stop it...he and his campaign encourage the division...and now he tells us that he is the 'jackpot' we all need...I do not understand how Senator Obama can call himself a uniter when he is creating such division within the Democratic Party...he likens himself to JFK, RFK and MLK...he is more like a salesman in the oratory style of television evangelist Creflo Dollar

He needs to gain more experience in the Senate and he needs more vetting by the MSM BEFORE the general election not AFTER

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Justin Michael, NY, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:11:18 GMT

I wonder how long the media is going to continue to give Hillary a free pass on this. Since losing Iowa she and her husband have consistently employed dirty tactics to attack Sen. Obama while his camp has taken the high road and generally refused to respond in kind. He has repeatedly stated that all the candidates are patriots while Hillary’s has invoked the failed terrorist attack in France to imply that the nation may be more vulnerable to terrorist attack if Obama is elected. These are Rovian tactics.

We saw it again today on Meet The Press. Rather than simply respond directly to or apologize for the alarming pattern of subtle racially motivated attacks hurled at Sen. Obama (speculating an implied a drug dealing past may be exploited by the Republicans, Andrew Cuomo's Shuckin'& Jivin' remark, Pres. Clinton referring to Sen. Obama as a 'kid', Clinton folks stating that voting for Obama would be akin to supporting a 'hip Black friend', condescendingly referring to Sen. Obama as a good speaker), she instead decided to insist that the Obama campaign is responsible for all of this. Whatever happened to personal accountability? Just apologize for the gaffs and move forward. No matter who you prefer in this race I think we can all agree that Americans are tired of leaders who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. Hillary's recent posturing and stubbornness to admit wrongdoing is eerily similar to that of George W. Bush. No wonder, Karl Rove seems to be endorsing her candidacy.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Daniel, NY — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:15:16 GMT

Anyone interested in this controversy please read Hillary's full comments on MLK/Johnson and the full quote of Bill talking about the fairy tale. They're both available here: http://www.campaigndiaries.com/2008/01/placing-clintons-race-comments-in-full.html

The full quotes do not clear up the comments entirely and there is still plenty of room to denounce Clinton's characterization of MLK, but the account that the NYT and most media groups are offering is a truncated version that makes her look more condescending. The full version includes a big swipe at John Kennedy -- and there is a lot of room for interpretation as to what Clinton exactly meant. It seems much more fair to debate this on those grounds.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Cosby — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:15:39 GMT

For Hillary Clinton to suggest that Obama was peddling the story is not only ludicrous but dishonest. Wait a second; what does Hillary Clinton take us for? I guess she thinks we are stupid as an observer. Even a 6th grade student knows how insensitive her comment was regarding MLK.

Shame on Hillary Clinton for suggesting otherwise! Shame on Bill Clinton for taking us for a fool! Shame on all the black representatives that endorse Hillary Clinton! Hillary Clinton ain’t seen nothing yet regarding AA vote. She might as well kiss those votes good bye.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

jeffim, miami — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:15:41 GMT

'present vote' = status quo

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dawn, Davenport, Ia — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:17:35 GMT

People everywhere are finally speaking up about Hillary's actions!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

D L Bell — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:17:51 GMT

I am an Obama supporter. Sen. Barack Obama is our next besthope to get our country on the right track. Now is not the time to attack; however, this is also not the time to get rest. Hillary is out on the move, and I have not heard from the great Senator in a few news cycles.

Don't stop yet, keep on the move!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dr. Uche Akwuba, LCE — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:23:02 GMT

It is important to recognize that a great thing is happening in America. It is bigger than gender or race, or the two combined. The entire world is waiting for America to, once again, provide credible, honest, and consistent leadership. All candidates in this election are business-as-usual opportunists. All, except Senator Obama.
Go for it, America. Do the right thing and change the world for the better.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Youth Voter, USA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:31:40 GMT

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Tareli, Fuquay Varina NC — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:35:06 GMT

Obama is such a baby, Hillary is bringing up some very valid arguments as to why Obama's backround and voting records should be scrutinized and he can't take it.

"Waaa Hillary is picking on me waaa!"

Pretty soon he'll have to start answering some tough questions about his dealings with Tony Rezko:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/13/44725/8414/292/436003

And then there's the Alice Palmer thing:

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/1/13/44725/8414/292/436003

And here are the true PROVEN facts about his real stance on the Iraq war:

http://facts.hillaryhub.com/

When are you people going to WAKE UP and realize that Obama is as pure as the driven snow as you make him out to be.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

demos — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:39:20 GMT

"When change is on his way, the forces of status quo will resist."

The Clinton are really destroying their reputation, HRC is doing so anyway. She attacks, attacks, attacks and again attacks. All she knows is playing politics to win, not asking why she should win.

HRC is the past and people are really getting tired of this kind of politics.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

jangourno — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:46:36 GMT

Clinton is so at it.
She criticizes everything that other people do. She made a comment about MLK and cannot defend her position or her comment but accuse other people for it. This is nothing new anyway.
She voted for the war and took responsibility for it but rather accused George Bush.

This is what happens when somebody uses the power of her husband as hers, she has no roots and will resort to those empty attacks in order to be politically viable. At the end, how is she going to govern?

Even Bill Clinton will be ashamed to get back in that white house even if she wins... something i dont believe.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Marbw — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:47:54 GMT

Clinton rewrites history

Obama, during his endorsement from Claire McCaskill, accused Hillary of distorting her words and his and of trying to change her story on Iraq.

Here's the whole thing:

What we saw this morning is why the American people are tired of Washington politicians and the games they play. But Sen. Clinton made an unfortunate remark, an ill advised remark, about King and Lyndon Johnson. I didn’t make the statement. I haven’t remarked on it, and she I think offended some folks who felt that somehow diminished King’s role in bringing about the Civil Rights Act. She is free to explain that, but the notion that somehow this is our doing is ludicrous.

I have to point out that instead of telling the American people about her positive vision for America, Sen. Clinton spent an hour talking about me and my record in a way that was flat-out wrong. She suggested that I didn’t clearly and unambiguously oppose the war in Iraq when it is absolutely clear and anyone who has followed this knows that I did. I stood up against the war when she was voting for it, at a time when she didn’t read the intelligence reports or give diplomacy a chance. She belittled the most sweeping ethics reform since Watergate despite the fact that she stood on the sidelines during that negotiations on that bill.

I have to say that she started this campaign saying that she wanted to make history and lately she has been spending a lot of time rewriting it. I know that in Washington it is acceptable to say or do anything it takes to get elected, but I really don’t think that is the kind of politics that is good for our party, and I don’t think it is good for our country, and I think that the American people will reject it in this election.

What I want to do is spend talking about how we are going to make sure that people who are losing their jobs get work. How are we going to make sure that our young people are going to afford college? How are we going to make sure that the subprime lending crisis does not lead to an all-out recession? How are we going to create the kind of foreign policy that allows us to bring our troops home and makes us safer and goes after a genuine terrorist threat? Those are the issues that we are going to spend time talking about in this campaign and if Sen. Clinton wants to be distracted by the sorts of political point scoring that was evident today then that is going to be her prerogative.

Experience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKudh1apPtc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMlrSG1xb5k

Barack Obama 2002 Iraq interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXzmXy226po

Barack Obama (HRC gave GWB blank check)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ-rdZ2TcII&NR=1

Hillary Clinton on Iraq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyC7loMop58&feature=related

John Edwards in 2002 on Iraq
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4x_KnWEDjs

Bill Clinton 2003 (in 2007 He says something different)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWm8riukyeM

KNOW THE FACTS
http://factcheck.barackobama.com/

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Stuart, Boulder, CO — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:49:03 GMT

As far as the MLK comments, they were just a first-rate blunder in my opinion. I personally took her remarks "out of context" as soon as I heard them. I'm sure that for many other people who saw her remarks, including those who have publicly taken issue with them, it didn't take a concerted underhanded effort by the Obama campaign for them to "misinterpret" her remarks either.

I don't believe Clinton's a racist, but that she was just being hot-headed and desperate at the time she made those comments. Her blaming of the Obama campaign for any and all airing of disappointment about the remarks seems paranoid at best and cynical at worst: Is she just looking for any opportunity to force Obama to play race victim? And what kind of a dynamic is it where quasi-racist comments by a white candidate can be played off a black candidate negatively, but without the white candidate seeming to suffer in the esteem of the black electorate? In the words of TTOMO, "it's like double reverse racism times nine!"

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

joseph — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:52:16 GMT

It's the old Washington tricks from the Clintons. It's never their fault. They always have to blame someone else.Black people would be insane to vote for Hillary after she, her husband, and her henchmen have tried to denigrate black leaders all across the board.The craziest thing in all of this is that they are holding slaveholders(founding fathers) as their pillars while belittling black leaders.They absolutely have no moral authority.How dare they?

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Pete A., Chicago — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:55:01 GMT

I was working abroad for much of the Bill Clinton years and did not follow the Clintons too much. I believed at the time Bill merely dissembled about his sex life, a personal matter, but was generally honest. Now I realize I wrong. Now I see clearly that both Clintons are dishonest to the core, driven by a soulless ambition.

They have completely distorted Obama's record.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Gerald Moore, Columbus, OH — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:19:46 GMT

To insinuate that the only people responsible for "real" change are the elitists elected to public office is incredibly vapid.
Rather than questioning her racism, it would be much more proper to question her elitism, which seems firmly ingrained.
And for all of the hoopla surrounding the Florida voting debacle, it seems odd that the New Hampshire primary, which could have derailed the Clinton machine, has garnered little to no attention.
Instead, it's assumed that the polls were all wrong because white people in New Hampshire are closet racists - and voted "white" once the curtain was pulled.
And all of this plays quite nicely into the Clintons continuing to push the race card, based on the presumption that a black man can't be elected?
Just another example of elitism - "I'm not a bigot - but everyone else is - so don't vote for Obama because he can't win."
The problem is - Clinton can't win. Particularly now that she's had to pull every trick in the book to resurrect her Democratic run.
She's put all of her cards on the table, she can't replay them - she can't run as Mrs. Bill Clinton, as she has for the Democratic nomination - no one will allow for that.
So it's all over. But the Clintons, as usual, won't go down without a fight.
By the way, any word on that New Hampshire recount - or are we waiting until after Super Tuesday to uncover that fraud?
Good job, MSM.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Michael James -- Illinois — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:21:50 GMT

Hillary Clinton is the one who said (with a straight face) "it took a President to get it done."

While there is a valid point to be made about LBJ's contributions to civil rights, HRC's comment is utterly and completely riddled with contempt for Dr. King's leadership. I fail to see how it can be viewed in any other way.

Of course, LBJ played a role in the legislative activity, but what was the impetus for the aforementioned legislative activity? It was the movement, led by and personified by MLK Jr.

Hillary Rodham Clinton might be celebrating Dr. Lyndon Baines Johnson Jr. Day later this month, but most people understand that the movement led to the legislation, not the other way around.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Crandall — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:24:10 GMT

Barack Obama must have seen a different Meet The Press than I did this morning. Rather than spend the hour attacking him I saw her answering the questions being put to her by Tim Russert.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dot, Illinois — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:26:13 GMT

Obama called the "notion" that his campaign is responsible for the backlash Hillary Clinton has faced about her comments on Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in the in the civil rights movement "ludicrous"

Domenico

Your headline for this post is misleading. Senator Obama didn't called Senator Clinton's remark "ludicrous," as as evidenced by the statement you wrote that I copied above.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

houssou didier — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:27:39 GMT

Did anybody heard Hilary on MEET THE PRESS today? Unbielievable. She said Bill did not consult with her before pardoning her brother!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wake up America.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

houssou didier — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:32:58 GMT

I call it CLINTON SWIFTBOATING.Floating a controversial idea then back off. Thhey try not to stick with it but the damage is done because the media seizes up it and it has subliminal effect on the voter.houssou

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Ced Jones, Jacksonville FL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:37:09 GMT

Hillary Clinton is right. I'm tired of all the people that are calling the Clinton's racists! Without white people like the Clinton's, the blacks would be a lot worse off then they are now. The Clinton's couldn't get much done their first two terms for the blacks because of the racist Republicans. But you watch, when Bill and Hillary are given two more terms, they will pass more civil rights legislation then anyone ever has to help the blacks. Blacks should be indebted to the Clinton's for all they have done, and will do for them.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dr. Ashley, Chicago, IL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:45:48 GMT

Hillary Clinton is a liar, and that was obvious today during her interview.
Hillary = Lies
Hillary = Lies
Hillary = Lies.

Let's put a stop to nonsense in the White House!
Obama for President!!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dr. Ashley, Chicago, IL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:50:06 GMT

Does everyone have amnesia...as per Hillary. She's the one who brought up MLK?? Not Obama.
He's not playing a race card, she's trying to work the gender and race card at the same time.
She is a liar!
Hillary = Liar.

As an African-American physician, I am supporting Obama.
Enough with this Clinton non-sense, now she realizes that the resolution for war was for...war??? Not inspectors. Get Real Hillary.
Americans can see through this BS.

Go Obama! A Real Person, for Real Change.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Dr. Ashley, Chicago, IL — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:51:50 GMT

As for those Nasty Emails. MSNBC and the AP have shown them both to be false.
If there's anything you need to know about American politics, it's not to believe a damn thing you hear on the news.
Research for yourself.
Another lie from the Clinton spin machine.

Go Obama.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Harmony — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:53:08 GMT

How can Barack's campaign be responsible for what Clinton said?

Typical of Hillary to twist the truth. Would she stop if she were elected? God help us.

I couldn't stand another president whose pandering and photo ops are the main priority.

Obama speaks the truth and that is what hurts Hillary.
He doesn't play the race card - but Hillary puts on a "sista" act when addressing black people.

She accuses him of voting to fund the Iraq war, when she herself voted the same. She picks at every little thing Obama does and it never sticks. When it comes to a big thing - like voting for the war (she belieived Bush and didn't read the NIE), or health care she really screws it up.

Whenever she slings mud it lands back on her. Hillary, when you point the finger at someone - three fingers point back at you! The mud belongs on your face.

Why has she never come out against the ridiculous slander of Obama's heritage and lie about him taking the oath on the Koran? Where is the courage and integrity to do so?

Why has it taken her all these years to "find her voice"? What is her voice? What does that mean? Is it that she is now one of us? Is it that she is now and agent of change? She may let us know as soon as her "people" tell her what to say. Probably depends on who she is talking to then I guess.

Obama is warm and genuine. He doesn't have to acknowlege that he found himself. He hasn't had to change his demeanor to appear more apealing. He doesn't have any lies to apologise for because he is honest. He takes responsibility for his actions and does not bicker and nit pick or sling mud at others. He is above that. His integrity is who he is. He thinks for himself. He is wise. He is a leader, not someone who doesn't follow the crowd, but unites them. We need him. the world needs him.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Fasteddie Houma — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 21:58:00 GMT

As soon as Donna Brazille went off on CNN (Clinton News Network)I knew Obama had a problem. Why would Obama have a problem. Brazille worked in the Clinton campaign, and was the first to forgive Bill before he could get his explanation out of his mouth. I really hate to see this race take this turn, but I know who started it and I know who has not taken the bait. I just read how divided New Hampshire has been left do to dirty tricks that happen on election day and the day before. I was hoping we as a party were past this kind of campaigning, in a year when all we had to do was stick together and show up. I use to be a big Clinton fan, but I can hardly stand to here their voices. They lie with such ease. I am starting to feel that my days as a Democrat are numbered. My son has switched to Independent and if Senator Clinton wins the nomination I will be doing the same. I'd take a couple of the republicans first.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

JD, WI — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:05:11 GMT

Obama just released an economy plan, which is a total copycat of the Clinton plan released last week. This is shockingly embarrassing that has never seen in political history. Even his economic advisor admits it’s similar to Clinton plan. Is this how Obama bring about change? By changing numbers of an opponent’s plan?
If you can’t even come up with an original idea how can you be a change agent?
Of course, Clinton camp has been asked for meat all this time.
But it is unthinkable that Obama will produce meat stolen right from the Clinton’s refrigerator. This is real armature stuff.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Rich Flatts, Charlotte, NC — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:05:42 GMT

Barry Obama is such a fake. He is cheap tlak in an expensive suit. He would sell out his soul to get elected.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

jds — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:10:30 GMT

Will some Hillary supporter PUH-LEASE TELL ME
what it is that Hillary is referring to when she blames Obama for the backlash against her?

What did Obama do?
What does Obama have to do with it?

Hillary is the one who made the stupid comments.
I can't find any articles stating what Hillary thinks Obama said or did. Why is she trying to blame him?
Looks to me like Hillary is the one pulling the "race card".

On what grounds can Hillary even bring Obama into her mess???

TELL ME WHAT SHE THINKS OBAMA DID!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

V.Grendell, Gig Harbor WA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:18:12 GMT

I do not see race as an issue in this campaign. It's about who will make a stronger leader. Someone who can own up to mistakes, missteps, and take responsibility. I was hoping for some of that here. What I got out of it was a full on attack on Obama, no apologies for past actions, and a bunch of defensive, "that's not fair", and "I'm the one who has experience". But if I'm to base her campaign on experience then I'm to base some of it on BILL's record. Bill was a good president, but that was the 90's. I was reminded of a lot of blaming of others during his run as president. For someone who really wanted to believe that Hillary had something to offer me besides the same stuff, I was put in my place. I will have this person as my president. If she wins the nomination I will look elsewhere (even republican---as awful as that seems). I'm leaning towards Obama or even Edwards now. This interview has turned me off to Clinton entirely. And another thing, as a woman I'm fully ready to have a woman president. Not this woman. No thank you.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Mary Eugene Oregon — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:21:41 GMT

Update.....

While campaigning for Clinton in SC, Robert Johnson, head of BET) fanned the racial fire. The story can be read on the Huffington Post. His original remarks have been backtracked by the Clinton campaign, but they are there for all to read. These folks are crazy!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

V.Grendell, Gig Harbor WA — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:22:01 GMT

I do not see race as an issue in this campaign. It's about who will make a stronger leader. Someone who can own up to mistakes, missteps, and take responsibility. I was hoping for some of that here. What I got out of it was a full on attack on Obama, no apologies for past actions, and a bunch of defensive, "that's not fair", and "I'm the one who has experience". But if I'm to base her campaign on experience then I'm to base some of it on BILL's record. Bill was a good president, but that was the 90's. I was reminded of a lot of blaming of others during his run as president. For someone who really wanted to believe that Hillary had something to offer me besides the same stuff, I was put in my place. I will NOT have this person as my president. If she wins the nomination I will look elsewhere (even republican---as awful as that seems). I'm leaning towards Obama or even Edwards now. This interview has turned me off to Clinton entirely. And another thing, as a woman I'm fully ready to have a woman president. Not this woman. No thank you.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Hillary is a Liar — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:46:21 GMT

The Clinton's have been advocating for the black community for as long as they've been in politics, instead of some flash in the pan who got Oprah to stump for him and is only JUST NOW noticing that they even exist. Can anyone say "Hypocrisy???" Hillary for President!!
Cathy, Upstate NY (Sent Sunday, January 13, 2008 12:16 PM)
----------------------
What have they done for People of Color

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Sue R., IN — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 22:59:23 GMT

Obama thinks that because he doesn't directly fan the flames that he is clean. Bill's "fairy tale" comments were clearly about Obama's record on Iraq; Hillary's "MLK/LBJ" comments were racist only to those who are looking for racism. Michelle Obama fired the first mudsling months ago with her, "if you can't run your own house, you can't run the White House" remark and what we're seeing today is a continuation of that. Obama lets others make his dirty remarks for him, does nothing to refute them, holds his head up and claims to be the "candidate of change" who can unite the country. He must think we're all stupid.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Connie Anne, Houston, TX — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:00:10 GMT

All my life I have never, ever heard that it was LBJ who was in fact responsible for the achievments of the Civil Rights movement and MLK was simply a symbolic sidenote.

I hate to say this but the Republicans are Right: The Clintons are truly the World's greatest revisionist and will say and do anything to get elected no matter how big the lie!

Hillary, just apologize and admit you are wrong already! Your embaressing the party!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Sally Smith, Pennsylvania — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:07:40 GMT

I must say, I am reading through all the comments and feel I must interject here. First, I saw HRC on Meet The Press this morning and I was rather impressed. She handled herself extremely well and stated the facts. In regard to Mr. Clinton’s remarks I truly do believe this is being blown way out of proportion. His words were entirely taken out of context and to be bickering over this issue is, in a word, repulsive. Now I am a person who goes strictly off of a persons experience and factual record. If the public really feels this strongly about Obama vs. Clinton…. EDUCATE yourselves on who actually has produced MORE reform for this country. Clinton or Obama? Hands down, Clinton comes out on top. Why? Because she has actually done the work. It’s really sad that Americans today judge a person based on what the press or others say about them without actually educating themselves on the facts. Yet, these are the same folks who are the first to complain. It’s really sad. Judge a person by their record, and not what others have to say about them. Educate yourselves.

Yes, Clintons do have experience and a history. That is, they clean up well after the Bush’s have made the messes. Example, Bill Clinton was left holding the bag with one of this nations largest deficits. Within three years, he turned this into a SURPLUS… But nobody seems to talk about that, do they? Educate yourselves on the facts folks… Hillary is the best choice, because she has experience!!
Educate yourselves and look it up. Her record for helping others in untouchable compared to Mr. Obama.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Marbw — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:08:12 GMT

------Clinton motto(throwback of the 90's 'textbook' politics)

ANDERA - Admit nothing, deny everything, redirect accusations.
----------------------------------------
Step 1: Slander your opponent
Step 2: Wait and see if you're called on the slander
Step 3: If called on the slander, decide whether you've offended a group you need to win the election
Step 4: If the answer to step 3 is "yes, we need that group," deny Step 1 ever happened.
Step 5: Hope nobody realizes what you just did
Step 6: If someone does realize what you did, see step 1 (slander them)

If above doesn't work, cry so that some gullible women will fall for the deception.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

rw, Houston, TX — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:17:13 GMT

Hey First Read. What's with the "Barack Obama News" link along side your other pages, such as "Meet the Press", "NBC Nightly News," etc.? YOU WOULDN'T BE TRYING TO VISUALLY INFLUENCE ME...NOW WOULD YA? "There is a saying here in Tennessee and in Texas too. Fool me...Fool me once but you ain't going to fool me again." George W. Bush '04

Hillary Rocks! I can't wait to watch Meet the Press. Knowing you guys, you probably have smoked it.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Robert — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:43:05 GMT

This all started because she labeled his campaign as full of false hope, to which he answered what if so and so had stopped because someone said they were pursuing false hopes - he listed JFK and MLK amongst many others during his speeches. Hillary then said he was trying to compare himself to JFL and MLK and evidently has gone so far as to minimize MLKs contributions since LBJ actually put the act through. Now when the black community expresses concern at what appears to them as a swipe at one of their biggest heros, Hillary goes on national TV and blames Obama and his campaign. Does this seem smart and experienced? It does not to me, it seems downright Rovian.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

James Hu — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:47:16 GMT

Remember the "vast right-wing conspiracy" that made Clinton tell a lie under oath. Perhaps is was the "vast Obama conspiracy" that made Hillary make those remarks and then cause Hillary's supporter to criticize her. The last I checked, people criticizing her remarks are her own campaign people.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

AP from IL — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:31 GMT

Hillary was really something this morning and not in a good way. Tim asked some tough questions, but then let her get away with lying through most of her answers. She took every opportunity to bash Obama. Here are just some of the corrections that need to be made to her outlandish accusations:

Obama's ethics legislation was about alot more than lunches. It stopped all the free travel and sponsored trips and curbed much of the questionable behavior between lobbiests and congressmen.

His position against the Iraq war has never wavered. He voted for funding just as many did who wanted to make sure the troops were supported. Not too hard to understand.

Not only has Obama not started, he hasn't even entered the race conversation. The Clintons stirred up this hornets nest all on their own. They have offended many with their insensitive remarks which are a calculated gamble to draw him out on this.

Hillary may not be endorsed by the Nevada Teacher's Union who is suing so the that Culinary Workers Union cannot caucus offsite, but she failed to mention that she has the support of the Teachers Union management and the timing of this lawsuit is beyond suspicious.

I'm sure the Clintons haven't even scratched the surface of the dirty tricks, manipulations and lies they are willing to employ to defeat Obama. I personally don't think the Republicans will be half as vicious as Hillary. If he can survive her, he can survive anything.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

truthinpolitix, USA — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:16:27 GMT

Regardless of what tipped the vote in her favor – and I think there were a number of factors – I can’t help but think the voters in New Hampshire made a big mistake when they gave Hillary that victory. Had she lost there, I think it would’ve been nearly impossible for her to stop Obama’s momentum. As it is, a huge battle lies ahead.
It is crucial that voters in Nevada, S. Carolina, and the Super Tuesday states do not repeat New Hampshire’s mistake. Obama is far more electable than Clinton, and a far more inspiring choice to move the country past the divisiveness of the Bush-Clinton years.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I think that the frothing-at-the-mouth hatred that Hillary inspires in so many Republicans borders on the insane (and it’s certainly idiotic), but Democrats ignore that antipathy at their own peril. If Democrats want to do the most powerful thing they can to turn out the *right-wing* base in November, the choice is simple: nominate Hillary Clinton.
Obama, on the other hand, is the one candidate that Americans across the political spectrum can get behind. How do we know? Because they did it in Iowa. He trounced Hillary among independents, brought out unprecedented numbers of young people, and even defeated her by a percentage point among women there. Even in New Hampshire, he beat her handily amongst independents and young voters. He is a *true* uniter, something that Bush and Mrs. Clinton, unfortunately, can never be.
Imagine a contest between Obama and McCain. Barack would destroy the old guy in a general election. Clinton? I’m not so sure. Certainly, after seven years of the Bush fiasco, any Dem nominee *should* be able to beat any Republican, but given the way Hillary infuriates and riles up Republicans, it would be a huge risk to give her that responsibility. And really, do voters – even those who appreciate Bill Clinton’s presidency – really want to hear all those same old attacks and innuendoes and slanders repeated for another four or eight years? It’s time to turn the page, finally, and only Obama can do that.
Lastly, we should adress this silly “experience” issue: JFK only served a single full term in the Senate before becoming one of our most beloved presidents, and Lincoln, probably the greatest president ever, had served only *one* term in the House before his election. And of course, Bush was a two-term governor when he was elected, and we know how that worked out…There are other, *better*, metrics than mere time-in-office, and Obama’s obvious intelligence and good judgement – remember, he was right about Iraq from the beginning – are ample evidence of the strong leadership he would bring to the White House.
Democrats have a choice, a choice between unity and division, between the future and the past. Do we want to risk another Republican president, or four more years of Bush-Clinton bickering? Or do we want to turn the page to a new chapter in American life? Get out and *vote* in your primaries, and vote for Barack Obama.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Ray, SC — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:19:24 GMT

2 RJ,Phoenix, AZ and many others that possibly could be the same person: The only people who are using the same old dirty tricks the Clintons are. They feel jealous and they feel fear. They know their opportunity is almost over and they're desperately attacking Obama. They're The Masters of Lies and they think America is stupid, but they're wrong. If you don't believe it, just read the news and see what a cynical Mrs. Clinton can be. After attacking Barack Obama ----> http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0108/7864.html then suddenly, she switches her way ----> http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/category/presidential-candidates/barack-obama/ ALL IN THE VERY SAME DAY, IF THIS WOMAN IS NOT A LIAR, A FAKE, A DISASTER, A CYNICAL, then someone explain all of this mess!

She's not a reliable person and nobody should risk the nation by voting her. Not enough with what you've read?? Then you have to google or youtube some videos I want you to see with rhe keywords PETER PAUL, STAN LEE AND THE CLINTONS.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Ray, SC — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:53:13 GMT

If need more about, check hillary-uncensored dot com

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

wondwossen — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:03:56 GMT

it is so funny to refer to the years spent as a president's wife and present them as credentials to run a state!

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Nora Oswald, Allentown, PA — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:16:48 GMT

My initial enthusiasm for Senator Obama has cooled in the face of the pettiness and back-biting that both he and his followers are heaping on Senator Clinton. I have real Issues with Senator Clinton's policies- she is too right-wing for me- but HOW can you claim to end the culture of partisanship and hatred in Washington and treat a member of your own party as if she were the Antichrist? I'm going to vote for whomever is ultimately nominated, but in the primary I am definately NOT going to vote for Senator Obama.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

FJR, CA — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:27:04 GMT

Just to remind you ladies out there that though Susan B. Anthony was great and the Suffragette rallies had great speakers, we didn't get real change until President Woodrow Wilson changed his position on the 19th Amendment and decided to push it through. I mean it was first introduced in 1878, but it didn't become law until 1920; so the fact is that the dream of women to vote didn't become realized until a President, a man, took decisive action to effect real change for those Suffragettes, as inspiring as they were....

....Remember the student protests and anti-Vietnam war rallies, those young people were also brave and inspiring. But lest we forget that that war went on right through the 60's despite all the marches and flowery speeches and right on into the 70's. I just would make the point that the dream of ending the Vietnam War was not realized until President Nixon took decisive action to remove our troops. There is no doubt that the voices of those young people that protested and died in the streets helped, but it took a President to effect real change....

.....how about the Free Mandela and Anti-Apartheid Student movements of the 1980s? Those student-led campus protests and boycotts of corporations doing business in South Africa were inspiring but it took a President to effect real change. Though the economic boycotts no doubtedly had some effect, the dream of ending apartheid and releasing Mandela from prison was only realized after President PW Botha of South Africa took decisive action to get behind what then President Clinton and I argued that he should do which was to free Mandela and end apartheid. It takes a President whose name is Clinton...

Hey I agree that HRC was not trying to attack MLK, she was looking to draw another distinction between talking and doing and setting herself as the doer and Obama as the talker. It's just that her myopic-attack-vision prevent her from seeing the obvious implied denigration of the movement and its leaders. Feminists, Anti-Vietnam War Activists, and Anti-Apartheid Activists would rightly have take exception to these hypothetical statements, as well. And they would most likely have responded a bit stronger than African-Americans have so far.

Still what HRC is not, is a racist: she is just obsessively narcissistic. If it were Gov Richardson beating her she would have commented on how Cesar Chavez and the farm workers' movement also needed a President named Clinton.

In closing, her limited vision also prevents her from seeing how much she is turning John Edwards into a prophet:
“Every time someone speaks up for change an agent of the status quo rise up against them.” That could be said in describing every social movement I referenced.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Lehlohonolo Maake, JHB, SA — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:58:45 GMT

I find it funny that everything i read regarding the presidential race is either about Obama or Clinton. I heard a commentry on the radio which I found very interesting. The real question here is whether or not America is ready for Female President or a BLACK President if not getting for another fours with a repubclican.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

Minority, Brooklyn, NY — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:01:54 GMT

listen. Barack Obama is too smart to play the race card. Black people are called minorities for a reason. Uhhh, they are only 12% of the population. He would NEVER want to play that card. We all let ourselves get confused by tribalism, but if you look at the bare facts... No black candidate with an ounce of common sense would play the race card. Clearly, Hillary is trying play the race card to win the Democratic Majority on Feb. 5th. By Majority I mean white people, same thing. As well as fracture the black community. Terrible. Remember the positive tone at the beginning of this campaign. How did this go South? Come on America... think back. It's just a couple of days ago. Sigh.. I am really gonna have to move outta this country. I bet China's media cuts to the heart of the truth better than America's. Zai jian.

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

John Kooms , Seattle , Wash. — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:02:21 GMT

Anyone remember Hillary's southern drawl a few months ago ? That about sums up Hillary Clinton .

Obama: Clinton MLK comments 'ludicrous'

katharine, drammen — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:35:37 GMT

To Betty, South Carolina.
Yes, according to some hardline Muslims, the child of a Muslim man, even if the man is not practicing, should be considered a muslim. So, Obama made a very strong decision in choosing and then defending his Christianity publicly. And yes, there are extremists who would call that being apostate and would claim he should die for it. How many of you people who call yourselves Christian have chosen your faith in the face of those types of risks. How many of you have had to risk the fact that you might die for your faith? This to me, proves that Obama is the real thing. A man who stands up and honestly says what he beleives despite the consequences, and is also willing to be President of the United States? My God, what a wonderful man we have in Barack Obama.