Denounce v. Reject

Mark Hahn, Palatine, Illinois — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:27:53 GMT

Actually, look up denounce. One of its synonyms is reject. Thanks for playing.

Denounce v. Reject

Lee Giabenelli, Phoenix, Arizona — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:28 GMT

Bravo.

Denounce v. Reject

Don Babets, Amherst, MA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:28:49 GMT

David, Senator Obama renounced Farrakhan over the weekend; here's a transcript:

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/02/26/obamas_ohio_grilling.html

Denounce v. Reject

Ivan, Washington, D.C. — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:34 GMT

that's fine and you're right if you're talking about renouncing Farrakhan's positions. but that wasn't the question.

the question was whether he would reject Farrakhan's support. as a journalist, i would want him to answer the question and Clinton spoke up and finally forced him to.

Denounce v. Reject

Dee, Lexington, KY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:39 GMT

I respectfully disagree. He denounced Farrakhan's anti-semitism, not Farrakhan himself. In this context, it would be more correct to reject Farrakhan's endorsement, especially if you aren't going to denounce the man himself.

Denounce v. Reject

Chris, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:31:59 GMT

Clinton was arguing that Obama shouldn't just denounce the statements of Farrakahn and accept the endorsement, but rather reject his support altogether and words altogether.

I say Clinton wins that battle.

Denounce v. Reject

Roland Stone, New Orleans, LA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:28 GMT

Point to Obama! Hillary should know better than to debate semantics with the President of the Harvard Law Review!

Denounce v. Reject

Jackie Spenser — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:42 GMT

Nice try.

Fail.

Denounce v. Reject

Kevin, Austin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:32:46 GMT

You guys are kidding me right?! BTW... he "denouced" only LF's anti-semitism... she was asking him if he'd "reject" his "support".

I think he answered it nicely in the end.

Denounce v. Reject

kevin h cortland, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:34:00 GMT

Did I hear it wrong? Obama said he denounced Farrakhan's views, but he clearly didn't reject his support saying he can support whomever he wants or something to that effect. Clinton made it clear that she would and has rejected the support of those whose views she denounces.

Denounce v. Reject

Litza, Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:42 GMT

I thought the question was whether he would "reject" his support. He then went on instead to say that he denounced Farrakhan's rhetoric and beliefs, skirting the issue as to whether he would reject his support. Two different things.

Denounce v. Reject

Joe Des Moines Iowa — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:35:46 GMT

I think Hillary lost big on that question. He denounced the endorsement. Hillary shouldn't have jumped on that it was a question for him. She seems to desperate to try to get him to make a mistake so she can go in for the win.

Denounce v. Reject

Cathy Boyd — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:36:29 GMT

You people are whacked.

Denounce v. Reject

Carla, Aurora, Colo — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:39:30 GMT

Thanks for the word definitions - Obama said what he meant - denounce! But they both work.

Denounce v. Reject

Sean, Indianapolis — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:44:58 GMT

Is this not a free country? I thought free speech was a major point in our Democracy. Clinton made the comment that we needed to stop people like Farrakhan from making comments such as comments he's made. How about denouncing his opinion, but supporting his right to say it?

Denounce v. Reject

Ruthetta, Somerset, KY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:23 GMT

I think the point here is Obama was dancing around the question and his words were tangled as usual.

Denounce v. Reject

L.S., Schaumburg IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:29 GMT

Clearly he said what he meant - as he meant to avoid answering the question.

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Nathan, Charlotte, NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:53 GMT

The Commentator is Missing the POINT: Obama was trying to "denounce" the support, while not denouncing the vote or votes which Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam will bring to his campaign. This is the distinction that Clinton was making.

Clinton was stating: When this happened to me, I completely rejected any influence, support or otherwise inclusion of these types of individuals. Even when it could be detrimental to her.

THAT was the point. And Obama was obviously trying to hedge his bets on giving lip service to his denouncement, while still encouraging the anti-Semites to support him with their votes.

Clinton was saying, Dear Anti-Semites, No Thank You. Vote for someone else.

Denounce v. Reject

Chip, New York, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:46:57 GMT

Tim Russert asked Obama if he would "reject" Farrakhan's support. Obama said no. He then goes on to say denounce and reject mean the same thing. So when Tim Russert asked that question, why didn't Obama say, er, "YES"?

Denounce v. Reject

Emily, Quincy, MA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:48:31 GMT

Many of you already said it, but with a masters in journalism, I need to pile on... Obama denounced Farrakhan's belief's, but did not reject his support. The distinction is worlds apart. MSNBC you need to pull the win for Obama on the word-o-phile contest. Shame on MSNBC!

Denounce v. Reject

The Bodyguard Chicago, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:53:23 GMT

shame shame shame on Obama for dissing, not only his fellow Chicagoan but one of the last and greatest leaders to the black, brown, red and poor white Why haven’t Obama talked about his campaign aid, Julius X Green, whom is an registered member of The Nation Of Islam. Julius Green who is an graduate of Alabama A&M University. Who have been working with Obama for over 9 years. Why haven't Obama mention how he was an keynote speaker at Farrakhan's Million Man March. Why haven't Obama spoke about using The F.O.I Security to secure him before he was an senator. I rather see his wife as president, then himself. At least she speak straight words, regardless of whom or what!!!!!

Denounce v. Reject

Robert Klyce, Memphis, Tennessee — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:53:51 GMT

(1) Obama's play on the words "denounce" or "reject" was semantic sophistry in my view; clever but not substantive. (2) I wanted Tim Russert to shift the Farakhan question into that of pressing Obama for an explanatory statement of his position vis-a-vis that of his pastor, who has unabashedly demonstrated support and praise for Farakhan. So far it seems to me, this tact, which is essential to discovering what Obama is about, has been circumvented in the debates and by the media.

Denounce v. Reject

Chris, AR — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:53:54 GMT

Again folks, for all the people in the cheap seats,
Obama denounces-he says
Clinton refuses-she acts
I am going with someone who takes action instead of just saying so.

Denounce v. Reject

Francis, Paris, France — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:58:47 GMT

You Americans are pathetic...arguing about "rejecting" and "denouncing"...How will that change your country...? Focus on the essentials...You were spending your time arguing about the silly things when Bush won the election..And the Putin's guy, what difference that will make to know his name now or in 3 months since you are not yet President...It's too late here in FRANCE, I am going to get a little sleep...Bonne nuit mes amis des Etats Unis d'Amerique...

Denounce v. Reject

Chris, AR — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:02:29 GMT

I guess you guys have had enough of the Clinton support on your blogs-classy. Or maybe you are just busy like Obama was when he was campaigning instead of protecting the US.

Denounce v. Reject

John James, Gainesville Florida — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:03:47 GMT

How do you reject something that has not been offered to you? Clinton was just being picky, as usual

Denounce v. Reject

JJ Greensboro NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:03:59 GMT

I wished that Hillary would examine her own words, like she done to Sen. Obama tonight. Tonight did not make you a fighter. And other Countries in the World, would prove that fact to Hillary.

Denounce v. Reject

Anderson, Savoy, IL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:05:24 GMT

I'm just curious what it means to reject the support of a singular individual who is not at all affiliated with your campaign. If the person in question has not offered to help then what does "I reject your support" even mean? No you can't say good things about me? Denouncing (or rejecting) his ideas and views seems sufficient to me.

Denounce v. Reject

Chip, New York NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:10:30 GMT

Rightly or wrongly, this will come back to haunt Obama if he is the nominee. Falsely accused of being a Muslim, he doesn't do the unifying thing and say this should not actually be a slur; he instead runs to the embrace of the church he has belonged to for 20 years, which is run by a man who may be anti-Semitic. "I'm not a Muslim, my spiritual leader is a Jew-hating Christian"??? (No wonder he draws Republican support!) Prediction: Jeremiah Wright will be the Willie Horton of the 2008 election.

Denounce v. Reject

Jason, Washington DC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:32:25 GMT

To get into this argument of semantics is silly. Whoever "wins" this particular point of whether denounce or reject is better or nailing down what exactly they are denouncing or rejecting is irrelevant. What matters to most, or at least most of those people who are even entertaining this absurd argument, is that Hillary, for raising the point, came across as picky, desperate, and just plain sad. Obama got the point across that LF is his own man and can do whatever he wants and Obama is not antisemitic, nor is he accepting his support nor indebted to him for it.

Let's use our comprehension skills from elementary school to figure out what people mean instead of wasting our time with this nonsense nitpicking. This election is too important for this.

Denounce v. Reject

Duncan, Portland, Maine — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:32:47 GMT

It may be too obvious to even mention, but...

I guess it depends on what your definition of "is," is.

Denounce v. Reject

Dade Murphy, Haxor, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:33:49 GMT

denounce and reject FTW

Denounce v. Reject

Rick,ky — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:34:11 GMT

At this point, Hillary would Greatly take saddam hussein's Endorsement, even castro's. Next question?

Denounce v. Reject

Bill Johnson, Anaconda, Montana — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:36:19 GMT

Does it ever occur to any of us the difference between nonsense and foolishness?

Denounce v. Reject

Robert Black, Bellmawr, New Jersey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:51:36 GMT

Did every forget his churches support and inappriate opinons from his church and pastor for anti-semitism and support of Farrakhan. He played the jewish card and went around answering it. Just partialy denounced Farrakhan.

Denounce v. Reject

Robert Black, Bellmawr, New Jersey — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:52:01 GMT

Denounce v. Reject

adam — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:28:52 GMT

In all seriousness, you people who are inanely arguing about this reject v denounce distinction should get a hobby, get a date, go to a nice restaurant and may be catch some sun (if you can). The lack of variety in your activities is starting to show.

Denounce v. Reject

Bonnie, Raleigh, NC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:16:01 GMT

He said he thought denounce and reject are the same thing, which they're not. I think Sen. Clinton jumped in on the point because she had a similar situation and wanted to make the point that she rejected the group's endorsement. She basically persuaded him to concede that this it was important to take a stance (for once, please, Sen. Obama, you can't reach across the aisle on this one)...and he did. He said he conceded the point.

Denounce v. Reject

nuanced — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:21:00 GMT

Do you really expect the candidates to reject the support of everyone with a repugnant view? That's 3/4 of America! Remember we are trying to bring people together for the common good, not be divisive.

Denounce v. Reject

Liz, Newark, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:37:25 GMT

For someone who is paraded as the ' inspirational speaker' the semantics do matter.
Rejecting the support of a divisive personality like Farrakan is absolutely necessary for somone trying to unify the country much less someone running for the presidency.

Literally millions of people denounce the views of people like Farrakhan -- That's not unique -- What was needed from Obama was a clear response to the endorsement by Farrakan- Obama clearly waffled and did not have a clear answer on this. He needed to reject the support or endorsement by Farrakan and had to be coached to do that by Clinton.

This is his lack of experience -- right here between making good speeches and taking the right action

Denounce v. Reject

Liz, Newark, CA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 06:44:52 GMT

Denounce v. Reject

melvin, Roselle, NJ — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:05:11 GMT

Hmmm... Wonder why obama are supported by the educated voters. these types of attacks only works with the less educated voters that do have the brain power. Just remember Clinton stated that educated and the upper class people don't have need a president. the fact of the matter is Sen. Obama has became a option to people that wants something different in president. Lets be truthful Hillary is trying to denounce change and hope to combat Obama. However thats playing to republican party. If Hillary some how wins because she has more Washington experience, then McCain will be the next president because he has more experience that both of them.

Denounce v. Reject

David, NYC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:17:47 GMT

Hillary's comments remind me of her husband's statement of not having "sex" with that woman. With Hillary in the White House, we can look forward to 4 more years of attempted "word smithing" by another Clinton.

Denounce v. Reject

Kevin — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:06:06 GMT

Hilary was amazing in this question.

Yes he said denounce, but i would not take it that literally. When Tim Russet asked him the second time if he rejects his support, he did not say yes or no!!! That is why Hilary fought back to make it clear that he should have said a confident "I REJECT" his support. It looked like he was coming up with words to say that right things, not to lose any votes.

As a Jewish vote, Obama's lack of confidence in that answer has made me switch to Clinton.

Denounce v. Reject

Andrew A Beveridge, B ronxville, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:10:46 GMT

Hillary's rejection of the Independence Party Line (New York State has ballot lines, and the Independence line then was 3rd on the ballot) is different than denouncing Farrakhan, who did not have a party line to give. This is why he denounced and she rejected.

Denounce v. Reject

Pete, Albany, NY — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:50:54 GMT

Nice job by Senator Obama. He's been pretty clear on the issue of Farrakhan all along. In last night's debate, Senator Clinton played the game of semantics and as a result came across as wonkish. Nobody likes the smartest kid in the class and she'd have done better by not playing word games.

Denounce v. Reject

VERN BALTIMORE MARYLAND — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:00:12 GMT

OBAMA ONLY RENOUNCED AND DENOUNCED FARRAKHAN TO GAIN MORE VOTES!!! IAM SURE OBAMA MADE A CALL TO FARRAKHAN AFTER THE DEBATE... THIS TOPIC IS VERY SCARY!!!

Denounce v. Reject

Minha, Miami, FL — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:04:06 GMT

Minha,

But there was not "ENDORSEMENT". Farrakan had some nice words regarding B.O. Farrakan knows better not to endorse any candidate because the President of the U.S. cannot be against the jewish community....Please!

Denounce v. Reject

KJ, Dallas, TX — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:14:16 GMT

Sen. Obama doesn't have to reject Farrakhan's "support" because Sen. Obama hasn't RECEIVED any "support" from him. Farrakhan only "gave" Sen. Obama an "ENDORSEMENT". GEEZ!!!
Get it right people! When looking at Sen. Obama's coalition of supporters and message on inclusiveness of everyone, do you really think that he is excluding the Jewish people??? You people are really having a "can't see the forest for the trees" moment.

Denounce v. Reject

campdog — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:32:27 GMT

My Obama supporting friends don't see the great favor Clinton did for Barach when she insisted he be very clear in his meaning. The Right will look to any opportunity to imply a connection between Farrakhan and Obama. Barach did leave some wiggle room with his first statement but fixed it with the follow up.

Clinton knew what she was doing. If Hillary was the sly dog so many make her out to be she would have waitied until after the debate and planted a seed of doubt as to why he was not more specific.

Denounce v. Reject

Steve James — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:54:26 GMT

to Mark Hahn: Mark, I just went to www.dictionary.com, www.synonym.com and www.merriam-webster.com -- non of these resources indicate "reject" as a synonym for "denounce". Did you even bother to look before you made your grand statement?

Denounce v. Reject

Bob Farling — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:57:38 GMT

I've looked at every dictionary source I could find and Reject is not a synonym for denouonce. Sorry.

Denounce v. Reject

Steve James — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:04:40 GMT

What Obama was cleverly trying to do is say "I know the things Farrakhan represents are bad and I don't approve them (denounce) but I won't reject the votes that this guy can bring my way". Unfortunately for him they did not let him off that easy.

Denounce v. Reject

Mimi — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:25:50 GMT

come on people,
demounce = words
reject = action.

obama was dancing around the question.

Denounce v. Reject

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:32:31 GMT

I believe that Obama at his word that he not accepting any help from the leader of the Nation of Islam. I think it was made quite clear on his position about this. What else need be said? Does Obama need to say that he would prefer that Farrahkan stop speaking all together? I am sure that many people would like that. Just remember that there is no monolithic community.

Denounce v. Reject

Steve James — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:44:44 GMT

Denounce v. Reject

Roberta Tracewell — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 15:46:55 GMT

Imagine both of these candidates as President of the United States sitting across from leaders of other countries. Whom do you think will best represent a dignified and mature United States and will get up from the table having earned the respect of said leaders?

Denounce v. Reject

JS, Washington, DC — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:37:03 GMT

Although Minister Farrakhan had some nice things to say about Senator Obama, he never officially endorsed him.

Denounce v. Reject

FJ, Philadelphia PA — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:41:43 GMT

So, was he being nice to Farrakhan by not rejecting. Denouncing seems harsh enough to me. What is the point here really? How would it help Obama to except Farrakhan's endorsment? He has nothing to gain from it.

Denounce v. Reject

Christine B. Jackson, Baltimore, Maryland — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:58:55 GMT

We Americans forever major on the minor and minor on the major. Hence, we have earned (* get as deserved) the title "dumb Americans". WAKE UP!!!!!!!

Denounce v. Reject

Vernon Chatman — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 02:18:58 GMT

How can you denounce and accept?

Denounce v. Reject

Charlie, Skokie, IL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:23:10 GMT

Buried in this was the disingenuous anecdote HRC said about how she rejected the support of an anti-semetic group while running for Senate in NY even though it would "cost her votes"... this was supposed to be proof she acted on principle? New York City has more Jewish residents than Israel. I think while you could and should reject that support on principle, she knew there would be no tradeoff with votes. But the bottom line is, if you look at both of their records on Israel and the Jewish community, they are very strong.

Denounce v. Reject

Charlie, Skokie, IL — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 05:26:36 GMT

One more note... if you Google "denounce" and click on the definition, it is even more powerful than the one given here:

"To condemn openly as being evil or reprehensible."

If that was how Obama meant it... even if he was only referring to what Farrakhan stated... that should be strong enough of a statement for anyone to sink their teeth into.