
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., shakes hands with a supporter as she walks with Scranton Mayor Christopher A. Doherty, left, in the Scranton St. Patrick's Day Parade in Scranton, Pa., Saturday, March 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
by Jason George
Senator Hillary Clinton's camp just held a conference call with reporters, pouncing on a story in today's Chicago Tribune – "Obama prepares for full assault on Clinton" by John McCormick – saying the piece painted a blueprint of how Obama plans to attack Clinton's character and ethics.
That's not exactly what the story says.
Instead, the article lays out Team Obama's plans to hit Clinton "over ethics and transparency," i.e., Clinton not yet releasing her tax returns, the donor list to the Clinton library and Congressional earmarks. However, that discrepancy didn't stop Howard Wolfson, Clinton's communications director, and Mark Penn, Clinton's chief strategist, from taking the opportunity to blast their perception of Obama's approach.
"This is a tried and true technique of the Obama campaign, which has repeatedly shifted negative when they find the momentum working against them," Penn said.
"Rather than try to build Senator Obama up, they have tried to tear Senator Clinton down," Wolfson remarked, adding that " They are going to use Republican talking points to do it."
"This is not the campaign they promised us."
When asked by a reporter if they were criticizing techniques they themselves have used – a little political 'pot calling the kettle black' – Penn disagreed.
"We have run a substantially positive campaign," he said.







Comments
Good for Hilary. She'll get more money from me when she apologizes to Geraldine for accepting her resignation. Obama needs to apologize to Geraldine. I may not vote after all. I sure as heck will not help the sexist sexist sexist Axelrod and Pouffe.
shameful.
Posted by: anna | March 16, 2008 3:11 PM
She is a crybaby and a turd.
Posted by: brutus | March 16, 2008 3:15 PM
hillary ALWAYS accuses others of doing exactly what she is doing - nothing new here - she has done it for 20 years - it is time for change
Posted by: attack the attacker | March 16, 2008 3:22 PM
They must be on something...asking for the tax returns, donors, first lady records is completely reasonable. The Clintons seem to go on the attack when they themselves are being pressured to reveal these things...they want to take our eye OFF the ball.
So, again Mrs. Clinton....release your tax returns, Clinton Library Donors, and papers as first lady....
I hope the Press demands these things, I'm wondering what they are attempting to hide.
Posted by: Sharon | March 16, 2008 3:23 PM
If i were the Clinton Camp i would pounce on Wright and Obama's poor judgment.
I cant stand the sight of Obama anymore.
I wanted to attend a rally here just so i could see if he could change my mind.
Now i wouldnt go to one of his fake rallies if someone paid me to go.
He is already washed up and like it or not that is true.
I have found 37 new voters in my community just since thursday.
They wont be Voting for anyone who stands for G.. D... Amerikkka
Posted by: Leigh Pittsburgh PA | March 16, 2008 3:24 PM
I like the Word Suicide 3-16-08
Peter Macdonald 465 Packersfalls rd Lee NH 03824 603-659-6217 NH.veteran@yahoo.com
I first want to apologize I have been using the wrong date on my past few letters.
So many of the right people in the right gov. agencies read my letters yet they do nothing. These so called right officials are so set on believing that I am a nut and paranoid, that they ignore what I write and condemn me. I have serious disabilities that I received while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The NH governor and Judges have so violated the law that using the news media to strip a disabled Veteran of any public dignity, so the public has stereotyped me crazy. Yes you are probably right. I do see the world differently than others. Some thirty years after receiving a head injury in the MC, I still have no memory of my child hood. I broke my back during one Vietnam offensive and was blown off a runway and lost most of my hearing in both ears during another offensive. I learned to love the United States of America because I lived in some of the dirtiest, crude and deadliest conditions before I have any memory of seeing the U.S. I came back to the “World” (US) to a place that I do not belong. Never have I violated the law on purpose. I have volunteered every day to help others just the make the U.S. a better place. I owe this to those that never returned alive.
A criminal is someone whom violates the law with intent to harm others. Judge Peter Fauver did just that. The NH Supreme court is so biased that it refused to hear a case presented by a high school drop out. Fauver made me and attorney to represent a Madbury NH family for a zoning issue because Fauver thought it would allow him to screw this family to benefit the selectmen’s criminal acts. I proved the case beyond any doubt and Fauver ignored the law to harm others. A judge is not above the opinion of the people or the law. The State and local police under the direction of the NH governor and the Sheriff’s dept harass my family at work and home to cover up crimes committed by a judge. For the system to allow a U.S. congresswoman (Shea-Porter) to use her political powers to medically harm me is beyond any belief. For the Inspector General of the NH Veteran’s admin in Manchester. NH to stop my VA medical for service injuries received as a U.S. Marine (two of the three Combat related) can not be tolerated. I write these letters because it is every U.S. citizen’s responsibility to correct the wrongs in government. I may be crazy to put my live on the line for our country. That would make every U.S. military personal crazy also. The right people that do nothing but sit idle and allow the NH Judges and government official to harm a disabled veteran are not bad people. These right people are just believing what powerful people tell them. I tell every news paper in the U.S. to print my letter with a disclaimer and allow me to suffer the consequences. The unedited opinion of the people is the most important part of the news media’s ethical responsibility. I think as a 100% disabled U.S. Marine I have earned the right to have this letter printed across the U.S. unedited. “truth is a powerful weapon”
Peter Macdonald Sgt USMC Semper
Posted by: Peter | March 16, 2008 3:31 PM
For anyone to say that Clinton +/or Obama is at fault for the direction the Democratic campaign has headed, is ludicrous and short-sided. America is a melting pot of races, genders, culture, etc. and we each have a personal interest in seeing "ourselves" in our President. With that connection comes passion and emotional investment. Human nature, yes. However, it also must be tempered with information about the candidates (good and bad, without negative "label" attached to said information) so that we can make informed choices, rather than only emotionally-driven ones. When people put comments on any blog that entirely consists of personal attacks and childish remarks, it only highlights the lack of their intelligence, very sad really. After much research, soul-searching and actually listening to what both candidates have to say and what their actual legislative records show, I decided to vote for Hillary. I had to take off the blinders of opinion polls, media spin, mud and excitement and remember what this race is really about: Hiring someone to do the toughest and, arguably, most important job on the planet. Being President of the US isn't about speeches, promises and what-if's - it is about who I believe will get up, everyday, and work their butt off for me and every other hardworking American, because they have a track record of that already. That person is Senator Clinton. She has been thru many tribulations, tests, and challenges in her life and like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going. Where she gets the energy and conviction, I wish I knew. Think what each of us could do in our own lives and communities with just an ounce of her strength! She has worked hard and diligently for all Americans, and spent years building strong relationships because she has a passionate vision of what America can be, not just because she's running for President. Vetted, intelligent, tested and hardworking. Senator Clinton is the right choice for me in '08
Posted by: Sunny Florida | March 16, 2008 3:37 PM
She's such a Republican.
Posted by: Cheryl Hussein | March 16, 2008 3:52 PM
Rev. Wright's comments, coupled with Michelle Obama's remark about being proud of her country for the first time as an adult, should give all of us food for thought. I have always been proud of my country, the good old USA, even when George W. Bush has been president and has besmirched our standing around the world!.
If Obama has been a regular churchgoer, how has he missed Rev. Wright' tone; and yes Obama, words do count. Also, what about Trinity's tax exempt status since Rev. Wright waxes political from its pulpit?
Posted by: APOLONIO CORONADO | March 16, 2008 3:55 PM
The Clintons have run the most NEGATIVE campaign I have ever seen. trying to polarize Obama racially and promoting racial tensions in the society. We Americans wanna move past thar.
Besides whats wrong in disclosing your tax returns? What are they Hiding?
I'm in support of ethical and transparent behavior, thats one of the key ways to move this country forward.
Posted by: hby123 | March 16, 2008 3:58 PM
Cintoneastas - the masters of divide and conquer - the king and queen of hate and division are showing their colors.
Just wait till they steal the prize of the parties nomination by having the SUPER PEOPLE of the party anoint her to the role.
The party of the people - what a crock
The liberal Democrat Party is the party of division and hate.
Wake Up America
Posted by: You Can't Fix Stupid | March 16, 2008 3:58 PM
This is nothing new; the Clinton campaign looks at the press as timid and gullible accessories to their agenda. And so far the press has obliged handsomely. They have let them get away with so much issues of ethical lapses (e.g. 69% Clinton’s corporate earmark recipients contributed to her campaign: LA Times Dec. 10, 2007), misjudgments (Kyle-Liberman for example) and outright lies (bogus claims on foreign policy, SCHIP, NAFTA etc…).
Wouldn't it be refreshing if the Clintons would come clean, starting from their tax returns and contributor list to the Clinton Library!
Better yet, wouldn't it be interesting if these journalists would put together two columns: one listing Mr. Obama's lapse in ethics and judgment, and another one for the Mrs. Clinton?
But, you got to give it to the Clinton for their ability to create chaos in order to distract attention from real issues.
Posted by: nm2pluto@gmail.com | March 16, 2008 3:59 PM
Hey Hillary - TAX RETURNS, DONOR'S LIST FOR THE $500,000,000, WHITE HOUSE ARCHIVES THAT SHOW ALL THAT EXPERIENCE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST - ALL EAR MARKS. OBAMA HAS RELEASED THEM ALL - WHY HAVEN'T YOU? THIS LITTLE STINK IS NOT GOING TO WORK, YOU HAVE TRIED IT TOO MANY TIMES. WE ARE NOT AS STUPID AS YOU PLAY US. COME CLEAN IF YOU CAN.
Posted by: julescator | March 16, 2008 4:00 PM
Wolfson and Penn are pathalogical liars. I bet even their family and friends don't believe a words they're saying.
Posted by: sam | March 16, 2008 4:01 PM
hillary just release your documents.it's obvious she's hiding something.they was calling for obama to release his past dealing and he's done so.now it's hillary's turn.how can people be so one sided.
Posted by: king from toronto | March 16, 2008 4:03 PM
Leigh: How in the world did you find out that you had "found 37 new voters" in your community whom you say will not vote for Obama??? Are you sure it was not 36??? or 38??? If you are that adept at convincing new voters how to vote, --based on your spin of Pastor Wright, I would suggest that you apply for a job with Hillary's campaign...She could juse someone with your talent . I think the real news here is that, since Thursday (your milestone), Obama has GAINED between 10 and 14 more superdelegates. Please advise Club 37 accordingly.
Posted by: tony | March 16, 2008 4:05 PM
Obama has been nailed about Rezko and Wright. He released his tax returns to the press, and sat down for a lengthy interview with the Tribune and answered every question. You might say he has been "vetted."
It's not unreasonable to ask for Clinton to release her tax returns, or the communications during Bill Clinton's presidency. She said she would. She criticized Obama for not being transparent. Now, he has been. Fair is fair. Let's see the records.
Posted by: Grandblvd03 | March 16, 2008 4:10 PM
The Obama Campaign complaining about ethics and transparency? That's a joke, right?
Posted by: MJ | March 16, 2008 4:12 PM
I would like to encourage Hillary Clinton not to "back down" to the Obama Campaign. I know she has what it takes to be the "Leader of the Free World." Funny how when you are a strong, confident man you are seen as a "Man with Conviction." When you are a woman, the world calls you a "Bit@$."
I think that this country will be in the hands of an inexperienced leader if Obama gets the nomination.
Posted by: Heidi | March 16, 2008 4:12 PM
Hey Hillary - TAX RETURNS, DONOR'S LIST FOR THE $500,000,000, WHITE HOUSE ARCHIVES THAT SHOW ALL THAT EXPERIENCE AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST - ALL EAR MARKS. OBAMA HAS RELEASED THEM ALL - WHY HAVEN'T YOU? THIS LITTLE STINK IS NOT GOING TO WORK, YOU HAVE TRIED IT TOO MANY TIMES. WE ARE NOT AS STUPID AS YOU PLAY US. COME CLEAN IF YOU CAN.
Posted by: julescator | March 16, 2008 4:13 PM
Obama talks so much about Clinton's old dirty politics well guess what?? Obama attacks Clinton all the time! At the beginning of the primaries when Clinton was ahead he would attack her at every debate. He is phony and fake and all hype. And he denies that he knew about that reverend's comments. How can you know someone for 20 years and not know what they stand for? LIAR! Hillary 08 make the right decision democrats.
Posted by: alex | March 16, 2008 4:13 PM
Based on the deep-seated animosity displayed in these forum posts, it will be a real miracle if the Democrats win the White House and manage to unite this country. Right now, the only union going on is the obvious ones - that Democrats haven't a clue how to conduct a winning campaign, and that the average voter is less informed than a preschooler.
Posted by: FastJack | March 16, 2008 4:22 PM
Team Obama has conducted a full assult on Clinton from the beginning, blaming her for every nasty thing TO have done. The first time race reared its ugly head Team Obama was the catalyst, same as with the Geraldine Ferraro situation--proving Geraldine correct in her remarks.
None so blind as those who will not see. None so blind as an Obama supporter.
Obama's true character is showing and it is not a pretty sight at all, is it?
Posted by: Rizzo | March 16, 2008 4:25 PM
Obama is a fraud. Goody two shoes he is not. I can see hatred in his wife's eyes as well as his ministers. He just hides his better. He should be proud of being multi-cultural. Why doesn't he emphasize that?
Posted by: Vivian | March 16, 2008 4:26 PM
Americans need to pause and take a look at this church and the theology that Mr. Obama even now professes to be aligned so closely to. I think that we owe it to our future to quit thinking of this as a personality contest and look at the facts surrounding these candidates. A gentleman who chooses to do business deals with an indicted and wellknown gangster in Chicago...a gentleman who knowingly befriends members of the Weather Underground....a gentleman who still to this day has not left a church that is so separatist and then obviously lied to us all on television yesterday stating he had no idea that Pastor Wright had these thoughts is not the man who can bring positive things to us all. Americans....pause. If you still think he can do only good....pause again and look into this further. This is worth a second look.
Posted by: anep | March 16, 2008 4:33 PM
Hilary continues to follow the ROVE playbook- The Best Offense is SMEAR FIRST!!
Posted by: Jim Brooks | March 16, 2008 4:41 PM
My favorite line that I've read so far, that I wish I could take credit for, but can't, is:
"Senator Obama is transparent all right, you can see right through him."
Ouch.
Posted by: GraceJeanJones | March 16, 2008 4:44 PM
I do feel the demands to Hilary Clinton are needed!!
As the article states "over ethics and transparency," i.e., Clinton not yet releasing her tax returns, the donor list to the Clinton library and Congressional earmarks.
John McCain and Barack O'Bama have. Hilary Clinton has put voters off long enough.
News Media start putting pressure on Hilary Clinton. Hilary Clinton motives are evident.
Posted by: Sharon Lim | March 16, 2008 4:50 PM
Regarding this Reverend Wright media feeding frenzy- it is quite apparent that many don't understand ministry in Black Churches.
Did anyone notice the cheering audience responding to these fiery remarks? Are you assumming that this fervent crowd agreed with that nonsense?
I think not- the cheering was a tradition of letting the man talk his stuff. It's like saying "right on brother Wright- speak your mind! In Hawaii, the islanders call it "talking story".
I can't imagine making more a mountain out a mole-hill. I have listened to many fiery ministers spew crazy rhetoric- including Minister Farrakan- and as many others that see it for what it is, we simply "ignore it" and move on.
By the way, I have also heard uplifting unifying sermans from Reverand Wright- whre he reminds us that he is still a proud US Marine. But that doesn't matter now- the 'Fox News Virus" has spread.
I gave up many years ago trying to convince my Uncle that we really landed on the moon, not in Colorado- he keeps saying you can't believe what these crazy white folks say!
I listened to Dr. Wright's controversial statements- and I said to myself "he reminds me of my Uncle"
tosh
Posted by: Tosh Byzuma | March 16, 2008 4:53 PM
Why Senator Clinton is in a race against the odds? to the price of destruction of the democratic party?
I there something beyond our perspective? She seems desperate!
Is there a clinging unfinished " job" in the whire house that she want to be done with??
Posted by: alma ludivina | March 16, 2008 4:56 PM
Wow, that's hillarious. Mark Penn, author of the "throw everything at him but the kitchen sink" strategy says Obama is a bad guy for asking Hillary to publish her earmarks and her tax returns? Clinton is the one who is making this into a big deal by delaying the release of her records.
We all know Hillary and Bill are paragons of virtue and couldn't possibly have anything incriminating in their records. Just ask Mark Penn. "We have run a substantially positive campaign," he says. Other than saying caucusses don't matter, small states don't count, black voters aren't fair, and questioning Obama's integrity, capability, and early morning phone etiquette. He must be referring to her campaign against McBush. Hillary did say some nice things about him.
Posted by: Tom O | March 16, 2008 5:02 PM
Obama apologize to Geraldine? Sorry, these are not the good old days anymore sweetheart. Blacks do not have to apologize or accept stupid comments from racists. Obama actually went pretty easy on Ferraro, he let Hillary handle the situation and Hillary did the right thing. Good for Hillary and I'm sure Hillary will be just fine without your $2 donation.
Posted by: Jeff | March 16, 2008 5:03 PM
Hilary continues to follow the ROVE playbook- The Best Offense is SMEAR FIRST!!
Posted by: Jim Brooks | March 16, 2008 4:41 PM
THe deamonation party- just when did Rove smear anyone ?
You sheepals just can't get past the talking points can you.
This is about Obama and Clinton and the democrat party
Neither one a pillar of integrity and all you can do is blame someone that is not even in the discussion. Your tactics are not effective on people with brains. But they go over well here.
Posted by: you Can't Fix Stupid | March 16, 2008 5:03 PM
Oh brother, Hillary's campaign is so Republican it hurts. Blaming the other guy for using the very tactics that you are---when they aren't!
Gimme a break. Release your records, Hillary!
Posted by: RobinL | March 16, 2008 5:12 PM
Obama is a racist. He has lovingly followed Rev. Wright for 20 years knowing full well the type of person he is. For all white Americans out there....You're all God damed fools if you vote for him. He hates you and is jealous that he is not white. Wake up! Rev Wright Married him...Even BAPTISED his children!!!
Posted by: Tumbleweed | March 16, 2008 5:16 PM
This is crazy, ever since Hillary Clinton started getting her clocked clean by Obama she's been throwing every single dirty rotten lowdown Republican type despicable trick that she could possibly find to throw at him.
If her last wasn't "Clinton" she would already be out of this race.
This is why I've always hated the Clinton's, they act just like the scumbag Republicans act.
Posted by: Pittsburgh, PA voter | March 16, 2008 5:17 PM
Last time I checked America wasn't an aristocracy. Bush, Clinton, Clinton, Bush, Bush, (Clinton, Clinton).
Obama has baggage? And Hillary doesn't?? Thats laughable.
If it's one person Republicans can unite against in rage and hatred as they did with her husband.. ITS HILLARY.
You can't deny she is a controversial figure. Not b/c she is a woman but b/c of her demeanor and history.
Posted by: Fred | March 16, 2008 5:18 PM
Ignorance and racism are synonymous! America's greatest sin is slavery! It is delusional to believe that America has been kind to African Americans. The most silent places during slavery were the churches in the south. Rev. Jeremiah Wright is exercising his Constitutional first amendment right for which African Americans fought, sacrificed and died. Rev. Wright served this country as a Marine and has earned the right to admonish his country for it's many egregious sins. Any insidious ingrate that is too fragile for our cherished Constitutional freedoms for which so many brave people, including Rev. Jeremiah Wright's, excluding Irish Catholics, Jews, Italians, etc., sacrificed so much, should find another country. Bon Voyage!
Posted by: M. Delphia Block | March 16, 2008 5:18 PM
Obama is the pathological liar. Who cares about tax returns--it's all smoke and mirrors to try to get us to take our eyes off the Rev. Wright connection. Obama is half the candidate he was since that news broke. His whole image was a lie. the pot calling the kettle black is Obama--after Rezko and Wright he still dares to ask for tax returns and first lay records like he has something on Clinton? As for the library records, they should only count if Michelle's thesis counts. Bill isn't running for office.
Posted by: Ray | March 16, 2008 5:23 PM
Why aren't you posting my comments?
Obama has been proven to be a racist by associating himself through marriage, and the baptisim of his children with Rev. Wright. He has belonged to this so called "church" for over 20 years and has donate thousands upon thousands of dollars to them. HE IS LYING PEOPLE. Any white person especially white females who vote for him deserve what they will get if he wins. 4 years of hatred and obsurd political correctness. You though Geraldine Ferraro was bad... you ain't seen nothing yet!
Posted by: Tumbleweed | March 16, 2008 5:26 PM
Its really funny to read some of the comments on here, saying that Hillary Clinton has run a negative campaign. If I recall correctly, it was Obama who attacked Hillary Clinton first a few months ago when he was behind in the polls. It goes both ways folks. If anyone has been negative, its been Obama, but then again, he can do anything and there is always an excuse for it. I can't wait to vote for Hillary. GO HILLARY!! YES SHE WILL!! : )
Posted by: PB | March 16, 2008 5:26 PM
Don't ye jes luv all these DIMWIT-DEMBHOLES??? AH THE LIES/CHARGES/COUNTER-CHARGES!!! GERALDINE FERRARO-ZACCARO is a 'proven' racist!!! NO SHE IS NOT SIGHS HILLARY AND OTHER DEMBHOLE POLITICOS. OBAMA'S pastor REV. WRIGHT is a racist hater of the US and capitalism!!! NO he is not says BARACK OBAMA and further 'I' distance myself from his rhetoric. OH THE 'HORROR' - DEMBHOLES ATTACKING DEMBHOLES OVER/ON RACE AND WHAT WAS SAID. Ah to be a REPUBLICANT in the 'Spring of DEMBHOLE DISCONTENT'!!! Ha!
Posted by: Zyskandar A Jaimot | March 16, 2008 5:28 PM
Yo, Dephia Block...as I recall it was the white man all 60,000 of them that died for blacks to have their freedom. It's called the Civil War. Look it up sometime.
Posted by: Tumbleweed | March 16, 2008 5:31 PM
Well, PB, then you DON'T remember correctly. Hillary has always been the corrupt sneaky, lying politician she is. She started last summer when she called Obama "naive and irresponsible" and saying "Obama promised", "PLEDGED", and "COMMITTED" to meeting with "HOLOCAUST DENIERS". Because Obama said he'd "be willing to meet" with leaders of Iran, Syria, and Venezuela. That was just the start of Hillary's disgusting manipulative deceitful road to (the theft of) the Whitehouse.
Also, to those calling Obama racist, who is himself half-white, and was raised by his loving white family---get a life.
To those screeching about how "anti-American" Obama's former pastor is, consider this- patriotism is defending and loving your COUNTRY, not your GOVERNMENT and it's often flawed policies. Only fools- like those nationalists who blindly followed Hitler- confuse patriotism with blind loyalty to your government.
Posted by: jds | March 16, 2008 5:58 PM
Vote John McCain...Democratic Whining and Problems....SOLVED.
Posted by: Jack Wilson | March 16, 2008 6:05 PM
Zyskandar A Jaimot?...was the 4th grade hard on you..or was it the 6th time you had to retake that grade the hardest....Getto Education is hard when you have crack addict parents.
Posted by: Robert Stack | March 16, 2008 6:07 PM
When asked by a reporter if they were criticizing techniques they themselves have used – a little political 'pot calling the kettle black' – Penn disagreed.
"We have run a substantially positive campaign," he said."
Yea, right. And while you are at the lying and hating, let's see those tax returns, guys.
Posted by: Rick/Sneads Ferry, NC | March 16, 2008 6:15 PM
I was a Hillary supporter but find myself feeling less and less likely to vote for her. I don't know if the blame lies with Hillary so much as her advisers but she has come across as unnecessarily nasty at times, and mean spirited. The tone of her campaign often seems 'Republican lite'. How can she criticize Obama when her reply to whether she believed Obama was a Muslim was "there’s nothing to base that on — as far as I know,”
Hillary Hillary, keep away from gutter politics, is does you a disservice.
Posted by: Dianna | March 16, 2008 6:18 PM
Camp Clinton has to at least expect some kind of response to their asinine "3 a.m." ads and the like. It's amazing that they didn't think of such things before declaring Clinton the more apt command-in-chief, when her foreign policy experience amounts to traveling to Bosnia with Sinbad and Sheryl Crow. Talk about foul play.
Posted by: Barbara Adams | March 16, 2008 6:41 PM
All this uproar and indignation over tax returns is just a smokecreen for Obama to negatively hit Clinton despite his stements that he's going to run a clean and positive campaign. Clinton has filed all the required financial forms required by law. The tax returns are not normally disclosed, but had been done as a courtesy by presidential candidates in the past . So Obama disclosed only the summary - not the full return with all the schedules. Yet he and his supporters keep saying Clinton is hiding something. Obama and anyone else who's got half a brain knows that tax returns almost never disclose the details like donors, book sales or speaking engagements. In the case of the Clintons, and even Obama, much of their real income will be hidden behind corporations set up specifically to minimize personal taxes. The returns will prove nothing as Obama knows, but he can continue to plant doubt while his supporters run with the smears and innuendo. So much for change, honesty and integrity!
Posted by: dymoy | March 16, 2008 6:46 PM
You don't have Wright marry you and baptize your children without having some sense of respect for him, and accepting racism, and to accept it you must be of like kind. Same for
his supporters. N.S.
Posted by: Northstar | March 16, 2008 6:52 PM
John McCain is a coward and a traitor. His former POW status doesn't make him a hero--just a jerk who got caught and surrendered. That's why he's so against leaving ("surrendering") Iraq--he is ridden with guilt after all of these years for not going down fighting. Some hero.
Posted by: greg klein | March 16, 2008 6:55 PM
No jds, you need to look back at history. Obama was the first one to attack Hillary Clinton. I still find it humorous that you defend Obama, like he is not a "Politician". He is such a politician, telling people what they want to hear. If Obama is the nominee, John McCain will eat him alive and spit him back out again. You just wait and see. I can't wait to see John McCain use what Obamas friend and Pastor of 20 years said against him, its going to be ugly, and McCain will come out smelling like a rose and will win in November. Oh yeah, jds, those who say Hillary and Bill Clinton are racist, to that I say, GET A LIFE.
Posted by: PB | March 16, 2008 6:57 PM
"anna"
Frankly, Sen. Obama's campaign would win the nomination and the general election, with or without your camaign donation.
I am very ashamed of some of us, Americans, like you, who are foolishly and blindly supporting Hillary Clinton, inspite of the scandals that have riddled her and her husband's political careers. Shame on you, I wish you and other morons like you, who support Hillary Clinton based on race and gender, rather than on the basis of her policy and leadership, which of course, she absolutely lacks.
For you morons, like the sour grape, Geradine Feraro, who support Hillary Clinton, primarily based on her gender and race: how stupid can you be? If Hillary Clinton is the best female candidate there is in America, what a tragic generation of women!!
As for you, Geraldine Feraro: it is a good thing, your ticket with Walter Mondale was a dissater. Neither you and Walter Mondale recovered, politically from that disaster. This is the main reason why you have become such a VERY BITTER OLD LADY. Drink from that cup, you deserve it!
Posted by: Ignatius Anyanwu | March 16, 2008 6:59 PM
Dear Dems and those disillusioned with the Republican party:
You had a fantastic opportunity...and you are about to blow it. Instead of showing the country that you offer a more positive, thought provoking option to the Republican establishment as it stands today, you are in the process of showing why your option might even be worse.
Supporters of Sen Clinton AND Obama...you are both to blame. The Clintonites, for your vitrolic "divide and conquer" mentality...never thinking with your head, only your heart. The Obamicans, with your pompous, overbearing intellectual debate that makes the majority of us "less educated" citizenry nauseous.
It's really too bad...because your candidates have such fantastic ability and potential. Problem is, you've spent so much time trying to drag your opponent down into the mire that you've failed to take the time to promote your own candidate.
And all the name calling!!!
Seriously, Obama is neither an idiot, a liar, or an ape (I've read all of these before from Clintonites).
And Clinton is not a witch, a b****, nor a cold-hearted snake.
You are all falling victim to some of the oldest plays in the book...and the media and the Republican establishment are loving every minute of it!
I wish this could get out to all of your supporters, and for once, you would all shut your hate-filled mouths for a brief moment in order to take this to heart.
If you don't, you take this as prophecy...you WILL LOSE in November.
P.S. To all of you who want to argue that this is simply a "vetting" process, pahleeeze...save that for your your whining and complaining posts after you lose in November.
Posted by: Steve | March 16, 2008 7:06 PM
Vote Libertarian and throw both parties out of the government.
Posted by: Denise | March 16, 2008 7:14 PM
While we're at it, let's see everyone's tax returns who lives in the US. Let's waste time and avoid the real issues. If you think about it, the claim that Obama is like Ken Starr wasn't too far fetched. The call for tax returns is a Ken Starr move - recall that the original basis for which he was enlisted by the Republicans was to sift through Whitewater documents. What became of that? Absolutely nothing. So he resorted to investigating Clinton on a personal level. Who's using Republican tactics now? Wake up, brainwashed Obamites.
Posted by: David | March 16, 2008 7:34 PM
The Obama Campaign is desperately trying to shift the focus from Obama and his 20 year close relationship with his Pastor- which is a story that is not going to go away because it cuts a hole in the Obama's campaign central themes of hope and unity and in Senator Obama's words- "Words Do Matter"...
This attack on Senator Clinton's tax records does sound very familiar to what the Republicans did in the past to the Clintons.
Posted by: Evelyn | March 16, 2008 7:43 PM
Clinton supports, may I ask why even bother supporting her? Would you place money on a horse that would finish last in a race. Would you intentionally buy a car that had major mechanical problems? Would you try swimming a large lake if you didn't know how to swim? Would you vote for a man who was given a life sentence for a horrible crime? Would you store gasoline in your kids bedroom next to the fireplace? Get my hint! Even is for some fluke of trickery she is a;le to secure the nomination, you know that she can not beat McCain. Over half of Americans of voting age detest her, so how are you going to convince them to vote for her? Or in you mixed up little world do you honestly think that she can win the general election with about 25% of the vote? Hell, even Bush looks better as a candidate next to her.
Posted by: Lorrie | March 16, 2008 7:49 PM
Get real Ignatius A. The only one who should feel shame is Obama.
A guy who admits to illegal drug use wants to be President. Ha! Only in America. Is it any wonder why college kids have embraced him while the true core of the democratic party does not?
Obama represents everything that is wrong in this country. He used illegal drugs, he is a racist, he associates with criminals, he lies, he slanders, he has the audacity to run for President when he knows he is in no way qualified.
When will he be honest about Larry Sinclair? Hillary should ask him that the next time he brings up the tax returns.
Posted by: Rizzo | March 16, 2008 7:52 PM
Let Obama proceed to discredit Hillary Clinton....Firstly, he won't be able to and secondly his "dirty laundry" is just starting to come to light...BE PATIENT..There will be surely be more....With his views and his friends and mentors it can't all be lilly white...
Posted by: K. MCLAUGHLIN | March 16, 2008 8:10 PM
People are jumping off the Obama bandwagon like rats jumping off a sinking ship.
Barack "Hussein" Obama will be yesterdays news very soon.
Oh, and may God Bless America!
Posted by: Paulo | March 16, 2008 8:31 PM
I want the media to run multiple stories on the Clinton's friendship with the Kazakhstan uranium mogel. Help Hillary become transparent. Oh, I forgot, the media has decided they are suppose to only grill Obama on Rezko and Wright and leave the push for Clinton transparency in the Blogosphere.
Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clinton’s charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra that had remained a secret until he acknowledged it last month. The gift, combined with Mr. Giustra’s more recent and public pledge to give the William J. Clinton Foundation an additional $100 million, secured Mr. Giustra a place in Mr. Clinton’s inner circle, an exclusive club of wealthy entrepreneurs in which friendship with the former president has its privileges.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Let's make the media initiated grilling of the candidates fair and balanced.
Posted by: Clarity | March 16, 2008 8:34 PM
I am so sick of this nomination race. I know it's necessary but please keep in mind what a horrible state we are in because of conservative rule and how it would continue to slide under McCain. Bush thinks that fighting on the front lines in the two wars we are engaged in looks "romantic and adventurious, too bad I have this job back home, because I'm envious". This man is seriously out of touch with reality and so is McCain. McCain has never had to deal with the the kind of warfare that our current military is facing. Don't forget this in November. They think war is romantic.
Posted by: democrat | March 16, 2008 8:46 PM
Fools are fools no matter what; majority of the people have been hypnotized by BO's hollow promises and rhetoric that they do not resort anymore to the voice of reason. And to top it all, Nancy Pelosi, who has not done anything for the Congress, has the guts to dictate the Superdelegates who to vote. Go All the Way to the White House Hillary! You are the Voice of Reason. The St. Patrick parade was awesome in PA and you scared and drove out the venomous snakes the hell out, starting from PA.
Posted by: Frank | March 16, 2008 9:19 PM
The country is in a mess but that mess will get much worse with Barack Obama in command.
I will take four more years of George Bush, John McCain or any other repug to BO.
Hopefully by then ('12) the Democratic Party has a qualified and deserving candidate to run.
The democrats also need to overhaul the primary process. How ignorant for Nancy Pelosi to say that the super delegates must vote the will of the people. If they simply vote the will of the people then why are they necessary? Whose people by the way?
On the other hand, if they can overturn the will of the people then why bother to have the people vote?
Any way you look at it, the process to choose a nominee makes no sense. Couple that with running Barack Obama as a potential nominee, and then add the Kennedy family idiotic display of support for BO and you have three strikes.
If not Hillary then McCain '08!
Posted by: Rizzo | March 16, 2008 9:27 PM
The US cannot run on platitudes--which is exactly what Obama is offering. I see absolutely no substance to him or his campaign. What legislation has he really championed ? Oh, yeah, the Global Poverty Act, which would tax Americans and give the money to the UN. Huh?
I am going with the tried-and-true Clinton's, I remember 1992-2000, greatest economy ever for the US.
Posted by: Jay, Minneapolis | March 16, 2008 9:47 PM
you might not have liked the tone rev wright used but his argument is a legitmate one to make.
We are the only country ever to use a nuclear weapon on another country
hundreds of thousounds of
of innocent civilians women and children died as a result of those nukes on nagasakia and hiroshima that land is uninhatiable and the people that live nearby those towns are extrmely sick and disfigured with 40% developing cancer and other disabilites this land will remain that way for thousounds of years. If you think god smiled upon america that day you are a fool. Rev Wright grew up in a time when blacks had a lot less rights and he saw his father and friends beaten to a pulp for trying to cast a vote. How can we expect him not to forget the history that we try to hide. The good news is Obama did not grow up in those times of division. Instead barack grew up with a world view growing up in diferent countries with a white mother raised by white grandparents. His father left him with his two years old. Barack knows how much harder it is to raise a family with only one parent. Barack encourages family values.
Alot of the hatred of america is pinned on the israel palestinain question.
We cant be a fair broker for the mid east peace deal if we only take the jewish states side on all the issues we need to be fair. This is the only way the jewish community can live in peace side by side by palestinians but off course ccertian people dont want to give up the privilages they have and dont really want to negotiate.
Posted by: WAKE UP | March 16, 2008 9:47 PM
The libune shouldn't be surprised that the other campaigns regard it as Obama's house organ. They have absolutely no credibility to say anything else when the Sun-Times broke all the stories about Obama's connection to Rezko and when the Libune FINALLY chose to run a story critical of Obama they allowed him to come talk to their editorial board to try and convince them not to.
You guys have lashed your horse so tightly to Obama's that you have no credibility left.
Posted by: Jeff | March 16, 2008 9:48 PM
If the media including this site would simply stop printing the "talking points" &
address the issues we might actually get some info.
I did notice some real journalism by the Chicago sun times in sitting down w/ their entire editorial staff & posing some tough questions to Obama this weekend. The questions posed & the answers provided were very revealing & informing they got what I consider to be some very good explanations of what's transpired in regard to Dr. Wright & the Tony Rezko matter. The questions that continue to be dodge & diverted surround Hillary & her tax returns, the funding of the Clinton library & her earmarks. Obama seems to be answering the questions...
Posted by: Chapman | March 16, 2008 11:07 PM
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/hillarys_adventures_abroad.html
It is not negative when its the truth. Obviously Hillary's truth is shady and that is why she is whining about it being negative and playing the "poor me" card which is stupid and shames me for being a WOMAN. Obama didn't cry when the Clinton campaign decided to throw all kinds of crap at him. I guess Hillary can't manage her own campaign properly and whines and cries when she doesn't get her way. How the hell is she going to run the country? It sounds like BUSH to me. Bush who whines when he doesn't get his way. NO THANK YOU
Posted by: Kathryn | March 16, 2008 11:07 PM
the obama campaign must be ashamed especailly david pouffe...you've thrown so many ill words to hillary but first reveal obama's detailed relationships and transactions with rezko!
how you jumped into damage control telling people that it's not $150,000 but instead $250,000 rezko contributed ...this obama said rezko is alongtime good friend who helped him in his senatorial bid and to running now..
THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MANIPULATION....LET THE MEDIA, NETWORKS REVEAL THE TRUE OBAMA..OR BETTER ASK HIS SO-CALLED UNCLE, HIS SPIRITUAL ADVISER, HIS PASTOR FOR OVER 20 YEARS WHO PRESIDED HIS WEDDING AND BAPTISMAL OF HIS CHILDREN, HOW HIS RADICAL MIND TWISTED HIS STUMP SPEECHES,CLAIMING HIS ABSENCE TO HIS CHURCH WHEN HIS BELOVED REVEREND JEREMIAH WAS SERMONING TAKEN FROM HIS WORDS"NOT GOD BLESS AMERICA BUT GOD DAMN AMERICA"!
WE SHOULD NOT BE TAKING THIS FOR GRANTED BECAUSE AS WHAT OBAMA SAID, WORDS ARE INSPIRATIONS, MOVE PEOPLE AND THIS IS HOW RADICAL HIS WORDS FROM THE REAL OBAMA!
AMERICA, YOU NEED NOT BE SWAYED BY RHETORIC BECAUSE OUR VOTES IS OUR FUTURE!
Posted by: geo | March 16, 2008 11:47 PM
Unbelievable!! EVERYTHING PENN said is a BIG LIE!! They have run a substantially positive campaign? Really? Hillary and her campaign team are not only congenital liars, they are also delusional to the point of insanity!
Please, superdelegates, do NOT torture us any longer; throw your votes behind Senator Obama, the leading candidate, and make him the nominee, HE HAS ALREADY EARNED IT!! Senator Obama needs to focus on McCain! With the convention in August, you are not giving him time to really campaign against McCain. I implore you to DO THE RIGHT THING!!
Posted by: NinaK | March 17, 2008 1:39 AM
Unbelievable!! EVERYTHING PENN said is a BIG LIE!! They have run a substantially positive campaign? Really? Hillary and her campaign team are not only congenital liars, they are also delusional to the point of insanity!
Please, superdelegates, do NOT torture us any longer; throw your votes behind Senator Obama, the leading candidate, and make him the nominee, HE HAS ALREADY EARNED IT!! Senator Obama needs to focus on McCain! With the convention in August, you are not giving him time to really campaign against McCain. I implore you to DO THE RIGHT THING!!
Posted by: NinaK | March 17, 2008 2:01 AM
People are jumping off the Obama bandwagon like rats jumping off a sinking ship.
Barack "Hussein" Obama will be yesterdays news very soon.
Oh, and may God Bless America!
Posted by: Paulo | March 16, 2008 8:31 PM
----------------
Congratulations, Paulo. Clearly you are a racist and a bigot! And you have the gull to invoke God's name in your comment?? Shame on you! I don't think God is smiling kindly at you!
Posted by: NinaK | March 17, 2008 2:03 AM
If the only things you Clinton supporters can point to are Obama's minister and other stupid newsy headlines.......you better re-evaluate, NOW. Your candidate has not only thrown the kitchen sink at Obama but is not transparent, truthful, an orator, or the best candidate to bring the country together, both in terms of race but also in terms of politics. Open you eyes!!
Posted by: Margaret Welch | March 17, 2008 10:48 AM
Congratulations, Paulo. Clearly you are a racist and a bigot! And you have the gull to invoke God's name in your comment?? Shame on you! I don't think God is smiling kindly at you!
--------------
Obama supporters have used that one too many times.
Yes, try to suppress disagreement by throwing around hate labels. Very clever inversion of what some people take seriously. But not those that go to bigoted churches, evidentially.
Posted by: Marnie | March 17, 2008 11:06 AM
"the members of the Several state legislatures and all EXECUTIVE and judical officers, both of the United States and of the several states, shall be bound by Oath or Affermation, to support this Constitution; BUT NO RELIGIOUS TEST SHALL EVER BE REQUIRED AS A QUALIFICATION TO ANY OFFICE OR PUBLIC TRUST UNDER THE UNITED STATES"
US COnstitution, Art. VI, Sec 1.
Anyone who choses the president on their basis of that candidates religious beliefs is in effect establishing a religious test for the candidates.
I am a Rationalist Christian and do not like Fundamentalist Christianity, but I believe that a Fundamentalist could do a fine job as president as would a Jew, Catholic, Muslim, athiest, or diest (as Jeffrson was).
Stop with the religious questioning of the candidates - including what their pastors believe - I do not care and the Constitution does not as well
Posted by: Buckley | March 17, 2008 3:22 PM
the TIME for CHANGE is NOW
GO AWAY HILLARY ............. WE DO NOT WANT YOU AND YOUR RACIST ANTI-CHANGE HUSBAND BACK IN D.C. CAUSING MORE DIVISIVENESS
HILLARY, GO AWAY !!!
Posted by: time for change | March 17, 2008 3:35 PM
I was sitting in my car on the 16th at 4:26 PM. Third time someone has posted under my Swamp posting name. Thats interesting, and I won't be dissuaded from commenting here. Imposter--why not take responsibility for your words under your own name. Why the games? --Vivian
Posted by: Vivian | March 18, 2008 1:28 AM
I regret that the media made a mess out of what Geraldine F. said, because she was telling the truth. It is a fact that a lot of black people are voting for Obama because he is black and they are looking for another "Dream" to follow. Obama is leading a movement and not a campaign. I am also disgusted with the fact that the media want to blame everything that tarnishes this mans armour on Hillary Clinton. She had nothing to do with his selection of his spiritual mentor. I can't believe that he calls himself a dedicated Christian, attend church regularly and never heard his spiritual mentor and pastor preach racial negatives from the pulpit. This is what he is exposing his children to while he says he want to transend the racial issues. But the media and all of the racial protestors think it is alright for black people to use the "N" word but not for white people to make reference to it. That very hipocritical and phoney. I think Obama is a puff of wind and I am tired of looking at him.
Posted by: Sedeliah | March 18, 2008 7:46 AM
Hillary will make America
better again. To many Americans are in poverty today. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. The Clinton's did a good job of helping make the working class people improve there standard of living. Hillary you've got my vote.
Posted by: Kathleen | March 18, 2008 9:51 PM
The comment from rev wright was absolutely outrageous, maybe in his spare time he should do some research and learn that the Italians that came here were degraded and forced into slavery by the white Americans BEFORE the African Americans even in this country, so he needs to do research on the subjects he so freely and falsely speaks on
Posted by: Angela R | March 26, 2008 10:15 PM