EXCLUSIVE: OBAMA HITS CLINTON -- HARDER

[Ethelk2044]

BREAKING NEWS
From NBC's Andrea Mitchell
Sen. Obama has ESCALATED his criticism of Hillary Clinton -- taking it to political defcon three -- in an exclusive on-camera interview with NBC News.

It is a lot tougher than what he said in the debate -- or in the Iowa newspaper interview yesterday.


During a stakeout outside his senate office, Obama said in part:

"I think what is irresponsible and naive is to have authorized a war without asking how we were going to get out -- and you know I think Senator Clinton hasn’t fully answered that issue.

"The general principle that I was laying out is that we should not be afraid as America to meet with anybody.

"Now, they may not like what we want to hear -- so if I’m talking to the President of Iran, I’m going to inform him that Israel is our stalwart ally, and we are going to do what's necessary to protect them -- that we will not accept a nuclear bomb in Iran, but that doesn’t mean we can’t say that face to face. And obviously, the diplomatic spadework has to be done ahead of time.

"The notion that I was somehow going to be inviting them over for tea next week without having initial envoys meet is ridiculous.

"But the general principle is one that I think Senator Clinton is wrong on -- and that is if we are laying out preconditions that prevents us from speaking frankly to these folks, then we are continuing with Bush-Cheney policies, and I am not interested in continuing that.

"I know that she has said in the past that we have to talk to our enemies -- well that’s what this is about. And if we say that we will not talk to them unless they meet a series of preconditions, then that’s the same position that Bush and Cheney have maintained over the last six years, and it has made us less safe. And that’s what I think is going to be a significant part of this debate in 2008.

"We responded to her in this situation, and I think there is a genuine difference, if there isn’t a difference, then Senator Clinton should explain it. I think that we should talk to everybody.

"That ultimately is what’s going to create the environment in which we can reduce some of the threat levels we are facing. To fail to do that is the same conventional Washington thinking that led many including Senator Clinton to go ahead with the war without having asked adequate questions."

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/07/25/290301.aspx

Just for fun I have added comments from viewers below

Comments
You can take the community organizer out of South Chicago, but...
JoeCHI, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:48 PM)

Go Obama go!! It's about time that he shows that he's not afraid of the Clintons!!!
Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:48 PM)

Wow, excellent response Senator. I think Clinton's attempt to try to discredit Obama at this early stage is really starting to backfire.

William, Reston, VA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:51 PM)

Wow,
This is what I have been waiting for from Obama. In my view, Obama is the best thing to happen to American politics in a long time.
I dont think it is compulsory that Obama wins the democratic nomination but I think we as Americans must ask this shit***ds who took us to Iraq some tough questions.
I be coming home to Iowa to vote for ya, Obama
Samuel Doe, Toronto, Canada (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:52 PM)

What say you Hillary? Now I know the GOP will win the White House in 08.
jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:57 PM)

Awesome; Obama nails it.

Cynicallary Clinton is in trouble.
Joe Justice (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 4:59 PM)

This was defcon 3? My, you pundit-types get excited easily.
Bruce, NV (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:00 PM)

Smoke coming out of the Senate buildings. I figured both Hillary and Obama were getting fired up but....
jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:08 PM)

Has Hillary clarified what she meant by preconditions? Perhaps all she meant by that was sending envoys and pursuing lower level diplomacy first. In which case, his clarification does nothing more than equalize their positions on this issue.

The difference, as Albright put it, is in the nuances. No one is suggesting that Obama would be inviting these leaders to tea in the Rose Garden his first month in office. But it is important that a foundation is first laid, and the response that he is now giving indicates that he is aware of that.

I sincerely hope that everyone who was touting him yesterday for wanting to meet with the dictators himself rather than have lower level diplomats lay the foundation blasts Obama as much as they blasted Hillary. So much for that big change, huh?
Carrie, Eastern Iowa (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:08 PM)

An OUTSTANDING response from Senator Obama, and another demonstration of why his brand of leadership is exactly what the USA needs desperately.
Dane, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:09 PM)

At last, Obama is starting to counterpunch. Now, if he can just learn to give straight answers in the debates, he can beat her.
Peter V (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:11 PM)

Sounded very Presidential. A true leader. We need a President who is able to ask the tough questions and make decisions, not more of the same.
Tom, Burke VA (Sent Wednesday, July 25, 2007 5:12 PM)

I think Media was trying to put Hillary Clinton on a pedestal and Obama has put the media in it's place :-)

:kick:

[sandnsea]

1. Oooh, ouch, this is for keeps

I guess he doesn't do pillow fights. I particularly like that South Chicago remark, lol, I guess so.

[Name removed]

2. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Zensea]

22. What's with the sexual innuendo here?

Seems wildly inappropriate to me, although it doesn't appear anyone else has noticed it.

[earthlover]

3. Clinton (and the media) have tried to focus on the meme of Obama being inexperienced...

...and calling him naive in foreign policy, suggesting that he has to learn the ropes for "later" but not now, is really what this attack on Obama is all about.

Only one thing wrong with this strategy: it is flawed!

Dialogue with even our enemies is an essential part of foreign policy in the real world and it always has been. It is NAIVE to suggest, like the Bush administration, that we can talk to our friends and put preconditions on the rest. Pointing out that this is yet another similarity between Hillary and Bush is spot on!

Nobody is going to believe Obama would really invite foreign leaders over without the "spadework". Come on....! I am glad to see Obama bring this issue to Clinton. It DOES provide an excellent opportunity to put attention on Hillary's similarities to Bush, particularly the LACK OF DIALOGUE THAT GOT US INTO IRAQ!!!!!

[Ethelk2044]

5. I agree with you. IT is also time for him to hit her on the WRONG Decision she made

with the Iraq WAR Vote. That was a major mistake. Even worst she did not read the report. I am sorry, I feel if you are sending someone to war. You need to read the report before voting. I could care less about someone maybe in your office may read it to advise you. Soldiers lives are at stake.

[insanad]

25. Polarizing Effect

While many of the things Hilary Clinton is so well practiced at are viable in the leadership skills necessary to be a president, she is also vehemently loathed by most Republicans, many insecure men, and lots of traditional women. The potential for the Democrats to win the presidency and other important positions is very very good, especially after years of what the Republicans have done to take the position to absolutely new lows. I think even many Republicans would vote for a good Democratic leader if given the choice between Romney, Guliani, or Edwards and Obama. Unfortunately, if the Democrats choose Hilary Clinton as their candidate, they'll in effect guarantee that Republicans will rally to vote against her, as will some Democrats and many independents. Even if she manages to win the election her personality and history will further polarize the whole Washington scene and the gridlock we've had for the last 20 years will only escalate. She is so vulnerable to whatever opinions and polls tell her to do that she'll be virtually paralyzed by trying to please everyone. In the end, she'll please no one.

I've been reading a lot about Barack Obama and even though he's young (actually he and I are the same age, so that means I'm young too!!!), a little inexperienced, and some ignorant and backward illiterates equate the rhyme of his name with Osama, I still think he has all the values, rhetoric, and history of being able to unify people on both sides of the fence. He is maturing quickly to the game of politics and shows a great deal of grace and dignity. One of the most important elements in good leadership is to have the ability to inspire many people to do good and worthwhile things. Other than the bigots that would reject him because his father was black, I cannot see how anyone could negate his value as a lawmaker, a compassionate visionary, and a potentially great leader. Visit his website and read about the things he's actually participated in or enacted in his Senatorial career.

I believe that Senator Obama can unify the American people, the international climate and attitude toward Americans, the various Republican and Democratic factions, and with all that support, he can be effective as a leader. The programs he supports will benefit all of us, especially the poor. It may be the money of the wealthy that builds universities and hospitals, but much of that money is made on the backs of the millions of "Ants" that they exploit. His efforts and vision resonate with so many people that live on that edge. There's more of us (ants) than there are of them (grasshoppers) and it's time we show our revolt by voting for the one who has OUR interests at heart.

[newyawker99]

33. Hi insanad!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[alteredstate]

4. k & r n/t

[zulchzulu]

6. Let's see how the Clinton Camp tries to say the war wasn't her fault

:rofl:

We have more, Team Clinton. You better get your sandbags ready. Even Carville won't be able to dance the Cajun two-step out of what's coming...

[The Backlash Cometh]

7. Obama had a good riposte.

Now Hillary has a chance to step up and confront her past war decision. It's what's dogging her in the primaries, and it will be what will dog her if she wins the primary. Obama gave her an opportunity. Let's see if she takes it.

This is what the primaries should be about. This isn't mudracking. This is about dealing with the skeletons in the closet BEFORE you confront the Republican opponent.

[GDAEx2]

8. NICE !

Go Barack!

[MaineDem]

9. The headline makes me cringe

Just the headline not the underlying article.

[xkenx]

28. Why? Is the HRC camp the only one entitled to be ruthless in going after an opponent?

One thing that Obama can use is the recognition that he is politically tough and savvy enough to take on the Rethugs. Politics is a contact sport. Obama has enough of the high road that it won't hurt him to display some gutter fighting when necessary. Recall when Hillary savaged Obama when David Geffen raised money for Obama, as if she owned him? Hillary is all about showing that she has bigger cojones than any of the men, even going to war. So she shouldn't be surprised when someone else plays rough. Bravo, Obama.

[info being]

10. I'm just waiting for Obama to have 1 original idea

[Scriptor Ignotus]

36. on what?

war? energy? education? Obama has a fairly "classic" liberal position on the major issues. His ideas do have a lot in common with Edwards and Clinton - I think the differences are in the details. But I don't view that as a bad thing - why do you?

[info being]

38. Makes me a little distrustful of him to not take a unique stand on anything

[closeupready]

11. To be 100% honest, his "irresponsible and naive" retort demonstrates how not ready he is

for the presidency. It strikes me as childish and narcissistic of him to take the words she used to describe his position on foreign policy and then find a situation to apply those same words to her.

A president needs to be above this, "you called me stupid??? Well you're stupider! Na, na, na, na, na na!" :eyes: Grow up, Obama.

[Alexander]

12. So, has Senator Clinton ever explained her IWR vote?

No.

Obama makes a good point.

[closeupready]

13. Okay, but he's playing a silly game of "am not, am too, am not, am too", while Clinton

is starting to play hardball. As someone else alludes to, if he wants to win the nomination, he's going to have to toughen up, and not talk like as though he's hurt that she called him names, and instead refute her points while attacking her weaknesses substantively. Throwing back at her the harsh words which she used to describe his approach to foreign policy is not the way to do that.

[Alexander]

14. I could care less what words Obama uses to make his point...

That Senator Clinton still can't explain why she voted for the IWR.

It's a perfectly valid point, and he's attacking one of her weaknesses.

[closeupready]

16. I confess I don't know much about Obama, but what I do know is that he doesn't seem ready

And I think she DID explain, even if her explanation was unsatisfactory.

[Dawgs]

18. I'm sorry, but "I don't know much about Obama" and "I think she did" ain't gonna cut it.

[closeupready]

21. Not exactly. People are not going to vote for someone about whom they know nothing.

That is why incumbents win re-election even when their constituents don't like them and there is a better candidate running - name recognition, and devil-we-know mentality. :shrug:

[Dawgs]

27. I'm not talking about people. I 'm talking about you.

If you're going to come on here and make arguments, at least know your shit.

[closeupready]

32. What do I need to know? I know that he sounds like an amateur, and that is not new.

:shrug: You disagree, obviously. I don't much like Hillary, but side-by-side, she measures favorably against him.

I like him, and I think he will be ready in a few years, but right now, he isn't.

[Ethelk2044]

29. All she did was Flip Flop

Although a Hillary Supporter would consider that business as normal

[Hard_Work]

23. Ummm, no

Actually it was exactly RIGHT to throw her words back at her. It ties his response back to her comment in a way that leaves no doubt about what he is responding to. This shows that he is focused and not flailing all over the place because he is "hurt that she called him names." See what I did right there? It is the equivalent of a return shot over her bow.

[Ethelk2044]

31. Hillary is playing the game. He is just finishing it.

[Ethelk2044]

30. Naive is voting for the Iraq war. Naive is Flip Flopping

and expecting the American Public to believe it.

NOW THAT IS REALLY NAIVE

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

37. He had the same answer Clinton had.

The fact that Clinton complained about Obama giving the same answer Clinton did demonstrates how hypocritical and inappropriate she is for hte presidency.

Get a life, Hillary.

[TwilightGardener]

15. Zing! Ouchie!

[Dawgs]

17. I like it. Comparing Hillary to Bush is a great strategy if you're Obama.

I'm not sure it will work, but I do like it.

[illinoisprogressive]

19. sweeeeet! I love this and the comments are icing.

[here_is_to_hope]

20. " I will tear you down to build me up"....no thanks.

[Imagevision]

24. This too is what I have been waiting for from Obama/NT

[Adelante]

26. Well, good

Now he's got to do the same hit on Edwards and he's getting someplace.

[polichick]

34. Let the games begin!

:popcorn:

[Scriptor Ignotus]

35. this is a great comeback

but I'm sure Hillary will come back with something equal or not better.

and so it begins...

[Kingstree]

39. Hillary and her campaign realizes now that she made a HUGE mistake

and now she wants it t go away. A little late for that now. What puzzles me is that if you are the so called front runner, why are you playing gutter politics with you so called lesser rivals? Aren't front runner suppose to be above the fray and march on instead of looking back? I guess her inexperience in campaigning and fear against a formidable competitor shows. Plus she could have ended this entire situation by not using the word "naive" or silly" i the press to describe Obama. Obama would never have stooped to that level. That is an outright insult to anyone and why would america wants to elect someone who degrades other? You think that she could negotiate with our enemies with this type of disposition? Sound a lot like Chaney's response of "Fuck You" to a Senator. Hillary is not only inexperienced and naive, she lacks good ole common sense.

[Kingstree]

40. Delete

[Ethelk2044]

41. Yes, they do.