The "anyone but Hillary" wing of the Democratic party needs to find a new candidate. Fast. Barack Obambi Obama is just not going to cut it. He's got the charm, he's got the poise, he thinks fast on is feet. That's carried him far, but do the Democrats really want to put him up against a Rudy Giuliani or Fred Thompson.
The debate Tuesday Barack Obama gave Hillary Clinton a nice opening and she took it:
The question that sparked the controversy at Monday's debate seemed simple enough: Would the candidates for president be willing to meet, within their first year in office, with the leaders of Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea?
Obama said yes, while Clinton said no, arguing that the president should only meet with world leaders who are hostile to the United States after lower-level diplomatic contacts are conducted. In an interview today with the Quad City Times, Clinton more directly criticized Obama's answer.
"I thought that was irresponsible and frankly naive," Clinton said, according to a story posted on the newspaper's Web site.
There are several interesting things about this. One is that the campaign is going negative, they're going negative on foreign policy and experience, and that Hillary is the one here carrying the knife. That has not been their pattern to date, but this opening was probably just too good to pass up.
It's highly likely that the Clinton camp has decided that Obama is the only serious challenger unless Al Gore gets in the race. So attacking Obama will not help any other candidate like John Edwards. It's now safe to take the gloves off and take out Obama.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 3)
1. I don't think Obama is the right choice for us. Yes, he does think fast on his feet and there are a lot of things he has to say that I like...but...some of what he said during the recent debates seemed like he was just trying to say what he thought would go over well and not how he would really react. Also Hillary was right to slam him for his comments. How do you just walk into a meeting with the enemies with no conditions in place? Foolish!
Kat at 1:41PM on Jul 25th 2007
2. At last Hillary has something to "attack" Obama on or so she thinks. Our country is in its total state of disrespect from the entire world because Bush chose his "axis of evil" adversaries. Is it wrong for you to approach a new neighbor that has just moved next door to you or will you immediately prejudice the situation with abstaining for any contact. Obama's stated associating himself in a meeting with our "enemies" does not mean or imply accepting their doctrines, lack of human rights, etc. We are so locked up by inherited prejudices that no longer talking with some other country "on the list" is prohibited. We need to grow up and so does Hillary. We HAVE to talk with our enemies, they are the ones who blew up the Twin Towers. We can have tea with the British anytime.
cindysue at 2:33PM on Jul 25th 2007
3. America needs a President that can get the attention of all world leaders be ye friend or foe. We need a new face in government that will attract the attention of our non-allie constituents. We need someone that people will listen to without feeling we are going in the same direction. We need diversity in our government. We can't give our enemies the impression that its the same old government with the same old tactics. I believe that Barack Obama brings this fresh blood to the table and America needs to stand behind its people. We need new ideas and the educated youth that can present these ideas. The man has a worldly presence and thats what we need. "Get with it America"
Lyseenia C Johnson at 2:01PM on Jul 25th 2007
4. Hillary now questioning BILL O'REILLY'S comments? i 'll go with O'reilly any day, he is right and she can't stand it. WOLFSON, came across on O'Reilly'S show as programmed slime, well look who his boss is.none other than Hillary the terroists friend, illegal aliens friend. She would put us in depression, raise our taxes, have our medical ruined, plus she would have an atomic bomb coming down on us. The woman knows from nothing. You better believe this woman is self serving and a phony
Jane at 2:05PM on Jul 25th 2007
5. Hillary is afraid to talk with certain countries because they might use it as propaganda? Everything can be used as propaganda by somebody, should we let that dictate our foregin policy? I would rather have Presient Obama sitting in the Oval Office talking on the telephone to Tehran or Syria than Clinton buring her head in the sand pretending we can resolve the serious issues that face us by ignoring the major players.
arkee2 at 2:07PM on Jul 25th 2007
6. I certainly disagree with the idea that Sen. Obama is no match for Sen. Clinton or the Republicans. This might seem to be the case if you are looking at this election from the typical "voters are gul1able" point of view. Clinton may have a knife, but Obama has a light sabre. Clinton, though a woman is still the past, Obama is the future. I was a little boy during the Kennedy years, but I remember the hope. I see that same hope now.
gospelrydr at 2:14PM on Jul 25th 2007
7. Can't we throw out these 8 and start over ?
Cumberland at 3:22PM on Jul 25th 2007
8. "One is that the campaign is going negative, they're going negative on foreign policy and experience, and that Hillary is the one here carrying the knife."
Hillary may be carrying the knife, but as far as I'm concerned, she is holding the blade end of it.
I didn't have a problem with the answers provided by both Senators Clinton and Obama. But it is a sure sign of whose 'branch is creaking' when one candidate feels compelled to attack another candidate.
vegastracon at 3:41PM on Jul 25th 2007
9. Mrs. Clinton,and i put the emphasis on Clinton,is too emotional on too many issues. She is not now or ever the right person to run our country. She will never be respected by other leaders around the world because she is a woman. Condolessa is having those same problems herself. The world is not ready for a female president. She should withdraw. She will never get the votes she needs from the male population.
kenneth at 4:30PM on Jul 25th 2007
10. hillary doesny know a thing about foreigh policys
bill at 4:31PM on Jul 25th 2007
11. Mrs. Clinton is an okay lady but on this issue I think she is wrong. I believe Mr. Obama is correct, let the leaders talk without having middlemen to muddy the water. Each world leader should do their homework and know what the issues are, not having coded messages and hidden agendas with built in excuses. Say what you mean and do what you say.
Johnny
johnny at 4:48PM on Jul 25th 2007
12. The leaders of some of these other countries and cultures would more likely respond to another man than a woman. It is unfortunate but true.
I really believe Obama would be a strong candidate to speak with some of these leaders. Meeting with them doesnt mean he has to accept their doctrines but allows him to see what he is up against. Lets not waste more time getting all of our ducks in a row.
Michelle at 4:56PM on Jul 25th 2007
13. Hillary's answer was the correct one. Obama's answer was irresponsible and naive. Who would agree to meet with those leaders without precondition, anywhere? Obama did not say maybe, he said yes. He needs to think his answers through more carefully, or this will happen more often. Hillary definitely appeared to be the stronger candidate.
Gary at 5:10PM on Jul 25th 2007
14. I think a fresh new perspective combined with a new approach to American Diplomacy is warranted. Bush has damaged American credibility with the world and has crippled our leadership role as a result. Obama offers that fresh leadership unbriddled by history of political baggage
Manny Leon at 5:10PM on Jul 25th 2007
15. I give Obama credit for speaking to the broader issue of having high level dialog with other world leaders, even historically enemy leaders.
I do think such talks would go much better if the diplomats from each side talked first to see what is on their minds.
Steve Bonomo at 5:38PM on Jul 25th 2007