The heat keeps rising in the Democratic race
Another day, another mini-dustup between the Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama campaigns.
Regardless of how "honored" she felt late last week about sharing a debate stage with Obama, Clinton spent the weekend expressing both anger and ridicule toward him, as The Times' Michael Finnegan and Mark Barabak detailed here. Today, there surfaced a more indirect effort to undermine Obama, apparently emanating from the Clinton team.
Throughout much of the day, the lead item on the influential Drudge Report has been a photo of Obama dressed in native garb as he visited Kenya two years ago -- a picture that, according to the post, was circulated by "stressed Clinton staffers."
Obama aides, already having dealt with anonymous efforts to depict Obama as a "Muslim plant," reacted with indignation. Campaign manager David Plouffe issued a statement saying: “On the very day that Senator Clinton is giving a speech about restoring respect for America in the world, her campaign has engaged in the most shameful, offensive fear-mongering we’ve seen from either party in this election."
The response from Clinton's newly installed campaign manager, Maggie Williams, was intriguing: she essentially told ...
the Obama folks to clam up, without addressing the question of how the photo came to attract such attention.
"Enough," read the start of Williams' statement.
It went on: “If Barack Obama’s campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely."
Indeed, the Drudge item includes such shots not only of her (with her daughter, Chelsea, also in the frame), but of Bill Clinton and President Bush, as well.
On the trail, meanwhile, Hillary Clinton continued her frontal assault on Obama today. In the speech focusing on foreign policy that Plouffe referred to, delivered in Washington, she had this to say: "We have seen the tragic result of having a president who had neither the experience or the wisdom to manage our foreign policy and safeguard our nation. America has already taken that chance one time too many."
She may not have uttered Obama's name, but it's not like she had in mind presumed Republican presidential nominee John McCain, whose calling card is his foreign-policy credentials.
It's all enough to make you think the two Democrats are approaching some sort of big showdown -- say, in Ohio and Texas.
-- Don Frederick
The Clintons have been doing DIRTY POOL for some time now.... I really and truely hope Obama gets her good in the votes in Tx, and Ohio.... It's time to de throne the Queen bee..... And it's time for dirty pool players to be thrown out of Washington.... Is there any wonder why so many people DO NOT TRUST CLINTON....
Posted by: Judith | February 25, 2008 at 02:21 PM
When you visit a foreign country and they ask you to try on their traditional clothing, it would be patently offensive to refuse. Both Hillary and Bill- and George Bush have all been photographed in the clothing of countries they have visited. For the Clinton campaign to circulate this picture is a desperate attempt to incite hate against Obama. Please, no more Clintons. They are far too divisive to get anything worthwhile accomplished for our nation.
Posted by: Luke Gilmore | February 25, 2008 at 02:23 PM
This is NOT a case of some "photoshop" image.. Obama POSED for those photos.
Obama purposely sought-out an opportunity to pose in Somali clothing for publicity photographs.
Now that the publicity photos are being widely viewed, he acts upset, and his supporters are enraged.
Why?
If he personally feels that the photos are bad publicity, then he simply showed poor judgement in putting on those clothes and posing for photos in the first place.
NO ONE other than Obama bears ANY blame for circulating photos that he posed for in front of news media.
Why shoule
Posted by: reader | February 25, 2008 at 02:26 PM
an anonymous comment from the UK:
Its great to see you guys fight over a lowly picture. ripping each other apart.
nice one...you guys are awesome to watch from a distance. keep it up. I feel honestly sorry for you guys though.
Posted by: anonymous | February 25, 2008 at 02:34 PM
I always thought the Clintons were beyond contempt for many of their shenanigans, but this latest act probably "takes the cake".
She can kiss that Veep slot goodbye!
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-knew-john-mccain-was-winning.html#links
Posted by: KYJurisDoctor | February 25, 2008 at 02:39 PM
Was on the fence... but Hillary has now crossed the line. Disgusting example of how far Maggie Williams and Clinton will go to win at all costs. This was the straw that broke the camels back for me... I had given her the benefit of the doubt over the past four weeks but its obvious that she puts her own personal desire to be President, her personal ego above what is good for the country. She cant take responsibilty for bad decisions (NAFTA, Iraq etc)... and instead of being focues on herself, she flings mud. In this case.. just lost my vote.
Posted by: Kieran | February 25, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Hillary has hit another new low! What the article and the photograph really demonstrate is: Hillary's total lack of respect for Kenya, its culture, traditions, its leaders, and its people! Is she targeting Kenya because of its black population? Is this more of Hillary's and Bill's shameful racism tactics? Hillary claims to have been to many countries, if that is the case, she should KNOW that rediculing any country's customs and traditions is NOT something a President does! Is she trying to say Mr. Obama is a radical Muslim?? Her campaign aides already put out that crapola; they ended up being fired. One thing is certain, not much gets done in her campaigne that she does not know about!! To Hillary, I say, SHAME ON YOU, HILLARY CLINTON!!
Well one good thing, CNN did a poll which just came out at 1:42 pm PDLT, Mr. Obama is ahead in Texas, 50 to 46.
The last poll of a few days ago had Hillary at 50 and Mr. Obama at 48. Mr. Obama has gained 2 points and Hillary has ldropped 4!!! Still pretty much tied, but Mr. Obama is ahead. I suspect the margin will get much wider before now and March 4th!
YES WE CAN, OBAMA 08
Posted by: NinaK | February 25, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Obama just needed something, anything, to be offended about. It is the ole look over here not at my Karl Rove lies I have been doing with my fliers. Stop looking at my no nothing speeches and traveling rally circus but instead look at how poor little me is being treated by Hillary. Hey I am suppose to have the kid glove treatment. Hasn't anyone told her? YOU GO HILLARY STICK TO TELLING THE TRUTH, IT is about time we addressed Obamas smoke and mirror show and his house of cards plans. Hillary in 08
Posted by: Roger | February 25, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Hillary could be the Ralph Nader of 2008, since, the petulant Mr. Nader no longer has what it takes to sabotage the election.
Posted by: Dorie Brodie | February 25, 2008 at 02:48 PM
It's as if Hillary is having a Britney melt down! The Obama campaign does understand that most would not think this is offensive as it is a custom tradition in that country. As someone quite pointed out, many presidents or heads of state wear this garb and would never ever be considered racist. The Clinton campaign is trying to make this more about his Muslim ties, which I think most intelligent people see right through. I disliked Hillary before, now I just can't stand her at all
Posted by: Scott | February 25, 2008 at 02:49 PM
what a cop out... i can hear HRC now... "I would've won the nominee if Obama hadn't pulled the old "flyer" trick!" Shame, shame, shame. What ever...I see right through you Judas...i mean HRC.
Posted by: eddie b. | February 25, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Firstly, let me state that I am an Obama supporter.
That being said, I am suprised with all the blame directed towards the Clinton campaign...one must consider the source: Matt Drudge.
One has to wonder if this isn't an attempt to drive a wedge even further between the two Democratic camps thus helping our Republican friends.
Posted by: Dave-o | February 25, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Please note:
For Obama being Apostate of Islam who attends church, he is the number one enemy of the Islamic extremists.
Posted by: Shami | February 25, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Hilary should focus on her own campaign and stop trying to "deface' her opponent or even mentioning him. She is the one that keep "Obama" on the mind instead of Hilary, just like a mom, someone who will can clean up the White House and get stuff done. Maybe she should look at "personalizing" herself with the American people instead (no suits) of looking like a "cat and just scratching". Obama is taking the higher road and therefore, making her seem more "crazy".
Of course, the best person for the Presidential job is Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee is the president for me.
www.mikehuckabee.com
Posted by: Athena | February 25, 2008 at 02:57 PM
Thank you Hillary, you inspired me, once again, to make a nice donation to Obama's campaign.
Good people of Texas. Please do your thing and remove this blight from our land.
Posted by: hillaryis44 | February 25, 2008 at 03:01 PM
It is with great sadness we are witnessing the scare tacticts of this desperate campaign. With each such dishonorable attack I find myself giving another $100 to the Obama campaign. I hope she tones down her rhetoric for the sake of her future career opportunities, including her job in the senate. I am deeply offended yet I am also optimistic reading most comments seeing that many Americans are simply turned off by all these disgusting, nasty attacks.
Posted by: A. K. Arsan | February 25, 2008 at 03:04 PM
The disciples of Obama terrify me. They are becoming more and more millitant in their hatred for the Clintons because they can not stand the thought that she could win TX and OH. Make no mistake about it, this hatred will be turned towards the half of the country that will vote for McCain if and when Obama gets the nomination. This is scary because it will be happening under the guise of brining hope, unity, peace, joy, and love to the country. I personally will probably not vote, because I already have a strong faith and don't need Obama's religion, and because I would be afraid of the Obama disciples.
PLEASE WAKE UP America!
America is a democracy for a reason, our president does not serve the role as our country's SAVIOR, moral compass, or pastor. They are simply a tool to assist in the running of our government. If you people want a savior, go to church. It infuriates me that the Obamanites insist on forcing their Obama religion on the rest of us through the elected office of President. They don't care about running effective government. If they did, Hillary would have already secured the nomination. I just hope people start waking up out of their Obama-trances before its too late.
Posted by: John | February 25, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Support our troops! Support America!
At a minimum, a head of state must have a head.
Support Barack Obama. Right On Day One!
Posted by: LARRY | February 25, 2008 at 03:06 PM
Let us not confuse the photo of Sen. Obama and any "reaction" being billed as anger because of that picture.
Could it be that Sen. Clinton's objective, ploy, campaign move, etc in distributing the photo is the catalyst for any reaction from Obama's camp?
Get it right folks! we have to sift over and over to remove any and all "spins". from either Candidates rhetoric.
Posted by: Mick Miller | February 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Hilary's a skank.
Posted by: Josh | February 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM
Chris Cameron
>Why is Obama so embarrassed about this photo?
Obama hasn't said anything about the photo being embarrassing.
His campaign complained of it's use and distribution for political sarcasm.
Maggie Williams from Hillary's campaign said it plainly, “If Barack Obama’s campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive.."
She wants Obama to be ridiculed!
Are these Democrats thinking they will bring the party together in a few weeks? Not likely.
The problem isn't Drudge posted it on his bent website, but mainstream media spreading this non story as a news event.
The picture doesn't mean anything!
----
If you people continue making fun of Obama's name and supposed Muslim ties, President Bush has more Muslim friends than he.
Bush has Saudi friends and relationships in the Royal Family.
Bush had a business partner Salem Bin Laden,
Osama's Bin Laden older brother in Arbusto Energy, a Texas oil company. Salem Bin Laden died in an airplane crash in Texas in 1988.
There is a reason for high prices of oil and the Saudi's are benefiting. Saudi's have invested heavily, Billions of dollars buying treasury bonds over the years, so Bush has money to wage the Iraq war.
Investments take time to get a return, the price of oil can be manipulated faster and profits in it much greater.
Bush's oil friends everywhere are benefiting.
Posted by: Marks | February 25, 2008 at 03:08 PM
As an Obama supporter, I think this is awesome. Hillary is running behind, and is bringing out the biggest guns she can as a desperate, last-ditch attempt to pull out a win.
And the best she comes up with is borrowed words and a picture of Obama in native African dress? Really? All the resources she can muster; all of the campaign aides and researchers at her disposal...and this is the best she can do?
This makes me truly energized for the main election. Knowing that a turban is the worst skeleton in Obama's closet makes me KNOW he's ready for the big time! President Obama!
Posted by: Joy | February 25, 2008 at 03:09 PM
The circulation of Mr. Obama in Kenyan garb circulated by Hillary is an attempt to portray Mr. Obama as a Muslim radical. To her I say, SHAME ON YOU HILLARY!!
Is there no end to Hillary's dirty campaign tactics? She reminds me of an old evil witch brewing a pot of evil potions to throw out there to poison people's thinking. Hillary, you might get a few sickos' votes in return for your horrid tactics, but the majority of us see you as dispicable and would never vote for you.
Hillary for President? With her attitude toward Kenya (and most likely other countries), it would not be long before our shores would be terrorized again. Fellow Americans, it is definitely time to vote Hillary out of this campaign once and for all! Please, Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont, help us make this happen!!
Posted by: NinaK | February 25, 2008 at 03:12 PM
The Clinton campaign knew precisely what they were doing when they began to circulate this photo.
The question is not whether the Obama campaign or Barack Obama himself characterizes this photo as divisive, but whether those Americans, who have been routinely brainwashed by the Bush administration's fear-mongering machine over the last eight years, believe that the photo is somehow proof-positive of Obama's ulterior motives.
Clearly Ms Clinton is the hypocrite in this instance, as these are almost certainly the methods that Karl Rove would have employed.
Shame on YOU, Hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Emlyn | February 25, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Was this photo forwarded to the Drudge Report by someone in the Clinton campaign staff with the caption, "Wouldn't we be seeing this on the cover of every magazine if it were HRC?" (questioned one campaign staffer, in an email obtained by the DRUDGE REPORT.)?
If so, then HRC campaign is at fault, if not, then her campaign isn't at fault. Simple. Also, how much flax should HRC get for something stupid done by her campaign staff?
Posted by: Shawn | February 25, 2008 at 03:23 PM