Barack Obama responds to James Carville

ABC's "Nightline," in its wrap-up report Monday night on the Indiana and North Carolina primaries, just couldn't resist.

Barack Obama was asked to respond to a controversial comment James Carville recently uttered about Obama's anatomical makeup and that of Hillary Clinton (who Carville favors in the Democratic presidential race).

If we've learned anything about Obama as the primaries have ground on, it's that he is slow to anger. But Carville can try anyone's patience, and he clearly has tested Obama's.

Said the Illinois senator: "Well, you know, James Carville is well-known for spouting off his mouth without always knowing what he's talking about. And I intend to stay focused on fighting for the American people because what they don't need is 20 more years of performance art on television. And that's what James Carville and a lot of those folks are expert at ... a lot of talk and not getting things done for the American people."

In the middle of an earlier flap sparked by one of his remarks, Carville made a point of saying he would quickly enlist in Obama's campaign if he ends up being the Democratic nominee. We imagine the Obama staff would be tempted to declare him 4F.

The full interview with Obama can be seen here.

--Don Frederick

Photo credit: Getty Images

Comments

[cyberbian]

I am curious that Obama believes his Presidency will have a 20 year impact.

This is a very curious number. Not 4, no note even 8.
I wonder if he has plans for two terms followed by his wife taking office? That could be dreamed into 16.
She has what it takes to campaign.

20 years.

I wonder if he really has a 20 year agenda!
Now that would be worth having a look at.

[John D]

C'mon Barack, don't let The Ferret get to you. (Think 'Reverend Wright' with a squeakier voice.)

[Steve]

I believe Obama mentioned "20 years of performance" in referrence to the Clinton-Bush grip of the powerhouse for the last 20 years, '88 to 08.

Since only a cosmetic difference exists between Bush and Clinton (whichever Clinton, take your pick), Obama is right on the mark when bundling the one-and-the-same Bush-Clinton Elite group together. It's time for change, and Sen Obama is the right person to lead.

[dg3]

Pay attention, cyberbian.

He was talking about Carville's almost 20 years in the spotlight, dating back to political campaigns in the late 80's, just prior to joining the Clinton team.

[Dr. Jesse Kally-Williams]

It is precisely people like James Carville who make the rest of the world laugh and disdain American politics. American politics must reflect her greatness.

[MrZrule]

Senator Obama has been trying to move away from negative campaigning which has been in vogue in recent American history. Mr Carville's 'Judas' remark, characterizing Bill Richardson's decision to back Barack Obama in a most foul way, is a particular example of what Barack means by 'Politics-as-usual'.

The 'Oil Tax Holiday' discussion could be an example of how candidates can differentiate themselves without diminishing any party to the debate. When speaking on the merits of the issue, at least.

One side says lowering the price will increase demand which leads to price increases.

The other side says a carefully-constructed windfall profits tax could capture the revenue needed for badly needed infrastructure improvements.

Leave the 'pandering'/'out-of-touch' name-calling out of it. Let go of the temptation to point out "that's just what (blank) has done". Just let it go.

That we'd all be incredulous and can barely imagine the debate could go that way is a sign of how low we've gone.

[Franky]

James Carville has about as much brains as Dr Phil.

Both are all talk and no substance.

[ApostasyUSA]

James Carville is a creep........I'm glad SOMEONE called him out.....I don't care who it was.......

Just say no to Republicans........

"The Days are long but the weeks are fast,
High on money but low on cash.." - ApostasyUSA

[Jeugenen]

OBAMA PROSTITUTION A NEO-MARXIST DELUSION (Ed.)

Obama’s desperate enemies, the Neo-Con Republicans and Neo-Lib Democrats in positions of power in government, education, industry, teacher and labor unions, and news and entertainment media continuously strive to induce presidents, congressmen, and judges to serve as their political prostitutes. Their Crypto-Neo-Marxist divisive politics and notorious subversive contempt for nationalism, Christian culture, Constitutional Law, Kennedy Liberals and Reagan Conservatives make them an increasingly intolerable threat to the American People fighting in the escalating Cultural War.

Having had their notoriously vicious and crooked candidates, Leiberman Neo-Lib Clinton and Podhoretz Neo-Con McCain defeated; they have stopped their hate-baiting and slandering, and have cunningly started their tactical systematic ingratiation to Obama, with flattery and money.

Shall Obama prostitute himself; or shall Obama prosecute them? Shall he keep counsel with Liberal Kennedy and Conservative Reagan, or shall he keep counsel with Neo-Lib Clinton and Neo-Con Bush? Shall he be their master, like Kennedy and Reagan; or shall he be their slave, like Clinton and Bush?