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Clinton glad Obama gave speech on race

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor March 18, 2008 01:50 PM

Hillary Clinton said this afternoon that while she hasn't seen or read Barack Obama's sweeping speech on race in America, "I'm very glad that he gave it. It's an important topic."

Issues of race and gender have been complicated, both in the Democratic campaign and in the nation's history, she said at a news conference in Philadelphia.

"This is a historic moment for the Democratic Party and for our country," Clinton said, adding that all Americans should celebrate that the Democratic nominee will either be the first woman or first African-American.

Voters, she said, should pick the candidate who can best solve a growing list of worsening problems. "It will take a president ready on day one," she said.

22 comments so far...
  1. ...and that's not you honey! Obama's judgment to confront the issue of Wright head-on is evidence he has what it takes to be Commander-in-Chief.

    Posted by Jack March 18, 08 02:37 PM
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  1. I would bet my pay check she saw it. But thats honesty for you. As a white, older, female Independent voter-from Florida...Obama's speech brought tears to my eyes. I hope it draws discussion with our children at the kitchen table, at work by the water cooler, and in front of our own mirrors with ourselves. Hopefully we can be as honest and open with our feelings as Obama was. And maybe move forward for a better Nation for all.

    Posted by lee from Treasure Island Fl March 18, 08 02:47 PM
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  1. Hillary is a classy lady-She has spent a lifetime working on civil rights- she actually marched with MLK- Obama calls us to action but when he could have simply gotten up out of his pew when the hatred was being spewed-he didn't-
    Obama is a great talker- I'm afraid we need a doer as well- As far as race goes -check this out-
    Race Man: http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=aa0cd21b-0ff2-4329-88a1-69c6c268b304
    Obama has now lied to us about Rzeko (guess he was a bit more than just an acquaintance-talked to him sometimes several times a day for years-$100's of thousands of dollars in Chicago campaign funny money), Wright (first I didn't hear now of course, I did) and Natagate Canada (no one in my campaign ever said that my words on Nafta were only campaign rhetoric-sure barack)
    Got Judgement?

    Posted by bb60 March 18, 08 02:53 PM
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  1. she hasn't heard or read about it?! plz. just say no comment and move on.

    Posted by navi March 18, 08 03:09 PM
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  1. I am Black female from Chicago, who too cried today. Now I understand why my mother and our neighbors cried at MLK jr's "I Have a Dream" speech.
    The speech was not a maneuver to avoid scrutiny. People want Barrack to deny his entire existence; it seems. He has said in the most sincere tones both his White grandmother and Rev Wright have made incienadry remarks. He did not accept those remarks; instead he confessed the way it helped shaped him into seeing the love and sacrifices made. His grandparents working hard to provide love and care for him. Rev Wright’s devotion to building hope in the Black community through various ways to love and help people such as daycare, scholarships, etc. Give Obama credit for using his brain. People hear and except what they want.
    If they weren’t moved by this MLK jr type speech, probably you were anti-Obama from the beginning.

    Posted by Beverly, Chicago March 18, 08 03:15 PM
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  1. Hillary, has grace about her country. It seems to me if we need a change than we need Hillary. Why would anyone not look at the way things have gotten and It would take a person like her that has had pasted experence with the issues at hand. I see her stand before the flag with great pride and hand over her heart. I did not see Obama with anyi pride of the American flag. His hand was not even over his heart. At one time he even turn away form the flag. I would hope that people would concered these things as we have for our people.

    Posted by Mary Surrency March 18, 08 03:24 PM
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  1. HRC has no class. Adults are capable of deciding for ourselves what we should or should not celebrate. America deserves a solid leader, we have no need for a nanny.

    GOBAMA!

    Posted by CC March 18, 08 03:44 PM
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  1. I am absolutely appaled that anyone would believe a word Hillary says. She lets Geraldine verbalize her thoughts. Resume with 35 years experience, please?

    Posted by Angela March 18, 08 03:59 PM
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  1. #3- Get your facts straight:

    Hillary Clinton witnessed one of Rev. King’s speeches in 1963. She was so moved by the speech that the next year she became involved in the Young Republicans then became a Goldwater girl. She then became President of the College Republicans. Goldwater was the standard bearer for 20th century conservatism. He also voted against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Not very classy at all.

    Posted by Jill Q March 18, 08 04:08 PM
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  1. Obama has many examples of leadership he will have to explain as he continues into this election. Not only is the influence of his Pastor but the Black Culture as it reflects the individual responsiblitites of young men and the values of the Black Community (his Father). He will only be a role model and a Stateman if he addresses these things as he has finally done with this Rev. Wright controversy and gives clear direction of his expectations and ethics.

    Posted by Bob Conway March 18, 08 04:09 PM
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  1. while i'm trying to be nice, its very difficult for me to believe bhillary did not watch Mr. Obama's address; i must be forced to believe her schmoozy statement, "I'm very glad that he gave it. It's an important topic." was the only thing her 'camp' would let her say until they gave her a prepared statement to make. if this is not the truth, i apologize. but, it is really what the clinton campaign has taught me to believe

    Posted by bill March 18, 08 04:22 PM
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  1. I think if Mrs Clinton saw the speech she would have noted Obamas comparison of Mrs. Ferraro to Reverend Wright..as all of us should. It was another clear signal of his intention to make race a topic that continues throughout this nomination process. It divides Democrats and will continue-even though he is the only side playing.
    Perhaps there was another reason he chose to suddenly recognize the divisiveness of his revered Reverend now. Recent polls have noted over 40% of Americans feel Obama is a secret muslim and this action is a clear way to bring notice to his religious beliefs.
    It is clear and as each day progresses Mr Obama has a few skeletons which he is airing.
    I believe the best is yet to come when the history of his relationship with Antoine Rezko..all of Mr. Obamas versions and the truth regarding the donations to his campaign, the missing Illinois State Legislature documents and his Illinois earmarks appear. Mr Plouffe, Mr Axelrod and Mr. Obama all say he was to busy to keep records, they also say the state will provide them, they also say the Legislator who replaced Mr Obama will give the papers to the press..he says..what papers..I cleaned out what was left here..and finally Mr Obama says 'you know how it is when you are busy..I didn't have time to keep my appointment schedules or other requests..I was busy'

    Posted by MMiller March 18, 08 04:27 PM
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  1. He is the President I want:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWe7wTVbLUU

    Posted by Ana Lucia March 18, 08 04:35 PM
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  1. Well Barack can't please anybody like bb60. Check the real issues about what the Clinton people said about Nafta to the Canadians, or the picture of Hillary and Bill with Rezko. You weren't gonna vote for him anyway. Barack no need to bend over backwards to get your vote. He got plenty already.

    Posted by danel March 18, 08 04:52 PM
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  1. OBAMA NEEDS TO DROP OUT FOR THE GOOD OF THE COUNTRY.

    Posted by JOHN March 18, 08 05:49 PM
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  1. "He gave a speech? Aw, that's super, I think he's super. But he'd be a pretty rotten president." Gag, Hillary as usual.

    Obama may be imperfect, but at least he's willing to have an honest discussion about his flaws as well as his mistakes. Remember the debate where they asked each candidate what their weaknesses were? Obama went first, and said his weakness was that he's disorganized, so he's always sure to keep plenty of capable and organized people around to help out with appointments and things. Clinton took her turn and basically said "my weakness is I care too much." Gag!

    I think it's admirable that Obama was able to make a speech where he clearly articulated exactly why Rev Wright's sermons were wrong, and at the same time said "that doesn't mean I'm going to throw him under the bus. I disagree with him, but he is my friend and he has done a lot of good for me and my family."

    Does anyone realize how rare that mentality is among politicians, and how desperately it is needed? It's the same attitude that will not only bring the country together but will also begin to repair the deep partisan rift in Washington. And Hillary Clinton simply does not possess that. That is why Obama is the better candidate. All this "Ready on Day One" stuff is baloney. Talk about "all talk."

    Posted by Steve March 18, 08 05:52 PM
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  1. HRC HEARD Obama's speech. What seriously competitive candidate wouldn't watch and listen with intense scruity every word uttered from the lips of their most fierce opponent? Surely she wouldn't leave it up to her staff advisors to explain the full essence of what he said and how he said it. Of course SHE WOULDN'T! Her next speech, if it follows true to her previous rebuttals, will be written purely from the basis of criticizing every key point made in Senator Obama's speech.

    Since I am convinced that she "DID" listen to his speech, then I am also convinced that she chose pride over truth.

    A President who speaks truth to the American people is what this nation needs. Doesn't she get it? There is an outcry for CHANGE, and that change won't take place if the next President of these great United States doesn't lead by means of unwavering faith, honesty, truthfulness and integrity.

    Posted by RSmith March 18, 08 06:50 PM
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  1. As a foreigner, I give full praise to Senator Obama for having delivered such a well thought out and high caliber speech.

    It is hard to believe Mrs. Clinton would not have watched her opponent face one of his highest hurdles to date in the campaign.

    She saw and heard the speech but because it was so impressive...so presidential.. so well delivered by Mr. Obama, she now pretends not to have heard or seen it.

    It is most obvious that Mr. Obama would be prepared from day one to confront and handle with consumate ease all difficult situations. Case in point: he handled this divisive and shameful issue in Americas past, masterfully.

    Mr. Obama is the sort of insightful and able leader America now needs: especially after Bush, so why bother with Hillary, who is an extension of Bush and his policies? Let her keep concealing her earmarks, returns and God knows what else.

    America must look towards a bright future with Mr. Obama at the helm rebuilding Americas battered image throughout the world... a world that is anxiously awaiting his foresight and true leadership qualities.

    NO MORE WARS AMERICA - WITHOUT GOOD LEADERSHIP, YOU HAVE CREATED ENOUGH MAYHEM FOR THE REST OF US TO LAST FOR SEVERAL DECADES.

    Posted by Desdemondo March 18, 08 07:12 PM
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  1. Barack's speech was excellent and delivered in true and sincere Obama fashion. I would just like to point out that between Barack and Hillary we have two of the best democratic nominees that I could ever hope for - especially after the last two presidential elections.
    It is sad for me to see accusations of what people "think" their favorite candidate's opponent has done, seen, said, etc.
    I will not be dissappointed if either candidate makes it to the white house, but my vote goes to Obama. Barack is not only an amazing speaker and leader, but he brings a fresh name, fresh face and fresh ideas to the front-line. There is a great deal of work to be done and I think Barack has the best chance to really bring this divided country, and world for that matter, together!
    white, 27yo male, FL

    Posted by Thomas March 19, 08 01:22 AM
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  1. Obama did not make the speech by choice he has spent his entire campaign avoiding the issues. I cannot and will not support someone who upheld his pastor daming the US of America. For people to accept that makes me very afraid for America. And, then we had his wife Michelle say that she was proud of America for the 1st time sounds too much alike for me. We need A PRESIDENT AND HIS FAMILY who love and support this country unequivacably. I thought all churches showed love and compassion and did not use the pulpit for hate messages, black or white. Shocking. Thank goodness we have a woman of the greatness and intelligence of Hillary.

    Posted by Joyce March 19, 08 10:18 AM
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  1. All you Hillary Haters why can't you just bug off. Why are you so sure that she watched the speech? If she said she didn't, just take her word for it. Why are none of you Obamamaniacs saying anything about the blatant cover-up, the lie when Obama came on several networks and said 'I was not in the pews when those remarks were made". Yesterday he said he did. Now he wants to talk about race, but all during the campaign, he suckered white people to vote for him with his change rhetoric. You all have been duped, and now will the real Obama stand Up?Why is Obama on the one hand rebuking Jeremiah's remarks, then on the other, making excuses for him talking about the man is harboring prejudice from the sixties. It is a little too late for many voters who bought into his uniter mantra, but not too late for the remaining voters. I am not a clairvoyant, but being from Massachusetts and having been through the campaign of our Governor Deval Patrick, I could see the parallels, and advised my sister not to vote for him because he is not all he wants people to believe he is. Of course, she had to vote for him because he is a brother. Yes, he is a brother all right, but he hasn't really suffered much from the scars of racism. He has never been bused to South Boston under police excort. He could never have suffered from the kind of racism in Hawaii that blacks in the United States suffered. Now he is the beneficiary of all the sweat of others. Further, all black churches do not preach the kind of hate that exuded from the lips of Jerry Wright. There is no excuse why Obama subjected his girls to these speeches. Jesus is all abour love and forgiveness. He says Wright is like family, well Jesus said that if you want to be his follower then sometimes you have to disown your family and follow him. Remember, that Jesus also said that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Obama has to disassociate himself from the church and Wright should apologize.

    Posted by Charly March 19, 08 10:25 AM
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  1. Patriotic, thinking America's will reject this lying racist who would severely divide the country. He heard the comments, he didn't hear the comments, he used bad judgement with Renko, he didn't use bad judgement, the fugitive Weatherman was a friend, he wasn't a friend. This "Manchurian candidate" would cripple our economy, embolden our enemies, and he would open the door to more trespassers from Mexico. Brainwashed libs and demos will still vote for him. Most American's know better.

    Posted by V Racer March 19, 08 01:07 PM
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About political intelligence Field reports from Boston Globe reporters and editors covering the 2008 presidential campaign and the national maneuvering of Bay State politicians.

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