The comment about MLK was not demeaning in any way. LBJ had reversed his prior thinking on civil rights legislation, and proceeded to push for that goal, against a huge backlash of white southerners. He was able to get that bill passed, somrthing that Mr King could not have done it by mimself. By the way, have you heard anybody in the media ciiticize Mr O'Bama, while trashing Mrs Clinton constantly. Is there a method to the conservative-owned media???

Bill Tinney, Reno, Nevada

I can't believe that he said that she said that. That was a low blow to Martin Luther King, and African Americans alike. She would be lucky to be half the great person Dr.King was. I'm only 11 and i am outraged by her statement.Go Obama!

Jonathan De La Cruz, coral springs, Florida

Hillary and Bill Clinton are probably the least racist politicians in America. Her point was clearly that you need to have a president on your side if you're going to get any meaningful legislation through. I hope she wins. I'm in Prague right now and hear they love her (probably because of Bill playing the sax with Vaclav Havel)

Castlesteps, Praha, czech republic

When is Hillary finally going to realize she IS NOT and NEVER WILL BE a contender for the Presidency. It is all just her pipe dream.

The path that the Bush's and Bill Clinton(Bush/Clinton/Clinton/Bush/Bush have drove us down for the last 20 years can not be perpetuated any longer. How much farther can we go down the tubes?"

My vote will be for anyone BUT Hillary Clinton!

It may be time for a woman to be president but not Hillary!

Modesto Marty, Modesto, CA

Well, I can't believe Hilary Clinton would be that low to say what she said. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader and if it wasn't for him African Americans would be still living in mental slavery. We have come a far way and Obama is one of our many proofs. If he wins it shows that any American can accomplish their dreams as long as they work hard whether their background is Hispanic, Black, Chinese or native americans.... we are all equal! I'm just a 17yr old African American and I am proud to say I have interest and hope in my country again.

Kimmi, Las Vegas,

I beilieve that the racial tension did not originate from either camps but outside sources, although Obama has done nothing to denounce those saying the election is about race. Nothing about Senator Clintons speaches were in any way racist. She has more experience and a proven record of being an "agent of change" Obama is a great visionary and motivational speaker but vision without action is like a boat without water.

Hillary Clinton '08

Bobbi Broughton, Bloomington, usa/Indiana

Hillary Clinton's statement that President Lyndon Johnson passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is factually incorrect. President Johnson did not pass the Law. He signed it. Congress passed the law. President Johnson used the great skills he had developed as the Senate majority leader and under the tutelege of his mentor, House Speaker Sam Rayburn, to get the law through the Congress. His actions followed not only the tremendous actions of Dr. ML King and others but also the emergence of Black militancy. The next US president must be cognizant of the role of the presidency and able to work effectively with many people who have represent great diversity of views and backgrounds. If the next President cannot do that the US may well be doomed to four more years of failed leadership.

Roland Nicholson, Jr., Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Roland Nicholson, Jr., Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

hillary did not mean anything about it
maybe the truth hurts
it seems like you can not mention anything without someone
making defensive remarks about what someone says
she will make an outstanding president no matter what anyone thinks

mary, warren, ohio

The fact is that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a Republican initiative that Johnson signed into law. The Democrats filibustered it and, specifically, it was Al Gore's Dad who fought it most fervently. The realy fairy tale here is that the Democrats somehow 'own' civil rights.

JL Green, Sterling Heights, MI

I'm beginning to feel the issue of “race” rumbling. The recent attacks on both Clinton's recently are fanning the fire. If this contest between Senator’s Clinton and Obama becomes an issue about "race" Senator Obama will lose the nomination. As an African American I plead to all African Americans especially African American leaders -- PLEASE don't let this happen.

Thelma Hess, Federal Way, WA

At least get the facts straight - Bill Clinton said Obama's story about being always against the Iraq war was a fairy tale, not his entire campaign. This is bad and apparently biased reporting.

Cathal O Madagain, Toronto, Canada

It seems that Obama and his camp are making this a "Black and White" issue!
I don't see anything wrong with what Hillary said. Who else but a president can finally listen to ANY issue and decide to pass it?
She was clear that past presidents couldn't/wouldn't do it. Unless you have a PRESIDENT who is willing to go above and beyond as Lyndon Johnson did on this issue, you can't get squat done.
If the only way Hillary can win South Carolina is by having to play up to the race card then let Obama have it. It makes a HUGE statement as to how UNITED Obama really wants us. About 60% of his speeches are on civil rights...What about the rest of us?

Denise, Hillsboro, Oregon

The Audacity of Hope ; Barack it really is all about this for anyone , and after seeing the Meet the Press Interview it is just more evident that the denial of allowing the thought of inspiring messages , How can Hillary deny you your right to say whatever you want about JFK and MLK , and sit there and make her self out to look like some Guru on the subject of perception over these Freedoms of Speech , and make this the topic over her being the right person for the job or you barack ??
Basically she is wanting to Censor you , rather than run her own message campaign . This is absolutely an outrage !!
Take care and have a Great day in the Freedom of Speech USA . and it will be perceived as a Censoring of Baracks comments by Hillary over JFK and MLK today on Meet the Press , and this is not what America is about today , this is wrong if this is what wins the Whitehouse for the Clintons . check this link ; http://weblog.theviewfromthecore.com/2004_01/ind_002924.html

Tony Newbill, Wickenburg, AZ

Senator Clinton's remark speaks to her arrogance. She feels is her right to be President and no one else's. Regarding President's Johnson's remark reminds me of the old saying "what came first, the chicken or the egg?" Martin Luther King was first. President Johnson did not have civil rights on his mind nor his heart. It was not until Dr. King and his supporters when to jail, had dogs bit them in their private parts, beaten with police sticks, water hose turned on women and children that this country was moved to have sympathy and empathy placing black people's pain in their hearts. Yes, we applaud President Johnson signing civil rights into law but it was a shame he was not a leader, he was a following. He followed Dr. King call for justice for people of color. Dr. King's spirit and resilience compelled President Johnson to, as stated in the title of Spike Lee's movie "Do the right THING." Don't you forget that Senator Clinton, the so-called champion of black people.

Jay W, Tucker, GA, United State

What Hilary was drawing reference to was the importance, influence and power of the position of President. She was stating that all the MLK achieved was great and admirable however there needed to be something else to bring his dreams to final fruition. That’s the reason that she striving for president, and I would hope that Obama would be striving for the position for that reason. Absolutely nothing racist about it. Apart from all his posturing about being a uniter, Obama looks like he can only win by highlighting differences.

brian, Sydney, Australia

Of course this is going to be a race, between races. Only a fool would think not. Hilary should win. What do you think will happen if Obama wins then has his family conections putting pressure on him with Muslim thinking, and they will, without doubt. This in a way has happened in England with the past prime Minister Blair when he turned Catholic, with pressure from his wife. Hilary must win, to keep America as it is.

victor arram, westcliff on sea, essex

Lyndon Baines Johnson was an incredible man as was Dr King. It is one of those moments in history when two such different characters from different perspectives arrive at a similar solution to a problemthat makes America great.
http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/

James Bond, Liverpool, United Kingdom

I hate this caucus process. The Republicans did it nicely 8 years ago. They picked their candidate--George W.-quickly--and they worked in unison to get him elected. Democrats are going to bludgeon eachother to the end. Then, the winner will crawl out of the gates to be run over by the Republicans in the general election like an opossum by a Mack Truck. The Republicans are going to win, and Dems will have ruined ANOTHER opportunity; just like they did four years ago.

Davis, Midlothian, Virginia, USA

Shame on the Times for inventing news instead of reporting it. Barack Obama has not commented on Hillary's gaffe but the Times invented a 'race row' between the two.

Another glaring error the Times constantly makes is that Barack Obama "is making a bid for" or "hopes to become" our first black president. That's false. He hopes to become our NEXT president.

K. Noltze, Cave Creek, AZ USA

For a person who talks of the future, Obama spends helluva lot of time going back to JFK and Martin Luther King. JFK was flawed. As for Martin Luther King, he spoke of nonviolence, and that would not endorse Obama's POV regard the Middle East.

Stephen Pain, Odense, Denmark

Every election campaign in this country goes crazy because people who want powewr have this period in which to pout to secure power from the succesful candidate after the election. Its all just too public. Kill television.

conchscooter, key west, florida usa

I don't mind whether Clinton or Obama win - they are both good candidates.

I do mind if deluded halfwits such as Huckabee win. He makes Bush look intellectual.

Mike Homfray, Liverpool, UK

Mr Johnson's step was not a gift to black people. He just corrected a gross policy in America responding to years of fight for justice.

We can't say it was De Clerk's decision that ended Apartheid in South Africa, it was Mandela's and ANC demands that made him act racionally.

Jose Costa, Luanda, Angola

That's historically correct. President Johnson did instrument with congress the civil rights acts that King called for, and in the process created the conditions led to the establishment of a black middle class for the first time in U.S. history. Where Clinton was off is in dismissing the fairytale hope that united so many Americans and led to positive change. That's what Obama should have attacked, and I believe he knows better. So should she.

But the exciting thing about this year is that it's probably the most exciting election since 1948, and no matter what happens the Obama movement--and the Huckleby youth movement against entrenched elderly fundamentalists--won't go away. A reporter following this is very lucky indeed and I do hope knows his/her American history so he/she can put the spin from all camps in perspective.

stephen Petty, landau, Germany

When did telling a truth become a gaffe? Of course she is right. It took LBJ as president to take civil rights forward. LBJ has received less credit as President than he deserves. Hilary Clinton is right to point out the reality of politics.

Ray , Milton Keynes, UK

Regarding experience, remember, Hill has eight years in the White House... but so does the pastry chef.

LS, Modesto, CA USA

That wasn't a gaffe - it's the truth.

James, Denver, USA / Colorado

Yep, It didn't take long for the race card to come out.

Once things are looking a bit on the downward spiral, on cue, up it comes to discredit someone and get the bloods boiling in anyone who needs to feel persecuted.

No doubt the same thing would happen if there was a candidate who was Homosexual, Native American, Disabled, above Retirement age or Non Christian.

Not up to speed on American History, but MLK had his dream speech, and incited civil unrest. A fine example to the youth of the country as a whole whatever colour.

Why do these people see racism (yes I dare use the R word) where it isn't?

Ebony and Ivory - Paul McCartney/Stevie Wonder
I guess someone will get upset about McCartneys name being in front of Wonders, but not about Ebony being ahead of Ivory.

What colour is a zebra (why are you thinking black before white? )

David, Brighton,

I am a voting ex-pat living in the UK.

Anyone who thinks Hillary as a bigot obviously has their own issues, like prejudice against white people. As a formerly brainwashed Republican, I was in college during the first Clinton election. Rush Limbaugh created Hillary as Republican enemy #1. She got so much bad press that she had to be hidden in the background for Bill to get elected. If anyone thinks that she is nobody, and has done nothing, they forget that she was always the real star of that dynamic duo, and she is a genuine grassroots liberal. At the time of Clinton's first presidancy, the US was not ready for that brand of liberalism. GWB may well have poisoned conservatism to such an extent that she could have her chance.

Rick, Richmond, Surrey, UK

In the current state of PC affairs, any statement can be ' racist '. A look ' dissing ' someone is ' racist '. I believe Senator Clinton was trying the refelected glory by association gambit. Bill could do it, not her. The Dems have always kept blacks in their place. More blacks have put in high positions in Republican Administrations than Democratic. We all know how Justice Thomas, Condi Rice have been treated. They got of the plantation. ! Therefore, they must be excoriated and taught not to be ' uppity '. Rember Bil's mentor Senator Fulbright voted against the Civil Rights Bill 1964. As did Senator Gore. We must not forget Senator and one time Kleagle Byrd. How do you think he voted. ? The ony amazing thing is why ANY blacks vote for Democrats. The bottom line is this, should either Hugo Clinto, or Hugo Obama become President, blacks will be ignored until they are wheeled out for the next election. We are not that stupid to elect either.

Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA Tx

GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT

Bill Clinton did not say the campaign was a fairytale, just that Obama's claim that he has "always" been against the war is a fairytale.

Tony, Los Angeles, USA

Usually voters’ worldwide, not just voting Americans, will select a President from the group of individuals with which they feel most comfortable. However, many will vote strictly along lines of color or religion.

Senator Barack Obama has missed the boat. And, he’ll miss the vote. The white vote. He continues to thrive on becoming the first black president of America.
He can call himself black and that’s great. But, In my opinion he shouldn’t publicly ignore his other racial heritage. He’s a proud man and has achieved much. By acknowledging to himself and to others that he’s a true multi-racial candidate he’ll show all Americans that there is pride in being diversified.
Be proud to be an American. Be proud to work hard to win an election, not trying to get into the record book as the first “black” American President.

Take a lesson from the “Tiger.” In August 2000, I remember the ever-popular Tiger Woods proudly state to the sports and news writers that he was “Afro-Asian American.” The media was attempting to profile him as a ”Black” super star.

He later went on to tell TIME Magazine, "It is kind of neat to be able to be raised in two cultures and understand them both and fit in," and he told TIME - "In this country I'm a minority, but around the world I'm treated a little bit differently. We would be ignorant to say racism doesn't exist. But I think things are changing, and changing for the good."

Who doesn’t love Tiger Woods?

Hello Obama! You want the voters?

Lawrence Hopkins, Pennsylvania

Lawrence Hopkins, Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania

A predictable approach from Obama, following his surprise
defeat to Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire. The colour of
his skin is a fair card for him to play, especially in states
where there are large populations of black and hispanics.
For me, Clinton will get torn apart in those states and will
have to rely on the more conservative states to win.
It may all come down to the South in the end, and Florida
imparticular.
This must be the American elites' worst nightmare, a black
man with political clout and mass appeal. However, look
at what happened to Martin Luther King! Obama has to be
very carefull not to walk the same path.

james, lady lake, usa, florida

Although I am not an american and therefore cannot vote in my opinion Obama is much too inexperienced to run for president. Also I find him windbag in his speeches, he has nothing to say except that he will bring change. Any democrat will bring change so that is nothing to make a fuss about. I hope Hilar Clinton will win.

Renate, Ramat Hasharon, Israel

I didn't realise that individual American citizens had the power to pass legislation. My understanding has always been that a President could. Martin Luther King changed American law - now that's a democracy.

Michael Coleman, Burlington, Canada

Obama is a great speaker and can speak of high ideals in generality but it takes a lot more to get the job done. It takes knowing Washington and how things work which is what President Johnson was able to do and could push through a lot of what President Kennedy had started.
I don't think that it's absolutely true that it took a President to get the Civil rights act passed and his convincing congress to do it. It took Martin Luther King and a lot of others to push the country to that point, it's true. The statement doesn't take anything away from Dr. King.
The media and Repubicalns are making something out of nothing because they are just prone to beating up on Hillary

YOU ROCK, HILLARY!!!.

Edward, Pittsburgh,

Hillary Clinton's comment was not racist. As others have already said here, this is just a stunt and is part of the Obama strategy. You can see them all now, the campaign gurus, all thinking outside the box and trying to come up with startling ways to swing things in their own candidate's favour. At this stage of the marathon they push the buttons they need to get a reaction - it's creepy. The presidential campaign's are protracted and undignified. What on earth is served by this long and nauseating crawl to the white house? All that brainpower could be used to devise a sensible and efficient process for electing a president quickly and without all this expensive and degrading behaviour. How much do you think these campaigns cost ? How much do these Ivy League campaign leaders get paid ? I can think of a million ways that money could be better spent and we would not have to watch it unfold in excruciating slow motion like this.

colin, ottawa, canada

There is a fundamental difference in the belief system of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. HIllary Clinton believes change comes from the top down. The president makes the change. The people follow along. LBJ passed the civil rights law and the change was made. Obama believes (in my opinion) that people make the change. That it took the marches on Washington, the sit-ins at the counters, the bus boycotts to bring about change. Even after LBJ passed the law, all of the African-Americans didn't just say, "Well I am now free because the white guy in the white house said so..." They had to continue to struggle. Hell, they are still fighting, look at what is happening down in New Orleans to keep the remaining homes that are standing. We must fight for change. The president will only give the people what they demand, otherwise, they pass what the lobbyists are paying for.

Joe, Chicago, USA

Bob--You need to take some history classes. LBJ had a proven track record of pushing civil rights legislation well before Dr. King became a national figure. LBJ pushed the 1957 and 1960 civil rights acts through Congress. The 1964 Act was only the latest successful effort by LBJ. It takes 2 to tango. Dr. King needed white liberals like LBJ to achieve his laudatory goals. LBJ needs take a second seat to no one in the civil rights struggle. Revisionist history won't diminish his enormous contributions.

You say: "African-Americans don't owe their vote to anyone!!! I have lived in the southern states for many years and I've never seen the GOP try and stop voters. Unless you count the requirement to have a photo ID as a impediment to voting!!"

What a load of crap! Remember the "felon voter" list that Jeb Bush and Katherine Harris used to steal the 2000 election? Gee, where they Dems? You've never seen GOP efforts to disenfranchise blacks? You be on crack, Uncle Tom?

George, Tampa, FL USA

I wouldn't vote for Hillary Clinton period, but Obama's whining and playing the phony victim card by Obama and company is pathetic. He is running a Fairy Tale campaign, he is not being held to the same standards as other candidates, even NBC has admitted they can't get tough with him like they do with the others. He is a two-dimension candidate, no depth, until he has been run through the wringer a few times like other candidates; Hillary Clinton is a whiner and phoney victim too.

John W, Fort Worth, USA

Typical - Obama suffers a slight set back and his team start playing the "race card". So much for speaking for all people regardless of colour - if they pick up on such a minor point (and yes Obama's story is a fairytale in that it relies on faith not substance) then they don't have the maturity for government.

Father Ignatius Brown, London, UK

Hillary's point is that Obama speaks well but doesn't get anything "done". But, what has she "done"? Err um, she was first lady for a while. What else?

Luke R, Melbourne,

An Ethiopian living in Ethiopia I am following the US presidential election with great interest.

Unless her "experience" claim is that of biggots and racists, I can't understand how Hilleray Clinton would mistakingly undermine Dr. Martin Luther King's struggle and sacrifice for Lyndon Johmson's good will to sign it into law. Even more daming to her campaign is her husbands' reckless, incensitive and demeaning remark that Senator Obama's campaign is a "fairytale" . May be we need another Clinton in the white house to sign into law that, "yes, blacks too are allowed to be the President of the USA." The woman will do anything to move back to the White House, even it means shedding corocidile tears or changing her stand a million times. For a change, the black community should stand for real CHANGE THEY CAN BELIEVE IN!

G. Solomon, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

I didn't particularly like HC and was rooting for Obama, but after the blacks have jumped on the race card band wagon I'm beginning to think that it's a little too early for a black president. I lived in the US and if the race card can be played it will be.
What she said was actually the truth, so what's the big deal. Shame on black America.

david, Madrid,

As we in the UK would say - Political Correctness gone mad. Err, who passed the Civil Rights Laws? I was expecting to see that Hillary Clinton had said something disparaging about Martin Luther King - but just to say that it took a president to get it done is factually correct. But, what have facts got to do with PC?

Ian Burgess, Bristol,

George, Tampa, FL USA -- That's a line of crap and you and Hillary are need to take a few more political science classes!

You appear to have missed a very fundamental part of the equation which is "cause and effect".

Do you think LBJ took it on his own to start that as an initiative??? Absolutely not. LBJ was forced into acting by the public demonstrations and their supporters.

African-Americans don't owe their vote to anyone!!! I have lived in the southern states for many years and I've never seen the GOP try and stop voters. Unless you count the requirement to have a photo ID as a impediment to voting!!

Based on your logic Scotland owes its freedom to the English and the efforts of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce were meaningless!!!!!!!

I suppose that any peace in the Middle East will be do to the efforts of George W. Bush????

Give me a break!

Go Obama '08

I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Bob, Tampa Bay Area, FL USA

It gets more like african elections every day. Tribal and religious bigotry should be outlawed.

m wilson, bidache, france

Given that Americans seem to want change and to move beyond 9/11, I am not sure that having a President Guiliani reminding them constantly about it would be a good idea for America or the world for that matter...

Robert Miller, Halifax, NS, Canada

Every time an African American enjoys their freedom, they can thank a Republican - Abraham Lincoln!!!

mgr, culver city, ca

Obama for President? Two words: David Dinkins.

A mayoral disaster for NYC and the opening for a greasy charlatan like Giuliani to win office the following term.

Good Luck America!

roger thalpin, ridgefield, CT, USA

i am the only one in america that DID NOT march with MLK. THIS IS NOW OFFICIAL as everyone else in america has now claimed to have marched with him, including people who were not born.

jim d, netcong , nj usa

Hilary Clintin spoke the truth. How can the statement consider as ":gaffe"
Stop nit picking!

Dr. John Yang, Bangkok , Thailand

People are upset because it's seems, as is she's saying Dr. King had nothing to do with the Civil Rights Movement. That all the struggle till then was unimportant until government got involved.

Chris A., Los Angeles, CA

Last week Huckabee's Foreign policy was the "golden rule"....we just need to reason with the ME.

Last nite - the Dope from Hope is sending Iran to the "gates of hell". There's not a more UN-qualifed candidate on either side than Huckabee.

"Praise the Lord"

Hotspur, ATL, USA

Martin L.King was the most incredible person I ever watched.
I marched with him in Atlanta soon after Julian Bond was railroaded out of his office by racist redistricting in 1965.
Hillary is finished and riding on her husbands
shadow,How did She win the senate race in NY state coming
from Arkansas? I think Woman and Men who were
cheated on by their mates felt sorry for her.
In any event it's Obama/Edwards for Prez & V/P.
Hillary becomes Secretary of State time future but I ain't a
Psychic.

mike from new new york city, ny, ny

To Hillary I say: Martin Luther King wasn't a great man until his speech on "I have a dream" that effectively changed America. Similarly, Obama's dream is just a dream until he acts on it, but without a dream actions are empty. I'd rather have a man with a dream than someone who goes along with the status quo (like you, Hillary) and has nothing new to add to the situation.

Dayahka, Aberdeen, USA

Alice salado, i live in texas too and i had to listen to Bill clinton defend the Martin Luther gaffe and the fairy tale.. on a National black radio show.. So thats the America

njau gatoho, Dallas, tx, US

Yup, it took LBJ to get the Civil Rights Act passed, over the objections of the southern Democrats. In this case Hillary is 100% correct.

Conveniently forgotten today also is the fact that it was the Republican party of Abraham Lincoln that freed the slaves.

Stan(expat), Texas, USA

I have no love for Hillary Clinton but she spoke the truth. It certainly did not detract from MLK in any way.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

Wow... I read several newspapers and watch US TV and when I read articles like this, I wonder which America the Times is reporting on. Certainly not the one I'm living in now. The Clinton remark, which is being categorized as a major gaffe, didn't merit a single comment anywhere today. Whether you think it a blunder or not, it won't cost her a single vote.

alice, salado, US/TX

Am I missing something? what is meant to be wrong with Hilary Clinton's comments?

Mark, Newcastle,

Too late to take it back Hillary! Your comment showed your true beliefs - that it took a white man to finish what a black man started but couldn't complete. Shame on you!

Susy, Miami,

Man, the witch-hunting is getting awfully busy this time around. There are plenty of other things to knock HIllary Clinton for besides her having pointed out that MLK didn't accomplish every advance of the civil rights movement all by himself.

-jcr

John C. Randolph, Cupertino, California, USA

The Southern Democrats fought the 1964 Civil Rights Act tooth and nail. Even al-Gore's father voted against it. Today, the only person in Congress who is a member of the KKK is Democrat Robert Byrd.
Yet Blacks today see the "Rats as their salvation. Go figure.

Jon Fraud Carry, Washington, DC

More correctly it took a President and the Republicans in Congress to get it done. The Democrats always claim credit for the Civil Rights legislation when it's just not true.

Bill, Luzerne, MI

so despite all the pontificating, the whole endorsement issue goes back to race!

A Thorn, London,

Hillary statement on the slumping housing market and foreclosure, is full of holes, the 90 day that she thinks would help is 3 months grace, so what do you do in a recession when you can't get a job. Obama said a Federal funding could help, No it could not because it would encourage people not to pay their mortgage so they get money for nothing. The thing about questions thrown at you all it proves is that you have latural thinking ability. In actual fact to come up with a soultion for this Mortgage issue, is people taking out mortgages is to take out unemployment cover and sickness cover. But because most people do not have Medical cover it is unlikely that some can afford insurance cover against sickness and unemployment. What is important is to encourage people to take out cover and cover should be affordable, and it could come back to where Obama is with his federal ideology is set up some thing organised by the people for the people where it is government sponcered.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hillary was entirely correct, and anyone with any knowledge of the civil rights struggle here in the US knows that. Black Americans owe their vote to LBJ. Without his relentlessly pushing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, blacks would continue to be a disenfranchised and thus politically impotent minority. It's not racism for a politician to ask how many votes he'll get for doing something. It's a fact of life. LBJ knew what would happen to his party, the Democrats, when he signed the bill into law. He recognized he had just killed the Democratic Party in the south. Nixon knew this full well, and his "southern strategy" of going after the red neck white vote became the basis of the modern GOP. Even now, the GOP tries to stop Voting While Black. All of Dr. King's speeches wouldn't have enfranchised blacks. It took a President. James Clyburn can thank LBJ for his seat in Congress. King set the stage, but LBJ delivered the goods. Everytime a black votes, they can thank LBJ and the Democrats

George, Tampa, FL USA

There are no leaders out there. Just a bunch of pretenders.

Larry, N.Y., New York

Why is the media pinging Gov Huckabee saying, " He has faced grave doubts about his foreign policy experience". Which other candidate, either party, has any foreign policy experience worth mentioning? Surely not Hillary, Obama or Edwards, they have no experience of any kind.

Gary Stewart, Senoia, Ga, USA