Hillary Clinton adopted a softer tone towards Barack Obama before today’s
South Carolina Democratic primary, which polls suggested that he was likely
to win.
“All of us need to take a deep breath here,” she said yesterday, after a week
scarred by acrimony with the Obama campaign. Mrs Clinton took on the role of
“good cop” in TV interviews, even as aides confirmed that her husband would
continue to play “bad cop”.
She said: “I have tried to make it clear that this election has to be about
the future. Our campaigns have to stay focused on what the legitimate
differences are.”
With Mr Obama leading in polls Mrs Clinton’s campaign is managing
expectations, suggesting that her rival’s strength among the black voters —
who will account for about half the turnout — should guarantee him victory.
She has spent much of the week preparing for battles in big states such as
California, New Jersey and New York, which vote on “Super Tuesday”, February
5. It has been Bill Clinton’s aggressive style that has featured most
prominently in South Carolina, where he is a popular figure with
African-Americans.
Mr Obama’s campaign has complained that Mr Clinton’s behaviour is
inappropriate for a former President. Mrs Clinton, though, is understood to
believe that the benefits of unleashing her husband outweigh the costs.
James Carville, a long-time adviser and friend to the Clintons, said: “Does
the President risk going overboard? Sure. But Obama runs a risk of being
wussified.”
Challenged about some of the charges laid at Mr Obama’s door — including his
“17-year relationship” with Tony Rezko, the Chicago slum landlord, Mrs
Clinton said: “I try not to attack first but I have to defend myself. I do
have to counterpunch.”
On the NBC Today Show, she was confronted by a photograph showing her standing
with Mr Clinton alongside Mr Rezko, who goes on trial for fraud next month.
Mrs Clinton appeared unfazed. “I wouldn’t know him if he walked into the
door,” she said. Yesterday her campaign held a conference call where it
tried turn the spotlight on to the negative attack advertisements being run
by Mr Obama, one of which accuses her of being willing to do — or say —
anything to win. Mrs Clinton said: “There’s been a lot that’s been said on
both sides and some of it has been kind of generated and certainly stoked.
That all needs to calm down.”
There are also fewer sharp elbows flying in the Republican race than
previously. In a tepid televised debate on Thursday night in Boca Raton,
before Florida’s primary on Tuesday, candidates kept most of their scorn for
the Clintons.
Mitt Romney, the former Governor of Massachusetts, hinted that he was looking
forward to running a general election campaign reminding voters of the
scandals that dogged the White House a decade ago. Asked how he would tackle
Mrs Clinton’s formidable political machine, he replied: “I frankly can’t
wait because the idea of Bill Clinton back in the White House with nothing
to do is something I can’t imagine.”
John McCain, who is shown by polls to be locked in a close contest with Mr
Romney in Florida, denounced Mrs Clinton for flying the “white flag of
surrender” over future military involvement in Iraq.
He is running an advert depicting Mr Romney as John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic
nominee, whose windsurfing activities became symbolic of his apparently
shifting policy positions. “Where does Mitt Romney stand?” asked the advert.
“Whichever way the wind blows.” Mr McCain may have been embarrassed by
yesterday’s endorsement from The New York Times, a newspaper regarded by
conservatives as a bastion of liberalism.
In the debate he was also asked about remarks from his 95-year-old mother,
Roberta, who suggested that he was not being helped by a Republican base
that continues to regard some of his maverick stances with suspicion. The
party would be “holding their nose [because] they’re going to have to take
him”, she said.
Mr McCain laughed and insisted that Republicans supported him in the fight
against Islamic extremism and knew he would put his country ahead of his
party “every time”.
Mr Giuliani, who has slipped into third place in Florida, a state that he had
long since counted on winning, claimed that he had lulled all his rivals
into “a false sense of security”.
There was fresh focus yesterday on the fears of recession, which have emerged
as crucial issue in Florida. Mr Romney highlighted his business expertise,
saying: “The only way to get America on track economically is to have a
president who actually understands how the economy works.” Mr McCain
suggested that his own record of “making national policy” on the economy in
the Senate was probably “more beneficial to the nation” than running a
venture capital company like Mr Romney.
hhkeller, when did Obama play the race card? He doesn't play any card at all - I'm not saying he should be president, but when did he play that card?
A, Turin,
The liberal media have conducted an extended witch hunt against Hillary Clinton the likes of which I have not seen them do against the Republicans. And this is where all this started. The bias in favor of Obama is reflexive and just plain nauseating. For a reasoned and measured endorsement of Hillary Clinton see the New York Times of 27th January.
tessa Gordon, newton, Massachusetss USA
As a liberal Democrat I can only say,"Go John McCain Save us from Billary."
Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA
Has Hilliary forgotten all about Whitewater? Her allusions about Rezko indicates that she has. Many who watched and read, all the while being supportive have not. I watched the faces of both Clinton at the close of the Iowa primary. Their faces reflected that they could not handle the loss to Obama, Her speech left a lot to be desired given the circumstances. The change of campaign tactics which followed the loss and their faces that night spoke volumes to me. I expected better of them. I guess I have been fooled ... up to now.
F>T. King, Aurora , USA /Colorado
The Clintons are an embarrassment and should be ashamed of themselves. Obama's campaign has never been about race, but about national unity and the rebuilding of American legitimacy in the world community. As a lifelong liberal Democrat, I find Hillary Clinton to be less inspiring than a rusty nail. If the Democratic party fails to nominate Barack Obama as their presidential candidate, they will have failed the American people, and I will leave the party in disgust!!!
Matthew, Salt Lake City, UT
I respect the Clintons for the social programs and fiscally responsible policies enacted during Bill's term in office. Their conduct following Iowa makes their heavy handed political style blatantly obvious in my opinion and I feel it is unadvisable to bring such practices into the oval office at such a pivotal time. They did a good job in the 90s but the prospect of them governing for another 4 years after having to put up with Bush for eight years quite frankly makes me sick to my stomach. Their conduct is precisely what Washington needs to transcend to become more constructive. The most important thing is that people don't just pay attention to what either Obama or the Clintons want you to believe but rather what their conduct expresses. Where are they placing their focus? If you listen carefully the Clintons subtly harp on Obama and bring the discussion to a lower focus, in contrast although Obama isn't innocent of these practices, he has built a campaign aimed to transcend this.
Joshua , Medford,
There's been a lot said about the shameful way Bill Clinton is attacking Obama. But if I recall it was Michelle Obama that fired the first volley over the Clinton's bow back in August when she said, "if you can't run your own house, you can't run the White House." That's about as personal as an attack can be, but yet there was no outrage against the Obama campaign then or now about her comments. What goes around comes around. If any of you thought in a tight race it was going to be played nice, then maybe your living in the "Fairy Tale" Bill spoke about. If Obama is already crying with just the little bit of heat the Clinton's are putting on him, what do you think will happen when the Republican get a hold of him.
blue2008, New Orleans, USA/ LA
As an interested Brit, I find Hillary and Obama to be quite inspirational public speakers - a welcome change from dubya, undoubtably america's least-articulate president.
One of the good things about living under a monarchy is that it satisfies our human need for continuity. I don't think we've needed a political dynasty since Pitt the younger.
Whether you are a Bhutto, a Ghandi, a Kennedy, a Bush or a Clinton, political dynasties are generally a bad thing. The USA has been under a dark cloud since 2001.
A president Obama would wipe the slate clean as far as the rest of the world are concerned, and renew our faith in america being the "good guy". Clinton seems to lack that core of decency, I could imagine that she could justify any means to achieve her aim.
Its all good, though. "Governments are like daipers. They should be changed regularly. And for the same reason."
Ian, Reading, Berkshire, UK
This presidency has the look and tone of a very long "Simpsons" episode.
Roger, New Mexico, USA
What load of old tosh! Seriously! This is like the punch and judy show when you watch it on TV, always trying to get one up on the other. Long gone are the days when people listened to what people stand for and what they will apparently do for their country, what a shame! I love visiting America but someone needs to take hold and make some good decisions and people should be voting on what these people will do, not what they look like or what race or gender they are! We might as well stick a couple of good looking women and men up there and vote on the prettiest! Seriously, people died so we could all vote in a modern world!
Clare, Northants, UK
For whoever said these are Republican posing as Democrats, that is not true. I voted for Bill twice. I also defended him to friends and family through the worst of it. I am done. No more defending. They have overstayed their welcome. I am ready for Barack Obama!
Laura, Bellevue,
We go Obama. We need to change. Friendly lots of love to Miss Hillary.
Richard Detzer, Darmstadt, Germany
Hillary will call for calm and then in a few days "someone" associated with her campaign will start maligning Obama....again. Same ol' same ol' from the Clintons.
I guess this is 35 years of (political) experience at work.
Richard, Richmond, VA, United States
God Bless you Barack Obama.
If the Americans want to be loved again, then Obama is the only hope they have.
Orhan Catan, Istanbul, Turkey
How about making Christine Amanpour President? Or Cooper Anderson? Either one would in my opinion make a much more enlightened, intelligent US President than any of the spiteful, backbiting, petulant, arrogant lot on offer!
Jean Booth, Hague, Netherlands
The Clintons have the audacity to play dirty politiking especially with all the negative chapters they've accumulated during their public life. I will be very confused if Hillary ends up being nominated. Hillary and Bill's guise is so transparant that I hope that other americans can see it. Obama is the guy to take us from the establishment to the government for and by the people.
Etene Samoa Taimalelagi, Seattle, USA/Washington
look how much the country would save by having Hillary win.
the secret service allready protect Bill.. its gotta be cheaper to protect 2 presidents at once.
And from an out siders point of view, can't see Obama winning, If he did win, one of your countrymen will shot him. its the American way.
Dave, PETERBOROUGH, Cambs
Hilary will be the next president of the US it's written in the stars. Time will show I am right, then again I always am.
D Case, Newquay,
I has been following the campaign from the beginning. The candiates main concern should be about how to help all america peoples not to discredit your oppontant. The democrated campaign has become a joke. Everyone is talking but saying nothing.
Most America is ready for a change we been in the same old rut way to long. What we need to know how these canditates can assure us that their change is bettter for us without putting each other down.
I hate dirty politics and the CLINTONS style has become very inmature and un call for I used to repect the Clintons but they has showed their true colors.
If Hillery is elected into office the same underhand tactics that she is using now will be used when in office American people don't need that. I am a democrate, if Hillery get the nomination I will vote for a republican. Today nis voting day for us and I will be casting my vote for Obama.
Shirley, South Carolina
shirley crawford, abbeville, south carolina
this election should be about politics and not personalities.
chris stoney, macclesfield, uk
Hillary Clinton hectors and insinuates and then pre-empts a response by saying 'lets calm things down'. Sound familiar to any married people out there?
mike, Rennes, France
If I could, I would vote for Billary team only if they guarantee that Monica will run State Dept.
Without her Clinton's soap opera would be incomplete.
Savo, London, UK
Mr. Obama has, from the beginning, attacked Hillary first, gone after her like the republicans went after Bill, I dont get it, why is it that if she bites back its unacceptable?, At the South Carolina debate Obama faltered on a few big questions, it appeared to me he had no clue how to answer John Edwards questions regarding Obama's signing of a bill that lets credit card companies go wild with their interest cap and that he voted "present" 150 times in Illinois?, Mr. Obama's heart and intentions are all in the right place, he just does not know enough, and if he cant take a little heat from Hillary without pouting and calling foul, how can he lead this country and take on powerful leaders with tact and knowledge?
maggie , northern, ct, us
Hey America, is there any chance of Bill Clinton being told to retire and stay at home, so Hilary fights her own battles? What a weak woman!
julie , london, GB
The Democrats are playing this beautifully. Republican who? They have cleverly made this election all about which Democrat will be the next President. Better the enemy you know I guess.
a don, Sydney, Australia
I don't believe that comments saying people will vote Republican if Hilary is elected are necessarily put there by Republicans. I am a Democrat -- I have contributed what I can to Senator Obama's campaign -- and I feel that way.
During the Republican debate, they lashed out at the Clintons, not at Senator Obama. If anything, these factors alls speak for Senator Obama's electability, which is much greater than Hilary's!
Pamela, Berkeley, CA
Bill Clinton will be the longest serving president in history if he can wheedle his clones Hilary and Chelsea into the Whitehouse
Ken Wyatt, Todmorden, UK
It's a shame Dubya can't stand again, because some of the Americans commenting here truly deserve him
imj, Abu Dhabi, UAE
WHAT A JOKE.... THE CLINTON'S ARE TWISTING AND TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO LAUGHING STOCKS!!!!
Hillary is now saying, "We all need to take a deep breath". Then, later saying, "There's been a lot thats been said on both sides and some of it has been kind of generated and certainly being stoked. We all need to take a deep breath".
Well now, what made Hillary's team decide to raise the white flag. Very simple, the strategy of slash and burn politics is not working. Just check to most recent polls, Barack = 43%; Hillary = 25% and Edwards = 21%.
I wish both Hillary and Bill would continue with the negative and dirty tricks canpaigning. And watch the future polls turn against them.
The Rezko fiasco, I agree with Obama's after the fact statements. Low a behold, what do we hear.... the Clintons are now associated with him. A old photo was showed to Hillary. And she basically says I really don't recall meeting him.
RESEARCHING CLINTONS LAND DEALS A MUST!!!!!
David/HI, Aiea, Hawaii
Has anyone drawn the parallel between Putin's de facto scheming to retain control and Bill's transparent play to get back into the seat of power?
Peter, New York, New York
I have been following this elections very closely and what I found is that Clinton's seems to doing the the damage to party and it's people.
I don't understand why Americans should believe in Mr. Clinton rhetoric, who lied to the American people. It was a shame to the nation and its presidency. He is campaining on his wife behalf and on what ground does he right to question the opponent. He no clean man during his presidency.
Part of the racial issue starts with Clinton, by invoking MLK civil right fight. It was the need of time and humanity. Any president would have sign the bill.
Another thing about war. Hillary voted the for it. Issue comes for funding. Obama voted for funding. I see nothing wrong in it. I thing he did good for the protection of American force in Iraq. Otherwise it would be abdoning its people for other mistake. We need to support our army, regardless who created the mess. I think this is time to kick out Hillary.
vivk, canton, mi
'I'm a Democrat and I've voted for the Clinton's in the pass. If Mr. Obama has less experience playing the political game, they definitely have less skills when it comes to understanding the intelligents of the American people. If Mr. Obama is'nt the right choice at this point in our history, no-one really wants real change. Obamba means positive change.
Lucas, Riverside, California
your right, Sean!
The Clinton's start the fight, play the race card, get caught and then call for peace. the clinton's have perfected this divide and conquer tactic. If she wins the nomination the divisions will continue and nothing will be accomplished! Yeah, let's see her get any budget, legislation passed.
The only way they can be stopped is if Americans stand united and do not elect her!
I will not vote for her, I'd rather vote for a republican.
That's how bad I think this "dynasty" is and how they will do anything...ANYTHING to win. When do we, AMERICAN's, say enough is enough!!!!!
Ann, Grand Junction, CO
I am voting for Barrack Obama. I'm an independant and I think we need a change, but, if Clinton wins I'm going to be forced to go Republican. She will do anything to win, including allowing her husband, when he was President, to make a total fool of her time and time again. Where is her self respect.?? This is not strength, it's weakness. She said in an interview recently that she never doubted Bill's love for her. How many times does he have to stray before she doubts his love. Not very good judgement for a President. Woman please ask yourself and answer truthfully are you voting for her just because she's female? Mr. Obama is a gentleman and I think the country can use that right about now.
Marie, Duxbury, MA
I've lost all respect for the Clintons. Hillary is skilled at dishing dirt and dividing Democrats but American would crash and burn with her in charge. I can't imagine anyone less suited for president except her buddy GW.
Carolyn, Palo Alto, Ca.
I am a lifelong Democrat and I will not vote for the Clintons in the general election. Hillary reminds me of some people I know who are intelligent but deeply lacking a moral compass. She and Bill are deeply flowed and dysfunctional that they will divide this country further and really fracture the Democratic Party. The most amazing part is their total lack of respect for the intelligence of the American people. It is really insulting to witness how they try to use the subtle fears and biases of people to their advantage. I don’t see much difference between them and Karl Rove. They are all bad for America; they exploit our weakness to their selfish end.
The best thing for America is an Obama presidency. He is the most able to bring people together to handle the daunting challenges that are facing us. If it comes between Hillary and McCain, however, I think America and the Democratic Party will be better served with McCain in the log run. At least McCain has integrity and
Tom, McLean,
The Bush Clinton Bush nightmare has to end. Hillary has shown she'll continue the Washington mafia legacy and drag this country into the gutter. The Clintons have sold out the Democratic party. I'm ashamed to be a woman right now.
Minna, Loa Gatos, Ca
The Clinton's are a disgrace. This whole thing is like looking at a bad soap opera. They will go down in history as the laughing stock they are. Don't they know that they have completely lost the respect of a lot of Americans? And this feeling is spreading throughout the country like a virus. Before this is all over everybody is going to vote for a Republican if she's the nominee just to get this freak show of our television sets. PLEASE LET OBAMA WIN so I don't have to see Bill's legacy deteriorate into a pile of dust completely. I want the man to have a little bit of dignity left before this is all over!
Alexandria Griffith, Novato, CA
TimesOnline, you should be ashamed.
The power hungry Lady MacBeth (Hillary) and MacBeth (Bill) are responsible for this campaign getting so dirty.
The media pretends that their attack on Obama is a fight, yet its clear that its been an attack from the Clintons.
I started off rooting for them but from now on, if the only democratic candidate on offer is a Clinton, I'm now a Republican.
GhostPlanet, Ohio, USA
"I am a life long Democrat but If she wins the nomination I will vote for the Republican no matter who he is."
I have read so many comments like this planted by Republicans posing as Democrats that it has become laughable. The Republicans are terrified of the Clintons because they know the Clintons have beat them and can beat them again. If you are looking for a neat and orderly party perhaps you should vote Republican. As for me, I think Will Rogers sums up my feelings about being a Democrat best: "I am not a member of any organized party — I am a Democrat."
blue2008, New Orleans, USA/ LA
like was said before me...the Clintons have been hateful. Obama is doing a good job keeping his cool.
seeing Hillary and Bill's example in the campaign tells me what i need to know: Obama's example in character puts the Clinton's example in character to shame.
Obama definitely has my vote. he has displayed peace and self-control under the most ludicrous attacks from Senator Clinton and her unfaithful hubby.
Rainbow Song, Kansas City, USA
I agreed to the most comments about the Clintons. If Hillary win the nimonation I will not vote. I think the Clintons plan to highjack the White House. I do not trust Hillary. She voted for War to Iraq. Then, few months ago she voted for all illigals in NY to hold a drivers license. Again, her proposal on the debate said she have a program ready for everybody to get a medical help. What that means all illigal are including the program.
Senator McCain is no difference, he will follow president Bush footsteeps. I hope the american people do not pick the veterans for office, we can not move forward. We need a LEADER who's willing to work for american people.
Dena, Washington, DC
The dude has reinvigorated my thoughts on the best ideals of being an American. He’s fresh, inspiring and a great community advocate in the city of Chicago. His economic and military advisory group are some of the sharpest cats in the policy shop. Check it out: my mother never voted…until now. Go Obama!
Ray , Long Beach, Ca.
bwaaahhahaha .. are you serious? do you *honestly* buy Clinton's softer tone? This is so patently ignorant/sycophantic as to be comical. Learn the spin techniques and understand the full picture .. perhaps a headline such as "Clinton Feigns Softer Tone, as Surrogates Continue Actack" .. might be more appropriate. You, like the rest of the 'established media' have a lot to lose if a new power structure emerges in Washington, DC that is not attached to the monarchies and dynasties that have plagued it for nearly 30 years...
Tomas, Raleigh, NC
Who in the world cares who played a race card or a gender card. It is pure stupidity for ANYONE to vote for a candidate because of his/her race or his/her gender. Voters need to understand that they need to push that nonsensical baggage aside and look at a candidate's policies and platform. Those are the matters that will affect them after any election.
Bob Evans, Anaheim, California
i am not voting for obama; don't know enough about him and his past and his stands. sorry, sympathy for blacks won't get my vote.
ronbeaux, new orleans, Louisiana
Is this thing on?
Mike, Chicago, IL
Joannen said, " You under estimate the intelligence of the American public"
No we don't. You elected Dubya ...... TWICE. Nuff said.
Phil, Calgary,
Good grief. What a ridiculous headline. He's not attacking; he's defending against attacks.
Linda, Portland, OR
Jason, the Clintons are political tacticians, but they are not brilliant. You underestimate the intelligence of the American public. Erich of LA is correct. The Clintons aroused racial emotionality by comments, which were twisted to project blame onto Obama. Hold your hats, I'm a 57-year-old white Republican woman, and I'm voting for Obama! Gender and race are not an issue in the presidency -- these cultural phenomena are simply a wonderful diversion from looking at the reality of what the candidate has stood for over time. I'd suggest that everyone stop listening to the political garbage and investigate the historical political stances/records of all the candidates -- Democrat and Republic.
Joanne Reen, Kentwood, USA/Michigan
Hillary has done a number on the Democratic party and women. I fear that her greed will do serious damage to both. I will never again support this couple who are clearly in this race for profit and control.
Mary, Los Gatos, Ca.
I'm a 57 yr old white female independent in New Orleans, who will vote for Mr. Obama. Bill and Hilary are turning the Democratic Party into a laughing stock. I voted for Bill twice, but enough is enough.
Linda, New Orleans, LA
hhkeller you haven't been watching very closely. Obama never played the race card. The Clintons intentionally brought race into the campaign. They don't mind letting Obama have the Black vote knowing that there would be a White backlash that is worth a lot more votes. A very dirty trick. If Hillary gets the nomination get ready for another Republican.
erich , los angeles, California
There is nothing Clinton, Inc. will not do in an attempt to win. The only consolation from their shameful conduct (more accurately - this latest example of their endless capacity for such behavior) is the more they do to further their selfish interests, the more likely it will result in President McCain - who is the only acceptable choice from those offered by the other party.
B. Stupak, Las Vegas, Nevada,
...or are they brilliant political tacticians? I find that to be more truth than your statement Sean.
Jason, Washington, DC
100% right Sean. This has been disgusting. I am a life long Democrat but If she wins the nomination I will vote for the Republican no matter who he is.
erich , los angeles, California
Senator Obama plays the race card and Hillary plays the gender card. Neither is perfect. Obama is just less qualified because his votes don't match his rhetoric.
hhkeller, Brewster, USA/NY
The Clintons start the fight, play the race card, get caught and then call for calm as if they are the peacemakers. They represent the worst in politics.
Sean, Chattanooga, TN