Video: Clinton's
'assassination' remarks | Clinton's
West Virginia victory speech | Clinton's
Kentucky victory speech | Obama
tells Republicans to 'lay off my wife' | McCain
begins his VP search
Barack Obama, the probable Democratic presidential nominee, wants Bill Clinton
to help him heal the deep party rifts created by his wife Hillary’s divisive
campaign – culminating in her dramatic claim this weekend that the 1968
assassination of Robert F Kennedy was a reason not to be pushed out of the
race.
The tension between Hillary Clinton and Obama intensified after she told the
Sioux Falls Argus Leader in South Dakota, which holds the last primary
contest in 10 days’ time: “We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in
June.”
She quickly apologised, ashen-faced, for a comment which appeared dangerously
close to wishful thinking about Obama, but the damage was done.
Senior officials on Obama’s campaign believe Bill Clinton has the unique
status and political gifts to reunite the party after such gaffes. They
expressed confidence that the former president would rise above the
perceived slights and grudges of a hard-fought campaign and work flat out
for an Obama victory in November’s presidential election.
“If anybody can put their arms around the party and say we need to be
together, it is Bill Clinton,” a senior Obama aide said.
“He’s brilliant, he has got heart and he cares deeply about the country. It’s
tricky because of his position as Hillary’s spouse, but his involvement is
very important to us.
“Bill Clinton will give permission to Hillary supporters to come into our camp
and become one party. He is critical to this effort.”
Hillary, 60, claimed that her remark about the assassination had arisen
because the “Kennedys have been much on my mind” after Senator Edward
Kennedy, Robert’s younger brother, was diagnosed with a brain tumour last
week.
She insisted she was referring to the timing of his assassination in June,
when he was still a presidential candidate, rather than his killing, to make
the point that there was nothing unusual about her determination to take
this year’s race for the nomination into the summer.
However, while she expressed regret for “referencing that moment of trauma for
our entire nation”, she did not apologise to Obama, who has been receiving
secret security protection for the past year after death threats.
“We have seen an x-ray of a very dark soul,” wrote Michael Goodwin, a New York
Daily News columnist. “One consumed by raw ambition to where the possible
assassination of an opponent is something to ponder in a strategic way.
Otherwise, why is murder on her mind?”
The outburst joins “Sniper-gate” – Hillary’s imaginary landing under fire in
war-torn Bosnia – as one of the most memorable mistakes of a historic fight
to the finish between two remarkably evenly matched candidates.
With just three contests to go – in Puerto Rico, Montana and South Dakota in
early June – Obama, 46, is ahead of Clinton by 158 pledged delegates after
winning the most states.
His lead is insurmountable unless superdelegates – the party leaders who will
determine the outcome of the vote at the Democratic National Convention in
August – break in her favour.
After the Kennedy gaffe, however, the implausible has become the unthinkable.
It is a delicate matter to bring Bill Clinton on board. The former president
believes that Obama should offer his wife the vice-presidential slot as a
mark of respect after she proved her electoral strength in the big must-win
states for Democrats, but her latest error is widely perceived to have
squandered what little chance she had.
“It would be hard to take the country in a new direction with the Clintons in
the White House,” a source in the Obama campaign said. “They bring
controversy.”
Discreet merger talks between key campaign staff and leading fundraisers in
both camps are already under way. But the process of healing is fraught with
friction after accusations of sexism, racism and other insults.
Bill Clinton has been stung by accusations that he played the “race card” by
referring to Obama’s story as a “fairy-tale” and comparing his early success
in South Carolina with that of the Rev Jesse Jackson, the failed black
presidential candidate, in the 1980s.
Nevertheless, friends said they expected the former president to campaign hard
for Obama once the nomination is settled.
“In my experience, he is someone who doesn’t really carry political grudges to
the end of the line,” said Leon Panetta, who served as Clinton’s White House
chief of staff. “He will get mad and angry but ultimately he comes around.”
He added that Clinton was “hurt” by the defeats of Al Gore in 2000 and John
Kerry in 2004: “He knows that in the end his legacy within the Democratic
party rests not just on his victories but the victories that follow.”
In an interview in People magazine, Clinton, 61, extended a small olive branch
to Obama. “There have been some rumbles about leaving this party divided but
not one of them has come out of our camp. Not one. Ever,” he said. He went
on to speak warmly about his wife’s opponent, although he said Obama lacked
experience.
Betsy Myers, a former White House official under Bill Clinton who is now with
the Obama campaign, said: “They have very similar stories. They both came
from lower-income families with a strong mother and went on to become very
well educated and devoted their lives to public service. Had Hillary not
been in the race, Barack is exactly the sort of candidate Bill Clinton would
have embraced and supported.”
Obama has an important bargaining chip which could tempt Bill Clinton into the
fold. Friends say the former president is distressed by the rift in his
relationship with the African-American community after he was affectionately
described in the 1990s as the “first black president”.
His wife’s reference to Robert Kennedy’s shooting touched a raw nerve among a
community which has long feared that the first black candidate to have a
serious chance of entering the White House will be assassinated, just as
earlier champions such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X were.
William Galston, a former White House official and Hillary Clinton supporter,
said: “One part of him [Bill Clinton] deeply regrets the schism that has
opened up with the black community and he would welcome the opportunity to
redeem himself.” Campaigning for Obama would go a long way to restoring good
relations.
Don Fowler, a former chairman of the Democratic national committee during Bill
Clinton’s presidency and a leading Hillary supporter in South Carolina,
said: “I don’t know of any two white people who have been more inclined to
support causes of interest to the African-American community than Hillary
and Bill Clinton. I’m certain they will want to soothe the ruffled feelings
that have occurred during this campaign.”
Fowler is a member of the party’s 30-member rules and bylaws committee, which
meets on May 31 to decide whether to seat disputed delegations from Michigan
and Florida at the Democratic National Convention, as Hillary Clinton is
insisting.
The two states were disqualified after holding their primaries early in
defiance of party rules but are likely to have their status partially
restored.
Fowler’s wife Carol, who chairs the South Carolina Democratic party, also sits
on the rules committee but supports Obama. The couple – a microcosm of the
split in the party – believe that a “peaceful resolution” to the conflict is
possible.
Don Fowler said Hillary Clinton did not have to be Obama’s running mate to
unite the Democrats: “She has lots of options and is a very talented woman.
I don’t know if that would be a good choice for her or for the party.” A senior
member of Obama’s campaign team suggested the former president could deploy
his skills on the stump to help Obama woo white working-class voters in key
swing states.
“When this primary is over, we’re going to unite as one and Bill Clinton will
play a huge role,” said Patrick Murphy, a congressman who chaired the Obama
campaign in Pennsylvania, a battleground state.
In a sign that the two camps are drawing together, Al Gore, the former
vice-president and winner of the Nobel peace prize, is hosting a fundraiser
for the Democratic party on May 31, co-chaired by Orin Kramer, a prominent
Obama fundraiser, and Maureen White, one of Clinton’s top financial backers.
The Clinton dynasty may yet play its part. Bill Clinton predicted last week
that Chelsea, his 28-year-old daughter, could one day enter politics.
“If you had asked me this before Iowa [which held its caucus in January], I
would have said: no way – she is too allergic to anything we do. But she is
really good at it.”
If the entire Clinton family can be persuaded to campaign for Obama, their
supporters will surely follow.
Present votes really were a common tactic in Ill. Senate often as a group to express concern with a part of a bill. Obama sometimes used it on bills he sponsored if wording had constitutional problems, he won't waver on that. He ALWAYS made statement on record of his position and reason for vote.
Joyn, E.Lansing, USA
Reasoning is impossible with Hillary supporters,they've turned this into a femminist movement.That's what hormones out of balance will do for you.She can do low road attacks aganist him as she has all of the primaries,then when it doesn't work she cries sexism,go figure!
catty, brentwood, usa
Would people get off Obama's back. And I don't want to hear any complaints about him exposing his young daughters to the influence of a virulent racist. The KKK exposes their children to racist rhetoric early, so let's stop with the double standard. The mention of Kennedy's death was racist tho.
Tom Sheerin, Des Plaines, USA
I am amazed by HIlary's supporters defending her statement . She could have made her point without use the assasination of Robert Kenney. Easily! At it's best the statement was insanely thoughtless.
Linda, Maple Valley, Washington, USA
Her point of campaigns running into June is silly.
Everyone knows this election was started extremely early and intensely.
I supported her early w/cash, phone calls, blogs & merchandise.
However it's time for her to stop taking the nation hostage & think of what's best long term for us all.
Wilbur Hathaway II, Seattle, USA
That Hillary Clinton would have assassination in back of her mind is not surprising. During the Clintons' reign in Arkansas and Washington some 50 people connected with them died by murder, suicide, unexplained accidents and sudden illnesses. Those voters who think the Clintons walk on water don't realize how close they came to turning our nation into a Mafia-style dictatorship.
Carlos Navarro, Davidson, NC, USA
Why does Obama need Bill Clinton ? Obama's the healer according to his wife. Now is a good test of his virture.
Furthermore-isn't that like saying the little woman needs help?
Obama will not get my vote after what his campaign guru David Axelrod did to the untilities in IL.
MG, Chicago, USA
Shame on the reporter for not doing her homework. Toni Morrison did not AFFECTIONATELY call Bill the first black president. She was simply comparing him to blacks in how he was treated during the sex scandals. Toni Morrison supports Barack Obama.
Marie in Tampa, Tampa, USA
I hear all the anti OBAMA chumps and I could bet all I own that none of them have the sense to realise they have voted in the most STUPIDEST person in history as President, G W BUSH now they are trying to criticize OBAMA, the people criticising the man,& not have the sense of to know BUSH KILLED ya
Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK
I commend Obama for reaching out to ask for Bill to work with him to unite our country. This is a humble gesture, an olive branch and shows since the hard fought race is essentially over, we opponents must now reconcile and do what we can do together to rebuild the Democratic Party.
SharonAustinTX, Austin, TX, USA
They might have stood a better chance of winning President Clinton's wholehearted support if Senator Obama hadn't consistently denied the accomplishments of the Clinton presidency. He has been as dismissive of the Clinton years as he has been critical of the disastrous Bush presidency.
Michael, New Albany, IN, USA
The damage McCain will do to the US via supreme court appointments will last for generations. I have encouraged all my fellow Obama supporters to hold their noses and vote for HIlary if she gets the nomination.
Nothing scares as much as the prospect of a conservative SC for 20 years.
Sandra, Seattle, USA
Obama is just as responsible for a divisive campaign. As a Clinton supporter and volunteer, I'm sick of the blame always being laid at our doorstep. It reminds me of the dirty politics I've witnessed Labour playing back home. I adore Senator Clinton, and I will not vote for Senator Obama. Ever.
Skylar, Nashville, Tennessee, by way of Basingstoke, England
she's has put up a good long fight and it would be hard for anyone to get this close and i believe i and alot of others would want to hang on, me i want to see her throw in the towel and just stop and go home and to say the hell with it all, she a strong women and i feel for her.
judith, Inverness, FL.
For those of you who either don't understand how, or deny how the comments that HRC made were dangerous or just simply loyal followers, or ignorant.
There were other examples that she could have used to make her point, however, that irrelevant because she's lost and there's no way for her to win.
Phyllis, Dallas, USA
The number of negative, divisive things the Obama camp has done to the Clinton's is over the top. He has real gall to suggest it's Bill Clinton's responsibility to clean up behind him. And, the reason the media gives for Clinton supporters not voting for Obama doesn't touch the real reasons. NObama
Marlee Johnson, Seattle, USA
Get real! The Clintons will want Obama to lose, so they can try again after a Republican victory.
chris clarke, chappaqua, New York USA
Are you people nuts???? Obama has the absolute gall to hold Bill Clinton responsible for cleaning up the nasty mess which Obama himself has created with his dirty campaigning??? Obama has smeared the Clintons with every rotten pejorative in the playbook - including 'racism'. He can stuff it!
Kathryn, Texas, US
Nope, not, not happening, forget about it. NO WAY I will ever vote for the most unqualified candidate ever put up by the Democratic party.
I admire and respect Pres. Clinton, but he does not tell me for whom to vote.
Obama is the biggest danger to face this country- EVER!
Clinton or McCain!
Melissa Whitener, Meadville PA, USA
You track Clinton supporters' frustrations, but don't understand the cause. For those who believe the charge of racism was cynically levied, and believe the RFK mention was taken out of context and cast in the worst possible light, the thought that the Clintons must now make it better is insulting.
Heather Wheaton, Milwaukee, United States
If Obama chooses Hillary Clinton for Veep I will go back to McCain.
Dennis, Columbus, USA
Donald Duck as president and a senate full of chipmunks would have worked better than the current administration. The US needs to vote in a Democrat president quickly to bring back a budget surplus, finish the Iraq war, and prevent a complete meltdown of the US economy.
Robert, Crib Point, Australia
I believe the Hillary supporters will not be swayed and certainly will not be easily swayed. We have all seen the injustices served to Hillary by the Obama campaign and the media pundits who have been in the tank for him. This latest "gaffe" is no gaffe at all. Media - take responsibility!
Judy, boulder, usa
This is the only way to go. Wat a class act Barack is. I truely hope the "old Bill" is still there for us.
Ken, Marshfield,
As a charter member of the "Anyone but Hillary" voter bloc, I am somewhat saddened by her desperate attempts to change/bend the rules to accomplish her goals.
Obama? No way. All rhetoric, and no substance.
So--I McCain the candidate of choce? I don't know, but America is sick of this campaign.
Terry Mahan, Graham, TX, USA
Why should Bill bother? He does not owe Obama any favours. Let the Obama team sort out the party themselves.
Andre , Portland, USA
Any astrology book can tell how the scorpio sign in our horoscope tells about sex, power and death on lower level, spirituality, compassion and bliss on the higher level, and how unfullfilled sexuality gives boost to the lust for power. Once there was an Indira Gandhi now is Hillary Clinton.
shantam prem, freiburg, Germany
Obama will win this election for the same reason that Hillary would have lost it, and that is he is not polarizing and venomous. I've voted republican all my life but I will be voting for him, as will many of my like minded friends. He will restore US pride. Hillary wouldn't. She's in it for money
Nathan, Tacoma, USA
It is sad were this country is going,we have not learned from the pass,the color of one skin should not matter when it comes to the leadership of a country. Character is what should be important
teresa, west palm beach, usa
Ann Tennis, Spare us your drama about the "Women's Movement."
Cathryn, Toronto, Canada
Fellow Clintonistas, let's heal ourselves. Threatening to vote for McCain doesn't make any sense. If you belong to the Dem Party and believe in those values and positions, it doesn't make sense. Don't give the misogynists of the world ammo to say we are acting irrationally; it's demeaning.
Carol, Park Ridge, USA
To Tim,London, UK.
Do you think that talking to Iran will stop them from using weapons of mass destruction if they get hold of them? Do you think regimes with such hatred of Israel and USA will be talked into reason and democracy? Because if you are wrong millions will die (eg. WWII).
Tomas, Los Angeles, USA
I love all of the Clintons but none of them will EVER sway me to vote for Obama - he is NOT qualified to lead this country.
Lynn, Houston, Texas
At first it was all about wanting Hillary as the candidate. As we found out about Obama, it became more about stopping Obama. Hillary can't make it...that's obvious. But we can still stop Obama. Save your breath Bill. McCain in 08.
Mary Fitzpatrick, Charlotte,
Hillary's kitchen sink has a garbage disposal unit attached to it. With the Robert Kennedy reference, she got hold of the garbage disposal and threw it to Obama and the voters' decency. What is left are the cabinets, the fridge and the cooler. I suggest she gets in the cooler for now.
John, CHICAGO, USA
Hillary's comment about the RFK assassination was a peek into her soul. Some segments of America keep overlooking all her misdeeds and misspeaks but the more educated segments apparently do not. Both Bill and Hil consistently show their lack of morals, values and principles.
Terry, Ross, USA
The Obama campaign has some audacity after all of the smearing they have engaged in, the latest example being the mischaracterization of Clinton's RFK remarks (which this article unfortunately parrots).
I am a lifelong Democrat, and nothing will convince me to vote for Obama in the GE.
Dem, Denver, US
Hillary Clinton, by her actions, has set back the
"Woman's Movement" a generation. It will take
years to recover what she has cost us.
Ann Tennis
Hemet, CA
ANN TENNIS, Hemet, California, USA
Obama-camp continues their blantant disrespect of Hillary and her voters. If turning to her husband, not her isnt' sexist, I don't know what is!? Holding Clinton responsible for Obama's unelectability, when in fact it is the negative campaign they run who hurt Obama's standing with voters.
Sylvia Johnsen, Oslo, Norway
The entire Clinton Family can invite me to dinner and I will still will not vote for Obama. Obama has no executive experience and failed to vote 130 times during his time as a State Senator. If Obama cannot make up his mind for the citizens of IL than what will he do for the USA. McCain 08 Hill 12
Suzanne12, Dallas, USA
Obama is white as much as he is black. Everyone take a look at the picture of him and his very white Grandparents. Can we stop and realize one race, the human race. Give it up people.
kerry riordan, New York, new York
I do not like the way this reports HRC's comments about RFK's shooting. We all know that it is right-wing and has consistently had reports that are bias against HRC. She said about Bill's campaign, but this is missed out to make her look the bad guy; she was stating campaigns used to go into June!
Ashley Wise, Sittingourne, UK
The idea that Bill and Hillary Clinton whom Barack Obama wrongly defamed as racists and egregiously vilified throughout this campaign are going to unite the Hillary supporters in favor of Obama, is insane. We will NEVER vote for him or support your biased reporting.
dwilson, Columbia,
The cold war was won by constantly talking to our enemy, not by shunning them. Islamist militant fascism will also be defeated by interaction, not by shunning. Shunning Cuba hasn't done anything, has it? The embargo hurts everyone on both sides, and no one has won. I like Obama more daily.
Tim, London, UK
The fact that Clinton was eluding to in her references to the assasination in March & twice in May was to invoke the power of suggestion. There is always one twisted individual in this world that will do whatever to show solidarity to "The Cause", elect HRC by any means necessary. She`s tru 2 form.
Valerie, Houston, TX, USA
Oh this gets better. The man in charge at the time of the planing and training of the september 11 killings is going to side with a man who wants to shake hands with like minds, i.e the Iranians. Of course dont talk to Hamas they dont recognise Israel, just talk to Iran they just want to nuke her.
Richard, stockholm, sweden
You despicable, misogynistic idiots. Hillary will probably win the popular vote, and has landslided the last several primaries. She's no loser ad will rise to fight again. More people than you pundits can begin to know are behind her waiting for her to open the gate to a groundswell.
Pat Hennessy, West Chester, USA
How rich! The Obama Mamas have called Bill Clinton a racist throughout this campaign and now they want him to heal the rift caused by THEM and their black racist supporters and surrogates. As for the Dems uniting? I DON'T THINK SO!!!
McCain will be 44th President. Clinton in 2012!
maureen rehg, Alexandria,
I like Bill but I don't think I need or want his permission to vote for Obama. I don't think Obama is competant to run the country. Certainly he is a gifted orator and would no doubt make a great deal of money as a motivational speaker somewhere (not Washington, please) but, two words "misery index"
Vicky, Carney, US
Inaccuracy still matters. Robert, Kathleen and Kerry Kennedy, Bobby's main political kids strongly endorsed Hillary. A correction is due. Distortion, lies undercut the credibility of even biased comment. I will leteverybody I can think of know about your error. Bobby re endorsed Hillary 5/24
Pat Hennessy, West Chester, USA
This is similar to the Obama camp spinning Bill Clintons "fairy tale remark" to make him sound like a racist, which anybody with half a brain knows he is not! Ted Kennedy even after loosing badly to Carter had taken his campaign up to the convention. Many other campaigns have lasted till June or till the convention
Jayaprakash Gosalakkal, Leicester, UK
Isn't this a dandy and sweet distraction, so tell us Mr. Obama, do you plan to audit and check the proliferation of six-figure salaries in the non-performing school districts that you propose shoveling money into? Or, as is more likely, will you increase the number of questionable "administrators"?!
Vicky, Carney, US
Actually Dana, the majority of Americans voting in the Democratic party nomination season have voted for Obama. He is ahead in the pledged delegate count, number of states won, popular vote and now the superdelegate count. In November he will win it all!
James, Boston , USA
I always had great regards for Bill Clinton. I respected him. He inspired me a great deal. He always showed fairness toward Blacks until his wife started losing. I just don't feel good about their attitude vis-a-vis the Obama candidature. But I want to believe that Bill regrets it. I like him still.
Jean-Michel Moise, Orlando, USA
Obama's campaign management compared to HRC's should be proof-enough of how he will run the country. He is operating with a surplus, ready to move forward, well-run, well-managed, fully empowered, balanced. HRC is broke, miserable and misguided. Wake up. Obama is ready to be the next president.
Bill M., Boston , USA
I would be happy to see a democratic president but Obama is my #1 choice for so many reason's. If Obama doesn't become our next president all of these old racial wounds will just continue to damage the future for all of our children.
Kelly, KC,MO, USA
obama and hilary clinton have made history. they must make sure that in the end that will not be a tragedy, as some unwise remarks may suggest.
learership is most of all the abilty to lead by inspiring people, in that matter obama is the best of all for a very long time, he wil make the world bette
issilamou, vichy, france
Sen. Clinton's comments were not presented in full context. She was asked why she was still running and she cited RFK and her husband as still being viable candidates until the month of June. Most of her supporters, who would back McCain,have doubts over the "Change" platform and Obama's judgement.
Genevieve , Birmingham, USA
I'm a 'solid core democrat' and Obama hasn't angered me -- he's energized me. I'm excited to think he will run and win and unite the country. He's the smartest person in the race. Of course, that threatens some people...
JD, Florida, USA
Mr. Obama has proclaimed himself as the uniter and healer of the country. Mr. Obama has successfully angered just about every solid core democratic demographic all by himself. There has been no help by Senator Clinton in any of his comments. Mr. Obama broke it and now he has to own it
Linda C, Macedonia, OH, USA
The truth is that Bill has a major role to play in these elections and it must be seen and understood that the man has to play a duo role; support Obama and help Hillary absorb the loss in as far as things stand. Her Kennedy refrence was not called for and it must be taken seriously by all.
Trevor, Livingstone, Zambia
I think it is Bill's duty to help heal the party after all of the needless destruction. Barack seems magnanimous in his generosity.
Colin, Cambridge, U.K.
When choosing your words and deeds, let your conscience be your guide.
Roger, Dunlap, United States
Krista from London:
So Obama's "paster" was just speaking the "real score around the globe for America"?
Is that what he was doing when he accused the American government of creating the AIDS virus? Or saying that black and white people thought with different hemispheres of their brains?
John B, Salford, United Kingdom
Hillary should start the New Democrats Party. This way, every one can chose who is best out of three and if Obama is as good as everyone says he will win hands down.
Jacki Smithfield, London, UK
Hillary has emotional and irrational
supporters,who contemplate rewarding Mccain aganist their own party, shows why it took so long for women to have the right to vote,you need a rational brain.I see these foolish hate filled women comment on voting for someone out of spite,utterly stupid choices
catty, BRENTWOOD, usa
If Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June, what does that got to do with Obama in June, 2008 ? Hillary should learn to choose her words carefully in the face of failure so that her teaming supporters can still see her as an idol
Emma, Nigeria
Emma, LAGOS, NIGERIA
The majority of people who understand the English language know Hillary Clinton was simply making a reference to a historical fact, rather than implying anything sinister. Even RFK, Jr. spoke up for Hillary. Is it that those twisting her words are reflecting what they wish?
Nona, New York City, USA
I am appalled that Obama has the gaul to suggest that Bill Clinton help him heal the party when he refused to even acknowledge Bill Clinton's presidency but remembered all republicans including Bush senior! I hope that Obama will find out the hard way that Bill Clinton is not his fool & he loses!
Jennifer, las vegas, USA
Whether Obama is the right person for president is one issue, but I'll hand it to him, he knows how to pay the game. By "forgiving Hillary" he has laid the ground work to also be forgiven for his and his wifes disrespectful words about our country and people in particular regions. Good move! Mr. O
M. Goddard, Renton, USA
RFK's assassination is a fact and Hillary could have been referring to herself seeing that she is still a candidate and the news media has mentioned JFK's death many times because these are mere facts! Get off Hillary and talk about Larry Sinclair news media and then we will see real substance.
Jennifer, las vegas, USA
Mary Hardy,
Could you please be specific about what unethical things Obama has done? Go to church? A black church, whose paster knows the real score around the globe for America? If you want McCain, you vote for him, but I doubt all Clinton supporters are actually dumb enough to do that.
Krista, London, UK
mary and linda,
would you really rather have a president who follows the same failed policies as bush than one who can bring about actual change in government? it seems absurd, petty and above all insane that someone who clings so feverently to hilary and what she stands for to do such a thing.
Hassan, Manhattan, USA
When Hillary Clinton kept her name on the ballot in Florida and called everyone's attention to it on television, a red light came on in my mind! I told my husband at the time that she had an ulterior motive and at the time I couldn't be sure what her plans were. She isn't honest! She is selfish!
Mini, Chandler, United States
She'd say mass!
brian keating, agde, france
Majority of Americans, Tsquares? There's not even a majority of Democrats who vote for Obama, or else the difference in votes and delegates between him and Clinton would've been much larger. He may win the battle, but it's unlikely he'll win the war.
Dana, Boston,
pat,
There are many examples of long primary races hillary could have used and you know this right? And the example of RFK, why did she mention his being assassinated? What does that have to do with the fact that some nominating processes stretch till june?
john dams, penn state, USAA
Obama couldn't have fabricated what Clinton said about RFK. She said it on video. In response to a question about why she stayed in the race when it looked like she couldn't win, her answer, in part, was that Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June. No argument about the words used; she said it.
karela, Hastings, USA
Former President Bill Clinton needs Senator Obama more than Obama needs him! The US yearns for change, which means Obama will be the next President. Bill will need some leverage in the White House if he is to carry on making his millions in public speaking, or nobody will pay if he has no influence!
Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK
Mary Hardy,
I couldn't have said it better myself. Hillary's millions of supporters will put McCain in the White House if it comes to that. We will never elect Obama with his cronies (Rev. Wright, Louis Farrakan, Tony Rezko, and William Ayers) at his side. Have people lost their minds?
Linda Holbrook, Boulder, USA
Please stop the blame game on Obama. He has been very gracious towards the Clintons. Hillary on the other hand has been on the low road all the time always clinging to one "gotcha" after another towards Obama.
The majority of Americans are voting for him. We have made our choice so get used to it
Tsquares, Chicago, USA
That's why their leaders.
Shannon, Seattle, USA
Obama shows his hypocrisy each time he opens his mouth. He fabricated what Clinton was saying about RFK in order to get his "sermon" in the news. Obama watch the MILLIONS of Clinton supporters put McCain in the Oval Office and it is 250% your unethical doings that made it all possible.
Mary Hardy, Huntington Beach, USA
Obama wants Bill Clinton's help to get himself nominated if he can eliminate Hillary. Obama really believes that made up stuff about him being the "Messiah" and "Saviour". RNC is going to cut him down to his "little" size along with his ego and arrogance. Democrats for McCain are ready !
Mary Hardy, Huntington Beach, USA
I believe it was a mistake, but it was too big of a mistake for her to be viable now. I say lets heal the party and work for Obama to take McCain.
Christi D, Carlsbad, USA
Obama should not be forced to have Hillary as is VP. It should be someone he can be comfortable and share same views. Hillary is not the only one , some who were candidates but dropped out , and then turned around and endorsed Obama because they believe he can unite red and blue states if given
wilhelmina 78, Ric hmond, tx, U.s.
I applaude Sen Obama. Not because he needs them but this is truely the kind of Campaign that he has run. He is a Uniter,
a stark diffrence from Sen. Clinton. But we need to embrace one another, because devided we will fail. A Black, Senior,
Working Class, American for Obama, '08
Charlee, San Antonio, Texas, USA
gee after obama played the RACE CARD on bill
i just dont see bill coming to the defense of obama
dreamers are just that
and THIS is a dream cooked up by some obama supporter
good luck
paula, Tulsa, United states
Hillary needs to get some rest and rethink what this campaign is costing her. She has worked very hard to be in this position but the strain is obviously taking its toll.
Jenny Stirling, Townsville , Australia
I would hardly say the current situation of the Democratic party is solely the blame of Hillary. As someone who watched and participated in the primary process in the state of Texas, I can assure you Brits that Obama, nor his supporters, are the saviors of goodness you try to make them out to be.
Daniel Cato, Houston, USA
Well, what to say. What the world must think of us Americans. Seven years of Bush/Cheney, and then this division in the Democratic Party. Hopefully, you Brits will be happy for us when next week the superdelegates overwhelmingly come out in favor of Barack, who only needs about 57 to clinch. BO08
Patrick Holwell, Littleton, USA
What Obama blew out of Hillary's talk was a really low blow. Those of us that were around the Robert Kenndy years know he would say the same thing. She was only discussing what has happened in primaries in the month of June in History and I feel Obama knows he'll never beat McCain as HRC could.
Retta Crawford, St Louis Mo, USA
A very well written article. I agree that the support by the Clinton family to the Obama campaign would help to demonstrate who they really are on the inside, aside from all the politics that has driven thus far.
Thanks,
R.Lovejoy
rhonda d.., cleveland heights, usa
I'm grateful that this is finally coming to a close. It's too bad the end game is being discussed only after those awful words by Senator Clinton, but not suprising. Her kitchen sink approach caused more harm than it did any good -- to her and to the Democratic paty.
margefoulks, Guerneville, usa
What makes the writer and others think that there was any possible reference to Mr Obama? The risk of assassination is just as great for Mrs Clinton. As there are more Hillary-haters than Obamaphobes, then she is more likely to be on the receiving end of a crazed individual, not Obama.
David Cunard, Los Angeles, United States
This kind of Journalism is a disgrace to Democracy in the United States of America.This was not a Gaffe of political intention.But A comparison of past candidates running primaries and the length of time they were held.Hillary has withstood lie after lie in hateful biased opinions from the media.
Pat, Cuyahoga Falls, US
I'm all for peace in the party....united we stand,divided we fall.
John B., Warren,MI, USA
Brilliant move on Obama's part.
Linda, New Windsor, USA