This country is overloaded with hate and greed – There is very little tolerance and very few people satisfied any more – More is never enough – Hillary is just one small part of why this is a broken nation.

The media tried its best to dethrone Hillary and shove Obama down our throats after Iowa. We saw in New Hampshire that it won’t work. If an “Obama-mania” media blitz didn’t work, I don’t think this will have much of an effect.

who cares; “amnesty “IS” treason” read the definitions! MITT “THE MAN” ROMNEY; WIN’S!

Will Hillary Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama ultimately hurt her and her party?

Hillary Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama not only will hurt her and her party, but it will cause her to loose the presidental election. The world is reshaping and civilizations and cultures are changing. She is “old guard politics” and the upcoming generations does not want to live through another “Godfather, Part 4.”

No, Jack. In politics, there is always this exchange. The Clintons are doing nothing different than in the past, and it would only be a matter of time before Obama shows his own dirty tricks — he is no Mister Clean himself. Those that can’t take the heat better get out of the kitchen.

In a word, NO…………….if she can continue to state her own platform in a believable manner. I truly think Hillary is our best choice for president although some of her advisers are off the mark. i.e. The econ stimulus is a bandaid on an arterial wound. Small business is the broken backbone of America and a few hundred bucks in our pocket ain’t gonna do it!

Jack, the Clinton’s have not told the truth and misquoted Obama so many times that I don’t believe a word either one of them says anymore. If Hillary does not have the confidence in herself to run a clean race, then I don’t have enough confidence in her to vote for her for president. If she gets the democratic nomination, I will have to go Republican. That is unless Lou is running on the Independent ticket.

Hi Jack:

The democrats have to stop fighting among themselves, They seem to be looking for a pat on the back. This election isn’t about Mrs. Clinton or Mr. Obama. It is about the American people. It is about what is going to make this country and it’s people strong. I see a sagging economy looming over the horizon, lots of unemployment. Stagnent salary’s. I would like to know what Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama plan to do to fix our broken economy. And how they plan to do it. If they can’t tell me that, I don’t plan on singing their praises.

Ron Kepics San Diego, CA

Gee, I certainly hope so. I think Hillary Clinton is the second worst candidate for the white house behind John McCain. I can only stand back in awe and shake my head knowing those two are the party front-runners for the time being. God help us. Vote Ron Paul.

Hi Jack, it may be difficult to see how, but the disputes between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will only give her more solid footing towards to end of the campaign. Mark your calendar for the first of April, because some Obama lobbyists (reidentifying themselves as the truth-squad) will turn on him.. forcing Obama to come clean amidst charged laid in several questionnable dealings. Much about his campaigning will be revealed, leaving Obama voters feeling betrayed.

Her negativity turns people off to the political process. Her actions turn away all voters. It leads us to believe that the Clintons and their colleagues are running the country and we don’t matter. As we see her nastiness revealed again, we will all vote against her.

Jack
Hillary and Bill have already done damage to her campaign and will continue to hurt the democratic parties chances of putting their canidate in the white house.

Hillary’s negative comments should not hurt her a lot. Obama was criticizing her for her vote for the Iraq war before she went negative on him. What is fair for one is fair for the other.

No, Jack, Hillary is going to win! When it comes down to it, Obama has stood for nothing in his time in office. He hasn’t argued or fought for anything! Nothing. Experience is experience and with what the plundering that Bush has done to this country, we do need someone who can hit the ground running! That is Hillary Clinton!

It’s so sad that politics in this country is nothing more than a sport. Everyone wants their team to win regardless of the facts. Proof you ask for, “George W. Bush”! He was elected when in civilian life he had run every company given him into the ground. He was Governor of Texas you say, Big Whoop!. Texas schools are among the worst in the nation. The Texas Child Protective Services still cannot account for hundreds of children! Bush is and was a Moron!

Obama isn’t going to win, if he did, along with what has already been done to this country, his pipe dream will probably finish the job! Isn’t it sad that we have gone form a leadership position in the world to 15th in Education and 24th in Health Care!
Do you really want someone who can’t explain where he wants to go, or Hillary, where we know she will takes us back to the Future!

I am one of the 17% of Democrates that couldn’t STAND the phony “Republican Lite”, NAFTA pushing, lobbyist money taking, buddy-buddy with the Bush familiy Clintons BEFORE they started this Karl Rove style smear of Barack Obama. I don’t trust either Hillary OR Bill. they talk about supporting middle class workers and the poor BUT I have NEVER seen them do anything of substance. if Hillary ends up the parties nominee, it will be the Republicans ONE CHANCE to win in November. and if she should win, it will be “same old-same old” politics for the country. the only “change” the Clintons will make is changing US dlollars for Euros in their personal investment account.

I CAN NOT BELIEVE that Democrates are NOT supporting the ONE CANDIDATE that polls show will defeat ANY of the Republicans and will bring REAL change, JOHN EDWARDS

Hurt Hillary? No. Her party? Yes.

Yes, she is hurting herself and her party. If she is this distorted and desperate during a campaign, I am afraid to think what she would try as president. And the “Wild Bill” antics is embarrassing as an human, let alone a former president. Hillary is insulting the intellegence of the Democratic Party. Edwards was the only one that left the last debate with any respect to the Democratic Party. At least he was trying to debate the issues.

Jack,

My thought is “yes”, it will hurt her. As polarizing as she is capable of being, best bet it to hammer on the positive things that hit home with so many Democrats.Stay positive, stay out of the frey (save your wtch, Hillary)

Which Hillary, Jack? The one in South Carolina or the one touring other States?

I doubt it. The Democrats know all about the Clintons and how they work. I think the election this year is so much more important, than the petty bickering they are famous for, that in the end they will be treated as the “wild child” that the Dems just hide in a closet when company comes over and will move on to the true issues.

Jack, I don’t believe so. I think in todays time it doesn’t make that big of a difference. To be honest if you listen to the latest attack which is about the republican party, Obama said he likes Ragans policies over Bill Clintons policies, that sound like he liked what republicans did, thats not an attack that is just bringing up the truth. Its crazy to think the Dem party is going to get divided because of this, that is just crazy, most people don’t care about the Dem party as a whole, they just want to hear the facts and listen to the candiates. It is all about if you can take a punch and stand back up. Out of all the candiates, yes Hillary has threw punches but she has got hit too. It seems she takes it like a man more then the other 2.

Jack,
It’s to early to tell, ask this question again after she wins the party’s nomination. That is when we’ll see if any of the attacks on Barack Obama ultimately hurt her and the party. Will the African-American Community come out to support her, like they did for former President Clinton, without Obama on her ticket as the first black Vice President… I don’t think so…

Vinnie

Yes, but Obama is showing himself as unprepared to be president of the United States by responding to it. He appears arrogant and more concerned about himself than the Democrat Party. I switched to Clinton.

Jack, I hope so! The Clintons are the worst! If America elects her President it will be a nightmare worldwide. I don’t even think she has a heart, the crying bit was a put on just for show!

Hopefully yes, but realistically 1/2 the people believe the sound bite, and not the true context of any of these slings.The other 1/2 see through them. Barrack loses momentum ever time he has to correct her. He needs to ignore them and stay on message. Chaulk it up as Clintonspeak. The republicans will eventually use these statements back at her and that’s when it will hurt her.

Jack, any personal attacks by either Hillary or Obama is a distraction from what really concerns the public i.e.unemployment due to jobs lost from bad trade agreements,rising gas prices,mortgage crisis,people without health insurance,tax code reform etc.The Democrats ought pull together because the Republicans surely will. Who needs 4 more years of a Bush type President?

Oh good grief….. Here comes Obama’s hate squad……

I don’t know people seem to be so thirsty for drama and a playground fight that who knows if it will hurt her campaign at all. With all the writers on strike the fight between the two is like a tv show to some now. I personally wish they would get back to the issues I am tired of the sqaubling and the dirty politics and would really love to know who loves America and plans to work with EVERYONE in congress to fix it. Not all options are good ones but isn’t it the presidents job to weed through them and look at them as options and not oh its the other parties plan so lets just chuck it out the window.

Jack-I think Hillary’s attack on Obama will help her to hit all his negitive sides. You know the saying about woman when they get into a fight. Woman do not fight fair and will not hold any punches. Also people know behind a men is always a good and strong woman.

Hillary’s personal comments are simply taking the truth and using it to her advantage. Isn’t this was politics is all about?

I personally think Obama is weakening his stance because he is doing what all candidates have done over the years and attack his opponent. What happened to a new way of looking at things? Right now, it’s business as usual for those two candidates.

Obama’s team has been attacking Bill and Hillary rather harshly while attempting to portray Obama as a saint. Hillary is just standing up for herself. As far as damaging the Democratic party,Politics has always been a rough and tumble business. As Harry Truman once said, “If you can’t stand the heat,stay out of the kitchen”.

Come on Jack not you to. The media act as if this was started by Hillary. You have to go all the way back to Iowa and beyond when Obama and Edwards formed some kind of tag team and were attacking Hillary at a time when all she talked about was the incompetent Bush Administration and her policies. These attacks conveniently went largely unmentioned and they cost Hillary Iowa. Obama and Edwards made the mistake of rousing the Sleeping Dragon that is Bill Clinton. Edwards clearly got the message but Obama has declared that he will take Bill Clinton on. Somebody should tell Obama that that is not a road that he wants to travel and he should just go back to singing kumbaya and let Hillary go back to critisizing the Bush Administration.

Jack, this is a bias question since you did not include her husband. Both Hillary and Bill have hurt her campaign and her party by childish ,petty whineing. Don’t they understand that the people are more interested in the economy (not that it affects them or any of the other politicians since they have their exorbant cost of living increases and outlandish retirements, not to mention all of thier kickbacks from lobbyists for pork barrel bills). Whatever happened to a Government for the people. I just wish a common person could run for office without having to take money from major corporations. Maybe then we could actually have a debate without all of the name calling , and slandering each other. Then we could actually get down to the important issues. I just wish that thier bickering back and forth would help John Edwards. Better yet, why don’t you talk it over with Lou Dobbs and the both of you run for President and Vice President on the Independent ticket. Then we would have someone to represent us who could tell the truth the first time and not be afraid to stand up to the old establishment , their party or the Lobbyists or Corporate America.

What Hillary and her team are hoping is that no one figures out she is making false statements. Even if they do it will be too late because the defamation damage will have been done. Remember Jack, it doesn’t have to have really happened to do damage it only has to have the perception of being the truth. People tend to believe what they hear on the news and the news is covering Hillary’s every syllable over and over again. If people hear it long enough it will begin to seem real. Hillary and Bill Clinton ETAL are the masters of illusion. A little quick slide of hand and the audiences mouths drop open in awe. The little foam ball never went anywhere, it was in her hand the whole time. Watch Hillary and Amaze your friends. She is just one illusion after another. That illusion of Change is exactly the same thing. Smoke and Mirrors Jack, all Smoke and Mirrors.

Yep, the attacks are gonna hurt her. But, I sure as hell hope, it doesn’t hurt the Democratic Party. We need to be rid of the NEO-CONS & the “religious rightists” before they destroy what’s left of this country.

Jack, if they didn’t go at each other like wrestlers, you’d have nothing to referee
and wolf would still think up a hypothetical.
Scott Missouri

I have a question for you. How is Obama’s negative campaign helping?

She is so desparate to win that she will stoop to any level to get elected. She is no better than the Republicans who smear the Democrats during election times. I am sick of the B.S. and they all need to shut the hell up and buckle down and get to work and get along or their party will not win because of the negative words.

These attacks will most certainly hurt, Jack. I don’t know if they will cost her the nomination, which is her ultimate end game; but they cannot possibly enhance her image positively, and they will most certainly polarize the party unless serious damage control is undertaken before the party’s convention. I think the most unintended consequence of the Clinton-Obama bickering could the potential ressurection of John Edwards, who also has a new angle in that he matches up better against McCain statistically; and he might just have more support in the south than the polls have thus far revealed. After all, not a single southern state has had a democratic primary yet. In the end, Clinton would have been better served keeping her nose clean.

Jack, Hillary must defend herself. I live in S.C. and keep a close eye on the political goings on. Obama, or his surrogates (he has never denounced these lies against Hillary), has been spreading wild rumors about Hillary long before these past two weeks and they continue today! CNN, and other national media, has failed to report on this issue and has portrayed Bill and Hillary as though they’re ganging up on Obama and spreading lies on him. This fact has made it very easy for the impression to go out nationally that poor little Obama is the victim here when nothing could be farther from the truth. This is your opportunity to correct that error. I am a CNN junky but I do listen to other sources. I believe there is a national media bias working purposely against Hillary.

Jim
Prosperity, SC

No, the Clintons were working and preparng themselves for a life in politics while the man with the MUSLIM name was using drugs, by his own addmission. Wonder if any of these people who did drugs with him with come out of the woodwork when this campain starts to get close ??

As stated before Clinton will win,it is not Barack Obama`s time yet. He is slick though isn`t he. The Good old boys won`t vote for him.

Yes. She may win the primary battle, but she could lose the general election war.

Can you hear the party going on at the Republican National Headquarters?

The very last thing the Dems wanted was for Bill Clinton to be a significant
issue in the 08 run for the White House, but since Hil has released her
attack dog Bill with his obvious flair for dirty politics, he just became a major
liability fror her.

I bet the Republicans are already mass producing bumper stickers saying
“Vote NO for Clinton as President and the same for his wife”

Oh grow-up do you remember Bush and his hatchet men saying McCain’s wife was an addict,McCain had a black child,and McCain was a traitor that was in 2000. By 2004 McCain was one of Bush’ biggest supporters. Politics is dirty people just have to think for themselves and ignore the news media that trys to create a story. Jack you have alzheimers or something. Like your colleague said it is better now then later and the silliest thing said is well the republicans will use it. You know and I know they will use everything and then some anyway. So what I am saying is get nasty before it gets real.

L.M.,Arizona

Jack, in short, “YES”. It has already hurt both her image and the Democratic party. One usually thinks of these type sinister distortions as inherently Rovian and Bushian; not too mention the many other “prayerful” republican; but I guess the Clintons have learned the dirty tricks too What a shame ! Paul, KY

Jack I think Obama’s naiveity has led him to believe that he can make a public declaration that he is going to take on the Clintons. Edwards clearly got the message after Iowa and so should Obama. I would advise Obama to go back to his kumbaya karaoke and let Hillary go back to criticising the ineffectual Bush Administration that way every one can go home happy and the dems can take the White House. P.s. Remember Jack it takes two to tango.

Yes and rightly so. However, Obama is doing the same thing. The democratics need to turn away from both of these candidates or risk John McCain as the next president.

Absolutely! (I watched a fight and a Debate broke out.) Hillary is running scared and it shows. It is almost as if she believes the is ENTITLED to the job and, of course, she isn’t. Edwards won that “Debate,” by keeping above the fray.

Th New York Daily News needs a new “Gloom and Doom” story because the stock market had a good day Wednesday. With the “Boardroom” mentality of the 1900’s it’s “let’s put women in their place” and not report the actual news.
Obama and Clinton are just campaigning as allpoliticians do, eithr one of them trying to discredit the other by any means possible. After the conventions all will be right within the Party and then the same tactis will be used against the Republican candidate.

Good Grief, Jack…I am so sick of all this. The media needs to focus on what these candidates will do for our nation, not their gender or their race. It is getting more than ridiculous. Hillary and Obama BOTH need to wise up and push the gender/race thing behind them and stop feeding the media the fuel for the fire…If it keeps going like it is, most people will be so fed up with all this they may vote in a surprising way…The media needs to quit their “leaning” toward their candidate of choice, and yes you are doing it, and focus on reporting the facts and quit the tabloid journalism.

Hillary and Bill Clinton need to stick to selling their own campaign. Degrading a fellow Democrat is not acceptable behavior. Here is the “Suggestion” I sent on HillaryClinton.com last night after hearing the days rant from Bill and applies to her, too:

It’s time for Bill to shut up and go home. I have little use for Ronald Reagan, but he was right about “Not speaking ill of a fellow party member” and that applies to all parties. No other spouse or former President in the history of campaigning, that I can remember in my 63 years, has attacked any candidate in the same party the way he has Senator Obama and it’s getting disgusting. He needs to save it for the Republican candidate after the conventions. I have submitted my absentee ballot, but I’m about to go down to City Hall and ask for it back. He is way, way, way out of line.

Jack, definitely yes! The Clintons have a sense of entitlement to the “throne” and will say and do anything to destroy anyone, repeat, anyone, they perceive as being in their way.
This is kind of dirty and divisive politicking she and her husband are engaging in will come back and bite them in the you-know-where! Bill Clinton has every right to campaign for his wife, but as a former president and senior statesman, he needs to do so in a civilised, respectable, and unifying manner. So far he hasn’t, and that’s a shame.

What she does is immaterial. At his point, even this early, it’s already cut and dried that Hillary will be the nominee. The DNC has decided that, and it wil be done with the seal of approval from their upcoming brokered convention. Additionally the controlling factor will be the bought and paid for “super delegates” In essence, the voters really have little say in the process. It’s going to be that way because Hillary is virtually no threat to upsetting the status quo of how things are done by K Street money changers; those who are engaged in the process of funneling special interest and lobbyist funds to “our” representatives.
People refuse to believe that’s the way things really are.

Who cares. Let them take their gloves off and show their true colors.

Jack,
Bill Clinton was dead right when he said – all you people want to do is “headline the race card”. Start reporting the news – and stop trying to make the news. All we have seen on CNN today is Bill Clinton in a very moderate tone telling the CNN representative that they do not want to have the story on the difference in the issues but rather the personal remarks between the candidates that are taken out of context and blown out of proportion. My current provider does not offer FSTV (Free Speech TV) they are far superior to what is offered on Cable TV if they did I would not tune into CNN or MSNBC again.
Bob Sheridan Daytona Beach

It depends on how the Media covers it.

My advice is for Obama & Clinton to set an arbitration panel to detyermin the vaildity of charges & complaints.

It’s hurting the process of both parties. With our troops being shot at and killed on foreign soil, I don’t want my candidate taking pot shots at their respective opponents; express your position on the issues or stand down. Neither do I want my candidate having a short fuse while focusing on long term solutions and goals for the Country.

Unfortunately, these two (Hillary & Barak) candidates appear to be going through a divorce, rather than in reconciling the dispirited Americans, interested in the issues facing America. Their rhetoric appears more self serving than their obligation to public service for this Country. It’s not the furniture or the silverware at stake, but the lives of 300 million people who believe that in order to obtain passage into the Highest Office, one must remain above reproach. It doesn’t help either candidates campaign to be debilitating.

It will not be by the force of one’s might, but by the strength of one’s grace and character that determines who will be victorious as the next President of the United States of America.

I believe it was James Carville who stated that the only way a democrat would not win the 08′ Presidency was to find a way to lose it. Clinton and Obama are on the threshold of losing their share. John Edwards is a much better representation of the Democratic Party. Thank you to Barak and Hillary for clarifying the candidate who best represents the American people. Hopefully, he will now have a chance to be heard.

Is Obama such a fragile candidate that the media has to constantly fight his battles against a woman? The republicans will absolutely hand his rear end to him should he become the nominee because although he gives the best speeches I’ve ever heard, he hasn’t won a single debate, and in the end that’s what the electorate pays attention to and John McCain will eat him alive.

Hey Jack, Hillary Clinton’s recent acts cannot be named anything less then “CHEAP SHOTS” or “SHOWDOWNS”.Its more like as if she is running for a college union instead of a presidential race The biggest drawback that the democrats can suffer from this is a voters breakdown. People will be so confused between the two senators that none of them will be able to pick it up for the white house, ultimately boosting the GOP numbers. .

Hi Jack!

Since when do candidates/politicians need their opponents to confuse the public about their positions when they themselves are perfectly capable of creating the confusion. In Obamas case his present votes as a Illinois politician, whether he worked with a slumlord and whether he is for a single payer health care system is plenty to create confusion.

Also, I think Hilary will be the democratic candidate and I think that what she is doing againt Obama is good practice for what she will need to do against her republican opponent.

Jack

We can only hope it hurts her. If it doesn’t that means the American people don’t mind being lied to again and again. The 935 lies from the Bush Administration wouldn’t be enough. Remember, we only get the leaders we deserve!

Absolutely. She plays dirty games and has for a long time. She’s finally done it a little too much in a small period of time and most people are seeing it clearly. I wish she’d get out of politics altogether. Horrible, horrible representative.

The “Big Question”?. Will Al Gore “storm” the Democratic convention. There’s a guy who has earned respectability….Can’t blame the guy [though] for not wanting the job anymore. He could bring people across party lines in 2008.

not if the media stays out of it. this is politics, if they can’t stand the heat, they need to get out. Obama is also cutting Hillary down and the media has not taken him to task. news media needs to let us know the difference between platforms and when each candidate came up with it. Obama’s is too close to Hillary’s. what came first , the chicken or the egg. that’s what i want to know. by the way, i still like your show.

Hello Jack, this is dirty polictics at its finest. Senator Clinton’s assumption of weakening Senator’s Obama’s campaign by these kind of attacks will have a negative impact notonly on the party but on herself as well.Undecided voters will be interested in Obama they will listen to him more then they do to “Clintons” causing a huge upset for the party either in the form of Obama’s clean sweep or a great loss for the Democrats!.

Jack, I do think it will hurt her and the party. But not enough to lose the election in november. Even the democrats can’t mess this one up. President Bush has servered the White House up on a platter for them.

The Wicked Witch of the West has riden in on her broomstick and threatens to steal the Democratic Party’s ruby slippers. If she doen’t heed the warning to back off, she will melt along with all her kingdom.

Obama and his supporyers have been doing character assasination of Climton and her spouse since last summer. She has never said anything about his character – only his political record. She repeated his own words in that TV ad. He thought it was OK to do some dirty politicing but really cries when he gets some back.Give him a crying towel.

jack,
everyone in the media talks about how they don’t like these ‘personal attacks” and that everyone wants to hear about the “issues that affect us” .. if that REALLY were true, the media would be covering the ONLY candidate who IS talking about the issues and giving solutions about some of our biggest problems. JOHN EDWARDS is not bashing hillary or obama. he is talking about what HE would do to CHANGE things. the media needs to follow thru on their retoric and “REWARD” someone who is talking about the issues instead of the latest hillary or bill said this about obama or obama answered back with this. i say a pox on BOTH their houses. the media keeps telling us that hillary is a historic candidate because she is a woman and obama is a historic candidate because he is black. well at this rate after the general election, they may well BOTH be history!

We caught a glimpse of their true character. Thank goodness it’s early on. I am voting on the issues and on which candidate would take the peoples’ interests at heart — not on their glitz or popularity. John Edwards’ platform is the best — the top 30 economists in the country who have endorsed him have stated so, including Paul Krugman from the NY Times. Edwards was the first to announce his healthcare package. Which Hillary Clinton copied. The first to announce his economic package which Hillary again copied. In fact he is so good that the other two candidates are copying his election platform. Wake up America. Who is the leader amongst the three? And who are the followers? Edwards is the leader. Do we not want a true leader for our country? Or one who follows others.

I’ve also been following the debates closely. Edwards wins every debate. With this last debate (or bickering between Obama and Clinton) we caught a glimpse of their childlike behavior. Edwards was the only adult amongst them.

Vote for Edward

Well, this voter is already disappointed by the Democratic candidates and their party. These personal attacks (as you put it) may hurt her and her party — only time will tell. But if Senator Obama should get the nomination, facing these attacks now before the general election may be just what the doctor ordered.

Yes Jack,
As far as I’m concerned, Senator Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama can and will hurt her. I am black and I vote democratic and I was undecided about which candidate to vote for because I like both Clinton and Obama but seeing the low tactics that they are using against Obama have helped me to realize that there will not be a big difference between a lying Bush and a lying Clinton.

No Jack, it wont hurt her! If Obama can’t take the heat he needs to leave the kitchen. This woman has been pushed, slammed and dunked by the best and here she is! Standing tall and strong. This is what I want in my leader! Obama has become a whiner and now shows he can’t take the pressure. What would he be like as our president? Who will then tell the world to leave him alone??

Of course they are divisive, but Clinton’s, and yes, Obama’s back and forth attacks do hurt the party, and it also hurts the American people. It’s divisive on many levels beyond race and gender, it is disrespectful to the issues and the people impacted by them.

I have to fault the press for treating the subject like one more controversy, also for ignoring the only candidate who actually cares about the issues. The only one who has committed to ending bad trade deals and only renegotiating them on terms that do not hurt American citizens, John Edwards.

Now Jack, I know you tend to prefer republicans, but John Edwards and the issues he represents deserve respect, as do the people. My godson is serving in Iraq. He’s sacrificing for a war that the media helped Bush push us into. Please, don’t give the corporate and other interests that seek to minimalize the issues that Edwards has pushed front and center, the same free pass you all gave Bush.

Instead of allowing Clinton and Obama to hog all discussion time, let’s put the focus back on the issues, please.

Jack,

I think Hillary is fighting for her nomination, she will have no choice but to take jabs at obama in order to get the momentum in her favor, however they should not fight over the factor of race. This is probably the most diverse election ever in american history, This will be a very tough election.

Jack,
Hillary’s poorly disguised disdain for her fellow citizens and her megalomania will most definately be her downfall. Barack & everyone else should just ignore her.

I think all the Democratic Candidates need to ‘Keep their eyes on the prize’. By attacking each other, all either of them is doing is driving the undecided and independents to other candidates. If Edwards is able to hold the high ground, and not directly attack the others, he may be the winner in the long run.

Yes it will hurt her, because it unmasks her as being simply more of the same old politics as usual and not the agent of “Change” she claims to be. If the Democrats truly wants to make their campaign about “Change” they had better wise up fast and embrace the candidate that represents that, otherwise, yes, this will hurt their party too.

Nick E, Manhattan, NY

Don’t give a damn what the NY Daily News thinks, anymore than I do any other form of media – In the end, the decision is made in the ballot box, by ordinary folks (yeah, there are some us out there!!) She hasn’t distorted statements anymore than he has – it works both ways – a month ago everyone said she didn’t have enough fight to win – too weak – well, now you know she’s anything but!

Bill Clinton’s comments and adversarial attitude are hurting Hillary’s campaign. I am a single, white, middle-aged female who lives paycheck to paycheck , and who is a lifelong registered independent, and I will not vote for the Clinton machine. It’s truly time for a serious change.

As an African-American senior citizen, let me put it this way: the Clintons inculcated remarks such as “kid”, “fairy tale,” “shucking and jiving”, etc. into their campaign statements for the sole purpose of reminding — lest anyone forgot or couldn’t see — that Obama is African-American. They couldn’t help themselves. Not even for the good of the country could they refrain from awakening not long enough dead prejudices. Obama may suffer. But it is the Democratic Party and the country who will suffer most. How callous. The Clintons will not be getting my vote. And any self-respecting Af-Am who considered Bill a brother, out to disown him and kick him and his HRC to the curb.

At this point, I think yes. It’s ticked me off enough that if the nominees are Clinton and McCain, I’ll switch party allegiance and vote for him.

I think not. I see so much fault on both campaigns that they cancel each other out. In my eye, they both have gone down, but are still equal.

Jack, the Clintons have already damaged the Democratic Party to the point that if she is nominated, I seriously doubt the majority of Obama supporters will rally behind Clinton and cast their votes in her favor come November, and will either crossover and vote McCain or just stay home. Having Billary in office is no better than Having another Bush.

Jack
Poor little Black Obama. If Hillary or Bill open their mouth to breath you and the other media pundits are all over them. In the media eyes, Obama never makes a mis statement. He must be the most truthful person on earth. I hope Hillary and Bill continue to talk about him, because you and others in the media sure won’t.

Definitely. Her tactics may make her the Democratic nominee, but in the process she’ll have eliminated Black voters, Bloomberg will get in the race, and give the White House to the Republicans.

instead of giving me back an extra little bit of my taxes 150billion is enough to make every police car in america a chevy volt I know they arent public yet but a government contract that big will make them get out there by april or june.

Hillary is making the most of her unique situation: she employs her former-president-husband to slander her opponent. When Obama calls her out on the slurs, she claims she didn’t say those things.
I know both parties employ similar tactics, but the insertion of a former president into the mix is tantamount to a Karl Rove tactic — every word Bill says is repeated over and over, but the rebuttals are given short shrift.
Bill Clinton needs to step back; he is making Hillary look like the damsel in need of a shining knight. She is looking devious and devisive.
If Obama doesn’t retaliate, he looks weak; if he does call them out, he is criticized for being in the mud.
Weighing it all, this is a good deal for Clinton, who benefits from the media attention on her husband’ every word – whether he is truthful or not.

Definitely. Her tactics may make her the Democratic nominee, but in the process she’ll have turned off many Black voters, Bloomberg will get in the race, and give the White House to the Republicans.

It is Hillary and Bill’s (and Edward’s) responsibility to show Obama’s weaknessess now in the event he is the nominee for President. America is living in a fantasy world if they don’t think the Republican Party won’t take Obama to task over his lack of experience, judgement, missed votes, and poor decisions. If Obama and black American’s cannot accept it, then maybe it really is not the time for a black person to run for president and expect to be treated without prejudice. Equality is just that, regardless of color and gender. Get prepared or get out of the race. Edwards, Hillary, and hundreds of others have had to endure this type of campaign before and much worse. It is Obama’s turn to weather the storm if he really expects to be taken seriously. I want to know when the past drug use became a non-issue. It was an issue for Bill Clinton and George Bush from when they were younger, why is it not for Obama? Maybe he should just be glad the Democratic candidates don’t want to upset anyone and let that rest, but the Republicans won’t! If Obama wins the Presidency are we going to have four or eight years of accusations of racism whenever he is critized for making mistakes? God, help us if that is going to be the case! It will CERTAINLY devide the country.

Jack, What will hurt the Democratic Party is the Media concentrating on the so called “FIGHT”, thereby wasting all the time that could be devoted to the real issues, such as the war in Iraq, Social Security, Health care, Illegal Immigration, et. al. You are all doing a disservice to our country by directing your journalism attempts and efforts towards the petty differences of campaigning, and not to the issues that matter..Break your addiction to sensationalism in journalism, and get back to why you all originally got into your professions…To present the real issues to the American People….and to give us a real voice into our future..

Hello Jack and Samantha, When the Clintons attack Obama they come across as petty vindictave immature selfish little brats. If any of these front runners were to take the high road [not the one G.W. used to drive on] they would probably be richly rewarded at the polls. I really wanted to like Hillary but lately she’s been making it hard to do that. But if she comes clean on the alledged pilfered silverware when Bill left office, she gets my vote.

They already have, as an independant I will not be voting for Hillary Clinton in the general election. Truth matters. Personality matters. Character matters. Politicians willing to say anything to get elected are the reason this country is where it is. Until the people of this country start to pay attention and hold our representatives responsible come election time nothing will change.

Jack

I sincerely hope so!

What she is doing wrong! I don’t begin to share the views of either Obama or Clinton but as an independent it makes them look petty and stupid for doing what both are doing. It shows me Hillary will do ANYTHING to gain power. Imagine how she will be if she actually gets it?

I can only draw comparisons to what Bush did to McCain in 2000. You can see where that has taken us in the last 8 years. I see in her the same thirst for power, arrogance and ignorance shown by Bush in 2000. I hope for America’s sake this doesn’t work again because I am not sure our country can take another version of Bush except with a D at the end of her name.

Wow! Yet another media entity in support of Obama. I’m shocked.
The Dem party will have plenty of time to get back together for the general. It’s politics, get over it.

In a word, YES.

The only way this will hurt her is if she’s elected as the democratic nominee. She and Bill are making themselves and the democratic party look bad as they attack and could cost them the democratic nominee.

Of course her actions are going to hurt her. The American people don’t want to see their candiates fight like school children. I think what is going to be most hurt is the entire Democrat party. The Republicans are just eating this up and hoping it continues.

The saddest part of all is that all that this is going to do is give us another 8 years of a Republican President. I have heard Democrats state that they won’t vote for Clinton if she gets the nomination, and others say they won’t vote for Obama if he gets the nomination.

Who cares who fault it is? The bickering needs to stop now. If this keeps up much longer, a Democrat will NOT win the general election.

The primary season is a time to support the candidate you believe is best for this country. Not to bash the person who (should be) your second choice. Bill Clinton says the media is playing this up and the people don’t care? Wrong Bill, the people care a lot more than you think.

With hundreds of Democratic Strategists out there working for every campaign, I am surprised that no one has yet understood this? Hillary isn’t attacking Barack, and Barack isn’t attacking Hillary. They are all attacking the Democratic party. It is shameful.

I think the potential exists for damage to both campaigns. If they were both smart, they would combine forces NOW, and lead the campaign to the Convention, and on to November as a strong — but self-willed — TEAM!

sounds like this was put in by a obama supporter or worse yet someone in his camp. anyone could write something like this to make someone else look bad. newsmedia suck these days. they are at the root of all negative news these days

Well, she said, “I found my own voice.” I don’t know about you, but if this is her true voice, then I do not want her as president. As for the party, as long as Obama doesn’t respond in the same fashion, as he did during the debate, then it might be spared.

They already have hurt her Jack.

I’m a life-long Democrat who has never voted for a Republican in my life, and I’m older than you are. But there is no way I could vote for Hillary after this shameful campaign, even with nose plugs.

I’m hoping that McCain wins the Republican nomination.

The backlash..of her absence from S.C. and her surrogates tripe…have caused Hillary to pull her negative adds from South Carolina.

Is this because: A. She is just a good person at heart..and would never defile a colleagu…or B. She realizes her negative campaigning is alienating a large portion of the Democratic party..and it’s time to pull back.

You decide. My opinion…is that the backlash over her and Bills absolutely frenetic attack on Obama…is not working. The reaction from the public is either shifting loyalty to Edwards or Obama. No doubt…she feels it is negatively affecting her campaign–otherwise they’d never have been pulled.

Clinton political strategy: devisive, deceptive, derisive; distorted. The 4 D’s.

No. But it will destroy a ticket Clinton/Obama. Which is too bad.

Absolutely! She’s too polarizing a figure.
Read an article yesterday where three African-Americans were interviewed and they are concerned that Obama will be “taken out” before the election.
I say there should be the same concern about Hillary & Co.
Way too much animosity.

Jack, I’ve been a Clinton supporter for a long time but I am concerned that recent comments by both Hillary and Bill could have an enduring negative effect. It’s time for Bill to take a powder and for Hillary to put on her big girl pants and go it alone. She is a brilliant woman, more than capable of winning the nomination herself. In many ways, Bill’s behavior is an insult to her independence.

Bob Kamm, San Luis Obispo, CA

Absolutely it will hurt the party. As a lifetime republican voter I am planning on voting for Obama. But, the more this continues to happen the more I want to vote against Hillary, no matter who her opponent is. The Democratic party wants people like me to be voting FOR them, not against.

Jack:
We love your spot on CNN–keep on telling the truth out there!! We think the editorial is right about Hilary. Democrats don’t need Republicans to dig the dirt here, they are busy tearing themselves apart! When they get through, they will successfully have finished the job, and the Republicans won’t even need to! Someone should tell them to get a clue, and talk about the issues, instead of making ALL of the Democratic candidates look bad! We hope they will rise above this and show some class!

Thanks for listening…
Marsha McCroskey
Bloomington, IN

Hurt Hillary with the African American vote? Why limit the impact of their negativety to one segment of the population? I’m a Caucasian, 58-year old female, and she’ll get my vote if she’s the Democratic nominee only in an effort to preserve the Supreme Court. I am so sick of Bill and Hillary, I turn them off as fast as I turn off George Bush.

If voting to send our troops into harm’s way in Iraq without asking the President, “Are You sure there are WMDs?” doesn’t harm Hillary Clinton, I don’t see how any standard political banter will.

Gary Drake
Minneapolis

Will Hillary Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama ultimately hurt her and her party?

If no one else will ask the questions why should we fault the candidates when they expose the past or current ideals of their opponent. Unlike Congress or the President need to know the fact to make the right choices.

I am an older white woman I was always a Clinton fan when Bill was president. Now I am disgusted by the accusations that they have leveled at OBama. I will be voting for OBama and was intending to support Hillary if he lost the nomination. Now I don’t think so. I don’t like dirty politics. Why not debate the issues?

Of course they have introduced the politics of destruction, that is precisely what we would expect from this ethically challenged duo. They will say ANYTHING to get their power back! As an independent, I will certainly have no problem with voting for the republican candidate if Hillary manages to get the nomination. Can someone please tell Bill to shut up!

Yes, if she is such a divisive and polarizing figure within the Democratic party, how much more so in the general election. Independents and even moderate Democrats have no loyalty to her, and will be looking to an alternative if she is the nominee.

Melissa Mitchell
Waterloo, IA

Jack,

it reminds me of so many games when the home team has a comfortable lead, only to stumble, make stupid errors and blow it! Disheartening to see. Hillary, Bill and Barack are circling the wagons and shooting inward in true Democrat fashion. When will they learn? Time to grow up, kiddies. There is too much at stake to act this way.

Absolutely not.
No matter who gets the democratic nod, they will crush the republican competition. It is my view that most Americans are extremely frustrated with the Bush Administration and will see the republican front-runner in a negative light because of this.
In fact, the bickering between Obama and Clinton is actually making John Edwards seem like a much stronger candidate!

I think Hillary Clinton`s “true colors” are starting to show.She will do anything to win at all cost and doesn`t care if she destroys her party in the process.

Hillary will cetainly hurt the democratic nominee’s chances at the presidency. I believe people are tired of voting for the lesser of two evils. By practicing the same old negative politics, that is exactly what Bill and Hillary are trying to force us to do. As a democrat I could easily see MYSELF voting against my party if I feel sufficiently disenchanted with the character of my candidate.

jack i dont see republicans and independents voting for hillary in record numbers she is too divisive! she carries way too much political baggage, Americans deserve a fresh start and the hope for unity, growth and change is obama.

There is no such thing as a free pass in American politics. We revere the Kennedy’s, but forget that for much of his time in public life, Bobby was considered ruthless in attaining his goals. If Obama can’t stand the minor heat in a Democratic primary (especially compared to what Lieberman and Gephardt said about Dean in 2004), how can he possibly expect to stand up to the Republicans? After New Hampshire, Michigan and Nevada, the question really should be at what point does Obama stop whining and start fighting back?

It already has! What democrats who defend her don’t realize is that this is why she cannot win in November. If she is the nominee, not only will she turn off independents who already don’t really like the Clintons but she will turn off fellow democrats by their dispicible behavior. Obama draws voters from dems, independents and disgruntled republicans. Nothing will turn out the vote for the GOP than Hillary Clinton. Combine that with angry voters and she loses in November. I voted for Bill twice but when he lies and distorts about Obama, it reminds everyone that he lied under oath. Remember Monica?

You are so bias. Hillary only went negative after months of Obama calling Hillary names and CNN, MSNBC and Fox News saying only good things about Obama and only negative things about Clinton.

She has a right to defend herself. I am a black female and I love what Hillary is doing. I feel that you all still hold women to a higher standard and quite sexist. Hillary is strong and not a wimp. Most women I know love how she will not take any crap from the News Media and Obama.

Bill Clinton is great as well.

The Democratic party will do just fine and Hillary will be the President.

Jack,
Hillary’s going negative is already hurting both she and the party. The Clintons, love ‘em or leave ‘em, were two of the most politically divisive figures of the 90s and that legacy contributed to the Democrats’ loss of the presidency in 2000. One would hope that they would have learned something and would put the needs of the party ahead of personal ego-driven ambition.

Jay Anderson
Reynoldsburg, OH

Politics is a dirty, nasty business. Sen. Obama has to have known this was part of the nominating process – nobody gets coronated without paying a price. Both he and his record are fair game. This will not hurt Sen Clinton at all and it will be long forgotten in November.

Hillary has the fullest right to expose Obama – he has not come up with one idea on what his “change” and “hope” is based on. All I can say for Obama – LIVE IN HOPE AND DIE IN DESPAIR. Hillary and her husband both are brilliant politicians – as Bill Clinton has showed during his presidency, and Hillary as the Senator of New York. Obama has much to learn.

Hillary’s negative campaign has made me rule her out as a possible choice come November. I wholeheartedly support Barack Obama and I take extreme offense to the way he is being treated. If you treat my candidate like that what makes me think you’re going to treat me any different if you win?

Hillary’s strategy is particularly troubling since it appears she feels a win without the African-American vote is countered by the Latino vote she believes confidently in getting. After all is said and done if she wins the voting power of the African-American population of the U.S. will be truly marginalized. Sad. It seems she is willing to sacrifice them just to prove some arcane point that is better left unmade.

Jack,

Her attacks will benefit the Democratic Party.
Obama will inevitably retaliate.
After the candidates finish with each other, the convention will deadlock and then turn to the only candidate who can win the general election…..Al Gore.

He has carefully avoided the frey during the primary season and will enter as the Nobel Prize winner who can save the Democratic Party.

Go get ‘em Hilary!

Yes! I sent a letter to Gov. Dean yesterday to let him know that if “Billary” is the nominee, I’m done with the DNC! I was a Clinton supporter in 92 and 96 and thought it wouldn’t be so bad to have them back! Boy, was I wrong! To make matters worse, I now understand what my conservative parents hated about the Clinton’s in the 90’s.

No it wont hurt her or her party. I’m still yet to know exactly what Obama wants to do when and if he becomes president. I think Hillary is right to call him out on his statements.
If he wants to win, he should be able to defend himself. We all know what happened when John Kerry couldn’t defend himself against G Bush. You think the republicans will play nice with Obama? i think not.
The media should stop babysitting Obama. That hurts him more.

I don’t think it will hurt her or Obama, because lets face it Americans like conflict and instead of focusing on the issues they would rather here about two people squabbling (check out all the coverage on Paris Hilton vs. Lindsey Lohan) its rather quite pathetic but thats our America… Oh and one thing. If it does hurt those two in their campaign to the white house even better because I’m a Edwards supporter.

What is all the hype about. If Hillary were doing the same thing to John Edwards, I sure that would be just fine. Let Obama stand up for himself. He need to when it is the republicans hammering at him. I think it is politics as ususal. Remember this is not about the race card!!!

Jack,

The attacks and lies from both sides will hurt only the Democratic party. I have heard from countless Democrats who support Obama and Clinton that they will not vote for the other candidate. I do not see how either one can win a general election with the party this divided. Unless they stop the attacks and come together, America is in for another 8 years of a Republican President.

the clintons are doing what the media is not doing,getting the fax out on obama.i am tierd of people saying leave obama alone he is a black man.obama started the fight in the debate the other night,so the media needs to shut up or cover the fax.

I was going to vote for Hillary, now…forget about it. She will do anything for power like cry and stick her hands in dirt. Bill!!! oh my God!!! He is showing the true colors!! Nasty. It is bad for the democratic party.

Just another frustrated Obama supporter reporter going after the Clintons.Give us a break already your becoming the best political Obama team on tv.

Sound like politics as usual. Unfortunately, it works. As for hurting her or her party — If you start at unfit for office, does more reason matter?

Last week I decided that Hillary wouldn’t get my vote.

She’s used race, class and gender to try to win. Now we all lose.

Hello President McCain and the 100 Year War.

As a registered Independent and usually vote for Democrats in California I am fully behind Barack Obama. I am disgusted with Hillary Clinton’s campaign and her attacks on O’bama. I will not vote for her in Novemeber if she gets the Democrat nomination. I would much rather vote for John McCain. I have lost respect for Hillary and in my opinion is that she will lose in November because she is ultimatley dividing the Democratic party, and turning off Independents.

Jack,
I have said this before, I am sick and tired of the Clinton’s “win at all cost” campaign!! I am Democrat but If Barack Obama don’t win the nomination of the democratic party I AM NOT VOTING for Hillary Clinton! I will vote Republican or Independet! Its time to stop the Clintons!

Am I the only one that see’s Obama getting just as dirty as Hillary. It was Obama who struck first at the debate, with the Walmart thing. Everybody jumps on Hillary when she cried, everyone wondered fake or not, what about when Boehner cried about the soldiers in Iraq, please.

By all means, YES! I am a staunch democrat, but because of the dirty politics of the Clintons, I will vote republican before voting for a Clinton. This comes from a 64 year old black woman who use to love Bill Clinton. I now dislike him more than I hate Bush.

I think people are slowly starting to remember all of the dirty politics that came with the Clintons of the 90s. They will do and say anything to get ahead, use Karl Rove politics by attacking Obama’s strengths, and divide a party in order to get elected.

Now I by NO means think the Clintons are racist. In fact, I believe they have been consistently on the right side of the civil rights debate. However, they clearly are using wedge politics to make this campaign and race and gender rather than let Obama continue his message of hope and change.

Is this the type of candidate we want? Or is this not the type of politics we want to transcend?

I think it is time for a new direction with Senator Obama.

yes it will hurt her why cant she leave obama alone and run her own election

Jack. Why not go negative? You guys in the media are going to find something negative about the Clinton’s regardless of what they say or do.

Hillary is commiting murder suicide for her and Obama. She as a democrat is turning a sure victory in November into the agony of defeat. Hillary and Obama just shows how big of a joke the democrat party is.

HIllary Clinton has NOT gone negative. I watched the debates, and she clearly delineated her positions in a polite, but firm manner. Had she not been assertive, her critics would have claimed she was too weak. I say GET OFF HER BACK! Give the woman a chance. Once again, Clinton critics are going overboard. On second thought, though, I’ve heard many people move over to her side due to the unfair barrage of crticism that’s thrown at her and Bill no matter what they do. I say “Go for it, Clintons!”

I have always been a devoted fan of CNN and have enjoyed Jack Cafferty. However, I have had to switch to MSNBC due to CNN’s bias and unfair treatment of Hillary Clinton. I am saddened that Jack Cafferty is part of this FOX News-like daily character assasination of Clinton.

It seems to me that Obama or some of his supporters started the attacks by claiming Clinton was bringing race into it when she did no such thing. It seems strange that when Obama’s record is attacked, he (and the media) whine about unfairness, but he gets a free pass on never having to explain anything. I have yet to see CNN do an objective analysis as to whether he is wrong in what he says.

When you’re running for President, your record is fair game. Any objective reading of what Obama said about Republicans, clearly shows he was favoring them.

It’s absurd to blame this all on Hillary since it was Obama who clearly instigated the fight when he brought up her work on the board of Wal Mart. She fired back about his ties to Roznik, and now he’s crying foul.

Jack,

I am a tried and true Democrat, however, can’t in good faith vote for Hillary after her negativity. Hillary has divided the party and left me wondering who I will vote for if Obama or Edwards loses the nomination. Slander always divides!

Mr. Nader….you might have atleast one supporter!

Jack
I was ready to vote straight Democratic ticket for the first time in my life this November, but after watching Bill and Hillary go so negative on Obama, I will not vote for Hillary if she’s the nominee. I’ve had it with Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton. I’m ready for a change. Anyone seen Ron Paul recently???

Let’s be real: Hillary has already polarized the party and made me, a lifelong Democrat, seriously consider voting Republican if she wins the nomination – something I never thought I could say after suffering through Bush and Cheney. I’m disgusted by the distortions and plain old dirty politics Hillary and Bill Clinton seem to relish. I can’t even hold my nose and vote for Hillary anymore.

I can tell you definately it is hurting Billary to go negative. I live in South Carolina and I am originally from New York. I can tell you, people do not want to hear this garbage down here. Black and White get along very very well down here we do not want to hear this divisive garbage from up North. But I am glad in a way that finally the Clintons are showing what they are really like. She carpetbagged her way into New York, but I tell you something the people in South Carolina do not want any part of this stuff. There will be some people who will vote for her out of that woman thing, but I happen to be a woman and I do not think someone should vote for someone because of gender or race.

It has already hurt her as far as I’m concerned. I am a white female Democrat from Florida and will not vote for Hillary if she is the last candidate standing….unless she were running against George W. Bush!

I wish that Barack Obama would let me create a television ad for his campaign. I lived through all the crap from the nineties, i.e. travelgate, stories of Bill’s and HIllary’s famous fights in the White House, etc. All we would need is a few choice words and fade to a single cigar burning!

It absolutely will hurts both parties. The far left and right love the polarization. The middle, which is the vast majority of the country want this change. I would love to see a Barack Obama John McCain race. Substance and a clear debate on issues and differences. I have a dream

Ben
Louisville, Ky.

Without question her resorting to these tactics will be damaging to both her and the party. It is clear they’ve made the strategic decision to engage in character assassination of Senator Obama, believing black voters will forget by November. That style of campaigning is cynical, disappointing and mistaken.

Absolutely. If Hillary is the candidate for November’s election, I will be leaving the section on the ballot for presential choice blank–and I am a well-into-middle-age, white, female, life-long Democrat who has always before voted for a Democratic presidential nominee.
Marie in New Jersey

Finally, Hillary and Bill are being seen for what they really are, a “Bush-like” dynasty desperate to regain power. Buyer beware!

Why is everyone afraid to question Obama..Does he have a glass jaw and can’t take a punch? If so he needs to stop now. Because we all know this isn’t anything. If he can’t handle this then he can’t handle what the Republicans are going to throw at him and what its like being the President..When is the media going to stop being biased? Just be more even handed…

I don’t see how anyone could vote for Hillary Clinton given the antics she has displayed against Obama. She has totally made a mockery of the political system with all the lies and distortions. It’s time she goes back to the senate, then retires from politrics when her time as senator is over.

Will Hillary Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama ultimately hurt her and her party?

Yes, I think it will have a negative effect not only on the party but on her efforts to win the nominations. People will begin to look into this and not vote for her. This is dispicable.

The question is based on the premise that Senator Clinton is, in fact, engaging in personal attacks on Senator Obama. I don’t accept that premise, as it appears to be another case of ‘Hillary Bashing”. Obama’s new ad says, “Hillary Clinton: she’ll say anything and c hange nothing…” Is this not a personal attack?

I knew from the start Hillary just does’nt have it to be the first woman president.Just like Jessie Jackson or Al Sharpton were’nt qualified to be the first AA president.Bill is a certified liar and she is a accessory! Go Obama !

Hillary Clinton at this point is a great gift to John McCain. I have vowed never to vote Republican again — never! And I can’t help feeling like Hillary is acting like a Republican candidate. I think she should send Bill on a fact-finding mission to Zimbabwe, or something, and try to restore some dignity to her candidacy.

A few months ago I was a Biden fan. As an African American living in Central America, I was somewhat detached from the whole campaign. After Iowa, I became a believer in Obama. I am also a long time Clinton supporter. What they have done is shameful, racist and OLD SCHOOL Slime. I know Karl Rove left the Bush camp a few months back, is he now part of the Clinton team?

These attacks in the Democratic party has made mockery of the Presidential election and the Presidency. Who ever wins the nomination would be hurt in November. I was a Clinton supporter until this attacks started especially after Iowa caucuses. If Hillary wins, I will vote Republican. If Obama wins, I will think about it. But Jack, please tell Bill to keep quiet and let these guys run good campaigns.

Hillary and Bill Clinton’s attacks are already hurting the Democrat party and country. Don’t think they care, Bill and Hillary have long looked out for Bill and Hillary and little else. Obama brought a fresh and welcome spirit to this election season and the vultures mis-interpreted his kind nature as a weakness. So we are likely to forever be stuck with attack politics until voter turn out falls to zero.

I think Hillary’s tactics are already hurting the Democratic party. America is clearly ready for new vision. I am undecided, but I know I don’t want to revisit the 90’s. Moving forward is what I want.

I have been following this campaign and it seems to me when Obabma attacks the clintons, the media accepts it and fail to air it. However, let the clintons attack and the media will be scrambling as if the world is coming to an end. Who raised the afirytle issue during the recent debate? Was it not obama? What did the media say after we thought it was dying doen. Obama is as quilty as the Clintons. Let them do it. Stop supporting Obama. He also has a baggage and the needs to be brought out in the open.

YES!

Do I want to listen to the Clintons for four more years? NO!

Obama is “lawyerly” in his remarks, apparently too complex for the likes of the Clintons and some listeners to comprehend.

Obama is my choice for President.

Signed: elderly GOP voter

Politics is rough and tumble. Despite the squeamishness of the incessantly talking heads, including you Jack, seeing Obama and Hillary mix it up is giving the voters more information as to who they are, what’s in their backgrounds, and what they’ll do as president. It concerns me that Obama is complaining about being attacked by “the Clintons” when, after all, this is politics, and his spouse and John Edwards’ spouse have not been shrinking violets. I’m afraid he’s hurting himself by appearing too tender for the job. They are all three great candidates!

I am a life-long Democrat and have admired both Hillary and Obama, but after Monday night’s debate I say “A pox on both your houses!” Yes, they are hurting the party, and she is hurting herself more than he is, since there is a ready supply of “Hillary-haters” to point and say “See, we told you so!” I’m voting for Edwards.

I am beyond distressed by the negativity, lies, egomania, and desperation being displayed by the Clintons. It is indicative of what we can expect if Bill and Hillary get reelected to the presidency. No thanks. If Hillary is the nominee, I will not vote Democratic. By the way I am a professional, caucasian woman. This is not about race or gender. It is about authenticity and genuine new views.

The Daily Post – ha! What a joke. Once again, everything is Clinton’s fault. Give me a break. Obama and his people injected race into this, and the media took it and ran with it. What Bill said about Obama’s “fairytale” was not about race – it was about his voting record – period. As a black man, I am not voting for Obama – he is not ready, and I am not obligated to vote for him because he is black. He is not the next “Martin Luther King”.

Where’s the negative? I don’t see anything but politics as usual. I do, however, see the media portraying “poor Barack” as the put upon candidate. If you get in a game like this, no one is going to hold your hand and tell you how wonderful you are. You have to fight to prove you are the best candidate. It is obvious that the media is HORRIBLY biased against Clinton. There have been no negatives against Barack. You guys in the media have left him alone. I suggest you treat one like the other. By the way, how can Barack claim credit for the plan just announced in Washington when he hasn’t been in town to give any ideas. As you can guess, here’s a Democrat who will be voting Republican if Barack Obama is the nominee for the Democratic party.

Absolutely YES!!! Hillary is already a divisive figure among Republicans and if she continues to distort Obama’s record with her cheap shots and conniving campaign tactics, she will divide the democratic party. As an Obama supporter and staunch democrat, I will seriously consider voting for the Republican candidate should she receive the party’s nomination. Many Obama supporters share similar sentiments. We are sick of her Karl Rove-like politics!

As a black man, I am certain not to vote for a president because of his or her race and I was on the fence between Barack and Hilary. But after seeing Hilary in all her glory, I am certainly for Barack. I will NOT vote for her if she wins nomination. I suspect she will lose all of Barack voters.

I will not vote for anyone who furthers the divide between Democrats and Republicans. The only way this country will get back on course is for the two parties to have the ability to come together to tackle the key problems such as Iraq, Social Security, immigration and health care.

If Hillary wants my vote she will need to show me that she can bring the parties together. Complaining about the “other guy” is not going to do it. Show me she can be a peace maker; making peace in our own government.

All of this mud-slinging has only served to turn people off to a presidential campaign that began by filling so many of us with hope for the future. Here in Iowa, we had record turnouts at the caucuses and a mutitude of new voters who wanted to be involved. Then the mud started flying in New Hampshire …and many who had hoped for a brighter more positive campaign became disillusioned. As the weeks roll on and the mud clogs the airways, more and more young people and first time voters are losing hope and the insults and rebuttals have buried the real issues – the most troubling of which is this:
I am no expert on the U.S. constitution, but I do know that there is a provision within that document that limits a president to 2 terms… and although technically it is Hillary running for the office, it’s obvious in CNN’s daily campaign coverage that Bill Clinton (a president I highly respect) is dead set on returning to the White House. This scenerio, although not unconstitutional, does seem in direct contrast to the intent of the framers of the Constitution – a fact that has undoubtedly been noticed by many, but for some unknown reason has not been addressed in the media. Surely, this very fact is important for the voters to consider….not only for the Clintons, but for the Democratic Party . The next President of the United States faces enormous challenges. We need a leader who can bring about the changes we so desperately need. Currently the important issues are covered by the mud; Will they be lost completely once the Republicans and staunch Constitutionalists plunge us into in the inevitable ethical quagmire which will certainly accompany the Clintons’ return to the White House?

As a Canadian, I have been eagerly watching the democratic contest since its inception. Clinton knows she is not presenting the facts clearly. She takes great liberty with Obama’s Reagan comments. So for anyone still in doubt I shall simplify it.

Saying someone is transformative does not mean it was for the better.

Chavez is transformative…doesn’t mean that he taking Venezuela in the right direction.

As for saying Republicans were the party of ideas, doesn’t mean they were good ones.

Look at the long line failed ideas and legislation.

She knows exactly what he said. She is quickly proving she will say or do anything to get elected…..Do you really want a president like that? Oh wait that was the last eight years.

The Clintons ranting and untruthful attacks on Sen. Obama will not only hurt her campaign, but will wound whoever is the eventual nominee. Perhaps worst, it will severely hurt Bill Clinton’s reputation. I have always been a huge supporter of his, but I’m beginning to agree with those who argue that neither Hillary nor Bill can tell the truth. We’ve had enough of liles. We need a truthful President.

Jack,

Hillary Clinton’s personal attacks on Barack Obama were shocking. This is a the woman who was a business partner with convicted felons Jim and Susan MacDougal; did legal work on the Castle Grande scheme to loot a federally insured S&L; took $100,000 in cattle futures profits; had the Travel Office employees fired and taken away in a van with no seats; claimed her husband’s affair with Monica Lewinsky was a “vast right wing conspiracy;” and palled around with crooks like Norman Hsu. She doesn’t expect to ever be held accountable. She really thinks she is our Queen.

Jack,

I think both of them and the Democratic party loses. As sen. Obama aptly said at the debate in South Carolina none of them have clean hands. In the the short run Edwards stands to gain according to the latest polls. Both Clinton and Obama numbers are falling while his numbers are rising.

However, this is not the worse primary we have seen, Kennedy and Johnson, Bush and George H. W. Bush, and Edwards and Kerry. November is far away and voters have short memories.

I believe Hillary is not representing the party well or her family. After listening to National Public Radio today I think women, like me have a distaste for women of power. Hillary is tossing her ability to argue at Obama (a calm, gentle person). He doesn’t know how to argue with her because he isn’t used to this type of style. She’s not a listener. She’s aggressive & I’m tired of her. Yes, she is harmful to the party & yes, she is doing hard to herself. Bill Clinton looks like a fool & should be ashamed of himself. They both love denying, but that is what they do when someone actually points out truths to them, something they aren’t used to.

Rosanette Lind

Jack-Come on!

Hillary or President Clinton can get a break from the media that loves to hate them. Obama plays the same political tactics but you never hear a word about the 4 pages of racial talking points brought by the Obama Campaign. No, the Clintons are suppose to be above the fray that is caused by the media and the hype to sell papers and to get ratings. If Obama wants to pick a fight, he can’t whine when he loses. Report on the issues and this wouldnt be one.

As someone who voted for Obama in his Senate bid and said “there’s our next president” when he gave his speech at the Democratic convention, I say to hell with Obama. The things the Clintons are saying are true. And they don’t go far enough. This guy looks past people because he doesn’t care about them. I had reason to contact his office a while ago about an issue and after contacting him and my representatives, he’s the one I never heard back from. The guy has not served as our Senator because he’s been too busy running for President. When they had the early debates he didn’t even listen to what his opponents said. Why, because he doesn’t care.

Obama is caught up in power for power’s sake and he has the cult of personality going for him. You notice that when he’s criticized for things that are factually accurate people yell ‘racism” on his behalf, but yet when they go after Clinton no one says that it’s because she’s a woman. What does that tell you. It tells me that Obama’s people are playing the “race card” for all it’s worth and splitting the Democratic party in the process.

So, to all of this I say, to hell with Barack Obama. I voted for him once, but I’d never make that mistake again. I hope he loses miserably and then is washed up and takes Oprah Winfrey with him. I blame her for him getting the votes he’s been getting and that takes away any credibility she had in my book. My vision of both of those people is thoroughly shattered and I can’t wait to see them both fade off into the sunset – preferably by a drop into the gutter.

Yes Jack, she’s already hurt her party with her Karl Rove tactics. But, since I value your independent take on things, please take my adivce and do not follow the rest of the race-obsessed media who assume that it is only blacks who will sit out of the general election. I am one of many NON-BLACK Obama supporters seriously considering either sitting out or even voting for a Republican. To be clear, this is not something Obama’s campaign is asking us to do, but I am so angry that even if Obama ends up the VP candidate, I’m not casting a vote for Billary. That’s the only way to teach them a lesson.

Yes, they already have. I have found her tactics disgusting. She will never get my vote, and this sentiment is shared within my family and my circle of friends.

Why is the media twisting everything,When Hillary put the facts on the table always is personal attacks.

Not if they have atleast one eye and an ounce of common sense. Hillary was not the one to introduce “the politics of personal destruction” to the presidential race and she does not “bear responsibility for cheapening the tone of the contest.”

Seems to me Barack Obama has been doing some“distorting” of his own and how accurate has he been? Take a look at FactCheck.org.

When did CNN decide to take sides in this race for the White House? I think President Clinton was right about the media. Lately, the media only asks the tough questions of Hillary and gives Obama a free ride.

Yes. She will not only split the party due to race, but also women. Many women are now becoming aware of the email and mailer sent out in NH where she indicated Barack Obama was not strong on choice and mislead women leaders to sign an email that they are now apologizing for since they have gotten the facts.
The former Chicago President of NOW Lorna Brett who was supporting Hillary Clinton originally in Iowa, but after NH said she moved over to the Obama campaign because of his honesty.

These tactics remind of us what having a Clinton in the Whitehouse will bring. I for one will not vote for her period!

I think that the skewed presentation of Senator Obama’s politics by the Clinton campaign will ultimately have a profoundly negative impact on the possibility of a democratic president. This slanderous approach to campaigning takes away from the candidates’ ability to debate the issues and let Americans decide for themselves who they want as the nominee. It may be part of the political game and can even be effective in some cases, but frankly I find it nauseating.

Yes, I do believe that Clinton’s attacks on Obama are unwarranted and will hurt her and the Democratic party come November. Thank Goodness John Edwards is the voice of reason and so far has MY vote.

I am an African-American from Illinois, and I feel the attacks are from both sides, Obama and Clinton. The conservatives are so anti – Clinton , and I am so tired of them using the media to destroy Clintons’ as well as the Democratic Party.

Mr. Cafferty I’m blown away more at the hype the press gives the spiked discussions between Hillary and Barak. I just dont get it. What is happening is no different than any other election season Ive watched. Granted Im not as old as you, but I do watch the news daily. And while my main focus is CNN, its not my only sourse. My point is that if the things being reported are being said, and they bring out truth that wasnt previously known about another candidate and it affects how he or she will handle the job, then so be it and Im all for it. I was quite impressed with the most recent Dem. debate. I felt more imformed after it than almost any other. Thank you Go Hillary!

I was either Barack or Hillery, and now I am Barack or the other guys. The Clintons have revived the old devisive ways of Washington and they have lost me.

If there is any common sense left in America, Clinton’s attacks on Obama will hurt her immediately, and I mean Super Tuesday immediately. I am glad people are starting to notice that the Clinton tactics are dirty. It is almost as if Ms. Clinton cares more about her legacy as “the first woman president” than the welfare of the American people. I think many people have lost respect for the Clinton tag team.

I used to be a big fan of President Clinton and I was willing to give Hillary a chance but she hasn’t acted very Presidential so far. She is acting like we will have more of the same bi-partisan fighting in government. Now my opinion of Bill Clinton has dropped considerably. He isn’t acting very ex-Presidential.

I certainly hope it hurts her — there’s got to be some penalty for lying and cheating.

Until a few days ago I felt that I could comfortably vote for any of the three leading Democrats. She has now driven me into the “I will never vote for Hillary” camp. Who cares if it’s Hillary’s or Bill’s responsibility to behave with honor and dignity, since they’re an inseparable team?

Barack restarted the fire during the debate, and should be the one roasted on the coals. Too bad it’s backfiring on him. He should cool it, and back off.

You better believe it hurts her. I’m an African American male from Bronx, NY and I was a big Clinton supporter at one point.

Bill Clinton could do no wrong and Hilary being his wife was a major asset. With all that has been going on and the way the Clinton Campaign has been conducting themselves, the Clintons have without question lost my support. I’m so disappointed with the Clintons at this point in time that I’m more willing to vote Republican if it means she wont ever get the opportunity to see all her dishonest behavior pay off.

This campaign has taught me that the Clintons are only for themselves. They are no friend of the African American people. I can see this just by looking at the way they treat the strongest looking African American candidate for President we have ever seen. They are willing to say anything and do anything.

Yes it will hurt. I am a moderate Republican and hope to be able to vote for Obama. I would have had a hard time voting for Hillary before this because of her attitudes and positions. But now, with these dirty tricks and listening to Bill Clinton acting as a hit man rather than as a statesman as a former President should, I doubt I could ever vote for her.

Tom, Florida

Clinton’s approach has totally turned me off towards her and Bill. I don’t think it will hurt the democrats unless people don’t see it for what it is (dirty on the Clinton’s part). I am a Obama fan and at one time I did like Hillary, but now I see she is as dirty as most politicians are. I hope Barack will be able to bring some dignity back to the White House.

Jack,

All I see is Barack avoiding every question that is asked of him and has provedn to be a great talker but with no actions. Americans will not fall for this type of “Avoid Politics” and will see the facts. It is not a coincidence that Hillary is leading in the national poll!

Yes this will hurt Hillary. Especially if barak keeps coming back with Walmart & Sams Board members. Bill & Hillary. Al & Bill opened the chinese Market. Has everyone forgot about the suitcase. We couldn’t prove there was money in it. But chinese started producing products the next week. the paperwork wasn’t even done. Walmart buys 38 % of the Chinese products. They are all from Arkansas! Chinese sell 70 % of the worlds products. 1/5 th of the population. I wonder how we can settle the trade deficit. I will leave that for the smart people( politicans) to figure this out. Thank you Jack & keep up the honest hard questions. Your fan Allen

I certainly hope that it hurts Hillary Don’t like her or what she stands for anyway. Clean them all out and start over NEW !!!

Jack, I’ll tell you this – it’s hurt me. This WAS someone I was proud of. I was tickled with her candidacy and had dreams of what it meant for my daughter’s future. But, Jack, I am disappointed, disgusted, and annoyed with the Clintons right now. It has hurt her candidacy – I’m no longer supporting her because she isn’t the person I want my daughter to “look up to” she’s the kind of person that I don’t want influencing any of our children. Play nice, Bill and Hillary, or you’ll be “grounded.”

The Clintons in South Carolina are an embarrasment to the Democratic Party and everything it has ever stood for. After two Bush Administrations the American people were ready for clarity and principle. What they got was Lee Atwater redux. I agree with South Carolina’s major newspaper, the State, these are the politics of the past. They should be rejected.

While I admire her ability to be well-informed, ability to think on her feet, and sheer guts, by the time the latest debate was over she had definitely lost my vote. I’d love to vote for a woman, but she won’t be the one. Her husband simply finalizes that decision with his spinning, whining, and attacks. I’m tired of both of them and think their behavior is likely to hurt other candidates and their party. That can’t be good for the American people, particularly at the time such as this when we face crises on several fronts that no Republican candidate has shown me they have serious interests in – poverty, health care, veterans, and the economy.

Jack,

You are part of the problem by fanning the flames of a non existent fire. No damage will be done to the Democrats by the Democrats. Hillary and Obama will survive. The mainstream media such as CNN will not. Where were you and Blitzer on the lead up to this bogus war? I remember your critique of those who were in opposition.

.

I am a frustrated Republican fed up with my party at this point. It was refreshing and inspiring to hear Barack’s words. He may not be the most experienced but he is the only candidate I see that can bring this nation together
Hillary is a political animal and I am saddened to see her cheap tactics! Barack Never used the race card and I feel Hillary and Bill , as was predicted, have made race a part of this. I pray the american people are smart enough to see her tactics , this is what awaits us if she goes to DC. 4 more years of getting nothing done. If she is doing this to a fellow democrat what will she do to the Republicans. She is not a uniter Barack is!!

Yes she hurts herself and her husband. I have lost all respect for the Clintons. Barack had me at the Democratic Convention. We are not conservative Americans, we are not liberal Americans, we are all citizens of the United States of America. Obama wins, I will take my American flag out of the closet and wave it proudly!

Sen. Clinton is doing an enormous amount of harm to both herself and to the party. I have always liked President Clinton but my opinion has quickly changed. He has brought a level of disgrace to how a former President should behave. We could not trust what President Clinton said while in office, so why should we believe him now. Have we forgot the “I never had sexual relations with that woman”. Sen. Obama has conducted himself with class, which the Clintons are presently lacking. He has spent more time defending himself from the Clintons that sharing his ideas. Obama represents a new kind of politician. Sen. Clinton just more of the same. Obama must have gotten under the Clinton’s skin because instead of sharing her message, her aides are checking every vote he ever cast and every move he makes. Se. Obama, you are doing the right thing! Keep your head high and not only will you fair well in these primaries but the Democratic party will be grateful as well.

Come off it Jack if Obama can’t stand the heat from someone in his own party how does anyone think he will be able to stand what the republicans are capable of dishng out. Look at what happened to John Kerry. Remember the swift boat campaign?

Yes, Hillary is definitely hurting the Democratic party and possibly destroying it’s advantage for all Democratic candidates in the Nov. elections that it has taken so man years to gain. Some democratic voters will get disgusted and stay home. If Hillary gains the nomination, my husband and I will vote for a 3rd party candidate come Nov.
Kimberly
Seattle

Hillary Clinton remarks about Obama are always negative, she always likes to throw cheap shots. In all debates that she has been in with Obama she eludes from any topic that is on discussion and brings Obama into it trying to start a verbal fight. Hillary will bring this country down if she becomes president. Clintons views about bring the troops home for one is very unrealistic, in how she says she could do it in 60 days. Bad decisions like these are what this country does not need. The political veral fight she starts with every debate instead of talking about important topics like heath care, and rising gas prices is what will not get in the white house.

Absolutely it will hurt them and all Democrats. I don’t know why the Clintons have found it necessary to go down this low road, or why Obama continues to respond to this rhetoric. They need to change direction and get back to the issues. This squabbling is not getting anyone anywhere. As for me, I’m voting for John Edwards on Saturday.

Jack,

Hillary Clinton’s campaign has made me ashamed to think that I voted for her husband twice. Both of them are being as ugly as the guys that “swift-boated” Sen. Kerry. I am not an Obama supporter, but I do not like to see anyone smeared this way.

Obama is definitely playing the race card. . . but he’s being very smart with it. He lets his subordinates do it for him and then he plays the holier than thou party.

I am sick and tired of both of them.

While the Republican candidates are focusing on important issues concerning the economy, Iraq and immigration the tussle between Clinton and Obama is turning the attention of potential liberal voters from issues that should be the basis for a ‘ vote’. The current situation is rather unfortunate and if both candidates do not refrain from ‘personal politics,’ it is very likely that Republicans will occupy the White House for a consecutive third term.

The negative attacks are already hurting Hillery Clinton and her party.

While President Clinton looks great in comparison to George Bush, his political skills seemed to work to keep him in power, but did not always work to advance the issues that Americans really care about. Indeed, his administration gave much ground to the Republicans while giving them a motivating target to run against. Bill Clinton was the best Democrat the Republicans ever had.

I’m afraid that in the same way Hillery Clinton could be the best Democtratic presidential nominee the Republicans ever had.

And these negative attacks will give the Republicans more amunition in the fall and may work to suppress turn out. This is not the right path.

This campaign behavior of the Clinton’s is disgraceful. Attempting to conjure up false negatives regarding Senator Obama is taking a page from the Swift boat people and Karl Rove. Am a white retiree, supposedly not among Obama’s demographic. But because of his intelligence and political strengths and savvy, he has my contributions and will have my enthusiastic support-she won’t.

Hillary is looking more and more like Cruella De Vil as time goes on. Guess that’s what happens when spoiled brats don’t get their way. Unfortunately, we the public, are the ones who suffer as we watch all this unfold. Hopefully, the other candidates will try to stay out of the mudbath.

Heck yeah it’s going to hurt her! If not now, in the general election. People already hate the Clintons. Why she didn’t keep it positive and try to leave open the possibility of drawing in some Independents and Republicans is beyond me.

My question is, why doesn’t Obama question her “36 years of experience” and bring out the fact that she can’t beat McCain in the general election? McCain is chomping at the bits for Clinton.

First of all Hillary Clinton is only engaging in election politics. It is crucial for the Democratic Party this election to fully prepare its candidates for the national election. If Barak Obama gets hurt from the small punches that Hillary has thrown at him, all Democrats should be concerned if Obama becomes the Democratic nominee. We as voters are capable of understanding what is and is not true and we don’t need the media to spell it for us. I strongly believe that the Democratic nominee will only be stronger when all primary debates and campainging is over. The pundits can continue to criticize the Democrats for pointing out their differences, but ultimately the goal is to get a strong well-prepared nominee to win the Election in Novembe 2008.