CNN TV
SCHEDULE ANCHORS & REPORTERS CONTACT US HEADLINE NEWS



March 24, 2008
Posted: 04:58 PM ET

FROM CNN’s Jack Cafferty:

The race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama is getting nastier the farther behind Senator Clinton falls.

Bill Richardson, the New Mexico governor who endorsed Obama on Friday, is being compared to the traitor Judas. Clinton supporter and CNN political analyst James Carville said that Richardson’s backing of Obama came “right around the anniversary of the day when Judas sold out for 30 pieces of silver.” Richardson served in President Bill Clinton’s administration and is now endorsing his wife’s rival.

Richardson says he’s still the Clintons’ friend and refuses to “get in the gutter” like some Clinton people are doing. Richardson says that many in Clinton’s camp think they have a sense of entitlement to the presidency.

Meanwhile Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell says Obama is trying to “have it both ways”, accusing his campaign of complaining about negativity while frequently going after Hillary Clinton unfairly.

Rendell, who is supporting Clinton, points to remarks by an Obama surrogate, General Tony McPeak, who compared Bill Clinton to Joe McCarthy, the famous Communist witch hunter of the 1950s. McPeak was reacting to remarks by former president Clinton questioning Obama’s patriotism.

On Friday, Clinton said quote, “I think it would be a great thing if we had an election year where you had two people who loved this country”… suggesting that would be a match-up between Hillary Clinton and John McCain.

With more than four weeks to go to until the Pennsylvania primary, the Democratic Party continues along the path of self destruction, giving John McCain extra time to read up on the economy and learn the difference between Sunnis and Shia.

Here’s my question to you: Which of the two Democratic campaigns, Clinton or Obama, occupies the moral high ground?

Interested to know which ones made it on air?

BJ from Seminole, Florida writes:
There is one candidate trying very hard to change the way politics are conducted. There is another candidate trying her level best to undermine all he is trying to do. You tell me.

Alexander writes:
Obama shows us something we haven’t seen in a long time from a member of public office: integrity. How anyone can look at the Clinton campaign and say that they’re running similar campaigns, I have no idea. When it came down to the two of them, I knew I had a tough decision ahead. The decision is no longer tough thanks to Hillary Clinton. She is her own worst enemy here.

Donna writes:
It is amazing that no one seems to have noticed while Obama is spinning his wheels, Clinton is actually coming up with plans to help the American people. Where is Obama? On vacation! Sounds like the Bush presidency - when the going gets tough, go on vacation!!! I want a president who does not duck for cover when things get tough, but who fights to overcome the hurdles and that person is Sen. Clinton.

Ryan from Champaign, Illinois writes:
Jack, Morality is in the heart, and cannot be adorned or shed for political reasons. That said, Obama has shown himself to possess a high standard in this realm, while Hillary is more than willing to trample him, her party and her country to win. If she cared for any of these things, morality included, she would put an end to this mess. But, she doesn’t.

Emily from Georgia writes:
They are both politicians and want to win, so they both will do and say what they think will make them look good and the other person look bad. This is what politicians do and this is what the American people expect. If you are honest, you know what I am saying is correct. So why the question? Except maybe to see how many emails you will get that have negative responses associated with Hillary Clinton and to put them on the air.

William from Los Banos, California writes:
No Clinton has the moral high ground — except maybe Chelsea. I see where James Carville compared Bill Richardson to Judas. By implication he must be comparing Bill Clinton to Jesus. As a religious person, I can say this: I know Jesus; he’s a very good friend of mine. Bill Clinton is no Jesus.

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton


Jerry, Fayetteville Tennessee   March 24th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Obama. Duh.

Dave Brooklyn, NY   March 24th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Stop insulting my intelligence Jack. I know this is a trick question. A politician on high moral ground? No more possible than George W. Bush doing the right thing.

Mimi from PA   March 24th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Are you kidding? Clinton and her surrogates wouldn’t know the “high ground” if they tripped over it. But, first, they’d have to crawl out of the mud to get to it. We can now paper the walls with all the low, nasty, mean-spirited, snide, false comments by Hillary, Bill, Ferraro, Rendell and others using everything from race to anti-patriotism smears. She lies about her own record while also lying about her opponent. This long Primary has had the good effect of really showing Hillary for what she is, and reminding us why the Clintons make us want to take a shower.

Harry   March 24th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

With Bill Richardson being compared to Judas, apparently Clinton’s camp thinks she’s Jesus.

Unfortunately, her and her camp’s actions speak otherwise. Of course, her concept of truth is much different from mine.

Harry,
Carlisle, Ky

Mark - Asheville, NC   March 24th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Neither. They are both desperate to win, as they should be, but I do not see a whole lot of “moral” high ground here on either side. The point is, which, if either, can beat McCain? I see Hillary having a weak chance, Obama having zero.

If you want a candidate with a lot of moral worthiness, bring back John Edwards! But of course he was ignored to death, according to plan. Whew… don’t have to worry about HIM anymore, he could have beat McCain!!

W B in Las Vegas   March 24th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Jack,

your kidding with this question, Eh?

by default it has to be Obama because a combination of the words “Clinton” and “moral high ground” just does not compute.

Al Jackson   March 24th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

I think it is clear to most of America, the ones who do not let their personal support to a candidate bias them that the candidate that is and continues to take the moral high ground is Senator Obama. The mere fact that his campaign has been about breaking from the politics of old, democrat verses republican, and really trying to make a difference in Washington D.C., is a testament to him rising above politics as usual. I believe this equates for the American citizen, the everyday American citizen, a government for the people, by the people as it is intended. Look at the way Senator Obama built and planned his campaign, a grassroots effort that empowered the people, bringing back the disenfranchised voter and adding new, record number voters to the American political experience. That can only be good for the contry, empowering the stakeholders, us, the citizens not the coporations, cartels, lobbyist and major interest.

David,San Bernardino,CA.   March 24th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Neither one! Obama has an advisor and former general,Merrill McPeak,who compares Bill Clinton to Joseph McCarthy,and Obama stands by his side and supports him. Hillary spreads half-truths and innuendo about Obama. I was hoping that the democrats,at least,would run a clean and respectful campaign. Once McCain gets in,watch out! The **** is really going to hit the fan!

M. Brown   March 24th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Senator Clinton, for sure. At this time in her campaign and even in her life, she’s not having to defend her preacher for anti-american comnments.
All you Obama fans need to be careful what yo wish for…you might justs get it.
Dallas, Tx.

Toney Olton   March 24th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Obama clearly has the moral high ground. Clinton has waffled on too may issues, plays to the gallery, and is even willing to throw in “the kitchen sink” for goog measure. I hear Clinton “for the people” rhertoric, but see too many behaviors that are “for Hillary”. Obama has withstood the all assaults and has consistently taken the high ground. March 18th and “A More Perfect Nation” defined the true leader in this campaign.

April in texas   March 24th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Jack,

Well I am an Obama supporter but both parties are acting like children at times. I would have to say Obama and the reason is simple… Hillary keeps changing the rules during the race exagerating on her trips like Bosnia, inflating her experience and the fact that some of her so called closest friends are supporting Obama. That in itself says alot.

Austin Texas
Obama 08

Ed Reed   March 24th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Americans should be outraged they were deceived into a quagmire that has unncecessarily killed 4,000 of our soldiers, drained our Treasury, weakened our military, while increasing the number of terrorists.

Ed Reed
Port Aransas, TX 78373

Patti from Lansdowne, PA   March 24th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Neither. Both campaigns are guilty of trying to bring the other down. The thing that’s disappointing to me is that Obama has tried to say that this is not what he’s about. Clinton has never put herself up on that moral pedestal. Now we are seeing that there is no difference except for the fact that he’s a media darling.

George Wilson   March 24th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

yOU HAVE TO REMEMBER HERE JACK, WE ARE TALKING ABOUT POLITITIANS, HOWEVER JUST BY THE RECENT NEWS ON CNN, IT LOOKS LIKE HILLARY HAS LESS TO DEFEND AGAINST. IT DOESN’T MATTER ANYWAYS BECAUSE WHOEVER THE DEMOCRAT NOMINEE IS, THEY WILL BE BEATEN BY JOHN MCCAIN, WITH THE HELP OF THE LOSING DEMOCRAT NOMINEE. IT COULDN’T HAVE WORKED OUT FOR THE REPUBLICANS IF IT HAD BEEN PLANNED THIS WAY. WHOOOOPS !!!!

Toney Olton   March 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Obama clearly has the moral high ground. Clinton has waffled on too many issues, plays to the gallery, and is even willing to throw in “the kitchen sink” for goog measure. I hear Clinton “for the people” rhertoric, but see too many behaviors that are “for Hillary”. Obama has withstood the all assaults and has consistently taken the high ground. March 18th and “A More Perfect Nation” defined the true leader in this campaign. - Mount Vernon, NY

Nicki   March 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

John McCain. The other two are fast vacating the high ground.

mel   March 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Hillary does by a long shot.
Obama wants to play the poor me card any chance he gets
and it really turns a lot of off. He likes to shot from the hip any chance he gets.

DJ-IA   March 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

clearly Hillary Clinton was on the Economic high ground with her speech today that of course got cut off by media biases. It’s so sad that our media thinks we are too stupid to notice.

Leaving us with Obama’s team who could only offer up smear conference calls while on vacation in the virgin islands

Pathetic!

Ken, Annapolis, Maryland   March 24th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Hillary’s certainly not taking the moral high ground.

Hillary knows she can’t win the nomination, but she is trying to beat up Obama and hand the election to McCain so that she can run again in 2012. That’s because if Obama wins the election, Hillary can’t run again until 2016, and Obama would have had the chance to be the one to implement healthcare and other programs she wants to implement.

If Hillary really cares about those without health insurance more than she cares about her legacy, she would concede the election to Obama and help him implement it.

But because she cares more about her legacy and power, she is trying to hand the election over to McCain.

Michael Garrett   March 24th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Obama is on the high ground due to the silence of Hillary on the double standard being applied to Obama regarding association,etc.
She could at least mention the 40 yr. association between the GOP and Jesse Helms, once a WRAL commentator, whose racist and documented comments have never been denounced by a single GOP leader. But, that would mean bringing focus back to legitimate issues.

Arnold,WV   March 24th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Clinton stoops too low to take any kind of high ground.Morals and Clinton just don’t fit into the same sentence.Obama has a much more moral high road if people would just leave him alone to campaign.

R.S in Ohio   March 24th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Jack high moral groung in a campaign ? There is non and dosent look like there ever will be .

Paulette-Cincinnati, Ohio   March 24th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

It’s obviously Hillary. Lets see……..NO moral high ground + Obama + Wright + lies + deception + back stabbing Richardson = disaster for Obama.
VOTE HILLARY ‘08

roger dowdle lockhart, tx   March 24th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

At first, Obama had the higher ground, refusing to react to the clinton attacks of race, readiness, etc, but after she reached far enough into the gutter (frequently using surrogates) he was put in a position of having to respond in kind, although he has not gotten as nasty as the clintons. Generally, his attacks have been about her lies re experience, or to respond to her accusations (or her husbands). You can’t really hold it against the clintons, they just don’t know how to run a clean campaign. Lies and dirty tactics are just the hallmarks of the clintons.

Paula in WI   March 24th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Obama is the one who has taken the high road regardless of all the things Clinton has attempted o pull.Also he has a way of smoothing ruffled feathers with words in a calm manor-something we need now in America.He doesn’t lose his temper and never seems bitter or angry.Something Mrs Clinton seems to lack in.She reminds me of a female George Bush.

Angie   March 24th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

I would say Obama is taking the moral high ground. Clinton and her camp has proven that they would stoop to new lows in order to win. I agree with Obama, they don’t like losing, especially after Hillary all but predicted she would win one year ago. Calling Richardson a Judas and playing the race card from the beginning proves the Clinton will do anything to get a 3rd term in the white house.

Doug Pierson Tohatchi, NM   March 24th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

I’m not sure that in politics there is a moral high ground. It just seems to me that Clinton and her supporters are angry, very very angry. There are comments that come out of that camp that seem to me to be angry and divisive. But who am I to say anything? But why are there so many seemingly divisive angry comments?
As both Hillary and Bill have stated they are friends with Mr. McCain. You wouldn’t suppose that they are trying to help him win? It sure looks like that. McCain could be “Pres” and Hill could be “VP” and Bill could just make deals and make money.

Jimmy Smith   March 24th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Jack, I’ve had enough! I used to watch cnn for my news and political information. But now cnn and msnbc just let foxnews set the agenda. They cover all positive Republican event live. they go live, I flip to cnn and within 2 min. you follow. So thank god for the web, I got to the candidates websites for my information.

marilyn   March 24th, 2008 2:13 pm ET

ther is no moral high ground in politics

Richardson has srewed his own state even - Clinton won the primary (people’s vote) and he has stolen their vote

on and on, clean campaigns are not reality - it’s never about the PEOPLE - it’s about THE prople

Olga   March 24th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

People around thge world are watching this US election. Obama stands on his feet, not on the shoulders of a former president. Obama has become a symbol of hope for a better world and a more humane US leadership. Clinton promises more of the Clinton-style politics: spin, spin, and more spin. He has been gracious in defeat, congratulating her on her wins, whereas she has ignored and rubbished his wins. I think this says a lot about both of them If she wins the nomination I, like many people around the world, will feel that the next four years are going to be business as usual for the USA around the world, rather than the new deal that maybe Obama could put forward were he be nominated and elected president.
Bogota, Colombia

Ted, Beaverton, OR   March 24th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Obama without question. The Clinton campaign is running from the depths of old style politics. They are pushing the agendaa that they want to maintain. The status quo, special interest/lobbyist influenced politics they think will thrive as never before under HIllary’s rule.
Obama wants to change that, and so does Gov Richardson; that’s why he’s been branded a traitor by the party influencers of the Clintons. But Bill Richardson is a far better American than the shallow thinker who said it gives him credit for.

Anna Trimiew   March 24th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

No question . . . Obama and his people are definitely fighting the cleaner campaign! Clinton has used sarcasm, ridicule, anger, low blows, and outright lies against her opponent.

To his credit, Obama has responded to her attacks with swiftness and strength, and he has pointed out differences between them. But he has never resorted to Clinton’s “kitchen sink” approach in defining her.

Barack, who has affirmed Hillary and openly discussed her strengths, definitely occupies the moral high ground. Hillary, who can barely say a good word about Obama, is flailing around in the muddy mess she has created, struggling to survive.

Rossville, GA

John   March 24th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Jack…i know you want to be Obama’s Press Secretery, but let’s be clear, neither is on the moral high ground. They are both politicians and politicians can’t get there. everyone wants to paint Hillary as Washington as usual, but we are starting to see that Obama isn’t different.

John
New Fairfield, CT

richard smith   March 24th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

i believe that mr obama has run a campaign that is on high moral ground.he brings out the selfless passion that so many americans will benefit from. i think he has done an almost unbelieveable job of keeping to the high ground. he has shone that he has a wonderful demeanor under pressure from a formidable political machine. he has the right personna to deal with our foreign and domestic issues in the future. i think he will be the best unifier of here at home and overseas. let’s get behind our best candidate and be just half the person that i think he is.

Kevin from Sacramento   March 24th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Jack,
The Clintons has no road to victory, but, they travel full-speed down the load rad anyway. Hand-in-hand, they are driving our party towards a cliff.

Olga   March 24th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

People around thge world are watching this US election. Obama stands on his feet, not on the shoulders of a former president. Obama has become a symbol of hope for a better world and a more humane US leadership. Clinton promises more of the Clinton-style politics: spin, spin, and more spin. He has been gracious in defeat, congratulating her on her wins, whereas she has ignored and rubbished his wins. I think this says a lot about both of them If she wins the nomination I, like many people around the world, will feel that the next four years are going to be business as usual for the USA around the world, rather than the new deal that maybe Obama could put forward were he be nominated and elected president.
Bogota, Colombia

Robert, Santa Rosa, California   March 24th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Neither. Your question is a bit late; it would have made more sense a few weeks ago. Now the question is, “Who will win the race to the moral low ground.

It seems that strategists of both campaigns have determined that there is not enough difference in their positions on the issues to win votes. So, they have abandoned the moral high ground and are now attacking each other personally and plummeting to the moral low ground. Clinton is well in the lead of that race. It looks like she has found one race she can definitely win! Sad. Tragic really.

The democratic party desperately needs some leadership to get the party back to the moral high ground before the party is destroyed.

What a cruel paradox if in the general election the republicans, after these last years of horrible abuses of power, now win the election because the democrats manage to “take the moral low ground.”

Julia, Newton NJ   March 24th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I think Obama’s campaign is on the high moral ground. Despite there being a few dustups with his former pastor, he and his campaign have stayed clean while Hilary and her campaign have trudged through the mud.
By the way, tell Wolf I say happy late birthday!!

James   March 24th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

James from Texas

Jack
The Clintons is not only losing the race but it seem like they are losing IT. Everyday they are trying to change to rules. I started out a Clinton supporter but the more this go on the more they look like Bush. They
don’t care about any high ground.

Brad   March 24th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Jack,
Is it OK for me to say I am glad to be on the republican side? Second question, is it ok to say I am glad to be white? I am affaid if I say ether I could loose business or this could be held against me for being something I am not.

Brad

Daniel in Chicago, IL   March 24th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

If either Clinton or Obama represent the moral high ground in this country then this country has clearly lost its understanding of morals.

James D (Cary, NC)   March 24th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Is this a serious question? For the past several months people have criticized Obama for not attacking enough. Showing he can push back is hardly going nasty… especially compared with what folks have tried to pin on him.

Larry from Georgetown, Tx   March 24th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Moral is defined as; Of or related to conduct or character from the point of view or right and wrong. I’m positive that the Clinton fans will say that Obama is wrong and visa versa. Mrs.Clinton has been wrong and so has Obama but the person who develops true character is the one who openly admits it and then moves in a different direction to “change” the behavior. They are self-destructing and McCain is gaining. Now just ask Bill or Hillary, they are never wrong, oops guess they win the prize of no morals.

Adam   March 24th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

As dirty and divisive as the campaigns have been throughout the nomination process, is there even a high ground anymore? If you’re already in the garbage pile no matter what ground you’re standing on you still stink.

Unfortunately Hillary has already dragged the eventual nominee down with her, stinking them both up.

Adam,
Miami, Florida

Brian, Cincinnati   March 24th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Obama occupies the moral high ground, without a doubt. Clinton supporters will obviously disagree, but the facts are quite obvious. He has more delegates, more states, more popular vote. He has no need to go negative. He’s winning.

Hillary’s campaign is the one that is going negative in an effort to destroy him. It’s their only chance to ‘win’, bloody him so badly that super delegates give her the nomination. What Hillary fails to realize in her bloodlust to win the nomination, is that by destroying Obama, she’ll leave herself unelectable in the general election as well. You know… that whole “winning the battle only to lose the war” tactic.

Brian
Cincinnati

Bob from Traverse city Michigan   March 24th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Jack I do not believe a legitimate comparison of differences about issues or a reviewing of an opponents “on the record” history is dirty tricks. Senator Obama’s campaign has never mentioned sexual scandels.or shady land deals or sweetheart futures deals or any of the other blunderful and colorful tidbits lying in the wreckage that is the Clinton legacy. The Clinton’s on the other hand have thrown muddy handfuls of race baiting, and innuendo at their opponent in a shameful display of selfishness and unbridled ambition. The Obama campaign occupies the higher moral ground and the only “Judas” I’m seeing is the Clinton campaign and their ongoing betrayal of the principles of the democratic party.

Larry from Georgetown, Tx   March 24th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

My Mother used to say that the two most missed used words in the english language are, “I’m sorry”. She was right as to build character we must admit we’re wrong a much more difficult thing to do. Show me any politician that can admit being wrong and you’ll find a president that gets one term in office. Of course they are destroying the democratic party and especially the Clinton’s which just goes to show me they truly do not care about anyone except themselves. People in Penn. take off the blinders.

WARD   March 24th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

JACK
i WOULD HAVE TO SAY OBAMA LIKE HIM OR NOT HE IS NOT AFRAID TO ADDRESS ISSUE THAT THE REST OF AMERICA JUST OVER LOOKS OR HAVE YOU EVER HEARD THE PHRASE THERE A ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM BARRACK OBAMA HAS SLAYED THE ELEPHANT NOW IT TIME FOR AMERICA AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TO ACCEPT THIS EMBRACE HIM AS THE FRONT RUNNER AND MOVE ON!!!!!!!!! GO OBAMA08

Natalie New Jersey   March 24th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Obama has done a terrific job of trying to run a positive campaign and others saw that as a threat and they hit him with everythign they had. The media said he had to hit back when he was quiet so now he is getting dragged into politics as usual.

I lost all respect for Governor Ed Rendell when he said that the people of Pa would not vote for a Black man, anything he has to say means nothing to me.
This is the 2nd time the Clinton have outright said McCain is better than Obama. They will stop at nothing, even if it means destroying the party, to get what they want.
Richardson is right, if this continues, we will have 4 more years of Bush policies thanks to the Clintons. Bill and Hillary seem to be endorsing McCain.

Mike S., New Orleans   March 24th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Neither Obama nor Clinton occupy the moral high ground. In fact, they both reduced the high ground into mud so they could sling it. To be fair, Obama has slung less mud, mostly because Hillary has a co-slinger working for her on the side.

Johnny 5   March 24th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Jack will you please just look at the history of the Clintons. They have gone negative to the degree that is mind boggleing. If given the choice of having a 10% chance of obtaining the nomination means that they will destroy the party also, they will plunge head first with sharp elbows, low blows and outright lies. Damn the party, Clintons first, the world a distant second. Oak Lawn, IL

MIchael "C" in Lorton, Virginia   March 24th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

Jack: I have never regarded politics as the “arena of morals” but rather the “arena of interests.” Morality usually adjusts to the political conditions, and if morality is the attitude we adopt towards people whom we personally dislike, I would have to give the edge to Obama.

Chuck in Eugene Oregon   March 24th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Jack at this moment Obama is on the moral high ground. His campaign is not on the attack and is only responding to comments made by either the Clinton Supporter, her husband or her surrogates.
“EX” President Clintons comments depending on who is and how it is read, eludes or infers that Obama is not Patriotic. He knows how to phrase his comments to say what he is not saying and using Hillary’s words; “Shame on you Bill”.
Comparing Gov Bill Richardson Judas is completely unbelieveable and out of line. He made a decision after taking in all aspects of what is good for the American People, and he should be respected for that decision. It amazes me how quickly Sen Clinton’s campaign can dismiss people as being insignificant and irrevelant. But then again she did that to many states during her campaign too.
Unfortuantely, Obama is left no choice but to respond to comments like that and unfortuantely his response is coming from his surrogates when he should be responding himself. Somewhere along the line Obama will have to find his voice and do his own fighting, hopefully that will come soon and tactfully call her on the carpet without sounding ugly or negative. I at times feel sorry for him, because he is between a rock and a hard spot.
Either way I am growing tired of it all, as I have with all past presidential campaigns.

Eric   March 24th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It is strange to say Hillary Clinton is. Senator Obama has been desperate the past couple of days. Releasing pictures of Bill Clinton, who they painted as a racist, shaking hands with Wright, who verbally attacked both Clintons in his Church. Releasing the photo made Obama look worse. Throwing his grandma under the bus in the defense of Wright and calling her a “typical white person” also deducted points. They have also said of Hillary Clinton is “flawed”, has “character issues”, tried to hint that Hillary had in a hand in the passport scandal, said superdelegate should reflect the will of people, but he picked up endorsements from Mass, Ohio, Texas, California, and most recently New Mexico in states where Hillary won, he has given up on Pennsylvania because Hillary is expected to do well there I don’t want a quitter in the White House I want a fierce fighter, and the worst thing an Obama surrogate accused Bill Clinton of McCarthyism while Obama stood there….staring off into space trying to look majestic. And with the media’s continued help, especially yours Mr Cafferty, he disenfranchised two states that we can not even discuss anymore. I just find it interesting he had a TV spot running in once because it was nationally and he took off his name from the other’s ballot when there would be no delegates rewarded and in his own words, “would not count”. Don’t his supporter deserve a chance to vote for him even if delegates are going be rewarded? He is way off from being a JFK or Bobby Kennedy.

Zeppo   March 24th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

It is morally wrong to let Florida’s Republican law makers move up a primary date that gets millions of votes erased and yet Obama supports it because the disenfranchisement of the Florida voters helps him.

It is morally wrong to imply that Clinton has mood swings, yet Obama’s camp has no problem with that.

Has Clinton come out and said that Barrack is lazy even though he himself has claimed it as his worst quality? Of course not, that would be wrong.

Has Clinton pointed out that Barrack has low expectations of himself even though he said “no one in America expects the president to solve all their problems?” No, she hasn’t.

Is it morally wrong support Obama because he is black? I think so but just ask Obama supporter and major loser John Kerry, that’s what he said.

Antonio in Los Angeles   March 24th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Jack, clearly the moral and ethical high ground has been secured and dominated by Obama. It is embarrassing that we couldn’t count on our top two democratic candidates to stand on moral footing together so to declare a nominee with confidence of the full party behind them. Remember when we wanted them on the same ticket, well at this point Clinton doesn’t even seem to be in the same party. She is effectively doing the job of the presumptive republican vice-president. Moral ground can not be found without a moral compass.

jane atl   March 24th, 2008 2:32 pm ET

Clinton is getting very very nastier. This is not the type of person who will be in command of chief. She needs to drop out of the race. I used to have a very big respect for her but now I do not. we need some one like Obama to unit this USA. I ws going to vote for Cliton but now I will not vote for her because of her nastier campany she is running.
I will vote for Obama now.

dan in mass   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

There’s an old saying, “I’ve been down so long even the bottom looks good”. While both camps are guilty of stooping, Obama can no longer claim he’s above the fray. Standing in the way of the re-votes, the Rev. , campaign finance/ deal with McCain. Momentum and moral high ground belong to Clinton right now and barring a serious incident she all but has the nomination locked up. Super-delegates know that in order to win you need all the states Hillary won. Obama should drop out now while there is still a chance for V.P.

MIKE ADKINS, CHARLOTTE,NC   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

right now both obama and clinton are on high moral ground in spite of all the back and forth controversy. either on of them will defeat mccain in november. teaching john mccain the difference between the shia and the sunni is like trying to teach a pig to sing.

Mike   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Jack, Excuse me, but I don’t think either one of the campaigns relate to, or even know what, moral high ground might be.

Tom from Boston, Mass.   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Obama, by a country mile. He not only has run a much more respectable and honorable campaign, his speech on race was one of the best speeches by a leader in a long time. Clinton, on the other hand, is running a campaign marred by trench warfare and thinly-veiled racist comments on the part of some of her “supporters.” As Bill Richardson noted in reacting to James Carvel’s comparison of his endorsement of Obam as akin to Judas betraying Christ, the Clinton clan seems to have expected a coronation and is now furious that democracy is prevailing instead!

James in Cape Coral, FL   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Jack,
Obama has definitely been the one standing on the moral high ground. His attacks on Hillary have been, for the most part, in response to a negative Clinton ad or remark. From what I see Obama attacks her judgement and experience but has yet to refer to McCain as a better choice than his fellow democrat. Furthermore how can Hillary Clinton tout her endorsements from certain military generals and then turn around and call Bill Richardson’s endorsement late and meaningless.

Mary, Casa Grande, AZ   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Jack….its so clear that Billary is taking the low road! She says experience is the yardstick we should all use - but ooops!…..she doesn’t really have any. She said Obama isn’t good enough for President….and then when she thinks we aren’t listening, she says maybe he could be her VP. She says that Florida and Michigan aren’t that important, until it was clear that she was losing ground to Senator Obama, now she is blaming Obama for the delegates not getting seated! All he was trying to do was make sure that if re-do elections were held that they be fair and legal to everyone. What if she is faced with that 3 a.m call….will what she says on that call be replaced in a few days, weeks or months with….”what I really meant was…..”

Paulette Dallas,PA   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Neither Jack,after all this is politics we are talking about.

Jawan, University of Arizona   March 24th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Obama occupies the highest moral grounds. Theres no question. Clinton has flooded voters up to their necks with lies and misleads. The person who refuses to play politics is most moral, Obama doesn’t play politics.

earnest haynes   March 24th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

You can not mention the word moral and Clinton together! She or her husban will do anything and say anything to win the nomimation. How can you trust someone who agreeded that the Michigan and Florida primaries wote would not count but when she gets behind starts to demand that they count,very untrustworthy.

Voter   March 24th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Hillary has taken the High road considering the media attacked her from the beginning. The television reporting in all media have not lived up to finding the truth out about all the candidates for voters to make a honest decision. No matter what the media has tried in the course of this campaign. Hillary has continued to remain Presidential.

Obama has played the victim sensitive to all comments. The media has supported him in all statements televised. Americans are just now finding out about Obama and his support for his Reverend who clearly chooses to keep hate and anger alive in his sermons.

Americans need to take a closer look at Obama, as President. He does not appear to be strong enough to lead and really bring Americans together. Do we really want a leader who really could split the country apart?

Eric   March 24th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

It is strange to say Hillary Clinton is. Senator Obama has been desperate the past couple of days. Releasing pictures of Bill Clinton, who they painted as a racist, shaking hands with Wright, who verbally attacked both Clintons in his Church. Releasing the photo made Obama look worse. Throwing his grandma under the bus in the defense of Wright and calling her a “typical white person” also deducted points. They have also said Hillary Clinton is “flawed”, has “character issues”, tried to hint that Hillary had a hand in the passport scandal, said superdelegates should reflect the will of people, but he picked up endorsements from Mass, Ohio, Texas, California, and most recently New Mexico in states where Hillary won, he has given up on Pennsylvania because Hillary is expected to do well there (I don’t want a quitter in the White House I want a fierce fighter) and the worst thing an Obama surrogate accused Bill Clinton of McCarthyism while Obama stood there….staring off into space trying to look majestic. And with the media’s continued help, especially yours Mr Cafferty, he disenfranchised two states that we can not even discuss anymore. I just find it interesting he said he did not advertise in Florida, but that is not true, he had a NATIONAL TV spot running. It was back when Florida and Michigan were still part of the United States. He took his name off from Michigan’s ballot when there would be no delegates rewarded and in his own words, “would not count”. Don’t his supporter deserve a chance to vote for him even if delegates are not going be rewarded? He is way off from being a JFK or Bobby Kennedy.

truth seeker in Boston   March 24th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Barack Obama…. but will you print it?

Red Dog from ND but now in Floida   March 24th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

I meant the Jaded Princess that Hillary is

Veronica in Richmaond, VA.   March 24th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Hi Jack, it is clear to a blind man, that the Clinton camp couldn’t sink any lower. Senator Obama has run a wonderful campaign so far even while he’s been hit with 4 kitchen sinks (GW,Rove,Bill, Hillary) & still he rise. He has also shown that he can manage money (He didn’t have to len his self 5 mill). Has eneyone noticed every state that the Clinton’s lose, they said they didn’t count, I hope the other 10 States keep that in mind. Lastly, we see how the Clinton’s feel about their friend too, Gov. Richardson, they treated him like trash last Friday. I hope the Super Delegates remeber that to Jack.

Tina   March 24th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Hands down, Obama. He has yet stooped to the low level of mudslinging that Clinton has and I am hoping he stays the course and does not run a negative campaign cause that would stop the change phrase he has going. It would be the same of garbage that is known to come out of D. C.

candi   March 24th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Obama. The Clintons and their gang clearly will lie, cheat or try to anyway i.e. Mich. and Fla. ,. They would sell any friends they have for a vote. It is about time people stood up to them. They are old news and should just fade like old soldiers.

John Doyle   March 24th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Without a doubt, Sen. Obama. I didn’t know the Clintons were so low and dumb but maybe that’s what it takes to be a President. Look at President Bush. Sen. Clinton have a lot of experience in digging up dirt. My father was a pastor in the Church of God in Christ and we visited many, many churches and I heard a lot of crap it didn’t agree with. “I am not my brother’s keeper”.

Donn   March 24th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Clearly Richardson has the choice to support whom ever he wishes. What should be of concern are his statements of loyalty to Clinton competing with statements of support for Obama. What does that say about so called mexican loyalty. Why is he waffling? is there something else here we are not privy to? The real problem is that all of this “crap” filling the airwaves keeps interested Americans from learning about positions on substantive presidential issues.

Las Vegas, NV

George Vetnar   March 24th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

The Obama campaign has the moral high ground, by far, if for no other reason than the fact in the beginning of this Presidential campaign they just were running a campaign based on the issues, change and hope then Hillary’s campaign (with the help of Bill Clinton) began the “Politics as Usual” campaign of attacks on Obama, personally, as well as on his campaign. If there has been any “moral low ground” from Obama and his campaign, it is usually just in defending himself and his campaign from more “Hillary and/ or Bill attacks.” Left alone from political attacks, Obama’s campaign has been one of the most positive, inspirational political campaigns of our generation.

Martha Lynne -- Los Angeles, CA   March 24th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The Clintons have never taken the moral high ground. Why would we expect them to start doing so now? And true to form, they’re not.

Brian From Fort Mill, S.C.   March 24th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Did you say “moral high ground?”
Let’s put it this way: If morality were money, both Bill and Hillary would be eligible for food stamps!

Tom Carroll   March 24th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Jack, you must be kidding …. “campaign” and “moral high ground” in the same sentence, and you call yourself a journalist!

Jan Kocot   March 24th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Hillary has the moral high ground. She is an open book, we know what her policies are and always have been. What do we know about Obama, except that more negative things keep coming out about him. Why is the media and everyone else afraid to say what Obama really is, a racist! Obama says he wouldn’t have voted for the war, but has voted exactly like Clinton since he was elected to the Senate. And, let’s remember this Obama doesn’t want to allow Michigan and Florida to vote in the primaries. If he wins the primaries he better say out of my state (Michigan) because he will never have my vote now.

Ryan   March 24th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

It’s a moot point. The Clinton supporters will say Clinton and the Obama supporters will say Obama. But by using evidence alone, it’s clear Hillary is not taking any high ground because she is losing and using the “kitchen sink” strategy as a desperate, last-ditch effort to keep her campaign alive.

Michael NY, NY   March 24th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Jack,

Although I believe each candidate has representatives that are in the process of slinging mud back and forth, Obama definitely has taken the higher ground in the public discourse. You only need to look at the Jeremiah Wright issue to understand why. When confronted with a political liability, Obama didn’t pander and appease the voters but rather attacked the issue and stated his stance and offerred America a different lens through which to speak. Hillary, on the other hand, has admittedly spoken to superdelagates about this issue by stating it hurts his electability even though this man was invited to the White House by none other than her husband during his “moral crisis”. The Clintons are pathetic. America deserves better.

Ron Christman   March 24th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Jack,

Why would you even ask this question? Clintons and moral high-ground in the same sentence is an oxymoron. Since Iowa there hasn’t been an opportunity to twist the truth, parse a statement, or throw out an unfounded innuendo that the Clintons and their race-baiting, fear mongering minions haven’t taken. The highest ground that they have ever reached is somewhere in the swamp in James Carville’s backyard. They have done it for so long that the media gives them a pass because everyone is used to it from them.

Ron Christman
Washington, PA

Alston   March 24th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

I saw Carville with his wife on the Tonight Show and noted that their mentality is ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’…apparently they are under the impression that Hillary is unbeatable.

Carville’s statement liking Richardson to Judas is typical of the ‘gutter’ tactics that have come to be the trademark of the Hillary campaign.

Ricky Norwood   March 24th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Moral Ground…Let’s see: Senator Barak Obama has addressed the race issue along with other important issues in a very honest way. That’s the leadership we deserve and need. I challenge Senator Hillary Clinton to discontinue being silent on the race issue and at least make a televised, bold and brave statement that she too has the leadership to appeal to all Americans and the world that she believes race has no part in this campaign and the time has come for us to focus on the real issues of this political season. Honestly, I think this is a challenge that will go unanswered by Senator Clinton because her inaction thus far speaks to her true nature. The only way to put this race issue to rest is for Senators Obama and Clinton to show a united front on this issue NOW (they are both Democrats right?).

As for the media, especially FOX News Channel, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, and CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, the same challenge for Senator Clinton go to you all as well. Will you report this, I highly doubt it.

LISA, Miami, FL   March 24th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Obama has always taken the moral high road. His campaign cannot be accused of being negative merely defending themselves from the constant pettiness and attacks of the clinton campaign. And those attacks will not soon end. This is becoming ridiculous at this point because the media and the party are afraid to do to clinton what they did to huckabee which is strongly encourage her to let it go already and let the democrat and republican get to focusing on the general election.

Sue, Bloomington, IN   March 24th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Jack,
Clintonian. The Clintons have their very own word that means the opposite of taking the moral high ground.

Penny   March 24th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Holary Clintion. Duh!! She’s a girl and we all know that girls rule!

Kevin- Webster, MA   March 24th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Have you not been watching the Clintons? Which campaign gets more Pinnochio’s ? Morals …. Clintons I don’t think so! Obama wins this one hands down!

phillip, monterey ca   March 24th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Jack ,

The Obama camp has run a much better moral, ethical and clean campaign. They only seem to be going negative at this moment because they have to respond to all the negativety the clintons are throwing at them remember the “kitchen sink ” . it puts the obama camp on thin ice because when they respond they seem just as negative but when they say nothing they seem weak .

phillip in monterey ca

Katiec   March 24th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Dear Jack,
There seems to be no moral high ground for the Clintons.
The tactics they have resorted to these last few weeks
have taken away any of the respect I once had. There is
nothing moral about their distortions, accusations and and
politics as usual.
It is so sad that they have resorted to this. It harms the
Democratic Party, the campaign and the American voters.
One outlandish example: Barack Obama is responsible
for the MI/FL debacle. When the DNC issued the warning to
these two states she supported it. But, when she decided it
would be to her advantage for a rerun she is not only pushing
it, she points fingers and denounces everyone who does not
agree with her “flip flop”.
katie

don   March 24th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

I don’t think either is taking the high road any more! Obama was early on, but the Clinton campaign clearly makes this impossible with their lies about Obama and their opinions about McCain and Clinton having the experience and the patriotism and Obama not! With a fellow democrat like this, who needs enemies. People can only be lied about and decitfully made to look bad before they have to fight back!

PAULA, Pennington Gap, VA   March 24th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Obama, without a doubt; that is a ‘no-brainer’.
The damn media always try to ’spread-the-blame-around’ in its pathetic attempt to look “objective” - - it has been termed “DUMB OBJECTIVITY” !
Nobody is being fooled!

Dimitrios, in Laurel MD   March 24th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Jack, finding the moral high ground in a political campaign is as much an exercise in futility as finding WMD in Iraq. The question we have to ask ourselves is who is more guilty of being a hypocrite? In the final analysis, I don’t think anyone ever expected anything other then what we are seeing from the Clinton camp, but Obama preaches a different kind of politics but delivers little different. You can’t change a leopard’s spots, no matter how much you try and dress them up and sell them as something else.

Celene (Penn.)   March 24th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

OBAMA!!!

Shes a manipulative bully, she is no representative for women, she is no representative for the American workers, all she really will do is use the American people to get elected and then do whatever she wants…… she really is a true conservative!

Shes not Bill and never will be!

OBAMA ‘08 firght for the Moral High road, the economy and for strong women everywhere (i.e. in reference to Michelle Obama)

Skipp Porteous   March 24th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

Barack Obama isn’t the Messiah, but he’s the closest thing we have. He’s showing us, not telling us, how a politician can take the high ground.

Gary, Madison WI   March 24th, 2008 3:03 pm ET

Obama has the moral high ground by far. The only time he loses it is when he has to defend himself against Hillary’s attacks. He needs to maintain his composure on focus on the positives of his campaign (as he’s done 99% of the time) and avoid being dragged into the mud. He was so good at that early on.

And to those saying Obama will lose to McCain… the only way that will happen is if Hillary continues her already-lost campaign past the Pennsylvania primary and divides the Democratic Party further. As someone else said, it sounds to me like she just wants a shot in 2012, and doesn’t really care about the Democratic Party OR the American people.

Brian Lipchik   March 24th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Jack,
Moral High ground and Politicians is oxymoronic…..sort of like military intelligence……or jumbo shrimp…….
That being said , however……..Sen. Obama’s entire campaign has been predicated on keeping and maintaining a “positive viewpoint.”
He was doing that until the Clinton’s, both Bill and Hillary started down the road of negativity in S. Carolina and continued through super tuesday culminating with the “kitchen sink” strategy. He had no choice other than to fight back a little.
There is no moral high ground here, there is just low brow political gamesmanship attempting to appeal to the lowest common denominator. Who started it? After Hillary realized her “Coronation” was being de-railed, her campaign went negative first, and has been dirty ever since.

Sharon, Indiana   March 24th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Well, to be honest, they both play politics. Senator Obama’s campaign has been much more negative than many believe, and it is only a matter of time before the truth comes out. It is already out on the blogs, perhaps it is time for CNN to catch up.

You know, it’s going to be very hard for you to continue to refer to him as refreshing, because all of his connections from Chicago are going to pull him down into a cesspool pretty soon.

Nate, Maryland   March 24th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Jack, it’s clearly Hillary. Obama is the biggest hypocrite and is a crooked politician. Change? Change what, Obama? The man is just a fool.

Connie Mitchell   March 24th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

Jack, the Obama camp has been trying to take the high ground. But if you have the Clintonites attacking with surrogates day, after, day, after day - about his former pastor, his name, his race, his patriotism,
what else can Obama do but to go on the defense.
Also, why does CNN continues to play up the Obama-Wright issue. It puts a negative on Mr. obama, this is simply unfiar.I sn’t it time the media give Mr. Obama a break and focus attention on the real issues that are affecting the US???
Also, why is CNN so soft with John McCain, who has said so many gaffes and has told so many untruths. His recent trip - wasn’t it a campaign trip - why ins’t CNN investigating the trip and see where the moneis came from ????? Thank you.

Kim   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

The further we get away from Mrs. Clinton getting the nomination the nastier her campaign gets. I am a very strong Obama supporter but there have been a few things that the campaign could have gone without doing. But, at the end of the day it is the “I’ll do and say anything to get elected” strategy of the Clinton campaign that I fault for any and all nastiest in the Democratic primary.

Brooke   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Obama. I think it is quite clear that when the campaigns began he sought out to run a clean and different kind of campaign. Unfortunately after Clinton’s kitchen sink efforts and a backlash criticizing Obama of not being tough enough to face McCain in the general, his campaign was forced to try and draw some form of counter attack. The efforts clearly would not be considered “taking a good shot” by the Clinton Campaign, yet they feel no qualms in lashing out at the remarks as full blown attacks.

Vinnie Vino   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Jack,
At this point in the race both the Obama and Clinton teams are all in the gutter together sling mud, playing dirty politics. This is leaving the moral high gound for John “McSame” McCain. In the end Hillary and Barack will have to unite, like two super heros, to form a rightous dream team in order to treminate any hope the Republicans have of four more years of McSame policies…

C.I., New York

Susan, Cary, NC   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Obama - this is very sad what is happening, I sympathize with Governor Richardson entirely, one can only imagine the tone and wordage on that call.

Obama has the moral high ground with his demeanour, tone and how he spoke so eloquently on race in America.

Jack, will the DNC step in before it is too late for the Democratic Party?

Len, Colorado   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Senator Obama.

Senator Clinton and President Clinton keep endorsing John McCain.

They are dividing the Democratic party and unfortunately, people are buying it….Such an important election. We waited 8 years and now we are going to have 4 more years of Bush policies….What a shame!!

onenibble   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Jack, Hillary has the high ground. Obama is a product of Rezco and the racist church he attends. Bill Richardson sold out, not like Judas for 30 pieces of silver but for a chance at vice president. I thank Bill Richardson could probably do the Mexican Hat Dance while Ted Kennedy sings a Mexican Lullaby. The big news today is Hillary’s speech on the economy which I haven’t seen a lot of news about on CNN. Hillary actually understands the economy, something the other candidates do not have a clue about.

Stephanie   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

When I hear the name Hillary Clinton , my mind goes back to White Water. Oh yeah!! She’s got experience and her record speaks for it’s self, but it’s not the knid we want used in the White House. I just cant trust this lady. If it wasn’t for the name Bill Clinton she would have dropped out by now. So in my opinion Obama has the high road and Hillary should get off the road altogether.
Texas Talk…

H Walker   March 24th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

Obama has the moral highground - he is a man of great integrity.
Hillary Clinton has the look of a deer caught in the headlights. It’s over for her campaign - who’s going to tell her to step down and maintain her dignity? A graceful exit would salvage her reputation - just.

Cindi DeSpelder Traverse City Michigan   March 24th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Clearly Obama has the moral high ground by any measure. Beginning with his campaign financing which does not rely on PACs and lobbyists, to his even temperment in the face of the Clinton attacks. Clinton will say and do anything if she thinks it will help her politically . She is constantly re-writing history, hoping no one will notice. She did not care about Michigan and Florida voters until she was losing. Her own web site admits they thought not seating our delagatest was “no big deal” in January. She never said caucuses were “not democratic” until she started losing all of them. She is 100% political animal which is not what the voters are hungry for. Now she says she should be the nominee because she can “carry the big states” when everyone knows that young people will stay home in droves in November if she is the nominee and it is Deomcrat turn-out that will matter then, no who the voter’s first choice may have been. I am a white woman close to Hillary;s age and a former Hillary supporter. Her campaign has disappointed be terribly.

Patricia   March 24th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

When the “water boy” for the Clinton campaign called Bill Richardson Judas, that was it for me. Sen Obama has the moral high ground. How stupid could the “water boy” be?

Patty from MS   March 24th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Well, Hillary lied about NAFTA and Hillary lied about Bosnia. There are news videos and news reports that prove she lied, but she will still say she did not lie. The more it is pointed out to her that she can NOT win, the more she trashes Senator Obama or comes up with another lie about why she should be the next president. Bill said no one did more for the Gulf coast area of MS after Hurricane Katrina than Hillary…well, I lost my home and everything in it to Katrina and except for the first week after the hurricane when the roads were impassable, I have been here and that is the first time I have ever heard her name mentioned in the same sentence as Hurricane Katrina. Lies, lies and more lies.

Audacity of Hype   March 24th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Obama’s group is getting desperate. Obama has been caught lieing one thing after another. Now his camp is creating distractions with the passport issue to throw everyone off the wright thing. Even the latest blue dress comment is another distraction to lessen the intensity of the Wright/”typical white person” flak.

Julie from Ohio   March 24th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

It has to be Obama. Look, the worst things found on Obama are snippets of a pastor’s sermons. If he desired, his campaign could bring up the Monica sex scandal, the HC senatorial fund raiser in California which should be shown over and over on TV {look it up on youtube people, her donations which she refuses to return from a corp being indicted for many cases of sexual discrimination and misconduct, whitewater, her “stories” of her “dangerous” Bosnia visit, her Ireland peace negotiations, her own words in her book that her worst crisis was when she found out about the Monica affair and her reaction was to just freeze and cry {perhaps that is the 3:00 am phone call she refers to.} People are forgetting that the Clintons are willing to throw the entire Democratic party away if Hillary can’t win. Me or McCain should be her motto. She is running a mud slinging campaing and just wait, if she were to somehow get the nomination…the Republicans won’t let ANY of her past alone. They will make mudslinging look like a bubble bath. And really, making a fuss about who gets the first question in a debate? What will she do when she is in a TRUE conversation with foreign leaders? Whine…why did you ask France first? And I voted for Bill…twice…and was heading toward Hillary…until.

Walter S. Hrynkiw   March 24th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

In politics, I don’t think there is a high moral ground. A politician will do what he or she needs to do to win. It still concerns me that B. Obama compares his grandmother to his pastor and his wife was poud to be an American for the first time. I hope these are not her or his real feelings.

Kwame   March 24th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

The Clinton’s have been deplorable. They continue to throw out haymakers and then cry when the Obama campaign calls them on it. Bill Clinton in Charlotte for example, it is an insult to the intellegence of all Americans for them to say that Obama’s absence from the list of those who love this country was not porpuseful. They continue to discount all of Obama’s victories as either liberal in all-white states where he wins, or because he’s black in states with more than 10% Black population. I am ashamed at their conduct as a democrat.

Jeannie, PA   March 24th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Obama–oh wait a minute. . . isn’t he the one who attended a church lead by a minister who’s a racist and America hater, and said he wasn’t there for those sermons, then said he was, then said his typical white grandmother used racial epithets against blacks? Nobody really knows who the real Obama is but most commentators and many Americans have jumped on the Obama bandwagon just cause has makes those pretty speeches he learned how to give at Harvard. Trouble is, once you come out of the coma he puts you in during his speeches you really don’t know what he said except he’s going to change things. Will we all have to go to churches like the one he attends if he’s elected? Eeeeek!!!

concerned american   March 24th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Obama couldn’t get much lower on moral grounds haveing Pastor Wright as his friend and mentor.

I guess Obama could go just a wee bit lower morally by becoming friends with Pastor Wright’s idol, Louis Farrakhan.

That makes Clinton the candidate that is taking the moral high ground.

Ted   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Jack
James Carville has been around for a long time and like you he is very outspoken and he says what he wants .Given that nothing he said is worse than the minister Wrights comments.But yet you never mentioned anything about that .But I am here to tell you Obama is loosing the white vote that he desperatley needs .Especially the typical white woman comment .

Lori Iowa   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I just read your other questions you are going to be asking….seems to me that Obama cannot get much dirtier then he is right now and I am starting to think that he has offered not only Richardson but the entire CNN network, cabinet positions. Keep it coming, because believe me Hillary will win this election and then what are you going to do Jack? I hope you Retire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karen   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

I will answer your question by saying that I used to be an Obama supporter, but I am now 100% for Hillary Clinton.

Jamie   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Clintons don’t know what the moral high ground is. Obama is doing his best to stay dignified but you have to hit the bully back sometime. Carville is the master of nastiness.

Noel Bynum, Winston Salem   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Hillary is bc she is being honest about her differences. She is just asserting diffrences, but not attacking his character. Obama is insulting her morals and personality bc he can’t challenge her credentials, intelligence and resume. He is mudslinging at it’s finest.

Ric   March 24th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Obama is Anti American. I’d love him to explain to John Mc Cain why he doesnt say the Pledge of Allegiance. Or why his wife wasn’t proud to be an American until recently. Better yet, maybe Obama can explain what a “typical white person” looks like. (So we can spot them on the street). And lets not forget why Rev Wright was uninvited to Obama’s initial announcement back in January 2007. Could it be that Obama knew all about the sermons, and they just might lose him the election? Folks, get ready for President Mc Cain. The lesser of the 3 evils. Go figure!

Obama ‘08 = racist church, anti American.

Cathy   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

I’d say the Obama Campaign, despite the huge learning curve they have had to go through, atleast they’re learning. The only way the Clinton Camapaign seems to gain high groud, moral or otherwise, is by clawing, kicking and thrashing at anyone or anything that seems to get in their way- they’re just plain obnoxious! Cathy, Bridgton, Maine

Willis, Texas   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

It is getting ugly — really ugly. It’s a rock fight!

Of course, Camp Hillary is always the instigators. They throw rocks and don’t expect to have rocks thrown back! They should just shut up and mind their business!

Chinese proverb: Man who throws rocks should look for cover and expect bigger rocks returned!

Eric R.   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

As much as I would like for the answer to be “neither,” I suspect that the general perception we can gather is that Sen. Obama has been pressed onto the defensive with this sudden emphasis on his church. While the Clinton campaign may not be to blame for launching the attacks, Sen. Clinton is not demonstrating any moral superiority in the matter - by saying nothing to help defend his personal integrity and return this election to actual issues, she seems perfectly content to allow mudslingers to have at him, all while standing just out of range of the mess herself.

Craig   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Jack. Stop kidding.

John in Louisville   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Good question. Not because it’s hard, but because anybody who answers Clinton shows the rest of us that they value loyalty above reason. The honest Clinton supporters will tell you that they like her because she fights “hard” (euphemism for dirty), which they think is essential in politics these days. I just hope they’re wrong, because Obama has shown with his race speech that he’ll take the high road - try and speak the hard truths - rather than operate under all the old political calculations.

Michael Obodo   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

When you look at most of Hillary’s surrogates, you see the old Washington..she hides behind this breath of fresh air crap, just waiting to be elected before we see the real Hillary..Obama in for the sure the one on the high ground. watch out for the riot, mayhem, and unrest in America if the nomination is taken from him by the Clintons loyalist that are superdelegates..Jack make it known to the Clinton through your show that they should drop out..cos that’s what they would have advised Obama if it were the other way round..God bless your fearless straight forward comments..we all wait to watch you errday Hommie..

Mike Steele   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Since the “moral high ground” in politics is measured benieth sea level, I think they are both above water. A question I would like you to ask is how has american journalism become so comatose they can only look into mud slinging which has already been covered? Is there anyone that can go out and get a story anymore? Send some one to ask John Edwards who he endorses and make him answer. That might be a good story. Or simply ask some policy questions.
Sick of all of it in Carlsbad ~
Mike

Shannon from Washington   March 24th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Only one player in this race is fighting dirty. The one losing!! Senator Clinton is a sore loser and is desperate to obtain the position that she self-righteously believes she deserves. This is very tiring to watch and I think she hopes to wear him down. I do think this is a good test of his presidential character in seeing how he responds. Unfortunately there are too many “Hillary’s” out there and they must be dealt with without having to sink to their low standards.

Donna Richardson   March 24th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

It is amazing that no one seems to have noticed while Obama is spinning his wheels, Clinton is actually coming up with plans to help the American people. Where is Obama? On vacation! Sounds like the Bush presidency - when the going gets tough, go on vacation!!! I want a president that does not duck for cover when things get tough but who fights to overcome the hurdles and that person is Sen. Clinton.

B. Gray   March 24th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Neither have the moral highground. Neither candidate is nasty directly, they just have their people be nasty for them. This is quite true of both candidates.

They would be best to have one step aside now, with the promise of being the running mate to the other. If they continue this battling, spend all their time fighting each other versus preparing their campaign against McCain, then they just might loose the Political Superbowl at the end of their primary playoff season….

John   March 24th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Jack…….Stop wasting our time and yours with such an irrelevant question. If there was any measure for morals in this campaign, I think the media will get the lowest ground for fueling divisiveness by capitalizing on half truths, sound bites, and other non issues instead of capitalizing on the issues of the moment. I have to tell you Jack. Whether you are patriotic or not, it is not hard to realize that in two or three decades, America might simply not be the greatest country in the world, if we continue to cruise down the path of self destruction, and the media playing major role in airing information in a very lazy and irresponsible manner.So much for freedom of speech.

Keith S from Wisconsin   March 24th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

You wanna hear something that is really fair?

The Clintons don’t even pay for their own mortgage. Us..The taxpayers pay for it. The Clintons charge the US Government the exact amount for the “expense” to keep the Secret Service at their residence…AMAZING!!!

Ryan, Champaign IL   March 24th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Jack, morality is in the heart, and cannot be adorned or shed for political reasons. That said, Obama has shown himself to possess a high standard in this realm, while Hillary is more than willing to trample him, her party and her country to win. If she cared for any of these things, morality included, she would put an end to this mess. But, she doesn’t.

Ed, DC   March 24th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

I have not read one article or heard one “expert” describe Hillary Clinton’s probability of being nominated as anything but a long shot. The only way those experts go onto say that she has even a snowballs chance is to destroy the Democratic Party.

I would say considering she is obviously comfortable with that destruction, Senator Obama has the high ground regardless of what they say about each other.

With the Clinton campaign saying only Hillary or John McCain are fit for the job it would appear that she could care less about the party and only her candidacy.

I am not sure you can go any lower.

Gigi in Tampa   March 24th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Obviously a joke, Jack! Regardless of whether Obama supporters tout his “pristine” integrity, that man has grovelled with the best of them! I’m sure he sat around with Rev. Wright and his other buddies talking down ’bout all those typical white people. Which is, by the way, a very hypocritical statement for someone who professes “fairness.” The point isn’t one of moral high ground or not; it’s about emotions. People believe in a candidate and things get said in the “heat” of emotions; everybody, and I mean everybody, is guilty of it. In my opinion, you all, the press, spend a whole lot of time on measly stuff.
And further on that point…
I am so tired of pundits, grabbing at straws, trying to interpret campaign strategies and words taken out of context, as if to have E.S.P., like I should believe the nonsense.
AND I am so tired of Obama telling me that my country is in shambles, that we need change. Well, what the “H” does that mean? Everyday my neighbors and I go to work, feed ourselves, and manage to live in this blessed nation, filled with free-willed thinkers, plentiful resources, and organized cities. What is in shambles is Iraq, a nation that our ELECTED officials demolished. I was and am against the war, but we cannot turn our tails to those people, whose daily lives are in ruins. It is our responsibility to right the wrongs our nation has done. Obama’s “let’s get out fast” approach is dishonorable and irresponsible. Which shows me that the guy is all about words to please people and hasn’t thought through the consequences. We need a president who has, that’s Hillary and if she’s not the candidate, I’m defecting from the Democratic Party, cause Obama is a Mistake!

Connie Mitchell, Rockville, Maryland   March 24th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Jack, why doesn’t CNN and other media outlets leave the black church alone. Our faith is under attack by the media. Enough is enough. Continually painting Mr. Obama and showing news clips of Rev. Wright and his church, is downright unfair, and this is exactly what Rev. Wright was talking about. The media has finally showed itself that Rev. Wright seems to be right after all.

CNN is becoming more and more like dirty Fox News w