Obama Decries ‘Textbook Washington Game’
RALEIGH — Barack Obama criticized what he called “slash and burn” politics in a speech today in Raleigh, saying that both Hillary Clinton and Republicans want to distract voters away from real issues.
He also declined to commit to a debate against Clinton in North Carolina before the state’s May 6 primary.
“We’re trying to figure out what our schedule looks like, but I’ll be honest with you, we’ve now had 21” debates, Obama said in response to an audience member’s question. He added, “We’re just trying to figure out what’s the best way for me to reach as many constituents as possible in North Carolina.”
Last night, Obama and Clinton debated in Philadelphia, and Obama was frequently put on the defensive over issues like his relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, his recent remarks about the bitterness of small-town Americans, and his connection to a member of a radical group that carried out bombings in the 1960s.
Obama called last night’s debate “the rollout of the Republican campaign in November.” “It happened just a little bit early,” he said.
“I understand that, because that’s the textbook Washington game,” Obama said. “That’s how our politics has been taught to be played. That’s the lesson that she learned when the Republicans were doing the same thing to her back in the 1990s.”
He said he is running for president to change the nature of politics in Washington.
Obama spoke this afternoon in front of about 2,000 people at the Kerr Scott building at the North Carolina state fairgrounds. He is scheduled to hold a rally in Greenville later today.
What happen to the man of hope and inspiration? For years we had, don’t ask, secretive policies in the White House , now Obama wants to give us more, Bush/Chaney, but from him. He doesn’t believe that ones character, judgement and associations are important enough for the American people to ask questions about. He feels he is above approach. You can slash and burn Hillary , especially by Obama supporters, but no one is to touch him. He is afraid to debate Hillary, afraid questions that he wants hidden may surface again. He is unelectable because of it, the Republican will have a field day with him as the nominee. Its to bad the Democratic party, American voters and the super delegates can’t or won’t see that.
jp,michigan on 04/21/2008 (5:13 pm)
“He is running to change the nature of politics...” yet he and his campaign have used character attacks, misleading ads, disenfrancisement of voters, and two-faced policy flips that are beyond the pale. WHAT THE HECK ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT CHANGE FOR… it is sickening.
Senator Hillary Clinton is superior in every regard, from policies, to compassion, to experience. People love her, respect her and want her to win the nomination. As Maya Angelou says, Hillary is a long distance runner and will RISE.
hummingbirdv on 04/20/2008 (2:18 am)
THE HIPOCRISY OF BARACK OBAMA
http://www.audacityofhypocrisy.com/
Check this out before you vote. Obama has never told the truth since he has been running for President.
Faye on 04/19/2008 (1:40 pm)