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NewsSaturday, February 24, 2007 8:44 PM CST
Obama says he wants end to 'tit-for-tat'
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fresh off a spat with rival Hillary Clinton, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says he'd like to see an end to the "tit-for-tat" that dominates politics.

The Obama and Clinton campaigns fired off dueling press releases this week over a top Hollywood donor who was a supporter of Bill Clinton but is backing Obama in this race.

The Clinton campaign demanded that Obama return DreamWorks studio co-founder David Geffen's money after Geffen criticized the Clintons as dishonest, among other things. Obama declined, and his spokesman criticized Clinton in return for accepting the support of a South Carolina lawmaker who said Obama can't win because he's black.

Obama told donors at a Houston fundraiser Thursday night that the nation will remain at a standstill "if we continue to engage in small and divisive politics and tit-for-tat."

"Our country is at a crossroads right now," he said, citing problems in Iraq and domestically with education, energy and health care. "It's not as if we don't know what the solutions are. What's missing is the inability of our leadership to develop consensus."

Obama was speaking to about 300 people gathered at the Communication Workers of America union hall. Although the event was advertised as requiring a minimum $100 contribution, lower amounts were accepted at the door.

The campaign would not say how much Obama raised at the event. He also visited St. Louis earlier in the day to raise money.

Obama was scheduled to speak Friday at a massive outdoor rally in Austin, Texas. More than 10,000 people have signed up for free tickets on Obama's Web site, the campaign said.

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Reader comments on this story - 9 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

crabby wrote on Feb 24, 2007 6:27 PM:

" there can be only 1 winner & LOTS of losers "

To: Re: Re: wrote on Feb 24, 2007 3:59 PM:

" So why would associating him with a Muslim name be bad, again? "

Re:To: Re: Re:.... wrote on Feb 24, 2007 10:56 AM:

" Nope, you are the one who is racist by praying on those who will associate his middle name with a Muslim one. Nice try though on accusing me of being racist. "

To: Re: Re:.... wrote on Feb 24, 2007 7:08 AM:

" No, No, No, not trying to do any associating. Wait a sec, you guys think Muslims are evil? That's so racist. I think you need a diversity coach. Its just his name, right? "

Re: To: Re: Fact wrote on Feb 23, 2007 8:52 PM:

" You're clearly using it so people will associate him with Sadam Hussein or worse, a Muslim. Nice try with the "W' or "Dubya," that isn't a valid argument, as those aren't comparing Bush to anyone who is evil. If this is the best your right-wingers have to throw at him, you're gonna lose big time in '08. "

To: Re: Fact wrote on Feb 23, 2007 8:12 PM:

" What? Its not his middle name? What about "W" or "Dubya" or any of the other more unflattering names our President is called? Nobody is saying B. Hussein Obama is evil, or stupid, or a liar, or a conspirator, that's just his name, isn't it? "

Re: Fact wrote on Feb 23, 2007 5:44 PM:

" It's so funny how you attempt to associate him with an evil person by using his middle name. Tell me this, what is it that his middle name tells us about him? Is he evil, related to Sadam, a terrorist? Seriously, why would you stoop to something that stupid and small minded? "

Fact wrote on Feb 23, 2007 3:15 PM:

" The B. Hussein Obama camp knows he will be bringing knife to a gun fight vs. the Clintons. Wise move. The Clinton machine would wipe B. Hussein Obama's campaign up like Hiroshima. "

hmmh wrote on Feb 23, 2007 2:03 PM:

" A good Democrat wants the other person to stop the *** for tat not themselves. Instead they want to continue the slamming and use whatever means or contrivence they can. It is usually against a Republican instead of another Democrat. That is what makes this interesting and funny. They have been doing this for years. Will they have to try a new tactic now? "

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