Clinton and Obama duel before Iowa Democrats
E-Mail Article
Printer-Friendly
3-Column Format
Translate
Share Article
Text Size
DES MOINES: In back-to-back speeches Saturday before thousands of Iowa Democrats, Senator Barack Obama pointedly suggested that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was running a "poll-driven campaign" out of fear of what Republicans might say about her in a general election.
Clinton suggested that Obama did not have the credentials or the experience to bring about the change he was promising.
The dueling exchange between the two presidential contenders offered an intense conclusion to a Democratic dinner here, nearly eclipsing a long night of speeches by other presidential candidates that focused largely on attacking President George W. Bush and the Republicans seeking to succeed him.
"I watch the Republican candidates — Giuliani, Romney, McCain — and I what I see is George Bush on steroids," said John Edwards of North Carolina, who has been waging a strong campaign in this state, whose caucuses begin the nominating contest on Jan. 3.
Neither Clinton nor Obama mentioned the other by name. But given the recent tenor of the campaign, the subtext of their remarks was apparent to thousands of Iowans who either sat in rapt attention or responded in extravagantly orchestrated displays of cheers, signs and chants, in keeping with the tradition of the annual Jefferson Jackson dinner here.
Today in Americas
"Not answering questions because we're afraid our answers won't be popular just won't do it," Obama declared. "Triangulating and poll-driven positions because we're worried about what Mitt or Rudy might say about us just won't do it."
"If we are really serious about winning this election, Democrats, then we can't live in fear of losing," he said. Obama, an Illinois Democrat, said the party succeeded if it led "not by polls but by principle, not by calculation but by conviction."
Clinton, of New York, who has been coming under fire from Obama and Edwards, sought to deflect it by urging Democrats to refrain from attacking one another and instead to "turn up the heat" on Republicans. Her campaign provided her supporters with signs and T-shirts reading "turn up the heat," and Clinton incorporated the phrase repeatedly into her speech.
But her references to Obama marked some of her most direct attacks on him and reflected the strength that Obama is showing in polls in this state, even as he lags behind her in national polls.
"We are ready for change," Clinton said, seizing on a central promise of Obama's campaign. "Change is just a word if you don't have the strength and experience to make it happen. We must nominate a nominee who has been tested and elect a president who is ready to lead on Day One. I know what it's going to take to win."
She also sought to deflect criticism from Obama and Edwards that she was not telling Americans what she would do as president.
"There are some who will say they don't know where I stand," she said. "I think you know better than that. I stand where I have stood for 35 years. I stand with you. And with your children. And with every American who needs a fighter in their corner for a better life."
Reflecting the tradition of this dinner, the candidates sat in the audience to be available at the end of the night, when they returned to the stage in a display of unity with Democratic leaders and the master of ceremonies, Nancy Pelosi, the House speaker.
That meant Clinton was in Edwards's line of sight when, addressing Iowa voters, he offered what appeared to be a rebuke of her campaign. "You're in a place to judge who is trustworthy, who is honest, who is sincere, who can restore that trust relationship," said Edwards, who spoke first, quietly left the hall and did not return until the end of the night.
When Obama spoke about Clinton, the New York senator talked quietly with people at her table. At one point, Terry McAuliffe, the chairman of her campaign, brought over Quincy Jones, the record producer, for an introduction. Clinton and Jones embraced as fans snapped pictures, while Obama continued his implicit attacks on Clinton.
But Clinton noticed — applauding and rising to her feet — when Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico implored Democrats to refrain from attacking one another. "It is critically important that Democrats not tear each other down," he said. "I believe it's important to point out policy differences on Iraq, Iran. But it's important to remember the American people want a positive campaign."
Latest News
