April 17, 2008

Bitter Bomber

And so, last night, finally, in the 21st debate in which Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have participated, the news media finally got around to asking Obama about his close friendship with an unrepentant domestic terrorist.

Obama's response is enlightening - and frightening. He sees nothing wrong with his relationship with a bitter ex-terrorist who still clings, metaphorically speaking, to his bombs.

Here's the transcript of the exchange between Obama and moderator George Stephanopolous...

Moderator: And I want to give Senator Clinton a chance to respond, but first a follow-up on this issue, general theme of patriotism, in your relationships. A gentleman named William Ayers. He was part of the Weather Underground in the 1970s. They bombed the Pentagon, the Capitol, and other buildings. He's never apologized for that.

And, in fact, on 9/11, he was quoted in the New York Times saying, "I don't regret setting bombs. I feel we didn't do enough." An early organizing meeting for your State Senate campaign was held at his house and your campaign has said you are "friendly."

Can you explain that relationship for the voters and explain to Democrats why it won't be a problem?

OBAMA: George, but this is an example of what I'm talking about. This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.

And the notion that somehow as a consequence of me knowing somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8 years old, somehow reflects on me and my values doesn't make much sense, George.

The fact is that I'm also friendly with Tom Coburn, one of the most conservative Republicans in the United States Senate, who, during his campaign, once said that it might be appropriate to apply the death penalty to those who carried out abortions.

Do I need to apologize for Mr. Coburn's statements? Because I certainly don't agree with those, either.

Hilary Clinton follows up by filling in the blanks on the relationship between Obama and Ayers, and this article in The Politico makes clear that Obama and the unrepentant terrorist are not just casual neighbors, but political pals.

Hot Air says the article is "Proof that Obama’s not above schmoozing bomb-tossing commies — excuse me, reformed bomb-tossing commies - to advance his political career."

Meanwhile, Gateway Pundit has a detailed analysis of Obama's decision to equate a terrorist bomber with his "friend," Sen. Tom Coburn, based on a deceptive misquoting of something Coburn said.