From the debate transcript: OBAMA: But what's also important that people are not just willing to say anything to get elected. And... (APPLAUSE) BLITZER: Senator... OBAMA: ... that's what I have tried to do in this campaign, is try to maintain a certain credibility.
In the midst of one of the many testy exchanges last night, Senator Obama accused Hillary Clinton of being "willing to say anything to get elected." That is a serious charge, and I suspect that each campaign spends a lot of time thinking about what and how they could have said things better or differently.
But this is such a serious charge, I think that his supporters should ask how he is doing in this regard. I provide just one example to ponder. In the controversy over Senator Obama's remarks in praise of Ronald Reagan, we need to ask: to whom did he make these comments, and why did he say them? He made them to a conservative editorial board. And he said them in hopes of getting elected. I think he would not have made those comments to a Democratic audience, or to a more liberal editorial board. He made them to a specific audience, in hopes of getting their endorsement, and in hopes, ultimately, of getting elected.
Would Senator Clinton have done the same? In that instance, I think not. But let's say she might in different circumstances to a different audience. Then this would simply put her on a par with Senator Obama.
The other part of what he said was: "what I have tried to do in this campaign, is try to maintain a certain credibility." I think Senator Obama fails on this front, at least with his Ronald Reagan comments. And thus, his criticism of Senator Clinton regarding this point is actually a criticism of his own approach and campaign.
(For the record, I support John Edwards, though have little confidence that he can win the nomination).