NPR: Obama To Clinton: You're No Financial Whiz Yourself

Obama To Clinton: You're No Financial Whiz Yourself

Democrat Barack Obama may get the award for zinger of the day on the presidential campaign trail. He was beating back criticism from rival Hillary Clinton, who suggested he lacks the experience to deal with economic challenges.

Obama's response: As far as he knew, Clinton wasn't her husband's treasury secretary.

Both candidates were stumping through rural parts of Iowa, where polls show Clinton, Obama and former Sen. John Edwards in a tight three-way race six weeks before the state's all-important caucuses.

Clinton was speaking about the economy in the town of Knoxville. She said "we can't afford on-the-job training for our next president." She didn't name names, but she was clearly suggesting on-the-job-training is something her rivals would need.

"We need a president who understands the magnitude and complexity of the challenges we face, and has the strength and experience to address them from Day One," she said.

Reporters asked Obama about Clinton's speech at an event in Fort Dodge.

"I am happy to compare my experiences to hers when it comes to the economy," Obama said.

"My understanding was that she wasn't treasury secretary in the Clinton administration. I don't know exactly what experiences she's claiming. I think she's a capable person. She's been a senator like I have, but rather than just assert experience, if she has specific differences with me with respect to economic policy, I'm happy to have those debates."

-- David Greene

6:06 PM ET | 11-19-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

You would think Ms. Clinton be a little more careful in claiming experience.
She is coatailing her husband who spend most of the last part of his presidency defending his behavior seducing young girls and gale wanting all over the place. What in the world did she learn from that?? What political experience is in that??
I think it is time to start claiming what she did during that time other than not divorcing him and messing up the health plan.

Sent by UR | 8:10 PM ET | 11-19-2007

Both Clinton and Obama have NOT told the voters that the Federal Reserve is responsible for the loss in value of our FIAT dollar, which is NOT backed by Gold. President Nixon removed the backing in 1972, Unless the dollar's value is restored it's curtains for our economy. Additional support for that allegation will be found in this book: The Creature from Jekyll Island, by G. Edward Griffin. Check it out if you feel I'm blowing heifer dust in your eyes.

Sent by charles remke | 4:37 AM ET | 11-20-2007

Experience is valuable. How one uses their experience is more valuable. I have yet to hear how any candidate will improve our economy. I would like to hear how these candidates will create jobs for Americans, improve American products, and return our country to prosperity.

Sent by Gerald Higa | 8:19 AM ET | 11-20-2007

Yes experience is key,but what experiences did the incumbent have when he assumed office. It was just a team of highly qualified people that Obama can assemble too. so the point of economic experience is immaterial. it is another way of Hillary crying foul.

Sent by george | 9:09 AM ET | 11-20-2007

Hillary likening her years as first lady as qualified experience would be like me offering to fix the brakes on someone's car because my husband is an auto mechanic. Those years may have given her perspective but certainly she was not in the hot seat. When the phone rang she got to roll over and put a pillow over her head while her husband dealt with the responsibility. So, she has 7 years as an elected official to Obama's 12 years (Senate and Illinois state legislature). She brings life experience as a lawyer, advocate and first lady. He offers a diverse perspective along with qualified life experience as a community organizer and civil rights lawyer. Obama has proven the ability to listen and motivate whereas Clinton carries a club and is more than happy to use it. Which experience do you want?

Sent by Sarah | 12:44 PM ET | 03-09-2008

Hillary has 7 years experience as elected official, Obama has 12 years as elected official. Who has more experience?????

Sent by John | 1:29 AM ET | 03-10-2008

Sent by John: Hillary has 7 years experience as elected official, Obama has 12 years as elected official. Who has more experience?????

Hillary Clinton was elected to the senate in 2001, and was re-elected to the senate in 2004.

Barack Obama was elected to the senate in 2005.

When Hillary Clinton was first lady, nobody had ever heard of Barack Obama.

Does that answer your question, John.

Let's try to get our facts straight before making statements.

Funny how Liberal Utopians always accuse the other side of disseminating false information.

fred camorra call

Sent by fred camorra call | 9:54 AM ET | 03-10-2008

Hilary Clinton supported George Bush's War on Iraq based on her "lifelong political experiences" as "she had watched" her husband as the president. She justified her support of this infamous war based on her "experiences" in her speech in 2002. Can we trust her other decisions based on the same experiences today while she associated herself with the "experienced" republican presidential contender, John McCain, who wants to stay in Iraq for 1000 years?

Sent by Tony | 11:03 AM ET | 03-10-2008

Fred Camorra...

I believe that John was also counting Mr. Obamas time as an Illinois State Senator starting in 1996. I do believe that should count as time spent as an elected official.

Sent by Bill | 5:42 PM ET | 03-10-2008

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