Sen. Kennedy Rips Apart Clinton’s Talking Points

During a rally at American University in Washington, Senator Barack Obama received the endorsement of Rep. Patrick Kennedy, Caroline Kennedy and Senator Edward M. Kennedy for President. Senator Kennedy’s speech directly took on the Clinton’s campaign rhetoric.

President Clinton claimed Senator Obama opposition to the Iraq war is a fairy tale. Senator Kennedy Answers back:

We know the true record of Barack Obama. There is the courage he showed when so many others were silent or simply went along. From the beginning, he opposed the war in Iraq.

And let no one deny that truth.

Senator Clinton touts her experience in Washington. Senator Kennedy answers back.

What counts in our leadership is not the length of years in Washington, but the reach of our vision, the strength of our beliefs, and that rare quality of mind and spirit that can call forth the best in our country and our people.

With Barack Obama, we will turn the page on the old politics of misrepresentation and distortion.

With Barack Obama, we will close the book on the old politics of race against race, gender against gender, ethnic group against ethnic group, and straight against gay.

On the campaign trail, Senator Clinton states she is ready on day one. Senator Kennedy answers back:

I love this country. I believe in the bright light of hope and possibility. I always have, even in the darkest hours. I know what America can achieve. I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it—and with Barack Obama, we can do it again.

I know that he’s ready to be President on day one. And when he raises his hand on Inauguration Day, at that very moment, we will lift the spirits of our nation and begin to restore America’s standing in the world.

President Clinton on the campaign trail continues to assert it’s not his time right now, one day he would be proud to vote for Senator Obama for President but today it’s belongs to Hilary Clinton. Senator Kennedy answers back:

There was another time, when another young candidate was running for President and challenging America to cross a New Frontier. He faced public criticism from the preceding Democratic President, who was widely respected in the party. Harry Truman said we needed “someone with greater experience”—and added: “May I urge you to be patient.” And John Kennedy replied: “The world is changing. The old ways will not do…It is time for a new generation of leadership.”

So it is with Barack Obama. He has lit a spark of hope amid the fierce urgency of now.

Senator Kennedy is Fired up and Ready to Go!

The time is now for a new generation of leadership, it is time now for Barack Obama for President.