US Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton attacked rival Barack Obama on his character and his feel for US values in a pivotal debate on Wednesday, as she tried to ignite a comeback bid.
But Clinton also plainly said Obama could beat Republican presumptive nominee John McCain in November’s general election, even as she argues to leading members of her party that choosing him would be to risk defeat.
The two senators clashed in Philadelphia, six days before the Pennsylvania primary, their first nominating clash for six weeks and the gateway to a tense endgame for the party’s grueling presidential campaign.
The former first lady rebuked Obama over the incendiary sermons of his former pastor and his attitude toward the working class as she tried to whip up questions over his electability.
Clinton said Obama should have left his Chicago church in protest at the fiery sentiments of Pastor Jeremiah Wright, which caused a storm when aired online.
“I have to say that for Pastor Wright to have given his first sermon after 9/11 and to have blamed the US for the attack, which happened in my city of New York, would have been just intolerable for me,” Clinton said. “Therefore I would have not been able to stay in the church.”
She also skewered her rival for his comment last week that some Americans clung to religion and guns because they were “bitter” about their economic plight.
Clinton argues those words could hamper Obama’s bid to win blue-collar swing voters in bellwether states and she said she did not believe her father and grandfather, who lived in Pennsylvania, turned to God through frustration.
Obama said he had “mangled” his words, but said there was a deep frustration among Americans with their political leaders.
“Yes, people are frustrated and angry about it, but what we’re seeing in this election is the opportunity to break through that frustration,” Obama said.
Asked if Obama was electable, the former first lady said: “Yes, yes, yes.”
“Now, I think I can do a better job. That’s why I’m here,” she said.
Obama likewise said “absolutely” on the question of whether Clinton was electable against McCain.
“But I too think I’m the better candidate,” he said.
Clinton insisted she could better withstand Republican attacks.
“I have a lot of baggage and everybody has rummaged through it for years,” Clinton said. “We know that they’re going to be out there, full force.”
Polls show Clinton has stalled Obama’s attempt to catch her in Pennsylvania, but her lead of around six points did not suggest the kind of blowout win she needs to sow doubts about Obama’s presidential viability.
Clinton trails Obama in nominating contests won, elected delegates and the popular vote.
Her only chance is to convince nearly 800 superdelegates that Obama cannot win November’s general election against McCain.
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