Hillary Clinton "agreed with (John McCain) on voting for the war in Iraq."
Barack Obama on Wednesday, January 30th, 2008 in Denver
Clinton and McCain had same vote on Iraq war
Barack Obama made his most direct case for the Democratic nomination at a speech on Jan. 30, 2008, in Denver. He criticized fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton's candidacy, arguing that he represents a more dramatic contrast to John McCain, the apparent Republican front-runner.
In making his argument, Obama attacked Clinton for voting with Republicans on national security issues.
Among Obama's points: "It’s time for new leadership that understands that the way to win a debate with John McCain is not by nominating someone who agreed with him on voting for the war in Iraq."
Obama is referring to the 2002 vote authorizing the use of force in Iraq, widely considered to have given President Bush the authority for the invasion. Clinton voted for the measure, as did McCain. Obama was not in the U.S. Senate at that time, though he did give a speech opposing the war while an Illinois state senator.
Obama is right: Clinton and McCain were on the same side in voting for the use of force in Iraq. We find this claim to be True.
Sources: Barack Obama campaign Web site, The Past Versus the Future, Jan. 30, 2008.
Hillary Clinton campaign Web site, Sen. Obama's speech in Denver will contain four misleading attacks on Hillary in one sentence, Jan. 30, 2007.
U.S. Senate, A joint resolution to authorize the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq, Oct. 11, 2002
Written by: Angie Drobnic Holan
Researched by: Angie Drobnic Holan
Edited by: Amy Hollyfield
Articles about this statement:
Obama: Clinton too much like McCain
Published: Friday, February 1st, 2008
No, we don’t want to take your money. But we are more than willing to listen if you know of any facts or story ideas for the Truth-O-Meter. truthometer@politifact.com
PolitiFact is a project of the St. Petersburg Times and Congressional Quarterly to help you find the truth in the presidential campaign. Every day, reporters and researchers from the Times and CQ will analyze the candidates' speeches, TV ads and interviews and determine whether the claims are accurate. >> More
