Ahh how interesting it is when the campaign trail finds its way back to Washington.
Bitter Democratic presidential rivals Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama came very close to each other in the House of Representatives chamber tonight as they listened to President George W. Bush’s last State of the Union address.
By all accounts, the two did not come face-to-face in public view in the chamber.
Whether by chance or design, Obama was flanked by Senate colleagues supporting his 
presidential bid, including liberal Sen. Ted Kennedy who endorsed him only hours earlier.
Pictures snapped by Reuters photographers appeared to catch Bush and Obama exchanging a word or two after the president’s speech was over.
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
Photo credits: Reuters/Kevin Lamarque, Larry Downing
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22 comments so far
I am surprised Obama didn’t land a swift one on Bush’s chin for all the bad stuff he’s been doing.
The American people will be in torment until this political supporating carbuncle of a president.
- Posted by Keith M Warwick‘Clinton and Obama nearly collide at Bush speech’! Will you please stop this sensationalism? Are Hillary and Obama enemies? They are political rivals but definitely not enemies. Whoever lands the party nomination will have to work with the other, if the democrats are serious about wrenching the presidency from the McCains and Romneys etc.
- Posted by Simao KikambaWhats with all the hype about photos… There is one floating around that the media is trying to make it look like Obama is snubbing Hillary. Here is another view. of Obama talking to some one next to him.
http://markhalperin.files.wordpress.com/ 2008/01/kennedyclintonsh260.jpg
- Posted by RustyzipperIT IS SAD THAT OBAMA CAN MANAGED TO VOID HILLARY BUT GLADLY SHOOCK BUSH HAND. THIS IS NOT JUST NONSENS ACTION I THINK IT IS PART OF THE MAN CHARACTER.OBAMA CAN SAY ANYTHING AND DO ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED.OBAMA IS NOT READY TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY.IF WON’T SHACK HILLARY HAND BECAUSE CAMPAGN IS HARD OR BECAUSE SHE IS BEEN TOUGH ON HIM THEN I DON’T THINK THAT THIS GUY CAN UNITE THIS COUNTRY.VERY SAD.CNN WILL CRUCIFY HILLARY IF SHE BEHAVE HERSELF LIKE THIS. THIS IS WHY EXPERIENCE MATTER PEOPLE.PLEASE CAN’T OU SEE IT?
- Posted by John SmithObama was doing the polite thing. He was allowing Clinton to have a moment with Ted Kennedy, without being in her face saying - yes your long time family friend endorsed me instead of you and took away your husband’s Kennedy legacy and passed the torch to me, because I am actually going to change America and not just triangulate. The picture looks as if Obama is slighting Clinton. He is just being polite.
It would be the same if John Edwards came up to shake John Kerry’s hand the day after Kerry endorsed Obama. Edwards and Obama are always friendly, but because of the personal relationship between Kerry and Edwards, Obama would want to give Kerry and Edwards a moment, without the awkwardness of Obama being in Edwards face.
Obama shook Bush’s hand but Clinton didn’t shake Bush’s hand, so is Obama avoiding Clinton or is Clinton avoiding everyone? Clinton was supposed to do the rounds of news shows after the State of the Union, but except for one with Brian Williams, she cancelled the rest. Obama did several, and gave a strong response, basically speaking for the Democratic party. See here:
- Posted by Levi Johnhttp://my.barackobama.com/page/content/s otu
Obama is the man to unite this country. Just because he doesn’t shake hands with the devil doesn’t make him the wrong man.
- Posted by Joe DavidsonWILL YOU STOP SHOUTING! Thankyou. After sixteen long years, I’m tired of defending the Clintons. That aside, if people wanted experience, would be between Senator Biden and Governer Richardson. The only Presidential experience I know Senator Clinton has is screwing up healthcare reform when her husband would have made a compromise. If Barack Obama didn’t have more years in elected office than Hillary Clinton, I’d say I’d rather go with a complete novice than a known loser. Obama does have a record of sponcering good legislation and getting Republicans behind it.
The change America seeks is not just a few pieces of legislation the Democratic Party has been stewing over for the last few years, it’s a lot more than any one person can even grasp. The political tide has changed, so advocacing a current legislative agenda does nothing but wrap the candidate in a straight jacket. We need a candidate that understands rather than quotes. We need a President that persuades rather than fights. We need Barack Obama.
- Posted by UrbanHillbillyDont know how many others are as incensed as I am about these chain emails being sent to religious groups and others that question Sen. Barack Obamas patriotism and religious beliefs. (See press link to last weeks open letter from Jewish groups being bombarded with these emails: http://www.adl.org/internet/Letter_obama .asp)
The use of the Internet to spread false information about a political candidate— and thus to affect the outcome of an election— is particularly abhorrent to me.
We cannot regress to old-style dirty tricks. In the public interest, we need to get behind these emails—and identify who originated them.
If you have received such an email, please forward it to me.
negemail53@gmail.com
- Posted by truthAs others have noted let me say too, a predatory and controversy-starved media has played a very large role in the Democratic campaign. In the eager search for Pundant-Food, the press has their scrutiny set on “high”. I would love to see the press turn a critical eye back on itself for a while. Journalism, well, *good* journalism requires provision of context when quoting someone. It also assumes neutrality on an issue.
I don’t want to unfairly vent my frustration of the entire media coverage of these campaigns on the author of the article, but headlines like “Clinton and Obama Stood Next To Each Other” (and on Reuters, no less) seems a bit childish.
- Posted by Johnny SchadThe photo spin is what’s wrong with the media. Instead of focusing on the State Of The Union disaster that GWB keeps recreating, you focused on sensationalism. Is the media trying to stir up white women again? Some more ammo to detest male candidates in this race? Hillary signed up for this and the real problem: she is causing all the contraversy! Hillary is not used to competition and it shows. The silver spoon is getting rusty.
Obama did the right thing, let Clinton shake Sen. Kennedy’s hand without allowing her to TRY and make nice with Obama. Clinton is feeling the pressure of all the racial tactics and dirty campaigning that was on full display in South Carolina. She probably made her way to Obama and Kennedy hoping that photo-op of shaking Obama’s hand standing next to Sen. Kennedy who ease tensions. The headlines today would read “Candidates Make Nice”.
Good move. Obama needs to stay on message and let Clinton spin and wallow in their deeds. Their campaign only knows dirty politics and will try something devious again.
You can’t trust someone who is a sore loser, left S.C. without giving a concession speech in front of the very people that supported you, and allowed Bill to give the speech. he also left S.C. That just downright low and sorry, and she wants to be Commander-In Chief?
- Posted by GlennWell perhaps all this “to do” about folks abandoning Hillary because Bill once again screwed up her life is totally justified. Of course Teddy wants to support Obama now and Caroline as well just because Obama is “inspiring.” Neither offered any better explanation. I suspect they have other reasons and they aren’t telling the whole truth. So while everyone begins shunning Hillary you’d better believe we stupid, highly emotional white (and maybe even some black) women will continue to support her. We have not yet come a long way, baby.
- Posted by JustAWomanBeside the fact that I think Hillary would make a great president. I also believe she is the only woman who can win the presidency and show this country that a woman can lead us. There are also many things I like about Barack, but I just dont think he is ready. He is young yet and I believe when he runs again in 8 years, he will most definitely win. I dont know about you all, but I am tired of having white men think they are the only people who can lead this country. GO HILLARY!!!
- Posted by Another WomanObama can’t win. The numbers aren’t there.
He should bow out - his arrogance is tearing apart the party and ensuring a republican win in November.
- Posted by DavidI voted for John F. Kennedy, It was the first time voted and I felt so proud. That is why I am sending this comment concerning the Kennedy support of Barrack Obama. I honestly think that if John F. & Jackie were alive today they would support Hillary as would John jr., Robert, and the patriark of the family Joseph Kennedy .
- Posted by LOUELLA EICHERI don’t understand the people living in our wonderful country, not only was George W. Bush elected as prsident the first 4 years. He was reelected to another 4 years. I think this country needs someone who has experience, political savvy, professionalism, and most of all intelligence.
I would like to know what changes B. Obama is refering to. He has yet to clarify his statements. All he says its time for a change. I would also like to know why B.Obama can make suggestive racial comments & no one says a thing but when one of the Clintons responds to those comments they are dirty politics. Please everyone look at the history behind the candidates and vote for experience, and that is Hillary. LScorpio44@MSN.com
Dear AnotherWoman,
Do you honestly believe that Hillary Clinton is the “only woman who can win the presidency and show this country that a woman can lead us”? If that were true, the women of this country would be in sorry shape indeed. I don’t believe they are, and I believe that there are vast numbers of women far better equipped than Hillary Clinton to lead this country.
Don’t just take the first one that comes along. Make sure she’s the RIGHT one. If Hillary Clinton is nominated, she’ll guarantee that no woman ascends to the presidency until all the baby boomers have shuffled off this mortal coil.
- Posted by Gabe SmallRegarding Obama’s supposed lack of substance: Just because he strikes broad, visionary themes in his speeches rather than droning on about policy details doesn’t mean he doesn’t have a well-defined platform. It’s been in writing all along. It’s deeply thoughtful and meticulously detailed. You can check it out here:
- Posted by Gabe Smallhttp://www.barackobama.com/issues/
..err.. Me thought there was only one woman candidate in this race!
- Posted by mcsummitThe way to go, Obama girl!!
LOL
Obama does not deserve to be President based on his lack of experience. The gullible people who are buying into his slick eloquence are so easily swayed that they probably can’t stand up for their own convictions. Change doesn’t mean putting a person that we hardly know anything about into office. At this rate, a person with unscrupulous ulterior motives can be placed into office as long as they are articulate and obtain celebrity support. Wake up people–you should be looking at what a person has accomplished or what experience they have to truly make an educated decision. Otherwise you are basing your decision on sheer histrionics–who can be the most convincing actor or actress? The fact that Obama has not voted on many issues and is listed as merely “present” is scary enough. What bases are you using for your support other than believing all the hype? Thankfully there are a lot of critical thinkers out there who aren’t as easily swayed.
- Posted by RosieI agree with Obama being all tqalk and no action. I’m sure people will continue to point to Obama’s “vision” and promises, because we are still talking about words over actions. The short time he has been in office, he has a voting record that is either out in left field or neutral–not very impressive at all when it comes to what is important to me. When it comes to the leader of our country, I could care less about who celebrities support, and talk is cheap when you don’t have a record to back up your claims. It’s nice that people have a dream for a better future, but in the hands of liberals that will be a future that lacks family values; morality; and will consist of an oversized government that teaches people to hold out their hands instead of how to earn their own way.
- Posted by SamITS FUNNY TO SEE HOW IMMATURE OBAMA IS AND ACTING LIKE TO SCHOOL GIRL…following Teddy around like hired help.Kennedys are used to servants
- Posted by MarkAgain Clinton was outstanding and will be the next president!!!! Obama continues to cry and whine and loose ALL non-black voters in record numbers! Each primary his non-black support is dwindling. And of course his black support is rising, but that what we expected with Michelle obama stumping with her continued racial comments and attacks on non-black voters, which the media isn’t telling. Obama has proven that he has divided the voters among race and now with OLD crazy man Ted hes theory of change doesnt appear to be true since he is running behind the old establishment (Ted Kennedy) like a butler, before that Oprah lead him by the nose, He is just a political BOBBLE HEAD and should be ignored…
“…following Teddy around like hired help.Kennedys are used to servants…”
“…he is running behind the old establishment like a butler…”
I see Hillary has the Nazi voting bloc all locked up…
- Posted by Gabe SmallI’m starting to get a feeling the media is not fond of strong women and this is making suspitious. I happen to admire a woman who is tough, intelligent, and is not afraid to be a leader in a man’s world. This herd mentality called obamania is so juvenile and shallow. The guy does not have what it takes to be the president of the US. He need to wait a few more years, beef up his curriculum vitae.
I fear that if we elect Obama we will fall into the hands of the republicans who are salivating the thought of having an inexperience appretice with a huge imagination and little substance. I will elect the most capable person to run this nation and will not cast my vote based on “charisma” –a term a lot of people associate with Bush. Hillary is fitted to run the country from day 1.
- Posted by Jules