Jeff,
I have always thought that Obama “borrowed” a lot of phrases for his speeches. I guess now the truth is out. But I doubt it’ll hurt him any. Besides it’s not like he is the first to do it or will be the last. I guess his speech writer better be more careful next time!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

Jeffrey, Jeffrey, Jeffrey, you were doing so well, until you neglected to credit FDR for your final sentence! Since it is probably considered “common knowledge” I’ll give you a pass, but you should have at least used quotation marks.

If Obama did not have a “holier than thou” attitude no one would have paid much attention. I know that when I was in college, plagiarism or the appearance of such, was an unforgivable sin.

It is one thing to build on someone’s original work or ideas; it is quite another thing to give the impression that they are yours.

I think if anything, everyone will take a closer look at Obama’s speeches, both past and present to see if he has a habit of “borrowing” from others without giving credit or if he has been less than honest about any other things.

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

Hillary used other people stuff, Obama have used other people. I have heard lots of people using other peopl stuff. Obama have wrote two books. Patrick told him to use his words. I have used other people phrase to get my point across. I feel that Hillary will say anything to be President. When she had the lead I never heard one complaint but since she fail behind, she getting dirty. I never voted for a replublican before if Hillary win I will vote for McCain.

Hillary Clinton said she found her voice in New Hampshire. She used that same line in her book written in 2003 - Living History. The inside cover states . . . “Intimate, powerful and inspiring, Living History captures the essence of one of the most remarkable women of our time and the challenging process by which she came to define herself and find her own voice–as a woman and as a formidable figure in American Politics.” She claims 35 years of experience but found her voice this year. Give me a break.

Senator Obama’s verbal copycating was “creepy”, disappointing, and worrisome, especially given his credentials as a highly educated, intelligent Presidential candidate - one who is proud to join his name to Senator Feingold’s in sponsoring ethics reform. The Senator’s word for word usage of Patrick’s speech without ascribing credit is simply not in the same league with candidates using mere phrases like “getting fired up”, or “turning the page”. The latter is insignificant; what Obama did is troubling and can raise future concerns about character. and fitness for high public office.

Great. It’s not hard enough to help college students understand what constitutes plagiarism, now we have it sanctioned by someone who might become President as being “no big deal.” You borrow when you appropriately cite your source, you plagiarize when you pass something off as your own. This is very troubling from a candidate that has become prominent, not because of the presentation of a well thought-out plan for building our country, but because he is able to whip a group of people into a frenzy using “feel good” rhetoric while saying virtually nothing. I get the feeling that there will be a lot of people who will feel quite cheated after a four year Obama presidency in which this naive inexperienced man will become as ineffective a leader as Jimmy Carter, because of his arrogance and inexperience in the real workings of the political machine that is the US government.

BRUCE, I DONT THINK THAT WOULD BE AN ISSUE IF THE NAACP DIDNT JUMP IN WITH EVERY WORD HILLARY OR BILL SAID. EVERYTHING THEY SAID WAS SCRUTINIZED AND PICKED APART, THIS IS A RACE AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO FIND ERRORS AND OBAMA WAS LUCKY HIS FELLOW BLACK MAN COVERED FOR HIM.

HEY SHARON, OBAMA HAS THE SAME LITTLE SPEECH, TOO. ‘HE WAS 2YRS. OLD WHEN HIS DADDY LEFT.’ AT LEASE HILLARY IS USING HER OWN WORDS.

Unfortunately, almost everything has been said since humans started yapping and scribing. There are some wonderful poets and writers over the eras because they can write something original that has never been written before.

I do not understand why this is an issue. Btydefinition plagiarism is using somelses words or ideas without their consent. Since Mr. Obama had Mr. Patrick’s permission to use his words, it is not plagiarism. Also, Mr. Patrick is not just a friend of Mr. Obama’s. He is a National Co-Chair of the Obama campaign. All candidates for political office use the words and ideas of people who are part of their own their campaigns. That is why they have speechwriters and strategists. Does anyone think that Mrs. Clinton writes every speech she makes, or that she created the various themes of her campaign? Her message is scripted by Mandy Grunwald and Mark Penn. I think this is a non-story, that I hope is not blown out of proportion.

If Patrick is okay with his friend, Obama, using his words then I don’t reallly see a problem with this.
More blantant is Hillary Clinton’s rip offs of Obama. Last month she suddenly announced she too was a candidate of change and adopted the slogan “Yes We Can” (translated into Spanish). After Super-Tuesday, she labeled Obama the “establishment” candidate and billed herself as the “underdog”. Then she accused Obama of having big-money backers, despite the fact that the NY Times has shown the majority of his contributors are small ones while most of hers have maxed out. Then, she said she had a “grassroots” campaign. In Maine, she likened her campaign to a “movement”. Lady, if you have to call yourself a movement, you’re not a movement. Next thing you know, she’ll be speaking like MLK and telling us she’s black.

It was plagiarism. He didn’t get Mr. Patrick’s permission until it was brought out in the open. I can’t understand how people are won over with his words. Like someone said ” we need someone who can walk the walk, not talk the talk.” For all you that have read the “Left Behind” series doesn’t this seem like the unknown who suddenly appeared and was backed by the media. The one who could hypnotize people with his words. Scary, huh. One newscaster on another station called Obama a Prince. Wow, wake up America. If Obama becomes the nominee, believe me millions of democrats will vote for McCain.

To be fair, it’s not like it was such an original sentiment even when Deval Patrick first used it. If an opponent makes the argument that being a good orator isn’t an important skill for a good leader, how else would you counter that other than rattling off a list of beloved American speeches that are strongly associated with strong leaders, time periods and movements? Most of those speeches are filled with allusions to previous speeches too (’Five score years ago’., etc…).

I believe they (politicians) all “borrow” from one another, it’s no big deal. I see it as a desperate attempt by the Clinton Campaign to pull an 11th hour tactic to turn the tables for the Wisconsin Primary. How many times have we heard “Change” in this campaign? I think tnow that Senator Obama has admitted borrowing Deval Patrick’s words that the Clinton Campaign should just move on and no more should be said after all Governor Deval Patrick is not crying foul.

I can’t believe that people are even talking about this. Hillary and her supporters with the help of the media have blown this way out of proportion in my opinion.

Jeffrey, you simply cannot minimize Obama’s plagiarism - it was lengthy and he also mimicked Patrick’s mannerism in his delivery. A true, creative leader does not copy to this extent. I think it shows just how much of an “actor on the stage” Obama really is. What is even worse is that Obama responds by saying that Clinton said “We are fired up and ready to go.” Now that is a very common, everyday statement that anyone would use on the campaign trail — this is a very weak rebuttal on Obama’s part.

I listen all day long to the political programs, and there have been numerous times that I hear Obama piggybacking on an idea that Clinton has put out initially. The young man has really been given a free ride by the media, and it is going to hurt the Democratic Party in this presidential race.

As a high school English teacher, let me tell you that Obama’s “borrowing” from his friend is cause for failure at worst and a conference with his parents at best. Jeff, you’re a lawyer and certainly you understand the legal implications of “borrowing” people’s ideas and words, then passing them off as your own. Obama - like all politicians - is doing whatever he can to sound good. But when he is caught “borrowing,” he says it is no big deal. When my students give that excuse, I see someone who can’t admit making mistakes - not a good personality trait in a potential president.

this is a non-story. anyone who thinks every speech a politician gives is their own words is a moron. i think we all need to be aware that public officials use speech writers, gather their ideas from those they trust to circle themselves with, and speak for themselves and their followers. whether or not patrick knew ahead of time that obama was going to use his words is unimportant. he is proud to be a part of obama’s campaign, and has publically stated that he had no problem what so ever with obama using his words to inspire. this entire “scandal” stinks of deperation on the clinton campaign’s behalf, and sadly it also speaks of the press’ pursuit of something negative to say about obama to help fend away attacks of their bias. i’m sad to see people outraged by this story. obama’s speeches have impressed me from day one, his books are interesting and well written, and his movement is only made more impressive and inspirational because of those willing to lend him their words and their support.

As an educator I see far more plagerism than ever - partly because documents are easier to research online and elsewhere; and, becayse far more students (and, yes, public officials) recycle words, in common everyday speech, often without regard to their origin.

Not to say that Obama is without fault, but to put it all in perspective and to state for the record that not even the Clintons are without fault of liberally using phrases without due credit. That said, if we are to ‘right the record’ we should begin by floggin our founding fathers for recycling (without credit) words from an Iroquois treaty. They wound up in the Preamble to our own Constitution … along with countless other paraphrases by political activists of the day … none of whom have a footnote in that all-important document.

Should Bill becomes “FIRST SPOUSE” perhaps he could begin properly crediting the early American documents for the future generations. It’ll certainly keep him out of Hillary’s office, and out of trouble.

Isn’t it funny that one moment the Hillary camp says it just words - not important, Barack is nothing more than words. Then the next moment it is Barack used some one else’s “words” and wow that is important? MLK not important, the US Constitution not important, Duval - Improtant? Come on people, come on - you might give Bill Cosby credit for that, but I was saying it long before Bill wrote a book with that title. Hillary camp is reaching and starting to get on my nerves with the pettiness

This is plagiarism just as it was with Senator Joe Biden! I see no difference here. A CNN commentator today said that Senator Obama just got “caught up in the moment and forgot to give Mr. Patrick credit.” This is plagiarism defined at its best.

Is it plagiarism? I guess it just depends upon what the meaning of the word “is” is.

In college if we use someone else’s words we have to put in a citation to give credit to the originator or we flunk and can be expelled. Academic integrity is a big deal and I am often amazed at how many people do not understand this concept. Obama went to law school - he should know this concept and be honor bound to give credit where credit is due. If he feels like he can break the small rules as a candidate, what big rules might he break if he gets to be President. I am disappointed in him even though I know other candidates do it too - he is suppose to represent change and a difference from the established politicians and their practices. He blew this one.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Just wondering if anyone else has noticed that Hillary is using Jerry Brown’s tag line “Take back America” from the ‘92 primary. I have to say as the former 4th district coordinator for the Brown for President campaign, that goes right through me.

What the Clintons are doing is exactly what everyone hates about politics. So they win this news cycle battle, but ultimately they’ll lose the war because nothing gets us more “fired up”* then this sort of tired, old-school, win-at-all-costs mentality.

* “Fired-up” attributed to Sen. Barack Obama 2008 (Happy now Hil?)

I didn’t know anyone could “own” a certain phrase, unless it was written down and copyrighted. Anyone else think this assertion of Obama “plagarism” is a bit too convenient for Hillary?

Anyone else heard the phrase JUMP THE SHARK????!

He admitted to not giving credit for the words and the originator admitted that it was a shared strategy amongst friends.

Much ado about nothing.

Giving credit where credit is due:

“Yes we can,” the montra of many Obama speeches was taken, if not down right stolen, from a hero of mine, Bob the Builder. Not a show goes by when Bob doesnt remind his young audience” Yes we can.”

Trying to add some humor to the debate.

Wendy

H-E-L-L-O, everybody. If this is considered plagiarism by Obama, then most of us are guilty!!! Whoever asked God or Jesus Christ if they could quote the Bible?

This discussion is all so ridiculous! The Clinton campaign is desperate and engaging in school yard antics in even bringing attention to Senator Obama’s use of Deval Patrick’s words. Who cares? Those of us who have read Senator Obama’s books know that he has a gift for words as well as a host of accomplishments through his community organizing, his work as a civil rights lawyer and bringing people together as a state legislator to pass health care legislation for poor children and to cosponsor the most sweeping ethics legislation in Congressional history. He is a man of solutions. Hillary Clinton is banking that the people listening to her rhetoric do not read and are ignorant as to Obama’s experience and achievements. She is shameless.

Wasn’t Churchill the originator of “…have nothing to fear, but fear itself>?

Anderson - biased as allways! What happened to the clip showing Hilly plagerizing Obama and Edwards?
You show the only poll of Hillary leading in Wisconsin ….what about other polls showing Obama ahead?

We all see through the Clintons now. Just throwing up anything and hoping that something sticks! Not this time! It will not work!

SUSAN, You took the words right out of my mouth. If Obama had been in college and borrowed his friends speech, he would have been kicked out. HE GOT CAUGHT.

Jeff,

I like your coment that the only thing Obama has to fear is fear itself. So true!!! If he lets something this silly get to him, he’s done for. Probably just what the Clinton’s want.

Also, this kind of petty sniping reminds me of 2000 and 2004…. more of the same old politics.

At least Obama is still running a clean campaign.

Pat, I like what you said,” listen all day long to the political programs, and there have been numerous times that I hear Obama piggybacking on an idea that Clinton has put out initially.”

Jeffrey, You know, as the superb legal mind that you are, that Barack has finally shown his alter-ego. His whole campaign has been driven by speeches, seemingly his words and his passion. He acknowledges that he does not have experience, down playing it as secondary to inspiration, and that he is a Washington outsider seeking to drive “change” through the use of inspirational words. However, when he is caught using another person’s speech, practically word for word, it brings into question his authenticity. His phraseology in this instance is troubling because he used more than the words but the spirit of the speech and pawned it off as his own. He might as well just had the gentleman give the speech on his behalf. Barack should be ashamed because not only did he use the speech as his own but also did attempt to conceal it. In fact, if you review history, Barack is using Bill Clinton’s 1992 campaign strategy and Hillary Clinton’s platform and causes as his own. Bill Clinton championed the “Change” message in 1992. The difference is that, as governor, Bill Clinton had experience in delivering “Change” and opportunity to the citizens of one of the poorest states in the union at that time, my home state-Arkansas.

Much ado about nothing. Oops. Shakespeare

Hi Jeff, I enjoy your participation. A long way from the Scott Peterson trial, eh?

I think the tell here was Barack’s on screen reaction when he was told about the origin of his phrases. By his blush, he was clearly embarassed. Apparently his speech writer worked for Governor Deval and the Senator may not have known these phrases were first used by his friend. But if indeed Barack wrote this speech and used the phrases he had heard his friend speak, his embarassment may have come from his thinking it was no big deal for he and Deval to run a partially similar campaign. He may have thought it was between the two of them. So, this would indicate some naivite on his part, which is charming but not criminal. Although, as I think about it, maybe thinking you can change things is also a little naive.

Keep up the great contributions!

Anne

No, Victor. That was FDR’s quote!

Jeff,

Are we also going to say that Deval Patrick was “stealing” the words of JFK, FDR, and Martin Luther King Jr. when he used them in his speech?! The words and ideas used by both Gov. Patrick and Sen. Obama are neither obscure nor incredibly complex. They both make a simple but powerful statement using these well known quotes to provide context for their response to accusations that they are “all words.”

The first time I heard Hillary say “Yes we can”and “I’m all fired up” it registered with me SHE was using Obama’s lines. Nobody made a big deal about that.

I have been wondering when she would start throwing mud - she’s so predictable and so very petty. Anything to win. Spin, dodging & weaving, mud slinging - whatever it takes.

Is this the type of person you want to trust as your President ?

I predict if she does not do well in the upcoming primaries, her next desperate demonstration of lack of integrity will be to try to get the delegates from Michigan and Florida seated and declare herself the winner in at least Florida - even though the democratic party has ruled that these two states will not count in the primaries and all candidates agreed to abide by that decision.