Next, Obama is asked about his acquaintance with William Ayers, a Chicago professor who was a Weatherman involved in bombings in the 1960s, and who has been unrepentant. He says the acquaintance is minimal, and doesn't reflect approval of actions that occurred when he was a child:
"This kind of game where anyone I know, somehow their ideas can be attributed to me, I think the American people are smarter than that."
But it seems to be a kitchen sink night for Hillary. She notes that Obama also served on the board of a non-profit with Ayers, and it goes to Obama's electability:
"I think it is again an issue that people will be asking about. It is an issue the Republicans will be raising. ... And it's part of this larger set of issues -- how will we campaign against John McCain." Notes that she's been vetted: "I will be able to withstand the attacks."
Obama notes that Bill Clinton actually pardoned a couple of violent Weathermen, which will be easier for the GOP to exploit than serving on a board: "I can take a punch."
Three times, Hillary has used what the Republicans will do as validation for raising an issue ("bitter," Wright, Ayers). It's all about electability....