James Forsyth James Forsyth

Game on

In a TV interview tonight, Barack Obama takes one of his harshest shots yet at Hillary Clinton.

“I think the fact of the matter is that Senator Clinton is claiming basically the entire eight years of the Clinton presidency as her own, except for the stuff that didn’t work out, in which case she says she has nothing to do with it,” Obama said, and added, referring to his relationship with his wife, Michelle, “There is no doubt that Bill Clinton had faith in her and consulted with her on issues, in the same way that I would consult with Michelle, if there were issues,” Obama told “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran. “On the other had, I don’t think Michelle would claim that she is the best qualified person to be a United States Senator by virtue of me talking to her on occasion about the work I’ve done.”

Historically, Hillary has always been able to bat back these charges by knocking her opponent as part of the vast right-wing conspiracy but with Obama that’s not possible. Add this to his lead in Iowa and Oprah’s coming appearances on the campaign trail with him and it looks like we might have far more of a contest than anyone expected a month or so ago.

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