Obama, Give me HOPE and CHANGE

Hillary Clinton officially launched her presidential campaign via a videotaped message posted on her website.

Clinton said she was eager to start a dialogue with voters about challenges she hoped to tackle as president — affordable health care, deficit reduction and bringing the "right" end to the Iraq war.

"I'm not just starting a campaign, though, I'm beginning a conversation with you, with America," she said. "Let's talk. Let's chat. The conversation in Washington has been just a little one-sided lately, don't you think?"

Hillary said she wants to talk.

Now she wants to talk to Barack Obama in Milwaukee at Marquette University.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Sen. Hillary Clinton launched her first negative ad today in Wisconsin against rival Sen. Barack Obama, taking him to task for not signaling whether he will participate in a debate at Marquette University prior to the state’s Feb. 19 primary.

Obama is in Wisconsin on a campaign swing while Clinton is traveling through Texas. “With serious challenges facing the next president of the U.S., Wisconsin voters deserve to hear both candidates debate the issues that matter,” the Clinton campaign said in a statement. “Hillary Clinton has accepted an invitation to debate at Marquette University in advance of Tuesday’s primary, and is prepared to show she has real solutions for the problems facing residents of the Badger State.”

The “Debate” ad criticizes Obama, suggesting, “Maybe he’d prefer to give speeches than have to answer questions” on issues like healthcare and the economy. “Wisconsin deserves to hear BOTH candidates debate the issues that matter and that’s not debatable,” the ad concludes.

Obama has been traveling Wisconsin talking about change and hope.

As a Wisconsinite, I would like to hear him talk about more than that. I'd like to hear him talk about the issues with Hillary.

Obviously, Obama HOPES that he can avoid a debate in Wisconsin.

That's unfortunate. What is he afraid of? A "you're likable enough, Hillary" moment?

I wouldn't classify Hillary's ad as negative. It's critical, but not unfair.

It's an honest assessment of the situation. Obama refuses to participate in a debate with Hillary at Marquette.

I HOPE Obama sees fit to CHANGE his mind on the debate.

Yes, that's what I want Obama to give me -- HOPE and CHANGE.