Dems Slam Obama's Praise for Reagan

Barack Obama's comments that Ronald Reagan tapped into Americans' desire for change in a way that presidents Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton did not have touched off a fiery backdraft from other Democratic candidates. Hillary Clinton lashed her rival for praising Republican ideas over Democratic positions, while John Edwards bristled at the late president's intolerance for unions.

Obama's camp insisted the candidate hadn't praised Reagan's policies or ideas, and also pointed out that Clinton's website lists Reagan as one of her favorite presidents. A smaller blaze of denials and clarifications ensued—apparently, Hillary just admires the Gipper's "communications skills." Obama's original point? That this country is primed for change. (More Barack Obama stories.)