"The only person who would probably be prepared to be our president on Day One would be Bill Clinton -- not Hillary Clinton," Barack Obama said last month.
It was only a matter of time before Sen. Barack Obama, who presents himself as an anti-establishment, outsider candidate, would clash with his main rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton, who is widely viewed as the epitome of the Washington guard.
"Change can't just be a slogan," Obama said, stumping in Iowa, in an apparent swipe at the New York senator's relatively new campaign slogan "Ready for Change, Ready to Lead."
"Change has to be something that is demonstrated day to day on an ongoing basis, and I think that my career and my campaign has demonstrated that," Obama later added at a news conference.
The friction with Clinton comes as Obama struggles to improve his position in national polls, where he runs behind Clinton by double digits despite having financially out-raised every other presidential candidate.
For now, Obama's engagement of Clinton is still measured, and pales in comparison to recent battles like Al Gore vs. Bill Bradley or George Bush vs. John McCain. But nomination fights often turn contentious. And Obama is beginning to demonstrate that he's ready for combat.
Word to the wise Brotha Obama; while we love you and understand a man's gotta do, what a man's gotta do; and you may be the first viable Black man running for President - always remember, you're still a Black man in America. Don't ever forget it. We're sure they won't let you.
Just check yourself. If you don't, we know Sistah Obama will.
Keep doin' your thing. We've got your back!