The truth comes out

Clinton, Defending Nomination Battle, Cites R.F.K. Assassination

By Katharine Q. Seelye

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.– Senator Hillary Clinton apologized for referring to the assassination of Robert Kennedy in 1968 as a reason she should continue her battle with Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination.

Mrs. Clinton’s initial remarks came during meeting with the Sioux Falls Argus Leader editorial board. She was responding to a question about calls for her to drop out of the race. The editorial board meeting, in advance of South Dakota’s primary on June 3, was carried live on the Argus Leader’s Web site.

“My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in June in California. I don’t understand it,” Mrs. Clinton said, dismissing the idea of dropping out.

Mr. Obama learned of the remark when he was traveling to a rally in South Florida. He was not expected to publicly discuss it, aides said. Instead, the campaign issued a one-line statement.

“Senator Clinton’s statement before the Argus Leader editorial board was unfortunate and has no place in this campaign,” said Bill Burton, a campaign spokesman.

(Continued here.)