Warrantless-spying debate puts Obama, Clinton in bind

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http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/warrantless-spying-debate-puts-obama-clinton-in-bind-2008-01-18.html

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Obama and Clinton both voted against the White House-backed interim measure enacted in August, and they supported a Democratic alternative that would have provided more safeguards on privacy but failed to clear the Senate. McCain was not present for either of those votes.

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An Obama aide would not say whether the senator would return to Washington for the debate or would support an extension of the current law. The aide said the senator is backing an amendment to strike the retroactive immunity language from the bill and supports “restoring oversight and accountability” to the program while ensuring there are "vital constitutional protections.”


Spokesmen in Clinton’s campaign and Senate offices did not return several inquiries seeking comment.


Democratic activists say the presidential candidates should stand up to the fear-mongering by the Republicans, arguing that polls show that the general public strongly opposes warrantless surveillance and retroactive immunity for the telecommunications firms.