In his first interview since his North Carolina victory, Obama sat down with Wolf Blitzer of CNN.  During the interview, Obama began the process of taking on McCain.  In so doing, he gave the following lethal response to this statement made by John McCain:  “I think that it’s very clear who Hamas wants to be the next president of the United States.  I think that people should understand that I will be Hamas’ worst nightmare….If Sen. Obama is favored by Hamas, I think people can make judgments accordingly.”  Obama’s response:

“This is offensive, and I think it’s disappointing,” Obama told Blitzer, when asked his thoughts about McCain’s comments that the terrorist organization Hamas wants Obama to be president. “Because John McCain always says ‘I am not going to run that kind of politics,’ and to engage in that kind of smear is unfortunate, particularly because my policy toward Hamas has been no different than his.   “I’ve said it’s a terrorist organization and we should not negotiate with them unless they recognize Israel, renounce violence, and unless they are willing to abide by previous accords between the Palestinians and the Israelis.  So for him to toss out comments like that I think is an example of him losing his bearings as he pursues this nomination. We don’t need name calling in this debate. What we’re gonna need is to have a serious conversation about how do we keep nuclear weapons out of the hands of the Iranian regime, how do we broker a peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians…….that allows both sides to benefit.  Israel, assuring its security and its status as a Jewish state. The Palestinians able to have a contiguous, functioning state where their people can prosper.”

Ouch!  Sounds like the gloves are off and the bell has rung. 

Obama ended the interview on a very sentimental note paying homage to his mother two days before Mother’s Day.  When asked, given your accomplishments to this point, what would your mother say to you today if she were alive?  Obama responded,  “she’d say, don’t let it get to your head, just keep on working hard.  But I think that she’s be pretty proud.  Everything that I am, I owe to her.  She was the kindest, most generous person I ever met, and her values and her integrity still guides me .”