Obama Draws Distinctions with Clinton

ABC News’ Sunlen Miller Reports: With the Iowa caucuses just 53 days away, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., appeared on NBC’s "Meet the Press" live from Des Moines this morning to make the case for his candidacy, by drawing distinctions with his top opponent Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-Ill..

Obama delineated his differences from Clinton on Social Security, Iran, and the remaining troops levels in Iraq – differences, Obama argues, managed out of Clinton’s forward strategizing to the general election.

"What Senator Clinton has been doing is running what’s considered a textbook Washington campaign," Obama told Tim Russert, "What that says is that you don’t answer directly tough questions but present tough choices to the American people for fear that your answers might not be popular but make yourself a target for Republicans in the general election."

Obama critiqued his democratic opponent on her vote for the Kyl-Lieberman amendment on Iran, saying it is the wrong message to send when direct diplomacy is most needed, "The primary difference between myself and Senator Clinton is that she believes our force structure inside Iraq should in part depend on how we can prevent Iran from having influence inside of Iraq."

Obama was pushed on his own views on what he would do if direct diplomacy did not work with Iran, insisting that military options would not be off the table but refusing to go further saying, "It would be a mistake for me to talk about clear red lines."

Obama also highlighted his differences with Clinton on the plan for withdrawal and post-withdrawal troops in Iraq, his plan removing 1-2 brigades a month and keeping a small remainder troop force for protecting embassies and for limited missions against al Qaeda.

Obama argues that Clinton has suggested a "mission on the ground more expansive."

Obama was pressed by Tim Russert on his own leadership in ending the Iraq war as a Senator – with some contending that Obama was not active in helping to end the war until his presidential run,

"I disagree with that," Obama replied, and pinpointed a few months into his senate career he told Condoleezza Rice that "we need to wind this war down."

Russert pushed farther, bringing up that as a Senator Obama voted for war funding and has not gotten in line with some plans for withdrawal.

Obama responded that his, "True preference not to end this war simply by cutting off funding….My views have been consistent, the question is how can I be most constructive, not in scoring political points."

Obama also highlighted his differences with Clinton on Social Security. While admitting every option would be on the table to save the entitlment program, Obama has indicated his plan would likely include a tax increase for "people like myself probably," meaning wealthy income earners.

While clearly drawing lines with Clinton, Obama also admitted that he thinks Clinton could win the general election in November, "I’m not someone who believes she cant win. I believe it will be harder for her to win."

With Iowa’s January 3rd caucus date looming, Obama showed the stakes, "There is no doubt that we have to do well in Iowa."