Campaign '08

Clinton Finally Halts Obama Momentum

Accusations Of Plagiarism Put Illinois Senator On Defensive

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are giving new meaning to the phrase "war of words." 

For the Democrats the big issue Monday was accusations against Obama for plagiarism.

"Don't tell me words don't matter. [Is] 'I have a dream' just words? [Is] 'We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal' just words?" Obama said.

The Clinton camp slammed Obama for lifting the words from a speech given in 2006 by his good friend, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Experts say this will slow down the Obama momentum. It hurts but it's not crippling.

"He's not kneecapped in this case unless they find more examples and he winds up having to explain his words," said David Birdsell of the Baruch College of Public Affairs. "If Barack Obama has to explain his words that's a nail in the most important part of his candidacy."

The back and forth bickering continued all day.

Obama said he probably should have given the Massachusetts governor credit for using his lines. Team Clinton said it raises questions about the premise of Obama's candidacy, his rhetorical skills.

Obama said it's not that big a deal because he and the governor are friends and share ideas all the time.

While on the right, Republican John McCain picked up another key endorsement Monday.

"No one is better prepared to lead our nation at these trying times than Sen. John McCain," said former President George H.W. Bush on Monday.

The nod of approval from the patriarch of the Bush political dynasty sent a strong signal to the Republican establishment to get on board the "Straight Talk Express."

"I'm deeply honored for your friendship and support," McCain said in response.

But even with the elder President Bush standing with him, McCain made it clear he's going after more than the Republican faithful.

"We as a party must unite and move forward to attract not only Republicans but Independents and the so-called Reagan Democrats," McCain said.

This comes as new polls shows blue state New York turning a little purplish with McCain making inroads. He's closed the gap on Clinton, trailing by just seven points. He trails Obama by the same margin.

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