Tough issue for Clinton, Obama

WASHINGTON - If it's demeaning to use the words "ho" and "ho's" to describe women, is it OK to take money from people who get rich doing just that?

That's the sticky question facing two leading Democratic candidates for president, Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois.

They were among the most vocal critics of former radio host Don Imus after he used such language about the the Rutgers University basketball team.But just weeks earlier they took campaign cash from some of the people who make their living off just such language.

Plenty of cash for Clinton was raised from guests at the Florida estate of music producer and rap performer Timbaland, whose lyrics include: "All the hoes love a nigga."

And Obama benefited from a lavish fundraising event co-hosted by David Geffen, whose record company produces the likes of Snoop Dogg. *

-McClatchey Newspapers