Sallow
The Big Bad Wolf.
The "I hope" changes the meaning, indicating that Clinton now believes that Obama's decision was correct. Rove's original incorrect quote implied that Clinton believes that was the choice he would have made without the benefit of hindsight. Given that Rove's whole point regards how difficult the decision was, this nearly reverses the original meaning.
Still, as dishonest as it was, it seems to fit in well with the column as a whole. Perhaps Rove's greatest absurdity is that Jimmy Carter faced a weaker overall economy than Obama: he did not. Rove incorrectly concludes from the overall number of American jobs (in a time period that covers part of the economic crisis prior to the Stimulus) that the Stimulus did not created jobs. Where Obama criticizes his opponents for wanting to "let [the auto industry] go" Rove incorrectly interprets this as suggesting that bankruptcy was not an option (it was a bad option). Rove without explanation attributes certain promises regarding health care to Obama and calls them untrue. Rove's misleading phrasing also suggests that Iranian pursuit of nuclear power is a positive act of Obama's.
Rove's basic point, that Obama's video was slanted and played loosely with the truth, is certainly correct. However, Rove's column is much worse in this regard.
I don't think the inclusion or exclusion of "I hope" reflects on Obama as much as it would have reflected on Clinton.
Most people just aren't going to pick up on that subtle of a nuance.
You are wrong. The inclusion of the words accurately describes what Clinton said. He was clearly praising Obama for the decision. Excluding them as Rove did leaves one with the impression that Clinton did not think much of Obama's decision.
This is not the first time they've done this either. Romney put out an ad where Obama was saying "We don't want to talk about the economy..because if we do..we will lose". He forgot the include the part where he was quoting a McCain campaign advisor.