Maggie Williams Statement

Maybe, reader TV, I owe you an apology.

This statement by Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams does not include a denial that said photograph was distributed by the campaign, which, perhaps, one can justify under the assumption that Williams doesn't have access to the e-mail records of all 700 of her employees.

To the contrary: she argues that the photograph is not offensive and that its publication and the Drudge/Plouffe reactions to it are distractions from "serious" issues.

If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed. Hillary Clinton has worn the traditional clothing of countries she has visited and had those photos published widely. This is nothing more than an obvious and transparent attempt to distract from the serious issues confronting our country today and to attempt to create the very divisions they claim to decry. We will not be distracted.”

OK -- so someone (connected to the Clinton campaign?) circulated the photo because they wanted to show everyone how cool Obama looked in it... and the Obama campaign, for questioning the motive of the person who distributed it, is being offensive?

Comments

Clinton fatigue is real. The thought of all those talking heads in my living room for the next 8 years is more than I can bear.

Posted by heather | February 25, 2008 11:11 AM

Correct me if I'm wrong here...

But, I don't recall Hillary Clinton ever being accused of being a radical Muslim terrorist.

If Maggie Williams and the Clinton campaign refuse to acknowledge the context that makes the distribution of this photo inflammatory, then they are complicit in undercutting a potential Democratic nominee in a highly offensive manner.

To echo Hillary's rant about Obama's mailers, Democratic voters should be outraged.

Posted by Vermonter | February 25, 2008 11:14 AM

Oh, I hope that's bemused sarcasm, Marc. Given that the email sent to Drudge (allegedly) complained that any picture of Hillary in similar garb would have led to media mockery and attacks, I just think the campaign is sending a terribly incoherent message here.

You know, it could be that an individual staffer sent the message with absolutely no authorization. As exasperated as I am with Clinton and her team, I can cut them some slack. But if that was what happened, then this response is yet another example of failing to take responsibility for a mistake.

And if the original email was sent with Clinton's blessing, this follow-up is just pathetic.

Posted by Mary | February 25, 2008 11:15 AM

The non-denial combined with this comment really doesn't reflect well on the Clinton camp.

On the other hand, it's probably better for Obama's campaign to get used to responding to this type of stuff now, rather than in October.

Posted by Ed | February 25, 2008 11:15 AM

It's offensive because of the comment that was circulated with the photo -- a whinging statement about how if Hillary had been pictured in similar garb, it would be on the cover of every newsmagazine.

Intentions matter, Ms. Williams.

This statement by Clinton campaign manager Maggie Williams does not include a denial that said photograph was distributed by the campaign, which, perhaps, one can justify under the assumption that Williams doesn't have access to the e-mail records of all 700 of her employees.

You're full of apologies, Marc. It's OK when McCain makes a blanket denial which, whoops, wasn't true, and now it's OK that Williams doesn't issue a denial because, gosh, she might not know whether it's true or not.

Posted by Jeff Larson | February 25, 2008 11:16 AM

I am sick of the Clinton's.. Go away..

Posted by Ann | February 25, 2008 11:19 AM

Ultimately, Mark Penn, by convincing Hillary that she had nothing to lose after all, managed to make a few more bucks for himself by getting Hillary to scorch the earth she's already burning on. And if she can incinerate the Democratic Party with her, then all the better. They deserve it for being snookered by her opponent, who had the audacity to appeal to voters.

This is a woman who confronted political losses by insulting the voters and the country.

Posted by V. | February 25, 2008 11:19 AM

So ... assuming her staffers did "circulate" the picture (not denied yet, at least), the obvious question is "who is sending it around, and why?" The obvious reason would be to further paint Obama (falsely) as some sort of closet Muslim or foreign agent/sympathizer. That HRC has also worn ceremonial garb is beside the point -- the Manchurian Muslim smear is already out there, and the Obama picture fits into that narrative in a way that no picture of HRC in similar garb would.

Posted by Spenser | February 25, 2008 11:19 AM

when good journalists like Ambinder try to be objective towards the Clintons they end up looking like fools. don't hedge your bets, just assume that 9/10 times the Clintons actually did do something underhanded and offensive, and you'll be greeted as a prophet.

Posted by BA | February 25, 2008 11:24 AM

Was somebody complaining about Karl Rove tactics this weekend?

Posted by bjd | February 25, 2008 11:27 AM

Beautiful, beautiful. Let the bloody thrashing of the Clintons do as much damage to Obama on their way to oblivion as they can. Rezko's trial is on march 3rd too, some juicy details coming out there.

I laugh everytime I hear someone say this year will be a cake walk for the Democrats. Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory seems to be their forte.

Posted by Jesse | February 25, 2008 11:29 AM

I have tried and tried and tried not to develop a distaste for Hillary Clinton and her campaign. I am now giving up on that effort. This is revolting.

Posted by alex | February 25, 2008 11:30 AM

so are you finally ready to admit that clinton is BAD for america and bad for the democratic primary? i don't necessarily want anyone to be an obama fan boy, but give me a break. this is crossing every line. EVERY line. she should not only be ashamed of herself, but the country should be ashamed of itself too. that, in this age of islamophobia, the 'progressives' and 'forward-thinkers' in america are resorting to bring someone down because, this one time he dressed in local muslim garb. great message to the world, mr. ambinder. i think its about time you reconsider what your candidate's choice would mean, not only to america, but to america's reputation in the world.

Posted by the bipolar bear | February 25, 2008 11:33 AM

The only reasonable responses to seeing this photo are (1) to ignore it because you've seen men wearing similar clothes before and (2) to wonder if there is some interesting back story to the photo.

Unfortunately, this photo will elicit neither reaction from most Americans; it will instead be a political Rorschach test. Insular "conservatives" and conspiracy theorists will see a potential terrorist trying to infiltrate the White House, while multi-cultural fans of diversity for its own sake will chirp, "how different! how wonderful!"

And if you want this reinforcement of simplistic prejudices to continue to crowd real debate out of American politics, and consequently make learning about government impossible for most Americans, then 2 out of the 3 remaining candidates should suit you just fine.

Posted by T.K. | February 25, 2008 11:35 AM

Look, the Clinton campaign is a tightly controlled top-down organization. The idea that any staffer would send this to Drudge without approval from the highest level doesn't pass the giggle test.

Posted by aretino | February 25, 2008 11:38 AM

Let me say what we have all been thinking. The Clinton's started the smear email. WE all knows this deep inside. Let's stop playing nice w/them. Journalist really need to investigate the hell out of the Clintons and stop giving them a free pass.

What do people think that the Clintons didn't start the email just because they said they didn't? Since when does the Clintons' words mean anything.

There's a story here Marc. Go after it.

Posted by eh? | February 25, 2008 11:41 AM

Enough with the Clinton double-speak! Do they think we are idiots? America, speak strong and speak loud! She will hear nothing less! Obama 08

Posted by Monica | February 25, 2008 11:42 AM

There's a story here Marc. Go after it.

Don't be ridiculous. It's not like this is a reported blog on politics.

Posted by Jeff Larson | February 25, 2008 11:47 AM

Oh BTW Marc. A Diary on Kos has a pretty damning indictment on the link between McCain and Clinton. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/2/24/14518/2213/544/463202

Charlie Black works for Mark Penn's firm. Even though Black is working for free (and Mark Penn is paid millions)the diary does make a reasoned argument that the latest attacks by the Clinton's can serve to benefit McCain, which in turns benefits the firm and their firms clients. Must read diary. This stuff needs to be reported.

Posted by EH? | February 25, 2008 11:50 AM

aretino your right - Drudge says a Clinton aide - not an anonymous source sent it to him. He knows who sent it. They know he knows who sent it. This is the best they can do without causing him to reveal his source.

But they couldn't even say that they would get to the bottom of this - why because they've already had to fire others for doing this. And getting to the bottom of it again only looks worse.

So in the end, it was a calculated risk. Send it out. Try to look like you're taking the high ground by not getting involved with denials - change the subject to Obama etc.

But why do it at all? Solidify your base with fear, fear, fear - that's why.

How bad of a licking in OH are they worried about. (They've already lost Texas.)

Posted by C.B. | February 25, 2008 11:50 AM

If you were trying to justify the non-denial based on an inability to trace the e-mail, wouldn't better solutions be:

(1) ask Drudge for the source e-mail, then comment, or

(2) at least say that if the leak came from a volunteer, it was unauthorized by the campaign?

Interestingly, the Clintons didn't take either of these opportunities...

Posted by neilrlca | February 25, 2008 11:54 AM

I can't wait for the post-mortem book about Hillary's campaign (I doubt her paranoia would allow any indie-cameras to be rolling day in and out, but there's got to be at least one good book in there somewhere). My guess is there was some major blowup either Friday or Saturday that's left her in full-Sybil mode - not unlike Al Gore, the last "inevitable" candidate to blow it big time.

Posted by Frank | February 25, 2008 11:54 AM

"No matter how cynical you get, it's impossible to keep up." - - Lily Tomlin

Posted by Jack V. | February 25, 2008 11:58 AM

Let's see trickery, attacks distortions playing the victim.

Well, she's a Clinton what'd you'd expect. She can only look Presidential for so long before her true colors and nature comes out.

Posted by BabyJane | February 25, 2008 12:06 PM

Guess Obama camp isn't going crazy after all, huh. That wouldn't really be their style either, would it? Team Obama has pretty well kept their cool (excited blogger followers not associated with the campaign excluded). Team Clinton has had a firm lead in terms of staffers' cheese slipping of their cracker.

Posted by Steve Collins | February 25, 2008 12:08 PM

I am with maggie williams on this one-
He dressed up just like george dressed up in his flight suit and just like Dukakis dressed up in his tank outfit.
No one criticised anyone when pictures of rudy in drag showed up all over creation.
No one said anything when Bill Clinton's Oxford hippy long hair photos showed up. And no one could validly argue when Gary hart's sit on my lap photos showed up.
Do I think Obama looks as presidential in this outfit?
No. But he wore it.

The point of the dukakis tank photo is that he was playing dress up and didn't seem like someone we wanted leading us.
The point of the Bush flight suit was he was playing dressup and lost stature doing it.
The point here is why was he dressed this way?
Don't wear clothes that challenge your authenticity.
At least he's not wearing a poofy white dress with a swan's head like Bjork, although I always liked that outfit.

Posted by Michael C. | February 25, 2008 12:08 PM

It's VERY easy to deny that it was sent by the leadership of the campaign - and then to assure us that they will make sure that no one in the lower levels did either. Are you really going to give them cover that they couldn't possibly know the emails all 700 staffers sent?

A bit reminiscent of, "well, it's just very difficult to track down the leak of the Plame story...it could be from simply anywhere! Sadly, we may never really find out."

Posted by evie | February 25, 2008 12:10 PM

Actually, Mark, the Clinton campaign certainly would have access to all emails sent and received by anyone with an account at its domain. And that's why they won't deny it: they already know who, when, to whom and with what words it was done.

Posted by webmaster | February 25, 2008 12:10 PM

Michael C,
Think about the context here. That Obama wore this outfit is unremarkable as politicians dress up all the time. But why would Clinton's staffers be sending this to Drudge for maximum circulation right now? Only because of the subterranean racist meme that Obama is a Muslim terrorist is Clinton pushing this. She knows that when some whites see this picture their racism will come to the fore. It's pure race-baiting, trying to make him look dangerous. And then Maggie Williams turns around and "wonders" why Obama wouldn't want Clinton to circulate this photo? This is exactly what happened in New Hampshire in December.

Posted by Elrod | February 25, 2008 12:22 PM

Matt Drudge got started via Clinton-bashing, substantiated or not, so why put any credibility in what he says about the Clinton campaign?

It's in Drudge's interest as anti-Clinton and one who serves the interests of the Republican side to claim this was the Clinton campaign's doing. Of course Drudge knew there would be a backlash after claiming the photo was from the Clinton camp -- that's why he did that way.

(Meanwhile, Fox News' Obama campaign reporter has already played up the anti-Clinton backlash angle this morning.)

Really, does anyone doubt that types like Drudge and the conservative/neo-con Republicans would rather face Obama in the General Election than Clinton? Obama, who is more liberal than Clinton?

Obama's negatives will be new to voters and played out big time by the Republicans if he's the nominee. Clinton has her negatives for sure, but those are much better known and she has much more experience in facing negatives/criticism than Obama, whose only real campaign came after the Illinois incumbent GOP Senator had to quit in '04 over criminal charges, and the only one the Republicans could get to oppose Obama was very weak -- Alan Keyes!

And I agree -- this NOT a "reported blog."

Posted by Hunter | February 25, 2008 12:27 PM

Actually, Mark, the Clinton campaign certainly would have access to all emails sent and received by anyone with an account at its domain. And that's why they won't deny it: they already know who, when, to whom and with what words it was done.

webmaster, they certainly should, but who knows what their electronic retention practices are like. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if they're as disorganized and ad hoc as the rest of the campaign.

Besides, it's entirely possible that a staffer sent this photo from a personal email account -- again, my guess would be that the campaign doesn't take any steps to preclude alternate avenues of communication using campaign resources, and of course the photo may have been sent from a staffer's home.

Posted by Jeff Larson | February 25, 2008 12:30 PM

It's a conspiracy I tell you! Lots of our leaders have worn the garb and joined enemy forces

Posted by Kevin Hayden | February 25, 2008 12:36 PM

I voted for the Clintons (that's not a typo) twice in the past but at this point, I want nothing more but for them to go away. Isn't there someone --- Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy etc. --- who can talk to the two of them and tell them to quit before they ruin the party for a generation? Doesn't Hillary realize that when she says she's "tired of the big rallys" etc., she is not insulting Barack Obama; she's insulting his supporters --- i.e. Democratic voters? It's time (past time) for the Democratic party leadership to do what Barry Goldwater did to/for Richard Nixon and go to the Clintons and tell her/him to stop. The Clintons are not more important than the Democratic party. If this contest is lost to the Republicans, I will hold Hillary Clinton personally responsible.

Posted by Gretchen | February 25, 2008 12:49 PM

where was obama pic email sent? did any text accompany the email (i.e. were sending you this because ________)? the knee jerk analysis/guess is the clinton folks were trying to stir up a "don't elect the towelhead" buzz. and i suspect this is what the obama people reacted to. the clinton people need to explain why this email was sent out.

Posted by Robert Hoelscher | February 25, 2008 1:31 PM

Actually, I am sick and tired of the two candidates scraping the bottom of the barrel to win the nomination. Let's face it, these are two potentially excellent leaders who could do some good for our country. The only difference is that we need the wherewithall of the leader who can do it NOW. Hillary Clinton is the candidate who has the true know-how and experience to get it off the ground. Like it or not--she is the one we need to have as our next President. If we don't, either we will have Barack Obama having to start at square one when it comes to the political machinations in Washington, or John McCain giving us more of the same and adding greater misery to the disastrous condition we now live in. If this happens, then we will be forced to continue to live in these tragic circumstances. Please, please, vote for Hillary.

Posted by frania | February 25, 2008 1:36 PM

...will the anti-Hillary crowd please grow up...for god's sakes...this man is running for President of the United States and the most powerful position in the world...

...do his supporters and the 'progressive blogsphere' think they can protect him from every little thing that comes along that could possibly offend him...get real people...

...just what do you think he is going to be hit with in the general election???

his supporters and protectors are setting him up for a big dose of reality in national politics because a lot more will be coming his way from the adults in politics and it won't be coming from Hillary Clinton...

...Obama knows how to dish it out but boy is he thin skinned...he is a very defensive person...

he better be praying that Patrick Fitzgerald and the FBI mole don't have anything on him in those dirty Chicago politics that will be on trial all summer

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 1:59 PM

Rumor about, Obama leaked picture so he could play the race card because he needs a lift before the debate. This coming from Obama insider. Shall we say some of the not so in the picture people. Maybe, i am just saying,look towards a Kennedy ploy...Have it on good source.
Maybe we should stop and wait for all to fall out before we jump off the cliff. Will we ever know if he really did know about this and put his seal on it? Do we know it wasn't a ploy? Come on people we must take off our rose colored glasses. Think about it. I really is something everybody does that travels. So why not put it out there..It does get him more of the black vote. I'm just saying think about it.

Clinton is a sleaze.

What a disgusting, pathetic candidate.

Posted by PulSamsara | February 25, 2008 2:37 PM

"Really, does anyone doubt that types like Drudge and the conservative/neo-con Republicans would rather face Obama in the General Election than Clinton? Obama, who is more liberal than Clinton?

100%, without question, the right would rather face Clinton.

The right at the moment is fractured and turning on itself. Half of them dislike their own candidate.

But if we choose Hilary, their entire base will mobilize and unite. It would be the best thing that ever happened to the GOP.

Not to mention that the democratic party will lose the independents, and quite a large number of democrats.

It's hard to overstate how disastrous for the dems a hilary nom would be.

Posted by Phil | February 25, 2008 2:45 PM

"...Obama knows how to dish it out but boy is he thin skinned...he is a very defensive person..."

You have to respond to any accusations quickly so that the narrative doesn't have time to get started. So, instead of Obama standing around having to explain the photo (which then get shown more and more) Clinton has to explain why it got circulated.

Posted by JordanT | February 25, 2008 3:14 PM

No one wants a commander in chief that is disrespectful of world cultures. Doesn't Maggie and Hillary understand time has moved on and they are philisophical and societal relics. Intercultural Competency, Diversity and Multi-Cultural respect is what is going to get us through the next 100 years of life on earth.

Ladies your campaign is beling watched by all of our neighbors near and far and it is pretty shameful and desperate.

Posted by Vivian | February 25, 2008 3:18 PM

I always thought the Clintons were beyond contempt, but this act probably "takes the cake".

She can kiss that Veep slot goodbye!

http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2008/02/you-knew-john-mccain-was-winning.html#links

Posted by KYJurisDoctor | February 25, 2008 3:32 PM

isn't anyone beginning to see a pattern of intimidation by the Obama campaign and his supporters??

the press has reported that John Lewis has been threatened...Travis Smiley has received death threats...

Superdelegates are being strongarmed by the Obama campaign...

...a picture is circulating that was in the tabloids over a month ago that shows Obama in a country's tradition outfit...Hillary and even Bush have tons of photos of them in traditional clothing during their travels...so what? but no, the Obama campaign accuses Hillary of racism...give me a break...how is this man ready to go on the world stage if he cannot even handle a photo of himself in the news? this is nonsense and a distraction...anything to dream up to blame Hillary and Bill for...

what is he going to do when they cannot be blamed?

Hillary has been attacked by the Obama campaign with almost the same Republican flyer and tactics used by the insurance company to stop health insurance in the 1990's...and that gets rationalized away...

one of the Nevada caucuses has to be redone because the Obama supporters were so intense...

...no one can utter a word about Obama or his supporters start screaming and insulting with a vengence...the free speech of others who differ is being restricted...the MSM is being ridiculed for their Obama gushing...

...I have never seen the Democratic party so divided and angry...so how has his campaign brought us unity and civility?

this is becoming surreal and I fear there is a disaster coming down the road...

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 3:49 PM

"If Barack Obama's campaign wants to suggest that a photo of him wearing traditional Somali clothing is divisive, they should be ashamed."

Sure, sure, it wasn't meant to scare people into thinking he's a Muslim. Just like Bob Kerrey's comment wasn't:

"It's probably not something that appeals to him, but I like the fact that his name is Barack Hussein Obama."

Yup. Totally innocent statement.

Posted by Jeff | February 25, 2008 3:50 PM

I understand what the Clinton campaign was trying to convey with this photo, but to me it has the opposite effect. I WANT a President who has respect for other cultures and customs, unlike the cretin we have right now (and can you imagine McCain???).

Clinton gets no points for this.

Posted by Karoli | February 25, 2008 4:10 PM

I think the Obama campaign doth protest too much...sounds like they are part of the 'silly season' they accuse others of...

once again...they can dish it out but all hell breaks lose in their world over nothing and they blame...blame...blame...others...

at some point they are going to have to take responsibility of their own actions and photos...the Obama campaign is not perfect and neither is he...

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 4:52 PM

maybe the Obama campaign and supporters are on the wrong track and they should ask Jon Stewart what he thinks...his quote last night on the Oscars show broadcast around the world...

JON STEWART: "You have to give Barack Obama credit, he’s overcome a great deal. Not just
he’s an African-American. Barack Hussein Obama is his name. His middle name is the last name of Iraq’s former tyrant. His last name rhymes with Osama. That’s not easy to overcome. I think we all remember the ill fated 1944 presidential campaign of Gaydolf Titler. It’s just a shame, Titler had so many good ideas. We just couldn’t get past the name. And the moustache."

he mentioned *Hussein*, reminding billions of viewers around the world about Hussein and Osama...and Hussein Obama...

so let's grow up people and start acting like adults...especially when we are trying to elect the President of the USA

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 5:01 PM

"Hillary Clinton is the candidate who has the true know-how and experience to get it off the ground."

Show me one thing in her campaign that supports this. Letting the Insult 40 States strategy take a crack at foreign policy is a terrible idea. Plus if marriage to the decision maker is just like making the decisions, you need to go after Lynn Cheney as your nominee--as smart as Clinton, and her experience is more recent and relevent.

As for this latest embarrassment, a declaration of "We didn't send this, and if someone lower down did they'll be fired," isn't hard to make. They aren't making it. Not an example of responisibility and leadership I want to reward.

Posted by Deborah | February 25, 2008 6:49 PM

Hillary deserves a medal for what she has been put through...she is courageous, graceful, gracious, strong, scary smart, prepared and possesses inner strength to be admired...the woman is inspiration personified...

it is too bad that the Obama campaign has had to win by turning his supporters against the Clintons...that is very sad...

he thinks they will be there for him in Nov...once again ego deluded and gone amuck...he has not inspired them and they are turned off by his negative tactics...

you have the whole MSM piling on...you have the republican party going after her...

and you have Odrama using the republican talking points to insult her, question her integrity, etc and no one says boo to him...

...start looking in the mirror at your candidate...he comes from the dirtiest politics in the country...Chicago...the 'stick the knife in your back' kind of politics...that is why so many of the governors from both parties in Illinois have landed in jail...and are under suspicion now

...and while they are twisting the knife...they give you that big smile...

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 7:02 PM

Hillary deserves a medal for what she has been put through...she is courageous, graceful, gracious, strong, scary smart, prepared and possesses inner strength to be admired...the woman is inspiration personified...

it is too bad that the Obama campaign has had to win by turning his supporters against the Clintons...that is very sad...

he thinks they will be there for him in Nov...once again ego deluded and gone amuck...he has not inspired them and they are turned off by his negative tactics...

you have the whole MSM piling on...you have the republican party going after her...

and you have Odrama using the republican talking points to insult her, question her integrity, etc and no one says boo to him...

...start looking in the mirror at your candidate...he comes from the dirtiest politics in the country...Chicago...the 'stick the knife in your back' kind of politics...that is why so many of the governors from both parties in Illinois have landed in jail...and are under suspicion now

...and while they are twisting the knife...they give you that big smile...

Posted by S | February 25, 2008 7:02 PM

I think the Obama supporters are going bananas on this email. there is nothing to it, wearing other countries traditional clothes. and why should Maggie Williams say, that it wasn't sent by any of their staff. why should they even investigate about that nonsence. the picture is not offensive and nobody seems to know for sure. the people who are offended by it, would have never voted for him anyway.

i don't like obama for his arrogance, self absorption, the absolutely mindless campaign, where issues are made boring and the yuppy feeling is everything. i watched all debates and still find obama evasive, unclear and flip flopping on many issues. like he is now considering may be we later need a healthcare mandate but not as one step. anyone remembers how he attacked hillary for having a mandate "going after people's wages" what she by the way did not promise. what really hits me most his arrogant statement that he was right in the beginning and that would beat any experience. why is nobody seeing how arrogant this is. he never explained why he knew what everybody else learned a year later. that there were no weapons of mass destruction. but the now 18 year olds have of course no memory what was in 2002. that obama who does not present himself as peace activist or religious antiwar person "was right on day one". why was he. devine inspiration? or is there more to the comment of his wife. and there was lack of patriotism ..i think this statement "I knew all along" and that makes me a good commander in chief needs elaboration.

Posted by anna | February 25, 2008 11:30 PM

Yes, anna, hillary did say that she would go after the wages of people who did not get health insurance. It was reported by several news organizations. Google the statement and her name and
you should be able to find it. (To be fair, Obama does not mention that she wants to lower the cost of health insurance, to reduce to a minimum the number of poor people who will have to pay fines.)
And yes, he was right that the Iraq war would be a mistake, and Hillary, with all her experience, voted for it. Not arrogance there, just fact.
Really, Anna, instead of distorting the facts, just admit the REAL reason you don't like him.

Posted by Gary Nowlin | February 26, 2008 12:38 AM

A winning issue for Hillary, that hasn't been emphasized enough, is the difference between her and Obama on mandatory health insurance coverage for adults as well as mandatory coverage for children.

Health insurance has to be mandatory for everyone since no one knows when they will be faced with long term medical bills as a result of an auto accident, major illness, or a stroke that would exhaust their savings, force them to sell their home, or sacrifice their standard of living. Hillary should point out that covering everyone, even those adults who believe they can take the risk and save the premium, is essential if we are to provide universal health care and solve our current health care crisis. Otherwise, there is no "Change" from what exists now.

Hillary must make it clear that it costs us more when sick people go to the Emergency Room or declare bankruptcy to cover long term medical problems. It's the public who pays the bill in these situations and it's very expensive.

Also, let's remind Hillary not to shout or raise her voice in speaking or in debates. This doesn't advance the case she's trying to make, and only increases the number of voters opposed to her.

Posted by Robert Slate | February 29, 2008 2:28 AM

Reading this blog is a riot! Hillary is a woman I greatly admire, so to read comments by realio, trulio, Clinton-phobics is like visiting another planet, another species, another culture. To read that some of you really believe she has the devil in her hip pocket is like delving into the world of science fiction. In reality, she is the only candidate with the strength, tenacity, courage, and intelligence to help pull our country out of this "swirling, sucking eddy of despair" in which we find our great country. When she wins the nomination and the election and sets this country back on track, many of you will realize her unique and sterling qualities.

Posted by june gross | March 28, 2008 4:08 AM