July 19, 2007
Posted: 12:45 PM ET

Hillary and Bill Clinton campaigned in Keene, New Hampshire last week.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former President Bill Clinton defended his wife’s record on women’s issues Thursday, two days after Elizabeth Edwards contended her husband would be a stronger advocate for women than his Democratic presidential rival Hillary Clinton.

"If you look at the record on women's issues, I defy you to find anybody who has run for office in recent history whose got a longer history of working for women, for families and children than Hillary does," the former president said in an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America.

In an interview with the online magazine Salon Tuesday, Edwards said Clinton is “just not as vocal a women’s advocate as I want to see. John is.”

"Keeping that door open to women is actually more a policy of John's than Hillary's," Elizabeth Edwards added, noting that she was “sympathetic” to the fact that “sometimes you feel you have to behave as a man and not talk about women's issues.”

“I don't think she's trying to be a man,” Bill Clinton said Thursday about his wife. “I don't think it's inconsistent with being a woman that you can also be knowledgeable on military and security affairs and be strong when the occasion demands it.

“That's — I don't consider that being manly. I consider that being a leader,” he added.

An Edwards campaign spokesman declined to discuss Elizabeth Edward’s comments directly, but told CNN Tuesday she “believes her husband is the best candidate for president and she thinks that her husband would be the best advocate on healthcare, on education, on women’s issues and the fight to end poverty.”

Both Bill Clinton and Elizabeth Edwards have taken visible roles in the presidential campaigns of their spouses. Bill Clinton recently joined his wife on the campaign trail in Iowa and New Hampshire, while Elizabeth is the star of a new television ad for her husband running in the Granite State.

Programming Note: Elizabeth Edwards joins CNN’s Larry King tonight at 9 p.m. ET to discuss her recent comments about Hillary Clinton, among other topics.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Bill Clinton • Elizabeth Edwards • Hillary Clinton • John Edwards


Anita Lowery, New York, New York   July 22nd, 2007 4:20 am ET

All I can say is that Elizabeth Edwards is a woman who loves her husband and proved ignorant on Hillary Clintons record of being a woman first and foremost. In addition, ignorance beyond comprehension escaped her mouth. Spoken about, not just a woman but an individual who is learned, experienced and well balanced that faced a major public upset in her life head on. Never letting it deter her from leading her countrymen into a better America. Crash course Elizabeth, women have been fighting wars and loving themselves, family, friends everyone else around them. Who's the man now!

Anonymous   July 20th, 2007 1:36 am ET

HAHA how does Bill Clinton have a voice when it comes to women's issues? He is America's most famous womanizer!

Fitzy   July 19th, 2007 9:16 pm ET

Lesse if we can get this straight:

1.Liz Edwards implies Hillary is sort of man-like.
2.Bill Clinton runs to the rescue and says rumors to that effect about Hillary are not true.
3. Oh yea??, and Liz says that her foppish husband, John, is more concerned about women's rights than Hillary because… well, just because.
4. Previously in this little soap opera we have Liz stepping up to the plate and, in a clear set up on Chris Matthews show, attacks Ann Coulter for suggesting that John might be, well, just a little light in the loafers (she didn't say that, but of course that's beside the point).
Ann Coulter proceeds to grind Liz to a pulp in a "discussion" on the matter.
5. Meanwhile, back at the estate, John plots out his "poverty tour" while watching "As The World Turns", his very favorite soap opera.

And so it goes in modern American politics.

Becky, Euless, TX   July 19th, 2007 8:39 pm ET

As a woman, Mrs Clinton does not not speak for me, when I listen to Mrs talking its like a tape player that just got pressed Play… As an American, her own husband lies to her, she turns around and votes for a war, and now she can't even me "man-woman" enought to apolise? Oh… she can't do that… she has to follow in the foot steps of most Presidents, lie to us, and one word for Mrs Edwards" can you please slow down, and just Shut up!! your Family needs you.

Bill W, Coatesville, PA   July 19th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

I have no idea how so many people can still support these two. Either a Clinton or a Bush has been in the White house since 1988. If she is elected, it will mean 24 years of Clinton/Bush. They call it a monarchy when members of the same family rule for life. But we're supposed to have a democracy.

Are there no other viable candidates from any other families in America - anywhere - that we can elect instead??

John S. Chicago, Illinois   July 19th, 2007 5:43 pm ET

WHAT?! I thought that Hill did WONDERS for the women's movement by standing by her man, after he publically humiliated her by nobbing around with his secretary, merely to secure a future political run at the families second presidency. Way to go Hillary! Way to avoid low brow bashing of your number one competition O'Bama too! STAY CLASSY CLINTONS.

I'd slap my momma for obama.

Susan, Fort Pierce, Florida   July 19th, 2007 5:15 pm ET

I wish all the Clinton haters would just get a life! The Monica thing is so not an issue! Bill Clinton was a first rate statesman and President. He cared about the poor and middle class. Hillary would also make a great president. If she is the nominee I will vote for her with enthusiasm and pride.
I also like Edwards a lot. I don't hold it against Elizabeth for her comments about John's record on Womens's issues. She is a wife supporting her husband who is running for President. If John Edwards is the Democratic nominee for President I will proudly vote for him. I like his anti poverty agenda!
What I will not do is vote for a Republican! I don't like any of the Republican candidates! They would all keep the war going and keep selling us out to the big corporations for greed. All the GOP candidates are eather slaves to the Military Insustrial Complex or Theocrats who would turn this country into a Christian version of Saudi Arabia! No Thanks!
By the way, Hillary has plenty of steller accomplishments for both kids and women. I just read "London's" Link.

Barabas   July 19th, 2007 5:11 pm ET

Look at the picture….Hillary is starting to resemble former President Bush (the first one), and Bill kinda looks like Barbara Bush. Coincidence??? Hmmmmm, I'm sorry if I just blew your mind.

Lynn, Seymour, CT   July 19th, 2007 4:33 pm ET

Wow! It looks like some of you Hillary haters need to go back over to the Fox News website!

When I see comments like this, it makes me want to vote for Hillary even though I'm kind of on the fence. I just want to vote anti-ignorant people. And alot of you people are a motivating factor.

I'll have to have Hillary thank you in 'o8….

Heidi, Anchorage, AK   July 19th, 2007 4:24 pm ET

I ask, what has John Edwards Done? Who the heck is Elizabeth Edwards? I mean I swear she is trying to win pity points by being so visible when she should be taking care of herself and getting healed of her cancer. It's sad when a women believes she must follow her husband to the ends of the earth and put her own health in jeopardy traveling hither, thither and yon trying to tell everyone that her husband, barely a congressman, has the qualifications to become president. It's sad really….she should be home..or getting good medical care, and trying to get over her cancer. Instead she's all over the tv and news telling everyone how HILLARY is the one who is not acting like a woman. Come now…that's just catty of her. Hillary is quite feminine in her issues. However, just because Mr. Edwards talks about poor people all the time doesn't mean he's the best candidate either. Great, he was poor once. I am poor now..he isn't going to make my life better with talk. Hillary has been a woman of action in the past, and I suspect she knows a little more about the goings on of international issues than most of the candidates currently running.

Glenn,B'ham,Al   July 19th, 2007 4:15 pm ET

I went to the site that was recommended, found that she has successes in a bill for Children's Health Insurance. The site also states she is a strong supporter of the Iraq military action as well as Afghanistan.
I know from other research that She is now receives more Insurance donations than all senators other than one. Just not much of a record really. Sorry have to say she had her chance & failed will look at both Obama & Thompson.

T-Bone   July 19th, 2007 3:50 pm ET

Hillary needs to prove herself. Ok, now
Send a message about Michael Vick! If you read the indictment you will see that a witness describes how Michael Vick "repeatedly slammed a dog against the ground to kill him after he lost a fight". Let the Atlanta Falcons know what you think of this and ask that they take this matter seriously by joining the Animal Humane Society in asking "NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Michael Vick from the NFL immediately. Anything less would be an outrage".

Sign Animal Humane Society Petition here

https://community.hsus.org/campaign/US_2007_dogfighting_nfl2?qp_source=gaba6w

Joe-Foxborough, Mass.   July 19th, 2007 3:49 pm ET

Posted By Tricia M Charlottetown PEI : July 19, 2007 3:39 pm

Please, educate us. What has she done?

Jon, Sacramento ~ Ca   July 19th, 2007 3:41 pm ET

I sincerely hope Hillary Clinton is the Democratic Nominee for President. She above all other democratic candidates would motivate the Republicans (and the "Oh no not another Clinton" crowd) to vote in droves. While I admit during the Clinton administration the economy did well (however I would argue the President has extremely LITTLE impact - otherwise everyone would be singing the Praises of Pres Bush right now since we're economically moving forward)… but MOST Americans see Bill Clinton as the President who was fooling around with Monica - and REALLY does not want him, his wife, or anyone directly connected to them in the White House again.

Go Hillary!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   July 19th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

To those who don't know what work Hillary Clinton has done for Women's Rights, Health Care, Military Veterans, the Poor, the Homeless, Child Care, Education, etc. etc. etc.
Why don't your try READING. I'm a Canadian and I KNOW so get with it!

Joe, Foxborough, Mass.   July 19th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

"Bill Clinton defends wife's record on women's issues"

Good thing she doesn't have to defend HIS record on women's issues. Cigars, blue dresses and allegations of rape.

London, England   July 19th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

It would be nice if before folks say dismissively 'what has Hilary done to be an advocate?', and disparage her work, they take the time to at least look at her record. This write-up gives a load of information on her pro-bono work especially on child related issues.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilary_clinton

Glenn,B'ham,Al   July 19th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

Can anyone name something that Hillary has primised, that she delivered?

SUE GAITO,TOMS RIVER,N.J.   July 19th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

HILLARY WILL BE OUR FIRST ELECTED FEMALE PRESIDENT. WE NEED A WOMAN TO LEAD US TO PEACE. THE MEN HAVE ONLY LED US TO WAR.
ELIZABETH EDWARDS SHOULD KEEP HER NASTY COMMENTS TO HERSELF. SURE SOUNDS LIKE SHE IS JEALOUS OF HILLARY. " NUFF SAID "

Tom - Dedham, Mass   July 19th, 2007 2:29 pm ET

We easily give more to battle world hunger than anybody and we still catch a ration of bleep because we "should do more".

I would cut aid to these other countries until our elderly, veterans and people needing assistance are taken care of first.

Mrs. America   July 19th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

I'm always eager to hear what the spouses have to say. After all, they can be a significant influence on what goes on in our government–like Nancy Reagan getting her info from a fortune teller and relaying it to Ronald. It's called the first family; we kind of elect them all, for better or for worse.

DMW, Roeland Park, KS   July 19th, 2007 2:14 pm ET

America is still very sexist and from some of the comments about Oprah and Obama, still very racist. We have a long way to go as decent human beings.

Some of you people really make me sick. Whenever a strong woman appears, you all want to complain that she is acting like a man. Hillary must be doing something right since most of you all are attacking her! I think you all are jealous, scared of strong women, or are just negative people in life generally.

Just because Bill was President, this does not eliminate Hillary from also trying to be President. As last I looked, the Constitution does not say if your spouse was President, then no one else in the family can be.

If Hillary is the nominee, I will vote for her.

Go Hillary…more of us are so proud of you although the media and all of these haters are trying to convince us otherwise.

Erica, Seattle, WA   July 19th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

It's great that John Edwards is addressing fighting to end poverty. Less than half of aid from the United States goes to the poorest countries where people earn less than
$2 a day so it would be great to see the US upping it's game on that aspect.

Daniel SLC   July 19th, 2007 2:04 pm ET

President Clinton. I love it! She should just take over NOW.
GO HILARY!
PS. I would love for Bill to be our Vice President.

Travis   July 19th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

Glad to see that Bill and Hill made the news again today. And what for? Yes thats right, the Clinton News Network.

Guillermo I. Castillo-Feliu, 1041 Pinecrest Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732   July 19th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

An English correction to the quote by Bill Clinton concerning Hillary follows. I don't believe he would make this mistake if he were to write down his own words:

"I defy you to find anybody who has [could be "who's run"] for office in recent history WHOSE [should be "WHO'S] got………"

moose, tampa, Fl   July 19th, 2007 1:49 pm ET

Hilldog sure wears the pants in that family!

Ted & Sally, Cambridge MA   July 19th, 2007 1:43 pm ET

So in other words, a woman (Elizabeth Edwards) says that her man (John Edwards) knows more about womens' issues than a woman does.

I'm not sure if that says less about the femininity of Hillary Clinton or more about the femininity of John Edwards?

Hillary may make a better President than John Edwards but apparently Mrs. Edwards is suggesting that her husband would make a better woman?

Tris, Minnesota   July 19th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

Hilary is smart and charismatic, but as a woman I'm going to vote on the issues. If Hilary doesn't support what I support then I'm certainly not going to vote for her just because she's a she. On the other hand, I hope people don't hesitate to vote for her just because she's a she either.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   July 19th, 2007 1:37 pm ET

I want a "delete" button for the candidates' spouses. I'm not voting for the better (or worser) halves, and I'm tired of seeing and hearing them. especially Bubba.

Rudy you the man in Wichita KS   July 19th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

So this week "Hillary" (note: not CLINTON) for President is embracing Bill (aka Dirtbag)and his comments as an asset to the campaign. We are all aware of how creditable and what a good judge of character he is!!! They (Bill and Hillary) probably share the same backbone, and once elected (I am afraid to say) the War on Terror now dubbed the Iraq War (thanks to the liberal biased media) will be back on U.S. Soil, and not the terrists back yard.

Mickey Droke   July 19th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

Sorry willie but its time you faced the truth that your little jewel has bigger boys(balls) than you do, and i bet she tried a little monica on for herself. seeing as how she can do anything you can only better…picture the cigar senario with monica and hilary…oh you already have. anyway i think that hilary wants to be pres so bad she would do any..one to get there.and if you say no then they end up like on the looong list of other people/friends that commited suicide by blowing out their brains from directly behind themselves like all suicides are done ! ! ! bill you of all people should be glad she needs your help gettin elected, cause if she didnt you would be expendable and would not have seen the year following your removal from your own term as pres. cause when she is done with the race one way or the other you better find some creative ways to make yourself valuable to her again. or it wont be good to be you anymore (rest in pieces)..she will have you bumped off and laugh all the way to her own interns little cigar humidore (if ya get my drift.). so willie you just better get busy and come up with some better lines than hilary is not trying to be a man. thats kinda lame and i bet she thinks so to, you owe her big and dont you forget it cigar boy….

Bubba,   July 19th, 2007 1:24 pm ET

Not Elizabeth Edwards' finest moment IMHO.

Providence, RI   July 19th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

Liz Edward proved herself to be a very low class woman, who attacked Hillary, by saying that Hillary is manly. Hillary is not manly, but she is feminine and feminist, who believes in gender equality. Hillary does not behave like a man. She presents herself more presidential than any other candidates, including phony Edwards. John is obsessed with his hair. If he is obsessed with his hair, how can Johhny lead this country? John will be in front of the mirror for hours before he goes to oval office. Elizabeth is desparate!!!

Harry, NY NY   July 19th, 2007 1:05 pm ET

What exactly has Hillary done?

Has she had a job other than being a lawyer and a politician?

That hardly constitutes a valid argument for Hillary being an advocate.

I think the problem is Hillary has no identity. She is the pure politician, ever shifting to be popular to the majority of people, regardless the issue or her audience's point of view

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