July 31, 2007
Posted: 11:38 AM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Virginia Senator John Warner was full of praise for Senator Hillary Clinton at Tuesday’s confirmation hearing for Joint Chiefs Chair nominee Mike Mullen – maybe a bit too much for her campaign backers.

The funny moment occurred as senators questioned Admiral Mullen before the Armed Services Committee. Chairman Carl Levin, D-Michigan, asked the Democratic presidential hopeful if she would allow Warner to finish his line of questioning before she started. Clinton politely replied, “Absolutely.”

Warner said, “Senator Clinton, may I thank you for that courtesy? You know, the many years that you’ve been on this committee, that’s the hallmark of your service. Courtesy and respect. And you’ve been a good strong working partner through the years.”

Warner then deadpanned, “We don’t want to lose you.”

To laughter, Levin then interrupted, “Your time is up, Senator Warner.”

–CNN's Steve Brusk and Jim Barnett

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Senate


Geoff, Denver, CO   August 3rd, 2007 3:33 pm ET

Reconsider his opinion while standing at the edge of a flattened US city. No buildings, no people, no noise. NYC, LA, Denver, wherever. This is war folks. We didn't start it. They did. Tom has my vote and has had it for 5 years. He keeps getting elected because he is a smart, honest, man and a terrific leader.

Las Vegas, NV   August 3rd, 2007 3:31 pm ET

Well what about inventing a gas that will kill only Muslims. Once the congressman is done with Muslims, then he can target other religius communities. This will leave his Republican co religionists to rule the world free from any tension. There may be some crook republican senators and congressmen, but they can be handled separately.

Grayson, Austin, Texas   August 1st, 2007 4:16 pm ET

Jason is spot on. This was a polite and witty way of saying "we don't want you moving to the White House anytime soon." I believe that is why there was laughter. Most people don't laugh when you're complimenting someone's studiousness.

Anyways, I support Hillary for President. Frankly, her and John Edwards are the only two candidates that even appear to not sippin the D.C. koolaid.

Wouldn't that be something? 8 years of President Clinton and Vice Pres Edwards. Sounds good to me!

bprosserme   August 1st, 2007 1:27 pm ET

Warner is too old to be taken seriously. WHERE ARE THE AGE LIMITS IN CONGRESS???

Zak Washington DC   July 31st, 2007 10:17 pm ET

Great analysis Jason. That aspect went over my head.

Jason, Syracuse, NY   July 31st, 2007 5:30 pm ET

Rose, I don't think that was a plus for Hillary. The only reason they would lose her would be if she became pres or VP. So he was subltly saying "I hope you don't become president." Which would make more sense coming from a GOP member.

Zak Washington DC   July 31st, 2007 5:00 pm ET

Azu,

Not electing HC is sexist and immature?

Really, you Hillary supporters shouldn't descend to that. It's manipulative. And immature.

I'm a Democrat and I'll probably vote for HC if she is the nominee; but I won't be happy about it. And it isn't an issue of sexism.

By the way, would not voting for Obama make you a racist?

Anonymous   July 31st, 2007 4:36 pm ET

The ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee is Senator John McCain not Senator John Warner.

Sarah; Gaithersburg, MD   July 31st, 2007 3:51 pm ET

No way is that Bush-Cheney lite, It's called a conversation? just because a republican and a democrat are getting along, IN NO WAY is that being too close to the other side, so what? so she crossed the isle, big deal, we can all take a page out of her book and learn from it.

Azu, Los Angeles, CA   July 31st, 2007 3:08 pm ET

This goes to show what a great President Senator Clinton will make. Even when being attacked by political opponents who generally from all sides, she has remained focused, presidential and above pettiness. If America fails to elect this woman, America will by that failure tell the world how politically immature and sexist the country is. At this time, none of the candidates in the field - Republican or Democrat - measures up to the lady. Elect Hillary President!
Kudos to Sen. John Warner. It takes a well-raised, confident and disciplined person to say what you said of Hillary.

TJ WILLIAMS, LA, CA   July 31st, 2007 2:15 pm ET

Can you say "Bush/Cheney Lite"?

Anonymous   July 31st, 2007 1:40 pm ET

Hahahahahahahahahah. wow that was funny.

Rose Hillrose, Chicago, IL   July 31st, 2007 1:36 pm ET

A HUGE plus for Hillary from an intelligent Republican.

lyn,MD   July 31st, 2007 1:22 pm ET

Tell Warner "don't worry…he won't"

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