God I HATE, absolutely HATE that Clinton is so smug to anger other people. She's so willing to give her enemies "heartburn" and to willingly throw abuse in their direction. She is the most polarizing candidate so far, and if she's elected, she will only drive our enemies further from us and most likely create new ones with her overbearing, "Im-out-to-prove-myself-because-im-a-woman-and-no-one-respects-me" attitude. She is the last thing our country needs right now. If you thought Bush was a divider, you haven't seen anything yet!

What does Barack Obama have to do with this? Stop it Phil Singer and CNN! You guys are weak.

How about Rove happy to push for Clinton's nomination because he knows what awaits on the other side.

Speaking of heartburn, check THIS out:

"Not all were so pleased to see Clinton, whose husband never campaigned
in Iowa and who remains divisive as a political figure in her own right.

Christie Vilsack, who with her husband, Tom, the former Iowa governor,
was part of the Clinton entourage, spent much of the more than two-hour tour introducing the candidate to familiar voters. But when Vilsack tried to coax 87-year-old Roberta Hindman to come meet Clinton, the elderly woman snapped:
"No way. She makes me sick." Another passerby loudly referred to Clinton
as "the Antichrist," and a third man argued with Tom Vilsack about whether
she would become president, telling him, "I can't stand her."

PRICELESS!!!

Niiiiccceeee lol tit for tat thats the ol Clinton way. I think Obama has crossed party lines more the Clinton I'd agree with that. But When did Democrats and Republicans become sooo divided??? Well start with Bill Clinton and his years in office then go to George Bush. So lets go back to Clinton in 08 to get the same divided BS politics. Obama is the better candidate mainly becuase he's trying to bring America together. Last I checked Republicans and Democrats were 'AMERICANS' so if you like divided politics and the same bickering and slandering government then you vote for Hillary. If you want a change and a level headed president, that is open to dialoge with the people and join Demorcrats and Republicans then Obama is your man! Dont read too far into the "Most Democratic" polls because those polls do not show Obama's national American Polls.

Rove's predictions were WRONG in 2006, when he said the Republicans were headed towards a decade of control in the house and senate.
He continues to expound dolus dogma at the behest of the white house, no doubt.
Is this all he has? Is this the best he's got?
Again, I call for Rove to shut up and sit down unless he wants to answer questions already put to him - questions he's evaded time and time again.
When are the American people going to be angry enough to DEMAND answers?
How many more dead Americans will it take for us to stand up and demand accountability?

One more thing - this article refers to Rove as Bush's brain.

Is it clear now, to everyone, that Bush#2 really does not control anything?

I mean, he has no brain.

Clinton happy to give Rove 'heartburn'

Yeah, he's not the only one she gives it to, maybe we'll need universal healthcare to cure universal heartburn.

On CNN's part, it's also disingenuous to rehash yesterday's comments by Rove and open the story with " Senior White House aide Karl Rove has stepped up his attacks against Democratic presidential frontrunner…"

Using the term 'stepped-up' makes it sound as if he had a comeback or said something in addition to what was said yesterday. It also paints the queen as the victim again for coming under a barrage of right-wing attacks. Neither is the case, she keeps bringing it up, and then her 'campaign spokesmen' spins it. Report the news, not yesterdays news.

Chip

It seems to me people with CDS just aren't willing to give her a chance. It doesn't matter if she chooses X, Y, or Z, there will always be a large swath of vocal harpies (re: Bush 28% deadenders) who will dislike her and disapprove of her at every turn. I don't think we really have to worry about what Rove thinks anyhow, I remember how he "Looked at the Math" and predicted a GOP landslide in 2006. How's that workin for you Karl?

Clinton can only spin things for so long…eventually she will had to take a side and she will fall flat Howard Dean style.

I can't wait to see Hillary's face when she loses the primary. Better yet, I hope she gets the nod to run for President so I can see her announce that she is conceding defeat by the Republican candidate.

It's always sweeter to watch the egotistical, conceited, big headed, arrogant (I could go on) people get defeated.

Hillary Clinton is a mastermind if she is getting Karl Rove's atention. Go Hillary !

I say good for Hillary. The Bush administration has been one of the most corrupt and divisive that this country has seen in years. If 'heartburn' is all that Rove is getting, he is one lucky guy. The 'fatally flawed' policies are that of the Bush administration.

Rove is just trying to make the Democratic party look worse than what Bush and people like him have brought the Republican party down to.

I am glad that Rove was "Bush's Brain," though you would think that people in his administration could have taught him to speak proper English.

The Rovester is a clever junk-mailer from Texas with questionable taste in friends, but he's spot on about HRC. She is at least "majorly flawed", inauthentic, divisive, shrill and unelectable, as her handlers and Bubba well know. Cast my vote for Rudy.

Unfortunately, Hil, 48% of Americans get heartburn thinking of you as President. It will never happen.

The nation has been denied a president who thinks on his OR HER own and works to help our NATION grow instead of our nations' DEBT grow! Once I used to vote Republican, but then I realized how they only HELP THEMSELVES instead of helping the American people prosper. I dont want Obama, but I do want a democrat in office and if it is Hilary then so be it.

For those who believe Hillary is good for this country, read of the activity of both Bill and Hillary Clinton. Bill and Democratic funding organizations are alleged to have received massive contributions for allowing our secret military, nuclear, and missile technology to be given or sold to China, resulting in their gaining the ability to hit the U.S.A. with a nuclear missile:
http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/1998/05/23/clinton.china/

http://www.fas.org/news/china/1998/h980618-prc8.htm

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2001/2/21/181251.shtml

http://www.newsmax.com/hottopics/Clinton_Scandals.shtml.

Was this either bribery or treasonous behavior? You be the judge! Why did the media hush all of this up?

Also included are allegations of serious illegal campaign contributions to Hillary Clinton, some acknowledged by the entity that was receiving them!
Again, read it and you be the judge!

Then consider Hillary's heath care package. I have been told that it contained a provision that everyone in the U.S.A. would be issued a health care card, and that it would be a felony not to have it on your person at all times. Thus, it was, in effect, a National I.D. card! Note that I have not personally researched this.

It is interesting to read comment of Carl Rove and Obama at the same time. I solute Hillary for your tughness towards extreme right wing and left wing.

The Bush, and the Republicans are so hated by most Americans right now it makes no difference who the Democratic ticket is. But if it is Hillary/ Obama , I welcome the republicans to go after Hillary, because they will bring up the 8 Bill Clinton years in office which most Americans remember that America was in far better shape, than 8 years of G W Bush and Dick Cheney. What were the gas prices when Clinton left office? New Orleans would have been taken care of under Clinton, unlike Bush who does not even care. If New Orleans is the example of the Bush Administration's helping Americans out. Really fear what they will do if something worse happens to your city.I think Karl Rove will be spending time in Jail along with G W Bush, and Dick Cheney when they face war crimes charges in Late 09.

She is certainly showing she can take anything the Repugs sling at her.

She's quite happy giving America heart burn too..

Couldn't have said it better myself, Anonymous", unfortunately we will have to put up with her a little longer.

Fortunately, we won't have to put up with her anymore after the general election!

This comment may create some Clinton heartburn!

The Clinton family in the White House again! YEEKS!!! I have heartburn already. Such reality is a disaster waiting to happen! Liken to a nuclear explosion. I will vote in the heart of a nuclear explosion over the Clinton’s back in the White House any day of the week! Those corrupted families are likened as vultures’.

Happy to Antagonize
Happy to berate

Yep she'll bring this together.

The great Divider. Vote for the GREAT Hillary. 4 more years of hatred, fighting and misery

why don't all you r.n.c. blogers that post here go play in the freeway.

Send Hillary in, folks. Nominate her! She's the best thing that ever happened to the Republicans. I dislike Mrs. Clinton with a passion, but oh, how I hope she wins the Democratic nomination.
A Republican.

To 'Tom" in Chicago . . . .
Look up "masogeny" in Mr. Websters famous book. Your picture should be there!

Clinton really needs some new talking points. She never addressed the issue that over 40% of America Dislikes her.

I can't wait to see everyones face when she wins the primary! Guess all the anti-hillary commenters all this blog will have to start a new hobby.

Anything that gives the Rove, the RNC, Rush Limbaugh heartburn is a good, good thing. The likes of them have weakened our country and sickened our people.
Hillary, "You go girl!"

I don't understand why all the dislike for Hillary! Wake up people. I for one would welcome another Clinton in the White House. She would make a great president! She would send Bill around the world as "ambasidor in chief" to undo the damage that the horrible Bush wackos have inflicted on the world. If there is one person on the planet that can mend fences, it is Bill Clinton. He left office as a respected world leader who knew how to lead. I just got through reading "Mastering the Presidency" by Nigel Hamilton. Clinton did a lot of good. Hillary will too!
I would never vote for a Republican. They have trashed the country and made me ashamed to be an American. The Bush presidency as been one disaster after another!

Well, the Hillary haters are at it again. Their boy Dubya and his puppeteers Cheney and Rove have managed to screw up everything so badly that the right wing can't say anything positive at all.

No, they must demonize Hillary. One group is actually trying to investigate a connection between Hillary and space aliens at Roswell. Hey, maybe in another life she kidnapped the Lindbergh baby.

The American people have seen enough of right wing propaganda. They have seen enough of what right wingers have done to the Republican party and this country. They won't fall for it again.

I am not American; I cannot vote; so I lol at what I see.

Is it not "outraging" that so many Americans wish for Ms Rodham Clinton become "invisible"?

Mr. Rove ought to pay a quick visit to Google and dig up Arnold Schwarzenegger's negative numbers 6-8 months out from the CA gubernatorial special election. That would be 6-8 months before he clobbered Gray Davis.

It is not only Republicans that don't like Hillary, trust me.

I am an independent and many of my fellow posters here on this very "bi-partisan" message board are independents as well.

We call it like it is and we are convinced that Hillary Clinton would be the WORST possible person to take over the reigns of the presidency in 2009.

She is probably the most toxic candidate to ever run for the White House and I think it's safe to say that we need someone who can come in and unite this country at this point.

I personally believe that Giuliani and Obama are the best possibilities for this important task and I would not rate Hillary in the top 5 of all Democratic candidates.

I'm not a great fan of Hillary's. However, I'll give her some credit for learning about what works in the good ol' US of A. The Rovian "divide and conquer" strategy and its 51% voter goal will probably also work for Mrs. "C". You see, just like Rove, she is not interested in the other side. Given Bush's disasterous performance to tip the sales - White House workers are already constructing the "Hello Hillary" sign!

Its funny how Tome below me there says she is smug.. but you say nothing about Carl Rove and his remarks. So you expect her to jsut sit back and say nothing which I find remarkable. Strong tough women intimidate some people and obviously you are one of them. Being a young married guy I welcome Clinton as a possible president. The fact that she is the smartest, most well informed candidate should be what you elect. To have the gaul to think she will be anywhere near the disastor that Bush as been is ridiculous

Since when did heartburn and a Republicans dream candidate for the Democrate go hand in hand. Sorry Mrs Clinton but your even more naieve then Mr Obama

It's simply. Rive is attacking Hillary because they know they can beat her in the General election. She will be used as a part of their plan to rally their base (which responds best when it can HATE someone..anyone..) Obama in the General would be harder for Rove to beat. He is not hated already by so many as Hillary. She is the easiest target. Just like Kerry she will lose cause they already have the ammo to use on her. She has been at this too long and is part of the problem. We need a serious World Leader right now like Obama. Be honest all, You can just look and listen to him and see he was born for this time and this place. Lets take the Blessing USA. We deserve it!!

40% Americans hates Hillary, but 70% Americans hates Bush, and The American people kicked the GOP out of power in both House and Senate 9 months ago. Any of the Democrats could take the White House.

To "Greg" from Phoenix,

Come on buddy, you are about as independent as Alabama was in the Civil War

Obviously more independent then you since your capable of saying someone who gives 2 different parties candidates is not independent. On the other hand it can only be guessed that your a Clinton supporter since you didn't like the suggestion that Obama or Guiliani might unite this country

Although, I personally feel that American's are not ready for a black president……we do need a breath of fresh air from the Bush and Clinton's era……….just plain ole tired of them and their stuff….can't trust any of them!

Dear Oakland Dave,

It is my humble opinion that Biden would make a better President than Rudy G or Barack O. Barack might be the guy of the future, but Rudy is definitely the guy of the past.

Rock oN!

Karl Rove will be the next CEO of Haliburton. He is going with them out of the country so he can avoid going to jail for contempt charges. Just like a good republican, send American jobs oversea, they are so patriotic aren't they

I respect Hillary's tough attitude and smugness, because I think SHE thinks that's what she needs to do to show the American people that a woman can be President too. However, she won't have my vote until she clears the confusion on where she stands on the most important issues. Right now, she's just looking like a Kerry flip-flopper.

"Cable King"- Please stop attacking the people who post their opinions. And if you're going to, do it right. You spelled misogyny wrong.

To Mike in Long Isle and Cable King. I'm calling it like it is. I welcome change in America, and would be the first person to vote a woman into office. If I felt she was the right candidate to unite this country. However, I feel, based on observations and the last few years of her being senator in my old home state, that HRC has the type of personality of a bulldog. She will come out swinging to every naysayer around. Which might get a knee jerk "go get em girl!" reaction from some, but for most, it is not the right way to handle things. Her throwing an attack back and being proud of pushing the republicans further away only supports it. Thank you. And Cable King, the name is Tim, not Tom.

I am all for Independents, but they are just as responsible for this mess that America is in now as the Republicans. If it was not for Nader and Kathleen"I got my butt kicked in Florida during the Nov 06 election" Harris, this nightmare that America has been through most likely would have not happen.

Cable,

Don't mistake my EXTREME distrust for Hillary Clinton as my complete dedication to ANY political party.

You can check my voter ID, it plainly states "Independent."

I was born and raised in Arkansas and I think that makes me particularly well suited to have an opinion on Hillary Clinton. I distrust her more than any politician I have ever seen. I personally believe she is a toxic human being who would do nothing good for this country.

Additionally, check my previous comments for the part where I say that I believe Barack Obama has the potential (albeit not as much as Giuliani right now) to unite this country.

Lastly, I will NEVER be a Republican so long as the party panders so much to Christian conservative interests.

And I will NEVER be a Democrat because the party panders to ALL interests.

I think all the men in this country are afraid that a woman can step up and run the country better than they can! I hope she gives LOTS of heartburn to the Bushies and GOP. Go Hillary!

There sure are a lot of "Daves" on this blog!!!

I have been a Republican all of my life, but I can't accept what the Cheneys and Roves have done to this party. It is no longer the party of Lincoln and TR. It is a party defined by hatred and elitism.

Rove knows that most Americans won't vote Republican because they hate gays or abortion anymore. He needs to give them something or someone else to hate. Since Hill is leading all the polls by a large margin, she is the target.

Oh, and for the woman who suggested that this is the first time Rove has gone after Hill, you need to do some serious googling.

If you talk to a lot of NYFD, and NYPD, they will tell you another story about Rudy. Why do think Rudy never ran against Hillary even after 9/11.Hey it is good for Rudy because he is a Conservative Republican who believes in traditional republican family values by dumping his family, marrying his mistress,and having his own children hate him. His daughter is a Obama supporter, and his son hates his dad's guts. I will give him credit, if he gets nominated, the Pro life freaks will have no platform because Rudy is pro choice

How could Hilliary possibly be president and keep her eye on Bill and the Interns at the same time. Think about it.

I love Hillary Clinton-always loved her and her husband. She's great. I can't stand Rove.

I THINK THE ONLY REASON YOU DO NOT HILIARY CLINTON IS BECAUSE SHE SPEAKS HER MIND AND BECAUSE SHE CAN GIVE HEARTBURN TO THE YOUR GUY AND IF THAT BOTHERS HIM A LITTLE BIT WELL MAYBE HE SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT BECAUSE THAT JOB IS NOTHING BUT HEARTBURN HE WILL BE TAKING ALOT OF ZANTAC. THE ONLY REASON YOU AS YOU SAY HATE CLINTON IS BECAUSE SHE IS A FORMIABLE PERSON AND REALLY SPEAKS ABOUT THE ISSUES WHICH I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM ANYOTHERS. ALL I HEAR IS THE SAME OLD SONG AGAIN AND AGAIN.

I WILL DO THIS OR THAT WELL THIS OR THAT IS NO LONGER ANY GOOD LETS SEE SOME REAL ACTION LET ALL PUT THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH IS NO LIP SERVICE HERE REALLY DO THE DEED.

ALL I HAVE SEEN LATELY IS THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE DO NOT LIKE CLINTON BECAUSE OF THIS OR THAT WHAT ARE THEY REALLY AFRAID OF THAT FINALLY A WOMEN CAN STAND ON HER OWN AND DEAL WITH THE ISSUES AT HAND SHE TAKES AND DISHES IT BACK WHAT IS THE MATTER BOYS DON'T LIKE THAT DO YOU. AND AS FOR KARL ROVE I WISH WHEN HE LEAVES THE WHITE HOUSE HE TAKES BUSH WITH HIM TWO PEAS IN A POD BOTH STUPID AND ARROGRANT.

Is Hillary still talking about things that have nothing to do with what she has ACCOMMPLISHED that qualify her to be President. Oh– wait, she hasn't accommplished anything as a Senator.

If you're in IOWA, please read take heed: Nominating a so-called "electable" candidate left us with John Kerry, whom no one was really thrilled about. Hillary is NOT electable and folks on Main St. cannot stand her. Let's nominate someone we are passionate about. Support and vote for BARACK OBAMA!

At this point in the campaign, it's all theater. Candidates throw scripted lines back and forth at each other, and we say "Did you see what (fill in name) said today!!??? Boy, wait until (fill in name)hears THAT one."
The candidates would be much better off doing a talent show at this point. Hillary could tap dance, Obama could do magic tricks, Romney could sing opera, Giuliani could be a ventriloquist etc etc. More people would pay attention, it would be far more interesting, and the TV ratings would go up.

Actually, I am originally from NY and, as a Republican, voted for Lazio in 2000. I have to admit, even if she is a Yankee fan, that Hill has done a pretty good job as senator.

You GO GIRL!

Poltics is a game—-the winner gets to buckle down and try to steer our country out of harm's way and create more wealth for it's citizens.
So all this political "he said she said" during the game, sadly, usually decides who wins. So put on your gloves and when the dust settles hopefully we will be saying "Madame President", because men have really screwed things up.

I don't know how she can get the country together when you try and email a question to her all you get is an automated email that she's too busy with her own state to answer you. Where do we go to get questions answered? Certainly not Washington. Boy are these politians out of reach of the American public.

"ALL I HAVE SEEN LATELY IS THAT PEOPLE OUT THERE DO NOT LIKE CLINTON BECAUSE OF THIS OR THAT WHAT ARE THEY REALLY AFRAID OF THAT FINALLY A WOMEN CAN STAND ON HER OWN"

I had to cut you off there Teresa, besides no commas in your sentences or your lack of how to use the "CAP LOCK" on your keyboard, Hillary could not "stand on her own" if you gave her 2 sets of legs.

She is living off of three things, a "crooked, lying, cheating, didn't do enough as President, but is somehow still loved husband", the constant hammering of an idiot President (who is not running again by the way) and lastly SOME of the populace that will vote for her just because she is a woman and it's time for one.

I am not voting for her because I think she is a lying, conniving, weak willed progressive masquerading as a moderate and masquerading in a phony arrangement with Bill.

I was politically against Geraldine Ferraro, but I respected her for her honesty and real compassion, much like Liz Dole and Shirley Chisolm.

If the Dems got behind Joe Biden who is easily their most qualified candidate, the Republicans would have a real problem.

Thankfully she will get the nomination and all the negative is going to come out again and ooops, the Republicans win again.

What's wrong with this picture? Why is Hillary so happy to have been attacked by Rove?

It appeared she revels in giving "heartburn" to the republicans.
It's the same old mud-slinging, from someone who chooses NOT to display her "experience" and poise that we would expect from a, would-be, world leader.
Today is just the icing on the cake that proves, to many Americans, that she CANNOT bring the country together.
Her divisive, confrontational politics
does not impress me, whatsoever.
Barack Obama always displays class and always acts presidential.
If elected, I am afrid that Hillary will to continue to battle that 'vast right-wing conspiracy', just like she did during her husbands's administration. So much for her interest and ability to unify America.

Her behavior reminds me of a little schoolgirl, "ya, you hit me, and I am going to hit you back".
I am not sure I want my grand-daughter having her as a role model.

Hillary is a polarizing figure. She has high negatives and lots of baggage. And the republicans think she will be the easiest to beat.
Nobody is "entitled" to be president.
I really like Bill Richardson and Dennis Kucinich but they are "second-tier" and not annointed by the media.

Kudos to Hilary for immediately responding to their bull—-. So far she is the only candidate who doesn't let them do lie repeat until people actually believe what they say. There is nothing about her which has not been investigated; better wait and see what Obama has going in the Chicago political scene.

Tom,

When you say Hillary is lying and conniving, what are you referring to specifically? As to being weak-willed, that's a new one on me. Most of her harshest critics suggest just the opposite.

As to Bubba, his main problem was that he…well, you know. He was reasonably effective as a president until his other problem got in the way.

As to Greg the former Razorback independent, what did Hillary do in Arkansas that you didn't like? Be specific.

Interesting that all those on this blog who vehemently oppose Clinton are men. Couldn't be that they are threatened by an intelligent strong woman could it

Forget the issues, I just don’t see very many Americans voting for a candidate with the middle name “Hussein”.

I'm so glad Hillary is fighting back. I love how she stands up to the Republicans. Hillary is bright, capable, and articulate. She has the potential to do a lot of great things as President. I wish people would just lay off her, especially my fellow Democrats. I feel like they are in particular falling for the Republican talking points that she is "divisive."

I get the impression that Karl Rove and his admirers think that him being referred to as "Bush's brain" is a compliment. Figures he wouldn't get it…

40% of Americans hate Hillary Clinton…so what? Bush won the Presidency when most Americans voted for Gore, so call me crazy, but I think Hillary can win with the 60% of American's who DON'T hate her. Nice try though, Rove. Can't wait to watch Republicans faint after she wins!

David of Salinas lists some bills that look friendly to the American people with great intentions, most of which have simply been introduced, not passed into "law".

But, do a little research and find Sen. Clinton intoducing S.1705, the `Nuclear Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007′.

In it are the following 'highlights':
Sec 3(4): Existing programs intended to secure, monitor, and reduce nuclear stockpiles, redirect nuclear scientists, and interdict nuclear smuggling have made substantial progress, but additional efforts are needed to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism as much as possible.

Sec 4(2): the President should accelerate programs, requesting additional funding as appropriate, to prevent nuclear terrorism, including combating nuclear smuggling, securing and accounting for nuclear weapons, and eliminating, removing, or securing and accounting for formula quantities of strategic special nuclear material wherever such quantities may be;

Sec 5(a)Designation of Position- The President shall designate an individual to serve in the Executive Office of the President as the Senior Advisor to the President for the Prevention of Nuclear Terrorism.

Sec 8 AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
a) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for fiscal year 2008, $50,000,000–
b) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for fiscal year 2008, $40,000,000
c) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of State for fiscal year 2008, $10,000,000
d) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for fiscal year 2008, $100,000,000–
d)2(e) There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy for fiscal year 2008, $200,000,000 to assist the Government of Russia in enhancing its capacity to convert highly enriched uranium into low enriched uranium to allow additional highly enriched uranium in Russia to be converted into low enriched uranium appropriate for civil energy use and to increase the rate at which such conversion takes place.

Now, if you've taken the time to read this, you either think I'm lying, or things like the Patriot Act "Sec 4(2)" are not so distasteful to Sen. Clinton.

It appropriates 200,000,000 dollars in the US, AND 200,000,000 dollars in Russia.

Creates ANOTHER 'position' as an advisor to the president (hence another bureau).

I really think that 200,000,000 dollars she wants to send to Russia could be used much more productively here at home.

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg, not only Sen. Clinton, but he rest of our 'leaders' spend money on stupid stuff like this all the time. I wish all of them would take Hastert and Pryce's lead and resign, we need some new blood in Washington to get rid of stuff like this.

Thank You Again David Salinas.

And we should be so lucky if George Dubyah gave the world only heartburn!
His list of bequeathed ills upon the world fills so many volumes there isn't enough ink, paper, or www space
to publish them.

Hopefully George Dubyah isn't naive enough to belive that the world can't see through his feigned heartfelt sorrow regarding Rove's leaving! It doesn't take much gray matter to figure out why Rove is leaving. The outside can keep Rove, at least temporairly, a free man. And he can still be Dubyah's brain and run his interference even at a distance!

What is most pathethic is that George and Rove actually believe the world is blind to their follies!

Additionally, check my previous comments for the part where I say that I believe Barack Obama has the potential (albeit not as much as Giuliani right now) to unite this country.
Greg Phoenix, AZ

Please enlighten us on Giuliani's potential and experience as a Leader of a Nation. Of course if your not a Republican or Democrat I guess his potential or experience won't matter to you as you won't be voting.

Hillary is right, i like to see them squirm. When she wins, and she will, i want to see the republican's faces. it will be priceless

Republicans absolutely hope Clinton gets the nomination. Dems, please vote her in!

Senator Clinton, in her last election, won:

73% of voters under 30.
69% of moderate voters.
65% of voters who earn $100,000 or more.
64% of Independent voters.
58% of white male voters.
57% of rural voters.
56% of white Christian voters.
20% of Republican voters.

I wonder how she'd do if she weren't do 'polarizing'?

Chip as much as I don't like Mrs Clinton that 200 million dolllars going to Russia is obviously for the purpose of getting rid of Russian nukes since that is what highly enriched uranium is used for.

And seeing as how many problems they are having with them not being able to maintain security on their own nukes (at least not without outside funding) I have no problem with that type of appropriation. However I do think that we should be getting more bang for our buck from the Russians in return. The same would apply for any other country that is receiving money from us.

Well, I'll have to break it to you Hillary, you'd give anybody heartburn. you're a plate full of refried beans.

"I wonder how she'd do if she weren't do 'polarizing'?

~ Ken ~ River City, IA

Ken, newsflash - this is a national campaign - not a senate race in a traditionally liberal state. (Barbara Boxer keeps winning in California … think SHE could win a national election?)

Hillary already has the highest negative ratings of any previous candidate running for a nomination. Articles are running how Hillary can hurt the Democratic Party (these are democrats talking, Ken).

You keep thinking that Hillary is a uniter - not a divider. It's what the republicans want! No other candidate mobilizes republicans more than Hillary.

Chip,

Dave of Oakland (we have so many Daves I think I need a scorecard!) makes a valid point. I think we can all agree that converting weapons grade nuclear material to energy grade is a good thing.

The more of it we convert the less there is that can fall into the hands of rogue nations and terrorists. Also, the more of their scientists employed in this work, the fewer left unemployed to be used by said rogue nations and terrorists.

The "bang for our buck" is not having the big bang go off in NY, LA, or Chicago. We spend little enough on foreign aid (about .1% GNP). We can surely afford this.

The section numbers you cited for the Patriot Act don't correspond with any I found. There are some measures amending previous laws concerning nuclear material, but the law she introduced is different. The Patriot Act is a HUGE bill. There are many provisions that everyone, including Senator Clinton, agrees on. There are others that are controversial.

I don't know what you mean when you talk about the tip of the iceberg. We've discussed the Russian nuke bill. The senator's record may be top heavy with measures that were introduced this year and haven't been passed yet because she was not in the majority until this year and it is easier to pass bills when you are in the majority. Again, speaking as a Republican who voted against her in 2000, I, along with the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers, approve of the job she has done as senator.

Many are talking about how Hillary will energize Republicans against her. The vast majority of Republicans and independents who hate Hillary would never vote for a candidate to the left of Reagan or Goldwater (BTW, Hill supported Goldwater when she was in high school. She became a confirmed Democrat at Wellesley).

I am a lifelong Republican. I voted against Bubba both times and voted for Dubya both times (to my regret). I worked for McCain in NY in 2000. I would still support him, but I don't think he has a chance of getting nominated. I will probably vote for Hillary and I believe she will be nominated and elected next year.

Dave of Oakland, Bill Both,

Thank you for well thought out comments. I agree that producing energy grade is better than weapons grade , but the fact is, we don't need to send the Russians money to do this.

Most likely the 200,000,000 (boy that's a lot of zeroes!) will not all go directly to the Russians, much may be spent providing employment for US experts to lend technical assistance (and that's a good thing). The fact of the matter is, the Russians have the skills to do this themselves and the other provisions of the bill should already be underway as part of counter-terrorism.

The Patriot Act reference I made Sec4(2) was a poor job of providing a reference on my part. I was highlighting the similarities of S.1705 sec 4(2) which contained goals which can only be accomplished with the "infringement" upon civil liberties many gripe abut with the Patriot Act.

As far as reducing the number of nukes Russia has, that falls under INF and other frameworks.

I'm not sure blaming not having a majority in Congress isn't reason to withold introduction of a bill. (Wait until you think it will pass) that's almost like NOT voting for the candidate you think is best so you can vote for who you think will be the winner.

I'm glad you are happy with her performance as Senator.

Thanks for some meaningful discussion, both of you.

Have a good weekend,

Chip
Have a good day,

Chip,

As to the bills, it isn't as simple as that. Before a bill can be voted, it has to pass the relevant committee. For instance, the nuke bill has to go through the energy committee. If the other side controls the committee, it can be very difficult to introduce legislation.

We need to spend the money to convert the nukes and keep the former Soviet scientists employed. If we don't, treaty or no treaty, the Russians aren't likely to. Do we really want to leave our security in their hands? Don't think so.

Bill,

I'm aware of the process.
"We need to spend the money to convert the nukes and keep the former Soviet scientists employed."

The bill doesn't mention converting "the nukes" unless you refer to "the nukes" as the reactors, perhaps a mistaken assumption on my part.

I'm not sure that lack of an employment program for Russian scientists is leaving our security in their hands. If anything, we could grant them amnesty and bring them to work in the US, building new reactors here to generate power and reduce our dependence on foreign supplies.

I have several colleagues that are Russian scientists whom I worked with for a period when I lived in D.C., they loved America, I'm sure we could get more of them over here.

The last nation we provided tribute to regarding nuclear reactors now has a nuclear weapon. The build up of that weapon was not a product of the 'failed foreign policy' of the Bush administration, it had been in the works far prior to that.

As for waiting until the "waters are right" on whether or not to introduce a bill, a consensus builder or true leader might have the skills to get that done.

I've enjoyed this discussion. You've brought a couple points to light I hadn't considered, hopefully I've done the same on your end.

Have a great weekend,
Chip

Chip,

I appreciate the discussion as well. What I haven't liked about some of the other posts is that they focus on personal animus without regard to specifics.

As to the nukes, specificity is needed. Your original post refers to the conversion of weapons grade uranium to that used for energy production. Russia already has the bomb, so we aren't talking about giving them new technology. We are just funding known technology to facilitate conversion which, I believe, is in our national interest. Hopefully, once the conversion work is finished, we can offer some of these scientists work in the West.

In principle, the idea of a consensus-builder sounds appealing. However, in modern politics, there is great pressure by both parties on individual members to conform and only the most courageous will defy party leadership. This is all the more true for Republicans when the Democrat making the proposal is Hillary Clinton.

Clinton would be a far… Far… FAR Sight better than Dubya, who is, as we all know, the WORST President in History. Period. End of discussion.

I think carter wins 'the worst president' award.

I'm not sure that either Dubya or Carter would beat either Buchanan or Harding if presidential historians were asked to pick a worst president. In Dubya's case and even Carter's, more historical perspective is needed to fairly judge them.