October 8, 2007
Posted: 11:45 AM ET

The Clinton campaign downplayed Berger's role Monday.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign downplayed a report in the Washington Examiner Monday that former National Security Adviser Sandy Berger is advising the New York Democrat's White House bid.

"Like many people he offers advice, but he has no official role in the campaign," a Clinton aide told CNN's Candy Crowley.

The Washington Examiner reported in its Monday edition that Berger, who pleaded guilty two years ago to illegally removing classified documents from the National Archives and intentionally destroying some of them, has taken an informal role in Clinton's campaign, similar to the one he held in Sen. John Kerry's 2004 presidential campaign.

Berger, who offered the Massachusetts Democrat advice on foreign policy issues, resigned from the campaign in July 2004 as the investigation into his actions at the National Archives was heating up.

Berger served as national security adviser to former President Clinton from 1997-2001.

Click here to CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Coach Haughton NH   October 10th, 2007 2:17 pm ET

FOR WYNTER

you fail to realize an something important. It doesn't matter how much money was spent turning up facts or who turned them up. Whats important is that they are true and we are voting for these people to lead our nation.

Again whenever the slaves of hillaryland hear anything bad about their superstars they just say "thats because the republicans dug that up on them". You use the same things to defend your candidates as they use to defend themselves. It's like you are already convinced that anything bad about the clintons is bs before you hear it or even look into it.

I feel sad to see so many people whose hearts wrapped up in someone that they can't see whats right before their eyes. C'mon man! These are politicians were not married to them. End the game in 08.

JB Boston MA   October 9th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

Van-

It makes you look dumb when you ridicule someone, but add nothing to the conversation. It seems you disagree with the information that Coach posted. Can you prove it to be false, or are you only good at name calling?

People can see through that you know?

Add something or move on!

Hillary fans are so blinded that they cannot even admit to proven history!!!

Or they use the "but Bush did it first" argument.

Or, the name calling thing. Its actually becoming pretty comical!

Go to other stories, pretty much all Van and his tribe do.

Always looking to be proven wrong. . . .

Coach Haughton NH   October 9th, 2007 4:27 pm ET

Coach crapola has to troll right wing websites to cut and paste the RNC's stale propaganda. At least he is finally showing everyone his true colors.

Van

Posted By VanReuter NY NY : October 8, 2007 6:49 pm

Those facts are real van.

I remember the clinton days and they make me feel good too. The democrats are going to win but we can't choose a candidate that the far right can use to further the negative corrupt image they are sticking to us.

Those facts are real.

I know it's hard for us democrats to hear bad things about our shining star of modern times, but sometimes the hard choice is the right choice.

Those facts are real.

Vote with your Head not your heart…Obama

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 9th, 2007 1:32 pm ET

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

Posted By Wynter, Loudon, NH : October 8, 2007 6:08 pm

Sorry "Wynter", you see nothing, because you are blinded by Republican hatred.

Would you be so supportive of the Republicans using Scooter Libby as a valuable resource, nah, don't think so?

If they did use Libby, I would be first in line to say "what a dumbass thing to do and this is flat out wrong".

What Berger admitted to doing was nothing short of treason and we will never know the REAL TRUTH of what Clinton knew about terrorists and 9-11.

Telling it because I know it.

Tom

Bob, New York, NY   October 9th, 2007 12:09 pm ET

You would think they would avoid him like the plague seeing how much negative attention there crook fundraiser has gotten them. But I guess they wouldn't want to piss off a guy who could put them in a world of hurt with all the dirt he could spread around

Ari,atlanta, Ga   October 9th, 2007 11:17 am ET

just to add that this lady has enough trouble following her already, the boyfriend of the daughter chelsea is in jail!! I wonder if she not ashamed of all these stuff around her!

Ryan Indianapolis   October 9th, 2007 10:02 am ET

Does anybody really believe this? Yea right!

Posted By Judy Shiffer, Lebanon, PA : October 8, 2007 4:50 pm

Do you live in a cave or are you incredibly ignorant…..or BOTH?????

Sean Wagoner, Eugene OR   October 9th, 2007 3:48 am ET

Another free pass.

False national guard documents: Plenty of coverage

An actual crime committed: Almost none.

I'm just going to watch C-Span. I can't stand it anymore . . .

Preston Russ, Cape San Blas, Florida   October 8th, 2007 11:13 pm ET

Sandy Berger is a criminal that should be in prison right now. The Clinton's have always surrounded themselves with people like this. The Democrats are self-destructing. I can never vote for these people as long as their leaders are people like Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, Murtha and the Clintons. Get a clue, put forth some people that put their country ahead of their party. Put forth people who are honest. Bush has been a disaster, but the Democrats will never give us a statesman that puts America first.

Sonja San Francisco CA   October 8th, 2007 11:05 pm ET

Oh my God! The Clinton's just can't help themselves. They cannot function without shady deals and criminals beside them. Time to clean house kids.

FT Doylestown,Pa   October 8th, 2007 10:11 pm ET

Here we go again….The Cast of Crooks and they are all coming back …out from under the rocks they have been hiding under. God Bless ….Do We Really Need to Go through this Again!
Berger really MUST HAVE THE GOODS ON THE CLINTONS….that they took him in!
Wait till the Chinese donors show up on the lists again. Leopards don't change their spots…..

Bill mo.   October 8th, 2007 10:01 pm ET

Clintons bringing Berger back just shows you how little they think the average person knows and they do not care what is right or legal. Here is a man that should be in jail. What he did is a national crime no different than treason. I am a registered democrat but this is the last straw for me.

Amanda (Greenwich)   October 8th, 2007 9:59 pm ET

Henry Tucker, Ga –

And, indeed, I meant Democrats in office, not the constituents, as Q Christian helpfully suggested.

Bull of Mizzou   October 8th, 2007 9:31 pm ET

Ohhhhh Geeeeezzzzzz !!,,,,Another Chump added to Billery's Scream Team,,,If its not Donation Crooks {Hsu} and Idiots {MoveOn.Org}, its Chumps to advise her,,,Whats Next ? A glorious Indorsement by good Old Hugo??,,,I cant wait to see Fred T chomp on her in the Finals and send her White Bloomers up the flag pole when she is defeated.

Lee, san francisco, ca   October 8th, 2007 8:47 pm ET

Hillary represents experience and change!

Hillary is more and more inevitable to win the nomination and the election!

George Bush already thinks that she will win the Democratic nomination. The Republican candidates, particularly Rudy Giuliani, are positioning themselves as “Hillary-slayers”. And Hillary's Democratic rivals are paying her the ultimate compliment of concentrating their fire on her rather than on each other. More reasons:

First, Hillary is not like Howard Dean of 2004, who was favored first and then lost. The situation today is very different from 2004, when Iowa's unfortunate Democrats were confronted by a left-wing insurgent, the unattractive Howard Dean, and a rabble of second-division candidates.
Second, people put far too much unnecessary emphasis on Iowa. Hillary's narrower margin lead in Iowa is swamped by her strength elsewhere. She is ahead in national opinion polls by about 20 points, a lead she has sustained for months. She is also ahead in New Hampshire and South Carolina, where her nearest rival, Obama, has been losing traction since late summer. Hillary is currently crushing Obama in the political futures markets by as much as 55 points. These poll numbers are built on rock. Hillary is formidably disciplined and knowledgeable. And she has the best political machine in the business—built up over decades and honed by relentless battle with the “vast right-wing conspiracy”. The machine boasts most of the Democratic establishment's mainstream thinkers.
Third, the dem voters want Hillary and Bill back to white house. Most Democrats associate the Clinton years with peace and prosperity rather than stained dresses and disappearing furniture. Bill Clinton left office with a job-approval rating of 66%. Three-quarters of Democrats, and 53% of voters in general, would like him to play an active role in a future Clinton administration. Nearly nine in ten Democratic voters (88%) express a positive view of Hillary's candidacy; 38% express a very positive view.
Democrats are right to be nervous about polarisation: polls show Giuliani is close behind Hillary in a head-to-head race. But Mr Bush has proved that polarisation is far from fatal, provided you can combine it with a ruthlessly disciplined campaign. Hillary does not have to paint America blue; she only has to win one more state than John Kerry. And Giuliani seems less impressive in person than he does in the polls. His speeches are poorly prepared and convoluted, and he is given to silly gimmicks, such as stopping in mid-speech to the NRA to take calls from his wife on his cell-phone.

Moreover, Hillary 2007 is not Hillary 1993. She has shown an impressive ability to learn from her mistakes. She has also moved sharply to the centre: witness her success in winning rural votes in upstate New York in 2006, and her ability to work with former Republican tormentors in the Senate.

Hillary 08.

Bill Walsh,New Hyde Park,New York 11040   October 8th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

Dear Senator,you are doing rather wellplease donot mess it up by confusing the people.When you place a person like Mr.Berger on your platform,we then start to question should I vote for you.As our NY Senator,I think you are doing well.Plus I am a Republican,Who will prorerly vote for you.So please only have workers who are squeeky clean.Thank You

VanReuter NY NY   October 8th, 2007 6:49 pm ET

Posted By Coach Haughton NH : October 8, 2007 4:15 pm

Coach crapola has to troll right wing websites to cut and paste the RNC's stale propaganda. At least he is finally showing everyone his true colors.

Van

Coach Haughton NH   October 8th, 2007 6:49 pm ET

FOR CHRISTIAN THE PAWN

Yea i guess it was the "vastright wing conspiracy" now renamed "The republican attack machine"

you fool.

You will help her justify anything just because the name clinton makes your heart beat faster.

I liked bill and I love the democratic party thats why I realize that the dirt that stuck to the Clintons got us 8 years of the worst right wing regime in history.

Remember when the news kept reiterating how Gore needed to distance himself from clinton? We need to move forward and redefine ourselves as the ethical party for the people.

Can you seriously see her securing sixty votes for her healthcare plan after recieving lobbying money from the insurance industry? I think you are at least smart enough to concede that.

Vote with your head not your heart.

Coach Haughton NH   October 8th, 2007 6:37 pm ET

Christian of course it would be nearly impossible to turn up irrefutable proof that any candidate at such a high level was guilty of anything.

Such an overwhealming amount of suspicion indicates something about ones character.

You are so wrapped up in the nostaligia of clintons victory days that you are blind to the truth.

I want to clean up washington. You want to go back to the past.

Think about it…OJ simpson didn't get convicted but we all know.

Bill Petty Garden City, MI   October 8th, 2007 6:34 pm ET

Smash the State. They're all crooks. WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE! IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SAVE THE PLANET AND THE MIDDLE CLASS!

http://www.wsws.org
http://www.sp-usa.org
http://www.greenpeace.org

Wynter, Loudon, NH   October 8th, 2007 6:30 pm ET

Hey Coach!

You really make me laugh with that cute bit of plagerism for Prorev.com. Can you at least think for yourself instead of believing everything you read from Sam Smith?

To those that don't know Sam Smith, he is the guy that brought you the "Green Party" years ago. He has had it out for the Clintons since they got into office. The Progressive Review isn't a conservative rag, but rather a counter culture news source. I doubt knock that, but Sam Smith has been spouting nasty stuff about the Clintons for years. He even got thrown out of the "Americans for Democratic Action" because of his obsessing about them. The man needs to get a life and when it comes to them I don't believe half of what he has written.

Sorry Coach, no sale here! But do stick around for the long list of investigations into the Bush Administration and see how its number of convictions and prison sentences stack up.

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

JB Boston MA   October 8th, 2007 6:20 pm ET

Can't we all agree that scandals do nothing but destroy this country?

Can't we agree that there have been far to many in the past 16 years?

I myself think they will not stop if Hillary is elected. She has already proved her character and ethics.

The things that Coach discussed are true. I am guessing that Bush isn't far behind.

But why would we want more of the same?

Let's try to find someone that doesn't have this baggage.

And saying, "but the Republicans do this and that", doesn't address the problem.

And making excuses for her just ensures that they will continue.

LETS MOVE FORWARD PEOPLE

The Clintons surround themselves with unethical people.

Wynter, Loudon, NH   October 8th, 2007 6:08 pm ET

I'm so disappointed in the republican slur machine coming on here and making up names and locations, but are obviously the same people repeating the same vile trash about people.

Mr. Berger is a valuable resource in National Security matters. He is one of the most recent personnel from the democratic presidential administration. It seems normal that you would go to someone familiar and trustworthy to you for this. Do you want people to trust the current administration wonks like Condi "I never got anything right" Rice?

I must applaud a good many of the people that write on here for bringing information and facts about the issues. But the rest of the slur machine are simply making fools of themselves. Get a life people!

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

NYkrinDC http://nykrindc.blogspot.com   October 8th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

They are finally taking notice. Sandy Berger has no business advising any presidential candidate, particularly Sen. Clinton. He pleaded guilty to unlawfully removing and destroying classified documents from the National Archives. He is almost as bad as Scooter Libby. For those Democrats that want to defend Sen. Clinton's campaign, ask yourselves, honestly, what would you say or think if Scooter Libby started working on any Republican campaign. If you don't feel similar outrage over Mr. Berger as you do over Mr. Libby, then you need to rethink your reasoning. They both violated and abused the security clearances given to them by our country, as such, they have no business anywhere near our country's secrets, or foreign policy.

john, phoenix, az   October 8th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

hillary needs advice from him. after the crooked campaign funds contribution exposed, she will need advice how to cover things up and not do jail time. only SHE wants to steal our money and "redistribute" it…
sounds like a typical move

Karlo Hernandez, Portland, OR   October 8th, 2007 5:28 pm ET

Go Hillary!I can't wait to proudly call her my President! They can say anything they want about her, but they can't take what is reserved for her by destiny. She's the best person to lead our country! Wake up and support her before is too late.

Q. Christian Atlanta GA   October 8th, 2007 5:26 pm ET

Coach thank you for pulling up exactly what I have been praying for. We ALREADY KNEW ALL OF THIS STUFF ABOUT HILLARY. Ken Starr spent MILLIONS UNCOVERING ALL OF THIS!!! In that whole post that you posted none of the serious crimes were committed by Hillary. Thanks for proving my point that Hillary has nothing to hide. None of this stuff pertains to Hillary.

She has been through the fire some many times and she has come out with not even a hem on her well manicured suits burned. Not hint of smoke or fire. Keep on posting we all know that Hillary will come out on top. She is used to this type of negativity. This actually helps the Clinton's cause so keep right on helping her win.

Lucy Wilson Montgomery AL   October 8th, 2007 5:21 pm ET

Will Sandy Berger be stuffing stockings for the Clinton campaign at Christmas time?

Sarah   October 8th, 2007 5:04 pm ET

Marcus:
Why is it that whenever someone expresses disgust with the Clinton's extremely poor judgement, you assume that they are Bush supporters?

I am here to tell you that I never voted for George Bush, find him an embarrassment to our nation, and predicted he would be the worst president in my lifetime. In addition, I am a democrat who will do the best that I can to express my opinion that Hillary Clinton would be the democratic disasterous equivalent of George Bush.

There are many of us out here. There are democrats who would vote for a republican before ever thinking of voting for her. If she is the nominee, I will vote for a republican for the first time in my life in an effort to block her from getting to the White House. Don't underestimate how many of us are out here.

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 8th, 2007 4:57 pm ET

Henry I believe any intelligent person could see that Amanda was referring to national elected Democrats, not the constituency.

Posted By Q. Christian Atlanta GA : October 8, 2007 4:02 pm

—–

Christian – any intelligent person that read Wynter's original post to which I was responding would see we were discussing folks posting on the blog – not Congressional representatives.

Should I repost what Wynter said and then my reply? Would that make it easier for you?

B. Houff, Lewisville, NC   October 8th, 2007 4:53 pm ET

We won't ever know exactly what Sandy Berger stole from the National Archives. Yes, he has paid his debt (small though it was) to society. Hillary has the right to hire who she wants, but should she be immune from criticism for hiring an ex-con on her staff?

Judy Shiffer, Lebanon, PA   October 8th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Does anybody really believe this? Yea right!

Lee, Ann Arbor, Michigan   October 8th, 2007 4:50 pm ET

Sandy Berger should be in jail….not an advisor to a potential Presidential candidate.

This just goes to show you how bad of judge of character the Clinton's are. What next….Norman Hsu potential Secretary of the Treasury?

This should be a red flag to anyone who would even consider electing another Clinton to office. They have shown their true colors and the Country needs to move on to some other people who will give us a fresh start (enough of the Bush/Clinton/Bush control of the White House).

Markus, Bonney Lake WA   October 8th, 2007 4:19 pm ET

Pretty funny to see Bushies get their panties in a bunch over a (very old) scandal. Anyone have the definition of "hypocrisy" handy?

America Will Be Dumb Again, L.A., CA   October 8th, 2007 4:17 pm ET

Q Christian,
I am so tired of this 35 years of experience being touted. Experience doing what???? Someone said that Clintons job approval ratings were high even during the impeachment, but WHAT does that have to do with Hillary. She was not president and that experience hardly qualifies her for the presidency. I wish a Clinton supporter would answer what experience she has for once.. Governor's wife, president's wife and attempting to push through a healthcare plan (until she was given enough money buy lobbyists to drop it)DO NOT qualify as experience…

Coach Haughton NH   October 8th, 2007 4:15 pm ET

FOR WYNTER AND CHRISTIAN

Check out these facts Genius.

▪ Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates.

▪ Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation.

▪ Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify.

▪ Most number of witnesses to die suddenly.

▪ First president sued for sexual harassment.

▪ First president accused of rape.

▪ First president to be held in contempt of court.

▪ First president to be impeached for personal malfeasance.

▪ First first lady to come under criminal investigation.

▪ Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign-contribution case.

▪ Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions.

▪ Number of Starr-Ray investigation convictions or guilty pleas to date: one governor, one associate attorney general and two Clinton business partners: 14.

▪ Number of Cabinet members who came under criminal investigation: 5.

▪ Number of individuals and businesses associated with the Clinton machine that were convicted of or pleaded guilty to crimes: 47.

▪ Number of these convictions during Clinton's presidency: 33.

▪ Number of indictments/misdemeanor charges: 61.

▪ Number of congressional witnesses who pleaded the Fifth Amendment, fled the country to avoid testifying, or (in the case of foreign witnesses) refused to be interviewed: 122.

▪ Guilty pleas and convictions obtained by Donald Smaltz in cases involving charges of bribery and fraud against former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy and associated individuals and businesses: 15; acquitted or overturned cases (including Espy): 6.

▪ Clinton machine crimes for which convictions were obtained: drug trafficking, 3; racketeering, extortion, bribery, 4; tax evasion, kickbacks, embezzlement, 2; fraud, 12; conspiracy, 5; fraudulent loans, illegal gifts, 1; illegal campaign contributions, 5; money laundering, 6; perjury, et al.

▪ Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn't remember, didn't know, or something similar: Bill Kennedy, 116; Harold Ickes, 148; Ricki Seidman, 160; Bruce Lindsey, 161; Bill Burton, 191; Mark Gearan, 221; Mack McLarty, 233; Neil Egglseston, 250; John Podesta, 264; Jennifer O'Connor, 343; Dwight Holton 348; Patsy Thomasson, 420; Jeff Eller, 697; and Hillary Clinton, 250.

PAWN!

PAWN!

PAWN!

PAWN!

PAWN!

Q. Christian Atlanta GA   October 8th, 2007 4:02 pm ET

Henry I believe any intelligent person could see that Amanda was referring to national elected Democrats, not the constituency.

Coach Haughton NH   October 8th, 2007 4:00 pm ET

Oh and some facts about the clintons for the genius christian.

▪ Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates.

▪ Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation.

▪ Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify.

▪ Most number of witnesses to die suddenly.

▪ First president sued for sexual harassment.

▪ First president accused of rape.

▪ First president to be held in contempt of court.

▪ First president to be impeached for personal malfeasance.

▪ First first lady to come under criminal investigation.

▪ Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign-contribution case.

▪ Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions.

▪ Number of Starr-Ray investigation convictions or guilty pleas to date: one governor, one associate attorney general and two Clinton business partners: 14.

▪ Number of Cabinet members who came under criminal investigation: 5.

▪ Number of individuals and businesses associated with the Clinton machine that were convicted of or pleaded guilty to crimes: 47.

▪ Number of these convictions during Clinton's presidency: 33.

▪ Number of indictments/misdemeanor charges: 61.

▪ Number of congressional witnesses who pleaded the Fifth Amendment, fled the country to avoid testifying, or (in the case of foreign witnesses) refused to be interviewed: 122.

▪ Guilty pleas and convictions obtained by Donald Smaltz in cases involving charges of bribery and fraud against former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy and associated individuals and businesses: 15; acquitted or overturned cases (including Espy): 6.

▪ Clinton machine crimes for which convictions were obtained: drug trafficking, 3; racketeering, extortion, bribery, 4; tax evasion, kickbacks, embezzlement, 2; fraud, 12; conspiracy, 5; fraudulent loans, illegal gifts, 1; illegal campaign contributions, 5; money laundering, 6; perjury, et al.

▪ Number of times that Clinton figures who testified in court or before Congress said that they didn't remember, didn't know, or something similar: Bill Kennedy, 116; Harold Ickes, 148; Ricki Seidman, 160; Bruce Lindsey, 161; Bill Burton, 191; Mark Gearan, 221; Mack McLarty, 233; Neil Egglseston, 250; John Podesta, 264; Jennifer O'Connor, 343; Dwight Holton 348; Patsy Thomasson, 420; Jeff Eller, 697; and Hillary Clinton, 250.

Check tripod.com

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 8th, 2007 3:56 pm ET

Dawn – Md,

If you were to read Wynter's original post, you would find he was firing at the folks posting here – commenting on Sandy Berger being a convicted felon. Wynter suggests once a person has settled their case (done time/ paid fines, etc) the issue no longer deserves to be brought up.

My comments to Wynter were NOT suggesting Democrats in office – but liberals and democrats posting HERE were calling for Craig to resign… and asking Wynter if his view of "leave the felon alone" applied to Craig as does Berger (in his mind).

Craig was looking to hook up with a guy in the mens room. Sandy Berger stole and destroyed documents from the National Security Archives.

If EITHER of these two men deserved criticism – WHICH crime was worse in your opinion?

dawn -- Gaithersburg, MD.   October 8th, 2007 3:55 pm ET

JEFF BRUNSWICK, GA:

So you think Sandy Berger lifted records, lied, and then pled guilty to protect the Clintons? (From what exactly?) And he made this enormous sacrifice of incurring a federal record so that he could be "paid off" with the opportunity to give unofficial advice to Sen. Clinton's presidential campaign? Which, by the way, he couldn't possibly have known would exist at the time that he made the sacrifice. He WAS, after all, advising Sen. Kerry at the time he committed the misdemeanor. What if his advisee had won?
And this all makes perfect sense to the denizens of Clinton-hating world?
Okay, then.

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 8th, 2007 3:50 pm ET

Amanda (Greenwich),

First – WELCOME to the CNN blog. It seems you must be quite new here from your assertion of not seeing any Democrats calling for Larry Craig to resigne.

I invite you to visit ANY of the past 30+ Larry Craig articles on CNN's blog and review the THOUSANDS of derogatory remarks from liberal/democratic posters. After reviewing the vast sum of hurled insults and calls for him to resign…. come back and we can discuss this intelligently.

Warm regards.

dawn -- Gaithersburg, MD.   October 8th, 2007 3:43 pm ET

HENRY TUCKER, GA.:

Just for the record: it was REPUBLICANS who started the ethics investigation of Sen. Craig. REPUBLICANS have called for his ouster. I haven't heard any Democrats in office concern themselves with Sen. Craig and his little problems. Whether he stays in office will be up to the Idaho voters, as it should be.

Amanda (Greenwich)   October 8th, 2007 3:28 pm ET

Henry Tucker, Ga –

Larry Craig paid a fine for the misdemeanor he was charged. Are you saying all the democrats should leave him alone??

I don't see any Democrat calling for his head — just the Republicans.

Disgusted with All Pols, Portland, ME   October 8th, 2007 3:23 pm ET

And if this were any one of the Republican candidates accessing Scooter Libby's experience and knowledge, the "BOOM!" would be hear 'round the world!

Brian, Syracuse NY   October 8th, 2007 3:12 pm ET

I just don't understand how she expects anyone to believe that she's in fact the real "change" candidate when she does things like this. It's more evident now than ever before that her candidacy is simply an extension of Bill Clinton's.
Posted By Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA : October 8, 2007 2:55 pm

She doesn't care what people think; She's already bought the election.

Linda - Albany, NY   October 8th, 2007 3:06 pm ET

Oh, isn't this just grand? *insert heavy sarcasm here* Nothing like rubbing elbows w/scum. Seems like Hillary can't keep her hands out of the grease jar.

Lioness, Washington DC   October 8th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

Nice try, Van

As I say, the truth hurts.

Richard Tabuteau, Atlanta, GA   October 8th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

I just don't understand how she expects anyone to believe that she's in fact the real "change" candidate when she does things like this. It's more evident now than ever before that her candidacy is simply an extension of Bill Clinton's.

Robert M. Reidy N.Y.   October 8th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

See how experience counts…

Vote for the smartest guy in the room.

Baaarock the vote!!!

Bob Langfeld   October 8th, 2007 2:37 pm ET

Personally, I believe alcohol is much more dangerous than pot, and that drug is legal. So making Marijuania illegal is for more of a reason than it is dangerous. For if that was the case beer, wine etc would be illegal too. I do believe that Medical Marijauna should be legal in States that have passed it into law.The Federal government should focus on fighting Terrorism and hardcore drugs , not busting sick people who find that pot eases their symptoms. Are not dangerous opiates legal under a doctors prescription, such as vicadin, oxycotyn and morphine?? Again , if a Dr. precripes marijuania for a disease in a state that has legalized medical marijuania, the Fedxeral gov't should BUD out and use their forces to protect the borders against terrorists, and illegal aliens!!! Regulate and tax the stuff to lower our National debt!

Progressive Sheep, South Florida   October 8th, 2007 2:36 pm ET

From the Democrat Playbook:

When confronted by illegal, immoral, or unpatriotic behavior by Hillary Clinton or any other prograssive, point out something about George Bush that you don't like. Don't worry, the two instances need not be related.

Brian, Syracuse NY   October 8th, 2007 2:34 pm ET

Lioness & the other people espousing her view are 100% correct.

I am a Democrat, but I want what's good for my country, and this corrupt war monger in women's clothing ain't it. I don't care if she's a woman, a New Yorker (HA! Yeah right), liberal (she ain't), or a Democrat (label). She's not the right person to lead America.

When I look at the pantheon of our past Presidents, I like to think of which of the current crop of candidates would best fit in.

There've been medically ill people in office (JFK and FDR), we've had inexperienced people (Lincoln, TR and Washington), and we've had people with immense experience (Jefferson and Reagan). You know what else? We've had people with illnesses, inexperience, AND experience where it turned out it wasn't a good thing. Those are all non-issues.

Democrats: Who would you have voted for in 1960? Nixon, the experienced establishment candidate, who was running on four more years of a popular President's term, or Kennedy, the inexperienced "minority"?

Given the choices, and his unique ability to unify in a time when we need it, Barack Obama is the right candidate for President.

My fellow Democrats hate George W. Bush so much. They equate him with crime, yet ignore that he, his father, and the Clintons are close friends. I don't want eight more years of Clinton-Bush.

If Hillary wins this time around, then a few decades down the road, historians will look at the period of time separating the Presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama and identify it as a low point in American history.

F. Melgin, Chicago, IL   October 8th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

Sandy Berglar should be strung up by his heels for his crimes along side Clinton and Gore. They're the ones responsible for 9/11/01.

Clinton attacked Iraq in '98 without going to congress first and democraps said nothing. Bush went to congress, got approval and dems are having hissy fits.

Demonrats never cease to prove their hypocritical stupidity.

monica, rochester new york   October 8th, 2007 2:32 pm ET

Are you Clinton supporters kidding me? You're actually complaining about how CNN reported this story? If it were Obama's camp the headline would have been "Convicts advise Obama" and it would have been on the home page as breaking news. Since it's potentially negative news for HRC CNN posts it on the ticker below 2nd to Romney's marijuana story. Why is the Romney marijuana story on the home page? Candidates being questioned about that issue is nothing new and is to be expected. Whereas a candidates ties to someone who resigned under scandal and pleaded guilty is buried, with headline that most Americans won't get the significance. Well played CNN in your continued support of HRC. Another HRC supporter complained that the repubs are coming out of the woodwork in comments on this. What? 45 comments so far. Compared to the 750 comments on Obama just for talking to christians and openly disucssing his faith. Wow, I can see why you think HRC is getting picked on. You don't have slanted view of reality at all, no siree!! It's ok if she's your candidate but you should at least know by now that CNN and the MSM is HRC's best friend. If you don't, then you're not paying much attention, which explains why you're not supporting Obama : )

Rex, Toledo, Ohio   October 8th, 2007 2:29 pm ET

No shock here. Only the beginning….

Tom, Texas, USA   October 8th, 2007 2:25 pm ET

How can this be? After Burglar was exposed for having pilfered, stolen and destroyed highly classified national security documents in order to prevent the exposure of Boy Clinton's disastrous foreign "policy", David Gergen insisted that it was all a Republican ploy to distract attention away from the Republicans.

Ryan Indianapolis   October 8th, 2007 2:21 pm ET

CRIMINAL,,,this guy gets caught stuffing highly classified documents down his pants to cover up for Bill dropping the ball with Al Queda. Whats Hillary do,,puts him on as an UNPAID ADVISOR,,,that is what you get with the Clintons….Corrupt Shady people, Sandy Berger should be in jail or put on trail for treason,,,The Clintons are Embarrassments to this country, and liberals and democrats you can try to spin it any way you want and God knows you will blame Bush somehow for this but This looks really bad and once(who knows the public is very ignorant about actually reading for themselves) the public listens to what this guy did,,Hillary is DONE

VanReuter NY NY   October 8th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

"She must be psychotic. Lie enough, and you begin to believe what you say.
Posted By Lioness, Washington DC : October 8, 2007 2:02 pm"

Unintentional self-reference is my favorite form of parody…

Van

John Thomas, Edina, MN   October 8th, 2007 2:06 pm ET

Yep, you Hillary supporters are quite the sheep. You just keep eating her crap up while she associates herself with criminal after criminal.

"Baaa baaa," say the Hillary supporters.

Brian Tampa, FL   October 8th, 2007 2:05 pm ET

Getting the band back together. Scandal after scandal and she isn't even out of the primary. Dims have cried for seven years about Bush and this clown is their chosen replacement.

Lioness, Washington DC   October 8th, 2007 2:02 pm ET

Be fair to some of us Dems, folks.

This dem cannot stand Hillary. A pathological liar is a pathological liar, no matter the political party.

And for those of you who criticize Republicans: two wrongs do not make a right.

Having Hillary and her supporters defend her lack of integrity by referring to GOP scandals is the best evidence I have seen that they care nothing about bad behaviour and that they have no substantial defense for Hillary.

This is the change that Hillary is promising? She must be psychotic. Lie enough, and you begin to believe what you say.

JB Boston MA   October 8th, 2007 1:57 pm ET

HAWK

When are people going to realize that saying "But Bush did this and Bush did that. . ." does NOTHING.

First, Clinton isn't running against Bush.

Second, aren't we trying to improve our situation? Wouldn't we want to avoid scandals in the future? Look what they have done to this country.

If we know we are going to get more of the same with Clinton, shouldn't we TRY to find someone that won't bring such things to the table.

Makes sense to me, but what do I know.

Lost faith   October 8th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

huh, more scandal involving the clintons…no big surprise there. Don't worry, Clinton's, the people will continue to turn a blind eye to your crooked ways just as they did before. It seems most everyone has short turn memory when it comes to politicians and their past actions or just don't have high expectations of who they vote for. I've lost all faith in anyone being in office for the greater good anymore. Always some personal agenda, image, or greed. That will be our downfall if we're not careful.

Lioness, Washington DC   October 8th, 2007 1:56 pm ET

So this is Hillary's "mistake-free," "flawless" campaign that CNN and other mainstream media refer to?

How about the folloeing:

-Norman Hsu
-Mark Penn's firm adivsing Blackwater
-Calling for $5,000 bonds for newborns – an absurd policy.
-Flip-flopping on whether using nuclear weapons should be openly discussed in so-called hypothetical scenarios.
-Lying about her votes On Iraq – during which she opposed an amendment that would have tied Bush's hands before he went to war.
-Refusing to commit to Social Security reform
-Having a General campaign for her who said she (the General) had never heard Hillary say anything bad about the war in Iraq.

And the list goes on….

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   October 8th, 2007 1:55 pm ET

Why do you all hate so much I doubt any of you are real christians (if on the the right) or real democrats (if on the left), the fact that the senator seeks opinions from multiple points of view tells me that at the very least she has an open mind and she wants to be informed, perhaps the choice could have been someone from a previous Republican cabinet and we don't know she might, but why should she be tagged and labeled for seeking points of view? don't we want elected officials that are informed, that is the biggest problem with this administration, the lack of curiosity and thought. however it appears that most of you are looking for more excuses. Don't vote for her if you don't want to, but at least be more respectful when you post, no need to be so hateful.

Mati, Seattle, WA   October 8th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

Do you really think Hillary Clinton could not find other campaign advisers but this guy? Anybody can 'offer advice' or spread rumors about giving advice to get attention.

Its good CNN gave you, Hillary's very knowledgeable haters, something to talk about.

Q. Christian Atlanta GA   October 8th, 2007 1:46 pm ET

Henry in Tucker GA. Just because there was a scandal involving Sandy Berger does that mean that he forgot all of his experience serving as national security advisor? If one of your family members were a doctor that had their license taken away for writing phony prescriptions would you not take advice from them if you were in a car accident and they could help you save your life. THE ANSWER TO BOTH QUESTIONS IS NO.

Sandy Berger is an unpaid advisor on the Clinton Campaign BIG DEAL. He is not running for President–she is. I wish you all would stop trying to forensically take apart everything about Hillary and turn that HIGH POWERED SCANNING ELECTRON MICRSCOPE you all are using on Hillary on Barack Obama.

This is clearly the man you need to investigate. He has no history whatsoever. Sure he was a state senator and He serves in the US senate now, but what else is there? Isn't this a valid point? Someone seeking the highest office in the land should be given a little more scrutiny than someone who for over 35 years has devoted her life to public service.

I'm just sayin'   October 8th, 2007 1:42 pm ET

Why is it that the men associated with the Clinton campaign have difficulty with things in their pants?

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   October 8th, 2007 1:39 pm ET

Perception is reality, Mrs. Clinton. This is a distraction that republicans will hammer on. Get him out of your campaign and let's get back to discussion of the issues. We've got alot of work to do to get our country back. GO HILLARY!

therealist   October 8th, 2007 1:36 pm ET

Simply incomprehensible that a serious presidential contender would rely upon him for any foreign policy advise!

Berger has admitted stealing documents from the National Archives in advance of the 9/11 Commission hearings in 2003. Documents of the Clinton administration’s shortcomings in dealing with terrorism and we all know the consequences of those shortcomings… On several occasions, Berger stuffed highly classified documents into his pants and socks before spiriting them out of the Archives building. On one occasion, he hid documents under a construction trailer after checking the windows of the Archives and Justice Department buildings to make sure he was not being watched, coming back later to retrieved the documents. Does this sound like a presidential advisor?

At some point Hillary will win the dem nomination and begin to receive national security briefings that will include sensitive information. Berger having access to any of that sensitive material parallels treason.

JB Boston MA   October 8th, 2007 1:34 pm ET

This stuff will continue to come up if Hillary is President. She has proven to be unethical.

I am not saying she and her husband are guilty of EVERYTHING they have been accused of, but, when this stuff continues to follow them, it is a statement on their characters.

Just my thoughts, don't crucify me for having opinions you don't agree with.

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 8th, 2007 1:29 pm ET

Wynter – NH

You wrote, "The man has already served his punishment for the act he took back then. Do we now discard people if they commit an illegal act?"

Larry Craig paid a fine for the misdemeanor he was charged. Are you saying all the democrats should leave him alone??

Just curious if your "leave the felon" alone approach applies to Republicans as well as democrats?

No Spin Here, TX   October 8th, 2007 1:28 pm ET

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

Posted By Wynter, Loudon, NH : October 8, 2007 1:08 pm
=======
Wynter, you need to take off your sunglasses and look at the light. There is -obviously- something wrong with a presidential campaign taking on an advisor with a history of STEALING INTELLIGENCE DOCUMENTS. There is a reason the Kerry campaign fired him. The media has no backbone and won't stand up to the Clinton machine. That's a fact. Did you read the GQ news story about the Clinton machine pressuring news outlets against running negative news about them? Or did you not "see that"

sonya, atlanta, ga   October 8th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

Wasn't he the guy, charged with stuffing confidential files in his pants. HRC knows how to pick them. As my mother said growing up, you will be judged by the company you keep.

Bee   October 8th, 2007 1:26 pm ET

I am not suprise that old cronism will come back if she is elected.

They will downplay anything that is corrupt and linked to their campaign.

A vote for Clinton is a vote for more of the same B##$$T.

Vote change in this coming election

George   October 8th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

Oh yea she takes advice from CRIMINALS!
Posted By Coach Haughton NH : October 8, 2007 12:48 pm

The coach is throwing folding chairs on the court again…lol

Lance in Monrovia CA   October 8th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

Politics as usual. The great Sandy Berger returns. And why doesn't someone ask Clinton why her Karl Rove, aka Mark Penn, the head of her campaign, is also the PR guy for Blackwater? Or why don't they ask her about the fact she's the QUEEN of earmarks in the Senate, with only ONE other REPUBLICAN senator getting more money for his state in earmarks attached to bills that screw up our healthcare and the war.

Hillary Clinton + Sandy Berger + Mark Penn = business in the mud as usual.

Barack Obama is the only one to publicly release earmarks and he has a better record passing ethics reform than anyone. Obama + the american people = morning in America, change at last, change at last!!!!

therealist   October 8th, 2007 1:16 pm ET

Move on, move along, nothing to see here but the same old criminals at work. Look over there!!, is that Republican hypocrisy??

Welcome back the pre-911 presidential advisors America, Hillary can offer nothing else..

Grace, NY   October 8th, 2007 1:14 pm ET

And this is a surprise why?

HAWK,TEXAS   October 8th, 2007 1:11 pm ET

I SEE THAT ALL THE REPUB'S REALLY CAME OUT ON THIS ONE. WHAT ABOUT GEORGE W. AND ALL THE CROOKS THAT HE HAS APPOINTED TO OFFICE. HE TOOK AN OATH TO ABIDE BY THE CONSTUTION, BUT WHAT DOES HE DO ? HE STOMPS IT IN THE DIRT. HIS WHOLE ADMINISTRATION IS A PACK OF THIEVES AND LIARS. YET IT IS ALL RIGHT WITH THE BRAIN WASHED REPUBLICANS.

Wynter, Loudon, NH   October 8th, 2007 1:08 pm ET

The issue is of no consequence. The man has already served his punishment for the act he took back then. Do we now discard people if they commit an illegal act? Do we throw people away now? The man has experience and skills that are useful and legal. Denying him to have a job makes us the bad guy in this situation.

Now I have said that, I have a comment for the nutcases that seem to come out pro and con for Hillary and Obama. Please keep your posts less vehement and more informative. Namecalling is so infantile it is disgusting to read and makes you appear like a fool with nothing valuable to say. Now if you have a fact or issue about the candidate to tell everyone about then tell us. But please don't spread rumors or hearsay, just the facts. Otherwise, I would applaud it if CNN's moderators filtered out those comments of "no value".

Telling it like I see it,
Wynter

CB...Tampa, FL   October 8th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

The Clinton machine keeps on rolling. They can bring aboard a convicted criminal and the mainsteam media doesn't say a thing. If the republicans did that, all hell would break lose. We know where most media make their bed, and I think we have a good idea what Hillary's true colors are. Beware of wolves in sheep's clothing.

Colony 14 author, Mount Prospect, Illinois   October 8th, 2007 12:50 pm ET

Where's the outrage? I would like to see the public and the media respond to Hillary's use of Sandy Berger in her campaign in the same manner in which they'd respond to a Republican candidate if he chose to seek help from Scooter Libby!

But, no doubt, Hillary will get a pass. (After all, it's probably only about sex. "Are you happy to see me, Sandy, or have you been to the National Archives again?")

Coach Haughton NH   October 8th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

Oh yea she takes advice from CRIMINALS!

TERRY TARRANT   October 8th, 2007 12:43 pm ET

The Dem's just don't get it, All the Clinton's want to do is make history.

I think the voters should take a closer look at her and choose Obama a Person who has no washington connections and is good for this country.

Erik   October 8th, 2007 12:41 pm ET

I just saw about 650 comments about Obama talking about his faith. We see a somewhat negative stories about Clinton's corrupt dealings and nobody cares. This country really is showing it true colors! Hillary can do anything she wants but if Obama coughs it front page negative news. BIAS BIAS BIAS!

M, Sterling Heights Michigan   October 8th, 2007 12:32 pm ET

Does anyone else have a problem with the caption on the picture??? That certainly doesn't look like senator Clinton to me…

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 8th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Mr Jinnah (HRC donor that fled country)

Norman HSU ($850,000 of illegal donations to HRC)

Sandy Berger (Convicted of removing classified documents)

She voted for the War. She voted for the Kyl-Lieberman Iran Resolution. She is against Gay Marriage. She gladly accepts Special Interest donations and refuses to take a stand against Moveon.Org. She has the highest negative ratings of any Presidential candidate in the history of polling.

THIS is the overwhelming choice of democrat voters???

I'm not complaining – but it seems as those Dems are searching for a way to lose this slam-dunk election.

Mark. Shreveport, LA   October 8th, 2007 12:30 pm ET

Just like her husband has his political operatives get FBI files on opponents and took illegal contributions from abroad and domestically, Hillary is doing the same.
Like husband like wife.

Sharon Levine Oklahoma City OK   October 8th, 2007 12:24 pm ET

The next Secretary of State? He can hide documents in his pants. What would the new congress do with that? Hillary doesn't trust Petraeus but will go with a guy like this. Wake up people.

Anonymous   October 8th, 2007 12:18 pm ET

Go figure. Another Clinton scandal. Wow – I'm speechless (or not) …

Jeff Brunswick, GA   October 8th, 2007 12:15 pm ET

I am glad we are finally seeing Sandy's payoff for keeping his mouth shut after being caught. And I am glad we are seeing what kind of people would be advising a Hillary Whitehouse – convicted thieves.

Brian, Syracuse NY   October 8th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

And she's leading in the Democratic polls, with criminals like Sandy Berger on her advisory team.

Disgusting.

Ron, TX   October 8th, 2007 12:02 pm ET

Bergler served as -national security advisor- to her husband! The only reason they aren't paying him is because they need a way to dodge YET ANOTHER scandal tied to their name. They obviously value his opinion or they would tell him "do not offer us advice." I'm so sick of the same old Washington politics!

George   October 8th, 2007 11:58 am ET

Actually, the headline should read;

CNN Plays Up Berger's tenuous connection to Clinton Campaign.

What was that definition of, "yellow journalism", again? Oh, HERE it is.

Yellow journalism is a pejorative reference to journalism that features scandal-mongering, sensationalism, jingoism or other unethical or unprofessional practices by news media organizations or journalists. It has been loosely defined as "not quite libel".

Yeah, that's it.

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   October 8th, 2007 11:55 am ET

How mnay crooks does it take to raise funds for and advise Shrillary? We won't know the answer until it's too late. Wake up and reject this woman now, Nation.

Tom Dedham, Mass   October 8th, 2007 11:54 am ET

Birds of a feather.

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