October 16, 2007
Posted: 07:45 PM ET

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Republicans on Capitol Hill and around the country engaged Tuesday in a coordinated effort to paint Hillary Clinton as hypocritical on the issue of government surveillance, seizing on an allegation in a recent book that Clinton secretly listened to phone conversations of political opponents in 1992.

The orchestrated attack is part of an evolving GOP strategy to attack Senator Clinton with dual goals: tarnishing her image and rallying the GOP base.

The effort — coordinated by the RNC — resulted in press releases Tuesday from House Republicans, as well as multiple state GOP parties from Michigan to Arkansas to Alabama.

A statement from Michigan's GOP chairman accused Clinton of "the highest form of hypocrisy," and cited this as a "clear example of how the Clintons will stop at nothing to recapture the White House."

Arkansas' Republican Party chairman called on the state attorney general to investigate whether Clinton may have eavesdropped and recorded political opponents' telephone conversations with her husband was governor of Arkansas.

At issue is an allegation in a book by New York Times reporters Don Van Natta and Jeff Gerth that staffers for the Clintons in 1992 intercepted cell phone conversations of political rivals discussing the possibility of other women coming forward with allegations of affairs with Bill Clinton.

Gerth told The Hill newspaper that he learned of the incident in 2006 form a former Clinton campaign aide who claimed to be present at the taping. Gerth has not revealed his source's identity.

Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines refuses to comment on the substance of Van Natta and Gerth's book.

"It's a valiant effort by Jeff Gerth to get his 16th minute of fame, but we don't comment on books that were utter and complete failures, rift with inaccuracies and falsehoods, and rejected by reviewers and readers alike," Reines said.

In terms of the Republican attack, Clinton Campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson told CNN, "As Hillary Clinton continues to beat all Republicans in poll after poll this is just politics as usual from Republicans who can't defend this president's failed policies. The story is categorically untrue."

Republicans are candid about their desire to go after Hillary Clinton, and use it as a tool to rally a disillusioned GOP base.
RNC spokesman Danny Diaz told CNN they "saw a political opportunity and communicated with friends in the states and on the Hill."

"We believe that this is something Hillary Clinton is going to face again and again. The reality is that her weak national security record is something she needs to face if she makes it to the general election," Diaz said.

– CNN Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Jon Paugh, Louisville, KY   October 18th, 2007 10:10 pm ET

Ok, lets take a look at what pres Clinton accomplished. He fought a war and crippled the Iraq air force (which was one of the best in the 90′) making it easier to invade Iraq during Bush's war. Huge surpluses of money for the last 2 years in his tenure. Minimum wage was increased. Back on point, Sen. Clinton has made a name for herself. She is a hard working and driven person. No matter who the contender will be for the Democratic candidate the smears will be the same from the GOP. Obama is quite a bit less experienced and talks a good talk, but fails when it comes to a plan to get it in place. The presidency doesnt come with a magic wand and a easy button. I like Obama, but he needs to spend more time in politics before going straight to the head of the class.

dawn -- Gaithersburg, MD.   October 18th, 2007 9:34 pm ET

Tom — Dedham, Mass:

You may have missed my response to your Tammy Wynette comment under the Sen. Clinton/Jeff Gerth posting. Here it is.

You did mischaracterize Sen. Clinton's words to support your point. You either misquoted or paraphrased her wrongly. Furthermore, you left out the second part of her quote, either: (a) deliberately; (b) because you'd forgotten it; or (c) because your source, if you had one, had also left it out.

Here's what you said that Mrs. Clinton said.

"I would never "Stand by your man" like that Tammy Wynette did"

Then you commented: "actually you, [Mrs. Clinton] did stand by your man, turned a blind eye and all for political expedience."

The combination of your misquote or misleading paraphrase of Mrs. Clinton's words and your comment, strongly implies that Mrs. Clinton PROMISED that she "would never" (I'm quoting YOU here) stay with Bill Clinton if he cheated, but then did stay with him after she actually caught him cheating, thereby breaking her promise out of "political expedience" (I'm quoting you again).

But the actual quote, which you gave in your 10/17/07, 3:12 pm post (good for you) is: "I'm not sitting here as some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette." This statement is not a promise of Mrs. Clinton’s future conduct. Instead, it is a prelude to explaining her real reasons for staying in the marriage. "I'm sitting here because I love him and I respect him and I honor what we've been through together. If that's not enough for people, then heck, don't vote for him." Because she wasn’t making a promise here, she couldn’t have broken it later and therefore your implication that she was being dishonest was unwarranted. (Later, when you quoted Mrs. Clinton accurately, you altered your posture from an attack on her honesty to one on her strength. However, some people find sticking to one’s convictions and marriage even in the face of serious challenges to be a proof of fortitude, rather than a sign of weakness.)

The reason she apologized for her remarks wasn't because she had been dishonest (the point of your first post), or because she was a weak woman pretending to be strong (the point of your second, I suppose). She apologized because she referred to Ms. Wynette personally, rather than confining her remarks to Ms. Wynette’s song, thereby hurting Ms. Wynette’s feelings. I freely confess that I don't know what you mean by "see[ing] it the right way," or what part the reference to Mrs. Clinton’s apology to Ms. Wynette is supposed to play in buttressing your argument.

I'm also not entirely certain what you mean by “word-play[ing]” or “hoping for nuance,” but, as I've demonstrated, there is a significant difference between what you said Mrs. Clinton said and what she actually said. By changing Mrs. Clinton’s “not” to your “never,” you twisted her words from a statement explaining why she was staying with her husband into a promise that she wouldn't should he prove unfaithful. A promise that you then convict her of breaking. The charitable explanation for the discrepancy between her words and yours,’ is that you thought (without checking) that you were paraphrasing a quote that supports your perpetual proposition that Sen. Clinton is a self-serving liar. But regardless of how it happened, this mischaracterization is stark, not nuanced and is very serious stuff for a man who has no patience with even minor misstatements and obviously prides himself on his unimpeachable integrity.

Given your past record, I would seem to be in absolutely no danger of being presented with a tape of Sen. Clinton robbing a bank …," or any other irrefutable evidence of her “guilt.” At least, not by you.

P.S. I cannot blame you at all for not wishing to write to me any more. However, when I address your comments using your name, personal communication with you is, at best, a secondary consideration. First and foremost, I want to identify the source of what I consider misinformation, poor logic etc., and then make what corrections I can. Of course, using your name makes it easier for you to give a crisp, logical rebuttal to my arguments. In the circumstances, however, I suppose I don’t blame you for not taking advantage of the opportunity. I will continue to use your name when I disagree with your comments but I urge you not to take the matter personally.

Kuuipo, Bellefontaine, OH   October 18th, 2007 5:19 pm ET

Geez…the mudslinging will never end. If this is true, Hillary should be imprisoned…not to mention the fact that she took money illegally from China (major lobbying action stopped there) or the fact that she had oh I dunno 8 years to reform Medicare and failed at it dramatically. Now she wants to touch health care? I don't think so. Let's see what else has the government done so far. Social Security is a joke now and probably won't be there when I am ready to retire. Medicaid is failing as of right now. The EIC tax is gone, but the tax raise that supported that stayed. Taxes were raised about 15 times since this group were elected in Congress. Bills are being put on the table that are of no importance (Genocide? C'mon, Immigration? NO!) Let's focus at what's important right now. Like getting America to trust government right now. I don't think anyone trusts government anymore because they lied too much. Pork barrel spending should be ceased. Break down the laws so that even common folks can read it and it makes sense (so that we can understand why taxes are being raised), let the people decide if Congress gets a pay raise (cause I see that is one of the issues that was bought to the table this month.) Vote for the person that is going to get the job done, not the person that you think should get it because of race, gender, etc.

Zach Shreve Hawesville,Kentucky   October 17th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

WOW!! let's see here there has been a number of thing's aimed at clinton and yet she is still at the top. I am all for a first girl president. She is not it if she win's in 2008 here I come canada. Everyone think's Bush is bad clinton will be 10x worse. Look at what her husband did. The clinton's are the worse polictican's in american history they need to let someone who can actually do the job win. I am thinking OBAMA will be great for the and it's sad to think that Clinton has a chnace of beating him. What is wrong with American's!

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 17th, 2007 2:31 pm ET

"Zippity-do-dah, zippity-ay, my oh my what a wonderful day."

The New York Times is certainly not part of the "vast right-wing conspiracy" now are they?

The evil one Karl Rove is down in the dungeon as we speak, working on these TRUTHFUL ads, that will be called smear ads by the MSM, but there will be so much material from so many different sources, they will not be able to ignore the ONSLAUGHT.

Biden/Obama are the best choice for the Democrats and they would be tough to beat, HillBilly on the other hand thanks to her self described co-presidency and scandal after scandal is goin' down, big-time.

Think about that kids, she will tape a rivals conversation but not a terrorist that wants to kill all of us.

Plenty of sunshine….

David, Gilbert Arizona   October 17th, 2007 2:16 pm ET

I find it very telling that democrats are so quick to condemn George Bush for everything he does but pratically canonize Hillary Clinton despite the various scandals she has been involved in.

She flip flops on important issues such as Iran. She first says she would not negotiate with Iran and blasts Obama as being naive and irresponsible when he said he would. During one of the debates Hillary says on camera, "I would engage in negotiations with Iran, with no conditions, because we don't really understand how Iran works."

Of course her Iran flip flop pales in comparison to her speech on the Senate floor when voting to go to war in Iraq then years later saying, "If I knew then what I know now." Well Mrs. Clinton, why didn't your read the report before you voted to go to war?

When Hillary is caught, once again, in a campaign finance scandal the democratic sheeple are more than happy to close their eyes and blindly follow Hillary down the garden path.

When it came to torture of terrorist Hillary said in October 2006, "In the event we were ever confronted with having to interrogate a detainee with knowledge of an imminent threat to millions of Americans, then the decision to depart from standard international practices must be made by the President." When asked by Tim Russert if a Presidential exemption to allow torture in the face of imminent danger Hillary contradicts herself once again. "It cannot be American policy, period."

If you read transcripts of Hillary Clinton's interviews when she is asked a question she invariable dances around the issue and then ends her monolog with a question. When she is asked whether or not the campaign has paid enough attention to education her response is, "I think we have to ask ourselves, is education working in the 21st century?" Well duh! What kind of answer is that? When she was asked to clarify her answer she again replies with a question, "Just because I sat in a classroom with my hands crossed on my desk and with the teacher in the front of the room telling me what I was supposed to learn, that's how we need to keep doing it year after year after year? So, I think that there are other reasons that people could point to, but it really comes down to how personally people feel about this issue." Uhh…What? Way to not answer yet another question Hillary.

So now yet another skeleton comes out of the Clinton closet and yet again the democrats are quick to dismiss it. Had this article been about a republican candidate you can bet real money these same democrats would be ranting and raving and crying impeachment or. That is the true definition of hypocrisy.

Bush lite indeed.

Pete, Washington   October 17th, 2007 2:13 pm ET

Mr. Cooper, The Clinton's REFUSE to discuss this story… Why?… All they say is that they (the Clinton campaign) do not comment about an 'unpopular' book. The have NOT denied the basic facts of this story.. Why?…The American people deserve to know whether or not this candidate engaged in unethical, or illegal activities…So, once and for all, can you do a 'Feature Story', interviewing all those named in this matter, check out the 'facts', and help the voters understand if these allegations are true, or not?….This story will come up again, and again, unless a respected journalist like yourself, has the courage to 'dig into' this issue, and lay to rest, the truth about the Clinton's role in this story. Who ordered the 'listening in' on telephone conversations, who did it, who did they 'spy' on, and if and how, did Hillary participate in this activity?…I think that the Clintons will welcome an honest and objective review of all the facts, and take away from the "Swiftboaters" an issue that will 'poison' the minds of the American voters, and help clear up the reputation of the Clintons… What say you, CNN?

Coach Haughton NH   October 17th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

It makes me sad for the state of the Democratic party that people actually believe in the "vast right wing conspiracy" now renamed the "republican attack machine".

It doesn't matter who did the investigation or how much money was money was spent. What matters is the truth in the evidence found.

You guys who support the clintons no matter what might as well pray to them.

Sparky, Plano, Texas   October 17th, 2007 1:17 pm ET

Here we go again! With the Clintons, it is not whether they do right versus wrong, but what they can get away with in life. This is a bad thing to teach our children. We need a break from the slime we have endured since January 20, 1993. Just say NO to Hillary in '08!

Angela, Alexandria, VA   October 17th, 2007 12:55 pm ET

Hillary refuses to appear on the top rated cable news program, "The O'Reilly Factor" for this very reason. The NY senator does not want to answer difficult questions. Jesse Jackson was treated respectfully when he recently appeared on 'The O'Reilly Factor'.

THOMAS-I'm not a Hillary fan, but she was actually on Keith Olberman a few weeks ago. I dont blame her for not getting on the No Spin Zone, O'Reilly is a psychopath.

Sue, Michigan   October 17th, 2007 12:51 pm ET

Chris, you've got to be kidding that you prefer Rudy to Hillary! If he becomes the nominee, the skeletons will come falling out of the closets pretty quickly. He's running on "9-11, 9-11″ and we're all sick of it! He is partially responsible for that attack, isn't he since there was a precious attack and he was warned, and did nothing? Seems as if Bush was warned too, on his way in the door, about Bin Laden and a possible attack using planes, yet he did nothing either. Yeah, that's just what we need, more bluster and less intelligence-we'd be at war with Iran before you can blink.
And just to set the record straight about the Lieberman amendment, it originally DID give Bush permission to declare war, but the version that Clinton approved does NOT. It was changed due to concern about that from a huge internet contingent who got thru to their Congresspeople. And Obama was so concerned about that vote that he didn't bother to show up. So quit bashing her for that one please! You should know that Bush thinks the Constitution is a silly piece of paper and he consistently makes signing statements on bills, giving him the right to ignore them. Yes sir, I love the Republicans-put money in their pockets any way they can, and the hell with the rest of the world. Just give a little smirk and reassure the stupid masses that they are there to save us from ourselves. Any more Republicans in the WH and we won't have a country left.

Johnny Duke, Houston, TX   October 17th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

WHOA…Hold on a minute, second, nannoseconds…did anyone here catch "Frontline" last night? This is obscene to say the least when compared to "Cheney's Law" that has controlled this country since 1975!!! And the Republican have the outright INCOURAGEOUS GAUL to call Sen. Clinton a hypocrit? Give me a break! This is one P—–! (fill it in Repubs)

Mia   October 17th, 2007 12:34 pm ET

Liberal bias? Did you guys ever stop to think that maybe the world is moving left — except for you? Really no one but the GOP cares that gays are (gasp) human beings and deserve not to get fired from their jobs. Only the GOP would support loonies that claim that by not spewing hate against gays is somehow violating their rights to practice their religion. Only the GOP would blindly follow a president who no one much likes but them. It doesn't pay to paint Hillary as the Devil Incarnate when you're the Devil's spawn.

Ivan, Chicago, Illinois   October 17th, 2007 12:33 pm ET

Yestarday Tucker Carlson a conservative republican host on MSNBC discussed this story.
Tucker Carlson: Because here is what Clinton's press secretary said, asked for comment, he said, I'm quoting now, "We don't comment on books that are utter and complete failures." He Mr. Carlson then went on to say and I quote, "In other words, we only comment on John Grisham novels. That's the only thing we're going to talk about. What do its sale numbers have to do with the truth or falseness of the allegations?"
Mr. Carlson conveniently left off "rift with inaccuracies and falsehoods, and rejected by reviewers and readers alike."
Without Mr. Carlson's parsing and editing of the statement he could not have made his accusations.
It's always good to be able to go to the source so we can not be fooled by those who have an agenda.
Mr. Carlson make you case but be accurate when you quote someone.
You were not hired to be impartial but you should be truthfull, for if you have to omit or lie what does that say about your case.

Mia   October 17th, 2007 12:17 pm ET

Again, I don't see how this is going to change a THING. Accusing other politicians of –um–being politicians?
Craig is an IDIOT. Hillary is not a saint, but she's not stupid enough to admit to her guilt and then try to reverse it later. Republicans should stop selling us old news repackaged as "new" news– no one's listening anymore.

L. White, San Diego   October 17th, 2007 11:35 am ET

I wonder if this is a response to the Frontline documentary, Cheyney" and that documents with many witnesses, his and Addington+Bush's attempt to take over the country, including illegal moves on eavesdropping on all American citizens..look at the whole file on frontline + cheyney

Beck Carthage, Mo   October 17th, 2007 11:31 am ET

The old GOP slime machine is getting an early start this election cycle. The desperation is almost laughable. Why has CNN suddenly become one of their water carriers?

Heath, L.A., CA   October 17th, 2007 11:09 am ET

It is just insane to read the posts of people supporting this woman. So sick of the Bush/Clinton rule (regime). And CNN and the rest of the media help her along. Not that the GOP side is any good. These candidates are dominated by CFR cronies, neo-cons & neo-libs, globalists, Bilderbergers, etc. We need someone like Ron Paul in office to restore the Republic and look to the Constitution.

Tom - Dedham, Mass   October 17th, 2007 10:50 am ET

Look at the story of Obama being related to Cheney and Bush.
Doesn't anyone think the timing of these two articles are coordinated to have the maximum negative effect on two of the most threatening candidates to the Rebubs?? I think so!!
Although, I think Hillary got off lightly compared to what they said about Obama.
I'm still weeping for him.

Posted By Angela, wpb, fl : October 16, 2007 11:59 pm

Since CNN is the only place where I heard the Obama story:

Are you suggesting that CNN (of all networks) by posting these two stories are somehow affiliated with the Republicans?

Two New York times INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS are certainly not part of "the vast right-wing conpiracy", but they write a book about the "queen" and her usual corrupt BS,and you sheep will dismiss it NO MATTER WHAT and heaven forbid the Republicans want it investigated.

After all isn't the New York Times the beacon of our media, "All the news that's fit to print"?

The rules are set, NOBODY can say ANYTHING about the "queen" during the next election cycle and that includes fellow Democrats (smears), Republicans (VRWC), prize winning liberal reporters (hacks), Fox news (duh), CNN (now part of the VRWC) and the coronation will be completed.

She can be caught robbing a bank with a KKK shirt on you sheep would not only dismiss it, but find ways to blame someone else.

With all her and Billyboy's dirt, the mud will be easy to sling. Bah, Bah.

Sarah   October 17th, 2007 10:41 am ET

I would like to enlighten all posters who believe it is the right winged republican base that wants to through Hillary under the campaign bus.

We are democrats. We think Hillary will be a disaster for this country. She lies, takes money from the PAC's who will stop any real reform, and she will further divide our sadly fractured nation.

Wake up. We are democrats and we are not going to stand by and let her become the leader of this country.

seymore, pa   October 17th, 2007 10:39 am ET

for the record, any transmission over the air waves are fair game. they can be intercepted and listened to with impunity.

Chris, Middletown, CT   October 17th, 2007 10:12 am ET

As a Republican - I have to admit this is alittle old to even look at - when theres so much thats happened in the last couple months….liberals…just for fun….(and this is fun too) - search for the transcripts from the debates - and look at the questions…and Hillarys answers…then read the answers again…and see that she really doesn't ever clearly answer anything…(I know…you guys will have an excuse….you have become so good at defending her….she has trust issues….the people don't trust her…I trust Obama….(even though he leans left….and panders to the unions) - this is why Giuliani will win the election….even my state is no longer a lock for the Dems….yeah CT!! we are starting to think!! Giuliani 08 - no doubt!

Mark R. Fort Lauderdale FL   October 17th, 2007 9:58 am ET

I don't know what's worse; the right wing trying to dig up or rehash anything they can about Ms. Clinton, or the hate-mongers who post on these threads with such maliciousness. I guarantee she's made some mistakes in the past just like all of us. She's lived a life of public service and has clear ideas about how to help our country out of the mess we're in. Her poll numbers keep rising because people are takig a second look and realizing she is not this demon that the right wing has painted. She is caring, compassionate, intelligent,, and I hope she's going to be our next president.

spinstopper   October 17th, 2007 9:40 am ET

Challenging illegally wiretapping activities has suddenly become a dumb senseless right wing attack method that CNN is not interested in.
Thank you for that biased report CNN, at least consistency is a good quality…

Lou Dobbs, Plano TX   October 17th, 2007 9:34 am ET

Anyone remember Larry Craig, the man with the Republican family values?! Republicans need to stop pretending to be religious and start apologizing for their misdeeds!

Ben, Columbus, OH   October 17th, 2007 9:34 am ET

If Barack or any other candidate supporters think that the Republican's are not going to do the same thing- "LIE and SPIN" - against any other democrat nominee, you have your head buried in the sand, you are naive, and living in an ideal fantasy world. Hillary has proven to be able to beat them, and, that quite well!!!!

Megha, San Antonio, TX   October 17th, 2007 9:32 am ET

We know this was going to happen, GOP now understands that Hillary will be the democratic nominee and they are really scared that she will actually beat the hell our of Guiliani, who has no idea of what a presidency means, who just happened to be luncky that the unfortunate 9/11 occured during his mayorship. So as a result, the republicans will do everything to stop her, they know very well it will be in-vain, but they will still try. Since they have nothing to say about her credentials or policies, they can come up with nothing better than this sensless gabble. So good luck GOP, this is what we expect from you-dirty, mudslinging. This kind of dirty playing only reinforces the fact that Hillary will be a great president.

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   October 17th, 2007 9:27 am ET

Come on fellow Conservatives. If this is the best we can do, we're in trouble.

HRC has so many obvious, outright flaws and bad policy ideas to exploit, there is really no need to dig up 15 year old supposed he-said-she-said dirt… dirt which no one could actually prove now anyway.

This broad is an easy target just with things she has done and said in the media. I can already envision many versions of great ads that showcasing HRC as the scheming, calculating person she truly is.

Let's not embarrass ourselves with such dirt-digging, muckraking, yellow-journalism nonsense. Leave that to the Move.On.orgs of the world and other people who are clearly below us.

Elections are not a big mud-slinging competition, folks (or at least they shouldn't be). It doesn't have to be ugly. This is simply an opportunity to point out who has the better leadership qualities to lead this nation and solve problems (and have the common sense to recognize which problems are "personal problems" which simply cannot be solved by the government).

Hillary says she wants everything equal for everyone. But that's not entirely truthful. While we all want equal OPPORTUNITIES (which we have), Hillary wants to legislate equal OUTCOMES in life. And that folks, cannot be legislated, as it is entirely dependent upon the motivation of each individual.

Mary   October 17th, 2007 9:20 am ET

This is case and point why Hillary is the worst possible choice for the Democratic party. Whether or not these allegations are true, this is exactly the kind of battle the Clintons will again be facing continually. Our country cannot afford eight more years of mudslinging. The problems are too big and the stakes too high. A Hillary nomination will be a fiasco. It is exactly what the Republican party wants. They can villify her and distract the public from the real issues. Using Hillary-Hatred and fear they will succeed in dividing and conquering once again.

Michael, Carbondale, Kansas   October 17th, 2007 9:06 am ET

You supposed Democrats need to stop wasting time and energy sniping at each other. It's time to get behind Hillary and focus your efforts on battling the Republican lie and smear machine.

Tom Zipp, New York   October 17th, 2007 9:03 am ET

I would like to thank the republicans for acting like little girls with a skinned knee. The republicans failed policies have driven them to rediculous tacticts like this. George Bush and the republicans have ruined this country, taken away our privacy, started 2 wars and want to start a 3rd. If Guiliani becomes presidnet im moving to Canada. If Bush and Guiliani had and intelligence contest neither would win, because they are both equally as ignorant, arrangant, bought and paid for, miserable excuse for human beings

Mr. T   October 17th, 2007 9:01 am ET

What happen to innocent until proven guilty. Where's the proof?

Mike Griffith, Woodbridge, VA   October 17th, 2007 8:59 am ET

It's amazing to see people dismissing this allegation about eavesdropping as a "dumb attack." I guess liberals are only worried about protecting civil liberties when it comes to efforts to intercept phone calls between Americans and terrorist suspects overseas.

Erie   October 17th, 2007 8:55 am ET

The republican sewer is all about personal attack. Lee Atwater started these smear tactics and it's been going on in every election since. The RNC and their right wing water carriers put out these stories and they get repeated over and over and over again. ONE THING FOR SURE, YOU CAN'T BELIEVE A SINGLE WORD THAT SPEWS OUT OF ANY REPUBLICAN'S MOUTH!!!!!What they don't seem to get is the public is not buying their policies and the politics of personal distruction plan is not going to fly this time. THE INCONVENIENT TRUTH FOR REPUBLICANS IS THEY HAVE TO LIE TO GET ELECTED.

Thomas, St. Petersburg, FL   October 17th, 2007 8:43 am ET

The 'Freedom of Speech' police at CNN removed these comments, which I posted earlier this morning:

Hmmm…let's see…

Had this charge been made against Laura Bush or Barbara Bush, would CNN have stated "DEMOCRATS SEIZE ON BUSH EAVESDROPPING ALLEGATION"?

We all know the answer to that question.

I would NOT vote for Hillary because I have no idea what her core values are (besides an unquenchable thirst for power). She never answers specific questions presented by the media.

Hillary refuses to appear on the top rated cable news program, "The O'Reilly Factor" for this very reason. The NY senator does not want to answer difficult questions. Jesse Jackson was treated respectfully when he recently appeared on 'The O'Reilly Factor'.

During an interview with Hannity this week, Guliani stated that Hillary has never been responsible for millions, or even hundreds of people. She's never run a city nor a state, and during these problematic times, we do not need on the job training in the executive branch of government. Very thought provoking comments, indeed.

I'd rather see Al Gore win the Democratic nomination than Hillary. The thought of President Hillary is terrifying.

Beck Carthage, Mo   October 17th, 2007 8:36 am ET

Just more garbage from the lunatic fringe in the republican party. Ken Starr spent 50 million on these witch hunts and no charges. So get over it!The Clintons are probably the most investigated people in history and probably the cleanest. Spend 50 million investigating Bush and his entire administration would be in jail. Just because some idiot writes a book, does not make it true.

Thomas, St. Petersburg, FL   October 17th, 2007 8:07 am ET

Hmmm…let's see…

Had this charge been made against Laura Bush or Barbara Bush, would CNN have stated "DEMOCRATS SEIZE ON BUSH EAVESDROPPING ALLEGATION"?

We all know the answer to that question.

I would NOT vote for Hillary because I have no idea what her core values are (besides an unquenchable thirst for power). She never answers specific questions presented by the media.

Hillary refuses to appear on the top rated cable news program, "The O'Reilly Factor" for this very reason. The NY senator does not want to answer difficult questions. Jesse Jackson was treated respectfully when he recently appeared on 'The O'Reilly Factor'.

During an interview with Hannity this week, Guliani stated that Hillary has never been responsible for millions, or even hundreds of people. She's never run a city nor a state, and during these problematic times, we do not need on the job training in the executive branch of government. Very thought provoking comments, indeed.

I'd rather see Al Gore win the Democratic nomination than Hillary. The thought of President Hillary is terrifying.

AnaHadWolves, Philadelphia, PA, USA   October 17th, 2007 6:00 am ET

Oh, I am so pleased that the Repooplicans have dredged up half-truths and un-truths from 15 years ago in their mad rush to attempt to tarnish Hillary.

Remember the old adage about glass houses? Don't you think that we on the other side have done our homework on Giuliani and abortion/gays/anti-NRA, on Thompson on his legal work on behalf of pro-abortion groups, on Romney and his illegal use of non-profit Mormon Temples to raise money for him and others?

This isn't 2004 when the "SwiftBoat" crowd slimed Kerry at will. This time, we fight back…and, brother, do we have the ammo we need!

As Dubya said…"Bring it on!"

Diane, NYC, NY   October 17th, 2007 3:58 am ET

You have to at least give credit to CNN for posting this story - it doesn't seem to have hit the NY Times and other liberal media outlets yet.

To Dan S who seems to think the right wing has never successfully proven their meritless allegations against the Clintons - actually, they did.

Former President Clinton was found guilty of lying under oath (and thus impeached), the same thing they put Martha Stewart in prison for. Mrs Clinton has only escaped this charge numerous times because she has a spectacularly bad memory (rather than outright lying, she simply says "I don't recall"). I suspect her campaign won't recall anything about eavesdropping, either, and that her former position on wiretapping will now start to change on a daily basis.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   October 17th, 2007 2:34 am ET

Oh boy, the attack machine already started!!!! Is the RNC so desperate that they are hanging on to unproven rumors from an anonymous source in one of the dozens of books written about Hillary????

The Republicans have no decent candidate and this is what the party comes up with to try to slow down sen. Clinton????? Pathetic!!!

Laura - Tulsa OK   October 17th, 2007 1:51 am ET

Here's another totally distracting, totally off topic post that has nothing to do with what these candidates have to offer in the way of experience. Shouldn't we "unclutter" our lives and brains by focusing on which candidate has the best experience. It could be so simple…

Sally Nashville TN   October 17th, 2007 1:07 am ET

Hillary should be a Republican

ABB   October 17th, 2007 12:30 am ET

Has it occured to anyone that it is one thing to accuse someone of doing something and another thing entirely to prove they did it. If the Republicans could prove Hillary Clinton did what they accuse her of doing they certainly would do so, don't you think? But so far, they have done nothing but accuse her. They have offered no proof to back up their claims. And without proof they have no case.

Kent, Madison WI   October 17th, 2007 12:15 am ET

To James in AZ:

Nice to know that clowns like you buy all that these authors are saying. Do your homework!! These two authors are notorious for not backing up their allegations with facts.

Where's your website references for this one?

Angela, wpb, fl   October 16th, 2007 11:59 pm ET

Look at the story of Obama being related to Cheney and Bush.
Doesn't anyone think the timing of these two articles are coordinated to have the maximum negative effect on two of the most threatening candidates to the Rebubs?? I think so!!
Although, I think Hillary got off lightly compared to what they said about Obama.
I'm still weeping for him.

Raman, Plano TX   October 16th, 2007 11:40 pm ET

Well compared to the record amount of illegal information sharing that is rampant from today's loosely managed data centers in and outside US, it should be least worrisome that a person in power just happened to tap a phone call.

I am surprised by the fact that people across the globe just happen to have precise information about my cholesterol readings.

I think the security apparatus of Bs and Ms of this world would find it impossible to protect their clientele, were they denied ready access to critical information on anyone on this earth.

In such an environment, Republican's stand such as this is not only absurd, but downright laughable.

Today, Verizon released official statistics on the amount of data it shared with law enforcement. Nothing wrong with sharing information with Law enforcement.

What Verizon, AT&T and Sprint et el do not disclose is how much (almost incalculable) data their data center employees are sharing with anyone and everyone out there in the world.

To most people this may sound an accusation, but that is the reality of the world envisaged by likes of Bill Gates et el.

In fact today Bill Gates is proud to annouce a product that can accurately track you down if you happen not to answer your phonecall. Lot of good this does to anti-social elements of this world.

Republicans and democrats would do well to rethink how critical services are being managed in this country.

Marc M. Monroe, GA   October 16th, 2007 10:49 pm ET

Allegation: noun, unproved assertion: an assertion, especially relating to wrongdoing or misconduct on somebody's part, that has yet to be proved or supported by evidence.

Please continue with the dusty ol' play book Freepers…all the way to Nov. 2008, I'm ready for another Clinton renaissance.

Frank Virginia Beach VA   October 16th, 2007 10:13 pm ET

Didn't President Nixon lose the White House for the same thing that Hillary did here?

S.B. L.A. Ca.   October 16th, 2007 9:46 pm ET

You HRC people must be brain dead. You don't see anything wrong with all this crap people are digging up on your candidate. is it true that most of America are mindless sheeple. i can't believe you are actually trying to defend this woman.

Pete, Washington   October 16th, 2007 9:32 pm ET

How can Hillary get away with this illegal act?… Is this what we want from our next president?… And you folks in the media claim she has run a perfect campaign?…How much longer will the media and the Clinton supporters 'bury their heads in the sand' and pretend all these things did NOT happen….Hillary's folks refer to us as 'Hillary-Haters' because we question her ties to Norman Hsu, her flip-flop on Iran, her vote FOR the Iraq War her connection to the Blackwater people, her hiring a convicted thief who stole terrorism documents to be one of her trusted advisors, etc. As a candidate you are accountable to the American people if you want their support. How can you expect us to support you if you refuse to be open an honest with us? For example, why does Hillary refuse to release her 'earmarks' and her 2006 tax returns. Barack Obama released his, obviously he doesn't have anything to hide, does Hillary?…And now, this 'spying' on your political opponents scandal. It's not that we 'hate' Hillary, we just can't trust her….Tell the truth, if this story was about Rudy, Edwards, Barack, or Mitt, their candidacy WOULD BE OVER, and the Hillary Machine would be screaming the loudest…I'll bet the media lets this story die, beause the Clinton's have very powerful 'friends'. Just like the media 'buried' the GQ article that Bill Clinton did not want published.

We are in the last year of a president who believes it OK to spy on Americans, do we want ANOTHER president who is willing to spy on her opponents? Come to think of it, isn't that what 'Watergate' and Nixon's 'thugs' were doing? Is Hillary going to tell us.."I am not a crook"?

Sian, LA CA   October 16th, 2007 9:21 pm ET

I totally agree. This article by CNN and by all the liberal news media is quite biased. Where is the outrage about the inappropriate and abusive use of power by the Clintons? The democrats rave against eavedropping, helping the working class, and corruption…and then they stab everyone in the back. They support the wrong type of eavedropping (on political opponents, not terrorists or those talking to terrorists). They fire employees for political purposes - those employees sort of had families you know. And then to top it off, they accept illegal money and get special favors (aka adultery). What example of morality does the democratic party have to offer?

But lets talk more about the bias of CNN. What's up with all the news articles about the "failed" war in Iraq? Why isn't there more focus on our successes there? On our victories in curbing terrorism? And where did Afghanistan go? Surely, the war isn't that much more terrible in Iraq than it is in Afghanistan. And we got to remember, our wars are necessary to protect us from the evil terrorists who do not respect the sanctity of human life. We leave any war (like the cut and run democrats are proposing), and we'll only help the enemy. Leave Afghanistan and the Taliban will regain power. Leave Iraq and a new terrorist sponsoring fundamentalist government will rise. This will lead to increased number of American dead on our own soil instead of overseas.

Jack Snyder, Ft. Myers, FL   October 16th, 2007 9:17 pm ET

Wow! Has this story actually been proven true or substantiated in any way or is it just what these two authors are saying? If it is true, this should definitely be investigated and will most likely bring down the Clinton campaign. But I will wait to pass judgement until I know there is substantial evidence that she in fact did this.

Carmen, Miami FL   October 16th, 2007 9:15 pm ET

This really doesn't seem like it's going to stop her momentum. More than anything, it's like Republicans are trying to throw anything and everything at her to see if anything will stick, especially because this allegedly happened 15 years ago. I think the public's going to view this as them desperately grasping at straws (which it really is).

Honestly, it seems like Republicans don't get that they're going to have to step it up with the issues instead of the scandals.

historybuff   October 16th, 2007 9:06 pm ET

What was Watergate about again? Why did Richard Nixon resign??

Keith, Chicago   October 16th, 2007 9:05 pm ET

I am fairly liberal but I will NEVER vote for Clinton in 2008. I certainly wouldn't be surprised if these allegations were true, and I'm also not surprised that CNN, which has been blatantly biased towards Clinton in this election, is trying to spin this story as Clinton being the poor, innocent victim of an "orchestrated attack". I may be a fairly liberal democrat, but it has become clear to me in recent months that CNN is no less biased than Fox News - and that's saying a lot! Their lack of journalistic integrity in being so biased towards Clinton and spinning every single story in her favor is disgusting(eg - she has a slight edge in cash on hand over Obama and CNN somehow gives the impression that because of this slight edge, Clinton's nomination is now inevitable while Obama's is going down the tubes).

CNN can prop up Clinton all they want…but it will be an amazing story (and CNN will be greatly surpised) when Obama's ridiculously strong grassroots campaign helps Obama beat Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

Dan S.   October 16th, 2007 8:59 pm ET

I think this is just a precursor of more to come from the desperate Republican machine that has been attacking the Clintons for 20 years. Anyone who has followed this tragic course can tell you that the right wing has NEVER successfully proven any of the meritless allegations they've thrown out in an attempt to sway people against the Clintons' progressive agenda.

I, for one, am sick to death of the constant attacks. Why don't they focus more on communicating their own agenda instead of wasting so much energy on trying to tear down Hillary. The truth is they are scared to death that their attack machine is not working and that the more people learn about Hillary, the more inclined they are to support her! Just look at the poll numbers — no one is coming close to her.

So wake up Republicans! It's a new day in America and we're all sick of your tired and wasted tactics. Just deal with the fact that Hillary Clinton is a smart, articulate and capable leader. Stop lashing out and try to find someone who might have a chance at giving her a run for her money — so far that doesn't seem to be happening.

Axel, RKDA, California   October 16th, 2007 8:47 pm ET

Here we go again with the same old War Cry that the Republicans have been using since the early 1990's… Clinton had sex!

If his wife doesn't have a problem with it, then I ask you… Who cares? If the Republicans think it is so immoral for men to have affairs, then why are they supporting Rudy Giuliani? I know, I know… The Republican's "Do as we say, not as we do" policy.

Kevin dr inlet fla   October 16th, 2007 8:42 pm ET

This Lady scares the carp out of me she is so full of her self. I can't belive that there are people out there that think she should be the president.

Sian, LA, CA   October 16th, 2007 8:40 pm ET

This is more evidence why the democratic party is intrinsically corrupt and unable to govern effectively. The front runner of the democrats - who support the privacy of those who call terrorists - clearly does not support the privacy of American citizens who just happen to be her political opponents. Seriously, if someone was talking to Osama Bin Laden, wouldn't we want to eavedrop on the conversation? But as far as the democrats are concerned, we need to not renew the patriot act unconditionally because we might violate that person's privacy. However, its perfectly fine to violate the privacy of republicans and figure out their fundraising strategy. How sick, how disoriented the priorities of the liberal.

Lorenz, Queens, New York   October 16th, 2007 8:39 pm ET

Hillary is a lier, most recently she voted for the kyle/lieberman act yet she doesn't want to go to war… Don't trust this fool.

LinnieFB, Corona, CA   October 16th, 2007 8:36 pm ET

And so it starts….

Kim, Peabody MA   October 16th, 2007 8:21 pm ET

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

-Proverbs 28:2

What can you expect from one who touts herself as being so called Progressive? But in reality she is truly self-serving and a power monger – communicating any lie that will ensure her election.

Hillary is the modern day Jezebel…

The above article only illustrates the deep rooted corruption that is at the highest levels of leadership and includes BOTH Democrats AND Republicans.

This nation needs a strong leader that will add balance to the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branch of our Government and who will Defend the Constitution from the Tyranny being exacted upon it by many of our current leaders.

That is Why I am Voting for Independent Pete Grasso…

http://www.GrassoForPresident.com

I really like the article Mr. Grasso posted regarding Praying for Our Nation. It reveals his passion and heart for our Nation. I would dare any presidential candidate to be so open and true. Check out: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewpoetry.asp?id=188611

beth,manchester,nh   October 16th, 2007 8:08 pm ET

I knew she was!

Amy   October 16th, 2007 8:00 pm ET

It's about time this was looked into. How about the comments made that she had the IRS investigate the people that accused her husband of raping other women. Then she was supposed to have had them treatened if they pursued the charges. There is so much more in "Hillary's Scheme" by Carl Limbacher, not to mention all over the internet. The Vince Foster scandel, the White House Travel Office, and on and on. Do we need this in the White House again? How about the stories about the Clinton's cleaning out Air Force One the last time they traveled in it and taking furniture from the White House. Gee, I hope the IRS doesn't investigate me now. Again, is this what we need back in the White House.

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   October 16th, 2007 7:54 pm ET

Well we know the Republicans will stop at nothing in attempts to trow mud at Sen. Clinton. but is anyone surprised? She is poised, articulate, people are beginning to realize she is a force to recon with… I bet you they are thinking "if she had only served in the military, maybe next to Sen. Kerry, maybe we could use the swift boat mercenaries again" if only…

Henry Tucker, Ga   October 16th, 2007 7:43 pm ET

I love the way you, CNN, couch your depiction of this as a "coordinated effort", "orchestrated attack", "GOP strategy to attack Sen Clinton", "Coordinated by the RNC", etc.

In fact there is MORE examination by your article, CNN, on the GOP approach than the actual issue: Hillary eavesdropping on opponent phone calls.

Nice job, CNN. Why don't you just run another sex-story about Larry Craig? You do that oh-so well.

JB Boston MA   October 16th, 2007 7:40 pm ET

Come on CNN-

Look at the language, "attack" "coordinate" "attack" "orchestrated"

These are leading words that are never found in any Hillary "attack" posts.

You should know better. At least try to hide it a bit more. We are smarter. Or at least som of us are.

RightyTIghty   October 16th, 2007 7:40 pm ET

Bush lite and you can do nothing to stop it.. Ha Ha!!

James, Phoenix AZ   October 16th, 2007 7:33 pm ET

What should be SHOCKING about this story? Hillary eavesdropped on intercepted phone calls - nothing new for her.

Was it shocking when FBI files of Clinton opponents were found in the White House?

Was it shocking Hillary contacted former FBI agent and Private investigator (Ivan Duda) to track down Bill Clinton's "women" so she could shut them up (this after Bill lost the Governor's race)?

Was it shocking when Hillary was cited as the reason White House travel office employees were inappropriately fired (then rehired back after public scrutiny)?

Was it shocking when we learned Hillary claimed to be unaware of who Norman Hsu was… later to learn he was an elite group of "Hillraisers", had a nice photo op with Hillary, and illegally raised $850,000??

Come on people - who's really shocked???

Why would it be shocking -

Sarah   October 16th, 2007 7:21 pm ET

Let's begin a list.

1. Mark Penn represents Blackwater.
2. Sandy Berger is advising Hillary.
3. Hillary listens to illegally obtained recordings of cell phone conversations.
4. Hillary supported Kyl-Lieberman.
5. Hillary voted for the Iran war.
6. Hillary gutted a plan that would have provided more AIDS funds to black communities in the south.

And she leads in the polls when we actually have an amazing opportunity in the democratic party by the name of Barack Obama.

Can someone wake me up when this nightmare is over?

Lance in Monrovia CA   October 16th, 2007 7:16 pm ET

"called upon the Arkansas Attorney General to investigate."

For all those not paying attention, this is exactly why Rove wanted Tim Griffen, his buddy, to replace David Eglasis as U.S. attorney in Arkansas, so that they could throw Clinton under the bus with bogus investigations whenever they wanted. The RNC has been stacking the deck with illegal investigations against Democrats since at least 2006. One lawyer in Missisipi is sitting in jail now for doing nothing more than raising a bunch of money for John Edwards in 2004.

This is typical Republican bogus cheating. It's also why I'm supporting Barack Obama. It's so plainly obvious to anyone paying attention that they are attacking Hillary to rally their base, to get people fired up against her because she's the only candidate they have the history to do this to.

Please, any sane people out there, support Barack Obama and let this madness end. He'll actually clean up Washington and get rid of all these idiots.

Lance in Monrovia CA   October 16th, 2007 7:12 pm ET

What Hillary is going to face again and again is dumb, senseless attacks like this one. I'm tired of everybody under the sun pulling out the skeleton of the day to attack her with.

Which is exactly why I'm supporting Barack Obama. He has historically brought people together while Hillary remains the most divisive, polarizing figure of modern history.

But that still doesn't change the fact that this is a dumb attack. C'mon…

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