November 10, 2007
Posted: 11:07 AM ET

Sen. Hillary Clinton discusses her energy plan in Newton, Iowa on Tuesday.

DES MOINES, Iowa (CNN) — Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign admitted late Friday that a staffer spoke to potential questioners at a recent event, but denied that the New York Democrat had any knowledge about what she would be asked by the audience.

Grinnell College’s “Scarlet and Black” newspaper reported a student’s account of being pulled aside before a campaign stop in Newton, Iowa and asked to pose a specific question.

“They were canned,” Muriel Gallo-Chasanoff claimed in an interview with the newspaper. “One of the senior staffers told me what [to ask].”

Gallo-Chasanoff said she was told that the campaign wanted the question, about what Clinton would do for the environment, to be asked by a college student. She said Clinton was prompted to call on her as well as another student seen in conversation with staffers prior to the event.

The Clinton campaign did not dispute talking to the student, but dismissed suggestions the senator was following a script that would ensure she only received friendly questions.

“On this occasion a member of our staff did discuss a possible question about Senator Clinton's energy plan at a forum,” campaign spokesman Mo Elleithee said in a statement. “However, Senator Clinton did not know which questioners she was calling on during the event. This is not standard policy and will not be repeated again.”

Several of Clinton's rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination contacted news organizations, including CNN, to bring attention to the college newspaper's story.

Related: Watch Clinton's controversial question

Related: Obama: We don't plant questions

Related: Democratic rivals respond to Clinton's planted question

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

– CNN's Mark Norman in Atlanta and Chris Welch in Iowa.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Iowa


Richard Baca   January 26th, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Question: Can President Clinton be appointed Secretary of State?
Can he be appointed to any cabinet position?

Tim Toporek Warren, IN   November 14th, 2007 12:19 pm ET

I'm not as surprised to hear about planting a question as much as I am about her denial of the practice afterwards. The Presidency is about integrity and personal responsibility; two things Senator Clinton failed to demonstrate in her handling of the situation.

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   November 12th, 2007 10:47 pm ET

Hey maaaaaaaan, I bet CARL ROVE planted those questions, man.

Yeah, man, it was Bush and Cheney and Rove and (sound of a lighter and "bong bubbles")… and… and, Rumsfeld, maaaaaan. (sound of long exhale) Yeah, THOSE DUDES planted the questions, not any of Hillary's campaign, maaaaaan…

Johnny, Miami, Fl   November 12th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

She seems to be reading from the podium to answer this planted question.

Stew, Fairfax, VA   November 12th, 2007 10:01 am ET

""Open your eyes people and realize that your vote for President really does matter and really does make a difference in your life. For example, gas was $1.55 a gallon when Bush took office – I filled up last night at $3.22."

+++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT?!!! So, what do you propose bombing the burgeoning economies of India and China to submission to quell their appetite for oil? Geezz…there should be a competency test to be able to vote!

+++++++++++++++++++++

You would think these "thoughtful" left wing loons would rejoice at rising fuel costs. Don't they realize higher fuel costs is an effective means to conserve and to reduce greenhouse gases? Nothing motivates the consumer to conserve when he gets smacked in the pocketbook. Beats some bureaucrat legislating conservation using phoney life cycle analysis.

Anonymous, Hickory, NC   November 12th, 2007 9:51 am ET

"Open your eyes people and realize that your vote for President really does matter and really does make a difference in your life. For example, gas was $1.55 a gallon when Bush took office – I filled up last night at $3.22."

+++++++++++++++++++++++

WHAT?!!! So, what do you propose bombing the burgeoning economies of India and China to submission to quell their appetite for oil? Geezz…there should be a competency test to be able to vote!

Alice, Seattle, WA   November 12th, 2007 9:35 am ET

"Hillary is our best chance to come back in the world, and we all need to line up behind her when she wins the nomination, and then the POTUS election. Of course I expect the haters to spend the next 4 to 8 years after that demonizing her no matter the efforts or how they will benefit the nation and people long term. I hope they do benefit us all and she does very well for our country and children's sake!"

*************************

…and that's exactly why Hillary should not be POTUS. What goes around, comes around. She and her Party have been engaged in destructive politics for the past 7 years. One can only expect retaliation from their opponents. If the Left wants any of their goals realized, don't nominate Hillary…she's polarizing and divisive. Why is that not clear?

Mark E., Newport News, VA   November 12th, 2007 9:25 am ET

"Typical Democrat mindset : if you don't agree with me, you're stupid and ignorant. This is what has turned me off about the modern Democratic party and why they keep losing elections that should be a slam-dunk. The vast majority of Americans are tired of being called stupid and ignorant by the powers-that-be in the Democratic party."

++++++++++++

Couldn't agree more! You forgot to mention calling their opponents bigoted, greedy, blood thirsty, immoral, thieves, filthy rich, and, of course, corrupt. I don't think the Party, nor many of their supporters, see themselves in the mirror, nor realize that the hate and vile rhetoric they spew is counterproductive to improving the tone in Washington. Their tactic is clear, personally attack and villainize to gain politically. Oh, and they love to make reference to FOX News for some reason…it's a hot button" for them….really silly. God forbid, anyone have a different opinion.

Rafael Argos, Raleigh NC   November 11th, 2007 10:34 pm ET

From many of the comments it is pretty obvious most:

1) Have no grasp of politics or history

2) have never worked on a campaign

3) form their political allegiances and opinions based on myth and popular culture

Typical Democrat mindset : if you don't agree with me, you're stupid and ignorant. This is what has turned me off about the modern Democratic party and why they keep losing elections that should be a slam-dunk. The vast majority of Americans are tired of being called stupid and ignorant by the powers-that-be in the Democratic party.

John Williams Seattle, Washington   November 11th, 2007 8:52 pm ET

why do all hillary supporters always talk about Bush? Bush is not running. Not all Republicans are the same, meaning another Republican in the White House definately doesn't mean another George Bush. Putting someone like Hillary in the White House is like putting someone like George Bush back in, you all have said it yourself. You are always saying that Bush does it too, which is exactly why us Hillary "haters" don't want her SHE IS MORE OF THE SAME! arrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh Hillary supporters are just a lot of moronic lemmings try thinking for yourself. Also what is this experience she talks about, I don't remember what position she held in the Clinton administration. Could you please remind me?

Michael, Houston TX   November 11th, 2007 2:47 pm ET

Hillary, don't even respond this is more baloney and feigned surprise by your opponents. Although I would take a serious look at some of your amateur hour campaign management people, there is just no substitute for diligence and extreme attention to detail. Never take anything for granted right up to the last minute of the campaign, fight every day and take every opportunity as though your election depended on it, because it does. Get rid of those folks who are not rock solid on the message and in their diligence.

Folks grow up and support Hillary. This is the only chance we will really have to correct the mistakes of the past 8 years.

And for any of you idiots who wish to support a Nader or other fringe candidate, remember – you can have some of your goals met with Hillary or have none of them met when your fractured voting allows a Republicrite like Rudy to win. PLease do not allow the fringe groups to hijack the campaign, alienate the moderate majority and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory again!

From many of the comments it is pretty obvious most:

1) Have no grasp of politics or history

2) have never worked on a campaign

3) form their political allegiances and opinions based on myth and popular culture

Hillary is our best chance to come back in the world, and we all need to line up behind her when she wins the nomination, and then the POTUS election. Of course I expect the haters to spend the next 4 to 8 years after that demonizing her no matter the efforts or how they will benefit the nation and people long term. I hope they do benefit us all and she does very well for our country and children's sake!

Bring us good fortune Hillary! Beleive me you have more supporters in other parties than you know!

Bob, Roxboro, NC   November 11th, 2007 1:04 pm ET

If this doesn't stink like Bush, nothing does.

Denying knowledge of malfeasance works like a charm for Bush so why wouldn't Hillary try to employ the same hackneyed tactics.

Care to explain the difference from one politician to the next?

Ryan Indianapolis   November 11th, 2007 9:35 am ET

What a DISGRACE…Are you proud of your girl Hillary supports…I thought the smartest woman in the world wouldnt need to do this?????

Austin, TX   November 11th, 2007 8:48 am ET

One word for Hillary – transparency.

After the machinations of George Bush, I believe the nation is starving for honesty and transparency in their political leaders, and this sort of action is far short of that.

Anonymous, Yorktown, VA   November 11th, 2007 7:53 am ET

Gene, very amusing? What flavor cool aide do you recommend?

Ben, Ames, IA   November 11th, 2007 7:44 am ET

Isn't it amazing, both Clintons are touted by their supporters as these extremely intelligent and politically savvy figures, and yet despite being distrusted by at least 50% of the voters at the "get go", they pull stunts like this. I don't think they can help themselves. Dishonestly is so engrained in them, it comes naturally.

Gene L.A. Ca   November 11th, 2007 7:31 am ET

No big surprises from the Republicans petty comments here as they pull their little smear machine out of mothballs. The very thought of any polls suggesting Hillary may well beat any of their lying ilk in the election by a fairly comfortable margin makes their blood run cold with panic. The whiny foaming-at-the-mouth Clinton haters can be counted on to pull out all the stops in '08 and use their bag of dirty tricks again that worked on Al Gore and John Kerry. They will stop at nothing to try to fool voters through the entire campaign in a desperate attempt to stay in the White House. Fortunately for us all, George the lying hypocrite Bush and his complete lack of competence and leadership ability has left a sizeable majority of voters more than a tiny bit apprehensive about allowing another person with an (R) next to their name anywhere near the White House for a long time to come. Maybe Bush really was on a mission from God afterall, Only that purpose is not what he would have us think it was! Maybe it was to show voters the true face of the party elite and what would happen to America when they were able to abuse their power long enough, thus the 6 awful years with Bush and his party controlling both houses. America was punished and Republicans proved they were a disaster in every possible way! When voters "just say NO" to ALL of them it will finally extinguish the far right goon squads strong influence from destroying what is left of Bushes sad disfunctional party. Proof= Take a look at most any large poll out there, Americans have had a belly full of this bunch and know how badly out of touch with reality they are and most want to keep them away from the reigns of power until such time they are no longer being controlled by dangerous neo-fascists and theocratic hypocrites like Rove, Cheney, Pat Robertson, Hannity, Limbaugh, Coulter, etc. The Republicans have gleefully taken marching orders from this sort since that sad day long ago when Trickie Dickie was inagurated and America lost a large part of it's soul and it's former integrity. Real Republicans like Teddy Roosevelt and much later Ike Eisenhower are nothing like Bush and couldn't run and win a nomination anymore. Eisenhower was perhaps the last decent Republican and it's sadly ironic an infamous crook like Nixon was his VP. Ruthless ideologues and fanatics with no mind of their own and only Dollar signs in their eyes like Bush are willing to do what they are told by their wealthy benefactors. Proof is in Bushes own insane actions. He has never cared what anyone said or thinks no matter how wrong he has been and continues to be on any given issue, no matter if most people disagree with him so much he would poll in the single digits. He truly believes he is a King and above the law. The same Bush supporters living in glass houses are now throwing stones at Hillary so I take any criticism from them with a very large grain of salt. I'll just bet the swift boat liars club will come outta the woodwork any day now!

Beth,Nashua,NH   November 11th, 2007 3:21 am ET

http://www.barackobama.com/2007/11/09/obama_picks_up_a_coveted_endor.php

Anonymous   November 11th, 2007 3:06 am ET

cool. Hillary Clinton now has a direct tie to FEMA. so the current frontrunner is now as good as FEMA is….

R. Anderson Charlotte, NC   November 10th, 2007 11:53 pm ET

Is it too much to ask a potential president and former first lady not to manipulate anyone else in order to show us how intelligent she is? Could we just have a 'little bit' of honesty from this bunch for a change of pace? Or maybe we can't handle the truth… on second thought, if this is the best she can do i don't want to hear any more of it.
R. Anderson Charlotte, NC

RMRN.Y.   November 10th, 2007 11:12 pm ET

Do you see what we mean when we say, Hillary is more of the same. They are old school political movers with sleaze up the sleeve. They only want to control what you hear from their dog eared political script. Nothing spontaneous or authentic so as to really know them.
Shadow people with contempt for the citizens of the United States – you the people are to be spoon fed their version of reality so you can be controlled and marched into the voting booth without even knowing who you just
voted for. Clintonistas – get it already, and awake from the sleep walk
they have you doing. Snap out of it before it's too late!!!

WAKE UP !!!

Obama is the real deal – a leader with a heart for the people and a brain that really works – just imagine how great Barak's speech is going to be at the democratic convention. He will bring us together and effect real and meaningful change for us all.

Vote for the smartest person in the room – BARAK OBAMA !!!

Aaron, Lake Forest, California   November 10th, 2007 10:35 pm ET

Not quite as bad as Bush planting a communications back pack under his jacket and being fed answers. Hillary is smart enough to know that some questions will not be asked unless prompted. What's wrong with that?

Kyu Reisch, Radcliff, Kentucky   November 10th, 2007 10:33 pm ET

Scott Brown, Florida. Did you know the story? Mitchell is a minister in Hamilton, he said " I wanted to ask her why she voted for the Iraq war and why she didn't consider that a mistake" Hillary answered clearly at first debate. Mitchell told Fox News he is an Obama supporter but can not participate in the Iowa caucus, then what is his purpose being there and make trouble? what kind of minister is he? I wouldn't go to his church, he needs help spiritually.

Mark Columbus, Ohio   November 10th, 2007 9:38 pm ET

This doesn't surprise me since it's coming from Hillary's campaign

WatchingHillary.com

John NC   November 10th, 2007 9:31 pm ET

Good Bye Hillary

Hyvron Jean   November 10th, 2007 8:54 pm ET

WOW

Bernie Jones South Carolina   November 10th, 2007 8:45 pm ET

Change? what change? the only change she is offering is Gender nothing more. Everything else is politics as usual.

olivia san antonio texas   November 10th, 2007 6:44 pm ET

We will see the first woman president in our country's history in 2008! Women of this country are ready for a change and that change is Clinton!

Jerry Houston, Texas   November 10th, 2007 5:45 pm ET

there are more accusations, of course you won't find that on CNN. Go to another website also this will be buried by Monday. I am sure they won't post this either.

Keith Jarrell, Washington DC   November 10th, 2007 5:20 pm ET

Is returning to Arkansas still an option?
If so the both of them should seriously considering going back there, finding a little house somewhere in the woods and growing old together.
All the while knowing how dishonest the two of them have been to the American People.

The American people must put a stop to their move for her to become the next president. She is not what this country needs.

matt Dagostino, Woodland park, CO   November 10th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

One more nail in the coffin for the socialist-thank God! Maybe now we will abandon her socialism and embrace a capitalist. This event only exposes the tip the "ends justify the means" argument used by the Clintons for years. Bye bye socialism!!!!!

DGH, Virginia Beach, VA   November 10th, 2007 4:54 pm ET

This is typical of both Clintons and what we can expect, more deception, half-truths and outright lies. What surprised me most about this story is that CNN posted it…maybe Hillary isn't the 'chosen one' after all. However, I'm certain CNN will return to its roots after the conventions and fall squarely behind the DNC…so, don't expect less than glowing stories about the DNC presidential candidate choice. That's my 2 cents, no change please :)

joan niantic ct.   November 10th, 2007 4:48 pm ET

Gee! What an idea for a new book. I am going to title it Hill and the shill.

Enoch, Nashville TN   November 10th, 2007 4:38 pm ET

This is a got ya question……..
Democrats beware, if you want to lose the next election then nominate Hillary.

Anonymous, Williamsburg, VA   November 10th, 2007 4:04 pm ET

John Halverson New York:

Perhaps you're right about Huma Abedin, but I trust Billy will bring some babes into the Oval Office as well (after hours, of course).

RC, Columbia, MD   November 10th, 2007 3:59 pm ET

pam, Eugene, OR:

You are so right. This can't be emphasized enough. We don't need another 4 years of disfunctional government. Enough already with these Clintons and the scandal and resentment they will bring with them.

Juanito, Washington, DC   November 10th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

Planted questions? This is right out of Karl Rove's playbook.

Another example of a "texbook campaign".

Obama 2008 for REAL change.

Ron Matuska, Crestline, CA   November 10th, 2007 3:58 pm ET

I have been voting since 1966 (the year I went to Vietnam). If the system does not change for the better, 2008 will be the first time I have refused to vote out of protest. I have listed the following reasons for my change in attitude:

1. No third party candidates or independents stand a chance of getting on the ballots in all 50 states the way the system is rigged against them by the two parties (remember Ralph Nader’s bid for the presidency?).

2. A person who does not have the finances to run for president cannot do so without the support from major corporations who are willing to bankroll his campaign. Unfortunately, corporate CEO’s do this with the expectation that any legislation passed will be in their favor.

3. People who are in favor of corporate profits over people’s rights are controlling the mainstream media, which has been consolidated and concentrated into fewer hands such as Rupert Murdock. The mainstream “liberal” media no longer exists, and in its place are talking heads like Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Bill O’Reilly, and Pat Robertson. This same media does “polls” which are supposed to reflect the sentiment of the voting public. Unfortunately, these polls have a tendency to make the voting public think that the candidate of their choice does not stand a chance, and therefore they should vote for the one the polls show to be the favorite (i.e. Hillary Clinton). Independents such as myself, will vote against her by voting for whoever is on the Republican ticket (unless there is a serious independent contender).

4. The convention system no longer elects a candidate for the party being represented. The candidate is chosen beforehand, and the convention is nothing more than a show. I remember as a kid watching the Democratic convention in 1956 selecting Adlai Stevenson as their candidate. The states could throw their vote either way at the convention. Now it amounts to nothing more than a mutual admiration society for the candidate who has been pre-selected by those in power.

5. In the end, the two party system is flawed into being more like mirror images of each other, both of which represent corporate America, and not the voting public at large. They have been in the pockets of the rich since day one as can be seen by the legislation passed that favors corporations over the people. It seems that in order for any legislation to be passed that is beneficial to the public, the people must march and force the issue down the throats of a congress that is supposed to represent them. Corporations in effect now have more rights than the average citizen, and in fact can even avoid paying taxes by re-locating off shore. The CEOs of Enron, Worldcom, and Tyco have conducted business as if it was an organized criminal activity instead of a legitimate enterprise. There is more “welfare” for corporations than for the people who are in desperate need of affordable medical care. Instead, congress ends up passing prescription legislation that is favorable to drug companies.

6. As can be seen by the 2000 election in Florida, and 2004 in Ohio, the system is flawed at the voting booth. We all know that the Supreme Court decided the 2000 election in Bush’s favor. Florida was riddled with voter fraud, and the “hanging chads” issue was nothing more than a diversion from the real issue of each vote being counted. Minorities seemed to have been systematically turned away from the polling places, and votes not counted. The Democrats won the popular vote, but the Republicans got George Bush elected because of the Supreme Court, the Electoral College, and the refusal of Al Gore to challenge the results and ask for a re-count! LET US FINALLY DO AWAY WITH THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE, AND ALLOW THE POPULAR VOTE TO ELECT OUR CANDIDATES! However, accountability and accurate records must be assured at the voting booth whether it is electronic or manual, for the process to have any validity!

7. “Gerrymandering” is alive and well in most voting districts, with lines of demarcation drawn according to the party in power. Look at what happened in Texas due to Tom Delay! The Abramoff scandal showed that many of our elected representatives are corrupt. And all this time we thought Tammany Hall and the Teapot Dome scandals of the past was over. It is still graft, greed, and corruption that seems to be the dark underbelly of politics making it a dirty name. Earmarks, and the throwing away of tax dollars paid to the government by the voting public indicates a total disregard for what the public thinks, wants, or expects from it’s “democratically elected government!”

8. Even if the person I voted for gets “elected,” I doubt that person will represent me over corporations. The fact is that a CEO of a major corporation gets my representative’s ear more often than I do in the form of lobbyists who ply the halls of congress. The money our “representatives” receive from lobbyists and corporate contributors is nothing more than influence peddling which seems to permeate our government institutions. Many in congress who voted for the prescription drug bill that benifited the drug companies ended up going to work for them later as lobbyist. My opinion counts for nothing compared to the rich and powerful in this country.

9. Finally, the media must allow equal airtime to those candidates who are independent and who are marginalized by the media and poll numbers. A system must be established where money (with no strings attached) can be accessed by candidates who are not members of the rich elite, ensuring that they maintain their integrity. The Line Item Veto must be given and used by the Executive branch. Earmarked “Pork Barrel” expenditures that have nothing to do with the bill they are attached to, must be done away with. A third party must be introduced and accepted by congress to represent independent Americans who are more “Middle Of The Road” than those of the extreme Right or Left. An Independent Convention should be held and publicized to elect an Independent candidate to appose the Democratic and Republican parties. Major needed legislation fails to get past due to gridlock by the two party system.

JL   November 10th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

BOO–HISS-BOO WHAT AN EVIL PERSON!! IF SHE DOES GET ELECTED LOOK OUT!

Lawrence Higby Seattle Washington   November 10th, 2007 3:46 pm ET

Lets see if I understand this. Hillary uses Bush as a comparison to show how much better she is then him and how she would make a change and make the country better. Then when caught doing the same thing that Bush has done she says its okay because Bush does it? great more of the same. Can anyone let her please know the definition of change? and also please let Bubba know the Definition of "is" I know it won't be posted, that is why I post on a news worthy web page as well, by the way. Why is this story buried? doesn't CNN report the news anymore?

John Halverson New York   November 10th, 2007 3:32 pm ET

I can't wait until Hillary is President Huma Abedin will make a gorgeous First Lady!

hillarylover NY NY   November 10th, 2007 3:24 pm ET

Why does everyone believe that this is not a common accepted political tactic. It only comes off as a negative when everyone jumps on it and brings attention to it when it's not them in the media. They all need to come clean, admit they do it, and move on. The problem with Hillary is not Hillary herself. The problem is people having unreasonable expections of Hillary. She is human–she will make mistakes. She is not a prophet sent from the heavens. She is a politician–it's her job to try to appeal to all people.

It's amazing that people want Hillary to make all these extreme stands on the issues but when it comes down to it–they won't support her at the polls. Obama and Edwards have been getting a pass this whole election campaign. Will someone please turn this high powered political microscope on someone else instead of taking a non-issue and blowing it up into a serious story.

pam, Eugene, OR   November 10th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

Josie in San Diego,
It would be wonderful to have a female President. I hope I live to see it. However, not this female. I do not want a win for womankind at the expense of everything that I believe in. She is NOT moral, NOT honest, NOT truthful, and NOT what this country needs. Please Josie: look beyond the fact that she is a woman and look into her character. She is devoid, devisive, and will bring us 4 years of nothing but political scandals. Hopefully over the next 12 months you will be forced to see who she really is. You can only make so many excuses for her and maintain your blind support.
Obama or Ron Paul 08
Anyone BUT Hillary!

Eric, from THE Republic of Texas   November 10th, 2007 3:09 pm ET

man o man… the plot thickens…

Is there no limit to the audacity of this couple?

I, like most Americans, have no problem voting for a woman… just not THIS woman.

Maggie Thatcher, where are you when a good nation needs you?

JB Boston MA   November 10th, 2007 3:05 pm ET

Hey Mason Myatt and other Hillary fans-

This campaign IS NOT about Hillary vs Bush. The argument does not work and will not work. To say "but Bush did it" is a waste of space on this blog. Or in Mason's case "let's talk about Hillary's policies compared to Bush's"

IRRELEVENT. Bush is not running! You are four years too late!

JB Boston MA   November 10th, 2007 3:00 pm ET

And now Hillary has recruited Geraldine Ferraro to play the gender card for her in the NY times

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/05/us/politics/05memo.html?ref=opinion

She also claimed to not know her husband was going to use the "swift boat" analogy. BS- Hillary signs off on everything that happens, and, if she doesn't (which I highly doubt) then she is not very bright. She is way to calculated. She claims to not know because it didn't go over too well.

Geraldine Ferraro's argument is that they should treat her differently because she is a woman in the lead. THAT IS SEXIST.

How not to run a campaign 101.

Sing it with me-

Nah-Nah Nah Nah, Nah-Nah Nah Nah Hey Hey Hey Goodbye!

Scott,Tupelo,MS   November 10th, 2007 3:00 pm ET

Please CNN stop putting this hags picture up. Her picture scares me everytime I have had to buy to knew laptops because her picture sscares so bad I throw my computer in the floor. She has got to be the ugliest public offical with Condi running a close second. VOTE RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT.

Sarah   November 10th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

Now Hillary stole a page out of the FEMA playbook.

Even the bad ideas are not her own.

Todd U. Fort Worth, Texas   November 10th, 2007 2:46 pm ET

I had to dig to find this story on CNN, I couldn't find it anyware on MSN. Fox is running as a top story, as IT SHOULD BE!

Lord Help us if this wretch gets in office.

Joe Ossai, Bedford, NH   November 10th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

God!, this is pure fraud. How is she different from G.W, who used Jeff Gannon
that gay guy (fake reporter) to ask stupid questions during press briefings.

Colin742   November 10th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

David Letterman will have to change his show. We will no longer have "Great moments in presidential speaches" when Hillary is president.

EE   November 10th, 2007 2:19 pm ET

CNN
why deleting ALL my comments? simply bc i say hilary has told a lie and given the source of the lie, my comments are deleted?

Jean Deagle, Southgate MI   November 10th, 2007 2:07 pm ET

WOW! Pretty harsh comments toward Clinton over a staged question about global warming. I wonder if those same types of comments are said about the Bush Administration for warrentless wire taps, lying to the UN and the American people about Weapons of Mass Distruction in Iraq, Outsourcing of American jobs to other countries is "good for America", Leaking the name of an undercover CIA agent to the press would be fired, decreasing taxes to the weathly would put more money in all of our pockets, Global Warming doesn't exist. Hello, are any of you paying attention to who is really lying. Turn off Nascar and PAY ATTENTION.

Keith, Pittsburgh, PA   November 10th, 2007 1:57 pm ET

If you want a real candidate who can answer real questions and can handle tough situations, then look no further than Ron Paul.

Ron Paul for President 2008!

JV, Seattle, WA   November 10th, 2007 1:57 pm ET

If, and a big "If" at that, this woman wins the WH, she will be so polarizing and divisive that abolutely nothing will get done. It will be stalemate extrodinaire! To the Hillary supporters out there, what have you accomplished? Come on Dems, nominate Obama!!!

Dazed and Confused in DC   November 10th, 2007 1:54 pm ET

OK you sanctimonious SOBs: every one of you who has not suggested a question to be asked at one of your events, or worse, had a supporter with a pre-scripted question show up, raise your hand. Not you, Phony John Edwards? Shocking. And you, Saint Barack, why isn't your hand up? I am shocked! Horrified!

Coco, Carson City, Nv   November 10th, 2007 1:51 pm ET

Every citizen that is voting needs to vote for the best person to do the job.
I do not believe Hillary is even close to it.
She dropped her attempts to get medical coverage so hubby could be president, fair enough.
But, why didn't she doi anything after he was elected or even when she became senate in New York.
She is a YES person.
And this has nothing to do with her being a women, it is that she is feeding you a line of bull and you're eating it up.
Open your eyes!!!

Chuck Adkins Lincoln Park, Michigan   November 10th, 2007 1:45 pm ET

But it's okay of Bush does it. he's Republican, ya know…

-Chuck
http://www.thepopulistblog.com

P.S. Bet CNN ain't get this guts to approve this…

Brian, Boston, MA   November 10th, 2007 1:38 pm ET

Hillary die-hard supporters are no more objective about her than O.J.'s murder trial jury. It doesn't matter how many facts are presented to expose her as a calculating, win-at-all costs phoney, or worse, she is still some sort of icon for them. Ask yourself people, what if all, or even some,of the claims are true?

RuthieM   November 10th, 2007 1:14 pm ET

She is just like Bush, she's really not for the people, just for Clinton. At her press conferences in the white house her reporters will be planted too, making sure they ask only the questions she wants to answer and making sure she pulls the answer out of her can. Ugghh, another 4 or 8 years of this same stuff? Who needs it? Not America, not me. I'm thoroughly sick of the Bush years and I see no different if Hillary Clinton was president. In fact, it would probably be worse because she would add an element of crybaby. I don't think Hillary is tough at all, no tougher than any other woman. It is the 'tough image' they want to project, a false image, and that is why she has tried to remain silent on all issues hoping to simply coast through the primaries. She in fact has performed poorly at all the debates not answering questions and the only reason everyone said she 'won' was because the moderators never challenged her when she didn't answer the questions, they all let her get away with not answering the questions, but then she went up against Tim Russert and the dam pipes burst and the real Hillary was exposed, the empty Hillary.

Josie San Diego CA   November 10th, 2007 1:12 pm ET

I need to see a woman as President of the United States. Maybe that will help break the glass ceiling a bit more. Am tired of hitting my head on it and I am tired of the Bush Administration and the way the religious right orders them around.

Go Hilary!!!

amir, anaheim CA   November 10th, 2007 1:03 pm ET

"One of the senior staffers told me what [to ask]'
Do not we all voters are barked at (to get attention) by the Media pundits how we have to think, why we have to vote or not vote particular candidate?
Look at number of Political Pundits (totally polarized fanatically) in the media whose goal is only to plant their dogmatic views (mostly self serving) on voters mind?

Wake up voters. Do not listen to these craps like ” that one is holier than other”. All politicians in one way or the other are crooks. It is the last resort to scoundrels.
You got to choose the one that is least harmful to this great country; you have plenty of time to do that – a year. Till then, just watch the fun. Do not get planted.

Bea, Hoboken, NJ   November 10th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

I assume that most of you have not worked in a presidential campaign by the naivete of your comments!!

ALL campaigns do this to get across the message of the day, even though they'll now play coy and won't admit it. The girl was prodded to ask a particular question but she herself was not a plant. There have been campaigns where a person was brought in just to ask a certain question, this is not what appears to have been the case. Also, notice how fast the rival campaigns emailed the media.

It's politics folks, it's the big leagues and it's a multimillion dollar business. No politician that reaches this level has done so by being innocent as the driven snow.

proudamericancitizen, Florida   November 10th, 2007 1:02 pm ET

by the way, if Hillary plants questioners, isn't it possible that she's planting "pollsters" to make people believe that she's the frontrunner? Things that make you go hmmmmmmm….

Jennifer, Evergreen, CO   November 10th, 2007 12:52 pm ET

Why is this not a bigger story? Have the fake news stories and press coferences put forth by this administration not taught us anything about trying to manipulate the message? Shouldn't Hilary be held to task for this behavior based on the campaign she says she is running?

John P NYC   November 10th, 2007 12:48 pm ET

How anyone can support this facist war monger who flip/flops more than a fish out of water is beyond me. People think that if they vote for Hillary they will also be getting Bill, people it's not going to happen. This facist won't let hubby near the oval office. This is one scary women, she wants to nuke Iran! Just what we need another war this time with nuclear weapons. This women will be as bad as, if not worse, than Bush.

Greg, Phoenix, AZ   November 10th, 2007 12:45 pm ET

WOW!!!

Another HUGE stumble for "Ms. Inevitable."

I expect to see MANY stories regarding this on CNN next week (not on the weekend when CNN usually tries to dump the negative stories against Hillary).

WOW!!!

Daniel, NY   November 10th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

Still a new national poll has Clinton expanding her lead against Rudy Giuliani.

proudamericancitizen, Florida   November 10th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

As a 28-year-old registered voter, I have to say that this election is the first time that I've paid close attention to all of the candidates and their positions. In the past, I just had a glib understanding of the candidates and admittedly voted based on my party's (democratic) nominee.

However, with this election, I've narrowed my choices for president down to two candidates: BARACK OBAMA and RON PAUL. Those two choices aren't etched in stone, but what IS etched in stone is who I'm NOT voting for: HILLARY CLINTON.

Reason for Paul: I sincerely believe that Paul says what he means and means what he says. Paul may be a has-ran, which bothers me a little. However, his position on the Iraq war, his sincere interest in restoring America's positive reputation in the world, and more importantly, his support from the AMERICAN PEOPLE are qualities that I admire in Paul. He is my republican choice for President.

Reasons for Obama: Obama is a uniter. He wants Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and more importantly, AMERICANS to come together. His appeal to the young, old, black, white, asian, hispanic, disabled, women etc. is for a reason: he, like Ron Paul, have an undying love for America and want what's best for the country. He hasn't, and probably won't ever, pull the "race" card and I think will serve our country well. He has great judgment, great charisma, and is well-respected. He, too, opposed the Iraq war, and is willing to have an open dialogue with leaders of rogue nations, in addition to friendly nations, thus ensuring that America repairs the damage to its reputation in the world. He is my democratic choice for President.

Reasons I'm NOT for Hillary: Hillary is too scary. She is a politician in the truest sense of the word: keeps you guessing about her positions; says one thing in front of one group and something else in front of another; and takes a legitimate attack on her and spins it into something else. As President, Hillary would have a tough time getting legislation passed because she is very DIVISIVE. Yes, she's been in the White House, which is a plus; however, she was there as a FIRST LADY; not as a PRESIDENT. Regardless of what people say, IT IS NOT THE SAME. It's just like me observing senate meetings and then touting that as my experience when I RUN FOR SENATE: the two aren't the same.
Hillary is smart; Hillary is very capable to be President under normal circumstances, but Hillary is also very polarizing and very divisive. She is NOT honest, and she pulled the gender card in the last debate, which basically ruled her out for me. I can't imagine the leader of the free world playing the victim when confronted by serious issues. For those reasons, HILLARY IS NOT READY TO LEAD and SHE WILL NOT GET MY VOTE.

I think Obama and Paul are in the best position to serve the AMERICAN PEOPLE. Hillary is in the best position to serve HERSELF, SPECIAL INTERESTS, and PARTISAN POLITICS.

I don't care what the media/analysts/experts say about their presidential predictions of a Clinton vs. Guliani race. Every Saturday morning, the media/analysts/experts also make football predictions, and not all of them turn out to be right. Then they say a team was "upset" by the team they predicted was going to win.

Well, my vote is for OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT if he gets the democratic nod. If he doesn't, then I'm switching parties and voting for RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT.

I can't wait for the "upset".

THIS TIME IT'S ABOUT WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT!!!

DH, Flagstaff, AZ   November 10th, 2007 12:38 pm ET

America is waiting for something more that what this phoney can offer…. Honestly, bipartisanship, compromise, morality, ethics, and charisma. This woman has NONE of these attributes.

Phyllis, Burlington, VT   November 10th, 2007 12:34 pm ET

I suspect there are Republican plants in this comment section, trying to tear down Sen. Clinton . Personally, I would vote for her over any of the Republican dwarves.

That said, I would prefer Gore or Obama over Clinton. But if either of them got the nomination, it would not take long for the GOP to shift its efforts to demonizing them too.(Wooden Al, the exaggerator! Barack "Osama," the uppity neophyte!) Unfortuately, the media loves to play along with these crude GOP efforts.

Jeff from Jersey   November 10th, 2007 12:28 pm ET

A page right out of the republican and FOX NEWS playbook.It may or may not have happened but the rest of the questioning was real by a broad cross section of te student population.At least it's not the "invitation only" crowds the republicans specialize in.They script everything,except for McCain's 95 year old mommy.

Blayze Kohime, Columbus OH   November 10th, 2007 12:16 pm ET

Who thinks that all politicians do not pull things like this whenever they can get away with it? Naive.

Fred Seattle   November 10th, 2007 12:08 pm ET

This is nothing new…all canidates plant questions.

Biggdawg   November 10th, 2007 12:05 pm ET

Plant questions? Hell, Bush planted entire audiences during his campaigns.

They all do it. Get over it.

Karen,ny   November 10th, 2007 12:03 pm ET

Something is not right with her. I don't even know who she(?) is. I would like to know where these "names" are coming from because this is not ethical and I am very annoyed about this.

Michael, Houston TX   November 10th, 2007 11:51 am ET

Oh my gosh, this is the first time a pre-planned question has ever been asked in a campaign! Public execution time…hahahaha grow up you sanctimonious whiners!

Note to the Campaign, guys get rid of your grad school operatives, and next time just get a trusted person in your campaign to ask the question – no law against any of this, and it will allow you to state your position without relying on some flighty college student to keep his or her mouth shut…

Also, on this and the "I'm a girl/woman" thing that is being blown ou of context and proportion, IGNORE it – do NOT address it further, the more you allow yourselves to be dragged into this is more time off message – don't allow it, just ignore it and it WILL go away, remember we all have a short attention span and the media more than us.

Good luck

Mary, NYC   November 10th, 2007 11:48 am ET

Greed, Envy, Jealously, Legacy… all the things the Clintons love and we should NOT be the ones giving it to them.

Say NO to Billary. We are not responsibility for helping them build their Washington legacy!

laura,s.c   November 10th, 2007 11:37 am ET

I am an African American who was really inspired by clinton…..My daughter has been clinton fun but lately this woman has left us wondering if she can even be example of the girls that are growing looking up on them…….I tried to brush away the lobbyists things that she had done before and clinton sex scandal but honestly what Mrs. Clinton is doing nowdays on debates and on the campaign trail has made me focus on other candidates…..I think she is sinking in polls and she is doing anything to win…..Now I am supporting anybody but not her….

CAROLE ALLENDALE NEW JERSEY   November 10th, 2007 11:32 am ET

so we are seeing more of the same old clintons. seems from reading comments for months that people are seeing hillary for the person she really is.. her polling is high.. when questions are asked they are geared to answer the word hillary .. she is the best this the best that.. mark penn her pr and i might add bill's in those 90's is doing a great job of making her look like she is winning.. obama got more individual money .. and she is winning ? more spin.. i don't think our country right about now needs more spin and covering up lies and mistakes.. i hope all are tired of this. she has an agenda.. and it is not to unite the people of this country.

Mike, Houston TX   November 10th, 2007 11:21 am ET

Just another example that Hillary is a fake and cannot be trusted. She would script her whole life if she could. The truth is irrelevant to her.

Philip, Austin, TX   November 10th, 2007 11:18 am ET

Wait. Maybe this was Bill Clinton's fault too?! It has to be. She is perfect right?? Amazing you CNN still manages to cast this in a softer light. Unbiased news did you say?

Kevin Martin, New York, New York   November 10th, 2007 11:17 am ET

I would mortgage my house to actively campaign against this lying meglomaniac.

Most of the pro-Hillary comments on this board pass this off as acceptable behavior. Just like Bill's infidelity. Like their passive attempt to control terrorism's growth in the late 90's. Why do you people insist on electing someone who is committed to immorality and mediocrity?

Adam, Plano, TX   November 10th, 2007 11:16 am ET

Why the outrage? This is done all the time by ALL candidates from BOTH sides of the political parties all the time. Bush won't even allow anyone who is not a Republican to attend one of his forums.

When will America wake up and see the business of politics for what it really is? This is no longer a country "of the people, by the people and FOR the people".

This is the BUSINESS of "elect-ability". They pay big dollars to professional marketers who pay close attention to polls and tell the candidates what they need the American people to hear so they can get elected.

Are we THAT stupid??? I guess we are if we fell for Bush's "Truth" on the Iraq war.
Posted By Michelle D.-Atlanta : November 10, 2007 7:57 am

michelle, the outrage i believe is because hillary is supposedly campaigning for change, and her campaign, thus far, has been the same, old hat politics. she has nothing new to offer in this race, and its things like this that do nothing but strengthen that point. i don't think Obama, Edwards, Kucinich, Dodd, or Richardson need to plant questions, they are all far more authentic than hillary, and don't need to script everything, but we'll see, if the other dem candidates release statements saying how wrong this is, its probably safe to assume they don't.

Jim in Orlando, FL   November 10th, 2007 11:15 am ET

Amazing ! I have read several Hillites say that the "unfair" questions are the truly "planted" ones, as they were not a part of the original script ! Silly me, what was I thinking that you was thinking that I was thinking that ……

Diamond   November 10th, 2007 11:15 am ET

Now, that's a gotcha!

The public hates Hillary Clintons- especially in Iowa. Can't she get it already?

First the waitress, then the student. She lost two senior staff in Iowa already because they dared to tell her that she cannot win Iowa.

Why doesn't she just drop out and save the Democratic party the embarassment of a major loss in 2008?

Anonymous, Ames, IA   November 10th, 2007 11:12 am ET

"…"reign of error"…"

Amuzing. Sound tought from "Fahrenheit 9/11″, no doubt.

Sere, Cape Coral, FL   November 10th, 2007 11:09 am ET

Oh, Hilary.

The people are on to you — Maybe you should start being a bit more honest and actually deal with questions you're not anticipating?

Oh wait, then she'd claim her rivals planted those questions on her and accuse them of piling on again…

Hilary knows what she was doing — The convienence of her picking out that same student and later claim they didn't give that person any questions to ask, a crock of bull. Dunno why anybody believes her and her followers.

Either way, Hilary, the (smart) American people have their eyes on you. (:

janet,ny,nyc   November 10th, 2007 11:08 am ET

That is how she was prepared to be in all boys club…..Heck some woman one day for president but not this woman!

Christian, Tampa FL   November 10th, 2007 11:05 am ET

That's a very Bush-like thing to do. Remember when his campaign painted their own poster-board signs and handed them out to people? These kinds of campaigns are all about image, not necessarily about reality.

r sisk, nevada   November 10th, 2007 11:02 am ET

For the love of God people, do you really think this is a scandal. Campaigns have people planted to ask questions as well. Dumb—t Bush calls upon people he knows will ask certain questions in news conferences and he still can't answer the questions.

We all know that Hillary has some enemies out there so somehow this story doesn't surprise me. Any slight stumble and they are going to pounce. Ahhh Politics.

Get ready America. She will be our next President.

Debbie   November 10th, 2007 11:01 am ET

Remember the soundbite of what Barack Obama said about Pakistan and terrorism and you remember Hillary Clinton calling Obama "NAIVE and INEXPERIENCED" because he thinks the US should go into Pakistan to stop terrorist is the Pakistani Government couldn't. Who do you think was right based on what's going on in Pakistan now? Pakistan's government is falling into chaos and terrorist are now known to be in the Pakistan's villages and mountainous areas in the NW. Will this and other recent happenings in the presidential race affect your vote? http://youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=932

Ed,Ellenville,New York   November 10th, 2007 10:56 am ET

There's no such thing as bad publicity. Hillary's camp knows that there's more dirt on the other side so why not admit to some minor mis-deed when it focuses attention on the major mis-deeds on the other side? It's called raising the bar. Plants are now fair-game and no republican can use them. Who's the real loser? Not Hillary.

jfz   November 10th, 2007 10:54 am ET

Phoney questions…phonier candidate!

Darrel Iowa   November 10th, 2007 10:50 am ET

Hillary "IS" the plant>
For Slick Willy>(he wants back in so bad)
Question for the open minded, Is she Arrogant? Canned? Waffler? Staged? Presidental Material?(this is a YES Or NO answer questionire, no waffling now)

Huckabbe stands out thats for sure
Fred might surprise you.

Wish they were on an INDEPENTANT ticket instead of the same o same o bickering dems and repubs.
We need new leadership, Lets throw the bums out in the next election. The are just plain num. This administraion can't even or won't try to control the borders of this country. ANY Sovergin Country and the Officials that represent them just don't represent the AMERICAN legal people of the Good Old USA! And drivers lisc for illegal imigrants!!! How about that!
Wake Up America! Fred Thompson sure address the issues just mention above with clarity and NO WAFFLEING
Thoughts and
Concerns from an Independant from Iowa

Brad, Stockton, CA   November 10th, 2007 10:50 am ET

Forget about the questions; just can Hillary instead.

Richard, West Palm Beach, FL   November 10th, 2007 10:46 am ET

The current Republican motto seems to be "But Bill Did It" and it's terrible that Hillary would go the other way and use a Bush administration tactic.

Rob   November 10th, 2007 10:44 am ET

Disgusting! What a disappointment her campaign is becoming.

Jason Welch, Atlanta, GA   November 10th, 2007 10:41 am ET

Folks, this happens all the time with all of the candidates. Unfortunately, it is the result of a media and population-driven (yes, all of us) frenzy which forces our candidates to become freaking robots. If one of them makes mistake, as if they are not supposed to be human, we pounce on them and rip them up. Ridiculous! Let's face it! We Americans celebrate seeing others suffer. We live the 'dog-eat-dog' mentality everyday.

Chimpeach Bush, Burbank, Ca   November 10th, 2007 10:39 am ET

This is such a silly little trivial thing in the scheme of things in what will be a long and important campaign. Her explanation sounds reasonable enough. There will be plenty of mistakes in both parties. But it's fun for smug Republicans to complain. They seem to forget that at each and every Bush campaign speech they had operatives planted in the audience to throw 'ol smirk a few sofballs which him and Cheney or him and Rove doubtless rehearsed a few times so the ever eloquent Bush would be able to answer at least a few w/o flubbing the answer and twisting his tongue. At most speeches in 2004 Bushes people were militant in keeping out anyone they deemed a risk who might ask Bush a pointed question or anyone who wore a shirt that said anything they didn't want Bush to see or to have shown on TV, such as Kerry '04 or Impeach Bush. During a debate with John Kerry in 04 most will recall Bush even had a very obvious radio receiver tucked in under the back of his jacket so someone could feed him the GOP talking points, that still makes me chuckle to this day! -And he still lost the debate against Kerry (big surprise, huh!) I honestly don't doubt Hillary will have her people keep out anyone they dont want in their audience either. Any strident anti-choice types, radical right war supporters, what have you, probably will be banned. The bottom line is all Hillary and the Democrats need to do is ask ONE simple question of their audience to win the '08 election and the Republicans will become all but extinct from public office for at least the next 4 years, maybe far longer – "ARE YOU BETTER OFF NOW THAN YOU WERE IN 2000?" The answer is one NO Republican wants any of us to answer honestly, I'll tell ya that much. It will end their "reign of error" for a long while!

Scott, Greenville, NC   November 10th, 2007 10:38 am ET

"My goodness! Hillary Clinton is being accused of planting questions in her campaign stop audiences?!? I am completely dumbfounded and shocked. Let's elect a candidate who actually has the courage to field real questions and respond with honest answers."

Yes, if she gets the presidency it won't be too long before she hires a homosexual prostitute to ask softball questions in the Washington press corps! Er…why does that sound familiar?

Clinton, Bush, Guiliani…what's the difference nowadays. They play the same style of politics, this shouldn't be a surprise.

RC, Columbia, MD   November 10th, 2007 10:35 am ET

Why would anyone in their right mind vote for this woman. Remember the caustic partisan environment in DC really got of the ground during the Clinton years and is getting worse by the day. Enough of these slime balls. Vote for chance, not Hillary!!!!!!

Kim, Sacramento, CA   November 10th, 2007 10:28 am ET

I am absoutely blown away that there are people out there still supporting Hillary Clinton! How can you not see what a Clinton administration will be? I am a complete and total homer with regards to Barack Obama but if stories like this came out about Barack along with recent behavior/waffling/lying like Hillary has been doing I'd write him off! Open your eyes people and realize that your vote for President really does matter and really does make a difference in your life. For example, gas was $1.55 a gallon when Bush took office – I filled up last night at $3.22.

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj. 07642   November 10th, 2007 10:28 am ET

hillary, tsk,tsk,tsk……..liar, liar pants on fire….andy

Michigan Marlin Belding, Michigan   November 10th, 2007 10:26 am ET

Are your minds that small that you can't remember George W Bush doing the same exact thing. Infact the Bush Camp escorted people out of their Rallys during the 2004 race.

Paul Thompson   November 10th, 2007 10:23 am ET

Go Huck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tex Mex, NYC, NY   November 10th, 2007 10:19 am ET

The Clintons once again display here a fundamental character flaw. America deserves better than a family of cheaters and liars as first family.

Cleaning Bush's mess will take a long time. So, democrats would be well advised to vote for a leader of character who would rally the country and the congress for the next eight years.

Vote for Hilary in 2008 and you are absolutely guarantee to see the republican party regain the majority in congress.

Vote for real change and sustainable leadership with character. Vote Obama!

andrew s. rostolder   November 10th, 2007 10:19 am ET

hillary, tsk, tsk,tsk………bad and wrong. liar, liar, pants on fire. andy

Josh Chelsea, MI   November 10th, 2007 10:13 am ET

She's already looking like dubya. I'm a dem and really hope she doesn't win the nomination.

Susan   November 10th, 2007 10:07 am ET

Huckabee for president.

Mike, Houston, TX   November 10th, 2007 10:07 am ET

Pathetic.

PollM, Dallas Tx   November 10th, 2007 9:47 am ET

Has Hillary sealed her fate, it seems to me that people are forgiving. My concern how can smart people make stupid decisions. After all you hope when they get in they don't make stupid decisions.

Based on what has happened to Hillary lately what does the outlook look like?
http://www.youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=930

Barry, Calhoun, Georgia 30701   November 10th, 2007 9:37 am ET

What is the big deal? This is a common practice by all political candidates, especially at so called "townhall" type meetings wherev the public is invited for Q & A.
It is a part of strategy.

R.T. Macleod, Rochester Hills, MI   November 10th, 2007 9:26 am ET

Why would anyone be surprised at devious manipulation by either of the Clintons? Their entire lives have been dedicated to deception. From the orchestration of an open forum town hall meeting in Iowa, to the secrecy of her White House records, there are glaring reasons for not trusting anything she says…

Karen, NYC   November 10th, 2007 9:23 am ET

Plants, hidden records, fuzzy answers, unsure agenda, offering NY licenses to illegal immigrants, playing the gender card…. all of this adds up to say NO to Billary!

EC from DC   November 10th, 2007 9:22 am ET

Taking a cue from the Bushies. Remember the 2004 campaign when GWB would get not so much questions, but expressions of gratitude and undying loyalty from some members of his audience?

Audience member: "I just want to know, Mr. President–is it even possible for you to be a greater leader? Have you not reached the apex of excellence? Thank you for being our President"
(sits down to fervent cheers)

M Stafford, Tucson, AZ   November 10th, 2007 9:22 am ET

Having everything in her campaign so scripted, combined with paranoid tendencies (up to the time the blue dress was found it was all the "… vast right wing conspiracy" out to get her man) spells danger. And, let's not forget the planted story that Monica was a stalker — do we believe it was Bill or Hillary who so cleverly planted this nasty rumor against a lowly page? Let's remember the last time we elected a paranoid to the White House (hint: initials were R.M.N.).

Rosie O'fat   November 10th, 2007 9:19 am ET

come on cnn,you can do something to help her out.talk more about your america hating neo-nazi loving islamo-facists you so strongly support.That'll convince us all you are a real newsworthy org.

WD, Asheville, NC   November 10th, 2007 9:18 am ET

It all depends on what the definition of a question is….or maybe if she would learn to answer real questions she could simply answer with: "I can't recall", "I don't remember" oh my bad she already uses those.

Keith, Iowa   November 10th, 2007 9:16 am ET

The audacity of these people. Haven't we seen enough of this type of behavior in the past 7 years? Do we need more of it?

Jen, Gainesville, FL   November 10th, 2007 9:14 am ET

I believe the story: the Clintion campaign planted questions. Her campain is a group of gangseters who commit hiding, shunning, spinnig, plotting, planting, and murdering, not on the street, but on the political avenue. This is the Clinton machine.

Hiding in the hills   November 10th, 2007 9:14 am ET

You think things are bad now, wait until she is nominated as the democratic nominee. Then the questions will get tougher, the attacks on her character will increase, and I think we may very well have a psychological meltdown. Hopefully it it will happen in public so the whole world can see who the lady really is.

Kelly C   November 10th, 2007 9:10 am ET

Where is Hillary? Why has she not spoken about this? Once again this strong, brilliant woman is suddenly completely silent. Her handlers claim she was unaware of anyone being told what to ask, we are supposed to believe out of hundreds of people she just happen to pick the very person to whom the canned question had been given? The first thing to to when you get caught lying is to stop lying. Hillary has made it standard practice to control the environment (like only doing interviews where she knows she will get softball questions I.e. Good Morning America, CNN et al.) in which she speaks. When she is forced to answer questions without a script, she comes apart like a cheap suit. Problem is, she can't really tell us what she would like to do to this country, if she did, she would never be elected. She is a socialist, plain and simple. She is also strikingly dishonest and comes across as having no core beliefs, she moves according to the political winds. The left, in their hearts, know she may be the democratic darling, but she can't win in the general election. The Clinton's are simply not trustworthy.

CK, Arlington, VA   November 10th, 2007 9:08 am ET

"I'm getting sick of this smear campaign against Hillary. It's no wonder she has to hire reporters, it's the only way she'll get a fair and honest question. People tend to forget that sometimes you need to bend the rules to get elected, and if you don't believe that, you're ignorant."

You got to be kidding. She half (probably much more than half) of the infamous smear machine. It's good she gets a taste of her own medicine. I hope it sticks!

Kim, Greeneville, Tn   November 10th, 2007 9:08 am ET

pretty dirt and devious, isn't it?

Dave Moffett, Orlando Florida   November 10th, 2007 9:04 am ET

Hopefully this will show more people that this is definitely not the person for the White House. She can't even keep her Campaign in order so how can she keep the country in order! Didn't see this on the CNN home page. Hmmmm. Why not?

Al Marietta, GA   November 10th, 2007 9:02 am ET

Didn't someone at FEMA get fired for planting fake questions at a news conference??

nancy florida   November 10th, 2007 8:58 am ET

If Hillary gets elected, we should call the Administration:

The BILLARY admoinistration!

:-)

Terri, Plantation, FL   November 10th, 2007 8:56 am ET

From the original story by Grinnell's Scarlet & Black:

"She also noted that staffers prompted Clinton to call on her and another who had been approached before the event."

There is no 'if' Clinton knew they were plants..she knew. Period.

Add to this the following stories:
Salon.com reveals Clinton campaign behind the scenes sliming of opponents

Hillary's staged diner visit

As many have stated, this is not something anyone should be really surprised by. She hired Mark Penn, the moral equivalent of Karl Rove, to run her campaign. Hillary Clinton will run her White House with the same honesty, transparency and integrity that this administration has run it. If you are surprised by this, you haven't been paying attention.

CNN may be, for all intents and purposes, the Clinton News Network, but fortunately enough of us see through that and Senator Clinton.

Did someone up thread actually say her campaign had to do this because the students probably didn't know what to ask her? Note to Hillary supporters…step away from the Kool-aid!

smoothfin, Port Washington, WI   November 10th, 2007 8:44 am ET

shows what sort of anything-goes people she's surrounding herself with. its high entertainment, watching the Democratic candidates turn themselves into the biggest joke since the current administration.

Vote for Hillary Online   November 10th, 2007 8:41 am ET

I'm getting sick of this smear campaign against Hillary. It's no wonder she has to hire reporters, it's the only way she'll get a fair and honest question. People tend to forget that sometimes you need to bend the rules to get elected, and if you don't believe that, you're ignorant.

http://www.voteforhillaryonline.com

Ron, TX   November 10th, 2007 8:37 am ET

Reminds me of the fake press conferences that FEMA and Bush always hold…

At least she finally admitted something!

Here's the transcript of the actual question being asked… it really makes the news story better, wonder why CNN left it out.
Question: "As a young person, I'm worried about the long-term effects of global warming How does your plan combat climate change?

Clinton: "Well, you should be worried. You know, I find as I travel around Iowa that it's usually young people that ask me about global warming."

OF COURSE, Clinton pleads ignorance. "She didn't know about planting questioners." Any time something bad happens, she doesn't EVER seem to know anything… Doesn't know this Norman Hsu character and the source of his $850,000 in campaign donations. Doesn't know how her law firm's billing documents got into her White House closet… Doesn't know how investors turned $10,000 of her money into $100,000 trading cattle futures… Just doesn't know ANYTHING…

Also worth noting John Edward's elloquent and funny response: as opposed to Clinton's claim of the "politics of piling on"… John Edwards says this must be "the politics of planting questions."

Rick, North Carolina   November 10th, 2007 8:36 am ET

She is no different than the others.
It would be nice if a real citizen could run for office, but who has that kind of corporate money but an political actor. The system is so rigged that its like watching a wrestling match on TV, maybe that's what this country has come to.

Vince Foster, Little Rock, AR   November 10th, 2007 8:31 am ET

Golly!! Hey, it wasn't Hillary's fault. It's all part of a extreme right-wing conspiracy. Hillarity is as honest as her dear husband, Bill Clinton, my dear friend.

DEF, Norfolk VA   November 10th, 2007 8:31 am ET

"On this occasion?" Right… And the next occassion, and the next occasion, and the next… I'm not surprised at all.

Ayyub, Richmond   November 10th, 2007 8:28 am ET

Hillary…you still have my vote, but, stop with the BUSH TACTICS. I find this article, if true, very distrubing. American citizens are not going to put up with any part of BUSH for the future. I think you need to rein in your campaign staff….LOL…again, if true, the college campus of America was the wrong place to go…it is the young who, at least I think so, are the most honest.

Posted By Moe, NY : November 10, 2007 3:15 am

I'm sorry Moe but Hillary doesn't know how to stop, that's just her. If you support a person who says one thing and does another and is possibly totally scripted, I hope you look deep down in your heart and ask yourselfe actually why you're voting for this woman. "Because she's a WOMAN" is a bad chose. It has to be "Because she's the absolute best person or the job and will change this nation for the better." Sorry, but as time goes on I really see that's really not Hillary.

Tim, Cincinnati, OH   November 10th, 2007 8:26 am ET

The Clintons are political manipulators. They'll do anything to get back in power.

Vern, Mason Ohio   November 10th, 2007 8:25 am ET

It's what we don't know and what she has gotten away with that bothers me.

Hank, Fort Myers, FL   November 10th, 2007 8:24 am ET

Oh well, whatever works in politics. Almost reminds of the rent-a-crowd we had here in McCain came to town. Don't look for this to change. That is politics. And not one of these participants will turn over the hand-book or is above a little engineering on the campaign trail. I'm not suprised at all. This has been part of politics since the it's inception–remember how they used to offer free drinks on election day==and of course voting was done near, in, or next to the Saloon. This is why America is such a great country…the land of opportunism.

Ron, TX   November 10th, 2007 8:17 am ET

Reminds me of the fake press conferences that FEMA and Bush always hold…

At least she finally admitted something!

Anthony, Philadelphia, PA   November 10th, 2007 8:12 am ET

OK, first President Bush was accused of it and now Hillary Clinton. And while her staff claims she didn't know, I wouldn't be surprised if she did.

These politicians have to realize they can do stuff like this anymore. We the public are going to find out eventually.

Maybe it's the water in Washington but what makes politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, forget their common sense?

Karen,ny   November 10th, 2007 8:10 am ET

If the candidates are going to start off on the wrong foot by having these kind of people in the audience then we certainly realize they are untrustworthy. She will certainly not get my vote. I want to start off with an honest president, if there is one.

John, Detroit, Michigan   November 10th, 2007 8:05 am ET

every politician does this. and it wasn't one of her people actually asking the questions… one of her staffers just talked to a student to see if they would ask the question. She's on a tour to promote her new climate/environment plans. Wouldn't the question already come up?

this woman can't do anything without you people hating on her. just let go of the hate. it's not healthy.

Sam Lutz, FL   November 10th, 2007 8:01 am ET

Clinton, Clinton, Clinton, Clinton, Clinton is all I'm hearing/seeing from CNN. You do realize that there are other presidential candidates running on the Democratic ticket?

You're making it real obvious, CNN.

PSK Lakeside, AZ   November 10th, 2007 8:01 am ET

SO just how different a president from Bush would Ms. Clinton be? To employ underhanded tricks seems innocuous, but to my mind it shows a significant arrogance in Ms. Clintons demeaner. This is ridiculous- she isn't even in office, and she's found to be manipulating and grossly disrespecting the American public. People, if you think this is a little "oops"- you are sadly mistaken. This is a blatant "preview" of exactly what this woman thinks of us simple minded voters. Not much will change in this country if she is elected. Her inability to respect Americans will not change. Her only agenda is the acquisition of more and more power.

Anonymous, Ames, IA   November 10th, 2007 8:01 am ET

DUH! This shouldn't come as any surprise from the Clinton camp. These two are as phoney as they come. Kinda lends creedance, too, to the charges of a plant earlier on the topic of licensing of illegals. If I recall, the overwhelming majority of commenters suspected plants. I can't wait till they start talking about family values. I love "B" movie acting.

GH, New York, ny   November 10th, 2007 8:00 am ET

It is funny that the rivals of hillary, who are insecured and full of hate, have constantly bashed her for what she did, or what she did not do for her past 16 yrs in DC. If questions were planted by a lower tier presidenital candidate, no one would care.

To me, there is no big deal, as she could have talked about the environment issues herself without being asked by the audience.

Jack, Nashville, TN   November 10th, 2007 7:58 am ET

I am amazed that CNN would actually report the truth about Hillary Clinton and her sleazy campaign staff. What next? Will CNN ask Hillary why she had Sandy Berger to steal top secret documents from the National Archives vault. What were the secrets the Clinton's wanted destroyed? Why did Berger take the fall for Hillary? What will Berger get in return?

Anthony Palmer, Columbia, SC   November 10th, 2007 7:58 am ET

I personally believe these kinds of "gaffes" or small controversies are good for Democrats because they should provide Democratic voters with the information they need to make intelligent votes come the caucuses and primaries. Democrats who believe in open government, straight talk, and good ethics should not be surprised if they find that Hillary Clinton cannot deliver on these promises. They would be wise to nominate someone else. You can read more about why Clinton is a poor choice for the nomination here:

http://www.theseventen.com/2007/11/hillary-clinton-second-warning-to.html

Michelle D.-Atlanta   November 10th, 2007 7:57 am ET

Why the outrage? This is done all the time by ALL candidates from BOTH sides of the political parties all the time. Bush won't even allow anyone who is not a Republican to attend one of his forums.

When will America wake up and see the business of politics for what it really is? This is no longer a country "of the people, by the people and FOR the people".

This is the BUSINESS of "elect-ability". They pay big dollars to professional marketers who pay close attention to polls and tell the candidates what they need the American people to hear so they can get elected.

Are we THAT stupid??? I guess we are if we fell for Bush's "Truth" on the Iraq war.

Elisabeth   November 10th, 2007 7:50 am ET

CNN, serve the American people and put this on the front page. You keep telling us she's the inevitable one to be the next leader of the free world.

Everyone deserves to know.

Do what's right.

Thanks in advance.

JB Boston MA   November 10th, 2007 7:48 am ET

Where is Tom from NM and pat from Huntington-

In order to at least pretend you are fair, you have got to denounce this. You would have posted 50 times if Obama had done this.

The sinking ship called the USS Hillary has almost run out of lifeboats. Get in now, or drown.

It will be interesting to see where her votes go, Obama or Edwards.

Joe, Manchester, VT   November 10th, 2007 7:47 am ET

Very much in character and shows a complete disconnect with proper campaigning and total disrespect for the American vote. The Clinton "character" questions continue and grow. Shame!

Melissa Jacobsen Dallas, Texas   November 10th, 2007 7:46 am ET

Hillary Clinton will do whatever underhanded things she can to win and this is typical of the Clinton Dirty Tricks Brigade. Al Gore stated that he did not want to run for President because he knows how dirty the Clintons get when they cannot get what they want. I hope the deluded voters who are so hungry for a female president wait to vote for a female with integrity and who has the courage of her convictions, unlike Hillary Clinton, who's on ly convictions are lying and power.

Glenn,Birmingham,Al   November 10th, 2007 7:38 am ET

Clinton is just doing what she does best. Deceive!!

Deak, Texas   November 10th, 2007 7:34 am ET

And this surprises who?

Helen, NY   November 10th, 2007 6:31 am ET

This is just a scratch on the surface. There are lot of things Hillary does which are not published by the media. Moreover, blame George Bush for everything. Imagine the greatest country in the world has such pathetic leaders standing for elections. Get a life…

mark wilkes barre pa   November 10th, 2007 6:07 am ET

same tired old thing,,, see people ?? Its not one side of the fence that lies or makes up things or stages fake questions or interviews,, Its both sides working US !! We are the fools who hop on there band wagons and buy there junk faithfully. when are we going to learn from the same events happening over and over ? Let us all turn on the hatemongers who spew there garbage on these sites and demand better from our government. WE ARE NOT STUPID !!!!!!

Steve, New York   November 10th, 2007 6:02 am ET

Hillary Clinton=George Bush

Sick and tired of these family dynasties!

Mark Columbus, Ohio   November 10th, 2007 6:02 am ET

This doesn't surprise me at all. Typical Clinton trick…and she'll probably be our next Prez. Oh joy of joys!

WatchingHillary.com

Marcus J. Hopkins, Fort Lauderdale, FL   November 10th, 2007 5:51 am ET

This is ridiculous that this is even an issue. So what? Every presidential candidate in the history of politics has planted questions in the audience that were geared to make them look like the better candidate and highlight their best points. This is nothing new. Why does the news media insist upon acting like this is an act of corruption? I'm not a Republican, and if this is what the Democratic party has to offer in the way of "rooting out corruption," then I am certainly no longer a Democrat. Perhaps your news organisation should actually be focusing on the answer that was given as opposed to the question that was asked and why.

Mason Myatt   November 10th, 2007 5:48 am ET

"cognitive"

My apologies to the other readers for not having my act together in this forum.

Mason Myatt   November 10th, 2007 5:44 am ET

EC, I am curious. What is the difference between "inately smart" and "intelligent?" Your tortured syntax suggests that maybe your strong suit lies not with your ability to assess the coignitive skills of others. Even Hillary's most vocal opponents credit her with a fine mind. I have chatted with her one time years ago and she is extraordinary in her facility with data and interpretation of those data. Her policies may be questionable but her intelligence is not.

The "inate" bias in your comments says a lot more about you than it does about H.

Mason Myatt   November 10th, 2007 5:40 am ET

This tactic shocks no one in America and no matter how loud the expressions of outrage, there is no genuine shock or anger. Most of us would employ this or a similar effort to ensure that we have the chance to address a point that we are eager to express. It was simply a topical question that Clinton wanted to address and there is nothing wrong with asking someone to ask it. Given the culture of modern politics, this is a non-event.

Remember the Bush efforts to grab votes from McCain in 2000 by calling South Carolinians and informing them of McCain's "colored" child? Now THAT is a questionable tactic that leaves Clinton's staging of a question in its dust!

We'd do better discussing Clinton's policies and comparing hers to the Bush legacy of corruption andf war. Discssion of something this inane and asinine is little more than a diversionary tactic. This "question" debate does not really "offend" anyone except people who despise Hillary to begin with and their "outrage" is hypocritical given their silence in the wake[s] of all Bush's lies and distortions.

Antonio, Tempe AZ   November 10th, 2007 5:39 am ET

What kind of idiots does she have running her campaign? Did she think she'd go to Grinnell and not get asked about the environment?

I'm trying hard to like Hillary but stuff like this just makes her look sleezy. It takes the focus off her environmental policies and puts it on her slimeball election staff.

TC Orlando   November 10th, 2007 5:22 am ET

Clinton = status quo. Same Washington bull****.

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   November 10th, 2007 5:12 am ET

Meet the Clintons.

EE   November 10th, 2007 5:01 am ET

Yes why would she not. She would ferry in people even from Saudi Arabia for her campaign.

Check her staff Abedin!Ms. Abedin began working for Mrs. Clinton as an intern for the then First Lady in 1996. She was hired as a staff assistant to the First Lady’s chief of staff, Maggie Williams. For several years, she was the backup to Mrs. Clinton’s permanent personal aide, Allison Stein, and she officially took over as Mrs. Clinton’s aide and advisor around the time of the 2000 Senate race.

Her Presidential campaign title is “traveling chief of staff."
Google informs us that Abedin's mother is Saleha Mahmood Abedin, Vice-Dean of Institutional Advancement, Dar Al-Hekma College, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Thats out first woman president!

Bob G   November 10th, 2007 4:47 am ET

All hail her royal sleaze-bag..! This woman is just plain vile..! Does she actually have a stand on anything..? There are much better Dem candidates…

Michael Collins, Iowa city, Iowa   November 10th, 2007 4:44 am ET

I think that it was unfortunate that
it was staged. But what everyone at work
is talking about is Hilliary
Clinton alleged affair with her female
aide, Huma Abedin. It is all over the
internet, 92,000 entries. They say
that she is muslim and was taught in
Saudi Arabia.

Fair,Washington, DC   November 10th, 2007 4:35 am ET

Several of Clinton's rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination contacted news organizations, including CNN, to bring attention to the college newspaper's story.

I tend to think they all probably do this when they have a topic they want to talk about….but unlike others on here i 'm not saying this as fact…but i'll take my cue from the candidates themselves…its one thing to send messages to the media anonymously but its a whole other thing to speak on it publicly and your campaign is doing the same thing….that would be akin to political suicide if that came out…so i'm curious to see which candidate if any makes a stink about this publicly…

Drew, Oceanside, CA   November 10th, 2007 4:25 am ET

I think it is perfectly fine for Hillary to do this. They are just students and do not know what questions to ask her. We already know that Hillary will make the best president. Why do we need to hear the questions of some students who don't know anything? This way Hillary can move on from useless things like campaigning and can get on with running this country.

E. C., Houston, Texas   November 10th, 2007 4:06 am ET

Of course, whatever Hillary says is 'canned and planned.' The woman is neither inately smart nor intelligent enough to handle any 'fresh and honest question' from an audience member. Of course, she needs a scapegoat….why not an Innocent Student? What a Moronic female is Hillary. She's just not savy about anything. The only thing she has proven is that she can memorize facts, and sometimes screws those up also.
Get REAL, Libs, Hillary is NOT Presidential Material….

Moe, NY   November 10th, 2007 3:15 am ET

Hillary…you still have my vote, but, stop with the BUSH TACTICS. I find this article, if true, very distrubing. American citizens are not going to put up with any part of BUSH for the future. I think you need to rein in your campaign staff….LOL…again, if true, the college campus of America was the wrong place to go…it is the young who, at least I think so, are the most honest.

Axel, RKDA, California   November 10th, 2007 3:03 am ET

I can't decide which makes me yawn more… Stories like this one that are not in the least bit newsworthy, or responses like the ones here by people who should be smart enough to know when they are wasting their time but don't.

Think about this for a moment or two… And remember, who you vote for in a Presidential Election has no bearing on who actually gets to be President. As you may recall from your fifth grade social studies class, who becomes President is not decided by who wins the Popular Vote, but who is selected by The Electoral College.

Perhaps instead of squabbling over what Candidates say or do, how much they pay for a haircut, whether they pay for their lunch, or how much they do or do not tip their waiter, you might start writing letters to your Elected Representatives asking who the Electors for your State are, and how they came to be the Electors since you most likely did not vote for them.

As we saw in 2000, he who wins the Popular Vote does not always become President. After all, it is those Electors who actually elect the President… Not YOU.

Ron , Fort Mohave Az   November 10th, 2007 3:00 am ET

Oh hell, that kind of thing has been going on since Lincolns time. You don't rally think that politicians can think that fast do you? Most of them would cry if they were asked a question they didn't know the answer too. Haven't you ever noticed that the real importent questions never get asked? About Oil, about gas prices, about exporting jobs, theirs a few more hundred I would like to have the answers to, But the news people will never ask. You see, they are prompted too. Ronnie Reagan came to where I worked when he was running for pres. I was told to ask about the Latino unrest and what he was going to do about it. You cannot believe how quick he had the answers.

BDC, Phila PA   November 10th, 2007 2:45 am ET

SHE CAN'T DENY CHEATING.

The candidate has to know who is planted in order to call on them. There is no more, "someone in the campaign did it" or "Hillary herself didn't know" she's directly involved in doing something really DISHONEST here. Not only is she "making her points heard" these tactics take time away from LEGITIMATE questions that real Americans may want to ask at these opportunities. Any candidate that does this doesn't really care what what the voters think at all, they just want to GET ELECTED AT ALL COSTS. I'll vote for just about anyone but Hillary, she's only in this for herself.

Kyle, COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA   November 10th, 2007 2:35 am ET

Well this is not NEW NEWS we know how calculated she is and of course her staff is going to take responsibility for this action!! Please America wake UP!! She so remind me of Bush they do a lot of sneaky crap!! I do not trust that I'm sorry and I will try everything to deliver SOUTH CAROLINA to BARACK OBAMA!!!

alan St Louis MO   November 10th, 2007 2:34 am ET

VOTE FOR CLINTON==STATUS QUO ==MORE FAILED LEADERSHIP WE HAD THE LAST 16YEARS.

Her stance = all stance , IF she takes a side she flip flops the next day.

Vote for CLinton== Vote for republicans in the long run.

IT was a Clinton that angered the swing voters to put congress in the hands of Republicans.

SMART DEMOCRATS that want a DEMOCRAT contolled federal government for the long run , will put any of the other canidates but Clinton in.

IF she does make it to Preident, The republicans will use her as a lighting rod to charge the swing voters to Republicans. The election in 2010 and 2012 will put the radical right back in control of the government.

IF Democrats made up over half the population then it wouldnt matter. But the fact is neither republican or democrats have 50% or more supporter in the country.

1/3 of the country are swing voters. If the hard right republicans know that,and will use that to thier advantage how come the left democrats cant see that.

Why do republicans want a clinton to run for whitehouse?????

For the republicans its a win win sitution. One she is a divider, she will split up the swing voters which will give the republicans the best chance or hope to win the election. Or Two If she does win by a few votes they will use her as a lighting rod to get control of congress in 2010 and the whitehouse in 2012. IT IS A FACT the CLINTONS MADE the REPBLICANS as POWERFULL as they are now. Do you remember the Clinton in the whitehouse the first time. IF you do you know of the republican wave that took over the country in 1994. Why do democrats want to repeat that mistake agin?????

Im for Biden then Obama then Edwards then I will vote republican at least I know what to expect, Clinton I dont know. I dont know what she stands for. She gives answers to take all sides. The few issues she takes a solid stand on , she flip flop that issue depending on how the weather is outside

Colin742   November 10th, 2007 2:32 am ET

The other day she said that she had answered about 5,000 questions since the campaign started. I anyone stupid enough to believe that there is any question from an audience that would be unable to answer. In debates she answers question although her answers are sometimes too complex for some to understand.
I suspect what happened is that they had a "theme" or subject they wanted to cover. So, one of the staff tried to make it happen.
Big Deal. This is really important

Joe, LA CA   November 10th, 2007 2:19 am ET

she is a liar and should step down, she avoids the hard questions and uses planted questions to make herself look good.

Portland, Maine   November 10th, 2007 2:16 am ET

Way to go HITLERY, way to go.

Max, Boston, MA   November 10th, 2007 2:15 am ET

For all the trouble that Hillary's staff is supposedly getting her into (first the "She's being attacked because she's a woman" stuff, and now this), you'd think they'd receive some form of punishment by now.

Very FEMA-esque.

Blair Smith Chicago, Illinois   November 10th, 2007 2:10 am ET

ugggggggggggggh! this must be the "experience" that she so often touts.
good thing her campaign focuses on change, I wonder if she knows the definition of change.

Bethany, St. Louis MO   November 10th, 2007 2:04 am ET

Clinton, do our country a favor, go home!!!!

I am a woman, and I am ashamed that you are running for President.

Steve, Portland, OR   November 10th, 2007 2:03 am ET

Let's see.., we have people in the audience who stand and say they were hit by illegals driving while Hillary is speaking about drivers licenses for New York undocumented.

College students being told what energy plan question to ask of her on her environmental stop..

I hate to see what she has in store for lobbiest questions on the big business stop. How about their representation and how middle should pay more taxes, after all how many favors did John Q Public do for her.

How about middle class Americans questions about how they could improve their lives under her administration.Especially with all the new residents that are soon to be legalized.

That's right we Americans don't want those millions of manufacturing jobs that are now becoming temporary jobs filled by illegals with no benefits. We have all those new service industry jobs created by the last administration that pay the federal minimum. Thanks in part for your husbands part in signing NAFTA to get the exodus of jobs off to a milions of jobs lost start.

Sorry,I do truely think we need someone that can answer timely questions without excuses, setups and/or rantings by the husband.

We really do not need more of the same and I don't see Clinton as anything more than a Democratic money machine.

Give us back our representation in this country and maybe I'll regard you in higher esteam.

Raleigh, NC   November 10th, 2007 1:55 am ET

I'm glad Ron Paul is the ONLY honest canidate out there, GO RON PAUL.

B.R> San Antonio, Tx   November 10th, 2007 1:51 am ET

reminds me of a press conference with "W", when all the military personnel were told not only what question to ask, but who to refer the specific question to. They were all in military attire, and pretending to be happy to be a part of a war we shouldnt be fighting, and are not making any progress in.They pretended to support a war that was putting the country in debt, and taking away resources from the "real" threat that still hasnt been captured…..
You all say, "This is why I don't trust her"…Bet you trust her more than some BUBBA who didnt even get enough votes for a 2nd term- but his big BUBBA in Florida helped him out….Please "W" is more full of crap and less trustworthy than any candidate in any race…Hillary has the knowledge and support and most imp. experience- GO GIRL!!

Ted H. California   November 10th, 2007 1:41 am ET

I guess this is what she calls "leadership". Do people really want 4 years of this? arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Jerry Weed, ca   November 10th, 2007 1:36 am ET

Maybe the illigal question was planted
hehe

Drew, Oceanside CA   November 10th, 2007 1:36 am ET

I think it is perfectly fair for Hillary to give audience members questions to ask. They are just students and may not know what questions to ask so her campaign helped them out. So what? It is for our good anyway, because she will be the best president.

Hillary 08!!!!!!

Greg, Houston   November 10th, 2007 1:33 am ET

And what's the big deal? Bush has been doing it for seven years.

Ruth Bethinger, NYC   November 10th, 2007 1:31 am ET

If I remember correctly, this is not the first time this has happened. I recall her campaign planting audience members at other campaign events earlier this year. It is sad to say this about a fellow Democrat, but it appears that the only other campaign besides that of Sen. Clinton that plants audience members is that of President Bush. We have had that type of leader in our white house for long enough.

Joey   November 10th, 2007 1:29 am ET

this is why she doesnt deserve to be the next president of the United States of America

Queens, NY   November 10th, 2007 1:29 am ET

How many times do i have to write this – I am not voting for Clinton for reasons like this. She voted for the war, she voted for the patriot act, and she voted for the kyle/leiberman act – Common gals – how many times does she have to fool you?

Walter Henry Phoenix, Arizona   November 10th, 2007 1:25 am ET

so is she going to ever say anything other what is popular in the polls? also why the 14 year "vacation" from health care, what a joke!!!!

John Halverson LA, California   November 10th, 2007 1:21 am ET

there is no way that the Clinton campaign would stoop so low! wink wink. I guess we all know why she is leading in the POLLS.

Linda, Chandler AZ   November 10th, 2007 1:20 am ET

Goodbye, Hillary.

jerry   November 10th, 2007 1:18 am ET

Clinton planting questions at her events? What is the difference her and George Bush? Democrats wake up….
Senator Obama should be your nominee.
Mr. Obama is a Leader and Mrs. Clinton is not

Pastor Ken Deemer   November 10th, 2007 1:17 am ET

Planted questions? Who would dream of such a thing.

As the director of Shattered Men, I would love to ask her a question. It would be:

Since your husband signed the original Violence Against Women Act into law which protects only abused women, we have found very strong unbiased evidence that there are as many abused MEN as there are women. Even the Department of Justice acknowledges 38% of the victims are men and the CDC shows women provoke the violence as often if not more so then men. If you are elected president…what would You do to protect abused men and to stop the very common false accusations of domestic abuse that we see in our court systems today?

Pastor Ken Deemer
Director Shattered Men
http://www.shatterdmen.com

Lawrence Jones Seattle, Washington   November 10th, 2007 1:14 am ET

is there really any surprise here? she has had nothing but soft ball questions her whole campaign, I guess we now know why. When she finally did get a real question she fell flat on her face! I can't wait for '08

Rick, Kanas City, MO   November 10th, 2007 1:14 am ET

I can't say anyone is surprised. This only backs up earlier theories about people asking canned questions about illegal immigrants getting driver's licenses last week. She is a fraud – this does not surprise me in the least.

If she does this to those that would vote for her, imagine what she would do to the public in general….

Wayne, silver spring, md   November 10th, 2007 1:03 am ET

So what? There isn't anything new here. Hill has been doing it all along

Damien, Las Vegas Nevada   November 10th, 2007 12:53 am ET

It's amazing that CNN didn't put this story on the front page… but hey, they aren't biased!?!?!?!?!?!

Earl, Ohio   November 10th, 2007 12:47 am ET

She is such a stick in the mud. At least Al Gore didn't pretend not to be in 2000. Hillary's laugh is like fignernails across a chalkboard. Her sense of humor isn't far behind that either.

P.S. Has anyone figured out her stance on illegal immigrants and driver's licenses yet?!?!

Gitahi, Dallas TX   November 10th, 2007 12:47 am ET

Can i get a "Dean" everyone. I have said and maintained all along that Senator Clinton may be shrewed but she will end up outdoing herself. As we have heard her peaking too soon and having huge margin of leads in polls, we all know they have been pulling dirty tricks. All is good time Queen B, all in good time. You will crash down so heavily that a book on your losing run will be abest seller. So much fo the polls and invincibility. Will Bill come up now and say its his fault?

theprofessional   November 10th, 2007 12:41 am ET

Kind of reminds you of all the stage-managed presidential "Q&A forums" by the Bush administration, where they plant people in the audience to make sure nobody asks the President a question he doesn't want to answer. Or the fake FEMA news conference last month.

Here's my question: Seeing as how Hillary authorized and supported George Bush's war (until it became unpopular), supported George Bush's torture methods (until it became unpopular), and is now running George Bush's political playbook (until it becomes unpopular), what exactly are we voting for in 2008 again?

Jaik , chicago, IL   November 10th, 2007 12:39 am ET

Just like George Bush Jr who had a plant in the White House press room to throw softballs at the spokesperson, just like FEMA's fake press conference, just like Guliani's scripted cell phone calls. Its all just new political staging, that's one more reason none of these people should be president. They think you are stupid. and we'll find out they are probably right again on election day.

Scott Brown Palm Bay, Florida   November 10th, 2007 12:39 am ET

Hillary is not a serious contender for the President Of The United States. She has not answered one question directly and she has now stooped to planted questions. Hillary you can not hide behind the tough questions and under husband and be given the keys to the most powerful office in the world.

JC , USA   November 10th, 2007 12:35 am ET

Oh please…they ALL do this…it is called 'making sure the candidates views get heard'. Typical politics for ALL candidates for ALL parties! Not news kids…

Kookleft   November 10th, 2007 12:34 am ET

Clinton campaign staffers planted questions among the audience, but Hillary didn't know? Yeah, that would make sense. Plant a couple of questions in the audience, then hope that Hillary can guess who those questioners might be. Sure.

This is simply more Machiavellian stagecraft from the masters of "how can we fool them today?" These people lie as often and as easily as I breathe air.

banko   November 10th, 2007 12:33 am ET

CNN will still not report the facts. The truth is finally coming out.
Hillary is phony. The Clinton's can not foul the people all the time.

Clinton Staff Planted Question at Forum
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ibDaM5Uxy4A4EqU8WOm_ygQ-TXjwD8SQIK4O4

Clinton Campaign Confirms Planting Town Hall Question, Says It Won't Happen Again
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,310316,00.html

Clinton aides plant student's question
http://web.grinnell.edu/sandb/questions.html

Len, Fallbrook, CA   November 10th, 2007 12:30 am ET

Slick Willy will explain it in the morning. I'd expect a wagging finger for emphasis.

It's Bush's' fault.

Right wing conspiracy

I did it, it's not her fault.

or the ever popular

I did not give those questions to that student!

I would not trust this woman to lead a starving man thru a chow line.

Ernest, Pasadena, CA   November 10th, 2007 12:29 am ET

Campaign for change? Sounds like FEMA to me.

annette columbus   November 10th, 2007 12:28 am ET

And this would surprise anyone why? Everything she does is orchestrated and canned. She isn't known for being spontaneous and genuine.

Greg, Houston TX   November 10th, 2007 12:26 am ET

These are the kinds of things politicians do. They're in the business of being fake human beings. Why would anyone be surprised by this?

Bernie Moore-Knowles - Papa'aloa, Hawai'i   November 10th, 2007 12:24 am ET

I am not at all surprised by this short. Clinton staging "friendly" questions and scripting her interaction with a crowd at a campaign stop? When will American voters "get it" regarding this woman. I cringe to think that she is even in the race. And by the way, I am a life long registered Independent – not a Republican – and a woman.

pk   November 10th, 2007 12:16 am ET

the clintons have manipulated the media this entire time.

the chips are only now falling

RS, Los Angeles, CA   November 10th, 2007 12:15 am ET

My goodness! Hillary Clinton is being accused of planting questions in her campaign stop audiences?!? I am completely dumbfounded and shocked. Let's elect a candidate who actually has the courage to field real questions and respond with honest answers.

tapera, toronto   November 10th, 2007 12:12 am ET

Way to go girl!!

Ken, San Diego, CA   November 10th, 2007 12:10 am ET

Who cares?

All of the candidates do this, especially when they have recently unveiled a particular policy plan or idea (i.e., Clinton's unveiling of her environment and energy plan just a few days ago).

What's more important is that she is not taking just the softballs, but the hardballs as well. In addition, her town-hall meetings and speaking engagements are open to EVERYONE (unlike what the Bush campaign did in 2000 and 2004).

Perhaps the silliest thing in this story, is the utter hyprocrisy of Hillary's rivals: "Several of Clinton's rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination contacted news organizations…". As John Stossel would day, give me a break…

Anonymous   November 10th, 2007 12:06 am ET

This is the latest in a series of examples of why Clinton and her political machine can't be trusted. Even if Hillary herself didn't know of or sanction the question-planting, she has clearly created a culture within her campaign where this kind of thing is okay. Yes, she's smart, yes, she's well-organized, yes, she could make a pretty decent leader of the country. But when it comes down to someone I can trust or someone like Clinton, whom I clearly can't, I will choose the former every time, even if I don't agree with all of their views. There are enough trustworthy candidates with integrity in this race — Dodd, Obama, Paul, Huckabee, McCain, — that I cannot fathom voting for Clinton.

Jun, Los Angeles, CA   November 10th, 2007 12:05 am ET

yaiks…

Dennis, Springfield, IL   November 10th, 2007 12:05 am ET

Curious if Clinton did not know that student was a plant, was it simply a lucky coincidence that in the big crowd she just happened to call on the very same person. Hmmmm. And by the by, kind of ironic given the argument she got into when she accused a legitimate questioner of being a plant a month or so back in Iowa. Why did she think that to begin with? Was it because her campaign plants questions, so she assumes that everyone is unethical as her?

Milly, Atlanta, GA   November 9th, 2007 11:59 pm ET

Well, it helps to have anticipated questions when you have programed answers, Go girl!

Lioness, Washington DC   November 9th, 2007 11:57 pm ET

Clinton News Network, you wrote:

"Several of Clinton's rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination contacted news organizations, including CNN, to bring attention to the college newspaper's story."

Oh, I see, so the Clinton campaign NEVER calls all media organizations it can get hold of to plant negative stories about its ricals?

Is that what you are trying to suggest?

Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! That's too funy!

Matt from Iraq   November 9th, 2007 11:56 pm ET

Oh boy, here we go again. This is ridiculous. Soon the Clinton campaign is going to run out of ways to explain all these less-than-honest mistakes. Is this really the type of administration we want in the White House?

Jim Garrison, Evergreen, Colorado   November 9th, 2007 11:45 pm ET

Of Course this was canned. Hil is being picked on if she doesn't have a script to follow.

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