December 27, 2007
Posted: 02:00 PM ET
Clinton is buying Iowa airtime on the eve of the state's caucuses
Clinton is buying Iowa airtime on the eve of the state's caucuses

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Democrat Hillary Clinton has purchased two minutes of airtime on every Iowa television station to deliver her 'closing argument' on the eve of the Iowa Caucuses, her campaign announced Thursday.

The campaign says the message will air on every 6 p.m. news broadcast across the Hawkeye State.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Iowa


Len, Fallbrook, CA   December 29th, 2007 11:14 am ET

She will not need the two minuets of air time. To list her accomplishments will take way less time than that.

NIck Young   December 28th, 2007 11:32 pm ET

Harry Gooper hit the nail on the head…..(ref. we dont need another Hil/Billy in the White House…..Thanks Mr. Gooper, we need more voters like you.

Nick

NIck Young   December 28th, 2007 8:40 pm ET

Harry Gooper hit the nail on the head…..Thanks Harry, we need more voters like you. , Nick

John   December 28th, 2007 6:17 pm ET

Smart answer TB, Iowa Thank God bush can not run again cause you just stated you would vote for him over clinton.

Roy   December 28th, 2007 5:44 pm ET

First I have to say that there is alot of hate in these messages. If your a true Christian, GOD doesn't like "HATE" As for Sen. Hillary buying two minutes of air time is her perogative.

We are being bullied by the media and that has gotten me frustrated. I have watched every news stations and they are making judgement calls. Judgements is which causes turmoil here and beyond. Local news stations here in California are not making comments of the presidential candidates like the World News stations. So CNN, MSNBC, FOX News be serious and leave it alone. Yes this is the only way you get paid for, media!!! news. Joe Scarbrough, I admire you and I'm a Democrat, but please don't make judgement calls.

As far as flip flopping, I'll admit I've been flip flopping myself, I was for Barrack and after hearing what he and John Edwards were doing at the debate, I decided to go with Sen. Hillary Clinton, she tried not to attack her collegues but after all said and done she had to fight back. I respect her for that.

Senator Clinton, Good Luck and Best Wishes!!!!!

Goody Eugene, OR   December 28th, 2007 5:01 pm ET

This is a country where hard work is the backbone to success. Those who complain about Hillary give me a PAIN, a big pain, in my backside. She has always worked for a better quality of life for the middle class and low income people. How nice it will be to have a president who cares about the working class again!

Ted, St. Louis, MO   December 28th, 2007 4:58 pm ET

HILLARY-Please GO AWAY and TAKE BILL with you. The American people are tired of both of you. You are the most polorizing figure in American politics and the Country NEEDS TO MOVE ON. You and Bill are the late 80's and early 90's.

We need some fresh people in politics….not the same old liars and cheaters that both of you are.

Harry Gooper   December 28th, 2007 4:06 pm ET

We don't need another Hil/Billy in the White House

Dave   December 28th, 2007 2:22 pm ET

To "simone dubois" (December 28, 2007 2:16 am ET)

Um, first of all the Obama-ministers story WAS all over the media (Google for and its everywhere).

Secondly, HILLARY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER MINISTER LIST:

>>>Inaccuracies and murky tallies are not unique to the Obama campaign when in comes to touting the endorsements of black ministers in this early voting state — rival Hillary Rodham Clinton ran into some of the same questions after her campaign released its list of endorsements from black ministers late last month.<<<
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/26/america/Obama-Ministers.php

So spare me your 'outrage'.

Get the facts. Understand the real story. Vote Obama.

N. Wisconsin   December 28th, 2007 12:44 pm ET

Why is it that when Mitt Romney uses his money to buy air time for commercials people say he's "buying votes", but when Hillary buys a huge spot with her money it's said to be a smart political move. People will say anything to try and make someone look bad even if they're not! Go Mitt!!!!!!

hey allons,tn   December 28th, 2007 11:59 am ET

hey Just thank what Two Minute Ad may buy the american people A EXCELLENT PRESIDENT for all the people to get out this down-ward STORM that the republican conservative g.w. bush SLIME administration has us in go clinton all the way god love you for working for his childern.

Brian, Syracuse NY   December 28th, 2007 11:19 am ET

"And to all of those who are missing a loved one, there are no words any of us can express, except to tell you in the clearest possible terms we will — in a united American response — support you, offer assistance to you, stand with you, and pursue those who reached deep into your family homes yesterday and took someone you loved away from you."
-Hillary Clinton, 12 Sep. 2001

…How is diverting our forces from Afghanistan to Iraq, a country which had nothing to do with 9/11, pursuing "those who reached deep into your family homes yesterday and took someone you loved away from you"? Saddam Hussein was not responsible for a single American death on 9/11, yet he's dead. Osama Bin Laden was responsible and he remains free because of Clinton and the Neocons' War in Iraq.

On January 3rd, 2008, the voters in Iowa will take Hillary Clinton to task for her failed promises and empty gestures.

Dave   December 28th, 2007 11:13 am ET

How much will it cost? Just curious — this must be publicly available information, or at least close estimates.

Brian, Syracuse NY   December 28th, 2007 11:11 am ET

Unfortunately for Hillary, bumper sticker slogans do not win elections. Every speech she makes is a long list of vague catch phrases. You'd have to be an idiot to vote for such an empty suit.

Allison, NH   December 28th, 2007 10:32 am ET

TB, Iowa - I feel the same way. If it was between Ron Paul and Hillary - I'd vote for Ron Paul.

Jimenez - Texas - And who exactly feels she is the most admired? You and the rest of her supporters…so what is new? Great - admire her all you want but to me she is nothing but a corporate politician. You think she has enough guts to run this country? She didn't even have enough guts to stand up to her cheating husband! You know who I admire as a women: Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, Madeline Albright, Hellen Keller…these are people that had/have true guts. Hillary - she's just rich and I guess being rich can make you president. Heck, look at Bush!

Janel, St. Paul, MN   December 28th, 2007 10:20 am ET

Interesting campaign strategy!

BUT. . .according to the LA Times, "As she races through Iowa in the days before next week's caucuses, Hillry Clinton is taking few chances. She tells crowds that it's their turn to 'pick a president,' but over the last two days she has not invited them to ask her any questions."

"Before the brief Christmas break, the New York senator had been setting aside time after campaign speeches to hear from the audience. Now when she's done speaking, her theme songs blare from loudspeakers, preventing any kind of public Q & A."

It appears the new Clinton strategy is, "Listen carefully to me for two minutes, but. . .NO QUESTIONS. I just can't take the chance of saying the wrong thing."

Kelly Puckett, Kenton, Ohio   December 28th, 2007 9:58 am ET

It is time we had a woman in the White House, Look what we have had in the last 8 years, you might call it nothing, some people call it George W. Bush, this country needs a fresh make over.

Mensah Koduah   December 28th, 2007 9:24 am ET

Good idea that Hillary is buying airtime to close the deal. The media has been too negative on her. I challenge anyone to tell me the last time they heard anything negative on air about Barack Obama. The media has given him free pass for far too long and nothing is being said about it. Chris Matthews of Hardball, Tim Russert and Candy Crowley of CNN are the most obvious ones who detest her.
Keep fighting these Washington talking heads. You go Hillary.. We see through what the media is all about.

PETER ORIAVWOTE   December 28th, 2007 9:24 am ET

As a Marketing communications expert, I do know the effect of mass media advertising and door to door vote canvassing on independents and undecided voters in a presidential primary election. Senator Clinton has used these two methods very well and at the right time during this Political campaign. No doubt, even though the race is tight in the early primary states, Senator Hillary Clinton will get the Democratic Party nomination because She is, as it were, the most qualified. Continue what you are doing Hillary, the American voters are behind you, I have always believed.

DEM08   December 28th, 2007 8:39 am ET

If HRC wins Iowa, (I'm for Obama), it will once again demonstrate her strength as the only Dem that can pull off a close election; reminiscent of Bush and the GOP rabbit from a hat in Fl and OH. This we should all admire. If it happens, we should all rally around her and give her the support to bring home the WH come 2008.

Joan Wiskman   December 28th, 2007 8:37 am ET

I think it's great thay Hillary is able to buy her time.. If it were Mitt, Rudy or John, it would be fine. You go girl!!!

Laverne Miller   December 28th, 2007 8:25 am ET

Latest comments re: Bhutto death by Obama and his campaign only goes to show his inexperience in logic; actually suggesting Bhutto' death and Hilliarys voting would lead to Bhuttos' death.. How are we to believe a ex-ACLU attorney, a man who has impuigned Hilliarys' honesty; while conducting a disgusting display with Oprah; while showing pictures of his wife's frustration during the endorsement by Oprah..Who is Oprah as a political advisor anyway? Her program is only watched by 3 % of the home TV watchers. Also the rumor of his possibility of being a Muslim is true; have we become a nation of idiots…??? zI hope not.We nedd an experienced and under control person to guard this nation during these perilous times. not an experienced wanta be..Lee Miller

Sandy   December 28th, 2007 6:45 am ET

I just have a question for you folks. If Senator Clinton was a man, would there be this much vitriol? I mean, if you look at all of the candidates, they have all been political and flip-flopped or been political on issues. For instance, Barack Obama did not come back for the vote on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, John Edwards voted to give Bush authorization to go to war, etc. And don't even get me started on cross-dressing Giuliani and "better for gays than Ted Kennedy" Romney. From a personal standpoint, I am really tired of testosterone running our government. It's time for a woman to be president, and I don't know any other woman more experienced and qualified. I think her 2 minute ad buy is an excellent idea. If the others want to do it, then go for it. And for those of you who still want to bash Senator Clinton, I repeat my first question, would you do so if she were a man, or would you call this a brilliant move?

Jacob, Des Moines Iowa   December 28th, 2007 3:36 am ET

back in August, he gave a speech advocatind the U.S. actively engaging in pakistan to hunt terrorist that are in the mountains there who escaped from Afgahinstan. He even said he would do it without the support of Musharruf

he also said that Iraq distracted us from hunting those responsible for 9/11 and other terrorist

but what was one woman's reaction…that he was irresponsible and naive

McCain 08

Sam IA   December 28th, 2007 2:51 am ET

I'm supporting Biden but GO FOR IT Hillary. I'll be there if you are the nominee!!!

David, San Diego, CA   December 28th, 2007 2:48 am ET

Corporate lobbyists bought the last two elections for Bush & we have seen were that got us. I only wish every other democratic candidate airs a similiar length message before or after the 6pm news to explain how everyone close to Hillary Clinton told her not to vote for the Iraq War, yet voted for it anyways because it was the popular thing to do. Does that tell you anything about her judgement or experience? Think about it….

Mike Uehlein   December 28th, 2007 2:31 am ET

It's not that each candidate should do the same, but each candidate should have the opportunity to do the same. If the other campaigns had HRC's kind of money and influence, they would all be able to do the same. This is a perfect example of buying votes, plain and simple.

simone dubois   December 28th, 2007 2:16 am ET

You go Hillary !!! I am so tired of the media jumping on any negative they can. I ready today how Obama claims to have 85 ministers in South Carolina endorse him to find out that isn't so — where is the media on that story? If it was Hillary they'd be spinning it for 2 days. Someone needs to air the truth — might as well be 2 minutes from Hillary !!!

Gus   December 28th, 2007 1:47 am ET

Another outlay of >$1m.

The question is, after Iowa, will she have any financial advantage left?

connie floyd, crockett,texas   December 28th, 2007 1:36 am ET

You Hillary haters are disgusting. you remind of the lunatics that killed Bhutto. The slime and smut are no different. They are from Americans that should have been brought up to respect our candidates and make an effort pick one without nasty comments about the others ones. SICK!!! HILLARY08″

Brett   December 28th, 2007 1:28 am ET

Uh, Jimenez, that same poll you cited also named George W. Bush as the most admired man in the world. Surely you can come up with a better reason why voters should back your candidate. Then again, you'd probably have a hard time.

MM, Denver, CO   December 28th, 2007 12:41 am ET

One of these days we will see the headline "Clinton buys election". Hopefully Iowans are sick of her lies.

EZ, MN   December 27th, 2007 11:59 pm ET

Curtis,

I'd like to respond to your charge that Clinton is a flip floper…..she is. In fact I would dare say that most great politicians, Democrat and Republican, usually do change their minds once in a while.

I'd like to point out Pres. Bush is great at sticking to his story no matter how wrong it is (Saddam's role in 9/11, WMD's in Iraq (the real reason we went to Iraq if you can remember that far back, not this liberation crap) and on and on it goes).

He's like a driver heading the wrong way down a one way street if you will. No matter how many signs, policemen, or other people point this out….he sticks with it to the bitter end never admitting any wrongs.

If she changes her mind based on new information or circumstances…I welcome those changes for the better.

Sincerely, a former (pre-Bush Jr.) republican

Dan, Minneapolis, MN   December 27th, 2007 11:17 pm ET

Gee, all of this hyperventilation accompanied with astute commentaries. I am also suprised how many psychics there are in the crowd, capable of intepreting intent and meaning in another person's action. I have to assume form the critics that they are just the opposite. But there is one problem, the comments themselves are sound-bites. So what gives guys and gals?

Chris   December 27th, 2007 11:01 pm ET

You're absolutely right that if one candidate has access to public airwaves, ALL other candidates should have equal time. In fact, back in the dark days of pre-Saint Ronald, the Fairness Doctrine attempted to ensure that.

Oh-so-fortunately, now, commercial speech trumps all others and so if a candidate has more money than all others, she or he can buy all the speech he or she can afford. The broadcasters who lease our airwaves (which would be ALL of them, including CNN) don't have to lift a metaphorical finger to balance this.

And a note to you brave free-marketers who think that money=speech, realize that at least a few of us in this country still know that radio and television airwaves are _public_ resources, owned by you and me _equally_, not by capitalists invested in maximizing profit at the expense of all else. One day, we'll take them back, and all the Lou Dobbs in the world won't be able to stop us.

Mati   December 27th, 2007 10:58 pm ET

I am sick and tired of this inconsistency in judgment by anti-Hillary voters. Yes, she bought 2 minutes of Iowa airtime. Others did it too. If she strategically left the 2 minutes for the end of the Iowa campaign, it was her choice.

Hillary is a serious and determined candidate, and will be a very good President. Perfect? Nobody is perfect. Unfortunately there is nobody else better to choose. I hope she will win Iowa, NH, SC and will get the nomination.

john L Cerrato, Rockville Centre, NY   December 27th, 2007 10:43 pm ET

In politics , if you don't define yourself the opposition will do it for you. That's the nature of the contest. It is a zero sum game. Someone wins and someone loses.I believe Bill Clinton has it right. A vote for Obama is like "rolling the dice". He's untested as a Senator, as a Foreign Affairs person, and how the Federal gov't works. He speaks of Change. He speaks of not doing business with the special interest groups. Hello, Mr Obama the Special Interest Groups work the Legislative Branc not the Executive Branch. And Change, to what and How. The Majority Leaders of both house have something to say about that too. Obama is a lot of talk & no experience or maturity.

Diego chick   December 27th, 2007 10:16 pm ET

So exactly what's the problem with buying 2 minutes of air time again? And who else in the race will NOT do the same thing if they could afford it?

PA   December 27th, 2007 10:15 pm ET

I always wonder why so many of those who post comments have only negative, insulting things to say. Each and every one of the Democratic candidates (and a few of the Republicans) has something positive to contribute to the national debate. And about flip flopping: Only the fool who lives by dogma and learns nothing from experience never changes his mind. Changing ones mind is a sign of maturity since none of the problems of this world are simple enough to have only one answer. The mess we're in is due solely to misinformed people refusing to learn from reality and from our friends and allies.

It is significant in the comments about Benazir Bhutto made today by a number of presidential candidates that every one of the Democrats had actually known her and spoke of her achievements from personal experience. The Republican candidates only interpreted her assassination as a further reason to wrap the US in a cloak of paranoia and isolation. They had little to say in the way of sympathy for the Pakistani people or for her courageous return from exile and what we might have done to help.

Chee, Atlanta, GA   December 27th, 2007 10:01 pm ET

Why is it that people who hate Hillary spell her name with only one "L"?

There must have been a memo or something.

Did you know that she was named after the famous Mt. Everest climber? Use 2 "L"s please to at least acknowledge her name's sake.

G.K. Boateng   December 27th, 2007 9:24 pm ET

Hillary can have 20 minutes for her closing remarks and it will not make a difference 'cause se will change her mind right away to suite the political climate. OBAMA will is the right candidate to change the way things are done in Washington. VOTE Barack Obama.

VOTE FOR THE QUALIFIED CANDIDATE-HRC   December 27th, 2007 9:15 pm ET

We Need An Experienced Leader and Hillary is the One!

FAIR TAX,LA.   December 27th, 2007 8:20 pm ET

please buy 2 weeks on a cruise to nowhere!!

KEITH JAMES LOUTTIT   December 27th, 2007 7:52 pm ET

Just one thought… Did she leave a TIP?

Jimenez - Texas   December 27th, 2007 7:51 pm ET

We have every belief that the smart people of Iowa will back the best candidate. That would be Clinton. You haters have to ask yourself why this woman is the most admired woman? Has been for the last 6 years. She represents so much and so many of us. For all you that are not fond of Clinton - get ready for the most unforgettable ride. Her ride into the whitehouse. Clinton 08

Scott, Madison, WI   December 27th, 2007 7:48 pm ET

Even as a lifelong Dem, I still can't vote for her. Two years still wouldn't be enough time to convince me otherwise. Sorry Hillary, you'll never pass the smell test with me no matter how much time you commit to trying to change peoples' minds.

l.a. gomez   December 27th, 2007 7:34 pm ET

What is the big deal about hillary buying air time? for all you republicans, that is better that cheating or having the supreme court appoint her president. Also, she has 1000 x the qualifications that the current president had!!

Anonymous   December 27th, 2007 7:22 pm ET

JD says
"Hilary Rodham Clinton or whatever she is calling herself this week has no qualifications to be president. Her positions change constantly and she is almost as good a lier as Bubba. This country has to do better than this. Socialism has never worked anywhere in the world but that is her dream for the US. Hang on to your checkbook and your SUV if this fool gets elected. CNN will do anything possible to coronate their queen."

Although I am for Obama, I think this statement reeks of ignorance. Any person with a brain should realize the difference between hilary's positions and socialism. She has changed her positions FAR FEWER times than about 80% of the republican candidates. And what is the problem with her name? Sometimes she leaves the Rodham, sometimes not, get over it. Its not like she is calling herself Frank or something.

Barbara   December 27th, 2007 7:15 pm ET

NOT FOR PUBLICATION: I guess what you mean by moderation is review by a moderator, and that's certainly fine. I sent a second one because I thought at first you meant I had to be more moderate. And that did strike me as odd, actually.

I really meant what I said the first time, but I'm glad to leave it all up to you..

Have only been using cnn.com as my home page for a couple of days, but I like it.

Barbara   December 27th, 2007 7:13 pm ET

So a candidate bought time. That's news? By reporting it and making it blog-fodder, the media stir up controversy, but it really isn't news, and it doesn't add anything to the discussion of issues we ought to be having.

Barbara   December 27th, 2007 7:10 pm ET

So a candidate bought time. That's news? By reporting it and making it blog-fodder, the media stir up controversy–which begets more attention for them.

A candidate bought time. Big d— deal.

Terri, Plantation, FL   December 27th, 2007 6:41 pm ET

Well, that pretty much sums up Hillary Clinton — a 2 minute sound-bite kinda gal.

Fortunately Iowans have been listening closely for a long time now.

Jose Card - Independent   December 27th, 2007 6:29 pm ET

Yes, Hillary has lots of money for TV ads. 2 minutes on every TV station will cost a lot. She probably has the largest number of max-out donors supporting her, while Dr. Ron Paul has the largest number of small donors online. This is going to be interesting. Below is some eye-opening information on the Clintons that rendered me speechless.

The current issue of Newsweek has an article by Sally Smith, a Clinton biographer. She wrote that "People were scared of her", said a Clinton aide. "You did not cross Hillary."

"Bill had to cede Hillary (political) power as a trade-off for his history of infidelity."

Is this how Hillary got her experience at the White House, while Bill continuously paid her off for each infidelity? We, the voters, entrusted him with this power.

Although they seem perfectly happy with the deal, isn't it very irresponsible for any president to throw away his political power like this? Perhaps Bill really meant it, when he called her a world class genius (for power grabbing). I feel sorry for him for the first time.

Bill claimed that it was the Republicans' fault that Hillary's health care reform had failed. (albeit it was a Dem president and Dem Congress.) It turned out the failed health reform was the result of another trade-off from his infidelity between him and Hillary. Is this a joke on a bad day? We are talking about the welfare of American people here. This reckless couple thinks we are only some kind of game pieces on the table. No doubt Hillary is running to win, not to serve. She wants to be the first female president by all means, or to get even with Bill for his infidelity.

Somehow I feel sick to my stomach.
Now I do 'admire' Bill and Hillary for fooling us for so long, but I will vote for "Anybody but Hillary" from this day on. She is better off seeking mental health care than playing games on the American people.

We need a leader with healthy mental capacity. This Newsweek article is a very sad read.

jd   December 27th, 2007 6:26 pm ET

Hilary Rodham Clinton or whatever she is calling herself this week has no qualifications to be president. Her positions change constantly and she is almost as good a lier as Bubba. This country has to do better than this. Socialism has never worked anywhere in the world but that is her dream for the US. Hang on to your checkbook and your SUV if this fool gets elected. CNN will do anything possible to coronate their queen.

matthew   December 27th, 2007 6:23 pm ET

I don't see what's wrong with it. They all have the money to do so, let's not fool ourselves here.

If people were actually concerned about the amount of money being spent by each candidate, then I believe all candidates would have to answer some tough questions. But it's politics people, and the point of running for office is to win. Going about it legally should not be criticized.

Biheia Tillery   December 27th, 2007 6:18 pm ET

Most of Hillary Clinton's adult life has been to help the poor, middle class and America.
She voted for the War according to the information given to the Senate.
When she found out we were all lied to, she spoke out against the War.
That is not Flip Flopping.
THAT TAKES COURAGE..
I want a President that is going to do the best they can for America.
If they find out the information given to them was wrong, I want a President that is strong enough to admit it and try to rectify it. Not a President that refuses to admit their mistake and continues to throw us down the tubes.
I have listened to all of the debates. Republican and Democrate.
I am an Independent Voter.
I voted for President Bill Clinton twice and George Bush twice.
Life was good in America when President Clinton was in office.
Life has not been good in America with President Bush in office.
All Obama can do is say he is for change.
He missed out on many important Senate votes. Too busy to do the job he was
elected to do. Maybe what he means by change is that he will show up for work
if elected.
Hillary Clinton will make the changes our country needs.
And if she makes a mistake, she will NOT continue on that course of action .
She will flip-flop us back on the right track .

Ross Rossi   December 27th, 2007 5:59 pm ET

Whats amazing is that normally absolutely no one would care what any rural iowan thinks. its too bad this is the first primary.

Chuks   December 27th, 2007 5:59 pm ET

great for hillary…i think she'll get the nomination..she's really the best of the bunch

Jacob   December 27th, 2007 5:53 pm ET

Obama has the money to buy two minutes of air-time if he wants too.

If the other candidates don't, that's because they haven't gotten the support from voter's they need to fund their campaigns.

Btw, all the candidates buy their air time to play their ads. This article is only mentioning it because two minutes is a long time. Most of them are 30 seconds.

I think Hillary is going to win Iowa decisively. All this polling data doesn't add up to me. The media drives the polls but the votes will end up quite different.

Jacob   December 27th, 2007 5:52 pm ET

We will never have another President as steady and strong as President George W. Bush.

linda hemmingsen b.c.canada   December 27th, 2007 5:50 pm ET

all i would like to say is good luck hillary in iowa, may the american people finally wake up to the fact you are getting smeared and having hateful things said about you. it is because you are the best candicate and they need to get you out of the picture by any dirty means possiable. when fox news is nice to obamba you know you are being set up by the gop to get him elected so they can defeat him. what is this double standard of saying how ugly clinton is and do you really want to see an aging clinton in the white house. what a bunch of fools the american people are, when they had huge numbers agreeing to this stupidness. what a double standard she is a beautiful woman who has the experience, is loved around the world , and is smart and does work with other parties not like the corrupt gop who stop every bill being passed , where is the outrage over not giving medical to poor children and there families. the president and republicans are proud that they got this veoted. they are the party of the uncaring. thank got i am canadaian , but it is so frustrating to see your country get sucked in by the republicans every time. they have destroyed your economy , left debt for generations , are hated around the world and this white house of yours why they have not impeached all of them is crazy. they did for clinton and really what did he do, he harmed himself and his family nothing else not like this president. and guess what clinton is respected and loved around the world. the american president seems fine that his good friend the french president is walking around with his mistress and and had a n affair but clinton was impeachable, so what about rudy now is that okay too now?

Curtis L Walker   December 27th, 2007 5:33 pm ET

Rural Folks ain't stupid and a two minute air time buy by CLINTON is not gonna stop the oncoming Iowa caucus disaster that Clinton has brought on herself by her history and her current flip-flopping, her poll based positions, and that so called attempt to make herself over.

G   December 27th, 2007 5:23 pm ET

JUDGMENT TRUMPS EXPERIENCE HILLARY. YOU FAILED THE TEST.
VOTE FOR BARACK OR RON. JUDGMENT IS EVERYTHING.

washington, dc   December 27th, 2007 4:55 pm ET

I would NEVER support Hillary, but don't see anything wrong with this. Obama has the money to, and has every right to do the same. Does this highlight the disgusting role that money plays in who wins/loses an election? Of course - but these are the rules they're playing with right now and everyone has the right to take advantage of them. If people truly wanted the rules to change you'd see more people making it an issue during campaigns. We like to talk a good game about wanting to clean up the system, but at the end of the day we;d rather just vote ourselves tax breaks, lol.

Kevin, SF, CA   December 27th, 2007 4:37 pm ET

She's buying the election. She'll probably take credit for Biden's foresight in focusing on Pakistan in the debates. She'll probably use today's tragedy to benefit herself shamelessly. That's the hallmark of the Clintons - shameless and heartless.

Nick, Ashburn, Virginia   December 27th, 2007 4:29 pm ET

I hope she can explain how she intends to pay for universal healthcare for 300 million americans…. I will answer for her, massive Tax increases for the middle class and wealthy. Taking that much money out of the pockets of this nations primary investors will kill the economy…. Economics 101.

Mike   December 27th, 2007 4:24 pm ET

Buying votes may not be democratic, but caucuses aren't either.

JIM DAYTON,OHIO   December 27th, 2007 4:21 pm ET

MAY GOD BLESS YOU WE NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER

Lisa   December 27th, 2007 4:18 pm ET

<<I personally feel that if Hillary can have two minutes of air time, the other candidates should have two minutes of air time<<

And they can, so long as they're willing to pay for it! Yes, yes, I know, that wasn't your point but in terms of air time, the rules are simple, pay for what you want.

The only aspect that has changed in recent years is that if a station invites a candidate to a program, they also have to give equal time to the other candidates. This is a step in the right direction but, we're still in a country where money is the most important aspect of any campaign.

Bill   December 27th, 2007 4:13 pm ET

Does enyone really think that a ad on the 6:00 news the night before the election is going to change someones mind. Come on give the Iowa voters more credit than that.

obamaoverrated   December 27th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

I was elected yesterday, Obama said. I have never set foot in the U.S. Senate. Ive never worked in Washington. And the notion that somehow Im immediately going to start running for higher office just doesnt make sense. So look, I can unequivocally say I will not be running for national office in four years, and my entire focus is making sure that Im the best possible senator on behalf of the people of Illinois. He further elaborated: Look, Im a state senator who hasnt even been sworn in yet. My understanding is that I will be ranked 99th in seniority. Im going to be spending the first several months of my career in the U.S. Senate looking for the washroom and trying to figure out how the phones work.

So, in four years, Obama went from figuring out how to use the telephones and finding bathrooms, to becoming a foreign policy expert, while missing 1/3 of his votes and failing to hold a single hearing as the CHAIR of Senate Foreign Relations committee. Right?

aaron, providence, ri   December 27th, 2007 3:51 pm ET

smart move, but i still don't like her,

go Obama.

Tim Stidham   December 27th, 2007 3:46 pm ET

Why is it everytime Hillary does anything CNN publisizes it likes it a big crime .She like Obama 's campaign has raise millions for advertising so whats the big deal .I guess next CNN will be broadcasting how many times she goes to the bathroom !!!!

Eric   December 27th, 2007 3:46 pm ET

Todd Grigsby - it is clear why you would support Obama - your positions are nonsensical.

If everybody get equal air time - then I want two minutes as well. It wouldn't take much to get my paperwork in order to be a legitimate candidate for president - so I want my two minutes.

It's nonsense to go any other route then the free market.

Sushim Mukerji   December 27th, 2007 3:43 pm ET

I remember, the night before the Election Day, Ronald Reagan gave a half-hour closing statement on paid TV time. That sealed the fate of Carter. Go Hillary Go. Enough of condescending comments, such as, Hillary cackle, from wise TV commentators. Godspeeed.

Sushim Mukerji   December 27th, 2007 3:42 pm ET

I remember, the night before the Election Day, Ronald Reagan gave a half-hour closing statement on paid TV time. That sealed the fate of Carter. Go Hillary Go. Enough of condescending comments, such as, Hillary cackle, from wise TV commentators. Godspeeed.

obstruksion   December 27th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

Ron Paul cares about the economy. youtube: "house of cards ron paul"

He understands the problems we face better than ANY candidate!

Steven Stevens, Lincoln Park, michigan   December 27th, 2007 3:40 pm ET

arthur…i would love to see a hillary -richardson ticket.

Jim - Tucson   December 27th, 2007 3:39 pm ET

When she dumps Bill I'll vote for her. Until then I'll think that everything in her life is a sham.

Steven Stevens, Lincoln Park, michigan   December 27th, 2007 3:37 pm ET

todd grinsby…maybe it is time to bring back the "Fairness in media doctrine" that reagan so eagerly killed.

Dorian, Brentwood, Ca   December 27th, 2007 3:35 pm ET

Good for Hillary! Every candidate needs to get their message out loud and clear before voting begins.

Isaac T. Settro   December 27th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

If other candidates want to act cheap then it is their business. Hillary is not going to keep money and miss the opportunity of getting her message accross. Hillary is during the right thing and putting her money where her mouth is. Go Hillary and we are behing you…

Augustine M.   December 27th, 2007 3:25 pm ET

If there's any justice in this world, then Dennis Kucinich who hasn't got to regret a single vote should be given as much air time as an unscrupulous woman who authorized the war in Iraq without reading the NIE.

I know Denns will not get the number in Iowa. I'll throw in my second to Obama. God save us from Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton madness.

Susan, Fort Pierce, Florida   December 27th, 2007 3:24 pm ET

Go Hillary! I like your style girl!

dmw, roeland park,ks   December 27th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Obama does the same thing by using his money the way he sees fit. Hillary is just using her money wisely and in a good thought out way. So, don't hate on the woman. This is politics. She and Obama decided not to us public financing for their campaign, so no one can complain about that now.

CelinaB, Norcross, GA   December 27th, 2007 3:22 pm ET

Clinton machine is on, fortunately we want REAL people
Go Obama

HILLARYLOVER NY NY   December 27th, 2007 3:21 pm ET

Todd Hillary is not getting free airtime like President Bush would get. She is PAYING for the airtime. The other candidates can have two minutes or ten minutes if they decided to cough up the cash to buy the time. In presidential elections it takes money to win. John Edwards is using our money to bankroll his campaign so the money is out there to anyone who wants it.

David, Gilbert Arizona   December 27th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

In a world of TiVo and cable television, commercials are becoming meaningless. I TiVo the nightly news so I can watch it at my leisure. I don't watch any of the commercials.

There is a part of me that would really like to see Hillary become the democrat candidate after the primaries. She would create such a catalist for republicans that they will go to the polls in overwhelming numbers to vote against her.

They is a very real group of republicans who wish to have anyone but Hillary for president. This political element is a stark characterization of how polarizing Hillary actually is.

roger, conway sc   December 27th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

I think it is great that Hillary is doing the 2 minute message and if the others like the idea let them pay for the time & do the same. I personally feel that Hillary is the best candidate but for those who have doubt or have not made up their minds this gives her the opportunity to show them her stuff…I think she is great even with the baggage that some feel she carries…she is a very intelligent woman and has what it takes to get this nation back on track.

Pete   December 27th, 2007 3:15 pm ET

WE are all sick of you, Hillary!

Karen, austin, tx   December 27th, 2007 3:09 pm ET

i am currently for obama also, and this is the clinton machine (per say) that can make a speech, to show everyone that she has money and can stand above the crowd, again this may backfire.

Kevin,FL   December 27th, 2007 2:59 pm ET

Smart Move By President Clinton… I mean Senator Clinton!!

TB, Iowa   December 27th, 2007 2:56 pm ET

She's going to need every second of those two minutes to convince voters that she is the better candidate! I actually despise Hillary Clinton and if she is the democratic candidate…I will vote Republican…

Todd Grigsby   December 27th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

This is where money wins elections. I like Hillary (although I'm currently for Obama), but the idea that people vote with their money and that money speaks the loudest in a one-way survival-of-the-most-viable communication medium is just wrong. As a result, the election is not decided by the truth, it's decided by manipulation of the medium. Hillary wants to get her message out, and God bless her, she will, but elections should be about debate, not broadcast sound bites; ideological viability, not economic viability; truth, not psychology on steriods.

I personally feel that if Hillary can have two minutes of air time, the other candidates should have two minutes of air time. And then, frankly, there needs to be a way for the electorate to respond. A healthy public forum for debate is the key to a healthy democracy, and any election reform should include the guarantee, to some moderate degree, of access to the public forum.

Arrthur Elmer   December 27th, 2007 2:48 pm ET

It is perfectly legal for her to buy air time, is it not??? All the other candidates can buy air time if they want to and it is fine for them to get their message out in any legal way possible is it not?
So what is the big deal about Hillary Clinton buying air time to get her message out to the caucus goers and the public??
She has every right under the constitution and laws of the USA to campaign in legal way possible doesn't she??
She has just as good of a message as any ot the others and much better than most of them if not all of them.
I like Edwards, but he has a long shot at best and it is too bad. He would make a great president on the domestic front and probably could do well on foreign policy if he surrounded himself with great foreign policy experts.
I think the democrats have a very strong list of candidates and would be pretty happy with any of them. I do not understand why Richardson is not doing better, he has a mutitude of foreign policy experience and does well economically.
All are ten times better than any of the republicans running. To me they are a bunch of people trying to do make overs for the run for president.
They worry about who is more "conservative" than do about the condition of the economy, the MASSIVE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL DEBT AND THE BORROWING OF 1.3 BILLION DOLLARS EVERY DAY TO RUN THE COUNTRY AND GIVE THE RICHEST MASSIVE TAX CUTS.

Ryan, New Jersey   December 27th, 2007 2:45 pm ET

Buying votes isn't cheap.

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   December 27th, 2007 2:42 pm ET

Sen. Clinton is working really hard and for someone that was expected to be 3rd or 4th in this state when she first began to run it is a testament to her and her team. this is an ALL-OUT-BLITZ and I believe is what the American people should want to see from people runing for office… leave nothing back and go for it all… I hope it pays off.

Fred, Washington, dc   December 27th, 2007 2:33 pm ET

Good Idea actually……..each candidate should do the same.

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