January 4, 2008
Posted: 11:19 AM ET

ALT TEXT

At her first stop in Nashua, New Hampshire, after a third-place showing in Iowa, Hillary Clinton expressed confidence in Tuesday's upcoming primary, five days away: "It's a short period of time, but it's enough time." (Photo Credit: CNN's Mike Roselli).

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • New Hampshire


john winner   January 7th, 2008 9:33 am ET

Supported by Australian media fascist Rupert Murdoch, Clinton is clearly a 'Republican democrat - under her presidency, expect nothing to change. With innocent people and American troops dying daily in Iraq, the question whether we will have a 'woman president', which Clinton feels is so important, is just about irrelevant. 35 years experience? - that was the 20th Century - this is the 21st - she's out of date.

Bill W - PA   January 6th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Everybody wants to keep yakking about how great the economy was under Bill Clinton. Bill Clinton was not responsible for the great economy. It was handed to him by 12 years of Republicans who went before him, the policy of which was created and set by Ronald Reagan. When Ronald Reagan took over, the country had been mishandled by Jimmy Carter before him, and we almost had a recession. Remember Jimmy Carter? Oil was also high then, and we had high inflation then, and all the same stuff we had now. It was Ronald Reagan took over the failing economy, built it up, then passed it on to twit's father, who also managed not to screw it up, and the Republicans handed it to Bill Clinton. So give credit where its due. Clinton, like his wife, was born on third base. He never hit a triple.

Frank   January 6th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Did you see the fighter in Hillary ,when Edward and Omaba tryed to accuse her of attacking them. Their running scared becase the Truth does hurt. Talk is cheap Hillary has the experience and the fight in her to make the only true change. GO HILLARY.

Andre Smith   January 6th, 2008 9:21 am ET

I am an African American and sometimes I feel people only like Barack Obama because he is black. People don't have a good reason to vote for him. He has no experience and just uses celebrity endorsements to get himself into the White House from Oprah. I am a supporter of Hillary Clinton. Her Health Care plans and Plans to get America out of Iraq are excellent. In last nights debate, I found Barack Obama very rude when he told Hillary that she was liked enough. I don't remember anything he said last night because he didn't really get on the issues. He is just trying to use his Iowa momentum to a road to the White House. Overall, these are my rankings of the debate candidates for both parties.

Democratic Rankings of the N.H. debate
1. Hillary Clinton- she exposed the truth and got on her opponents and handled everything Edwards tried to put out.
2. John Edwards- he just rambled on but got some key points out that needed to be stated.
3. Barack Obama- he never really got any key points and wasn't rememerable
4. Bill Richardson- didn't say anything crucial to make a difference and in my opinion, shouldn't have even been at the debate

Republican Rankings of the N.H. debate
1. John McCain- he really boosted his momentum with his debate performance, but didn't really spend a lot of time on the issues but just attacking Romney
2. Mitt Romeny- what else could he do but defend himself if everyone else on stage was attacking him. he tried to fight back but kind of stood his ground.
3.Rudy Giuliani & Mike Huckabee- they both just thrived on what was said by McCain. I dont believe they really spoke on their own but just backed up McCain.
4.Ron Paul- don't remember anything at all about what he said.

JUAN TELLO   January 6th, 2008 5:35 am ET

HILLARY CLINTON
HAVE 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN POLITICAL SCIENCES
IS THE BEST TEACHER TO TEACH
BARACK OMABA HOW TO BE A GOOD VICE-PRESIDENT…
SHE WAS 2 TIMES WITH BILL CLINTON..
IT'S TO SAD THAT GEORGE BUSH, DON'T TEACH CONDOLESSA RICE TO BE CANDIDATE TO BE RUNNING AGAINST BARACK OMABA IN THIS ELECTIONS?

Amadu   January 5th, 2008 11:40 pm ET

i believe hillary is the oly candidates to win this election from the democrats

MICHELLE CHICAGO, IL   January 5th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

What is change?

Can some one please tell me what BaracK Obama has done for IL? I have been living there all of my life and I just recently heard of him since he has been running, and not because he has changed anything! I live in west chicago and every day a new store is being closed, how can I keep a job? Please tell me how this is a change, is the American people trying to say just because the projects was once my home I don't deserve a job that will pay me so that I don't have to be on welfare. I am not about to say that anyone is wrong for who you vote for the only thing I am say is watch out for who you vote for. Any way it goes we as a country are still going to have to get our hands dirty by cleaning up the states and if Barack Obama can't even focus on the state of IL how will he clean up what's going on in the white house. Please just take a look at the chicago sun times. You will then see just how much Barack Obama has not done for IL. As much as I would like to believe I just don't because I am living in Chicago and I know how that is going, as a matter of fact big corp like target and walmart won't even open stores up on the west side of chicago. Please tell me why!

Angela, Miami , FL   January 5th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

I like Obama, but i prefer not to gamble with him, he talks nice,but anyone can make up inspirational speeches to win some young people.

We have a country that is so in bad shape at home and internationally, that we need someone like Hillary and Bill to make it what was before in 90's.

Risk this election and you can be in worse shape then with Bush.

Good luck Hillary, dynasty or not i don't care you have my vote!

Sharon   January 5th, 2008 6:42 pm ET

Bill Clinton got it absolutely right when he said a vote for Obama is a "roll of the dice." What do we really know about this guy? What has he accomplished for America? Just 3 years ago he was sitting in the Illinois state legislature. How impressive. Have people forgotten how GREAT the economy was in the Clinton years? Have they forgotten how hard Hillary fought the establishment to get universal health care? She didn't have the power to get the job done then, but she will this time. Plus, the whole country is screaming for this now and her election will be a virtual mandate to fix the system. The media is so openly prejudiced in favor of Obama that it is infuriating to watch! Don't get me wrong, I'd take Obama over any Repub in the race–especially the bible-thumpers–but Hillary is the real deal. And don't forget, for the first time in history we have the chance to not only have a woman President but a very successful ex-President for a First Laddie in the bargain! Two fer one! What could be better than that? Nothing could be more important than this election this year. That's why the turnout in Iowa was so great. Don't screw this up, America. There is plenty of time for Obama to be President. But this time, we can't afford a trainee.

Sharon   January 5th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

I'm still waiting for all this "change" Obama promises. He sounds just like everyone else. The only truly audaciously hopeful thing anybody has said this entire time was "let's give driver's licenses to illegal aliens." I teach the children of illegals all day. We tell them they must go to school. They must graduate. Then they do it and we tell them, "No documentation for you. Nothing. No SSN, no DL, no nothing. Here's your job as a waiter."
Did Obama celebrate a truly audacious idea? No! He took advantage of its unpopularity just like the slick politico that he is.
Nothing New Here.

Sudesh Kumar   January 5th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

What has to Happen will happen

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON

She is so popularly un popular why do u americans treat a woman like that

share   January 5th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

THE TWO (2) WEAK CANDIDATES WON IOWA, OBAMA AND HUCKABEE. IOWA DO NOT BELIEVE IN A STRONG, SMART WOMAN OF WHOM IS THE BEST CANDIDATE TO ELECT FOR OUR COUNTRY IN ALL THE CRISIS WE NOW FACE IN AMERICA .

Bob   January 5th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Let me make sure I have the branding straight…Hillary is the "experienced" change candidate…Obama is the 'hopeful" change candidate…Edwards is the "fighter" change candidate…and Ringo is the drummer. That's a lot for voters to remember. Although I'm grateful that these candidates and their marketing consultants have dumbed the major differences down to one word for us, I'm even more grateful that virtually all major media coverage makes it easy by presenting this packaging as if it was reality.

By the way…go Hillary. …and Romney is toast.

Anne   January 5th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I've been around awhile. Ive seen Presidents come and go. I am a 63-year-old white woman whose husband was a US democratic Congressman in the 1060's.
I've witnessed the growth of corruption, greed, payback and and alack of ethics and morals, in our government. At the same time there also exists a deplorable disregard for the freedom, welfare and sensitivity to the people.
Do we want an accumulation of this pattern? HILLARY CLINTON'S "EXPERIENCE"
is an "ACCUMULATION OF GLOOM AND CORRUPTION."
We need the wipe the slate clean. We need openess. We need BARACK OBAMA,
with his open mind, who will gather people around hime, (without regard to race, age, etc.) to help hi, in his Presidency.
BARACK OBAMA will take American and give us back our honor her and abroud
Take HOPE America.! As that voter said: When he votes for OBAMA, it will be
the first time in a long, long time that that he has smiled when he had voted."
GO OBAMA!

Louise   January 5th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

Bimmer, I completely agree with your points. I am also a non-US person following this election closely. Hillary appears to me to be the only viable candidate at THIS point in time.

And 'Mario' before you remind me that this is not my country and that I ought to shut up…I would like to remind you that the outcome of this particular election will have consequences for all of us…so while I am not entitled to vote I am certainly entitled to have an opinion on the matter.

B.J. Bower   January 5th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Obama for Vice-President which some people have voiced!!!! That's so ridiculous. HIllary would not choose him.

The real question is who will she choose?

Another woman? OH YES!!!!! That would really grab all the naysayers. I think it should be a woman who is well versed in all the health care problems…….another strong and brilliant woman like herself…… a woman who is a humanitarian…… hmmmm ….. now who does that bring to mind? Eleanor Roosevelt would have made a great Vice-President with Hillary, but sadly she is gone. Let's find another "Eleanor Roosevelt." The people loved her. That's what brings about change. The love of the American people for their President and Vice-President promotes people to want to change their circumstances and fight for a new way of life.

J. Mann   January 5th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

I never heard Edwards or Clinton mention the word change until after the Iowa Caucus' were over. I never heard her talk about "we" until the same time. Change resonated with the younger voters so now they are both advocating "change." There are more than two families with the DNA to run our great country. For once there is a minority capable of running this country, and mainstream (some) America can't stand it. Some Democrats (Edwards and Clinton) are quaking in their boots. Although Bill Clinton has done a lot for the Democratic Party and this country, its time to move on. His wife has no more experience ("I am so ready" ready to what?) than George Bush did when he beat Al Gore for the the office. What is her experience? She's dishonest, polarizing, beholden to special interest, and not the heir apparent. I hope Obama continues to roll on, he can do no worse than who we have running the country right now. Stand by Obama, the attacks, slander, etc. are coming. Neither of them like losing and will do anything, ANYTHING, to keep from doing so. We can do better than Clinton, and for me, Obama is it! I pray that the country will unite behind Obama.

Liz C.   January 5th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Prof. Katherine Hall Jamieson at Annenberg School, UPenn analyzed the differences between Obama, Hillary and Huckabee on PBS after the Iowan caucuses.

She pointed out the supporters surrounding the candidate after caucuses as follows:
for Obama: people at all ages in T-shirts, sweaters or suits;
for Hillary: Bill Clinton and his old cabinet members in suits;
for Huckabee: Chuck Norris and very few people from all walks of life.

I thought that was a very insightful observation. Obama truly won Iowa.

Roger   January 5th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I am not sure why we vote by our perception of someone's "personality". Go by the experience guys.
I agree that we do not want someone who claims to bring about a "change" but has no experience at the national level.

Bimmer   January 5th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

As a Canadian who has been following US elections closely for over 30 years , I have the following questions and a simple request for the good of US, Canada and the world:

Is it not true that Hillary has carried upstate New York where Republicans used to win?

Is it not true that she cosponsored bills with Reublican senators, showing her skills and desire to get things done?

Is not it true that she is the most able candidate on the Democrat ic side to fight Islamic terrorism, as she has first -hand experience of the sufferings of New Yorkers as one of their senators?

Is not it true that she made friends out of Reublican senators who made a career out of despising her?

Is not it true that she won New York, not once but twice, without being originally from there?

Is not it true that she is the one the Republicans hate the most because they think she will beat their nominee?

Is it not true that people cannot stand her because she is the most intelligent of all the candidates: Republicans and Democrats and Independents ?

Is not it also true that intelligence, not likeability, is the most important trait in making important decisions for the country?

Is not it true that she is the only candidate who has been on the world stage longer and is the most capable of dealing with the foreign leaders?

If they are all true, then why not give the woman a fair shake, GUYS.

piktor   January 5th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Hillary, what part of "CHANGE" do you not understand?

Geri Ca   January 5th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

To Joyce Allen: Puh-leeze! Like we're going to believe your lies. You are a Republican doing the dirty talking points as directed by your party. Give us a break!

tamara taley   January 5th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

iam gong to for cillton i hope she wins

joze46   January 5th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

What’s really funny is all the analyses by the Mainstream Journalist were they keep bashing Hillary Clinton about going back to the 90’s is not the future. Were it’s highly and likely Obama will be tied up in things like Black Reparations from the civil war through Islamic differences with a middle name like Hussein is impossible to avoid aiding the Osama Bin Laden terror effort stretching to an infinite negative. Here, Bin Laden can really say they are winning the war, were America hangs Hussein in Iraq, and then Islamic jihad is so great Americans vote a Hussein as a leader. Please and you all must understand I am not trying to be cruel in this scenario. Personally I like Barrack Obama, but the negative are far greater then the positives compared to Hillary. He is a nice guy I wish him the best but its not his time for America.

Were in its most practical real good value America needs to go “ Back to the Future”. Here ,a solid argument can be made by Hillary Clinton that by proven skill and experience America was channeled out of a Bush Recession and war without American life lost. And, into one the most historic economic and cultural times ever developed by Democratic principles.

Undeniably, and actually a turning point in history for economic and cultural advantage for the individual citizens with the promotion and installation of the Internet, America’s educational system has been transposed to a new level and tool with unlimited uses. Moreover, the Internet exploded into the business and commerce areas that changed the way not only America works but way the world works and thinks today. I lived it, in it, watched it grow, there is no Republican ideal that can match it. It is so profound that I’m baffled by those who think Obama has any skill to match that ideal. Frankly I think all those supporters are Republican insurgents promoted to support Obama.

The Clinton team of the Democratic Party composed of selected individuals have shown and delivered proven skill in defending the Constitution, and promoting the general welfare for the common good during this time it was the leadership of the Clinton administration. The Problem with the Republicans is that in a second chance with Hillary, she won’t be as nice to the Republican Party as Bill was. The fact is Republican’s are terrified by the thought of Hillary being President, she will likely expose much of the corruption and address the accountability that is way over due. Obama is fresh, new, and too inexperienced. Obama would likely build a direction by opinions and compromise far too much.

Mario   January 5th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Air America! are you kidding it's a lib station they are worse than CNN!

We need to keep letting the democraps keep fighting amung your party it is a circus, Hitlery did bad in IA, Edwards tells her to quit, Obuma stung everyone, which way do you go?

jp/michigan, she will lose so get use to the thought!

CAROL ZEDOCK   January 5th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

I REALLY HOPE HILLARY COMES OUT STRONG IN NE. THE OTHER CANDIDATES ARE STATING CHANGE. IF YOU REMEMBER G. BUSH ALSO STOOD FOR CHANGE AND WHERE DID THAT GET US. HILLARY IS THE BEST FOR EXPERIENCE. I WANT SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE. THAT WAY CHANGE WILL COME.

Anne Milligan   January 5th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Barack Obama is a marvelous orator and I'm sure a great person but will not make a great president at this time. The media's hype over the Iowa caucus was such a joke it was almost unbelievable. I think the mainstream media is playing with our heads. Listen to Air America Radio for some real news.

Bob   January 5th, 2008 11:45 am ET

If you intend to win, stop letting Bill campaign for you. He is hurting you at this point. You need to run on YOUR experience, not Bill's.

Hope you win

Bob

jp/michigan   January 5th, 2008 11:40 am ET

You need 2161 delegates to win the nomination for President. Hang on Hillary the fight has just begun.

Mario   January 5th, 2008 11:39 am ET

Robert in Tokyo, SHut up! your not in this country, go vote for Hugo Chavez your lover. Andres in Norway, I've already said that, why should we vote for Hitlery, and ShUTUP your not voting in the country!

Pat in IA, Hitlery is as phoney as they come, what has she done to make her the real deal, voted forthe war in Iraq, hidding documents, taking money from special interest groups then has a husband that was impeached, yeah that is the real deal alright! SHUTUP!

Mindy in CA, your gods the dems want to raise taxes and keep us depended on them, tell us how we should live, where to live, how much we can drive our cars, scare you about the global warming B.S. without any proof other than a doowaaditty Al Gorest telling you that there is global warming, heck scientist can't agree on it, so take your holier than thou attitudes along with Hitlery and stick it!

Go Nixon!!

Thomas, Denver, CO   January 5th, 2008 11:25 am ET

It is my new opinion that my party, the Democrats, deserve to lose elections. Here we are, all bickering over these candidates while the Republican strategists just sit back and laugh. What we ought to be doing is finding a candidate who we can all support. Roughly 30% to each candidate does not make a mandate. And we need a mandate on our side to overcome the beast on their side. So, spare me your Go Hill and Go Barack, you are not doing us any good.

As is typical, we will squander our advantage on the best of the worst when a Democratic win should be inevitable. We spend too much time thinking/squabbling and not enough time winning. Let's win first, then pontificate later. We are like the puny kid on the playground who complains to the teacher when the bully gives him a black eye, but we aren't smart enough to figure out a way to fight back. Pathetic and tragic.

I swear if Bloomberg entered the race, I would switch my allegiance to him in a heartbeat.

Ruth Samuels, Charlottesville,VA   January 5th, 2008 11:24 am ET

Mrs Clinton is by far the most experienced of all the candidates and the one to represent our party. The big thing that will do her the most harm is voting for the war i n Iraq and then defending her position. The very least capable is Obama. He has ties with big business and can be "bought" and thats the last thing Americans need.
I hope Mrs Clinton wins…she will have President Clinton by her side to help her with decisions..and it doesn't get any better than that!
I hope we are smart enough to put a President in that will get this beautiful country back to where it was when President Clinton was there. President Clinton put us in a place where we were the envy of the world and I think his wife, Mrs Clinton can and will do the same.
Thank you.

Brad, Stockton, CA   January 5th, 2008 11:12 am ET

Hillary's chances were hurt because older women and younger working class women couldn't make it - when do th excuses stop?

Hillary has status quo expreience we don't need - Washington is filled with experienced people who have been around far too long, and today we are a hated nation, with our elected leaders, those who have been elected to provide for OUR interests, both democrat and republican alike, waste our treasury across the globe while forgetting about Americans right here at home.

Wake up - stop pushing your fraudulent WORLD visions on me because my vision and the vision of true Americans is for a great America, not for a great Mexico, not for a great Iraq, not for a great Israel - but for a GREAT AMERICA.

Ms. Clinton's visions, just like those of her husband as well as Mr. Bush place the desires of an ungrateful world ahead of our own needs, and move America closer to a third world nation in the process. We have become a nation of apathetic sheep - and make no mistake - the opportunistic Clintons of the world know this all too well.

Annie   January 5th, 2008 11:10 am ET

Anne Westchester NY
MJ Westport CT
My uncle, a heart surgeon for 35 years has been married to my aunt for 42 years and they are very close.
My question is: Would any of you Hillary Clinton fans let my aunt operate on your heart? That makes about as much sense as Hillary having experience just because Bill Clinton was president for eight years? My aunt went to AMA functions with my uncle and she says she was his confidant during stressful times in his career as a heart surgeon. She even read a lot of his medical books.

Or, maybe Hillary supporters would let my friend handle a case for you just because her husband is a lawyer and she typed legal documents for him when she worked as a legal secretary.

If so, please sign up to let my neighbor pull your teeth and do dental surgery on you or a member of your family because she was a dental assistant to her dentist husband early in their marriage.
___
To M.J., Makes good sense to me. I am waiting for Laura Bush to jump into the race with all her years of experience as wife of a president and governor; and let's not forget the experience she gathered as daughter-in-law of a vice president and president. Much more qualified than Lady Macbeth; and she is a much nicer person.

Why stop there, maybe we can get Roger Clemens wife to come out and pitch next year because she was a witness to his pitching career.

Hillary Clinton has higher negatives than positives. Also, if you want true experience, why not go for Joe Biden, Richardson, or Dodd. How about someone who has real first-hand experience as a participant; not second-hand experience as a witness to history?
__MAKES GOOD SENSE TO ME. TOO!!

Goody Eugene, OR   January 5th, 2008 11:03 am ET

Hillary's going to lose some battles, but will win the war!

Kim, Sacramento, CA   January 5th, 2008 10:51 am ET

Wow - I was once a HRC supporter and I am glad that I woke up. I can't believe how her supporters can spin something - you guys are as good as she is! You will say or do anything to get her elected just like she will. We are at a unique point in our countries history where we need a President who can pull us together after all of the damage that the current Administration has done. HRC is not that person - Barack Obama is. The win in Iowa is HUGE and if HRC had won Iowa that is exactly what she and her supporters would be saying. HRC has the name recognition of being the ex-first lady, Edwards has been campaigning there for the last six years, Barack Obama has absoutely the least amount of name recognition of the three. But, you saw what happened - as Iowa voters got to know the three candidates they saw what other Barack Obama supporters see. A real person who can represent real people who can affect real change - that is what we want, that is what we need and that is what we like! Time for us all to do what is best for all of us not just an elite few.

Liam   January 5th, 2008 10:35 am ET

Last night, Hillary told the New Hampshire audience that Change takes working hard at it, and that is what she has being doing for over thirty years. Here is my question: If Hillary has being working on it for over thirty years, like she claims, then why has she not got the changes done already. Her and Bill had eight years to get it done, but now she is claiming that that she is the only one who can make the changes needed. Her failed approach on Health care reform set back that cause twenty years.

If you work on something for more than thirty years and still have not got it done, then it is time for a change, a change a the top. Sorry Hillary. You had your thirty years shot at getting it done, and you failed. Time to let someone new take on the challenges that you did not solve.

J. McKinney SW MO   January 5th, 2008 10:32 am ET

Several have commented here that the Iowa caucus is ridiculous and needs to be stopped. (I agree) but those same people go on to say it is nothing but TV and sound bites. I have to disagree there. What it is, is an incredible windfall of cash for the state. How many millions of dollars was spent there by the candidates? Millions for ads on TV stations, in newspapers, at printing offices for the signs, to hotels and motels for the candidates and the workers they brought in. Restaurants for food for all of them. It goes on and on. Iowa's interest in this is the incredible amount of money brought into this little farming state. By far the best money that comes in there. Probably makes more than the corn they grow.
That said, I am for the end of the ridiculous Iowa caucuses, and I am for Hillary, all the way! GO, HILLARY!

GIGI   January 5th, 2008 10:26 am ET

To Joyce Allen, Hillary is not a Qwen. I have alot of respect for her because she stood by her man when alot of women would have left their husband. She shows alot of character in her personal life. If women would follow her example, the world would forgive as she did. She forgave Bill and I see more love and respect there than I see in alot of marriages that I know of with my personal friends. Everyone makes mistakes in their personal life but it is the husband and wife's business and a bridge can be built again with love, respect, and understanding. She is a natural leader and will make the American and International people proud. America needs to hold their heads up high and with Hillary we can. She is a true American. God Bless You HIllary and I am praying for you every day. I believe you will be our nex President.

Maria, Houston   January 5th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Hillary Clinton and her supporters trashing Iowa? How disgenuine. Rudy or McCain at least took their chances and did not campaign. Clinton was sucking up to Iowans with her husband, her mother, her daughter…you name it…and now she declares that Iowa does not matter? I feel sorry for those Iowans who voted and those who publicly endorsed Mrs. Clinton, I guess they were not so relevant after all… What a sore user and calculated user.

New Hampshire, take a note. Today you are important, tomorrow you'll be dissed and dismissed…

GO BARACK!

Duncan, Richmond, VA   January 5th, 2008 10:12 am ET

I don't know how any American can vote for someone who voted for the Patriot Act.

Ann Aloha, PA   January 5th, 2008 9:58 am ET

I think it would be very interesting to see the breakdown of total votes counted before the caucus members shifted to their sencond choice candidates in Iowa. To me this shows the true commitment of caucus members to their original choice of candidate.
I don't think this will be revealed because the media is being biased and that it the report will show or paint a different picture of the candidates.

macy   January 5th, 2008 9:05 am ET

I believe that obama is a good man… a very inspirational one, but I do not think that he'll be a prepared and good president. His speeches are really good ones… but I think those speeches lack realism since there were no clear path on how to achieve all those what he said.

I think that clinton is the suited person to lead US–full of pragmatism and very realstic. I think she can handle the stress and I think she knows to handle whats best for us…

A president is different from a motivational speaker who knows the idea but does not know the corresponding action… a president should be someone who knows what's good for the country and more importantly… who has the experience of governing…

BEN   January 5th, 2008 8:53 am ET

I live in Iowa and participated in the caucus, Hillary Clinton led by a large amount in the polls here for a large part of the last several months. Because this is a small state citizens have the opportunity to meet all the candidates if they want. I live in a small town with about 7000 residents. The word I hear about Hillary is she is a primadonna. And some of here campain help is pushy and rude. People feel that she is a say anything to get elected candidate and is disingenuine. This Caucus was handed to Hillary and she blew it.

Robert n TOKYO   January 5th, 2008 8:50 am ET

I am 10,000 miles away and and i have been following the political fight from Tokyo. There is no way that America will elect an inexperience president such as Obama. He should give up now as he is changing is story in every state. I would never vote for him, even if he was the only democrat… I think that Hilliary Clinton would be one of the finest presidents America has ever had, just as her husband was. I fully support the Clinton campaign. I am supporting her from Japan….

GO HILLIARY!!!!!! Kick Obama out of NH!!

Gayron Taylor   January 5th, 2008 8:21 am ET

Hillary has done very well in this process. She must stay focused and draw a sharp contrast from Obama. There are some things that must be looked at inside the Obama camp such has his record and it must be known.

Anonymous   January 5th, 2008 8:17 am ET

Sen. Hillary Clinton went on the counterattack today, one day after a stinging defeat in the Iowa caucuses to Illinois Sen. Barack Hussein Obama.
She said New Hampshire voters need to take a hard look at Obama, suggesting that they shouldn’t just buy into his message of “hope” without analyzing his policies.

Sen. Hillary Clinton said she wasn’t suggesting anything in particular about Obama, but simply “drawing contrasts.”
“I’m running on my record. … I’m running on my plans,” Sen. Hillary Clinton told reporters. “I think everybody needs to be vetted and tested. That’s the way elections are supposed to operate. The last thing the Democrats need is to just move quickly through this process.”

While the senator was vague, her campaign pointed out to ABC News examples of Obama’s liberal positions, including his 2004 statement to abolish mandatory minimum sentences for federal crimes. They also pointed out a statement Obama made in 2003 that he was “a proponent of a single payer health care program,” which he no longer seems to support today.

Sen. Hillary Clinton said voters need to ask Obama more questions about his health-care plan to find out “where he stands.”

She also played off Obama’s call offering America “hope.”
“We need a president who will actually deliver change,” she said. “It is critical that we build confidence in our country. We can’t have false hopes. We’ve got to have a person who can walk into the Oval Office on day one and start doing the hard work that it takes to deliver change. And I believe I’m that person.”

“I’m not doing this as an exercise,” Sen. Hillary Clinton said.

Asked what she meant when she said earlier to a crowd in Nashua, N.H., that all of the vetting and investigations of her record had found her “most innocent,” Clinton simply said: “I think I come into this race tested and proven and ready to take on the Republicans no matter what they send my way.”

As for losing Iowa, she discounted the impact. “Iowa doesn’t have the best track record in determining who the party nominates,” Sen. Hillary Clinton said. She offered several explanations for the loss.

“I was never a front-runner of any significance in Iowa. I knew it had a lot of difficulties that were there in terms of my candidacy,” she argued, perhaps referring to being the only female candidate in the race. “I knew it was always gonna be hard for me.”

She admitted that her campaign lost support among younger Iowans.
“I think there was a huge turnout,” Clinton said. “I did very very well with people over 45, and I didn’t do as well with people under 30 and I take responsibility for that.”

Sen. Hillary Clinton also faulted the caucus system for some of her troubles. She said that New Hampshire’s primary vote would be more favorable for her since working voters have all day to show up and vote and don’t have to arrive at a specific time required in Iowa under its unique caucus system.

In New Hampshire, Sen. Hillary Clinton explained, “you’re not disenfranchised if you work at night. You’re not disenfranchised if you’re not in the state.”
“This is a new day. This is a new state,” Sen. Hillary Clinton said.

Former President Bill Clinton rallied to his wife’s side today, saying Hillary’s disappointing third-place finish in Iowa was not a fatal blow. He predicted that she can be the “comeback kid” just like he was. “Absolutely,” he told ABC News at a campaign event for his wife.
“Remember I lost here,” he added, referring to his New Hampshire loss to Paul Tsongas in 1992 . Hillary Clinton finished in third place in Iowa getting 30 percent of the vote. She was edged out of a second-place finish by former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.

The former president stressed that early losses can be overcome. He then quickly listed off his other losses from memory: “South Dakota, Maine, Maryland, Colorado, before I ever won a state,” he said.

He said his wife is in better position in New Hampshire then he was. “She’s got a better profile here. They know more about her now than they did about me then. And I think she’ll be fine. We just get out and go”

As much as she talked up how much fun it was to get to know Iowa, Hillary Clinton never really felt at home among the cornfields.

New Hampshire is more Sen. Hillary Clinton’s style. She and Bill have old friends here. They know their way around its winding roads and quaint colonial towns.

The New York senator lands in New Hampshire with a weight on her shoulders. Will she be able to persuade voters here to do what Iowans did not? Will another loss in New Hampshire be fatal for her campaign? Or can they — as campaign officials continue to insist — win the nomination without the help of Iowa or New Hampshire if it comes down to that?

Trying to put a positive face on what was clearly not a good night, Clinton addressed supporters in a ballroom of the Fort Des Moines hotel Thursday night. As she entered, flanked by her husband and daughter, the crowd broke into a chant of “Hillary Hillary!”
“We’re gonna take this enthusiasm and go right to New Hampshire!” Clinton yelled.
But just moments before Clinton’s arrival, those supporters had been outside at the open bar, watching somberly as Barack Obama was projected the winner on big screen televisions. They nursed drinks and frowned.
Clinton tried to frame her loss in Iowa as a turning point for Democrats.

“This is a great night for Democrats,” she said. “We have seen unprecedented turnout here in Iowa and that is good news because today we are sending a clear message that we are going to have change. And that change will be a Democratic president in the White House in 2009.”
She congratulated rivals Obama and John Edwards and thanked the others in the field.
“Together we have presented the case for change and made it absolutely clear that America needs a new beginning,” Clinton said, using one of the key lines from her closing argument in Iowa.

But Iowa voters chose Obama as the candidate who best represents change. And Hillary Clinton may need to find another argument.

Thursday night she argued that she is the candidate who is electable and who has the experience to be president.
“What is most important now is that as we go on with this contest that we keep focused on two issues, that we answer correctly the question that each of us has posed: how will we win in November 2008 and who will be the best president on day one? I am ready for that contest!”

As upbeat as Sen. Hillary Clinton tried to be, there was clearly disappointment among her staff and supporters.
One of the biggest disappointments was the number of women voters who did not stick with the only female candidate in the race, and voted for Obama instead.
Sen. Obama beat Sen. Hillary Clinton among women voters in Iowa — garnering 35 percent of the female vote to her 30 percent.

Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Iowa campaign had been banking on support from women, particularly older women. The senator made a strong pitch to women — talking about women’s rights and repeatedly telling the story of little girls who would be inspired by her example and hope to be president one day.

Her campaign ran ads featuring Sen. Hillary Clinton’s daughter and mother. They trotted out old friends who talked about Clinton’s warmth and caring.

Ellen Malcolm, the founder of Emily’s List and a Sen. Hillary Clinton supporter who stood on stage with her in Des Moines, said Sen. Hillary Clinton may have been hurt because older women could not make it to the caucus sites. Younger, working-class women may have been working and unable to attend.

The Clinton campaign is hoping it will have better luck in New Hampshire and the 24 states that vote Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Sen. Hillary Clinton proclaimed herself “confident and optimistic.”

“You know we have always planned to run a national campaign all the way through the early contests,” Sen. Hillary Clinton said at one point on stage in Des Moines.
Still, it would have been nice to land in New Hampshire this morning with a victory under her belt … instead of a loss.

catkins   January 5th, 2008 7:45 am ET

hope you will make it hilary. i am sure you will. the best of luck

newfoundland, canada

Ben Mo   January 5th, 2008 7:41 am ET

Shame on cnn to put on the top of his political page a remark by a ultraconservetive institute (Peperdine) that " Hillary woud appoint Bill to supreme court " Bill has not practice law almost his entire life.
you write this to give talking point to conservatives, so they can creat more hatred
for Hillary. I WOULD EXPECT THIS FROM FOX NEWS NOT CNN.

'

Bob, DC   January 5th, 2008 7:40 am ET

Hey Barrister4Hillary:

Michigan and Florida primaries won't count since they broke DNC rules by moving up their dates. Obama is riding Iowa momentum now and should easily win NH and SC and the BigMo will just grow as they head into super Tues. Obama looks unstoppable.

FYI: Hillary was booed last night at the NH Democratic Party Dinner while Obama fans nearly crushed the stage when Barack came up.

http://www.time-blog.com/swampland/2008/01/hillary_booed_at_nh_democratic.html

Bob, DC   January 5th, 2008 7:35 am ET

Hilary would be best advised to get out. The more she tries to reinvent herself the more people don't trust her and don't like her. It also would be very disturbing if she went on the attack. Barack Obama is driving a significant positive movement in this country, inspiring people that used to hate politics. Many young people and others are coming into the process that have never participated before. Does she want to destroy that movement? Barack is developing into something special, like a new JFK and Hillary needs to simply get out of the way.

aju   January 5th, 2008 7:09 am ET

I wonder why Americans are so willing to opt for just any change,when they have a prospective candidate willling to give both the required change and a very sound experience on the job….Please,america as the leader of the civilized world, as we all know it ,needs a leader that can lead from day one,not a student leader like Sen. Obama,who is most likely than not,to make mistakes on the job at hand,before getting to grip with it….I appeal to americans to please,opt for a leader that can make the world a peaceful and dynamic place for americans and the rest of the world,a leader that can take up the job from day one and restore hope for all mankind,americans must know that time is of the essence,and must act decisively!

Kyle   January 5th, 2008 6:40 am ET

The democratic causus in Iowa was energized not by hillary, but obama. Huge record turnout, but not for hillary. Independents, Youth, Women– overwhelmingly Obama. Iowa itself is small, but these trends are not. Obama has the character, intelligence and charisma to transform our country and the world. Hillary is well…. Hillary. All the polls to date are not post-Iowa. As people see Obama and Hillary side-by-side, there is only one way they will go. Hillary is honorable and I am excited about the prospect of a female president, but she is not the one, this is not the time. As independents flock to the dem primary in NH, this will become clear to everyone (except Fox and Rush).

Jim   January 5th, 2008 6:25 am ET

Hillary is Bush Jr. in female guise.

Seriously, I thought we had had enough of Presidential dynasties after the Bush fiasco. Now people want another Clinton? Yes, it's a different Clinton, but she has her own agenda and it is definitely not one that will put the nation first. I'd love to go into details, but this is not the correct medium. I'll just remind some of you that we're not living in a kingdom. Stop electing dynasties please. Especially, when they don't have anything new to offer: the same hollow promises and empty goals.

What we need is someone who will provide a change for the Soul of our nation. We're in dire need of an American Renaissance. We need to change the way we look at ourselves and the World we live in. Hillary is not quite the right person for that task.

To me, the only two candidates who stand out are Dennis Kucinich & Barack Obama. They seem to be the only ones capable of breathing in some NEW life into America. We don't need the same old broken record.

mark wilkes barre pa   January 5th, 2008 6:17 am ET

Mercer ,,,, I have no problem with a women president. I have no problem with a Black president. I have no problem with a black women as president . If Condi Rice would run she would have my confidence. and would be THE most experienced candidate to run for office in recent times. Hillary's run sounds like that commercial for that hotel on tv,,,, I have no real experience or qualifications to be president but I did live in the whitehouse !!!

jon   January 5th, 2008 6:03 am ET

Billary Clinton has no chance. The Obama snow ball is rolling down the hill and getting bigger and bigger. No one wants that old hag in power. She hasn't accomplished anything besides marrying Bill. Being 1st lady doesn't mean squat to most people and the Clintons are as hatted as Bush is. She is too polorizing and too fake to fool america.

Your time has come BILLARY CLINTON

Dave   January 5th, 2008 5:59 am ET

Can someone pls explain to me what the doom and gloom about HRC only getting about 30% of the Iowa vote is about…???? Why the hype in the media about her having lost it aready and that she may be finished????

Winning the nomination s about getting enough delegates after all the primaries/ caucuses…heck, she picked up 15 delegates in Iowa versus 16 for Obama…so what was her big loss?? Even if she is beaten in NH, she will still pick up further delegates until the big states come into play on Feb 5 where she has good leads….there is still NY, Florida, Caifornia, Michigan…thats where the big delegate numbers are. HRC is already leading in the superdelegate stakes at present.

So what is the big deal about not winning in Iowa….???? Am I missing something???? Obama wil run out of hot air and steam when real questions are asked of him with the new scrutiny a win or two brings along….when that happens, "losing" in Iowa may be the best thing yet for HR.

sonya   January 5th, 2008 5:17 am ET

Only thing Clinton has going for her is too go negative as Bill said the media has force her to do. Hillary doesn't care about the Democratic party, she wants to win at all costs. Look what Hillary did to her buddies the Sheeans in NH. When Mr. Sheean started the whole Obama was a drug dealer smear, his wife's poll numbers tanked and the senate seat may go republican. Instead of changing campaign slogans every week, and stealing "fire up, ready to go" line from Obama, Hillary needs to say why she is running for the Presidency and what are her clear convictions. She won't I bet and that tells the story of her rule true guiding prinicple- power.

Mike   January 5th, 2008 5:06 am ET

She's in trouble, and she knows it. All the time in the world can't help her. She, and all of her baggage, are up against a superior statesman with a clean record.

Get on board. Obama 08

Julie H.   January 5th, 2008 4:20 am ET

Go Hillary! I'm from Iowa, and I have my doubts about the results on Thursday night. Hillary is not out of it and far from it. This is Hillary country. She will win Iowa I have no doubt. I too lived through the Clinton economy and it was so good. Have we forgot that? During the Clinton administration we had prosperity and peace. Cannot ever say that about a Bush. Go Hillary, you have my vote and others in Iowa on election day!

Joseph Johnson NC   January 5th, 2008 3:53 am ET

The media is always trying to make Hillary look bad. The only bad that comes out of this is the media itself. From the information that I know about Hillary Clinton, it seems that not only is she qualified to be president, but she is a great woman. Not only will she bring change to the government and lives of every American. She will unite our country again and allow us to recover the conversation that we once had around the world. Not only will she accomplish this, but she will provide our children with the necessary healthcare and environmental safeguards, that will allow future generations the opportunity to enjoy. So when you go out to your caucus and vote, think to yourself, who really knows what you need and how to get it done? I ask of you to do this one thing and vote with the thought of not only yourself in mind, but lives of everyone person you know. Vote Hillary Clinton!

Apex, NC

Kurt Werner   January 5th, 2008 2:59 am ET

Iowa really disappoints me. Hopefully, New Hampshire and the rest of the U.S.A will have more common sense that Obama might have a good message, but he just doesn't have, yes I'll say it, the experience to do ANY of the things he says he'll do. Especially when it comes down to foreign policy. Clinton is the only one domestically (congress, etc) and internationally will respect.

kathleen m   January 5th, 2008 2:38 am ET

Hillary, stay with it just because of a hair style jerk hood winked some frozen popcicles in Iowa doesnt mean alls lost i dont like a fake and mr edwards is just that i sit everyday in a wheelchair from a disease that is destroying my spinal nevres, i have just be notififed that i can recieve social security but i have to pay back my former employer 25,000.00 for the disability payments they gave me hmmm whats edwards got to say about that

Sara   January 5th, 2008 2:37 am ET

At least Hillary didn't scream after her speech in IA. That certainly would have spelled doom. Or is that spelled d-e-a-n? *shrug*

As for what Iowa means, who knows? But I can't imagine Mike Huckabee making it any further than the bible belt states. Seems like all you need to do is say you found God and that man will grant you a pardon.

"Governor, I killed my wife and kids, but you know what happend t'other day? I looked in my mailbox and found God."

"Pardoned. Go with your mailbox Christ, my son."

We should all just shut up and vote.

Chris   January 5th, 2008 2:09 am ET

There are two major issues that need to be dealt with in the next little while: Foreign Policy and Health Care.

Foreign Policy: most of the action seems to be taking place in the middle east. Anyone who has spent anytime in the middle east knows that when important decisions are made or when there is any negotiating to be done the women leave the room. How is Hillary going to get anyone to listen to her. Any middle eastern leader who allows himself to be told what to do by a woman is not going to be a leader for long. Hillary will NOT be able to negotiate with potentially adversarial leaders of nations like Syria, Iran etc. You cannot end the fighting by strength of force alone … you need a strong diplomatic effort backed by the threat of force (remember speak softly and carry a big stick?). This cannot work in the middle east if the person making the veiled threats of force is a woman. Obama on the other hand might just be the one to be able to pull this one off.

Health Care: She has already tried and failed while Bubba was in power … she had eight years to work on it and blew it. Do we need to say more … it's time for someone else to give it a go.

Andreas from Norway   January 5th, 2008 2:09 am ET

As an foreigner I really don`t understand how you americans think:

If Hillary Clinton should become President, you would have a "Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton" line of Presidents. Is name really that important in USA? Would anybody indorse Hillary if she wasnt married to Bill? The same question could be asked about Obama: Would media and Oprah like him if he wasnt black? Would Joe Biden got more media attention if he was black?

Liz   January 5th, 2008 2:01 am ET

http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/04/democratic.fundraiser.ap/index.html

I wonder why Bill Clinton did not pardon Norman Hsu, who was convicted in 1992.
Now he is sent to jail for three years. Hillary had to return almost one million dollars of donations to him.

Les   January 5th, 2008 1:37 am ET

Hillary will be the nominee for the Democratic, the governor of NJ endorsed her months ago, the endorsement of Corzine was not just an endorsement but a vote from one of the superdelegates.

Obama spent $10 million to get 16 delegates from Iowa, Hillary spent $6.5 million for 15 delegates, Edward spent $3.million for 14 delegates.

What made obama win yesterday in Iowa was the SECOND CHANCE VOTE, majority from supporters of Richardson and Kucinich. If people can vote only once in Iowa during their caucus, Hillary was the winner.

Frankly a lot of lifelong democrats I know already made a decision if Obama is the nominee for the democratic party they'll vote republican, I'll vote republican too if Obama is the nominee.

ANY of the republican candidates is WAY MUCH BETTER than Obama. The young people who caucus for Obama was hoodwinked by his empty hopes and dreams. He even had caravans of buses from Illinois hauling college students to caucus for him in Iowa…….jesus!

I've never heard anything like it. This man is so desperate!

The Last democratic President that won in Iowa caucus and become President was JIMMY CARTER

Reagan, Bush Sr and Clinton did NOT win in Iowa but became Presidents. I am glad Hillary did not win Iowa, that state is a jinx for democrats.

Ginny CA   January 5th, 2008 1:35 am ET

Calilfornia is Hillary country! We love her and realize she is our best hope to take the White House in 2008, We know she's a hard worker and wise enough, dedicated enough, experienced enough, and strong enough to get the job done, and done right!
GO HILLARY, ALL THE WAY!!

Les   January 5th, 2008 1:34 am ET

Hillary will be the nominee for the Democratic, the governor of NJ endorsed her months ago, the endorsement of Corzine was not just an endorsement but a vote from one of the superdelegates.

Obama spent $10 million to get 16 delegates from Iowa, Hillary spent $6.5 million for 15 delegates, Edward spent $3.million for 14 delegates.

What made obama win yesterday in Iowa was the SECOND CHANCE VOTE, majority from supporters of Richardson and Kucinich. If people can vote only once in Iowa during their caucus, winner was the winner.

Frankly a lot of lifelong democrats I know already made a decision if Obama is the nominee for the democratic party they'll vote republican, I'll vote republican too if Obama is the nominee.

ANY of the republican candidates is WAY MUCH BETTER than Obama. The young people who caucus for Obama was hoodwinked by his empty hopes and dreams. He even had caravans of buses from Illinois hauling college students to caucus for him in Iowa…….jesus!

I've never heard anything like it. This man is so desperate!

tom from Seattle   January 5th, 2008 1:26 am ET

National unity ticket…Obama and hagel

Gem   January 5th, 2008 1:17 am ET

Under Bill Clinton our country have TRILLION DOLLAR SURPLUS and Bill is one of only 2 US President who were able to balance the budget. I hope Hillary will be the 3rd.

It's expected that she will not win in Iowa and the reason why one staff mentioned to skip the state. But look ( at the numbers) how close the race was. I think she did good.

Ajay Jain, Garland, TX   January 5th, 2008 12:55 am ET

Sen. Hillary Clinton went on the counterattack today, one day after a stinging defeat in the Iowa caucuses to Illinois Sen. Barack Hussein Obama.
She said New Hampshire voters need to take a hard look at Obama, suggesting that they shouldn't just buy into his message of "hope" without analyzing his policies.
Sen. Hillary Clinton said she wasn't suggesting anything in particular about Obama, but simply "drawing contrasts."
"I'm running on my record. … I'm running on my plans," Sen. Hillary Clinton told reporters. "I think everybody needs to be vetted and tested. That's the way elections are supposed to operate. The last thing the Democrats need is to just move quickly through this process."
While the senator was vague, her campaign pointed out to ABC News examples of Obama's liberal positions, including his 2004 statement to abolish mandatory minimum sentences for federal crimes. They also pointed out a statement Obama made in 2003 that he was "a proponent of a single payer health care program," which he no longer seems to support today.
Clinton said voters need to ask Obama more questions about his health-care plan to find out "where he stands."
She also played off Obama's call offering America "hope."
"We need a president who will actually deliver change," she said. "It is critical that we build confidence in our country. We can't have false hopes. We've got to have a person who can walk into the Oval Office on day one and start doing the hard work that it takes to deliver change. And I believe I'm that person."
"I'm not doing this as an exercise," Sen. Hillary Clinton said.
Asked what she meant when she said earlier to a crowd in Nashua, N.H., that all of the vetting and investigations of her record had found her "most innocent," Clinton simply said: "I think I come into this race tested and proven and ready to take on the Republicans no matter what they send my way."
As for losing Iowa, she discounted the impact. "Iowa doesn't have the best track record in determining who the party nominates," Sen. Hillary Clinton said. She offered several explanations for the loss.
"I was never a front-runner of any significance in Iowa. I knew it had a lot of difficulties that were there in terms of my candidacy," she argued, perhaps referring to being the only female candidate in the race. "I knew it was always gonna be hard for me."
She admitted that her campaign lost support among younger Iowans.
"I think there was a huge turnout," Clinton said. "I did very very well with people over 45, and I didn't do as well with people under 30 and I take responsibility for that."
Sen. Hillary Clinton also faulted the caucus system for some of her troubles. She said that New Hampshire's primary vote would be more favorable for her since working voters have all day to show up and vote and don't have to arrive at a specific time required in Iowa under its unique caucus system.
In New Hampshire, Sen. Hillary Clinton explained, "you're not disenfranchised if you work at night. You're not disenfranchised if you're not in the state."
"This is a new day. This is a new state," Sen. Hillary Clinton said.
Former President Bill Clinton rallied to his wife's side today, saying Hillary's disappointing third-place finish in Iowa was not a fatal blow. He predicted that she can be the "comeback kid" just like he was. "Absolutely," he told ABC News at a campaign event for his wife.
"Remember I lost here," he added, referring to his New Hampshire loss to Paul Tsongas in 1992 . Hillary Clinton finished in third place in Iowa getting 30 percent of the vote. She was edged out of a second-place finish by former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards.
The former president stressed that early losses can be overcome. He then quickly listed off his other losses from memory: "South Dakota, Maine, Maryland, Colorado, before I ever won a state," he said.
He said his wife is in better position in New Hampshire then he was. "She's got a better profile here. They know more about her now than they did about me then. And I think she'll be fine. We just get out and go"
As much as she talked up how much fun it was to get to know Iowa, Hillary Clinton never really felt at home among the cornfields.
New Hampshire is more Sen. Hillary Clinton's style. She and Bill have old friends here. They know their way around its winding roads and quaint colonial towns.
The New York senator lands in New Hampshire with a weight on her shoulders. Will she be able to persuade voters here to do what Iowans did not? Will another loss in New Hampshire be fatal for her campaign? Or can they — as campaign officials continue to insist — win the nomination without the help of Iowa or New Hampshire if it comes down to that?
Trying to put a positive face on what was clearly not a good night, Clinton addressed supporters in a ballroom of the Fort Des Moines hotel Thursday night. As she entered, flanked by her husband and daughter, the crowd broke into a chant of "Hillary Hillary!"
"We're gonna take this enthusiasm and go right to New Hampshire!" Clinton yelled.
But just moments before Clinton's arrival, those supporters had been outside at the open bar, watching somberly as Barack Obama was projected the winner on big screen televisions. They nursed drinks and frowned.
Clinton tried to frame her loss in Iowa as a turning point for Democrats.
"This is a great night for Democrats," she said. "We have seen unprecedented turnout here in Iowa and that is good news because today we are sending a clear message that we are going to have change. And that change will be a Democratic president in the White House in 2009."
She congratulated rivals Obama and John Edwards and thanked the others in the field.
"Together we have presented the case for change and made it absolutely clear that America needs a new beginning," Clinton said, using one of the key lines from her closing argument in Iowa.
But Iowa voters chose Obama as the candidate who best represents change. And Clinton may need to find another argument.
Thursday night she argued that she is the candidate who is electable and who has the experience to be president.
"What is most important now is that as we go on with this contest that we keep focused on two issues, that we answer correctly the question that each of us has posed: how will we win in November 2008 and who will be the best president on day one? I am ready for that contest!"
As upbeat as Sen. Hillary Clinton tried to be, there was clearly disappointment among her staff and supporters.
One of the biggest disappointments was the number of women voters who did not stick with the only female candidate in the race, and voted for Obama instead.
Sen. Obama beat Sen. Hillary Clinton among women voters in Iowa — garnering 35 percent of the female vote to her 30 percent.
Sen. Hillary Clinton's Iowa campaign had been banking on support from women, particularly older women. The senator made a strong pitch to women — talking about women's rights and repeatedly telling the story of little girls who would be inspired by her example and hope to be president one day.
Her campaign ran ads featuring Sen. Hillary Clinton's daughter and mother. They trotted out old friends who talked about Clinton's warmth and caring.
Ellen Malcolm, the founder of Emily's List and a Sen. Hillary Clinton supporter who stood on stage with her in Des Moines, said Sen. Hillary Clinton may have been hurt because older women could not make it to the caucus sites. Younger, working-class women may have been working and unable to attend.
The Clinton campaign is hoping it will have better luck in New Hampshire and the 24 states that vote Super Tuesday, Feb. 5.
Sen. Hillary Clinton proclaimed herself "confident and optimistic."
"You know we have always planned to run a national campaign all the way through the early contests," Sen. Hillary Clinton said at one point on stage in Des Moines.
Still, it would have been nice to land in New Hampshire this morning with a victory under her belt … instead of a loss.

Go Hillary44 08! http://hillaryis44.org/ http://facts.hillaryhub.com/ http://www.hillaryhub.com/
For a little election snapshot: http://uselectionatlas.org/2008.php

Rob   January 5th, 2008 12:43 am ET

Watch other news and you will see that they are booing Hillary in New Hampshire.

TOM   January 5th, 2008 12:35 am ET

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK HILLARY IS OUT OF IT, MARK YOUR CALENDERS..I GUARANTEE YOU BEFORE THE ENTIRE PROCESS IS OVER HILLARY WILL WIN THE NOMINATION HANDS DOWN. JOHN EDWARDS IS OVER…SO OVER…OBAMA WOULD MAKE A GREAT VICE PRES. CANDIDATE AND AFTER SERVING TWO TERMS COULD THEN MAKE A SERIOUS RUN FOR PRESIDENT.

melody, Snohomish, wa   January 5th, 2008 12:33 am ET

obama sounded like john edwards this am. i wonder why??? hillary is smarter than all of them put together. GO HILLARY GO !!!!!

Sundar   January 5th, 2008 12:16 am ET

Yay! 24-28 years straight of Clinton/Bush presidencies…Seriously, when did we as Americans decide that we'd rather have royalty presiding over us instead of a true democracy. All this talk about "experience" is ridiculous. No one really has experience or the preparedness to be President unless they are running for their second term. And even then (GWB) it isn't true. Give me the man/woman who is green and has the courage to take on something they could never comprehend than the old "been there, done that" type who will not do anything but look better than Georgey Pourgey.

Not - Following Hillary   January 5th, 2008 12:15 am ET

Hillary is ready to lead, she is so ready to lead.

America is not ready to follow.

Your green scraves are a joke

Jan - Clinton Divorce Soon   January 5th, 2008 12:12 am ET

Hillary I think Bill will find a new wife within 12 months.

Hillary is out of it, her the Clintons are an embarassement to America they fly around and run the USA down oh we did't sign Kyotio Protocol, we should never of went to war etc etc….

If they loved America as much as they loved the job and attention she would not be out of it.

She out of it, America sent her a message in Iowa NO

Rudy is out of it to, he cvan hed back to the hospital for another prostate exam.

ACE   January 5th, 2008 12:05 am ET

To Real People: As a Black woman I am ashamed that a fellow Black woman would write something as ignorant as what you've written for all eyes to see.

1. Obama isn't a flip-flopper, you've got the wrong candidate.
2. Michelle Obama does not have cancer, again, you've got the wrong candidate.
3. A Black man doesn't have to be raised by his Black father in order to understand the experience of African-Americans - millions of Black children are growing up without their fathers and they seem to have no problem identifying with Black people.
4. "Grandparents" is one word.

Get your facts straight, Sista. If you're going to vote for someone at least know what you're talking about.

B.J. Bower   January 4th, 2008 11:57 pm ET

I agree with Melissa. And yes, the economy was great under President Clinton. It's a far cry from that now. In the past few hours I have formed some new opinions and no, we don't want Obama in the White House practicing to be President. Doctors practice medicine….there's no room for an individual to practice being President. Edwards does talk out of both sides of his mouth and his head bobs up and down like doll on someone's dashboard. I think Mrs. Clinton has been upstaged a few times by Bill, but it's refreshing to see him. She has a marvelous mind and I respect her to the core. She maintains elegant composure. She is spiritual, forgiving, and knows how to "move on" — and in the long haul she will withstand the pressure today as the Presdent of our great Nation. Go Hillary.

S. Holt   January 4th, 2008 11:51 pm ET

Experience? What experience? Did you know Mrs. Clinton was originally a Republican? She's been first lady and a senator in New York. Obama is a candidate to take seriously. He has universal appeal. He will go all the way. It is time for a change 'for the people.'

AJ, IL   January 4th, 2008 11:45 pm ET

I hope many of the young Generation Y and Generation X that are tech-savvy watch and record Hillary's presidential campaign. Hillary has flip-flopped on some many issues (i.e. Iraq war support and illegal immigration). Her campaign has flip-flopped on its theme (i.e. Run on the 'Experience' factor then switched to Obama's 'Change' factor). Hillary even has campaign flyers that state "READY FOR CHANGE, READY TO LEAD". She went from running a positive campaign to a negative campaign. Hillary supporters really need to take a moment and think about why they support Hillary. Is it because she is still married to Bill Clinton? Is she truly the most experienced in the field of candidates? Did she accomplish, specifically, alot when she was First Lady or NY Senator?

In Hillary's mind she knew she would win Iowa back in September 2007. Her polls numbers show that. Hillary led in nearly every Iowa poll up until her poor Philadelphia debate performance in October 2007. Then came the follow-up damage from negative comments from her campaign staff and Bill Clinton about Obama that was supposed to be damage control for Hillary's poor debate performance. As the poll margins between her and Obama narrowed, Hillary's campaign tried to play underdog, first with Bill Clinton's interview comment about "Hillary winning in Iowa would be a miracle".

And Hillary claims she has enough time. For what? To copy themes from Obama's and Edward's campaign? The interesting question will be what spin will the Clintons roll out in less than 3 days.

OBAMA in '08!

Jagus   January 4th, 2008 11:42 pm ET

With all the turmoil around the world - Iraq, Pakistan, Al_Qaeeda, deep mistrust of the US by the Moslem nations, North Korea starting up again , the Russian bear starting to growl etc,, the US needs and to be guided with experience and tenacity as well. And what happens, he wins in IOWA!!! Obama is Mr Rhetoric and a Greenhorn with zero foreign experience to effect any solid and meaningful changes in the US or in US forign policy….many in my country, a moderate muslim nation, are very suprised that people can vote for him with his track record or lack of one!! The world requires the US to roll back GWB's disasterous 8 years and re-emerge as the ppre-eminent nation we all looked up to…rapproachment and engagement are required, not form over substance rethoric as espoused by Obama.

It must be anyone but Obama!..You folks made a mistake in electing GWB a second time..do not screw up again.

davy   January 4th, 2008 11:34 pm ET

The person called real people that wrote a note below is very ignorant. Obama knows who he is. There is nothing wrong with being bi-racial and race has nothing to do with Obama's competence, passion for change, and intrinsic leadership abilities. All of the great leaders have that undeniable "IT" and so does Obama. I am grateful to see that many Americans are judging Obama by the content of his character and not the color of skin. I AM PROUD to American and thank ful to everyone supporting Obama.

kevin from San Diego   January 4th, 2008 11:15 pm ET

hey "real people"

Christian, Tampa FL   January 4th, 2008 11:11 pm ET

Clinton does not have the time to recover from her wounds. She never recovered from her downward slide, obviously considering last night, and that is due to a fundamental flaw in her campaign: She is the most status quo candidate of any presidential candidate of either party, and yet she is promoting "change."

Obama's win and his victory speech were both stunning. In conjunction with his war chest, which matches Hillary's, it is obvious that the Illinois Senator is the one with the Big Mo and the ability to attract a tripartisan group: Democrats, Independents, and even some Republicans.

sago330   January 4th, 2008 11:06 pm ET

Yeah,yeah,yeah. If hillary had won the Iowa caucus all you hillary people would be shouting "see, I told ya. She won. That means she will be president". But since she lost you cover it up with a lot of hogwash as to why her loss doesn't mean a thing.

phyllis   January 4th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

I think people are just tired of the Bushes and the Clintons period. She talks about change after hearing Barack start talking about change. They have had there stay in the White House and we need somone who has new ideas how to bring people together. I hope Obama sweeps thru every state and wins. GO OBAMA.

Joyce Allen   January 4th, 2008 11:01 pm ET

I went to school with a "Hillary", her name was Qwen and she was always copying off other people's papers and tattiling on who ever else she saw copying. Then after she succeeded in getting everyone to hate her, she'd complain because nobody liked her. In fact everybody grew to despise her.

It is hard to want to follow someone who has a low sense of self. Just because Hillary was willing to sink so low and stay married to a sleaze does not mean everyone else wants to keep looking at them.

I do not doubt she believes in 'Change', especially since her husband also believed in 'Change'. (Yes, President Clinton, changed the "Oval' Office, into the "Oral" Office). Now she stands there beside him, hoping everyone would think so bad of "him", maybe now, everybody will 'Change' and everyone will like "her", and perhaps elect "her" next.

I might pity Hillary, but I will not vote for a "her". As with Qwen, I just wish she would go away and leave America alone.

Juanita Missouri kennett   January 4th, 2008 10:55 pm ET

I'm hopeing that the N.H. citizens think long and hard before they make a big misstake , like the 1st state .Yes Hillary is tuff she needs to be , if she is going to run the afaires of America. There have been women rulers before ,so i say you want change ,than lets change sexes . Hillary is the one to vote for . So come on America lets get our frist women Presdent .

Nando   January 4th, 2008 10:49 pm ET

I don,t think she has enough time , I was just watching the Democratic Dinner Party on Cspan In NH, AND based on what I just saw she Just Lost NH. Barak just brought down the house!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tom Dedham, Mass   January 4th, 2008 10:41 pm ET

She lost across every Demographic across the board with the exception being 65 year old women.

She is saying that she was always the underdog here and did not "expect to win in Iowa", more lies and distortions.

This was supposed to be the beginning of her coronation and since she lost in Iowa, she is now undermining their people.

Kiss their tails for about a year and when they vote against you, mock the people and their track record.

Typical Hillarity.

Kim   January 4th, 2008 10:37 pm ET

Everyone needs to relax, including mainstream media. Hillary Clinton will win the nomination. No one expected her to win Iowa and probably not New Hampshire, but look out after that.

Jennifer B   January 4th, 2008 10:33 pm ET

I was precitn captin in my town for Hillary. I am from iowa and i did nto like the caucus. One reason they did not chekc ids or information on peopel that were not registered. SOme people I knwo for fact lived in other towns or were from Illinois that showed up to our site. Our county was won By Hillary. I know Obamas peopel had their staff register to vote wich is not fiar since they were form out of state. Also there was one kid there we found out later was 15. They should have checked Id or current address. Even my doctor who lives in out side of town and not in my precint was at ours precint. Also a old friend we ran into her roomate was worker for obama and they went out of town to vote when they shoudl have beeen in town. They were told to go wehre they were needed. No one seeemed to care when we reported this . I think Iowa needs to stop the caucus. I love Iowa but they need to check ID and not just let anyone register. All we had to do was sign our drivers id number last 4 digits of ssi number and address.

Craig S   January 4th, 2008 10:29 pm ET

Hillary is the best candidate period. Come on people face the facts. She is the only one who can get America back in line. We need universal health care and get the Iraq matter dealt with.

Sam, PA   January 4th, 2008 10:28 pm ET

Hillary needs to focus more on getting votes from young people and most importantly, the undecided voters in NH. I believe she is more electable than Obama. The party should be mindful of all those Republicant who come to the Democratic caucus to support the candidate they feel they can defeat in the November presidential elections.

Kat, PA   January 4th, 2008 10:24 pm ET

Am I the only one who is noticing that most of the Hillary supporters really just want Bill back in office. Hello, Hillary will be President, not Bill!!! You think that she is really going to let him help her at all?!? He is just a tool that she is using to get elected. She will send him away, she doesn't want him putting his nose in her decisions.

PS - I also don't get what is really exciting about having him back in office either!

CHARLIE from kingston ny   January 4th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

just a few words to the great state of N.h.

this tuesday is the day you will see our new york senator kick butt.

she is not just a women she is hillary clinton the choice for change.

And she has changed new york for the better not the worst she has gave us jobs and supported us after 9/11 .So please help take her home to the white house.
Were she can realy start makeing bigger changes in the greatest country in the world it all starts with one person willing to fight .She is the fighter we need in our corner of the world. best wishes hillary and NH.

MARZELL PLYMOUTH, MN   January 4th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

FOR ALL YOU DEM HILL HATERS READ THIS!!!!!!!!!!!
IF IT WAS NOT FOR BILL&HILL US DEMS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE A BLACK PERSON RUN FOR THE WHITE HOUSE! UNLESS YOU ARE AN AL OR JESSE! WHY DO YOU THINK THE MEDIA LOVE OBAMA SO MUCH? THINK BACK BEFORE BUSH TOOK US TO WAR IN IRAQ THE MEDIA LOVED IT! THEY DID NOT LOOK AT THE REAL FACTS. BUT "CNN DID"! THEN THINK WHAT HAPPEN AFTER WE WANT TO WAR! SO WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS DONT BITE THE HANDS THAT FEED ARE PARTY AND THAT HAVE BROUGHT REAL CHANGE!

John Cummings, Springboro, OH   January 4th, 2008 10:11 pm ET

I read through these posts and wonder why all the Hillary-bashing. She's just as talented, just as smart and just as much of a problem-solver as any Democratic candidate.
While I agree she needs some message-tweaking and she could open up a bit more, I believe she is best-prepared to tackle the mess that GWB will leave behind. When that day of departure comes, it will take someone with established connections in the world and a real understanding of how things work in the executive branch to make that change happen faster. Hillary has that knowledge - something the others absolutely do not.
What's more, she has already proven herself to be an advocate for kids' issues, and she has worked across the aisle with Republicans to help our military.
Some of you seem to think she's looking backward. I don't. I believe she will take all of the great things about that time - which includes the greatest peace-time economic expansion this country has seen - and move them forward.
While I will vote for the eventual Democratic nominee, my candidate this cycle will always be Hillary Clinton.

liz   January 4th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

I respect Hillary I know that she is battle tested and has the tenacious spirit of a strong competent women . I believe she can clean up the mess of the last 8 year, after all women have years of experience cleaning up messes. They told her she could never win in New York and she never gave them a second thought. She knows how to get up after taking a punch and win. That is the strength of spirit I want as president. I am voting for her in NH because I believe she has proven that she has what it takes to lead us as a nation. I remember telling my daughter that she could be president, Hillary lets me know that my unproven optimism was on target. Thank you Hillary, it is your and our time to truly come into our own.

Steve T.   January 4th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

I usually vote republican but I would have no problem voting for Obama. I would never vote for Hillary she can't be trusted. She talks from both sides of her mouth depending which way the wind is blowing.

Trevor G   January 4th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

if anyone can do it, Hillary can, the Clinton's are comebacks, and it's Iowa, not to say it's not important, because i believe every state primary/caucus is important, but she'll win. I respect Obama, and wouldnt have a problem voting for him. He's a great guy, but I think when it's all on the line, Hillary Clinton would be the most responsible, and successful president out of all the candidates, due to her experience. (i would also like to say, those of her opponenets who argue she isn't ready for the presidency beacause she doesn't have any experience runing anything let alone a country *cough*Edwards Fans*cough* I believe she was the closest one to White House, she did live there for 8 years, and i'm sure sometime during those 8 years, even Bill asked for her expert advice.)

Harold   January 4th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

Hillary, your speech to rev up your supporters for the upcoming New Hampshire primary, was a excellent display of shock and concern finishing third last night. Didn't even come close to Barack Obama's victory speech which generated the most public enthusiasm I ever seen in politics. Please save your contributors money and begin to line up and support the Obama campaign.

Christine Atlanta, Ga.   January 4th, 2008 9:42 pm ET

I am one of those "baby boomers". I don't like Obama's arrogance about such a huge part of the US population. I pay enormous amounts of money in taxes, and with Obama saying he will take the 'cap' off the FICA (social security) payments,
I am looking at an additional 6 or 7 thousand dollars a year just on that one tax.
It is the middle class (me) that is getting bled to death.
I suspect Obama will try to cut out Social Security all together.
Hillary has said as long as she is President that will never happen. And considering she is also a Boomer, I believe her.
All those college students Obama bused in from Illinois, don't care about families,
taxes and paying bills, their looking for 'new' and 'hope.
I want results.

George Smith   January 4th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

You are so right Louise, Maybe later for Obama, just not now, he needs more experience. Hillary the answer for now!!

Nazir Patel   January 4th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

It would be a huge mistake to send a Republican in charge of the White House after what the Republican administration has done to the economy.
A trillion dollar debt facing every American. The Clintons are like it or not the best bet to change around the economy for the better. Even if they are not desired by Americans their vote should go to whosoever is the Democratic Party's nomination. Our Canadian dollar has been doing quite well. Even India is now not accepting dollars from visitors. The mighty dollar has fallen badly. Recession fears were raised today. Keep things in perspective please.

matt   January 4th, 2008 9:33 pm ET

for the last 20 years,