March 17, 2008
Posted: 10:36 AM ET
Clinton slammed the president’s economic policies.
Clinton slammed the president’s economic policies.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Hillary Clinton blamed the "fiscal irresponsibility of the Bush administration" for the country's current economic turmoil and market fears after emergency moves by the Federal Reserve to cut discount rates and help back the purchase and bailout of Bear Stearns by JP Morgan Chase.

"…We are in a very dangerous period in the economy. We need vigilance and we need leadership and we've got to get it from, you know, this administration," she told reporters after an Iraq policy speech at George Washington University.

The Democratic presidential candidate said if she occupied the White House she would have started trying to avoid this economic crisis a year ago by putting a moratorium on home foreclosures and freezing the interest rates on sub-prime mortgages — topics she discusses often on the campaign trail.

"You cannot work your way out of this credit crisis unless we stabilize the home market so I certainly agree that tending to the consequences that could flow from inaction in the credit markets is essential moving quickly to try to stabilize Wall Street is essential," she said. "But let's not forget about Main Street and let's not forget about the millions of households with many millions of Americans with the consequences that has for the economy as well."

The New York senator said the high price of oil is another dangerous factor for the economy and the Bush administration needs to start urgently working towards greater energy independence. She said she would refuse to buy oil at current prices to put in the strategic petroleum reserve and would actually release oil to help ease the burden.

"I personally believe that if the president of the United States stood up today and said 'we've had it, I may have been an oil man, but we cannot continue to rely on the oil companies and the oil producing countries. I'm going to work with Congress, I'm going to take things off the shelf. I'm going to be willing to move much more rapidly toward energy independence,' you would see the price drop. I really believe that," she said.

Clinton said that when she proposed measures a year ago to help stave off a crunch in the credit market she was "ridiculed by the Bush administration" and her "Democratic opponent" in the race for the White House.

Shortly after Clinton's speech, Barack Obama's campaign released a statement from the Illinois senator touting his own solutions for the financial crunch, including mortgage relief legislation co-sponsored with Senate colleague Chris Dodd, and pointing to statements he had made months ago warning of a looming crisis.

Like Clinton, he blamed President Bush for the nation's economic problems. "History will not judge President Bush kindly for his failure to act in a way that could’ve prevented or alleviated this economic crisis," said Obama. "There have been few Administrations so out of touch with the concerns and the struggles of working Americans and so beholden to the lobbyists and special interests who blocked any kind of regulatory oversight of the financial sector.

"Whether it was subprime lending, credit cards, or bankruptcy laws, Washington has allowed these special interests to prevent sensible policy that could have prevented the most serious effects of the current predicament."

–CNN Senior Political Producer Sasha Johnson

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Grif   March 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Moreover, Obama's "GREEN", with envy.

Dave   March 17th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

HRC good job. That is what I want to hear - issues. I think she is more of the same. I think Obama is inexperienced but they are both intelligent individuals who can speak on the issues. Their ideas are the same as every other democrat that has ever ran for office so theirs no surprises from either candidate but let's talk about the issues please.

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI   March 17th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

HILLARY SPEAK: IF YOU REPEAT A OUT RIGHT LIE ENOUGH TIMES ABOUT WHERE OBAMA AND MCCAIN STAND ON ANY ISSUE THE PUBLIC WILL BELEIVE IT. AFTER ALL I HAVE LEARNED HOW TO THIS FROM THE BEST. IT HAS WORKED SO WELL WHEN BOTH MY HUSBAND AND PRESIDENT BUSH DO IT!

matt   March 17th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

There is a lot of Clinton Haters out there. I had someone i didnt even know Email me telling me i was an Idiot for being a Clinton supporter

.. Now i ask this question

you point the finger over and over saying Hillary is dividing this country

OBAMAS SUPPORTERS ARE DIVIDING THIS COUNTRY

Brooke   March 17th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

It's refereshing to hear at least one Democratic candidate speak about economic issues rather than abstract "hope" and "unity." Hope isn't going to put food on the table or gas in the car.

Jason   March 17th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Hillary's campaign = EVERYTHING is BUSH's fault…The Iraq war is Bush's fault, the economy is Bush's fault, Katrina was Bush's fault, Global warming also Bush's fault, Bill having another woman please him, somehow, someway Bush's fault…

HH   March 17th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Always blame the next person Hillary. I am now betting you ruined every chance of a democrat winning in November first with the throw everything at Obama now to dismantle Bush. Looks like John McCain will beat both of you. If you would of stuck to your campaign words and dropped out after you lost Texas we would not be in this position. It is impossible for you to catch Obama in the delagate count so just drop out, and bring the party together. You are they one that painted Obama as a muslim with the emails and photos that YOUR campaign distributed. YOUR campagin talked to Canada and brought up NAFTA-GATE painting Obama as a double talker. And over time I am sure all of us will find out it will be YOUR campaign that brought up Obamas pastor. I cant believe people would judge one over anothers saying. I am sure all of us heard something that we totally disagreed with but did not hold the person over the fire for saying it. GIVE IT UP CNN and Fox Noise for running these stories over and over and over and GET BACK to the issues that matter like, the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Health Care, rising gas prices, loss of jobs, etc. etc.

steven   March 17th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Good for Hillary! And as far as uniting the country, Obama needs to first explain his attending a church so full of anti-Americanism as the one where Jeremiah Wright preaches.

Praetorian, Fort Myers   March 17th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

We must remember–many of the few facts in this article–were the result of legislation vote "yea" by Clinton herself.

She must have either selective amnesia or a politcal bi-polar disorder.

Edgar   March 17th, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Matt if Giants were able to beat the mighty Patriots, HRC will be the last one standing in the end.

Nobillary Andobama   March 17th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Methinks I hear Billary whining that standard liberal whine…

Mainstream America will surely grow tired of the same old liberal drivel about the economy.

Our standard of living is by far the best in the world and liberals still complain like we are living in the Sudan or something.

Most of the world has been paying over $3 a gallon for decades and liberals complain like it's our right to be the only country in the world with cheap gas. All while you drive your SUVs just like everyone else.

The purpose of the strategic oil reserve is to provide an emergency supply in an event of a major national crisis…not to offset open market controlled prices that you think are too high.

If you got into a mortgage that you couldn't afford….how is that the government's fault???

The purpose of government is not to subsidize your bad financial decisions!!!

Your Democratic Party….the party who will use the government to bail you out and to blame someone else for your self-induced problems

"HOPE" is not a method….only a nice sound bite

Rich from Ohio   March 17th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hillary - open up your tax records…what are you hiding? Obama has opened his….why not you? Don't you want the public to know who's hands are in your pockets…

John   March 17th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hasn't Hillary given up politics yet. If not, she should.

Charlotte   March 17th, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Hillary has the plan and the judgement to get us back on track. I also have no doubts that she loves this country. Obama lacks judgement in the most personal of decisions, how can he claim judgement now? He did not vote for the war, but spent 20 years in a church that preaches anti-American sermons. I feel sorry for all the people that he was able to fool with his words of hope, change. I just heard him speak on special interest money, yet he has accepted more money from Pharmas. then Hillary, took a quarter of a million dollars from Rezko, money from Exelon. What is he talking about?

RightyTighty   March 17th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

We are currently in a 7 year economic expansion with a 4.8 % unemployment rate. Please W, mislead me some more..

Rich Orl, FL   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I don't understand the banter between some of the Obama and Clinton supporters. If you are actually willing to vote for McCain if your preference does not win the nomination, the point can be made you never really supported your candidate in the first place. Think about it: the policies of Clinton and Obama are almost identical. Isn't that what we are voting for in this election–a new direction for our country?

I only slightly prefer one of these candidates but still respect the hard decisions my fellow Democrats, Independents, and some Republicans made between two, qualified choices. Americans need to stand united and support the eventual nominee over the evolved positions of McCain. Otherwise, there will be a continuation of the Bush doctrine. Is that what we want? I pray we learned better from the past seven years for the sake of our kids, if not for ourselves.

Rick in Florida   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Hillary…….you are quick to say you have "solutions" to the mortgage and sub-prime crises, but you CONVENIENTLY OMIT the fact that it was the Clinton administration in the 1990's that pushed so hard for de-regulation of the banking/lending sectors that LED to this mess!!
Part of your "experience", I guess?? I'm a conservative independent voter for Obama, and some TRUTH for a change!!

Spirit of America   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

What happens when you take some $2,000,000,000,000 (that's 1000 times 2 billion!) out of the US economy and dump into into the Persian Gulf in a war without end? Lots of dead bodies abroad and a crumbling economy at home. Thanks Bush and gang! When do your war crime trials begin?

ACTION   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

What do you want? guys.

Money or "Yes we can"?

NickNasc   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! C'mon Hillary Talk about somthing we DON'T Know about like who you are in bed with financially and what will be the penalty for those who cannot aford your MANDITORY Payments to your Insurance friends??

While your at it why can't you admit you LOST in Texas AND Why are you running a weak second with no hope to overtake Obama but you tried to offer him the 2nd slot?

OR

The Clinton Library donors list ( that would even shock your hypnotized Billary Bots if they saw that one)

I could go on forever.

W B in Las Vegas   March 17th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

I find it interesting that the Reagan "Government isn't the solution to the problem, Govenment IS the problem" Republicans on Wall Street suddenly want Fed interest rate cuts, increased liquidity, bridge loans and other "intervention" from the govenment to cover THEIR business mistakes.

I guess that helping home owners and small business BAD while helping billionaires GOOD.

Michelle Fuller   March 17th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

She won't even disclose Bill and her finances. Whey should we believe that she would be aboveboard in the country's economy? Put your money where your mouth is…..

Jenny from IN   March 17th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Matt –

I see you're bitter, but Obama supporters are not dividing this country. Neither are Clinton supporters. We all have to pull together.

With that being said, I do think Hillary Clinton is dividing the party. Obama's ahead, she needs to concede so we can focus of McCain and get the neoconservatives out of office once and for all.

Obama '08

AKB   March 17th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

I can only hope that what we are seeing is the awakening of this country to the stark fact that Barack Obama is not ready to be President. I know everyone thinks of a "dream ticket," and while I would still vote for it were Clinton on the top of the ticket, I do not think he is ready for that office either.

People may make as many personal attacks against Senator Clinton as they would like - she is used to it. But besides the Iraq war vote, there is seldom disagreement with her position on a number of issues because I think in everyone's heart of hearts, they know she is so very capable.

And even on the war vote, they forget that Senator Obama had no responsibility for a vote, and that 70+ Senators, with plenty of Democrats (including some of hi closest supporters) voted for it. This is a very easy position in which to oppose something. And since being elected, he has done nothing resembling the attempts on Senator Clinton's part to change the reality.

He is smart and he sounds good, but is in reality a hollow opportunist who has played a good game. I only hope that in the fourth quarter voters will realize that a slogan for change does not equal change.

Kevin   March 17th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Who does Clinton blame for her campaign's mishandling of its own internal economics? I'm sure she won't take any responsibility herself.

Esteban - Indiana   March 17th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Obama is the one dividing the country with his little "I'm the victim" speech.

Angela   March 17th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Hey Matt

You are 100% correct - I cannot belive how AWFUL the comments are from Obama supporters, which really contradicts his message of hope and unity. They are all going to stay home on election day if Clinton wins the nomination.

I guess he really is getting the younger voter - most are acting like children…

kathe oakland, california   March 17th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

I want to know why did Hillary Clinton get to speak on CNN for over an hour about her war plan. There is clearly a bias here. What is going on with this? Is Obama also allowed to speak in Washington.

firemedia   March 17th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Wolf will treat Hillary good cuz he was cnn White house correspondant for 5 plus years.

You talk about Bush causing the economic problem and the problem itself, but you don't give your solutions . Don't accuse Obama of just words if you do the same just words trip. Give us some meat on the bone. This whole campaigne has been void of eny substance from all of you running. Its just attack attack attack. Give us all a break and bring it back to earth

Alonzo Demetrius, FL, USA   March 17th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Both Obama and Clinton are part of the current government. If they knew how to do any better than the administration, don't you think, with their national attention over the past years, they would have already done so? It's so much easier to pretend they could not have helped improve the situation than to take responsibility for anything. The Congress signs off on everything the Administration proposes.

therealist   March 17th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Hillary can trash talk the economy all she wants but the fact is that Bush has already done better than Billary 1.

Unless you forget about the last recession. And 9/11, and any sense of personal responsibility for your own actions..

maya   March 17th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Thank you Hillary for continuing to be the strong leader that we need for 2008.

I am so mad about Obama's TWISTED comments about "forces of divsion" when HE in fact brought this upon himself by SUPPORTING and having as a "FRIEND" and "SPIRITUAL ADVISOR' and "MENTOR" a RACIST crazy Rev. Wright for 20 YEARS!! He even put this man on his campaign staff. It is deplorable.

Obama is NOT A VIABLE CANDIDATE. Since he actively supports someone who says, "God D** America" he can NEVER be president of America! Just that video clip (with some clips of him introducing his friend and confidante of 20yrs for added emphasis) will allow McLoony to CRUSH HIM IN THE GE!

JO   March 17th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

I agree with you Matt that must of Obama supporters are haters of Hillary and they are dividing America. Senator Clinton is a wonderful and experienced person and she will make a great President. As for Obama, he is great at giving speaches without record of accomplishment. He is also a very lucky person who won election to the United State senate without any serious oponent. What has he done in the senate? Nothing. He is too busy runing to be the next president. The Democratic party will lose in a landslide if Obama is the nominee.

v.ananthan   March 17th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Real leader with solutions….

GO HILLARY

-Hillary 08.

Rich from Ohio   March 17th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Matt:

Obama supporters are upset..'cause Hillary is in the process of stealing this election….in many ways. She pledged to go along with the DNC ruling on Michigan..unitl she realized she was in a politcal fight past Super Tuesday..then she changed her pitch. She wants to win at all cost and morals - not good qualities for a President.

I'm a mod. Republican that was going to give the Dem party a chance…no way, if this is "given" to Hillary..I'll vote McCain like many indie and mod republican Obama supporters..

Adam Orlando Florida   March 17th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Well spoken, I believe you are the best canidate to handle the economy for sure. Thank you for bringing this back to the issues at hand.

Hillary Clinton 2008!!

Robert in Long Beach, CA   March 17th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Is anyone really surprised that the Bush Administration cannot access it's own culpability in the current economic crisis? The president and his advisors have no clue. They also will probably never see the impact on their personal lives like the rest of us. The really sad part is that this president seems content to let the "next occupant" of the White House to deal with all of this. That being said, I don't think that Hillary Clinton is the best choice to address the numerous issues surrounding the economy. The economic success in the Clinton Administration is in the past. We need a leader that will look forward to answers.

c   March 17th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

im not a big HRC supporter but she is right on this

bill   March 17th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

I agree with the credit crisis, however releasing oil from the reserve won't do any good because we have plenty of oil. There are barges by Pittsburgh on th ohio river that can't unload becuse there's no storage facilities available. They keep claiming that the fuel prices are the same as in the iranian crises, the difference, then there was no oil, now we don't know where to put it. Wall Street has caused this problem, not the administration.

Life28SBK   March 17th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Of course you have to blame President Bush for the economic failures of our country…He's the president…. he wanted to go to war and he ended up neglecting america as an economic power. and now you have other countries looking at us like a we dont matter anymore.

RealityKing   March 17th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Greenspan said that he hoped the fallout would not take away the finance industry's ability to regulate itself. Market flexibility and free competition are the most reliable safeguards against economic trouble.

Quite the opposite of what Hillary was proposing last year..

NOBAMA NO WAY!   March 17th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Like Pat Buchanan said, "The lady knows."

CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT

Sevsnape   March 17th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Fine then, be hopeless! See where that gets you. Hope will unite the country and put ideas and solutions in action.

Anonymous   March 17th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Where is the release of earmarks?

norb   March 17th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

In all reality it's going to take another Clinton to clean up after another Bush. I hope it's not too late. All those Obama lovers out there. What happend with the reverend wright these past days has put your buddy's candidacy on ice. You can forget about it. His statements make Don Imus look good. Remeber Don Imus?
Truth is that the Democrats are going to need the "big States". Harold Ford ran a good race this past election season and stil lost Tennessee to Bill Frists replacement. Even Al Gore couldn't win his own state. His father was also an elected official from that state. So, what makes you think Obama is going to carry Tennessee or California for that matter? Believe me, if Obama is the Democratic candidate, what's happening now is child's play compared to what is going to happen when the swift boat verterens enter the fray. Along with Karl Rove and his crew. They'll the Willie Horton advertismente pale in comparison. Get real people. Get Hillary or, your going to get John McCain. You heard it here first.

James Nelson   March 17th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Her Majesty would make a great Sec. of Energy in Obama's Cabinet.

John   March 17th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

Right …Like Clinton or Obama or McCain would vote for ANWR. These people are all idiots! so…who is screwed? WE are "yes we are"

bond   March 17th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

For the good of the party, drop out Billary. You have NO chance of getting the delegate lead by Denver. You've lost the popular vote and lost as many states as you've won. You have no argument to be the nominee. Even your ridiculous experience argument holds no water since you've had less years of elected office as compared to your opponent. You weren't elected to be wife of a president.

Scoreboard Obama

Mike Brian   March 17th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

That's my lady. That's my president!

Capacity Builder   March 17th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

It starts with standing up to Bush and Cheney on the war. As long as they had impunity on "use of force," they ran the table on their 'patriotic' agenda. Hillary capitulated.

PA   March 17th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Hillary - Every job interview requires proof of exericence that is claimed or people pad thier qualifications. So………

Where are the White House papers showing what you did as First Lady?

Where are the records of your earmarks? Obama has released his.

Where are your tax-returns? McCain and Obama have released theirs.

Where are the records of the donors to the Clinton Library?

We, the people , are INTERVIEWING for the JOB of President and WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR RECORDS!!!

kelly WI   March 17th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Talking about it isn't going to either. re: food and gas.
don't vote for either one. With policies you'll be taxed more and have less money.

Your Friend Is Right   March 17th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Matt:

Listen to your friend.

Obama 08

Jonathan   March 17th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Hey Brooke,

"Hope isn't going to put food on the table or gas in the car."

Neither will failed socialist policies, and populist pandering. This woman has about as much economic sense as a box of frito-lays.

Its scary how uneducated the public is about even simple things like the cost of oil.

sigh   March 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

The problem here is a little thing called the "contracts clause" of a little document called the US Constitution. The feds can;t go in and rewrite privately negotiated contracts. Plus, even setting aside the potential constitutional isses, what would this do to investors? Remember, most home loans are not held by the initial lender, they are sold to investors. So, the feds come along and say, sorry you can;t adjust that rate upward? Sorry, you can;t foreclose on the equity in the home to protect your investment. You could cause the entire secondary mortgage market to freeze up.

Wallace Greenfield, III   March 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Once again, we have Hillary supporters that only see what they want to see. So, you read the entire article and saw nothing there about Obama's economic plans? Or you choose not to do your research and be spoon fed by your candidate.

When I hear comments that suggest Obama only talks about "Hope" and "Unity", it reaks of Republican tactics — 'Say it enough times and it will stick' because most people aren't smart enough to dig. Do your homework. Read Obama's economic blueprint where he lays out specifics. Research the scandal-ridden Clintons who are facing a campaign finance fraud case in California as a write this, largely ignored by the media.

Brooke, just do your homework and stop with the "Obama's an empty suit" rhetoric.

Take care.

Obama '08

Trev   March 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

She was, and continues to be, way out in front on these issues. During the debates, Obama said "I agree with Hillary" so much that we almost turned it into a drinking game.

Hillary 08

Charlie   March 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I DO NOT TRUST HILLARY OR BILL CLINTON. THEY WOULD NOT KNOW THE TRUTH IF IT STOOD IN FRONT OF THEM. HILLARY IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT SO BILL CAN HAVE ANOTHER TERM. iT IS HOW THEY ARE GETTING AROUND THE RULE ABOUT TERM LIMITS. HE THINKS HE WAS A MUCH BETTER PRESIDENT THAN HE EVER WAS.

FM   March 17th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Putting a moratorium on foreclosures of housing speculators will only reward stupid and irresponsible behavior. If you speculated on housing, which is what the majority of these foreclosures are ("yeah, I'm gunna flip sum houses and make sum bank… duhhhhhhhh.") and got caught holding the bag when the music stopped, sorry, you lose. Suck it up. Too bad. It's not the government's job to bail you out of your stupid behavior… next you'll demand Hillary do something to help cover your gambling losses for the last trip to Vegas.

And don't even get me started on the idiots who signed subprime loans THEY KNEW THEY COULDN'T AFFORD in the first place. Life is tough, and it's even tougher when you're stupid.

Norm   March 17th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

You watch, Obama is going to say the same thing, just make it sound like it's his words…You go girl!

Mr. C.   March 17th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Clinton and Her lies AGAIN… Why say McCain and Obama disagreed with you… For the record, Sen. Obama's measures and yours are same. Why say obama and mccain ridiculed you. Are you trying to get the people to beleive this? I hope no one would beleive this.

Peter   March 17th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Nonsense on the home forclosure stuff. There is no way that is true, as for the interest rate freeze, it shows your ignorance, the issue was not rates, which are part of the step up function, but home prices. More and more people with bad credit were given home loans on the basis of increasing real estate values. It's simple bubble economics and the bubble burst. Freezing foreclosures doesn't help it just shifts the burden - if people can't pay their loans how is this helpful. The banks are still stuck with the debt, in other words we are in the same place we are now. What a load of hogwash. You couldn't have prevented this with that kind of action. As for your plan - meh not that much more helpful than the one that is in place now. Mortgage relief legislation - is the only way to stem the tide.

V in CA   March 17th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

You go, Hillary! Good job.

Now, CNN… I sure would like to hear about her Iraq foreign policy speech.

An Agnostic Democrat   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

This from a woman who didn't have the foresight to plan for anything after Super Tuesday and has mismanaged a sloppy campaign. She's inevitable alright! An inevitably piss-poor manager and leader. Not ready on day one or any day forward for that matter.

Debra   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Yes! This is what I want to hear. The Republicans will win if all our news casts do nothing but point fingers at each other.

Vince   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

The disastrous condition our economy is in should now be the number one issue for both candidates. Kudos to Hillary Clinton for not being afraid to bring this problem front and center. Now lets see if Obama has the fortitude to discuss it..

Lorna   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

How can Hillary lash out at the Republicans for their economic blunders? This country is in economic trouble for TWO major reasons. The first is NAFTA which was a Republican deal that Bill and Hillary pushed through his first year in office. We have seen a steady stream of industrial equipment leave this country as a result. Bill said, that our jobs would be replaced by the " service industry" of which we still have no definition. Hillary promised jobs in New York, but blamed Bush for the loss of jobs when the NAFTA plan failed to produce those plans. The second reason we are in trouble is the war in Iraq. She along with Bush authorized it. Now, if I can see this and prove it, just think what the Republicans can do with it.

Hayes from OHIO   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Hillary supporters you need to watch Hillary:The movie on YouTube and then tell me she is not lieing to the American people just to get the nomination. I don't believe a word she says. It's just words and America needs to wake up before it's too late. She promises to get us out of this mess just like she promised New York 500,000 new jobs. Look at the track record people, where are the jobs in New York, where is the Universal health care she has been working on for 35 years. With all of that experience she has been claiming why couldn't she get it done. Why couldn't she get the health care plan past when she was first lady. This is the kind of experience I don't want. Do your research people it's all there in Black and White. Maybe you don't care about your future but I do.

K   March 17th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

*pulled from another cite* But I think it has to be said!

Those of you who might have seen Barack's response to the Pastor Wright issue, should be proud of the way he dealt with questions that were posed to him by CNN's Anderson Cooper and the Major from another network. Sen. Obama was forthright, truthful and disarmed his questioners with a brilliant smile.

Even then, he did not trash his pastor, citing his experience as a Vietnam vet, the good things he has done for AIDS, poverty, social issues in the church, etc. African Americans in the 60s were frustrated with the establishment but Barack is of another generation and is able to move past the pain of the past and bring a coalition of races, religions, backgrounds and age groups.

He is really the best candidate in the race for the Democratic party and for the nation. He is also the best candidate for US foreign policy in the issues that we face today.

OBAMA 08′

hello   March 17th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

If I hear another word "DEREGULATION' from mouth of John MaCain or all republican candidate then I urge all this indepedent voter to vote for Democrat.
Enough damage is done to this country by this word.

An Ohio Voter   March 17th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Great Job Hillary!!

Please stay focused on the issues, identify the problems and state your plans to solve them. You're a fighter Hillary. I have always respected you for that. Don't get distracted, don't get turned around and most of all, Don't Give Up!! You can win this thing, YES YOU CAN..

Hillary all the way!!!

Chelsea's White House Wedding   March 17th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Yes, Hillary should continue to lie about Obama. Then she will become the first female president, have Chelsea's WH wedding, and pretend she really cares about the American people. This woman is a joke, and I would never vote for her.

This country will have to suffer another 4 years, because I will definitely throw my vote away, and John McCain will be our next president.

Debra   March 17th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Go Democrats!. Down with Republicans!

Louie   March 17th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Yes, Bush's bottomless pockets for this BS war has taken attention and money away from more important issues like our countries own well being, but don't blame it all on Bush.

wasn't it Billary's administration that pushed for and enacted NAFTA that sent so many of our jobs to other countries? Bill and her are just as much to blame!

All these politicians are crooks only serving their own interests and wallets. Why else would these people who have plenty of wealth run for less paying government offices? And don't tell me it's to be the voice of and help the common citizen. They've been selling us out for so long and now there's nothing left.

NO OBAMA!   March 17th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

TO ALL THOSE OBAMA"S SUPPORTERS

AER YOU GUYS BILIND????DO YOU GUYS LIKE A PERSON WHO CURSES HIS COUNTRY AND HATES SO MANY PEOPLE TO BE OUR PRESIDENT???????/

ARE YOU GUYS IDIOTS?????????

NO OBAMA! NO OBAMA FOREVER!

Relax Joe   March 17th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

"RightyTight wrote: We are currently in a 7 year economic expansion with a 4.8 % unemployment rate. Please W, mislead me some more.."

That 4.8% is based on the present unemployment index of labor elligible for receiving unemployment insurance. It doesn't index the total of workers out of work who continue to be unemployed but no longer qualify for insurance benefits.

Real unemployment numbers is much higher.

Chuck   March 17th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Why are so many Obama supporters rooting around in Hillary's closet? Is it because Obama's racist dirty laundry got hung out on the line?

Hope is not going to fix anything, knowledge of the way our government really works (behind closed doors or otherwise) is what will bring this country out of the pit Bush put us in.

Look past your skin color and help save our country!!!

Enrique   March 17th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

By giving George W. Bush a blank check to invade and occupy Iraq, Hillary is also to blame for our economic mess. Thanks to a war that was waged under false pretenses, we've lost thousands of lives and spent billions of dollars. Nice try, Hillary.

Debra   March 17th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Negative smears against our Democratic candidates has got to stop. We are all on the same side.

Mike Brian   March 17th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

I started to feel pathetic about those Obama supporters. Lash out your blatant hatred towards Hillary won’t do you any good.

robert   March 17th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Let's see……on one hand, we have clear plans of action…..on the other hand we have "hope, change, change, hope….hope it changes…." and a lot of supporters filled with ignorance and hate.
This is a no-brainer.

DeniseGA   March 17th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Again, Hillary fails to speak about how she will help the economy. Quite frankly we don't care to or need to hear her blame Bush..

Newsflash: American knows who to blame for the economy.

What can you do Hillary to help us?

Let us see your taxes, earmarks, WH documents. We have not forgotten about those thing.

Will Hillary be going to jail, before the White House? Peter Paul VS Hillary Clinton, Bill, Clinton, Ed Rendell, etc…

We need to know, before you attempt to win the nomination!

A. Harrison   March 17th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

YAAY HIllary! I love it when you TALK Like that!

Hillary 2008!

A plan, a mission, and an un-relenting force!

bill   March 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Hey Norb
Come November Obama isn't running against Hillary anymore, do you really think all the Hillary backers are going to dump the Democratic party and vote for McCain. If that's the case, they were never true democrats anyway. Come November it's going to come down to three or four swing states and it doesn't matter who won the primaries in those states, it's who has the most unified party and wins those states in November "Period" And you read it here first.

norb   March 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Everybody went crazy when they found out who Bill had sleep over in the Lincoln bedroom. I wonder what the reaction will be if reverend Wright gets the invitation?

Brian - Trinidad   March 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Keep speaking out Hillary, don't let that Obama crowd that believes you get things done by standing around clapping and chanting slogans. The same demographic that once elevated the Rev Sun Yung Moon to omnipotent status has been once again conned by a new Messiah who has again found the simple answer to a major global problem. Lets all go green! Obama should start by having his campaign go green.

Brian   March 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Well, I'll get behind her on this one! But I still think she should do the right thing and exit the race.

As a lifelong Chicagoan and observer of the Cubs' annual exercise in futility, I know when someone has been mathematically eliminated when I see them… and that about describes Hillary's White House run.

O'BAMA '08!!!

M. S. Indiana   March 17th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

You had to loan money to your own campaign… gonna loan money to USA when it goes down ??

hello   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Be careful w/ asking tax return from clinton.
Ken Starr could not find anything after spending 100 millions.
they are very smart and know that nothing is fishy in thier document but making everbody to suspect them.
this is their trap to Obama voters.

Michael "C" in Lorton, Virginia   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

The notion that big business and big labor and our government can sit down around a table somewhere and work out the direction of the American economy is at complete variance with the reality of where the American economy is headed. We have forty million reasons for failure of the American economy, but not a single excuse.

Susan   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

This is something your Husband, the 'ol President Clinton started !!

Go crawl back under the rock you came out from.

You Clinton's need to retire on an Island far far away from us.

No One wants you here !!!

Lauren-Hammond   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Well done Hillary….you show them exactly why your qualified to be the next President.

And Rich from Ohio - she'll open them up on April 15th. I am surprised Obama has what with his Merrill Lynch lobbyist donations and Rezko's nice tidy sum of $250,00 - oh, more than he first suggested then.

Obama the preaching Uniter. Give me a break. It is him and his supporters dividing the country. If you don't support Obama you're racist apparently. Give me a break. Nice patriotism with Rev. Wright.

Anne   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

I agree with so many comments here, Obama supporters ARE the dividers, but then again so is Obama's spiritual advisor Uncle Jeremiah. Dinner with the Rezko's followed by some advice from Uncle Pastor Wright. THAT is not the kind of president I want. At least Hillary Loves her county and has spent a life time proving it. I think Obama will begin to be exposed as the layers peel off like an onion. He grew up in dirty politics in Chicago, one of the dirties political cities in our country. The apple doesn't fall far does it Barack?

Cameron   March 17th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

What I don't understand are the comments on how Hillary still being in the campaign is hurting the democratic party. No matter who gets the nomination, we Democrats are going to unify and support our nominee. But, if you are a Hillary supporter, why give up now? It's not to late… she's fighting, we are supporting and we are keeping the public eye on US.

We, the people, are the subjects of interest in this campaign. So, Hillary has every right to blame Bush and his irresponsible spending as a cause of our economy slouch (a very generous term to use here)! Him and his failed administration are the foundation of the crisis we are experiencing today.

Also, it's nice to hear one of the candidates talk about the issues. It is unfair that both Clinton and Obama have to dig theirselves out of these "holes" just to clear things up and get the message across to voters about the important topics: the issues. All of this nonsense about the former pastor and Ferraro need be left out of the campaigns.

Democrats need to keep the fight, stand for what they believe and win the White House in '08!

Stand for what you believe Hillary!
Go Dems '08!!!

James   March 17th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Hillary, the country is facing a downturn economically, just like it did the last two years of your husbands administration. You talk a good talk, but your actions do not back it up. To use the reserves would be a very temporary solution, and then we would have to buy back the oil to replenish it. How about working on legislation to allow us to drill in our own country, to get more oil locally. That would eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. How about changing the EPA laws on refineries so we could refine more oil. That would reduce the price of gas. You have to have a balance between the Environment, and Oil production to keep this country strong. Lets talk details on issues, and it will become apparent that neither you nor Obama have any real solutions for the economy. You cannot tax your way out of a recession.

Craig   March 17th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Hillary Clinton, Ready to Mislead From Day One.

FrankSmith   March 17th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

What most Hillary supporters forget are very simple facts:

1. The Clintons have and continue to make enemies! Yes, it is great to be popular, but no one wants to work with a boss that simply uses people.

2. The Clintons are fighters for their own "needs" only. As an example, most presidents would have resigned, given what Bill did with Monica Lewinsky, and the lies that followed us.

3. Bill was successful because, at least he, has the skills to bring people together; Hillary lacks this skill!!!

Maggie   March 17th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I have read too many pro-Obama people on these blogs asking how Hillary can say she has more experience than Obama since he's "been a senator and all she has been is first lady" Well I have news for you, people - Clinton is a senator from New York and has been for 8 years! These Obama-supporters don't even know what they are talking about! Clinton has more experience than Obama, plus she has better judgment (I remind everyone of Obama's 20-year quite intimate involvement with his racist church and Mr. Wright)

Thomas   March 17th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Hillary, go take Economics 101. Ever heard that the economy is cyclical? If you are so out of touch, I doubt you are qualified to be president.

Bayou Joe   March 17th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

I would have done this, I would have done that, blah,blah,blah. The truth is neither you, obama or bush, could have anticipated the fall out from the subprime market. Furthermore, had the feds stayed out of it in the first place, the market would have taken care of itself. In a free market economy, which the democrats don't beleive in, their are winners and losers. The companies that are well managed and make sound decisions survive and those that don't die. This is how capitalism works.

The majority of the people in this country, those that work for a living,
still pay their mortgage, don't make foolish decisons and pay their bills are just fine. Personally I believe that the Liberals started badmouthing the economy about a year ago in an effort to bring the economy down and they succeeded. This is called a self fullfilling prophesy. If you believe things are going bad and you convince enough people that they are going bad, things will go bad.

Your solution to the problem is at best a socialist solution and at worst communism, which we have been fighting agains for decades.
You cannot solve some peoples problems without creating problems for others. The people who lend the money have a right to a fair return on their lending. To change the rules after the money has been lent is wrong and probably unconsitutional. But then again what do you liberal/socialists democrats care about the constitution. You just rewrite it as you see it to fit your needs.

demwit   March 17th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Didn't Hillary blame Bush for not releasing her White House papers too??

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   March 17th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

PA - why hide your name? perhaps you are hiding something? are you asking for her records? really? for what? or do you believe that if Sen. Obama's gets them he will have some leverage to buried her? so you don't like Sen. Clinton, fine but don't be a jerk and disrespect a former first lady and a current senator. you are the reason of any divisions in the democratic party, you and the people who just want to see either one of these candidates burn up in flames! these people are honorable and decent, inlcuding Sen. Mccain I do not understand the banter that goes on these blogs and frankly they are depressing, our economy is looking more and more depressing and we need "solutions", show me Sen. Obama's or Sen. McCain's solutions to these fundamental problems? tas breaks will not correct the fundamentals, and new moral guide for walstreet will not correct the fundamentals. at least she is talking intelligently and with substance about these problem and putting forth real solutions. that is what I care about.

barry   March 17th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

This country made a poor choice for President 7 years ago.We elected someone we wanted to have a beer with..Women were feared into voting for Bush on the Terrorist front…Women this time it is up to you.. Are you going to vote this time for somone who can get the job done. There is only one smart choice for President if you want to fix the economy and bring our troops home.. That choice is clearly Hillary

Mike, Arkansas   March 17th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

go OBAMA

Can I post that CNN?? You keep deleting my post and I didnt say nothing bad at all.. just stating the truth! Geesh.. so FOR HILLARY CNN. I wish the Media would report on both Canidates equally. Let the PEOPLE decide.

John   March 17th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Well, I am happy to see we are trying to get back to the issues. As for everybody talking about Reverend Wright: first and foremost, Obama and Wright are two different people. First people are saying Obama is full of rhetoric and what he's saying is just a speech. Well with that logic, I guess what Mr. Wright is preaching is not? You can't have it both ways. If words mean nothing, then no one has a darn thing to complain about. Secondly, Obama is his own person. Surely he can agree with Wright on some things and disagree with him on other things. Wright is no running for President; Obama is. And I am going to end by saying, if we all lived by the double standard we keep setting for Obama, a lot of us will have a lot of problems. Case and point: If, as the Clinton and McCain supporters want us to believe, that actions speak louder than words (which I do believe in), and because we attend a church, we must believe and agree with everything our church's priest or pastor preaches, then a lot of Catholics are in trouble. We have a large number of priests preaching the 10 Commandments and molesting children at the same time. Do they individually represent their members of their congregation on that front? I highly doubt it. Let Obama speak for himself. If you look at his history, the things he has done have been to help people in general, regardless of race and national origin.

Chow N. A.   March 17th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Strange that how short peoples' memory could be. The vitrolic attacks against Bill Clinton ( because he is championing Hillary for nomination) are epitome of ungratefulness by people who have had a period of prosperity under his prsidency. Strange even more that people who have been clamouring for issue based debates criticise Hillary when she does it ignoring the "hot air baloon" stuff from some one they will find with no fault . If this is not the height of hypocricy I don't know what is.

Alice Brian   March 17th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

my prediction is that Obama will quit the race, and two year later he will lose senator seat

then he sells his mansion for 40% less because econnomy is in bad shape.

finally he settled down as a volunteer in chicago street again, which he always dreamed of.

Ron, Las Vegas   March 17th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

So if she would have done a moratorium a year ago, why did she wait until the crisis happened to suggest one? Seems like she always has the answer after the problem arises but never before it comes about. We need someone who projects the future and anticipates problems before they happen instead of waiting for the problem and saying what we should have done. We need a thinker not someone who only reacts to problems.

California Voter   March 17th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Our economy is going south and now is not the time to elect a novice. We need a person of Hillary's experience to lead our country out of the recession.

Hillary for President.

P.S. Obama knew what the TUCC was all about. You don't even have to listen to Wright's sermons to see how separatist or racist the church is — go to the website and see for yourself. LET'S SEE IF YOU ELIMINATE THIS COMMENT!

anon   March 17th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

What would she do to end this? Sit and talk with congress and the oil companies and we're back to strong economic growth?

The markets will fix themselves. We don't need to make it harder for people to get mortgages, but limiting the kind of mortgages people can get. That's hillary's plan!

There is some judgment....   March 17th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Let's start with Senator Obama continuing to vote for funding the war - ….. duh! He talks out of both side of his face - oh ya - and the kind of company he keeps.

His one vote against the funding would not have swung the vote, so he cannot be so pretentious as to think his one vote would have had any impact. He would have at least been true to his word if he voted against funding the war.

Of course, that is a rarity nowadays (reference: NAFTA/Canada - oh ya, the Minister)

At least Senator Clinton is talking about the issues. Far more than what Senator Obama is doing. He talks change but gives no examples because he has none. Wake up Folks!

PA - your are naive and it is showing. Not to be too embarrased but if you really want to know what Senator Clinton did as first lady - there are over 15,000 web pages that if you do a simple Google you can get informed by.

Why release something on a dare from Senator McCain? That is just dumb and because Senator Obama chose again to make a bad decision doesn't mean that Senator Clinton has to follow!

Who cares about tax returns? I am more concerned frankly with the fact that Senator Obama is pro nuclear weapons! Are you?

Records to the donors to the Clinton Library??? ecks - when all else fails - throw the kitchen sink.

Just relax….there are much larger problems going on than you probably know or would recognize. Take a breath and just relax. Senator Obama will be talking soon.

Ryan from Indiana   March 17th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Good job Hillary! You looked and sounded very Presidential. Once again I am proud to be a supporter. Keep on hammering the issues. It's becoming more and more evident that you are indeed the only Democrat that can win in the GE.

gina   March 17th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Actually, there ARE important differences between the two, and it goes far beyond their stance on policy and issues. Try integrity! I'm another Hillary supporter that would definitely go with McCain if Obama's the nominee. And another thing… all these accusations of hiding things made by someone who doesn't even want to use his own middle name?! PLEASE!! Hillary '08

Rec   March 17th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Why are people willing to take economic advice from Clinton or Obama, neither of whom have ever held a real job in their entire lives? Neither have ever run a business. Neither have ever worked a payroll. Neither have ever done ANYTHING remotely considered "management."

Both have merely sat on committees their entire lives, "talking."

In fact, the biggest thing EITHER of them has ever managed is their current CAMPAIGNS for the office. And Hilllary has already bankrupted hers once. Going to these two for financial advise is like asking your preschooler for advice on which snow tires to buy.

Mohammad, LA CA   March 17th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I like her ideas, but I don't like her.

FrankSmith   March 17th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Past Behavior is the BEST thing that can predict what the individual will do in the future:

Just review your old tapes, newspapers, magazines etc of the Clinton years and you can tell what another Clinton presidency will look like!!

Indeed, we all want to be rich; but what about our "moral" values? The Republicans will remind the Dems about this if Hillary is ever the nominee. God bless us all!

Manuel TX   March 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Don't worry…Hillary's been hit by many haters over the years.

And she's still standing.

The lady is tough, and she's just what this country needs. :)

Trev   March 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Rich from Ohio:

Obama has NOT opened up his Tax records. Here is the proof.

He has released ONE YEAR. Big deal! Obama will do anything to divert people from the issues.

Debby   March 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Well at least Hillary is talking issues isn't that what you Obama supporters wanted to get back to. Its to bad Obama can't as well, he has to keep bailing himself out of controversial attacks. Obama's goose is cooked, even if he wins the primary which I doubt now there is no way he will win the election. This Wright thing isn't going away. Talk about swiftboating at its finest.

jeremy   March 17th, 2008 1:43 pm ET

Once she shows her earmark packages, her IRS forms maybe I'll take her seriously. Until she opens up her closet, she is not different than the Bush administration.

bill   March 17th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Go Hillary! Real discussion and not just "we'll all get together all the time and sing songs"

I want a tough liberal fighter! Go Hillary!

NEVEROBAMA   March 17th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

REAL SOLUTIONS……ELECTED A REAL CANDIDATE HILLARY CLINTON. ALL OBAMA'S TALK ABOUT CHANGE AND HE KEEPS SLINGING MUD AT HILLARY!! REAL CHANGE!!! I WILL NEVER, EVER VOTE FOR OBAMA (EMPTY SUIT) IF HILLARY DOES NOT GET THE NOMINATION MY SELF, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL VOTE MCCAIN. WE ARE SICK OF THE OBAMA PEOPLE WRITTING BLOG WITH SO MUCH DISRESPECT FOR SENATOR CLINTON.

WE BELIEVE IN YOU HILLARY!!

VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY
VOTE HILLARY

AJ, IL   March 17th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I concur with what BOND said…drop out Hillary for the sake of the Democratic Party. The longer this race goes the worst it will be for Democrats in November. Not just the presidential election, but the congressional elections also.

It is funny to see Hillary-supporters stating that they are mad at Obama. Why? Obama has shown more transparency than either McCain or Hillary. McCain has shown more transparency than Hillary. Hillary release your tax returns. What's the hold-up! My taxes returns from 2000 to 2006 are readily available, why isn't Hillary and Bill's? Hillary release your White House papers returns. What's the hold-up! Hillary release Bill's donor list to the Clinton Library and Foundation. What's the hold-up! Why are this secrecy on stuff that should be readily available to the American Public?

Kevin   March 17th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Steven,

It's Anti-American to deplore our history of slavery and the resultant racial divide? If what you say is true, then count me in among your "anti-Americans."

Obama, whose ethnic history is evenly black AND white, is the physical manifestation of our country bridging racial gaps. Your comments are absurd, and a thing of the past. Try to remove yourself from your ethno-centric perspective.

Deb   March 17th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

Well said Hillary!

Please CNN understand that just hearing "Obama" or reading about him now makes most of us sick to our stomachs.

Obama is no longer a viable candidate-stop torturing us with his second guess at what Hilary has to say!

Obama and his hateful supporters are no longer serving any purpose

Goodbye Anti-American Dividers!

Chris In California   March 17th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

As for Hillary Clinton's records, she has said she will make her tax returns public. Nothing else is anybody's business. I heard it raised that the contributors to the Bill Clinton Presidential Library should be released. I do not know who those contributors were, but there are usually many sources contributing to our presidential libraries and if it is true that the Saudis contributed, I say "good!" They have been ripping our country off with exorbitant and unfair gas prices for years. They SHOULD contribute to our country.

As for "secrecy," I think Barack Obama has exhibited planty of that in his campaign's Chief Economic Advisor SECRETLY meeting with Canadian officials, reportedly telling them not to worry about what Barack Obama says on the campaign trail about NAFTA because it is just "political" rhetoric and not "policy." Then, the Obama camp denied the meeting ever took place until Obama was confronted with evidence of the meeting. Then, he finally admitted that a meeting had taken place.

Obama also kept a minister who spews what sounds like racist, hateful, anti-American propaganda in his church, and Barack Obama who has attended that church for 20 years denies ever hearing such things "while sitting in the pews" on his campaign as an official African-American Spiritual Advisor. He keeps saying that he never heard this man's language in the ways we have all been watching on CNN and other stations in recordings of it while he sat "in the pews" in the church. Does this mean he heard it elsewhere - like in person or on tapes he listened to of the Reverend's sermons??? Then, he said he heard about "one" of these sermons only after he began running for President. So, why did he not dismiss this reverend from his campaign then instead of waiting until there was a public outcry about it?

Joanne   March 17th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

More power to you Hillary!!!!!The Obama camp has put you down enough. It is time the media follows through on what is happening to him. Obama is falling and he will fall fast. Mark my words.

I really cannot understand how Obama can talk at not to the American people and continue to deceive them. Ironicly, they are gullible to suck it all up. My understanding is Hillary has the uneducated and Blue Collar voters and woman voters. The media continues to stress this. Must make americans real GOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Obama, apparently gets the White Collar and Educated voters. What a joke. Young voters are much to young to get it. They will. The vulnerable, are brainwashed just like him, his wife and children.( God Bless them). They are in need.

The Dem House Speaker , who is bias, is wrapped in so much jealously it makes me laugh. Super Delegates are streaming to OBAMA now, wait.. As for John Edwards and all those who claimed to be Hillary's friend are waiting so it can benefit them. What a joke.

Hillary you will come out to be the winner and we will see who gets the last laugh. You are a strong woman. Continue to fight the establishment. The former president Bill Clinton has respect world wide. They need to find someone to mock, afterall. Rev. Wright is so special; the Audacity of Deceit…..Cnn, especially Roland Martin and Jamal look at their faces when anything negative is said about poor Obama If eyes are the vision of their souls God help them. LOL Watch Obama when he is deceitful. H is lip quivers and watch his expression. Unbelievable…Yes he Won't You are going down down down and some of us are waiting patiently

Go hillary Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!08

Lou Dobbs my man, you told him. More power to you.

Boomer:White Female Supporter for Obama   March 17th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Let's see the tax returns and ear marks so we can know who she owes favours to. This woman slams everyone else but is not willing to put things on the table.

Michiel W   March 17th, 2008 1:48 pm ET

OK, one more try at posting. I find it amazing that even when Hillary Clinton talks about the issues affecting all Americans, she is vilified by the supporters of Senator Obama. He has been shown to be somewhat less than forthcoming with regard to fundraiser Rezko and his 20 year relationship with the Rev Wright and his church, and yet his supporters continue to call both Hillary and Bill Clinton the most vile and disgusting things imaginable. Senator Obama claimed to be running a "clean" campaign, devoid of the "old time dirty tricks", but this does not seem to be the case. And if his supporters are an indication of the "change" he speaks of, thank you I am not interested! I was a supporter of John Edwards, and as Hillary is closer in her approach to that of John Edwards, I will be voting for her. If she does not get the nomination, I will consider voting for Nader, but cannot in good conscience vote for Senator Obama.

Gary of El Centro, Ca   March 17th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Having run her own campaign into the ground financially to the point she had to loan herself $5 million, I really don't see Hillary as being credible on this issue.

GE from Ohio   March 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Senator Clinton, I heard you speak at the State of the Black Union conference hosted by Tavis Smiley in Louisiana. I was so excited that you had planned to attend. It was obvious that most of the audience were Obama supporters, however I commend you for your intelligent and thoughtful remarks when you spoke. Your conversation with Tavis was outstanding. I think you changed a few minds in the audience and your standing ovation made my day!!

A few days later, I voted for you in the Ohio Primary. I was proud to cast my vote for you!!!!

Stay focused Senator, and keep on fighting the good fight.

Hillary '08

anonymous   March 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Hope is a good thing. Faith is better. Faith is hope in action. For me, Obama represents the first; Hillary the latter. I'm glad she's talking about the economy. It is a HUGE issue for me. Keep hammering away at Bush, keep talking about the economy, and how it is affecting us.

Stay out of the Obama/Rev. Wright mess. Let Obama continue citing his "superior" judgment about the Iraq war. That was then. His judgment lately, not to mention memory, has been questionable at best. Does he really expect us to believe that he NEVER heard any of Rev. Wright's inflammatory remarks after attending his church for 20 years? After calling him a friend of the family–like an uncle? After saying that he was his spiritual advisor? After naming him to be a member of a committee, as part of his campaign?

Sorry. I don't buy that. Such behavior shows a lack of good, let alone superior, judgment on Obama's part.

Something that sounds too good to be true usually is too good to be true. I just hope it's not to late to rectify matters.

Hillary '08

American Patriot   March 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WARNED OF WHAT IS COMMING……….

THE NEW WORLD ORDER

Brandi   March 17th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

I find it so stunning that people believe that "hoping" somehow correlates with no effort, no accountability no work towards what you are hoping for. If you are going to jump on a piece of the statement, of course the perception is off. So often I see on these blogs "It takes more than hope to get things done." Well thanks for the stating the obvious. You are missing the point entirely. It BEGINS with desire for, wanting, willingness to persist hope for change. If you always do what you've always done, you alwasy get what you always got. Its so funny to me that people are "anti-hope" Unfortunately, it has turned me against Hillary. I would have originally voted for either, but she simply turned me off by her approach to all of this. To those who call Obama supporters followers of all talk and no substance, there are over 13 million people who voted for him so far, MSM and HRC both claim a good percentage of the voters are college educated. For those who talk about her experience-I don't see how when you go to a job interview you point to all of the things you failed and have no learned from as experience. Healthcare, NAFTA, Iraq vote, and on and on. Barack did not vote for the war, but he was running for Senate and publicly opposed the war when it was unpopular to do so. I know HRC supporters don't get that because HRC would have been on the let's go to war bus if she thougth it would get her elected. He did not do that. It does matter that he could have risked his whole career by saying what many (and you are right about those in Dem spots at the tiem) were doing at the time. He risked complete alienation, and he did and said the right thing anway. FROM DAY ONE.

S. Wright   March 17th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Again, the Democrat Party think that the President can just waive a magic wand, and the economy will fall into shape. Obviously, they have forgotten the last 18 months when they held the White House.

Also, the idea that increasing taxes on us all will be good for the economy shows just how misguided their thinking is. Increasing taxation to spur economic growth runs contrary to every single economic theory that has ever been taught, save one…

Marxism

New Yorker   March 17th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

And others blame her husband and other democrats for all the immoral laws in this country and the beginning of terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. What's worse? I say the latter. The more money we have, the more decadent.

The Austrian   March 17th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

Good job, blame the current administration (easy to do) for our economic woes, and then offer a solution that will only exacerbate the problem.

You want the economy to recover? Then get your filthy, governmental fingers out of it!

For those of you sick of the same old interventionalist policies, read up on Austrian Economics. Our prosperity depends on it…

There is some judgment....   March 17th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Let's start with Senator Obama continuing to vote for funding the war - ….. duh! He talks out of both side of his face - oh ya - and the kind of company he keeps.

His one vote against the funding would not have swung the vote, so he cannot be so pretentious as to think his one vote would have had any impact. He would have at least been true to his word if he voted against funding the war.

Of course, that is a rarity nowadays (reference: NAFTA/Canada - oh ya, the Minister)

At least Senator Clinton is talking about the issues. Far more than what Senator Obama is doing. He talks change but gives no examples because he has none. Wake up Folks!

PA - your are naive and it is showing. Not to be too embarrased but if you really want to know what Senator Clinton did as first lady - there are over 15,000 web pages that if you do a simple Google you can get informed by.

Why release something on a dare from Senator McCain? That is just dumb and because Senator Obama chose again to make a bad decision doesn't mean that Senator Clinton has to follow!

Who cares about tax returns? I am more concerned frankly with the fact that Senator Obama is pro nuclear weapons! Are you?

Records to the donors to the Clinton Library??? ecks - when all else fails - throw the kitchen sink.

Just relax….there are much larger problems going on than you probably know or would recognize. Take a breath and just relax. Senator Obama will be talking soon. LOL!

Michael   March 17th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

No matter how the paid Obama spinners keep trying to turn this negative around, the fact remains that the pastor Obama himself has said is his spiritual advisor, father-figure, mentor, and confidante - is a perfect example of why Obama can not win the general election against John McCain - former POW and well liked across party lines. Clinton has a credible argument that she can defeat McCain because of her ability to win the swing states and hold the Democratic states.

The Obama campaign has done an exceptional job of game planning in this election regarding the caucuses and Republican states. His staffs ability to identify Republicans willing to "cross over" to vote against Clinton made their claim to attract Republican or Obamican voters seem almost believable. However, the facts have come out and the super delegates - despite Pelosi's obvious cheerleading on her candidates behalf, are most definitely aware that Obama can no longer win the general. This is why I predict that besides Edwards going forward to endorse Hillary Clinton, you will see Richardson come forward as well. Maybe even Gore after the re-vote in Michigan and Florida.
Good race, Obama - but you need to strengthen your credentials. You are young enough to try again.
Experience with change defeats blind ambition every time.

Chris In California   March 17th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Good point, Steven. I also think Barack Obama should explain why he originally said that Tony Rezko contributed $150,000 to Obama's campaigns and then, when his name was brought up during the Rezko corruption trial, he finally admitted that it was really $250,000 that was contributed by Tony Rezko.

Talk about hiding things! This and the fact that his Chief Economic Advisor on the campaign secretly met with Canadian officials and discussed NAFTA, reportedly telling them not to worry about what Obama is promising on the campaign trail becaue it is only "political" and not "policy." Then, the Obama campaign denied the meeting ever took place, but Obama had to finally admit that it had when confronted with the evidence of it.

Good grief!

Mark B   March 17th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

… and who to blame for not releasing the tax returns, Bill's White House papers, and the New York State earmarks?

Please Hillary, take responsibility for something…

suzy   March 17th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

TO "HH" ………

I think you need to do a little bit of homework!

Your comments are truly ignorant of the truth.

Wil Smith Jackson, MS   March 17th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Well it took a Clinton to fix the 1st Bush mess and its going to take a Clinton to fix the 2nd Bush mess. We just can't risk letting an unproven Obama fix anything. He need to build a track record. Things are going to get worst before they get better and I just can't see us risking Obama to fix this.

Yola   March 17th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Florida and Michigan we'll count you'll see

HJ   March 17th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

You cannot blame the Clintons for the mortgage crisis. This was done by the people themselves for being ignorant. You are suppose to read the fine print before you sign any legal document. If did not understand the terms, why did you not ask more questions. Why did you rush to sign your name on the dotted line. Do not blame anyone for your own mistakes.

R   March 17th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Attacking Bush for something he had no control over is a low blow. This stuff started simmering in Bill's administration, what Hillary is doing is purely partisan politics aimed at telling the people what they want to hear instead of how it is. This is exactly what happened to Hoover.

No good President has ever buttered up a crisis to make it more acceptable to the people.

Michael   March 17th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I guess having selective memory us a useful tool because it's easy to forget that it was and has been Hillary Clinton's people who created the split in the party with all the lies and underhanded tactics.
We can't move forward and turn the page towards the future because America is not ready for a Black Man to run the white house and you will do anything to see that she gets back in the white house by any means necessary.
However, we the people are the true loser's because if we can't find a way to find party peace then we will lose the white house and will have no one to blame but ourselves.
Think on that

C. Sharp   March 17th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

. . . .Clinton fails to realize that she is a part of the old crony system
that Senator Obama is speaking of. A secretive sect at the top who
takes from everyone else and gives to friends and fellow game players.
The curtain has been pulled back, now the emperor has no clothes. The
result of this is recession, and soon to be a depression. Clinton is secretive, and won't release any records, and expects to be hoisted into
the white house, no questions asked. Voters should be able to see through the fluff, seeing that this economy is effecting them also.
Vote for change for EVERYONE.

OBAMA 08.

Cat, Costa Mesa, CA   March 17th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

DRILL ALASKA!!!

Chip from Ohio   March 17th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

It's probably easier to make a list of things she doesn't blame Bush for.

Adam   March 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

GREAT SPEECH Hillary!!! Dont let Obama and his dream team hold you back.

Damian   March 17th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Hillary Clinton seems to be dominates most of the blogs already this week. We know Hillary has the greatest economic record and is the best to stand against McCain on the economy. Obama is always a few hours behind her on policy issues. He waits, watches, and learns from what the Clintons do. He needs to get his own positions. It is not a coincidence that their positions are similar.

Senator Obama = BAD judgment!   March 17th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Let's start with Senator Obama continuing to vote for funding the war - ….. duh! He talks out of both side of his face - oh ya - and the kind of company he keeps.

His one vote against the funding would not have swung the vote, so he cannot be so pretentious as to think his one vote would have had any impact. He would have at least been true to his word if he voted against funding the war.

Of course, that is a rarity nowadays (reference: NAFTA/Canada - oh ya, the Minister)

At least Senator Clinton is talking about the issues. Far more than what Senator Obama is doing. He talks change but gives no examples because he has none. Wake up Folks!

PA - your are naive and it is showing. Not to be too embarrased but if you really want to know what Senator Clinton did as first lady - there are over 15,000 web pages that if you do a simple Google you can get informed by.

Why release something on a dare from Senator McCain? That is just dumb and because Senator Obama chose again to make a bad decision doesn't mean that Senator Clinton has to follow!

Who cares about tax returns? I am more concerned frankly with the fact that Senator Obama is pro nuclear weapons! Are you?

Records to the donors to the Clinton Library??? ecks - when all else fails - throw the kitchen sink.

Just relax….there are much larger problems going on than you probably know or would recognize. Take a breath and just relax. Senator Obama will be talking soon. LOL!

Johnn   March 17th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Where are your records for promotion of woodstock hippy chick?
burn another flag and sell tickets ,make your self useful again.

B. DUN   March 17th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

I find it very interesting that whenever HRC bring up a subject like the latest on the economy, "brother B" has to follow suit by Ya! Ya! I do the same. It seems " BO" has no plans or ideas on his own, it is only when someone does or says something poitive, then he comes up with what he claims to be his idea.
What a perfect canidate for President

Carol Myers   March 17th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Spoken like a true leader. Hillary is the one,the only one to clean up not only the mess Bush has got us, but Reagan started it by deregulating every business. With regulations in place before Reagan, this super mess of subprimes would never had happened. Deregulation and greed took over. I'll never vote Republician.
Carol Oh.