March 19, 2008
Posted: 04:00 PM ET
 Clinton marked the 5 year anniversary of Iraq Wednesday.
Clinton marked the 5 year anniversary of Iraq Wednesday.

CHARLESTON, West Virginia (CNN) – On the fifth anniversary of the war in Iraq, Hillary Clinton re-emphasized her plan to withdraw U.S. forces from the country and said “we won’t protect” the Iraqis if the their government fails to make meaningful political progress.

The New York senator was asked by an audience member here, on her first campaign stop in West Virginia, about her strategy to end the war.

Clinton explained that her three-part plan begins with finding the best way, in consultation with top military advisers, to withdraw American troops in 60 days. Iraq’s future, she said, should be up to Iraq’s political leaders.

“The Iraqis have not done what they had to do to secure their own future,” she said. “And I have said I don’t believe our men and women should stay there to fight their civil war.”

“So we will start bringing them home and we will tell Iraqis the ball is in their court,” she continued. “Now, we will help them, we will support them, but we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do.”

Clinton said that she is “of course” worried that Iraq could disintegrate if U.S. forces withdraw, but stated: “If the Iraqis are not ready to take responsibility for themselves, it’s not going to make a difference.”

A strong diplomatic effort in the region is also required to bolster Iraqi security, she told the audience.

– CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Veterans for Obama   March 19th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

If you love this country and support our troops Vote for OBAMA.

hiitsme   March 19th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

GO HILLARY YOU THE HOPE ,THE LIGHT, THE LEADER,
THAT OUR NATION NEED IN THIS TIME.
WE ARE WITH YOU

GGGOOOOOOOOOOOO HILLARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRY

AJ, IL   March 19th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Tough talk but empty talk.

Kate   March 19th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Finally, some productive plans to bring our troops home. I understand that we can't pull everyone out at once but the truth is that if the Iraqi people don't want our help, what more can we do to help them?

Belle   March 19th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Sometimes to get "change" you have to be tough, and hold to your principles.

Kind of like not letting kids watch television or have their cell phones if they don't clean their room. Once the Iraqi leaders SEE a President is SERIOUS about troop withdrawal…it will prod them into making a stance for freedom.

America HAD to go through a Civil War…Perhaps Iraq may have to as well.

Geoff Smith   March 19th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

It's time for Hillary to GO HOME!!!
She can't win (look at the numbers) and she's only helping the Republicans at this point. I've always been a big fan of Ms. Clinton, but her arrogance and thirst for power is becoming more and more evident by the day.

Amy in Iowa   March 19th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Hillary called herself today the most transparent candidate. Does she mean we can see through her lies?

Belle   March 19th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

PS
Where is all that "OIL" revenue President Bush said WOULD PAY for the war, by the way?

Sara   March 19th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Just brillant, Clinton. You know nothing about military affairs.

Jay   March 19th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

Hillary is our only Hope!!! Wake up America!!!

Jon, PA   March 19th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

"…we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do.”

That's awesome. Why not just fax a picture of your middle finger with the American flag behind it to their entire country?

I'm no fan of this war either, but saying- do what we want you to do or, essentially, go die in a fire- is not the way to conduct foreign policy. No wonder the rest of the world laughs at us.

Ellie   March 19th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

HA! HA! Protect who?

Sen. Clinton, you couldn't even keep Billy boy from cheating on you repeatedly, how are you going to protect this country? Are you serious?

It really comes down to basic common sense. If YOU are unable to manage your household, YOU certainly can't expect Americans to believe that you can manage the WHITE HOUSE!!!!

I'm sorry. It's time people start dealing with common sense and stop believing all this nonsense and hype that the Clinton camp keeps dishing out. Shameful.

Vincent   March 19th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

she voted for war

TheLeftNut   March 19th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

How about this instead, stupid:

"We will no longer sacrifice the blood and bone of our brave men and women of the US Military in order to babysit a unresponsive, dysfunctional government."

Nathan   March 19th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

This is an incredibly foolish and irresponsible position to take. Senator Clinton "won't protect Iraqis"??? Does that mean she is comfortable with genocide taking place? Does that mean that after she enable Bush to invade and occupy their country illegally, and after we installed a government of exiled crooks and criminals, that we have no responsibiliy to the civilians of Iraq whose lives we have ruined?
And then she has the audacity to say, "we will not protect them id they refuse to do what WE want THEM to do". ANd here I thought Iraq was an independent nation!
Shame on you Senator Clinton. You voted to authorize a war that destroyed the lives of millions of people and you refuse to take responsibility. Clinton is not only an incompetent, flip flopping politician that does what is politically expedient at the moment, she is also a cruel and terrible person.

JP   March 19th, 2008 5:01 pm ET

When George W Bush and Dick Cheney asked Hillary to vote for war authorization, she put a big smile on their faces by voting "yay."

She does not deserve to be commander-in-cheif.

Jeannie, Sacramento, CA   March 19th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Right on! Get the hell out ! Why is it our problem if the Iraqis won't help themselves? Let them kill each other off — who cares?

TheLeftNut   March 19th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

How about this instead:

"We will no longer sacrifice the blood and bone of our brave men and women of the US Military in order to babysit a unresponsive, dysfunctional government. SUBSTANTIAL progress must be made on the part of the Iraqi leadership to warrent our continued support of their goverment. The Iraqi people and our military have suffered enough, both under Saddam and this wrongful invasion by the Bush administraion. Let neither suffer any longer!"

Jim   March 19th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Little callous.

Grif   March 19th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I believe everything you say Girl!! Who say's a Woman can't be as
strong as a Man…. Carrying a Baby around for Nine months.

Can't be no easy Chore…….. Go Hillary…

America! Needs You!!!

Mike, Houston, TX   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

And that,people, is the mentality that the world community has with respect to Darfur.

Mrs. Clinton will accept responsibility for the genocide that may occur when she pulls the troops out. She doesn't care about them.

Don't expect her to care about America either.

nick   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

You mean just like "We won't count the results of Michigan and Florida?"

MCNEIL   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

HILARY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!! OBAMA IS A LITTLE STRESSED OVER HIS PASTOR………….HELLO HE IS RUNNING FOR THE HIGHEST JOB IN THE UNITED STATES.

Elena   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

She is right! What an amazing concept, Hillary is right. Obama is a liar and a hypocrite (he would make a wonderful preacher though) and McCain is…. well ….maybe he should move to Florida in a nice Condo, Oh make that Arizona.

bradley   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Has anyone been to her website and read her 3 part plan…it is basically a bumper sticker that says end the war? Her plan is to have her top advisors come up with a plan. To me that is not enough. I like a lot of the things that she supports but she does not have a clear plan at all about the war.

Vote for Hillary   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Hillary,

I saw you in Harrisburg, PA and you WOW'd me. I support you and I will vote for you on April 22. You are what we need. Somebody who we know about. Who will fight for everybody.

Hillary for President, 2008

CHICANO ART, ARIZONA   March 19th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

Hillary has a better plan to deal with Iraq and terrorism in general than Obama. Obama plans on trying to be nice to everybody and hopes that the terrorist will be satisfied and leave us alone. Obama and his pastor sympathize with the the logic behind the 9/11 attacks of the terrorists. Obama does not represent the people that are proud of this nation anymore.
REVOTE IN MICHIGAN AND FLORIDA.
GO CLINTONITES!!!

La Petite Sorciere   March 19th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

oh pleazzee you got US there in the first place, so pleazze go away-
This war is so unfair, has no place in our country but you and McCain voted the same,
you and McCain are one and the same!!

Randy - Denver   March 19th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Now to ask her the follow on question they asked Mr. Obama in the debate (and not Ms. clinton because she was crying MSM was being unfair to her) What will you do if it falls apart after we leave or Al-Queada moves in… of course she will not have to answer this, and most likely it will not get posted by the Clinton News network..

vanchava   March 19th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

ITS YOUR FAULT THEIR UNPROTECTED

TheLeftNut   March 19th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Hillary!!!!

You HAVE TO distinguish between the Iraqi people and the Iraqi government when you speak!

I'm very dissapointed in your phrasing. You should know better.

BL-NYC   March 19th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

This woman is amazing and I would be honored if she represented my family to the World.
Senator Clinton is ready to Govern our Nation…

Kerry   March 19th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

It's easy to demand so much from the Iraqi's now Hillary. They didn't bring about this war. You voted for this war Hillary, along with Bush and McCain.

So, you have no moral ground to shake your finger at the Iraqi's. Just like you have no moral grounds to denounce and reject Elliot Spitzer.

Counting Down   March 19th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

Oh please. She voted for the war then stated on Meet the Press she didn't vote for war, but inspectors. In her speech about voting for the war she stated that it was based upon her 8 years of experience on Penn. Ave. Please!

You tout experience now for the job and did when you voted and didn't read the National Intelligence Estimate!

You lied. Go away Hillary. I am a woman and no, you didn't get my "girl power" vote.

Bye.

Tiachi   March 19th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

I don't believe in the war and want our people home, here to protect us, but its funny how Hillary is giving herself an OUT if/when she gets into office, she will not be able to withdraw the troops and she will say its all in the IF!!!

Read: ""we won’t protect” the Iraqis if the their government fails to make meaningful political progress."

So the question becomes Mrs Clinton, if they DO make meaningful political process, YOU WILL KEEP OUR troops over there????

All the Hillary supporters, please explain THAT double talk.

Eith   March 19th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Hillary, you opened few thousand years old wound in Iraq when you voted for the war. If you didn't have the judgement to know the complexity of the history surrounding Iraq, can we trust you with the U.S leadership in the greater Middle East complexities?

If you couldn't handle the crises that lead us to a misjudgement into a rushed-up war with Iraq (from our shock on 9-11 attack to the Iraq vote), when the seconds click in a 3AM Red Phone call, will you be able to make the right decision, when you failed on a crises that had given you plenty of time to study and educate yourself before you voted to authorize the war on Iraq?

On your released first lady records and any combined records between you and the former president, here is what we need: A complete disclosure of all materials to member-representatives of all the major News Networks so they can examine all the details INCLUDING the blackened-out sections. Point? Can we trust your claims, that all the black-outs are SIMPLY for the protection of people's addresses and phone numbers? Claims of protecting privacy shouldn't be a means to secrecy, in a private disclosure to media reviews of all the details in your collective records.

Accountability and transparency, please.

Ed   March 19th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

Well Hillary there are Bush, Cheney, Mccain and Lieberman who will be job hunting after you or obama win the presidency on Jan 20 th 2009.If you can find any money left you could make them a small[VERY SMALL] buisness loan and they could follow their dream to take over the Iraq security. Would't cost too much ,no body armour , haliburton to feed them and entertain them. Sounds easy to me .

mike   March 19th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

I am sick of spending U.S.money on these people! We need it more!

Deb   March 19th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Amen!

MP   March 19th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

The Iraqis have had plenty of opportunity to take their share of responsibility…That waltz can go on forever…We need the troops home…We are enabling these people to never have to take charge of their own country…I don't care if they want to fight each other till the end of time…Let them…We've given up enough already…It's time for this insanity to stop.

Independent   March 19th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

She's gone overboard.

michelle brians   March 19th, 2008 5:10 pm ET

Bravo! Good point Hillary.

She is right, we can’t waste trillions of tax payers’ money to protect the Iraqis if the their government fails to make meaningful political progress.

Hillary 2008!

Dave   March 19th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Wow, so she is committed to making sure that Iraq fails.

Wayne Peltier an American citzien in Canada   March 19th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

I agree - bring 'em home.

BARACK OR HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT!!!!

Adam FL   March 19th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

Im glad she has a plan! She always has a plan! I want a president with a plan! I want someone whos thinking about how to fix our problems!

Hillary Clinton 2008!!!

Ron, TX   March 19th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

The first part of her plan is to consult with military advisors…

And the other day, she had the gaul to act like Obama was some sort of liar because his foreign policy advisor said that he'd obviously talk with generals on the ground before finalizing a specific withdrawal plan?

Please, America, make the right decision! Obama has the judgment and honesty necessary to take America forward!

Ken, Austin TX   March 19th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I hate Senator Clinton…but I agree with exactly what she's saying on this matter.
Obama 08

BAKERSFIELD   March 19th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

now thats a decision
not obama and samantha powers decision

Phil of Colorado   March 19th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

With all of her "experience," Hillary does not seem to grasp that we are there to protect OUR national interest to prevent a takeover by Iran or terrorist groups, something likely to happen if we just walk away.

Nancy in Dallas TX   March 19th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

I am so very proud of you Hillary.
HILL YES!

Illinois   March 19th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Finally!! She's making a good judgment on how to manage the Iraqi situation. It's well known there will be fallout once we remove our troops from that area, but we can't continue to police their country any longer. It's up to them to do their own dirty work. We can't continue to sacrifice American lives in order to "restore" order in a country where so many other people are against that restoration.

And I'm sure that Obama will come out with some similar such plan….because he always agrees with Hillary on these issues. God forbid he should come up with his own plans.

Thomas   March 19th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Oh look a real plan!

Not just a speech about how she will hope and change Iraq! - I bet in about 3 days Obama will copy this plan… Or talk about how McCane misspoke or worry about Clinton's taxes, or how he did not vote on the war!

One real big thing I like about Clinton is she like the MAJORITY of Americans thought going to Iraq was the RIGHT thing, who would have thought Bush would lie to us… She said I was misguided and wrong and here is how I WILL fix it…

Obama's plan on Iraq: I will pull out troops and HOPE that CHANGE will happen, if that CHANGE is bad I will send troops back into IRAQ to CHANGE the FUTURE of Iraq and I HOPE that they like the CHANGE that my HOPE brings, p.s I'm black and love America even though my wife and friends don't.

Like my cool Obama symbol? I'm so cool I have my own logo with rays of light coming out of a sun in a big O…

Steve   March 19th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Does anyone find it strange that only Dems and not Reps don't every post any negative comments. Example I am a life long Dem Hillary Iwill never get my vote, or Obama will never get my vote. Strange isn't it.

Mary   March 19th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

With statements like this, is it any wonder that most educated Americans with global perspectives lean towards to Obama?

John   March 19th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Clinton said that she is “of course” worried that Iraq could disintegrate if U.S. forces withdraw, but stated: “If the Iraqis are not ready to take responsibility for themselves, it’s not going to make a difference.”

Wow! Iraq "disintegrates" and that's OK? What an absurd statement!

pc   March 19th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Hillary is flip flopping again! Hillary, dear, you will say anything! You are full of hot air!!!

CaliMale4Hill   March 19th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

You go Hillary, you are the true candidate and would make a great commander in chief. Tell them Iraquis that we are no longer their police force if their government wants to hide behind the wall while we fight their bullies!!!!

Hillary 2008

confused   March 19th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Clinton stated: “If the Iraqis are not ready to take responsibility for themselves, it’s not going to make a difference.”
–I don't get it??? That is how she will keep Iraq from disintegrating?? again . . . I don't get it.

gary   March 19th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

HRC you go girl.Your the only one capable to have the qualifications to bring the changes we need.You have the plans and solutions which we dont hear from the other canadate. You have to have experience and know how to be qualified to bring changes for our country. HRC is the only one qualified to really bring the changes we need.Obama is not Leader material. He would make a better Preacher. concerned Viet Nam Vet

IveyLeague   March 19th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Wow! "… we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do."

It took 30 years of experience to arrive at this conclusion.

REMINDS ME OF A MICHIGAN VOTE STORY:
No campaigning right? Boston.com reports on Jan. 11th, Former governor James Blanchard and his wife Janet sent postcards to their backers encouraging them to turn out and vote for Clinton in Tuesday’s primary, where her strongest competition is from a none-of-the-above option.

"Make Michigan count," reads the mailer, which arrived today in mailboxes of past Blanchard supporters.

simple thought ?   March 19th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

i agree.

if they dont want to help themselves then to hell with them and all of Asia.

if it were not for the oil, we would not have went there anyway.

dont see us in Africa, that's where were really needed to change grenoside. but they dont have any oil under there feet.

the money that was spent on this war could have been spent on making us energy independent.

but then the oilman's profit would be as history making as it has been.

real sad…………..

Missouri

anita   March 19th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Hillary, force them into a protected trade agreement - a percentage their oil production guaranteed for the USA in exchange for a military presence. Pull all funding for civilian, infrastructure, and political projects and fund only the troops!

SHE LEADS   March 19th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

I have just spent most of the afternoon looking over the Former First Lady's daily schedule, although I have not read the entire deocument. However, I believe it is clear that she did not have "tea and cookies" all the time as many sexist bloggers have mentioned on this site.

Do a little research, Sen. Clinton has a 141 I.Q., which is actually higher than her husbands. Highly intelligent and accomplished people like Sen. Clinton do not sit around on their laurels. As far as I can tell so far, there are a lot of social affairs to attend to HOWEVER the documents also show her meeting several times within just the forst few months with the Ways and Means Commitee, and for all you "tea and cookie" morons, that is one of the most powerful committees in the U>S> as it controls taxation, tariffs, social programs and also influences policy decisions. She also held meetings on legislative strategy and MANY MANY meetings on healthcare in various capacities.

I am only in the first couple of months into her W.H stay-but it is clear that the "tea and cookies" sexist comments need to end.

Jake, California   March 19th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

"Clinton explained that her three-part plan begins with finding the best way, in consultation with top military advisers, to withdraw American troops in 60 days. Iraq’s future, she said, should be up to Iraq’s political leaders."

Ok, so did she bite Obama in the back for saying his Iraq policy was not good becasue Obama's foreign policy adviser said Obama was going to consult with military officials before taking actions on Iraq?

Why is she now saying she's going to consult with 'top military advisers' before starting her 60 days withdrawal when this was not part of her initial policy?

This woman is manipulative…and I feel sorry for the RURAL , uneducated and old folks following her because they can't catch the her rediculous little twists and turns…

Don't bring it to the Obama camp mama because we are closely watcing every crap you come up with!

Proud white woman of 63 for obamaman   March 19th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Clinton could not mention Race or Religion in the last days.
because if she opened her big mouth now, she would have
beEN out of here. Smart Coniving Woman.

SOOOOOOOOOOO, Hillary, the liar, still has FLA. MICH. vote to
yap about. Florida,Mich, yes, you are important to Americans and
to Obama. Obama did not and is not calling the shots on a
re-vote. Hillary is bashing him anyway. I hate Hillary and her
lies, and lies by omitting the Truth.

Our country is in an unbelieveable, disgraceful mess and,
"EXPERIENCE" got us here. WHY, even when you voted for
the War, did you not see the writing on the WALL. WHY didn't
anyone "experienced" stop it??????????? It was never too
late UNTIL they left "Afghanistan unfinished and they dropped the first bombs. which killed and maimed, OUR SOLDIERS, innocent women and children. IF YOU HAD CHANCE, THEN, AND DID NOT CHANGE
IT, YOU HAD NO BACKBONE TO SPEAK UP TO THE CRONIES.

America's shame will never stop until we begin anew and
make amends to these people. Realize that the reason for war
was for Money.

I do not want a Pres. that was not able to "put on a good fight"
from the beginning and to the finish.

War Crimes is the next subject, Hillary, or would that subject
ruin your friendships with the Reps. And the Dems alike.
IS IT MORE "POPULAR" TO GET ON T.V. EVERYDAY AND SLASH
YOUR COMPETITION. I AM SICK, WHEN I HEAR HILLARY'S VOICE.
Let's not talk about your selfish desires to win, Lets talk
about HOW you could have done things different.

THIS COUNTRY IS IN ABSOLUTE TROUBLE. AND WOMEN, think,
about it? you want a woman president so bad that you are willing
to sell out America for "experience" No, Not this time.

OBAMA WILL WIN or NOBODY. OR NOBODY. NO ONE WILL
LISTEN TO HILLARY FOR 8 YEARS. NO ONE BUT WOMEN.
WHO VOTED FOR HER.

E. Bertin   March 19th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

She is now taking Obama's idea on war in Iraq !!! Come on !!!

Ed from Texas   March 19th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Are you kidding me? We wil not protect them. So let us go ahead and see the country turn into a giant civil war and have the Turks come in and erradicate the Kurds in the north and the Sunnis and Shiites go into a battle royal.

Reverting to threats….play ball my way or we willl leave you high and dry….that is experience. Not even your husband was that callous. When all hell breaks loose, are you going to ignore it like your husband's administration did to Rwanda? You are honestly going to make the same mistake that your husband did in Somalia? No clear missions, just leave and let the warlords take over….and people like Bin Laden can train and make base camps in….have you not learned from the past?

Is that what your generals told you to do? What is the policy on Afghanistan? Oh that is right she does not have one….

La Petite Sorciere   March 19th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Cnn i have been tryin gto post this now for about one hour:

I have the experience to be the next president: My father is a congressman he has been for 14 years, i have followed him to meetings and even Congress.I was an intern for the UN in Geneva, Switzerland (1 year) and 1/2 in NY, my partner works for Medicins sans Frontiers (and has for 4 years) i often go with him in his trips (I am not a doctor), and I was present as an observer while Ireland was workign the peace accords …. SO, now I have all the experience I need to be a foreign diplomat and not to mention to be president……….. ohh yes I forgot I am also a woman………
Experince according to Clinton _
if she can fake it why can we??? that is all folks.!!!

Debbie   March 19th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Hillary's November 10, 1993 schedule records just linked her to NAFTA.

What about her tax records?
What her first lady phone records?
What the Clinton Library contribution records?
What about the "earmark" requests she's made since being in Washington?

mimi de la cruz for OBAMA   March 19th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

ISN'T WARHILLIE ALONG WITH MCWAR THAT GOT US THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. NOW SHE HAS THE BEST WAY TO BRING OUR CHILDREN BACK HOME, MINUS THE ONES WE LOST FOREVER. THE BEST WAY WOULD HAVE BEEN TO READ INTELLIGENCE REPORT AND NOT VOTE FOR WAR. EVERY TIME SHE OPENS HE MOUTH SHE INSULTS US AGAIN.

Patricia Asberry   March 19th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

I cant understand being a african american woman that my own race seems to feel that they owe the clintons in this election . First of all why after what president clinton did in the white house would we the people bringhim and his family back again . And dont we as a people have to takein consideration that we have children and grandchildrenwatching and we want to set an example. Dont we realize that other countries our watching us and laughing because we have become a stupid society that falls for anything and everyone is watching . A war we didnt need jobs are gone houses are lost education has become delete. President clinton becomes the first lady John mccain to old andstuck in his ways to be president. Where is the new and fresh ideas ? I believe its in obama and after you destroyed the man I think he will be the last man standing in the end like god . All thought you slay me yet will I trust in god . words from the bible

John Smith   March 19th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

'Thou shalt not commit adultry" This is one of the highest laws in life!

Hillary STAYED with Bill after Bill's multiple infedilities. May be we should DUMP Hillary for sticking with a sinner, her husband!!

Well for those who want Obama to go back to his pastor, who would be the greater sinner here: Hillary who stays with …….after all his…..; OR Obama who stays with …after a …..? Becuse you like to JUDGE, you go ahead and throw the first stone with a clean conscience!!!!

Obama 08!   March 19th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Clinton is finished! It is time for her to bow out gracefully and unite Democrats behind Obama!

Christina   March 19th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Right on Hillary! you only get the cookies if you clean your room!

It makes so much sense. Its time to tame that spoiled child that is Iraq.

kiki   March 19th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Excellent Hillary. This is a true leader capable of getting things done as opposed to just talk and talk and talk….
HILLARY 08

Dan, PA   March 19th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

At least she has a plan - a strong one. Versus, I'll withdraw them nope wait, maybe we need to wait, nope…..too much hesitation and crowd pleasing Obama is really annoying.

Watch how he would copy this and tweak it to make it look like his idea. Stop copying Hilary and Edwards.

CariAnn   March 19th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

So let me understand:

we go to Iraq and oust a government without being asked and under false pretenses,

we occupy that country for five years resulting in (at latest count) 90,000 CIVILIAN casualties alone,

and then we demand that the Iraqis get their s**t together and govern over a civil war and shattered economy we helped promote by bombing the hell out of them and destroying their infrastructure in the first place, saying "…we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do.”

Sounds like four more years of the same thinking to me, or am I missing something? Good God help us all.

Ian, Maryland   March 19th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

So she thought our men and women should have gone in there 5 years ago, but she doesn't think they should stay in. What a liar. She doesn't do anything without taking a poll to see how it will play.

Ric   March 19th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

go Hillary! you are best suited to lead. no giving up, take this fight to the convention floor. we will never vote for obama. never!

OBAMA 08   March 19th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

*****NO POLITICAL PROGRESS*** NO WITHDRAWAL****GET IT ****

There will be no political progress for another 5 years.Can't say she didn't warn you.

Independent   March 19th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Clinton did not follow through on promises she made when running for senator (she has many excuses for not doing so)- but why should anyone believe that she won't follow through on her campaign promises this time around.

John from Virginia   March 19th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

I am a 27 year veteran, who served in both Iraq wars.
Nice try. Yes she would. She has to know what the outcome will be if we withdraw irresponsibly. We would only have to return to fix an even bigger mess, or pay a bigger price at the hands of terrorism that would thrive in that region.
I pray that the Iraq people get on their feet soon and effectively take charge, before an American politician tosses in the towel.

Matt   March 19th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

Good thing that she will not be president and be able to enact this stupidity. "Do as I say or I will let people kill you????" What a brilliant plan from a potential leader of the free world. Wasn't it her vote that helped allow the Iraqi government to be overthrown?

God I wish you would just drop out already and go into hiding with all the stolen money you got for your idiot husbands library and leave America alone.

Jeanine G   March 19th, 2008 6:02 pm ET

What HILLARY failed to realize, as did her partner at the time of the war vote, Bush, didn't realize, was that you can't force freedom on a people if they don't want it or aren't ready for it.

This area of the world has been imperialially occupied by the most powerful nations on earth from the Romans to the British and French, and still, they have yet to make a decision as to their own governing that includes freedom for all. What in the world did Hillary think was going to happen when she voted for war?

Oh yeah…we would be greeted with flowers and "$50 billion later", (make that $450 Billion now) we would have a middle-eastern Mini-Me to hold up?

Sorry, but if this is the decision we get after her 3 am wake up call then she needs to go back to bed.

Linda   March 19th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I'd say Iraq needs to pay for the US services that we have provided them.

KLS79   March 19th, 2008 6:11 pm ET

Hillary is backed by far more military personnel than Obama. She is far more ready to be commander-in-chief. I don't think we can afford the learning curve or lapses in judgment Obama has shown throughout this campaign. It's just too important.

Michael   March 19th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

I hate Hillary Clinton and the weak minded sheepole who support her.

Veronica   March 19th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

Clinton should bow out gracefully and attend to the missing sink in the kitchen…

jp/michigan   March 19th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

After 5 years and how many billions of dollars, loss in this war that no ones know where it went, it is time to get out. We need to concentrate on the USA . We need new jobs. We need to be able to pay our gas bills. We need to be able to feed our children. We need to regroup our armed forces, in case of another attach or disaster. It is time to take care or the American people and let the rest of the world take charge of themselves.

William Myers   March 19th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

"…but we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do.”

This sort of statement always reminds me of the playground ultimatum; if we don't play the game my way, I'm going to take my ball and go home. But Iraq isn't the neighborhood playground and the stakes are much higher than the outcome of a game of kickball.

The United States chose, for better or worse, to take action to liberate a nation and protect others from the dangers we believed the former leadership presented. We have a responsibility, however distasteful or unpopular it has become, to see this action through to its finish. We need to cultivate strong, educated leadership in Iraq and as much as we might not want to hear it, that may take a generation. We also need to help their government in the interim by showing the Iraqi people what it means to make their choices in leadership: have confidence that those leaders will make the right choices for the nation and to hold them accountable if they do not.

It disappoints me when I see members of my community holding signs and shouting for support at intersections to 'stop the war' and 'bring the troops home.' As I mentioned above, it is too early for this action… but it is also too late by more than five years. Like the Iraqi people, we need to make educated choices in our leadership so we can be confident that they will make the right decisions. We need to hold them accountable when they do not and ensure that our political system protects us from future unwise decisions.

kent   March 19th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

You are nobly proposing to clean up the mess you voted to create. It is a nice way to devastate another people. First, without provocation from them, invade their invade their country, topple their leader and have him executed, take sides to enusure a civil war, then go about murdering its people under the pretence of helping them. Now tell the American backed government that"th e ball is in their court" and now they must "do what we want them to do", "make meaningful policitical progress", "secure their own future", fight their civil war" and "take responsibilty for themselves."
This sounds like an aborted attempt to promote American interests abroad (take over where ever and when ever it suits America )under the guise of promotion of democracy and freedom.
This sounds like a war you voted for and authorized in the first place and yet you have the arrogance to blame it on the Iraqi people. Shame on you Hilary Clinton. Shame on you.
It is no wonder prophetic voices speak out against American policy and action toward other nations.

kelly WI   March 19th, 2008 6:31 pm ET

An agreement or signed piece of paper isn't going to stop the bad guys from killing the good guys.

Robin   March 19th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

Before Ohio primary Mrs. Clinton attacked Sen. Obama and accused him on that, taking advantage of the false report by Canadian media just before March 4th. Now everyone knows it was Sen. Clinton campaign that called Canadians and told them not to take their anti-NAFTA approach seriously. I wonder why nobody in the media asks Mrs. Clinton about this. Media has been sharp on Mr. Obama, which is a positve thing. However, media is soft and softer on Mrs. Clinton. Is it because she complained about the media? Did it make the media afraid of foucsing on hard issues?

CHERYL   March 19th, 2008 6:46 pm ET

I AGREE WITH SENATOR CLINTON, THEY HAVE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO TAKE THE REINS! AND TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN COUNTRY!!!!!!

WHEN SHE BECOMES PRESIDENT SHE WILL NOT PLAY WITH THEM!!

SHE IS TUFF AND SMART!!!!!

GREAT QUALITIES THAT A PRESIDENT SHOULD HAVE!!!!!!!!

GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!

Veronica   March 19th, 2008 6:52 pm ET

Well, as the Right and the Hillary supporters will tell you…

"Hope and change are over-rated. Experience at giving you more of the same is what really matters!"

Mariann Pepitone   March 19th, 2008 6:56 pm ET

Why is this country worried about Iraq whether Iraq can take care of itsel of not if we pull the troops. We should not have been in their that long to begin with and Bush should have pulled the troops out 2 years ago. Now we are in there 5 years and the troops are still dying. Bush should not have invaded Iraq in the first place. He was not after Bin Laden he was after Saddam. It cost us over 4,000 lives for his and Cheney's lies that Saddam had weapons. Saddam was not coming here, did not have any weapons and Bush used that as an excuse to go after Saddam. It is a shame that the people of this country voted him in office twice. Once should have been enough. We certainly don't need another mistake made.

Experience?   March 19th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

I'm just flat out worried about our foriegn policy………..

La Bomb ba   March 19th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Sounds Good Looks like it will work either way with or without Iraqi progress. However, we should go back to the UN since it really even though we all call it George Bush's War it is a UN thing when it started. Decisions about Iraq future is both Iraqi and UN concern not just USA

Slept in Church for 20 years   March 19th, 2008 7:14 pm ET

RIGHT ON TARGET!!!

Stay in the fight until the bitter end, Hillary. It's your right.

Ratgurl   March 19th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

Though I'm NOT a Clinton supporter, I applaud her for FINALLY saying what a majority of this country has been thinking for a LOOOONG time.

Now if she ran her campaign like this, sticking to the issues, she might have kept some of that support she so deperately needs right now.

CB   March 19th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

"but we will not protect them if they refuse to do what we want them to do" Clinton at her best. What a freaking joke. This women is hungry for power. I thought we as a country we're better than this!

Steve   March 19th, 2008 7:26 pm ET

Thats my girl! She will bring an end to this war and our soliders will come home with pride.

carliss   March 19th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

this is the biggest flip flopper since george bush himself its time for change

josh   March 19th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

60 days? Who believes this stuff? She's out of control!

Dan   March 19th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

The iraqis politics of revenge will have to stop, The shia's have had their revenge when they hanged Sadam Now if they can't be Iraqis first then let it be, nothing but political will can fix this country.

aliou salam, Jacksonville FL   March 19th, 2008 7:41 pm ET

She would say anything to win elections.

Obama O8

Dan from Michigan   March 19th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Ooh. I'm not sure that she should have said that.
You know, every time she makes a political speech act like this it seems as though she is trying to make one last ditch effort to somehow magically regain control over what is seemingly becoming impossible. Everytime she opens her mouth, it solidifies Barack Obama's chances for the nomination of the Democratic party.
As soon as we leave Iraq, we all know it is going to break up into sectarian groups with local Mullahs politically in control of power on a local level. That's why Obama wants to do a phased withdrawal, and make sure that power is being distributed evenly. Think things through before it erupts into perpetual chaos.

Brian   March 19th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

Go back to the kitchen and make me a pie!

Conan   March 19th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

60 days?!?!? Count down to Armageddon!

Mark my words, on the 61st day the Kurds will seize Kirkuk and Mosul, Baghdad will implode, and Iran will send troops into southern Iraq to "protect" the Shia. This will draw in the Saudis and Syrians to fight a proxy Sunni-Shia religious war. Turkey will move into the KRG to prevent the Kurds from getting stronger. Turkey's move will piss off the Chinese who are heavily invested in the KRG. Russia might decide to weigh in to be "the peace maker". And what better time for Israel to smack Hamas in Lebanon with Syrians attention diverted to Iraq. Of course all this will screw up the oil flow from the Middle East causing $400 dollars a barrel oil, ruin the worlds economy and draw China, Russia and the US into armed conflicts over dwindling oil supplies.

Goodbye Iraq! Hello World War III!

How is it that the Democrats always mange to be in charge during World Wars?

Karlo Hernandez   March 19th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

You go girl!

Show what you got! Show everyone that you are the only one that knows what's going on!

This is not American Idol, this is a vote for the President of the United States of America.

Takeit seriously people!

Hillary 2008!

Texans for Hillary   March 19th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

A coherent plan, a voice of reason. I am loving watching her poll numbers in Pennsylvania!

Meanwhile Obama has managed to make himself repugnant to most of the voting public.

Yeswecan   March 19th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Yes, you are so right. We will vote Hillary only. CNN is BIASEd and trying to trash you with the same way Wright trash this country. But we love you. Hillary will win!

Sanjay   March 19th, 2008 8:00 pm ET

So let me get this straight…you authorize a vote to go over there, bomb the hell out of the country, and dismantle their current infrastructure/govt. against the will of the majority of the Iraqi population, all in the name of brining them democracy and now you want to bail?

Clinton says:

“The Iraqis have not done what they had to do to secure their own future,” she said. “And I have said I don’t believe our men and women should stay there to fight their civil war.”

Ummm….don't we have an obligation here?

jen in cali   March 19th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

She has the best policy on how to get us out of Iraq. You just cant leave like Obama wants us to believe. The fact is that we are there and need to get out in the safest and best way. Obama has lied about what he would to get out of Iraq and has been caught. For him to keep going on about his "judgment" is a joke and so is he.

Hillary has put a lot of thought and research into this issue and will make to best choice to get us out.

Jack from California   March 19th, 2008 8:08 pm ET

Hillary is absolutely correct in that we should not be targets in a civil war in a distant country.

If oil is so important, let the free market take care of the supply of oil. I thought the republicans were free market people so, why are we sending our kids to die in Iraq?

There are plenty of terrorists in Afghanistan and if we fight them there the ones in Iraq will follow so, If we are going to fight our enemies, why not in the open space of a desolate country instead of in the cities and villages of Iraq?

The Iraqi leadership is playing us for fools and it's time we smartened up (well for the great decider that might be a stretch) and let them do their own dirty work.

Willy   March 19th, 2008 8:10 pm ET

blah,blah, blah get elected, blah,blah, blah get elected.

frank jones   March 19th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

…is she a democrate or a republicain…here she goes given the republicains more ammo come november…"the Republicans will argue that Michigan and Florida voters shouldn't trust the Democrats to look out for them when we won't even listen to you." I am still perplexed as to rather a re-vote is fair or not, but hrc's rethoric is getting out of hand. i am an independent, but hrc does not have my vote no matter which way i decide to vote.

Tim   March 19th, 2008 8:19 pm ET

Good for Hillary. If you don't want to stay in Iraq for 100 years then one must take this kind of action.

Bayou Joe   March 19th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

Hillary will not protect Iraq or the United States unless there is political progress in the Democratic party. Now that is a headline CNN.

It took our Country almost 200 years to have a resemble of Democracy and we expect Iraq to do it in 5 years. Now that is reality.
Also, a reminder to those that don't know history. The United States was formed by violence and war. Many brave soldiers died fighting the British to establish a free country. Freedom comes with a price.
The blood is that of our children and grandchildren. Where are yours, mine is in Iraq, fighting for your freedom. Semper Fi.

Tidah   March 19th, 2008 8:21 pm ET

I am surprised that no one has commented on this yet…. but I shouldnt be with all the hoopla over the great obamas speech…..

This is the only way out of a country we shouldnt be in to begin with…. the Iraqis have to uphold their part of the agreement …. I know they didn;t ask for us to be their but once we were this was the deal and that is that.

We need to end all of this and protect ourselves…while trying to engage and grow with the GLOBE.

As great as we are…. we cannot be taken seriously anymore …because of they way we have behahved…. we bully and threaten and strike when people don;t do what we want for our own benefit…. hopefully for the last time.

Only a Woman can understand this… admit this…accept this and do this :)….. sorry guys you have so blown it for 232 years…. it is our turn

Peace and Love ya'll

JAMES IN BAMA   March 19th, 2008 8:29 pm ET

THAT MAKES MORE SINCE THAN ANYTHING I HAVE HEARD AS OF YET. IF YOUR NOT MAKING PROGRESS WE ANRT GOING TO STAY TO BABYSIT YOU. THAT MAKES TOTALL SINCE. YOU GET IN LINE OR WE LEAVE YOU WHERE YOU ARE. GIVE THEM OPTIONS TO DECIDE THIER OWN FUTURE, NOT US TRYING TO MAKE IT FOR THEM. THEN AS THEY BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT WE SLOWLY WITHDRAW. ITS A VERY GOOD PLAN AND I BET ALOT OF PEOPLE WILL BE BEHIND IT.

Hillary Supporter   March 19th, 2008 8:32 pm ET

As a volunteer for Hillary, I have seen this woman put through the wringer unjustifiably and picks herself up and moves on. Obama speaks of race but no one has heard we woman who feel gender bias is another prejudice. African Americans got to vote in the 1800's while woman got were granted voting rights in the 1900's. I think woman have had a tough time compared to the UK who had Margaret Thatcher years ago. Third world countries have also elected woman. Perhaps it's time we had a woman and we already know she's ready. I guess we need to have the media go through 11,000 papers given to the watchdogs waiting to find things we already know. It provides the media another way to minimize Senator Clinton's experience, a truth we know. Read "Living History" all you need to know is there. GO HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A woman can find the solutions to end a war. I heard Obama use Hillary's troop withdrawal plan. I would like to see a debate with McCain/Obama and McCain/Hillary, that will shore up any questions.

christine   March 19th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Now clinton want the troops out while she voted to go to war, as a women i think she should have been the first one to say no to the war as a mother, but she didnt , she always flip flops on her issues to suit whats popular at that time mccain didnt change he voted for the war up to now he stands his grounds, obama didnt change he opposed the war up today

Grif   March 19th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Bernstein the pro Obama… Doe's not affect you.. Just do the extra mile… Ancestry Must have some value….

Gamle? Gamle. Your future away, on a Dream…

Deborah   March 19th, 2008 8:49 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is NOT the President for America.

Boomer For Change   March 19th, 2008 8:54 pm ET

Let's be sure to be very clear on what exactly Hillary said this time. Did she say she would consult with military advisors "to withdraw American troops in 60 days," or "begin" to withdraw them in 60 days? I don't trust this uber ambitious politician to do anything she says she will do….because it has become pretty clear that she will do and say anything to get elected.

Mary, MICHIGAN   March 19th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

GO HILLARY!!! Thank you for helping Michigan voters have our voices and votes heard.. unlike Obama — he's afraid of losing big (again) here, that's why he doesn't want us to re-vote. The constitution gives every qualified American citizen to vote and that's us. Thank you Hillary.! GO HILLARY 2008!

Lynn D   March 19th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

Senator Clinton's speech on the war in Iraq went unheard because CNN was focusing on getting their candidate Barak Obama in the spot light so that he can win the nomination. Please go to Hillary Clinton.com and read the full text of her most wonderful speech against the war in Iraq. Senator Clinton had to make a tough decision when she gave our president the authorization to go to war as a last resort. Senator Obama gave a speech against the war but he didn't have to suffer over the decision like Senator Clinton and Senator Edwards. Also, who has poor judgement now? Senator Obama does not have as detailed a plan as Senator Clinton for getting out of Iraq. He is too busy listening to a pyscho minister. It was poor judgement to permit his two cute little daughters to sit through hate talk. It was poor judgment for him to lie to Anderson Cooper about never hearing his minister speech in such a manner. It was poor judgement for Senator Obama to run for president when he is not ready to lead. It was poor judgement for Senator Obama to have any dealings with Mr. Rezko. I believe that Senator Obama should take the high road and with draw from this race. His lack of experience will kill the Democratic Party in the Fall. If you don't do the right thing Senator Obama you will cause us to lose again in the Fall. Finally agree to let Howard Dean seat the delegates in Michigan and Florida. Do the right thing. God will smile down on you if you do the right thing.

Betty   March 19th, 2008 9:01 pm ET

You want your loved ones to come home from Iraq?
Then you need to belly up to the bar and support Hillary Clinton in order to make it happen in a logical orderly way. So far she's the only one to offer up any legitimate plan of action that makes any kind of sense.

Question for Candidate   March 19th, 2008 9:04 pm ET

I watched the stock ticker today. We are facing the disintegration of our economy, I'd like for Mrs. Clinton to explain why we should be so concerned about Iraq? What is the objective of our presence in Iraq? How long will it take us to meet the objective?

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