April 4, 2008
Posted: April 4th, 2008 03:00 PM ET

From
Mark Penn is a chief strategist for the Clinton campaign.
Mark Penn is a chief strategist for the Clinton campaign.

(CNN) - Clinton campaign strategist Mark Penn said Friday it was an "error in judgment" for him to meet with the Colombian ambassador to advocate for a free-trade agreement Hillary Clinton has said she opposes.

"The meeting was an error in judgment that will not be repeated and I am sorry for it," Penn said in an issued statement. "The senator's well known opposition to this trade deal is clear and was not discussed."

The meeting, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, occurred Monday. Penn appears to have been acting in his role as chief executive of the international communications and lobbying firm, Burson-Marsteller Worldwide. The Colombian Embassy hired the firm to help achieve congressional approval of a bill allowing free trade with the country - a proposal Clinton has sharply criticized.

Earlier Friday, Clinton spokesperson Mo Elleithee said the New York senator "remains steadfast against the Colombian Trade Bill," and maintained Penn's meeting was "not in any way done on behalf of the campaign."

Clinton has sharply criticized America's free trade agreements as she campaigns for the Democratic presidential nomination, and was particularly critical of rival Barack Obama in February when it was reported that one of his chief foreign policy advisors had suggested to a Canadian official that the Illinois senator was not as anti-free trade as he was claiming to be on the trail.

"I don't think people should come to Ohio and tell the people of Ohio one thing and then have your campaign tell a foreign government something else behind closed doors," Clinton said then. "That's the kind of difference between talk and action and that I've been pointing out in this campaign."

"I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric ... I think it raises serious questions."

Earlier: Campaign: Penn wasn't representing Clinton in trade meeting

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Mark Penn


Veterans Love Obama   April 4th, 2008 2:57 pm ET

I think his hairstyle is an error in judgement.

shawna   April 4th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

Why is Obama being mentioned in this case? There is no camparison between the Canadian case (which was a lie)and this. Clinton's chief campaign strategist was out strategizing with Colombia on free trade.Something Clinton supposedly opposes.
America needs healing, not all this CLINTON drama. Please go home to New York, Bill, Hill and Chelsea and leave us alone. No More Lies PLEASE!!!
Let Obama start the fight with Mccain now. We have a lot of work to do

RP   April 4th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

He's got nothing to hide, it's Hillary that's lying. She claims not to support the free trade agreement because it's election year, any other time, just like with NAFTA, she would support it and once elected she'd just flip flop back!

Larry Dickman Des Moines, IA   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

Ready for Day 1, I don't think so

Public eye   April 4th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

You can hear crickets chirping on the Clinton side of the room.

James   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Hillary, your chief strategist doesn't align with your policies. What a contradiction! What does Penn tell Hillary about this NAFTA stuff? That oppose it, but I (Mark Penn) is for it. Superficiality is the hallmark of Hillary's campaign. In this world, what goes round comes round.

Larry Dickman Des Moines, IA   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

what kind of spin are we going to get from this?

KitKat   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Get over it. He was not speaking on behalf of the campaign. As a consultant, when I go to a government agencies on behalf of one client, I am only speaking on behalf of that single client.

This is NOTHING like the Obama campaign telling the Canadain government that Obama's words on NAFTA don't mean anything. That was OBAMA's "TYPICAL" DOUBLE TALK. He is such an anti-American, hypocrite.

Joe Pa   April 4th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Mark Penn needs to watch his back- last time this happened, they found Vince Foster in Fort Marcy Park with a gunshot in his mouth. And the demoCRAPS want you to think it was a suicide.... Rose Law Firm billing records... hmmmm...

What Really Happend   April 4th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

If she goes on Jay Leno and make a joke about it it would be ok. Wouldn't it?

Obama 08

rafael   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Hey BILLARY girls, want to talk about helping a girl? where were you when the clintons were destroying Jennifer flowers,Juanita Broderick & Paula Jones? Where was your "girl power" then?

Jonny   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

If the G.O.P. didn't have enough ammunition on the Clinton's before...

Bob B. Austin, TX   April 4th, 2008 2:52 pm ET

You Obama supporters are some of the most foul-mouthed, name-calling, believe-anything you read, double-standard idiots I've ever had the displeasure of reading. If you think that you are helping your candidate, think again. At this point, I wouldn't vote for a Republican for dog-catcher.... But, you're making it awfully hard to support your candidate , if mine loses.

Public eye   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Penn, are you sure you didn't MISPEAK? We're WISE to your LIES Clintons.

NY   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Hey if HRC can say she was sleep deprived concerning the Bosnia incident, maybe Mr. Penn will say he was sleepwalking..... LOL

Tim   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

That was not very smart. This will get plenty of mileage!!!

paul mancini   April 4th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

when is she going to fire this bozo ... the Clinton campaign has been
a major disappointment and not very effective in handling hot-issues,and staying focus on the real issues at hand for the Country.
I hold Mr Penn responsible for a poor planning and poor execution,lack of leadership and communication... i also blame
the Clintons (Hillary&Bill) for surrounding themselves with many
overwhelmed, self-centered "professional campaign staff" ...what a
joke her "campaign team" really have become.
good luck to Mr Penn

jer   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Penn when hired it was known that he represented (Burson-Marsteller) one of the largest public relations firms. They have represented Blackwater, predatory lenders and anti-union companies.
Hillary has a real problem explaining him now that he has shown his cards.

DJ   April 4th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

This is just another gross carriage of injustice by a public official. I was actually hopeful for a double history-making election. However, now I am quite disparaged about certain actions on both sides. But nothing compares to the relentless efforts of piranah of Senator Clinton. Will someone please end this mess before the political shaping and images of young, fresh and new voter minds become politically apathetic?

jdh   April 4th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

I wonder if Obamabots will actually look at the candidate or forget about powers and just start bashing Hillary. I think Hillary dupporters have the high ground here.

GO HILLARY!!!!!

N.S from MO   April 4th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

the Clintons utilize a trumped up story in order to sway voters in Ohio, but we aren't suppose to pay attention to what her aides do? Wow, sometimes I wonder if anyone in this country has their eyes open...

Typica latina n proud   April 4th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

Right on Wakeup !! Yeah she probably would be sleeping thru the 3am call.
Ok Hillary folks how much " misspeak " and "erroors in judgement do you have to have for a reality check?
Do you want a candidate that lies so your kids will do the same?
Do you want lack of accountablitiy remember she choose Bill and Penn and others ? How about her Johnny Cheung China buddy who contributed lots of $$$ to her campaign for China interest and is in jail now?
Cure yourselves of the Clintonitus virus once and for all.

CG Houston, TX   April 4th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

The man who is responsible to get Sen. Clinton into the White House advocates for a trade agreement that Sen. Clinton "claims" to oppose.

If Sen. Clinton wins, then she will owe Penn big time. Without a doubt she will repay him with a free trade agreement–that's how the Clinton Cabal operates.

cnn rocks   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

i am in tears,the deceit is palpable,i wish i could take my vote back,i am so sorry for calling Obama a lier,i will donate to his campaign.
no more lies no more clintons

"Keeping it real"   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Ohio fell for the lies and deceit. We can only hope that Pennsylvania, Indiana, North Carolina, and all the rest will not surcome to this campaign of deceit. Obama got beat the hell up over the NAFTA thing when his advisor went to Canda as a representative of the university he worked for. Mark Penn however was on his job as a trde lobbyist. His sorry alright. Sorry he got caught! I want to see some #^&Z*$@% headlines on this one for days to come! There's a hole lot of explaining to be done here! So lets have it!

FL FOR OBAMA   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

I WONDER IF HE HAD TO DODGE SNIPER MEETING ON THE WAY TO THE MEETING OR WILL HE HAVE TO DODGE IT AFTER HE MEETS WITH HILLARY LATER.

Jen-0-palooza   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Hillary Clinton cannot be trusted.
Bill Clinton cannot be trusted.
Case closed.
Obama or McCain will be our next President.
No more Clinton lies, scandals and misrepresentations for the USA!

DeniseGA   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Robert, maybe not, but when the Colombian officials says, they are not sure what capacity, Penn, was there in, THATS A PROBLEM!

Politico is reporting this statement: "The spokesman for the Colombian president was unsure if the meeting was in Penn's capacity at Burson or Hillaryland."

machievelli   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

You know the old adage,"What a tangled wed we weave when we practice to deceive."

Senator's condemnation of the Obama camp has come back to haunt her.

Lynn in Iowa   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

So Hillary Clintons chief strategist is also a lobbyist? Go figure, huh?

Nicolas from Canada   April 4th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Wait.... this story is not on the front page? What's that all about

If Obama got negative press coverage for the Canada meeting , I hope she gets the same

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

America, wake up Hillary is not the one....make all the excuses to justify her actions and her judgements, her misspokes, her not understanding the question, need I go on....this woman is capable of doing anthing under handed..she is self obsorbed... now the next question is, just how dumb are the American people.. Stand there and let her tell you story about the woman who lost her house, liten to her comparing her self to Rocky..and again listen to the 3 am story, of a different version... She'll tell you everything but the TRUTH

"Typical White Woman" in NC   April 4th, 2008 2:46 pm ET

"Error in Judgement" Anyone see a pattern here?

C. Hankins   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Please post the comment I sent in about Sen. Clinton getting fired for being unethical and lying. I think it shows a pattern of her behavior throughout the years. Your readers can find this at Watergate Era Judiciary North Star Writing Group Clinton fired.

we wanh hillary, not mccain...screw him.   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Hillary and Nader in 2008

jim   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Billary's done like dinner!!! In Canada, we have our own group of political buffoons, but I'd have to say not one stoops to the nadir of Team Clinton. Billy-Bob, the serial philanderer, committed perjury, was impeached, and now gets paid hundreds of thousands to give speeches. Only in America. He's an absolute master at faking sincerity-the bitten lower lip, the quiet southern drawl, the "I feel your pain" schtick has seved him well. The problem with Billary is she can't pull this faked sincerity act as skillfully as Hubbie. She's a transparent phoney who simply lacks the ability to lie as well as Billy. They deserve each other --both pathological liars who will resort to any form of deceit, disingenuousness, mendacity or criminality to get power. Do you really believe Billary stays with this guy because she loves him??? Go figure.

"Typical White Woman" in NC   April 4th, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Obama to Clinton:

SHAME ON YOU HILLARY CLINTON. MET ME IN PA! LET'S HAVE A DEBATE!

Heeeee Heeeeee

OlderBudWeiser   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

With the phone ringing at 03:00 every day she will be sleep deprived and misstate, mishear, misspeak, misjudge, ad infinitum. I worked graveyard for 20 years and didn't screw up decisions and actions.
Solution: go home and take Bill with you, Obama probably won't call you for advice!

Terry Frakes   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

i will not vote for Obama or Hillary. Obama is a hypocrite and i despise him now. I used to support him, dont trust him so i have decided to vote for McCain . and thats not much better, but i do trust McCain.

Shannon from Washington   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

She just keeps digging herself in deeper and deeper. . . . It is ironic that she does not see it.

Jacques   April 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

See what happens when you let lobbyists have too much control. Mark Penn is killing her campaign.

Obama 08

Hanging Chad   April 4th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

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Once again, Sen. Clinton shows that she can't handle
her own people.

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Michael C Wolski   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Nothing in Pennsylvania will change.It's been a FIXED election from the start , and Hillary ,with Florida and Michigan,will be the nominee. Look how our last president did. He was/is the dimmest light in office I've ever seen, yet he got TWO terms as president.So hillary getting "elected" is really not so farfetched.The funny part is ,the more she lies, the more support she'll get. America is the" Joke" in the eyes of other countries.Our criteria in voting for presidential cxandidates is comical.

hab   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

This is outrageous. The Clinton campaign manipulated the trade issue in Ohio and now they are caught cheating. Wakeup America.

jr   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

If Obama's campaign doesn't jump all over this (because getting rid of the strangle hold lobbyists have on our governments decision making processes is one of his spoken goals) then shame on them.

It's appears to be another 3 am wake up call for Hillary. Unless she gets rid of this guy, I'd have to give her an "F" in decision making on this one.

Right now she's starting to remind me of Humpty Dumpty.

John - Maryland   April 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Shheeeesh!! Ohio – You were duped "period". Most of you probably voted on racial / gender lines but you were duped. This would have been over if you all voted differently... PA. Please do not make the same mistake. NO ONE TRUSTS THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN.

it will be OBAMANATION.

Go Obama!   April 4th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Look America, see what's going on...........

Remember the OHIO story? She had her campaign stuff contact Canadian govt. (All of Canadian media reported it) and then had Bill go to Canada and ensure that Obama's name get's substituted in the story (which it did) right before the Ohio primary.

She was up to the same strategy again, I bet. Her plan was to have Penn talk to Colombian govt. and then somehow substitute Obama stuffs' name in place of Penn...

The only difference is that she got caught this time. I guess, as you saw, so you reap!

Go McCain   April 4th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Hey RW: Yes, everybody has probably lied at some point in their life. However, Hillary is applying for a job so, in essence, she is lying on her resume. How about a doctor that "lies" about his credentials–do you say "ok–he's only human" when he screws up and kills a patient?? Hillary is a liar–plain and simple.

Lanny Davis   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

she did meet with the canadians, so theres no need to hypothetically swap out names to find out that in fact the clintons should be on vlad sticks

Melanie, TX   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Wow! This is the best thing that could happen for this nomination process. It makes Obama look even better, now that we know the Canadian wink was from Hillary. I have been fearfully checking the headlines for the next attack on Obama as Hillary flounders recklessly. CNN – why don't you correct the NAFTA story from Canada???

Jeff   April 4th, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Now I just substituted Sen. Obama name by Sen. Clinton as she suggested! HOW ARE YOU GOING TO SPIN THIS????

Really?   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Apparently, when the phone rings at the White House at 3:00AM, one of the lobbyists Hillary is in bed with will pick it up.

Nice job cratering your own campaign, Hillary. How could your judgement be so bad?!?! I'm not a politician, and even I know better than to hire a guy that claims to work for me, while also being a pro NAFTA lobbyist, while also advising McCain.

Wow! There has just GOT to be more to this story! If this is all true, this is the peak of stupidity all around!

Marc in Toronto   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Error in judgment? Remember just days before Ohio how Hillary made a big to do over Barack Obama's aid's meeting with a Canadian government official!! As it turned out it was Hillary Clinton's aid that spoke to a Canadian government official giving the old wink wink.

How many faces-personalities does Hillary have? Now she's trying humor and a speech about MLK that was far from sincere. I bet that book she threw in her dorm was aimed at Bill.

Sue   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Mark Penn is the Clinton campaign's CHIEF STRATEGIST! Given Hillary's propensity for lying and obfuscation, how can we ever be sure that this wasn't a "wink, wink, nod, nod" moment?
To all superdelegates: Hillary cannot be trusted and is unelectable!
To all voters in the upcoming primaries: These are your jobs that Hillary's chief strategist is playing with. Don't be misled like the voters in Ohio were over NAFTA.

Anonymous   April 4th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

He would not be my Chief Strategist

DG_NJ   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Wow Hilary's ship is sinking fast. I starting to think this thing might be wrapped up after PA. Let's all hope so we can unite the party and move on to the major task at hand John McCain.

Obama '08

Ozzy, NYC   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Please Hillary, longer race damages the Clinton brand harshly. Please stop this stubborn attitude before you are defeated in PA. It is over, I mean it. Please Hillary supporters tell her, it is over, enough, time is up, game over....

Daniel   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

One thing Americans cannot stand is HYPOCRITES!! The more I learn about the Clinton campaign and their dealings, the less I think of them. I wonder how they plan to spin this one

Susan from Reno   April 4th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

I cannot believe this! First, Mark Penn needs to resign (or be cut) from the Clinton Campaign. Second, to have any chance left at all, Hillary has a lot of mending fences to do to try to re-convince voters that she was in the dark as to the actions and intentions of her campaign strategist. This, combined with her hypocrisy in NAFTA finally really convinces me that she is not sincere in her trade stance or with the American people. She is proving that it is true what people say – that she is willing to say and do anything just to win power - including lying to our faces. In my book, Hillary Clinton has now lost the right to say that she supports the American worker!

SHAME ON YOU, HILLARY!

Chris   April 4th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

His worst judgment is that bad combover.

Phil in KC   April 4th, 2008 2:35 pm ET

How can Hillary claim to be against a trade agreement with Columbia and, at the same time, employ someone who is actively lobbying for this trade agreement. Doesn't make sense.

Mary   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It is amazing to me that people aren't able to see that BOTH candidates are doing these things. CNN and the MSM only seem to want to report on Hillary when Obama is just as guilty.
I think Penn is an idiot and I hope Hillary tells him to get lost.

FN   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

hillary keep lie. I don't understand why all intelligent American do not see that? Why they keep send Free money to this lady to spend? I think they bettter send that money to Charity must better. Stop send check to her campaing....She will history in 1 month or do not go listen to her.

Liz   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

This siswhat happens when you have an active lobbyist (and a powerful one at that) as one of your chief campaign aides. Clearly one can't expect that every single person on her staff will agree with her on everything. But when a chief strategist is on someone else's payroll to actively fight against her positions, that kind of looks . . well. . . BAD. It's hard to make a case for your own integrity when your right hand people are paid to follow the interests of the highest bidder..

Ernest   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

Another poor judgement by the Clinton machines. What happens when the clock rings by 3:00 AM?

RocketScience   April 4th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

So basically we're being told that Mr. Penn, a top-level member of the Clinton campaign staff, mispoke and Hillary Clinton should not be held accountable for those words. Yet the Clinton campaign and its supporters take any opportunity to hold Barack Obama accountable to the words spoken by his pastor.

You can't have it both ways.

Dave   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Again Hillary has egg on her face.
It's "we the people" not "we the Clintons"

More Hillary double-talk .

America.... Hillary cannot be trusted to tell us the truth.

Any more sniper fire?

Nas   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter but I've liked Clinton too. This is just it for me, I can't stomach any more. First, it was its all about the delegates. Now she loosing those so its oh pledged delegates are up for grabs. Then lets count Michigan and Florida after she agreed they wouldn't be counted. Then the whopper about Bosnia. Now this nonsense. Its unreal. I can't say that I like her or Bill. They've just done to much. Enough already!!!! Go away!!!!

Ronnie Rucker   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

The true story is Penn did this out of revenge because he hasn't gotten paid yet.

Alimi   April 4th, 2008 2:33 pm ET

Leave Mark Penn alone, he is free to do what he likes, after all the poor guy has not been paid by the Clinton campaign for months and he has bills (no pun intended), to pay. I have an idea, what about we set up a special fund to pay the guy, then he can distance himself from the lobby group he works for.

CB   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

I wonder how many voted for Hillary, had the opportunity would take
their vote back today?

Maybe all of FL, MI, OH, TX and NM.

Swalker327   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Let the chips fall where they may! 1st she "mispoke" and now an "error in judgement" - lots of mishaps egh Hil??

CAN YOU SAY HYPOCRYTE??!!

OBAMA '08

Denise   April 4th, 2008 2:31 pm ET

Too Bad So Sad – more and more we see HRC for exactly who she is...a self serving hypocrite – will justify anything go get back in the White House. Of course the media is sure to smooooth right over this and Hill will make light of it in her next speech.....We're Not Stupid Hillary. Go Home Already!!! PENNSYLVANIA – pay Attention!

@americans   April 4th, 2008 2:30 pm ET

MARK PENN=LOBBYIST

BILLARY CLINTON = "I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric … I think it raises serious questions."

BILLARY CLINTON = SERIOUS QUESTIONS? = LIAR!!!!

jo   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

If she could not control few hundred or thousend people. How is she going to serve over 300 million in here and billions of world population.

HC   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

The colombian connection? hmmmm. So now the world has turn around and it's the other side that's sitting on hot coals. This really does not implicate Hillary, but she should send a strong message to voters. Fire him or you will loose all credibility that is left Hillary.

Mr. Penn must realize that he's on a team and not on his own.

Jackie, AL   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

UNBELIEVABLE!! Her CHIEF campaign strategist is meeting with foreign governments to orchestrate and push through Congress free-trade deals Hillary Clinton CLAIMS she is opposed to – puuhhhleeez.
Maybe he Mismet, just like she Misheard the question about what she said to Richardson and Misspoke when she said she took SNIPER FIRE. Duck, Hillary, duck!!

David   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

yeah right, Mr. Penn. certainly something not on the level going on here.

SPYTURTLE   April 4th, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Kick him to the curb, like anyone involved with the Clinton's. Time for a re-vote for Ohio and Texas!

tim   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

This is serious! She gets away with being critical of Obama when he got caught up with Canada, but when one of her most trusted people talks directly with a country, there is no recoil!

Shame on you, Clinton..... shame on you!

Jay   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

After hillary's lie about Bosnia, how can anyone believe that she has nothing to do with the meeting that her strategist made with Columbia. If her campaign workers do these sort of things behind her back, how is she going to legitimately control her administration if she pulls a curious george and steals the Presidency? I wouldn't doubt if hillary was behind it, after all, her first lady papers discuss how she was pro NAFTA and made the closing arguments FOR NAFTA, saying that it would benefit our economy. Now look at the repercussions that NAFTA has caused. I don't like george w, and never have, but our depressing economy is not all of his fault. It took this long for the negative repercussions of NAFTA to show itself.

mary   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

You think?

Michael, Texas   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

LOL

Time is the best thing that we as Americans have to see the truth about HRC.

She can't be trusted. She doesn't know how to pay her bills, run a campaign, or what her Chief strategist is doing behind her back.

And you HRC supporters like she will be able to run the USA????

Come on she is just another G.W. BUSH!!!

Awake up and let’s take back the white house.

She will be able to get away with it, she will just cry, or say she had no part of it, and then goes on SNL and joke about it, and the media will let her get away with it again like the sniper fire.

I so wish us as America could get back to how we were. Were your word was your bond.

Guess that will never happen. I feel bad that my kids are growing up in all this that we can even trust our Govt.

Come on America lets take back what is ours. Let's make America great again, and hold our Govt. to what they say.

Paulinus, Canada   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

What goes around comes around. The Wink Wink is back to haunt Hillary

April in Texas   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Flip Flop Flip Flop..... Woot I can do that too.. Hillary was for NAFTA during her husbands presidency as the transcripts showed and proved but STOP THE PRESS shes now against NAFTA due to convience and its what she thinks the american people want to hear and then a top advisor goes to advocate NAFTA and now its an error. All the while it was the Clinton camp that requested the meeting in Canada which the Canadian gov tried to straighten out when it was Obama that was blamed. Clinton will say or do anything to get elected... Clinton miss speaking miss hearling miss understood and now miss judgement.. This isnt MISS america contest Hillary so please stop with the Miss steps and miss takes..

Obama 08

Probably wont get posted but trying again...

Democrats Are What's Left   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

So I'm taking Hillary's advice:

"I don't think people should come to PENNSYLVANIA and tell the people of PENNSYLVANIA one thing and then have your campaign tell a foreign government something else behind closed doors," Clinton said then. "That's the kind of difference between talk and action and that I've been pointing out in this campaign."

"I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric … I think it raises serious questions."

In the voice of Jack Cafferty:

So my question is: Why should voters trust you, Mrs. Clinton?

doc   April 4th, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Doc April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

"substitute my name for Senator Obama"…..let's just do that.

. "NO" lets don't, All Hillary's supporters ask for is fair treatment, but CNN has crowned obama "KING"

Hippies Unite   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I have to laugh at all of the Obama-Bots and HIllary-Loons who go back and forth accusing the other of being a hypocrite. Anyone with half a brain knows that Obama's and Hillary's views are set to the audience they are speaking to. That's why they bash NAFTA in Ohio yet don't say a peep about it in Texas.

Why does Texas add hundreds of thousands of jobs while Ohio crumbles??? One word hippies...UNIONS!

Those of you who continue to support tweedle-dumb and tweedle-dumber need to wake up and realize that these two are pandering for votes by promising you lemmings a nanny to take care of you and help you overcome YOUR stupid decisions.

Get ready for hundreds of billions of dollars in new taxes and dozens of new fat government programs. Enjoy your smaller paycheck hippies.

Marie in California   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Okay, Hillary......time to get rid of Mark Penn. Obviously, he's not on your team. He should have known better. Kick him to the curb.

No Obamination in he Presidency!

Hillary or McCain – 2008

Sara from Arizona   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

WHAT SANE PERSON WOULD VOTE FOR THE DECIETFUL CLINTON??????

Please don't keep me waiting in moderation.   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

When this was Obama who was screaming foul in Ohio? Hillary is such a hypocrite!

Tally   April 4th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

I think that Hillary is only saying that she opposes this trade deal publicly because it's POLITICALLY correct. If it walks like a duck, quack like a duck, it is a duck.

Bosnian Sniper   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

Completely apart from the partisan-candidate-bickering that dominates here, If Penn is being honest that he was there on business unrelated to the HRC campaign, I have to say that I am just surprised that he has the time to do anything other than that campaign right now...he is not just the head of the consulting firm, but supposedly the chief strategist for her campaign.

More generally, I am an Obama supporter, but if I were an HRC supporter I would be pretty annoyed at Penn and not just because of this latest boneheaded move. I don't think he has done her much of a service at all. She is a stronger candidate than her campaign has let on and she and her advisors did not realize and rectify it until it was too late.

Penn's latest blunder is just one more example. Regardless of what happens, I hope the guy has a tough time getting any political candidates to hire him in the future after the mangling they've done of HRC's nomination bid.

I would respectfully suggest that her reliance on him and on a poor "win by Feb 5" campaign strategy also reflect negatively on her judgement and management, but now I know the HRC-supporter-lasers will be coming my way...

Wendy   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

What an idio!!!

Robert from MN   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

"I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric … I think it raises serious questions."

Jay K IL   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

If Obama's campaign manager had been in Mark Penn's place in the same situation – what would Hillary's advisors SAY about it? What would her financial supporters SAY? What would her voters SAY? What is acceptable for one candidate is not necessarily acceptable for the other.

Jane PA   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

You are sorry because you GOT CAUGHT. Hillary knows about it she is a laier. Hillary we don't need you in white house because there is no truth in your mouth.

teddy orlando   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

dude if i was an oohioan or what ever you call em i would be PISSED!!!!. spin your way out of this one Hillary. do i hears taps playing for your campaign???

prakash chand   April 4th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

You are fogiven Mr penn ,LETS MOVE ON AND BEAT oBAMA.

Creative Woody   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

"KW April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET"

I prefer to hold my leaders to a higher standard. Your "it's okay if Hillary lies, panders, misrepresents or otherwise misleads- we all do it" excuse is pathetic.

Joseph IRAQ WAR VET/ COMBAT MEDIC 2ND MARINE DIVISION 2ND MP BATTALLION CAMP LEJUENE   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Well since the CLINTON NEWS NETWORK likes to sensor my comments about Hillary being just like George Bush , Let me see if they will sensor me knowing Im an Iraq War vet.
Let me say it again we are sick of the lies from her (sniper in Bosnia), and the lobbyists that she surrounds herself with.
OBAMA 08 Yeah he is my JFK AND MLK reincarnated.

yael   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

This is not the same as the Obama mistruth. Reporting it in this manner on attempts to draw parallels where there are none. The most tiring thing about this campaign is the media.

Frank in Missouri   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

Mark Penn may say he was 'mismeeting' ... that's like Clinton's 'misspeaking' and 'misremembering of fictional war stories'. That's politics for 'being caught in a lie" or "with the hand in the cookie jar" in Mark Penn's 'heavy' case.

How stupid can we possibly be to support the Clintons any further?

LifeLongDemocrat   April 4th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

For what he is being paid by the campaign he should be working for Hillary exclusively. He says he was there representing his company and I will give him that, but he probably needs to be fired.

This reflects on the campaign even though he was there on his own behalf and not hers. Of course the Obama supporters will always blame Hillary.

Hey, we had a snowstorm this week...Hillary MUST have done that!

Len   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

She is a Clinton, she ia allowed to lie and we the American Public are expected to look the other way.

Jeff in Plainfield, IL   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

As is evident from some of these comments, many people still believe that it was Obama who contacted the Canadian government regarding NAFTA. PLEASE get the word out that the TRUTH is that it was the CLINTON people, not Obama.

Pennsylvania, please pay close attention. Hillary tricked Ohio; don't let them "get you" too!

Mosby   April 4th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Just more proof that the Clinton camp is just another corporate vehicle trying to get to the presidency. There's no way we should be electing people who are so clearly just another leg of the corporate monster that has been running the show for years.

honest   April 4th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I HOPE AMERICANS AND PENNSYLVANIANS ARE VERY OBJECTIVE IN THIS ELECTION AND DO THE RIGHT THING BY TURNING DOWN HILLARY!!!!!
THERE SHOULD BE COMMERCIALS MADE IMMEDIATELY ABOUT HILLARY'S HYPOCRISY!!!!
HER CAMPAIGN IS SPONSORED AND RUN BY LOBBYISTS WHO ARE JUST WAITING TO GET TO THE WHITE HOUSE AND DO THEIR USUAL THINGS!!
AMERICA, LET'S REJECT THEM OUTRIGHT PLEASE!!!!!
BILLARY, YOU CAN'T PLAY ON OUR INTELLIGENCE...NEVER AGAIN!!!!

After further review,Texas   April 4th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Another wheel comes off the wagon.

Nick   April 4th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

This is just ridiculous... you people don't understand that that this is COMPLETELY different from Obama's NAFTA blunder.

If you actually read the article, you would see that it says that Penn was acting in his professional position of the firm he is employed by. It also says that Hillary was NOT discussed.

Reflect back on Obama's adviser saying that his NAFTA stance was "just campaign rhetoric."

I see no evidence that such a statement was made here. You people just see what you want to see because you hate Hillary so much.

All I can tell you is this...keep it up. I am someone who always identifies with the Democratic party, and you have made me certain that I will cast my vote for McCain should Obama win the nomination. You are turning off the very supporters you would need in a general election.

So, as I say, keep it up.

Susan R   April 4th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Wal-Mart Board person gets caught again!
She supported NAFTA 100% in 1990's.
Maybe she mis-spoke again!
Can she tell us when she is mis-speaking?
Or maybe that would be a mis-speak.

Brian from Chicago   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Talk about irony!

I don't think people should tell the people one thing and then have your campaign tell a foreign government something else behind closed doors, either.

That's the kind of similarity between talk and action that we've been noticing in this campaign.

I didn't think anything was going to top those "30 years of experience / hail of gunfire" stories, but I was wrong!

Reality   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

What type of campaign is Hillary running when her chief strategist doesn't even supporter what she says?????
Note to Hillary... get people in your camp that have the same views or else it will be difficult to believe anything from you or your camp!!!

Corey   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Liar, Liar.....Sniper Fire!

Obama 08

Jeanne   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

The Clintons entire campaign is an "error in judgement" so there's no surprise here.

Obama welcomes Hillary supporters   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Ouch! Not good for the HRC, not good at all.

MP   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Yes it needs to said again.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

CLINTON'S CAMP MADE THAT COMMENT TO THE CANADIANS NOT OBAMA'S

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

William - North Carolina   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Is this the way her presidency will be...with someone else always taking responsibility for the screw ups?

Sophia   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Pure greed by Mark Penn! This is not the first time he has done something questionable and the Hillary campaign has gotten blame for it.....He needs to go!!!

How could he do this knowing that she voted against this in the Senate?

Hillary needs to fire him period.

lutisha   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Well Hillary the shoe is now on the other foot how is the fit?

Annete_In_Ohio   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

As I've said in previous comments. If it doesn't come out in the wash, it will come out in the rinse!
Clinton/NAFTA= Mudslide!

Hmmm.

Robert   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

To paraphrase Hillary (re. Obama and Rev. Wright), you can't choose your relatives, but you can choose your advisors. And if Penn were my advisor and he was actively promoting views I opposed, I'd go to a different advisor. How about it, Hillary? Are you going to walk your talk - or just talk?

Venus   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Yes! Is this the end for Hillary and Bill?

saminRI   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

This is not error in judgment. Penn has been on the Colombian's payroll for over 1 YEAR. He signed the $300,000 deal to lobby the US government for the free trade arrangement in March of '07. How can someone do something for a year and then say it was an error in judgment only AFTER getting caught.

Paul   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Give her a break. She's probably still stressed out from ducking all that SNIPER FIRE.

RFB   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

You know how all the Hillary haters are gong to take this. No amount of denying will set them straight. Hillary need to to separate herself from this guy.

nate   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

It was only an error in judgement AFTER he got caught, like Bosnia. Does anybody over there ever tell the truth about anything???

Victor Edwards   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Well, Penn is a consummate politician, for he immediately sees the need to jump out here and do some damage control. I won't let it work: he is an anti-labor, union-busting piece of sleaze that ought to cause the Hillary campaign to die a quick death after today. He is the enemy of Pennsylvania's working people [Ohio, too, but it is too late for them to take back their huge mistake] and working people everywhere. This is ten times worse than the Rev. Wright issue. Here is the main decision maker of the campaign who is a union-busting, labor hating [there is violence being committed on union people in Columbia right now] who most surely would have a direct link to the President if Hillary were elected. It is time, USA, to put this trainwreck of a candidate and campaign to rest. Away with Hillary and Penn! Talk of bad judgment – wow.

Bill   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Watch the time the press spends on this issue and then look at the time they spent on Obama's Canadian contact. There will be a vast difference. Mark my word they won't let this story go since this was Clinton's stragegist. They let Obama's Canadian story go like a hot potato. We heard very little of that in the news.

Justine, Cincinnati   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

I used to get really worked up and mad about Hillary's daily tactics to win the nomination. Now I'm just feeling sorry for her. She just keeps shooting herself in the foot...

Christopher W. Mannoia   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Well, she attacked Senator Obama when his aide went to Canada, and did something similar, right? SHAME ON YOU HILLARY CLINTON!

Jack Robertson   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

'Error in judgment' and 'misspoke' are typical of the litany of euphemisms that have come to characterize the Clinton campaign. If Hillary loses her bid for the nomination, it will not be stated as a defeat but as a 'delegate majority deficit'. It would be a refreshing change if Clinton and her supporters spoke to the public in plain English rather than in Orwellian 'Newspeak'. After all, a lie by any other name is still a lie and an 'error in judgment' is still stupidity.

Firewolf   April 4th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

If my chief strategist was that asinine, he'd be gone in a flash. Penn's "error in judgement" wasn't something that happened inadvertantly, like having a little too much to drink. That trip and that meeting took a lot of time and planning, so there were plenty of opportunities along the way for Penn to stop and question what he was doing. The guy's an idiot with a sever conflict of interest, which makes him the perfect candidate to run for some type of public office?

Chris-Seattle   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

An "error in judgment", along with the vote to go to war, NAFTA, removing files from Vince Fosters office after his death, Whitewater, travelgate, kitchen sink tactics, mis-management of your campaign, throwing your daughter to the wolves.

Interestingly though, it seems this is what a lot of Americans want in a President, I feel sorry for America!!! God Bless you!

Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA   April 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

This is just a preview of how the lobbyists, special interest groups and fat cats are taking up Hillary's "cabinet". Hillary is just too weak to fight people she cannot control like Bill Clinton and Mark Penn!

Ken, LA California   April 4th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

So who is doing the Wink Wink now

vince - phoenix   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

The irony is PALPABLE!

I 'love' it!

smith   April 4th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

The entire Clinton campaign has been an error in judgement. I say, keep Penn on board, it can only help Obama.

Debbie   April 4th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Lookout below, Hillary's approval rating is about to fall dramatically.

Hillary, you just lost any chance at Ohio this fall.

Ross in MD   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

His 'error in judgement' was signing on to a losing campaign!

Waaaiit a minute   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

wow. This woman will never cease to amaze me.

Marge Hibbing Mn   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Well at least Hillary's aides do admit they made an error in judgement. obama rude and crude aides just keep on keeping on and add more.

Tjaye   April 4th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

LMAO!! Will this madness ever end? Do you people really want her to lead you?

Obama '08!!

Ted R.   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Another example to be added to the ever-growing laundry list of problems with Hillary's campaign. It's quite apparent that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. Just imagine what would happen in the White House.

RollaMO   April 4th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Colombia's government busts union activity by any means necessary, including murder. At least when Walmart busts union activity, they don't kill anyone.... "as far as I know."

postxian   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Are you listening, PA & IN Dems?

True Independent, MD   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Hillary supporters, where art thou?

True Independent, MD   April 4th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

I hope PA voters will not allow themselves to be manipulated and deceived by Hillary as the OH voters unfortunately did!!

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

How much more of this deceit do you Billary supporters need!! YOU supporters need to tell her to drop out of this race NOW!!!

joan nicholson   April 4th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Idiot!

Fire him!

Joseph Moise   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Clinton, Clinton,Clinton...! when point your fingers to your opponents, your thumb points right back to you.

Bob, Kentucky   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

What's good for the gander is good for the goose.

Plee   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

WOW. Just WOW!

Forgiveness   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

That's so hilarious!. No one will ever forget this.

Carolyn   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

I guess we don't have to "imagine" substituting Clinton's name anymore!

Debby   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

CNN has become the Pathetic News Network. They don't want their boy tarnished so they have to match what a Clinton aid did to Obama's.

We use to love your political coverage in the past years with the Spin Room and Crossfire, but now with the bozo's you have hired like Cafferty, Borger, Toobin and Roland you have become a joke to watch.

Robert   April 4th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

I'm an Obama supporter who really doesn't like Hillary but I think this particular story has no teeth. You can't hold a candidate responsible for everything someone on his or her campaing does. He has his own min and his own agenda.

CT Yankee   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Since she has soooo much experience dodging bullets lets see how she leverages a plausible excuse for this. She is a lying dirtbag...

Hill   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Hey look everyone, Jeremiah Wright! Jeremiah Wright!!

/me waves hands vigorously

clinton muehlenbrock   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

So when he went to this meeting, what was hillary's knowledge of his whereabout's?

Colli   April 4th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

I can hardly believe this story....i sure hope it gets coverage to the same degree as the obama chief stratigist meeting canadian officials. Maybe the Obama camp should wait until one week before Pennsilvanya votes, then hammmer this story out, using exactly the same text as Hillary did when she so adeptly brought it out against Obama, which, I think cost him the state.

tonyh   April 4th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

Billary has no choice but to drop Penn from the campaign if she wants to have her words credited. The ball is on her court now!!!!
I wonder if there is somebody left who really thinks she and her bunch are not dirty strategists.

John WA   April 4th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Also, it turned out it was actually the Clinton camp that was talking to Canada that was intended in the leak. Clinton camp was there too, yet dared to only focus the attention on Obama.

Andre   April 4th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hillary, what do you really represent?

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

The hypocracy is mind-boggling.

kim   April 4th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

You might want to correct your story to reflect that it was later reported to be a person from the Clinton campaign that had told the Canadian officials that it would be business as usual,and not someone from the Obama camp.
Regarding the latest.....I'm not at all surprised.So mush has come out about the Clinton's double dealings that it is to be expected now.

jan   April 4th, 2008 1:58 pm ET

Well first Maggie williams on the board of a predatory lender now Penn lobying for trade deals. Hey Hillary" you can chose your pastor" well you also chose your top advisors. How can you run a country when you can't run a campaign and the people who work for you are shady?

carmen   April 4th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

It was just a "mis-meeting"

Terry, Dallas Texas   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

She won't fire him. To do that would look like she made a mistake and we can't have that.

This woman will do whatever it takes to get elected and that should scare people who are supporting her.

kenney   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Hillary,what goes around come back around Obama 08

shane   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

LIes, and the lying liars who tell them.

Obama08

KHAL houston,Texas   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

The sickness of it all.....those Clintons really do have double standards, I have serious questions..for Madam Clinton....?

White woman   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Yes it does raise serious questions Sen. Clinton. Now answer them.

JJ   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

She just lost my support, and if we really want a Dem in the White House we need to start pulling together.

Jim   April 4th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Does ANYBODY trust Hillary anymore?

Hilla-burton   April 4th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

She doesn't support trade agreements with Columbia....as far as I know...

Angus McDugan   April 4th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

I am sure there is a wink and nod in there somewhere.

Joe in Southern California   April 4th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Thanks CNN for posting my comments.

Anita in NC   April 4th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Hillary:

You have chosen the wrong people to lead your campaign, speak as your surrogates and help you define your path for the USA.

NC for Obama   April 4th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Mark Penn needs a strategist for his hair cut!

Don't Trust Obama   April 4th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

CNN, it says Leave Your Comment, but my comment gets lost in oblivion.

Andrew   April 4th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

I am for Hillary but this is what happens when you have lobbyist running your campaign. Hillary needs to let him go or it will be the end of me for her!

Harry, NY   April 4th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

My major concern about Hillary's "Ability to lead" is her continual inability to control her own campaign.

It appears to be completely chaotic.

debra   April 4th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Thats a lie. This report even mentions that it happened. Also it was in a canadian newspaper. The difference is that Barracks rep stated that Barrack a0pproved what he was saying. Pen admits that Hillary strongly opposes it and he did it on his own. Keep in mind that all these people working in the campaigns have lives outside of the campaign. .

Matthew Chicago   April 4th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

A lobbyist is her chief strategist! How crooked! Get rid of the lobbyists Hillary and maybe your campaign might have a few dollars to spend. Where will this guy sit when and if she is elected...right on her lap!

Any doubt about voting for Obama has now been erased.

David   April 4th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Remember the Canadians corrected their mistake and said that it was Clinton's campaign that made the comment, not Obama's.

MC   April 4th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

And . . . keep in mind, Obama only did is race speech . . . b/c he got caught !!! This is happening in both democratic camps . . . I would suggest keeping your disparaging remarks to yourselves, unless you want the words to come back and bite you . . . b/c they will.

GO HILLARY 2008 !!!!

moses,Ca.   April 4th, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Talking about double standards. This shows you what the Clintons are really like. do anything,say anything.

Mike   April 4th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

One bungle after another, not to mention one lie after another, is the hallmark of a dysfunctional and dangerous organization.

me me   April 4th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Now that I've substituted Hillary's name what will she do. Is this a nod nod blink blink?

GT in CA   April 4th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

The super delagates are lining up for Obama now. The momentum is building stronger every day. Time for Hillary to see the writing on the wall...

Don't Trust Obama   April 4th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

This can't be good.

Eric   April 4th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Where is Cherryl when Hillary needs her the most?

Can't wait to read her delusional comments about this one.

michael, ny   April 4th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I dont know about you, but it looks to me like this guy is trying to find a way to get fired so that he wont take the blame for Clinton's failing campaign.

Jim in NYC   April 4th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

There is much that can be revealed about the attacks that an individual makes against another. In fact, some believe that is very revealing about their own true nature. Be sure to pay attention to what Senator Clinton has said / will be saying about her Peter Paul case that starts next week.

Martin in PA   April 4th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Hypocrites all!!

Carrie PA   April 4th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Only Hillary would spin this towards Obama! ENOUGH ALREADY!

cj-delhi,ny   April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

I'm sure he just "misspoke" as they do so well in the Clinton camp.

Obama 08

Dave   April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

Mark Penn already has a conflict of interest, since he works for both the Clinton campaign and the McCain campaign. You've got to wonder which client he was actually trying to help when he made this brillaint move...

Doc   April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

"substitute my name for Senator Obama".....let's just do that.

Joy   April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

The Clinton campaign (with the media) crucified Obama just b/4 Ohio/Texas primaries on NAFTA (story that turned out not to be true) though under-reported on that side).
Will the media focus attention on this one in the Clinton campaign as this "raises serious questions" per her own words–let's see this running 24/7.

rafael   April 4th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Come on now relax everybody, no need to get too critical on Penn boy. It's obvious what happened here; simply another incident in which he simply made ANOTHER mistake due to sleep deprivation, which proves he's human. He's also under additional stress from Sniper Fire!!!

Pee Wee   April 4th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

He's holding that finger in the air, just like his mentor!

Enough already!

mcd   April 4th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

Ah yes, the do as I say not as I do approach.

Obama 08

Anson   April 4th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

When Hillary is done destroying the democratic party, she'll destroy the country if given that chance. She's bad and she has a crew at her image.

RickytheGriff   April 4th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

That's it. I've officially switched to Obama!

Obama '08

Lee WV   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

An error in judgement here,misspoke somewhere else,this is becoming all too familiar in the Clinton campaign.Don't sound like people I would trust to answer the phone at 3am.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Why does Hillary and her people keep doing these things, they say one thing and on the other side they keep doing the total opposite.

Just stop it.

Morris   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Hillary was lying about ducking sniper fire, now lets see how she will handle this...? She can not be trusted! I was supporting her, but no more; fool me once shame on you; fool me twice shame on me!

Ron R   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Is this a campaign a disgrace or what? Please don't forget that in all organizations, IT ALL STARTS AT THE TOP! Wake up people...

ed   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

it's actually already been proven that Barack's staff never had that meeting with canadian officials telling them to ignore Barack's anti-NAFTA talk. Hillary knows that it's not true but she still uses it against Barack.

Eric   April 4th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Let the poor guy alone. He has to make a living since Hillary's campaign hasn't been paying him for the last couple of months. Everybody can see he hasn't been to the hairdresser for a while.

Tempered   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Awesome! Thanks for the laugh, Mark Penn.

KW   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

THERE ARE A LOT OF HYPOCRITES IN THIS WORLD!

I'm so sick of all the people who criticise the Clintons for every mistake they have made….what was you expecting from them…Mother Teresa??? I wonder how many of you who judge Bill Clinton for his affair, have not committed the same sin yourself one time or another in your life. In my 50+ years of living it is my belief that there are very few people who have not cheated on a mate at sometime or another in their life….so therefore I say SHUT THE H...L UP! I'm sick of the hipocrisy…and God hates a hipocrite too.

I don't condone what he did but on the other hand, he has paid for it dearly AND continues to…when does he get forgiven???? Does Hillary ever lie? Once again..HAVE YOU EVER LIED? HAS OABAMA EVER LIED?? I mean, come on…do you REALLY belive that Obama attended a church for twenty years and was unaware of how his Minister felt?

Do you expect them to be saints? They are human like you and I, and being human, they are going to be flawed. Instead of dwelling on their mistakes, their flaws, try looking at the good in them. If I'm not mistaken Bill Clinton had an approximate 60% Approval rating when he was President…he must have done some good…..don't you think?????

I'm not against Obama….he may be what he portrays himself to be…or he may not be. To me, he is more of a risk…."The Two Birds in The Bush". He was virtually a stranger to most of us just some months ago. At least with the Clintons, we have a history, we more know what we got, the good and the bad. It's fine to gamble in life sometimes, to go out on a limb, but with the mess the country is in currently, do you really think this is the best time to gamble??? I don't know, I think I would rather go "With a Bird in the Hand" versus the two in the bush.

Clinton 08….Maybe Obama later

GT in CA   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

"Clinton has sharply criticized America's free trade agreements as she campaigns" but supported NAFTA when her husband was President. Now we find out one of her top advisor supports free-trade with Columbia. Which way is it Hillary? Voters in Pennsylvania should vote for Obama, not this lying politician.

Jae, NY   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

In retrospect and considering this report, I wonder if the campaign regrets taking so many pot shots at rival throughout the primaries?

It seems they would have faired so much better had they run a kosher/ dignified campaign and stayed clear of the pigstye.

I guess their chickens are coming home to roost...

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

""Of course, she will go on Letterman or Leno, make a joke about it, and claim she was sleep dprived when this all occured.""

Don't laugh...that's exactly what she'll do.

She went on various shows right before Texas and Ohio to pander.

James, Huntington, WV   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

No brain Hillary at it again!!
According to the front page of the Toronto Newspaper, it was Hillary's campaign that contacted the Canadians. Obama's name was substituted for Clinton's when the story hit Washington. A smear that was reported by MSNBC but not carried on all networks. She is just at it again. Not Trustworthy!!!!!!

Crystal Mitchell   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Please tell me why she is mentioning Obama in this. This is her business to handle. And all she can do is try and point the finger at someone else. Wow! This is a clear indication that if a 3:00 call came in she will not be the one to answer it. She will just past it off to Obama. Because clearly she can't stand for herself. All this talk about being a fighter, is bologna. She's just talk and full of hot air. When the going gets tough the first thing that Clinton does is point the finger at someone or something else and LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Percy   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

"I would ask you to look at that story, Hilary Clinton,". "If some of your advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what he is saying because it's only business as usual … I think it raises serious questions."

Alex H   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Maurice Jr -

Yes, he does have another job to run... it's called a conflict of interests and it's what gets politicians, like Hillary and Bill Clinton, into a lot of trouble for catering to people like this! Can you say Travelgate? Oh and lets take a look at what his job is... representing organizations like Blackwater and tobacco companies? The firm makes MILLIONS on anti-union campaigns! But Hillary has him as a strategist.

You know... Obama's pastor had a job too... but we held Obama responsible for what he said (thinks that were overblown and misrepresented to destroy the man) and for having him as a spiritual adviser. The difference is Clinton PAYS this guy but she gets to say "he doesn't represent me". Double standard anyone?

Independent In Texas   April 4th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

So no one sees her employing a lobbyist for a foreign nation as a campaign advisor a conflict of interest?!

What will she do if she's President?

Mekki   April 4th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Well Well, it's simple we want Hilary to explain her self and maybe she can use the same language that she used before against Obama.
What goes around , comes around!

Jazz   April 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This guy acts like an Obama campaign employee. Has he been vetted? Kick him to the curb anyway.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I am a Obama supporter and he will be the next president. Penn did use poor judgement for his own self servicing purposes. It doesn't make sense for Hillary to have supported such doings unless there is some unknown underlying reasons.

Dan in CO   April 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

The two jobs argument doesn't fly if they are fundamentally opposed.

It's like being a cop by day and a criminal by night.

Howard JaX Florida   April 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

I don't think things can get worse for Hillary. There is something all of you die hard Hillary Supporters need to see. It is called "Hillary The Moveie". It was very interesting. It really opened my eyes. See it and make up your own minds.

NittanyLion4Bama   April 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

This guy has been the worst thing for her campaign from the beginning. It's his strategy that introduced the early nastiness in her campaign that led me to switch to Obama. This guy is so dirty he makes Pig Pen from peanuts look like he's spotless

D.W.; Miami, FL   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

HYPOCRITES!!!

Due to the lack of funds, the changeover, and the public tirades, I am beginning to wonder if Clinton's campaign just doesn't do an Enron and implode before the race is even finished.

If how she runs her campaign is any indication of how she would run this country, then I for one certainly DO NOT WANT.

I mean what is she going to do: loan the Treasury $5 million dollars? This is getting to be ridiculous.

Robin   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Sad, isn't it?

Sharon   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Politico is now reporting that the Colombian president's office is now saying that they are unsure if he was representing Clinton or his own company. This story reeks, and will only get more stinky as more details are released. Colombia recently criticized Obama for his stance on CAFTA but didn't say a work about Clinton, even though they supposedly have the same position. Wonder who was giving them the old "wink-wink?"

Dave   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Say What?

This didn't really happen, did it?

Don 0f Pennsylvania   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

However, I will bet you next months rent that Mark Penn is not severed from the campaign. Funny how the rules always change for Hillary.

Spivey, Austin   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I don't judge Penn trying to make some money on the side but obviously this shows a serious conflict of interest in the Hillary campaign when one of your top guys is consulting a company on how best to take advantage of a possible free trade agreement and yet the candidate herself has said she opposes it, supposedly.

The Canadian story about Obama was supposedly taken completely out of context and quite possibly have been attributed to the wrong campaign but here you have Penn coming out and saying he was wrong for doing this and admitting fault. Can you say 'caught red-handed'?

MP   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

"I don't think people should come to PA and tell the people of PA one thing and then have your campaign tell a foreign government something else behind closed doors," Clinton said then (of herself). "That's the kind of difference between talk and action and that I've been pointing out in this campaign."

"I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. (OK we Will) "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments(they did) and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric … I think it raises serious questions."

Yes Senator it does raise questions. Open mouth and insert foot.

Sean   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I like how her strategist is also a lobbyist... hmmm... no conflicts of interest there, Im sure...

Charlotte   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I guess someone is using my name, then again there are a lot of Charlottes around. I'm a Hillary supporter and proud of it. This guy will most likely be terminated from her campaign. It is sad when people seem to undermine the candidate they support with their actions. Powers, Penn and others need to think before they speak. We are in the election of a life time. These are the best possible democratic candidates of all time, being blindsighted by others. We will lose in November, in what should have been a walk in the park.

Nate   April 4th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

Well, no fears because the press wont cover this like they covered the supposed gaff when an Obama staffer spoke with Canada- and of course Obama wont try to make this a key issue because he has run an honorable campaign.

To bad, I was a huge supporter of both of the Clintons for years and while I still respect Mrs Clintons talents in the senate, she has run a miserable campaign and has at times come off as very self rightous and at other times seems incapable of applying the same standards she demands of Mr. Obama to her own campaign.

kevin lynch   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Hillary should get rid of this idiot! He is a twin of the foot fetish guy , whats his name?He is a fox contributor now!

Lostfigs   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

This story is a non issue.

Cody S. - Montgomery, AL   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Another shining example of the Clinton camp trying to have it both ways...

christian   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Ok. Well Obama's guy had his own "other job" too working for a University and it was in that capacity that he met with whatever Canadian official(s) he did. So why does Obama get hell about it and Hillary does not?!?!

DOUBLE F'ING STANDARD.

Wise Dem.   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

In Hilary's own word:
"I don't think people should come to Ohio and tell the people of Ohio one thing and then have your campaign tell a foreign government something else behind closed doors," Clinton said then. "That's the kind of difference between talk and action and that I've been pointing out in this campaign."

"I would ask you to look at that story, substitute my name for Senator Obama," she also said. "If some of my advisers had been having private meetings with foreign governments and basically saying ignore what I'm saying because it's only political rhetoric … I think it raises serious questions."

Like in Obama's case this was not just a meeting. Penn is actually lobbying for free trade.

Norisha   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

There's a difference in listening to somone speak about issue that you may disagree with. It's something entirely different when you are involved in a matter and you are strategizing for your canidate for president whom, Specifically is strongly opposing the dealings that you are involved in! There are some heavy contradictions in the Clinton camp...it's not a good look.

OBAMA 2008!!!

Mary Lee   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

HILLARY IS A LIAR!! Her campaign is so dirty!! So when they make mistakes its ok?

Hahahahaha,,,,,Hillary you just ate your words!! I hope they taste as bitter as when you spat them out!!

Now all you Billary supporters, explain to me this incident??

No more hypocrites, liars, and deceiving criminals in the white house!!

Vote OBAMA 2008!!! The only person with the real capacity and intelligence to lead!!

Michael in Columbus, Ohio   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Just like NAFTA,lol where are the real stories......

Obama '08

wilfred   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

Obama : "Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, I rest my Case"

Tx   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

I originally thought Clinton was going to be my candidate. However the longer this campaign stretches out, the more inconsistent and dirty I find her to be. It's sad that we as Americans have to decide between corruption and corruption. No one is clean.

Kevin, Louisville, Ky   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Hillary, who is your campaign strategist again?

Ok may Mark Penn "mis-spoke" to Columbian officials about NAFTA ....

GO HILLARY!!

If your strategist is lobbying for NAFTA under the guise of his firm ..what does that say of his beliefs when you win ......

PuLEEZZZZZ   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

OK. "ERROR IN JUDGEMENT"

Just updateing my Clinton Dictionary. This just another under the heading of.

BALD FACED LIE!

Other entries include. "Misspoke" "Don't recall" "Mis remember" whew! It is hard to keep up!

OK Clinton Bots you got some 'splainin to do! LOL

Russell   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Lest we forget the Hillary also met with the Canadians about her stance on NAFTA?

nittany   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Such hypocrisy and lies are just stunning.

America can do better.

chula   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

The difference between Penn and the Obama guy who spoke to the Canadians.....is that Obamas guy did it with Obamas approval.

This dumb guy went behind Hillary's back.

Time to let him go Hill!

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Penn's appology is noted but then Hillary should be taken at her words. She needs to substitute her name with Obama's and accept full responsibility for what was said. It is wrong to use different standards for different people. She should be able to tell the voters in Pennsylvania that Penn's statements raise serious questions or at least appologize to voters in Ohio. That is what being ready on day one demands.

sky   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I just really dont trust her anymore

Jack Walden   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Of course, this is expected. Washington Lobbysts own her with all the PAC money she has accepted. Her campaign like that of John McCain is run by Washington Lobbysts. No surprise here...

Clintoris   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

OBAMA IS THE POLITICAL LAXATIVE AMERICA NEEDS.
TRUTH
HONESTY

HOPE

McCain Clinton 08   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Nah, no error, just pretending everyone can have their way!!
Hilldog!!

kevin lynch   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Hillary is the strongest candidate. The networks have driven Obamas campaign. You guys give hime a series of speasches on race,iraq and the economy!!
Obama is playing the networks like a fiddle! When it comes out about his connections to Ghadafi are you going to aloow him to prepare speaches and carry them live??????

EAGLE35   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

WILL SOMEONE TELL ME WHY THIS BUNCH OF INCOMPETENTS SHOULD RUN THIS COUNTRY? THEY HAVE RUN THE WORST CAMPAIGN IN AMERICAN HISTORY. BILL, HILL, PENN, ALL OF THEM ARE JUST PUNCH LINES NOW. HILLARY, GIVE IT UP FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND CHECK YOURSELF INTO A MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC ALONG WITH BILL AND YOUR STAFF. THIS IS GETTING PATHETIC.

Ralph   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

An "error in judgement"? This is either about more political incompetence, or more lies. Feel free to pick one.

Andrew   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

There's a spelling mistake in the article. You use "Columbia" in the first paragraph instead of the correct "Colombia."

On the substance, free trade is the way to go (especially in the direction of creating free trade zone throughout the americas). It makes sense for the US, and is inevitable. The democratic candidates know it too, but are simply afraid to anger the union base of the party (which is completely wrong on this issue).

Mike   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

This story strikes me as absolutely astounding. First, because it creates an incredible conflict of interest and conflict of purpose on the part of Penn and the entire Clinton campaign.

Second, and most dramatically, this comes on the heels of the outright lies that were manufactured by the Clinton campaign prior to the Ohio and Texas primaries about Obama's aid supposedly negating Obama's message on NAFTA in a meeting with a representative of the Canadian government.

The Clinton campaign's "report" about the Obama aid was verified as false by the Canadian government itself. Penn's meeting however, is all too true.

The Clinton campaign once again shows its dirty, hypocritical nature. As a one time supporter of the Clintons I cannot tell you how much respect I have now lost for them.

ellianna   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

ONE MORE DECEPTIVE SKELETON OUT OF THE CLINTON CLOSET!!

Kevin   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

I guess Penn forgot that Hillary is trying to run a campaign. HELLO! Trying to run a campaign here! Do you mind??

ahahahaha

KY for Obama   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

CNN, please be fair – lets not forget to add to this story that it turned out to be CLINTON's campaign and NOT Obama's that had contacted Canadian officials to say that opposition to NAFTA was simply campaign rhetoric. This bit of information was terribly under-reported then, as now; and is especially important in light of this new story.

Bill W - PA   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

Why is this a surprise to anyone? She has consistently lied about outsourcing and free trade agreements. She brought the Indian outsourcer into NY, and now claims she will end outsourcing. She wrote in her book that she was for NAFTA, now says she was against it. Her people called the Canadians and told them not to worry about NAFTA, and blamed it on Obama.

Now here she goes again. This is typical of Clinton – she is a liar who tells people what they want to hear, then does what she wants.

Krissy, FL   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

YEAH, RIGHT!

Kevin   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

I'll take his word too "an error in judgement"

He erred in judging that the race would be over on Feb. 4th. He's erred in every way, running Mrs. Clinton's campaign into the ground.

Her error in judgement is in employing him.

Wake up   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

We don't need a president that can't make accurate statements because they are "sleep deprived".

Vote Obama.

kathleen   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Hillary to Penn! No, No, not now!! Wait until I get elected!!!!!

OBAMA 2008

GJ   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

So she claim shes against Free Trade i.e. Nafta but her cheif strategist is someone who is involved in trade meetings.

Wow this speaks volumes about Hillary.

So either she really isnt against trade like she claims; or she doesnt know how to pick a team.

Either way Hillary please release your tax retruns so we can cue the curtains on your campaign.

Tony Z- MD   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

This is one of those wink wink moments.

Texas   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Whatever it takes to get votes.....the people in Ohio should be upset and feel mislead, yet again by the Clinton campaign.

Whatever it takes to get votes....

???   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Ehem...well....huh?

ann   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

I support HIllary and know she had nothing to do with this.....that being said........Penn needs to go.

Obama failed by not getting rid of the person who was talking to the Canadians........It would seem because he was doing it with Obamas approbal.

Now Hillary needs to show that she has better judgment than Obama and release Penn.

Suzette   April 4th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

You've got to be kidding. Does she think people are stupid? Yes, Penn has another job, which directly contradicts what she claims to stand for. So, what kind of judgement does she show having a campaign strategist who's job is to represent a position opposite of what her campaign position is. I think I'll substitute her name in the story of who was actually meeting with the people from Canada?

I completely agree with you Jack. This woman is just too sleazy.

Michael   April 4th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Hummm, this could be construed as another incident of "poor judgement" on Sen. Clinton's part?

I'm not sayin.. I'm just sayin...

Daniel   April 4th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Oops – how about them apples? Pretty convenient for Mr. Penn huh? Should we believe that Hillary knows "nothing"?
Cheez – what a mess we have!

Tired   April 4th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Sorry Hillary, I supported you but its getting ridiculous now. I am swicthing to Obama.

Obama '08

ALBO   April 4th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

HILLARY opposed NAFTA but promoted it when BILL was president

HILLARY opposes the Colombia deal but spent millions of dollars paying a disastrouos Strategy manager who is allowed to promote such.

The problem is not NAFTA and other Latin America deals. NAFTA has benefitted all its members. CHINA is the real problem and must be
restrained from exploiting the GATT without complying with its rules,
as well as the total lack of sincerity of HILLARY's actions!

ALBO

John   April 4th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Only because he got caught!

Tex   April 4th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I somehow remember the Hillary campaign criticizing Obama personally because so say one of his surrogates supposedly spoke to a Canadian official on NAFTA. I remember Hillary using that criticism during the election in Ohio to her advantage. Was that a case of "misspeak" then or now?

Hillary you can't have it both ways! You opened the door to this type of negativity and innuendo. This is a big flub up for Hillary and her campaign. Where's Carville when she needs him to counter attack and blame Obama?

Hispanics now for Obama   April 4th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Clearly if a strategist of my campaign was falsely representing my campaign and what I stand for, i would fire him. Let's see how well Clinton's judgment is.

Hill can't seem to control the money in her campaign or her own staff. Not a good example to set for Americans, Hill. :(

Sue   April 4th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

It does raise serious questions. Just as it was the CLINTON campaign that contacted the Canadian government about NAFTA while finding a way to blame the Obama campaign. She'll find a way to spin this. If that doesn't work, she'll go on Leno and try to laugh her way out of it like she did the Bosnia sniper fire incident. The Clintons continually show a pattern of disrespect not only for all Americans but for our intelligence as well.

Kevin Leo (Jonesboro, GA)   April 4th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

I can not scream HYPOCRITE loud enough!!!

Of course, she will go on Letterman or Leno, make a joke about it, and claim she was sleep dprived when this all occured.

Tim   April 4th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

Hypocrite. Will this hurt her in PA like the Canada thing did for Obama in OH? One can only hope.

Crazystuff   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

You mean to tell me that even the people running her campaign do share her policy views. This is shady on so many levels

Oh! The Irony   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Yes it does raise serious questions Sen. Clinton. Now answer them.

Eric   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Get ready for a new big business owned administration if Clinton is elected. This reeks of Halliburton. These are trade deals she opposes to the public just due to campaigning in places like Indiana and Ohio. She is a firm NAFTA warrior and will sign any pro-globalization anti-American worker law into power. I wonder if any of Penn's companies will benefit once she inks in further trade deals with the blood of American workers? Recession? Get ready for a depression.

Wake UP Clintonites   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

The hypocrisy continues, after the clintons created and put out of context the Obama Canada connection here they go. i wonder what all you hillary bots have to say about this, will you be hypocritical or see it for what it is, she's a two-faced double crossing hypocrit.

therealist   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Quid pro quo. Shhhhhhh.....

Doug, Florida   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

HRC as a candidate, Is a error in judgment for the Dem

BKB   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Now isn't that special? Obama fired his strategist for misrepresenting his views to a reporter but Clinton's # 1 is actually making deals contrary to her stated policy and we suppose to look the other way. Hmm.. me doth think the lady protests too much.

Bukky   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

wow...

NOBAMA   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

Fire his arse! He's a puke anyway, and has done a horrible job.

Independent   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

You are sorry because you GOT CAUGHT! America sees through you Mr. Penn. You are an opportunist – back room dealing. Isn/t that the case of the pot cakking the kettle black??/ Hypoctrite in every sense of the word.

Jack   April 4th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

HYPOCRITES!

Independent   April 4th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

It's good to see that the advisors she relies on have the judgment she lacks....oh, wait – this guy's bone head move shows that's not the case.

Maurice Jr   April 4th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I take Penn's word. Let's not forget Penn has another job besides working for Hillary. No one should be faulted for working hard. This is what this nation is all about. He should have known better though. We all make mistakes and I take his word.

Charlotte   April 4th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Well, okay then Mrs. Clinton. I guess I have some serious questions for you!!!

Mandy, California   April 4th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

So, now we can substitute her name there in that story.

What will she do now?

mjc   April 4th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

as a hillary supporter, i think this guy is bad news and she should get rid of him.

but i'm no campaign runing expert insider, there's just something about him and stories related to him that turn me off.

RevGreen   April 4th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

she's quite familiar w/how free trade works in Columbia.......some never forget Mena.......

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