April 4, 2008
Posted: 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


RevGreen   April 4th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

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

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.

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?

Charlotte   April 4th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

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

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.

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.

Jack   April 4th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

HYPOCRITES!

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.

NOBAMA   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

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

Bukky   April 4th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

wow…

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.

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

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

therealist   April 4th, 2008 1:23 pm ET

Quid pro quo. Shhhhhhh…..

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. :(

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?

John   April 4th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Only because he got caught!

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

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

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!

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…

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.

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.

???   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

Ehem…well….huh?

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….

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.

kathleen   April 4th, 2008 1:28 pm ET

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

OBAMA 2008

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.

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.

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

YEAH, RIGHT!

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.

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.

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

ellianna   April 4th, 2008 1:29 pm ET

ONE MORE DECEPTIVE SKELETON OUT OF THE CLINTON CLOSET!!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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??????

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

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

Clintoris   April 4th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

OBAMA IS THE POLITICAL LAXATIVE AMERICA NEEDS.
TRUTH
HONESTY

HOPE

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…

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.

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!

nittany   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Such hypocrisy and lies are just stunning.

America can do better.

Russell   April 4th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

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

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

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 ……

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.

wilfred   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

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

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

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

Obama '08

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!!

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!!!

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.

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.

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

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

Lostfigs   April 4th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

This story is a non issue.

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!

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.

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.

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…

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.

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'?

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.

Dave   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Say What?

This didn't really happen, did 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?"

Robin   April 4th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Sad, isn't it?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

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?

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."

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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!!!!!!

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.

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…

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.

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

Tempered   April 4th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Awesome! Thanks for the laugh, Mark Penn.

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.

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.

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…

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!

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.

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.

RickytheGriff   April 4th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

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

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.

mcd   April 4th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

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

Obama 08

Pee Wee   April 4th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

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

Enough already!

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!!!

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.

Doc   April 4th, 2008 1:41 pm ET

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

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…

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

This can't be good.

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…

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?

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.

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.

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 !!!!

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.

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.

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. .

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.

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!

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

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

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

Mark Penn needs a strategist for his hair cut!

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.

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

Thanks CNN for posting my comments.

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

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

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

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

Jim   April 4th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Does ANYBODY trust Hillary anymore?

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.

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

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

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….?

kenney   April 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ET

Hillary,what goes around come back around Obama 08

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.

carmen   April 4th, 2008 1:57 pm ET

It was just a "mis-meeting"

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?

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.

Mike   April 4th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

The hypocracy is mind-boggling.

Andre   April 4th, 2008 2:01 pm ET

Hillary, what do you really represent?

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.

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.

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.

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?

Hill   April 4th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Hey look everyone, Jeremiah Wright! Jeremiah Wright!!

/me waves hands vigorously

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…

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.

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.

Carolyn   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

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

Forgiveness   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

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

Plee   April 4th, 2008 2:06 pm ET

WOW. Just WOW!

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

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

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.

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

Idiot!

Fire him!

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!!!

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!!

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

Hillary supporters, where art thou?

postxian   April 4th, 2008 2:09 pm ET

Are you listening, PA & IN Dems?

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."

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.

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!!

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.

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

wow. This woman will never cease to amaze me.

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

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

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.

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.

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

The irony is PALPABLE!

I 'love' it!

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

So who is doing the Wink Wink now

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!

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!

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?

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.

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!

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…

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.

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.

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???

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.

Paul   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

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

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.

Venus   April 4th, 2008 2:19 pm ET

Yes! Is this the end for Hillary and Bill?

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?

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.

lutisha   April 4th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

Jeanne   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

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

Corey   April 4th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Liar, Liar…..Sniper Fire!

Obama 08

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!!!

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!

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.

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.

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

Another wheel comes off the wagon.

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!!!!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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???

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.

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.

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."

Wendy   April 4th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

What an idio!!!

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…

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.

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!

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

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

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

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.

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"

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?

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

Flip Flop Flip Flop….. Woot I