April 5, 2008
Posted: April 5th, 2008 12:26 PM ET

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

(CNN) – The Colombian government severed ties with Clinton strategist Mark Penn and his public relations firm Saturday, unhappy Penn referred to a recent meeting with the Colombian ambassador as an "error in judgment."

"Mr. Mark Penn, President and CEO of Burson Marsteller, responded to claims by Union representatives who questioned his relationship with the Colombian Government by declaring that it was an 'error in judgment' to meet with his client the Colombian Ambassador on March 31. The Colombian government considers this a lack of respect to Colombians, and finds this response unacceptable," a statement from the Colombian embassy said.

Penn's comments came Friday after it was reported he had met with the Colombian ambassador in his role as CEO of his P.R. firm to promote a free trade agreement with the country that Hillary Clinton has sharply criticized on the campaign trail.

"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," Penn said in a statement.

The meeting, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, occurred Monday. The Colombian Embassy hired Penn's firm in 2007 to help achieve congressional approval of the trade agreement signed in 2006 by Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and the Bush administration.

Change to Win, a union federation that has endorsed Barack Obama and represents more than 6 million workers, immediately called on Clinton to fire Penn, saying " It’s time for [her] to send her vaunted ‘chief strategist’ Mark Penn packing - back to his job consulting for union busting corporations and anti-labor governments for good.

On 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."

– CNN's Juan Carlos Lopez, Alex Mooney and Mike Roselli contributed to this report

Filed under: Hillary Clinton


Mike from Austin   April 5th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

..... Hillary is leaving this race right after Pennsylvania ..... so let's CHILL .... and not waste our energy ... start calling people in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Indiana ..... let's get them ready for the general election ..... WE're fired up and ready for McBush.

Rudy   April 5th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

From the comments on this page, it seems there are an extraordinary amount of misogynists in the USA–and so many misinformed people.

Obama is just another puppet player–he'll be just like GW Bush in the end– someone who doesn't know what he's doing and in water over his head–he needs to drop out before he screws up the US even more than GW–
And he's been following the teachings of a preacher who preaches hate. Certainly Obama can't say now after all the YEARS of attending that church that he was never touched by the preacher's words. If he can, then he's a liar for ever pretending to be a good member of his church, and blind for not taking the preacher to task well before he brought him onto his campaign......or is it a case like with GW Bush– he didn't know any better?

Just don't come crying to me if Obama gets elected and we end up being owned by the rest of the world.

Geoff, NH   April 5th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I hope all you folks realize that it isn't NAFTA thats stolen so many American jobs, Its the gradually skyrocketing levels of trade with China. If you want to save American jobs, stop buying Chinese-made goods. Incidentally, one of the prime perpetrators of this is Walmart, which HRC served on the board of Directors for. So, what does that tell you?

Laura Herold   April 5th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

AND to the blogger that said THANKS MARK PENN...Yeah I second that. Thanks Mark Penn. It was only a matter of time before the true Mark Penn showed up. The guy is a swine.

Texas Momma   April 5th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Get used to this, America. This is what we will be dealing with if Hillary becomes President. These are the types of people embedded in her campaign and candidacy. They have an agenda that is far different from what she leads us to believe. She mispeaks, misunderstands, misrepresents, and misfires in order to get away with it. However, after the hundredth time, even your supporters are beginning to question your leadership, Hillary. Bye, bye.

No More Lies. I am voting Obama.

Laura Herold   April 5th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Go away Hillary. Time to retire. You stumble every time you open your mouth. I personally want a President that I can be proud of...a country to be proud of. Obama can bring it back for us. Think Smart Pennsylvania! Its your turn to rid us of the PAST! Vote Obama!

Swing State Maniac   April 5th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Please Pennsylvania u are a reputed swing state, SWING YOUR VOTE TO BARACK NOW. Enough of Billary's shady deals and cover ups

Cindy Georgia   April 5th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Why is there not much talk about Mark Penn's tie to Blackwater and the Columbians for a Nafta deal?

He was said to have closed a deal with BOTH this weekend. April 5, 2008

He is Hillary's campaign manager isn't he? Also, isn't he a LOBBYIST?

I thought she was NOT doing anything behind closed doors with trading agreements?

morningside   April 5th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

To Frank Smith, your time spent saying the rosary, would be better spent supporting the victims of sexual abuse at the hands of predator priests who had no business in the Catholic Church.

morningside   April 5th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

So, Mark Penn got fired by his client when they figured out that he could not influence Hillary Clinton to support their deal.

I don't get it. What's the story here?

Parrish   April 5th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Now I have been watching Cnn for the past four hours. You know what they keep talking about over and over and over.. About this democratic Radio announcer calling McCain a War Monger. About every 15 minutes they keep repeating this story. Like I tell you. this is bias reporting. they have not once mention this story of Clintons Aid Penn. Not Once in the Past Four Hours. they keep talking about this McCain issue of being a War Monger. Over and Over and Over Again. See Voters. this is a bias news reporting. Anything that has to do with Obama. they will drill it to the ground. but anything with Hillary. they will just let her fly from this. I truly believe Cnn and Msnbc is getting paid off to protect the clintons. Cnn we are watching you. You are Very Bias on your reporting. its making me sick to see this actually happening. REPORT THIS ON PENN. I JUST CANT BELIEVE HOW BIAS YOU ARE.

Political Jonze   April 5th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Typical Hillary. Choking up while giving a speech about MLK and the American worker/poverty while her top strategist is lobbying to sell them out to the Colombians whose solution for pro-union leader is to kill them.

Liar, Liar, Sniper fire

Aaron - Sarasota   April 5th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET
"the Obama campaign and Obama himself was directly involved in the Canadian debacle"
False. It was the Clinton campaign that called the Candians.

Just another fabrication from the Clinton camp.

ClintonNewsNetwork=CNN   April 5th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

CNN.....Clinton News Networl

It is amazing, if Obama would have done this it would have been headline news, this shows how the media is Pro Clinton.

It concerns me that this whole election process is supposed to be about the country, the people, our children (which is our future) and when the media does not make the public more aware of issues like this, it shows a more Bias media that cares more about HRC than this country.

It makes me wonder if MSM fears the Clinton's.

CNN I am glad you have it as a ticker but how about making some noise on this issue. Nafta is a measure issue.

Are we supposed to accept Penn's apology and move on?

This is a Conspiracy!!!

clarence CC   April 5th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Wow, the chickens come home to roost for Clinton here.

Wait, there's a big difference with the two stories. The Clinton campaign and Senator Clinton was NOT involved with this event where the Obama campaign and Obama himself was directly involved in the Canadian debacle.

Can't wait to see the twisted blogs on the CNN websight and /or the CNN bias on this one

SHARON...You are so right, CNN is going to spin this story as usual. Don't forget CNN is Hillary second home. Give me a break…..!!!!

NancyD   April 5th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

I have to say that this is an exciting time in American history! Years ago, candidates would have gotten away with lying to the American voters and could very easily get away with it. Thank goodness for the internet! Lies show almost immediately – and voters can make more informed decisions!

Chris in Va.   April 5th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Charlotte : "Hillary is still the best choice for this country and it's econmic future."

How??? By exporting MORE jobs to foreign countries???? Dear, you are as delusional as your girlfriend.

Dan   April 5th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

This is only the beginning of the Clinton nightmare! She has ZERO integrity world wide, and no hope of saving our country.

Will   April 5th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

The error in judgment was in his own spin control. Had he said "It was a conflict of interest", he or at least his company might have kept the contract.

Dolt.

ellianna   April 5th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

I'll bet there is MORE TO THIS STORY than any of us know!!

ALWAYS RIGHT (of left) Twin Cities, MN   April 5th, 2008 5:07 pm ET

I guess that's what happens when you try to play both sides...
That goes for you too Hillary!

Mariposa4Life   April 5th, 2008 5:06 pm ET

I guess that's what happens when you try to play both sides...
That goes for you too Hillary!

Chris in Va.   April 5th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

Clinton trying to throw away more American jobs before she even becomes president. I hope you're paying attention Pennsylvania!

Skeptical in Illinois   April 5th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

A candidate is not alone in her position, she brings her advisors with her, and if this is the "foreign policy experience" she offers.

... Clinton supporters, you need to drop her like a red hot iron bar...

Russell NC   April 5th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

How can Hillary run the country when she can't control her staff? The Monica affair went on right under her nose. She declared that it was a right-wing conspiracy.

James   April 5th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Great, just another in a swelling tide of "lapses in judgment" that have come to define the 2008 presidential campaign of Senator Hillary Clinton.

kaetochi   April 5th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Mark Penn is just like Karl Rove. Full of deceit and hypocrisy. Enough of Hillary and her pathetic gang of campaign adviser

Fred   April 5th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

When your chief strategies is so cynical and slezy that even the Colomibian government doesn't want to work with you, you know you have big trouble.

Tubby The Tuba Texas   April 5th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

I think it is clear now, especially look at the White House papers released, that Hillary is VERY much a support of the Free Trade Agreement! She pushed and supported it during her husband's administration and she is still pushing it now. I wonder how secure Ohio feels about having supported such a liar? In her last debate she shun the statement that she supported the FTA and lied on air, only to for us to discover that she really supported it as Obama said.

Alan DeGracia   April 5th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

Sorry, only because you got caught.

Lisa   April 5th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

The government of Colombia demonstrates more ethical behavior than Clinton. Do you not believe that Penn led them to believe that his relationship with Hillary Clinton would benefit them in some way down the road? Why wouldn't Hillary be concern about Penn's behavior? Maybe she knew more about this wink, wink deal than she protests – otherwise she wouldn't be keeping Penn at her side.

joyce   April 5th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

yes hillary got caught
she should be an actress, her speech a at mlk event, and the speech dodging bullets, wow what a performance, she needs to go into show bus

ll   April 5th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

you want to talk about issues let see: Obama rather to support FARC and money-laundry drug warlords in Colombia than supporting a president that if few years has been able to protect latin-america of a takeover from communist forces and that today has over 80% of acceptability. Please clarify this issue.

ChasMack99   April 5th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Make no mistake, Hillary supports CAFTA just like she supported NAFTA.

What's truly amazing is that the Clinton campaign did not fire Penn...so, apparently, the Columbians have higher ethical standards than the habitually lying Clinton machine.

James   April 5th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

For you that are so busy wanting to blame Hillary for Penn's error (and I feel he should be fired) but Hillary is no to blame for his judgement.

Top Obama campaign officials got a PR firm for Wright's church. Yet Obama would have left this church if Wright had not retired. Totally laughable since horrible remarks have been made since 9/11 and yet he never left that church or that minister. Change... I think not!!!!

Hillarythelier   April 5th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

People substitute Hillary's name for Obama, it is what you got know judge for your self be honest doing it. Can she be trusted?. I say no I like to hear yours.

Tyler in Raleigh, NC   April 5th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Way to go Clinton!!! Continue with the doublespeak and lies, the American people seem to have bought it so far.

I wonder how many voters in OH now wish they had another chance, after all the informaiton coming out on Clinton being a BIG supporter from the start until now.

Or wait, is she still only "half-heartedly" supporting this to help Willy and she is really against it (like Iraq) when she votes for it?

Independent   April 5th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

Is this how President H. Clinton is going to regain our standing in the world community??????????????

James M   April 5th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

You can't choose your family, but you can choose your campaign manager.

caughtinaction   April 5th, 2008 4:27 pm ET

Time to put her foot in her mouth and start sucking it.

J S   April 5th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Thank God that a leader has finally stepped forward and done the right thing re: the double-dealing Mark Penn.

Of course when it turns out that your Presidential campaign has lower ethics than the government of union-busting Colombian President Álvaro Uribe.. not a good sign.

Whatever McCain   April 5th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

More incompotence from the Hillary clan....what a suprise.

GT in CA   April 5th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

What does Columbia have to trade with the US anyway? Not the illegal stuff...

Imran, Lawrence, USA   April 5th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Weird is it not?

As Americans we seem to turn a blind eye to so much money floating around and lobbyists and lobbying firms being hand in glove with foreign powers and future US Presidential candidates.

Can anyone explain why the lobbying firm was paid over 10 million $$ by the Clinton campaign?

Does anyone really care?

According to msnbc Colombia paid the firm $300K and Clinton nearly $11 million.

He who pays the piper MORE, sets the tune!!!!!!!!

And we want Hillary for President, hurrah!

Mark Webb   April 5th, 2008 4:12 pm ET

Does anybody imagine the kind of conflict of interest that would result from Bill Clinton returning to the White House a the "first gentleman"?
Would he stop his suspicious connections with mining company bosses and corrupt Asian dictators??? (see millions earned through such connections in the Clintons' tax returns)

Raum   April 5th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

This guy is the reason Clinton lost the election. She can keep him all she wants, but hes really nothing but excess baggage.

true democrat   April 5th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

jonsey, I don't understand what you are spreading such vicious lies about obama. Seems like you are the one with the problem.

Rendrag11   April 5th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

The conflict of interest with Penn has been there all the time. Senator Clinton knew this when she selected Mark Penn as a top advisor KNOWING that his firm also represents Senator McCain.

It is not a coincidence that Senator Clinton is always supporting and building up McCain...it is not a stretch to imagine that her and Senator McCain's advisors have been collaborating about how to campaign against Senator Obama since day one.

Likewise, it's not a coincidence that you cannot distinquish the republican campaign style, strategy and attacks from those of Senator Clinton...they are very similar (e.g. the 3am call ad).

*******
Jonsey, accuracy is not your gift. Your obsession with race and fear tactics is showing.

Bayou Joe   April 5th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It is a sad day in our country when people are attacked for doing their job. Get your facts straignt Obama idiiots. He was not acting on behalf of Hillary. He was doing work for his firm and his client was Columbia. There are hundreds of firms like his. I am sure Obama has hired a few of them too. Now I remember, The Racist Church he goes to hired a PR firm to clean up their tarnished image. Wow what a concept. Say whatever you want No PR firm will clean up the mess
Rev. Wright opened up. Until Obama denounces not only the message, but also the messenger, he will not get our votes.

Hispanics run away from this Mulatto Muselman.

Brenda   April 5th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Darn,

The Colombians beat Hillary to the punch. Now if she let's Penn go, it will look like she is copying. How will she spin her way out of this one?

brainless Clinton supporter   April 5th, 2008 3:59 pm ET

Oh those Clinton's with their crazy pranks and antics. i just love them!
I am poor and stupid, but I will send them money because they need it!

Bev   April 5th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Appears to be a lot of hate filled people on this site. Is this the type of people Obama is trying to unite? I hope not.

Tony, Enterprise, Alabama   April 5th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Mark Penn has been a drag on the Clinton Capaign since the beginning.

He should be fired for this obvious conflict of interest. Senator Clinton needs to win this race for the good of America.

I don't think she can do it with staff like Mark Penn.

Bob   April 5th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Columbia fires him before Hillary even makes a statement about it. Yeah, Hillary's ready.

Keith   April 5th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

"Poetic Justice."

clarence CC   April 5th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Sharon Minnesota April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Wow, the chickens come home to roost for Clinton here.

Wait, there's a big difference with the two stories. The Clinton campaign and Senator Clinton was NOT involved with this event where the Obama campaign and Obama himself was directly involved in the Canadian debacle.

Can't wait to see the twisted blogs on the CNN websight and /or the CNN bias on this one

You are so right, CNN is going to spin this story as usual. Don't forget CNN is Hillary second home. Give me a break.....!!!!

James   April 5th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Hey "Blue collar" – correction...

The New York Times just reported that President Clinton's speechs fetch in the neighborhood of a quarter of a million dollars apiece. To put this in perspective, Senator Obama's recent speech, "A More Perfect Union", was under 5000 words in length. At the Clinton's price, this would be over $50 per word. I'd sure be happy if someone would give us $50 for every word we contribute to these blogs. :-)

LifeLongDemocrat   April 5th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Ex-Presidents make speeches for big money. They all do. If elected Obama will do the same. You can bet on that. I schedule speakers for events there are several big bucks speakers out there.

Ito, Yokosuka Japan   April 5th, 2008 3:48 pm ET

Look long and hard at her campaign folks. For a Clinton government will be full of the same kinds of people and mismanaged in the same way.

Jen B.   April 5th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Clinton also "owes" the health industry lobbyists, as one of the biggest recipients of funding from these people. She will protect their interests and fail to bring about the health care reforms she talks about. Another example of her "misspeaking" perhaps?

LifeLongDemocrat   April 5th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

He's hired help for the campaign and you know he has his fingers in several pies...they ALL do.

nader   April 5th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Hope Hillary's fanatics wake ups !!!!!!!! and safe us from another selfish adminstration.

Bob   April 5th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Another loose cannon in the world of politics, politics is short on talent, but long on these guys!

Michele   April 5th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

Hey Sozzi–apparently you did not read the entire article in the NYT. Hillary DID NOT lie and make up the story about the pregnant woman and her baby. She was RETELLING a story told to her by a deputy sheriff in Meigs County, Ohio. The sheriff deputy had heard the story himself after being told by one of the woman's relatives. He told Hillary that he understood the woman died of complications from a stillbirth after she had been turned away for not putting $100 upfront.
So, if you are going to come on here and post negative comments about Hillary Clinton, then I suggest you get your facts straight and tell the whole story.

melissa   April 5th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Pennsylvania, don't be fooled like Ohio was when they bought Hillary's lies about NAFTA. Hillary can not be trusted.

We, the people have a candidate who will listen to us and act in our best interest. Barack Obama, the next President of the U.S.

mii   April 5th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

when will America realise that Hillary Clinton's compaign is just a pack of lies. She will do anything and spin any story to win votes.She has no regard for the truth, deos not care about America. Everything she has done are all calculated towards getting the presidency and when it will done on us is if she ever gets to be president.

Mary Jastron, Pittsburgh   April 5th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Please look into influence peddling by Bill Clinton. Why is he being paid in millions? Is there a reason he is fighting so hard on Hillary's behalf. Has he promised - "When Hillary is elected...."???/

doc   April 5th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Muslim heritage?

jo   April 5th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

He was doing Hillary's bidding. While she was doing other things and trying to distract the nation with complaints of Obama and McCain she had her strategist try to make secret plans with Colombia to benefit some of her big corporate cronies.

I personally think her and Bill belong in jail.

Ito, Yokosuka Japan   April 5th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

I wanted to give HRC the benefit of the doubt here, but this makes the whole thing look fishier.

As for Mr. Penn he had it good, paid $300,000 by Columbia to lobby Clinton and paid $10.8 million by Clinton to BE lobbied.

HRC is trash and this shows that she is too close to lobbyists to be an effective agent for change. She hired one as her top campaign manager, for crying out loud.

HRC is a stink bomb.

gregory   April 5th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

MY FALLOW UP ON MS HRC NOW PA YOU CAN NOT LET THIS LADY REPRESENT PA IN NO WAY WHAT EVERY YOU DO WE GOT ONE LIAR ALL READY AT THE TOP OF THIS STATE .. THIS IS NOT JUST AND IT IS A SIN FOR HIM TO BACK HER UP ... NO WE NEED A FRESH FACE ... AND SOME ONE YOUNG MR OBMA !!!!!!

Aisie   April 5th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

If all you Clintonites care to read the article you will see that Obama's advisor who discussed 80K troops in Iraq has clearly said that this does not represent Obama's view. He said that even before the media started the scrutiny. I'm not so sure Mark Penn made that distinction.

In anycase, why is it everytime Clinton is in trouble you Clintonites try to drag Obama into it? Is that the only defense you have? Is your style to always point fingers at the next person and say... i'm not the only bad person? How about justify your actions, or say sorry and move on.

Leave Obama out of this Clintonites.... You have all right to fight for the white house, jsut like any other American... but PLEASE leave Obama out of this.

Chanda-Cincinnati Ohio   April 5th, 2008 3:34 pm ET

To Jonesy and those who think like him/her:

NOT ONE TIME DID REV. WRIGHT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT HATING ANOTHER RACE OR ADVOCATING VIOLENCE AGAINST ANOTHER RACE!!!! He said that the US has done evil...which our Gov has. He said that this country has been led by affluent white men since its conception...which it has. He said that Hillary does not know anything about being black in America...which she does not. Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell said that America reaped what it had sown after 9/11, and I don't recall anyone calling for their heads. MLK in his Riverside Church speech of 1967 said that the United States was the greatest perpetrators of violence in this world, and that some day it would come back on us. You don't have to agree with how Rev. Wright said what he said, i don't either, but if you do your homework, you will see that he was not lying. If you took the time to read the transcript of the entire post 9/11 sermon, you would see that he was calling for more love in this country and for this countyr to start showing more love to the world. But you and people like you listen to the three or four sound bites the MEDIA wants you to hear, and choose to sum up this mans 30+ year ministry with out finding out anything for yourself. How pathetic is that? Hillary can lie about NAFTA, embelish her foreign policy involvement in her husband's administration, "misspeak" about dodging sniper fire in Bosnia, go on Jay Leno and joke about it, tank healthcare reform back in the 90s with her bullying ways ( not my words, opinions from members of congress), be a defendant in a campaign fraud case (in progress), mismanage her campaign, lie to the people of the state of NY about the jobs she would bring there as a Senator ( they have actually lost more jobs since she has been in office), still has not released the tax return from last year with the Dubai company in question, and somehow people still believe she is the better candidate. Are you that afraid of a black man becoming president that you are willing to look past her lies and lack of character? Stop closing your eyes and letting your imagination run wild, and open them to see what is going on right under your nose. Stop letting the media spoon feed you your opinions and develop one of you own. AN OPINON BASED ON FACT AND NOT FICTION.

Monica, Texas   April 5th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

HiIllary how can you have some one with such a high position in your camaign who has thoughts and actions are contrary to your stance? Although you may not have known about Penn's PR clients before you do now. How will you handle this matter? We are waiting and watching....

DSP   April 5th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

What is wrong with people getting together and having discussion? Even horrible people, tyrants, cheats, and corrupt politicians? (but enough about Hillary). In fairness, I just don't "get it." Why shoulnd't these people talk and communicate? If it's only to disagree. At least then, each side knows where the other stands and military options put a face and personality behind an aggressive decision.

Kevin   April 5th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

It's too bad that Clinton hasn't acted as quickly and decisively as the Colombian government. She should sever ties with him also. This wasn't his only error in judgement in running her campaign...

Thought they'd win Feb. 4th. No money left. No strategy for the later states. No real strategy for Michigan and Florida (so she ends up looking like a flip-flopping panderer.)

I believe Hillary Clinton is a decent, hard-working person. However here judgement really concerns me.

Kansas for Barack Obama   April 5th, 2008 3:31 pm ET

jonsey,

you are INSANE! Obama has never said that he does not like white people.

get a life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kansas for Barack Obama   April 5th, 2008 3:30 pm ET

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PENNSYLVANIA, INDIANA, NORTH CAROLINA, MONTANA, OREGON VOTERS.....

ARE YOU BEGINNING TO NOW SEE CLINTON FOR WHO SHE REALLY IS?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SPYTURTLE   April 5th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Another person close to the Clinton's bites the dust. A very disturbing pattern with Bill and Hillary.

Sylvester   April 5th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

Sue, you're not hearing about it because Senator Obama has not had a change of heart on Iraq. An advisor that also acts independently made an unrelated proposal NOT to Obama but a entirely unrelated group.

Do Clinton fans ever read?

Paul   April 5th, 2008 3:28 pm ET

Jonsey

Yes It should cost him his job and his relation ship with the clintons

It should also cost Clinton her JOB ALSO remember that the clintons have pay him over 10 millon dollar to do what he does

This is not about being black or white

JOE   April 5th, 2008 3:26 pm ET

If Obama is the democrat nominee, then McCain will be our next President. I am a die-hard democrat and if Obama wins the nomination I will be voting for John McCain in the fall election.

Juice   April 5th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

2008 Is Hillary Clinton's Moment Of Lies; She Can Never Tell The Truth.

SlapStick, FL   April 5th, 2008 3:25 pm ET

Well it will not be the first time that the Clintons have been dropped for some reason or other. Who will drop them next.

Dave Hussein   April 5th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

David Schuster MSN was suspended for saying hillary was pimping Chelsea, Obamas Campaign manager discharged for calling Hillary Monster!... another Air America host suspended so hillary can get her bottle of blood ...and Nobody came out to defend these peoples Jobs.

Penn actions could cost American Patriots Workers millions of Jobs...all he gets to do is appologize and keep his Job. is there something wrong with this picture.......American Wake UP.. She is bed with Lobbyist..

Juice   April 5th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

2008 Is Hillary Clinton's Moment Of Lies; She Can Never Tell The Truth

markus   April 5th, 2008 3:24 pm ET

A loud, retired Pastor doesn't scare me nearly as much as THIS.

Bob   April 5th, 2008 3:22 pm ET

If this were an Obama campaign manager Hillary would have called a press conference in Pennsylvania by now and challenged him to a debate! What a hypocrite she is!

winter86   April 5th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

He's sorry that He got caught!!!! Oh what a double standard the Clinton campaign plays. I'm so glad that the Obama campaign is of a higher moral standard not to get down in the gutter and play politics with this recent news. Liers NEVER WIN, and the truth will always prevail. I can't TRUST another president who is "TWO-FACED". who thinks the American people are just plain dumb and can't see through the same old politics.

kim p.   April 5th, 2008 3:19 pm ET

Well, it appears Hillary's "roosters are coming home to roost." I wonder how the media will spin this one for Hillary. There is no "alleged" here, only the facts. What shall we call this one? Is it me, or does it appear everytime the Clinton camp spends lies and deceit, it comes back twice as hard and more damaging? There is some truth to karma perhaps!

Peter Kavanagh   April 5th, 2008 3:18 pm ET

This is why Obama has no federal lobbyist working on his Campaign .
You have to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest as well as the actual conflict of interest .

The Clintons have so many interests outside of their public life its hard to know where to begin .

This fund that Bill is involved in , I wonder how many Pen Catholics know about how they are going around buying up church land at fire sale prices .

"Do as I say not as I do " right Hillary ?

Deb   April 5th, 2008 3:17 pm ET

Hillary obviously doesn't run her campaign as well as Obama!

Bob   April 5th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

Gee, Clinton speaking out against the Colombian trade deal while her buddy Penn is in Colombia possibly promoting it. That would explain the Colombian's anger at Penn for referring to the discussions as errors in judgement.

Six states in America had growth in manufacturing last year,,,so much for these politicians securing the welfare of Americans!

Jocely   April 5th, 2008 3:15 pm ET

On one hand Hillary critisize Bush on selling the country's port to foreign country while her Bill clinton making deal where he's making millions of dollars. on the other hand Hillary was very toff on Obama's
Aide for talking to the Canadian about Nafta While Hillary strategist Mark Penn is representing the Colombian on Nafta.

I think we have enough of the Clinton.

We need new direction. We need someone who can bring new policy, new politic, and a new ways to help us come togheter for the common good of the people and the country.

Jocely,

North Carolina

Bernardo Duran   April 5th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

This is another example of the hypocritical policy of the democrats who say that it is better to sit down and negotiate with your enemies than to support your allies.

Tom Gerber   April 5th, 2008 3:14 pm ET

Mark Penn is a public relations man who does a lot of business involving the federal government. Conflict of interest?

He does business with Colombia. Colombia gets billions from the U.S. government. Conflict of interest?

newone   April 5th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

I think the most sad thing about this whole sorry affair is that CNN will not carry this story the way they did NAFTA gate just before the Ohio primaries which lost Obama that state and as it turns out it was the Clintons not Obama guilty of double talk to the Canadians/Ohio over NAFTA. The thing is that if you listen carefully to Obama's stump speeches this is exactly what he has been attacking Hillary on from day one....regardless of whatever skills and experience she may have she is so compromised by all these lobbyists and special interest groups around that she will never be able to execute any of her plans no matter how well intentioned. This unbelievable incident with Mark Penn and Colombians shows Clinton can never deliver as President...it is also interesting that the Colombians have fired Penn before Clinton (that is if she will fire him).

john, veteran US Army   April 5th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

The Sleazy Clinton Campaign rolls on....

Tom Gerber   April 5th, 2008 3:13 pm ET

Mark Penn is a public relations man who does a lot of business involving the federal government. Conflict of interest?

Earl   April 5th, 2008 3:12 pm ET

Penn was not some "low-level staffer" but in fact IS Hillary Clinton's CHIEF STRATEGIC ADVISOR – a multi-million dollar senior level spokesperson for Hillary Clinton.

Just one more of the many lies, fabrications, "misstatements" and Fairy Tales to come out of the OFFICIAL Clinton Campaign.

"Shame on YOU, Hillary Clinton."

In a political campaign, the buck stops with the CANDIDATE.

Obama supporter   April 5th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

This again shows the kind of people that the Clintons surround themselves with. I have seen some people on this blog trying to compare this to the media-driven faulse hoods about the meeting between an Obama unpaid advisor and a Canadian ambasador. The details discussed in the meeting have been stated as being consistent to Obama's stance on NAFTA, which is to ensure saftey and environmental standards, and the Canadian government have appologized for the misrepresentation in the media that suggests otherwise. This case with Colombia is different because the person who is the chief strategist of a campaign that claims to be in favor of cleaning up NAFTA is lobbying an anti-union trade aggrement. This is just flat out wrong, and considering the fact that hillary has been in favor of NAFTA from the get go (remember that she held several pro-NAFTA meetings when she was the first lady), the situation points to her judgement on the kind of people she would hire to clean up the mess we are in if elected.

Sharon   April 5th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Imagine if she were to choose people like Mark Penn, Howard Wolfson, Kiki McCain, Lanny Davis, etc to run our government. It's really unsettling.

James   April 5th, 2008 3:10 pm ET

Mark Penn is the chief pollster of Hillary Clinton's campaign and CEO of public relations firm Burson-Marsteller [www.burson-marsteller.com], whose clients include Diebold [www.diebold.com], manufacturer of the majority of voting machines in America.

United Technologies this week made a sudden buyout offer for the Diebold company, at 66% more than the current stock value. Diebold has refused the offer, but United is insisting that the deal will go through in 60 days, which may evolve into a hostile takeover.

Hmmm. Defense contractor attempts a takeover of the major manufacturer of hackable voting machines with the stated plan of closing the deal before the November national elections.

What could their intention possibly be?

Stephon L. Scott   April 5th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

I think that an investigation should ensue. Something is amiss, and at the very least, Sen. Clinton should terminate his services.

from Boston   April 5th, 2008 3:08 pm ET

Hillary – please dump Mark Penn. He has caused so much unhappiness in your campaign, he is not worth it. Fire him.

Scott   April 5th, 2008 3:07 pm ET

The Clinton campaign thrashed Barack for something that it turns out one of his advisors didn't even say in regards to NAFTA.

The fact that Senator Clinton still employs a man who admits he is ACTIVELY WORKING against the trade policy she supposedly supports should make Americans as outraged as her lies about Bosnia. This is unconscionable.

Jonsey, you're a disgusting human being; likely either a Clinton or a McCain plant but either way, go find the rock you crawled out from under.

Hmmm   April 5th, 2008 3:06 pm ET

Liar, Liar, Pantsuit on fire

Patrick, Chicago, IL   April 5th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

Hillary isn't even in office yet and her surrogates are ruining out international relations.

Jake   April 5th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

If Hillary doesn't fire Penn then the Hillary supporters need to stop saying how Hillary didn't know or approve of it, because if she keeps him then she is basically saying she agrees or approves with him doing this kind of stuff behind her back.

The only way out of this is to fire Penn or force him to resign.

This is the 2nd time Hillary has gone behind the American people's back to discuss trade deals outside of the US, Hillary may claim she didn't know but why should I or anyone else believe her, she's lied to us before what's stopping her from lying to us again?

jean-TX   April 5th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Is it Mark Penn or Hillary Clinton, or Bill Running for presidency??

Hillary cannot control her husband.
She cannot control her campaign finances.
She lies, and gets caught and oops it was a mistake...I bet you she would say the same thing about Iraq's vote (oops I meant to vote against the war, but was too tired to read).

Her 3.am ad about economy....who handles economical crisis at 3.00am.

And oops Bill sometimes gets caaught up in the moment.THIS IS YOUR CAMPAIGN, EXEMPLIFY QUALITIES OF GOOD LEADERSHIP. If you cannot do this with your own campaing, how DO YOU EXPECT TO LEAD THE AMERICAN PEOPLE...

Americans this is not rocket science, but merely FACTS, so pay close attentiion!!! I am not saying to elect OBAMA or McCain, but CLINTON IS UNELECTIBLE

CNN PLEASE PLEASE POST MY COMMENT

THANK YOU

Buying the election.......   April 5th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Frank Smith to Sue.......and bringing Senator Obama into the White House will bring Reverend Wright and his racist, bigoted, anti-white, anti-America angry attitude. I'll take what we already know about Clinton before I would ever want our countrys White House occupied by anyone who would support such disgusting words and behavior.

Penn is just stupid!!!! Always thought he was anyway so this is no surprise. And for those who think that Clinton lies………so does Obama so at least be fair when talking about who lies and about what.

Let's face it folks…Clinton is ahead in PA and is gaining momentum in Indiana and North Carolina……..this even when Obama is outspending her 5-1…now if that isn't trying to buy the election – nothing is!

Obama is not going to win in November if he gets the nomination. Absolutely, unequivocably NOT GOING TO WIN! So for all the states yet to vote – a vote for Obama is a vote for McCain – a vote for CLinton is a vote for the White House! Come together all democrats…..this process is for the White House and not an exercise as to see who can get more money and spend more money…it is about issues and who will be able to do the most for the American people AS A WHOLE once in office. That will be Senator Clinton!!!!!!

IceNine   April 5th, 2008 3:02 pm ET

Obama supporters: I think you make a serious error is calling for Penn to be fired. That would leave only Ickes and Wolffson, I mean, what good are Larry and Curley without Moe around? That's no fun at all. I think Team Clinton should stay exactly as it is!

Alston   April 5th, 2008 3:01 pm ET

WATCH HILLARY ON THE TONIGHT SHOW MAKING A JOKE ABOUT THIS..

Wonder if she'll do the same for every lie that gets caught if she does get elected..???

Bob   April 5th, 2008 3:00 pm ET

IF YOU TELL A LIE LONG ENOUGH, LOUD ENOUGH AND OFTEN ENOUGH THE PEOPLE WILL BELIEVE IT.

I DON'T KNOW HOW ONE CAN VOTE FOR HILLARY AND COMPANY!

Wrong Finger   April 5th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

Mr. Penn should have raised the "other" finger

Sara, Wisconsin   April 5th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

The Colombians have their act together better than the Clintons.

Lobbyist as campaign manager for change in Washington?????
Maybe we should all pay more attention to a new book coming out about the dumbing down of the United States – and how logic plays a diminished role in our thoughts and actions.

nate   April 5th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

They had to cut ties w/ HIM??? " The Colombian government considers this a lack of respect to Colombians"... Is this how HIllary will handle her international affairs? Seriously, have you ever seen a campaign run this badly?

Ed from Indiana   April 5th, 2008 2:56 pm ET

It's integrity time folks. If you can't trust them in the campaign, do you really think you can trust them in the White House? Aren't we tired of being lied to yet? I for one am. How in the world can you defend this obvious breach of trust? And please get it right people. Hillary is the one that "double dealed" in Canada, not Obama. That's just another Clinton lie that you fell for. Don't trust me... check it out for yourself. As Bush would say...do the google.

When you condone the breach of truth knowingly you become part of the lie. Don't support these kind of people and you've begun the change that this system so sorely needs. Stand up for your right to be informed responsibly.

MiddleRoad   April 5th, 2008 2:55 pm ET

If she hadn't pounded on Obama over the NAFTA thing while she was secretly talking to the Canadian government herself, she may have been able to spin this. Now all that sanctimony is coming back to haunt her

A.M. Saqib   April 5th, 2008 2:54 pm ET

One more mistake in judgement; yet Hillary Clinton still proud of her '3:00 A.M.' phone call. The one who has no idea as to what a power of the correct judgement is.

'Obama' a perfect choice for 08.

A.M. Saqib
Houston, Texas

Terrence from NC   April 5th, 2008 2:53 pm ET

3 words : "CRASH AND BURN". Rocky loses to Obama Creed. LOL

Peg   April 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Josey...I really don't know where to start with your post. it is wrong on so many different levels...are you trying to say Sen. Obama hates his OWN Mother? Its people like you that keep up the hate between the races, and convinces Rev. Wright that he is RIGHT. Please stop with the hate speech. And by the way, I am bi-racial just like Obama, and I do not hate anyone black or white. How could I? Just like Obama, that would be hating myself.

cathy wilke   April 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Why has not mentioned hillary,s lie about the woman who died in an ohio hospital along with her unborn baby because she had no insurance?The hospital says it is not true.

Oregon is Obama   April 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

No matter how you cut it , the Clintons have always been in bed with shady people. They are the last thing this country needs.

Hillary can not be trusted , she is busted for a new lie every day it seems. I don't know about the rest of you , but i am so done with a President that looks the American people in the eyes and LIES with a smile on there face.

Hillary is just another George Bush. ( NO THANK YOU )

White folks please coming from a white man   April 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

Here we go again with all the Hillary Lies. The list goes on, please add.
A.) Lack of Experience
B.) Lack of judgment
C.) The snipers
D.) The NAFTA Lies
E.) The pictures of Obama visiting his father
F.) The Rev. White
G.) Dirty Campaign
H.) Michigan and Florida votes wouldn't matter in 2007

please add to the list

NBC   April 5th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

anyone that can support her now is either uniformed, or has blinders on........oh, no! they can't, they see Obama is black. And although the political veiws are the same they're gonna jumb the fence for McCain.....talk about race and gender. We got a whole bunch of closet white reverend Wrights out there.

Brian   April 5th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

How much more do the American people, voting for another Clinton, need to know before they come to the realization that this is not a person that can withstand a Republican onslaught/swiftboat.527?????
Too much has come to light over the last month alone to prove the loss to the Democratic Party if she is the candidate.
Her lies regarding experience, backing NAFTA and now this....add that to the charitable tax breaks they took while keeping those same millions under their control and not actually helping anyone gives lie to her comments to the poor that she feels their pain......
Mark Penn is just another nail in her coffin that is only staying above ground based on her pleas of poor me, send more money.
I hope that the people in PA, NC and IN are paying attention. The future of our country is in their hands.

Wrong Finger   April 5th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Mr. Penn should have raised the other finger

Rhonda   April 5th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Add this to the fact that the story she's telling about the pregnant mother and her baby dying because the mother did not have $100 so the hospital would not take care of her–is another fabrication–CAN HILLARY TELL THE TRUTH??

amanda   April 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

As a Hillary supporter I am so disturbed and ashamed by this. Why hasn't he been fired yet? Why did the Colombians fire him first? She is blowing her opportunity big time. I wish I could come up for an excuse on this one, but I can't.

T Baker   April 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Why is it that Clinton supporters always go to Wright or that stupid Canada lie when the negative is on Clinton?

Jonsey – you are ignorant of the working of the church Obama goes to, as you are a liar about Obama 'not liking white people'. .... you saying he doesn't like his MOM? ugh.. the nonsense.....

This place (CNN comments) has bee overrun by idiots who do not possess the capacity to have intelligent conversations on the facts – instead posting false and ignorant ramblings.

One of Clinton's TOP ADVISER got caught doing something that COMPLETELY contradicts her message. This is a big story – and it should be given the coverage that it deserves.

Yet somehow I am sure Clinton robots will continue to try to steer the news away from the truths of her shameful ways.

Jane   April 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Clinton is FINITO!

sayno2clinton, cambridge, MA   April 5th, 2008 2:49 pm ET

Action louder than words, eh? So did Hillary know her chief campaign strategist worked to undermine her own "claimed policy" and allowed it, or did she never intend to carry out her "policy", or was she fooled by him? Seems she's sticking with him now because she values "loyalty" more than competence or anything else. We know what that leads to...."Brownie" and "Katrina"....ring any bell?

Tom   April 5th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

Hillary need to step down, How did she speak about Obama is nothing but speeches look at Hillary and Bill maken money off speeches we know the true side of the clinton's and CNN is not putting this out about the Clinton probably co share owner of CNN.
CNN is not the honest media I ever trust.

beans bze c.a   April 5th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The clinton campaign hurry released her tax returns just to take away the attention on the Mark Penn issue and her poor fund rasing month of $20.

Did her campaign said it would be released April 15th????

Her campaign is now a lier just like just like her.

Get out of the race hillary and save what is left of your integrity and the already scare Clinton name.

Jane   April 5th, 2008 2:47 pm ET

There is no reason this should influence the campaign. Nothing is likely to come up anywhere that will top the anti-American rhetoric of Senator Obama's long-time mentor and spiritual advisor, the Rev. Wright. If voters are willing to overlook that, they have no right to make an issue of anything on the other side.

Jorge   April 5th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

She is dishonest and talks double. SHAME ON YOU HILLARY CLINTON !!!

cnn rocks   April 5th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

cnn is fair and balanced period,fox news has been downplaying this story,the people of PA deserve the truth,if we elect a liar again after 8yrs of lies then the media is at fault.

joanne   April 5th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

what will it take for even the densest Clinton supporter to realize she only banking on your stupidity? they whole world knows she is aexperienced liar, the tie that holds that family together. Money doesn't stink and doesn't care who has it. The Clintons are no benefactors to the poor. Let's face it, you dont get rich by being selfless.....get rid of them, fast....the whole world laughs at them..and us for listening to them and believing their lies while they rip us off.

Anna, SW Missouri   April 5th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Why is CNN not reporting on the fact that Hillary has once again 'embelished' a story in her speeches that has been proven to be totally false? The New York Times investigated the horror story that Hillary tells of a pregnant woman, uninsured, and denied care, that died and the baby died. The only part that was true was the fact that both the mother and baby died. The following is a quote from the article.

"The woman, Trina Bachtel, did die last August, two weeks after her baby boy was stillborn at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital in Athens, Ohio. But hospital administrators said Friday that Ms. Bachtel was under the care of an obstetrics practice affiliated with the hospital, that she was never refused treatment and that she was, in fact, insured."

Laidetea   April 5th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Oooo Wow, Hillary. You falsely accuse the Obama campaign of giving the so called "wink of the eye" and your campaign strategist is actually having meeting with the Canada Columbians. This is a slap in the face for you. Pack it up after the Pennsylvania primary Hillary. You're threw.

Ivee   April 5th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Penn's firm not only has ties to Colombia; it also has ties to Blackwater (see top CNN story) and a major sub-prime mortgage lender. It's an incredible lapse of judgment on Hillary's part to hire a corporate lobbyist (as her campaign manager, no less!) whose interests are (supposedly) diametrically opposed to her own. This should give people a very good (and scary) idea of what a Hillary presidency would look like. We can't afford four more years of these kinds of corporate ties and the scandals they cause. Hopefully, this'll finish her off for good.

Jazz   April 5th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

Kick him to the curb Hill. He'll do it again. There's no such thing as a sure thing Obama fans. He can't win without Hillary supporters.
Hillary's TOO LEGIT to QUIT!!

April in Texas   April 5th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

How many errors are WE THE PEOPLE suppost to accept? To begin with, the Canada incident was brought on by the Clintons and not Obama as it had been reported. The Canadian government people made it clear and attempted to straighten the matter. The Clintons set up that meeting and now we have Mark Penn going even further.

This conflict of interest comes after the LIE about Bosnia, the miss speaking, miss hearing, miss understanding, and miss managing of funds. Hillary this isnt a miss america contest so drop the miss haps and miss takes.

Trying to drop your 109 million fortune through your tax returns on a friday afternoon isnt going to help you relate to me and my troubles in this economic disaster nor make this Mark Penn issue fall to the wasteside. You were for NAFTA while your husband was president and now you say your against NAFTA when your own advisor goes and does this trade deal is so contradictory it makes my head hurt.

I should write a book and make millions based on how poorly a campaign can be run. How can I vote for a canidate that lies so easily, has poor management skills and plays a sympathy card just as much as a race card? Simply I cant!

You couldnt relate to me even if you tried. Your health plan wants to force me to get insurance when I cant afford it now or fine me if I dont.. You live on 30k a year with no job security and no benefits through your employment for a family of 3 – 4 if you count my child who moved out and then relate to me. You cant and wont period.. This shouldnt be a country in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

I could go on but I need to see if I can beg for some aspirin from my poor neighbors like me..

Obama 08

Doc   April 5th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

Did Mrs Clinton "misspeak" again about the story that she tells concerning the lady that died in Ohio? She has repeated it many times. The hospital where this happened doesn't recall it happening the way she told it. It appears that someone in this camp has serious problems with embellishment.

mary cleveland, ohio   April 5th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Obama's minister doesn't have anywhere near the negative weight that Penn has for Hillary. Bill Clinton has more negative weight than Penn. Hillary is complicit in what her "husband" and what her "business partner/campaign mgr." do. This is serious business, it is called sleeping with the enemy.

Hillary Clinton is so cunning, she lies about NAFTA, she and Bill absolutely worked to get NAFTA in our business, and now her campaign manager (or whatever Penn is in her campaign) is making deals with the COLUMBIANS. THE COLUMBIANS OF ALL PEOPLE.

I have always said, this country wouldn't have drugs on the streets killing people, destroying families and costing taxpayers uncountable funds, if the U. S., Government didn't want drugs here because it could be stopped by the government. OK, now we see the major participant in the campaign of Hillary Clinton for President of the United States holding hands with the GOVERNMENT OF COLUMBIA.

UNBELIEVABLE!

Nando   April 5th, 2008 2:41 pm ET

Mark Penn got the pointing finger out like SLICK WILLY so you know he's lying !!!!

Observer   April 5th, 2008 2:40 pm ET

If this were Obama, the Clinton campaign and media would ALL OVER THIS! There needs to be more exposure regarding Canada-gate and NAFTA. The Canadians papers reported that Clinton was the candidate that intiated a meeting and stated "political posturing".

I personally would fire Penn. But it's her choice to keep him. Campaign contributions are now a concern since she is paying him soooo much money to make her look bad.

Alice   April 5th, 2008 2:36 pm ET

Just a hint of what Clinton diplomacy would be like.....now imagine Bill Clinton running his big mouth at the same time. No thanks!

Lynn D   April 5th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

You know I can't wait till Senator Obama loses the nomination. Senator Clinton had nothing to do with this. Nothing. Someone who works for her campaign did a foolish thing. Senator Clinton did not have poor judgment because she didn't know about this. Mr. Penn made the mistake and now his company lost a client. Mr. Penn should probably consider resigning from Senator Clinton's campaign. Senator Clinton is being accused of lying. She did not lie because she didn't know this inept guy was going to go to the meeting. I would like to challenge CNN to please let your viewers know that you support Senator Obama instead of reporting bias crap to all of the world. Senator Obama has an ad in PA that states he doesn't take money from lobbyists when in a round about way he does. He has also taken money from Oil Companies when he claims he didn't. Which is the greater sin? Remembering something wrong that happened 12 years ago or just blatantly not telling the truth? Senator Obama lied about being present when Rev. Wright spoke hate against whites, Jews, and Italians. This was an outright lie. Please all I ask is that you report the facts accurately without exaggerating. By the way, Senator Clinton repeated the sad story about the pregnant woman exactly as it was told to her. Maybe the deputy sheriff exaggerated. Finally, Senator Clinton is wealthy but her and Pres. Clinton have stated many times that they wish Pres. Bush would not give them tax cuts. When Senator Clinton rolls back the Bush tax cuts it will hurt her and Pres. Clinton but she is willing to roll them back anyway. Just be fair. I have sat here so many days with lots to say, and except for a few of my blogs, they never get in for people to read. Please accept this blog. I would like to have your readings listen to the other side sometimes and then make up their minds themselves. Please give me that opportunity.

Veterans For Obama   April 5th, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Remember Hillary going ballistic about Obama's guy talking to the Canadians....well lets see how she handles this...she'll probably try to distract us by releasing tax returns or something like that.

California Independent   April 5th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

What a bunch of whiners. Clinton has Penn, Obama has Axelrove (my deepest apologies for insulting Rove), and McCain has Black.

Obama supporters whining as usual. Get a life.

If it isn't Clinton, McCain '08

Fight HIllary Fight   April 5th, 2008 2:26 pm ET

I think Mark Penn has to be the fall-guy in HIllarys campaign..He had poor strategy and in large part because he is looking out for his own companies well-being...He is not focused..

He needs to resign and move on..

Hillary 08!

henrie alabama   April 5th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

SHAME SHAME AND SHAME OF YOU HILLARY FOR LYING

Karen Arndt   April 5th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

The Clintons will never fire Penn or his firm, Burson-Marsteller, because they have ties with B-M that go back to the 90's. Look at the wiki entry for Burson-Marsteller. Its a huge PR firm that is more Rovian than Carl Rove. Clients include the Bushes, Blackwater, Dubai, cigarette companies. Its services include "crisis" management for its clients and "fake news." George Orwell is rolling over in his grave.

letti   April 5th, 2008 2:24 pm ET

poor Mark Penn, he just lost a source of income – millions of dollars for nothing. From the looks of HRC's campaign – he isn't worth a wooden nickel for his 'strategic' moves

D.W.; Miami, FL   April 5th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

And now we find that her story of a young woman dying without insurance is a lie. WOW Hillary. Just stop!

Tom   April 5th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

It's so crystal clear why she's not going to fire Penn–because then he'll spill all the dirt he knows about her campaign, including that she knew about his meeting with the Colombians. He'll sing to the whole world about her shading dealings and then right the book about it.

And by the way, I can't believe there are some people who haven't learned that there NEVER was any involvement by the Obama campaign with the Canadian government–but that was in fact the Clinton campaign that was doing wink wink.

And finally, to you Clinton crazies, did you not get the memo that Clinton DID NOT win Texas. Texas was 100% Obama's state as of last weekend's results. Get a clue...

Michael   April 5th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

This is just another example of a Hillary "misspeak". She is a pathological liar. Today, on CNN, they are reporting of her latest story about a women who died because she was denied health care, another lie. Her whole campaign is based on lies, from NAFTA, to FMLA, to her great contributions to "charity" that was released in her Tax returns.....her greatest donations go to a charity that has listed her, Bill, and Chelsea as running the organization, and another Clinton being paid hundreds of thousands for working for them............completely disgusting, she is a predator, posing as a candidate......

Obama supporter   April 5th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

jonsey,

It is a shame you believe that Obama, someone who was raised by a white mother and white grandparents is anti-white. It just reminds me that some people (like u) in this country still lack 21th century brain cells.

Charles   April 5th, 2008 2:21 pm ET

What so many of the Clinton supporters posting on here aren't realizing is that this campaigning is a flash of what running the country will look like. You continue to say she is strongest for the economy and health care and such. Her campaign does not reflect her superiority on this subject. This situation is an example of her surrounding herself with the wrong people. Whether she knew anything about this situation is irrelevant. She should have known about it and acted accordingly. That she didn't know her campaign manager was deeply tied to deals she is very opposed to shows her lack of readiness to create the cabinet and fill the Supreme Court with the people needed to make the decisions that will effect this country. Wake up folks. With her as the president, we will be led down a long path of mistakes and only human errors in judgement and discussion. For everything you want to say against Obama, Hillary is worse. You say she's more scrutinized than Obama. That's because she does more to call scrutiny upon herself. If all you really have in your arsenal to throw accusations against Obama is having a pastor that in his 30 plus years of ministering, he had roughly 40 seconds of anger towards what he and many others in America were seeing happen. And please don't say anything about listening to 20 years of hate because if that were the case, there'd be more film footage on such sermons out and posted by now. Poor judgment has been the entire Clinton campaign so far. Mistakes and mis-speech is her calling card.

William - North Carolina   April 5th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

Clinton on Obama... "That's the kind of difference between talk and action and that I've been pointing out in this campaign."

No one knows the difference between "talk and action" better than Hillary Spin....

William - North Carolina   April 5th, 2008 2:18 pm ET

Toooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo late!
I wonder how Hillary will spin this. She was so LOUD about Obama's surrogates after their alledged remarks about NAFTA and Iraq withdrawal; I wonder if she will be so denouncing of her own.

MizuInOz   April 5th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

Oh come on folks, Penn just mis-spoke with the Columbian trade delegation. It was an honest 6 month mistake.

I find it interesting that Hillary is so deep into the pockets of lobbyists that they are helping run her campaign. Obviously, we know they are completely detached from any agenda they may have off the campaign trail.

If you believe that, I have some swampland in the Sahara Desert to sell you.

Mark Penn needs to fall on his sword!

And the poor little rich kid, Hillary, needs to act like the millionaire she is, not tell people who are without homes and jobs and food, that she feels their pain. Oh, wait, she can get Bill to do that!

Neutral   April 5th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Obama has THREE LOBBYISTS working in his campaign and IN HIS PAYROLL. Why CNN is not talking about it?

Cynthia   April 5th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

Hillary must learn that when you dig one ditch for Obama you might as well dig two. You fell in the one you dug for Obama and just may have to stay there. If the best thing that your siupportersl can through at Obama is his former minister – then Obama has already won the election.

jumpinjak   April 5th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

A slug or a monkey? which on would beat billary, Both

E. C., Houston, Texas   April 5th, 2008 2:15 pm ET

People who lack integrity do not belong in a Presidential Campaign, nor should such PR Firms be hired by Campaigns. It should cost him his Career in the PR Business. How dare he? Lots of Scum out there...just like Pastor Wright. Problem is that Obama will not denounce him, which means he likes what Wright has to say.

grob   April 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Stick a fork in her butt and turn her over–she's done!!!

Buying the election.......   April 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Penn is just stupid!!!! Always thought he was anyway so this is no surprise. And for those who think that Clinton lies.........so does Obama so at least be fair when talking about who lies and about what.

Let's face it folks...Clinton is ahead in PA and is gaining momentum in Indiana and North Carolina........this even when Obama is outspending her 5-1...now if that isn't buying the election – nothing is!

Obama is not going to win in November if he gets the nomination. Absolutely, unequivocably NOT GOING TO WIN! So for all the states yet to vote – a vote for Obama is a vote for McCain – a vote for CLinton is a vote for the White House! Come together all democrats.....this process is for the White House and not an exercise as to see who can get more money and spend more money...it is about issues and who will be able to do the most for the American people as a whole once in office. That will be Senator Clinton!!!!!!

moeen   April 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Mark Penn was caught red-handed making another NAFTA like deal for Hillary to send more jobs overseas....where Clintons' millions come from as payback...

SO, DILLUSIONAL DEMS OF PA,
.......rally behind Red?Neck/Big?ts like Rush Limbagh, Sean Hennety and
Nominate Hillary to send the remaining jobs overseas...so that Clintos' can become reacher even faster.

KCBob   April 5th, 2008 2:14 pm ET

neither Clinton is an economic guru. Bill was lucky to be president during the IT boom in the 90's. If George Bush Sr won his second term he would of gotten credit.

All in all the clintons damaged this country more than they helped it.

marge   April 5th, 2008 2:12 pm ET

"I don't think people should come to Ohio (PA)and tell the people of Ohio (PA)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."

Ok Hillary...you got your wish!!!!! And I couldn't be happier!!!!!
"

Lisa in TN   April 5th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

Eugene.....I agree 100%. If the situation were reversed, Hillary would be shrieking that Obama should fire this guy.

The Clintons are up to their armpits in PAC, special interest, and lobbyist's dirty money and favors. They don't want the money, money is pretty irrelevant to them obviously judging from their income. What they want is power, for the sake of power itself. It's sad that two such intelligent, potentially world-changing people, have aspirations based in satisfying the least nobel characteristics of human nature.

rajoro   April 5th, 2008 2:11 pm ET

So Obama is sticking to his plan for Iraq, as always, just because one person has a recommendation to him it does not mean it is his position. Hillary has the same we accept her at her word. I think the article speaks to Mark Penn and to Hillary only in the sense that her campaign isn't about political change. The campaign is filled with lobbyists and corporate special interests that have far too much interest in currying favor with power. Obama represents the hope that 1.3 million people donating an average of $93. have that we the people can get our government back for all the people of the United States.

marge   April 5th, 2008 2:10 pm ET

(((HILLARY)))) PA is watching you!!!! We're not the robots Rendell believes us to be.....No double-digit win here!!!!!

sam   April 5th, 2008 2:08 pm ET

David,

Well said, and I couldn't agree more. The thing that concerns me most about Clinton is her campaign management. Penn is a campaign strategist working on a deal that is in direct contravention to what Clinton has preached. How can this happen? Same thing with the Bosnia story. I simply don't understand how these errors occur and it simply comes down to a terribly mismanaged campaign. If you can't run a campaign, how will you run a country.

Deb from Iowa   April 5th, 2008 2:07 pm ET

Ah, yes. . . ready on day 1, huh? Poor, Hill - can't even pick her inner circle well. She's been undone, over and over and over, by people she has trusted. starting with Bill. I'm starting to feel sorry for the lady. But not sorry enough to ever vote for her. On the one hand, she says, "even as a kid, the boys have always expected me to go home early" (read, oh, poor me). On the other, she keeps choosing idiots (mostly boys) to run things.
No thanks, Hill. Poor judgment. again.

Kay, Columbus, Ohio   April 5th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

Horrible. Clinton's advisor selling our country and Bill Clinton doing business with Dubai leaders and Hillary hipocritery opposing Dubai interests in US. What kind of people do we want in our White House??? I hope not Clintons. Corruption.

Nana   April 5th, 2008 2:05 pm ET

The problem with Hillary is she is not trustworthy!

VJmem   April 5th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Request for "jonesy" who posted at 1:15pm ET

Please provide a link or some proof where Obama stated that, according to your post, he does not like white people at all.

If you cannot provide this proof with the next couple of hours, you should write an apology to the people for making such an accusation. If you do provide proof, this will be something we all need to look at.

Thanks.

Susan from Reno   April 5th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

There's nothing else to be done but for Clinton to fire Penn to show that she does not support his action in Colombia. I mean, really, she called for Obama's advisor to be fired for calling her a 'monster'. Compare that one word to this case where her own CHIEF CAMPAIGN STRATEGIST is caught actively lobbying and being paid for adovcating a position directly opposed to Hillary! Sheesh! She must fire Penn – There is just no way else around this for her to maintain her credibility.

mike d.   April 5th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

You see, if he was MY campaign strategist I would have walked away. You can pick who your campaign strategists are, but not your family.

Yes, DM again Arlington, TX   April 5th, 2008 2:04 pm ET

Jonsey, You are a bigot. no one need to fear any man.

Obama is bi-racial.

Obama is made up of the American Reciept.

Let us just stop hating.. on one another.

Let just ask Bill Clinton who do he owe now.

Hillary Clinton needs to just try to be honest..... Where did Bill get all that money we need the truth.. I don't feel we got the truth yet..

Allan   April 5th, 2008 2:03 pm ET

When will all these Clinton haters discover that Ken Starr was unable to prove all the lies, murder that you people keep bringing up. If you would have an idea of your own instead of getting all your knowlege from Rush Limbaugh. He is the biggest liar in town. Please quit showing your ignorance, and wake up and smell the coffee.
You are why we are in the mess we are in now.
Get a life.

North Carolina   April 5th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

I do hope Clinton cans Penn. I am a Clinton supporter, but lobbyists of any stripe in prominent posiitons in one's campaign are bad news, and Penn certainly has a strong conflict of interest. In 2005, Clinton voted against CAFTA.

Mark Webb   April 5th, 2008 2:02 pm ET

The Colombian government has fired Mr Penn for conflict of interests. But Hillary Clinton cannot fire anybody for conflict of interests. She is herself a personified conflict of interests.

JJ in NY   April 5th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

How you going to spin this one, hillary. What's the lie-du-jour ?

Miss H   April 5th, 2008 2:00 pm ET

I agree with the majority of the people in here. Mr. Penn should be fired seriously ... that's a major no-no when you are chief strategist of a campaign. We get that he is sorry – it happens- now he needs to be let go.

Obama '08

Bill in CA   April 5th, 2008 1:59 pm ET

She cannot afford to fire Pen – her campaign owes his firm more than $2.4M – ouch!!

Jean   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

Conflict of interest, at the least. Fire him, Hilldog!

Denise in CA   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

People of Pennsylvania, PLEASE PUT US OUT OF OUR MISERY! Vote for someone we can be proud of! Vote OBAMA!

Kristen, Luxembourg   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

By reading this text, I notice that the writers are supporters of Obama, We see it in their text. I support the senator Clinton. Go Hillary!!!

Venus   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

jonsey – you are the one that sounds and act like you are full of hate!
By the way – Obama is half white! You need to visit Obama's church and Rev. Wright. Let's see how your girl Hillary get out of this! Go Obama!

steven   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

If Hillary is unable to control her own campaign, how can she have a hope in hell of running the country? All the Clinton bashing aside, really, it's time to get real. This campaign is rapidly spiraling downwards and the end is not going to be pretty. Nothing HRC can do would shock me anymore. Lets move on.

Obama 08

Mark F   April 5th, 2008 1:55 pm ET

This is pretty outrageous. We all know which party should have fired Penn. Hillary Clinton has no shame, no scruples and no chance of winning.

Mo, San Jose, CA   April 5th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Jonsey,

You need to help us find where Obama said " I didn't like white at all." How you get the idea that all his cabinet will be black? Don't you see his campaign now are very diversed? If he didn't say exactly just what you said, YOu're just another liar.

sharon walker   April 5th, 2008 1:54 pm ET

Dear Friends:
The severed ties is no accident, Chavez sees Hillary Clinton as a strong Senator and an integral part of the American congress as McCain. He also cannot stand that he would be met by one of the most powerfully strong woman in America and as a candidate for the Presidency of the USA, he has stated world wide that she is stronger than he and a woman that as a president should and would be feared. Thank you for the strong statement and powerful influenctial support for Hillary and McCain. Fear pushes people who are illegal and acting in a criminal way. Go Hillary and vote American Women and Men. Your vote counts in America, Speak out for Michigan and Floriday your state could be next.

J. Harrison   April 5th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

Pathetic. Glad Colombia fired this two timing, bloviating fool.

Clinton legacy is in ashes. Good riddance; go bilk some more folks for million dollar speeches.

Jeremy   April 5th, 2008 1:53 pm ET

CNN needs to improve its reporting. The article concludes with Penn's spin. Why does he get the last word? (Clinton News Network???) Penn has been engaged in union-busting and represents mercenaries and sovereign wealth funds. This is not an error in judgment by any stretch. It's a pattern of behavior. Hillary says one thing but her closest adviser is doing another. It was guys like Penn that wrote labor policy in Bill Clinton's white house and were the reason Robert Reich quit. There's much, much more to this story and it's shockingly bad journalism to let Penn have the last word on it.

sasha kando   April 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

So typical of the campaign. A win at any cost, regardless. So what if Billaries supported NAFTA, then Hillary claims she's against NAFTA, wants only to fight for the working people, while behind the scene she's actively supporting NAFTA, her main strategist meeting with countries to advance NAFTA!! How can all you workers believe and support her? Billaries earned millions on the backs of these poor workers, in part through the efforts of NAFTA. All those Ohio and PA workers who think that Hillary is supporting them should now open their eyes and be wiser. No one has your cause in mind; Bill, Hillary and Mark Penn are ONLY interested in lining their own coffers. Send in your donation of 50-100 dollars to help the campaign, but let us keep our 109 million intact. Your dollars are going to help repay the 5 million she loaned the campaign. What kind of sense does that make?? She, who has hundreds of millions wants you to make a small donation to help repay her "loan" to herself. Stop sending in even a penny from now and never be fooled again by these multi-millionaire sharks!!

Chuck in Oregon   April 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Yea, this was as much an error in judgement as Hillary's ducking for cover dodging sniper fire after landing in Bosnia comment. Someone thought they could make the contact and work out a deal with out anyone being smart enough to catch them. Hmm, guess it didnt work did it.

carmen   April 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Penn's error is Hillary's error. This is her top strategist. They should both retire. Looks like they have enough money. By the way that was just income that was reported, not worth!

bambi 11211   April 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Nice timing, Mark!

shane   April 5th, 2008 1:52 pm ET

Shame on you, Mark Penn! lol!

Why is it every time Hillary gets caught in a scandal her supporters bring up Rev wright! thts the only thing they can bring up against him!

Hillary lies about sniper fire: REV WRIGHT!
Mark penn gets caught lobbying; REV wright!
Hillary tells Bill richardson "Obama cant win": REV wright!
Hillary cant pay her campaigns bills on time: REV WRIGHT!

LOl! Its going to take a lot more than Rev wright to derail Obama's campaign guys!

Mo, San Jose, CA   April 5th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

I think Penn knows this would cost him some trouble, but he calculated the cost and the gain already before the meeting. He knew the Clintons can't win, and he needs to find another source of income while the boat is sinking. Unfortunately, his " error" statement cost him another job with the columbian government.

Anne   April 5th, 2008 1:51 pm ET

When the Canada NAFTA story broke, the Canadian government immediately apologized profusely to Obama and strongly refuted that anything was said in the meeting that was inconsistent with his spoken views on NAFTA.

By contrast, the Colombian government, a client of Penn's firm apparently, is now incensed that he is trying to wash his hands of them, saying he has disrespected the Colombian people.

Is this a demonstration of what we can expect in the way of foreign policy finesse from a Hillary administration? She is accountable because she hired Penn. So far her campaign has had terrible money and staffing problems. It gives me no confidence that she will make any wiser decisions if she gets into office.

Obama 08

Chris Banner   April 5th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

This matter should be solved asap
Clinton needs to provide some relevant explanations
Now I am not expecting some sort of lies

Mo, San Jose, CA   April 5th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

I'm a republican but one thing I like about Obama camp is that they don't spin as much as Clinton's. If Obama's chief strategist did this, I expect to see Hillary's camp spins and cried foul for three weeks. By the way, Wolfson, the attack dog, was so quiet about this incident LOLZ.

As earlier poster said, this is just a preview of Clinton's cabinet members and how she would run the government if she ever wins at all. Just a few weeks, we've heard so many lies covered by the word " error, misjudgement, and mispoken."

Liz   April 5th, 2008 1:49 pm ET

It amazes me how Obama supporters need to make a mountain out of a mole hill and compare apples to oranges. I guess they'll do anything to make their candidate look good.

Puck   April 5th, 2008 1:47 pm ET

If you drop a frog into a pot of boiling water, it will jump out immediately.

But if you put a frog into a pot of lukewarm water and slowly turn up the heat, it will stay in the pot until it dies.

Seriously people, how long are you going to let Hillary turn up the heat on your pot before you jump out?

PrObama '08

Ed   April 5th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

The truth is that Obama sat under a hate minister for twenty years, and he is going to get blown away by the republican machine. on that Why did he not leave. And what does he mean by his white house in his commercials it is not his or any other presidents white house it is our white house. Sounds allot like Bush
Got that reverent hate white attitude

Vivian   April 5th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

I wonder why CNN has not posted any of my messages lately. I think I am going tohave toswitch to MSNBC. For some reason, my posts hardly ever make it on this site. I will say it again. Hillary was so quick to come out and tell everyone about Obama's advisor speaking to Canadians and looked like a nut yelling on National TV " meet me in ohio and we'll talk about your behavior" . Well, Hillary this is 2 days now and I have not yet heard Obama use the negative tactics you did , yelling at you and saying "meet me in Pennsylvania". Do you see the differnence? do you see why people wise enough would not vote for oyu? do you see why people who want "real" change in washington do not vote for you? Unfortunately, there are people who are stupid enough to believe whatever you dish out and people gullable enough to buy into what you say, even when they know you've lied and bahaved like an loony! Your story about Bosnia should be a great concern for people in PA, NC, MTand IN. People who know at this point that you ahve lied about NAFTA and the new Columbian trade, should be running the other way, the unions that support you in PA should be looking close and hard at your motives. Unfortunately fo rus and fortunately for you, they just know your name and vote for you because they are too ignorant to vote for someone new or someone real. They are choosing comfort. You are like an old shoe! Still, with Bill, Chelsea and you campaigning hard against one person we never heard of till December, and still you are behind. That speaks volume for Senator Obama. If this post does not go on, I will switch to MSNBC, once and for all.

Chris   April 5th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Hilary and Penn should quit right now. Hilary has been lying to the American people so much that it is making a mockery of the election and the educated americans.

Quit now Hillary. You are a disgrace to the country.

S. Brown   April 5th, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Hillary can't get rid of Penn. She spent 5 million for his sevices! In this economy, even if your making 109 million, that is too big a loss. Let me correct myself. That is too big a loss for Clinton backers who donated their money.

Obama 08

4REAL   April 5th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

If Hillary was very concern about her campain and the lies she have said and how hard it is to back track herself she would clean house and get a new crew. The DNC should take action and put her before a auction block and drill her on the lies and what else is coming out soon. Remember she want to sway the supers to vote for her, how in the hlllllllll they would have the gusts to do this with all the garbage she has unleashed. Even her husband is partner with a company that is selling elderly people identity. When the tax records prove that Bill is dealing in illegal trade overseas, what will be her answer? Bill made a lot of money but I don't know where it come from except is foreign speeches. I don't think Hillary or her campaign is thinking with their brains right about now.

Nate   April 5th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Can anyone not see how this is wrong? If Obama did this, I would have no respect for him because I wouldn't see him as someone who sticks by his principles.
Is Mark Penn the Moses for the Clinton Campaign? Is he the one to take them to the promised land, em, White House? How can a candidate be heavily against something, yet her chief guy is lobbying for it. It's clear that Mark Penn believes in making money and there's nothing wrong with that but come on Hillary... Can you not even see how this could have been taken. Can anyone name 5 people from Hillary's campaign. If anyone can name 3, Mark Penn will be on that list because he's one of the most popular figure from their camp, yet he was working for a trade agreement that Clinton opposed and she was fine with that. Or maybe she just imagined it wasn't happening, the same way she imagined the sniper fire and running inside the cars.

Okay, enough Hillary bashing, but seriously. Obama said he's never been a CEO but we should judge him but how well he runs his campaign. If he was a business, I'd be buying Obama stock right now because despite all the challenges, he's kept a cool head and managed it well, beating his opponents in the delegates, states won, popular votes, and money raised.

Steve   April 5th, 2008 1:45 pm ET

If Hillary has any political savvy at all, she'll can this guy. No matter if he's doing a good job for her. The appearance of conflict of interests can easily crater a campaign, especially one in such a delicate state as Hillary's is right now.

Hillary, there are better fish in the sea. Throw this one back.

For those of you claiming that Obama has stated he doesn't like white people, please remember that he was raised by a white mother and a white grandmother, who both also said racist things that made him uncomfortable. As many of us do when we hear the idiotic spouting of hate against gender and race, he just looked the other way.

For those of you claiming that Obama has stated he doesn't like white people, can you please direct me to the news article or video where this is captured? No? I didn't think so.

I am closing my eyes and imagining a world without people like Jonsey. I smile.

Anonymous   April 5th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Can anyone not see how this is wrong? If Obama did this, I would have no respect for him because I wouldn't see him as someone who sticks by his principles.
Is Mark Penn the Moses for the Clinton Campaign? Is he the one to take them to the promised land, em, White House? How can a candidate be heavily against something, yet her chief guy is lobbying for it. It's clear that Mark Penn believes in making money and there's nothing wrong with that but come on Hillary... Can you not even see how this could have been taken. Can anyone name 5 people from Hillary's campaign. If anyone can name 3, Mark Penn will be on that list because he's one of the most popular figure from their camp, yet he was working for a trade agreement that Clinton opposed and she was fine with that. Or maybe she just imagined it wasn't happening, the same way she imagined the sniper fire and running inside the cars.

Okay, enough Hillary bashing, but seriously. Obama said he's never been a CEO but we should judge him but how well he runs his campaign. If he was a business, I'd be buying Obama stock right now because despite all the challenges, he's kept a cool head and managed it well, beating his opponents in the delegates, states won, popular votes, and money raised.

jerry Lawler   April 5th, 2008 1:44 pm ET

Senator Clinton continues to make it very hard for us to believe she has any executive ability in running her campaign. Money problems, unpaid bills, internal schisms, poor planning and now a chief strategist acting 180 degrees off message. Add the release of tax returns showing she is a millionnaire on the same day she proposes a poverty czar in the cabinet. I shudder to think what she would do running the executive branch of the most powerful country on earth!!

Santiago   April 5th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

The Advisor knows better, Hillary need so endorse Obama now for president

Matt   April 5th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Wait for it... Wait for it....this is where the Clintonites bring up Wright again!!!

B Dogg   April 5th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Hillary started this race at the top.There is only one way to go when you start at the very top and that is down. It"s exactly what is happening to her. Obama on the other hand started at the bottom and there is only one way to go when you are at the bottom and that is up.

Angela   April 5th, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Mark Penn = Hillary's SENIOR ADVISER = LOBBYIST = OLD Washington Politics = Hillary LOVES Lobbyists

Now we heard the truth that it was Hillary's camp that said take Hillary's words on NAFTA "with a grain of salt"

OBAMA & EDWARDS = NO to lobbyists = NEW WAY OF POLITICS = CHANGE = YES WE CAN!!!

Venus   April 5th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

I really want to see how she spin this! I hope it makes the HEAD-LINES in all the newspaper and major MEDIA! Now – I hope Rocky can help her on this one! And, maybe Bill Clinton will chill!

Wayne   April 5th, 2008 1:40 pm ET

hmmmm, lets see if she does fire him. . Or does she embrace his union busting . Enough of her lies and duplicity.
The New York Times reported this morning she misspoke about the woman in Ohio who lost her baby and died because of some health care mixup. Well it turns out Hillary embellished the whole story. She didn't even bother to get it factchecked. She just went with hearsay.

And we should trust her as our President. I dont think so.

Jag, NC   April 5th, 2008 1:39 pm ET

I agree Clinton is done, but what did we get? After misleading people for votes Obama is changing his tune now. He found that his nomination is secured and doesn't even attend MLK events but explains it's with typical Obama spin. Now Obama advisors tell that we'll be in Iraq for atleast 2010. We're fooled by his tall talk without substances. I can guarantee you he'll be a disaster for America if not a failure in November. At least Clinton could win and make things better for America, there is no need to prove that. Ah, 4 more years at least !!!!!!!

doc   April 5th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

You can tell most of obama supporters are "Republicans", they spew so much "Hate", and of course they will vote Republican in nov.

Wayne Braffman   April 5th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

What did Hillary know and when did she know it?

Carolh11   April 5th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

In addition to this little ditty, let's open everyone's eyes to the fact that she told another whopper regarding a horrible health care story, in which a woman dies due to lack of insurance and care. Hospital is demanding her to cease and desist from this story.

andrew s. rostolder hillsdale nj   April 5th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

hillary's whole life has been an error of judgement... need i go on???????

martha   April 5th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Billary is a phony.Why is Hillary still in this race? The media keeps trying to feed you the unrealistic fact that Hillary has a chance to win it.Keep the adds coming.

brainless Clinton supporter   April 5th, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Oh those Clintion's and their crazy pranks and shenanigans...I just love them! Bill is so cute when he gets in that red faced, slobbering pit-bull mode and Chelsea is a highly intelligent princess! Hillary is a genius according to Bil and they only speak the truth! Who is this Obama? Doesn't he know it is not his turn? It is Hillary's turn to be president and she has worked so hard for all of us...I know she has made such a difference in my life since she has been in office in New York because they said so! I just can't wait to see what they come up with next!!! I'm going to send more money...because they asked for it!
Duhhhh...

Carmela, Longwood, Florida   April 5th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Mrs. Clinton just lost my vote.

KarenM   April 5th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Putting aside the campaign issue for a moment, this seems like a huge wake up call for any of Penn's clients. Were I one of his clients, I'd be doing what the Columbian Gov. is doing and looking elsewhere for a firm that could do the work I need done - without the conflict of interest.

Now, as for the Hillary campaign, Penn is just another one of the kind of people Hillary feels comfortable having around doing her work. Penn, Spitzer, et al. These are not the kind of folks I want running my country. I am voting on May 6 (in NC) for Barack Obama. I want a real leader.

Richard   April 5th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Once again, the Clinton's lie and lie and lie. They USED to be able to get away with it, but not anymore. They must be getting rusty.

willis, Texas   April 5th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Every time Camp Hillary gets caught doing the nasty, the news media always down plays it by introducing some alleged issue with Obama.

Case in point:

The Chief Iraq strategist for Camp Obama wrote that the strategist was recommending that US troops remain in Iraq through 2010. Obama has always said that he plans to withdraw troops in "16 months".

If you do the MATH, Obama becomes president on January 22, 2009 –16 months later it is 2010!!!!! Obama is consistent with his campaign promise!!!!!

This whole Obama sting is a diversion from Hillary's mess!

B Dogg   April 5th, 2008 1:36 pm ET

I used to like Hillary until I really got to know her. It seems to me that she really didn't anticipate this race taking so long. She thought she would have this thing in the bag by super Tuesday. She obviously did not see Senator Obama coming.

Rosalind   April 5th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Wolf Blitzer, why aren't you talking about this? Why isn't James Carville talking about this? He should be on one of his tirades about now!

Sad state of affairs   April 5th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

Hilary was all over Obama for something similar. I'm glad Obama hasn't gone the Hilary route.

That's what she gets for her bad karma moves.

How can anyone trust her? I'd love to see a woman be president but she is just bad.

bladedancer   April 5th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

LOL! Try and spin this one Hillary!

WINNER   April 5th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

it is not hillary it's Penn. so who cares
everyone needs to stop criticizing hillary because she is running a fierce campaign. the media needs to look at obama and all his lies and faults within his campaign to make it an even playing field for the two candidates. obama has a lot of faults that nobody seems to want to touch on.

hillary for successful change in 2008

Cali   April 5th, 2008 1:34 pm ET

This latest development appears staged in order to help Penn and the Clinton campaign save face with voters. Move-on's call for Clinton to fire Penn is right on. This entire issue is another example of how the Clinton camp does or says one thing, then the "error" is revealed, and we find out the conflicting truth. What does this whole issue say to people who are struggling from job losses? The feeling of not trusting Senator Clinton is rising steadily....

Party First   April 5th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I am convinced Obama will win, so I say party first we have to get behind Obama. We must defeat McCain!

Spider   April 5th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I am not an Obamaite. I am a proud Clintonian.

I think Hillary did set this up. Send one of your insiders over there and throw a monkey wrench in the whole thing. Way to go Hillary.

Hillary '08/'12
No Obomination

gary mitchell   April 5th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

This is just the latest sign that the HRC candidacy is a symptom of a failed political system that allows access to foreign interests to our Congressmen and Senators. When will the interests of the American people take center stage in D.C.? When Barak Obama is our President.

TR   April 5th, 2008 1:33 pm ET

I will vote for HILLARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nikole   April 5th, 2008 1:32 pm ET

SUE-Obama staying in his church WAS NOT an error in judgement. Please research his church and former pastor for yourself instead of taking the bits and pieces fed to you by the media.

Critical thinking is severely lacking these days.

PA Old Man   April 5th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

After I consider the lastest lies and decit in the Clinton camp, I see shes in her last throws and I have to get behnd Obama. I know Hillary will do well and become a big power player in the senate.

Rubydorisjean   April 5th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Let me see if I have this right.

Clinton's chief campaign strategist is a Colombian lobbyist, pushing a trade agreement that gives American jobs to Colombians.

Umm, Clinton sure knows how to pick them!

Anonymous   April 5th, 2008 1:31 pm ET

I agree with another poster if this had been someone in the Obama camp Hillary would be talking about it in campaign stops from Oregon to Pennsylvania. If is funny how the people who support Hillary always want to bury any stories about her and want to talk about the issues but a story like rev. Wright and they act like the Faux News and want to keep bringing it up again and again.

mj   April 5th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

I had huge personal respect for the Clintons, this campaign was not well done. They dont see it because they are in the middle and Bill maybe watching "Greg's anotomy". it is good that they made 100 plus millions in the past, they may need it to re build their imagen in the country.

RuthieM   April 5th, 2008 1:30 pm ET

Penn's sure becoming more and more awful looking. I think Clinton knew/knows exactly what was going on and she was just trying to have it both ways, as usual. Another twister in Clinton's liechest, her campaign is just plain rotten and untrustworthy. They all need to close down.

Isaac   April 5th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

As much as this is going to be made of because of 'evil, duplicitous and calculating' Hillary, this is not the same thing that happened with Obama and Canada. In that situation his campaign representative explicitly implied that what Obama was saying in his debates in the U.S. were NOT what he was going to be following as policy once elected. There is a big difference and Clinton has drawn clear distinctions on this matter.

Sable   April 5th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

interesting that Columbia fired Penn first.. what does this say about Hillary..

Obama '08

ON THE FENCE   April 5th, 2008 1:27 pm ET

EVERYDAY I'M CONSIDERING OBAMA MORE AND MORE.

John Smith to Sue   April 5th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

No matter what you say or do, people like Sue will always vote for the Clintons, given the multiple "sins of infedility/adultry, greed, and so on that they have brought to this great nation.

As I consistently say, as a Catholic, I will continue to say the Rosary to our Lady of Perpetual for anyone who votes for the sins of Clintons to be returned to the White House and this great nation. Great nations have fallne because of lack of moral values!!!

Ex-Hillary supporter   April 5th, 2008 1:26 pm ET

I can longer come up with one good reason why I should consider giving Clinton my vote.
Her campaign has been abysmal, her only "success" so far is the damage she has done to the Democratic Party to achieve her own self-serving goals.

Mae   April 5th, 2008 1:25 pm ET

Why is her campaign strategist a white male who works for a lobbying firm?

This is really making me wonder.

And I don't understand why she was so in the dark about her right hand mans other job?

Can we find an honest woman to run for President.

I mean I've experienced great stress and sleep deprivation going to graduate school and raising a family but I never hallucinated about things that did not happen.

Rick   April 5th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

"EARTH CALLING CLINTON", "EARTH CALLING CLINTON"; PLEASE DROP OUT NOW; NOT JUST AMERICA WANTS OBAMA, BUT SO DOES THE REST OF THE WORLD ...........

Jack, LA   April 5th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

109 million – 52 million for "Just Speeches"
Why didn't the Clinton's do more personally to help Katrina victims??

judyb   April 5th, 2008 1:24 pm ET

It is truly amazing how many people think the Clinton's are honest folks. They con us about their role in their support of NAFTA, yet condone their chief strategist talking the walk with Colombia. They have the majority of their personal investments in offshore accounts, that offer big tax savings, offered by their big bucks contributers and then Hillary has the gall to tell the voters they are against these types of tax shelters. The Clintons are all about political corruption. I'll take Obama and his minister (who speaks the truth) anyday.

tom, Boston   April 5th, 2008 1:22 pm ET

and people are crying foul because they have never known that their shallow and oh-so-wonderful "life styles" have been possible thanks for thses shady dealings??? like jack nicholson said well, "you can't handle the truth!"

Kate   April 5th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

$109 million??? I'm for Hillary but I won't donate another dime. I think she was misleading when she put out that S.O.S. call for money when she donated to her own campaign.

claris nelson   April 5th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

Well, the Colombians did the right thing. Clinton did nothing, as usual. Is she hoping it will blow over (Oh THAT'll happen)? Maybe Penn WAS representing her re the Colombian trade deal. Maybe she kinda likes this trade deal after all. Or maybe Penn knows where all the metaphorical bodies are buried. Or, maybe Mark Penn doesn't know conflict of interest from a cream donut.

And how about sozzi's comment that the Ohio lady who died from having no health insurance is another lie? At this point I'm betting on sozzi.

Fabian   April 5th, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Do you guys recall Clinton going off in Ohio on Obama's mailer that criticised her for supporting NAFTA? Obama got the heat from the media when his guy met Canadian government officials behind the scenes, and all over sudden Mark Pen is getting away with this. This shows how biased the media is. Obama lost Ohio as a result, and I don't think Clinton is going to suffer the same way as a result. I hope the Obama campaign keeps pushing the story. Clinton says one thing and does another.

Melanie, Texas   April 5th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

"April 5th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

It is amazing, if Obama would have done this it would have been headline news, this shows how the media is Pro Clinton."

T12: I agree completely! The Hillary supporters are always crying foul on her coverage, but the press has left so much alone that they should be covering like Peter F. Paul. Why isn't CNN on this story?

They are definitely soft-peddling ALL the Clinton scandals of late and poor Barack is still getting fire for his involvement with his Reverend, who is an honorable man! Why doesn't CNN show what FOX didn't? The whole speech?

Something is definitely fishy.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   April 5th, 2008 1:19 pm ET

If the Columbian government severed tires with Penn based only on a statement of error in judgement, there is something seriously shady about this connection and it doesn't sound like they are going to lay down and take it. I'm sure this isn't the end of this story.

PA democrat   April 5th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Hillary has ran the most arrogant mismanaged campaign in this race!

tom, Boston   April 5th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

It's news because things like this, where PR firms and lobbiests will do anything and everything for the not-so-honorable interests of their clients (multi-national corporates and their political servants), rarely happens in washington???

Ruby Sneed   April 5th, 2008 1:17 pm ET

I look at CNN and I never see you guys discuss and debate on the lies that the Clinton's tell and her campaign tell on Obama. I am so happy that the Unions are backing OBAMA. Let me hear you guys run this OVER and OVER day and night on CNN.

Bob Stephens   April 5th, 2008 1:16 pm ET

Hillary isn't even in the White House, and already the seedy side of the Clintons and their friends is starting to surface. It's like back to the future....

jonsey   April 5th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

penn's "error" should cost him a job. his relationship with clinto is NOTHING compared to the realtionship that Obama has with his unashamedly anti-white and anti-us government church. please remeber that obama stated himself that he does not like white people at all. IF he were to become president does this mean that his cabinet will be non-white? I ask that everybody close your eyes and imaging that obama is the president. Now imagine that we have a president who hates white people for several reasons. are you whites afraid now? i am.

Eugene   April 5th, 2008 1:15 pm ET

let's watch and see if Hillary demands Penn's resignation....

The light in the darkness   April 5th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

If Hilllary supporters were on the Titanic, they would have been cursing the iceberg until the very end – convinced the shinking ship was done wrong and the iceberg had no right to be where it was. After all the Titanic was a great ship and who did the iceberg think it was to sink it? How dare the iceberg get hit by the ship and sink it! Shame on the iceberg!

Well, the SS Hillary has a captain and crew that don't see too well, and have run into the iceberg Obama. The SS Hillary is sinking fast and her supporters are drowning with her. Bu bye...

Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA   April 5th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

It is hopeless for Hillary!

Hillary is just too WEAK to FIGHT the people she cannot and does not control, like Bill Clinton and Mark Penn. Who else are on this list???

This is only a preview of how her "cabinet" will be like.

.

Venus   April 5th, 2008 1:14 pm ET

Thanks Mark Penn! Hope this will be the end of Hillary!

Saska   April 5th, 2008 1:13 pm ET

It's disappointing to me that the Colombian government was first to fire Penn, and not Hillary Clinton.

Why was Alvaro Uribe so sharply critical of Obama and yet had nothing to say about Clinton, who claims to have exactly the same opinion of the proposed Colombian trade agreement?

Roberto Reyes-Colon   April 5th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

What is more evident than ever,,is that Senator Obama is the person that we need in the house at this time in our history. I'm always amazed at how oftentimes the media disregard his great style, charisma, and joyful personality as he campaigns, and how he has been able to choreograph gracefully, the american battet of presidential politics. Maybe is not a ballet, but cage fighting, but he is a winner!!!!!!

FrankSmith to Sue   April 5th, 2008 1:12 pm ET

No matter what you say or do, individuals like Sue will always support the Clintons, given the multiple sins and scandals that they have given to this great nation.

As I consistently say, as a Catholic, I will always say the Rosary to our Lady of Perpetual Help for anyone who votes for the Clintons. This will be like bringing back the sins of "immorality, greed, adultry and so on" to the White House and this great nation!

David, Silver Spring MD   April 5th, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Sue, Obama has been consistent on his approach to ending the Iraq War. It was one of his advisors who expressed a different opinion on his own behalf, much as Mark Penn did in this Columbia deal.

Except that Penn is actually working to defeat what his candidate wants. Obama's Iraq advisor has a different opinion about schedule, not about agenda.

Bottom line is that the candidate is not the advisor, the pastor, or the campaign manager. Presumably you, as a Clinton supporter, would not be voting for Mark Penn. When I vote for Obama, my vote will be for him and not for everyone connected in some way with the campaign.

Unions   April 5th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

Oh....wait until the unions gets a hold of this little incident!!!

BLUE COLLAR   April 5th, 2008 1:10 pm ET

52 MILLION FOR JUST SPEECHES. I DARE THE CLINTONS USE THE PHRASE "JUST SPEECHES" TO ATTACK OBAMA.

RENEA,PLYMOUTH,MI   April 5th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

MARK PENN ALSO REPRESENTS SAUDIA OIL ,BLACKWATER AND ALSO HAD A HAND IN THE UNION BUSTING OF CINTAS.MANY OF THE CLINTON TOP CAMPAIGN ADVISORS DAYJOBS ARE WITH DRUG CO,INSURANCE CO,GOLDMAN SACHS,MASTERCARD AND CITI GROUP.

Jason   April 5th, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Hillary is dubious. Period.

Andrew Kenneth   April 5th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Mark Penn is a disgrace and this is the exact kind of Lobbyist meddling Obama talks of when he mentions turning the page.
This is a serious issue and could result in the loss of American jobs if it goes through without the required standards.

mccoy230023   April 5th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

OMG......! That's why Billary can't be trusted nor anyone in her party. I hope the media picks this one up and also the lie she told about the patient that was denied health coerage in OHIO, who had supposed to have died, which NY Times has reported. I can't believe this lady, she has show time and time again that she will do and say anything to become the Dem Nominee. I use to be for Billary until the lies started now it's all about Obama 08'.

She really needs to give it up..........!

Tunde   April 5th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

The whole Clinton campaign has been an error in judgement.

Jeff   April 5th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

Hypocrites!!! You got caught. As senator Clinton said, I just substituted Obama name by hers, and I'm crying faults, technical fault, double technical, ejection!!!
Obama/Clinton 08

INDEPENDENT   April 5th, 2008 1:08 pm ET

PENN MUST BE FIRED. CLINTON NEEDS TO CUT TIES WITH THIS SHADY GUY.

Christian, Tampa FL   April 5th, 2008 1:07 pm ET

This is a terrifying indication of the sorts of people that Hillary Clinton would put into power while President. As much as I hate to say this, she seems a lot like Bush in governing style.

Jacob S   April 5th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

So by Sue's argument if I were a low, low level Clinton adviser who nobody had ever heard of and released a memo saying we begin nuclear war with Russia, that means that Clinton wants to nuke Russia! I mean, it's a pretty obvious conclusion, right?

As to the actual story, so the Clintons get rid of a hypocritical business tie and the Colombians get rid of Mark Penn. Both sides win here.

Felix   April 5th, 2008 1:06 pm ET

I'm Colombian and I do not feel disrespected. We have a government that systematically kills, torture, and displace workers. The free trade agreement will be a reward to this practices. Hillary Clinton shows again ambiguity, and this lack of a solid position in important issues won't lead us to the White House.

Enough of political dynasties. Obama 08!!

HH   April 5th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

You said a few weeks ago Queen Hillary that if it was your adviser caught taking to other countires the story would be different. I hope and pray every news media runs this story for the next month. I can not wait until you drop out of the race.

Countdown to Clintons exit- 32 Days.

Too Bad   April 5th, 2008 1:05 pm ET

Sue

You are correct. Lets talk about the issues.

Obama 08

UNITER 08   April 5th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is a chronic liar. Things are not going to change if she gets elected. She will be favoring her friends just like George W and Cheney had done during their 8 years in the whitehouse.

Desiree   April 5th, 2008 1:02 pm ET

Hillary needs to dump this guy.

Marc, Toronto   April 5th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

This is a much worse indiscretion than Barack Obama's alleged aid with the Canadian Government. Hillary used the old "wink – wink" to help her win Ohio because of it.

In my view this race would have been over had Hillary not used that gaf to her advantage in Ohio and Texas. Now it will come back to haunt Hillary and her multiple personalities.

The Democrats cannot win without Barack Obama. Black America will rebel and those of us hoping for a new direction in North America will feel betrayed if Hillary manages to some how steal the nomination away from Obama.

chenny   April 5th, 2008 1:01 pm ET

this is one of the reasons americans donot trust clintons and there campain. cnn is so soft on this bad news b/c its the clintons but remember how you and hillary jumped on obama for a lesser but similar news b/4 march 4 which actually cost him ohio.Now you should let the pens state to know how untrustworthy clinton and her campain could be.

dEMABRAT   April 5th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

Come on Hiallry- get it together! We cannot have these sort of fumbles : (

Sean   April 5th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

And of course the key difference between Hillary's accusations against Obama over his supposed "wink wink" treatment towards Canada in regards to NAFTA, and this story about Mark Penn is that the Mark Penn story actually happened.

It's been well established that Obama's supposed "wink wink" to Canada never happened, yet Clinton still brings it up as if it did. That's lie number one from Clinton here.

Meanwhile, Clinton's chief campaign strategist is out there actively pushing for trade deals that Clinton tells voters she is opposed to. I don't care if he was representing Clinton's campaign or the lobbying firm he's chief executive at, this is a blatant contradiction from her. Given Hillary's track record with lying, this makes me think her opposition to the trade deals she claims to oppose may be somewhat less than she'd like the voters to believe. So this could be lie number two in this whole thing.

Sean-NY   April 5th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Sniff! Sniff! I smell something!! Smells like the stinky odour of Clinton NAFTA Hypocrisy. So WHO now says one thing about NAFTA but actually REALLY did something else? i.e championed its eventaul making into law? Who claims that its part of her EXPERIENCE in office but she would selectively like to omit from her "record"?

Step off the plate Hill! Your through!

Mauricio Galvao Anderson   April 5th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Oops! her campaign did it again !

Shirley, Silicon Valley, CA   April 5th, 2008 12:59 pm ET

The Clintons and Mark Penn are untrustworthy!

Hillary is NOT ELECTABLE!

Hillary is a congenital liar on a pathological scale!

DB, San Francisco   April 5th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

All this spin is making me dizzy... Nader is running, right? Hey, it didn't work for me the last couple elections, but maybe the 3rd time is the charm.

TellItLikeItIs   April 5th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

The Clintons knew all about this. There's no way that the Clintons would hire Mark Penn without knowing anything about his dealings. Another lack of good judgement? Lies, Lies Lies. No liar can beat the TRUTH. The truth is that the Clintons have an agenda and will say anything to get votes to get back in office and keep their agenda going. It's all apart of the staus quo's plans.

Post this CNN!!

TellItLikeItIs   April 5th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

The Clintons knew all about this. There's no way that the Clintons would hire Mark Penn without knowing anything about his dealings. Another lack of good judgement? Lies, Lies Lies. No liar can beat the TRUTH. The truth is that the Clintons have an agenda and will say anything to get votes to get back in office and keep their agenda going. It's all apart of the staus quo's plans.

Bubba   April 5th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

how can she run our country when she can't even run her staff??? You name the topic...and it's a complete disaster for HRC.

Charles Douglas Lemay   April 5th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

For the love of God, how much more do we have to take from this
utterly corrupt woman! She is completely unable to even manage
her own campaign, how in the hell does she think she can manage
the government? In the name of God, Hillary, GO!

2008 for Obama   April 5th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

IF THIS WAS AN OBAMA SUPPORTER, HILLARY WILL BE ALL OVER THE NEWS ABOUT THIS.

D.D.   April 5th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

What is this? Tell the American republic one thing and tell the foreign officials another? The truth needs to prevail. Are we so simple we can not comprehend the indepth of government truths or the government truths so intensely corrupt they can't tell the truth?
How does this man continue in his job without Carvelle barking verbal tirades at him? Does he know too much to dismiss him regardless of what he does or does not do for the campaign? Or was he sent by the Clintons on this unbeknownest mission?

TellItLikeItIs   April 5th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Sue April 5th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

An error in judgement. Didn't Obama have one when he stayed at his chuch? Who cares. I care about the issues and who can solve the problems we have facing us today. I do not care about tax returns. More power to anyone who can make lots of money! I WANT TO SEE MORE ABOUT OBAMAS CHANGE OF HEART ON IRAQ WAR…..KEEPING 80,000 TROOPS ETC……WHY ARE WE NOT HEARING ABOUT THIS? CNN THIS WOULD BE FAIR REPORTING!!

Sue, are you a highschool dropout? You come off as someone who is really dumb and also a liar.

Michael Guinn- Ventura, CA   April 5th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

"The Senator is unhappy with this trade deal and it was not discussed."
Right.
Mark Penn helped persuade several to leave the Clinton side with all his questionable moves.
She should have sent him packing long ago.
Can you say "Conflict of Interest"?

Not for clinton anymore   April 5th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

"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."

PA do you hear her? I'm so glade i didn't make my mind up, true colors of Clintno NAFTA are showing. I'm sorry but someone that is Lobbying for NAFTA to another country and is a top adviser, would not be with clinton unless he knew something about it that we do not.

Clinton pushed so hard during in OHIO on Obama campagin two talking, and later it was just the clinton campagin and nothing to do with obama. I hope...I hope the Media plays this as often as they played Obamas sto....

Lies, lies, lies   April 5th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

Ballgame's over, folks. How many lies are we going to tolerate. Hillary's double-speak is going to bite her, once again. If by some miracle she were able to secure the democratic nomination, the republican machine will have a FIELD DAY with this one. Next time she ought to try honesty – if that's possible for her.

Ballgame's over, folks. Let's move on

Allen in NC   April 5th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Penn blew that one up big time.... He lost a big NAFTA deal for Hillary.... Oh Oh sorry about that ... She doen't support NAFTA... Right?.... Oh yeah thats right...... I guess?..... It was only Penn that was sending our american jobs to another country, Our food. Our health care money, Our future.... Yeah thats right it was only Penn the clinton strategist... And William Clinton is a part of thier campange, The same guy that with a pin stroke singed away millions of american jobs. >NAFTA< Bills law.... It was only Penn... Not hillary.... married to the guy that signed this american nightmare into law. It was only Penn.... We all know that hillary is totally against NAFTA.... Thats what she told Ohio, Texas, And now PA,...... Thats right it was all Penn.....

VA   April 5th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

LOLOLOL...TOO FUNNY..BUT TOOOOOOOOOO LATE...PENN AND THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN ARE NOW BACKTRACKING.....WHAT A FOOL HE HAS MADE OF HIMSELF AND WHAT A FOOL, AGAIN, SHE HAS MADE OF HERSELF BY MAKING THE CANADIAN REMARKS THAT SHE DID, WHEN IN TURN, IT WAS THE CLINTON CAMPAIGN, AGAIN, THAT MADE THE CANADA REMARKS.
ALL THIS WOMAN WANTS IS POWER AND WILL DO ANYTHING TO GET IT..I AM FROM A TOWN OF 1400 AND 75% DISPISE HER AND IF SHE GETS THE NOMINEEE...IT WILL BE 75% NON VOTERS OR MCAIN.

T12   April 5th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

It is amazing, if Obama would have done this it would have been headline news, this shows how the media is Pro Clinton.

It concerns me that this whole election process is supposed to be about the country, the people, our children (which is our future) and when the media does not make the public more aware of issues like this, it shows a more Bias media that cares more about HRC than this country.

It makes me wonder if MSM fears the Clinton's.

CNN I am glad you have it as a ticker but how about making some noise on this issue. Nafta is a measure issue.

Are we supposed to accept Penn's apology and move on?

This is a Conspiracy!!!

Jack   April 5th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

EXCELLENT!! Great news for Hillary!

There goes the issue of conflict of interest along with the media's ability to bash Hillary to make Obama look good

Chanda-Cincinnati Ohio   April 5th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I could care less about him meeting with the Colombians, but does it bother anyone besides me that her campaign manager is an executive for a lobbying firm? Who is she really going to represent in the White House???!!??? People better wake up and stop trying to recapture the Clinton days of old. This is a new day, and Hillary is going to "misspeak" this country into a world of hurt!!!

SaintSteven   April 5th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Hopefully the good people of Pa. will see what the Clinton camp is realy about. It was Clintons aid who talked to Canada now her lead strategist got busted talking to the Colombians about NAFTA, kinda looks like a pattern don't you think.

Ohio

Franky   April 5th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

So, what else is new???? Ohh wait a minute, is O.K because the Clintons know a whole more than anyone else....

Gil - California   April 5th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

For a PR firm, they don't seem to be doing a good job for their clients. I hope it was worth it to him

Nan   April 5th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Hillary Clinton deserves better than having people be so thoughtless about what could look like a conflict of interest. I think it was just as well that Columbia cut their ties with Mr. Penn. Thanks

Lance   April 5th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I respect the Columbia for this action. At least they showed some principal. Met them, paid by them, then turn around say "error of judgment" to get American votes.
Clinton supporters, please wake up and open your eyes. I don't have enough space here to list all of her lies, misspoke, misjudgment, mis-attended, mis.....

Veterans For Obama   April 5th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Mr Penn.....Youre hairstyle is an error in judgement. Meeting with the Columbians is just status quo for the Clintons.

Voice that matters.   April 5th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

CNN why is this guy kept appearing on your head line.

We know that the Clinton surrounded themselves with lobbyiest and they have no desire to change Washington style of business as usual.

The mean thing I want to urge to put on the headline is Zimbabwe.
The US Government kept quiet about that country general election.

America need to take lead on foreign policy and pressure Moo man to get out of power. America can't wait until its turn violent in Zimbabwe before intervaning.

The Zimbabwe government needs a strong message for its to step down NOW.

America show your leadership right Now. thank you, but keet US politic clearn as well.

Charlotte   April 5th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

I think Clintons' opposition to any deal, played a role in the Columbian govs. decision to severe ties with Burson Marsteller. Hillary is still the best choice for this country and its economic future. If there is one subject the Clintons know, it's the Economy, STUPID.

Matt   April 5th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

At least the Colombian Government finally got something right...

What's astounding to me is Hillary hired somebody who, for the past year, has been employed to get support for something she opposes. Really shows that her campaign is run by a bunch of opportunistic lobbyists.

Veterans For Obama   April 5th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

This has gone on far too long.

Buh-Bye Hillary....Thanks for playing.

Go salvage your legacy before its too late, and quit sending Bill on the road, his heads about to explode.

Alex H   April 5th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Mark Penn has always represented Hillary Clinton's campaign 100%: a conflict of interests.

Kaywood Hopkins   April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

I love Mark's wagging finger in the photo, why is it the Clinton's always wag the finger, when they are usually doing the same thing?

It is why almost half of Americans (49% last poll) think Hillary is "phony".

Maybe they should turn those high and mighty fingers at themselves, before wagging them at us. They remind me of hall monitors, always tell you what you are doing wrong.

Michael   April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

BUSTED!

She's done.

Sharon Minnesota   April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Wow, the chickens come home to roost for Clinton here.

Wait, there's a big difference with the two stories. The Clinton campaign and Senator Clinton was NOT involved with this event where the Obama campaign and Obama himself was directly involved in the Canadian debacle.

Can't wait to see the twisted blogs on the CNN websight and /or the CNN bias on this one.

Jordan   April 5th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

If it involves Hillary Clinton, it doesn't respect anyone else. Colombia just found that out, hopefully the Hillary fanatics will wake up and see the same.

Obama the other white meat   April 5th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Dumb. Now the the Obamatons will think that Hillary set this up.

phillykat   April 5th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Barack Obama is really the ONLY candidate!!!
Barack the Vote!!!

SWING STATE FAMILY   April 5th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

THAT's not it ! Double play is double play !

Get the Big Penn out ! Or can Clinton not campaign without him ?

sozzi   April 5th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Hillary and her campaign have been caught with another lie. CNN, please look into Hillary's other lie, an article in the NYT, with regards to Health Insurance promo.

Regarding a patient who was denied health coverage at a OHIO hospital, and died becuase of it, has been a false story. The Hillary campaign has made up another lie. When will the media start to look into all of Hillary's claims?!!!!!

Sue   April 5th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

An error in judgement. Didn't Obama have one when he stayed at his chuch? Who cares. I care about the issues and who can solve the problems we have facing us today. I do not care about tax returns. More power to anyone who can make lots of money! I WANT TO SEE MORE ABOUT OBAMAS CHANGE OF HEART ON IRAQ WAR.....KEEPING 80,000 TROOPS ETC......WHY ARE WE NOT HEARING ABOUT THIS? CNN THIS WOULD BE FAIR REPORTING!!

Doug, Florida   April 5th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

Caught with your pants down. Clinton need to drop out.

She is unelectable

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@PrestonCNN: On Deck: Talking about the Senate health care vote at 10 pm ET on CNN Newsroom with @donlemoncnn
Updated: Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:35:13 -0800
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