April 8, 2008
Posted: 09:39 AM ET

From
CNN

Watch Clinton speak on CNN's American Morning.

(CNN) — Hillary Clinton predicted on Tuesday the recent controversy surrounding her top advisor's meeting with the Colombian government wouldn't prove damaging to her campaign, and suggested she dealt with the matter more definitively than Barack Obama did when he faced a similar situation.

"I don't think [it will hurt], because I think people want to know where I stand," Clinton said on CNN's American Morning, reiterating her opposition to a free trade agreement with the Colombians.

"I find it kind of curious, we took action, and I think it was appropriate," she continued. "Contrast that to Senator Obama's campaign where, as far as I know, nothing was ever done when one of his top economic advisers representing the campaign, unlike Mr. Penn who was not representing the campaign, but Mr. Obama's representative told the Canadian government basically not to pay any attention to what Senator Obama was saying about NAFTA."

The comments are in reference to her campaign's former chief strategist, Mark Penn, who resigned that post over the weekend after news surfaced he had met with the Colombian ambassador in his role as CEO of a P.R. firm to promote a free trade bill Clinton sharply criticizes.

The controversy was reminiscent of that which surrounded Obama shortly before the Ohio primary, when an economic advisor reportedly told a Canadian official Barack Obama wasn't as opposed to NAFTA as he was claiming to be. Clinton sharply criticized the Illinois senator at the time, suggesting he was being disingenuous about his opposition to free trade, and went on to win Ohio by double-digits.

Also in the CNN interview, Clinton made clear she thinks the party's nominee cannot be decided until the votes in Florida and Michigan are factored in.

"We have two major states who are in limbo despite the fact they voted and their votes were certified by their respective secretaries of state, and I was willing to do a re-vote in both states and Senator Obama was not," Clinton said. "I think that if we don't resolve those, then we'll be going forward to the convention."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • Uncategorized


Jennifer   April 8th, 2008 9:41 am ET

So hard to believe you Hillary…

Bukky   April 8th, 2008 9:45 am ET

Oh puhlease… you very public campaign manager was WORKING to make this deal to happen. And have those allegations even been corroborated or are you just repeating gossip as usual.

Walt, Belton,TX   April 8th, 2008 9:48 am ET

I suspect Hillary and Bill were behind the whole thing and her public position of being against the trade bill was bull and she was actually for it because she got paid off, just like Bill would have if he was still the bribe disposal unit………

Chris, Albany NY   April 8th, 2008 9:49 am ET

1st of all it is for the voters to decide wether or not this controversy will or will not be damaging to her campaign. There;s to much of a conflict of interest is this thing, and above all else Mr. Penn is still with the campaign!

JJ in NY   April 8th, 2008 9:49 am ET

IS hillary inhaling again ? The Canadian government was referring to someone in the clinton campaign….NOT Obama . Will hillary ever gets the facts straight and stop her lying ?

Marc in DeKalb, IL   April 8th, 2008 9:50 am ET

You tread on very dangerous ground when you centralize your campaign around NAFTA.

Perhaps the PA people weren't watching as you blew smoke in OH on the same issue… (and accused Obama of something your campaign did, which is… calling Canada to inform them that you don't really mean it)…

In short: You have lied too much. Your fundamental issue is surrounded by lies. You lobbied hard for NAFTA. Your actions, and that of your campaign, regarding foreign trade are shifty at best, but suggest that you do not believe the rhetoric you are using to win blue collar votes.

Pennsylvania! Wake up!

Anyone but Clinton in '08!

BenNow   April 8th, 2008 9:50 am ET

I wish I could but it's hard for me to believe anything that comes out of Hillary's mouth now.

bailey   April 8th, 2008 9:50 am ET

What action did she take? Penn is still a senior advisor in her campaign, according to him. A big thanks goes out to Rush Limbaugh for keeping Hillary in the race, thus stimulating so many new democrats to register. Meanwhile, why should we believe anything Hillary says?

Phil in Texas   April 8th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Dear Senator Clinton,

You are a liar!! We do not believe anything you say. You are selfish and only want to be president to fulfill you and your husbands greedy voids. It's funny how you now believe every vote should count when you agreed to Michigan and Florida being discounted from the very beginning. Now that you need them….

Disappointed former supporter,
Phil

sue   April 8th, 2008 9:51 am ET

YOUR CAMPAIGN WAS THE ONE WHO WINKED AT CANADA!!

We dont trust anything you say anymore Hillary!

Nate in Mpls   April 8th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Why is it now being reported as truth that the Obama advisor said to the Canadian officials "not to worry about Obama's stance on NAFTA", that it's just politics? As I recall, the story ended up being not true. This JUST happened weeks ago. The media, in this case, and Hillary herself, continues this false narrative when it was outted as never happening?

I don't like the way the truth and lies are intermingled so effortlessly surrounding this and many issues. Where can a person find the facts? And why doesn't the media or Hillary get called out on this?

Mike in Houston   April 8th, 2008 9:51 am ET

Her top advisor was lobbying for the Columbians yet she didn't know it.

There was no sniper fire yet she didn't know it.

There was no death at a hospital for lack of insurance yet she didnt' know it.

Not exactly ready on Day 1 or even to pick up that 3 a.m. phone call.

Dan   April 8th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Virtual Reality: It is interesting to see how Clinton spins this. It suggests that, far from being dishonest, she is trapped in a mythical universe of her own making.

Oski   April 8th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Wait a minute. My recollection is that there remained an unanswered dispute of fact about what Obama's aide said to the Canadians. They took some notes that represented the aide as saying that Obama was "playing politics" when he spoke negatively about NAFTA–a rather shocking thing for any aide to say. Indeed, Obama's aide denied ever making such a silly, counterproductive statement.

In Clinton's case, there is no question about what her affiliate did regarding Columbia, right? Unless my recollection is mistaken, it seems extremely disingenuous for her to compare the two episodes.

Avatar826   April 8th, 2008 9:52 am ET

There you go again, not accepting any responsiblity and trying to throw mud yet again at Obama.

I started the election without a true opinion of you, and now through all the series of your elections I have lost faith in the whole clinton family.

Greg in Memphis, TN   April 8th, 2008 9:52 am ET

Save it Hillary!!! You're a liar.. Don't use Barack as an excuse take ownership for what has occured!!

Obama 08!!!

Mike   April 8th, 2008 9:53 am ET

She is right… she acted quickly and Obama did not do anything to his adviser… I think it is really sad that Obama has been stating that he is not like the "Old Washington"… yet he continues to play dirty politics through his supporters and he also has similar staff that all of the candidates employee… LOBBYIST!!!

Once again all of the Obama supporters will run with this one and try to spin the facts…

Carolyn   April 8th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Hillary will say and do anything to get nominated for President. If a person will say and do anything that's the kind of person you really have to stay clear of. I do not have any trust in this womem especially not to be my President. She does not have the interest of the people this a "personal" gain for HILLARY CLINTON. She lie, lies and lies.

Realistic   April 8th, 2008 9:53 am ET

Yes, Hillary, your credibility is so high. Only the blindly radical feminists and senile Geezers With Wheezers who will not be around in 2012 still believe in you.

Hillary, you own appointments calendar clearly shows that on many occasions you not only supported NAFTA but were in charge of events to both promote NAFTA and to suppress labor's opposition to NAFTA. Yet you have continued to lie about that, as you have so many other things.

nastyfighter   April 8th, 2008 9:53 am ET

I can not trust a single word coming out of her mouth.

Paul Pavlik   April 8th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Her credibility continues to decrease. Hope she gets trounced in the Penna. primary and withdraws from the campaign at long last. Noone would be more divisive as Pres. than she would

Eric-PA   April 8th, 2008 9:54 am ET

She's right! The media likes to dwell on stories that make Hillary look bad, but they fail to do the same for Obama. It's been like this for months now.

KY for Obama   April 8th, 2008 9:54 am ET

Lies, lies, lies… the Colombian gov't itself was unsure if Penn was representing his company or Clinton's campaign. Also, how can she have the gall to raise the Canada-NAFTA issue again; it turned out to be HER campaign that gave the wink-wink to Canadia officals. I suppose she is trying to capitalize on the media's lack of attention to this fact. Please, someone call her out on this, which I'm sure she wil later dispute as yet another simple "misspeak".

And for the last time, Obama NEVER EVER said he was not willing to do a revote in FL and MI!! He has been consistent that he will agree to whatever the DNC finds as an appropriate resolution.

Cami   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Funny, the Colombians didn't seem to realize whether Penn was there on behalf of her campaign (wink, wink). I'm curious as to what "action" she took, as Mr. Penn seems to still be a major player in her campaign and is most definitely still on the payroll. She changed his title, so now everything is supposed to be okay?

karen from va   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

I believe that the Canadian Government apologized to Obama for making a false statement and Clinton has her facts confused, as usual.
Clinton didn't even get rid of Penn, she just demoted the guy… so the Columbian Government is more straigtforward than Clinton, because they actually DID fire him. Now that's a sad state of affairs.

Stephanie, PA   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

Every time Sen. Clinton opens her mouth a pack of lies flies out! I find it extremely difficult to believe anything she says or find any sincerity in her words. She may be telling the truth on some of this, but how are we to believe her?

I voted for Pres. Clinton twice and was prepared to vote for Sen. Clinton in this election until November '07 when I took a closer look at Sen. Obama. I'm so glad I made the choice to support his campaign at that time.

It's sad to see Sen. Clinton's talent wasted by her egotism, need for control and her need to win at any cost. Very, very unfortunate.

Sugar ~n~ Spice   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

I am glad she got rid of him!!! He was killing her slowly. I will continue to support you Hillary.

For the love of this independent   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

For once could she have the dignity to take responsibility for her own camp actions without trying to deflect. It makes her sound so childish. I am sorry. It is like being back on the playground. So what you want to about Barack Hussein Obama, but when it comes to these campaign, I would want this country ran like Obama's campaign whether than Hillary's.

What?   April 8th, 2008 9:55 am ET

The Canadians stated that it was not Obama's aid that mentioned NAFTA. In fact, the Canadians revealed that it actually was Clinton's aid w/ whom they had the conversation about NAFTA, and they apologized to Obama for the mistake.

Again, Mrs. Clinton skews the facts, oooops, I mean "misspeaks". What ever comes out of her mouth has proven to be an unequivicol LIE! Watch out for that sniper fire, Hill

Alexandra   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Just like Hillary to blame Obama when she gaffs.
What does Obama have to do with this?
You are toast Hillary.
Bubye

Tim in Arkansas   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Yeah, we are getting pretty used to seeing people leave the Clinton Campaign. Campaign Manager, Top Strategist, various advisors, long term Clinton Supportors, and even Superdelegates are jumping off the Clinton Titanic all the time. Jump before it sinks!!!!

Realistic   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

BTW, Hillary, if you wanted Michigan and Florida counted, then why did you agree that they should not be counted? Or was that agreement just another of your many lies?

Fed Up With Her   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Sure she says it's not damagingt. One thing you can count on with Hillary is she will be dismissive of anything or anyone that gets in the way of her quest for power, control, and greed.

She dismisses small business owners to whom she owes money, small states, red states, caucus states, voters in South Carolina when she felt betrayed by them, Bill Richardson's endorsement of Obama, and if she gets back in the White House she will dismiss the wishes of everyone of us voters.

There are a lot of open questions on this alliance with Colombia . Further probing showed her Finance Manager had discussions with Colombia as well.

So, Hillary don't tell me it won't hurt. The problem has not been "vetted" as you would say. The fact that you still have Penn VERY ACTIVE in your campaign speaks volumes. He just got caught making a deal and it will be exposed that Bill Clinton is very invested in getting that free trade deal done to line his pockets. You can cry foul why he does backdoor deals.

SN from MN   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Based on the posts in most blogs I read, the typical Obama blogger must be about twelve.

Eric - Chicago   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

What a load of rubbish.

The situation with Obama's economic advisor is totally different, not to mention Hillary's campaign got busted for actually reaching out to Canada to tell them not to worry about her "tough talk" on NAFTA, whereas Obama's economic advisor made clear that reforms for NAFTA would be in the works that would force more strict environmental and labor standards so all nations stood on equal ground.

Penn was ACTIVELY LOBBYING for CAFTA… Obama's advisor was doing nothing of the sort.

Paul   April 8th, 2008 9:56 am ET

Please, Hillary if you consider armchair moving a kind of action then you better think again. The truth is that Hillary, like George Bush junior, think loyalty is everything. She will sacrifice the interest of the nation and her own intergrity to maintain a loyalty to a friend. Mr. Penn has no business being around your campaign after what he did.

Muruga   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Clintons seem to lie on everything…

I will attempt to list out the popular ones..

First it was the the "experience" tale

Then came the "ready-on-day-one" weave

Then the "running-under-sniper-fire" story

And the "woman-without-insurance-died" blame

Now its "I-dont-have-connections-to-the-columbians" tale..

Atleast now I can use these as ice-breakers at golf games

FN   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Yes, I agrre with Walt, bill clinton is the worst prsident in history about
bribe money. That why $15Millions book deal he got advance + lots money behide. Why American still want hillary back to White House. Do not send money to them. They make more than 20Millions on they own, instead send to her all of you should send direct to Charity must better.

Cameron   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Regardless of the truthfullness of her statements, she could really go an interview without blasting Obama. Simmer down, Hillary. Help your party.

Marc in DeKalb, IL   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Oh, and a little update on the polls in Pennsylvania:

ARG* shows an even score for a poll conducted 04/05 to 04/06.
Quinnipiac shows Clinton up by 6 points for a poll conducted 04/03 to 04/06.

I guess Pennsylvania *is* waking up, and they're realizing they had a really bad dream…

(North Carolina is waking up, too, the latest PPP and Rasmussen polls both indicate he has a more than 20 point lead on Clinton there)

… it's OVER.

Time has shown the longer Obama has to campaign (and the longer Clinton has, too) … the better Obama does. Given the dead heat in a number of states, and the overwhelming lead in North Carolina, as well as the completely disintegrated double digit lead Clinton lost in PA… she'll need to win more than 80% of the superdelegates remaining to become the nominee.

***STEP OUT NOW***

independent   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

I am an independent who has been leaning towards voting for the democrats, but the way how Senator Hillary handles these issues is really turning me off. It is unbelievable how she compares her response to Senator Obama. Sometimes you have to face issues straight on and be genuine about them. I don't think I can ever vote for her after seeing her response.

Candace   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

curiously, this sounds like something that would come out of Mark Penn's mouth……guess that's why he is still her advisor after a public demotion of title.

that's it, he no longer has an official title…but he's obviously lurking behind the scenes.

Tom   April 8th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Hillary I dont trust I said that in the beginning of your campaign you knew what Penn was doing. I wondering why you saying he resign but he is still working on your campaign as a staff member.

Sunny   April 8th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Because she says it is so she truly believes her stories. Come on Hillary the public isn't that stupid. You should be crowned the Queen of Liars.

Mary   April 8th, 2008 9:58 am ET

This is more the she said , he said game. I become very frustrated when anyone, that wont take responsibility for their own actions without trying to turn the conversation to someone else.
She made a statement that she wouldnt have tolerated anyone on her campaign doing what there is no proof of the Obama people doing.
She is mincing words, and the right thing to do is to release this individual from her campaign, and to move forward, isnt she the one that said refute isnt good enough that you have to renounce and refute.
Now she is calling to boycott the opening of the olympics, if the American people look inward their treatment of Katrina victims, inner city poverty, racial profiling I am not sure the US is the country to stand up and point fingers. The Clintons did nothing about China when they were in office, now it is th newest political hot potatoe and she is jumping in , she should have jumped into Lousinana if she really cared

Eric-PA   April 8th, 2008 9:58 am ET

KY for Obama,

Where did you get that information from? Hillary's campaign gave the wink-wink to Canadian officials? In your dreams. Never happened. Get the facts straight before you open your mouth.

Chris   April 8th, 2008 9:58 am ET

All of you need to start looking at HER record not Bill Clinton's….

I love the story out of the Washington Post about Hillary's so called flap on the hospital in Ohio… She was pretty accurate come to find out… once again the media should appologize and set the record straight for the next 2 weeks… there is no media bias during this primary season…

MD in GA   April 8th, 2008 9:58 am ET

Funny how Hillary can't take a hit without trying to deflect. Everytime her campaign gets caught with their "pants down" she tries to throw a grenade at Barack Obama. No one in their right mind expects Obama to be perfect but, Hillary I can tell you, this kind of mud slinging is not attractive. Not attractive at all and frankly makes me more sure then ever that I am voting for the right person. Here's a hint - it ain't you…

Mike   April 8th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Of all the nerve, trying to compare this to a supposed incident with an Obama rep that NEVER happened! AND, to suggest that she moved on this quickly is so disingenuous. Her campaign has know that Penn's conflicts of interest were disasters waiting to happen for over a year. Talk about mismanaging one's campaign!

As a one time supporter of Clinton's, I have lost all respect for her.

True Independent, MD   April 8th, 2008 9:59 am ET

I cannot wait to see how the PA voters vote. It will say a lot about what type of human being they are looking for to be the next President.

What?   April 8th, 2008 9:59 am ET

The Canadians stated that it was not Obama's aid that mentioned NAFTA. In fact, the Canadians revealed that it actually was Clinton's aid w/ whom they had the conversation about NAFTA, and they apologized to Obama for the mistake.

Again, Mrs. Clinton skews the facts, oooops, I mean "misspeaks". What ever comes out of her mouth has proven to be an unequovical LIE! Watch out for that sniper fire, Hill.

PAT   April 8th, 2008 9:59 am ET

There she goes again. She did not take any action, he still is very much a part of the campaign. We know what is really going on. How dumb does she think we are.

I am a 60+ year old women and it makes me sick to see how she is trying to use us women to get votes. I for one see through her for what she really is. A cheat . She is dishonest and does not care about any of us but herself. I will wait until a women with real values comes along and then I will cast my vote. PLEASE women,do what is right for the country, yourself, your daughters and granddaughters. She does set a good example for any us us. Don't make us all look like stupid fools.

Pam   April 8th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Tipical Hillary. Try to devert from your poor judgment!!
It will not work. Your campaign has been in shambles from "DAY 1″
You will not pull on PA what you clearly pulled in Ohio.
Unlike yourself, "We the People" learn from our mistakes.

JMac, MT   April 8th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Every time I hear Hillary speak or read her comments I wonder if she is telling the truth. She is not the type of person who should be President.

P Graber   April 8th, 2008 10:00 am ET

This is an example of why Hillary should be President. She will handle situations as they come up and she will make sure the situation is RIGHT.

Dennis   April 8th, 2008 10:00 am ET

Blame blame blame
Time to go home Billary!
We won't let you steal the election by changing the rules

Black Republican, Philly PA   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

This is not the only time a staff member of her campaign has stepped down. Hillary has mismanaged her entire team; therefore, she cannot manage this country.

Dillander   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

You really took action. He resigned from his position but is still working for your campaign. Its just another smoke and mirrors tatic. I really don't understand why you would compare yourself to Obama when you know the information is out that this man is in fact still working for you and taking part in morning briefings for your campign days after he supposedly resigned. If your going to take shots at your oppenent havent you learned by now to at least make sure the facts don't contridict what you say?

Debbie,NJ   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Senator Obama's advisor said something. That's the key. He said something. He nor Senator Obama did anything. Hillary's advisor was doing the very thing she claims she is against, she knew it and did nothing about it. Hillary supporters think about this; she has run her entire campaign based on excuses of what somebody else is doing. If she wins the election is she then going to employ some Bush tactics and say well when Bush did it you didn't say anything. THIS woman is dangerous. She has a real credibility problem, a judgment problem and they will have to take her kicking and screaming out of the door. She is a nut case. She can't hold onto the superdelegates votes anymore because she knows they are not going to vote for this lunatic. So now she's playing the Fl and MI card.
She wants to count their votes. I wish those people could revote just to show her that she has lost most of them with her craziness. Their delegates aren't going to vote for her either. Its one thing to elect a president and then find out he's nuts but its another thing to elect one that is up front. The job itself will only make you worse.

Carlo   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

SN from MN, I have news for you-most of the Obama supporters are well educated, so, bad news for you. I would also like to add that, considering Obama has yet to trounce Clinton on her discrepancies, she STILL chooses to try to turn her unfortunate situation around to Obama. Like I've said before, he keeps trying to treat her like a lady-something she is not.

Katie   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Hillary is a liar, and she should never be trusted.

Hillary is for NAFTA, always has been and always will be.

America, wake up before it's too late.

HILLARY, CHILDREN DON'T LIE AS OFTEN AS YOU!

Caroline   April 8th, 2008 10:01 am ET

Does she not realize that every time she disses Obama, she diminishes herself and makes herself more and more slimey and disliked (if that is indeed even possible)? Getting rid of this slob at this point shows very bad judgement on her part; it should have been done MONTHS ago. Is this the sort of conflicted, angry, and opportunistic person she will appoint to cabinet positions as well?

Has anyone else noticed the shifty eyes whenever she is about to spin/lie about something?

Justin   April 8th, 2008 10:02 am ET

Unbelievable. I am amazed that Senator Clinton would actually say, "Mr. Obama's representative told the Canadian government basically not to pay any attention to what Senator Obama was saying about NAFTA."

This story broke just before the Ohio elections, potentially altering the vote of many democrats in the election. Just a FEW DAYS afterwards, it turns out that the story was full of inconsistencies, but many of the early reports about what happened were wrong.

Evidently, despite the story turning out to be bogus Senator Clinton feels it is okay to continue using it as an attack. Maybe she should have also brought up the story about the pregnant woman in the hospital (that turned out to be false) or some of her "dangerous" situations in war-torn countries… while being read poetry by little children.

I used to respect her, but now she just makes me sick.

Jane MN   April 8th, 2008 10:02 am ET

No matter how Clinton words it, the fact is quite obvious: Obama has run a much successful campaign than Clinton has so far.

Chris11   April 8th, 2008 10:02 am ET

PA - we are counting on you! Obama gets away with everything and anything Clinton does is crucified! Look at the candidates… Send Hillary to the top! She is this country's only hope… despite Obama's empty rhetoric!

Hillary Clinton '08

Letha, Sioux Falls, SD   April 8th, 2008 10:02 am ET

I wish the Obamanation idiots could and would get the facts straight. Penn was not working for the campaign or the Clinton's at the time this took place. Read the facts idiots before you post.

SK   April 8th, 2008 10:02 am ET

There she goes again lying and covering her tracks. Same way as Bill did which laid to the embracement of a proud nation. The is not what Obama did but what are you doing to build your confidence with the American public.
Do we need a female Bush in White house? This is what the people have to decide.

What?   April 8th, 2008 10:03 am ET

The Canadians stated that it was not Obama's aid that mentioned NAFTA. In fact, the Canadians revealed that it actually was Clinton's aid w/ whom they had the conversation about NAFTA, and they apologized to Obama for the mistake.

Again, Mrs. Clinton skews the facts, oooops, I mean "misspeaks". What ever comes out of her mouth has proven to be an unequivocal LIE! Watch out for that sniper fire, Hill.

debbie   April 8th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Hillary: Mommy tell Obama to stop winning. That is not fair. I want to win too.

Obama: Mom I am just doing what you said: "stay focused and do not pay attention to hillary. She will leave you alone soon."

Child's play.

Roger   April 8th, 2008 10:03 am ET

Hillary is such a professional, even when the media and Obama fans are so hard on her. She is going to be a great president. Obama lied until there was a secret memo discovered. Hillary dosn't deny anything.

Go Hillary!

maya   April 8th, 2008 10:03 am ET

EXACTLY.

Go Hillary go. Rise Hillary rise.

NIkki   April 8th, 2008 10:04 am ET

"I don't think [it will hurt], because I think people want to know where I stand,"

That's the point!! Nobody knows where you stand on a single issue (including yourself, I'd wager).

Your opinion on key points is dictated by the latest opinion polls.

We need a leader, not someone who was against the war before she voted for the war, only to oppose it years and 4000 American lives too late.

JJ   April 8th, 2008 10:04 am ET

There is nothing more gratifying and entertaining in this election cycle than to see the media daring (from time to time) to treat Dems in the same harsh way that they never hesitate to treat Republicans. No wonder Dems are crying foul so often! Now they know that being in bed with the media doesn't mean they should trust them implicitly. Too bad Dems can't handle such potential unfairness with seemingly as much grace. :)

Sue Z   April 8th, 2008 10:05 am ET

PA voters…please please please do the right thing. We here in NC are so excited to have our votes count because we are supporting Obama…we want to trust our President.

Ree   April 8th, 2008 10:05 am ET

Sorry the question is posed as whether or not Penn's fiasco would be damaging not what BO's guy did. Answer the question as it pertains to your campaign. Double talk is getting OLD!!!!

Get a life, Obama people!   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

As Gov. Rendell recently said about the Clinton presidency, "Which part didn't you like — the peace or the prosperity?" The Clintons are proven winners, Obama is a flash in the pan.

molly   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

GO HILLARY!!! - Stop all the pro-obama trash Clinton.
CNN did a story on Senator Clinton yesterday that was FALSE
The mother/baby did die - she was asked for $100 and she did have to change hospitals - Per The Aunt!
I expect CNN to do a corrected story today - you really should check out your FACTS before you air a story that is not true about a United States Senator.
I am sure if this was done to glory-boy obama - Jessie Jackson would be all over you. Treat ALL the candidates with respect and report fair facts!

Matt NY   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Obama's advisor was not the CEO of a conflicting lobbyist company, nor was he the head partner in a political advisement organization.

Stop trying to spin and change the rules whenever it suits you, Hillary! Be the strong woman you claim to be and realize that your campaign has run its course. we dem's want to move on the the general election.

If we (dems) lose this election because you(HRC) polarized the left, your career in polotics will be over and we will get 4 more years of BUSH!

Stop it Hillary, stop it.

PS… Hillary joked that she could win the election by bowling. Guess she should have practiced before she went on Ellen's show. More empty rhetoric from the Clinton camp again.

Hicks, Fort Myers   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Why should she be concerned. This guy is just a minor issue compared to the major problems she faces:
-No executive supervision (departmental, division, military)
-Numerous documented evidence of stretching the truth to improve her pale resume.
-Socialist left ideas on domestic, economic issues–directly opposite former President Clinton's.
-Lack of old guard support–they're moving farther left than ever before and beginning to support Obama.

Jacqueline Samms   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

How can she say this! She had to know what he was doing. How can we. as Americans, trust this woman. He was her top guy! Also, no one is making a big deal about her extension on her 2007 taxes. I think there is a lot of things in there that she does not want the public to see. A lot of people have commented about how much money she contributed to charity. Those contributions started the minute she started running for Persident. I am calling on all Americans to pay attention. These are not co-incidences.

maya   April 8th, 2008 10:06 am ET

Obamabots- stop spreading lies. Factcheck etc have all said it was OBAMA that did the deed. I am SERIOUSLY worried about Obama- talk about LYING!! Only knew Rezko for 5 months?! Wasn't in church for controversial sermons (what about "White Men's Greed?") How about JFK bill that DID NOT sponsor his father as claimed….DON'T GET ME STARTED. Obama's WHOLE campaign has been a mirage and a media creation and a big fat lie!!!!!

SK   April 8th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Is she ever going to stop lying to us………..

Walt   April 8th, 2008 10:07 am ET

CNN: PLEASE reveal the real story on NAFTAgate! Please show some journalistic integrity and show that Hillary and her minions Penn and Wolfson were behind the contact with Canada regarding NAFTA! I am so tired of Hillary LYING continually, and the msm lapping it up. Once and for all, expose her for the power hungry greedy manipulative person she is!
$15.3 million from Dubai? Bullets over Bosnia? The Ohio pregnant woman? Mark Penn deals in Colombia?
Enough is enough. This country faces real problems; this sideshow MUST end!

Roger   April 8th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Hillary is so professional, even when the media and Obama fans are so hard on her. She will make a great president. She dosn't deny anything like Obama did until a secret memo was discovered.

Go Hillary!

YES WE WILL!

AnyoneButHillary   April 8th, 2008 10:08 am ET

I find it "CURIOUS" that Mrs Hollier-Than-Thou Clinton is so concerned with disenfranchising the voters of Michigan and Florida buy not counting the votes she AGREED would not count! Rather she would prefer to disenfranchise an ENTIRE COUNTRY by having super delegates overturn the will of the people.

She talks out of both sides of her mouth. I can no longer support such hypocrisy!

BG - Texas   April 8th, 2008 10:08 am ET

The longer HRC stays in the race, the more I'm believing that she must have a "bombshell" for Barry later on before or during the convention. She's beginning to look more and more like John Kerry in stepping on her own mess (when she really doesn;t have to).

She needs to realize that Barry has a coat of Teflon even more thicker than Ronald Reagan. Nothing negative sticks to him (at least for now)

Appiah   April 8th, 2008 10:08 am ET

Yeah …you're right! understand that even if the two states (Florida & Michigan) delegates are sits and even if they're given to you it will not make any difference. Understand that "whatever you sow, you'll reap". Its very unfortunate that you can't see that you'll not be able to win the nomination….you told lies to Ohions about your objections to Nafta, yet your records indicated otherwise" whether "Penn's Blunder" will hurt your compaign or not depend on the subsequent primaries…stop the threats of making our convention fiasco….The politcs of fear, will not work this time!!!
Long Live Democratic party.
Obama all the way.

Not a Republican   April 8th, 2008 10:08 am ET

She is right…Ms. Clinton has already damaged her own reputation.

Blake   April 8th, 2008 10:08 am ET

I am a 23 year old former Republican. I switched to Democrat in large part because of Barrack Obama. I switched because I believed in a future for America that we could come together on. I am saddened that differences of opinion are putting this future at risk. I call for a cease fire of attacks. I call for a unifying message that we can all stand behind. This message can bring us together like nothing seen in history. Our goals are very equal in nature. We need our troops out of Iraq. We need our economy to be fixed. We need health care available to those that need help. We need to fix a broken politics in Washington. We need to come together or we will perish apart.

Bit, Alabama   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Everytime Hillary gets in a "bad spot", she brings up Obama to get the attention off her. Desperate times calls for desperate measures is what Hillary's campaign should be called.

Everytime she gets desperate she "low rates" Obama. Jeeeeeeezzzz, lady!

Obama 08!

Bryan P.   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

"""Hey""" All you guys and gals who are OBAMA surporters with all your
""Nasty and hatefull comments""" about Hillary Clinton!!!!
""""""""""""""""JUST WATCH THE FUN""""""""""""""""""
All Hillary surporters are going to wet their pants with lauhgter when OBMA does "NOT"
get the nomination and Hilliary does!

""""""""""""""""""""""""""" I KNOW THAT I WILL"""""""""""""""""""""""""""

Jim   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Three cheers for "Washington as Usual". We can see exactly what "experiece" has taught Ms. Clinton — to redirect HER issues onto someone else. Ms. Clinton must have spent a good deal of time with Mr. Bush — he has taught her well.

Matt   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

She did something appropriate???? Appropriate would have been firing him and getting him away from your campaign. Instead, you demoted him and he is still apart of your campaign. Saying you did something appropriate doesn't mean you did the right thing.

Sharon   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

YOU OWE HILLARY CLINTON AN APOLOGY….
….WHERE IS YOUR CORRECTION ABOUT CALLING HILLARY A LIAR ABOUT THE PREGNANT WOMAN???????? GO INTERVIEW THE DEPUTY…..GO FIND THE FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Diane, Florida   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Hillary ALL THE WAY IN 08 !!!

Venus   April 8th, 2008 10:09 am ET

Can you believe it? Just like the snipper lies - try and turn the attention from herself to Obama! Mark Penn was getting PAID on BOTH ends!

Chicago T   April 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

Will somebody tell me why the Obama team isn't hammering on Hillary consistant lies. (everyone please please please check out this website:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6470450895164255089&q=clinton+chronicles&pr=goog-sl

BarackObama44thPresident   April 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

This woman is so mentally ill and might I add very desperate !

The way she deals with her lies is so pathetic - instead of taking responsibility for her wrongdoings, she shifts blames and points out contrasts.

It's obvious to every thinking American that she was for CFTA, just like she was for NAFTA.

Furthermore, Penn is only demoted and not fired, so how is that
for " appropriately handling things." This proves that she is only about playing mind games, and is a habitual liar.

It's time for REAL change in Washington, it's time for Barack Obama for president !

Reality   April 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

For once, can anyone answer a question directly without trying to pull someone else down? This chick is known for this type of tactic. When faced with issues, lets deflect attention to someone else. Is this the kind of President we want? I KNOW I DON'T.
According to Fox News & MSNBC, this Penn person still is very involved with her campaign so HAS SHE REALLY DEALT WITH ANYTHING? My answer is probably NOT!!!

Corpo   April 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

Or this might have been strategically timed so the $109M income is suddenly yesterday's news…

Sharon   April 8th, 2008 10:10 am ET

WILL YOU COVER THE REAL STORY ABOUT THE PREGNANT WOMAN NOW???????? WILL YOU APOLOGIZE TO HILLARY???????WHERE'S THE INTERVIEW WITH THE DEPUTY OR THE FAMILY OF THE PREGNENT WOMAN?????? DO YOUR JOB!

vjh   April 8th, 2008 10:11 am ET

All I can say is I cannot wait until the debate on Saturday ! I really hope Obama calls your bluff.

ALBO   April 8th, 2008 10:11 am ET

1) Mr. PENN was a top staffer of HILLARY, acted in stark contradiction to precisely her STRATEGIC position and…. he CONTINUES TO BE AN ADVISER. SO, WHERE IS THE CONTRAST WITH OBAMA SHE MENTIONS ???

2) The Economic Adviser of OBAMA was simply that, an Adviser and even the Canadian admitted that the version of CTV was not accurate

3) So, the TOP STRATEGIST is not a representant of the campaign ??

These declarations are one more of HILLARY's mistakes and failed intent to mislead !!

TOM ALBO

Craig H   April 8th, 2008 10:11 am ET

What a bunch of garbage. I can't believe her hutzpuh - thank god this is almost over - 3 more weeks and adios Hillary

Sharon   April 8th, 2008 10:11 am ET

APOLOGIZE TO HILLARY….SHE TOLD THAT STORY ABOUT THE PREGNENT WOMAN JUST AS THE DEPUTY TOLD HER….GO INTERVIEW HIM AND THE FAMILY OF THE WOMAN THAT DIED!

mary   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Can anyone answer the question of why Obama flip-flop on the gun issue? CNN why don't you do a story on that?

LuckyInLove   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Hillary was:

"misled" by Bush about the Iraq War when she voted yes

"opposed to NAFTA" yet supported the bill publicly

"mispoke" in her autobiography and on the campaign trail and when she refuted Sinbad's recollection about sniper fire in Bosnia a year after the Dayton agreement had ended the conflict

"didn't know" Mark Penn was negotiating with Colombia

Couldn't pronounce Medvedev's name in the debate (Russia)

Didn't know Musharaff wasn't up for re-election

Voted for the Iran Resolution

Voted for the No Child Left Behind act, which was a "mistake"

Wow. Is she really ready on Day 1?? I am baffled that people support Hillary and have no idea how they can believe anything she says since she so clearly has a very poor track record.

Dorian Yates   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Hillary if this is damage control you are doing a terrilbe job of it! What is this reverse psychology? It ain't working. Hillary is as transparent as a bank's lead vault door. I don't want to see any video Hillary Clinton related unless she is giving her concede speach and backing the official democratic nominee Barrack Obama "PERIOD" enough spinin!

Craig H   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

I find it fascinating that Hillary can be so 2 faced about votes counting and her faithful just climb on board fat and happy. In one breath she claims"all votes must be counted" - of course thats when the discussion revolves around Florida and Michigan or when pressured to drop from the race. Then in the next breath she says "there is no such thing as pledged delegates, they should feel free to vote as they see fit" - which equates to not counting anyones vote, just let those that get a free vacation to the convention decide who the nominee is between cocktails. Hillary bends in the wind to suit herself and herself alone. Its time her supporters realize that and get her to drop out so that the party can move forward.

William - North Carolina   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

Yea boy.. she really dealt decisively with Penn. Like everything else with her it is an illusion. In this case he has merely been put "under the table," but still operative as evidenced by his participation in their most recent conference call.

Remember, it was Hillary's decision to leave him in place though his job placed him in serveral compromising places. Just another example of poor judgement and illusion.

Nancy   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER YOU THINK THIS WILL HURT YOUR CAMPAIGN OR NOT, BECAUSE …..YOU ARE ALREADY DONE!!FACE THE MUSIC THAT YOU ARE LOSING TO SOMEONE WHO WAS UNKNOWN NOT THAT LONG AGO BUT HAS INSPIRED THE NATION TO TAKE A SECOND LOOK AT POLITICS AS USUAL. GO DO WHAT YOU DO BEST. DONATE TO THE "CLINTON CHARITIES".

Spirit of America   April 8th, 2008 10:12 am ET

She had her Penns mixed up. It should have been William Penn, not Mark Penn, giving her advice on what to do, especially in Pennsylvania, the Quaker State. His rule, like hers, is the Golden Rule and it does not say those with the gold make the rules.

kentucky   April 8th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Hillary, I suppose you in Bill had nothing to do with the NAFTA agreement either. This country would not be in the mess it is in right now, had it not been for the Clintons and their behind closed door deals. What ever Walmart wants from a trade deal with the Colombians, they will get if the Clintons have anything to do with it. Anyone except Hillary!!!

Alexis   April 8th, 2008 10:13 am ET

IF I HEAR ONE MORE THING ABOUT THE FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN RECOUNT I AM GONNA JUST SCREAM!!!! THEY DONT DESERVE TO VOTE ANYWAY, THEY KNEW THE WHAT THEY COULD GET INTO IF THEY CHANGED THEIR ACTUALL VOTE DAY SO THE HELL WITH THEM!!! SECOND FLORIDA NEEDS TO JUST CHIP OFF AND FLOAT AWAY FROM THE REST OF THE US EVERYTIME VOTING COMES AROUND BECAUSE IT NEVER FAILS THEY ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEY."2000 VOTE"! WHAT A CROCK!

rusty   April 8th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Good job Hillary!!! You have proven over and over that you are willing to take the risks and rise up victorious. You are a real fighter.

HILLARY 2008

Ivar   April 8th, 2008 10:13 am ET

Yawn…..tell me when hillary stops lying. The only thing that should now make a headline is when she actually tell the truth.

Raum   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

I'm so tired of her. I can't wait for this primary to be over. I hope I never have to see her run for public office outside NY.

I used to like her, not anymore.

@americans   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Is Billary serious? Wow, I see another George Dubya, typical of her to bury head in the sand.

that's so low!!!!

Carl from Pa   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

There is a big difference between your staff member sercretely lobbying for a trade deal and Obama's staff having an informal meeting having nothing to do with the campaign and then casually talking about NAFTA and being misquoted. Oh, but nice try.

Obama '08

Alice   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

What the heck is going on over there at CNN?

This morning, you deleted all the comments on the Gergen thread about the Obama-NAFTA controversy being debunked (they were there last night!). Now you refuse to post mine!

What gives?

CitizenJ   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

I guess she's right if you ignore the fact that Penn is still working for her and that the story about NAFTA was actually that it was HER campaign giving the wink and not Obama.

But she is pretty good at making up stories.

Reality   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Eric-PA,
The information in question was on Fox News, CNN & MSNBC. Hillary just lied so quickly, you probably missed the coverage. The sad part is that it was stated the both campaigns gave the wink wink but only one (Obama) received coverage.
Hummm… DOUBLE SIDED MEDIA AT IS BEST!!

BTW   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

HRC is spinning this so fast I'm getting nauseous — and it's not the first time. CNN, you have GOT to call her on her lies! Everyone knows that the so-called incident with Obama's campaign and Canadian officials turned out not to be as she portrayed it before the OH primary. (Wait and see what scandal she tries to unfurl on the eve of the PA primary, so voters will react viscerally to it before Obama's campaign has a chance to debunk it. Don't fall for it, PA!)

She didn't fire Penn, she just changed his title, and it's business as usual. He remains her highly paid senior strategist. Anyone who thinks that his other lobbying activities are not directly relevant to his work for her is naive. Don't you think the Colombian government feels closer to Hillary because they both employ the same well-connected "strategist"?

CNN, do your job, or you really will look like the "Clinton Nonsense Network."

Tosha-Atlanta, GA   April 8th, 2008 10:14 am ET

Hillary leave Barack out of it. Stop trying to spin everything, this is why the public does not trust you.

Amy in Iowa   April 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Hillary Clinton is still lying. Penn has not left. He said it himself on a conference call. This was all for the media and voters

Report the Truth CNN   April 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Please report accurately on the Canadian NAFTA controversery . Do we have to rely on the Canadian government again to tell us it WAS NOT Obama's representative who said DON'T WORRY ABOUT NAFTA…IT WAS HILLARY's campaign. It was also proven Bill Clinton was in Canada at the time.

With all the resources available to you CNN and the Canadian government coming out in DEFENSE of Obama…you still refuse to report that story accurately. Why?

Kansas for Obama   April 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

I really do not understand Hillary Clinton or her logic anymore. SHE just doesn't make any sense at all.

She's nuts.

Blake   April 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Come together and stop fighting. Play nice until June. Talk about what matters and salvage broken relationships before we are stuck with the same McCain. Please both sides realize that the meat of the discussion is exactly the same. BOTH SIDES ARE ALMOST MIRROR IMAGES. Given a choice I am all for Obama. But I am not for disention. They should both come together and begin to ttack what is going to put us in jeopardy. John McCain. This man scares me. Please no more attacks aimed at each other. Both sides tlak about how incompetant McCain is and may the best McCain blaster win come June 6th.

TF   April 8th, 2008 10:15 am ET

"Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies" from Fleetwood Mac should be her new theme song. At least that's the song that plays in my head everytime I hear her talk.

Roger   April 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

oops! Didn't mean to say that twice. Sometimes it looks like my message isn't submitted.

Ilona Proud Canadian   April 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

There she goes again!!!

Sen. Clinton would not recognize the truth if it jumped up and bit her on the nose!!!!

Sen. Clinton's aide was responsible for the Canadian …wink..wink.
Bill Clinton was in Canada just two days before they made the huge mis-statement about Sen. Obama's aide, they turned this around and blamed Sen. Obama!!!

How do you think they knew about this? They will do and say anything to get back in the white house! If this should happen they will each (Chelsea too) be able to, once again, make $52million or more in six years for their overpriced speeches.

CNN I am wondering why we are not hearing who paid Bill Clinton $52million for giving these speeches.

Why does Sen. Clinton try to put blinkers on the American people?
Do you folks really believe that she did not know about the Penn free trade deal? Clintonites keep saying what a smart woman she is, how can you say this in one breath, and then in the next breath, turn around and say she did not know what her chief strategist was working on. Please give me a break! You bet she knew! But Penn did the deed in the background , so that Sen. Clinton could continue to say that she does/did not approve this deal.

LSU Tigers for Obama   April 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Is she still attacking Obama??? This is not even about him. Why is it that when someone asks her a question about what she has done, she throws Obama's name in it?!? Obama has not even criticized her about Penn at all, unlike her demoralizing behavior in Ohio when Obama was in a similar situation. She still hasn't learned how to take the moral high ground. Just keep up with your kitchen sink strategy Clinton! What goes around comes around Hill, remember that!!!!!!!!

mphillips   April 8th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Yes:

And there are some of us out here who are STILL waiting for CNN to correct its part in (again) breathlessly repeating the lie about Obama's campaign advisor, NAFTA and Canada.

vic nashville,Tn   April 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

I came to know about Obama in 2004 In J Kerry campaign time he impressed me lot. Last December Obama was my candidate. But now my vote for Hillary if not Mc Cain

When news about Obama. C.Rice ,Oprah and Powell I love to read

Obama joined with Rev. Jeremiah Wright to build his political carrier

Obama used Martin Luther king speech for his political carrier but he is keeping distance from MLK followers because he wants be come president
CNN is better than Obama last weekend CNN air 36% of the their time to respect MLK
Obama proved me he is another politician

We will vote for experience only Hillary 08

Tim   April 8th, 2008 10:17 am ET

CNN should set the record straight. It was Senator Clinton's people that went to the Canadian Gov't. Concerning this issue, it is much worse that the supposed canadian conversation. This is clearly a case of talking out of both sides of the Clinton campaigns mouth. It speaks to Senator Clinton's judgement. This is clearly a serious issue that will not only have a negative impact on her canpaign now but will be an issue that could cost her the race in Novebmer if she were to win the nomination. Although she will not win the Democratic nonimation.

Obama 08

Emma   April 8th, 2008 10:18 am ET

I am so sick of Hillary Clinton's deceptive lying. Why does she always qualify her actions against what Senator Obama did or didn't do? She can't compare herself to him……….changing the rules, lying and oh did I say she is a liar?

I have lost a great deal of respect for her and her campaign style. I as a Democractic voter will probably cheer when I hear her say she is out of the race. Even if she manages to steal the nomination, hear this, I WILL NEVER EVER VOTE FOR HILLARY CLINTON. I will stay home………….and every Democrat who will rely on the Democratic ticket for their future political success will definitely have one less vote…..my vote is not for sale for any price and that includes getting a Democrat in the White House!

lucyna   April 8th, 2008 10:18 am ET

The ground is shaking under her feet and she is losing control, so she needs to blame someone else to clear her name. That's pathetic. I used to have a great respect for her but for the past 2-3 months she showed her true color and makes my stomach turn up side down listening to her nonsense. How come her supporters can be co blind? Who are those people? Don't they use their own brain to see what this woman is about? Are they on drugs or are they that stupid? Unbelievable!

Char   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Hillary is decisive and that's what we need. A president who will act when needed before things gets out of hand. Obama hesitate too much and his presidency will be too little too late just like now……inexperienced!. Way to go HIllary! Congrats to your up coming wins in PA, IN, KY, WV, OR and the amazing close race in NC.

LSU Tigers for Obama   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Is she still attacking Obama??? This is not even about him. Why is it that when someone asks her a question about what she has done, she throws Obama's name in it?!? Obama has not even criticized her about Penn at all, unlike her demoralizing behavior in Ohio when Obama was in a similar situation. She still hasn't learned how to take the moral high ground. Just keep up with your kitchen sink strategy Clinton! What goes around comes around Hill, remember that!!!!!!!!

Sue from Ga.   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

I am wondering if anyone noticed that instead of addressing the issue of Mr. Penn, Sen. Clinton automatically began finger pointing at Obama regarding his NAFTA "gaffe" that in reality was not his "gaffe", but her own campaign? Also, take a look at Politico.com this morning. Howard Wolfson is a former partner in Clover Park group. although he has resigned from his active position, he still has and equity interest in the company, which is now making $40,000.00 per month lobbying for CAFTA. This is a primary example of the Clinton spin, not taking responsibility for her own campaign, and trying to deflect it back to Obama. Everyone was waiting for this to happen, and she stays true to form. I do hope the good people of Pa. realize she only wants your vote. She has yet to follow through on her campaign promises to her own state regarding bringing new jobs to New York. As a matter of fact, there have been tremendous job losses in her own Senatoral area. This is a person who cannot be trusted with the Presidency. Her transparency is next to none.

Steve B, NewYork. NY   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

Hillary …waaaaaaaaaaaa ..I'm staying in the race.
Barack : Cool calm and collected.
Hillary: waaaaaaaaa .. the press is against me.
Barack : Cool calm and collected.
Hillary: waaaaa waaaaaa he's unelectable
Barack : cool calm and presidential.
Hillary; Shame on you Barack !waaaaaaaa
Barack : cool cool calm and presidential.
Hillary: Rev. Wright …white's won't vote for him.
Barack : presumptive Democratic pesidential nominee
Hillary: waaaaaa .. I'm staying to the end
Barack ; Democratic Nominee for president.
Hillary :I'll use the Lieberman option.
Hillary: waaaaaaa .. he will lose to McCain waaaa
Barack ; PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES !
Hillary

trellskig   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

No matter what your vices are about either candidate, we need to vote Dem. in 08 and bring the troops home from this unnecessary war in Iraq. Your sons and daughters lives are at stake; in addition, they are dying for no reason.

Dems for the White House!

Tim   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

C'mon! ENOUGH ALREADY Hillary! You have shown that you can't tell the truth, embellish the facts, pad your resume, you can't manage your campaign budget (5 million dollar "loan") and you tell the American people what you think they wan't to hear just to get votes. You have "fired" or people have quit your campaign staff. I wonder what your Presidential staff would be like. I wonder how you would run the country's budget. Your tax records show one of your charitable contributions to be to the "clinton foundation"! I'm glad you know what it's like to be poor and you (and Bill) made over 100 million dollars over the past seven years?! tell you what, when you've made as little as most of us out here (I've made a total of $473,000 dollars - SINCE 1985!!! ) then you can say you understand the poor. I'm sure you don't even comprehend what it's like to do without things just so you can pay $80 plus bucks to fill up your car, and then drive sparingly to make it last.

Jan   April 8th, 2008 10:19 am ET

I think it rather funny, Penn did not represent Clinton, but Obama's
advisor represented Obama with Canada, nothing was done with
him.

Stop the bias against Clinton

HILLARY IS GOING TO WIN.

Yotin   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Hillary put this in its correct perspective. There's a double standard in the press or media. The contrast between this flap and that of the Obama Nafta flap is glaring.
Hillary's stand on the Colombia trade is clear and consistent. And there's no issue here of judgment. She handled the matter correctly and timely, even though Mr. Penn represented his PR firm in the meeting and not that of the campaign. In effect, she clearly articulated what her stand is.
Obama's adviser clearly represented his campaign and their meeting talked about his campaign and Mr. Obama didn't take any action than denying, at first, the meeting took place.
I'm looking for CNN and the media to contrast the 2 events and inform the voters.

Amy in Iowa   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

This is not Obama. This is about Hillary Clinton and her lies about NAFTA. She supported it. She supported Wal-Mart and sending jobs overseas. She lied to voters in Ohio. But the PA voters need to see the fault for the job loss lies with the Clintons.

Don't believe a word out of the Clintons mouths. Their history should have taught the voters this. They want a third term for Bill. They want to make more money from their investors and business interests. Not this time Hillary.

In Chicago   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Billary needs to focus on cleaning up her own messes rather than dragging Obama's in the dirt to cover her own. good grief

Forks Township, PA   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Clinton's campaign is stocked with lobbyists hawking their agendas with their candidate. Penn is no better than Chenney, but at least Chenney resigned from his private business interests before serving in office. Penn must leave now.

Nate in Mpls   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Google: obama nafta canada truth

Click on the Newsweek link.

Hillary shouldn't be let off the hook for perpetuating the lies about Obama/Canada/NAFTA when her campaign was accused of the exact same thing around the exact same time.

Both camps deny it is true about their camp. Canada says it is not true.

I try to give people the benefit of the doubt but she continually is caught lying about herself. When she lies about other people, it just further illustrates the lack of ethics and integrity.

Is there any wonder why people doubt politicians? Could she lie more if she tried?

Go Hillary   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

Michigan and Florida should be counted — I wonder why BO does not want them counted??

NoBodybeleivesyouHillaryEvil   April 8th, 2008 10:20 am ET

First of all The Canadian government was referring to someone in the clinton campaign not Obama . Hillary you need to getsthe facts straight and stop her lying. Second Penn is still working for you another lie when are going to stop lying. You are a habitual lier you must got for treatment before you get destroyed by you lie.

BTW   April 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Letha, Sioux Falls, SD

"I wish the Obamanation idiots could and would get the facts straight. Penn was not working for the campaign or the Clinton's at the time this took place. Read the facts idiots before you post."

Now, this is ironic. This meeting took place LAST WEEK, because BUSH, yes, BUSH, is trying to push this trade agreement with Colombia through Congress now! If you read something besides HIllary's statements, you might be better informed.

Felly   April 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Hillary is a pathological liar and turns me off. When you poo you blame it on Obama instead of taking responsibility. This is evident that you are not ready from day one. If you can't manage a primary campaign, how in the world are you going to lead and manage from the White House? Remember the famous slogan -"shame on you Barack Obama " you unleashed on him in Ohio for no just cause is coming back to hunt you. What goes around comes around. You are a very angry women and unfit for the Oval Office. At 3:00am you will be putting your make ups and looking for Bill instead of anwering the important call. Shame on you Hillary Clinton!

Chief lagosboy, NJ   April 8th, 2008 10:21 am ET

Oh please, give me a break !! Hillary………oh lord, this lady is a pathological liar, she needs help! By the way Penn is still a senior advisor on your campaign and still getting paid by your campaign. Hillary you are becoming a joke! Honestly I don’t know who is worst between Grandpa McCain a “Warmonger” or Rambo Hillary a serial liar.The answer to all our problems: Obama!

Our President Obama 08 & 12!

Sharon   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

CNN has become the open season for Hillary haters…….really pathetic….
Can't wait for PA vote and exit polls…….GO Hillary!

Amy in Iowa   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

How is Hillary decisive? Penn has not left her campaign. He is still there working. How dumb does she think the voters are? It is insulting.

Harriet Michel   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

For all of you who insist that the media is so biased against Hilary…let's see how they pursue the story that despite her pronouncement , Mark Penn is still very much a part of her campaign. Example, he's preping her for the debate with Obama this weekend. Given her hysterical posture regarding Obama and NAFTA, she should be nailed on this hypocriscy by every major media outlet.

Joe Green   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

In order to fire someone, you have to actually FIRE them.

Penn is still working for the campaign in the same capacity.

He was fired in name only.

Another example of Clinton "truth".

Depends on what you definition of "is" is…

If you elect Hillary, expect lots more lies like this!

Haven't we had ENOUGH already with BUSH?

Obama and McCain are both HONEST and TRUTHFUL. Either one would be a better choice for President.

John Mc   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Now I understand how Hillary stayed with Bill after all his lying. Bill and Hillary are like two peas in a pod. Lying is just something they both do naturally!

Gene   April 8th, 2008 10:22 am ET

Everything that comes out of your mouth is lies and lies….that is the reason my family and i will never vote for you…

phil, philly   April 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

had to believe bill cheated on her. she's such a lovely woman.

Joyce in Florida   April 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

I can just see and read above all the hate coming from Obama supporters. What is the matter with you people? And you want Obama to run this country? I THINK NOT. He is so arrogant and thinks everything should be handed to him on a platter. Not going to happen!! Senator Clinton is the most qualified candidate for President. I will fully support her until she becomes our nominee. You Clinton bashers out there should be ashamed. But maybe you have no conscience either. You are the ones who keep this garbage flying around. Time for Obama to concede. GO HILLARY 08!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anybody but McCain   April 8th, 2008 10:23 am ET

Obama supporters are so completely media influenced and hypnotized by Obama's campaign, that they do not even have their own minds. It is scary to me, very.
When G. Bush went with his war strike on Iraq and the American people followed him like sheep, I get the similar feeling about how they are following the Obama mob mentality.
It is impossible to say anything in this forum that is good about Clinton, and the Clinton supporters seemingly have given up trying to show you her good points. What is the use? You Obama people have made up your minds that Obama is some kind of spiritual leader. What a joke!
Obama's posturing to be what he pretends to be to the American people is a lie, and this will show itself if he is actually elected president, or while he is debating with the Republicans after being nominated. It will all come out way too late for anything to stop him from being nominated, if he is nominated, because Hillary might just be nominated instead.
I support Hillary, because in spite of her foibles, she is far the better candidate in world traveled experience, being able to back up factually what she says, and she is not a complete phony of which Obama is. She is a quality person who knows what she says. I distrust him and his motives, his history about himself, his ability to do anything new whatsoever other then be the biggest fake that any person has ever been running for president.
Recently I have found out so many more lies that Obama has told that if he is nominated that I am not sure that I will vote for him, and I have been a voting democrat all of my life. I won't vote for McCain that's for sure, but perhaps due to my own sense of ethics I won't vote at all.

Deborah   April 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Char,
Hillary is decisive! She is a decisive Liar!

America does not want Hillary.

Hillary go shopping for a new pantsuit and give Americans a break from you and your lies. Just sit this one out for the good of all Americans.

dlr   April 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Sen. Clinton…..keep it real please. In your stump speeches, you say he's gone, but in fact he is still a member of your staff, attending conference meetings on your campaigns behalf and still doing the strategic polling for your campaign. You play with words so much with less action that is why you untrusting rating is so high. You're no different that the current President that we have in office. You give women trying to be promoted in this world a bad reputation! Take lessons from the International Women Leadership 101 course.

MD   April 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Hillary should stop whining. It makes her look so desparate. She promotes self-serving ideas that ultimately hurt the Democratic Party.

If Florida and Michigan votes count, and she wins, I will vote for McCain.

JC   April 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

We are only humans. Negativity invites negativity.
Hillary has more negativity in stock so Penn's resignation is not damaging. She has got more lobbyists working for her, not for you.

shirley   April 8th, 2008 10:24 am ET

Hillary has the nerve to lie to voter's about this issue when her own campaign confirmed that Penn is still on her payroll , working for her as an advisor 'behind the scenes'. She has no shame.

Sarah   April 8th, 2008 10:25 am ET

He is still working on her campaign. This is not a "decisive" action.

CB in Florida   April 8th, 2008 10:25 am ET

Not damaging , Huh? Penn is still on the team as a valued advisor. The fact, that Penn and Wolfson, two of Hillary Clinton's most senior campaign advisers, also work for lobbying firms that are promoting Free Trade with Colombia, with all Colombia's terrible anti-labor laws and practices, should serve as an insight into the type of corrupt and "government-as-usually", that the Hillary Clinton administration would be, if you vote her into office. Pennsylvanians are lucky to hear the news before the primary. They won't get fooled like the voters in Ohio and Texas did with Hillary's NAFTA tomfoolery.

dlr   April 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

Also, your NAFTA claim is untrue. The Canadian government has vidicated Sen. Obama from your claim. Can you please get the facts correct!!! But then, you can't tell the truth, so why would I ask that question.

Karl   April 8th, 2008 10:26 am ET

More importantly, Obama did