April 9, 2008
Posted: 10:05 AM ET

From
Clinton attacked both McCain and Obama on Iraq policy Wednesday.
Clinton attacked both McCain and Obama on Iraq policy Wednesday.

ALIQUIPPA, Pennsylvania (CNN) — One day after telling General David Petraeus and Iraq Ambassador Ryan Crocker that it would be "irresponsible" to continue American military involvement in Iraq, Clinton took the issue onto the campaign trail and claimed her two rivals for the White House cannot be trusted to end the war.

Before a backdrop reading "Solutions for a Strong Military," Clinton accused John McCain of wanting to keep troops in Iraq "for up to 100 years," a charge McCain's campaign has disputed.

"Yesterday, he basically reiterated his commitment to the course we are on," she said. "Well, I don't agree with that."

Clinton's plan calls for the U.S. to begin withdrawal within 60 days of her becoming president, in consult with military advisers. In her speech Wednesday, she questioned Barack Obama's commitment to achieving the same goal.

"Sen. Obama on the other hand says he will end the war, but his top foreign policy adviser said he won't necessarily follow the plan he has been talking about during this campaign, that his plan is just words," she said. "You can count on me to end the war safely and responsibly."

(UPDATE: McCain, Obama camps respond after the jump)

Clinton was referring to Obama's former adviser Samantha Power, who told the BBC in early March that it would be difficult for the next president to firmly commit to a campaign pledge to withdraw troops, when no one can predict what the situation on the ground in Iraq will be in January 2009.

Power, who resigned last month after calling Clinton a "monster," said Obama's plan to withdraw combat troops within 16 months is a "best-case scenario."

"That's the choice," Clinton continued. "One candidate will continue the war and keep the troops in Iraq indefinitely. One candidate only says he will end the war. And one candidate is ready, willing and able to end the war and to rebuild our military while honoring our soldiers and our veterans."

UPDATE: The Republican National Committee, reacting on behalf of the McCain campaign, blasted Clinton's comments. “Senator Clinton’s calls for retreat would leave Iraq to the terrorists, and lead the U.S. into a wider and more difficult war in the future," said RNC spokesman Alex Conant. "It’s clear Clinton is listening to her party’s left-wing base and not General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker.”

Later, the Obama camp weighed in. "Hillary Clinton's tired and discredited attack is just the same old politics that won't end this war that she voted to authorize, and won't change the fact that she has repeatedly misled the American people about her Iraq record," said spokesman Hari Sevugan.

"We're happy to have a debate with Hillary Clinton over who the American people trust to end this war, since Barack Obama is the only candidate who had the judgment to oppose the war from the very beginning, not just from the beginning of a campaign for President."

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Pennsylvania


OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM VETERAN   April 9th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

How can she take that position when it was her husband that decreased the military by 30% in his time in office.

The Clintons cannot build a strong military… only downsize it.

They are probably the reason why I was sent to Iraq without the proper equipment.

Obama 2008

Olivia   April 9th, 2008 2:50 pm ET

Obama DID NOT HAVE TO VOTE for or against the Iraq war.
If he had to he would most certainly have voted PRESENT.
Based on what I've seen so far….this is a very ambitious man who was initially surprised at the positive reception he recieved, and who has become so overwhelmed by the rock star treatment it has quite gone to his head. Now he also believe that money grows on trees, as shown by his excessive spending in this time of recession. He walks gingerly, as if in a minefield, shielded by others.
Heard an interesting commentary recently on another network about Obama's time in the Illinois senate. Fellow senator said Obama would frequently change his vote based on how the rest of the voting went?? Would say he mistakenly voted the wrong way, and change.

SSgt USAF   April 9th, 2008 2:37 pm ET

Hillary!!! Why is it that you look a Hot Chappaquippa Mess in all your pictures??? Bill looks like he's fresh off a three day Scotch binge and Chelsea always looks like she's about to cry!?! I'm just sayin…

Henry   April 9th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

Hillary Clinton and McCain (aka McWar) voted for the war, Obama did not. We the voters have the record.

Dan , TX   April 9th, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Senator Obama has a quite reasonable plan. The fact that he listens to many points of view is a positive, not a negative. He does not surround himself with yes men.

Jason - KY   April 9th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Is she planning on visiting Iraq? They just may have a few snipers there, someone might want to let her know. Or, was she planning on making a telephone call at 3 a.m. which would be 3 p.m. in the middle east?

Its True   April 9th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Question is… Can I count on you to tell the truth?

Mrs. President!   April 9th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

You can do this Hillary!

You are the only solution for getting this country out of the doghouse.

Hillary is the only choice and the only fighter that can win in the general election.

Do your research, Obamaniacs, please!

Homer   April 9th, 2008 12:58 pm ET

If everyone would have had the forsight to vote against the war in the beginning we wouldn't have to end it now.

libertad   April 9th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

She can't even successfully manage her own campaign! How can we possibly count on her to successfully manage the Iraq fiasco?

Sick of Hil   April 9th, 2008 12:57 pm ET

She is so fake, every time I see her on the stump I begin to feel dizzy and almost want to throw up. Her lies, her word twisting and her misrepresentation on all issues is truly DISGUSTING. I can't believe I once supported this absolutly disgusting woman.

debbie   April 9th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

VOTERS: do not get pulled into the clinton campaign's divisive mug-slinging that has started today………………………

Stay focused on bringing a unified educated new generation of Democrats in 2009………

Please do not buy into the defiant nature that the clinton campaign has.

concerned democrat,
deb

Adam   April 9th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Go Get em' Hillary!!!

Allen in NC   April 9th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

Just as the american people challenge her to come clean with all the lies…..

Alfredo   April 9th, 2008 12:55 pm ET

Obama - what is your comment as far as withdrawing the troops. He is playing safe and not telling directly waht is his true stand in withdrawing troops. America, don't be fooled by Obama. And watch your kids who joins Obama's bandwagon just for the sake of joining. I'm afraid they are doing this hastily like joining a fraternity group for tripping and for the sake of just joining.

Real change   April 9th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

LOL Ya because if there is one thing in this whole big wide world that you can be sure of it’s that when a Clinton says something, you can believe it.

Gary in Toronto   April 9th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

This is right up there with her equating the Goolsbee incident with Mark Penn.

Obama and his surrogates have essentially said "here's what we intend to do - we'll finalize the plan with input from the people on the ground which isn't available to us now"

Is Clinton saying her plan is not going to be open to any changes irrespective of what is happening on the ground or what the military is saying? How irresponsible.

She really will say anything to win….

SDunn   April 9th, 2008 12:54 pm ET

Hillary you are such a liar! You know for a fact that Obama wants to end the war, but he cares about our troops and doesn't want to put them into danger so he has a very detailed plan about withdrawal. You on the other hand just started discussing your 60 day withdrawal after hearing Barack's plan back during the 2nd to the last debate. You voted for the war and I wish you read the NIE report before you did! How am I suppose to trust your decisions in the White House if you didn't do your homework and research before making that very important vote!

Chris from San Antonio   April 9th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

Leave Iraq to the insurgents. Fixed that for you RNC.

The only people that are fighting our troops in Iraq are the ones that just want their homes back. And the US out.

SPQR753   April 9th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I watched Obama putting good questions to Gen. Patreus, but I was surprised by the rather insecure, almost childish way he expressed them……what happened to his ""mesmerizing"" oratorial ability???

Pepou   April 9th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Hillary C. has NO credibility on Iraq. A war which should not have been authorized and waged. She voted for it, she supported it when it was expedient for her to do so. So shut up !

GREG FL.   April 9th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

You'll stop the war Hillary? Is that after you dodge that sniper fire on your way to solving the Irish problems? Your word means nothing Hillary.

LAM   April 9th, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Yeah, yeah. She voted for it and now she wants out. Trendy politics.

Sharon, Seattle   April 9th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Hillary, sit down!

Scott   April 9th, 2008 12:51 pm ET

you go girl…………. it's your experience that this country needs…

bowling green mo.

Ralph   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

She 's still telling that old lie about what his advisor said? I watched the interview, and her rendition is about as accurate as her snipper-fire lie. Hillary is a shameful display of what politics once was. She is a dinosaur, and will end up the same as them. Buh-bye Hillary.

Mr. C.   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

So now Clinton chooses to borrow OBAMAs plan of getting with the Generals to see what the situation is b/w making a move. I wonder why she didn't put that part while busy talking about OBAMA. This woman is done.

Michael Guinn- Ventura, CA   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

Get the Hill outta here!

Charlotte   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

I believe Hillary is the best candidate on all the issues. Neither McCain nor Obama can save this country. Neither McCain nor Obama can think on their feet like Hillary. They need a teleprompter, or a pre-written speech. Hillary is on her toes on all issues, at the drop of a hat. We need to win the election in November! We need Hillary to defeat McCain. This election will go down to the electorial college in November, and it will be close. The big states will be very important to achieve that goal. Obama is trying hard, spending 4xs the money to win in Pennsylvania. He has a lot of little states, while important, the winner must win the big states and some swing states. Hillary has won the big states, and that is very important to the big picture.

D-Man   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

This women is funny she says Obama can't be trusted to end the war in Iraq because his top foreign policy advisor (no longer on the team) sad he would reevaluate the situation on the ground, But her head Advisor set down with Columbia and signed a contract to help push free trade through when she claims she is against it. She did not fire him and he still advises the Clintons. Hillary shut up you sound stupid.

t   April 9th, 2008 12:50 pm ET

there she goes again taking thing Way out of context. I would never trust her with our military. I mean look what her husband did to it. How do you think she's going to pay for health care?

DEM Voter   April 9th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

We can count on you to keep telling lies! What have you told the truth about? Bosnia? NAFTA? Your Wealth?

You are lieing before you even get to the White House, why should I believe you will stop lying if your elected? For all I know, you probably had an affair as First Lady, and the GOP is waiting to release this info during the General Election.

Watch out Voters, there is more to this lady than you can see and hear.

MW Los Angeles   April 9th, 2008 12:49 pm ET

OBAMA 08
OBAMA 08
OBAMA 08

Anonymous   April 9th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

there she goes again taking thing Way out of context. I would never trust her with our military. I mean look what her husband did to it. How do you think she's going to pay for health care?

Wayne   April 9th, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Obama is committed to ending the war and had the foresight to recognize the war was a bad idea before it began. Why didnt you have that same foresight Clinton? I certainly hate Hillary.

jizzle   April 9th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

With the Sniper fire and Ireland stories, what should we really believe Hillary?? Obama is more credible!! He will end this war!!

Go Obama!!

Scott ATL   April 9th, 2008 12:47 pm ET

hmmm…. Let's see…

1) I voted for the war
2) I didn't read the NIE
3) I keep voting to fund the war
4) I let Bush fool me into thinking he would do right
5) Sometimes I think I'm in a war and I'm not
6) I have declare war on my own politcal party
7) I administered a peace deal when my bubba cheated on me
8) I'm great at dodging sniper fire and making it look easy
9) I'm an expert at using a cork screw, oops… I mean cork screw landings
10) Mis-speaking makes me a war hero…

Alexandra   April 9th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Hillary haven't you learnt that negative attacks only hurts you more?
Keep swinging, careful you don't knock your self out!

Kimberly in Texas   April 9th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Clinton = Liar
Clinton = Untrustworthy
Clinton = Loser

Vince Los Angeles, CA   April 9th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Hillary Clinton is a consumate LIAR! I am disgusted with her attempts to distort Obama's positions and ALL Americans should be just as outraged about this!

bonnie, New York   April 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

we can count on hilary…to do whatever it takes to attempt to win PA. the situation in Iraq is a mess and will be very difficult to get out of.

i am a white, 50 something female. i was not a Hilary hater at the beginning of this primary season, but the way she has responded to this primary season, has driven me to the point where i will vote for her if she is the nominee ONLY to preserve Roe v. Wade.

She had NO plan beyond super tuesday, thought the nomination was her reward for her years of marriage to bill, and doesn't know what the truth is.

i can't imagine what the people who believe in her are basing it in.

GoHillary   April 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

Hillary, we millions of supporters have faith in you and will fight with you all the way to the White House!

Tim   April 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

This… from the person who failed to read intelligence reports before voting to allow Bush to invade Iraq. Yeah, your credibility on this issue is non-existant.

Adam in Indy   April 9th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I wouldn't trust OBAMA with knowing anything about getting out of the war considering he hasn't held ONE SUBCOMMITEE MEETING of the commitee he chairs since he was appointed to that position.

Keith   April 9th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

This is exactly why Cinton should not be president. Any rational thinking individual would agree that the best you can promise right now is to put into motion with 60 days a plan to end the war. To make a promise today devoid of all of the facts which she, McCain and Obama do not currently have is pure lunacy and the kind of short sighted thinking that got us into this war in the first place. which I might add she voted for.

Our choice is clear… John McCain who will continue with our current strategy or Barack Obama who will end this war with the careful consideration neccessary to keep America safe.

Kevin   April 9th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Wow, this woman is unbelievable. She must think citizens are really stupid if she thinks that Obama, who opposed the war from the beginning, is less likely to end the war than she, despite her failure to take responsibility for her own decision to ENTER the war.

If I have to choose one intelligent person among the three to SMARTLY exit Iraq without creating a larger mess, then I trust Obama because of his original stance on the war, his critiques since then, and his handling of his campaign, which has proved far superior to both Hillary and McCain.

Obama '08!

Larry Buchas   April 9th, 2008 12:42 pm ET

Barack will take a more responsible route to ending the war. He's interested in region diplomacy. That's been missing ever since we went there. Barack is the only one with the temperament to handle it. That's why sensible super delegates are lining up with him.

The question is if voters realize it too. How many failures are they willing to accept before that happens?

ron   April 9th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

I really hope she is not talking about that guy who is only a part time consultant that really has no influence at all – I mean even I am referring to him as that guy, while on the other hand her top adviser (Mark Penn) was in Columbia promoting a deal that she says she opposes, not to mention Bill Clinton himself agrees with the trade deal with Columbia. She stupid!!!! LOL

RFP   April 9th, 2008 12:41 pm ET

End this war. Just bring them home.

For the love of this independent   April 9th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

Hillary says she will withdraw in 60 however with consult from her miltary advisors. "This code for we will evaluate the situation when the time comes"

Obama's foreign policy advisor says he has a plan to withdraws the troops immediately however that plan can be change base on conditions on the ground.

It sounds the same to me.

All either candidate has is words and good intentions at this time.

Open Your Eyes   April 9th, 2008 12:39 pm ET

Hilliary must think we are fools, it would be impossible to start pulling out the troops within 60 days of taking office. That just is not a realistic timeline. I'm an Army Veteran and believe me it would take longer to safely achieve this task.

Curtis L Madison   April 9th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

SOUND OFF!

60 DAYS! SPEAKING AS A EX ARMY SSG THAT WOULD BE A DISASTER. THIS IS THE VERY REASON WOMEN ARE NOT IN COMBAT ARMS MOS'S. THEY CHOSE EMOTIONS OVER REASON 9 OUT 10 TIMES. 18-24 MONTH STAGE WITHDRAWL IS MORE REALISTIC. SHE DOES THAT 60 DAY IDEA SHE'LL BE BACK BY YEARS END. COSTING MORE MONEY AND MORE LIVES TRYING TO TAKE BACK IRAQ. NOT VERY SMART. AND FOR THE PEOPLE OUT THERE BLOGGING THEIR OPINION ABOUT THE WAR AND FREEDOMS THEY DONT DESERVE. PICK UP A RIFFLE AND TRY EARNING THAT OPINON YOU GOT. COWARDS SAY WHAT THEY BELIEVE….. WHILE MEN WILL FIGHT FOR IT.

Trev   April 9th, 2008 12:38 pm ET

Obama is incoherent on foreign policy. He says he will go back to the policy of the first President Bush. Then he ignores that policy, which was to ask Congress to approve force in order to threaten Iraq (After Iraq invaded Kuwait). Hillary did the same thing several years later and Obama bashes her for it. People are so willing to buy into the Obama brand that they don't even listen to what he says half the time.

Walt, Belton,TX   April 9th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Sounds like just more Clinton "Cut and Run" strategy. No guts, no military experience, no diplomatic experience; just stick your head in the sand and give up. Good plan, Hillary!

grob   April 9th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

What an utterly despicable & disgusting person Hillary is.

rebekka warnken   April 9th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

although its doubtful mrs. clinton will be able to withdrawtroops within only 60 days ,it is without any doubt ,the only possible and realistic way to stop the killing of both american and iraqi people.to stop that war should be the main issue of either one of the presidential candidates. hopefully mrs. clinton will be the next president of the u.s.it would be a blessing for america and for the rest of the world ,because worldwide peace is in americas hands.greetings from germany, rebekka warnken.

James   April 9th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

It sad to see more rhetoric and less of a definitive plan. Repeating the same generalized campaign speak is not the same as having a throughly vetted plan. I like the fact that Senator Obama is not rushing to a less than thought out exit strategy for leaving Iraqi. Haste makes waste!

Tex   April 9th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Same old Hillary strategy: devert the attention away from Bill and Penn's support of the Columbia Trade deal. Devert attention that Hillary lied about firing Penn. He is still there and on her pay roll.
Makes one wonder if Hillary is truly against Columbia deal after all. Just like hillary's supposed anti stance on NAFTA. Union members need to know the truth!

Hillary is such a loser!

merle 7   April 9th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

All she knows about war is how to vote in favor of them, which shows her ability to use good judgement has not caught up with her so called experience.

Obama 08!
Yes We Can!

Stacy Clarks,   April 9th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Its funny clinton is choosing now to talk about double-talking campaign mangers

IF THAT IS HOW YOU WANT US TO JUDGE, THEN YOU ARE A LIER AND DECIEVER FOR LETTING MARK PENN BE YOUR CHIEFT STRATEGIST!!!!!!

OBAMA 08!!!!!!!!!!!!

Think About It   April 9th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

That's right, Hillary, let's keep it up the sound-bite politics that the Republicans are so good at. It diminishes you to keep drawing on old, repudiated statements just because they're the only ones that fit your message. It also insults your supporters that you expect them to eat it without smelling it first.

Your caveat "in consult with military advisers" is no different from anything Obama has ever said. Once in the White House, if you ever get there, you'll be telling us the "military advisers" advised you not to withdraw within 60 days. Count on it.

Greg Orlowsky   April 9th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Let's compare words and votes. She voted for the war Obama did not. Whose word are you going to believe?

Claudia   April 9th, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Hillary needs to focus on stopping Bush from the long term contract he is making with Iraq right now that will make her promises to end the war force her to backtrack. Watch and listen carefully as she back tracks on her words.

NObama   April 9th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Hey let's upset the CNN/Nation Of Islam/Rev. Wrigth conspiracy and elect a REAL President.

HILLARY 2008 and 2012

sandy   April 9th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Hillary go home. Nobody believes you anymore. I think that sniper fire got to your head. You and I both know you are not going to bring the troops home in three months. No more lies.. I would like to know what Mark Penn has on you, that you can't fire him.

Swalker327   April 9th, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Oh shut up Hillary — we can't count on you to tell the truth let alone "end the war safely and responsibly'!!

Go away already!

David K   April 9th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Senator Clinton, you should have not started this war at all. Why should we trust you now? Aah, and the Olymics boycott, will you support boycott for the London 2012 because the UK attacked Iraq illegally?

Dave in DC   April 9th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Yes, Obama is secretly in favor of keeping us in war. That's why he has based the last 6 years of his political career opposing the war, so he can play a huge gotcha! Hillary has slightly less credibility than Nixon.

TL   April 9th, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Wow, next thing you know, Hillary's going to claim she will cure aids and cancer before both Obama and McCain does.

Vickie, Maryland   April 9th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

I don't know how else to say it, "I can't stand this women". And Democrat or not, I will not vote for her. Obama or McCain for me! At least with McCain I'll know what I'm getting. Clinton can't be trusted

Tony, Miami   April 9th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

She knows as everyone else it's impossible to end the war in 60 days but like she did it in Ohio she prefers to lie. Her belief is "lie, lie, lie something will always stay on people's mind" May be she is right this is after all how she ended up winning in Ohio.

An American in Canada   April 9th, 2008 12:28 pm ET

GO HILLARY GO
END THE WAR
60 DAY TO GO
AND NO MORE WAR.
OUR SOLDIERS WILL BE HOME FOR SPRING BREAK!!! 2009

YOU ARE RIGHT, THEY WILL NEVER TAKE OVER FOR THEMSELVES WHEN THEY HAVE AMERICAN CODDLING THEM.

Candace   April 9th, 2008 12:27 pm ET

She's still misspeaking. I really hope she just get out of the race.
Obama 08

An Agnostic Democrat   April 9th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Put your finger to the wind again Hillary to decide which position you'll be lying about AFTER you voted for the war (I misspoke, authorized the use of military force) in Iraq. You didn't even have the foresight to plan for your campaign past Super Tuesday so how can we trust your vision on matters with much more dire consequences? Just like Georgie, you'll be blaming someone else for your BLUNDER or making some other misstatement, misrepresentation or other alternate reality you've created.

TiaWju   April 9th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

We can count on you, Hillary? Right, you're a politician that can't even begin to tell the truth and neither can your husband! So exactly why am I supposed to "count" on what you say?

Ifeanyi Azubike Houston Texas   April 9th, 2008 12:26 pm ET

If we have to accept what Obama's foregn policy adviser says, then we might as well accept what Penn said to the Columbians. Is there anything that is 'no-go" for this woman. What her antiques ahow is that as president we may have to read between the lines to decipher what she means.

BCNU purple state, usa   April 9th, 2008 12:25 pm ET

She calls the other guys liars and then expects us to swallow the following line:

"You can count on me to end the war safely and responsibly."

Of course, the Hill-bots will claim that her statement above is addressing the specifics and she has greater detail than the other two. So easily fooled.

Tell us Senator, will you have them out in 6 months, 16 months, 4 years, six years? Which is it? It's easy to say you'll START withdrawing in 60 days, since that is ALREADY happening.

Put up or PLEASE just shut the H— up!

My $0.02

AJ, IL   April 9th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Hillary's is totally hilarious! (oops…I think I have a new Obama slogan, HILLARY THE HILARIOUS!) She is the candidate remaining in the presidential race who many Americans see as the least trustworthy and credible!

Tom in S.A.   April 9th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

Hillary cannot end the war in 60 days, if you believe that than your stupid enough to vote for her in the first place.

Hicks, Fort Myers   April 9th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Her back drop is insulting to the military!!

"Solutions for a strong military"….

Do we have a weak military? If so–define the weakness before prescribing solutions to make it stronger–it would be more believable particularly considering your weak resume on national defense

60 days;!!!!

What an outlandish lie!!
No so called " military advisor's"" would ever advise a sitting President of such misguided action. Hillary is this your way of saying something most citizens (who know nothing about military strategy and execution) might believe?

Frank, Missouri   April 9th, 2008 12:23 pm ET

RIGHT … AND WE CAN COUNT ON YOU TO PUSH FOR THE COLOMBIAN TRADE DEAL YOU SAY YOU ARE AGAINST !

YOUR FAMILY GOT $800,000 FOR PROMOTING THE DEAL !!!!

P   April 9th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

apparently she hasn't gotten the memo about the whole "100 years" thing: McCain did not mean it literally. He is talking about it managing the pull-out "responsibly": by taking the time we need…We've seen what happens when a Clinton decides to pull out the troops right away because of public opinion: anyone remember Somalia in '93? Bill pulled out our troops after the "Black Hawk down" incident, pulled them out before they could get the job done, and that country just slipped even further into a civil war it still has not gotten out of more than a decade later…The Clinton administration had several opportunities to support Saddam opponents (without the need to send in our troops - they would have done that for us) in taking that dictator down, but the Clinton adminstration just left them out to dry…we just pull out now and leave our allies hanging out there again, we'll just be showing that we can't be trusted and that we'll run away if things get too hairy…the number of US KIAs is tragic: but what will they have died for if we leave without getting the job they died for done…

A from VA   April 9th, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Misconstrue the truth to get elected. More kitchen sink strategy especially since you are financially in the hole and can raise enough money to counter Obama's support from the people.

Vig   April 9th, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Clinton is a stronger and smarter leader than Obama and McCain put together. Obama will not be a strong leader. He's good with words and that's about it. McCain lives in the past.

A vote for Hillary is a vote for McCain   April 9th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

PA polls show Obama catching up…
Now is time to start the kitchen sink policy
Obama yesterday showed that he understands foreign policy more than both other candidates. He should be our next commander in cheif.

Deb   April 9th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Amen!

"And one candidate is ready, willing and able to end the war and to rebuild our military while honoring our soldiers and our veterans."

Hillary 08

rushdio   April 9th, 2008 12:20 pm ET

"His plan is just words"- Clinton says of Obama's war plans. Right now, everyones' plans are just words. None of the canididates have been elected President. Therefore, no one has been able to put their words in action. Until then, her plan is just words, just like Obama's plan.

Tiredofit   April 9th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

This neo-commie's bleeding heart only bleeds for a vote! Nothing else matters except the defeat of capitalism and Democracy!

Mike   April 9th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Obama's plan is to cut the military in half which means laying off 1.3 million military personnel while giving $800 billion to NATO and using them as our private mercenary force. The only problem is that is outsourcing jobs overseas which he claims he is against. Just another Obama plan that does not make sense unless you believe Rev. Wright's sermons of "evil America".

Josh, Charlotte, NC   April 9th, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Way to go Clinton! Your the only one I'll vote for. Not Nobama!

HILLARY '08!

CARL   April 9th, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Is it just me, or does anyone else see a problem with a presidential candidate (Obama) wanting to have lunch with a country that supplies weapons to kill our soldiers. They are also deciding to enrich uranium for nuclear bombs, which is in part causing oil prices to rise. Wanting to get rid of Isreal. And Obama had the Audacity to set near General Petraeus and say we should do lunch and conversate with them. Why hasnt anyone else said anything about it.

btw i am a registered democrat

mama4obama   April 9th, 2008 12:17 pm ET

There you go again Hillary. Twisting and turning. The fact is that instead of making quick knee-jerk decisions, Obama actually thinks about the consequences of every move he makes. So pulling our troops out slowly or quickly will be based on how things are going in the region.

I want someone who can think rationally. You are not that person.

OBAMA 08

HRC, it's over babe   April 9th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Hillary, quite talking. You lack moral competence to talk about a war that you voted for, EVEN WITHOUT reading the NATIONAL INTELIGENCE ESTIMATE on Iraq.
Sen. Rockefeller adviced you to read it but you were too LAZY to read it. That same xteristic has hindered your campaign by you relying on stories without vetting there authenticity.

Go home now..you're simply unelectable.

Claire   April 9th, 2008 12:16 pm ET

You can't trust Clinton's word at all. She is a liar.

Sue from Ga.   April 9th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

You would know about war wouln't you Hillary? I mean you dodged all that sniper fire in Bosnia didn't you? God, please just go away. Your mud slinging is only going to put you deeper in the grave.

Eric-PA   April 9th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Barack is unbelievable! This reminds me of when his advisors told Canadian officials that what Obama was saying about NAFTA was just part of the campaign. The Obamaniacs better not say Hillary attacked Obama becasue within the past week, Obama said he has more foreign policy experience than McCain and Hillary. Is he kidding himself. I don't trust this man and neither should anyone else.

vic nashville,Tn   April 9th, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Next commander in Chief Hillary

Darth Vadik, CA   April 9th, 2008 12:14 pm ET

YOU VOTED FOR THE WAR

AND THEN YOU VOTED AGAIN FOR MAKING THE IRANIAN OFFICIAL ARMY INTO A TERRORIST ORGANIZATION SIDING WITH BUSH, LIEBERMAN AND McCAIN

SO SHUT UP HILLARY
JUST SHUT THE HECK UP

YOU AND CREDIBILITY ARE ALERGIC TO EACH OTHER

TEO   April 9th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

I don't know how she expects to get any respect from world leaders given how she's acting and running her campaign. She sure has lost mine. Go back to Arkansas where you belong Hillary.

Glenn Doty, Columbia, SC   April 9th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

She voted for the war, and spent almost 4 full years throwing her full support behind it. Every interview, every speach, and every public hearing she was involved in between 2002 and 2005 she openly supported the war, defended the invasion, declared it to be a good policy, and denounced any who opposed it.

She supported the war when it was proven there were no WMD's

She supported the war when it was proven there was no connection between Iraq and Al Queda or 9/11.

She supported the war after the horror of Abu Garaib was revealed.

Her last speach that she supported the war and declared "I'm proud of my vote, I would not change it if I had a chance to vote again." was given in August 2006.

Now, we're supposed to believe SHE would get us out, but doubt the word of Obama who took a stand against the war when it could have cost him his election, and has remained adamently against the war from the very start.

To Hillary supporters: Please get a clue.

Danny G. Boca Raton, FL   April 9th, 2008 12:12 pm ET

We need a president that will rebuild our military, we need a president that will challenge us to become patriots again. Sen. McCain is so vague in his answers is hart to know where he stands, Sen. Obama is equally vague, but with an eye towards non-confrontational tactics, Sen. Clinton gets it, there is no concidence that 38 generals have endorsed her, make no mistake about it, this is a very important debate and we should all pay attention.

JMac, MT   April 9th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Hillary, why don't you twist the truth a little? Just words.

Gerard   April 9th, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Get a life woman.
Why voting for that war in the first place?

ProudIndependent   April 9th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Hillary, you are only saying you will end the war as well. How can we trust you to do that? Your general dishonesty on related matters (foreign policy, war zones) leaves serious doubts. You authorized the war to begin with. The blood is on your hands as much as it is on the hands of other Democrats and Republicans that authorized this illegal war.

Cat, Costa Mesa, CA   April 9th, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Hillary, you are so full of it. You have all these visions of grandeur which neither your reputation nor "experience" can back up!! While you and Obama continue to pander to the mindless, our country nees REAL solutions!!

Unfortunetly, none in our crop of mediocre choices seem to fit that bill.

MCD   April 9th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

And since you are not in office yet, your plan is nothing but words either. Nice try though HillDog.

Vince   April 9th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

So Hillary is basically saying she's committed to pulling out in 60 days regardless of the situatin on the ground.

Sounds like an irresponsible position to hold, or just another lie to get elected.

Chris in Columbus   April 9th, 2008 12:09 pm ET

She's half right. We can't trust McCain to end the war, as he already said he won't.

However, I'm pretty sure we can trust Obama just a little bit more than THE PERSON WHO VOTED FOR THE WAR TO BEGIN WITH.

No more Clinton please, no two-faced liars for me. This year it's Obama or nothing.

PA for President   April 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Again she's scrapping the bottom trying to regain grown against Obama..

She will act like Bill Clinton to weaken our military. Clintons are no friends to the MIlitary. She just been trying to change for the Campaign.. She was even against the Civil Rights Bill of 1964. When she was a Republican working for Goldwater.

Herman LA, CA   April 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Hillary please stop please, you shouldn't have never started this war by voting for it in the first place. Now, all of a sudden you want to jump on the band wagon of ending this war that is costing us tax payers $16,000 dollars per family.

Hillary you have flip flop so many times and have told so many lies that I think voters have really caught on to you for who you really are. How many times have you changed your campaign slogan, website, and everything else?

You are searching for something that will work and you have been all over the place with your message and campaign. How can we trust you Hillary how, to keep your word when you take the highest office of the land you really scare me.

I be so glad when this is all over and Barack receives the nominee for the democrats so that we can move on and take on McCain.

Obama 08!!!

charles   April 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Hilary and her husband are a ruthless couple who will destroy anyone along the way in their quest for power.what samantha said is no different from what she is saying. you have to consult with the commanders on the ground first. What is strange to me is how many people have committed sucide who had to either testify against the clintons or investigate them, they eventual commit sucide. there is so much scandal about the clintons, the media knows about it but they sweep it under the carpet. as for wolf he is doing all he can to help hillary. but my gut feeling tells me that he is a republican and he knows hillary will definately lose in November. CLINTONS CHRONICLES WHY IS IT NOT MENTIONED. Now you have one of her backers bringing the wright issue. are these the twist and turns we bn promised.

Carmen   April 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Hillary you need to stop maying yourself look good right about now. How can you challenge McCain and Obama when your husband is sealing a deal with the Colombia people. Get real lady you are a fake. Oh by the way there were no bookbags back when Martin Luther King was killed. Maybe you were the one who invented them so that was why you were the only one who had one. Stop lieing and tell the truth for once Hillary. Liar liar

Allan   April 9th, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Senator Clinton, did you campaign for reelection to the Senate in '06 on a platform that included ending the war in Iraq?

Then why isn't it already over?

Oh yes, that's right. What old-school hack candidates like you say they're going to do when running for office and what they do once elected have no relation.

Obama is trying not to pander by over-promising, something you wouldn't understand.

ZEPPO!   April 9th, 2008 12:06 pm ET

Everything about OBAMABOOEY is just words!

April in Texas   April 9th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

I watched all of this yesterday and how I see it is … McCain will keep the war going.. Clinton will end it abruptly in 60 days no matter whats going on and Obama will review all options as the best way to slowly and safely bring our troops home..

Obama 08

Brown   April 9th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Hillary is the last person who should be challenging what advisers are saying. Did she forget about Penn? Maybe she is too busy dodging sniper fire. What a loser!

yael   April 9th, 2008 12:05 pm ET

Hillary has so many military personnel backing her. That alone should tell us something; they are the ones dying.
She was so impressive yesterday; it was clear which of the three should be Commander-In-Chief. She and McCain actually care about the soldiers.

Madison , PA   April 9th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

You are really ridiculous… You were the first to vote for the war… You did sign the document you did not read… Give me a break… We do not trust you any more. You lost my vote with these negative attacks…

jl   April 9th, 2008 12:04 pm ET

OBAMA'S WORDS AND VOTE DID NOT GET US INTO THIS WAR AND

TIME AND TIME AGAIN HILLARY HAS PROVEN HER WORDS ARE

JUST LIES!!!

____STOP DISTRACTING FROM THE FREE TRADE ISSUE_____

The Clinton campaign acknowledges that BILL CLINTON supports

the Colombia free trade deal, while Hillary does not.

(Yeah right and we are suppose to believe her.)

*******READ******READ***READ****READ*****READ*****READ***

The New York Daily News adds,

“BILL CLINTON VOICED 'SUPPORT' for a controversial

COLUMBIA FREE-TRADE PACT that his wife has

fiercely opposed — and HE ACCEPTED —–$800,000—— in speaking

fees from a group boosting the agreement, it was revealed

yesterday.”

****************************************************************************

SO HOW IS HILLARY GOING TO CONVINCE THE LEGISLATURE

THAT FREE TRADE NEEDS TO BE REVAMPED IF SHE CANNOT

EVEN CONVINCE HER OWN STAFF AND HER OWN HUSBAND

WHO ARE LOBBYING FOR IT AND TAKING THEIR MONEY?????

VA   April 9th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

SHE IS THE SAME OLD BS…SHE CANNOT POSSIBLE SAY THAT WE CAN COUNT ON HER FOR ANYTHING. SHE SAYS ANYTHING AND DOES ANYTHING TO GET ELECTED…IF HER LIPS ARE MOVING…SHE IS LYING….CANNOT WAIT TO SEE HER FACE OFF TV AND HER MOUTH SHUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O8AMA   April 9th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

What is wrong with this woman? You voted for the war. Obama oppsed the war even when it was unpopular to do so. If you agree with Samantha's statements (which by the way makes sense to me…I mean President Obama wil have to rely on the people on the ground before coming up with a careful plan…which he will…relax) then you also agree with the fact that she also called you a monster…and we have seen a lot of that in you. I think it is time to call it a day in this nomination process. Do it for yourself. nuff said!

Right on Day1   April 9th, 2008 12:02 pm ET

Clinton thinks printing up little blue signs will make up for Obama's 20 million dollar advantage?

She still doesn't understand that sending out her surrogates to muddy Obama only helps Obama. It makes her look disloyal & self serving.

She is a great senator & should stay there.

trellskig   April 9th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

I really have to back Clinton on this one…BRING THE TROOPS HOME!

No more sensless dying of American, British etc…troops.

Joe - Wilmington, DE   April 9th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Challenging who on what? She voted FOR use of force i.e. WAR! Who the heck does she think she's kidding?

Fellow democrats, Hillary Clinton should not be allowed anywhere near the Whitehouse.

Bob Stephens   April 9th, 2008 11:59 am ET

She voted for the war and now she challenges Obama… That's like starting a fire and then criticizing the fire department, for the way they are fighting the fire…..

Joan from PA   April 9th, 2008 11:58 am ET

We do not trust you Mrs. Clinton. PERIOD

Jos/TN   April 9th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Mr Davis, should fight another fight, McCain got endorsements from radicals and expressed delight, by the way my grandfather couldn't participate in many activities because he was Black American, he fought wars and wasn't welcomed on Main street, in other words the Reverend Wright only spoke truths. Get over it i had to. America is so hypocritical.

John M (PA)   April 9th, 2008 11:58 am ET

I wouldn't trust Hillary on anything after all her lies on:

Sniper fire in Bosnia
Negotiating open borders
negotiating peace in Ireland
helping to write the S-Chip program
supporting NAFTA
an "uninsured" woman dying after being denied care

and the list goes on.

big easy   April 9th, 2008 11:58 am ET

Go Hillary!!! Hillary 2008!

Melissa   April 9th, 2008 11:57 am ET

CNN, please post this comment, as it is important for states with upcoming primaries to hear. Despite many Clinton supporter's fear that CNN seems biased to Obama supporters, I want to say that I have not had a comment posted for weeks. This time I feel it is extremely important, and goes to the heart of my concern's about Sen. Clinton (which I had several months before becoming an Obama supporter).

I saw Sen. Clinton, in person, in Iowa at the beginning of this Presidential race. She was asked directly about the war in Iraq, and said specifically that she COULD NOT promise to get us out of Iraq, and that we may in fact need to leave troops there for months (she did not even rule out years). This answer concerned me, and in fact sounded similar to what McCain is saying. Other answers she gave seemed tailored to the particular audience she was speaking to, and I was not alone in wondering if she had a tendency to say what was politically expedient at the time.

Right now, Clinton seems to be saying that she will definitely get us out, completely, and in a very short time frame. It is important to know that this is very different from what she said to an audience of over 100 people just several months ago. If she has since had a change of mind/heart, she is not discussing this. Or is it that she is not caught in this difference, switching from a small state format with only local press to a national format, where larger news networks are not aware of her former statements? Perhaps we should go back and check some former footage from Des Moines or Omaha.

Patriot   April 9th, 2008 11:57 am ET

Shame of you Hillary! Shame on you!

You PROUDLY voted to authorize George W Bush to start the war in the first place, and you didn't even bother to read the intelligene!

Barack Obama took a political risk in 2002 by speaking out against authorization. He didn't consult with a pollster…he knew that when it comes to waging war, you have to do what is right, not what is currently popular.

Joseph   April 9th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Hillary Clinton can't even manage a primary campaign that she was a supposed shoe-in to win the nomination.

How can she claim to be an effective president?

Anyone but Clinton '08!

DT   April 9th, 2008 11:55 am ET

Someone get her a sprite!

DT   April 9th, 2008 11:55 am ET

She need to stop.. The polls are getting closer and she is fishing for something to talk about to bring her back. Hillary is what the kids use today "thirsty"

Reality   April 9th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Whatever…. Hillary is attempting to make an issue out of something that she is doing ALSO. Just like Obama, she has mentioned that she would consult with the generals to get a clear sense of a withdrawal procedures. What is the difference???????? If I was a supporter of Hillary, I would be furious…. She needs to get a new speech writer becasue clearly that "just words" phrase has not WORKED!!!

David, Silver Spring, MD   April 9th, 2008 11:54 am ET

Amazing. Simply amazing. HRC, who voted for the war, who argued against a "timetable" until well into the campaign, is now trying to cast Obama as the guy who wants to keep us in the war? Obama, the guy who risked his Senatorial career by speaking out against the war in the midst of a campaign?

Talk about your political charlatans! I trust Hillary on this about as much as I trust Bill Clinton when he says "I did not try to support a trade deal with that nation, Colombia."

Shasta   April 9th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Total withdrawal by 3/09? That's insane. I'm completely against the war, and I think it's insane.

Angus McDugan   April 9th, 2008 11:53 am ET

Let's get our troops home, and let the other regional powers that need stability to sell oil to us fix the situation.

TESA P   April 9th, 2008 11:53 am ET

guys do not take the challenge….
You know she fought in the Civil War, WW I, WWII, Desert stom and the war on terror………….. he combat experience is too great…………:)

cnn rocks   April 9th, 2008 11:51 am ET

this womans hipocrisy knows no bounds,i am shock ansawed that she would bring up obamas adviser when penn and bill clinton went to the columbians.i am just shocked

AJ   April 9th, 2008 11:51 am ET

Go Hillary!!
The Obamazombies are ALL idiots.
If he gets the nomination, I will be looking forward to seeing him crushed in November. I am a democrat who has never voted for a republican. If Obama gets the nomination, I will happily pull the lever in the voting booth for John McCain.

If not Hillary, McCain in '08!!

Bryan   April 9th, 2008 11:51 am ET

We have all known all along that Hillary is the best canidate on a host of issues, from the war to healthcare, it will be a shame if she is not our president. Take note PA this women is the right choice.

Hillary 08

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