April 26, 2008
Posted: 02:40 PM ET

From
Sen. Clinton shakes hands with supporters in Ft. Wayne before speaking Saturday.
Sen. Clinton shakes hands with supporters in Ft. Wayne before speaking Saturday.

FT. WAYNE, Indiana (CNN) – Coming off a big win in Pennsylvania thanks largely to working-class voters, Hillary Clinton tried to convince Indiana supporters on Saturday that she is one of them.

Talking about helping her father (a “small businessman,” she emphasized) in his drapery business when she was growing up in Chicago, Clinton told the crowd, “It was one of the many experiences that really taught me the values that I’ve had my entire life. You know, hard work, self-reliance, individual responsibility. Good Midwestern values that we were raised with and that we believe in.”

“I feel so fortunate to have that kind of background and upbringing and I know that’s what many of you have experienced as well here in Ft. Wayne and across Indiana,” she added.

Jabs at George W. Bush are always easy applause lines at Clinton’s rallies and she used his unpopularity to push her populist message on Saturday.

“ We need a president, especially after the last seven years of George Bush who doesn’t just make speeches about American values but understands them, and lives them and believes them and wants to make sure that they are available for everybody.”

When Barack Obama made his infamous “bitter” comments, Clinton was quick to cast him as an out of touch elitist. Now she is locked in a dead heat with Obama in Indiana polls with just over a week before the state’s May 6 contest that many consider a must-win for the New York senator.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Indiana


Linda, Florida   April 26th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

There is NO word You can trust Clintons are sayong.
Neither ONE.
Clintons are American Dishonest Disgrace

Hillary again..!   April 26th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Well Indiana, you would be sorry if you haven't seen that Hillary will say anything, claim anything, do anything to get your vote….without even thinking about it! Now it is Midwestern values, before it was NAFTA in Ohio and Texas, guns and booze in Penn,….Hillary, I canntot start a dishonest desperate person like you as a friend much less the POTUS!

Be gone back to Little Rock or any kind of rock where you sprang from already!

alice2   April 26th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Sorry Hillary you'r JUST NOT CREDITABLE. Is there anyone who actually believes anything you say?? You have based your political career on Lies, Deception, say anything to win, tear down & destroy, complete NEGATIVITY. Not This Time, Old Politics are over, we are moving on with A NEW VISION FOR AMERICA WITH BARACK.

MikeT   April 26th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

She has more midwestern values and KNOWS more about midwestern values than any other candidate.

Edith   April 26th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

"Good Midwestern Values", her father has a small business, bla, bla, bla, here she goes again trying to make us believe she is "one of us". That's a tough sell when your income tax records show you've made over $100 million over the years and your daughter campaigns for you clad in designer jeans. Then, they have the nerve to call Obama elitist.

Th3rdpwr   April 26th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

What is this? Every state Hillary campaigns in is, now, considered critical? It seems that the psychology is to imply she's an underdog, thereby appearing to be more powerful in states she wins; this gives the illusion of a more viable candidate, ignoring the overall effect is nil.

Pennsylvania was not a "big" victory for Clinton; there wasn't a single lick of information or analysis that didn't give her the win; indeed Obama's percentage of the vote hovered between 42-44% (he got 45); the fluctuation came in undecideds, affect by Hillary voters questioning her integrity; Obama's support was solid, Clinton's was soft. She simply got what she was slated for. All Barack Obama needed to do was keep Clinton from running away with the state, which is exactly what he did. I wish the media would quite inflating this woman's fortitude. Obama is at a consistant disadvantage for the reason Ed Rendell stated about Pennsylvania. Hillary, in her arrogance, dropped the ball, but she's no underdog. Please stop helping her pull the wool over voters' eyes. Pennsylvania was Clinton's for the taking, not some momentous victory; and neither is Indiana if she wins a squeaker there.

v.ananthan   April 26th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Hillary is the best choice …
.
.A real fighter to fight for the country and it^s values.. ..

A real leader to treat every american with respect and dignity….

A real strategist to solve the problems…

-Hillary 08.

Fran Says   April 26th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

What a hypocrite!

You say your values were learned from hard work, self reliance and individual responsibility. What happened??

These days it appears that you are working hardest to embellish your experience, invoke fear and mistrust.

Your self reliance is rooted in inflicting damage to your opponent so focus will be shifted from what the basis of your experience really is . . . former 1st lady.

Why not take individual responsibility for your approval of NAFTA? Take individual responsibility for telling us you were ducking sniper attacks in Bosnia when you weren't. Take responsibility for the wedge you are creating within our party? Take ownership of your role in dividing this country and creating a rift between its people that will take years to repair.

There was a time when I highly respected and vigorously defended the Clintons. You can take responsibility for changing that for me and many other Americans.

Audrey   April 26th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I've livede in the midwest and Clinton will say and do anything and become anything to win. She can't be trusted to keep her word or pledges. She signed a pledge not to count FL and MI because they move up their primary. Now she wants to change those rules and not stick to her signed pledge. If she nominated, can we trust she will keep anything she has said or say in the future? I think not.

Darth Vadik, CA   April 26th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I like Obama better than Hillary, but Hillary is still 10 times better than McCain.

Think about that truthseeker.

Janel, St. Paul, MN   April 26th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

I'm SO, SO tired of that woman's voice!

Mike   April 26th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Hillary wants another debate so that she can insult Rev.Wright. Of course the Super hypocrite Hillary will not mention that Rev. Wright was an honored guest in the Clinton White House and even more. Rev. Wright is who the Clintons turned to for marriage counseling after the disgusting Bilary sex scandel (mid west values?) The despicable Hillary will stab her own previous Christian counselor in the back for a few more votes. And as usual, Obama was too honerable to bring it up. Hillary is a Troll!

Rebecca   April 26th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

It is amazing how many different backgrounds Hillary comes from. I didn't realize anyone could be so diverse without being mentally disabled. To truly believe she has all the experience and various backgrounds she claims to have is have multiple personalities. I wouldn't put it past her. She did used to talk to Eleanor Roosevelt's ghost back in the 1990's, look it up.

Kim   April 26th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Its funny how Billary has a new story to run with every state she goes…Stop your pathetic pandering…

Katie   April 26th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

HILLARY SAI D TODAY THAT SHE WANTS TO CREATE JOBS. JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, JOBS, BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT'S IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW.

WELL, THAT'S FUNNY, BECAUSE I RECALL A COUPLE STATES AGO THAT NATIONAL SECURITY IS WHAT'S IMPORTANT.

HILLARY ALSO SAID TODAY THAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE JOBS THAT MAKE ENOUGH MONEY SO WE CAN SAVE AND THEN POSED THE QUESTION THAT THAT'S BEEN HARD TO DO. IT'S NOT BEEN HARD FOR HER AND BILL TO SAVE MONEY, MILLIONS, WAY MORE THAN $4 MIL WORTH.

Mary   April 26th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Hillary is off to a great start in Indiana. She will win big there just like she did in Pa. More and more people are seeing she is the best candidate with a real plan to turn the country around, Go Hillary!!

jane   April 26th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

barack is a gentelman for not bashing her. he is so what america needs. lord he gets in the wh. look out all the crooked politicians
your money trail will be tighten ed up. he will have an eye on you and he is going to run an investgation on the bush years to see what illigal things went on and promising to prosecute him
aman

Rob   April 26th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Hillary wants to display her values in another tireing debate? I think not. She wants to air more racist inuendo. Also she wants free TV air time because she has mismanaged and squandered millions of dollars in campaign donations. the same way she will squander our tax money.

Hillary Sucks   April 26th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

She has none! Absolutely no values, whatsoever.

christi   April 26th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Hillary is making speeches about American values….what does she think a "stump speech" is??? She makes 'em, McCain makes 'em, Obama makes 'em. So what's the difference?

Unless she is somehow saying Obama doesn't understand "good-ol-boys" American values because he is not one.

So 109 Million dollars makes her a "good-ol-gal" and yet Barack is an elitist??? Give me a break!

Tamara, Virginia   April 26th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

First, she was from New York, then from Arkansas, then from Pennsylvania, now she's "midwestern" from Chicago. She talked about eating mexican food while in Texas. This lady will say and do anything to win. The truth is that she must be from another planet if she thinks that Americans can't see through her lies.

Amy   April 26th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

She is the lamest candidate ever and deserves an award for the most low blows given to a Dem candidate against a Dem candidate. How can she expect to keep the country together and with her when her husband needs directions to their bed?

Eric   April 26th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Hillary has done what many Americans wish they had done with their lives- used hard core determination, intelligence and strategy to make their lives (and yes, your's too) a better, more meaningful one. I believe the people that write of distrusting Hillary are in fact, jealous. And to call Hillary dishonest, and malign her campaign with "lies and deception" ?? PLEASE! What have we had for the past eight years other than administrative deception and lies! George Bush, his father, and his ilk have created an America that is distrusted world-wide and hated for our narrow-vision policies. I am sick of it! Go Hillay! I admire her effort. The world was a better place under Bill Clinton, and I believe it will return that way with Hillary. Speaking of the Bush administration… We have a saying in Texas that goes "A horse rots from the head.." George's lack of inclusive policies and terrible lying has shown how sick our national leadership is. And he's at the head.

colorado   April 26th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

she has values?

Voter   April 26th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

HILLARY LIED! HILLARY LIED!

Hillary's American values are to support NAFTA then say you don't.

Lie about snipper fire, misspoke? then why did she have TWO stories after we herd the facts, THEN she said she misspoke!

Hillary voted to NOT COUNT MI OR FL!!! Otherwise they would of been counted in the first place.

The list just keeps going.

P.S. IF all the superdelegates split 50-50 do you realise that Hillary needs to win EACH state by 66% or more to be ahead of Obama!

Ya that means she cant win!

Wandy Molars   April 26th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Too bad her name is Hillary it should have been hypocrite. Not too long ago when Mr. Clinton was running for reelection for her senate seat in New York she refused to debate her Republican opponent. She did not thing it was informative for the voters then. I amazed that she thinks debate is informative now. Could it be that she is out of money and wants free publicity.

The woman cannot manage her own campaign and wants to manage the US economy. Only God will deliver us from evil.

We the people do not want to hear any more of Hillary’s negative, and hateful gibberish.

Olivia   April 26th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Ive just been listening to Obama give a speech in Kokoma, IND, and I am truly disgusted with him. Talking about healthcare, he's saying almost word for word what Hillary say when addressing her health plan. He then says Hillary says the same, giving the impression it's his ideas and she feels the same, instead of the other way round. He also is saying that whatever difference he has with Hillary pales in the differences he has with McCain…….Hillary's words again.
This man has no shame! He likes to use other peoples words and ideas as his own.

He gets away with it too!

FactCheck   April 26th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Sorry but us Midwesterners don't believe in talking out of both sides of our mouths… oh, and most of us don't have $109 million to get by one.

Anonymous   April 26th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

Since when are lying and being rude midwestern values?

Suzie M. in NV   April 26th, 2008 5:49 pm ET

Good Midwestern values? What about staying married to a man that ignores the responsibility of fidelity within marriage? I have lost all respect for you, Senator Clinton. You are a bad example for any wife or mother and are not fit to be my Commander in Chief.

Allison Marie   April 26th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

We love you Hillary.

Funny Obama is running away from another debate! Wonder why….maybe he doesn't like unscripted events. He appears weak & pathetic, not very much like Commander & Chief.

Go Hillary Go!

brian bernard   April 26th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

hillary its time to go home

Venus   April 26th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Hillary - have a debate with your supporters!

You want a debate so you can continue to make people believe you are still in the race! It's over and you know it!

More than 70 of your donators are no longer are giving you any money - no wonder you are running out of cash!

Indiana is a red state any way! I will be glad when you are dragged off the stage in a rage!

Obama is so far ahead of you!

Tania   April 26th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Clinton is smarter and more credible than Obama by far.
Her embellishment of her Bosnia trip is nothing in comparison with Obama's untruthful drivel regarding his 20 year connection with a racist church and Pastor , just to mention one.
Every debate has shown his immaturity and inexperience when it comes to national and international affairs.
Hillary Clinton is also the only one that stresses fiscal restraint and the importance of a balanced budget.
Obama has yet to explain how he will change anything.
Hope won't do it.

NC Girl   April 26th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

At the beginning of this thing she tried to say that her husband was the first black president, now shie is poor and if she has to campaign in China Town she will be Chinese… She lies so much she will say and do anything and throw us all under the bus to get what she wants or prevent other from getting it first.

Ray from Gainesville VA   April 26th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Wasn't Sen Clinton the one who said the small states don't matter? The key to winning the general election is in the big states. Didn't she say that? So who is being the elitist? But no, that didn't get played over and over and over and over again on TV and radio. You watch though. If this goes to KY and WVA, small states, they'll be welcoming her with open arms. Sometimes the american people just really piss me off. Case in point; George W. Bush being reelected. Hope all yall are happy now.

Kentucky voter   April 26th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

I lived most of my life in the Midwest, and Hillary Clinton's campaign does not reflect Midwestern values.

Tiniakos   April 26th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

I completely agree, no more distractions.

Barbara in NC   April 26th, 2008 5:59 pm ET

Yup - I agree with you all. She's just like Willy.

Their policies are similar enough not to matter (since most decisions are pushed thru by Congress and Senate). I'll just feel a lot better knowing WHO is smoking in the white housw (probably no-one if the Obama's get it). (Oh - never mind, cigars don't count )- 8 YEARS OF THAT AT OUT EXPENSE IN THIS COUNTRY AND ON INTERNATIONAL TV !!!!!!!

Jay Shah   April 26th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

so lets list all the places Hillary considers her home territory

Chicago, IL (Midwest
Arkansas (south
New york (north east)
Pennsylvania (east)
California (west)

wow hillary..you really get around…

NotThisTimeinNY   April 26th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

American values? I saw the Hillary movie - I see no values in what the Clintons are trying to get away with — peterfpaul.com lays it out — stop ducking Hillary - your trial starts May 13th!!!

The Value Of Basic Honesty   April 26th, 2008 6:01 pm ET

Would the "good Midwestern values" that Hillary Clinton mentioned perhaps include a basic sense of honesty - to make sure one doesn't fall into the habit of making up false stories about oneself ?

kobs   April 26th, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Another fulhader story like we have got used to get from the Clintons.
She had guns living in PA, Sniper in Bosnai, now she is lived in Chicago and promisse you she will tell NC she had troubles when married to first black president just like them !!!!!!

STOP THE MADDNESS!!!!   April 26th, 2008 6:04 pm ET

Hillary looks like a clown at a parade. Whoever did her make up should be FIRED, but then again make up can't cover everything that's naturally there.

Hillary looks like she has aged 50 years in this one year she's campaigning, is she gonna hold up the extra mile to make it to DAY ONE!!??? I bet she be somewhere on DAY ONE trying to recover!!! We know what lack of sleep does to her, maybe we should give her that day off, don't want her sleepy with that much power at hand.

shey   April 26th, 2008 6:06 pm ET

I live in the midwest…….lying and cheating your way into power is NOT a good ole 'midwest' value!! Quite the opposite.

pander pander pander

MomGrandma   April 26th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

"The Democratic presidential candidate (Hillary Clinton) said while campaigning in South Bend, Indiana, the 90-minute debate would allow two candidates to ask each other questions."
WHY NOT?! If Senator Obama refuses to have a one-on-one, NO MODERATOR, debate with Senator Clinton, how in the world will he be able to confront leaders of other nations. He sounds like a preacher, but we need a leader.

Jane   April 26th, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Hahaha. Hillary Clinton has "midwestern values"?? What a crock! She was beaten badly in the State of Illinois, a state she was born into! Barack Obama CLEARLY has the Midwestern values Illinois and Indiana resonant with.

A New Vision For America with Barack Obama.

Proud American   April 26th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

The only debate that America needs to see is the the one between Obama and McCain. Nuff said!

Sam Meers   April 26th, 2008 6:09 pm ET

You go, Hillary. You have a plan. You have the experience. While Senator Obama sounds appealing and brings a message of hope, we all need to remember that hope is not a strategy.

You bring hope and experience. Rock on in Indiana!

STOP THE MADDNESS!!!!   April 26th, 2008 6:10 pm ET

MAYBE SHE"S AT THE CIRCUS IN DISGUSE AS A CLOWN TRYING TO LEARN MORE TRICKS???? YOU KNOW SHE NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT SOME TRICKS TO PULL THIS THING OFF!! FUZZY MATH AND ALL!!!

Freedwoman   April 26th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Hillary,

You are just what this country needs! Obama is not!

Values are what this is about and we know where "black liberation theology" leads us!

We work, we pay taxes, we stay out of trouble, we don't do drugs, we are not "bitter", just tired. tired of paying too much for too little.

You have a grip on the economy and getting us out of Iraq.

Stay in there. Don't jump every time the Washington pols play their favorite son, Obama.

We need someone to speak for us! Not the radical left!

Hillary 08!

Lizzie   April 26th, 2008 6:13 pm ET

Remember too that her midwestern values are what made her a GOLDWATER Girl! She only became a democrat when she went EAST to Wellesley, a liberal Boston area school! And only after she spent a year as President of the College Republicans. Read her biography

If she had stayed in the Midwest she would be the Republican she really (not so secretly) is.

I mean really: if she was really midwestern she'd be a republican!

Her constantly shifting political positions are really tiring.

Concerned Democrat   April 26th, 2008 6:15 pm ET

Hillary and McCain are on the same side of the fence: both of them are trying to defeat Obama.

Just one difference:
McCain is trying to defeat Obama in 2008.
Hillary is trying to help McCain in his task of defeating Obama in 2008, so that she can defeat McCain in 2012.

She knows that she can't defeat Obama.

The ones that vote for Clinton, are the ones that, without knowing, are helping the Republicans to reach the power again (more Iraq war, more economic crisis, etc.)

Think about it.

Mike, Seattle   April 26th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

I knew she's find some way to make ties closer to Indiana. "Values" have become something out of the Republican play book and she just comes as pandering.

Mike, Seattle   April 26th, 2008 6:17 pm ET

I knew she's find some way to make ties closer to Indiana.

"Values" have become something out of the Republican play book and she just comes across as pandering.

smrag   April 26th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

She is a seasoned liar, let us just put it that way..,

Mariann Pepitone   April 26th, 2008 6:19 pm ET

Is there a problem with my comments and you are not posting them.

Bubba   April 26th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

Isn't it odd that she would push for values when she doesn't have any herself? Curious…

Bitter Tommy in St. Louis   April 26th, 2008 6:20 pm ET

So, do "Midwestern values" include the willingness to do or say literally anything to get votes and grab power?

Mariann Pepitone   April 26th, 2008 6:22 pm ET

Alice: I will defend Hillary because she does not attend churches with racist's pastor's and I don't think she ever will. Obama said he did not hear the pastor's words while he was sitting in the pew. He said he wasn't friends with Ayers but their neighbors in Hyde Park. He knew him for years. They had dinner together. When it comes to lies check your facts to be sure your right.

jl   April 26th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

INTEGRITY IS A MIDWESTERN VALUE………..PLEASE PUSH THAT!

Mariann Pepitone   April 26th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Linda: Apparently you approve of pastor Wright and his racist church that Obama attended for 20 years. Are you in the same category. Are you anti-american yourself. If Obama attended that church for 20 years there is something wrong. Christians don't attend those kind of churches and have a pastor that hates white people and America.

Debra, MO   April 26th, 2008 6:26 pm ET

Did I read this right. Hillary is talking about values. Give me a break!!! LMAO

John   April 26th, 2008 6:29 pm ET

Obama plays little 3 on 3,donning a USMC T-shirt.For the sake of opinions and comments go the political ticker(CNN),and read for yourself what is available!

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