May 17, 2008
Posted: May 17th, 2008 05:00 PM ET

From

FRANKFORT, Kentucky (CNN) – After first targeting television pundits on Saturday for counting her out, Clinton zeroed in on John McCain and his economic policy at her second event, reiterating the argument that a McCain presidency would be a continuation of the Bush administration and saying, “I don’t know that you could be more out of touch.”

“In the end, Sen. McCain’s economic policy boils down to this – don’t just continue driving our nation in the wrong direction, put your foot on the accelerator and gun it,” Clinton told supporters at a poorly attended rally at Kentucky State University.

“You really have to work hard to have a tax plan more tilted to the wealthy than President Bush’s tax plan. But somehow John McCain has figured out a way to do it,” said Clinton.

Before Clinton had even delivered her remarks, the Republican National Committee sent reporters a response to attacks they knew were coming.

”Rather than explain why both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will raise taxes on hardworking Americans, Clinton is launching her own desperate attacks on John McCain,” said an RNC spokesman. “The Democrats’ plans for more taxes, more spending and more regulations will not grow the economy or create jobs. America needs strong leadership that understands the economy.”

Clinton has said she would repeal tax benefits Bush has given to corporations and wealthier individuals and revert to rates used during her husband’s administration.

Lost in all of this was Clinton’s principal rival, Barack Obama. As usual, Clinton jabbed him softly for not supporting her plan to remove gas tax taxes this summer, but otherwise she refrained from going after him.

With her chances of securing the nomination getting bleaker with each passing primary contest, Clinton is trying to get voters and superdelegates to focus on the general election, arguing that she has been more successful in important states and would be a stronger candidate to go up against McCain.

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • John McCain


Scott in NC   May 17th, 2008 10:08 pm ET

The Republicans say “The Democrats’ [plan] more taxes, more spending and more regulations". We already know the Republicans have implemented less taxes (but only for the uber-rich), more spending (to waste in Iraq between now and at least 2013), and more government power (to borrow money from our children, spy on us, suspend our civil rights and defy any attempt to give public access to information about what they've done).

Their platform calls for more of the same Bush policies. I think "out of touch" is pretty accurate.

Rich   May 17th, 2008 10:06 pm ET

If Clinton were more electable and had a better campaign, she would be winning now instead of being so far behind she thinks she's first.

Desmond Sequeira   May 17th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Clear as crystal: OBAMA IS THE PRESIDENT THE USA DESPERATELY NEEDS. and the world can trust. Clinton/ McSame appear to be gravely out of touch with this reality.

Hillaryis404   May 17th, 2008 10:03 pm ET

Hey Angie – check out your friends on hillaryis44.com – they're crawling all over themselves to thank RUSH LIMBAUGH and Operation Chaos for coming out to vote for Hillary.

Here's a quote from one of them (about an anti-Obama video): "Hat Tip for the video embed to Michelle Malkin and Right Wing News."

Michelle Malkin? Are you insane?

democrat   May 17th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

This is insane, the DNC give Obama the nomination is going to be like giving a blind man a key to drive a car .There is no way he is going to get my vote.

Karen P   May 17th, 2008 10:01 pm ET

It's best Hillary sticks to the issues at hand. That might have gotten her more votes earlier. People are turned off by negative campaigning and that will be McCain's/Republicans' downfall too. Voters are just tired of the childish behavior that's been displayed this campaign season. If we want to listen to or see "smut" we can watch soap operas. I certainly don't want my grandkids watching this stuff...they can learn better manners elsewhere.

ericmiami   May 17th, 2008 10:00 pm ET

I'm a bitter old white guy, bitter over the last tragic eight years and I'm voting for Sen. Obama.

enoch needles   May 17th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

Yes, Angela – it's the 3rd Saturday in May before the full moon in an election year where the sum of the year's digits add up to 10, so according to HillaryMath, she must be ahead in the popular vote. As long as you're only counting the votes of those that Hillary is popular with.

HillaryMath – it just doesn't add up.

Montana is Obama Country   May 17th, 2008 9:59 pm ET

I don't care if Hillary attacks McBush.. McBush is more of the same ole same ole washington politics..

John McCain needs a DEAR JOHN letter from America announing this is – NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN..

especially one who follows in the Bush trenches..

Yes...We..Can...

Wilmoth Nichols   May 17th, 2008 9:57 pm ET

We had a number of very good people running for the Democratic nomination for President, and now we are down to the two worst ones, in my opinion. I will vote for the Democrat on election day, but only because I cannot bear the idea of another Republican in the White House for four more years. Our country is bankrupt, and our dollar has shrunk, we are not respected internationally. And the Republicans make an issue out of the fact that Barak Obama doesn't wear a flag pin in his lapel!

Crush Rush   May 17th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

She does have a great imagination.

Mike   May 17th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Obama is an idiot and must drop out.

HILLARY CAN WIN IN NOVEMBER!!   May 17th, 2008 9:52 pm ET

DO NOT LET THE MEDIA SWAY YOU!!!!!!

HILLARY LEADS IN THE POPULAR VOTE!!!!!

OVER HALF THE COUNTRY WANTS HER TO BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT OF CHANGE!!!!!!

HILLARY CAN DO IT! I TRUST HER!!!!!!!!

Franky   May 17th, 2008 9:51 pm ET

To be honest, I "think" I know what's going on since after the "event." I'm not gonna lie but I've decided not to criticize Hillary anymore ever since. As for the RNC's Response to Hillary........well, let's just say that statement itself, says it all........they(RNC) know who they are.....

Don't worry Hillary, I wouldn't mind you taking a shot....do what you gotta do....

HILLARY CAN WIN IN NOVEMBER!!   May 17th, 2008 9:50 pm ET

HILLARY IS THE REAL CHANGE!!!!!!!!!

WE SUPPORT YOU HILLARY AND RESPECT YOU FOR NOT GIVING UP!

GO HILLARY GO!!!!!!!

v.ananthan   May 17th, 2008 9:48 pm ET

Some Obama supporters are saying that Hillary^s and obama^s policies are same and people should unite behind Obama…..

Policies are same because obama was/is copying Hillary^s policies……

If both the policies are same then people better vote for Hillary because Obama has made some very stupid "bitter" comments which are not good and Obama can^t debate.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! …

Lisa Lee Erikson   May 17th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

37,000,000 Americans are living in poverty....and more are scheduled to add to the totals.....we have a death wish if we vote to continue this madness.

Get Real   May 17th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Well I don't know about McCain but Hillary you are very much out of touch with reality and what the average American thinks about you.

Angela   May 17th, 2008 9:45 pm ET

Obama won the caucus states, come november the republicans who came out to vote as a democrat, in those caucus states, will vote for McCain. If Obama is the nominee he is going to lose by a landslide. Hillary Clinton is winning the popular vote and she has won the states that need to be won In November. Vote Clinton in 2008.

Hillary Huckabee   May 17th, 2008 9:44 pm ET

It's not the pundits vs. Hillary; it's not the boys vs. Hillary; it's not the small states vs. Hillary; it's not the caucuses vs. Hillary; it's not the voters vs. Hillary; it's not the superdelegates vs. Hillary; it is the facts and reality vs. Hillary, and she refuses to accept it.

I didn't know that she and George Bush shared such a common thread in delusional, annointed, messianic thinking, but she continues to prove it day in and day out.

Hey Hillary! George Bush is winning the was on terror, too!

The Oracle   May 17th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

Well. I'm an obama fan. But I will say this. Lets stop jumping on Hill. She seems to be doing the right thing and gracefully bowing out. I understand her wanting to finish, shes running for women everywhere and doesn't want to be seen a s a quitter. So lets cut her some slack.

mitchell from arkansaw   May 17th, 2008 9:41 pm ET

you are destroying the party,hillary!your supporters are threatening to vote for mccain ,the longer you stay in the race.i know they are a bunch of blonde females,who have no idea what the issues are,and couldn't care less.they jusy want a woman who lies like they do.

Crush Rush   May 17th, 2008 9:37 pm ET

I bet no one knows McCains real name.

INTELLIGENCE RULES   May 17th, 2008 9:36 pm ET

Dumb, dumb, dumb. Vote for McCain or stay home. PLEASE KEEP YOUR WORD! Neither the DNC, Obama supporters nor the INTELLIGENT remaining electorate are scared of your empty threats. Just like your candidate, you all seem to think you can bully people to get the results YOU want. NOT!!!!!! Obama is winning this nomination fair and square. All the fuzzy math doesn't change the facts. Anyway, there are plenty of voters out there who have the courage to make the right choice in November. The rest of you are fools to vote against your own interests, and complete morons since you seem to be proud of it! I can't wait for Obama to be sworn in come January 2009.

God Bless America   May 17th, 2008 9:35 pm ET

What Hillary says isn't news anymore!

Pennsylvania   May 17th, 2008 9:35 pm ET

Obama has my vote but I still admire the tenacity of this woman.

Continue your campaigning Hillary, which you have definitely earned the right to do, while continuing to help strengthen and unify our democratic party. Your tone has changed for the better and your attacks are now directed toward the real villain... McBush.

We all need to work together to get this country back on track.

You go girl!!!

All American   May 17th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Seems to me that McCain said he knew nothing of the economy a few months ago. Now he is an expert. I don't think anyone is that quick of a lurner. But he is right when he said the people need strong leadership and someone that understands the economy. Thats why I am voiting for Hillary. She has done more for the people and understands more about the economy then the other two put together.

Michael Kirksville MO   May 17th, 2008 9:31 pm ET

The only one more out of touch with reality than McCain is Obama. Remind us again, Obamabots, what part of the Clinton/90s didn't you like: the peace or the prosperity?? Or are most of you too young to give a $%!*??

Independent Voter   May 17th, 2008 9:29 pm ET

McCain out of touch???? Hillary should know about "out of touch"
She is the Queen of out of touch...she is also out of her freakin'
mind! Someone get a straight-jacket...I fear this is the only way to
contain this nut case on her way to the nut house!!!!

Blackwoman, Ohio   May 17th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

Why was Obama's mother on food stamps? I thought she met Obama's father in college and University of Hawaii. This does not make sense to me. Both his parents were college educated yet were on food stamps. I'm black and both my parents are not college educated, I was raised in a single parent home and we have never been on welfare.

This is not an attack on him, I just am truly confused and never read his book.

armod   May 17th, 2008 9:28 pm ET

The Democrats’ plans for more taxes, more spending and more regulations will not grow the economy or create jobs. America needs strong leadership that understands the economy.”

Republicans obviously don't have a clue since they ran the country into this awful RECESSION. The age old game of Tax and Spend is not going to cut it with the American people. The Republicans have a lot to answer, if they knew how to run the country and understood the Economy why are we in this mess.

Their scar tactics don't work wil not work and they need a new game book with new plays, however, not this year, not at this time and not in the future. Republican Plan just ignore that you ran the country into the ground and complain about the other Party and keep sending negative attacks and we the American people will stand together and tell Republicans how that is not and will not work for us.

Welcome aboard Senator Clinton, it's time to come together!

Susan   May 17th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

By the way Hillary, could you please tell your looney supporters to tone it down. Maybe you should have someone teach you a little math. No matter how you cut it, you are not going to win. Out of touch – that is Mccain and Clinton. Stand up and take it like a big person, and stop the whining and the hate your supporeters are spewing.

Richard Bell - Winston-Salem, NC.   May 17th, 2008 9:27 pm ET

its starting. Hillary supporters are going to McCain to prevent an Obama presidency.

An Agnostic Democrat   May 17th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Says the woman who has no chance of being the Democratic nominee because she can't add or manage money, and cheats and changes the rules to accomodate her version of reality.

The Truth   May 17th, 2008 9:25 pm ET

Hillary changed her mind and wants to count Fl and Mi I agree with her. and O bomb us changed his mind and now wants to wear the US Flag emblem and changed his mind on thinking that Reverend Wright was right to Reverend Wright is now wrong. So give me a break and let's count all the votes to include FL and MI

Jeanne   May 17th, 2008 9:24 pm ET

I'm pleased to see Hillary moving in the right direction. It now does appear that the Democrat's party is more important to her than her personal goals. She can always run again in 2012.

jason   May 17th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

lol. McCain cost hillary the election. Their history forced her to not get fiesty with him. She was hoping to stay out of it, but now Obama is a "hero" for lashing out at McCain – so she needs to join in against McCain or she'll phase out of the news.

It's unfortunate (for her – not for the rest of the country) that the Obama-McCain feud caught on in the media.

Jerome, FL   May 17th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

Hillary is doing the right thing because Dems must unite against McBush, eight years in Hell is long enough!

Crush Rush   May 17th, 2008 9:22 pm ET

John McCain and the Republicans are in for a wankin.

tom NY   May 17th, 2008 9:21 pm ET

If McCain wins in November it would be a absolutely horrible outcome. Clinton is totally correct, but she can't get the nomination and she's getting more delusional each day it seems.

maggie   May 17th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

please give up hillary before you make our party look like flip floppiers

Ken from Kentucky   May 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Bringing the troops home from Iraq is a huge mistake-by taking the pressure off of Al Qaeda, they'll be in the U.S. in six months and our neighborhoods won't be safe--I say FIGHT AL QAEDA IN IRAQ AND ALL OVER THE MIDEAST, NOT HERE.

Brian   May 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

Old style polictics

Michael   May 17th, 2008 9:19 pm ET

john you grow the hell up obama is not going to win the nomination maybe he can supply you with drugs that you seem to be on how more stupid can you be funny theres a tape the repubs are going to smash him with when hes the nominator i love it go mccain

Ilona Proud Canadian   May 17th, 2008 9:15 pm ET

"America Needs Strong Leadership That Understands The Economy"

Well I guess they (republicans) woke up and realize that Sen. McCain does not qualify as this type of Leader!! Thank you republicans.......

Surely this is what they meant?

marek   May 17th, 2008 9:13 pm ET

Dear John
Flip-flop McCain is out of touch with reasonable thinking people and
Hillary is pointing it out so go and watch fix news that will make you happy.

Obama 2008 AND 2012

Obama Supporter   May 17th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

We must all unite behind the only choice, the Obama supporter....Yes We Can all hate like them and bring the party together in the fall...Hate the Clinton's,McCain and all their supporters Yes We Can all Hate

Venus   May 17th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

Way to go Hillary! Let Mc Cain have it!

Go luck in Kentucky!

Go Obama!

Jake   May 17th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

Obama supporters have been so obnoxious it has turned many DEMs off to Obama. If you are so confident of her success why don't you just take the high road and sut up yourself?

Dr. Joseph Akomodi   May 17th, 2008 9:08 pm ET

Senator McCain cannot think right for this modern society. He is just too old to be President. He should be compelled to retire from public service. He has served his Country well enough. We should all thank him for his service. He should be given the highest award of the United States and tell him nicely to enjoy his retirement.

mitchell from arkansaw   May 17th, 2008 9:07 pm ET

get 'em hillary!you have nothing to lose,now!

Jawahar Chirimar   May 17th, 2008 9:05 pm ET

next thing is Huckabee will level a joke about a black man hanging fomr a tree at Barack and we will have people on TV asking us to forgive that because after all Huckabee is a good Christian who has apologized and is known for making bad jokes.

I love this country

FloridaVoter   May 17th, 2008 9:02 pm ET

She is a little bit irrelevent to the Republicans.

Independent   May 17th, 2008 9:00 pm ET

No offense, Sen. Clinton, but that is the pot calling the kettle black. You just can't let this go, and it will east you alive unless you come to terms with the fact that you are not our choice!

Kay from cali   May 17th, 2008 8:59 pm ET

LOL! I guess this is proof Hillary isnt relevant anymore. Ha Ha ha

john   May 17th, 2008 8:57 pm ET

Your Royal Highness Hillary....we do not want to hear another word from you until 2012, then you can spin your webs of lies and deceptions..but for now just SHUT UP and get out of our lives...

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

twitter
@edhenrycnn: http://twitpic.com/pplw9 - Mike Allen of Politico with his ever-present laptop on a bus working on the next Playbook in a rainy Shanghai
Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:46:19 -0800
@PrestonCNN: Palin also used Facebook Sunday to criticize AP’s coverage of “Going Rogue.” She’s on Oprah Monday; then the book tour begins.
Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:36:08 -0800
@PrestonCNN: Palin tells Facebook followers Sunday that “Going Rogue” is “dedicated to you – Patriots – who love the U.S.A. as much as I do.”
Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:11:20 -0800
@edhenrycnn: http://twitpic.com/ppf5p - An image of the Lakers' Kobe Bryant on the middle pole advertising Nike store in Shanghai
Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:57:18 -0800
@edhenrycnn: @emmymason we r 13 hrs ahead in Shanghai and we r safe just creepy to have security outside your door. reminds me of Russia
Updated: Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:19:45 -0800
Categories
Powered by WordPress.com VIP