June 7, 2009
Posted: June 7th, 2009 09:45 AM ET

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says President Obama has answered the central question that she raised about him when she was his chief rival for the Democratic presidential nomination.

In an interview with ABC's "This Week" broadcast Sunday, Clinton was asked about her famous "3 a.m." ad last year, which questioned whether Obama was the right candidate to handle a middle-of-the-night international crisis.

"Has the president answered it for you?" host George Stephanopoulos asked.

"Absolutely," Clinton replied. "And, you know, the president, in his public actions and demeanor, and certainly in private with me and with the national security team, has been strong, thoughtful, decisive, I think he is doing a terrific job. And it's an honor to serve with him."

Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Popular Posts • President Obama


Ed   June 7th, 2009 12:56 pm ET

I have never felt less safe than I do today. This after 12 years in the military and 2 overseas tours in a hostile zone. Our enemies, and believe me, we've had them regardless of our politics in the middle east, are primed and ready.

jT   June 7th, 2009 12:29 pm ET

I think America made a mistake. Hillary should have been the President.

So far Obama just keep spending lots, lots of tax payer's money.

So far Obama keeps making good speaches.

I do not see any positive change yet.

He is now the President for 5 months and he still blaming Bush.

Lonestar Wolf   June 7th, 2009 12:10 pm ET

HILLARY CLINTON–CLASS–CLASS–CLASS PRESIDENT 2012.

Champly   June 7th, 2009 12:08 pm ET

Despite CNN's contentions to the contrary, these two don't give a rat's ass about the security of the country. They have no concept of security. They are warped individuals in the mold of Adolph Hitler and Mao Tse Tung.

Lee   June 7th, 2009 12:05 pm ET

Will you did a great job of parroting. Can you prove these statements incorrect?

Will   June 7th, 2009 11:51 am ET

I love how the comments by Republicans all sound like talking points they heard from Fox News....some examples just from this discussion board.

"3am? For what? Paybacks to ACORN out the back door?"

"He is destroying this country with his spending and gov. control of everything "

"All Obama has done for this country is apologize for us"

Really, Republicans? Is that all you've got? And you wonder why you lost the election, are still losing members, and we Democrats can't take you seriously.

Sharon from MA   June 7th, 2009 11:45 am ET

I supported Hillary for president and she is a CLASSY LADY....they were in a battle for the presidency and people say things to try and win.....Just look what the right wing nut jobs McCain and Palin spewed out!!! If Hillary didn't respect President Obama she wouldn't bother serving as Secretary of State...the only people who have a problem and have to bring this crap up are those who have NOTHING CONSTRUCTIVE to say!!! And as a former Hillary supporter I think our President Obama is a CLASSY MAN and I finally feel safe after 8 years of the Bush/Cheney HORROR!!!

Clark   June 7th, 2009 11:43 am ET

He hasn't passed the 3AM test with me.
I watched ToraToraTora last night (the documentary) ... and could definitely see the parallels between the Pres's wanting to talk with dictators and the way the U.S. pacifists kept us from appropriately responding to Hitler's aggression and Japan's aggression in Europe and China respectively earlier.
I also don't see him as passing the judgment test in judicial matters either as he prefers judges that will be partial to the poor ... rather than using blind justice to evaluate cases.
And as far as economics he has failed already by putting our grandchildren into debt.
And because he consistently displays a "me attitude" ... he needs to be warned about "pride coming before a fall" .... and the fact that "as a nation's leaders go – so does the nation".

Michele   June 7th, 2009 11:42 am ET

Is this news? Not really. But does it demonstrate the ineptitude, insecurities and ignorance of the public? Absolutely.

The weakening of our country has little to do with our leaders and more to do with the voting public who would rather bicker like adolescents about menial blog commentary than actively participate in a democratic society by demostrating true civic competence & social understanding. Bush, Cheney, Obama – they don't get nearly the attention as do the yellow journalists at FOX, CNBC & CNN. Heck, more people in this country know the drama of John & Kate than the gov. foreign policy, economic resolutions or healthcare proposals! It's time to grow up boys & girls.

Jake   June 7th, 2009 11:40 am ET

i love Hillary! it's reassuring to know they are working together. they are great team! and i'm looking forward to a 2016 clinton administration

Champly   June 7th, 2009 11:39 am ET

These two are some of the most corrupt individuals to hold their respective offices. You have to go back to the Grant administration to see the level of gross immorality and thuggery these two represent. God save us.

carol   June 7th, 2009 11:37 am ET

No other president has put us in debt like Obama has. He campaigned against lobbiest, and pork spending. Ooops....I guess he just mispoke. This guy supported a bill they wouldn't require insurance companies to pay for hospital care for little babies of botched abortions. Does this not tell you the kind of person he is???? The man is dangerous and our country is in deep trouble!!

Dan, TX   June 7th, 2009 11:35 am ET

Hey Hillary, What has Barack answered? To the Muslims may be at 3:00AM. It is a joke.

Doug, Atlanta   June 7th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Duh, what should she say? he is now her boss!

Though about It   June 7th, 2009 11:33 am ET

Oh bitter, bitter republicans....you always talk about Obama is going to ruin the country....

Think about it there is nothing left to ruin.....

Bush made sure of that LOL!!!

Steph   June 7th, 2009 11:32 am ET

What 3 a.m. call??? Michelle probably answered and told them to call Bush because BO would not have a clue what to do....If we ever have a crisis we will have wait until his teleprompter tells him what do--all of the Obama followers, some day you will wake up and really smell the coffee as to how your King Barack Hussein is destroying America and wants to be king of the world....The millions of BO followers of the cult are too naive to figure anything out and if you would ask them a question and why they voted for Obama we would hear the chant 'yes we can' and they have no idea what Obama stands for....read about Hitler and you will be see many similarities......but it is already too late!

lois   June 7th, 2009 11:25 am ET

Of course she couldn't say differently. Just wondering what she really thinks.

NC = Blue in '08   June 7th, 2009 11:23 am ET

Aww, this is kinda sentimental. I feel like she really respects him. I guess at this point she has to respect the thinking, intellect, and leadership he has shown throughout.

Karine   June 7th, 2009 11:23 am ET

These people will say and do anything for political expedience .
Are Americans really so gullible to be fooled by empty words and grandiose speeches full of rhetoric and no substance.

New Age Democrat   June 7th, 2009 11:22 am ET

If that's a crisis to Hillary, and a reasonable example of how the President would handle an emergency, I now now that we're in a lot of trouble.

Ted Tartaglia   June 7th, 2009 11:22 am ET

It is amazing how much hate is generated by people dissatisfied with the outcome of the last election. Many of the hate spewers seem to be christian zealots who cannot stand it when someone other a Republican occupies the White House. Think back to when Clinton was elected President. These same whackos were after him from the moment he was sworn in. Now they are exhibiting the same behavior with President Obama accusing him of ruining the country. They seem to have amnesia when it comes to Reagan, Bush 1 and 2. Who was it who ran up the national debt from 1 trillion to about 11 trillion? It sure wasn't Clinton or Obama. It was Republicans who ran up the debt and they still come up with the same old failed policy; tax cuts, tax cuts, tax cuts. What a bunch of hypocritical losers!

Jean   June 7th, 2009 11:21 am ET

What question? He has not done anything but talk with his teleprompter.

I can give a speech with a teleproompter.

Dimslie   June 7th, 2009 11:18 am ET

Hillary should be on TV more often. It's easy to forget how despicable she really is.

DaBird   June 7th, 2009 11:16 am ET

The only 3 am test he has had is when he and Rahm are trying to figure out how to raise taxes on EVERYONE so the sheep don't know it's happening.

Franky   June 7th, 2009 11:12 am ET

LOL!! Hey, wait a minute, you think you can just backtrack and go crazy, I caught you! LOL!!! Grrrrrr!!!

TCM   June 7th, 2009 11:11 am ET

3am? For what? Paybacks to ACORN out the back door? OR perhaps robbing decent hardworking Americans to play the slackers whose vote he bought....Hillary's just another lying clinton, and Obama is the worst disaster this country has seen. The undercurrents are smoldering and the liberals are fanning to flames leading to their own demise.......

DEA   June 7th, 2009 11:11 am ET

She also slammed Bush last year for "begging" Saudi's to lower oil prices. Will she also retract that statement since Obama is now over there doing the same thing as oil prices continue to rise during this Democrat policy caused recession?

Totally Controlled   June 7th, 2009 11:11 am ET

Hillary is totally under his control, right where he wanted her, after everything her team said about Obama during the election, for her to accept this position and allow herself to be muzzled by the likes of Obama, only proves that she would and has sold her soul for a political position.

The 3 AM call, has not happened under Obama and if it does we are in for a rude awaking.

Rick not committed to any faith   June 7th, 2009 11:10 am ET

Clinton and Obama are a great team. They both back track on campaign promises. The sheeple of the United States deserve them.

D. Tree   June 7th, 2009 11:09 am ET

We are lucky to have 3 of the top contenders from the Democratic primary serving together in this administration. Our country has called upon us to all work together toward rebuilding our economy and leadership on the international stage.

ib   June 7th, 2009 11:08 am ET

Liberals are dumb if they think Obama is doing a good job. He is destroying this country with his spending and gov. controll of everything and Hillary fits right along with him. Obama doesn't care what happens as long as he takes controll of everything. I've worked for everything I have with no gov. handouts; only those that think the gov. owes them everything are supporting this so called president. I've learned to spew hate from the best; liberals have showed me the way the past few years and I would be saying the same thing about Obama if he was a republican. I wonder how many liberals would be taking up for him if he was a republican????

wynema   June 7th, 2009 11:08 am ET

What 3:00 test would she be talking about????
All Obama has done for this country is apologize for us and put us in tremendous debt. He campaigned on not taxing health benefits and now he is open to it. No pork barrel spending, but there were 2000 of them or more in the stimulous package. You want to save the polar bears yet you liberals don't mind killing babies. I do not understand you. Those of you hailing and worshipping Obama must be nuts!

The Bu   June 7th, 2009 11:07 am ET

I think Hillary Clinton is also doing a terrific job. She is part of a team and she fully understands that. And I think this team is doing everything within its power to make things better for all Americans.

Obama/Biden '08 & '12

Clinton/Clinton '16 & '20

Emma   June 7th, 2009 11:02 am ET

Clinton and Obama are a terrific team. We are so lucky to have people of that calibre at the top after the 8 dismal years of mediocrity.

Lynn   June 7th, 2009 11:01 am ET

Two adversies that go through the same conflicts sometimes do become the closest of allies. This has happened to Pres. Obama and Sec Clinton and they both got the job they are suited for.

I applaud two people who truly have put country first by burying past wounds and finding "common ground". It is unfortunate the fossils in the Congress on both sides of the political arena couldn't do the same thing.

Bill   June 7th, 2009 11:00 am ET

I believe if HRC had won the election we would see a level of leadership that Obama cannot deliver because of his lack of experience. Unfortunately, when Obama threw his hat in the ring, he defined the starting point as light years behind the Clinton's. Every time I see this guy on the tube he reminds me of a punk riding a tricycle. But he sure does like living the high life, romantic dinners in NYC while living in DC, dinner at the Eiffel Tower. The man has an issue with priorities. I thought it was particularly ugly reading their private/public spats in the media this week. Very un-Presidential.

Wanza   June 7th, 2009 10:57 am ET

Obama/ Clinton!!! what a great combo. May God bless the USA. I am looking for a great future ahead for this planet.

GOP Disaster   June 7th, 2009 10:56 am ET

There's an old saying keep your enemies close and that's what Obama is doing!

Ambrose Smith, Borrego Springs, California   June 7th, 2009 10:52 am ET

The GOP had their sights set on Clinton when they thought she was going to win the Dem nomination in a walkover.

But Obma came in and threw the GOP a curve.

Those GOP folks who were yelling, "DEFEAT HILLARY!" should send Obama a thank you note.

She was defeated.

I think she is dong an excellent job as Secretary of State.

And the GOP loses on two fronts! Ha! How do you like them apples?

Joe   June 7th, 2009 10:51 am ET

I truly find it hard to believe that before noon on Sunday, there is already such a high level of cynicism and vitriol among just the people who read and comment on this board. It is little wonder that our leaders have a hard time governing. We, because of our lack of citizenship, make it an impossible task for them. It would do us all good if each and every day, we could remember how we felt on 9/11. Too bad, it takes our country being under attack to make us be civil in our dealing with one another when it comes to matters of governing our country.

And we call ourselves proud Americans?

Anonymous   June 7th, 2009 10:51 am ET

Well said Secretary Clinton.

Ernie in LA   June 7th, 2009 10:50 am ET

I think that Hillary is playing the game and agreeing with her boss. I can not believe that she supports Obama in all she says she does. She just wants to keep her job. Had she been elected, things would be different.

Hirotomi Takemitsu   June 7th, 2009 10:49 am ET

Hillary is very sneaky, but she might actually be telling the truth.

Then again, she wouldn't publically bash her boss on TV in front of billions!

I think she is two-faced, always ready with the knife behind the back.
She's bidding her time until if she chooses to run again in 2016. She'd be nearly 70, but she'd probably be up for it.

Then the real Hillary we saw last Summer will be out again. Slicing and dicing her old boss up and trhowing him to the jackals.

THat's Hillary.

larry buchas   June 7th, 2009 10:48 am ET

Hillary,

You're doing a great job too. Thank God the Democratic Party is led by practical and competent people after eight years of isolation.

roberto   June 7th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Even though they had their differences during the election, I truly think the best man won HONESTLY this round. I am glad to see them get along and run this great country with common sense and not spew hate like some of the "others" are. We are grown-ups not kids. Act like one or show your ignorance.

Steve Lyone   June 7th, 2009 10:47 am ET

Obama is a con artist and an embarrassment to the US. He is systematically destroying the US Economy with bailouts, and takeovers that this country cannot afford. And he needs to get some humility, because he is NOT a god nor is he royalty. He needs to remember he came from a one night stand and a failed marriage. And he could start by admitting he's half white and NOT black.

Anka   June 7th, 2009 10:45 am ET

Obama has not had any events to deal with that would require a 3 am call. If it was not for the Bush admimistration that took those 3 am calls – Obama would not have been able to sleep through the night as he has been.

Funny how so early into Obama's term these types of stupid comments are made. Ah, I forgot – Democtrats need to pep rally on their imgained capacities to continue to draw the vote of the ignorant democratic voting citizens, so that they can have a chance to be on the considered on the next election.

Give Obama time – without a doubt – though he is smart – he will screw up. Well, he already has – using your tax $ to go on a date with with ever appreciative to be an American wife – in NY. Obama is no messiah, he is no Lincoln. He is a non American born crook, who with empty words got himself elected to the white house with the vote of ignorant democratic voting citizens.

The time to talk is after the term, just like when one takes a test. A passing or failing grade is not given until the test has been evaluated. Obama's test has just begun. So far, he has nothing to write home about and is not deservant of any predictions.

This too shall pass. I just hope that the damage is not irrepairable.

Tracy-Oakley   June 7th, 2009 10:45 am ET

CTR, if we learned anything last year is that noone can muzzle Hillary Clinton...He is passing the 3 AM call, 4 AM call, 5 AM, 6 AM call. Great job Mr. President on speaking openly to the Muslim community and holding Isreal and Palestine to their agreement.

MN gal who is glad she voted for Obama   June 7th, 2009 10:43 am ET

Before I got on board with Obama, I was a ardent Hillary supporter. She is a strong, smart woman who is doing a great job as our Secretary of State. Obama is doing a fantastic job given all he was handed on January 20th.
For those of you also on the left (albeit extreme left by your statements) put your anger and distaste for Hillary aside. It would probably kill you to admit that she is the right person for the SoS job. So just zip it. We won the battle. Stay united. Otherwise your comments and actions make you no different than those on the right – ignorance and belligerence are qualities better left to those in the GOP.

Olivia, Buffalo   June 7th, 2009 10:39 am ET

Hillary Clinton is so smart. As a woman I am so proud of her. She definitively one the biggest assets for Obama. Obama proved to have brains over his shoulders and he will be recognized as one of the greastest presidents of America. After Bush anyone would be better. Lucky us we have just not anyone but Obama and Clinton.

RJ   June 7th, 2009 10:39 am ET

"May the words I speak today be soft and tender because I may have to eat them tomorrow"...Guess somebody didn't listen to that advice.

Scott   June 7th, 2009 10:36 am ET

not bashing Hil, but this is what is disgusting about politics....either she was campaigning and not being honest, or she is now publicly lying about her opinion about BO. In politics, power and title are more important than integrity.

hn   June 7th, 2009 10:34 am ET

While Hillary is terrific, she showed her weakness during the election which caused her the nomination. She did not prepare well or correctly and she miscalculated. These are extremely important deficiencies which a president cannot possess.

Think about this:
She did not know the demo. primary election rules for California going into the elections. She did not know the Texas cacuss rules. She also showed her lack of knowledge of the south asian continent in some of her off the cuff remarks. But she is smart, competent and will do a great job when directed well.

Kevin B   June 7th, 2009 10:30 am ET

Those vested in ensuring fear and divisivness the world will keep fighting this administration's pragmatism and progress on the international front.

These parties are the right wing of the GOP and thier millionaire "radio host" and the Islamic etxremist"

The similarities between the GOP wing nuts and Al Queada are uncanny.

Marcus Tate   June 7th, 2009 10:25 am ET

Still cannot stand Hillary Clinton. She is a proven liar, a known thief, and a weasel who will say whatever she has to to get what she wants. She cannot be trusted. I am sorry Obama made her Secretary of State. She does no belong in this Administration – she is a product of the days gone by. She would have fit in better in the Bush Administration. I absolutely hate her.

Ted van Tol   June 7th, 2009 10:25 am ET

A great woman and a great President.
America, count your blessings.
I predicted he would be President 5 years ago and
that he would be respected all over the world. Now he
is, I am afraid because I also predicted he would be not safe
in his own country and that he will be killed by a right wing extremist.
I pray, and hope that this predicton will never come true.
I realy love your President and so are millions all over the world.
To all the haters I say, I am so sorry you cannot enjoy this once in
your life time President.

Now CNN, please post my comment for once!

Ted van Tol
The Netherlands

She landed in Bosnia under fire   June 7th, 2009 10:25 am ET

We're never going to end these wars. These 2 are more worried about what type of clothes they are wearing and our troops keep getting pushed into impossible situations.

This isn't news. Obama flipped on war, torture, spying, spending, bailouts, etc.

We need to have an open public discussion about our foreign policy. The people need to decide if our country is going to be ran by corrupt, incompetent mouth pieces who put our children in harm's way or by a defend the U.S. borders policy.

Mark   June 7th, 2009 10:25 am ET

Just another politically motivated statement from the "evil step-mother". I just wonder how long it will take for people to realize it is all about the power with this person. She would sell everything down the river to get a chance at being top dog....

vegage   June 7th, 2009 10:24 am ET

That's my girls in action, I just love her. So happy she is doing a marvelous job showing the world what truly United States is about. Definitely United States is back in town as a good neighbor working with it's partners, not lecturing them.

Dawn in Pa   June 7th, 2009 10:24 am ET

President Obama is a very smart man. He picked Hillary to be his SOS. She was First Lady and she knew alot of the leaders and even though I felt she might not have been ready to be POTUS, but in time she could be. She is still young enough and she is quite smart.and in my book she is making a big difference in the Obama administration.

As for the 3 AM call, he has had many, and he is handling it, he is not calling forth the nukes to bomb North Korea, he is doing things the way a President is suppose to act!

katiec   June 7th, 2009 10:24 am ET

What a great team we have. President Obama and Sec of State Hillary Clinton have the same goals, lead, honor and protect the future of our great nation. With the issues she faces, Hillary has no time for the pettiness and the intelligence to know our country is more important. We have representatives that not only listen, but HEAR what other have to say.
What a welcome and needed change.

csh   June 7th, 2009 10:22 am ET

There is nobody who is smarter, more well-informed or stronger than Hillary Clinton.

We are lucky to have her serving the public in any capacity.

She is the anti-Sarah Palin!

Olivia   June 7th, 2009 10:20 am ET

I was not the biggest fan of her during the primary but she doing an awesome job and I wish she will make a run for Prez.

shirley.roybal   June 7th, 2009 10:19 am ET

hillary has my respect always, can she tell me why he hasn't yet answered the call on the housing crisis or why banks are not helping people to refinance.

maurice from ontario   June 7th, 2009 10:16 am ET

During the campaign in 2008, there were lots of thing said in order to "tilt the advantage" toward the person who expressed them. Many times, these things were often based on conjecture, rather than fact. There is no doubt that either Barack Obama or Hilary Clinton would be able to lead this country back closer to its values and place in the world. History will show that Barack Obama managed to win his party's nomination and was then elected POTUS.

I am proud of Hilary Clinton, not only for the campaign she ran at the time, but for her integrity in supporting Barack Obama,once he had won the Democrats' nomination. I am even more proud of her for her acceptance to serve as one of the most influential people in the President's Cabinet. As Secretary of State, she comes up front and personal with all major dilemmas and decisions. It is beautiful to see the teamwork that exists in this Cabinet and to witness the friendship between Hilary and POTUS>

Jonathan   June 7th, 2009 10:13 am ET

Well ... she's right. She was right to question him in the campaign, because she did have much more experience. And, she's right in that so far, he has proven his competence.

Sam   June 7th, 2009 10:13 am ET

The once mighty Clinton's nothing but little KAs now.....what the quest for power will do to people.

Paige   June 7th, 2009 10:12 am ET

Hillary is smart and knows what she has to say publicly, but I would love to be a fly on the wall to hear what she says about BO when she comes home at night.

Yes we did   June 7th, 2009 10:10 am ET

How about this, her ad was meant to scare and divide American's, just like the ads that were played by conservatives since the 60's. It had no validity then and it has none now. What we want and what we voted for was a President with wisdom, vision, leadership skills, and the intelligence to do the right thing whether it's 3:00 am or 3:00 pm.

Meka   June 7th, 2009 10:09 am ET

Mrs. Clinton, is becoming a very smart and wise Sec. of State!

Sean   June 7th, 2009 10:08 am ET

I don't fault her for the way she answered, I fault George for even asking it. It was a softball that he knew would allow Hillary to talk up all the great things she(supposedly) see's in Obama and repeat White House talking points. Which I'm sure George knows given his daily strategy briefs with Rahm, Carville, and Begala.

Michele   June 7th, 2009 10:07 am ET

I love Hillary! I think she is a wonderful Secretary of State, and I have to wonder if the critics on the right don't wish it were SHE in the White House now that they did so much to keep her out. Would the word 'socialist" be on all their talking points papers?

Steph I. From Boston   June 7th, 2009 10:06 am ET

Well humility seems to have caught up with some people eh?

CTR   June 7th, 2009 10:06 am ET

B.O.'s handlers called this one right. Brought her in close and totally muzzled her and made her somewhat inconsequential. She wasn’t my favorite, but of the two, I would have voted for her instead of him. She is little more than a wall ornament, speaking the party line when her cord is pulled.

Meredith   June 7th, 2009 10:05 am ET

3 a.m. test? What national crisis have we had at 3 a.m.? Anybody know? I don't like my time wasted by politicians playing politicis. If President Obama has "sailed through" a national crisis at 3 a.m. and done a great job, as Secretary of State Clinton is saying, then say what it was for goodness sakes. Otherwise, stop trying to act like he has done something that makes this newsworthy. This is just PR plain and simple. But I'm wondering why she felt the need to try and "improve" his image this way. Is his ratings falling?

kim   June 7th, 2009 9:51 am ET

Hillary I absolutely respect you, you are doing a great job, but we all know that you can't say what you really want to.

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