March 31st, 2008
04:36 PM ET
15 years ago

Clinton meets with disgruntled truckers

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/03/31/art.clintontruck.ap.jpg caption=" Clinton campaigned in Pennsylvania Monday. "]
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (CNN) – Despite the spitting rain and the chilly weather, Hillary Clinton lingered in a parking lot in Pennsylvania Monday before a campaign event to speak to a group of about two dozen truckers who had gathered to protest the effect of rising gas prices on their industry.

Clinton was set to host an afternoon economic roundtable at the Capital Diner here, but when Clinton’s campaign plane landed in Harrisburg, her campaign learned from her advance staff about the small but vocal demonstration being held at the diner.

The New York senator hustled out of her motorcade of SUVs on arriving to chat for several minutes with the truckers, who voiced concerns about fuel costs. As passing big rigs honked, some truckers told Clinton they were being blamed by retailers for the rising costs of trucking, a problem they said was owed to high gas prices.

Clinton listened intently and then spoke about the need for the next president to focus on working families and alternative energies. She also promised to combat price gouging and examine the possibility of regulating oil markets.

Two of the truck drivers, named Mark and J.B., were invited to join her economic roundtable inside the diner, where Clinton praised them for voicing their discontent.

“I want to thank Mark and J.B. because they are doing what Americans do,” Clinton said, concluding the roundtable. “When you finally get pushed to the end of the rope you have to stand up and say enough. And that’s what this election should be about.”

- CNN Political Producer Peter Hamby


Filed under: Hillary Clinton
soundoff (93 Responses)
  1. T. Gettlefinger

    . . . NAFTA was created by Bill Clinton and Hillary supported it. With
    all of the job losses in Pennsylvania due to Nafta, I cannot support
    Hillary Clinton. Voting for her would be like turkeys voting for Thanksgiving.

    March 31, 2008 08:16 pm at 8:16 pm |
  2. Very Concerned American

    Obama is not qualified for this presidency.
    Obama has double standards. He says he wants a clean campaign.
    The only difference is he doesn't say things. He makes his surregates talk then he says he didn't know about it.

    These guys, therse truckers, are going to see right through Obama.

    March 31, 2008 08:18 pm at 8:18 pm |
  3. SlapStick

    Hmmmm sounds like she is playing the role of follower. Now all of a sudden Hillary is meeting with smaller groups like Barack did at the bowling alley. Say it Clintonites........................Follower

    March 31, 2008 08:27 pm at 8:27 pm |
  4. P. Colbertson

    . . . I don't blame the truckers and protesters. Hillary Clinton showing up is like Colonel Sanders coming to feed the chickens.

    March 31, 2008 08:28 pm at 8:28 pm |
  5. Jack Spraggs, PA

    . . . .Can Pennsylvanians say NAFTA?

    March 31, 2008 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  6. Illinois

    I think it's actually pretty cool that she would stop to talk with these guys and then ask them to attend the event with her. That's even better than playing a basketball game with them because it actually addresses REAL issues.

    March 31, 2008 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  7. Santiago

    That is the President we need...Hillary, Hillary, Hillary! Is there a better candidate out there... of course not.

    Hillary '08

    March 31, 2008 08:31 pm at 8:31 pm |
  8. Pro Pundit

    Always the opportunist for a photo op moment...she reminds me more and more of President George Walker Bush.

    March 31, 2008 08:39 pm at 8:39 pm |
  9. James Greene

    Look, I'm all for helping people as much as the next guy, But this is asinine.

    The price of oil is completely market driven; the president has almost no control over it.

    March 31, 2008 08:54 pm at 8:54 pm |
  10. mike booth

    i feel like the news media understand what truckers really go through out on the road. the genaral public and meadia only see and hear about the negative side of trucking. i feel the public has no idea of what we go through to get the goods to market . please respond michael

    March 31, 2008 08:57 pm at 8:57 pm |
  11. Fred

    There anit a thing she can do for them. So what a waist of time truckers. Just a dog and pony show.

    March 31, 2008 09:00 pm at 9:00 pm |
  12. Steve

    Watch out for snipers, Hillary!

    March 31, 2008 09:01 pm at 9:01 pm |
  13. Mad Black Woman

    Good spontaneous move Hillary. She was willing to walk right up to angry protesting crowd. Tough....

    March 31, 2008 09:08 pm at 9:08 pm |
  14. jp/michigan

    Hillary takes the time and has conversations will ordinary Americans and tries to offer the best solutions she can. Does Obama?

    March 31, 2008 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  15. Bubba

    That wasn't spitting rain...it was sniper fire, according to the psycopathic Hillary.

    March 31, 2008 09:11 pm at 9:11 pm |
  16. Matt

    Obama would have either ignored them or given another speech. Good for Hillary. She's not afraid to put herself into a tense situation and actually answer tough questions unlike her opponent.

    March 31, 2008 09:17 pm at 9:17 pm |
  17. Christine Atlanta, Ga.

    Clinton is out with the people talking about problems, Obama goes bowling for a photo op.

    March 31, 2008 09:22 pm at 9:22 pm |
  18. NEVER BAMA

    Go Hillary. You are wise and care about the "people".
    She's not afraid to take a stand, she's a "go getter", what this country needs.

    March 31, 2008 09:34 pm at 9:34 pm |
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