September 17th, 2008
12:29 PM ET
15 years ago

Clinton cancels appearance over Palin

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/09/17/art.clintonevent.ap.jpg caption="Clinton is canceling an appearance at an event Palin is also slated to attend."](CNN) - Reporters who got notice yesterday of an event headlined by both Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton figured the prospect of an SNL skit come to life was too good to be true, a gift from the campaign gods.

But for a few hours, it was. “We are pleased to inform you that the keynote speakers at the “Stop Iran. Now!” Rally are confirmed to be Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Governor Sarah Palin and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel,” read an e-mail from a leader of a Jewish group planning the event.

But the curtain came down on the comedy sketch-turned-reality before the duo ever hit the stage: Clinton officials soon said they had not been told Palin would be on hand — and that her presence, which made the event a political one, would mean the absence of the New York senator.

"Her attendance was news to us, and this was never billed to us as a partisan political event," said Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines. "Senator Clinton will therefore not be attending."

The McCain-Palin campaign has not yet said whether Palin herself will still be attending the event, but released a statement criticizing Clinton’s withdrawal. "Governor Palin believes that the danger of a nuclear Iran is greater than party or politics,” said spokeswoman Tracey Schmitt. “She hopes that all parties can rally together in opposition to this grave threat."

Palin has praised Clinton since being named John McCain’s running mate — although she has largely dropped those compliments from her stump speech after drawing a negative response from GOP audiences. Clinton herself has largely avoided mentioning or directly criticizing the Alaska governor during her appearances on behalf of Barack Obama’s presidential bid.

(Updated to include comment from Clinton spokesman)


Filed under: Hillary Clinton • Sarah Palin
soundoff (308 Responses)
  1. Susan

    Good for Hillary! This was not the time nor the place for this to be turned into a political spectacle. Shame oon the organizers who did not tell Sen. clinton the Ms. Palin would also be there. Once again, the Republicans try to make an end run for political points. Sarah Palin has lied so many times, and now refusing to testify on an investigation she welcomed until McCain, Rove and company silenced her proves that this woman is not strong enough to stand up to political pressure. Shame on the organizers and the Republicans that want to turn this even into a political event. Senator Clinton, I salute you!

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  2. Give me a break

    So what she is saying is appearance is more important than the issues. I thought the Dems were about the issues......hmmmm I guess that answers that question!

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  3. carolflowery

    Im starting to think many americans are supporting a country that has said publicly it wants to obliterate Israel. What if they said they wanted to obliterate the USA, would you care who went to the rally then or not?
    You either believe in something or you dont. Hillary made it quite clear how she felt about Iran during the dems primaries. So did Obama.
    Well, why doesnt he go and meet the President of Iran, he's gonna be right here.

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  4. Linda FL

    Smart women Hillary is. GOP would've had a field day with that one. Palin should be drinking your bath water, she has nothing on you Hillary.

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  5. Helen

    I am very very dissapointed that Hillary dropped out.

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  6. JJ

    Smart on Hillary's part not to go.

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  7. ENE M DIAZ

    THE NATION IS CONVINCED THAT ,MC CAIN – PALIN TICKET ARE THE BEST. THEY KNOW VERY WELL HOW IS THE WAY IN WHICH INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ARE ORGANIZED. THEY KNOW HOW TO FACE GOVERNMENT FINANCIALS DISASTER AND ACHIEVE THE INDUSTRY AND TRADE SUCCESS.,WITH TRUE AND REAL IMPROVEMENTS. THEY WILL OVERHAUL THE LEGAL SYSTEM, FACING THE ORGANIZED CRIME, CORRUPTION ,ILLEGAL DRUGS, SCHOOL PROBLEMS AT ALL LEVEL EXAMINE IT VERY CAREFUL,WITH REAL IMPROVEMENTS., . NOW IS TIME TO SUPPORT MC CAIN -PALIN TICKET, PLACING THE COUNTRY FIRST. LET BE LOYAL TO OUR COUNTRY WITH MORE SENSE OF PATRIOTISM.//////

    September 17, 2008 10:57 am at 10:57 am |
  8. Nancy

    I am with ya Hillary! OBAMA 08

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  9. jenoa

    GOOD!!! that will teach the republicans that they are not the only "SLY FOX" in the woods.

    The Clintons helped invent the game, and McCain/Plain have not a clue on how to "PLAY"!!!!!!!!

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  10. Freedom Lovin Patriot

    18 MILLION PEOPLE VOTED FOR OBAMA to lead the country.

    NOT based on his experience but based on his VISION

    Sarah won't even meet with reporters on her plane...forget about even having a vision (other than seeing Russia from her house!)

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  11. Doug

    Dave in Illinois isn't too bright.

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  12. EC

    BRAVO, Sen. Hillary Clinton. You have clearly proven WHY Gov. Sarah Palin is NO WHERE near YOUR level. It's a DISGRACE that women in this country would even ATTEMPT to compare YOU to Ms. "Beauty Pageant" Palin!!! Any woman who claims is a true and LOYAL Hillary Clinton supporter WOULD NEVER betray YOU in such a disgraceful manner! Bottom line. Only a traitor would support Sarah Palin and claim they are a Clinton supporter.

    The McCain-Palin campaign would have turned this event into a "political" theatrics and used it as another "stump" speech. I commend you Sen. Clinton for NOT stooping to such "LOW ROAD" tactics. I wouldn't want to stand to the same stage as a LIAR, CHEAT and SELL OUT like Gov. Sarah Palin.

    Let's see how Sarah Palin handles this issues, as well ALL know she's NOT allowed to handle anything, let alone her speech or where she goes or doesn't go! Talk about a tight leash on the pitt bull with lipstick.

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  13. Pat from Cali

    Why should Hillary appear with a Hillary wannabe?

    google keating 5

    McCain can't fix the economy. He and his advisers are responsible for the problems.

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  14. Lou in Cary NC

    Palin cannot hold a candle to Hilary. They are on the opposite side of the spectrum. After all.....Hilary has a brain!! Smart move Hil!!

    September 17, 2008 10:58 am at 10:58 am |
  15. Mark

    Stop. Iran. Now? It looks to me that iran is minding it's own business. You should all be careful, otherwise your leaders are going to get you wrapped up in another useless war.

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  16. CCPony

    "Haha, oh snap"
    "... because the republican got something up on there sleeve"
    "HILARY, YOU GO GIRL"
    "... you dont want to be seen with the liers amyways"

    Thank you, Democrats, for your keen insights. Your grasp of the English language is quite impressive – obviously, the result of our reknowned public education system.

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  17. Freedom Lovin Patriot

    Sarah Palin doesn't even know what Schindler's List is!!!

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  18. SCM DC

    Good for you, Hillary! But now I'd like to know how Palin plans to "Stop Iran! Now!" Hmmm...maybe she'll repeat McCain's little song "Bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb Iran"?

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  19. David, Silver Spring, MD

    The danger of a nuclear Iran may be greater than party or politics, but don't think for a second that Palin won't try to make it about both.

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  20. Mack

    I am more concerned with paying my 400 light bill and coming up with extra to pay for over 4.00 gallon gas...Maybe Obama should have told all those hollywood fundraisers last night to give that 28,500 a plate money to the people who need it...We have an economic crisis, a devestated Texas coast and these people contiue to throw money around like its nothing..I would urge Obama to give that 9 million to the Red Cross. As for Hillary, I support you, but the cause should be bigger than politics.

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  21. Amy

    Thank you Hillary!!!!

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  22. WA Hill supporter

    She shouldn't dignify their games with her presence. Good for her.

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  23. Andre

    cant you people spell 'liar'?

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  24. Robert in raleigh

    I don't foault you Senator, why give her the pleasure of being in the same room with you. She has no political character.....

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
  25. Accountant Guy

    Thank You Hillary, I knew you were too smart to fall for the Republicans stupid plan. I will happily vote for you in 2016!!

    Obama/Biden '08
    Clinton/M. Obama '16

    September 17, 2008 10:59 am at 10:59 am |
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