Hillary's consistent non-answers (updated)

Posted: Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:05 PM by Mark Murray

From NBC's Mark Murray and NBC/NJ's Athena Jones

About a week ago, we chronicled all of Clinton's responses to the drivers'-licenses-for-illegal-immigrants issue, and we concluded that Clinton was actually consistent in her answer -- but also consistently not answering the question. That consistency seemed to change yesterday.

Here's a timeline of what she has said on the matter.

October 16 editorial meeting with the Nashua Telegraph
"I hate to see any state being pushed into trying to take this into their own hands because the federal government has failed. So I know exactly what Governor Spitzer is trying to do and it makes a lot of sense, because he's trying to get people out of the shadows, come forward and we'll give you this license – but without a federal policy in effect people will come forward and they could get picked up by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) tomorrow. This can't work state by state – it has to be looked at comprehensively."

October 30 MSNBC debate
RUSSERT: Senator Clinton, Governor of New York Eliot Spitzer has proposed giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants. [You] told the Nashua, New Hampshire, Editorial Board it makes a lot of sense. Why does it make a lot of sense to give an illegal immigrant a driver's license?
CLINTON: Well, what Governor Spitzer is trying to do is fill the vacuum left by the failure of this administration to bring about comprehensive immigration reform. We know in New York we have several million at any one time who are in New York illegally. They are undocumented workers. They are driving on our roads. The possibility of them having an accident that harms themselves or others is just a matter of the odds. It's probability. So what Governor Spitzer is trying to do is to fill the vacuum. I believe we need to get back to comprehensive immigration reform because no state, no matter how well intentioned, can fill this gap. There needs to be federal action on immigration reform.

Then moments later at the debate…
DODD: This is a privilege. And, look, I'm as forthright and progressive on immigration policy as anyone here. But we're dealing with a serious problem here, we need to have people come forward. The idea that we're going to extend this privilege here of a driver's license I think is troublesome, and I think the American people are reacting to it…
CLINTON: Well, I just want to add, I did not say that it should be done, but I certainly recognize why Governor Spitzer is trying to do...

And then…
RUSSERT: Senator Clinton, I just want to make sure of what I heard. Do you, the New York senator, Hillary Clinton, support the New York governor's plan to give illegal immigrants a driver's license? You told the New Hampshire paper that it made a lot of sense. Do you support his plan?
CLINTON: You know, Tim, this is where everybody plays "gotcha." It makes a lot of sense. What is the governor supposed to do? He is dealing with a serious problems. We have failed. And George Bush has failed. Do I think this is the best thing for any governor to do? No. But do I understand the sense of real desperation, trying to get a handle on this? Remember, in New York, we want to know who's in New York. We want people to come out of the shadows.

October 31 statement from the campaign
“Senator Clinton supports governors like Governor Spitzer who believe they need such a measure to deal with the crisis caused by this administration’s failure to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

The New York Times reported on that statement:
“Mrs. Clinton’s aides said her statement Wednesday expressing general support for Mr. Spitzer’s plan was intended to signal that she broadly supported his goal of granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. But they said she had not studied — and was not endorsing — any specific plan.”

On November 2, per the Associated Press:
Clinton said she generally supported efforts by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and others who have tried to address public safety questions in absence of federal immigration reform. Last weekend, Spitzer announced a plan backed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to give licenses with limited privileges to some undocumented workers. "I don't know all the details," Clinton said, adding that the issue was going to be hard to resolve. "We've had, now, seven years of an administration that saw things in black and white, yes and no, up and down. I think it's time we actually had a conversation with the American people," she said.

Clinton campaigning in Clinton, IA on November 4
"I wasn't as clear as I should have been the other night. I have had a number of occasions where I have spoken to it and I believe clarified it, but I'd be happy to do it again. I believe in comprehensive immigration reform and I have been in favor of that for years. I have signed onto bills. I have voted for provisions and I think it is the only answer for our country."

"Unfortunately, because the Bush administration has failed and as has the Congress, the federal government as a whole to bring about comprehensive immigration reform, governors are left holding the bag. They're the ones having to deal with the security issues, the safety of their roads and so much else. Therefore, I broadly support what governors like Eliot Spitzer are trying to do. I don't pretend to know the details. That's up to the governor and the legislature to try to work out. But I think that it's understandable that states are trying to fill a vacuum left by the failures of the federal government."

November 6 interview with CNN's Candy Crowley
CROWLEY: If I wrote a story that said: "Absent a broad illegal immigration bill, Hillary Clinton agrees about giving driver's licenses to illegal immigrants," is that correct?
CLINTON: No. What I have said is that I support what governors are trying to do. And governors are on the front lines because of the failures to get comprehensive immigration reform. There are already eight states that issue driver's licenses without any verification of citizenship. That is a decision that the governors and legislatures and the people of those states have made. I understand…
CROWLEY: But you see why people think…
CLINTON: Well, but you know, Candy…
CROWLEY: … that you are not answering the question.
CLINTON: Well, but you know, Candy, well, but I think that if you go back and look at the complexity of this issue, I don’t think a lot of these hard questions lend themselves to raising your hand. And I know that that’s easier in a 30 second context to try to do. I think the fact that governors are being forced into this position is really unfortunate. They should not be making immigration policy. The federal government should be making immigration policy and that’s what I’m going to try to do as president again and I do not believe that in the context of federal immigration reform that that would be an issue that governors would have to contend with.
CROWLEY: So it’s – I know it’s not a yes or no question to you but you’ve had some time here and the problem is that people can’t quite get a hold of is for a governor at this time, do you think it’s a good idea for them to offer drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants?
CLINTON: It depends upon what state they’re in. It depends upon what they think the risks are. You know. A governor of New York that has a lot of immigrants, many of whom we know are not their legally, has to worry about security. A governor of another state where that’s not a problem doesn’t. This issue has been so politicized and I understand that because you can score points. You can score all kinds of political demagogic points but the fact is if we don’t have comprehensive immigration reform, which for me includes toughening the borders, much harder sanctions on employers, doing more to help local communities that are stuck with the bill on all kinds of services. And bringing immigrants out of the shadows.

And if they ever committed a crime where they came from or here, immediately deport them. But for the others, have a tough path to earned legalization. Pay back taxes. Pay fines. Learn English. Wait in line. And once you got somebody on the record registered, deported the criminals, instead they had to keep on the right side of the law, keep making a living and do all of these other things I’ve outlined, that would be the appropriate time to give them some kind of license. But I understand – I’m not going to be second guessing governors who have to do the hard work of figuring out what’s best for their state.

November 14 statement
I support Governor Spitzer's decision today to withdraw his proposal. His difficult job is made that much harder by the failure of the Congress and the White House to pass comprehensive immigration reform. As President, I will not support drivers' licenses for undocumented people and will press for comprehensive immigration reform that deals with all of the issues around illegal immigration including border security and fixing our broken system.

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Comments

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

James, Georgia (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:18 PM)

Would you put this to rest already! The media is trying desperately to keep this story alive...I believe you call it having "legs". Well it is over guys...more on...this story lost it's legs long ago.

Eliot, Hollywood, CA (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:18 PM)

Its clear from the above time line of Clinton's comments on this issue, she DID NOT FLIP FLOP, SHE DID NOT GIVE AN INCONSISTENT ANSWER, AND SHE CLEARLY EXPRESSED HER OPPOSITION TO GIVING ILLEGAL ALIENS DRIVERS LICENSES.

She showed how she's extremely intelligent by highlighting the difficulties facing various governors who must fill the immigration reform and enforcement vacuum left by this totally inept administration.

But in the end, she did what one would expect from any representative in government - she listed to the will of the people, and the will of the people is overwhelming opposed to giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens.

So, in aniticpation of the Hillary Haters comments, I find that she exemplified what a good president should be on this issue!

pat huntington ny (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:21 PM)

it took her that long to read the polls that state 70% of the public oppose drivers liscenses for illegal alliens and waffle back. i can make waffles for a family of 6 in 40 min. how come hill can't waffle that quick? ohh wait she did on stage at the debate, my bad. she is now just rewaffling her waffling.

karlos (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:23 PM)

Omaba, seems to have "lost" all his papers.

Plese highlight all his various response to requestsfor his papers..

He's a hypocrit

Tofun,Disney (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:24 PM)

hillary has been taught well by Bill to say alot about nothing. Of course a yes or no is so much easier but, to twist and dance around the edges with nonsense talk is what the Clintons do. that way they can be for and against at the same time and not take a real stand on any issue.
And that is the problem. It is not cute or clever to never take a stand. it is spineless and weak. You never take a real stand without polling it to death first.
I have little respect for Bill. None for Hillary. I feel they do not care about anyone but themselves and they play too many games and are dishonest. the air of tawdriness hangs about them. And their spineless actions in regards to issues are disappointing.
As a democrat, I want better. I want a real democrat who stands for things. And that is why I feel Obama is superior to Hillary. He has principles and honor.

diane (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:26 PM)

Still not getting what the contraversy is all about,

She doesn't believe it's good federal immigration policy, but she supports whatever the governors think they need to do to cope with this problem.

Where's the 'non-answer?'

I read all the quotes above in the article, can't see a flipflop or inconstistancy. I think people maybe got out of practice understanding big words and complicated issues under the current black/white, us or the terrorists administration. It will be nice to have someone who thinks about all sides and consequences of an issue back in the WH.

mike oh (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:27 PM)

Pat,

She stuck her thumb up in the air for two weeks and gave answers that she thought people wanted to hear. Get a clue! She's a fraud!

Paul Wellstone got it right when he was honest with people and told them what he believed, even if it wasn't popular. People here in Minnesota respected him for his honesty (yes, even Republicans). Why is it so hard that we demand the truth from the people paid to represent us?

Edwards/Obama or Obama/Edwards '08

Jesse, Burnsville, MN (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:28 PM)

Hillary Clinton Thugs warn CNN Wolf Blitzer, DON"T GO AFTER HILLARY.. Blitzer Responds in this moring DrudgeReport...If yo can''t take it from Democrats, then just wait till the Republicans get done with you. Clinton Flip-Flopping like a fish now, needs to buy castiron panties while she straddles the fence. Clinton now say after two weeks I think I''m against license for illegals. Obama right on her heels now, watch out Hillary

hillaryhater (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:29 PM)

With this waffling, Clinton has torpedoed any remaining argument that she would be as strong a general election candidate as Obama or Edwards. I have no interest in going through another year like the 2004 General Election, fighting for the hope to at best have the same battles from the 90's for four to eight more years. I'm twenty-eight years old, and for only one and a half years of that time was there not a Bush or a Clinton in the White House; there's something fundamentally wrong with that, and there is absolutely no justification for compounding it.

Shadow, Hamden, CT (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:31 PM)

Deconstruct. Generalize. Appease. Kill the messenger.

Four sentences in the Hillary Clinton Campaigning for President for Dummies handbook.

Bonnie Chart, Tulsa OK (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:32 PM)

I'm dizzy from all of Hillary's flip flopping, after reading her several stands on illegal immigrants and driver's license I am convinced this woman will say anything to get elected.

Bernard, Scotch Plains, NJ (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:33 PM)

Questions for Hillary:

Why has your stand on IDs for illegals changed ?
Have your views changed for political reasons ?

What is your proposal for 'immigration reform' ?
Do you have specific proposals ?
If so, what are your proposals ?

Why did IDs 'make a lot of sense' on Oct 16 and not now ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:33 PM)

Yes I agree that HIllary is consistent on the inconsistant answers she is giving. After the other day when Spitzer withdrew the license program, now Hillary says no to it now...it's inconsistant. She stated "I’m not going to be second guessing governors who have to do the hard work of figuring out what’s best for their state". If she is making that comment as what she would do as president...I would hope she would ask the hard questions to Governors who are making security decisions for the country. Simply put if one gets a license in New York, they can certainly use it when they go into New Jersey or whereever they go in the US. Also she stated she does not want to pretend that she knows all the ins and outs of the program...however, she is willing to agree with Spitzer? Again. so if you are president, wouldn't you ask for more details on this program? That's just wrong. Even if she is not president making this inconsistant statement, she is Senator of New York...aren't you still going to ask for details before you comment on your decision? Good Luck NY and voters please know that this issue and her decision making will spill into her presidency if elected.

Robin Montpelier, VT (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:36 PM)

Hilllary has demonstrated that she will consider both sides of an issue, listen to the will of the people, THINK, and make a reasonable conclusion...gee how sad our current "leader" is incapable of such rational behavior. All those tossing banana peels in her path waiting to snicker when she slips on one...bad joojoo on YOU.

PJ (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:37 PM)

Get used to it people. This is what we are going to have to endure for 4(hopefully not 8) years if she is elected president. More parsing of words, more non-stances on issues, more partisan sniping from both sides of the aisle. Possibly another decade of getting nothing that is comprehensive done.

I can't fathom why the Democratic party would want to handicap itself in a race for president that is almost a guaranteed win. That is exactly what it would be doing if they elect Hillary as thier nominee.

Jimmy Chicago Il. (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:40 PM)

I don't get why it's considered waffling if you say (as Sen. Clinton did) that it's better to handle the issue with federal reform and that you understand why governors would feel they needed to handle the issue themselves absent said federal reform.

Steve, Albany NY (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:41 PM)

I think tonight's debate is going to be good. I don't think Hillary was expecting the harshness and viciousness of the attacks last time. At least not from the other candidates. And that crap about 'if you can't handle the dems, you won't handle the repugs' is just that, crap. If she'd been onstage with Romney or Giulliani she would have expected and been prepared for it. Dems are supposed to be all on the same team, I just don't think she expected to be turned on by her own 'family'. She will expect it tonight. This should be sooooooo much fun to watch.

mike oh (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:46 PM)

Now the Clinton campaign is stiff arming Blitzer to not ask 'russert-like questions'

And Plant-gate will just not go away

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:48 PM)

pat huntington ny: '...Its clear from the above time line of Clinton's comments on this issue, she DID NOT FLIP FLOP, SHE DID NOT GIVE AN INCONSISTENT ANSWER, AND SHE CLEARLY EXPRESSED HER OPPOSITION TO GIVING ILLEGAL ALIENS DRIVERS LICENSES...'

October 16 editorial meeting with the Nashua Telegraph: '...So I know exactly what Governor Spitzer is trying to do and it makes a lot of sense...'

Why did this 'make a lot of sense' in October and NOT NOW ?
FLIP FLOP !!

Hillary has her finger to the wind

Was one stand for the primary election and the other for the General election, Pat ?

Why was she in favor of invading Iraq in 2002 and opposed to it now ?
FLIP FLOP, Pat

Is Hillary for or against attacking Iran, Pat ?

Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:51 PM)

That's the problem with Hillary. She merely provides generic, stilted answers to any question. She (like Bill) listens to all sides of the arguement and apply an answer which is polled for the best response.

That's not leadership. She's a follower.

We need a leader in Washington who can think on move. We need a president who can provide a thoughtful answer quickly to whatever crisis may occur. Remember Bush reading My Pet Goat while the Twin Towers were attacked?

Sorry Hillary. If it takes this long to provide one clear, concise response to a question, we don't need you as president.

sg, michigan (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:57 PM)

So, in aniticpation of the Hillary Haters comments, I find that she exemplified what a good president should be on this issue!

pat huntington ny (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:21 PM)

She'll do for the White house like Nixon did.....

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:02 PM)

Obama didn't keep correspondence from corporate lobbyists who've funded his political career.
And now we understand why...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071114/ap_po/obama_mining_lobbyist_1

Changing Washington?? ha! more empty suit rhetoric.

Richard, Palatka, FL (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:03 PM)

the media is once again trying to ramrod the election down our throats.They did a good job smearing Gore,Kerry and now Hillary.Nary a word about the evil george bush----the worst president ever.But they enjoyed their beers and laughs with him as he screwed them with his bull sh--.And poor daddy bussh crying over his sons reputation.George 41---your son deserves every slur and name that he gets thrown at him.He has been a disaster for this country.Worse than the corrupt Nixon and worse than the Hoover economy.

HMT-MI (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:03 PM)

I do not respond to Sierra, SF's histrionics.

pat huntington ny (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:03 PM)

Hillary told illegal immigrants last year during their big strike that she supports drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. Look how fast she abandoned her promises. No principle, no integrity, and is a phony.

rosie, crestview, florida (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:05 PM)

Legs? Of course it has legs.SHE WONT ANSWER THE QUESTIO ANDIF SHE DOES SHE TAKES BOTH SIDES !!!!

Kevin (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:08 PM)

Mark and Athena:

I agree with Eliot and Pat and most of the opinions expressed on this article today. Besides, most issues or questions discussed are complex and generally can not be answered with a simple Yes or No. I also wish all the other candidates including Republicans should have been asked this question of driving licenses for the undocumented immigrants. I think Edward,Obama and others got a free pass on this one.

The governors are indeed in a tough spot unless you happen to be in a DARK red state. I sure do not want to be hit by an immigrant or for that matter anyone else without a driver license or auto insurance. I do agree that media has made it an interesting race. However, all candidates must be treated equallly. Hillary is tough and she will handle it.

By the way what do you think of the question posed to holoier than thou, McCain: "How do you beat the bitch" meaning Hillary? And his response after a long pause, "This is an excellent question" before he decided to say that senator Clinton is an honorable senator etc. etc. It reminds me of Barbara Bush.
Your First Read is educational.
Shotti.

Shotti Kawlra, Potomac, Md. (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:19 PM)

God help us if Hillary is our leader. I am not sure i understand what to expect from her at this point.

Is it the Flip-Flop or something else? I am for it now against it.

Bee (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:27 PM)

So Obama is pro licenses for illegals, Edwards is still unclear, and Clinton says no. Let's go to electability: you cannot win in 2008 if you support licenses for illegal immigrants. You just can't. The only one of these three who now has any chance of winning the general election is, therefore, Sen. Clinton. You can call it whatever you want, but the bottom line is that the way Sen. Clinton handled this is smart politics. Why? If she had simply thrown Spitzer under the bus at the last debate and said outright that she disagreed with him on this, he'd have dug in his heels and gone forward with his dumb plan. By saying that she supported the Governor's efforts to deal with the immigration problem--but not drivers' licenses--she not only ended up on the right side of the issue, but she is the reason why the dumb plan was withdrawn and the Dems won't have to campaign with New York issuing licenses to illegals. I say: "Well done Sen. Clinton." As for Obama, yes, we have the benefit of certainty: as in certainly wrong. Were he to win the Democratic nomination, the Republicans would hang this around his neck like a two-ton mill stone.

Dazed and Confused in DC (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:28 PM)

Hillary Clinton has answered the question. She has weighed the issue. She has listened to the people and in the end she has come full circle. She, like Spitzer, believes the issue is toxic and that the consensus in the country is just not there to make it happen. This is actually governing. We want leadership for sure...but on this issue...a states issue btw...this issue should have the backing of a majority of the people. According to the polling we aren’t even close. So to the cynics I say you can’t have it both ways. You can’t on the one hand say GWB is ignoring the will of the American people by not ending the war in Iraq and on the other hand gets your panties in a twist because Hillary has listened to the will of the people. Electing someone to any office does not make that person a free agent. They are there to do the peoples work and the people are clearly not happy about giving undocumented workers drivers licenses.

Eliot, Hollywood Ca (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:30 PM)

to pat huntington ny-
I'm a liberal so you can address me.
Hillary avoids answers like Fox News avoids the truth. She is from the "afraid to be liberal" wing of the Democratic Party. This group for some reason is ashamed of liberal values. They have a hard time taking a stand on anything. They can't say things like:
I'm pro-choice because making abortion illegal doesn't stop abortion, and the only way to stop abortion is to continue to educate and make a better world filled with easier decisions for our children.
or
The war on terror is a fiction. You can't fight a war on an idea or against a tactic. The war on terror is a PR trick to scare you. Bad things happen and as president I will try to prevent such things from happening, but more people die in a week because of cancer or heart failure than the amount of individuals who died on 9/11. Where are our priorities?

It's time we all stopped trying to defend these people and started supporting Obama (movement candidate) or Edwards (true progressive). Both of these candidates say what they mean and mean what they say. Neither is afraid of espousing liberal values.

The point is people don't want to hear that your final answer is "it's a complex answer." These issues certainly are complex and there's no problem starting sentences that way, but if one can't take that sentence to a logical conclusion and solution, then what use do I, you, or the rest of the American public have in such a person as a leader.

Come join the real ticket Edwards/Obama 08.

Desperate, Overland Park Kansas (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:31 PM)

Hillary's statement today demonstrates why I can't trust her to lead any hot button issues if elected President. She will not be able to get anything done because of fear of attack.

Do we call that leadership? The answer is NO. If you want America to be worse off, Hillary is your candidate. God help us if she is elected. I hope she doesn't get elected because the country will be in a mess and the future generation will be worse off if Hillary should be our leader.

Bee (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:36 PM)

Ok all of you Democrats. It's alright to support the Democratic candidate of your choice. However, if your candidate does not get selected as the Democratic nominee, console yourself with the fact that any Democratic candidate is better than any Republican.

Garry Omaha Nebraska (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:38 PM)

Okay Mark, having "called Hillary out on the carpet" for this issue, will First Read now detail what Barrack Obama's plan to get us out of Iraq is?
Because, I've never heard it.
I don't think anyone else has either.
He criticizes the war, and says it was bad for Hillary to vote in favor of using force.
But, he NEVER, NOT ONCE TO THIS DAY HAS STATED HOW HE INTENDS TO END THE WAR AND GET OUR PEOPLE OUT.
I guess he gets a pass on that because anyone who attacks The Clinton's gets treated with kid gloves.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:40 PM)

Sorry, I just don't see the contradiction.

(1)Do you support Spitzer? Yes.
(2)Would you give out licenses? No. I would lead out in passing comprehensive immigration reform, where Bush failed.

I know she didn't get the 30-second soundbite down quite right. I'm okay with that -- candidates who speak full paragraphs are okay by me.

She has NEVER said she would give out licenses.
She has ALWAYS said HER solution to immigration is comprehensive immigration reform.
She has ALWAYS said she supports the governors, in the face of Bush's failure to lead at the federal level.

Jan, Nashua, NH (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:41 PM)

It always amazes me how people tend to forget quickly and put critics out without judgement. Anyone remember why George Bush was elected??? A compassionate conservative with conviction who will reunite the country. Now he believes that Iraq war is right and that history will give him reason, that is where he stands. And you liberal are he first to criticize him for that, he does not listen to the constituent.
There a a word anyone need to learn from now on, it is called flexiblity. No matter how strong your convicion, you will need to compromise to make thing works, because we all have different opinion.
That is being said there will be time where you need to stick to your principle. But a good captain or leader always leave room to maneuve in case it does not go your way.

a good friend (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:49 PM)

so, "She was for it, before she was against it" huh?

Doesnt that sound eerily familiar? Isnt this a gold-mine for the Repubs to use -- a flip-flopper?

People with conscious would vote for Obama! You will know he's stays firm through thick and thin!

Ed, Maryland (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:54 PM)

I would like to see this question tonight.

Sen Obama said he supports giving DL's to illeagal aliens. 70% of Americans say they DO NOT WANT THIS. Will he run his national campaign, should he get the nomination, supporting DL's for aliens?
I believe this is a very valid and important question, as we have a current president who will not listen to 70% of Americans who want a different direction in Iraq. Is Barack going to be the same type of leader as GWB and dig in his heels and ignore the will of the people, or will he listen to us and change his policies?
I would very much like to know.

mike oh (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 1:55 PM)

Concerned about illegal immigration? Join ALIPAC, Americans for Legal Immigration. Sign up for e-mail alerts and join in the Discussion Groups. Have discussions with knowledgeable people concerned about the future of our country. Learn to become an activist against illegal immigration and how to combat the problem within the political system. Learn which candidates to support and elect based on their sound immigration position. Join us, America needs you.

http://www.alipac.us

CheshireCat, NC (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:04 PM)

J Merle you obviously don't watch the debates. You are either ignorant, or lying. Perhaps you are blinded by the facts because you are such a Hillary lover that you avoided investigating the superior wisdom of both Obama and Edwards concrete plans to end the war in Iraq among other concrete plans that they have put forth such as more effective health care plans.

You're welcome to visit either of their websites, but I'd say you were completely ignorant if you could not recall Barak Obama reciting that he would take one brigade out a month (because that according to the generals is the highest amount we can pull out at a time) until troops were fully withdrawn. I think he's said the same thing consistently through every single debate.

Get a clue. Reason with logic and evidence not with your emotions and feelings.

Desperate, Overland Park Kansas (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:05 PM)

Iraq is a disater, figuratively and literally. Any attempt to immediately deploy our troops out of that region is a step in the right direction. However, it is critically important that the idea of ceasing combat missions be articulated clearly and effectuated with clear and decisive action. Pandering to the general election populus is perpetuating a fraud that exposes our valiant young men and women to utter chaos and mass confusion. GET OUT OF IRAQ!!!!!!!!!!! Now!!!!!!!!!

Kristian O (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:05 PM)

".....Questions for Hillary:

Why has your stand on IDs for illegals changed ?
Have your views changed for political reasons ?....."

ANSWER TO SIERRA;
IF YOU HAD BOTHERED TO READ, YOU'D SEE THAT HER POSITION HASN'T CHANGED AT ALL...SHE NEVER SAID SHE WAS IN FAVOR OF IT.

".....What is your proposal for 'immigration reform' ?
Do you have specific proposals ? .....
If so, what are your proposals ?......"

ANSWER TO SIERRA;
YES, SHE DOES, HERE IS PART OF HER "PROPOSALS" FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM....."A comprehensive solution to our immigration crisis must include strengthening our borders, greater cooperation with our neighbors, strict but fair enforcement of our laws, federal assistance to state and local governments, strict penalties for those who exploit undocumented workers, and a path to earned legal status for those who are here, working hard, paying taxes, respecting the law, and willing to meet a high bar, including learning English. The solution must also protect the sanctity of families and repair the broken, unfair bureaucratic system that forces citizens and lawful immigrants to live apart from their spouses and children....."
YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HILLAY'S STAND ON THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION REFORM AT
http://clinton.senate.gov/issues/immigration/

".....Why did IDs 'make a lot of sense' on Oct 16 and not now ?
Sierra, SF (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 12:33 PM)....."

FINAL ANSWER TO SIERRA...(for now)
SENATOR CLINTON SAID SHE UNDERSTOOD THE COMPLEX ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION REFORM, AND UNDERSTOOD WHY ELLIOT SPITZER WAS ATTEMPTING TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. SHE FURTHER STATED THAT NOT REQUIRING PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP WHEN APPLYING FOR A DRIVER'S LICENSE MADE SENSE. (WHICH IT DOES, SINCE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, WHO ARE BOTH UNLICENSED AND UNINSURED IN NY...WHO OPERATE VEHICLES AND WHO CAUSE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PROPERTTY DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY ON A YEARLY BASIS.)
HOWEVER, SHE NEVER SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE INITIATIVE, AND NEVER SAID THAT SHE WAS IN FAVOR OF IT.
NOW THAT SPITZER HAS DROPPED THE IDEA, SHE'S COME OUT AGAINST ILLEGALS GETTING LICENSES AND HAS NEVER STATED ANYTHING TO THE CONTRARY.

NOW HOW ABOUT WE HEAR FROM OBAMA, ABOUT WHAT HIS PLAN TO GET US OUT OF IRAQ IS. (?)
BESIDES HIS CRITICISM OF A WAR HE HAS THE LUXURY OF SECOND GUESSING BECAUSE HE WASN'T IN OFFICE TO VOTE FOR OR AGAINST IT.....I HAVE NEVER HEARD HOW HE INTENDS TO END THE WAR AND GET OUR TROOPS OUT SAFELY.
I'D LIKE TO HEAR THAT FROM HIM TONIGHT. I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR HIS PLAN.

J. Merle Stanley, Westchester, NY (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:06 PM)

Hey First Read, what is it with you guys and Clinton?
What about Obama and his position on changing royalties paid by mining companies and his Nevada mining lobbyist campaign advisor? Edwards and his blowhard threat of cancelling health insurance for politicians? Giuliani and his pedophile priest? Spread it around for a change.

redshift, Spokane, WA (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:10 PM)

Hey everybody. In another ten years, when gas is twenty-five bucks a gallon, who's gonna need a drivers license anyway? Then we can start this debat over with Jockey Licenses. Where's the registration for that Mule, Pilgrim?

Steve Turner Cedar Falls Iowa (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:13 PM)

A lot of people saying Hillary can handle the "tough boys", and then saying "Hey media, leave our girl alone"? Receiving bad media coverage is cyclical. Remember a month ago when she was inevitable this, inevitable that? Everyone gets it. If she performs well tonight, it will be "I told you she could handle it! Those boys ain't got nothin'!" And it will last until her next mistake. Same with everyone else.

CitizenJ (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:20 PM)

The Hillary campaign has been planning more questions than it has admitted to.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/campaignmatters?pid=251886

Plant-Gate will just not go away.

Yiannis, Baltimore (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:20 PM)

The Big Question, why is the Mainstream Media trying so hard to resurrect Hillary's Presidential Bid? Doesn't she have a campaign staff to do that? Which goes to the question of you guys and Bill Clinton coming out to save the damsel in distress. What gives here. If she wants to be President, there should be no preferential treatment.

I hope you give the other candidates that same kind of attention when they misstep and explain it so thoroughly to the public of what they did not intend to say. If not then it looks like some of the MSM biases are showing to keep Hillary out there as the front runner and trying to tell us how to vote before even the first ballot is cast.

Rosemary, Simi Valley, CA. (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:23 PM)

It's nice that the comrades at the politburo here at MSNBC (or PRAVDA) provide red meat for the Clinton haters to chew and vent their frustrations on. We will never know whether the most interesting or informative posts were censored, but it is very entertaining regardless...

Van

vanreuter, NY NY (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:29 PM)

As Sen. Dodd put it: "Flip-flop cubed"....

Notice how the Hill-ophiles consider any criticism of their queen as a personal attack.

Real Democrat,CA (Sent Thursday, November 15, 2007 2:41 PM)

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