Clinton's taking responsibility

Posted: Friday, January 04, 2008 2:07 PM by firstread

From NBC’s Andy Merten
In her first major press conference since a third-place finish in the Iowa caucuses last night, Hillary Clinton said that she takes responsibility for not fully tapping into the power of the youth vote in the Hawkeye state, and reiterated past statements about her difficulties there.

“I did very, very well with people over 45,” she told a slew of reporters at the Gala Diner in Manchester. “I didn’t do as well with people under 30, and I take responsibility for that. So I’m going to, in the next five days, do as much as I can to talk about my record in creating opportunities for young people.”

And when questioned about her spiral from presumptive frontrunner to third-place finisher, Clinton rebuked the notion. “I was never a frontrunner of any significance in Iowa; I knew it was always going to be hard for me,” she said, citing Edwards’ near-constant presence in the state since 2004 and Obama’s proximity in Illinois – excuses that she and her husband used in the weeks leading up to the caucuses.

“This is a new day, a new state,” she went on, saying that the New Hampshire primary process does not leave voters “disenfranchised,” in the same way Iowa’s late-night caucusing process does.

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Comments

OK, Iowans that voted for Clinton: she wants you to know that it's your State's fault that she lost. All she wanted was elderly women to come caucus for her so she could sail smoothly to the Presidency (that we owe her). Instead, your State let all these young college types come and steal what was rightfully her's. And what's worse is that at the last minute, your State moved the caucus to the evening, so the evening-shift workers (whom Clinton was basing her winning strategy on) could not come caucus for her. It's all your State's fault. I hope you are sorry.

Asad (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:56 PM)

Barack Hussein Obama: the audacity of inexperience. Come on folks, this is a Presidential election. This guy has no record! Please, let's vote for a President to do a JOB, and not a prom king to give nice speeches that make us feel good.
David, CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:19 PM)
****************************************************
Dave I'm with you, let's vote in someone so divisive, so hated by the opposing party, that nothing will get done.

Jimmy CHICAGO IL (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:56 PM)

look, the fact still remains hillary nor obama can win the general election, and never could, the press has kept this little fact well suppressed because of their contempt for edwards, but make no mistake edwards is the only dem that can win the general election despite his lack of novelty status

MK,MO (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:58 PM)

Why is it that we have decided that the people of Iowa or New Hampshire will determine who our next president is? I don't plan to vote for any of the Iowa top three Democrat candidates or the top Republican candidates. Our system needs to change or we need a viable third party that truly takes a bipartisan approach to the challenges confronting our nation.

Ron M. (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 3:58 PM)

Mrs. Clinton, do you really want to stand in the way of Obama's destined role as the most viable presidential candidate of color in history? Please step aside, and give Barack his time in the limelight. You've had yours.

Charlie K., Bronx, NY (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:00 PM)

People are entitle to say whatever they want, to me this election in IOWA represents just that, the first election of many more to come. A wise candidate will not get overconfident over this first winning. There are 49 more states to cast their votes, people specially in the MEDIA like to use these events to create controversy and over-exagerate things for their own benefits & ratings. Whatever happened to impartial-consious-reponsible and independent reporters in our country?

I am still confident in Senator Clinton that will win the democratic nomination and then the race for the white house against the corrupted Republicans.
My family and I can't wait for february to cast our vote for her.
Hang tough Senator Clinton, we are with you all-of-the way to the white house.

victor, Bloomfield NJ (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:01 PM)

One Caucaus win does not make a President...! The so-called loss by Ms. Clinton was only by fractions.. She is still the front runner. Mr. Obama makes an impressive candidate, but the country needs someone that is tough enough to win the general election and Mrs. Clinton is that person. This is not a popularity contest.

cherie - Arizona (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:02 PM)

Hillary just doesn't get it! The nation is tired of the 28 years of Bush and Clinton in the WH. They want somebody who doesn't have a last name of Bush or Clinton. She keeps on talking about experience and being ready on day 1, but the Constitution only states that one has to be 35 years old and an American Citizen. Becoming President is a life altering experience and nothing is going to prepare someone for that experience. HC needs to stop talking about that experience stuff and simply focus on issues.

Ed (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:03 PM)

As an independent in a blue state that requires the voter to go into the booth to make the decision vs. holding up their hands – and counting them twice if you were watching the coverage last night. I wouldn’t give too much credence to last night’s results.

Come on folks – the country is on a downward spiral, the number of foreign allies that would have supported the US has been squandered, let’s make sure we elect someone male or female that can fix the problem along with a Congress/Senate that’s willing to do the right thing for the US and not for themselves.

David, Lincoln, Rhode Island (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:05 PM)

David, YOU dont get it! Being the President is a unique experiene all its own, rembember Bill Clinton???

Personally I am sick and tired to the Clintons trying to use that phrase and people like you buying into it!

No ONE, Has the Experince to be Commander In Chief of the Worlds most powerful country! No one, not even the VP, has to bear the responsibility of sending Marines, and Soldiers,to their death!

Most every president since George Washington has little experience being commander and Chief.

Look, I used to like the Clinton's as well! but isnt ridiculous to think that one family or another has a right to be the C.I.C.? And goind negative to sell their candidacy should tell you how legitimate and desperate for power they are!

I smoked MJ when I was younger, SO WHAT! We all made mistakes, but here's the kicker, he had the nerver to admit it up front, in a book, before he ran! Good Man!

BTW I Like Barak Hussein Obama, invoking his middle name does not make him Sadam, so give up and stop acting like a spoiled little replublican!

Eric (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:06 PM)

A Clinton taking responsibility.

"I did not have sexual relations with that Caucus"

nadeem, Canada (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:07 PM)

HRC may be ready to lead but Americans of all stripes do not want her as their leader.

Bill, California (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:07 PM)

I thought all the institution support will catapult her into the Oval Office. To bad she still does not get it, maybe it will be clearer to her on Tuesday because there will not any more excuse to pull.

She will fade completly like candle in the wind come tuesday.....

TheDonald (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:11 PM)

David of California,
It's sad that people like you support any member of the Democratic Party. Barack Hussein Obama is Senator Obama's name. We all know this. Why do so many of Obama's critics bring up his middle name? To promote fear, to encourage intolerance, to try and blindfold people with irrationality.
As for this notion you raise of Senator Obama having no record, there is simply no truth in that. He worked as a community organizer in Illinois, he managed to be the first black head of the Harvard Law Review, he became a civil rights attorney, he was a state senator for eight years in which he made important changes that are very well documented, he's been in the U.S. Senate for two years, and he did this without any family connections(I.E. a spouse who is also a former president). He did all of that on his own.

What did Hillary do?

S.K.M. Mass (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:13 PM)

Who posted that LAME you Tube video, "Dont Mess With Hill"? Is that supposed to be their to the Obama Girl?
Sorry but once again she fell short! The lyrics, are Lame and the setup stinks!

Let's Face it on Face Book, Hillary is gone! I am a life long Democrat, but if she wins the nomination, I am certainly voting republican! So one said it best earlier in the post:

"The Clinton's think they are entitled to the Presidency. It's always someone else's fault."

FIRE HER!

Eric (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:13 PM)

It aint' over, until it's over ! Bring it on..........hillaryclinton.com

Kasey Stingle (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:17 PM)

david-- sorry buddy but the majority of a president's "job" is to inspire the country and his cabinet, etc. to get things done and set the agenda.

obama is smart and talented. that's two things our current president is not.

go obama

david is a whiny loser (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:19 PM)

PLEASE JOIN THE CONVERSATION, HILLARYCLINTON.COM

Ray Brooks (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:20 PM)

Hills will bounce back!

Go get 'em!

Love from all your supporters in the UK.

Bruce, Northumberland, England (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:20 PM)

I hope Clinton wins NH. I like Barack Obama, but am deeply concerned that once the media and pundits "do in" Hillary (which has so obviously been the case), Obama does not have the expertise, the record - nor the credentials to sustain a win.

I love that he has excited the youth - but I think many of the young voters lack the understanding of what the 'attack machine' is going to do with thier new mesiah. Hillary has survived these attacks because she has the brains AND the brawn.

Dan Campbell (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:22 PM)

Pat makes an important point, nominations are decided by delegates. Both Obama and Clinton have the funds to contend all the way through the primary calendar. This is a good thing because while both have much to offer most of the country hasn’t been paying close attention. Let’s wait until the Wednesday after Super Tuesday to see whose toast. It may be that the good folks in Pennsylvania will have a say in this after all.

Ralph, Mexico, NY (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:23 PM)

Please let's be real...if the kids with no experience want to fix my bike it is ok but not for my car. If you want to lead to change you to know where the changes need to make not just big word 'Channge' with empty basket... I just don't buy the politian no experience at all...please remember it election not the polical movement...

JohnLY, Austin, TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:25 PM)

Iowa doesn't matter to anyone. Iowa's top pick has never become president. The top 3 are virtually tied and there's 49 more states to go... so niave.

JON, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:25 PM)

Hillary really needs to blame her advisors. She's qualified and everyone knows that, but they have done nothing to address our real concerns. Will she govern all of america and not alienate those who didn't vote for her (like Bush has done)?
Obama is at least paying lip service to the idea of unity, and he's the only one talking about working with all Americans.
Also the whole experience issue is so overcooked. Hillary has exactly the same official experience as Obama, time spent as a senator. Busybodying in the white house behind Bill's back and botching up a healthcare plan is not presidential experience.
I have no beef with Hillary, I think she has the skills to be president. However I don't think she has the wisdom to make the most effective use of those skills. Obama has shown uncanny empathy and far-sightedness and those are the skills that matter most in the presidency. A president who can think past the politics of the moment and make decisions that benefit the nation more than himself.
I think Obama is capable of selflessness, but I can't see Clinton being that way.

Chris, Seattle, WA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:26 PM)

It is a fact that no woman has ever won anything major in the history of the state of Iowa- period! You can love or hate Hillary- it doesn't matter! No woman has ever been elected Gov, to the Senate or the House of Reps from Iowa.

That helps explain the huge difference in the margin of victory amongst men for Obama. I actually welcome Obama winning for the Dems as I think he will lose big time.

Robert Houston, TX (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:26 PM)

Hooray for Hillary!

Emma King, Ogema, MN (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:29 PM)

Ok the corn belt has spoken and did so sort of corny like, I really do not like Hillary but I do like her politics, read her book still did not like her, but I do know that she can do the job much better than anyone else out there and I have never voted the democrat ticket in my life. DJ56

Darrell Jordan, Chrlottesville VA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:30 PM)

Although Mr Obama has had the opportunity to be placed; (and I use the term loosly)in the running for President of the United States, let us review his track record of personal choices, I thought this is what you do when you are considering the choice for President! You look at experience, education, family values, and how this all comes into play as a candidate for the Presidency. It is not about who gets through to just the young or the older citizens,
it's about who will keep there word.

V Kennedy (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:30 PM)

Just like the Clinton's, push ahead and hope everyone is stupid just like before because they could not possibly be wrong.

Jcamp1@bellsouth.net (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:30 PM)

...I was hoping that hag Hillary would win because it would ensure 4 more years of Republican dominance. There is no way in hell she would ever win the election. We need to send all the democrats back to Mexico

Jay Winkler (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:37 PM)

A small thing that has no direct bearing on Iowa--this article refers to "Mrs." Clinton and "Mr." everybody else. This woman is a senator and a viable candidate for the Democratic nomination. Why is she given a title that flags her marital status?

Linda Altman, Clearlake, CA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:38 PM)

Response to Eric:

<<I smoked MJ when I was younger, SO WHAT! We all made mistakes, but here's the kicker, he had the nerver to admit it up front, in a book, before he ran! Good Man!

BTW I Like Barak Hussein Obama, invoking his middle name does not make him Sadam, so give up and stop acting like a spoiled little replublican!

Eric (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:06 PM)>>

I suggest you pick up your old college habit as you appear to becoming unhinged. I don't know why you assume David, Lincoln RI is a Republican???!!

I have been a Democrat my entire life and will either not vote for President at all or will vote for a Republican if Obama is the Democratic nominee. I - along with a great many others - are not swayed by fluff and rhetoric. This man has been given a free pass for the past year! If he does become the nominee - God forbid - I am going to relish in how the Republican machine will chew him up and spit him out like the corn in Iowa.

I would rather take my chances with another Republican than throw the country directly in the gutter by electing Obama.

DEMOCRAT TO REPUBLICAN IN 24 HOURS

Paul, NY, NY (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:39 PM)

Okay, first Read, you've covered what Clinton has been doing today and also Obama, but why isn't there any coverage of Edwards' events. You know he did come in second, behing Obama but ahead of Clinton. Where is your objective reporting.

Lura, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:43 PM)

MK,MO you are exactly right. its why I want Hill to win the Dem nomination, so the republicans can retain the executive branch, and there will continue to be gridlock. in case no one has noticed, whenever the executive and legislature agree, IT COSTS US ALL MONEY!

Mitch, DE (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:45 PM)

I would rather take my chances with another Republican than throw the country directly in the gutter by electing Obama.

DEMOCRAT TO REPUBLICAN IN 24 HOURS

Paul, NY, NY (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:39 PM)

It seems like you are in the minority with this view.

Barack the vote!!!

www.barackobama.com

Dante (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:47 PM)

for Hillary to claim she is a "change agent" is like saying GWB is. Changing from Dem to Rep and back isn't change - it's just changing home field advantage in the same ol' game that gets nothing accomplished and creates division. I want a LEADER who is willing to change the game altogether.

Deb, Dallas (no joke) (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:49 PM)

Here in the UK we had a woman PM and she is still respected in this country as a woman that could do the job well. I believe Hilary can do the job and do it well too.

Good Luck from here in the UK.

Em's London, England (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:50 PM)

Hillary Clinton is the best possible choice to lead us in the right direction. Change in Obama's speeches could also be change for the worse. We need someone who is tested to lead this country away from the Bush debacle. I think she will be a wonderful president and advocate for all Americans

Nancy Benson, Los Angeles, Calif. (Sent Friday, January 04, 2008 4:51 PM)

After reading all of the uproar, blather and bias exhibited in most of the above comments, I read the bios of each candidate on their own web pages. It was very instructive and I recommend others do the same. Let's get serious. I am interested in the candidate with the broadest life time experience. I want to know whether the candidate knows what he/she doesn't know; has shown a readiness to cope with bad surprises; can get up to speed quickly; has contacts around the world readily in place for negotiation when needed and, as they evaluate in school,can get along with a wide range of " others ". I have a candidate in mind for each party as I am truly independent. I'm watching the bandwagons but not going to get on one until my vote is called for. Watching, reading and waiting is not for sissies.
RGS, New Mexico

Rogene Stryker, Albuquerque, N.M. (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:33 AM)

FYI if memory serves me, in the Iowa Democratic Caucus, in a non-incumbent year, the winner has gone on to be the nominee in '72, 76, 84, '00 and '04. The only non-incumbent years where the nominee didn't win in Iowa were '88 and '92. So the Iowa Caucus is a good hargbinger of who the nominee will be. But, the only Democratic Caucus winner to win the November election in a non-incumbent year was Jimmy Carter in '76. Go Dems!!

CJ (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:35 AM)

All I say is this, I am an African American, 17 yr. old male and I am supporting Hillary Clinton. I am a resident of Illinois and I have seen more of Obama than probably anyone else. He is an outstanding politician, but he is inexperienced. We have to realize that. I don't really understand where the hate for her comes from. I listen to kids my age, who know nothing nor remember anything from the past Clinto admin. bash her. When I ask them why, they can't give me a real reason. They take their lead from small soundbites from the media and they really don't try and learn about her. They are caught up in the Obama fad. I would love to see a black president, but I think many people don't realize that we are on the verge of a recession, the mess of the illegal war in Iraq, the possible political breakdown of the Middle East, and many domestic problems that plague our country. I don't want someone who is not experienced in administrating and leading. He only served in the State Senate and 3 years in the U.S. Senate.

I ask those who are on this board attacking her: how are we helping our party by doing what the republicans are already going to do in the General? A lot of people say that her and her husband have always turned to negative attacks against their enemies.....what politician hasn't? Obama said at the beginning of his campaign that he would not use negative attacks. He has reneged on that promise as well. We have to fairly judge by the SAME STANDARDS. Whoever the nominee is we will support, but we weaken our party by the ridiculous attacking. But New Hampshire is Hillary's! I hope she wins and wins BIG!!! I'm ready for experience that fosters change.

Travis, Chicago (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 11:40 AM)

Another thing people forget is that this whole "change" agenda is a bit naive on Obama's part. People need to realize that despite all of the "change" rhetoric, if Obama is elected president, he still had to conform to the Washington system. He will be utterly destroyed politically if he walks into the Oval Office talking about, "I'm going to change this place around...a total 360!" It won't happen. I always wonder what change he is going to bring. I say this because he uses this phrase to differentiate himself from Sen. Clinton. They have a voting record that is almost 95% the same. What change can he bring? They are all talking about the same issues with very similar solutions....so I don't get it.

People are caught up in his speaking ability and not substance. People attack Hillary for not being specific when she talks about her policy but Obama rarely goes into detail about his policy and all he has to do is say change and he gets a standing ovation. This honeymoon period will not last when he heads to Washington to deal with "them" (the Washington Establishment)

Travis, Chicago (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 12:08 PM)

Ok everyone. Hillary is clearly the only person who can do this. Once people engage with their head as well as their heart, they will see that she has been around, doing what she does so well, for a really long time. She has been fighting for change her whole life. She truly cares about people and their problems, way beyond the elegant, positive Tony Robbins inspired lipservice provided by Obama. The media needs to stop giving him a pass and investigate what he has really DONE, and what he has actually voted for.

Brian Willaims, Dothan, Alabama (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 12:54 PM)

Wow - someone in Hillary's campaign has been busy posting here this morning. You getting a little nervous are you?

Bob Orland (Sent Saturday, January 05, 2008 1:16 PM)

In response to Travis from Chicago:
When you grow up and are able to see thing's in the "BIG" picture then you will understand. If you support Hillary and believe in her "experience" then tell me just what has she done that has given her so much experience? The answer is she can't give detail's because she hasn't got the proof of good judgement that comes with that experience. Everything that she mention's is vague and brief becausethe detail's are locked up in the Clinton Library so no one can see it until after the election's are done, conveniently! Don't you find this very questionable on her part? If you wanted to brag about all of your experience wouldn't you show proof of it and let everyone see it for themselves? She can't because it isn't there to work in her favor. Negative, close-minded thinking is how this country got in this situation with President Bush. The people are letting their voice be heard that we don't want the "status quo" anymore and change will happen.

DesertStormVet, IL (Sent Sunday, January 06, 2008 1:06 PM)

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