Clinton responds on Kazakh issue

Posted: Sunday, February 03, 2008 10:41 AM by Chuck Todd

From NBC/NJ's Athena Jones
     ST. LOUIS, MO, Feb. 3 -- In an interview this morning on Fox, Hillary Clinton sought to "set the record straight" -- in her words -- about a New York Times report that linked her husband to a Canandian financier.
     The paper reported last week that Bill Clinton helped Frank Giustra close a lucrative uranium mining deal while on a philanthropic trip to the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan and that Giustra later donated $31 million to the former president's foundation and pledged to donate even more.
     When asked whether as president she would tell her husband to "knock off those kinds of dealings", the New York senator said the description of what had occured was inaccurate.
      "He went to Kazakhstan to sign an agreement with the government to provide low cost drugs for HIV/AIDS, a growing problem in Central Asia. While he was there he met with opposition leaders and certainly spoke out about the hopes that we have to have a good relationship with that country," Clinton said.
      The senator said she had been on record for many years as against the country's anti-Democratic government and had called for changes.
     "So I think that it's clear that I will stand on my own two feet. I will say what I believe and I will be a president who pursues policies that I believe will be in the best interest of our country," she said.
      In an odd response to a follow-up question about her husband praising the Kazakh leader, Nursultan A. Nazarbayev, who has led the country for 19 years, and suggesting he could lead an international election-monitoring organization, despite her coming out against his anti-Democratic government, Clinton noted that Dick Cheney had also gone to the country to praise its regime.
     She went on to explain that she believed in using carrots and sticks in diplomacy and said these difficult issues required "seasoned leadership", especially in dealing with a region where the United States has many interests, from natural resources to fighting extremism.

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Comments

Another case of Clinton not answering the question! Obama always answers the question asked.

SI SE PUEDE!!

There is also a Zogby Poll that has Obama ahead in California.

If you have not seen it yet, i suggest everyone, Republican, Independent, Democrat, Man, Woman, Black, White, Latino, Jewish, Christian, Muslim or other go to youtube and watch the Black Eyed Peas Video - Yes We Can.

It puts one of Obama's speeches to music and shows what a gifted orator he is. If you support him or not it is a great work of art.

nadeem, Canada (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 12:54 PM)

LOL, Yes that Dick did praise the dictator like Bill.

Now that Ann kind of endorsed you the other day, are you looking for Dick's endorsement?

Listen to her answers on impotant issues, like in last debate as well as last night's event on MTV and Myspace, the young knew when she was giving a Bull's byproduct instead of an honest answer.

I am really sorry that there are still people out there believing in the WMD in Iraq and support Bush and his invasion of Iraq even as we speak. We all know what happens to a blind support for a politician whose foremost interests are not for the people but for his own. Our President should not be about me, me, me, me, me, and me.

Sean, NY, NY (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 12:56 PM)

Among its other findings:

"There is no evidence that acrimony between Clinton and Obama during the course of the campaign has soured Democratic voters on the candidates,'' Kohut reports. "Democratic voters remain far more enthusiastic than Republicans about the quality of their candidates, and the favorability ratings for both Clinton and Obama among Democratic voters are virtually unchanged over the past month.

"Some voters are growing increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of Bill Clinton being “back in the White House” if Hillary were to win the election. Currently, 41 percent express this negative assessment, up from 34 percent in October. In particular, more independents now dislike than like the idea of Bill Clinton being back in the White House, a reversal from four months ago.

nadeem, Canada (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 12:59 PM)

Did she just say Bill was a Dick?

Steven, KDH, N.C. (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:02 PM)

The media is doing their best to drive Hillary out of this campaign.Too bad they are so obvious----still sitting in Bushs pocket and their lack of question Bushs everybody be afraid campaign.We have no trusted journalists anymore.They are bought and paid for by their owners.I would like to read about their personal affairs.

enough of chuckie (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:11 PM)

Clinton says Cheney showed up in Kazakh and did the same things her husband did? How did Cheney enrich himself like the Clintons on that trip?

Jason Logans, Memphis TN (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:23 PM)

Hillary and crooked 100 grand Cattle Futures deal

Pardons issued by Clinton and money paid to Hillarys brothers for the pardons

Kazakhstan and 31 million.

And the many deals that remain unknown. I'd prefer 4 years of McCain to 8 more years of Clinton. I'll vote for Obama but I won't vote for Hillary. I've had enough.

Mike Davis, San Jose, Ca (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:31 PM)

BS. Read the NYT article. This is serious ethical compomise and poor Clintonian judgment. She cannot be the 'innocent spouse', though it certainly is the one role in which she does have "35 years' experience"...at some point doesn't the act wear thin?

iowan (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:34 PM)

Further evidence of the anti-Hillary media, getting
their stories wrong. Also very good evidence of
Hillary's foreign relations acumen.

Norm--Gainesville, FL (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 1:53 PM)

Wake up folks. This is going to be a problem. The Clinton's are politicians in the worst sense and if you have not read the article this was responding to, you really need to check it out.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/us/politics/31donor.html?ei=5065&en=6a843530898e147a&ex=1202446800&adxnnl=1&partner=MYWAY&pagewanted=print&adxnnlx=1202065223-NOjVNVnTNp7damptnCqo+w

Chris, Tampa, FL (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:02 PM)

So she refused to anwser the question again. There is something more there.

I hope the press will get to the bottom of this as it's clear Clinton isn't going to clear it up

Aaron, Phoenix (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:07 PM)

This double talking will make her a billionaire instead of the millionaire she is now.

Lucille Ball, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:08 PM)

OK, so she says Bill and Dick Cheney are on the same page with this dictator. Well, that is certainly reassuring...

Mike W Long Island, NY (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:10 PM)

I'm happy that HRC had the intelligence to compare her husband's activity to Cheney, shows she knows who praises the oppressive regimes that deprive the Kazakh people of fundamental rights. She'll probably praise Ahmadinejad of Iran next.

Randle Bate, Woodland Hills, CA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:12 PM)

More of the same old spin. Bill will be uncontrolable. Cut it off now. Elect Obama.

Tom, Burke, VA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:32 PM)

What about Obama's ties to Exelon and the nuclear power giant in IL? No mention of that article which also appeared in the NY Times.

Terry P (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:33 PM)

And how much did Giustra donate to Dick Cheney's foundation?

Lil Abner (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:51 PM)

LIAR LIAR LIAR HILLBILL ARE AND ALWAYS WILL BE LIARS LIARS LIARS

cathyt, washington nc (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:57 PM)

Typical Billary.

Check this out:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:58 PM)

Typical Billary.

Check this out:

http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:59 PM)

With regard to Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama and their social/health, military and tax agendas As the old saying goes--You can fool some of the people some of time, you can fool some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. Also, with an apology to W. Shakespeare--So let it be with both of them. I feel there are just too many "gray areas" regarding Bill and Hillary and their "involvements" over many years and Obama tells people what they want to hear. Who will pay for all their social programs and the removal of the Bush tax cuts ? WE WILL !!!! I would venture a bet that especially the Clinton and probably the Obama finances are very well protected and any tax increases will not impact them or most other political cronies.

Charlie from Scotch Plains, NJ (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:05 PM)

I saw the interview on Fox and it is quite harmful to her campaign. They say one thing and do another, and hen try to brush it off. Comparing their situation to that of Dick Cheney is not very smart. The country wants a change from the last seven years in Washington. It seems that her so called 35 years of experience have taught her how to double talk and become a hypocrite.

Michael Henry, Folsom, Ca. (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:12 PM)

Perhaps Senator Clinton's most truthful comment might have been something like the following (in the service of full disclosure, this is coming from a non-Clinton supporter):

"Look. guys - In the real world not every country has a democratic form of government built on the Swiss model, and we have neither the luxury to ignore flawed regimes nor the ability to unilaterally re-build them.

Would we prefer it if, for example, Saudi Arabia was more like Canada? Sure, but that's not reality and when we have to deal with real states, including those that are potential allies in the war on terrorism, or have things we need, compromises are necessary.

So . . . take a deep breath, hold your nose a bit and accept the fact that not all of the world is like Denmark or Australia.

David E. Holmes, San Luis Obispo, CA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:15 PM)

Yeah Hillary, keep telling yourself that Bill is selfless and only thinks of others, maybe someday you will believe it. By the way, that's a real good idea you had today, garnishing wages to pay for insurance. Real great idea, I just won't buy food or pay for heat. maybe I could just stay in the Lincoln bedroom.

Let us eat cake! (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:17 PM)

So she justifies Bill's actions by comparing them to those of Dick Cheney. That's rich ....

Ashley, Lexington Park, MD (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:17 PM)

Ummm... was that a total non sequitur of an answer or what? She seems to be taking the approach that, since people have doubts about her honesty, the best strategy is to question Obama's honesty. Truly, only the Clintons could believe that they could pull it off...

Charles, Charlestown, MA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:19 PM)

Mrs Clinton reads the news and has advisors to tell her how to be politically correct in responding to embarrasing situations caused by Bill. This is how the clintons have managed to survive politically - where others with this much baggage have been forced off the landscape

Sandi Hughes, Rapid City Sd (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:23 PM)

Mrs Clinton, avoids real amswers concerning Mr clinton. No one can believe either person."I didn't have sexual relations with that woman" You cannot believe these people, wake up people, They are not electable. Repubilicans will eat them alive. Washington is broken, and the first step is getting rid of congress. We need term limits for congress, just like governors and presidents. Go Obama

roger, Kentucky (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:25 PM)

She's da bomb!!!!!! HILLARY for PRESIDENT!!!!!!!! The Clintons are just realists that make moves that are totally sensible and big picture oriented. It's too bad people have such narrow views in this world...but, most people are totally incapable of running a company, let alone the most powerful nation in the free world.

Leslie, Los Gatos, CA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:35 PM)

I am really tired of Hillary Clinton's claim that she's been thoroughly 'vetted'. Why has this Bill-goes-to-Kazakhstan story not gotten more press? Why haven't they released the names of all the contributers to Bill's presidential library and the Clinton Foundation?

The NY Times was already reporting on this stuff at the end of December:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/20/us/politics/20clinton.html

"For weeks, Clinton Foundation officials had suggested that the $31.3 million contribution listed on its tax return did not come from a single donor. They then said it came from a single source, but declined to identify it. Wednesday afternoon, a representative of Mr. Giustra contacted The Times and acknowledged the Radcliffe contribution."

But now at the beginning of Feb it still seems to be almost below the media radar.

Why haven't the Clintons released the records of their communications while Bill was in office? (http://www.newsweek.com/id/57351) That showed up in the October debate, and since then it's been totally forgotten.

Frank Rich's column last week was exactly right to highlight these issues (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/opinion/27rich.html); there's no question that they're going to come back to haunt the Democratic Party in the fall if Hillary gets the nomination.

Cassie Creswell, Chicago IL (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:38 PM)

her brothers were also involved in some questionable business dealings during the Clinton years as well- she seems surrounded by this type of stuff- then again, she also had some questionable business dealings herself. Disturbing.

cj (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:38 PM)

NO MORE CLINTON SCANDALS IN THE "PEOPLE'S WHITE HOUSE".

Turn the page America.

James Brown,Eugene , Oregon (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:44 PM)

She did not answer the question, just like the debate
when she was asked about the War. W.,Bill and Hillary
have a hard time being straight with the American people.

CE, Wisconsin, USA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:46 PM)

I am a Democrat. I like Hillary. But I want the White House more. This disturbs me. Now Hillary is comparing Bill to Dick Cheney?!

This has made me think about the drama of the Clinton years--so I did some research. I'm worried about Hillary as a candidate.

There were so many investigations, so many questions about various dealings in the White House. And, there were so many deaths of people relating to transactions that included the Clintons.

I say all of this to say that the Republicans will drudge all of this up again during the General Election. Is this what we Democrats want?

Let's get the White House back. That's most important of all. Obama can beat McCain.

Vote Obama to be assured of the Presidency.

jbrown (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:49 PM)

Nice job Senator Clinton!

You have our support!

Gavin Merrillville, IN (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:54 PM)

Whatever, you know that guy wants something from Billary for his millions!

NO CLINTON DYNASTY (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 3:55 PM)

Uh, did someone forget to ask about the $31 million?

Thomas Rash Wilmington, De. (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:27 PM)

Yeah--right Hillary. Should we believe this--like all ther othr stuff you have had to 'explain'.

honroable65, Santa Maria, CA (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:28 PM)

Lying SOB/DOB scumbags. $31,000,000 speaks for itself. No explanation needed. $100,000,000 on the come don't need no explanation, either. Dirty lying scumbag politicians. Bad as the worst Republican dishonest in-the-prison pay-off dirty Congressman. Duke Cunningham = Bill Clinton. To Hell with both of them.

Tough Is Not Enough (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 4:30 PM)

I cannot believe anyone would think Bill would use his influence for something as crass as MAKING MONEY....or that Hillary would lie through her teeth about it. Ready on Day One...to get ready for her chance to get $100 million dollars for "foundation" when she leaves office.

Steve Jennette (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 6:21 PM)

HUH? This is as bad as her appearance on George Stephanopolis (sp) this morning. He had to ask her 3 times to clarify whether she would garnish wages and/or fine people who didn't want her healthcare plan before she finally admitted she would. Even then though she tried to sidestep the question. I guess she figures if she talks long enough about nothing that they will forget the original question.

Stacy, Virginia (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 7:10 PM)

Well if Dick Cheney did it then it must be alright. <bangs head against keyboard>

Stacy, Virginia (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 7:12 PM)

Clinton, the husband, got 35 million for his foundation from the very guy on whose jet he fly to the former USSR state and who got a big contract to mine uranium on the day after Clinton met with the leader of the state. No quid pro quo there. Of course not Hillary.

Borat (Sent Sunday, February 03, 2008 11:33 PM)

So, will Borat endorse Hillary?

Paula Pridi (Sent Monday, February 04, 2008 8:39 AM)

Lies, and more lies from Hillary Clinton. It is down to a science for Hillary and Bill. When confronted with a huge conflict of interest, or even something illegal, the two of them wave their hands, babble a few words, and tell us all just to move on. The Clinton's aren't dealing with the small stuff anymore. The days of the $100000 cattle future scams are long gone. Now they're getting into the big stuff, tens of millions and hundreds of millions at a time. And, yes I do think it is wrong that an ex-Presdient and a sitting Senator are getting huge kick backs from a shady land mining deal.

Suzy Walters, MS (Sent Monday, February 04, 2008 10:08 AM)

Let me get this straight. Hillary will do her thing while Bill does his.... more of the same. She'll live off his ill gotten money, oh I forgot, she has her own.... and since Dick did it, it's ok? So, HIllary looks to Dick for guidance now?

Karen Burroughs, San Antonio, TX (Sent Thursday, February 07, 2008 2:30 PM)

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