Today... empathy

Posted: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:28 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Ron Allen

From NBC’s Ron Allen
LORAIN, Ohio -- Hillary Clinton is at a town hall here, listening to an elderly man vent about financial problems; he’s either losing or lost his house -- he was hard to understand because of an accent. It was a very odd moment, with Clinton standing just a few feet from him. It was a bit tense because he was so emotional. Clinton accepted an envelope from him and promised to help. She has two residents on stage with her who are facing foreclosures; they told their stories to the crowd.

The only jab at Obama: "Hope is not a plan...," in her opening her remarks.

Today, it was Hillary Clinton full of compassion and empathy for working people facing foreclosure, mountains of school loans, and taxes.

After anger, sarcasm, today it was empathy. At one point she said, "I got a little hot there the other day in Cincinnati...." and says she was really mad, because Obama was sending YOU false, misleading and discredited information.

*** UPDATE *** NBC/NJ's Athena Jones adds... Here's Clinton's full quote:
"This is a big difference in this campaign between me and my opponent. You see, I believe in quality affordable healthcare for everyone, and some of you may have seen. I got a little, uh, a little hot over the weekend down in Cincinnati," she said to cheers and applause. "Because I don't mind having a debate. I don't mind airing our differences, but I really mind it when Sen. Obama's campaign sends you literature in the mail that is false, misleading and has been discredited. That is not the way to run a campaign to pick the Democratic nominee for president."

Ohio and Texas are must-win states for Clinton and recent polls show Obama closing the gap in the former, although Clinton still leads, and show him leading her in Texas. Two other polls give the Illinois senator a double-digit lead nationally.

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Comments

It sounds nice, but she's been so inconsistent, we'll have to wait and see.

Ro (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:33 PM)

It's clear noe that Hillary had Multiple Personality Disorder.

adam/NYC (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:35 PM)

It is ok for her to get mad. After all she is getting screwed by the media. For some reason the media is scared of a srong woman. They feel better promoting the "inspirational speaker" since when people started looking for inspiration in a politis?

patty,sd,ca (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:35 PM)

Of course she changed message...

After showing everybody what a spoiled little princess she thinks she is, she decided to play the tear card again.

And no Hillary, you better read the pamphlet again.
Obama was right on the mark......

jerry/corpus christi texas (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:36 PM)

Should Clinton not win the nomination, it sounds like she could always get a job as a social worker/part-time psychoanalyst. Maybe she could become a community organizer--I hear that's pretty good/the right experience for a Presidential candidate. Ha!

Nicholas: Minnesota (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:37 PM)

Yes we can ,HOPE? CHANGE any spare,OBAMA WILL WAVE HIS MAGIC REPUBLICAN WAND, the party of IDEAS for the last 15 years according to OBAMA, and everything will unite and love will rule with a velvet glove

kenn (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:37 PM)

Maybe she's meant to be a professional fisherwoman? Maybe that why she's always lashing out, then reeling it back in? She's trying to see what she can snag on her hook and drag over to her camp...

Ron, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:39 PM)

This woman is psycho. Do we really want a President that has mood swings this radical? Do we really want a President that might be the "shame on you" Hillary on a day when confronted with an incident like the Russian bombers flying over our carrier?

Do we really want to have her calling Putin saying "Shame on you Putin! Enough with the speeches, only to do dirty tricks like this!"

Do we really want a "mocking" Hillary if she has to talk to Iran? A country that does not value women as being equal to men?

Do we want a "honored" Hillary when she's negotiating with China on trade and is too much of a coward to stand up to them face to face and ducks the hard questions?

A woman for President? Sure. Just not this woman.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:45 PM)

During the moment when the disabled veteran asked a long, difficult to understand question that seemed to have something to do with losing his home and being a good parent, Clinton held the microphone for him and listened intently as he spoke before accepting a packet of papers from him and saying she would try to help.
**************
Now here come the Obama-ites to scream "fake", "playing to the press", "made up reaction". But folks, this is the Hillary Clinton that her supporters know. I have been at many of her events. I have been on the rope line. I have been backstage at the events as a volunteer. This is Hillary Clinton. Someone who actually takes time to listen to a disabled vet with problems. Someone who will have that problem looked into, whether or not she can help solve it. I would love for every one of you naysayers to attend an event and hear her speak, stand on the rope line and shake her hand. You will be amazed that this woman who has been portrayed on here as "hormonal", "bipolar", "psycho" is a warm friendly individual who will stop, look you in the eye, and hear what YOU have to say. And at the end of the day, will care.

Go HRC (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:46 PM)

She brings an all new meaning to the song "Karma Chameleon". When you think you can give her the benefit of the doubt she lies in the end (NAFTA, Clinton Healthcare Plan). Sen. Obama's fliers are right on the mark and she knows it.

OBAMA, 2008!

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:47 PM)

I suppose you Obama people will find a way to make this mud. The reason i think people will finally see through you suporters and Obama himself is no one is ever all wrong like you try to do to Hillary.I believe too no one is all right and pure like you paint Obama.Thank you Hillary for your careing,fortatude and help to all. It will be my biggest plesure to hear the first time the words Madam President Hillary Clinton.

ep-ny (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:50 PM)

I hear that Obama hands out water to women who "faint" at his rallies. Holy water or help?

Clintbama, your days are numbered.

Write in Chester Hopewell!

Shtuey (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:51 PM)

>>I really mind it when Sen. Obama's campaign sends you literature in the mail that is false, misleading and has been discredited.<<<< *&^%#!!)####
HOW can she say that with a straight face after the absolute, flat-out lies that were in the mailers she used, over and over???!!! And his have *not* been discredited, so there's another lie. And she's counting on him not to descend to her level by whipping out the Soc Sec and pro-choise mailers she has sent and pointing out the flat-out, discredited LIES in them. And he probably won't, but I'd be mighty tempted to do so. ------- Maybe one of the moderators will ask her to defend one of those Clinton mailers -- I'd really like to see her try. ----- And 10 minutes ago I was talking to someone and we were agreeing that we felt some real sympathy for her. Silly me....

Elizabeth, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:54 PM)

She is trying to go through every emotion she can think of to humanize herself. I think eventually she needs to realize that its going to be over sooner or later. You can't lose 11 straight primaries/caucus and hope to be the nomination of a party. The world doesn't work that way. I guess no one has told Hillary that yet.

Johnson, New Orleans, LA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:54 PM)

I have a poll that shows Clinton 68% Obama 5% so I guess all you Obama people might as well vote Hillary or stay home. Get it?? If we say it enough you will all believe it . These Tv outlets cannt go 1 full min when talking without getting Obamas name in there.Do you get it?Lets show them we do get it and will vote our winner Hillary in goooooooooooo Hillary

mox (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:59 PM)

My question is about who says the information is false? Is this "false information" just how someone reads the information?

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 2:59 PM)

"This is a big difference in this campaign between me and my opponent.

Between me and my opponent? My 6 year-old daughter has better grammer than Hillary "Cybal" Clinton.

Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:00 PM)

Such a phoney

Mary (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:12 PM)

So, we've gone from Respect to Anger to Mockery and now to Empathy...

Ladies and gentlemen, Senator Sybil Rodham Clinton!

Hillary, you're right for being angry at misleading mailers! You'd NEVER do anything like that, would you?

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/clinton_edits_the_truth.html

Pete, Albany, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:12 PM)

Hope is not a plan. After Katrina, didn't EVERYONE point this out when all you heard from Bush, Fema, and especially the New Orleans Mayor that they had "hoped" the levy wouldn't break, they had "hoped" if it did there would be enough transportation/aid to get everyone out safely and in time,etc. So why now is hope without actual plans for change enough for Obama supporters? RB in PA

Rose Brannan Cranberry Twp, PA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:17 PM)

Time has not been a friend to Hillary. The primaries are spread out over so much time it gives Obama time to move in on a State and wipe out a 16%+ poll deficit. It leaves me to wonder what voters of States are doing months leading up to their primary. The news coverage has been none stop and there has been 16 plus debates by now. So, it seems like voters should already be committed before the candidates show up in their States, or no more than a 5% point swing. But no, there is consistently a 20%+ swing in polls within 1-2 weeks from Hillary to Obama. As a "serious" voter this bothers me. It is like 20%+ of the voters are not educating themselves or they are so weak minded that they go with what is popular rather than by their convictions. Voting is a right, but like any right it is also not to be abused. All I ask is know the issues and why you are voting for someone. Voting to make history is not good enough. Voting for someone because they speak well is not good enough. Voting for someone because they inspire you is not good enough. Hitler and Lenin inspired people too, but it does not mean it's going to turn out good for you or your Country. When someone asks you why you are voting for someone please don’t be like that State Legislator from Texas who could not State 1 single accomplishment of his candidate; be able to state the issues that are important to you and how the candidate matches your issues. Thank you.

Mark, VA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:17 PM)

The grammar (note the spelling of the word "grammar") is fine in "this is a big difference in this campaign between me and my opponent." It's called objective case. "Me" is the object of the preposition "between."

Carolyn, Denver CO (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:21 PM)

I think she would be a great leader. Most of you are so cynical! I don't get it. She it a great public servant who has a proven record of helping people and contributing in a bipartisan way to help this country. Go Hillary

Mike, Miami Beach, FL (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:21 PM)

This is a big difference in this campaign between me and my opponent.

Between me and my opponent? My 6 year-old daughter has better grammer than Hillary "Cybal" Clinton.
Patrick, Indianapolis (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:00 PM)

-------------------------------------------------

I feel so sorry for your daughter, are you sure you can raise a good human being?

Little girls are doomed (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:24 PM)

"Obama is dangerously vague and ill-prepared for a fall campaign, let alone for the presidency" By Howard Fineman.

I couldn't agree more. It will not be a free pass IF he gets the nomination.
Enough of the smear campaign accusations. Hilary had been to so many countries and had worn attires associated with those. Had her picture blasted all over newspapers around the world.

Let's focus on issues, preparedness - the business at hand. Foreign policy, Economy, Strength to go toe to toe with the opposition if diplomacy and reaching out fails. That's what I want to hear the candidates discuss.

Frankly, I truly believe it is Hilary who can fit and answer the call for the Presidency.
The one candidate whose attendance in the Senate while campaigning(28% out) is significantly high compared to McCain (54% out) and Obama (48% out).

Dan, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:24 PM)

Can I ask a question - why do all Senator Clinton's supporters immediately jump on or accuse Senator Obama's supporters of being nasty or hateful? I've been reading all of these comments and it sounds like the nastiness goes both ways. Stop pointing fingers at everybody else-- when you yourselves are just as responsible for the viscious tone!!! If you can't stand criticism AND the fact that there really are people in this world who may disagree with you - maybe you shouldn't read and/or participate in these blogs. It has to be said that a lot of Senator Clinton supporters sound near hysteria much of the time. It's disheartening and discouraging to read these comments -- but then again - maybe that's your whole point.

GROW UP!!!!!

Liz, NY (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:26 PM)

Maybe Hillary can loan the people being foreclosed on $5 million dollars?

D. Haynes, CA (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:27 PM)

Have you kids seen last weekends episode of Saturday Night Live? Tina Fey so gets it.

May the voice of reason somehow find light in this Country again.

voice of reason (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:28 PM)

eo-ny. Do not be fooled, most of the pro Obama posters in here are right wing wacko republicans who think Obama is the weaker of the democratic candidates. And if he does win, they will turn on him quicker then Chris Matthews. I would like Hillary to be the nominee, but if not I will back Obama to the hilt.

Patrick Casey. Salt Lake City, Ut (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:28 PM)

I am so sick of the Victim routine about Hillary and the Media. The reality is that because she is a woman there are certain things that the media will not say about her.

FOR INSTANCE:

Had she been a man running for president and acting the way she has in the last week, there would be one phrase over every news station: TEMPER TANTRUM. That is right folks, make it as pretty sounding as you want, Hillary had a bonafied temper tantrum. However, if you say that about her, it is because you are a sexist pig. If she were a man then we would say she had a temper tantrum but because she is not then we just ignore the fact that she IS HAVING A TEMPER TANTRUM!

Stop playing the victim. For god sakes people do you really want to vote a career victim into office? Nobody is making Hillary a Victim but Hillary and it is sick.

Chad, Salt Lake City Utah (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:30 PM)

Obama is a snake with a big smile. hillary is real but it is hard to win when he admits guilt, then looks up and says next, why are you whining.

Yet every time he is called out for lying about the pamphlets, taking Special interest money, having a picture with a turban, he says how devisive that the truth comes out about me.

It's unbelievable to me that such a sleazy character is getting all these endorsements. I think Oprah set him on the media frenzy path because she wants to be the first woman President and men don't want to see a woman President, because their wives may get uppity. What other reason for people to watch this guy act like a sleazy con Orator in a stylist suit and a big smile and follow him. Seems weird and very scary.

Susan Friedricks (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:31 PM)

Obamaites and Obama followers. Give all your foolish, stomach-churning sarcasm a break. They don't reflect well on either you or your candidate.

I urge everyone to read other views of the 2 candidates.

http://thecityedition.com/Pages/Archive/Winter08/2008Election.html

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/26/politics/main3876941.shtml

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/us/politics/03exelon.html?emc=eta1

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/25/opinion/25kristol.html

We are voting for the next President not for the next American Idol.

Lee Ann Arbor, MI (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:32 PM)

My husband is a Captain in the Army National Guard currently serving in Iraq. I'm home with two daughters, one 3 and the other 10 months old. My 3 yeard old asked me if she was a bad girl and that is why daddy won't come home and play with her. When you go through this kind of experience of fear, loss, worry........you UNDERSTAND that his election is about something very important. It may be about finances. Yes, my home has lost over 10% of its value. Our current retirement savings have lost almost 20%. But the loss I'm really worried about is my husband. I trust Hillary to responsibly end the war in Iraq and to deal with future threats to our country. I don't trust Barack Obama. I'm excited that so many young new voters are willing to come out but KNOW what you are doing. This race isn't about you feeling good about your choice. It's about the choice being good for this country. Hiring Barack Obama for President would be like hiring a college graduate to run a company. Yes, depending upon the person they MAY do a good job but it's a rediculous choice when compared to a person who has experience and has proven they will do a good job. Hillary fought for healthcare for everyone way before it was popular. She's still fighting. Her efforts made sure that this year for the first time my husband who is in the National Guard will have access to the same healthcare as regular military. That's REAL CHANGE. Obama is running his campaign on HOPE because he doesn't have anything else to run on. I don't want to HOPE my candidate will do a good job. I want to know!!!

Amy of Illinois (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:32 PM)

I personally don't think I could vote for Obama if Hillary isn't the nominee. The supporters of Obama are so crude, rude and childish on these posts that I may just have to vote for McCain.

Alli (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:35 PM)

Obama seems to be an actor/orator who either has a HUGE SMILE or an ARROGANT FROWN and after a part-time job in the Illinois Legistlature (They work 58 days a year) he advanced to be a Junior Senator, then shirked those responsibilities to go on the campaign trail.

Why are all the Good OLD Boys and Oprah backing this Guy? He's a train to McCain winning. He clearly does not have a resume fit to lead the USA?

Hillary has spent 8 years working her way up in the senate and is brilliant and really can implement a health care plan from day one. Obama looks so rude the way he doodles while Hillary talks in the debates, like a little kid.

Mark (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 3:37 PM)

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