Hillary: This 'is not a coronation'
Posted: Sunday, April 06, 2008 11:35 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under:
2008, Clinton
From NBC's John Boxley
At a town hall in Eugene, OR yesterday, Hillary Clinton was asked by man in audience who is supporting Obama whether her attacks on Obama were hurting the Democratic Party.
"I am an Obama supporter -- don’t boo me -- I am being respectful. I came here to listen to you," the man said. "I was an Edwards supporter then Obama. But recently, some of the things your supporters have said -- some of it self serving. So my question is, is electing the Democrat the most important thing? And is there anything you said or one of your surrogates that might have hurt Sen. Obama? Anything that you would like to apologize for?"
Clinton responded, "Every question is a fair question, and I am happy that you came. I am happy that you asked your question. I obviously see it differently. First of all, I think this has been, by and large, one of the [most] positive and civil campaigns that I know of or have been a part of. Now for those of you who are new to politics ... it can be a little eye-opening, especially when you choose sides and you are for one or the other of us."
She went on, "I have to tell you there have been some things, believe it or not, said about me by his campaign. And you know, I don't take any of it personally. I don't take of it seriously. That is what happens in politics, and if you can't stand the heat, don't run for president because it is a really hot kitchen in the White House. I will tell you that much. So for my perspective, the goal is to elect the Democrat. And I believe we will be a stronger Democratic Party -- because look at all the people we are bringing into this contest.
Clinton concluded, "Elections are about choices, and you are supposed to present your case and you're supposed to critique the other case. That is what you do in an election. It is not a coronation. It is a contest. This country is worth fighting for, and I am going to fight for it. I'd rather you be involved and not for me than to be apathetic and not involved."
