Clinton to call for Olympics boycott

Posted: Monday, April 07, 2008 1:18 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: White House

From NBC's John Boxley and Mark Murray
A campaign source confirms the report from Drudge that Clinton will call for Bush to boycott the opening ceremony at the upcoming Olympics. The source says a campaign release will be going out shortly.

Not a bad way to change the subject, eh?

*** UPDATE *** Here is the statement: "The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership. These events underscore why I believe the Bush Administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government."

"I encourage the Chinese to take advantage of this moment as an opportunity to live up to universal human aspirations of respect for human rights and unity, ideals that the Olympic games have come to represent. Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008."

*** UPDATE 2 *** At a March 25th press conference (where she said Jeremiah Wright would not have been her pastor), Clinton demurred when asked if the U.S. should boycott the Olympics. “Let’s wait on that; I don’t have an opinion on that,” Clinton said with a look of uncertainty when asked if the U.S. should avoid the Olympics.

Here’s the video. The question relevant to the Olympics starts 6 minutes, 30 seconds in:

Here’s the transcript:

REPORTER: Can you talk about Tibet at all? Are you concerned about what’s going on there--?

CLINTON: I am

REPORTER: Specifically should the U.S. consider not going to China for the Olympics as a result of it?

CLINTON: Look I think that what’s happening in Tibet is deeply troubling and this is a pattern of the Chinese government with respect to their treatment of Tibet. I’ve actually raised that issue with Chinese leadership going back a number of years. I don’t think we should wait until the Olympics to make sure that our views are known. And I think we should be speaking our through our administration now in a much more forceful way. And you know supporting people in Tibet who are trying to preserve their culture and religion from tremendous pressure by the Chinese.

REPORTER: Avoid the Olympics?

CLINTON [at 7:17, a look of uncertainty]: Let’s wait on that, I don’t have an opinion on that.

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Comments

Hillary will never be re-elected, or elected for any office in the future. Lastest report out of one her home towns County of westchester, contributors are no longer giving her any funds. Most of the contributions are starting to go to Obama.

boogeyman, mamaroneck, ny (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:01 PM)

William, birmingham, Alabama

With regards to Hillary

Any woman who does not respect herself cannot be expected to respect others!!!!!

So tell me again why I should respect her????

Independent Voter, FL (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:02 PM)

Hey did y'all hear? It was really HILLARY who invented the Olympics.......HILLARY is credited with being the main person responsible for ending communism in the Soviet Union.

Come on guys. This woman is a joke. I can't help but laugh when I watch her try to convince the nation that she's the better choice. Man, SNL could make some FUNNY skits based on lying Hillary.

In all seriousness, come on PA! End this now!

Ismael, San Antonio, TX (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:03 PM)

Courageous position--Hillary continues to take stands on issues (as opposed to hmm...uhh...eehh...Mr. Obama). She's not the puppet that it seems that he is, and for that, I'm proud to support her.

All of that written, I would like to hear Barack's position on the issue. But then he'd probably have to hear what Hillary says, reword it, and then throw in the term "change" for good measure.

Ryan Mills (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:04 PM)

HILLARY, OBAMA ALREADY SAID THIS. NICE TRY TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT OF MR. PENN RESIGNING. HOW MANY PERSONALITIES DOES HILLARY REALLY HAVE. EACH TIME SHE SPEAKS SHE TALKS DIFFERENTLY. IS SHE ON MEDS FOR BI-POLAR?

Larry Los Angeles Ca. (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:04 PM)

William, birmingham, Alabama (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 1:41 PM):

She brings it on herself William. You on the other hand wish to give her a free pass even when she lies or exaggerates about her experience and the issues. I don't care what people call themselves, dem or independent or republican. No political figure whether a former first lady or not should receive unabated loyalty from any American. You seem to forget that this is what some people have given to GWB and look where it has gotten this country....Not This Time!!! I don't see the feelings towards Hillary as hate as much as I do digust. Disgust that is well deserved.

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:04 PM)

Let each Olympian in the country decide. Hillary can't even run her campaign how's she going to run the country. She makes me sick and only a backwards State would vote for that witch.

John Koehler (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:05 PM)

Good, I support Clinton call.

China should stop mistreating Tibetians.
I am sad to see how Obama supporters are blind and full of hatred.
I am shocked.

Martha, PA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:05 PM)

I agree with william from Alabama. These obamacans made me so angry. They remind me of the right wing of the republican party.They do not have a clue about politics. Keep piling on my candidate and Mc cain will get my vote. BY the way I'M AFRICAN-AMERICAN and i'm sick and tired of all the hate toward Hillary from the press especially MSNBC that I go to Fox News. Hillarious isn't he.

jean richard delsoin miami ,florida (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:05 PM)

"Not a bad way to change the subject, eh?"

Is there ANYONE at MSNBC who could give us some in-depth, non-biased and professional reporting?

Very sad.

Ken Higgins, San Francisco, CA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:05 PM)

William, birmingham, Alabama,

Respect is earned. So far, Hillary hasn't done anything in this campaign to earn it. So get off your soapbox and send her a check; she has debts to pay.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:06 PM)

pathetic and scared. This is why so many want Hillary. Who would want there president with people like you and hatred-like his wife and pastor lies NAFTA than tells canada wink and nod.Reg politics.Obama and his wife like to strut there rotten Chicago politics and you all turn your head. This is why he wont win in Nov. ever.He has so much crap .Proffesor -ya right but its ok you just keep burning Hillary and showing people the difference.Thank you for your help.

ep-ny (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:06 PM)

How to change the headlines by Hillary Clinton.

REality Check (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:06 PM)

Hillary's latest lie story about the Ohio pizza work-
er makes me sick.

With no consideration to the bereaved family, Hillary
spewed the lie over and over again.

Talking about the Olympic's is NOT going to work on
taking the spot light off of her.

Mark Penn and Company are still on the Clinton payroll

Hillary needs to step down from the campaign BEFORE
more damaging information on her comes to light.

Obama '08

Kim M--AZ (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:07 PM)

Well - I think maybe prior to coming up with that "solution" she might want to see how interconnected US loans are to the Chinese money.

Angela, NYC, N

---------

We've borrowed BILLIONS from them. Can you imagine if they called in their markers??? And don't forget the billions they have tied up in our financial markets.

CR (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:08 PM)

Do NOT mess with the athletes for your political
showboating. Unlike HRC, these young people got there on their own. Remember '80, Moscow and Carter.

Deborah Greenlawn, NY (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:09 PM)

hillary confronting the chinese parliment helped lead to the end of systematic murder of infant chinese girls.

Oh, I forgot Obama was busy hanging with Rezko and voting Present 130 times while she was doing that.
Michael (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 1:44 PM)

HAHAHAHAH, now Hillary stopped babies being killed?!? You Clintonites are amazing in your complete disconnect from reality.

What's even more sad is your weakass attempt to bash Obama on two items that have been thoroughly debunked and were stupid to begin with.

BL, Cincinnati OH (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:10 PM)

Tomorrow, Hillary Clinton will probably call for a one day boycott on chopsticks. All true, red-white-and-blue-blooded Americans must eat their Chinese Take-Out with a fork to stand up for human rights!

And later that night, Hillary will probably "leak" a memo suggesting a chopstick was found on Obama's tour bus...

Ron, TX (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 2:10 PM)

One of the premises of the Olympics from its inception in the early days of Greece was that it was non-political. To this point, they even demanded that all the athletes perform naked so as minimize the impact that an athlete's origins made on judgement of performance.

While it is probably unlikely that politics cannot be completely excluded the olympic contents, great pains should be taken to minimize their impact on an event dedicated to those who push themselves toward athletic excellence. Such politicizing by Sarkozy or Clinton or the Chinese is no different than Adolph Hitlers politicizing of the events that took place in Berlin last century.

Shame on Hillary.

K. Ulriksen, Calabasas, California (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:30 PM)

*IF* Clinton does FINALLY fire Penn, for real this time, it will be too little, too late. She's known about his day job all along, yet she hired him as her chief strategist. But, she may fire him now ONLY because the Unions are ticked off, and of more import, the VOTERS are ticked off -- not good for the PA primary.

For those who are STILL talking about Rev. Wright (and you really need to get over it!), let's take a vote:

Raise your hand if something Rev. Wright has SAID cost you your job.

Now Raise your hand if NAFTA has cost you your job because of something Clinton DID.

That's zero votes for Wright costing jobs, and THOUSANDS for Clinton/NAFTA costing jobs.

OK. Now, raise your hand if you've lost a loved one or friend in Iraq because of something Rev. Wright said.

Now raise your hand if you've lost a friend or loved one in Iraq, or if you know of someone about to head out to Iraq because of something Clinton DID or DID NOT do: She voted FOR the war (maybe she'll READ the resolution before she votes next time).

So now Clinton, under the guise of caring for the people in China, is calling for Bush to boycott the opening games (which, by the way, is also too late since many others have already done so). Remember what happened to over 250,000 people in Bosnia when she told her husband not to send help because it may interfere with her health care plan going through? In case you don't remember; All those people died, and her health care plan -- which is the very same one she's touting now -- failed miserably. Boycotting the opening games only hurts all of the athletes who have worked their entire lives for this moment. If you're going to boycott the games, you boycott the CLOSING games, NOT the opening games.

The Clintons can look straight into the camera and tell such bold faced lies (Bosnia, Canada, NAFTA, Colombia, outsourcing, India, the lawsuit now in progress in CA, trying to get the superdelegates over turn the votes of the people, MI and FL suddenly count after she said "they don't count," donations to the Clinton Library, their 10M dollar donation to their own charity, I did not have sexual relations with that woman, etc., etc.) and most people seem to feel that it's okay to lie... in order to get votes. Yet when someone speaks the truth, you can't handle it.

CR (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:30 PM)

OK, these posts confirm that all of you so-called Obama dems are actually Republicans. Goes to show that the GOP WANTS BHO to be the nominee since they've never beaten HRC on anything ever. Stings don't it, boys?

JT, Nashville, TN (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:31 PM)

Do people forget what Olympics are all about? It's not about politics! Doesn't anyone remember when the olympics were first re-inroduced how countries were at war and still given a free ticket to attend the olympics and DID?? Boycotting the Olympics (any part of it) is about the stupidist most arrogant thing I can think of our country (more like politicians) doing. Come on people, get your act together!

Chris Wenatchee, WA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

I hope you folks aren't paying too much attention to these NBC guys or anyone in the mainstream media, for if you are, you are being had.

In my 50+ years of living, I have never seen as much Propoganda in the media as I've seen during this Administration. The way Today's mega media stars frame the dialogue and steer their audiences toward their way of thinking is far superior to what Hitler did in Germany. I fear that what America used to be and what it stood for is being systematically dismantled by men with big egos and little dicks who feel justified in having it their way.

You are much better off ignoring what they say or believing the opposite, for too much of the time the opposite is the real truth.

If you buy any of this tripe, you are nothing more than lemings marching to the sea.

Look for it, for it is coming. The Blogosphere is our hope for reformed reporting.
Case in point: The Attorney General and the FISA bill is a classic example of pure lies being spewed by the AG to pass legislation to protect the guilty. So far the mainstream media has framed it as a non-worthy story and has gone so far as to interview people who will speak favorably of the AG only and don't even mention the story of the AG lying about FISA getting in the way of a phone call made prior to 9/11. This call never happened according to the 9/11 commision and even if it did, FISA does not block the interception of the call, yet the AG is allowed to make up the story and relate it to those 3000 people who lost their lives on 9/11. How utterly shamefull of the leader of the Department of Justice. So far the mainstream media has not called him on it. Hopefully that will change, but I'm not holding my breath. The same media is also withholding negative stories about McCain. They will escort him to the Presidency and we will have another four more years of the same. Makes me shutter.

honest Jon (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

What has John McCain done for this country really apart from the Amnesty Bill for Illegals. His fake POW moment in Vietnam is overrated when everyone knew all along he would never be harmed because he was the Admirals son. If he was really patriotic why would he grant Amnesty to illegals. All his life he has only kept talking about the same thing. He is more deperate then Hillary to become president that he was ready to run with Kerry. He should be called McChameleon.

Cindy McChameleon, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

Hey Dummies! Did any of you people who have no lives actually read what was put out? No one is asking to boycott the games, only the opening ceremony. Scary to think you droids actually have a right to vote.

bshult, chicago IL (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:32 PM)

What is wrong with all of you? China has had a terrible record on human rights not to mention sending poisoned toys into the US. Of course, Bush should not go to the opening ceremonies and show them that the US does not appreciate their attrocities. Hillary is not suggesting that the atheletes boycott the olympics, she is saying that Bush should not go himself to the opening ceremonies. That is very different from what Carter did. Our presidents don't always go to the opening ceremonies, why should Bush go to China and support that government and its policies. Thank you Hillary. I wish more public figures had your good sense.

LM (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:33 PM)

I would rather have Hillary's position than Slick Barry trying to have it both ways with another "present" vote on the Olympics:

---------------------------
"Rival Obama said in a TV interview earlier this month that he was "of two minds" when it came to full U.S. participation in the Olympics.

"On the one hand, I think that what has happened in Tibet, China's support for the Sudanese government in Darfur, is a real problem," he said, before adding: "I am hesitant to make the Olympics a site of political protest because I think it's partly about bringing the world together."

John Doe, WA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:33 PM)

I am not sure that boycotting is the right way to send a message to the Chinese. Maybe it is. However, I think she has to be careful not to appear to be jumping on the bandwagon.

L Adams , Atlanta, Ga (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:33 PM)

So this is a liberal presidential candidate's version of putting a "Free Tibet!" bumper sticker on your car. Well, whoop dee doo.

Dale, Denver (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:34 PM)

The absolute best way to force the Chinese into making changes in their world is to enter that country with as many media members as is possible for the Olympics and then report on EVERYTHING that is visible to see. If a Media type has the cojones to get into some areas where they are banned , all the better. This country (China) needs to be exposed to the rest of the world and there is no better time or way than with western media coverage during the Olympics. Don't allow this year's Summer Games to be like Hitler's '36 Games when his propoganda was eaten like dessert by those covering the Games from elsewhwere. When the Games are over I hope that these Communist morons in charge silently wish that they had never been chosen to host the Olympics!

Mark Rupert, Alameda, NM (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:35 PM)

It's ironic that Hillary is taking a stance against China when she wants to mandate her healthcare plan. That means if you don't accept her plan that the government will come and dock your wages, etc...
Sounds like a communist Chinese type plan to me!
Hillary also called on hundreds of millions of dollars for breast cancer research today. She is trying to lock up her female base in light of the fact that they are running away from her campaign in droves because of all the recent lies being exposed!

Lonnie Schaefer (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:35 PM)

Another lie sitting on the table? Ask Hillary what Chinese leaders she has spoken to and when she did? Bet she can't come up with any!

Vic Price Dadeville Alabama (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:36 PM)

there is not a word of truth that comes out of the tounge of hillbilly politics..

rvjemal (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:41 PM)

1) Hillary gave 10%+ of money to charty, Sorry Obama gave how much???
2) Hillary's senate attendance is more than whose? Obama????
3) Hillary does not support someone who say God Damn America is in the bible, Did you say Obama does????
4) Hillary kicked out the Strategist who made the columbia talk, you ask about Obama?? Hmmm...
5) Hillary and McCain went in person to pay tribute to MLK, Did you say Obama was campaigning in Indiana??
6)So Hillary did not fear any threat in Bosnia, wait was that a war zone? Why was she so padded?
7) Hillary protests Chinese inhumanity as a world leader, hey where's Obama? oh probably gloating over his support and his popularity
8)Obama shared delegates in the states Hillary won, republicans dont do that...hmm that would actually put her over the top with the winner takes all strategy
9)Obama took his name off the ballot in Michigan, party and popularity always comes before the people to him.
10) Phsychology 101 - Hatred stems from Fear, Lets trash Hillary and vote for someone with no merit, Hey after all we elected George Bush, Dick Chaney's cousin should be next in line!
God, Forgive these people who voted for Obama, they do not know what they have done!
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

John Doe (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:41 PM)

People stop your sniping!!! The issue here is China, not your like or dislike of Senator Clinton. What will you do to protest against China and their human right abuse, toxic products, poisoned food, and unsafe toys. Another issue that is not being reported on is that China is importing Saint Saint Bernard dogs, not for pets or search and rescue, as livestock to eat.

Do you know that the Republican tax cuts have left the United States indebted to China, talk about the ultimate foreclosure notice if we don't do what China wants us to do. The GOP has sold the United States out.

Donna A. Reuter, Bremerton, WA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:41 PM)

The Clinton years may have been peaceful and prosperous -- but if Bill had acted a bit more responsive to the terrorists (and not to Monica ), we might still have the Twin Towers. Either he did not have the "balls" to stand up to all the previous attacks or he did not want to "offend" anyone ( liberals or Terrorists).

Re the economy, his economic policies had little to do with private sector starting all the "dot com's". His administration purely benefitted from the capital gains on the sales of the shares and then tried to "spin" it as if he was some sort of financail genius. Wake up America ---- the only "piece" was what he got in his office and his "properity" has come from his book deals. We need to get back to "honor,honesty and integrity" --- the Clintons are clearly not the ones. They repesent corruption at its best !!!!!

SVC -- Boston (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:41 PM)

Clinton says "The violent clashes in Tibet..." I just have to wonder... did the Clinton team vet the issue in Tibet before writing her opinion... or did they just take the word of some Deputy?

brian, dallas, tx (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:43 PM)

You people seem to be waiting on any Anti-Clinton press (which First Read is more than happy to provide) to give you a reason to bash. You guys are truly afraid of what might happen; that she may win! I'm sorry her campaign is an inconvience to you, but as long as she doesn't quit on me, I won't quit on her.

Besides, why would I listen to a bunch of that idiots that voted for Bush twice!

Geez! what a bunch of jerks!

Paid brotha (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:44 PM)

A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. Prov. 21:6
A good name is more desireable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Prov. 22:1
Rich and poor have this in common; the Lord is the Maker of them all. Prov 22:2
A hot tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Prov. 19:19
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Prov. 17: 28-28
Two thoughts -- two candidates. OBAMA- WISE
CLINTON - FOOLISH

Rita - Washington (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:44 PM)

boogeyman, you better look under your bed. the boogeyman may get ya. I am a contrbutor and will continue to be and for you jerry/corpu so what if she made all this money????give her credit that is the american dream.Did you forget that?
I will vote Mcain if obama/Rev wright is the candidate

Michael,Napa Ca (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:46 PM)

Can't you people read? It says she didn't have an opinion on that yet. The closest she came was to say Bush should stand up, and that Americans will stand to root for freedom, NOT that ALL Americans should boycott the Olympics. It's a misleading Tag line that you all fell for! Read what she said and think for yourself. So called "quotes" are so often taken out of context to support opposing views.

Jessica Kimball (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:47 PM)

You are anyone don't need to mess with China, Let our men and woman have their 15 mins. of fame. This does not effect us. Leave China to their own business. USA and Clinton keep your nose out of it. You will start something that Kleenex can't clean up.

Yesdarling20032003 (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:48 PM)

I say phooey. You're all a bunch of phonies. Everyone's out to get the Clintons, it's just more of the same. You ever heard of Richard Mellon Scaife's Arkansas Project? Look it up sometime. Picking apart somebody's campaign is just obsessive and doesn't mean a lot to voters.

Why does Obama rarely get this kind of treatment? People seem so hypnotized and mesmerized by him that they've crowned him king with, what, 10 primaries left to go?

Wendy Contos (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:48 PM)

I don't think a boycott coming from a country which openly tortures prisoners will have a lot of impact, do you?

Tamie, Pittsburgh, Pa (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:48 PM)

I am sick and tied of all the negative press that the Clinton's have to endore. Why can't the press be a little bit nicer to them as they are to Obama and McCain

Nancy Fort Myers Fl (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:49 PM)

SHE didn't choose the topic, nor did she choose who and how it would be reported. What we need in this country is fair, truthful, and unbiased coverage, which we've apparently missed the mark on

Jessica, Wyoming (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:52 PM)

Why do we listen to her. What makes her comments so
important... everytime she speaks we report it. You do not hear any other "Senetors" or even governors getting involved in foreign matters? What makes her the expert? (What a distraction from what's going on around her).

June Clinton (No relation), PA (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:54 PM)

Why doesn't she learn to shut up at times? What she should be talking about is how someone gets confused about being shot at.

TonyA Goodyear, AZ (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:55 PM)

I think it is an excellant idea. Send the flag only. Prove our worth on the playing field. So this is what we are going to look forward to if Obama is elected. Anyone that opposes you, you rip apart. Nothing changes.

Wayne Perkins (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:55 PM)

Why is she still in this thing. Just give up already, her campaign reminds me of those bad horror flicks when the guys gets shot and take like 3 days to die. He keeps
getting up passing out and getting back up again. For the love of the Game just die Hillary. Its over give up. And b4 all u crazy pro-hill people start in on me, this is not a call for violence. Just a call for a loose to throw in the towel.
Obama/Richardson 08

Quinn, Deton, TX (Sent Monday, April 07, 2008 3:55 PM)

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