Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Dave, Tn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:58:03 GMT

Speaking of Hillary. Seen this? hehhehheeh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sudw4ghVe8

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

CJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:01:07 GMT

I think Hillary and Obama figured it'd be too politically damaging amoung the Democratic primary voters to vote for a bill that was going to pass anyway. They certainly did flip flop..but having a D by their name I figure that is where the press expected them to go anyway. But it is interesting Hillary did a total 180..she never apologized for her vote(not that she needed to), but she never said one thing about her change of mind.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

scott — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:04:12 GMT

amen to this todd and mark. i wish you guys would be a little bit more critical of hillary. are you guys scared? (not your personally, but your fellow journalists).

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

HMT — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:06:21 GMT

why jump on Hillary because she makes all the men look like flip-floppers?And the media(Hannity<Carlson ,Rush,etc.etc.etc.plus the right wing newspapers and even Huffington go after Hillary.Get a grip----maybe she is smarter----than you want her tobe

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

John Reynolds, Austin, TX — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:06:28 GMT

There is a big difference between flip-flopping for political gain and changing your stance because you were lied to by the Executive branch. Hillary Clinton, as well as the American public, were lied to. There is no shame in her change of opinion.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:09:02 GMT

Will some please, please please send this to the Obama and Edward campaigns!!! She is getting a free pass and that's ridiculous!!! Fortuanately, it's still WAY early. If she's peaking--it's much to early and I think that could spell disaster come the fall.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:15:52 GMT

Basically it will come down to whether Democrats just want her. If they do, she'll get the pass from them on her initial Iraq vote to authorize. If they don't, this will keep coming up.

Much in the same way both Bushes got a pass on their politically expedient conversion to pro-life views. The Republicans just didn't want to go there, so they collectively pretended both Bushes really are pro-life.

We'll see how this develops. My sense is that she'll not be wanted by a majority of the party, and we'll hear more of her calculating and flip-flopping. And the media will follow suit.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Mark, NY — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:17:04 GMT

Hillary had the wrong judgment about Iraq in 2002, what makes any voter think she'll have the right Judgment when the next problem like Iraq arises. Her vote for the Iraq war fundamentally disqualifies her for the Job.

Her incessant refusal to apologize makes it worse. Her plan for Iraq is to have a "do over" vote. We need a leader who is above these childish political games.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:18:03 GMT

She wasn't lied to!!! Hillary Clinton did what she thought was politically expedient to do because she wanted to run for president and she thought it was the only way she could run. This is important because it's ONE indication of leaderhship. She put her ambition before what was good for the country. I'm no expert, but I don't think that's the type of leader we need after 8 years of Bush!!! Shame of Hillary Clinton for not taking a stand when the country needed her to!!!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jim, Washington, D.C. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:19:29 GMT

I'm more interested in the Republican silence; The GOP doesn't want to rock her boat (yet), because they know they can smear her to pieces and make her a guaranteed loser in '08.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

rick,ky — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:27:19 GMT

YES, she is getting a pass on her vote, while we constantly hear from chuck & mark ( among other's)about $400 haircuts ( daily)& ties to resko ( I think).MSM is scared of their behinds to report anything that may bring into question, her vote or anything else that WE the voter's feel are RELEVANT. We, the voter's had 1 annointed onto us. We will not be taken advantage of in that way AGAIN."DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER"

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

MK,MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:33:24 GMT

HMT / "why jump on Hillary because she makes all the men look like flip-floppers?" hmt explain how gender has any relevance concerning the "flip-flop factor" of a candidate, I am women hear me roar

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

lyn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:35:01 GMT

Amen Guys...so what are you going to do about it?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

scott — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:35:19 GMT

she didnt even read the intelligent report about iraq! she can say she was lied to all she wanted, but the fact that a) she didn't read the report and b) there were MANY other congressmen that voted AGAINST the war doesn't bode well for her. and look at it this way. if she can be fooled by george w. bush, do you really want her leading our country?!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

David, Chattanooga, Tn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:35:53 GMT

If the MSM would focus on important problems we have instead of a persons haircut she may not get away with it. Do your job First Read and go after the story in detail.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

mj, milford, ma — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:35:59 GMT

Before the war before she was against??? Surely you're kidding. 90% of the people were for the war before they were against. They are clearly not all flip floppers. Come to think of it I certainly don't recall Todd warning against war in Iraq. Taking in new information and reassessing your position should not be something we condemn in this country.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:40:53 GMT

MK - its obvious we're going to see the gender card played over and over by Clinton supporters.

John Reynolds - that's just it. Was a change of mind or an example of political expediency. A lot of us only see political expediency from Clinton. That's my take. She's just too much like Bush in several ways, this being one.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Avogadroh, Charlottesville, Virginia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:45:54 GMT

John Reynolds wrote "Hillary Clinton, as well as the American public, were lied to".

Get a brain!!!

The last time I checked, Hillary and Bill (get two for the price of one) were the presidents for 8 years. She had access to intelligence like no other person. If she can be lied to, then she doesn’t deserve to be the president.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

duh — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:15 GMT

Hillary was lied to by Bush who was lied to by Bill Clinton's CIA director which means once again Bill lied to Hillary.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

lyn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:47:55 GMT

IF and that is a big IF she wins be prepared the Republicans won't let it go unnoticed. That's why they are setting back. They want her to win. They have so much on her it would fill an ark. On her part she thinks if she wins all the Dems will ralley around her anyway. Well I got news for you GIRL. No way you are just Bush in a dress.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:56:03 GMT

Hillary is getting a free pass on just about everything. I think the media wants to see Hillary as the frontrunner for the democratic party. The problem with that is that the American people won't give her a free pass in the general election. She is shown time after time she really needs her husband to lead her into battle when it comes to her record, the problem is she has no record. She will be judged based on her husband's record, which is pretty shameful as it is. What has Hillary really done? With the exception of her disastrous health care plan back in 1993, she really has not distinguished herself either as a first lady or as a senator. She won New York basically because she was running on her husband's name. Without Bill Clinton, there is no Hillary Clinton period. When the debates begin with her republican challenger, her weaknesses will be more refined and more sustained and the liberal press will eat it up. There is no way she can take on Rudy or Mitt Romney in a debate. Her community playhouse performances with the other democratic players shows she is not ready for Broadway.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jayson, Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:56:28 GMT

I completely agree MJ. Why is reassessing one's position a negative? If one was wrong initially, is working to right that wrong a bad thing? The same people who lambaste Hillary for "flip-flopping" (or whatever!) are the same people who accuse Bush of being too rigid and refusing to listen to the will of the people. The vast majority of people in this country (as well as many legislators including other presidential contenders) have changed positions on this war. If I'm not mistaken, a majority of Americans supported this war and Bush had quite high approval ratings in 2003. But the vast majority now oppose this mismanaged, ridiculous war and Bush's poll numbers are in the pit. Don't we want a politician who will actually listen to the majority of people in this country who want this war over? Isn't that what we expect politicians to do - listen to their constituents even if it means changing a position he/she ones held? I think it is far better to have someone who has changed positions and since become a vocal opponent of this war than to have someone like Bush who refuses to listen to the people, the Iraq study group, or even reason! But, no, others will continue to simply focus on the fact that Hillary voted for the war initially and give no credence to the fact that she is now working diligently to end it. The anti-war folks (of which I include myself in) would be applauding any Republican who changed his/her position and challenged Bush. But not Hillary. No, she's simply a flip-flopping, poll-driven, ambitious, crazy woman who is only doing this for political positioning. Give me a break.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:59:33 GMT

Well, well now. I heard Hillary was going home to bake cookies for the troops. She just can not take the heat so she is going to the kitchen.
All this dissing has beaten her down.
So okay you guys happy now?
I think you made her cry.
I feel real bad about that so I will VOTE for her.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:12:51 GMT

Update: A Clinton campaign spokesman tells First Read that Clinton simply "got out ... and explained to people that the president has fumbled this thing so badly, we had to put an end to it. I think the Americans would agree with her."

So Clinton now is taking yet another position... the same position we've heard from Republican candidates... that the problem with the war wasn't in its initial concept but with the Bush Administration's mishandling of it?

Ohhhh, this one could come back to haunt her. My guess is watch for another statement from the campaign correcting this one, and blaming it on a staffer, very soon.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:13:59 GMT

Let's not forget as a senator she had access to information that the general public did not. Also, 23 senators voted NO for the invasion. How were they able to get it right and Hillary got it wrong?? She states her experience as her strength. Where was her experience back in October of 2002??

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

mj — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:18:19 GMT

Exactly, Jayson. I was against this war from the start, but I'm not going to hang my hat on a single vote. She urged the president to let the inspectors finish their work and she signed on to the Byrd amendment that would have sunsetted Bush's authority after just one year. The war was a disaster but Bush's managing of it made it worse than it had to be. I'm not interested in quibbling about the past, I listening for a way forward, and Hillary's sounds pretty good to me.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:20:25 GMT

Jayson, Boston...Seems some of our very own are high on the weed these days.
We know she will make the very best President.
We will be proud Americans once again.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Mel, Illinois — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:22:13 GMT

H P Boston, Ms. Clinton's cookie recipe has chocolate chips in it. It's not a good idea to send chocolate to the troops; it melts in the heat over there and becomes bitter, icky, nasty stuff.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:24:46 GMT

Paul Miller
YA think?
Bad staffers, must be going around, Obama caught some too.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Michelle, Roanoke, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:27:22 GMT

I agree with Jayson! The majority of America flip-flopped about the war. She shouldn't be attacked for trying to correct the situation, that is exactly what we want our candidates to do!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Olivia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:29:56 GMT

Bear with me for being way off topic--but because of the problem I'm going to be describing, I have no idea who to contact.

Has anybody attempted lately to get into NBC Nightly's blog, Daily Nightly, today? I have, and something called "Community Server" comes up.

Because you have to join "Community Server", I provided my "alias", a password, and my e-mail address. After I did so, I received a message that I'd be receiving an e-mail with my name and password.

Well, now it's about an hour and a half since I did this. I have not received an e-mail--and I've tried to sign into "Community Server" with my "alias" and password only to get the message that my account is "pending approval."

Has anybody else tried to get into "Daily Nightly" to have "Community Server" come up? And have they been having the same problem I've been having--namely a long wait during which their account has been "pending approval"? My apologies for being off-topic--but I thought someone on First Read might know what was going on.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jack White — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:31:56 GMT

Also, her campaign sends the message that everything her husband did in the White House she supported. Does that include her husbands bombing of Iraq?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Mark Murray — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:35:12 GMT

Olivia, That is strange. What you are describing is how we administrators log in and post updates and comments on these blog. You shouldn't be seeing that page when you log in. I'll try to log into the Daily Nightly -- as a regular surfer -- and see what I get. Thanks for the message.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Mark Murray — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:37:40 GMT

The blog looks fine to me. Be sure to use this address.... http://dailynightly.msnbc.msn.com/

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Ollie frenchburg ky — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:38:04 GMT

bush and cheney have staff infections too!!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Richard Flatts, Mooresville NC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:39:14 GMT

Looking at current facts and deciding to change your position - your course - based on those current facts IS NOT flip flopping. It is called thinking. Smart people do it. Hillary Clinton is smart.

Have we grown so stupid that we expect our pols to map out a position and then stick with come heck or high water, be it 2, 4, or 6 years down the road? Thats dumb. Thats why Iraq is the mess it is because Bush can see the current situation for what it is and change course. His mind is stuck in 2003.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:44:39 GMT

MEL...I think they are oatmeal riasin cookies cause they are so nutritious. That is the kind I send..don't know who gets them though. I hope they like em.
Mmm glad to see my post was not over YOUR head. lol

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Ollie frenchburg ky — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:46:39 GMT

There were a lot of people out there that voted for bush/cheney. Now he is at 29%. Are those voters all flip floppers?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Nick Dorsey — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:47:57 GMT

The criticism here is BS and unfair. Hindsight is great; but where was Mark Murray on the issue prewar? Where were the rest of the MSM including those supposed bastions of liberalism and the country's conscience, the NYT and Wash Post? Hell, they were leading the charge with that wacko chick that was sent to jail over the Plame affair leading the pack with misinformation fed to her by Rove and the boys. Over 70% of the country thought invading Iraq was a great idea based on the mushroom cloud of Condy Rice and other lies.

It's like Germany after the war. No one had ever been a Nazi and everyone knew all along that Hitler was a monster. Now, to hear the vast majority of Americans tell it, they thought the war was a bad idea from the get go. Pure BS!

If Hillary were so cold bloodedly political, the best move would be to go lockstep with all the rest of the gutless wonders that now apologize for their vote. Obama sanctimoniously says he would have voted no. Easy to say, much harder to do. Who knows what he would have done.

I believe Hillary did the best she could under trying circumstances and with the information available. She has said that if she had known what we now know she would not have voted the way she did. Just like all but the brain dead would have been against the war had the Shrub and company not lied through their teeth. I had great admiration for Collin Powell and he was duped and lost his honor by trusting the President.

I can truthfully say that for many reasons, but in large part as a Vitnam vet and historian with knowledge of the Middle East, I was against the war from the outset. But once we got into it, I was in the same boat as Hillary. We had to hope for a time that there could be some successful way to
extricate ourselves without suffering the consequences of a geopolitical disaster in the Middle East. Now and for sometime, it has become apparent that any way you slice it there is no good slice. We have to damn the consequences and get the hell out. Hilary has come to that inevitable conclusion also.

Go Hillary in 08!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:52:07 GMT

Right on RICHARD FLATTS.
Hillary is smart and we are going to vote for her.
She can take the attackes just like all the other candidates. She is an excellent politician, she is extra experienced in the field. Been there done that.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

JerseyGirl — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:54:50 GMT

Lots of people have changed their minds about this war, but I think the 'free pass' post doesn't get at some important issues.

Why did Hillary Clinton vote for the 2002 Iraq War Resolution in the first place? Did her "White House experience" help her come to that decision? What was her thought process? Why didn't she listen to more experienced Senators like Bob Graham? If she had been Commander in Chief in 2002/2003 would she have pressed for war in Iraq?

What caused her to change her stance on timetables? On the war in Iraq as a whole?

Some of her explanations on her 2002 vote don't make sense. I'd love to know why she (and other 08ers running for president) voted against the Levin Amendment. (Roll Call of the vote: http://clarkiw.wordpress.com/2002/10/10/levin-amendment-roll-call-vote-october-10-2002/)

As Lincoln Chafee describes it:
(http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/01/opinion/01chafee.html?ex=1184299200&en=eb667e8da70c312f&ei=5070)
"Senator Levin’s amendment called for United Nations approval before force could be authorized. It was unambiguous and compatible with international law. Acutely cognizant of the dangers of the time, and the reality that diplomatic options could at some point be exhausted, Senator Levin wrote an amendment that was nimble: it affirmed that Congress would stand at the ready to reconsider the use of force if, in the judgment of the president, a United Nations resolution was not “promptly adopted” or enforced. Ceding no rights or sovereignty to an international body, the amendment explicitly avowed America’s right to defend itself if threatened."

HRC said in her floor speech that Bush should have used more diplomacy, but she still voted against the Levin amendment.

Hillary's problem on Iraq isn't just that she voted 'wrong' in the eyes of liberal voters. It's not that she voted for funding it. It's that she's never shown any leadership on the issue ever until 2007. It's that her explanations are hollow. It's that it undercuts her 'experience' argument. For all of Hillary's 'experience' she got this one wrong, and we still don't know why.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Dave, Tn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:55:02 GMT

Mark Murray I got the same page as Olivia got, and my bookmark is too the nbc nightly news blog. I always come to first read from there.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:57:14 GMT

OLLIE
Staff infections too! I love it. I am still laughing!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lewis, Cincinnati, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:59:30 GMT

Did the people who wrote in support of Hillary Clinton even read the post on First Read?? Fine, you think she's the best candidate but thinking she was misled by Bush on this war is just dead wrong!! She didn't even read the intelligence report--OK fine..lots of senators didn't, but some senators VOTED NO after reading that report. Hillary Clinton wants to be leader of the free world not the president of the local PTA. Come on people!!! If experience and leadership are her strenghts, where were they in October 2002?? Do really think she's able to SAY let alone DO unpopular things for the betterment of the country??? It seems to me that she's only interested in the betterment of Hillary Clinton!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 19:59:40 GMT

Nick - Clinton didn't even bother to read the information available.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Olivia — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:11:56 GMT

Thanks, Mark. I just tried the link you gave and it worked.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Dee of VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:14:45 GMT

Mark,

Are you having journalistic guilt? Why even bother to ask the question you know the answer to--YES, SHE'S BEEN GIVEN A FREE RIDE ON IRAQ!!! In fact, she's been given a free ride on EVERYTHING, from her Iraq war vote and continued advocacy until Obama forced her to change course; to her corporate ties (number two Senator in contributions received from the insurance industry); her relationship with Rupert Murdoch; hypocrisy on the Scooty Libby pardon, etc etc. Liberal are going after Giuliani because he was endorsed by the Senator on the DC Madame's phone list, but NO mention of the potential ramifications of Clinton's endorsement from LA Mayor, Villagrosa who was recently caught in an extra-marital affair. Bill Clinton, Commander and Cheater, hangs out with the guy. But I guess Bill didn't know about it or participated? Yeah right! The media is trying to dig up dirt on Senator Obama's relationship with Tony Rezko, but only a few in the Chicago Press mentions that Hillary Clinton received a fund-raiser from one of Rezko's partners. Hillary Clinton even attended a fund-raiser in New Orleans hosted by the infamous Sheriff who ordered his officers to hold Blacks, who were trying to reach dry land, at bay by gunpoint because he didn't want that "element" in his county, but the national media ignores it. John Edwards gets an expensive hair cut or two, and it's an unending story, but Hillary Clinton, a so-called progressive Democrat, is on the cover of Fortune Magazine touted as the candidate of big business and no one calls her on it. I hope you guys are going to start playing fair!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Gary Schear, Bozeman Montana — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:15:59 GMT

God I hope she was being politically expedient with her vote. None of the people I hang out with were fooled in 2003 by these NeoCon criminals and we are not the sharpest tools in the shed. I believe her to be a brilliant and qualified candidate but if she insists that she was fooled then I guess I have to take her at her word. I find that to be a serious flaw. I hold every Senator and Representative responsible for this vote. They all need to apologize for their part in this disaster.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

SB, Santa Barbara CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:17:45 GMT

What is wrong with people today? Now we’re pissed because she changed her mind? We are wasting our energy on this. Our anger, frustrations and disgust belongs with Bush.

Here we have a President who is pretty much giving everyone (other than Barney and Laura) the finger. He has and is making it very clear he is ‘king’ and whatever you think means s--t to him.

He doesn’t represent us or our interest and looking back I don’t think he ever did. This has always been about oil and money, lots of it. Why else are they so determined to continue with this war?

Thank God other Republicans are finally awake, it only took six years but awake you are. Welcome!

Thank God she has the ability to change her mind, look what happens when you have a President who can’t change his mind no matter: a) how many have died b) what the country wants c) our country’s integrity d) our weaker armed forces e) weaker nation, good God the list goes on......

As President (man or woman) you should be able to look at any situation and determine if you are obligated to change your mind.

America is becoming a Nation of too much talk and not enough action. This empire too will fall. It’s been 200 + years. Check your history.....

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Joe, Washington, DC — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:28:41 GMT

Two points: First, as for the Democratic senators who voted against the war, if they're are such great leaders, why are none of them running for President?

Second, the reason why Sen. Clinton is not getting hounded for thinking the war was the right thing in 2002 and the wrong thing now is because that is what 90% of Americans believed then and believe now--at least the honest ones.

Anyone who thinks Sen. Clinton is getting a free ride from the press and that Obama is getting treated roughly is delusional. Truth is, Obama is a creature of the media, which is against whoever is up because what they want is a contest. Folks like the rube who wrote this article give the media way too much credit: they assume Sen. Clinton must be doing well because of the way the media is covering her. At least consider one other possibility: she's running a very good campaign and has shined in all of the debates. So will you Obama and Edwards folks please stop the whining? Its really unbecoming.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Barbara C. — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:36:55 GMT

Everyone's opinion on this War is changing daily; both from an (R) and (D) perspective. All of their opinions will change again as September draws near, and as things change in Iraq for better or worse. This is politics; pure and simple, and it's not only Hillary....it's everyone running for office.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jeremy, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:38:13 GMT

I'm very confused about Mark's assertion that Hillary somehow deserves elevated hazing for her initial support of the war based on her double digit lead and famous husband. A journalist's motivations must be questioned if he/she is using such criteria to determine the level of scrutiny to apply to a candidate.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:40:11 GMT

SB - Clinton is allowed to change her mind. Its just that she keeps changing it to whatever Obama thinks, lol.

Except this time, though. Now she seems to be following the same line as the Republicans - nothing wrong with the decision to go to war, just with the way it was handled.

Her experience tells her one of these lines ought to get her out of the hole she's dug for herself on Iraq.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

James Thiel — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:40:42 GMT

What is this free pass b.s?. Comparing her to John Kerry is nonsense. Senator Clinton has been clear all along…she never voted for the mess Bush created.
If anything you need to praise her powerful leadership ability and ability to clearly articulate a direction for changing course. Something NO OTHER candidate has been able to do. Her competitors are full of endless boring babble or just nonsense. Clinton is the strongest candidate by far.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Daniel Elliott, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:43:49 GMT

Hillary has hardly gotten a free pass. The far left has been relentless and the mainstream media have also gone after her for not saying “I made a mistake”. Chris Matthews doesn’t miss a chance to take a swipe at Mrs. Clinton. Free pass...hardly.

Yes she voted for authorization. As a senator from New York she would have been dragged over hot coals for voting to not give the president authorization. As the war continued to be mismanaged and our casualties mounting she came to a more evolved position that today calls on the president to end the war and bring the troops home. As she herself has stated many times “our troops did their job” and now it is time for them to come home and not be in the middle of a civil war.

The blame for this war rests mainly with those in the media who didn’t do their jobs. They didn’t ask the questions or demand answers or make any attempt at trying to give the American public a view other than what the White House was feeding them. Why? Because the atmosphere was such that to question the administration one was labeled Un-Patriotic, Un-American....so before you go after Hillary Clinton and suggest that she has gotten a free pass....I would say that it is the Main Stream Media in the country that continues to get a free pass. Michael Moore gave it to Blitzer the other night and more people in the Media need to be called out for not doing their jobs.

Hillary voted one way four years ago and today has a different perspective of the situation. That seems to me to be reasonable and not at all worthy of asking is she getting a free pass.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Emily, Milwaukee WI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:47:57 GMT

I think this entire flip-flopping issue is rediculous. Every candidate has changed their mind on some issue at some point. All it shows to the American public is they they are human beings who sometimes err in their judgement and later try to correct their mistakes. Instead of focusing on the flip-flopping "problem", the media should be focusing on what the candidates are actually saying about the issues NOW. There are too many dumb Americans who don't know anything about the issues before they vote. Let's focus on educating them instead of distracting them.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lynn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:56:05 GMT

Joe, You are wrong on so many counts it is beyond responding too. take off the glasses and what you will see is Bush/Rove in a dress. hillary says what ever is needed. She was dead set against timeline until the polls showed that it was what American peopled wanted. She has no beliefs of her own. its whatever is neeeded to become President

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jayson, Boston, MA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:57:55 GMT

Lewis, I suppose leading an effort to provide health insurance for all Americans in 1993 when it was highly unpopular (we all remember the ridiculous "socialized medicine" outcry!) doesn't count as an unpopular position that would better society? There are many other instances but I think that one is sufficient enough to warrant her ability to make difficult, unpopular decisions that are for the betterment of the country and not for the "betterment of Hillary Clinton."

Now, while it is true that a president needs to occassionally (in your words) "do unpopular things for the betterment of the country," I think we've seen what happens when a president continues to do unpopular things to the DETRIMENT of the country - for instance, oh, I don't know, a president who continues to stay on a completely ridiculous course in Iraq even when it continues to kill our troops and innocent Iraqis. Just a thought. And just because the president haas to occassionally do unpopular things doesn't mean he/she can completely toss aside what Americans want (to end the war or at least change course!!) Maybe changing his position might help....

Oh, and another thing, I believe it is a "popular" thing among the left (of which, I again include myself) to demand an apology from Senator Clinton for her Iraq vote (don't include myself here). If she was interested in the popular route that would benefit her and qwell the anti-war faction, she would have just apologized and moved on, wouldn't you agree? Well, probably not. In your opinion, she'd just be positioning herself politically, right? So she's damned if she doesn't and damned if she does. Maybe, just maybe, she realizes that what lies ahead is more important than dwelling on what's in the past. Even if politics does have some bearing on her decisions (and I'm not naive enough to thing it has nothing to do with them), I bet NONE of the other candidates EVER consider what their positions mean politically. (insert sarcasm here).

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 20:59:03 GMT

Ah, but Daniel, look at what you wrote. Apparently she doesn't have a different perspective on the issue - assuming you captured her position correctly (we'll see if they retract the statement sent to First Read).

According to that statement and you, she still thinks it was the right decision to invade Iraq. By the way, credit to you for reminding us what she said a while back, about the troops having finished their job. I never thought about that before.

Now I might be starting to understand why her supporters dodged the Matthews question: if you knew then what you know now, would you have voted to authorize?

Does she still think this pre-emptive war, or war to spread democracy in the Middle East, or whatever it is... was the right decision?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

MK,MO — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:03:35 GMT

I believe the most important question that needs answered following the media's already established guidelines would be how much hillary spends on her hair maintenance, how come the press refuses to investigate the crushing issue on each and every candidates personal hygiene costs? surely it would only be the fair and proper way to compare presidential candidates, I await the results, which I am sure won't show edwards at the top of the heap, then what can be done, a very scary situation indeed

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

TJ HUNTER, TAMPA, FL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:22:53 GMT

I think this argument is over! Why are we looking to what happened in the past instead of trying to figure out our murky future. Shouldnt we be criticizing each and every voter that voted for Bush the second time around for this continued war? Shouldnt we be going after all the republican officials that are still sitting on TV telling the american public that the war is still just and we need more time? Would you rather a leader that is so bullish that they cant see when their path is wrong, or would you rather someone be able to step back and say "Hey we need to change course" so she hasnt apologized, in my book she doesnt need to, not unless Bush comes out and apologizes first. And even then I dont think its her place to apologize, she gave the president the authorization to go to war if we needed to, not to go to war for the hell of it. Its time to change the conversation from flip flopping to just plain stupid decisions, to just plain bad decisions, to just plain evil decisions...oh wait he cant run again!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

ItsTimeToTurnThePage — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:25:45 GMT

Hillary is getting the same FREE media pass Bush got to get us into this war.

It is shameful that the media isn't doing more to examine her record.

I don't want to beat up on the press, but the reality is that their silence allowed Bush and the congress to get us into this mess.

Hillary is running for president. For God's sake, vet her. Question her about her numerous positions on this war.

What's going on? Haven't we learned anything from allowing ourselves to be duped into an unjust war?

Does anybody out there in the media care about the 3600 American soldier lives that are gone and shouldn't be?

Hillary was one of those who sentenced those soldiers to their death. Shouldn't her reason and rationale be examined? Shouldn't you be examining the rationale and reason for all the presidential candidates who voted for the Iraq invasion?

We need to know why they voted for that war. We need to know why they didn't read the NIE report before casting that vote.

Please.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lynn — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:33:48 GMT

TJ...I am sure you do think it is over but it is not because what you fail to grasp is that this is a reflection of her JUDGEMENT. if she has so much experience, why was her JUDGEMENT so bad. Is this the same JUDGEMENT capability that she would bring to the job. What is her JUDGEMENT ability really. Is she cable of making not just tough but SMART decision or will she always feel liked she has to prove she's strong because she is a woman

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Zeb Spankleman — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:34:27 GMT

What does it matter? They are all part of the same regime of "evil doing". The globalist control the puppets we see anyways.
If you want a real new president one day, your gunna half to look at a Ron Paul type candidate.

FRED THOMPSON's wife is 25 years old while he is about 60 yr old and he was very pleased that Bush commuted Scooter "keeps lying like a. gonzalez" Libby.
He sounds even worst than Rudy Giuliani, so c'mon America, WE DONT WANT NONE OF THESE CANDIDATES DO WE? I DONT

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jan, Nashua, NH — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:34:49 GMT

EVERYONE was lied to! I would have thought that the Libby trial made that abundantly clear to the world. That's why 81% of the American people went along with Bush on invading Iraq, and now we're inching up to 81% of the American people being against Bush on invading Iraq.

Clinton isn't getting a "free pass." What else do you want her to say? Should she just repeat, over and over, what she's already told you? She's made it quite clear -- if you can't understand her original vote, don't vote for her.

As far as I'm concerned, BUSH lied, people died. I will be supporting Senator Clinton.

If it's your opinion that Hillary lied and people died, she's not your candidate. Her supporters are holding BUSH accountable for Iraq.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Zeb Spankleman — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:35:15 GMT

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Peter Monson, Fargo, ND — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:40:43 GMT

I would like to know why members of congress recieve so much criticism for "flip flopping". Although voting for the war in the first place may not have been the "right" choice, they were voting for the people that elected them. I do believe members of congress should be able to change their vote/mind, because in reality they are not voting for themselves, but should be voting for the majority of citizens. That is one thing Bush can't say he's doing.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Richard Tacoma, WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:44:29 GMT

Hillary has been given a free pass on many issues that the mainstream media is not covering. How about her campaign manger being a staff member for a major union busting firm in Washington? How about her numerous anti-labor votes personally? How about her personal association with Wal-Mart? How come nobody asks why she has so much money to run a campaign and so few seperate "donors?" (quoted for a reason, mind you) Where do we think all that money comes from? Big corporations that are not interested in fairness for the American people, that's who. Does anyone really believe that a person who has been a politician for as long as she has is completely independent of corporate influence?

I mean c'mon media...please don't drop the ball and not ask the tough questions like you did before the run-up to the Iraq war/occupation/debaucle!! The people of this country rely on you to let us know the real story.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Russell in Maryland — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:45:15 GMT

My personal belief, no evidence. Hillary was for the war until it turned out bad militarily and politically. Unlike other candidates she has not advocated removing all troops and I expect she wants to leave a permanent contingent. She has never said she will close all the bases as some have and I expect she want to keep the bases. My feeling is that she has supported one of the real reasons for the war which is to extend American control in the region. That may or may not be in the best interests of the US but I find it morally repugnant to spill so much blood for that goal. I don't think there has been any flip flop. Since I believe her goals are essentially still in line with the Administration's goals and the media is influenced by corporate interests and Republican interests she will get an easier (not free) ride.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

diane — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:49:26 GMT

Bravo for having the spine to write this article. It's long be noticed and commented that Hillary has been getting a free pass on everything. She speaks about union support when her close advisor is a union buster, the op research focused on Obama and missed(?) what was being said, her outsourcing jobs. Right now Mark Penn is doing push polling again but, using the guilt of Obama being killed if they vote for him.
no one is saying anything.
Many of the polls, including the one who said she was supposed to be tied to Obama in Illinois, has ties to the Clintons.
there is alot of things that are not being aired or letting the public know about. For the most part, Hillary is given a free pass. Even in the debates she is given high marks when she just uses applause lines and says little more.
Again, Bravo and kudos to you.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Willie Lindsey, — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:55:07 GMT

Why is she getting a pass? I'm surprised the GOP and conservative news/talk show hosts haven't jumped all over her. Is it because they can't? Where's the fire from Shaun Hannity, Limbaugh, Koulter (Coulter)? And these are usually the one's that try to spin their butts off in attempts to villainize her. If she deserves the attacks, then stand back and let'r rip!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Larry TC Guy, Memphis TN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:57:18 GMT

Everyone lies to Hillary. You got to tell her what she wants to hear, else she'll bite your head off.

Scary lady that there Hillary.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

John, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 21:57:40 GMT

It would be helpful if we could get past the right-wing-invention known as the "flip-flop" and investigate WHY people changed their minds. If there's a legitimate reason, such as conditions changing, it's normal (and even desirable) for people to change their positions. That it's being applied now to Republicans as well as Democrats is certainly "fair play" in one sense, but it's unfortunate and destructive to our democracy at the same time.

Expecting everyone (but President Bush) to maintain the same opinion regardless of facts is childishly simplistic. Your readers deserve more.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Daniel Elliott, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:00:42 GMT

Paul,

Hillary gave the president authorization to use force. She didn’t vote to go to war with Iraq. The president misused the authorization he was given. When asked early on if it was right to invade Iraq Mrs. Clinton said it was worth getting rid of Saddam. That is when the war should have ended...Bush on the carrier with the back drop of Mission Accomplished behind him.

Since that time the situation has deteriorated. This is not Hillary’s fault. She is the junior senator from New York not the president...yet.

Does she think that the Bush doctrine for spreading democracy with bombs and guns is a doctrine she would want to continue? I say no. Would she continue to fight the war against al Qaeda? Yes. Can she, as a woman, appear to be weak on National Defense? No absolutely not.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

TJ Denver, Colorado — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:04:28 GMT

Hello People Wake UP!! When is everybody going to get off this band wagon of pointing fingers? All this wasted air about Bush lied, Clinton didn't read intelligence/ flip flops etc. etc The terrorists want to kill you, me, & our families and I want to know when any candidate is going to tell us specifically what THEY are going to do to protect us instead of doing nothing but blaming the other party. Everybody agrees that the war is a mess, and the Dem's want to pull out tomorrow. OK what happens then? Do they just think the terrorists are going to lay down their bombs/arms and go back to smoking their pipes and we never hear from them again? Get a clue people! Haven't heard any light bulb moments plans from the Rep's either on dealing with this mess. We need people in Washington who make the American people/homeland their priority instead of trying to score points against the other party. I haven't seen any candidate that fits this bill.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

mm,ma — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:07:04 GMT

Just a hypothetical question, if she had voted against the war and the war had gone right, would Clinton have made a bad decision then too?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Kelly, APO AE — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:12:30 GMT

A majority of Americans were in favor of the Iraq war and now oppose it. Guess they're flip-floppers, too. Maybe we should take away their right to vote?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Bob, Denver — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:21:26 GMT

Joe, Wash., "Obama is a creature of the media"??? Is that what you call $32,500,000 donations and more that 258,000 donors??? Did you just happen to ignore those facts because you had a pithy line you just couldn't wait to use? Give us a break and do some real analysis.
Oh yeah, Obama was always opposed to this disastrous war and said so while he was running for the US Senate. That's called judgment and leadership in my book.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Susan, Sugar Land, Texas — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:27:18 GMT

Hillary Clinton is a joke. Her politics are a joke because she has no politics. She is swayed by whatever she thinks the voters want to hear at any given moment. She had a very good teacher - her husband Bill Clinton. I can't help but think that the American public is too smart to ever put another Clinton in public office, much less the presidency. Both Clinton's behaved shamefully while in the White House and it clearly had an affect on how other countries view the U.S. Please America - wake up!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:29:07 GMT

Yeah, but Daniel, again look at what her campaign said today. And in response to another post above (forget who wrote it) this is a long way from over.

Does she think it was the right decision to invade Iraq?

We know she thinks it wasn't handled properly. We know her position that the troops should leave Iraq as soon as possible. But what we don't know, and what's relevant to us in terms of what she might do as president in the future, is whether she recognizes the initial decision as a foreign policy/national security blunder.

Her comments on the issue don't make it clear, and the release sent to First Read today suggest she does not think it was a mistake.

Ya know, I never thought of H.W. Bush as a particularly deep thinker. But the simple answer he gave in 1992 to whether we'd gain more than we'd lose if invading Iraq is starting to look pretty good. Too bad his son and Hillary Clinton didn't listen. Fortunately we have a candidate who did.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

BK in IL — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:42:37 GMT

What a tough spot the Democratic party finds itself in. Hillary is the odds on favorite to win the nomination, but the odds of her winning the general election are not good.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Alex A, Seattle, WA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:47:02 GMT

even if she read the NIE, i doubt her vote would be any different. Has anyone commenting here read any (declassified)excerpts? http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jksonc/docs/nie-iraq-wmd.html

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Russell in Maryland — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:58:07 GMT

mm,ma -- the 1st Gulf war went "right" but was still a bad decision. It led directly to the 9/11 attack and the mess we are now in. Read the 9/11 commission report (even if Rudy refuses to). In general "war is bad for children and other living things."

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

CJ MD Cherry Hill, NJ — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 22:58:58 GMT

C'mon folks she's just changing her opinion to soothe the masses that are predominantly anti-war.. Hillary wants one thing only. To win the presidency race. Period. She doesn't care about us or those risking their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 9/11 commission cited major errors in her husbands interpretation on the data along with our current administration. She's a bandwagon jumper and that's all. God forbid that she wins the 2008 election. My vote: ANYONE BUT HILLARY 2008

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

William Wheeler, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:00:55 GMT

Mrs. Clinton is surely getting a pass. She doesn't deserve one. It was clear, before this war started, that it was being cooked up for the purpose of going in and stealing the Iraqi oil. People all over the world were out in the streets saying it. Moreover, the evidence offered in support of the invasion was so thin that anyone with more than a fourth grade education could easily determine there was no legal basis for invading a non-threatening nation.

We violated international law. Everyone who voted for it or who has participated in this war is an international war criminal, including Hillary. Is a war criminal the person we want heading this great nation?

As far as I am concerned, anyone who voted for this illegal and immoral war is automatically unfit to be President of the United States.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Bob Sr. of Akron, Ohio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:04:27 GMT

Opponents have successfully used the term "flip-flopping" in a negative manner.
How negative is the term "listening to constituents"?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Desmond — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:06:01 GMT

"I Cladius"- book by Robert Graves

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Hakim Rasheed Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:12:02 GMT

Hillary Clinton is getting a pass on Iraq. She voted against the Levin Amendment which would've required Bush to go back to Congress should diplomacy fail; now she says she only gave Bush authorization so that he could get UN inspectors back to Iraq. Obama should be hammering her with this.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Old wise one — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:34:51 GMT

Whoever wins this election has there hands full.
The world has never been in this bad of shape.
Factories are closing,What is going to happen to Social Security.There is NO JOB SECURITY anymore.Insurance you pay for Dont
want to pay up when something happens What a snow job that is talk about crime then when something happens they want to cancel you.New Orleans
is still in shambles.Credit Card Companies start you off with 2.99% then after a while they start charging you 32% More intrest rates then Pawn Shops,But nothing is being done.Banks charging you $35.00 Bucks when you bounce a check,In which alot of times they our showing you more money in the account while they hold checks.Knowing what the little guy will do when he sees a little money in the account.Should start auditing them to see how many millions they make off that move.Ever wonder how they rent or own those big glass buildings.But will anything ever happen NO because they are the ones who run this country the small guy don't have a chance anymore.I guess the citizens in the U.S will have to eat rice and ride bicycles.You want something made in AMERICA check the antiques shops.To bad the people that vote for these clowns can't set in our leather seat and give us raises for voting for these idiots hell we have to pay for all there stupid moves.America needs a strong President but such poor choices.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Susan, Miami — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:46:39 GMT

Go Hillary!! The more the repubs and others scream about her, the more I like her.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Frederick Hess, Woodbury, MN — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:56:07 GMT

So it is wrong to change our minds? I doubt any of us would stand to the scrunity the Clintons have been subjected to for the past fifteen years. In a perfect world we want our leaders to be gods and without flaws. And when they begin to believe it themselves we get leadership like we currently have with President Bush. To error is to be human, to admit your errors and take steps to correct them is admirable. Having read Bob Woodward's "State of Denial" I came away thinking how could anyone make an intellegent decision in regards to Iraq. If members of Bush's adminstration couldn't get it right with all the resources they had how could the public get it right? We were fed so much hype that us life-long pacifists almost felt traitorous for expressing opposition to the impending war. We as a society were still in post 9/11 shock. It is easier now to look back and see that we may have been experiencing a form of mass hysteria. Go get the bad guys!

But we have learned a lot in the last 5 years. No weapons of mass destuctions. A country that we learned so much about after the invasion. A very poorly planned operation that was doomed to fail due to the lack of reliable intellegence. So now that we know more it should be expected that we reaccess our position, correct the course, adjust it as needed and get us out of there. So Hillary has changed her mind a bit. Thank goodness. And thank goodnes others like Senator Lugar are expressing the need to re-evaluate. May a majority of others follow suite.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

XO,LA,CA — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:58:34 GMT

This is very sad. You have women voting for Hiliary because she is a woman and you have men backing Hiliary because of her husband. Whenever you challange a Hiliary supporter they aways say it's not about the past. This why our country is going backwards. Too many people are dumb enough to cast a vote without doing any research or because of media coverage. The past is the only way to judge a candidates decision making. They say, is sports, becoming a millionaire doesn't make you a good person. It makes you more of what you are. The same is for politics. If you are a corrupt governer or senator, you will be an even more corrupt President. There is no question that Hiliary Clintion's past is filled with more corruption than any other presidential hopeful ever. Even her own brothers were in on the action. In the debates, none of her ideas are fresh and thought out. When speaking about Don't ask Don't tell, she used a slogan given by someone else which is a very stupid response. Since she knows most of the Dem. are dumb enough to actually buy her crap, she just takes the answers from everyone else and adds a little more detail and the occasional, we are all in this together. I am the father of 3 boys. Anyone who agreed to this war without reading all the necessary reports themself should be removed from office. That shows the people that the lives of our loved ones aren't that important. If her daughter was selected to go to war, trust me, she would have read all the reports. The fact that she does not have the decency to apologize is disgusting. Look at her last meeting with the Indian caucus. Pledging to continue to give them our American jobs by increasing the H1-B visas for lower skilled workers. She is a Corporate politican who will say anything to get your vote and to make more money. **Chew on this: She approved of this immigration bill that the majority of American people were against. A bill that Corporate American wanted badly to increase their profits. Had that bill passed, the middle class would have been wiped out before we could end the war. Why are all the Dems getting a pass on this? Now if she was not interested in your voice then, what will change if she's president.** Male or female, if you have a history of corruption, this is not the time to be voted as President. DO YOUR RESEARCH!!!!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

MrLion, Canton, MI — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 23:59:43 GMT

Senator Clinton claims that the administration lied to her? That claim makes her dumber than 22 of her Senate colleagues who saw through those lies and voted "no".

As for Team Hillary's other talking point--namely, that she voted for the Iraq Resolution to force weapons inspections--she's too clever by half. Senator Clinton is an able lawyer, and ought to have known that the resolution was a blank check. She didn't think the administration would abuse that grant of authority? Well once again, she was dumber than 22 of her colleagues.

When it comes to Iraq, Senator Clinton carries more baggage than the Twentieth Century Limited during the heyday of train travel.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

peter, chaignmai, thailand — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:06:22 GMT

Many of the writers are forgetting that the majority of the citizenry of the U.S. was wrong about Iraq. Yes, the neocons succeeded in the "big lie" approach to justifying the war so it is easy to understand why "mom and pop" went along. But for U.S. senators, given their access to intelligence information, highly paid staff, and publicly funded world travel as often as they wish, it is hard to go along with their claims that they were lied to or mislead. Hillary is only one example of an ambitious politician putting her finger in the air and casting a vote which would devastate a country and claim the lives of too many young Americans. Yet she still can't admit her "error" - and apologize. This is not the sort of leadership I want.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

JoeCHI, Chicago, IL — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:27:14 GMT

The media soft on Hillary? HA!

What planet have you been living on, Murray?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lee Holmes — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:39:00 GMT

How is Hillary ''fooled''when she did not even bother to even read[which she could have easily done] the Iraq NIE that was used by critics of the war as a bludgeon with which to beat Bush? Hillary is a phony as a counterfeit Confederate five-dollar bill,who is a handled candidate laying on the ultrasheen for the lefties.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

T J MAC NY, NY — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:40:03 GMT

MRS CLINTON WAS A JUNIOR SENATOR from NEW YORK AT TIME OF VOTE TO GO TO WAR on OCT 11, 2002 .

SHE ADMITS SHE DID NOT READ LEGISLATION, BUT WAS ADVISED OF CONTENTS OF LEGISLATION BY HER AIDES .

21 DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICAN LINCOLN CHAFEE, and INDEPENDENT JEFFORDS VOTED "AGAINST" GOING TO WAR.

DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS WHO VOTED AGAINST GOING to WAR included SENATE ARMED SVCS CMTTEE CHAIRMAN GRAHAM of FLORIDA, SEN LEVIN of MICHIGAN , SEN DURBAN of ILLINOIS (BOTH MEMBERS of ARMED SVCS CMTTEE ). OTHER SENIOR MEMBERS of SENATE WHO VOTED AGAINST WAR include SENATOR INOUYE of HAWAII, SENATOR FEINGOLD of WISCONSIN, SEN KENNEDY of MASSACHUSETTS , SEN BYRD of WEST VIRGINIA, ETC .

WHY DIDN'T MRS CLINTON CONSULT with THE SENIOR MEMBERS of THE ARMED SVCS CMTTEE, OF WHICH SHE WAS a MEMBER, BEFORE CASTING HER VOTE ? ? ?

THIS VOTE & HER FAILURE TO SEEK COUNSEL from WISER , MORE EXPERIENCED SENATORS BEFORE "VOTING FOR WAR" SHOW A COMPLETE LACK of " JUDGEMENT" on HER PART , ESPECIALLY SINCE SHE DID NOT READ THE LEGISLATION ! ! !

MRS CLINTON, PLEASE STOP YOUR RUN for PRESIDENT IMMEDIATELY . . . YOUR VOTE DISQUALIFIES YOU from EVER BEING PRESIDENT of OUR UNITED STATES ! !

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Frank McElroy, Decatur, GA. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:46:25 GMT

How about the media having some Ka-Hun-ahs and reporting what the politcal climate was like when this "war" broke out: You were labeled "un-patriotic" if you voted against the war.....Now talk about manipulation by our beloved Republican party?
When are the prez-wannabees going to grow some and tell it like it is?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

john doe — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:56:08 GMT

anyone who would vote to go to war without some factual basis is totally irresponsible and is not qualified to lead. to say that members of congress voted for the war without reading the intelligence reports is ignorance. the truth is, most all of congress knew of the deceit and lies to the american people all along, yes, they were working hand in glove. Why do you think they kept giving money for the war? because they wanted to support our troops? no, if they wanted to support the troops then they would have ended the war and brought them home.clinton voted against funding because she knows it would have destroyed her political career otherwise. but you can believe the rest of congress had her blessing in voting to fund the war. people are not as stupid as the politicians believe as will be shown in the '08' elections.john doe

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Hu Wing Pu — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:59:28 GMT

It's a tradition with the Clintons; Bill makes a pass with no penalty, Hillary gets a pass with no penalty.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Roxanne Ochs, Broadwater, NE — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:09:54 GMT

Please, your missing the point. Do we all not go to bed everynight praying that our President will "Flip Flop". Please Bush admit when you are wrong and take the ole flip flop path and save our soldiers lifes. Wouldn't you rather have a president that could admit error or stay with the same old liars. where are your minds? Try to stay with the current issues. I get it!!! Maybe that is why Bush won't say he made a mistake...All of you would call him a fip flopper. Come on now. Hillary is it and you all know it.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

F.Igwealor — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:10:49 GMT

I am in agreement with Jersey Girl on Hillary's vote to authorize the war. I also believe that Hillary's 2007 change of heart was a flip-flop.

First Hillary authorized the war, now she wants to de-authorize it, in between this monumental lack of judgment by Hillary, thousands of America soldiers have been sacrificed and billions of dollars wasted.

Hillary lacked the requisite judgment to be our commander-in-chief.
I strongly believe that the issue of experience is one of the important issues that must be addressed in the presidential race. Hillary Clinton does not have the experience to lead the United States at a critical time like this; She lacks the experience to make sound judgment that is required of our commander-in-chief. She failed the test with her vote to authorize the invasion of Iraq; which now she want to de-authorize.

Obama’s experience on the other hand gave him the foresight for sound judgment. This is the experience that we require from our commander-in-chief; the experience that helps a leader in making the right judgment, like standing up against the Iraqi invasion in 2002, and outlining most of the possible consequences and unfortunately came true.

Obama is the most experienced of the Democratic bunch. He has the experience that leads to sound judgment. I bet Obama would have been able to persuade Congress in 2002 to stop George Bush from invading Iraq had he been in the Senate then.

Hillary is like George Bush, who was a two-term Governor of huge Texas but lack the foresight and wisdom of the possible impact of send our troops to invade Iraq. George Bush became president because of his father and Hillary now wants to be president because of Bill.

Hillary has 15 years in Washington, but just like George Bush, lacked the foresight to make the right judgment when it mattered most. Her and George Bush’s type of experience is actually bad for America; it has cost us thousands in lives and billions of dollars.

Who needs scores of years in Washington or Texas experience that could not make the right judgments in the White House for another 8 years? I don’t, how about you?

"But I believed then, and I still believe, that being a leader means that you'd better do what's right and leave the politics aside, because there are no do-overs on an issue as important as war," Obama said.

"The single most important judgment that a president or member of Congress can make is the decision to send our troops into harms way," he said. "There are no good options in Iraq. There are bad options and worse options. That's why you make good decisions on the front end." (Chicago Tribune - July 10, 2007.)

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

mclain,mtn. view.ca. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:11:58 GMT

WE HAVE ALL TO GO ON OUR LIFE- AND THIS WAR CREATED BY BUSH- CONGRESS AND SENATE REPUBLICNA AND DEMOCRAT WAS A VICTIM OF THIS WAR -BUSG WAR CREATIVE BY HIM. ;;BIDEN.EDWARD AND ETC. SO FAR HILLARY IS THE ONLY ONE DONE SO MUCH FOR THIS COUNTRY- OBAMA DINT JUST TWO YEARS IN THE SENATE- HILLARY IS QUALITFIED EVEN THE FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTO9N SAID THAT -I WAS HERE DURING THE CLINTON- I WATCH THEYRE BOTH RUN THIS COUNTRY SO GOOD-AND THE AMERICAN EPOPLE WERE VERY HAPPY.NO MORE OBAMA NO SUBSTANCE AND NOT QAULIFIED ULL GET IT?
MCLAIN

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Pointman #1, Kimpo City, Republic of Korea — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:14:30 GMT

"Senator Clinton didn't flip-flop on the war in Iraq. At first, almost everyone was for getting rid of Saddam Insane. The point is, there's no longer a military solution (using western style military operations) to winning in Iraq. We all make mistakes, but it takes courage to face the facts and correct those mistakes. For starters, We need to get all ground troops out of Iraq and out of South Korea. We need to focus on the economy, education and cleaning up America. We also need to get rid of the layers and layers of un-needed government bureaucrats who are a burden on the economy. We need to focous on a foreign policy that will restore American respect throughout the world. Let's face a fact. We need Senator Clinton and those like her to clean up the biggest mess in American history."

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lee Holmes — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:40:33 GMT

Democrats get free rides because their journalistic supporters are nearly all Democrats[90+%]. This colours their ''unbiased''reportage to a remarkable degree as proven by a multi-year study by the University of Chicago[SHAPIRO],released last month which studied print and television media.
Take George Allens[R-Va] ''macaca''moment. The Press,knowing full well the nature of the ''battleground''state of Virginia,larded is pages [predominantly front page], with Allens political faux pas. It ran nearly nothing on Democrat presidential candidate Bill Richardsons use at almost the same time on MSNBCS Don Imus Show last year of the latino anti-gay slur ''maricon''.[indeed,it has not been addressed to my knowlage,going back on older archives,even here at FIRST READ]. It ended up not being the MSM,but gay and lesbian publications that demanded ''clarification''from Richardson this week in New Mexico.
There will be much more in this vein. Anyone recall Hillarys ''gas station Gandhi''moment? If you do not,thank the Dem-run press. Vitter will be frontpage news. Mollahan will not.[although he is a vastly bigger crook than is Vitter]. The AP will continue to print lying news from Iraq which will be expected to be swallowed by the gullable. Not so Marine and US Army milbloggers who routinely post from that country,and whose reportage matches Ernie Pyles when he was in WWII who have made ''correcting''false AP reports which use Arab stringers, into a cottage industry further eroding public trust in the Fourth Estate.
If they are falling all over Hillary and Obama it is beacuse they are falling all over Hillary and Obama.This does nothing to increase their credibility which is at a national lowpoint. Savvy Americans can see through them like Saran wrap. They make bigger fools of themselves when they eschew any such biases that are usually confined to a FOX News or AM talk-radio.Yet they exist.Hillarys soft-handling by the press only illistrates one facet of these biases.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Sean, New York, NY — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 01:57:46 GMT

It is people like most of you who elect the incompetence we now have as our President in this country. It is due to your tunnel vision that you cannot clearly see that Hillary Clinton (whether you call it flip-flopping or not) has done nothing more than REPRESENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THEIR, OUR, YOUR changing views on this war. Personally, I'm not looking for a President that takes one stance on a war and is not open to changing that stance should the situation change. We are trying to elect an EFFECTIVE President, not one who can predict the entire future. There is a clear difference between what electing the RIGHT PRESIDENT and trying to elect a PERFECT PRESIDENT. . .To those of you that think the rival campaigns should be given this article, I dare you, it would be their loss to attack her on it. While some of you elect a President who offers you "Hope"( my God I'd HOPE anyone running for President would offer that) I will vote to elect a clear, competent, internationally respected political figure as our next President. To all of you who call her politically motivated, you, as well, are motivated by things in life in which others disagree with, so until your perfect, maybe you should concentrate on yourselves.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

MACK~ HEMET, CALIFORNIA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:11:35 GMT

SENATOR HILARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT '2008' ~ THAT'S GREAT NEWS... ABOUT TIME~!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

john — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:31:20 GMT

You morons Americans. What makes you think whoever be the President will solve Iraq problems. You created it the minute you thrashed Saddam with your LIES. Now you lick the wounds - your soldiers die and more to come! I laugh and watch from the other side of the world because of your ARROGANCE, STUPIDITY and SELF-CENTRED WORLD POLICEMAN ATTITUDE. Now Al-Qaeda has reestablished itself (from the latest news). I just can't wait to see which LANDMARK of yours is their target. Thw White House???? Wake up Americans, clean up the foreign policy mess you created!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

menoftroy — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:35:24 GMT

Hillary means

Hooker & hooligan family value
Impeachment
Lincoln bedroom converted to Motel 901
Lewinski, lie & sex in the oval office
Abstracting of justices & Perjury
Rwanda holly cost
You sure Obama stalker

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

J. Smith, Portland, OR — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:35:58 GMT

Mark,

A free pass can mean either a) the topic's being ignored completely, or b) it's being covered so lightly it's a token question. The way Mrs. Clinton's campaign is structured reflects in part, Bill's campaigns - their blueprint retrofitted to her, and its insularity.

She isn't making herself accessible to the news gathering sources that generate information to America. She will not go near any media that will ask potentially probing questions because she's too aware of her flaws; she's hyper-vigilant; too paranoid about her vulnerabilities and her weaknesses. The few requests that have been granted have been thoroughly vetted and been thoroughly screened.

If she isn't going to play by the same political rules as everybody else in the '08 campaign, there needs to be some sort of media sanction because she's refusing full-disclosure and accessibility.

What can happen is that somebody can be elected as president and will then make decisions that will absolutely horrify us. (It doesn't matter what party -LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Clinton, this Bush). By looking at the candidate's record - both political and professional - it will inform us as to how the candidate's going to make future decisions.

Mrs. Clinton keeps refusing to answer questions about her candidacy. How can a candidate run and not answer questions that the public wants to know and has good cause to ask?

In the book 'Her Way' the authors tell us that Mrs. Clinton prides herself on being informed. Every night she takes documents home and from 10 p.m. - 12 midnight reads them, and the next day gets up and continues where she left off reading, to be prepared for topics coming up in the Senate. She prides herself greatly - - on being prepared.

Days before the vote, one senior senator stood up and said to all senators, "You need to read this intelligence report - it convinced me to vote against this initiative".

Mrs. Clinton was looking to bolster her hawkish posture - ('I can be tough'; 'I can lead us to war'). She's always wanted to win the White House. So her vote was a politically calculated move.

For her to say she was being conned implies a couple of things: a) the nation wasn't unified in going to war against the nation of Iraq; dissenting voices were on the Senate floor, and in the general population; and, b) she's also saying, "As wise, and as smart as I am, it didn't occur to me to question the conclusions that were being drawn."

So, it's not that she's getting a free pass - - it's that she's not answering the questions. That speaks LOUDLY for itself. Lots of American's aren't satisfied with the explanations she's trying to pawn off.

Mark, it seems reasonable to ask: Will there be some sort of media sanction because Mrs. Clinton's refusing full-disclosure and accessibility?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Margaret, Douglas, GA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:44:17 GMT

It was all so easy - but the corporate media excels at that. When Hillary announced for prez, there was talk of her war vote - but then Obama blasted onto the scene with a half nude pic on a magazine cover - and as the media focused on the large crowds surrounding him trying to touch the hem of his garment - the media began smearing John Edwards for his hair and home - and then Obama Girl pole danced onto the scene - and the media continued conditioning viewers to believe a rich man couldn't possibly be concerned about the poor - as they hyped the money the candidates were raising - and it was all so easy for the media to gradually shift the public away from Hillary's war vote.
She's never apologized for her war vote - and many of her campaign donors are war profiteers - making a killing in Iraq.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Lisa , Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:52:12 GMT

Joe - most of the public doesn't know that Rupert Murdoch and News Corp are sponsoring Hillary fundraisers. Hmmm....wonder why we're getting pro-Hillary coverage 24/7?
First Read knows. They just don't report it.
If NBC and Brian Williams gave fundraisers for Giuliani - do you think the Dems would question that?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

adilia — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:54:28 GMT

it is time to stop o ponding hillary ,by far she is the br est,and its time to get a broom and sweep the white house .you go girl.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

fancys1@hotmail.com adilia — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:58:09 GMT

i suport hillary and plan to vote for her.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Felix Giordano, Ashford, CT — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:20:46 GMT

Shame on NBC, MSNBC, and Mark Murray. They criticize politicians who have now taken Bush's White House to task when, in 2003 and 2004, the media was in love with Bush's invasion of Iraq. These politicians were provided with reports full of lies from the White House, the Pentagon, the FBI, and the CIA. If they can't believe their own government, then who are they to believe? However, it is the media's responsibility to always be skeptical and to investigate these allegations. They did not. They were more interested in churning out a story they could sell to the public, in dramatic fashion with embedded reporters. When the politicians found out the real story, they came out hard on Bush and reversed their support for the war. That is much more than the media has done. They continue to NOT ask the hard questions and give Bush a pass on the reasons for going to war. They know if they come under disfavor with the White House, they will be excluded from access and coverage of future White House events. It's all about money with the media, yet some politicians like Edwards, Obama, Kucinich, and yes, even Hillary are shocked by this administration's casual regard for the lives and health of our brave service men and women who were used and lied to and the lives of innocent Iraqi's. Bush and his cohorts have committed serious war crimes and must be held accountable. Will the media press this issue? I think not because they are still too hungry for Bush's favors.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

jake, marseilles Illinois — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:25:08 GMT

Ron Paul 2008, the only choice for those who wish to be free....

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

jan murphy — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:34:11 GMT

I am a woman with a retired military husband. And no i will not vote for hillary. We all supported this war like the marines taking iwo jima but the heat got bad and no one wants to stay in the kitchen. I doubt Hillary has ever been in a kitchen to cook. I am a mother, grandmother and retired professional with a college degree. (which doesn't mean i am the smartest person in the world) but i am no fool either. Our founding fathers would shudder to the gutless nation we have become. Hillary does what is best for hillary and no one else. Arkansa can attest to that. She gave them up for new york. She arrived in washington by the way of arkansas but you would never know that from the way she identifies with new york. I hope she gets the nomination and go down in defeat. How many people did she trample over to get where she is today. Poor Bill such a sweet talking man but he took his pants off one two many times and Hillary picked them up and is now trying to wear them. Go Hillary you flipped flop on arkansas and now on our troops.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Donald Andrews Fontana, Ca — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:39:49 GMT

The solution is to become a Monarchy. Why? We can all go back to parades; hot dogs and beer! This "On and On" Bickering is a stupid way to use up "Moments" of living. "The same old song and dance over and over without a winner. Admit Iraq to the Union - get it over with - the American Indians would love it - fill up their Casinos - Bedsheets would go through the roof - it would boost the economy. The returned troops would all get jobs; pay taxes; have kids. Look how we have increased the amount of Liquor Stores and Seven-Elevens. OOps - my rent is due - yikes!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Larry TC Guy, Memphis TN — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:45:01 GMT

You know what? That Hillary girl wants to be the President for one reason and one reason only. She wants a part of that there Monica girl in the Oval Office just like Bill had. Then she'll be even stevens with Bill.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Richard, Woodlawn, MD — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:10:26 GMT

I sit here laughing hysteically at the msgs. I believe that the voters in 2008 will have a candidate (Clinton)who will kick some Republican butts and it's obvious that the majority of the people who have sent in blurbs have already made up their minds that they are against everything Hilary stands for and the election is still so far off. Let's think about this for a minute, she's intelligent, will attract some decent people to Washington and do we really see any of the Republicans as president? Wake up, don't be a one-issue idiot and see if you can and would have done any better. I don't think so!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Linda, Peoria, IL — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:40:42 GMT

I really wish the MSM would go back and check the facts regarding Bill Clinton's total support on national TV of Bush's decision to invade Iraq before the invasion and not wait on the inspectors' report. Now THAT is a story that should be reported -- now!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

diane — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 04:43:12 GMT

The fact of the matter is that Clinton built her career on being a victim. Now she running for president by being a victim.
She blames everyone else for her lack of judgement. In debates she says little more than cheap applause lines and blaming Bush for her mistakes. And the media falls for it all the time. Yet, they do not notice how very little substance there is in her speeches, debate answers or so called policy.
Being a victim and making excuses is her calling card.
Also borrowing resumes, legislation,ect and claiming it for her own is another.
Her true experience consists of 6 years in the senate and yet, the media buys this experience stuff and claims Obama to lack it when he has had 8 years in the state senate and 3 in the US.
It is time for the media to start asking the tough questions of clinton and her actions and associations and not accept her blaming and blurring be her answer.
Clinton is a neatly packaged product that is fatally flawed but, the media has yet to get past the pretty wrapping.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Dave F. Binghamton, NY — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:26:45 GMT

Let's face it, Hillary and Bill are just a couple of snakeoil salesmen from Arkansas who will say and do whatever it takes to make a sale. Recent surveys show that about 80% of journalists admit to voting Democratic. Any more questions as to why the media is giving Hillary a pass on her flip-floping ?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Gary M. Busse — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:28:13 GMT

I don't believe any candidate is going to get a free pass on Iraq in spite of media presentations. The democrats are likely to suffer along with the republicans on Iraq. The inability of democrats to deal with Iraq after recieving a mandate from voters in the last election has translated into an approval rating no better than that of the president. I voted democrat in the last election. I will likely vote on the basis of incumbency in this election in attempt to change the direction of immigration reform as well as the war in Iraq. I certainly will not vote for any candidate who has shown support, either tacit or direct for the Iraq War or the global interests that seek to profit from it. For voters to win in this election they should remain focused on the voting records of thier candidates while minimizing images presented by campaigns.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Strategery — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:32:02 GMT

Hillary is getting a free ride. Seriously, she has zero accomplishments. No important legislation, no consistent positions on anything. And we think she's going to win? On election day, people vote for people with ideas and convictions over people with no accomplishments and wishy washyness. Bush beat Kerry because Kerry didn't believe anything.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Smithwick,Kevin/San Diego,Tx — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:34:40 GMT

Just remember the opposition as in international terrorism does not care who is the president.To are enemies it is nothing but a speed-bump, we are engaged with an enemy that does not fear death but embaces it as religious fufillment, for this means that the indoctinated must simply cease to exsist for our safety.To remain apathic to such an endevor is an act of ignorace,for this reason we must choose a candiate that is both truthful to the American people and can in turn protect the nation.This in turn is a hollow thought considering there is no candiate to my idealistic standard,the view I have for Sen. Clinton is a leader that is true to the public and is qustionable as a "Protecter of the Homeland".Candiate Obama seems to be true towards what he says, although there are doubt if he can protect the country.Beforehand we must ask ourselves will the fallen in Iraq die in vain for a person that supported their cause,will the death of over 3,600 service members;comrades in arms die vain.Futher as unpopular the president is the is in terms delusional that there can be peace by voting a anti-war president there will always be terrorism towards generations to come.It is imature to think a pull-out of Iraq will solve anything, if the U.S. millitary CAN NOT STOP the bombing civilans what makes congress think that the Iraqi National Army can.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Smithwick,Kevin/San Diego,Tx — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:34:47 GMT

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

annefrank, Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:47:12 GMT

Hopefully, you've noticed the corporate media and their corporate sponsors want Hillary to be prez - and most likely that's connected to Rupert Murdoch's endorsement of her, including huge fundraisers!
So get this - the media and the corporatists - knowing how much America is hated throughout the world - wants the next Prez to be someone who has never apologized for her war vote that has caused so much suffering and conflict throughout the world.

Hillary will be thrown out of some countries and not allowed to enter others. Her arrogance, superiority and inability to apologize - will guarantee MORE hate for America!
Oh - not from the governments of our Arab allies. They'll gulp their disdain for a slice of the globalization pie. But it'll be all the people crammed inside middle eastern countries surrounding Iraq that are overburdened with millions of Iraqi refugees flooding into cities and towns with no money and no jobs and mad as hell at the USA!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Bob, Wyandotte Michigan — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 05:50:18 GMT

The coverage of Hilary on the Iraq War is a travesty of American journalism? I'm sorry but that travesty started when Bush,Rove and Cheney entered national politics and the media, if you want to call it that, looked the other way when Bush & Co. started rumors and lies about the other candidates from both parties. Where was the media when the case for war was being made? Why they were all lining up to be embedded with the military and busily preparing their oversized floor maps & CG graphics so their anchors could "shock and awe" us every night. Walter Cronkite,where are you when we need you?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Very concerned woman, Seattle, WA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:02:49 GMT

OH come on now, everyone knows we NEED a woman as president and everyone knows how incredibly intelligent she is. Why, she did lots of great stuff in New York, I forget what they were, but I'm sure she did a fantastic job. Just think about it ladies; A woman as president...wow wee! She is sure to bring peace to the rest of the world right? I'm sure that even though she doesn't actually read the intelligence reports, she can figure out some way to end the war. Then she will make everyone "just get along" and group hugs will abound. After she strong arms all the "cronies" to see everything her way, we can all paint giant effigies of her on our billboards and the sides of our homes. Why, I'd put in a fountain with a big ol' peeing statue of her in my front yard to show my undying support of the female gender. She soooo reminds me of Margret Thatcher...except fatter.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Nancy, Charlotte, NC — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:04:18 GMT

Obama "opposed" the war when he couldn't vote - then began voting to fund it as soon as he was elected. He even voted NO REDEPLOYMENT last summer on Kerry's bill. Then all of sudden he's running for president on a platform that he OPPOSED the war!
Obama supporters, who previously abhorred senators justifying funding the war on the basis of "supporting the troops" - now condone Obama's war votes with this rightwing frame.
Obama is a media creation and provides an illusion of a competitive primary.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Robert, California — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 06:08:44 GMT

It has become clear to me and should be clear to everyone that the words WHITE HOUSE are really the code words that Politicians use for POWER and CORRUPTION for whichever political party is in charge at any given time.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Jeff Morgan, Austin, TX — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:09:10 GMT

I'm surprised no one here mentioned that Obama didn't simply go against the war, he predicted the outcome in November 2002. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhpKmQCCwB8

"...what the debate is really going to be about is what is our long term commitment there. How much is it going to cost, what does it mean to for us to rebuild Iraq, how do we make sure and make sure that this country doesn't splinter into factions between the Shi'as, the Kurds, and the Sunnis..."

Why was Hillary unable to make this same assessment? Obama wasn't alone in that assessment either, he didn't just guess and get lucky. It's really hard for me personally to say that this somehow makes Hillary a better decision maker than Obama.

It seems that this issue is seen in two lights.

It's not her fault she was wrong, 70% of the public was too, so it's okay.

70% of the public was for the war, and so Hillary votes wherever public opinion lies; the people who looked at the information are on the record saying it was a bad idea, but she's not one of those kind of people that analyzes things like going to war.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Aaron Forksville Pa — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:09:19 GMT

Hillary is nothing but a liar, just like her husband and DOES NOT represent the wills of the people however none of the hopefuls of the 08 hopefuls do, as do none of the politicians in our 50 states. Thanks to corporations and it all being about who you know, the american dream is no longer possible. The country is going to fall within the next 20 years due to politicians not representing the people. The media only reports what it wants you to see, which is almost always bad, and never the good in any situation. WE THE PEOPLE led to our own defeat in Vietnam due to the changing of public views and the same is going to happen in IRAQ and when we do pull-out of IRAQ b/c WE THE PEOPLE don't want our toops their anymore. IRAQ will become the new training grounds for AL-Quieda, and then they are going to unleash hell on the U.S. When they do I'm not going to say, "I told you so."
Most of the world is already anti-american and when we pull out of IRAQ we are going to be looked at around the world as a nation that can start a war and then abandon the people in the war torn nation where we started a war. This is where I Commend president Bush. He is sticking to a war because he has principles and does not want to leave the people of Iraq and let them break out into an all out civil war, C'MON people WAKE UP!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

DS, Chgo IL — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:16:34 GMT

I'd love to have lunch with HC! But vote for? Not!
Let's get over an obsession to have a female pres who would have even less respect in the Middle East where they still stone adulterers and sell women! They didn't respect BC for his shenanigans & showed that with their years of attacks against us overseas, most of which BC turned the other cheek. And 9/11 was planned well in advance of the Bush presidency. The question is for whom can we vote that will not only have our interests a priority, but will be respected both nationally & internationally? God help us!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

keith butrick morgantown west virginia — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 07:29:25 GMT

Dont you people remember when her husband was pres.?He saved the gov.and the peoples all that money.Why?MAybe he could see the future.Maybe it was allready written down, on that other book of agenda.Maybe he had a hand in it.He had to do something about the USS cole,didnt he? Please dont mistake me for some G O PEE. Iam dem. all the way and in my book gop is listed under pigs of war.I just want to point out that when bush got in,bush sr.was pulling strings after that whole 911 thing happened and the sume of us have been eating $h!t since.I would like very much to see a women run this great country of ours but at the same time I dont think that relatives of former pres. should be seated in the whitehouse.And as far as the media is concerned they would polish a turd if they new that there was money in it for them.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

xo,LA,CA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:29:06 GMT

The Hilary supporters are still missing it when it comes to a flip-flop. She is not changing her vote because she finally sees the light. She changed her vote beacuse she wants to become president. *Again, she refuses to show some class and apologize for the initial vote and then had the nerve to pin it on Bush. Then she goes aronnd and states she is going to end the war. (I guess you guys did not see the reports that show the Clintons invested in contactors in Iraq. Which means they are making money from this war and have no plans to really end it). Once she saw she was running away with the Dem race, she is now saying we need to leave troops over there to protect our (Her) vested interest, She is changing her tune to appeal to the GOP since she will need their vote as well in order to win. THE LADY IS CORRUPT. The Clinton's are corporate politicians who are in it for money and power. They are not a married couple, they are business partners. P.S. The American people were not wrong on Iraq, we wanted Osama. We knew something didn't smell right went Bush focused on Sadam.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Steve Savage — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:17:43 GMT

I think its a sad sad testament to the incompetence of the GOP if their only political weapon is the claim that "Hillary voted for our stupid war".
If Hillary is to be criticized for voting for the war, then what does that make Bush and Cheney for thinking up and pushing the war in the first place?

What a sad bunch of Ronald Reagan retreads this administration is. You think Americans would have learned. Reagan's cabinet had racked up 33 indictments for various crimes and 31 convictions. Even Caspar Weinberger would have gone to jail if not for the presidental pardon.

Too bad we forget so easily the corruption in the GOP, its not anything new folks.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Dave M., Miamisburg, OH — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:28:14 GMT

Who Cares?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Sasha D, Miami OH — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:46:08 GMT

Democrats get free rides because their journalistic supporters are nearly all Democrats[90+%].

Ya think?

Democrats want to loose the war in Iraq so bad, they can taste it. It is right in front of them for the taking.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:04:30 GMT

I read through the comments above. I think we're getting lost in the weeds. For me, this isn't about being lied to or flip flopping. Its a simple question of judgment for those who want to be our next commander in chief.

Was the decision to invade Iraq the right call?

Obama and Edwards say no. Clinton seems to be saying yes, but it isn't clear.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

R del Vecchio — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:18:05 GMT

Well, she lined up the power structure behind her. She's the corporate pick and that's who runs the show. We know the tune she dances to and where her allegiances ultimately lie. That's the price-she answers to them. The MSM acts as a arm of her campaign. Clinton offers no challenge to the status quo on policy, only that she could execute it better. She has already stated on record that US imperial interests, oil, and the interests of Israel, of course are paramount--which means she doesn't question the morality or the purpose of the invasion of Iraq.
Enough Bush. Enough Clinton.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

R del Vecchio — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:33:19 GMT

Oh, and actually--many Americans were bullied by fear-mongering and downright lies to support this Invasion. In addition, and what many forget, it was a qualified approval--certain criterion must be met--UN inspectors allowed to do their job or with the support of our allies, for example.
Clinton is compromised by her poor political calculation, corporate allegiance and protection of her husband's legacy and reputation in ever holding the Bush administration accountable. She wishes we could just get past this and move on. That would be very bad for the Country which really shouldn't ignore the unspeakable crimes allowed a pass by an increasingly unpopular Congress.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Wayne, M'town TN — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:49:37 GMT

"What a sad bunch of Ronald Reagan retreads this administration is. You think Americans would have learned. Reagan's cabinet had racked up 33 indictments for various crimes and 31 convictions. Even Caspar Weinberger would have gone to jail if not for the presidental pardon.

Too bad we forget so easily the corruption in the GOP, its not anything new folks.
Steve Savage
"
End of the Soviet Union, Democratic Elections in Nicaragua, and hopefully and end to the Sandinista's genocidal campaign against indigenous peoples.While Kerry was busy kissing Daniel Ortega's behind.

I find it fascinating that Seymor Hersh's major CIA contact was the one agent most responsible for Contra misconduct.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

H P Boston — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:18:22 GMT

WOW Paul I guess you "cleared" that up. Everyone say thank you Paul.
Hate those dam weeds.

Vote for Hillary, things can only get BETTER!

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

pila — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:45:16 GMT

Hillary knew more than anyone that the WMD story was a lie from the inside intel she had when Bill was president. the real issue is this? when do we get leaders who represent USA first and not Israel? We pay our taxes for US gov. If she and other traitors want to serve another land- they should run for the Knesset.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:22:20 GMT

HP, you're trying to sweep away the substance of this discussion. Why? Is it because you don't know your candidate's answer to that question?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Charles Bittle — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 16:30:49 GMT

I have been a Democrat for 78 years, my father and his father also have been Democrats. I am also a retired commercial pilot, so I am not totaly stupid. Hillary (kiss ass) Clinton and her ass kissing hubby are two of the worst examples I have ever seen. President? you have to be kidding.......

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Louis Richardson, Phoenix, AZ. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:54:11 GMT

It looks as though this is the stance that the Hillary Clinton camp is going to take. We were lied to. This is Bush's war. If we knew then what we know now. I absolutely am not buying this! Barack Obama heard the exact same lies, and had the foresight to see that invading Iraq was a bad idea. In fact, if you listen to the speeches and interviews he gave at the time, you will hear mentioned all of the things that most Americans now believe were mistakes: There was no clear strategy, the invasion would lead to an occupation of undetermined length, the overthrow of Saddam Hussein would create more terrorists , and, most importantly, the war was idealogical in its conception.
Maybe I'm missing something, but was it really THAT HARD to figure out?!! The case was weak even with all the cherry-picking of evidence. I can't see how members of congress can justify voting for it other than to admit it was considered political suicide to oppose the president at the time. Either that, or they were just swept up in the fear, and convinced that the administration knew what it was doing. They should not get a pass in either case.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Louis Richardson, Phoenix, AZ. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:08:14 GMT

I guess this is the stance the Clinton campaign is going to take. This is Bush's war. We were lied to. If we knew then what we know now. I am absolutely not buying this! Barack Obama heard the same lies, but had the foresight to see that the invasion was a bad idea. In fact, if you read the speech he made at the time, you will hear mentioned all of the things that most Americans now believe were mistakes: No clear strategy, an occupation of undetermined length, creating more terrorists, and, most importantly, that this was AN IDEALOGICAL WAR!
Maybe I'm crazy, but was it really THAT HARD to figure out?!! The case was weak even with all of the cherry-picking of evidence. Why does Hillary Clinton get a pass on this?

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Louis Richardson, Phoenix, AZ. — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:18:57 GMT

To Jeff in Austin, you are absolutely right. Obama had the foresight to see that this was a mistake from the outset. In addition, he knew WHY it was a mistake. It isn't just a matter of how the war has been managed. All of the management mistakes were inherent in its conception.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:37:15 GMT

Louis, Clinton isn't saying "if we knew then what we know now..."

This is the amazing part. We still don't know if she thinks the invasion was a mistake at all, and her supporters seemingly don't want to know.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Allen Rosenburg — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:28:45 GMT

"if we knew then what we know now..."

We would have bought Google.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

F. Igwealor — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:32:01 GMT

Some people might decide that Hill & Bill are the best things that have happened to the Dems. But the cold truth is that Hillary cannot win the general election. She had too many baggage to be able to win.
Like in 2004, this is Democrat's election to lose and they might end up losing it like they did in 2004 by choosing Hillary instead of someone else that has a broader appeal.

Anybody, but John Kerry or Howard Dean would have beaten George Bush in 2004. John Edwards, Wesley Clack, etc.; but the Dems became arrogant and didn't give the American voters an option.

History would repeat itself here if the Dems nominate Hillary.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Johann, Hartford, CT. — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:28:22 GMT

The fact is Hillary is making all the other candidates look like amateurs. She gives stellar performances wherever she goes and she has to put up with a lot of gender and sexual s%$#. First she gets beaten up for being too tough, then she gets beaten up for not being tough enough. Basically she's being held to a standard that the don't apply to men. I started off being neutral to negative on her but this woman looks more and more like the president to me.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Erik, Charlotte NC — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 04:35:40 GMT

Joe's 2nd point is well taken. H. Clinton appears to be like much of the US public - lazy and not as smart as they think they are. It was not all that

particularly difficult to see through what was going on re: the US attack on Iraq back in 2002, it was just that most people were too lazy to do the work of

looking beyond the mainstream media and too gullible when it came to believing that ultimate secular authority figure, the president. I make no claims for

genius status, but I and quite a few other people (both legislators & citizens) were right and Sen. Clinton was wrong. She had easy access to more

information than I could possibly dig up if I devoted myself full time to the issue, and she was wrong. I was far from alone standing on the side of the

road with my sign before the "shock and awe" began, but Sen. Clinton somehow couldn't see what I and many other citizens could. She was wrong, and she

doesn't even have the guts to own her mistake and apologize for wasting my money and the lives of some of the finest young people in America. I can't see

inside her head to know if the decision was politically motivated or if she genuinely believed invading Iraq was a good idea, but either way she was wrong.

Over 3500 US soldiers and uncounted Iraqi civilians have died needlessly because of a decision she publicly supported and helped implement. A mistake of

that magnitude in a person of her experience in my opinion disqualifies her for the office of president.
I believe the US msm and much of the populace give Sen. Clinton a pass on this because they feel guilty. Though they may not have done something quite so obvious themselves, they were with the man who leaned out his car window a few days before the invasion and gave us and our signs the middle finger salute, while yelling some faux-patriotic slogan. They were riding with that guy, cheering him on, and now they are too ashamed to call out Sen. Clinton for being just as lazy and stupid as they were.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Wayne, M'town TN — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 06:53:10 GMT

""I have been a Democrat for 78 years, my father and his father also have been Democrats. I am also a retired commercial pilot, so I am not totaly stupid. Hillary (kiss ass) Clinton and her ass kissing hubby are two of the worst examples I have ever seen. President? you have to be kidding.......
Charles Bittle
"
At last a Democrat that shows some common sense. I doubt we agree on a lot of things but we both remember the old days.
I don't know at the times I've defended Truman and FDR and even JFK. Nominate a democrat with good sense and I might even vote for him, and they'll be ice skating in hell for sure that day but it would be worth it.

Main thing now is to put partizan bickering aside and present a united front otherwise the enemy is emboldened by every politically motivated pronouncement and grandstand go nowhere bit of defeatist legislation.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Kenneth, Los Angeles, CA — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:30:34 GMT

haha... ironic that the author here spoke of Hilary in the final paragraph as a "he". funny - since she is more like a man than even her husband.

Is Hillary getting a free pass on Iraq?

Thomas Jefferson, Washington DC — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 21:12:53 GMT

Be careful...

The Case of Peter Paul v Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton Exposed
http://www.ejfa.org/en/index.php?/en