Clinton unveils new slogan

Jen Q — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:55:26 GMT

THIS is the best the Hillary Clinton campaign can do? It started with "politics of strength and inevitibility" (yes, they never said those exact words but come on, people, this is what she was running on). Then it went to the "politics of weakness and pile on", which went over like a wet balloon. And this lame, poll tested, test marketed "turn up the heat" nonsense phrase it the best they can do? Color me unimpressed.

Clinton unveils new slogan

marc, clinton, iowa — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:02:56 GMT

strange slogan "turn the country around".. sounds more like let's take a u turn together"

turn up the heat-can't possibly imagine that hillary can get fired up. more like she'll have a personal air conditioner installed and have the others suffer in the heat telling those sweating.. either you're with us or against us.

america is not about just turning around.. its more about finally moving forward. and hillary certainly wont take us far.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Rick,ky — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:50:24 GMT

Hillary's crowd of cheerleader's last night was close to PATHETIC. "Turn up the heat" (sounding like a high school sports game)was echoed by her crowd several times. I may have missed her going up to the stage last night, but when Pelosi introduced Barack, the camera's were on him from the time b4 walking on stage, to the time he left the stage. Everyone was standing for this man. As for not attacking anyone, she did'nt wait to long to attack barack.However, as we all know, Barack (when it was his turn)eloquently, explained that No one would be able to say " he voted with bush to go to war with Iraq", no one would be able to say " he voted to give bush the start he needed to go to war with Iran".By taking away those two Foreign policy blunder's, he effecticely silences swiftboater's on these issues."DELUSIONAL THINKING BY COMMON SENSE AMERICAN'S IS OVER"

Clinton unveils new slogan

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:52:13 GMT

What a shameless rip off of "fire it up" by the Clinton campaign. Do they think we're all idiots?

First, Obama puts out an online video about when he will announce running for President, and several days later, Clinton chooses to announce running for President via online video.

Then, she puts off her Iraq funding vote until the last possible instant, refusing to vote until Obama does. He votes no, and she votes no immediately afterwards.

Obama invites small donors to dinner as part of a contest, and a few weeks later, Clinton decides to do the same. Now he starts inspiring crowds with the rallying chant "Fire it Up", and a just couple months later, her campaign is putting out the new slogan "Turn up the Heat".

I could go on and on.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Denise Fuller — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 15:57:11 GMT

At the Jefferson Jackson Dinner last evening, Hillary Clinton proved she is not just the most ispiring speaker, but a true leader. We (my family and I) will be voting for Hillary.

Clinton unveils new slogan

diane — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:00:00 GMT

it was not a great speech. She gave a laundry list and sounded almost shrill. the noisemakers were rather silly and annoying.

Clinton unveils new slogan

james newman Richmond, Ky. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:34:29 GMT

"Turn up the heat. Turn America around"....a good slogan but from a "sad" candidate.
Obama could quite possibly live up to the new Clinton slogan; but sad to say Hillary is so engrossed in the failed policys of hubby "slick Willie" that all she promises is a return to those hateful, partisan, do nothing days of her husbands time in office.
Promising everyone everything in the different regions of this country, and trying to buy the nomination, and the election by monsterous new programs; which could only be funded by massive tax hikes.
Best advise is to look to Obama to "turn up the heat, and turn this country around" ! Enough of both the Bush's and the Clintons.......new blood is needed, not just a transfusion of already infected blood".
As her slide in the polls lengthens more and more prople seem to realize this.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Sue, Cedar Rapids — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:13:28 GMT

Obama- your slogan last night was Fired Up! Umm- fire, hot yes? Geez man, figure out who YOU are. Democrats out there- we have tried to elect a northern liberal who didn't know who they were how many times now and lost? Mondale, Dukacis, Kerry? Any of those folks ring a bell? We need someone who knows who he is, what he believes and doesn't mince words. After last night at the JJ, it was clear to me who that is- John Edwards!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Kyle, IA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:24:56 GMT

I watched the speeches on tv. I felt like Obama was falling asleep on stage and if he hadn't imported his supporters from Chicago he might have put everyone in that building asleep. That's his strong point? I'd hate to see his policies take effect.
As for Hillary, i was duly impressed with the lady senator. I had been leaning towards Edwards but after watching her, I think I'll be voting for the former first lady. It is time to "turn up the heat" in washington and "turn America around" and off this disgusting path Bush has started us on.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Concerned — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:42:00 GMT

Edwards is the MAN. No more Clintons or Bushs, certainly don't want Obama.

This election is very important for America. We need jobs, we need to bring jobs back from overseas, we need to produce our own products, which will in return bring back a booming economy. We need to update our infrastructure, we need our trains updated. So many things America needs. Don't forget to send the illegals packing. Please think about your choice very carefully before casting your vote.
America needs serious help""""

Clinton unveils new slogan

Andrea, Pensacola, FL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:50:16 GMT

First of all -- John Edwards has NO chance of being nominated Sue -- give it up.

Secondly, any one here that is supporting Hillary, ask yourself: Can Hillary truly unite the country AND form a consensus in congrees to get major legislation passed? The answer to both questions is No. Also ask yourself can Hillary win in a general election? No, because her voter support is very thin.

Hillary wants power, that's it. Hillary Clinton does not truly care about Americans. She fills her pockets with the money of lobbyists and special interest groups. Think about this, what has Hillary Clinotn ever done to positively change the lives of the American people? Yea, you really need to think hard and long there right? You may not even come up with an answer.

She did however help send our troops to war and she has the blood of our American soldiers on her hands.

Barack Obama will be the Democratic nominee based on the fact that he has a wider range of support than Hillary Clinton. Barack Obama has Democrats, Independents, Women, Men, People of all races and ages...And YES, even Republicans love him and support him.

Mr. Obama has a huge broad base of supporters in Iowa and nationwide. He delivers the true message of hope, unity and change for us Americans! Vote Obama! He will help get things done in Washington the way they should be done -- and the way things have not been done in decades!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Sue, Cedar Rapids, IA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:01:11 GMT

Hey Andrea- I like Obama too! And when he is ready- when he knows who he is and doesn't try to play both sides- he will be POTUS someday. I will celebrate that day! Here is to 16 years of Dems in the white house!

Clinton unveils new slogan

a good friend — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:03:04 GMT

Shadow
Thought Hillary announced her cnadidacy in January, before Obama who annouced his in February. And also when he announced his candidacy he did it from the place Abraham Lincoln announced his candicy for the symbolism. At least on those two point you were wrong.
Hope you are having a nice day though. Kinda of chilly out here.

Clinton unveils new slogan

a good friend — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:07:31 GMT

Andrea, Pensacola
Just a question, Obama as far as i know is still in the senate, he claimed he can unite us. Now democrats have majority (even though slight) in the senate, what has he done to prove he can unite. I believe the democrat have been trying to reverse course in Iraq without any success so far, what has he done to lead on that front? Let face it, unless the democrat have the 60 in the senate, we will always go through that division

Clinton unveils new slogan

Retnep, FL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:15:34 GMT

Clinton supporters seem to have no desire to bring the country together. Hillary doesn't seem to have any desire to bring the country together. The Clinton campaign seems so focused on fighting against other Americans and calling this patriotism.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Pete — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:23:15 GMT

I don't think anyone's pointed out that of the three red state democrats that Hillary said were endorsing her, none of them face reelection in 2008. So Hillary's likely negative effect on down-ticket races in battleground states won't affect them.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Rick,ky — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:39:40 GMT

I'm sure the state of Iowa was really impressed with hillary, when she mentioned that Govenor Strickland (Ohio)was her guest last night. Also that she mentioned that the general election can't be Won without Ohio(probably true). Was she saying to the voter's of Iowa, that Ohio was More important to her than the the caucus goer's of Iowa?HMMMM!

Clinton unveils new slogan

vanreuter, NYNY — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:44:56 GMT

Clinton supporters know that you can't bring the country together if you DON'T WIN.

Van

Clinton unveils new slogan

Diamond — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:50:42 GMT

Hey, First Read. I don't know if this has already been pointed out, but Check this out:

"When the Republicans turn over our energy policy to the oil companies and deny global warming what do we do?"

"Turn up the heat!"

Someone tell Hillary Clinton that we don't turn up the heat on global warming!! We turn it down!!!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Bethany, St. Louis, MO — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:54:57 GMT

Hey Kyle,
Obama didn't bus in anyone from Chicago! That was made up by either Dodd or Biden, I don't remember. Don't believe me? Contact Obama's campaign...they had representatives from all of the 99 counties in Iowa, and had them seated by region to demonstrate their state-wide support. The campaign can verify every person there was from Iowa.
It's been reported in the media that Clinton, in fact, brought people from other states with her.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Uzoma, New York — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:04:01 GMT

Edwards is hardly qualified to run for POTUS. One term in the Senate, during which he had the faulty judgment to vote for No Child Left Behind, Yucca mountain waste disposal, Free trade with China, Bankruptcy reform, and not to mention THE IRAQ WAR. He has basically been campaigning in Iowa for many years now...I mean, shouldn't he be in a better position by now. Damn, how long does it take??

Hillary did herself in by continuing to wage war with the Republicans. Doesn't she need their support in order to accomplish things? She basically demonized them. Face it repubs, generally, don't like her. How is she going to get anything passed with such an expansive enemy base in the house and the senate. Be real.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Josh — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:08:20 GMT

Fired up is what we need! -Not some tepid, "Turn up the heat!" for some warm bath water.

Obama is Lincoln Returned to reunite America.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Ryan — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:11:20 GMT

Hillary rocked that auditorium last night! Much to my dissapointment Obama lacked everything I'd heard about him, especially good speaking skills.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Jim, Columbia, SC — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:19:53 GMT

I love Democrats--we fight for righting the wrongs of society! However I very much dislike giving Republicans ammunition to shoot back at us. It's time we quit fighting each other and get down to the business of stabbing the Republicans in the heart! We can nit-pick each other all day long about slogans and such--and continue losing the elections--or we can step up and fight the REAL battles with the REAL enemy. C'mon everyone, get smart!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Madeline, Tacoma, WA — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:22:54 GMT

I never heard Hillary saying negative on her democratic opponent she really loves this party and have been helping out in every election to elect a democrat. She has the credibility of turning this country up because that what they did in 1990s. They delivered what they promised on the campaign to turn the economy up. Go Hillary TURN UP THE HEAT TURN THE COUNTRY AROUND. Only THE CLINTONS know how to do it.

Clinton unveils new slogan

mike — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:28:50 GMT

Hillary had a bad night. I have an admittedly unscientific barometer for that: "VAN"!

When you see on this post Van is absent defending Hillary you know it must be a very difficult day to come up with any defense and things are looking bad for camp Hillary.

Clinton unveils new slogan

susan pollok, tex — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:39:09 GMT

She is such a robot, they don't do anything without a master plan behind it. She couldn't be real if her life depended on it. If she is asked something that is not rehearsed or planed or spun then she is out of luck ,just like the question on the drivers licence.Fake, fake ,fake, what you see is not what you get

Clinton unveils new slogan

Josh — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:53:39 GMT

Fired Up! Ready to go! Sorry, Clinton robots.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Nancy B. Marchiori — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 19:57:17 GMT

We definately need an experienced leader in whom we can rely on and can focus entirely in bringing the country together. And Hillary Clinton has dealt with foreign policies along with her husband, Bill Clinton! Without an reservations, Hillary Clinton can actually form a consensus in congrss to obtain major legislation passed, undoubtedly!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Andrea, Pensacola, FL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:00:07 GMT

Sue, you still around? First of all, please explain why you feel Obama does not know who he is? He is very solid on the issues and states his opinions articulately and intelligently. How does he try to play both sides? Obama is pretty solid in his stand on issues.

A Good Friend -- In the US Senate Obama sponsored and got passed ethic reform legislation. Obama worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get the important legislation passed.

Also, A Good Friend -- Obama worked with Republicans and many other groups in his state to actually pass legislation to provide healthcare to over 100,000 people and he helped passed various other pieces of legislation.

You see A Good Friend Obama has ACTUALLY PASSED legislation in both Illinois and the US Senate by forming a consensus with a wide variety of groups.

Don't you keep up on this stuff buddy? Obama rocks!!

Vote Obama, he can help get things done in Washington, and Republicans respect and admire him!!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Andrea, Pensacola, FL — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:06:19 GMT

Sue -- Obama is pretty solid on the issues and makes his opinions quite clear. A does not try to have thing both ways. He likes to be clear and concise. And he is indeed articulate and intelligent.

A good friend -- Obama passed ethic legislation in the US Senate -- he worked with all the parties to get it done. Obama also passed legislation in Illinois to get over 100,000 people healthcare. Obama has got a wide variety of legislation passed in his state requiring him to work with a wide variety of different groups successfully.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Josh — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:13:17 GMT

In Washington, experience means bought and sold. Clinton is bought, and sold.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Joy, North Central Iowa — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:13:39 GMT

Sue:

I was thinking the same thing. Last night's speeches showed Clinton is ready now and Obama needs a bit more time in the oven!

16 years would be great!

Clinton unveils new slogan

John Foe Seattle, Wash. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:33:04 GMT

hey

Clinton unveils new slogan

vanreuter, NY NY — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:45:19 GMT

Clinton supporters know that you can't bring the country together if you DON'T WIN.

Van

vanreuter, NYNY (Sent Sunday, November 11, 2007 1:44 PM)

Hillary had a bad night. I have an admittedly unscientific barometer for that: "VAN"!

When you see on this post Van is absent defending Hillary you know it must be a very difficult day to come up with any defense and things are looking bad for camp Hillary.

mike (Sent Sunday, November 11, 2007 2:28 PM)

Hillary had a GREAT night! Nothing to defend. Have someone read this for you so you can see where I posted BEFORE you did. Who are you anyway?

Van

Clinton unveils new slogan

J. Miller Elgin, S.C. — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 22:26:24 GMT

I believe we need someone in the White House that believes in the "United States of America", and her people. As for the candidates running, I'm not impressed with any of them. If you can't salute our flag, then get out of our country. You don't need to lie, or suck up to us to get our vote, we are NOT stupid people.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Sue, Cedar Rapids — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:24:22 GMT

"as recently reported by Alexander Cockburn in The Nation, Obama told the AP press that "I think it would be a profound mistake for us to use nuclear weapons in any circumstance." But after pausing briefly, Obama quickly added, "involving civilians." Then immediately after this, he added, "let me scratch that. There has been no discussion of nuclear weapons. That's not on the table." Either Obama has not clearly thought through the implications of using nuclear weapons, which for a presidential candidate is deplorable, or Obama is trying to straddle the fence between staying true to the foreign policy establishment, which has always maintained that the first use of nuclear weapons is America's sacred right, while trying to align himself with the more sane constituency that recognizes that the use of any nuclear weapons can do nothing less than kills thousands, if not millions, of innocent civilians." And not showing for the Kyle/ Lieberman vote is simply unacceptable. If Obama really was ready to lead right now- he would have seen the importance of making a statement by voting no. There have been many opportunities for him to take the lead in Congress and really make a statement against this war and he has been pretty quiet about it. I appreciate Dodd and Biden seeing the importance of that vote. I think Obama sees himself as someone who can compromise with the other side of the aisle and that may be ok for some things but not for others. I doubt we will get any kind of universal healthcare if we value compromise over doing what is right. There is no one on the right talking about universal healthcare so who is he going to compromise with? I really do like Obama please hear me on that and I think when our government is again working for the people, he may be ready as well. But right now the problems we face are enormous and it is going to take someone who has some real teeth to fix them.

Clinton unveils new slogan

csh, IL — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:46:51 GMT

Saw Hillary's speech on CSPAN last night - very strong performance for her.

Clinton unveils new slogan

M. King — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:07:14 GMT

Not one word on MSNBC or CNN about Hillary's people planting questions in the audience. She must think people are stupid as she orchestrates this campaign.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Jade7243 — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:23:28 GMT

Hillary can't even come up with an original slogan. Pitiful.

I don't know about the rest of you, but turning around to go back to the Clinton era is WRONG. I don't want to return to Monica, Ken Starr, the politics of personal destruction, the vast right wing conspiracy, grand jury testimony, FBI investigations, Whitewater, Troopergate, Travelgate, Filegate, DNA stained blue dresses, Hillary testifying under oath at House and Senate led investigations of her actions (a first for a First Lady), Lincoln bedroom overnights, poll-driven politics, triangulation, prevarication, waffling, parsing, "what the meaning of 'is' is," failure to act on Rwanda, NAFTA and no jobs, Newt Gringrich and "Contracts With America," the creation of a permanent underclass of working poor, the first World Trade Center bombing, David Koresh, Timothy McVeigh, Posse Commitatus, Michigan Militia... okay you get the idea.

All this Clinton supporters waxing nostalgic for that by-gone time need a reality check" the Clinton years were non-stop scandal, with Hillary at the center of most them. It was the Clintons who laid the groundwork for George W. Bush. Hillary's resume is thin: subtract the years she was first lady in Arkansas and DC, minus the years she had to make a living as a lawyer at the Rose Law Firm, and her time on the board at Wal-mart, add in any other elective office she's held outside of NY (carpetbagger!) and you get? Not much. So, no thank you, Hillary, I don't want to turn around. I don't want to go backwards. You can't make change, you can't forward progress if you're turning around. And I damn sure don't want to turn in circles in a revolving door of Bush Clinton Bush Clinton failures.

I'll take Obama in 2008, if you please. With a little John Edwards or Joe Biden on the side.

Clinton unveils new slogan

GP — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 02:44:24 GMT

Thsi is worth sharing coming from Hillary's website..this is a great innovation called The Fact HFact Check: Obama on Meet the Press
Iran
Sen. Obama criticized Hillary's vote for Kyl-Lieberman because—he argued—the resolution said that force structures in Iraq would have an impact on Iranian influence:

The primary difference between myself and Senator Clinton is that she believes our force structure inside Iraq should in part depend on how we can prevent Iran from having influence inside of Iraq.
Actually, Sen. Obama said the exact same thing just last year:

A reduced but active presence [in Iraq] will also send a clear message to hostile countries like Iran and Syria that we intend to remain a key player in this region
…Make no mistake, if the Iranians and Syrians think they can use Iraq as another Afghanistan or a staging area from which to attack Israel or other countries, they are badly mistaken. It is in our national interest to prevent this from happening.
Social Security
Sen. Obama claimed that Hillary said that all we need to do to solve the long term challenges in social security is return to fiscal responsibility:

So on social security for example, she has maintained, it appears, that if we just get our fiscal house in order that we can solve the problem of Social Security.
Actually, Hillary said that returning to fiscal responsibility is the first step. Then she would appoint a bi-partisan commission to address Social Security's long term challenges that would consider a variety of options:

"But I am strongly advocating a bipartisan process, similar to what we had in '83, and when that gets set up, as I hope it will be when I'm president, then I'm going to see what the bipartisan members are going to come up with."
This was an approach that, until very recently, Sen. Obama endorsed. Here's Sen. Obama in May:

Everything should be on the table. I think we should approach it the same way Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan did back in 1983. They came together. I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand, but what I know is that Social Security is solvable. It is not as difficult a problem as we're going to have with Medicaid and Medicare.
11/11/2007 11:36:20 AM #

FactCheck.org Updates Item On Clinton Presidential Records
FactCheck.org, a fact checking site run by the Annenberg School of Political Communications at the University of Pennsylvania, published an item October 31 criticizing Hillary for a "misleading" answer on release of Clinton administration records during the last debate. Yesterday, they published a correction to their original item. We thank them for their diligence.

Correction, Nov. 8: In our original version of this story, we found Clinton’s response regarding the Archives to be “doubly misleading.” We have since concluded that we were wrong, and have rewritten the section as you see it above.
Two days after this article was first posted, Bruce Lindsey, who is Bill Clinton’s designated representative for dealing with the National Archives, issued a statement that said, in part, "Contrary to recent reports, Bill Clinton has not asked that records related to communications with Senator Clinton be withheld." It also said that "Currently, none of the FOIA requests [the Archives] has processed and provided for my review involve Senator Clinton." On the same day, the former president responded to a reporter’s question about the issue. Hillary Clinton "was incidental to the letter, it was done five years ago, it was a letter to speed up presidential releases, not to slow them down," Bill Clinton said at a stop in Redmond, WA.
These statements prompted us to dive back into Bill Clinton’s 2002 letter to the Archives and similar letters from his two immediate predecessors, and to talk to some more experts in this small crevice of the law. We realized that the area of confusion for us – and perhaps for other journalists – was the wording of this sentence: “[I]nformation should generally be considered for withholding only if it contains…..” The section goes on to list eight categories, one of which involves his communications with his wife as well as with his family and his wife’s.
We originally read the sentence as putting a lock on the documents. That isn’t the case, as we note in our revised section in the body of the article above. The bottleneck is at the lightly staffed Archives. It of course remains possible that Bill Clinton could yet block the release of any or all communications between himself and the First Lady, but that hasn’t happened yet It remains to be seen whether any of this material will surface before the election.
But Russert was wrong, and so were we. Bill Clinton, in Redmond, called Russert’s question “breathtakingly misleading,” and we now agree. Russert did not respond to requests for comment.
For more facts on the records, check out Bruce Lindsey's memo.

11/9/2007 9:32:02 AM #

Obama Misrepresents Hillary's Views On Social Security
In an interview Tuesday that just posted on National Journal, Barack Obama says that Hillary "is not willing to say" how she would address the long-term challenges of Social Security:

You know, Senator Clinton says that she's concerned about Social Security but is not willing to say how she would solve the Social Security crisis, then I think voters aren't going to feel real confident that this is a priority for her.
In fact she has. Here's an excerpt from an October 9 speech:
Don't you believe all these people running around crying wolf about Social Security. That is exactly what they're doing. They're trying to get people confused and upset and agree to a bad deal.
When I am president, we'll have our priorities in order. We will return to fiscal responsibility and fair tax policies first, and then we will address the long-term challenges facing Social Security.
When my husband left office, because we had a balanced budget and a surplus, there was a plan in place to extend the solvency of Social Security until 2055. That gives us plenty of time to figure out what else we need to do.
Once the country is on the path to fiscal responsibility Hillary will create a bipartisan process to meet the challenge, an approach that has worked before:
"But I am strongly advocating a bipartisan process, similar to what we had in '83, and when that gets set up, as I hope it will be when I'm president, then I'm going to see what the bipartisan members are going to come up with."
Economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman says she has exactly the right approach. From his appearance October 28 on ABC This Week:

KRUGMAN: Yeah, Social Security, if you go through the federal government, piece-by-piece, and ask which programs are seriously under-funded and which are close to being completely funded, Social Security is one of the best. It's not even for certain that Social Security has a problem. Why on earth - and, of course, it's something that the right has always wanted to kill, not because it doesn't work, but because it does. And for Obama to go after this program, at this time, you just have to wonder. All of my progressive friends are saying what on Earth is going through his mind to raise this issue.
STEPHANOPOULOS: So you think basically the Hillary Clinton position, which we take care of it by fiscal responsibility, and basically it'll take care of itself, we can look at some small fixes is the right one?
KRUGMAN: Yeah. She is.
Paul Starr in the American Prospect agrees. Not so long ago, Barack Obama agreed too. Here's Obama on May 14:

Everything should be on the table. I think we should approach it the same way Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan did back in 1983. They came together. I don't want to lay out my preferences beforehand, but what I know is that Social Security is solvable. It is not as difficult a problem as we're going to have with Medicaid and Medicare.
As The Washington Post's Dan Balz reported: "Barack Obama has spent the past few days calling out Hillary Clinton on Social Security. What has gotten much less attention is that Obama has changed his position on what to do about the government retirement system's financial problems."
11/11/2007 7:42:51 PM #

Fact Check: Bill Paid, Tip Left At Iowa Maid-Rite
Today, NPR reported that when Hillary and the campaign visited a Maid-Rite diner in Iowa, no one left a tip:

Clinton may have decided not to tip. She was also never given a bill — her meal was on the house.
Both of those claims are false. Here's the manager of Maid-Rite:

The manager of the of the restaurant tells First Read the Clinton campaign did, in fact, tip. "They paid their bill, and they left a tip," said Brad Crawford, manager of the Maid Rite restaurant in Toledo, Iowa. "Everybody was satisfied. No question about it."
The bill was about $157 and the tip was $100.

UPDATE: NPR has updated their report.

11/8/2007 3:23:09 PM #

Edwards Would Continue Combat Missions Against Al-Qaeda In Iraq But Attacks Hillary For Having The Same Position
On September 7, John Edwards announced his plan to continue combat missions against al-Qaeda in Iraq:
Edwards: "Even though the presence of U.S. troops has served as an attractive target for terrorists, our eventual withdrawal will not remove the threat. As president, I will redeploy troops into Quick Reaction Forces outside of Iraq, to perform targeted missions against Al Qaeda cells and to prevent a genocide or regional spillover of a civil war."
Nevertheless, since that speech, John Edwards sharply criticized Hillary for continuing to pursue al-Qaeda in Iraq:
"For example, I heard Senator Clinton say on Sunday that she wants to continue combat missions in Iraq. To me, that's a continuation of the war. I do not think we should continue combat missions in Iraq." [Edwards, MSNBC Democratic Presidential Debate, 9/26/07]
"Senator Clinton says she wants to end the war, but she also says she will keep combat missions in Iraq. Keeping combat missions in Iraq means she will extend the war. John Edwards will end the war. John Edwards' plan for Iraq is very simple: No combat troops. No combat missions. No combat, period." [Edwards campaign statement, 10/30/07]
But speaking to the Boston Globe yesterday, he confirmed his support for combat missions in Iraq:
Democratic presidential contender John Edwards, who has stepped up attacks on rival Hillary Clinton for her plans to continue combat missions against Al Qaeda in Iraq, said yesterday that he would also carry out "expeditions" against that insurgent group...
11/8/2007 12:31:03 PM #

Fact Check: What Did Bill Clinton Say?
Some claim that President Bill Clinton compared criticism of Hillary by Democrats to the Swift Boat ads against John Kerry. Here's the AP:

Barack Obama said Tuesday that former President Clinton was making a leap to compare treatment of his wife in the presidential race to the "swift boat" criticism of John Kerry in 2004.
Actually, President Clinton was talking about how Republicans use trivial and wedge issues to distract people from the real choices in elections. Here's the transcript:

The point I'm here to make to you is whoever you're for, this is a really big election. We saw what happened the last seven years when we made decisions in elections based on trivial matters. When we listened to people make snide comments about whether Vice President Gore was too stiff.
And when they made dishonest claims about the things that he said that he'd done in his life. When that scandalous Swift Boat ad was run against Senator Kerry. When there was an ad that defeated Max Cleland in Georgia, a man that left half his body in Vietnam. And a guy that led several departments ... with Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden because he dared to vote against the president's version of the Homeland Security bill. Most Americans still don't know the truth. The president was against the Homeland Security Bill for 8½ months. And Karl Rove told him they were going to lose the 2002 election unless the American people were scared about terror again. So they decided to be for a bill they opposed. And they put a poison pill in it. That bill was designed by the president to take the job rights away from 170,000 federal employees that had no access to secure information, no access to secure technology. No business being treated like CIA. We need to be able to fire CIAs. .. But we don't need to treat secretaries at FEMA that way. The whole thing was a scam…Why am I saying this?
Because, I had the feeling that at the end of that last debate we were about to get into cutesy land again. Ya'll raise your hand if you're for illegal immigrants getting a driver's license. So, we then let the Republicans go ahead saying all the Democrats are against the rule of law.

In short, Bill Clinton's point is that Democrats shouldn't let Republicans trivialize issues and divide the country.

11/7/2007 10:04:06 AM #

Obama Distorts Hillary's Record On Ethanol
Today, Barack Obama is on the attack, taking issue with Hillary's new energy plan that has been widely praised by the League of Conservation Voters and the CEO of Google, among others. Obama says that Hillary doesn't actually support ethanol.

"It's hard to believe that she is a strong ethanol supporter given her track record and this is something that represents a major reversal and what we need is consistency on these issues," Obama said in an interview. "If she's willing to shift this quickly on this issue, we don't know whether she will shift back when it gets hard."

Actually, Hillary has a long record of supporting ethanol. Here are some highlights:

Hillary voted for energy bill that requires ethanol production to grow to at least 36 billion gallons a year by 2022, a sevenfold increase of the amount of ethanol processed last year. [Vote #226, 6/21/07]

Hillary has supported extending tax incentives for blending ethanol in gasoline. In 2004, Sen. Clinton voted to extend the 51 cent per gallon ethanol blending credit through 2010, and has proposed a further extension to 2012. [H.R. 4520, vote #211, 10/11/04; S. 701, Sponsor, Strategic Energy Fund Act of 2007, introduced February 28, 2007, referred to Finance Committee]

Hillary is the sponsor of a 50% tax credit for the installation of ethanol pumps. "I Support comprehensive legislation [The Strategic Energy Fund Act of 2006] that would...up the availability of ethanol by providing gas station owners with a 50 percent tax credit for the cost of installing ethanol pumps" [Clinton, The National Press Club, 5/23/06]

Hillary is the sponsor of legislation to make ethanol more available nationwide by providing loan guarantees for commercial production. "I support comprehensive legislation...that would speed the development of cellulosic ethanol by providing loan guarantees for the first billion gallons of commercial production capacity." [S.2993, Sponsor, Strategic Energy Fund Act of 2006 introduced 5/23/06, referred to Finance Committee]

Hillary co-sponsored legislation to dramatically expand renewable energy, including ethanol, by 2025. Senator Clinton cosponsored a concurrent resolution which expresses the sense of Congress that it is the goal of the U.S. that, not later than 1/1/2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the U.S. should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of total energy consumed in the U.S. and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed and fiber. Grassley sponsored and Harkin was a co-sponsor. [S.Con.Res.97, introduced 6/7/2006, referred to Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee]

Hillary supported increasing biofuel production on 'a much faster track' to revitalize rural and reduce dependence on foreign oil. "We have an underused resource, American farmland, and rural communities across our country eager to try something new and do their part to help solve our energy problems. Today we have 97 biorefineries located in 19 different states with the capacity to make nearly 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol. Now, over the next 12 to 18 months, we will increase that capacity by 50 percent. And we're seeing it in New York as we're seeing it around the country... We need to be moving on a much faster track." [Clinton, The National Press Club, 5/23/06]

Hillary co-sponsored of a tax credit for production of flex-fuel vehicles. Clinton co-sponsored a bill that would provide a $150 per vehicle manufacturer tax credit to encourage the production of "flex-fuel" vehicles that are capable of running on 85% ethanol fuel, known as "E85." [S. 2829, introduced 5/17/2006, referred to Finance Committee]

Hillary co-sponsored an amendment to create a program to produce ethanol from municipal solid waste. Senator Clinton cosponsored an amendment that directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to provide guarantees of loans by private institutions for the construction of facilities for the processing and conversion of municipal solid waste into fuel ethanol and other commercial byproducts. [S. Amdt. 3268 to S.517, 4/24/02, Cosponsor, Agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote]

Previously, there was evidence that mandating ethanol production might negatively impact the economy in New York and some of Hillary's earlier votes on ethanol reflect that. But that is not an excuse for Obama to distort her record and her strong support for ethanol and other biofuels.

11/8/2007 12:00:05 PM #

Barack Obama Falsely Claims That Hillary Controls Release Of White House Records
In an interview with Newsweek, Barack Obama claimed that Hillary has the power to order the release of documents relating to her White House years:
When she suggested somehow she didn't have control over whether or not these papers were being released what we're talking about here is her husband's presidential library. And when she is making a suggestion that part of the experience that she brings to this office is her experience as First Lady, people have a right to ask some tough questions. She can release these papers.
This is false. The archives controls the records and their release. Don't take our word for it, here's the law:
§ 2202. Ownership of Presidential records The United States shall reserve and retain complete ownership, possession, and control of Presidential records; and such records shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of this chapter." "2203(f)(1) Upon the conclusion of a President's term of office, or if a President serves consecutive terms upon the conclusion of the last term, the Archivist of the United States shall assume responsibility for the custody, control, and preservation of, and access to, the Presidential records of that President. . . ." [Presidential Records Act, 44 U.S.C. s 2201 et seq.]
Before they are released, the archives needs to review every page. Neither President Clinton nor Hillary has ever prevented a release of a single record. For more facts, check out Bruce Lindsey's memo.
11/8/2007 12:00:40 PM #

ub. This is what politics should be!

Clinton unveils new slogan

pete — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:20:16 GMT

The dems are in trouble because they are running against Bush and raising taxes. They don't have plan if you listen to them except bashing the president.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Jesse, Knoxville, TN — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 03:20:45 GMT

Obama's voting record on Iraq has been identical to Clinton's since he came to the Senate. They have voted no on funding once and yes multiple times. It makes no sense to vote to fund something you don't believe in, except perhaps to ensure that you will have something to run against in '08.

As commander-in-chief we need to elect someone who has opposed the war from the start, has never voted to fund the war, and who realizes the terrible mistake of US interventionism in the middle east. That candidate is Ron Paul.

Anti-war Democrats - if you can't come to terms with supporting a Republican, at least vote for Kucinich or Gravel who actually fight the system rather than giving lip service to opposing the establishment.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Burt — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 04:25:30 GMT

"You can't solve problems with the same thinking that created them"
Clinton is playing the same game Bush played appealing to her base, Woman.
It don't seem like it worked for long, you can't just keep on blaming the Republicans, you had your chance to vote against the war and all the "I didn't know it would happen" shows a lack of judgement and a real old time politician playing follow the herd. To late to clean the kitchen, the mess has hit the wall.
Turn up the heat on the Republicans but not on her she can't handle the difficult questions. Haven't we just had 8 years of that.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Marcey Larson, Houghton MI — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:05:43 GMT

"Turn Up the Heat"? You have got to be kidding me! We've got global warming going on, and Clinton comes up with this slogan? She must have some incredible idiots working on her staff. Talk about a tin-ear. This woman doesn't stand a chance. She's imploding before our very eyes.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Mike, Seattle WA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 05:06:25 GMT

Clinton is swiftboating herself.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Seed, Philly — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:07:15 GMT

Based on the posting above, Obama and Howard Dean have the net roots wrapped up. Unfortunately both are loser.... Dean at least had fire in his belly.

Obama is a zen master... he will put the Democrats, other than few nuts to sleep. Republicans will feast on him within one month

Clinton unveils new slogan

Seed, Philly — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:30:30 GMT

Clinton unveils new slogan

John S. Alexander,Edinboro, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:12:21 GMT

Speeches, cheers, signs and slogans are fun, but remember if we do not come together after all this fun and support the candidate of our party, then we all are toast. We are in the family struggle right now, when we are done, we better be a family again.
No hard feelings just a clear idea that we must defeat the party that put us were we are currently.
Conventional wisdom says that THE HILL would rally the repub base to vote against her, I totally disagree with this assesment, the base or Al Qieda, which also means the base, is fractured and will not have the power as it once was percieved, besides they never gave Bush a large win, the numbers were rather anemic for him, he won with a very small percentage.
'turn up the heat', no throw them out and start over.
That is our mission, stay focused on that, everything else is media driven nonsense.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Linda, San Antonio, TX — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:25:27 GMT

Clearly you Obama supporters that think he is such a great presence and ready to lead us in a new direction did not watch Meet the Press yesterday. I invite you to read the transcript. Most notable was the number of times in the past he has echoed Clinton and other dems on the issue of Iraq...before he decided to revert back to his "I was right on Iraq" pre-senate speech. If there is anyone in this race on the dem side who is a fake, it is Obama. Remember something while you are trashing Hillary as a "robot", for the past 7 years we have had in the WH the man you would most want to invite to a back yard cookout. Maybe it is time we put intelligence and proven leadership back in the WH. Sometimes it becomes necessary to reverse course, make corrections and then move forward. After the Bush years we may need to reverse back to the accomplishments of the 90's under Clinton, make corrections and move forward.
By the way, Obama said again on Meet the Press that he would meet with the President of Iran. Again he shows his lack of foreign experience. The President of Iran has less power in his country than the Queen of England has in hers. He is a token figure head. The Mullahs are the men with all the power in Iran. But it will make a nice photo opt for the Muslim world to have a terrorist's picture taken with Barack Hussein Obama. Brilliant.

Clinton unveils new slogan

kmnecole, st louis, mo — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 13:51:25 GMT

When asked if all of the Obama supporters attending the event were from Iowa, Obama’s Iowa Press Secretary Tommy Vietor said, “All of them. Except for my dad.”

-Excerpt from First Read

Clinton unveils new slogan

greg opelika alabama — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:30:44 GMT

go hillarygo . i will vote for you and you will be the next president . Obama , what a name sounds like a terriost name . i quess what they say on this web site is true he may be a terriost . do you want a terriost for president.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Dot, Illinois — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:44:58 GMT

Given the divided state of our country regarding the war in Iraq, and given the perception that Senator Clinton is a polarizing influence on US politics, I would suggest the slogan " Come, Let Us Reason Together."

Clinton unveils new slogan

Dot, Illinois — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:04:33 GMT

greg opelika, alabama

A great writer once wrote " What's in a name?" Apparently you see something that JUST ISN"T THERE in the case of Senator Obama. Calling Senator Obama a terrorist simply goes beyond all bounds of reason. Ugh!

Clinton unveils new slogan

april danielson,boothbay harbor maine — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:12:00 GMT

i'm with hilary all the way ,my whole family plans to vote for her , we think she will be a good president,and i think it's great that she does'nt like to say mean things about other candidates,it's not right to attack other peoples reputations.and if they don't stop doing it it will hurt all the democrats in the long run.so wake demograts,we need a democrat in there this time.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Pai Wansterd, Ft. Wayne IN — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:09:10 GMT

Dot in Il: I would suggest the slogan " Come, Let Us Reason Together."

Effective line. It's the same one used by Bill when he was hustling up Monica.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Take heed — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:42:50 GMT

America does need a change I don't see it in any of these candidates. I agree Obama can't salute our flag it is OUT. What a disgrace. Hillary has not brought about a coliation with her terms in the Senate. GET RID OF ALL OF THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY IN OFFICE. Let's start over with somone who has not been bought and PAID FOR. America needs all of the help we can get. Interest groups are destroying us.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Jason Larch, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 16:59:14 GMT

The bottom line is not 'whom' but 'what' we as Democrats support. I believe that a Democrat will be elected to be our next President. "He who has eyes let him see." The illness in our Country is a Party, Republicans, that have followed a very mentally disturbed man who has dragged all of us, a herd of sheep, to enormous debt, disgrace, polution, and down a very slippery slope. We (everyone) allowed this to happen. A constitutional government, founded on the principals of 'by and for the people', has been subverted by greed and power lust. We cannot, must not, forget this. Whichever candidate is selected to run against this corrupt party must receive our totally united support!

Clinton unveils new slogan

Ellis B. Kingman, Az. — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:24:51 GMT

I have a real problem with Obamas' refusal to wear an American flag pin on his lapel or place his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. And Hillarys' stand for Bushes' free trade with slave labor states who do not respect human rights proves she does not represent main stream America or common people. Edwards is the only one with the answer to most of what ailes us. Nothing meaningful can be done to help working America, defuse the debacle in the middle east or anything else until Special interest lobbyist are driven out of Washington and representative loyalty is returned to the poeple who elected them.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Real Democrat, CA — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:56:49 GMT

Clinton supporters know that you can't bring the country together if you DON'T WIN.

Van
*****************************************************

Clinton cannot win with her partisan rhetoric..."Turn Up The Heat"...sounds like a slogan for menopause.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Dot, Illinois — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 18:27:36 GMT

Real Democrat, CA Turn Up The Heat"...sounds like a slogan for menopause.

Actually, I think if it were a slogan for menopause it would be " turn DOWN the heat."

Clinton unveils new slogan

Bee — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:29:44 GMT

Turn up the what? Who are the knucle head that came up with that slogan?

Jeezzzzz! the clinton's campaign are indeed short of ideas and creativity. "Turn up the heat"...lol....

The slogan is as fake as bootleg CDs.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Aa, Emporia — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:15:12 GMT

“We’re going to turn up the heat on the Republicans and we’re going to turn America around,” Clinton said. To me this is perhaps the most important problem I have about Hillary running for President. Her whole aim and purpose is to become the President for the revenge of what the Republican did by exposing the aldultry of her husband.
We are already at war with the enemy outside and we are again preparing Hillary for war within. The war within is worst than fighting our enemy from the outside. I hope Hillary and her team better know that this view is not an American view.

Clinton unveils new slogan

Martin Ozanne Guernsey, Channel Island United Kingdom — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 16:12:52 GMT

Please Please understand that the United States has never before been so out of step with the rest of the world, out of touch with reality, distrusted by the rest of mankind.
For as long as the United States continues to be governed by Republican Ideology it will never become respected by the free world.
Your only hope is in electing a President who is capable of once again achieving the respectability of many nations in the fight against poverty, injustice, freedom throught the world.
Your former President Bill Clinton gained for America that respectability. He was by far the most influential man of his time. Such a catastroph that those years of such gain for mankind has been sacrificed by the Bush administration.
Let him again come to the rescue of America by supporting his wife Hillary.
Only then will America be Great Again.

Martin Ozanne
Minister of Education
Guernsey
Channel Islands. Europe