Bayh: Death shows need for experience

John M., San Diego, CA — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:25:28 GMT

Another shameless attempt at politicization of this tragedy by a Clinton surrogate. Personally, I thought all of the candidates' responses were reassuring except perhaps Richardson's.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Aidyn, NY — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:30:10 GMT

I agree!!

HILLARY 08!!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

--NSMsnbc — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:31:53 GMT

"Seasoning" as in parsley, rosemary, oregano or Italian? Does he prefer his candidate seasoned for spice or flavor, because I like both styles. Actually, now that I think about it, I like food well seasoned, not so bland. I tend to like people with a variety of life experiences--different spices and flavors. In that sense, Barack Obama would be well "seasoned".

Really, those were some kind words from Senator Bayh to Senator Clinton.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Nashville_fan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:37:43 GMT

And how would a having experience have stopped the horrible tragedy that happened today?

The President of the UNITED STATES has to be able to handle foreign policy, but that is not the only qualification for the job. The key is the ablility to work well with others, whether at home or overseas. The "my way or the highway" style of government has come and gone. A new world requires new leadership - fear won't hold America back from a much needed CHANGE . . .

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Nashville_fan — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:41:53 GMT

President Bush has been in office for 8 years and he has flexed America's military muscle all across the world, and yet this tragedy in Pakistan still came to pass.

It is fallacy to try to draw a direct connection between the American presidency and every terrorist event that happens around the world. We will be safer as a country when we once again begin SETTING the agenda instead of REACTING to the agenda of others.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Dave, Tn — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:42:14 GMT

Well her husband certainly has experience in rendering people to Syria and Egypt for torture, and bombing civilians. Being one up on Bush they even have experience in using military tanks against Americans. You go girl

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:44:20 GMT

I tend to like people with a variety of life experiences--different spices and flavors. In that sense, Barack Obama would be well "seasoned".
--NSMsnbc (Sent Thursday, December 27, 2007 2:31 PM)

Just out of curiosity, how do his experiences make him more "seasoned" than Clinton in terms of variety? Because he lived in several places as a child?

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Kimberly K. — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:45:34 GMT

Hillary Clinton ready to lead from day 1 "one".

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:54:58 GMT

This is a ridiculous attempt by the Clinton camp to use this tragedy for political gain. Clinton is part of the experienced (stablished) crowd in Washington who has funded Musharaff without pressuring him to fight the terrorists that we drove into his country. She voted for the war in Iraq, which helped these terrorists remain free from justice. She criticized Obama, for saying we need to do something about the terrorists in Pakistan. If she has seasoning, it is all the wrong kind. The kind that leaves a bad taste in not only Americans, but the world's mouth.

Stand up for change!

You can't keep doing the same things and expect different results. Say no to nepotism. Clinton shouldn't even be in serious consideration for the nomination, she is not even the candidate with the most experience. If that is what is most important to you as a voter.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Phil in Des Moines, Iowa — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:01:35 GMT

Bhutto's reaction to Obama's Pakistan policy: "But the issue that I would like to stress is that Barack Obama also said, if Pakistan won't act. And that's the critical issue, that the government has to act. And the government has to act to protect Pakistan's own serenity and integrity, its own respect, and to understand that if it creates a vacuum, then others aren't going to just twiddle their thumbs while militants freely move across the border." -- Benazir Bhutto, August, 2007 ....

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Rick,ky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:05:29 GMT

Get ready America. Here comes the FEAR CARD from none other than Hillary Clinton. Now comes the likeness to Bush, that most of us knew all along.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Kelly (from Pittsburgh) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:06:04 GMT

Carrie - Obama's seasoning. As a community organizer and civil rights lawyer(man who cares and connects with people). As a constitutional law professor (knowledgeable and committed to our constitutional rights). As a Illinois legislator and Senator (political seasoning). As someone who came from humble upbringing and earned there way to a better life. And yes as someone who has lived in many places, not only Indonesia, Kansas, Hawaii, Chicago and NY.

Hillary has some good experiences too. I'm not so sure first lady of Arkansas is very valuable, but I am willing to admit First lady of US has some value (just not as much as she claims). Her record as a Senator is very underwhelming. Her law career has been more of a hindrance than a help. She has done some good things in her life, but most of the seasoning has been political. Maybe a president who has a broader perspective of the American and world citizenship, could be recognized to be atleast as valuable as fighting republicans for 35 years.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Kristian O — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:10:27 GMT

Yo Evan, Don't make me laugh.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

--NSMsnbc — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:17:05 GMT

Carrie, Eastern IA: I was thinking about a whole number of things. Certainly his ethnicity, interracial parents, the experience of living abroad and different regions of the U.S.. He wasn't well off as a kid, did some things he's not currently proud of, went to Harvard, became a leader. Then he worked as a community organizer, was a Constitutional law professor, IL Congress and now U.S. Senator with a real family that’s not broken like his during childhood. That seems like a variety of experiences, a variety of "seasoning". I am very much into learning off the different experiences of others, and one beef that I have with our society is that we need such and such experience to do something, and if one doesn't have it, all of his or her other experiences don't count. That's just wrong. And I don't mean that to be directed at Clinton, society. He wasn't running his whole life for President (that is, though clearly somewhat an exaggeration), otherwise we'd see somebody perhaps more conventional.

But to post on topic again, Sen. Bayh said some very nice, appropriate comments regarding Sen. Clinton. When I think attack, I think dirty politics/below the belt. This was not an attack. And it is not a politization, because the candidates have 1 week, they have their narratives, and this event fits some of those narratives. I wish society didn't dictate they keep mum so as not to be seen as exploiting it.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Wayne, Silver Spring, MD — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:22:34 GMT

Exactly. Perfect point.

But, Obama kind of experience with good judgment!

Remember the Iraq vote with conviction, people?

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Ron, TX — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:28:09 GMT

The Bhutto Assassination does not show a need for experience. It shows a need for good judgment. Dick Cheney has a truckload of experience and Bhutto still got assassinated. The Bush cabinet is LOADED with experience. Yet, they still voted in favor of the Iraq War. They still voted in favor of increasing hostile rhetoric toward Iran and tying US troops in Iraq to Iran. They still let Iraq distract them from the REAL war we should have wagged in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the 9/11 terrorists were ACTUALLY hiding, not Iraq. The Bush cabinet continues to preach that diplomacy is silly. The Bush presidency uses the politics of FEAR to take away our rights, to eavesdrop, torture, and wage war.

What do all these actions have in common with Hillary Clinton? EVERYTHING. They claim experience, and they lack good judgment. Clinton voted for the 2002 Iraq war bill- "Authorization for the Use of Military Force in Iraq" (quoted the title in case anyone actually believes Hillary- she 'thought' it was for diplomacy). Clinton voted to escalate tensions with Iran in the Republican-war hawk Kyl-Lieberman bill. Clinton continues to refuse to admit she made a mistake with either of these. Clinton's Pakistan policies are Bush-like as well. Clinton and her surrogates continue to use the politics of FEAR just like the Bush presidency.

END IT NOW. We need GOOD judgment. We need REAL change. *Bhutto herself* had NO PROBLEM with Obama's statement. It was only a problem to Washington Political Hacks and Beltway Politicians who are out of step with reality. If Pakistan FAILS TO ACT, he would bomb Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan. Bhutto agreed, she saw nothing wrong with his statement, and stressed the importance of the Pakistani government TO ACT agaisnt terrorism. Bhutto's statement on democracy and freedom highlights the need for CHANGE in this country. Don't let FEAR HIDE FREEDOM. Don't let FEAR HIDE CHANGE.

I'm voting for Barack.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

sonya, atlanta, ga — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:29:59 GMT

Wasn't it Hillary calling Obama naive and irresponsible when he said that Alequidi was in Pakistan and destablizing that country and If Mussrasaf wouldn't do something about it, he would.

Obama was recently on CBS News telling Katie that Pakistan was his number one worry along with Iran. This man has the wisdom and judgment to lead us during these terrible times.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Jeanne — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:31:03 GMT

No matter what any of the candidates say or do at this point, someone will say they are exploiting the terrible crime in Pakistan. Outside this event are dozens more that have happened and will happen in the future. We need a president with the experience, the intellectual capacity, the integrity and the ability to seek and use expert advice in these instances. We are now in a terrible state internationally because our current president did not have these qualities when he ran for the office nor did he develop them while in office. Hillary Clinton is the candidate whom I will trust with my vote.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Phil in Des Moines, Iowa — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:35:36 GMT

Evan... I met you in Des Moines at an event that I bartended for. Remember? Back then you said that you regretted your Iraq vote. I thought that was noteworthy. Maybe you could get your candidate of choice to agree with you.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Jesse, Burnsville, MN — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:36:05 GMT

This is where Hillary will bring down the whole Democratic party. If she wins the nomination, there is no way she wins the presidency. That being said, you can bet that Senators like Evan Bayh are going to be questioned about their support for Hillary when their elections come around.

Democrats, you have to realize, it is not about getting revenge on Republicans. Sure, hardcore Republicans are not going to become supporters of Obama. But, Independents and moderate Republicans can and will. Can you say the same for Hillary?

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

geoff, iowa — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:48:51 GMT

Bayh and Vilsack are in a tight race to be HRC's VP. But never forget that Bayh, as well as HRC voted for this war. How can the people who created this mess clean it up? Should be let Bush invade Iran because he has learned from his experience of invading Iraq? Man Iowa, wake up!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

modernwoman, Anytown,USA — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:02:49 GMT

Barack Obama's good judgment and calm intelligent responses are just what we need in a situation like this. The only "seasoning" I want is on my food!!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Carrie, Eastern Iowa — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:04:52 GMT

This is a ridiculous attempt by the Clinton camp to use this tragedy for political gain.
Kelly (from Pittsburgh) (Sent Thursday, December 27, 2007 2:54 PM)

And Obama isn't? Read what Axelrod has said, in which he suggests that Bhutto's assassination is a result of our invasion in Iraq, and naturally, of Hillary's vote to authorize that invasion.

http://thepage.time.com/axelrod-on-bhutto-assassination/

Now that, Kelly, is using this tragedy for political gain and just proves the point that Obama plays the game just like everyone else.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

independent revolt — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:14:53 GMT

question? how does traveling as a diplomatic emissary only provides experience? so many senators have done this very thing.

How can you have such great experience without a security clearance?

how can you have such great experience when you didn't sit in on one cabinet meeting?

how can you have such great experience in foreign policy when at the time bill clinton was involved in africa and most of bosnia the two of them weren't speaking because of the monica lewinsky scandal?

How can you tell the american people that you will stand up to china when they were major donors to bill clinton's last election cycle and present bundlers contributing to hrc campaign are major business representatives of chinese corporations?

all this information is available america. is anyone checking it out?

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Tory, Madison, Wisconsin — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:16:27 GMT

This is really low, when the Clinton campaign tries to capitalize on a tragedy like this. Sending Evan Bayh out to talk to reporters is so transparent. The campaign is still reeling from yesterday's NY Times saying that she never attended National Security Briefings, etc. Do they have no shame? This is a true tragedy - not something to be used by the Clintons. Unfortunately and sadly, political leaders are sometimes killed - Sadat, Indira Ghandi, Rabin, etc. etc. - and now Mrs. Bhutto. But for Hillary to use this horrible event as a backdrop for Bayh speaking on her behalf is just disgusting.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Lynn, Millington — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:18:56 GMT

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2007/12/27/politics/horserace/entry3651010.shtml

At first glance, the unrest roiling a crucial part of the world would seem to help Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani. Clinton has built her campaign around experience, which has become something of a code word for "grown up" over the course of the year. Her years in the White House and Senate, combined with the establishment backing she has, should make her at least appear to be the steady choice to handle crisis situations like this.

But it's worth remembering that Clinton criticized Barack Obama when he suggested earlier this year that the U.S. should use military force to go into the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan if evidence demonstrated that it would aid in the capture of al Qaeda terrorist leaders like Osama bin Laden – with the permission of the current government or not. A position which may have sounded risky at the time may look better after today. Such an action may not have prevented the tragedy but it's clear that Pakistan is a growing problem – and that al Qaeda is a big part of it. Obama can remind voters that he recognized that earlier.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Dot, Illinois — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:33:39 GMT

I find this whole comment from Senator Bayh to be somewhat tasteless. The death of a brave and dedicated woman doesn't seem, to me, to be a topic to turn into a political statement.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

independent revolt — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:49:54 GMT

one thing americans have to realize is this. the clinton political machine runs deep. anyone in the past that has aligned themselves with the clinton's has been rewarded very nicely for their support of the clinton's(business as usual in washington).

it is prudent to think that you(their political and corporate supporters) will reap financial, political and corporate favor by aligning themself with the clinton's.

the clinton's are the establishment candidate. the clinton's will have a long list of officials past and present advocating for them. these people are already promised or bought. they will do enough to make it seem like they are doing something for america, but the agenda for the clinton's is about money.

history doesn't lie. wallstreet wants the clinton's. corporate america wants the clinton's. most lomg term senator's and house representaives want the clinton's as well(because it will be less likely the establisment will change). why do americans think the media calls the clinton's the establishment candidate?

good judgement and morals are very much needed. the candidates that have this character are less likely to be bought and sold.

the clinton's have been selling their souls to corporate america and other contries since being in politics. it never stopped. take a look at the clinton foundation contribution list. countries from the middle east and china have contributed millions to the clinton's in the last year.

you can't get favors that big without giving favors back in return. look it up. if you want to be realistic instead of emotional to better your decision process check it out, please.

henry waxman(a democrat) is talking about the possibility of looking into the clinton's for possible campaign violations. the clinton's haven't gotten into office and the first scandal is on the horizon already. history doesn't lie. do we learn from our previous mistakes america?

bought and sold.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Rick,ky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:54:01 GMT

For your information Carrie, it is a Direct result of being taken away from the ones who caused 911. She voted to Invade a soverign nation ( Iraq), which had No connection to 911. So, Yes, she is partly to blame along with anyone else who Voted for the Invasion of Iraq for OIL, instead of going after the ones who sent airplanes into New York, & DC. My sister worked at the Pentagon, thankfully on the other side of the building that day.
Where have you been the past 6 year's when every News agency & our own national Security people have blasted over the Airwaves, AL-QUIDA REGROUPING IN PAKISTAN. O thats right, you've been in Iowa caucusing for Joe Biden, Oopz, I forgot.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

sonya, atlanta, ga — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:58:07 GMT

this is a quote from Butto agreeing with Obama' stance of going after Alquedi militants in the borders of Pakistan and Afganistan:

Bhutto's reaction to Obama's Pakistan policy: "But the issue that I would like to stress is that Barack Obama also said, if Pakistan won't act. And that's the critical issue, that the government has to act. And the government has to act to protect Pakistan's own serenity and integrity, its own respect, and to understand that if it creates a vacuum, then others aren't going to just twiddle their thumbs while militants freely move across the border." -- Benazir Bhutto, August, 2007 ....

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Debbie, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:08:01 GMT

Obama has the judgement and experience to understand and act on behalf of the American people. He has always presented himself as one who would tell the American people what they need to hear.

I know we are not used to this type of upfront communication style; but it's exactly what we need in these days and times. I don't want anyone sugar-coating the truth. No offense, but Hillary Clinton is an expert at keeping the truth hidden from America. We still don't have records of her 35-year "experience."

Go Obama!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Lisa, Dallas, Tx — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:12:36 GMT

Well, well, we know who wants that precious VP slot with the "well seasoned" Ms. Clinton, don't we?? Hey, Evan, remember, ... it's VP in name only with her. Her husband gets to be the real VP. Wise up. Ever notice how everything that the Hillary campaign wants said always comes from anybody but her? Hmmm. Why is that?

The facts are this - she was wrong on the Iraq vote, she was wrong on the Iran vote. Who cares who she's met with if she can't get it right? The Obama foreign policy regarding Pakistan came front & center months ago & once again the Senator's suggested policy has proven to be sound with today's events; Just like he was right about Iraq.

Don't let these people fool you or make you apprehensive about a change. CHANGE IS GOOD when it is put forward by sound common sense & judgement. Obviously what we are doing now isn't working. Obama has been right all down the line with his foreign policy approach. Give the man a chance to show the world what he can do!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Marbw — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 22:18:48 GMT

Remarks of Senator Obama: The War We Need to Win
Washington, DC | August 01, 2007

video
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126056719/bctid1125863588

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

RobK, Seattle, Wash — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:28:40 GMT

Bayh is a Republican down deep. He's supporting Billary only b/c he knows she'd lose in the General Election.

What a fake and phony. Another Hillary hatchet man.

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

Major Man, Petersburg, VA — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 02:31:45 GMT

Dr. Susan Rice, Foreign Policy Expert says Obama is the person ready to lead from "Day One"

"Senator Obama has been comprehensive and exhaustive over the course of the campaign in laying out his foreign policy. Voters don't have to guess what he will do on these issues. They just need to listen and read." Read on...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/susan-rice/ready-to-lead-on-day-one_b_78339.html

Bhutto agreed with Obama's statements on Pakistan...(mentioned above by Sonya)

http://www.cfr.org/publication/14041/

Sen. Obama is the real deal and fully capable of being President now! OBAMA '08!

Bayh: Death shows need for experience

W.D.C. Informant — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:59:27 GMT

This is proof positive that America is not ready for someone the likes of b. Hussein oSama, the inexperienced, pencil-neck, jug-eared, arrogant muslim upstart from Illinois.
b. Hussein oSama was SAVAGED by the press today and the final massacre by 1000 cuts will conclude over the next few days.