No "Do-Over" For Hillary On Iraq

Senator Clinton Campaigns For The White House In Iowa

(CBS/AP)  Pressed to defend her Iraq war vote, Hillary Rodham Clinton said Saturday there are no "do-overs in life" and Democrats need a presidential nominee who inspires confidence on national security.

In her first campaign swing through this early nominating state, the New York senator told party activists that Democrats in 2008 will face "someone on the other side who will be very tough and strong, even bellicose perhaps."

That likely was a reference to Arizona Sen. John McCain, who has taken a hard line in supporting more U.S. troops to Iraq, as President Bush has announced.

The former first lady also said has learned the lessons of the last two presidential campaigns, both lost by Democrats who responded slowly to criticism.

"When you are attacked, you have to deck your opponent," Clinton said. "I have been through the political wars longer than some of you have been alive. We've got to be prepared to hold our ground and fight back."

Clinton, who announced her candidacy last weekend, said Democrats cannot concede the security issue.

"We have to nominate someone who can have the trust and confidence of the American people to make the tough decisions as commander in chief," the former first lady said. "That is the threshold issue."

Her initial foray in Iowa was far different from the traditional caucus campaigning, with a few people in a living room. More than 1,500 people jammed a high school gymnasium for a town hall-style meeting. Some 150 reporters and photographers chronicled the event.

Clinton knows she could be counted out if she doesn't win in Iowa, reports CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers. Candidates who stumble in either Iowa or New Hampshire find it hard to regain the momentum they need to win their party's nomination.

“If somebody's able to become the clear winner in Iowa and New Hampshire, frankly, no matter when those states’ primaries are, no matter how big they are, I don't think they'll be able to buck the trend that is set in Des Moines and in Manchester,” Peter Greenberger, a Democratic political consultant, told CBS.

Earlier, Clinton met with state Democrats at the party's headquarters.

Attention focused on Iraq and her vote to authorize the use of force ahead of the U.S.-led invasion in March 2003. Presidential rivals such as former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards now say the vote in support was a mistake.

"There are no do-overs in life," Clinton said. She says Congress received bad information going into the vote and that she would have voted differently given what she knows now.

"As a senator from New York, I lived through 9/11 and I am still dealing with the aftereffects," Clinton said. "I may have a slightly different take on this from some of the other people who will be coming through here."

Clinton said her view was that the nation was engaged in a deadly fight against terrorism, a battle that she contends President Bush has botched.

"I do think we are engaged in a war against heartless, ruthless enemies," she said. "If they could come after us again tomorrow they would do so."

Clinton has urged a cap to the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, but has refused to go along with suggestions that Congress use its power of the purse to bring the war to a halt.

"This will be a problem that will be left to the next president," the senator said. "We've got to figure out now, given where we are, how we go forward."

Seeking a "phased redeployment" of troops from Iraq, she said, "We've got to bring the Iraq war to the right end." The Democratic-controlled Congress, she said, must start to "build the political will" to stop the president.

Clinton joked about the emotions she stirs in both those who like her and those who do not. "I know what I'm getting into. I do inspire strong feelings," she said.

She later planned to visit eastern Iowa for house parties in Cedar Rapids and Davenport.

[tuckerndfw]

Hillary Clinton is no different than George Bush (execpt she could pass the entrance exam for law school, Bozo could not).

If Americans are stupid enough to elect her, we can expect more of the same old *** about "I'm the decider, regardless what anyone else thinks."

She showed her true colors when she attempted to illegally convene a secret community to impose, by law, "universal health care" (buy insurance or be jailed) on everyone.

Hillary is less qualified to be president than anyone in the field.

[tuckerndfw]

Typo in original comment:

"community" should have been "committee"

[taylor6465]

I agree that Hillary is not the best choice for the Democrats. To be honest, I don't know that any of the candidates that have announced intentions can win. A northern Democrat has not been elected since 1960, and Edwards is the only one from the South. I find it highly unlikely that Southern voters would endorse a super liberal trial lawyer. As a Southern conservative Democrat, the only Democrat I would even consider voting for is Obama. I think many voters will like his fresh message and it is so obvious that he is very genuine in all of his interviews. I think Obama could take all of the general Democratic strongholds, and he has a good shot at Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Colorado, and possibly even Virginia. I don't think any of the other candidates stand a chance in most of these battleground states. The Republicans would be very wise to put up someone like Romney that could hold Republican strongholds and possibly take some Democratic territory. If they choose Guiliani, they are finished.

[taylor6465]

I agree that Hillary is not the best choice for the Democrats. To be honest, I don't know that any of the candidates that have announced intentions can win. A northern Democrat has not been elected since 1960, and Edwards is the only one from the South. I find it highly unlikely that Southern voters would endorse a super liberal trial lawyer. As a Southern conservative Democrat, the only Democrat I would even consider voting for is Obama. I think many voters will like his fresh message and it is so obvious that he is very genuine in all of his interviews. I think Obama could take all of the general Democratic strongholds, and he has a good shot at Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Colorado, and possibly even Virginia. I don't think any of the other candidates stand a chance in most of these battleground states. The Republicans would be very wise to put up someone like Romney that could hold Republican strongholds and possibly take some Democratic territory. If they choose Guiliani, they are finished.

[bellal-2009]

Seeking a "phased redeployment" of troops from Iraq, she said, "We've got to bring the Iraq war to the right end."


AS opposed to the President's plan to bring it to the wrong end. She has no ideas, no plan, no real knowledge or expertise on the subject. SHe just wants to be PRESIDENT, no matter what. She's kind of like John Kerry to a degree. She thinks she deserves it.

[cmp271]

Hillary is just dying to be made President. She thought she was when Bill was in office. No way will this country vote her in. She needs to get back on the job she was elected to do-NYS Senator-and not very well at that!

Besides, when is she going to admit she's Gay so she can get their vote too?

Never liked her, never will! Ever since she insulted us women she has been nothing more than bad rubbish to me. Excuse me, my cookies in the oven are done!

[cmp271]

By the way..who is this BELINDA, Bill is reported to be very fond of in Canada??? Maybe she could be VP then Bill would have something to as as "first man"! If I was married to Hillary I'd have affairs too!!! Bill is the "straight man" in that marriage!

[mdc76082]

What qualifications do any candidates really have for President? Political background & experience, college degree, age? What really makes a Pres? Know one knows who's qualified for the job until they spend about 2 years in office after elected. Who knows, I don't, you don't, nobody does. She might be the best *** thing for this country since George Washington. Hel_l any contender could be. What they do as a senator or governor, or whatever, has noting to do with what happens in the White House. You vote & hope. That's all you can do. You hope they stay true to their party and promises. You have to listen to them all and go with your gut, unless you go straight ticket.

[nocore]

Hillary says, "Democrats need a presidential nominee who inspires confidence on national security."

Hillary says, "We have to nominate someone who can have the trust and confidence of the American people to make the tough decisions as commander in chief."

Well, there is only one 2008 candidate on either side of the aisle who satisfies those criterion. And that's WES CLARK. The guy has laid out the single most comprehensive plan on Iraq. He is one of the premier geopolitical minds on the globe. And he has been 100% right about the Iraq War since 2002.

WES CLARK opposed the war since Day 1, while Hillary was one of the war's most giddy cheerleaders.

Hillary says, "There are no do-overs in life." And I couldn't agree more. With WES CLARK, we get someone who doesn't need a do-over. He was right in 2002. He was right in March of 2003. And he's right now. And all the while, Bush and Cheney and McCain and Lieberman and Hillary have been very, very wrong.

Hillary was wrong on what will be THE defining issue of the 2008 camaign. She demonstrated a disastrous incompetence on matters of national security.

She failed the test of courage. She failed the test of leadership. She failed the test of history.

[nocore]

Hillary says, "Democrats need a presidential nominee who inspires confidence on national security."

Hillary says, "We have to nominate someone who can have the trust and confidence of the American people to make the tough decisions as commander in chief."

Well, there is only one 2008 candidate on either side of the aisle who satisfies those criterion. And that's WES CLARK. The guy has laid out the single most comprehensive plan on Iraq. He is one of the premier geopolitical minds on the globe. And he has been 100% right about the Iraq War since 2002.

WES CLARK opposed the war since Day 1, while Hillary was one of the war's most giddy cheerleaders.

Hillary says, "There are no do-overs in life." And I couldn't agree more. With WES CLARK, we get someone who doesn't need a do-over. He was right in 2002. He was right in March of 2003. And he's right now. And all the while, Bush and Cheney and McCain and Lieberman and Hillary have been very, very wrong.

Hillary was wrong on what will be THE defining issue of the 2008 camaign. She demonstrated a disastrous incompetence on matters of national security.

She failed the test of courage. She failed the test of leadership. She failed the test of history.

[rdndv]

I don't think there is anything wrong with her initial war support. We are supposed to be able to believe that at least some of what the president tells us is true. Obviously, we can't trust very much he says anymore, but I think that at the time, a + war vote was reasonable.

[dallison7]

Ahhhh!! 'The Hillary Haters'. What fun watching them. Running around with their hair on fire!! Repeat after me, "Madam President".
How about "President and Mr. Clinton"? What a great day in history when President and Mr. Clinton sweep the Bush filth out of the Whitehouse and begin the job of re-establishing America's posture with the nations of the world.

[fascistusa]

I will NEVER support another politician. America is a FASCIST COUNTRY.

START OVER.

[fascistusa]

Hillary works for the NEO-CONS.

SHE BRINGS NOTHING NEW TO THE TABLE.

IT'LL BE ANOTHER 8 YEARS OF FASCISM.

[clemenhagen1]

Classic right-wing smear. Just on this page we have references to Belinda (supposedly Bill's latest fling), Hillary being gay, and other non-sensical fare. Will we learn? Look what the bashing and shallow smears got us recently: eight years of utter incompetence and lies. Already they have begun to spread vicious fabrications about Obama, from slurring his name to calling him a "Halfrican" to accusing him of attending a madrassas school. Wake up America. The smear merchants, inspired by their guru Rove, have simply led us to economic disasters and military quagmires. The Hillary campaign simply reveals more of the "same old - same old."

[feelfree1]

rdndv,

Re: "I don't think there is anything wrong with her initial war support."

I do. And it wasn't just initial support. She maintained her bloodthirsty support of the Bush crusade until just a couple of short months ago. She has failed and disgraced the American people with her inept decisions, & she should apologize for that and step down.

Re: "We are supposed to be able to believe that at least some of what the president tells us is true."

Millions upon millions of people around the globe knew that the case for invading Iraq was false, and publicly said so very loudly. Hillary wasn't listening. If she was not able to make this determination on her own, then she undoubtedly lacks competence to perform her duties.

Re: "Obviously, we can't trust very much he says anymore

Anymore? The only true statements ever offered by the illegitimate Bush regime, are the relative few that they use to prop up their unending campaign of lies and deception.

Re: "but I think that at the time, a + war vote was reasonable."

Voting to give an un-elected puppet a blank check for a never-ending illegal war of aggression is never reasonable, and it makes Ms. Clinton actively complicit in the most serious of war crimes.

[stevex47]

cmp271,
"By the way..who is this BELINDA, Bill is reported to be very fond of in Canada??"
Thats all you and Foley and Hagard and other repulinazi's pedophiles are interested in. Oh ya, drugs too like Limbaugh. And reckless gun handling (Cheney). Good govt. you had going there buddy,

[cbs_oliver]

Sometimes people just need to have good story to tell so that they can do what they really want to do when they are not comfortable being honest about their real reasons. Many people knew in their heart that Iraq had no WMD but found it easier to pretend to be fooled by the propaganda so they could support an attack against an Arab country that was being just tooo uppity.

My view is that Hillary is one of that crowd. Her story is that she was fooled. I don't buy it. But lots of other folks are holding to the same sorry story - and some of them even believe they are telling the truth this time.

[exusmcsgt]

"We have to nominate someone who can have the trust and confidence of the American people to make the tough decisions as commander in chief," the former first lady said.

When she was first lady, this broad tried to steal half the White House furnishings on the way out.

She hardly deserves the "trust and confidence" of the American people considering that she is a common thief.


"The Washington Post revealed that against the advice of the White House%u2019s chief usher, more than a year ago the Clintons shipped government-owned furniture to Chappaqua."


http://www.mediaresearch.org/cyberalerts/2001/cyb20010212.asp


"Under greed, we can put down Hillary's book deal, the grand theft of the White House furniture, and the ornate His and Hers office spaces in New York."

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/562599/posts

Hillary fought the repo, but the government took their stuff back anyway.

Anyone who believes this broad is presidential material is flat out of thier mind.

[sharncedar]

"When you are attacked, you have to deck your opponent," Clinton said. "I have been through the political wars longer than some of you have been alive. We've got to be prepared to hold our ground and fight back."

Hooray, the ugly war goddess speaks. All ready to fight, to "deck" her fellow Americans.

[sharncedar]

"I do think we are engaged in a war against heartless, ruthless enemies," she said. "If they could come after us again tomorrow they would do so."


No, that was Rush Limbarf or Sean O'Hannity or Bushie who said that. That's Hillary, but it is exact Republican talking points copy. Yet, so many Democrats say they love Hillary but hate Bush. That is digusting hypocrisy. She voted for Bush's war, and still spews his rhetoric even today, even now with 7 more dead.

Hillary spews Bush's words, how is it that Democrats love her so much? It makes Democrats look bad. Sad for our country, this is our real problem here, is mindless followers.

[exusmcsgt]

this is our real problem here, is mindless followers.
Posted by SharnCedar at 10:01 PM : Jan 27, 2007

Agreed. Like people who support a man who lied to take us to war.

[gdmoore2]

SharnCedar, I am curious. If the U.S. were to drop its guard - become less security conscious - what do you think would happen? I'm not beating a drum here, just interested.

[exusmcsgt]

gdmoore2-

Not trying to answer for sharncedar here, but the issue, I believe, is not dropping our guard, but rather, a change in our policies.

We need to insist that Israel follow the road map and stop treating the Palestinians as prisoners in their own land.

We also need to allow Iraq to disentegrate into secular states - something we'll never stop anyway, and show the Arab world that we consider them to be human beings like the rest of us.

[hillaryin08]

Yes......I will play both sides of the isle and get their votes.

Exxxxxxxceleeeeeeeennnnnt.

Now you will witness the full power of the dark side of the force!

[exusmcsgt]

hillaryin08-

Not that I'm one to defend Hillary, but to what do you refer with "both sides of the isle"?

Do you refer to the fact that she and many other Senators voted to give Bush the go ahead based on doctored intelligence designed to produce just such a result?

And now that the truth is out, that she and several other Senators hold a different view?

Edwards has much more appeal than Hillary and I plan to support him. Hillary's voting record on several key issues turned me off...however, if she gets the nomination, I will vote for her. I like her fighting spirit. It is hoped, however, that Democrats will select a candidate who doesn't have the negative factor of being a woman who carries all the baggage of her White House years. Will America put in a woman? Gaining the presidency is simply too important to take a chance at this time.

[j0hnwi11iams]

I am at the point where I vote a straight Democratic ticket. They could have Johnny Knoxville running and I would vote for him over a Republican.

Personally I'm hoping Al Gore runs.

[gdmoore2]

exusmcsgt - Thanks for the clarification and your opinion. I thought I picked up on something different. At least, I had not encountered it before.

Is there a site on the web that represents or sets out your views?

[j0hnwi11iams]

To the freeper leveling the tired old accusations at Hillary, she is much more the man than you ever were. $60 million on Ken Starr running very public investigations on allegations and all you have to show for it is the guy lied about ***.

You disgust me.

[j0hnwi11iams]

The republicans are 100% tactical. They don't want to raise minimum wage? Sink the bill with 74 amendments. Disgusting.

Everywhere the minimum wage has been raised, the economy has improved. That is because money is going into the hands of people who will improve their lives and become more productive.

Of course the republicans see everything polarized: themselves vs. the wage slaves.

[bellal-2009]

Well, there is only one 2008 candidate on either side of the aisle who satisfies those criterion. And that's WES CLARK. Posted by nocore at 06:24 PM : Jan 27, 2007

Whoa, an "I should have had a V8 moment". I forgot about Wesley Clark. Is he running?

[thomderr]

And I'm just asking.

Wasn't Hillary president once before?

Not in name, and no insult intended to the former First Lady, but I always thought that SHE was the driving force behind Bill Clinton!

[rharrin1]

Sharncedar

She did not say she would deck americans you moron you get confused real easy must be related to bush huh?

[karlimhof]

hillary says: ""We have to nominate someone who can have the trust and confidence of the American people to make the tough decisions as commander in chief," the former first lady said. "That is the threshold issue."

Agreed - having trust and confidence means also making the decisions of the majority of Americans and acting in a way which represents the will of all Americans.

Americans are not bloodthirsty imperialists but if look at our world record since Reagan it would seem we rely first on military force. Most Americans know our primary force is our heritage; our Revolution for Freedom, our national foundations written in our Declaration of Independence and our Constitution. These values are protected by our military. Every President declares our will to "spread democracy and freedom in the world" and we agree but not by sending our military unless we face a real threat.

Our leaders must stop using our beliefs to impose a Pax Americana by force and say "we are protecting American strategic interests". America is greater then her military force.

[bluestardad]

America GET out of Iraq and the Middle East quit selling them weapons, learn how to make Bio-Fuel or Clean-Coal Fuel and let the Middle East drink the oil and eat the sand! They cut the Oil off in the middle Seventies and we still have not gotten independent from Middle East Oil! Media quit covering these people in the Middle East let them blow each other up without our kids seeing it on the news! Who in the American Media is forcing our media to cover this violence in the Middle East? America has paid for the entire Middle East for the last Fifty Years in Lives, Blood and Tax Money and this investment has brought us the Chaos we have today. It is time to try something else! The Middle East has been fighting since the Sons of Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac were born. Americans come home and let the Middle East be Isolated! The entire Middle East is not worth one more American Life or Dollar!

[dallison7]

Carl Rove and Dan Bartlett have been subpoenaed in the Libby trial.

Special prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has said he continues to explore for wrongdoing, including whether Valerie Wilson's cover was blown in retaliation for her husband's public criticism of the president.

[gunownerdan]

Hillary is just another gun banning fascist. Her extreme voting record in congress is proof enough!
The corporate wh0re can ****************!
(Maybe is she sucked on Bill's balls a little more he wouldn't have run off to Monica!)

[dallison7]

Hillary is just another gun banning fascist. Her extreme voting record in congress is proof enough!
The corporate wh0re can ****************!
(Maybe is she sucked on Bill's balls a little more he wouldn't have run off to Monica!)
Posted by GunOwnerDan at 08:07 AM : Jan 28, 2007

Kindly step out of the gene pool please.

[skyk-2009]

GunOwnerDan. What grade did you complete in school? LOL Must not have gotten beyond the 5th grade because that's the Grade my Granddaughter is in and SHE know's FASCIST are Right Wing and that Hillary is Left Wing. Now wonder the Republican Party uses you clowns and makes fun of you!! ROFLMAO

[exusmcsgt]

After attempting to steal half the White House furnishings and art in 2001, I can't believe this broad got elected Senator in the first place, much less is considered to be presidential material by some.

Obviously, being a common thief is an acceptable chararacter flaw in candidates for both positions in some people's minds.

Heaven help us......

[gunownerdan]

skyk, I never said I was a g0ddammn republican.
The Bush family and the Clintons are best friends.
They are playing you sheep and you don't even realize it!

[vancouverboo]

When you can't figure out a way to get around it you have no choice but to tell the truth. It doesn't happen often to a politician but sometimes you just can't get around it. lol.

[grumpas]

I just love people like GunOwnerDan! They are all the same foam at the mouth and the mentality of a pissant! I doubt you are a Republican! You are probably one of those far out in space Independants who are closer to being Milita or White Sepremeist based! They are worse than Republican's in their fascist belief's!

[blugrass1023]

I honestly think Hillary has a Presidential look to her and an image many Americans could identify with, that is if you know your history. I think she has an uncanny resemblance to William Howard Taft.

[getcentered]

Wow.

I think Hillary is on the right track with the right frame of mind.

Democrat can and will protect our country, and they won't let us be exposed by foolish endeavors such as the IRAQ WAR.

[thgdriver]

jh6379 SEZ.

Hillary is good...she's got my vote!

Bill can tell you where she is not good, that's why he would love to get back to the old days in the oval office with a young intern.

[gdmoore2]

Blugrass1023, you have ruined my primary. I like Hillary, but now, every TV spot will be William Howard Taft in lipstick. Take your banjo and go to your room.

[thgdriver]

The bad part about this whole thing is we have over "six hundred more days" of this CRA@ from all party's till election time.

[annd2302]

Posted by exusmcsgt at 10:38 PM : Jan 27, 2007

"We need to insist that Israel follow the road map and stop treating the Palestinians as prisoners in their own land.
We also need to allow Iraq to disentegrate into secular states - something we'll never stop anyway, and show the Arab world that we consider them to be human beings like the rest of us. "


We don%u2019t need to do anything other than get the hell out of their business and come back home. We are not and should not be the world%u2019s police force.