Hillary On The Hot Seat

Democratic Frontrunner Draws Fire From Hollywood Mogul And Two Presidential Rivals

(CBS/AP)  Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential frontrunner, is discovering the drawbacks of leading the pack. Two of her presidential rivals criticized the New York senator hours after a Hollywood mogul launched a blistering attack on her and her husband.

At the first all-candidates forum of the 2008 Democratic presidential campaign in Carson, City, Nevada, former Sen. John Edwards criticized Clinton for failing to admit that her 2002 vote authorizing President Bush to attack Iraq was a mistake.

“We need a leader who will be open and honest with you and with the American people — who will tell the truth, who will tell the truth when they’ve made a mistake, who will take responsibility when they’ve made a mistake,” Edwards said.

Edwards said her refusal to disavow a 2002 vote on Iraq was "between her and her conscience." Edwards also voted to authorize the invasion of Iraq, but he has since apologized for his vote.

Another Clinton rival, Sen. Chris Dodd, said there were "two responses people in public life never like to give, and I don’t understand why: ‘I made a mistake’ and ‘I don’t know.’” Dodd has also said his Iraq vote was an error. The event format did not permit Clinton to respond to the remarks by Edwards and Dodd.

Their comments were mild by the standards of the exchange unleashed by Hollywood mogul David Geffen, who once backed Bill Clinton but now supports his wife's top rival, Sen. Barack Obama.

Geffen told New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd that while "everybody in politics lies," the former president and his wife "do it with such ease, it's troubling."

The Clinton campaign quickly demanded that Obama denounce the comments and called on him to give back Geffen's $2,300 contribution.

Campaigning in Iowa, Obama refused.

"It's not clear to me why I'd be apologizing for someone else's remark," the Illinois senator said.

"My suspicion is that the voters of Iowa are probably more concerned about what both myself and Senator Clinton think about Iraq, health care and jobs," Obama told reporters in a brief news conference at the Iowa Statehouse.

For her part, Clinton sidestepped questions, leaving the issue to her aides to discuss.

"I'm just going to stay focused on my campaign and I'm going to run a positive campaign about the issues that affect the people in our country," she told The Associated Press in an interview in Nevada where she was participating a candidate forum.

The Clinton team, nonetheless, seemed eager to continue the attack. With Obama in Iowa, aides arranged for former Iowa attorney general Bonnie Campbell to criticize him in a conference call with reporters.

In the newspaper interview, Geffen also said Bill Clinton is "a reckless guy" and he does not think Hillary Clinton can bring the country together during a time of war, no matter how smart or ambitious she is.

Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs later added another criticism of Clinton.

"It is also ironic that Senator Clinton lavished praise on Monday and is fully willing to accept today the support of South Carolina state Sen. Robert Ford, who said if Barack Obama were to win the nomination, he would drag down the rest of the Democratic Party because 'he's black,"' Gibbs' statement said.

Ford later apologized. The Clinton campaign said it disagreed with Ford, but the senator has embraced his support.

[bigwhtpony]

Yeah but....is he ebony or is he ivory??? Can he help us live in perfect harmony???? Is he the baby Jesus???? Man, can the libs get any farther up this guy's chute????? I doubt it.

[scott4261]

You're mother be so proud of your homophobic a s s!

[agnim]

Bush Given Power to Deploy US Troops Domestically & Declare Martial Law
In news from Capitol Hill, Congress is coming under criticism for approving a little noticed provision last year that makes it easier for President Bush to declare martial law and to send US troops into American cities. At the administration's request, Congress approved the changes to a law known as the Insurrection Act without ever holding a public hearing. Under the new law, the president now has the authority to use both active-duty armed forces and the National Guard on American soil -- not just during a rebellion -- but also a natural disaster, terrorist attack, pandemic or other chaotic situation. All 50 of the nation's governors have opposed the rule changes. Earlier this month Senators Patrick Leahy, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, and Republican Christopher Bond introduced legislation to repeal the changes Congress approved last year.

[processor2]

Forget "Separation of Church & State"

What this country needs is "Separation of Hollywood & State.

....

[rf35]

OK, I've been criticizing GWB's lack of real military experience. So what about this guy? Has he done anything to qualify for the job of Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces? I like some of the ideas I see in the platform he is building, but...

[hawksprings]

What would be really cool is if Obama would run as an independent and Hillary as a Dem. Or vice-versa. And Nader as the Green Party guy.

[agnim]

"OK, I've been criticizing GWB's lack of real military experience. So what about this guy? Has he done anything to qualify for the job of Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces?

Posted by rf35 at 05:14 PM : Feb 20, 2007"

Who?

Hilary? LOL

[scott4261]

John Edwards is the only candidate that is expressing the progressive populism that will motivate the Democratic base. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama may be the "rock stars" of the moment, but Edwards is the real deal.

The Democratic nominee WILL be the next president, though. The Republicans will still be flailing from the corruption and disastrous policies of the Bush Administration.

[scott4261]

What would be really cool is if Obama would run as an independent and Hillary as a Dem. Or vice-versa. And Nader as the Green Party guy.


Posted by hawksprings at 05:23 PM

----

Either you have been smoking some really good s**t, or you are completely ignorant of our electoral process.....or both!

[agnim]

"Yeah but....is he ebony or is he ivory??? Can he help us live in perfect harmony????

Posted by bigwhtpony at 04:43 PM : Feb 20, 2007"

He fell from the loins of 'ivory'; so what do you think? LOL

And no doubt you consider yourself 'pony' to "get it up your chute"; but Obama will allow you to "get it" all.
So no need for the hating.

[ezillyamused]

So, he hasn't been in the military. Big deal! You don't have to have been in a war to love peace. Bush was "in" the military and look where it has gotten us. I think Sen. Obama would be an excellent Commander-In-Chief because of his ability to bring people together, not just blow country's up! That, to me, is what makes a leader a leader, not a "decider".

[geri2008a]

Obama didn't just NOT vote for the war, he publicly spoke out against the invasion in 2002. His JUDGEMENT was on the money. Here's an excerpt from that speech: "I know that even a successful war against Iraq will require a U.S. occupation of undetermined length, at undetermined cost, with undetermined consequences. I know that an invasion of Iraq without a clear rationale and without strong international support will only fan the flames of the Middle East, and encourage the worst, rather than best, impulses of the Arab world, and strengthen the recruitment
arm of al-Qaeda.
I am not opposed to all wars. I'm opposed to dumb wars. " We need intellect and judgement like this in the White House.

[scott4261]

Did you overlook Sandy Berger and William[cold cash]Jefferson?
Posted by b48151 at 06:03 PM

------

Hey. HEY YOU! Dittohead! BILL CLINTON IS NO LONGER PRESIDENT!

[scott4261]

You wingnuts have gotten about as much mileage as you are ever going to get on Bill Clinton. In fact, your boy, W, has really s c r e w e d the GOP pooch! Bill is looking preety d a m n good by comparison!

[scott4261]

Thank God we have a strong leader in the white house and not some leftwing defeatist!
Posted by b48151 at 06:24 PM

_____

HOW is he a strong leader? HOW? If anything, he's made us more vulnerable. Do you actually beleive your own b u l l s h i t?

But you keep drinking the d a m n Kool-Aid....

[scott4261]

Why the hell are you conservative nutjobs so obsessed with the Clintons? Bill Clinton is not, by ANY stretch, a liberal. In fact, his "triangulation" with Republicans offended many of us on the left - I'd say - about 30% of the time.

Liberal radio host Mike Malloy once called him "the best Republican president of the 20th century."

So give it a rest, will ya?

[scott4261]

No attacks on U.S soil in the last 6 years...Your leftist surrender mentality will cost the Dems in 08!!
Posted by b48151 at 06:32 PM

--------------

We are just lucky we HAVEN'T been attacked. And the Democrats will win the presidency and gain seats in both houses of congress. You can take that to the bank!

[scott4261]

Do you even know who William Jefferson is???????????????
Posted by b48151 at 06:33 PM

-----

Yes. And I agree he is corrupt and should not have been re-elected to his seat. But this is not about my team against your team this is about what is best for America. You are grasping at straws!

[scott4261]

And WHY are we in Iraq?

[scott4261]

I want to hear - just once - a Republican acknowledge that a plan was put forward and then subsequently ignored:

Late last year, Bush was presented with Iraq Study Group Report. This was a bipartisan study of Iraq, which advocated a phased withdrawal. Instead, Bush ignores this study and decides to have this 21,500 troop escalation. Something that most military commanders say WILL NOT WORK. Oh, he's the "decider," all right. GOD HELP US!

[scott4261]

You are really an idiot!

[scott4261]

Anything to try to help your team win, right? You'd rather carry water for them than to ever admit the liberals were right all along, right? Real patriotism...I see.

[anvilheadsix]

Question for conservatives:
Does Romney wear magic underwear? I've heard that Mormons have magic underwear that they are supposed to wear that protects them. I've heard one saying that he was in a fire and his body was burned in every place execpt those covered by the "sacred undergarments".

[scott4261]

Late last year, Bush was presented with Iraq Study Group Report. BECAUSE IT WAS BASED ON "CUT AND RUN".....................
Posted by b48151 at 06:43 P

----

IT WAS A COMMISIONED BI-PARTISON REPORT! We NEED to be training the Iraqis to handle their own security and we need to be simultaneously implementing a phased withdrawal of our troops.

It's time.

[scott4261]

Typical response from a defeatist CHUMP
Posted by b48151 at 06:45 PM

_--------------

Typical response from an arrogant Bush apologist!

[scott4261]

You must be smoking some really good s**t, if you actually believe that!

[dallison7]

Obama is a smart guy and can do great things for our country if he stays on message. I'm personally glad he is getting his fifteen minutes, but I honestly don't think he has a shot in the election. The domocratic party has some serious talent and big names in this race, plus, if Al Gore jumps in the party's over for all of them.

[scott4261]

God help the national security of this country if a Dem gets elected.
Posted by b48151 at 07:05 PM

____

And how are we safer with the GOP?

[scott4261]

Obama is a smart guy and can do great things for our country if he stays on message. I'm personally glad he is getting his fifteen minutes, but I honestly don't think he has a shot in the election. The domocratic party has some serious talent and big names in this race, plus, if Al Gore jumps in the party's over for all of them.
Posted by dallison7

--------------

Gore isn't going to run, Dallison. I wish he would, too. If he did, he would win in a landslide. The fact that he is not currently in his second term is the best argument for abolishing the Electoral College.

Be looking at John Edwards. He's the only one in the top tier of the field who resonates with me.

[scott4261]

But anything to try to help your team win, right? You'd rather carry water for them than to ever admit the liberals were right all along, right? Real patriotism...I see.

[scott4261]

You liberal dipshits just don't get it.
Posted by b48151 at 07:26 PM

----

No, you don't get it, d u m b a s s!

[scott4261]

OK....now go drink some more of that punch.

[scott4261]

You are about as fu---d up as they come.
Posted by b48151 at 07:30 PM

----

Thanks. And back at ya, a s s h o l e!

[cbgb31]

And Obama is getting all this attention because...?

[dallison7]

08 will throw all you defeatist out!!!
Posted by b48151

ROFLMAO!!!!

Thanks buddy, that one was good for a real belly-roll.

[scott4261]

Yeah, he's a real delusional barrel of laughs, isn't he?

[dallison7]

Be looking at John Edwards. He's the only one in the top tier of the field who resonates with me.
Posted by scott4261

Edwards is a class act and I would support him. There is a good chance he can do it because there are a lot of Hillary-haters out there. Although, we can't forget that she has the strongest politician in the world working for her. The 'BIG DOG' Bill.

[processor2]

Forget "Separation of Church & State"

What this country needs is "Separation of Hollywood & State.

....

[scott4261]

Edwards is a class act and I would support him. There is a good chance he can do it because there are a lot of Hillary-haters out there. Although, we can't forget that she has the strongest politician in the world working for her. The 'BIG DOG' Bill.
Posted by dallison7 at 07:51 PM

-------

Agreed. But I wouldn't say that those of us in the Democratic Party who don't support Hillary are haters. My gut feeling is just that Edwards will emerge as the nominee. But who knows? Just keep in mind that back in 2003 everyone was sure Howrd Dean was going to go the distance in.....

Of course I will support Hillary, Obama, Edwards, or whoever the Democrats nominate next year. Any one of them would be better than the current occupant of the White House.

[dallison7]

Of course I will support Hillary, Obama, Edwards, or whoever the Democrats nominate next year. Any one of them would be better than the current occupant of the White House.
Posted by scott4261

I would support a sock puppet over any republican in the race... and win!!

[scott4261]

A populist for president, how nice. Now, do any of you know what that means?
So obama going to hollywood. Who plays him in the movie?? I heard a lot of dems don't think he's black enough.
scot 4261-just WHY is edwards the "real deal"?? I'm serious. Why is he the one. He seems real slick and shallow to me. He seems to press the class war that, frankly, he doesn't know squat about. And I know, daddy worked in the mill and all that. Tell me, why should I vote for him?
As for those saying he didn't serve in the military, well, neither did clinton. That was not to be the issue when bubba ran against Dole. It only became an issue when kerry ran. See how the dems change history.
Posted by janem4 at 09:30 PM

----------

First of all, jane. I'm well-educated. Don't treat me like I'm as dumb as a post. I detect a little condescension here.

Here's your definition.

pop7u7list
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin populus the people
1 : a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people...
2 : a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people
- pop7u7lism noun
- pop7u7lis7tic adjective

And yes. I do think Edwards is the real deal.

[scott4261]

Why? Because we need a president who will represent real people and not the plutocracy.

[scott4261]

scot4261-scot, scot, scot, why are we fixating on clinton? How silly can you be, he won't go away. His wife (in name only) wants back in. If she is in the WH well, then he is. See how that works? So, if hil comes back we may get some of our stuff they stole from the WH back but we get all the garbage with it. See, we, Repbulicans, don't want a clinton in the WH. Is that clear enough for you?
Posted by janem4 at 09:33 PM

---

FYI, I don't want Hillary either. In my opinion, she changes with the direction of the wind. Plus, we need to break the Bush-Clinton cycle we are on.

Having said that, I will vote for the Democratic nominee, whoever it is. EVEN if the nominee is Hillary. But I am not, nor will I ever be, a Republican.

American politics goes in cycles. The pendulum swung to the left in the 60's, peaking in the '70s (Civil rights, Vietnam, Watergate). It swung to the right in the '80s (Reagan) and then sort of centered in the '90s after peaking to the left in '94 (Clinton/Republican congress). Since 2001, we have been in the far right ditch. Now we are going to take a shift to the left before we settle in the middle again sometime in the next decade.

A Democrat will be elected president in 2008. And then you conservatives will get too greedy again and the pendulum will start its swing back to the right.

And so it goes...

[scott4261]

Oh and jane? I have to go to dinner now. I have plenty of reasons to support Edwards. I will be blogging more later.

[mitywhity]

I have plenty of reasons to support Edwards.

Ask him to decide what should be done with Iran and their quest for nukes. Which way will he answer? It depends on who you are - not who he is. He is an appeasor. Can't go for that.

[heyheychi]

Does anyone know the child standing behind Senator Obama in this picture at the Boxer fundraiser on 2/19/07? We were at this event and he did not get his signed book back from staff. We got it for him and unfortunately his family left before we could get it to him. Please contact Anna at ChicagoDiscountMattress.com at 415-424-0500 (San Francisco) or Will 708-707-2293(Chicago Store) or email [e-mail].

[heyheychi]

Does anyone know the child standing behind Senator Obama in this picture at the Boxer fundraiser on 2/19/07? We were at this event and he did not get his signed book back from staff. We got it for him and unfortunately his family left before we could get it to him. Please contact Anna at ChicagoDiscountMattress.com at 415-424-0500 (San Francisco) or Will 708-707-2293(Chicago Store) or email [e-mail].

[heyheychi]

HELP! HELP!
Does anyone know the child standing behind Senator Obama in this picture at the Boxer fundraiser on 2/19/07? We were at this event and he did not get his signed book back from staff. We got it for him and unfortunately his family left before we could get it to him. Please contact Anna at ChicagoDiscountMattress.com at 415-424-0500 (San Francisco) or Will 708-707-2293(Chicago Store) or email [e-mail].

[firemandav1]

Jane, you never quit do you? Very sneaky throwing in that bit about the Clinton's stealing WH stuff on their way out. Classic story that one. Too bad it is a completely fabricated lie. But you are quick to knock back any Kool-Aid the Bush administration hands you are you not?

[firemandav1]

I believe Barack Obama to be a very intriguing candidate. He has mass appeal, he's young, seems to have common sense, has demonstrated a life long caring for the regular folks, is a Christian, and most importantly he is outside of the tiresome Republicans versus the Clintons feud. I think Hillary is a wonderful woman but 4 to 8 years of Hillary bashing will be the death of us all. I notice Sean Hannity bills his radio show now as the Stop Hillary Express.