Kirk: Clinton Wouldn't Be Able to Govern

Political Players: Former Dallas Mayor Says Only Obama Can Unite America

(CBS)  Political Players is a weekly conversation with the leaders, consultants, and activists who shape American politics. This week, CBS News' Brian Goldsmith talked with former Dallas Mayor -- and U.S. Senate nominee -- Ron Kirk about his presidential candidate, Barack Obama, and next Tuesday's potentially decisive Texas primary.

---

CBSNews.com: You signed on with Senator Obama very early. What attracted you to him?

Ron Kirk: Well, I met him when he was first thinking about running for the Senate. And I was impressed, first, with just his intellect and also his sincerity about making sure that ordinary people had the same voice, the same access to the powers of government. There is something indefinably different about him, and genuine.

CBSNews.com: Senator Clinton, and President Clinton, both helped you in your Senate race in 2002. Both stood by you at other points in your career. Did you feel that you were disappointing them?

Ron Kirk: You know, I did not want to disappoint them because the Clintons have been very good friends of mine and very good to me. But I will tell you, for me, the decision to support Barack when he called was so easy. Because I just felt like this was a very unique moment in time in the life of our country. And that he was maybe singularly suited to provide that leadership. But I have all the respect in the world for Senator Clinton.

CBSNews.com: What kind of leadership do you think he can provide that she can't?

Ron Kirk: Well, one, I think he gives us a chance for a fresh start. And to some degree, I have a great empathy for Senator Clinton because a lot of her challenges aren't of her own making. But there is, fair or not, a sense that the country is entering a little bit of Bush/Clinton fatigue.

And they just are. In a way, that's unfair to her because she is a very gifted public servant. And she is strongly committed and passionate about the issues that she cares about. But I think a lot of Americans and a lot of Texans, a lot of people I've heard just feel like, you know, the level of extreme partisanship in Washington right now is unhealthy for this country.

And rightly or wrongly, many of us on the Democratic side believe it was driven by the almost extreme mania that some in the Republican party harbor for the Clintons in a negative way. And then, unfortunately, that was returned in kind by some of the Democratic side. But even saying that, the reality is that there just aren't a lot of people that believe that--as brilliant as she may be, and as passionate as she may be--that Hillary Clinton would really ever have a chance to govern because this partisanship would rise again.

I sense that the people believe that Barack Obama presents the best hope America's had in a long time to, at least, try to come in and do what George Bush said he was going to do--and that's to be a uniter and not a divider. But it just seemed a lot more credible coming from Barack Obama than it did coming from George Bush or anybody else.

CBSNews.com: So a couple of months ago, as you well know, Senator Obama was trailing significantly in African-American support behind Senator Clinton. Now, he has almost the complete support of the African American community. Most notably, this week, John Lewis switched sides and is now backing Senator Obama. What do you think led to this groundswell for Obama?

Ron Kirk: I think it's a number of things. One, he's a first term senator. A lot of people didn't know him. America didn't quite know him the way Illinois did.

Secondly, the fact that the Clintons positioned themselves like they were inevitable and had this incredible machine and were going to have such a fundraising advantage over Senator Obama. And if you remember last summer when people saw the extraordinary numbers that he raised and that they weren't coming from traditional sources, people go, "wow, well, at least, he's going to have the resources to make a case."

Then, that extraordinary victory in Iowa in which a lot of people, both black and white, had to kind of take note and say, "Well maybe, you know, he can win in the state in which it's not just a black thing." And then, I think, it was the graciousness of his speech in New Hampshire, where he lost. But I think it was the cumulative effect of all of those.

CBSNews.com: What was it, do you think, about Bill Clinton that really seemed to get to people in South Carolina?

Ron Kirk: You know, I want to say this. I have too much respect for the Clintons and what they have done for the country. And particularly, you know, there is an enormous wellspring of affinity and powerful emotions for the Clintons within the African-American community.

But a lot of us feel like just as we went out on a limb and supported Bill Clinton in 1992, we are as attracted to Barack Obama. And for whatever reason, his ridiculing of Barack before the South Carolina primary was just a horrible miscalculation. And I'm sure if he had that moment to do over, he would have expressed himself in a different way. But since this is a political game, the beneficiary of that was Barack Obama.

CBSNews.com: What specifically did he say that was such a miscalculation?

Ron Kirk: Well, I know it's fun to joke about the idea that Bill Clinton was the first black president. And he is very warmly regarded. But on the other hand, you know, it's kinda like anything. I can make fun of my cross-eyed son, but if you say it, well, we're gonna have a fight on our hands. (laughs)

And you are right. There were a lot of African-American voters that were sort of passive about Barack. And some questioned whether he was as aggressive as he should be and saying he's African American and not mixed. Interestingly enough, a lot of the same stuff that Tiger Woods got early on.

But it was not just Bill Clinton. I think the attack by former Ambassador Andy Young and then the insult by Bob Johnson just seemed to light a fire among a lot of young African Americans, particularly the professionals and others that haven't been as politically involved to say, you know, this is crazy.

There shouldn't be a litmus test. And it is not a bad thing that we finally have a candidate that can maybe move America beyond race. This is a place we've said we wanted to go for many, many generations. And now, we have a candidate who can take us there. And maybe we better be celebrating that.

CBSNews.com: Do you think it's unfair at all that Senator Obama could lose the popular vote in Texas but still walk away with more delegates?

Ron Kirk: As long as he winds up with the Democratic nomination. The one thing that Senator Obama has said, "You tell us what the rules are and we're willing to go play." Then, he has competed well in states in which people thought he shouldn't have.

He's competed well in small states, in big states, in caucus states. And we're going to be committed that we would go out and fight for every vote and every delegate and play by the rules as they exist. And so, if we come out victorious, no one will be more happy than I am.

CBSNews.com: But if that doesn't happen and he walks away with more delegates anyway, do you think it could strike people as a little undemocratic?

Ron Kirk: No. I mean, the parties have the right and the necessity to conduct their business. And Texas is just known for being different. We earn our moniker of being a different state. We hold our primary and caucus on the same day.

And we award delegates out of each process. And at the end of the day, it is the accumulation of all of those things that matters. And to his credit, Senator Obama has gone and competed all over this country, North and South and East and West, in red state and blue state, and put himself in a position to come out of this with the Democratic nomination. And if he does, I think he's earned it.

---

Ron Kirk was the first African-American Mayor of Dallas, and was elected and re-elected by landslide margins. The 2002 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Texas, Kirk lost to Sen. John Cornyn. A graduate of Austin College and the University of Texas Law School, Kirk was a longtime aide to Texas Sen. Lloyd Bensten and then served Gov. Ann Richards as Texas Secretary of State. As mayor, Kirk earned a reputation as a coalition-builder who formed close relationships with the business community. Currently a partner at the law firm Vinson and Elkins, Kirk is married with two daughters.

[jjmdisne1]

For everyone who does not know what a unique moment in time means her is the definition. Here was a black man running for ffice so I need to be on his side because I to am black. When whites do this we call it racism.

[mistered9]

Ron Kirk is typical for his race. He sugned on early for color reasons.
As long as your doing for him he''s your friend, then when you need him he turns to his color.
Obama, though he want to beleive is no God and will do no better then what he is backed to do. If he was smart(?), he would have went with Clinton and prepared Obama for 2014.

[mistered9]

hopetrumps, I hope your right.

[paris1969]

Ron Kirk has nothing to substantiate his claims for Obama or against Clinton .. it is only his opinion ... or perhaps "hope" .. but hope without substance can turn to hope-less quickly.

[gman80214]

jjmdisne1: Obama rejected and denounced Farrakhan''s endorsement at the national debate on television several million people watched it but apparently that is not sufficient for McCain supporters who will blind themselves to all the chaos this nation is in so that they can keep going with business as usual.

[chitown639]

There is one reason Barakh Hussein Obama won''''t be able to govern. He could never be elected. The American people will not vote for the candidate endoresed by Nation of Islam bigot, Louis Farrakhan


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

Posted by hopetrumps

Oh, I wouldnt say that!!! Racists like you werent complaining when Bible-thumpin racists such as Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell were endorsing presidential candidates at Bob Jones University.

[realpatriot1]

jjmdisnc1,

What a crock! Who called Romney a racist for endorsinhg McCain?

When whites endorse whites it''s called business as usual.

Hopetrumps,

Farrakhan endorsed Jesse Jackson before you voted for him. Are you a terrorist?

[chitown639]

(((hopetrumps)))

Save the, `I voted for Jesse Jackson 20 years ago, so that makes me not a racist`, for someone who doesnt know you use the `N` on this message board. And if an abundance of white democrates leave because they cant stomach voting for a black president, then America deserves a President John McCain....

[remco82]

Barack Obama for President in ''08!

[oleander8]

CBSNews.com: What specifically did he [Bill Clinton] say that was such a miscalculation? [before the S.Carolina primary]

Mr Kirk still failed to answer this question. I have never heard the answer.

[heartlight3]

Death Threats? Who made that up?
This kind of rhetoric is a perfect example of why Michelle Obama is not proud of her country. I''m not proud of this either. Unless we can progress past this kind of primitive bigotry, we will continue to be in the unsustainable mess we are in. I am ashamed that people in this country still have opinions like the ones expressed in these comments.

[oleander8]

by the way, the "n" word is used regularly in the African-American community, and I have had black friends who felt to close to me that they sometimes call me "n"
why don''''t the obama people take a course in linguistics? Posted by hopetrumps

I can call my sister a b_tch, but you better not.

[chitown639]

(((hopetrumps)))

I suppose since you mentioned that you voted for Jesse Jackson in 1988, you are old enough to know that the use of the `N` word is not acceptable in any setting. I am very concern that Jesse Jackson would agree with my observation. You also mentioned that Texas republicans are voting for Obama on tuesday, your logic is that the republican believe that Obama is an easier opponent than Clinton. But, is this logical??? Why would the GOP voters want to help put Obama in a position of being one election away from the White House, when Obama has consistantly been the candidate that has far exceeded all exceptations. His campaign has turned into a movement. McCain will have a tough time beating Obama. McCain would have an easier time beating Hillary.

[Razzl]

That was a cheap shot headline--it turns out Kirk didn''t actually say that about Clinton not being able to govern. His analysis is very spot-on while remaining politically diplomatic to the max; I can see him doing well in the Senate.

If we really dig back into our memory a bit we should recall in fairness that Hillary''s bad reputation started through deliberate campaigns by the Gingrich propaganda machine to discredit her back in the ''90''s when she dared to lead the President''s health care initiative as First Lady. The problem is, the public persona she developed in response to the vicious attacks was cold and defensive, giving right-wing talk radio their material. Unfortunately that defensiveness has become ingrained into her political style to the point the many Democrats can''t be enthusiastic about here either, but we should at least remember the nature of the right-wing beast that brough her down. Let there be no mercy for Karl Rove when his turn comes before the grand jury: all these nasty clowns like Gingrich and Delay and Bush and Cheney and Rove have earned their disgrace...

[chitown639]

(((hopetrumps)))

You are a liar and a racist, and you are shockingly ignorant. I have not the time nor inclination to attempt to enlighten someone whose head is so profoundly embedded up their azz. Have a good day...:)

[notopennshut]

All these knuckle-heads who resort to personal insults are not getting the point! They are just as bad as Hillary''s campaign and they are not aware of how much destruction they have brought on themselves, but more on the DNC!! All their challenging the rules and regulations of some states rules for the primaries and caucuses. What gives? These rules have been in place for quite a while, and if they had not agreed with them previously, why not raise it then? why wait to move the goal posts when they are in desperate circumstances? It is so true - it is not who answers the phone at 3 AM, but it is the JUDGEMENT you MAKE AT 3 AM. Hillary has shown such poor judgement in all of these and the above and should never be nominated. Vote Obama.

[darrren12000]

kirk was a pretty bad mayor of dallas.

[lloydbest1]

Not sure Clinton''s "inability to govern" is relevant. The fact of the matter is Democrats seem to be unwilling to give her the opportunity. She''s way behind in the polls and in the primaries run thus far; and is losing ground as I write this.
She also has to overcome a legacy of being, along with her husband, a lightning rod for right wing and neo-conservative anger. To be honest, I have never figured that one out since Mr. Bill was the most conservative, republican-friendly occupant of the White House since Woodrow Wilson.
My own view of Hillary is as a more intelligent, somewhat more ethical and slightly more socially conscious version of GWB. We need, and can do, better. My assesment may be a bit harsh and I don''t mean this as a personal attack on the former First Lady but I also believe that Obama, greenhorn that he is, will carry a whole lot less baggage into the White House. And because of that he will be able to rally a tad more bipartisan support for programs that will, at the very least, halt our decline and (I hope) bring us back to greatness.
Oh! by the way....that stuff''n''nonsense about some African American supporters of Clinton recieving death threats? Exactly that...Stuff''n''nonsense; not a shred of truth to it.

[lloydbest1]

"...Mr. Bill was the most conservative, republican-friendly occupant of the White House since Woodrow Wilson." Posted by LloydBest1 at 05:25 PM : Feb 29, 2008

Before someone asks me how much of the ol''Peyote I''ve been eating I need to make a small correction to my previous post:

"...Mr. Bill was the most conservative, republican-friendly DEMOCRAT occupying the White House...." is what I meant to write and will make more sense.

[the74blaster]

the media will tear him up once they get rid of Hillary.

Posted by hopetrumps,

They will try. However, it does not make a difference as far as how my ballot is going to read. I have already concluded that voting for McCain is a vote to keep things the way they are. The media is not going to change my mind. I only ask that everyone do the same. If you are happy about the direction of our country...vote republican, If not vote for the deomocratic.

[kmccliment]

Geee Kirk what kind of J.O.B. were you promised from the BARRY. Since you stabbed the Clinton''s in the back, I hope when Hillary wins the nomination you cry like a girl....

[kmccliment]

that Hillary Clinton would really ever have a chance to govern because this partisanship would rise again..
And what makes you think Barry is the answer. He cant even vote "YEA" or "NAY"... What the hell is "Present"... Its more like voting "DUH".

[croft777]

Ron Kirk can vote for whoever the H*ell he wants too, but, his opinion of Obama is not mine. Obama I would never vote for in a million years. There are some very disturbing things about Obama and I cannot let them go. I don''t trust him as far as I can throw him. Since he came into this election all I hear is about racism. Now look they have all shown their true colors. They don''t care that Obama hangs around with a bunch of white and Jew haters. People that would be considered terrorist if the truth be known. What about Malcolm X who Obama followed at one time, he was murdered by the same people he associates himself with, that his church praises, Farrakhan. How stupid does he think people are, he still belongs to that church, sounds strange to me, if you don''t like their ideas, why are you still a member? He''s a racist and he knows this, so is all those people that attend that church. Thats why all this rasist sh*it has come up since he''s been around. Bashing us whites like its our fault because of slavery. not so. Blame it on the very rich, I don''t owe them sh*it.

[jason_randon]

Why is Barack Hussein Obama is so scare of his middle name? What''s he hiding? What''s wrong with his ears?

[jason_randon]

If Barack Hussein Obama is president, I wonder how many of his cabinet members will be black ? I am afraid we are not ready for the black president yet. Black president will place too much emphasis on black agendas. As divers nation as we are, our president needs to be color blind for sake of national unity. So far Barack Hussein Obama deceived 90% of the black votes, that tells us that we are still racially divided. I believe in another 25-50 years from now we will see colorless political spectrum because blacks will be caught up in economically and racially.

Obama maybe inspiring, but looking from voting results our nation will be divided racially more than ever before.

[libra127]

The title of this article is an excellent example of how poorly the press, especially CBS, has treated Hillary. In the interview, Kirk says the following very positive things about Hillary:

"I have all the respect in the world for Senator Clinton."

"She is a very gifted public servant."

"She is strongly committed and passionate about the issues."

"I have a great empathy for Senator Clinton because a lot of her challenges are not of her own making."

CBS, however, chooses for the title the fact Kirk thinks she "wouldn''t be able to govern", a nice little negative soundbite that does not do justice to Kirk''s complex opinion of Hillary, or to Hillary herself, of course. Such biased reporting (sexism?) has played an important role in defeating Hillary.

[bywill]

We weren''t ready for 911 either! The notion that we can prepare ourselves for the inevidable is just dumb. Change comes without warning, just like this wave. OBAMA08, can''t wait!!

[realpatriot1]

rozz62,

All you''re doing is parroting an unfounded allegation. There''s no evidence that anyone from
the Obama has done anything of the kind.

It''s just as likely that the Clinton Campaign is raising a red herring. If it is happening then those effected should go to the Department of Justice and file a civil rights complaint, but they need evidence.

[prob5]

REPUBLICANS,

PLEASE SUPPORT HILLARY CLINTON IN TEXAS ON TUESDAY!!!!!!

PLEASE WATCH THESE TWO:

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?022908/022908_oreilly_limbaugh&OReilly_Factor&Get%20Out%20the%20Vote&Get%20Out%20the%20Vote&O%27Reilly%20Factor&-1&Shows&315&&&exp

http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?022908/022908_oreilly_2limbaugh&OReilly_Factor&Rush%20Limbaugh&Rush%20Limbaugh&O%27Reilly%20Factor&-1&Shows&214&&&exp

[libra127]

"rozz62, All you''re doing is parroting an unfounded allegation. There''s no evidence that anyone from
the Obama [campaign] has done anything of the kind."
Posted by realpatriot1 at 10:33 AM : Mar 01, 2008

The allegation is not unfounded. There is another article on this website where 3 black politians describe the harrassment they have received from Obama supporters to change their support to Obama.

[barbjc1]

Take a look at this man''s race, of course according to him Hillary Clinton could not govern. Come on America, wake up.
Women of America, how many of you are believing this b___s___ out of these mens mouths. Woman of America, how many of you have been passed over for a man, with less education or experience? THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

[marchamlin-2009]

rozz62 and terrorislama,

You both spend way to much time posting comments to the same article. rozz62 clearly wants to make an issue of race. Let it go. If you think the Clinton supporters haven''t been apllying pressure to super-delegates, you''re not too smart.

Terrorislama, calling Obama supporters names like kool-aide drinkers is weak. The use of Hussein isn''t to clever. It makes you and whoever you support sound like bigots.

Get Real.

[future_watch]

BarbJC1...I am with you. I am sad to think people believe an obviously less experienced man is the best choice. Frankly, it breaks my heart to think how far we have yet to go in gaining true equality.

[future_watch]

Flag Officers Endorsing Hillary Clinton for President and Commander-in-Chief

1. General Wesley Clark
2. General John M. Shalikashvili
3. General Johnnie E. Wilson
4. Admiral William Owens
5. Lt. Gen. Joe Ballard
6. Lt. Gen. Robert Gard
7. Lt. Gen. Claudia J. Kennedy
8. Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick
9. Lt. Gen. Frederick E. Vollrath
10. Vice Admiral Joseph A. Sestak
11. Major General Roger R. Blunt
12. Major General George A. Buskirk, Jr.
13. Major General Edward L. Correa, Jr.
14. Major General Paul D. Eaton
15. Major General Paul D. Monroe, Jr.
16. Major General Antonio M. Taguba
17. Rear Admiral Connie Mariano
18. Rear Admiral Alan M. Steinman
19. Rear Admiral David Stone
20. Brigadier General Michael Dunn
21. Brigadier General Belisario Flores
22. Brigadier General Evelyn "Pat" Foote
23. Brigadier General Keith H. Kerr
24. Brigadier General Virgil A. Richard
25. Brigadier General Preston Taylor
26. Brigadier General John M. Watkins, Jr.
27. Brigadier General Jack Yeager

[future_watch]

If you think Barack Obama would be a good commander in chief, take a look at this video and think again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgNj6nd4i4M

[jerryz7936]

All you women who supports Hillary. Why don''t you read the report online MSMBC. See how much she cares!!!!!!!!!!

From MSMBC Online, front page:

Sen. Hillary Clinton has declined to return $170,000 in campaign contributions from individuals at a company accused of widespread sexual harassment, and whose CEO is a disbarred lawyer with a criminal record, federal campaign records show.

Where are her morals?????

[agnim]

Dems, do you want the Democratic Party to AGAIN "snatch defeat from the jaws of victory" come November?

The Clintons caused the 2000 defeat of their own Party, and the ENABLING OF THE 8-YEAR BUSH-WHACKING OF AMERICA; by debasing the Oval Office, destroying their own White House legacy, turning off the American voters and denying Al Gore!

Once AGAIN, the Clintons are trying to DESTROY THE CHANCES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY by prolonging the INEVITABLE!

So, Dems, put your attention on the final stake been driven into the heart of the witch, come Super Tuesday redux. lol

We should not want 4 more years of McBush just to satisfy the PERSONAL & THIRD TERM AMBITIONS of the self-centered and self-absorbed Clintons!

[kmccliment]

Attention all republicans in the Primary States soon to vote... I know it will be hard to keep the vomit down. But, vote for Hillary. This will cause the Democratic Party to continue to tear itself apart. Make a donation to McCain''''''''''''''''s campaign next week and pull the lever that says Hillary.. We''''''''''''''''ll thank you for taking one for the Team! Rush Limbaugh is even suggesting this. Do it.

[rowdytexan2]

In other words, this man is throwing Bill and Hillary''s support of him down the toilet because he got the call from Mr. Al and Mr. Jessie that he better support the first man who has a chance to live in the ''White'' House!

Give me a break!

[rowdytexan2]

Posted by Future_Watch at 03:13 PM : Mar 01, 2008

Great! It''s good to see our military fighting men are not afraid to support HIllary Clinton for president!

[rowdytexan2]

Kirk: Clinton Wouldn''t Be Able to Govern

Good Gawd! And Obama who has adopoted Hillary''s ever stance and plan can govern?

No thanks, I''ll vote for the one that took the stances and made the plans in the first place.

[kmccliment]

Barrys a Liar!
A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility%u201D [2006 Vote # 181, S2766, 6/22/06; Obama Remarks, Congressional Record, 06/21/06]

[truthradar]

AND WHERE WAS THIS ALLEGIANCE OF ARMY GENERALS & CHRONIES WHO NOW SUPPOSEDLY ARE ENDORSING CLINTON DURING THE LAST CLINTON ERA. Obviously such brilliant powers couldnt counsel Bill into keeping his pants on or Hillary from being a 20yr doormat & co-conspirator of his infidelities! All the strategist and endorsements in the world obviously can''t help or advise power-mongering idiots with GOOD JUDGEMENT! Clinton begs us to ask "what if" when we Americans have a vivid memory of "what did" and would prefer not to have to regurgitate it!

[kenbomc]

In response to RowdyTexan2 at 06:43 PM : Mar 01, 2008.
Hillary''s stance and plans have changed so many times within the last few months -because of Obama. This all started at the beginning of her camapaign when she took ''planted'' questions from the audience in Iowa. She''s deceitful even with her own supporters.

[kenbomc]

In response to kmccliment at 05:53 PM : Mar 01, 2008.
You Republicans are taking the advice of Rush Limbaugh? -very bright idea. If that is so, your intelligence ranks right up there with Hillary''s campaign staff.

[hillary4us]

WHY DOESN''T RON KIRK JUST TELL THE TRUTH. HE, LIKE ALL THE OTHER BLACK POLITICIANS, ARE BACKING OBAMA BECAUSE OBAMA IS A BLACK MAN. TRUTH! THE CLINTONS WORKED FOR YEARS IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS BRINGING ABOUT LIFE CHANGING REFORMS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THIS IS HOW THEIR LOYALTY IS RE-PAID. I FOR ONE WON''T FORGET.

[hillary4us]

WHY DOESN''T RON KIRK JUST TELL THE TRUTH. HE, LIKE ALL THE OTHER BLACK POLITICIANS, ARE BACKING OBAMA BECAUSE OBAMA IS A BLACK MAN. TRUTH! THE CLINTONS WORKED FOR YEARS IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS BRINGING ABOUT LIFE CHANGING REFORMS FOR AFRICAN-AMERICANS AND THIS IS HOW THEIR LOYALTY IS RE-PAID. I FOR ONE WON''T FORGET.

[vet_sk]

This is what I don''t get. Obama is the post racial candidate, has not brought race into the campaign (The Clintons did that) and then so many in these forurms say that people are voting for Obama only because he is black. What a slap in the face to all people who are voting for Obama because he''s made good decisions in his life - like over the Iraq War, nuclear weapons non proliferation, etc.

If I were to say that people are only voting for Hillary because she was a woman that would be disparaging to you. But I know many Clinton supports must have a better reason then that - although some, only some, are very vocal about the fact that she is a woman and that is why they are voting for her.

I think Hillary has opened this door and we will soon see another viable woman for this position. I would just like to see a woman who did it on her own volition rather then her husbands. I would also like to see a more likeable person then Hillary who can embrace all sides. Don''t shoot the messenger here folks, we all know that Hillary even calls herself a fighter because of the way she bring alientates people.

[vet_sk]

When Obama said this. "A hard and fast, arbitrary deadline for withdrawal offers our commanders in the field, and our diplomats in the region, insufficient flexibility%u201D In this same paragraph Obama went far beyond Bush in saying that we MUST set some benchmarks that the Iraqis must meet in the short term. Obama is also planning to get out as soon as possible from Iraq and unlike Hillary would not invade other countries.

Please tell me how you account for Hillary''s vote for the Iran Resolution in Sep 07 - giving Bush authorization to unilaterally strike Iran. Then a month later the career intelligence professions forced the release of the NIE that said Iran was not pursuing nuke weapons. And Hillary who sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee has access to this NIE before her vote.

[julian1413]

This is a bunch of SEXIST *** - CBS, how long are you going to run this manufactured story intended to manipulate the election process. We''re not idiots - your bias against Hillary Clinton is blatant!