Clinton: Bush Should Skip Olympic Ceremony

Democratic Hopeful Calls On President To Boycott Opening Ceremony Over Chinese Policy In Tibet And Sudan

(CBS/AP)  Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday called on President Bush to stay away from the Olympics opening ceremonies in Beijing, a fresh sign that politics, not sports, may take center stage at the summer games.

The Democratic presidential candidate said a boycott of the opening ceremonies by Bush would underscore U.S. concerns about the recent unrest in Tibet and questions about China's relationship with Sudan.

"I think that President Bush should decide not to attend the opening ceremonies unless and until the Chinese do what the world is calling for them to do, which is to end the oppression in Tibet and give back religious and cultural freedom to the Tibetans and do more to help the world end the genocide in Sudan," Clinton told CBS News' The Early Show. "We need to put that pressure on the government of China, and I thing that President Bush should do that, and I hope that he will."

Her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Barack Obama, said recently that he was conflicted about whether the U.S. should fully participate.

President Bush has said he will attend the Olympics because it is a sporting event, not a political event.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto told reporters Monday that his position had not changed, nor had the administration's concerns about China's human rights record.

"We have never been afraid to express those views either directly by the president or the president's senior advisers when they travel to China and publicly," Fratto said.

The political debate over China's hosting role is rapidly overtaking the sports-themed torch ceremonies around the globe.

As CBS News' Fernando Suarez, who is traveling with the Clinton campaign, notes in the "From The Road" blog, Clinton voiced her concern over the current political situation in Tibet two weeks ago. At a press conference in Greensburg, Pa., Clinton called the current political situation in Tibet "deeply troubling,” but stopped short of calling for a boycott, saying, “Let’s wait on that, I don’t have an opinion about that.”

In Paris on Monday, organizers canceled the final leg of the traditional torch run through the city. In the face of chaotic protests and repeated attempts to douse the torch, organizers snuffed out the torch and put it aboard a bus in a humiliating concession to protesters decrying China's human rights record.

Worried officials extinguished the torch and placed it on the bus five times throughout the day as protesters tried to grab the torch and block the relay. At least two activists got almost an arm's length away before they were seized by police.

Another protester threw water at the torch but failed to put it out before being taken away.

The disturbances in Paris follow similar efforts in London Sunday, where the torch was run through another gauntlet of protesters.

Clinton's announcement comes as her campaign tries to recover from jettisoning its chief campaign strategist this weekend over his involvement with a Colombia free trade deal she opposes.

Rival Obama said in a TV interview earlier this month that he was "of two minds" when it came to full U.S. participation in the Olympics.

"On the one hand, I think that what has happened in Tibet, China's support for the Sudanese government in Darfur, is a real problem," he said, before adding: "I am hesitant to make the Olympics a site of political protest because I think it's partly about bringing the world together."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among other U.S. lawmakers, has suggested Bush should consider staying away from the opening ceremony following China's crackdown on protesters in Tibet.

[lorinkundert]

Hillary Who? I don''t see any candidate named Hillary.

[vet999999]

For once, I agree with the wicked witch of the east.

[sgtrds]

What ceremony he should have skipped was his inauguration!

[gkc99]

Bill Clinton: Give China Most Favored Nation trading status, forget human rights abuses.

Hillary Clinton: OK with that, but be sure to lecture Bushit about skipping the ceremonies because I have said many times that I support human rights.

[creeper00]

Impressive display of guts on the part of European protesters.

It''s a shame the people of the United States lack that level of passion. We might have gotten rid of the fool in the White House long ago if they''d had the courage necessary to take to the streets in protest of what the Bush maladministration has done to our Constitution.

Maybe we don''t do it here because we know we already have less freedom than they do in Paris.

[neonink]

For crying out loud, somebody give Hillary my email, she needs to talk to me before giving such stupid advice. Hurry.

Carter tried it, and it is the stupidest thing he ever did as well.

Good grief.
Leave the athletes alone. Please.

[ljismeok]

This is a damaging act. I am an Chinese immigrant. I enjoy more freedom of speech in US than in China. But I do think that the reports and opinions on China from the American media have always been incomplete and unfair, especially on the issues of Tibet and Taiwan. They are both complicated historical issues.Well, many politicians in America often ignore the historical background of complicated issues, for example on Reverend Wright.
Not to mention American media often ignore the improvements happening in China. What are the violations of human rights in China? Are they really that bad to boycott the rights and passions of Chinese people to hold a international sport game? People don''t bother to get down to the bottom. But of course they can''t with the opinionated reports here. Food is the basic human rights. China solved the starvation and many basic living conditions for one fourth of the world population. China also works to be responsible for the world population and reverse the bad impact in early years of governing and culture revolution. But none of these deserve credits from the western world. Sure there are lots of things to be improved and protested against. But boycotting Olympics is definitely not the right way. I know how much this Olympic game means to Chinese. If you want increase the anti-American sentiments in China and go backwards on America China relationship, it is the way.
I am really disappointed in Clinton''s judgment on this.

[ljismeok]

This is a damaging act. I am an Chinese immigrant. I enjoy more freedom of speech in US than in China. But I do think that the reports and opinions on China from the American media have always been incomplete and unfair, especially on the issues of Tibet and Taiwan. They are both complicated historical issues.Well, many politicians in America often ignore the historical background of complicated issues, for example on Reverend Wright.
Not to mention American media often ignore the improvements happening in China. What are the violations of human rights in China? Are they really that bad to boycott the rights and passions of Chinese people to hold a international sport game? People don''t bother to get down to the bottom. But of course they can''t with the opinionated reports here. Food is the basic human rights. China solved the starvation and many basic living conditions for one fourth of the world population. China also works to be responsible for the world population and reverse the bad impact in early years of governing and culture revolution. But none of these deserve credits from the western world. Sure there are lots of things to be improved and protested against. But boycotting Olympics is definitely not the right way. I know how much this Olympic game means to Chinese. If you want increase the anti-American sentiments in China and go backwards on America China relationship, it is the way.
I am really disappointed in Clinton''s judgment on this.

[ljismeok]

This is a damaging act. I am an Chinese immigrant. I enjoy more freedom of speech in US than in China. But I do think that the reports and opinions on China from the American media have always been incomplete and unfair, especially on the issues of Tibet and Taiwan. They are both complicated historical issues.Well, many politicians in America often ignore the historical background of complicated issues, for example on Reverend Wright.
Not to mention American media often ignore the improvements happening in China. What are the violations of human rights in China? Are they really that bad to boycott the rights and passions of Chinese people to hold a international sport game? People don''t bother to get down to the bottom. But of course they can''t with the opinionated reports here. Food is the basic human rights. China solved the starvation and many basic living conditions for one fourth of the world population. China also works to be responsible for the world population and reverse the bad impact in early years of governing and culture revolution. But none of these deserve credits from the western world. Sure there are lots of things to be improved and protested against. But boycotting Olympics is definitely not the right way. I know how much this Olympic game means to Chinese. If you want increase the anti-American sentiments in China and go backwards on America China relationship, it is the way.
I am really disappointed in Clinton''s judgment on this.

[neonink]

I love when people that couldn''t run from their couch to their TV giving advice to people that have worked a lifetime at their excellence in athletics...

The Olympics are not political. Not everything has to be political aka corrupt.

[hawksprings]

"Clinton: Bush Should Skip Olympic Ceremony"

Clinton should skip the Democratic Nomination.

[Torilin]

HRC really should not be bossing the president around. Afterall Bush is Bush not the Clintons! And I also agree that politic has no place in world of sports!

[papabc]

Is Hillary does not wish to attend the Olympics in China then she should stay home.

Bush, on the other hand, if he is there to support US Olympic Tean then I am all for it.

[lordmi]

Billary should also skip to show up on public.
What a shame for America!

[stn_sage]

She can keep her two-bit advice!

For a person who couldn''t be bothered with reading the intelligence reports related to the pre-Iraq war invasion, who cares what she thinks!?

Mr. Bush is going to do what he wants to anyway!

[thisandthat1]

Why should President Bush begin taking political advice from the losing Democratic contender? She really has nerve! LOL

[crusherking]

Ok.. So she was in favor of giving them favored nation status regardless of their record on human rights and yet wants Bush to boycott the olympic ceremony due to their record on human rights... Does it get more 2 faced than that?

[scottyusa]

Bush: Clinton should mind her own business. The olympics are the only thing the world does together in peace. It should be sacred and at the very least politic free. If we cannot have it that way we will see them disappear. The things that the protestors in Britain and Paris are doing are disgusting. I suppose San Francisco will have it''s typical set of nuts on hand as well. Too bad america cannot show some maturity. Picking any city in California was a mistake.

[rudy654-2009]

I will be boycotting the Oympics in China right on my television set. I will not be watching any programing that had to be preapproved by Beijing.

[jersupporter]

Picking any city in California was a mistake. Posted by scottyusa
------------------------------
That is very true. California has over 58.4% of the nut cases in this country.

[hoopersports]

I think the U.S. should participate. For once politics needs to take a back seat. The U.S. will do its talking on the field and bring home the gold.

[rudy654-2009]

I wonder why so many people are so willing to allow China to dictate what can see and can''t see on television? Apparently there is more here than Wal-Mart.

[yongamerica]

Despite my protests against the latest actions of the Chinese Government against its people, GW Bush should not boycott the Olympics. It would be cheered by many, but diplomatically, it is not the correct thing to do as the potential for even a stronger Chinese/ American relationship still exists.

[yongamerica]

I too will not watch the summer Olympics, nor actively support any of its corporate sponsors.

[bobnjersey]

[Mr. Bush is going to do what he wants to anyway!]
[Posted by stn_sage at 04:26 PM : Apr 07, 2008]

well ... that pretty much sums up his whole term.

[truth-hurts]

polycrypt, I think the key word in your post is "relevant", as in, it isn''t anymore.

[crusherking]

Bill Clinton gave "favorite nation trade status" to China. What was Hillary''''s stance on that issue when it was relevant?

Posted by Policrypt

Well according to her she is responsible for Bills term since she seems to want to take the ''experience credit'' for being first lady. I say she takes the blame for that one too!

[truth-hurts]

I don''t know about it being the best games but it sure will be the unhealthest games. Our runners will probably die of smog inhalation.

[truth-hurts]

Crusher whatever...Theres nothing to blame, so whats the real issue??

[myshiba]

Hillary speaks the truth! Boycott the Bejing Olympics if you love freedom!

[prinzowhales]

I always boycott the Olympics...Between the Dallying Lama and the Chi-coms, I guess I''d have to come down on the side of the monks...But, a free Tibet would be monk-less and Commie-less.

[truth-hurts]

Poly, During the Clinton years, China was much more open to change as well as having peaceful coexistance with the rest of the world. When there is hope, we move forward. When there is defience, we stand our ground.

[dogsoul]

The modern Olympics were specifically set up to be a NON political event... just for the time during this competion, countries would set aside politics - and let the games begin. It''s supposed to be almost ANTI-politics - and speak to what we have in common - that which is good about humanity...

And yet we have a bunch of butt cakes on BOTH sides of the fence threatening to ''boycott'' in order to make.... you guessed it... a political statement...

the legacy of Carter continues...

[bobnjersey]

[That is very true. California has over 58.4% of the nut cases in this country.]
[Posted by JERSupporter at 04:45 PM : Apr 07, 2008]

it''s also got:

- 13% of the gdp of the whole country ($1.72 trillion)
- one of the most diverse populations in the country
- home to signifigant elements of entertainment, high tech, agriculture, wine, and aerospace industries.
- some coastal cities have the highest per capita income
- represents $40 billion per year in income taxes
- represents 10% of us oil production
- ranks third in refining capacity
- one of the most diverse environments (desert, mountain, ocean, forest, and everything in between)

[dl346]

This is a hypocritical sentiment coming from a candidate who as First Lady enjoyed the Olympics, torch lightings in Greece, and did it all FIrst Class on the tax payers'' dollar. Was she representing the USA, it''s politcs, supporting women''s rights, or just enjoying the view?

[lorinkundert]

Would Hillary boycott the Olympic opening ceremonies? I would guess not, since she wouldn''t want to alienate a source of campaign funding.

[dl346]

This is a hypocritical sentiment coming from a candidate who as First Lady enjoyed the Olympics, torch lightings in Greece, and did it all FIrst Class on the tax payers'' dollar. Was she representing the USA, it''s politcs, supporting women''s rights, or just enjoying the view?

[lorinkundert]

%u201CLet%u2019s wait on that, I don%u2019t have an opinion about that.%u201D -Hillary Clinton

I guess she needs more poll data in order to form the most popular opinion of the day.

[tomar0317]

I am against what China is doing in Tibet. With that said, the Olympic athletes, all the olympic athletes train for years to compete with the best in the world. They don''t represent their country''s politics. Let''s keep it that way. If the leaders of these countries want to attend, good.

[kaylag04]

A resounding confirmation that the only difference between Republican and Democratic politicians is purely cosmetic - the two parties tolerate and encourage Chinese oppression until election time.

I love the evidence on these boards that the great con has worked: "Evil RepubliCONS"; "Treasonous Demoncrats"...There hasn''t been a Principled presence in politics in 60 years.

[sharncedar]

The Olympics have become a big corporate baloney fest anyhow, with the "Coca-cola 10K run" and the "Tata Motors Marathon sponsored by Gilette". That and each athlete is sponsored by some 100''s of corporations and wearing their logos and doing advertising for them - "how do you feel, winning the bicycle tiddleywinks intermediate hurdles?" "Well I have to thank UPS for sposoring my left buttt cheek, and Gatorade who sponsors the hair on my arms, and ...."

The competitors are anything but amatuers anyhow, they are so doped up and over-trained and the most popular events aren''t even sports but judged events like ballroom dancing on skates or whatever it is called.

Remeber Carl Lewis running around with a huge American flag, so big it was an insult to America, like he was saying he was America, or something? How disgusting. the ONLY thing that might make me watch this drivel is some protesting and chaos - that is at least interesting.

[thisandthat1]

Someone needs to break the news to Hillary that she''s in no position to be giving anyone political advice ... least of all, the President.

[obamasgranny]

Donald Young, the choir conductor at Chicago%u2019s Trinity United Church of Christ, was found dead inside his apartment on Saturday, the victim of a multiple gunshots.



Trinity United Church of Christ is a well-known church in the Chicago area and counts Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama as one of its members.



Young, 47, was discovered by his roommate who found him inside the apartment late Saturday night. There were no signs of a forced entry but the Cook County medical examiner%u2019s office has called Young%u2019s death a homicide
________________________________________
Wonder what he knew?

[Torilin]

Taking a stand is civil duty not leadership. Dont be confused. I have my opinion on this issue and that does not make me a leader. It just makes me a independent thinker able to form my own opinion.

[jack3213]

THE FEARFUL WOMAN AND THE UNDECIDED MAN ARE A POOR REFLECTION OF TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR A POSTION THAT IS SUPPOSED TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY TO CHANGE. IF YOU ALL DON''T SEE HOW PATHETIC YOUR CHOICES ARE YOU BETTER WAKE UP AND VOTE FOR THE ONLY MAN WHO CAN CHANGE WHAT YOU NEED. MCCAIN

[thisandthat1]

Hillary has 35 years of experience in traveling as First Lady, accepting bouquets of flowers, shaking hands, smiling alot .... ceremonial, good will type stuff, like we all saw in her trip to Bosnia. THAT''S the experience she touts for becoming the President of the United States! It''s like comedian Jackie Mason says .... If something happens to a brain surgeon in the middle of an operation, no one says "Let''s get his wife in here!"

[samthetvcat]

"Her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination, Barack Obama, said recently that he was conflicted about whether the U.S. should fully participate."

I''m conflicted too because everybody knew about China''s human rights violations BEFORE they were selected to host the Olympics, and they were nevertheless selected for having made progress.

Maybe attending and then using that opportunity to speak out could provide more inspiration for China to do better than boycotting and shaming them could. Like maybe the world leaders should attend the games but not meet with Chinese officials (?)

Like there''s also the downside of politicizing an event that tends to unify the world if leaders boycott. I don''t know . . .

[liberalme]

Wonder what he knew?

Posted by OBAMASGRANNY at 05:39

And what do you "think" you know--or better yet--what do you ***-UME?

Idiot bigot--no matter what DEMOCRAT gets into the white house in 09, they will he a heII of a lot smarter and more aware of the country they are representing--so far beyond Bush in conscience and intelligence!!
Bushwacker!

[hypnotoad72]

What has McCain said? Or Obama? Or the President? About this same issue?

[Torilin]

She did not just express an opinion, she called for a specific action

An action if one day she became president can take but not her call today!!