2008 Presidential Campaign Blog

Reviews Are In: Hillary Clinton At The CNN Politico Debate

Reviews Are In: Hillary 'Eminently Likeable,' 'Really Impressive,' 'Presidential'

ABC News’ Jake Tapper – ‘Clinton has a really steady tone tonight, solid and presidential. Eminently likeable.’ [ABC News Political Radar, 1/31/08]

CNN’s Bill Schneider – 'Clinton comes across as more polished and knowledgeable.’ [CNN Political Ticker, 1/31/08] 

New Republic’s Michael Crowley – ‘Hillary has a really impressive fluency and confidence in the details.’ [New Republic’s The Stump, 1/31/08]

NBC News’ Domenico Montaro – Hillary ‘knocked it out of the park.’ “Hillary's been asked that question before and it is central to Obama's argument -- why should the country vote for a Clinton when there's been either a Bush or a Clinton on the ballot for a generation. She knocked it out of the park with a line she's used before, saying, it took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush and it might take another Clinton to clean up after this Bush. It's about as good as she could answer it and it got a standing ovation.”

Washington Post’s Chris Cillizza – Hillary ‘turned a tough question into a terrific moment.’ “Whether or not Clinton had that line in her hip pocket for tonight, she delivered it well and turned a tough question into a terrific moment.” [Washington Post’s The Fix, 1/31/08]

TPM’s Josh Marshall – ‘Hillary's on a tear here.’ [Talking Points Memo, 1/31/08]

MyDD’s Todd Beeton – ‘Hillary gave a strong answer on her Iraq vote.’ [MyDD, 1/31/08]

Los Angeles Times’ Don Frederick – ‘Clinton got the biggest response of the night’ “Clinton got the biggest response of the night when she reprised a line she's used before about the prospective Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton White House tenures. It took a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, she said -- clearly knowing it was a surefire line -- and it might take a Clinton to clean up after the second.” [Los Angeles Times blog, 1/31/08]

The Hill's A.B. Stoddard: 'I think she handled herself wonderfully tonight.' [MSNBC, 1/31/08]

ABC News’ Rick Klein – ‘[Hillary] generally excels when the talk is substantive, and she handled the focus on health care rather masterfully.’ [ABC News Political Radar, 1/31/08]

Clinton Campaign Announces “Voices Across America: A National Town Hall”

Clinton Campaign Announces “Voices Across America: A National Town Hall”

On Monday February 4, 2008, the Clinton campaign will host an unprecedented live webcast town hall with 21 Super Tuesday states participating simultaneously in the conversation by satellite. It will be the first time in presidential campaign history that voters in the Super Tuesday states can have their voices heard in a single national town hall.   The event, called “Voices Across America: A National Town Hall” will be simulcast starting at 9 p.m. EST on hillaryclinton.com.

“On Super Tuesday, millions of Americans will have an opportunity to have their voices heard in this important election,” said Hillary Clinton.  “This national town hall will allow all voters to participate in the conversation that I began with the American public a year ago and discuss the issues that matter to them so they can be fully informed when they cast their ballot the following day.  From a faltering economy to the many challenges we face abroad, Americans are ready for a president who will deliver the real solutions we need.”

The 22 cities where the campaign will host events are Birmingham, AL; Phoenix, AZ; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Denver, CO; Hartford, CT; Wilmington, DE; Athens, GA; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Wichita, KS; Boston, MA; St. Paul, MN; Kansas City, MO; Cherry Hill, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; New York, NY; Grand Forks, ND; Tulsa, OK; Knoxville, TN; Salt Lake City, UT.

Hillary Clinton will anchor the town hall in New York, while President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and national and local surrogates will serve as hosts at events in the other states. Voters attending the events will be able to ask questions from these satellite events directly to Hillary Clinton in New York.  In addition, Clinton will take questions submitted by voters online at hillaryclinton.com/townhall.

Washington Senator Patty Murray Endorses Clinton

Washington Senator Patty Murray Endorses Clinton
Washington’s senior Senator Patty Murray announced her endorsement of Hillary Clinton today.

“Hillary and I both came to Washington together in 1993, and since that time she hasn't stopped working on the priorities that matter most to America's families,” Murray said.

“Together we have partnered to pass strong port security legislation, stand up to an Administration that put ideology above science, and provide the care that our nation's veterans have earned. She understands the challenges that face us here in Washington state from security at our Northern Border to cleaning up Hanford. Hillary is ready to lead this nation from her first day in office and deliver the change we need.”

Senator Murray serves in the Democratic leadership as Democratic Conference Secretary, and is the highest ranking woman in the Senate.

“I am proud of the work Patty and I have done together in the Senate and I’m honored to have her support,” Clinton said. “With her help, we’re going to bring our message of change to voters across Washington.”

Senator Murray is the 12th U.S. Senator to endorse Hillary Clinton.

Statement From Hillary Clinton On John Edwards

Statement from Hillary Clinton

John Edwards ended his campaign today in the same way he started it - by standing with the people who are too often left behind and nearly always left out of our national debate.

John ran with compassion and conviction and lifted this campaign with his deep concern for the daily lives of the American people.  That is what this election is about - it's about our people.  And John is one of the greatest champions the American people could ask for.

I wish John and Elizabeth all the best.  They have my great personal respect and gratitude.  And I know they will continue to fight passionately for the country and the people they love so deeply.

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing In February 5th States

New Clinton Spanish-Language TV Ad Airing in February 5th States

“Nuestra Amiga” Highlights Hillary’s Commitment and Understanding of the Latino Community

The Clinton campaign today launched a new Spanish language TV ad that will air in California, Arizona, New York and Connecticut. The new 30-second spot, titled “Nuestra Amiga” (Our Friend) highlights that Hillary is the candidate who understands and respects the Latino community and the problems that it faces – lack of health care, the economic crisis, and the high cost of living.

Following is the translation of the script for the ad.

“Nuestra Amiga”
TV: 30

Our voice and our vote will elect the next President of the great country. 

Our candidate is Hillary Clinton because she respects our culture and understands the problems that affect our community.

Millions of Hispanic families live with the fear of not having health insurance.

The economic crisis and the cost of living are of concern to all of us.

Hillary is our friend and will help us.

Let’s vote for Hillary on February 5th and we will have a better life.

We are with you!

I’m Hillary Clinton and I approve this message.

California Rep. Maxine Waters Endorses Clinton

California Rep. Maxine Waters Endorses Clinton

The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsement of California Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35).

“At a time when the economy continues to worsen and so many of my constituents are losing their homes and their jobs, we need someone with the leadership and experience who can step in on day one to tackle the economic challenges our country is facing,” said Congresswoman Waters. “The voices of so many struggling families have gone unheard for long enough. Hillary understands the daily challenges that people are facing and she will fight for them everyday she is in the White House.”

Waters is serving her 9th term in Congress where she has been a leader on many issues such as expanding access to health care services and affordable housing, fairness in the criminal justice system and the War in Iraq. She spearheaded the development of the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998 to address the alarming spread of HIV/AIDS among African Americans, Hispanics and other minorities. She is also the author of legislation to expand health services for patients with diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. During her career in Congress, Rep. Waters has been responsible for shaping housing policy, including legislation to reform the FHA program, improve the Section 8 Program and revamp the Hope VI Program. She is also the founder and Chairwoman of the Out of Iraq Caucus. 

Prior to serving in Congress, Waters served 14 years in the California State Assembly, where she rose to the powerful position of Democratic Caucus Chair. She was responsible for some of the toughest legislation in California including the largest divestment of state pension funds from South Africa; landmark affirmative action legislation; and the nation’s first statewide Child Abuse Prevention Training Program.

Waters is currently a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and the Chairwoman of its Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity. She also serves on the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, and the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, Technology.

She also continues to serve on the Committee on the Judiciary and its Subcommittees on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, and on Immigration, Border Security and Claims.

“Maxine has spent a lifetime fighting for change and delivering results.  She has been a leader on all of the biggest challenges we face – from housing, to the economy, to Iraq and I’m so honored to have her support in this campaign,” said Senator Clinton. “Maxine is known and respected from the grassroots to the world stage as a voice for justice, for opportunity, and for peace and I am honored to have her support.”

Hillary Clinton Statement On The State Of The Union

Hillary Clinton Statement on the State of the Union

Tonight President Bush claimed that the state of our union is strong. And we can all debate that. But what is not up for debate is that for too many American families, the true “state of their lives” is one of economic anxiety and uncertainty.

As I’ve traveled across the country and visited with people in their homes, I have listened to the urgent problems they face. These families are resolute, and when it comes to their strength, optimism and hard work, the state of our union has never been stronger. Yet after seven years of stagnant wages, declining incomes and increasing inequality, our families are working harder and harder and still falling behind. 

President Bush had one final chance tonight to acknowledge what the American people have known for years: that the economy is not working for middle class families. Unfortunately, what he offered was more of the same – a frustrating commitment to the same failed policies that helped turn record surpluses into large deficits, and push a thriving twenty-first century economy to the brink of recession. 

We need a President who understands the urgent economic challenges our families face and who will work as hard for middle-class families as they work for America. I intend to be that President for the American people.

While I was heartened to hear the President acknowledge the need for immediate actions to jumpstart our economy, it will take more than tax rebates to fix our economic crisis and rebuild our economy for the future. We need immediate relief for people who are losing their jobs and facing skyrocketing home heating costs. And we need a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis.  Every housing proposal the President made tonight, I made several months - and hundreds of thousands of foreclosure notices - ago. For example, I have proposed to enable the Federal Housing Administration to function as an alternative to the subprime market; and I have proposed to empower state housing finance agencies to help families refinance unworkable mortgages. But more is needed. So I have also called on the mortgage industry to observe a 90-day foreclosure moratorium on subprime mortgages and a 5-year freeze in rates on subprime loans.

We need a long-term economic vision to restore shared growth and prosperity for America’s middle class. As President, I will work every day to create good high-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced, restore fairness to our economy, renew the promise of America that if you work hard, you can get ahead, and restore real fiscal responsibility to Washington.

In Iraq, President Bush talked about the success of the surge. The Administration brandishes many numbers.  The one I’m most focused on is that 2007 was the deadliest year for U.S. troops in Iraq. And the humanitarian situation remains devastating.

President Bush isn’t satisfied with failure after failure in Iraq; he wants to bind the next President to his failed strategy by unilaterally negotiating with the Iraqi government about the future of the U.S.-Iraq security relationship, including the possibility of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq. 

The Bush Administration says it does not even plan to submit this agreement to the Congress for approval, even though Iraqi officials plan to submit it to their parliament.  It is an outrage that the Iraqi parliament will have an opportunity to debate this but the American Congress won’t.  We need to rein in this President.  That is why I introduced the first legislation to require the President to submit any such agreement for congressional approval and to withhold any funding to carry out the agreement.

After seven long years of this Presidency, I am committed as President to solve problems, not ignore them.  I am committed to working for the middle class, not just the privileged few.  I am committed to restoring our leadership in the world through strong alliances, not alienating our friends.  I am committed to working towards real solutions for real Americans every day as President of the United States.

American Nurses Association Endorses Clinton

AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION ENDORSES CLINTON

The Clinton campaign today announced the endorsement of the American Nurses Association (ANA). The ANA represents the interests of the nation’s 2.9 million registered nurses.

“Too many Americans must do without high quality health care, and this country deserves a president that will make health system reform a priority,” said ANA President Rebecca M. Patton, MSN, RN, CNOR. “Senator Clinton has shown a commitment to implementing real change in our health care system to ensure high quality, affordable and accessible care. She has also recognized the importance of educating, recruiting and retaining, RNs, and the need to improve nurses’ work environment which includes addressing safe and appropriate staffing. America’s 2.9 million registered nurses represent the largest group of health care professionals. We have long advocated for the critically needed reforms vital to the improvement of health care and will use our power in the voting booth to make health care a priority.”

“I am honored to have the support of the American Nurses Association,” said Clinton. “We owe nurses a great debt of gratitude for the critical role they play every day in providing quality care. As President, I will continue to support efforts to attract and retain qualified nurses, especially in rural and urban areas, and to improve working conditions. I look forward to working with America’s nurses to deliver affordable, quality health care to every American.”

Hillary has a history of working for America’s nurses. In the Senate, Hillary introduced the Nursing Education and Quality of Care Act, which would expand the number of programs that address nursing faculty shortages and increase the supply of nurses in rural areas. As part of the Nurse Reinvestment Act, she helped create grants that expanded nurse Magnet hospitals. Hillary also supported increased funding for both Title VII and Title VIII, which help to address the higher education needs of nurses and nursing faculty. Finally, she has supported programs to attract nurses to the field, including efforts to improve the quality of the working environment for nurses.

Hillary’s American Health Choices Plan will cover all Americans and improve health care by providing consumers new choices, lowering costs and improving quality. Under Hillary’s plan, Americans who like the insurance they have can keep it and stay with their doctor. But Americans who don’t like the coverage they have will be able to pick from the same set of plans Members of Congress choose for themselves. Under Hillary’s plan, insurance companies won’t be able to deny people coverage for a pre-existing condition and tax credits will ensure that working families never have to pay more than a limited percentage of their income for quality health care. People who change jobs will be able to keep their health care.

ANA has been making presidential endorsements since 1984. The endorsement process includes sending a questionnaire on nursing and health care issues to all of the Democratic and Republican candidates, an invitation to all of the Democratic and Republican candidates for a personal interview and an online survey of ANA’s membership regarding which candidate is most supportive of nursing’s agenda.

Statement From Hillary Clinton On The South Carolina Primary

Statement from Hillary Clinton

“I have called Senator Obama to congratulate him and wish him well.

“Thank you to the people of South Carolina who voted today and welcomed me into their homes over the last year. Your stories will stay with me well beyond this campaign and I am grateful for the support so many of you gave to me.

“We now turn our attention to the millions of Americans who will make their voices heard in Florida and the twenty-two states as well as American Samoa who will vote on February 5th.

“In the days ahead, I’ll work to give voice to those who are working harder than ever to be heard.  For those who have lost their job or their home or their health care, I will focus on the solutions needed to move this country forward.  That’s what this election is about.  It’s about our country, our hopes and dreams. Our families and our future.”

Clinton Campaign Statement On GOP Debate

Clinton Campaign Statement on GOP Debate

“Senator Clinton looks forward to debating the eventual Republican nominee, making her case for bringing the troops home quickly and responsibly and detailing her solutions for jumpstarting the economy and reversing the Bush policies.”