November 2, 2007
Clinton's Waffling Leaves Her Vulnerable, Defensive
Democratic presidential frontrunner and New York Senator Hillary Clinton is feeling bruised from the Tuesday night debate, where the big moment was when Clinton gave meandering support of Governor Eliot Spitzer's controversial driver's license plan for illegal immigrants.
Spitzer's most recent iteration of the plan involves a three tiered system that neither state Democrats, Republicans or illegal immigrants' rights advocates seem to like very much. Anyway, here's what Clinton said during the debate when questioned by NBC Washington bureau chief Tim Russert:
Russert: Senator Clinton, I just want to make sure of what I heard. Do you, the New York senator, Hillary Clinton, support the New York governor's plan to give illegal immigrants a driver's license?[Full transcript of debate here.] Realizing that hemming and hawing wasn't the way to go, her rivals used this response as proof of her proclivity to flip-flop and even Democrats were disappointed - former Clinton adviser James Carville said, "As someone who loves her ... this was not her best performance." And former Mayor Rudy Giuliani got into the act, saying, "If you can't take a position on something like drivers licenses, what are you going to do about Ahmadinejad?"You told the New Hampshire paper that it made a lot of sense. Do you support his plan?
Clinton: You know, Tim, this is where everybody plays "gotcha." It makes a lot of sense. What is the governor supposed to do? He is dealing with a serious problems. We have failed. And George Bush has failed. Do I think this is the best thing for any governor to do? No. But do I understand the sense of real desperation, trying to get a handle on this? Remember, in New York, we want to know who's in New York. We want people to come out of the shadows.
He's making an honest effort to do it. We should have passed immigration reform.
Clinton's campaign issued a post-debate statement reaffirming her support of the Steamroller's plan. And now she's on the attack - and using the gender card in criticizing the other (male) candidates. At an event at her alma mater Wellesley College, Clinton said, "In so many ways, this all-women's college prepared me to compete in the all-boys' club of presidential politics." Newsday reports that an e-mail to supporters criticized the male candidates for attacking Clinton and that during a during a conference call with donors, Clinton strategist Mark Penn accused Russert of being much more aggressive on Clinton than other candidates. One donor even said Russert should be shot! (The donor later took back her statement.) Well, we expect Spitzer's team to demand Clinton to appear with him at a press conference to discuss the matter now that she's so supportive.
Today Clinton will be in New Hampshire - the primary is on January 22.
Photograph of Clinton before a campaign speech at her alma mater, Wellesley College, by Elise Amendola/AP
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obamarama
No, Hillary, *YOU'RE* the man!
nice picture.
why is it that whenever she is speaking extemporaneously on any subject , she is not capable of giving a direct answer? and why is she always yelling at us?
The Economist said that the primaries are hers to lose. I hope she does. and I hope it's Edwards Vs. Giuliani. Though Obama would be my second favorite.
also can i please, PLEASE comment on the story above this about naked 30 something park slopers?
You guys always have great pics of the presidential candidates. I think it should be a standing policy, all gothamist articles about the presidential race need to be accompanied by a picture making the candidates look absolutely insane.
...maybe that will keep me interested in a race of otherwise uninspiring field of candidates.
I second rtd on that one. That photo is great!
Sure, Why can't she just be a flip floper on every issue like the rest of the Politicians???
agreed! Gothemist has great pics in general, I am always impressed.
nice picture. Clinton and her husband are worthless c*nts. it a sad state of affairs for the US when she and ghouliani are our best choice to lead this joke of a nation.
Hill's the front-runner; that's why her platform's being picked apart like that. Claiming that it's because she's a woman is insulting and demonstrates a clear lack of concern for the real issues woman face. Hillary, you lost my vote with this trick.
Love the photo. I really hope it doesn't come down to Hillary v. Rudy in the general election, though it would be entertaining.
- and using the gender card in criticizing the other (male) candidates
Well, that didn't take nearly as long as I expected.
Sure, Why can't she just be a flip floper on every issue like the rest of the Politicians???
Because usually a new president waits until AFTER the election to start flip-flopping. Before hand you have to at least pretend to know what you believe in.
"what you believe in" hmmm...what does she believe in, anyway? HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT, that's what. Beyond, that- she'll be working on getting re-elected.
So transparent.
Illegal Aliens and Immigration is NOT the same thing. 80% of the American people want an end to anarchy!
Illegal aliens are criminals, those who hire them are criminals and those who aid-and-abet them are criminals.
Illegal aliens in America have NO rights. We are required by law to arrest and prosecute, deport them. (Title 8 U.S. Code) To report illegal aliens call the DHS National Hot line 1 866 DHS 2ICE. (1-866-347-2523)
No, matter your political party affiliation, and setting aside your thoughts on issues. We all need to remember what it is to be an American Citizen. We need to make sure our elected representatives obey their Oath of Office and keep their Oath of Allegiance. See http://tinyurl.com/2znnvl Know whom you are voting for.