TrumanB Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/friday/chi-071213dems,0,783311.story Of course, Hillary knew nothing about this beforehand and would never approve of such a thing. By John McCormick and Christi Parsons Tribune staff reporters 5:08 PM CST, December 13, 2007 JOHNSTON, Ia. Sen. Hillary Clinton apologized to Sen. Barack Obama today for comments made by one of her campaign co-chairs about Obama's self-confessed past drug use. The morning apology was the start of a conciliatory conversation that continued on the stage of the Democratic presidential candidates' debate this afternoon, where the closest thing to a real difference of opinion was an obscure one over farm subsidies. The Democrats agreed on the need to fight for human rights, promote American trade and improve on what they see as the failures of President Bush's "No Child Left Behind" act. But none of the candidates was pressed to get into the finer points of those topics. And afterward, the conversation at the debate site was about spreading news of the apology, and about Bill Shaheen's future as a Clinton campaign official. He announced his resignation Thursday in New Hampshire. In a statement released by the Clinton campaign, Shaheen said Clinton is running a positive campaign and he does not want to detract from her work on issues important to American families. "I made a mistake and in light of what happened, I have made the personal decision that I will step down as the Co-Chair of the Hillary for President campaign," he said. "This election is too important and we must all get back to electing the best qualified candidate who has the record of making change happen in this country." Clinton apologized to Obama on the tarmac of a Washington, D.C. airport, Clinton strategist Mark Penn told reporters this afternoon. "She said that she apologized," Penn said, "that that was unauthorized and inappropriate and didn't have a place in the campaign." "From the first moment, she felt this was inappropriate and would not be part of the campaign," Penn said. In his best-selling memoir "Dreams from My Father," Obama admitted to using marijuana and cocaine when he was a teenager. Shaheen told the Washington Post on Wednesday that he thought Republicans would exploit that issue during the general election. The issue did not arise during the debate, a polite discussion in which the six Democratic candidates did not disagree much and largely stuck to their own talking points. The Democrats even came to a warm moment of familial unity during their low-key debate, as the other candidates on stage all rushed to a hearty defense of Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware and his commitment to the country's racial minorities. "It may be possible that, because I speak so bluntly, that people misunderstand," Biden said hoarsely, responding to a question about some of his foot-in-mouth moments of the recent past. "Hear, hear," the others called out, bursting into applause. Obama, the only African American on the stage, praised Biden as "on the right side of the issues" on that point. However, the issue of Shaheen's remarks overshadowed the debate. David Axelrod, a top aide to Obama, said Obama accepted Clinton's apology, but suggested he didn't let her off the hook easily. "She said she didn't know that this was happening and she was sorry about it, and he accepts that," Axelrod said. But he also said Obama told Clinton he thinks it's "important for campaigns to send the signal from the very top that this isn't tolerated." "You cannot say that negative campaigning attacks are the 'fun part' of the campaign and then expect people down the line to take a signal that this isn't okay," Axelrod said, noting the "essence" of their exchange was that "everybody has responsibilities." Axelrod also said that Obama didn't sell or share drugs. Tribune national correspondent Jill Zuckman contributed to this report from Manchester, N.H. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81artmonk Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 I think I am the only one who is getting this, but Hilary has to be the stupidest woman running or alive. If you go back to even when Bill was in office, she never knows anything. All of her statements are "I wasn't aware" I didn't know till know". Just curious, but how can we trust her to be president when she doesn't know anything. You are a senator, a presidents wife, and running for president and yet you are clueless to what's going on around you and what those who work for you are doing. She didn't know that a poor chinese man gave them millions of campaign money. She isn't aware of any slush funds. She didn't know about white water, the list goes on. She just never knows. That doesn't fly with the BS meter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbear Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Brilliant. If I appologize for somebody on my staff calling you a druggie, then I've done 2 good things. First, I refocused some people on the fact that you used drugs (which you have admitted). Secondly, I've appologized for somebody on my staff doing something without my knowledge, so I should score points with those who think it shouldn't be mentioned by ridding my staff of somebody who did mention it. As I said, brilliant...transparent but brilliant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 I think I am the only one who is getting this, but Hilary has to be the stupidest woman running or alive. If you go back to even when Bill was in office, she never knows anything. All of her statements are "I wasn't aware" I didn't know till know". Just curious, but how can we trust her to be president when she doesn't know anything. You are a senator, a presidents wife, and running for president and yet you are clueless to what's going on around you and what those who work for you are doing. She didn't know that a poor chinese man gave them millions of campaign money. She isn't aware of any slush funds. She didn't know about white water, the list goes on. She just never knows. That doesn't fly with the BS meter. Seriously, would you like me to post the transcript of Reagan during the Iran Contra? Or do you not recall that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
portisizzle Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Seriously, would you like me to post the transcript of Reagan during the Iran Contra? Or do you not recall that? Speaking of weak sauce..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Speaking of weak sauce..... Just pointing out that what's good for the goose is good for the gander (hey, that saying works a lot better with a female politician). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
headexplode Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Just pointing out that what's good for the goose is good for the gander (hey, that saying works a lot better with a female politician). There is no one that knows less than the current president. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefhogskin48 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Hillary Clinton: Business as Usual... same as it ever was. Barack Obama: Intelligent Change... a break from the status quo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 She's in desperation mode. She's going to lose and possibly come in 3rd in Iowa (remember the caucus rules), and her "firewall" in NH has completely eroded, she now trails Obama. She's behind in SC as the Oprah affect takes control. Unlike Kerry 4 years ago who had a month after Christmas to refocus the campaign, she's going to have to fight for airtime during the Holidays when NOBODY will be paying attention. I just signed up on Obama's website and donated 20 bucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbear Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Kilmer, Do you think Obama is more vulnerable to the R candiates or you just don't like Clinton? Just curious...I have a few friends donating to Obama, and the reasons seem to be split between the two above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mad Mike Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 I see everyone here commenting on the basis of their prejudice of Clinton. But the reality of it is that it is very likely that some staffer mouthed off without her knowledge or approval. It's not like it's not a common thing for people to overstep their bounds. Look at the idiot from the Steelers guaranteeing victory. There is always some idiot ready to stick their foot in their mouth. The bottom line for dems who are against Hillary is that she will not set a timetable for immediate withdrawal from Iraq. I just wish they would be honest about it instead of making crap up to divert from the real issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Kilmer,Do you think Obama is more vulnerable to the R candiates or you just don't like Clinton? Just curious...I have a few friends donating to Obama, and the reasons seem to be split between the two above. No, I think he's a much bigger threat to the GOP. Hillary is the candidate the GOP wants to face. And the one some Dems fear as well- http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7716742 The Democratic Party chairman in Wyoming is predicting that Democratic candidates throughout the Rocky Mountain region will be damaged if his party selects Hillary Clinton for president. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiefhogskin48 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Kilmer,Do you think Obama is more vulnerable to the R candiates or you just don't like Clinton? Just curious...I have a few friends donating to Obama, and the reasons seem to be split between the two above. Gbear, I know this question was directed at Kilmer, but I figured I would answer too. I actually think Obama is a far more viable candidate than Clinton in the GE, if only because no one really dislikes him (whereas about 50% of the voting population hates Hillary, while 30% love her, and 20% could go either way). Obama is just very likeable, and a good man. He comes across as extremely bright, if a bit overly idealistic (but then again, I think we as a country need that as a change). After 8 years of Bush, we need someone whose strengths are the opposite of Bush's weaknesses. I think Obama epitomizes that. He is a communicator. He is brilliant (I've read much of his books and he is very logical). He will scale back much of the excesses of the last 15 years, in a principled manner rather than as a pawn of special interests. I think this country needs Obama, after a really tough, partisan period of American history. He is the quintessential uniter. I do take issue with some of his policies, but I'm willing to say "agree to disagree" on these points. I don't think he is a hard core socialist by any means, but he is decidedly on the left when it comes to many economic issues. Hopefully he will learn a lesson from Bill and JFK (who I believe he shares the most similarities with) and come more to the center/right once he becomes president. If Clinton wins the primary, I will be sick to my stomach... :puke: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrumanB Posted December 14, 2007 Author Share Posted December 14, 2007 I watched a couple of political "pundits" on MSNBC last night say that it's almost guaranteed that the campaign staffer that made these remarks, Bill Shaheen, will be back on Hillary's campaign payroll down the road. They said that's how the game is played and Hillary does it better than anyone else. Yeah, she's really sorry alright. It really is sad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midnight Judges Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 No, I think he's a much bigger threat to the GOP.Hillary is the candidate the GOP wants to face. And the one some Dems fear as well- http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_7716742 The Democratic Party chairman in Wyoming is predicting that Democratic candidates throughout the Rocky Mountain region will be damaged if his party selects Hillary Clinton for president. That's not exclusive to Wyoming. Democrats everywhere are afraid of her polarizing effect. It's undeniable for 2008 but it would be even worse in 2010 and 2012. Agree, Obama fairs much better among independants and that makes him the bigger threat to the GOP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 That's not exclusive to Wyoming. Democrats everywhere are afraid of her polarizing effect. It's undeniable for 2008 but it would be even worse in 2010 and 2012. Agree, Obama fairs much better among independants and that makes him the bigger threat to the GOP. (K17 slowly backs out of the room after agreeing with gbear and Midnight within 10 minutes of each other.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81artmonk Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Seriously, would you like me to post the transcript of Reagan during the Iran Contra? Or do you not recall that? That's one situation. Hilary's spans almost her whole career in the spotlight. From presidents wife, to senator to presidential candidate. She never knows anything. You can hardly compare one time to what hilary has done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thanos Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Gbear,I know this question was directed at Kilmer, but I figured I would answer too. I actually think Obama is a far more viable candidate than Clinton in the GE, if only because no one really dislikes him (whereas about 50% of the voting population hates Hillary, while 30% love her, and 20% could go either way). Obama is just very likeable, and a good man. He comes across as extremely bright, if a bit overly idealistic (but then again, I think we as a country need that as a change). After 8 years of Bush, we need someone whose strengths are the opposite of Bush's weaknesses. I think Obama epitomizes that. He is a communicator. He is brilliant (I've read much of his books and he is very logical). He will scale back much of the excesses of the last 15 years, in a principled manner rather than as a pawn of special interests. I think this country needs Obama, after a really tough, partisan period of American history. He is the quintessential uniter. I do take issue with some of his policies, but I'm willing to say "agree to disagree" on these points. I don't think he is a hard core socialist by any means, but he is decidedly on the left when it comes to many economic issues. Hopefully he will learn a lesson from Bill and JFK (who I believe he shares the most similarities with) and come more to the center/right once he becomes president. If Clinton wins the primary, I will be sick to my stomach... :puke: Great post. My only caveat is that President Obama will need two terms just to get a handle of the mess Bush created.The first six months he'll have to put in frequent flier miles on Air Force One mending fences with allies we've alienated over the years,followed by some very harsh economic decisions that have to be made. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Great post.My only caveat is that President Obama will need two terms just to get a handle of the mess Bush created.The first six months he'll have to put in frequent flier miles on Air Force One mending fences with allies we've alienated over the years,followed by some very harsh economic decisions that have to be made. Already making excuses for his failure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thanos Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Already making excuses for his failure? WTF are you talking about?:doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 WTF are you talking about?:doh: Well, claiming he'll need 2 terms and hard economic decisions sounds to me like you dont expect him to be successful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcunning15 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 Well, claiming he'll need 2 terms and hard economic decisions sounds to me like you dont expect him to be successful. No what he is saying that its going to take the next president more than 4 years to turn this nation around since dubya set it back and ignored glaring problems and lead this nation into a flawed and grossly mismanaged war. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thanos Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 No what he is saying that its going to take the next president more than 4 years to turn this nation around since dubya set it back and ignored glaring problems and lead this nation into a flawed and grossly mismanaged war. Thank you sir:cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kilmer17 Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 No what he is saying that its going to take the next president more than 4 years to turn this nation around since dubya set it back and ignored glaring problems and lead this nation into a flawed and grossly mismanaged war. blah blah blah partisan bs blah blah talking point blah blah quagmire. Voters will be looking for a person who can lead in the future, not make excuses for why he cant lead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinfan2k Posted December 14, 2007 Share Posted December 14, 2007 blah blah blah partisan bs blah blah talking point blah blah quagmire.Voters will be looking for a person who can lead in the future, not make excuses for why he cant lead. :laugh:. He will lead and he is saying it will be a effort by the american people and congress to fix the mess layed down by Bush Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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