The Liberal Standard

An Open Letter from Hillary Clinton

2008-05-22T12:54:00.000-04:00

I'm so proud that you -- along with more than 300,000 other people -- are standing with me to ensure that the 2.3 million votes cast in Florida and Michigan are counted. It's such an important principle in our country: when the voters speak, we count their votes.

Your commitment to that principle means a lot to me, and to the people I talk to in Florida and Michigan who want to make sure they have a voice in this election. Yesterday, I spoke to voters in Florida, and they are all too familiar with the consequences of not counting every vote.

On May 31, we'll hear the decision from the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee on whether they'll seat the delegates from Michigan and Florida. And while we wait to hear their ruling, you and I must keep fighting together to win every last vote in the final three races.

Let's fight to the finish -- make a contribution today.

Our recent string of victories in Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, and Pennsylvania showed that we have what it takes to win in November, and our campaign is moving full-speed ahead toward the final contests.

Puerto Rico votes in 10 days, and the last primaries in Montana and South Dakota are just two days later. This is the final push for votes, and I know I can count on you as I have throughout this race.

We've worked so hard together to make sure that every American has a chance to make their voice heard in this race. We've fought for the values we share and for the future we both know our country needs. We can't let up now.

Contribute today to help us fight for every vote.

Florida and Michigan are depending on us to make sure they have a voice. Millions are still waiting for their chance to vote.

I'm proud to fight for them, and I'm so grateful to have you standing with me.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-05-22T12:53:00.000-04:00

I owe our 35-point win in Kentucky yesterday to your incredible support. So let me ask you -- do you think we should let the TV talking heads have the final say in this race? Or should we do what we have always done, and fight together for what you and I believe in?

I have never for one moment forgotten what this race is about -- the millions of people who are looking to you and me for the leadership America needs. It's about getting our economy moving again. It's about bringing the war in Iraq to a responsible end. It's about fulfilling America's energy needs while protecting the planet for our children and grandchildren. It's about making sure that every man, woman, and child in America has health care.

Now we have just three races left, and your help is absolutely critical in these final two weeks. Your support has made a such a difference for me in this campaign, and I can't thank you enough. So let's do it. Let's keep fighting and winning together, as we have all along.

Contribute today and let's keep driving toward victory.

Let's talk about the state of this race.

I've won more votes than anyone running for the Democratic nomination in the history of our party. I've won states that will total 308 electoral votes in November -- more than enough to carry the general election. And it is critical that we make certain the more than 2 million voters in Florida and Michigan are heard.

We can let the media decide this race. We can let the pundits be the ones who determine our party's nominee. Or we can listen to the voters. Yesterday, voters in Kentucky joined you in sending a clear message -- this campaign is far from over.

Throughout it all, through the ups and downs of this race, you've been there, supporting me every step of the way. Help me send a strong message that this race isn't over yet.

Contribute now to help us in the final three races.

I'm so proud of what we accomplished yesterday in Kentucky, and of all the victories we celebrated together. We've worked too hard to stop now. Thank you for your incredible support. I don't have to tell you that I couldn't do this without you.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

SHE'S IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL!

2008-05-12T19:50:00.001-04:00

2008-04-30T07:31:00.001-04:00

After being outspent and counted out, we are on the path to victory thanks to the voters of Pennsylvania and your steadfast support. Now as we approach the end of April and an important deadline, you and I have the chance to do something remarkable together.

Every day, I see the effects that your support has on our campaign. When I visit one of our offices in the field and see a full phone bank buzzing with activity, I know you make it possible. When I review our latest ads, I know you are putting our message on the air. And when I celebrate a victory like the one we had in Pennsylvania, I know we are celebrating together.

We can keep celebrating victories all the way through November. Our next step on the road to the nomination is a big show of strength when we report our April fundraising numbers. Because of your incredible efforts last week, we are in position to make sure every voter has the right to be heard in this race.

I have a special favor to ask you. With all this momentum, we want to engage as many people as possible and today, encourage more people to give to this campaign -- because we can't win without the support of you and hundreds of thousands like you.

So we are asking our most active supporters -- including you -- to match a single online contribution from someone who has not made a contribution before. Your gift will encourage someone to make a commitment to contribute to the campaign, which means that any gift you make before the midnight Wednesday deadline will go twice as far toward helping us win.

This is going to be big. Because you're matching the gift of a new contributor, your $25 gift is worth $50. Your $50 gift is worth $100. There's never been a better time to jump in and help move our campaign forward.

Contribute now, before the midnight deadline, to match another supporter's gift.

Think about everything that you and I have fought for together. Think about the enormous change we'll bring if we win. We can do it -- victory is in sight. But first we need to make a big show of strength by raising every dollar we can before the midnight Wednesday deadline. Let's show everyone who wants to count you and me out that we are in this race to win it.

If you agree to match a new donor's online contribution now, your gift before the deadline is worth double.

Contribute to help us show our campaign's strength, and your gift will be worth twice as much.

We have the momentum heading into the final primaries, and I know we can win if we keep working and fighting together. Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-04-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

Now, thanks to you, the tide is turning in this race. We never stopped believing in one another, never doubted that we could count on each other. You didn't quit, and when I'm president, I promise I won't quit on you.

Now with the next critical contests right around the corner, we need your immediate help to build on the hard-earned momentum of our Pennsylvania victory and continue our success all the way to the nomination.

Contribute today to help carry our momentum to Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia, and beyond.

Even though the Obama campaign went for broke trying to knock us out of the race, the people of Pennsylvania had other ideas.

We connected with Pennsylvania families who know they need a strong leader who's on their side to turn around the battered Bush economy and end President Bush's disastrous war in Iraq. And as this redefined contest moves across the country, we'll keep connecting.

I'm in this race to fight for you. And you know you can count on me to keep fighting for you every day. And as long as we keep working together, we'll wrest control of the White House from the Republicans and defeat John McCain. I'm going to continue to rely on your heart and your spirit every step of the way.

Contribute now, and together, we can carry our winning message to victory.

Thanks to you, we're on a roll. And with your immediate help, we'll keep moving forward until we've won the Democratic nomination, won the November election, and earned the opportunity to lead America in a new, more promising direction.

Thanks so much for believing in me and believing in how much we can accomplish if we keep pulling together.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-04-25T16:03:00.004-04:00

2008-04-25T16:03:00.003-04:00

2008-04-25T16:03:00.001-04:00

First of all, I want to say thank you for the incredible boost you've given our campaign in the days since our big win in Pennsylvania. Everyone on the campaign is talking about what you did and how much it means to Hillary. I don't think I'm overstating the case to say that without your generous support, we would not be in a position to win.

There has been a lot of talk in the media about the negative tone of this campaign, and who is responsible for it. I strongly believe that Hillary, who is out on the stump every day talking about her solutions for America, is getting a totally unfair rap on this count. I wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post this morning about the double-standard we have faced.

On the one hand, it's perfectly decent for Obama to argue that only he has the virtue to bring change to Washington and that Clinton lacks the character and the commitment to do so. On the other hand, we are somehow hitting below the belt when we say that Clinton is the candidate best able to withstand the pressures of the presidency and do what's right for the American people, while leaving the decisions about Obama's preparedness to the voters.

Who made up those rules? And who would ever think they are fair?

I'd like you to read the whole article, and let me know what you think. Click here to read the op-ed and give me your feedback.

Thank you again for your incredible support,

Geoff Garin
Hillary Clinton for President

2008-04-15T21:56:00.000-04:00

No candidate can guarantee victory. But throughout this campaign, I have made one promise to you, and I intend to keep it.

As long as I have your support, as long as you are fighting by my side, I will work as hard as I can to win.

Here is the challenge we face. With the Obama campaign outspending us 3-to-1, the polls are tightening in Pennsylvania, and we have exactly one week left to get our message out.

Before the Super Tuesday primaries on February 5, I told you that if you reached out to support my campaign, you would see the results -- and you did. I told you we could win Texas and Ohio on March 4 with your help -- and you put us over the top.

I need your help right now to win in Pennsylvania, and this race is close enough that the decision you make could be the difference between winning and losing.

Contribute now to help us close the spending gap and win in Pennsylvania.

I've talked, listened, and learned my way across the Keystone state these past few weeks, and I've met people who are optimistic, hard-working, and ready for a president who stands up and fights for them every single day.

I've felt such a deep connection to the people I've met in Pennsylvania, and I'm proud of the campaign we're running here. But we are still being outspent 3-to-1, and I need your help to close that gap if we want to win.

In the next seven days, thousands of people will be making their final decision in the Democratic primary, and we must make sure they hear our message. We can't let our voices be drowned out by the Obama campaign's limitless spending.

Contribute today to help me make sure our message is heard across Pennsylvania in the next seven days.

Thank you so much for doing everything you can do to keep our campaign driving forward.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

CHANGES--Give Hillary Your Ideas

2008-04-15T21:55:00.000-04:00

You've probably heard about some of the big changes going on in Hillary's campaign lately. My name is Geoff Garin, and along with Howard Wolfson, I'm now leading the campaign's strategy team. My job is to plot the path to the nomination and lay out the strategy that will get us there.

There are two reasons why I said yes immediately when Hillary asked me to do this job. First, I believe that the Hillary Clinton I know will be a great president who will do great things for our country. Second, I am confident she can win.

Let me lay out for you the situation as I see it right now. The Pennsylvania primary is approaching -- just eight days to go -- and a win there will do two things: give us momentum that will carry us through the races that follow, and show that Hillary is still the best choice to beat John McCain in the big, competitive states that will decide the race in November.

The Obama campaign is outspending us three to one in Pennsylvania. But I'm confident we can win in Pennsylvania, and I know Hillary is too. She is campaigning hard and really connecting with the voters there.

The voters in Pennsylvania know that she is the candidate who understands their lives and respects their values, and that every day she will be a president who stands up for them instead of looking down on them.

If I had to point to two of our best weapons in this campaign, one would be the incredible strength of our candidate, and the other would be the phenomenal role people like you have played in sustaining this campaign, even through some pretty tough times. Everyone from Hillary on down has made sure I know about the vital role her online supporters have played in this race.

I made a personal commitment to Hillary that her campaign would be as good and as strong and as smart as she is. And I want to ask you a favor to help me keep that commitment. In the days and weeks (and hopefully months) ahead, I want to know what you think -- about the state of the race, our campaign strategy, or your ideas for doing things differently. You've made an investment in this campaign, and I want your input as we plan the days, weeks, and months to come.

I can't promise that I can reply personally to every single message -- but I can promise to read them all.

Click here to send me your comments, thoughts, and ideas about our campaign.

I'm really looking forward to reading what you have to say, and to working with you to help Hillary win!

Thanks,
Geoff Garin

2008-04-13T11:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks to your incredible support, we are airing ads across Pennsylvania. I wanted to share one very special ad you helped us get on the air. You'll see a new side of Hillary that you might not have known about before.

Click here to watch our new ad, "Scranton."

This ad and others like it are up thanks to you. The race is close, but I know we are going to win because of what you have done for Hillary. Your support makes the difference every single day, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate all you do.

Sincerely,

Terry McAuliffe
Chairman, Hillary Clinton for President

2008-04-13T11:32:00.000-04:00

he people who count Hillary out of this race don't know her the way you and I do.

Do we have an uphill battle to fight? You bet we do. We face an opponent who has a virtually unlimited war chest, who is breaking records to spend whatever it takes to win in Pennsylvania and beyond.

But I know that with Hillary leading the way and your strong support behind her, we can get the job done and we can win.

Hillary doesn't care what the pundits say. She's listening to you and wants your input in our campaign. There are just 11 days until the next big primary in Pennsylvania, and everything we do between now and then will make a difference. There's no better way to help Hillary today than by making a personal investment in our MyPA program.

MyPA lets you choose how you want us to invest your money in the race to win Pennsylvania, and we need your help today to help fund the activities that can make a difference when voters go to the polls on April 22.

Go to MyPA and contribute now to make a personal investment in our Pennsylvania victory.

I talk to people every day who want to know whether Hillary is going to go the distance. I tell them all the same thing -- if you knew Hillary like I do, you'd know she is in this race to win.

Hillary's a fighter.

She's fighting now to ensure that millions of Americans have the chance to make their voices heard -- and making sure Michigan and Florida aren't counted out. And as our president, she's going to fight for the American dream that we all share.

But first, we have an uphill battle to fight together, starting in Pennsylvania. Right now, the Obama campaign is spending an unprecedented $2.2 million per week on TV ads in the Keystone state -- an amount one Pennsylvania strategist called "unbelievable."

With just 11 days until voters go to the polls, we can't afford to be outspent. Every day the ground shifts; every day there's a new twist in this race. Now is the moment when your support will count for the most. Now is the moment when Hillary needs you fighting by her side.

Go to MyPA now to help us make up the ad gap -- or direct your resources to where you think they'll help the most.

Thank you so much for all you do for our campaign -- let's keep working until we put Hillary in the White House!

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

FactCheck.org: Obama Inaccuracies

2008-04-13T11:31:00.000-04:00

Obama's ad claims, "Clinton's taken more from big oil and other PACs and lobbyists than any other candidate, Democrat or Republican." Actually, Clinton is fourth and Obama is a close fifth when it comes to donations from oil and gas industries.
Obama's ad says it is he who is "demanding higher gas mileage standards." Actually, both candidates voted for last year's increase in those standards and both candidates propose further increases in the future. Clinton's proposed increase is a bit higher than Obama's, in fact.
Obama's ad talks of "gas prices close to four dollars a gallon" in Pennsylvania. Actually, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.32, according to the American Automobile Association.

2008-04-09T09:32:00.000-04:00

The Pennsylvania primary is less than three weeks away, and the race is heating up. Hillary is crisscrossing Pennsylvania, talking with voters day in and day out in every corner of the state. But there is still a lot of work to do, and we need your help on the ground to win this critical state.

Hillary is working hard every day, and with the help of volunteers like you, we can win on April 22. We are counting on volunteers like you to make the difference. Will you come volunteer and help Hillary win in Pennsylvania?

Click here to sign up to volunteer in PA.

Scores of volunteers are helping Hillary each weekend in our "Walk It To Win It" canvasses - knocking on doors in neighborhoods all over Pennsylvania and talking to voters about why Hillary is the right choice. Our volunteers are making phone calls, working in field offices, holding signs for Hillary, and doing anything else they can to make sure that Hillary wins on April 22. With your help, we can do even more. Will you volunteer in Pennsylvania over the next 16 days?

Click here to sign up to volunteer in PA.

We can use help every day between now and the primary, but we especially need you during our "Get Out the Vote Weekend" starting Saturday, April 19 through Tuesday, April 22. Your help in Pennsylvania over the next three weeks is critical to pulling out a victory for Hillary.

Thank you for all you do.

2008-04-09T09:30:00.003-04:00

Our deepest thanks and respect for standing up for voters everywhere urging that their voices be heard. Today you join tens of thousands of people in Michigan, Florida, and all over America, who took the time to stand up for our democratic ideals.

A supporter from Marion, MI put it simply: "We want to have our voice heard! We want to vote!" Another in Delray Beach, FL told us, "Our votes should count. We went to the polls in good faith that our votes would count and our voices would be heard."

Hillary Clinton respects those voters and their right to participate in this historic contest. Their votes, along with all the others, will and should determine when this contest ends. It's the American way.

You can ensure that voters in Michigan and Florida have their voices heard by forwarding this email to your friends, family and anyone else you know who will join us in supporting one of our country’s founding principles -- every vote counts. Please urge them to visit our website and sign on:

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/votervoice

Thank you for all you are doing for our campaign!

Sincerely,

Maggie Williams
Campaign Manager
Hillary for President

2008-04-09T09:29:00.002-04:00

ith 14 days to go until the people of Pennsylvania vote, the Obama campaign has decided to go all-out. They're trying to end the race for the White House with an unyielding media blitz. Right now, we're being outspent 4-1 on Pennsylvania television.

So now, here's what we have to ask ourselves: Have we come this far in our history-making contest for the Democratic nomination only to see the race decided not by the quality of our ideas but by the size of our opponent's media budget?

Not a chance -- not if you and I have anything to say about it. And, believe me, we do.

Don't let a sea of Obama ads overwhelm our powerful message in Pennsylvania. Contribute now.

Everywhere I campaign in Pennsylvania, I meet people who are bearing the brunt of George Bush's failures on the war, the economy, health care, and other critical issues.

They're eager to hear our powerful call for change. But, we need more ads on the air to make sure our message gets through to people.

With just 14 days to go, please step up and help us close the Obama campaign's 4-1 advantage. Contribute now.

Everything is on the line in Pennsylvania and the states to follow. And we still have the only advantage any campaign should hope for -- the ability to determine our fate by how hard we work and how determined we are to pull through to victory.

This is one of the closest, most spirited contests for the Democratic nomination we've ever seen. And I have to tell you: I wouldn't want to be going through this remarkable experience with anyone other than you.

With a little less than two weeks to go, let's give it everything we've got.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-04-09T09:29:00.001-04:00

When I turn on the TV all I hear is negative words. The news stations keep telling you that we're down and out. But that's plainly not true. I'm on the trail every day for Hillary and the crowds are bigger than ever before, and let me tell you - they are excited!

I wanted to show you a video from a recent event with Hillary in North Carolina - you can see for yourself Hillary's packed events and enthusiastic supporters.

Click here to watch the video.

Sincerely,

Terry McAuliffe
Chairman, Hillary Clinton for President

FactCheck.org: Obama Misleading About Oil Company Support

2008-04-05T10:57:00.000-04:00

In a new ad, Obama says, "I don’t take money from oil companies."

Technically, that's true, since a law that has been on the books for more than a century prohibits corporations from giving money directly to any federal candidate. But that doesn’t distinguish Obama from his rivals in the race.

We find the statement misleading:

Obama has accepted more than $213,000 from individuals who work for companies in the oil and gas industry and their spouses.
Two of Obama's bundlers are top executives at oil companies and are listed on his Web site as raising between $50,000 and $100,000 for the presidential hopeful.

FactCheck.org: Clinton has the Edge

2008-04-05T10:56:00.002-04:00

A misleading e-mail has been making the rounds, alleging that Clinton has fewer legislative accomplishments than Obama, and that they are less substantive. We've had questions about it from a number of readers, and blogs have jumped into the fray. So what's the real story on the Senate careers of the Democratic presidential candidates?

We find that the e-mail is false in almost every particular:

It sets up a face-off between apples and, well, broccoli, comparing only the Clinton-sponsored bills that became law with all bills sponsored or cosponsored by Obama, whether they were signed into law or not.
It includes legislation Obama sponsored in the Illinois state Senate, a very different legislative body.
It tells us that Obama has sponsored more legislation than Clinton, when in fact he has sponsored less.
It implies that Obama has passed more bills into law than Clinton, when the opposite is true.

Contrary to the e-mail's assertions, Clinton's and Obama's contributions are not qualitatively different, and quantitatively, Clinton has the edge.

SUPPORT NOTHING BUT NETS!

2008-04-05T10:56:00.001-04:00

We’ve got another way for you to get in the game and help prevent malaria! All you have to do to help save a life is play Deliver the Net, a cool new game created by the UN Foundation.

The challenge: race the sun and hand out as many insecticide-treated bed nets as you can to African families. The more nets you deliver before the mosquitoes come out the more lives you save. Once you’re done playing the game, sign up, confirm your email, and a life-saving bed net will be sent on your behalf!

It’s never been easier to send a net and save a life!

Check out the game and challenge your friends to beat your net score up until April 25, World Malaria Day. Play this game and everybody wins.

Ready, set, game!

The Nothing But Nets Team
http://www.NothingButNets.net/

Donate | Tell-a-Friend | Unsubscribe

2008-04-05T10:54:00.002-04:00

It is a bedrock American principle: we are all equal in the voting booth. No matter where you were born or how much money you were born into, no matter the color of your skin or where you worship, your vote deserves to count.

But millions of people in Florida and Michigan who went to the polls aren't being heard. The delegates they elected won't be seated at the Democratic National Convention in Denver this August -- and that's just not fair to those voters.

The people of Michigan and Florida must have a voice in selecting our nominee for president. I have repeatedly called for seating their delegates.

Click here to join me in showing our support for seating Florida and Michigan delegates at the convention.

This is such an important principle, and I appreciate you standing up with me.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-04-05T10:54:00.001-04:00

We need yard signs to show our campaign's strength.

We need vans to get Pennsylvania voters to the polls on April 22.

We need ads on the air and online to compete against the Obama campaign.

And starting today, you can decide just how your contributions will help us win Pennsylvania.

MyPA, our new online effort dedicated to winning the Pennsylvania primary on April 22, allows you to designate exactly where you want your money to go.

This campaign is your campaign. Every single day I think about how much I owe to your generosity and hard work. I wouldn't be where I am now without your support. So, I want to make sure you have a say in how your money is spent. We face an opponent who is outspending us by as much as 4 to 1 -- I need your help now.

Click here to visit MyPA, make a contribution, and tell us where to put your dollars in our campaign to win Pennsylvania!

I need your help to win in Pennsylvania and the races beyond. Your commitment and your investment are absolutely critical. I cannot win without your help.

I hope you'll show your support now and tell us exactly where you want your money spent in our Pennsylvania campaign.

I appreciate all your input, all your support, and all the hard work you do.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-03-30T11:33:00.001-04:00

The excitement continues to build and the stakes are high as we look ahead to the next state races beginning with Pennsylvania. With your help we will win Pennsylvania.

How will we do that?

* First, we're making sure that as many voters as possible see Hillary. We know that when Hillary makes contact with voters most of our work is done. People connect to Hillary and connect to her vision of America's future. Hillary gets an incredible response as she travels across our country. Just take a look at this recent video of Hillary and Pennsylvania Congressman John Murtha on the trail.

* Second, we're on the air already with ads that really speak to the people of Pennsylvania. We are fighting back against Obama's $3 million ad blitz. Click here to take a look at our first ad, "Level."

* Third, we are fighting for every delegate because we believe that every delegate is worth fighting for. And we are working to ensure that voters in Florida and Michigan have their voices heard at the convention.

* And we are integrating our incredible volunteer corps into our multifaceted ground operation in Pennsylvania and all the states. We have an energized volunteer crew on the ground now across the country knocking on doors, making calls, distributing literature, holding "Hillary" signs high, and doing just about any and everything they can think of to get the word out about Hillary.

I am grateful for your unwavering support of Hillary's candidacy and your commitment to creating the kind of country we want for ourselves and our children.

Thank you so much for everything you are doing.

Sincerely,

Maggie Williams
Campaign Manager
Hillary Clinton for President

2008-03-30T11:32:00.000-04:00

Have you noticed the pattern?

Every time our campaign demonstrates its strength and resilience, people start to suggest we should end our pursuit of the Democratic nomination.

Those anxious to force us to the sidelines aren't doing it because they think we're going to lose the upcoming primaries. The fact is, they're reading the same polls we are, and they know we are in a position to win.

In three days, we're facing a critical March filing deadline -- another chance to show the strength of our campaign. Let's take these three days to make something absolutely clear: we aren't going to simply step aside. You and I are going to keep fighting for what we believe in, and together, we're going to win.

Your contribution of $100 came just as we needed it; thank you. Can you help us show our strength today with a contribution of $150?

Contribute today to help us raise $3 million by the March filing deadline at midnight Monday.

Every time we are challenged to prove the strength and durability of our appeal to voters, we meet our goals. We did it in New Hampshire, we did it on February 5, and we did it again this month in Texas and Ohio.

With the March filing deadline, we have the chance to show our strength again. This is a crucial test as we approach the next big primary in Pennsylvania and the contests that follow.

Millions of voters are still waiting to have their say. Let's make sure they have a chance to be heard.

Contribute today to help us raise $3 million by the March filing deadline at midnight Monday.

At times like this, with everything on the line, it means so much to me to know that I can rely on you to meet the challenges we face head-on.

Thank you for everything,

Hillary
Hillary Rodham Clinton

Contribute

2008-03-27T06:38:00.001-04:00

When I heard that Elton John was throwing a concert in New York for my mom's campaign, I knew it was going to be a night I didn't want to miss.

Want to join me there?

My mom's campaign is bringing two supporters and their guests to New York on April 9 for both Elton John's one-night-only concert and the party after the concert. It's going to be a great night and a great time.

It's such an important time to support my mom's campaign. There are big contests coming up, starting with Pennsylvania, and I know she can win with your support. She's working so hard out on the campaign trail, and I know that your support makes a real difference to her and this campaign.

Enter now and you might join me, my mom, and Elton John for his one-night-only concert in New York on April 9. Make a contribution today.

I talk to a lot of people who are excited to see my mom win and be the president we all need -- and who are working hard to help make that happen. It means so much to me to know that there are so many people like you who believe in my mom and are working to help her win. I know that she'll be such a great president and she will win, but not without all our help. And what better time to help than right now?

Please contribute today. Enter and you might be joining me, my mom, and Elton John for a concert in New York!

I'm so grateful for everything you're doing to help my mom win!

Thank you!
Chelsea

Video: Flag Officers for Hillary

2008-03-27T06:29:00.002-04:00

Hillary Clinton Responds to John McCain on Iraq

2008-03-27T06:29:00.001-04:00

“While there is much to praise in Senator McCain’s speech, he and I continue to have a fundamental disagreement on Iraq. Like President Bush, Senator McCain continues to oppose a swift and responsible withdrawal from Iraq. Like President Bush, Senator McCain discounts the warnings of our senior military leadership of the consequences of the Iraq war on the readiness of our armed forces, and on the need to focus on the forgotten front line in Afghanistan. Like President Bush, Senator McCain wants to keep us tied to another country's civil war, and said “it would be fine with me” if U.S. troops were in Iraq for 50 or even 100 years. That in a nutshell is the Bush/McCain Iraq policy.”

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=6768

2008-03-27T06:28:00.000-04:00

n the wake of today's court ruling regarding Michigan’s January 15th primary, we urge Senator Obama to join our call for a party-run primary and demonstrate his commitment to counting Michigan's votes.

Senator Clinton has consistently urged that the 600,000 votes cast by the people of Michigan be counted and if that is not possible, that a new election be held.

Michigan voters must not be disenfranchised and the Obama campaign must not continue to block Michigan’s efforts to hold a new vote. Rather it should move quickly to announce its support for a party run primary.

Michigan will be a key battleground state in November. Disenfranchising Michigan voters today will, in the heat of a general election, provide Senator McCain with a powerful argument to use against the Democratic nominee. We cannot allow this to happen.

The people of Michigan must be counted and their voices finally heard. What the people of Michigan need now is just action, not just words.

Hillary Launches her first Pennsylvania Ad

2008-03-26T08:43:00.000-04:00

Clinton Would Have Left Obama's Pastor

2008-03-26T08:42:00.000-04:00

By CHARLES BABINGTON – 9 hours ago

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Hillary Rodham Clinton said Tuesday she would have parted company with a minister who talked about America the way Barack Obama's pastor has.

Clinton's comments marked a clear shift in her handling of the Obama church controversy, which she had generally avoided until now. Some Democrats see Obama's refusal to dissociate himself from the Chicago church and its recently retired minister, Jeremiah Wright, as his stickiest campaign challenge so far.

"I think that given all we have heard and seen, he would not have been my pastor," Clinton said at a news conference after being asked if Obama should have left the church. She declined to say what Obama should have done, or whether the subject is now a legitimate topic for her appeals to Democratic superdelegates, the party leaders who will decide whether she or Obama will be the presidential nominee.

Over the years, Wright has preached fiery sermons to his predominantly black congregation in which he shouted "God damn America" for its treatment of minorities. He has said the U.S. government invented AIDS to destroy "people of color." He also suggested that U.S. policies in the Middle East and elsewhere were partly responsible for the 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

Videos of the remarks have circulated widely on the Internet and news programs.

While politically controversial, Wright is renowned for leading the church's long fight against poverty, homelessness, AIDS and racial oppression. He attended a White House prayer breakfast in September 1998 and shook hands with President Clinton. The Obama campaign has provided reporters a copy of a photo of the former president and Wright from that meeting.

In a highly publicized speech last week, Obama sharply condemned Wright's remarks and the preacher's refusal to acknowledge progress in race relations. But the Illinois senator refused to repudiate his longtime spiritual mentor, saying he could no more disown Wright than he could disown his white grandmother.

Clinton was ready for the question at her news conference, and read much of her response from notes, unlike her handling of other questions.

"We don't have a choice when it comes to our relatives," she said. "We have a choice when it comes to our pastors and the churches we attend. Everyone will have to decide these matters for themselves. They are obviously very personal matters."

If Wright were her pastor, she said, "the choice would be clear."

Emphasizing that she was saying only how she would have dealt with a minister such as Wright, Clinton added: "I don't think that's negative."

Her comments closely tracked those she made earlier in the day in an interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. She and Obama are competing for votes in Pennsylvania's April 22 primary.

Clinton indirectly compared Wright's comments to those of radio shock-jock Don Imus, who lost his job as a prominent program's host after making a racial slur about the Rutgers women's' basketball team.

Clinton noted that she condemned Imus in a speech at Rutgers.

"I said it was time for standing up for what is right, for saying enough is enough," she said of the speech. "While we of course must protect our right to freedom of expression, it should not be used as a license to demean or humiliate our fellow citizens."

Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement, "It's disappointing to see Hillary Clinton's campaign sink to this low in a transparent effort to distract attention" from her acknowledgment that she had exaggerated an account of a hostile reception in Bosnia as first lady in 1996.

Obama has "spoken out against his pastor's offensive comments and addressed the issue of race in America with a deeply personal and uncommonly honest speech," Burton said.

Campaign Update

2008-03-23T08:07:00.001-04:00

By the Numbers: For the third consecutive day, the Gallup Poll shows Hillary leading Sen. Obama (49-42). Hillary also widened her lead in Pennsylvania to 16 points (51-35).

Today in the Hoosier State: Hillary, joined by Senator Evan Bayh, hosts an economic roundtable in Terre Haute, a “Solutions for the American Economy” town hall in Anderson, and a “Solutions for America” rally in Evansville.

Recapping Yesterday: Hillary held a rally in Detroit because the voices of Michigan voters should be heard. Read more.

If You Watch One Thing Today: A new video of testimonials from the more than 30 retired Admirals and Generals who believe Hillary would be the strongest Commander-in-Chief is now available online. View Here.

Rocket Man Lends Star Power: Elton John will headline a major fundraiser for Hillary in New York on April 9th. “I’m not a politician but I believe in the work that Hillary Clinton does.” For more information, click here.

In Case You Missed It: Two new videos highlight the differing positions Sen. Obama has taken regarding the Iraq War since 2002. View here and here.

Pennyslyvania Clinton Campaign Statement on Barack Obama’s Misleading TV Ad

2008-03-23T08:06:00.000-04:00

PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Pennsylvania Clinton Campaign today released the following statement from Pennsylvania Communications Director Mark Nevins in response to Senator Barack Obama’s misleading television ad running in the state. Below is a fact sheet on the advertisement.

"It’s unfortunate that Barack Obama continues to talk about his leadership on ethics but doesn’t have much action to back it up. Senator Obama’s campaign still refuses to honor requests to disclose his tax and state records, and answer questions on inconsistencies with Tony Rezko. It’s a continuing pattern of words with no action.

"Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton has literally criss-crossed the state talking with the people of Pennsylvania about the issues that matter to them and what they're concerned about is results, not rhetoric. They're not interested in which candidate spends the most money. They want to know which candidate is best prepared to beat John McCain in November, create good, new jobs and provide everyone with healthcare. That candidate is Hillary Clinton."

MEMO: Obama Campaign: Just Words

2008-03-23T08:05:00.000-04:00

To: Interested Parties
From: The Clinton Campaign
Date: March 21, 2008
RE: Obama Campaign: Just Words

At this point, it’s no secret that the Obama campaign is in political hot water given the news stories of the last few weeks and is desperate to change the subject.

The ground is shifting away from them and their response?

First, disenfranchise voters - Prevent new votes in Florida and Michigan. Stop voting in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Oregon, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, Kentucky, South Dakota, Montana, West Virginia and Indiana.

Second, peddle photos of President Clinton shaking hands with Reverend Wright less than 48 hours after calling for a high-minded conversation on race. Well, President Clinton took tens of thousands of photos during his eight years as president. Stop the presses.

Third, accuse our campaign of having something to do with Senator Obama’s passport file being breached, a reckless charge that has zero merit.

Fourth, continue attacks on Senator Clinton’s character in an effort to implement what the Chicago Tribune called a full assault on her ethics.

Fifth, stonewall the press: no tax returns, no state records, no answers about the inconsistencies in the Rezko story.

So it’s not a pretty sight - it’s all part of a pattern of just words.

Senator Obama talks about voter participation while actively disenfranchising millions.

He calls for high minded debates while practicing lowdown politics.

He promises a different kind of campaign while attacking Hillary’s character.

He promises transparency while hiding basic info and stonewalling the press.

It’s no wonder that Americans are coming to see that for all of his lofty rhetoric, Senator Obama’s candidacy is really just words.

It’s no surprise that Americans are expressing serious doubts about his ability to answer the 3am call.

It’s no wonder that top journalists are calling the Obama campaign desperate, saying that it’s amateur hour in Chicago.

Clinton finances are better for general election

2008-03-23T08:04:00.000-04:00

By Jeff Mason

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton has more money at her disposal for a general election -- which she may or may not be able to use -- than for the current contests against rival Barack Obama, records show.

Obama, a senator from Illinois, and Clinton, a senator from New York, both had record fundraising totals in February. Obama raised some $55 million and Clinton $35 million.

Both have out-raised John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee for the November election to determine who will succeed President George W. Bush in the White House.

2008-03-21T13:25:00.001-04:00

An Open Email from Hillary Rodham Clinton

2008-03-21T13:22:00.001-04:00

As much as I enjoy talking to you by email, there are times in this campaign when I wish you and I could sit down right next to one another and just talk. This is one of those moments.

Despite the spirited efforts of our online community, we are facing a serious financial disadvantage against the Obama campaign. In February alone, they were able to spend $10 million more than we were.

If we were talking together right now, here's what I would tell you. At this critical moment, our campaign needs a public show of strength that only you can provide. What you do right now could determine the outcome of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Will you act immediately to help us close the fundraising gap by making a contribution? Your action is vital to our chances for victory.

We need a massive show of support by midnight Saturday. Contribute now to help us win in Pennsylvania and beyond.

I am seeing incredible enthusiasm for our campaign and our ideas from people across Pennsylvania. I know that on a level playing field, you and I will be successful, just as we were in Texas, Ohio, and other states big and small across the nation.

But only an immediate infusion of financial support from you and others like you can give my campaign the resources needed to turn our hard-earned political momentum into victory in Pennsylvania and beyond.

We need to raise every dollar we can by midnight Saturday. Contribute now to make a difference.

All through this remarkable experience, the success of our campaign has been as much in your hands as it is in mine. And that has never been more true than it is right now.

I'm really counting on hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Clinton gaining an edge on health care issue

2008-03-20T09:18:00.002-04:00

By Jason Szep - Analysis

BOSTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama often says his rival Hillary Clinton would force people into buying health care "whether they could afford it or not."

But pollsters and health industry experts say a steep U.S. economic slowdown or recession could help Clinton's battle with Obama for the U.S. presidential nomination by playing to one of her perceived strengths: that she would be better than Obama at controlling surging health care costs.

Health care and other economic issues gave Clinton an edge in Ohio's primary on March 4 when the New York senator, who would be America's first female president, beat a surging Obama, the Illinois senator who would the first black president, exit polls showed.

Many of the same forces are at work in the Pennsylvania contest on April 22, the biggest remaining fight in the Democratic race. Her campaign hopes to repeat her success in Ohio, in part by focusing on her $110 billion universal health care plan as the U.S. economy stumbles.

"When voters say they are worried about the economy, health care is what an awful lot of them are really worried about," said Clay Richards, an assistant director at the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute in Connecticut.

"They see Clinton as the candidate with far more experience in the field," he said.

'ALMOST PARADOXICAL'

But that experience, he noted, includes Clinton's dramatic failure in 1993 to reform U.S. health care, which many Americans felt overstepped the role of first lady.

"It's almost paradoxical that she had a plan that failed and that she is seen as more experienced and the better candidate on health care," he said.

A Quinnipiac survey of Pennsylvania released on Tuesday showed Clinton widening her lead from 6 to 12 percentage points over Obama. Democrats in the state preferred Clinton on health care by a 56 percent to 38 percent margin, it said.

"Pennsylvania has traditionally had an older female electorate which is the number one group of voters for Clinton, number one group of voters for health care, and the number one group of voters who tend to think Clinton is better on health care," said Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster not affiliated with either candidate.

But Lake and other experts question whether health care or any single issue will dramatically alter the state-by-state race for delegates to the party's nominating convention in August, where the candidate for the November election will be chosen. Obama has led in the delegate count for weeks.

"Clinton would be in a worse position were it not for the rise of economic issues like health care," said Mark Mellman, a Democratic pollster who is not affiliated with a campaign. "But I don't think issues are going to decide this race."

At campaign stops, Clinton calls universal health care a core Democratic value.

"In order to be competitive we've got to have a health care system that covers everybody, doesn't leave anybody out and which begins to lower costs for everyone," she told a rally in Pennsylvania on March 10.

SURGING COSTS

Americans who have health insurance have seen double-digit increases each year for much of the past decade. The number who go without it has reached to nearly 47 million, or about 16 percent of the population, Census Bureau figures show.

People without insurance spend roughly $125 billion on health care annually, with about a third of that amount -- $40 billion -- going unpaid, a debt largely covered by the government, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study.

Both Clinton and Obama would seek to make health insurance more affordable, and both aim for universal coverage. Both would require private insurers to offer policies to everyone regardless of medical history, and both would allow people to buy government-sponsored insurance.

But Clinton would mandate that everyone acquire health care coverage, just as all automobile drivers must carry insurance. Obama would require only children to be covered and says people will buy insurance if it becomes affordable.

"I don't think the public perceives an enormous difference between the two, though there are differences of course," said William Galston, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and a former policy adviser to ex-President Bill Clinton.

"Do I expect the Democratic nomination to turn on the issue of health care? No," Galston said.

But he expects "a resurgence in public debate once the general election is joined in earnest" because there are stark differences between the Democrats' health care plans and that of Arizona Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican candidate.

McCain's plan emphasizes containing costs rather than covering the uninsured, proposing a tax credit of $2,500 to low-income individuals and $5,000 to low-income families who obtain their own insurance.

"The cost of health care is unlikely to go away and is certain to figure prominently in the general election," Galston said.

Clinton takes lead over Obama in Gallup poll

2008-03-20T09:18:00.001-04:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has moved into a significant lead over Barack Obama for the first time in weeks in the race for the party nomination, according to a Gallup poll.

The March 14-18 national survey of 1,209 Democratic and Democratic-leaning voters gave Clinton, a New York senator, a 49 percent to 42 percent edge over Obama, an Illinois senator. The poll has an error margin of 3 percentage points.

Gallup said it was the first statistically significant lead for Clinton since a tracking poll conducted February 7-9, just after the Super Tuesday primaries. The two candidates had largely been locked in a statistical tie since then, with Obama last holding a lead over Clinton in a March 11-13 poll.

Gallup said polling data also showed presumptive Republican nominee John McCain leading Obama 47 percent to 43 percent in 4,367 registered voters' preferences for the general election. The general election survey has an error margin of 2 percentage points.

Out of Iraq Caucus Members Step Up to Defend Clinton

2008-03-19T08:53:00.000-04:00

Sixteen Democratic members of the Out of Iraq Caucus stepped up to defend Hillary Clinton’s record on the Iraq war, issuing an open letter Tuesday asserting Clinton is the ideal candidate to bring the war to a “responsible” end.

The letter came after Clinton accused Barack Obama, her Democratic presidential primary opponent, and John McCain, the presumptive GOP nominee, of pursuing flawed approaches to managing the forces in Iraq. The New York senator followed that up with a “bringing our troops home” campaign event Tuesday, where she was flanked by Bush administration critic Joseph Wilson and his wife, outed CIA agent Valerie Plame.

“We believe there is no higher priority for the next president of the United States than ending this war, and we believe there is no one better prepared and more committed to bringing this war to a responsible conclusion than Hillary Clinton,” Clinton’s congressional supporters said in the letter.

The authors — including Ohio Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, California Rep. Lynn Woolsey and California Rep. Maxine Waters — claimed Clinton offered the most comprehensive strategy for Iraq and had stiffly challenged the Pentagon to plan for troop withdrawals.

“We support Hillary Clinton because she is the candidate with the stature, strength, and experience needed to end this war as quickly and responsibly as possible,” the caucus members wrote.

Clinton on Tuesday said a well-planned troop withdrawal is the only path to a political solution in Iraq. She was preceded by endorsements from Wilson and Plame, who said that after years of “character assassination,” she learned from Clinton that their fight wasn’t about them but how to conduct the debate and find the leadership to get the U.S. out of Iraq.

In her speech Monday, Clinton claimed McCain would just prolong President Bush’s strategy for as long as “100 years.” She said Obama only followed through on his 2002 speech opposing the war in Iraq when he started to run for president, and that his commitment to swiftly bringing the troops home is uncertain.

In response, Obama said Monday that it’s “not enough to stand up and say you’re ready on day one, you need to be right on day one.” He said Clinton voted to authorize war and so has lost the authority to complain about its execution.

Hillary Stirs Pennsylvania Crowd into a Frenzy

2008-03-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

Hillary Clinton stirred a crowd at Millersville University into a near-frenzy Tuesday night when she promised to scrap the federal No Child Left Behind Act if she's elected president this November.

"I know we can do better than that," she said. "I know we can have a better partnership between our president and our teachers and our families and our communities. I do not think we get the best educational outcomes by turning our children into little test-takers."

Clinton, the junior senator from New York and former first lady, swung through Lancaster County on Tuesday, holding a sometimes raucous rally in MU's packed Pucillo Gymnasium, which can hold about 3,500 people.

While at Millersville, a noted teachers' college, she pushed for investing money in pre-kindergarten programs and measures to ease the burden of student loans for college students.

No Child Left Behind is an initiative of President Bush's that requires schools to meet standards measured by a series of student tests.

Clinton is locked in a tight race for the Democratic presidential nomination with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. Pennsylvania is the next major primary, with voters casting ballots April 22.

During a one-on-one interview with the Intelligencer Journal after her 40-minute speech, Clinton talked about Iraq, Democratic superdelegates and other ongoing campaign issues.

Concerning Iraq, Clinton has said she will withdraw U.S. troops within 60 days of taking office if she is elected president. She said, however, that pulling out troops may not stabilize that country.

Clinton camp: Obama 'foot-dragging' in Mich., Fla.

2008-03-19T08:50:00.000-04:00

The Clinton campaign is calling on the Obama campaign to endorse “do-over’’ primary elections in Michigan and Florida, whose Democratic parties have been stripped of their delegates to the summer convention for holding rule-busting January primaries.

Florida has given up on the idea of a do-over, with little enthusiasm for the mail-in primary on June 3 that state party leaders approved and no money from the state to call another full-scale primary election. IAnd the re-do appears doomed in Michigan, where legislative leaders say they cannot act on authorization for a new, June 3 primary unless the Obama campaign supports it.

The Obama campaign has insisted that he played by the rules in bypassing campaigning in Michigan and Florida when the DNC acted to punish them for early votes. The Clinton campaign insists it is game for do-overs.

"Hillary Clinton wants a primary. She has been on record for weeks,'' said Harold Ickes, senior adviser to the Clinton campaign. "So why is there a holdup?... Sen. Obama... End of story.''

Obama's lead over Clinton narrows: Reuters poll

2008-03-19T08:49:00.000-04:00

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama's big national lead over Hillary Clinton has all but evaporated in the U.S. presidential race, and both Democrats trail Republican John McCain, according a Reuters/Zogby poll released on Wednesday.

Bill Clinton: Hillary is trusting us to do our part!

2008-03-18T13:04:00.001-04:00

The Obama campaign is already on the air with their first ad in Pennsylvania, putting their fundraising advantage to work. They're going to spend every dollar they've got to end this race in Pennsylvania, and we can't let that happen.

In Texas and Ohio, your incredible support kept us competitive, and today this race is close thanks to what you did for Hillary.

Now the Obama campaign is going to do everything they can to try to beat Hillary in Pennsylvania. They're going to try to outspend us 3-1 on the air -- and their first ads are already up and running.

We cannot let them have that advantage. Hillary needs your help now to level the playing field in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Contribute now to help Hillary win.

You and I trust Hillary to lead America in a bold new direction -- to fix the problems George Bush leaves behind and to accomplish goals we once thought were out of reach.

Hillary is trusting us to make sure she has the resources she needs to win. We need to get up on the air in Pennsylvania to match Obama's spending, and Hillary is depending on you to help.

We can't let this race be decided by a fundraising advantage.

Contribute now to level the playing field in Pennsylvania and beyond.

With your help, Hillary can win in Pennsylvania on April 22 and go all the way to the White House. It all depends on what you do today, so please act now to help Hillary win.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

Hillary: Ready to End the War in Iraq

2008-03-18T11:58:00.001-04:00

Today at the George Washington University, in a major speech ahead of the five year anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, Hillary Clinton outlined new proposals that build on her three-part plan to end the war responsibly. Five years after the start of the war, we have come to a crossroads. The war has sapped our military and economic strength, damaged U.S. national security, taken the lives of almost 4,000 brave young men and women in uniform, and placed a lasting toll on the tens of thousands of wounded, many with invisible injuries like Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The George W. Bush-John McCain strategy is to continue this failed policy. We need to end this war and bring our troops home. We need to press the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own country. We need to rebuild our alliances and enlist the international community in securing stability in Iraq and the region.

To read the full transcript of Hillary's speech at The George Washington University, click here.

To learn more about Hillary Clinton’s record on ending the war in Iraq, click here.

We need a Commander-in-Chief who is both committed to ending this war and who has the strength, experience, and leadership to do it the right way. Hillary Clinton is that candidate. As President, she will:

I. Start Bringing Our Troops Home

Bring Our Troops Home. As President, one of Hillary's first official actions will be to convene the Joint Chiefs of Staff, her Secretary of Defense, and her National Security Council. She will direct them to draw up a clear, comprehensive plan for withdrawal that starts removing our troops within 60 days. The plan for withdrawal will incorporate the most effective on-the-ground strategies and tactics to move personnel and equipment efficiently out of combat zones and then out of the country, and will focus on protecting our troops and reducing the risk of attacks as they come home

Hillary knows that as we bring our troops and contractors home, we cannot lose sight of our very real strategic interests in this region. Al Qaeda terrorist cells continue to operate in Iraq, cells that did not exist before President Bush’s failed policy. Under Hillary’s plan the United States will retain counterterrorism forces in Iraq and the region to fight al Qaeda and will not permit terrorists to have a safe haven in Iraq from which to attack the United States or its allies.

Protecting Those Who Protect Us. As President, Hillary will ensure that our troops receive sufficient time at home between deployments to rest, reconnect with their families, and receive appropriate training for their next mission.

Reduce Strains on Our Troops. The war is placing tremendous strain on our armed forces, courting strategic risks posed by a force that is stretched to the breaking point. As President, Hillary will adopt the recommendations of Rep. John Murtha to ensure that our Army troops have as much time at home as they have spent deployed. So for every month they spend in the field, they will be guaranteed one month here at home. Our Marines will have a similar standard appropriate for their service in the Corps. As President, Hillary will also require that the Secretary of Defense certify to the Congress full combat-brigade readiness before they are deployed.

Assess Impact of Iraq Deployments on Readiness. In the Senate, Hillary won approval of measures to provide greater transparency about the strains on our armed forces, particularly in light of deployments in Iraq. Her amendment to the 2008 Defense Authorization Act requires the Government Accountability Office to assess the ability of ground forces to meet the requirements of increased force levels in Iraq and Afghanistan and to identify and evaluate strategic and operational risks. As President, she will direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a readiness strategy that responds to the findings of these assessments.

Remove Armed Private Military Contractors in Iraq. As U.S. troops begin to withdraw, we should not be leaving unaccountable, often irresponsible private military contractors to carry arms and engage in combat-oriented missions and security functions. Hillary has co-sponsored the Stop Security Outsourcing Act, which seeks to end this practice. As President, Hillary will work toward a ban on armed private military contractors providing security for diplomatic personnel and performing mission-critical functions.

Stop Wasting Money on No-Bid Contracts. Spending on federal contracts has been the fasting-growing part of the discretionary budget over the past six years, yet has received little attention. Under this Administration, the number of no-bid contracts has more than doubled, and between 2000 and 2006, spending on these contracts has increased 121 percent to $103 billion, representing more than half of federal procurement spending. During this time, companies like Halliburton have enjoyed record profits, thanks to a 700 percent increase in taxpayer funds awarded to them. A recent Congressional report identified a wide range of contracts, running into the hundreds of billions of dollars, where federal auditors found massive overcharges, wasteful spending, and poor oversight. Hillary has proposed a measure that would create a new “point of order” against any spending bill in Fiscal 2009 that does not explicitly require a federal agency’s compliance with competitive contracting rules. As President, Hillary will work to ensure that this becomes law and that we stop wasting money on no-bid contracts.

II. Secure stability in Iraq as we Bring our Troops Home.

Greater political and economic stability means safer conditions for our departing troops and a smoother disengagement from our military’s missions across Iraq. In order to foster stability as U.S. troops begin to redeploy, Hillary will focus on political reconciliation inside Iraq and holding the Iraqi government accountable for political and economic progress. She will:

Call Upon the United Nations to Play a Greater Role in Addressing Domestic Strife in Iraq. As President, Hillary will press the United Nations to play a central role in bringing about national accommodation in Iraq, as it did with positive results in Bosnia, East Timor, and elsewhere. Not having been a party to the mistakes of the past five years, the UN, which has already provided valuable technical assistance to Iraq, is far more likely to be viewed as a neutral, honest broker than the United States – especially when it acts on behalf of a broad coalition of concerned states and the international community. The new UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, has indicated he is willing to play a key role in assisting the Iraqis, and Hillary will ensure that the UN envoy in Iraq has the necessary authority by obtaining the Security Council’s explicit endorsement of a strengthened UN mandate to promote reconciliation.

Pursue an Integrated Strategy to Bring Stability to Iraq. The surge has emphasized a bottom-up strategy that has reduced violence in the short term but, in the absence of an effective national strategy, risks deepening sectarian divisions within Iraq in the long run. For example, the United States has established and armed local security elements – the Awakening in Anbar, for example, and other “Concerned Local Citizens” elsewhere – without getting the Iraqi government to live up to its agreement to integrate significant numbers of these local militias and “volunteers” into provincial police forces or the national Army. As President, Hillary will pursue a strategy that seeks to empower local leaders, but she will prioritize national accommodation, which is essential to stability. She will do this by using U.S. and international influence and assistance as leverage to press the Iraqis to reach agreement on key issues, including provincial elections, the hydrocarbon law, and on the overall nature of federalism. Hillary will press the United Nations into a central role in this effort.

Appoint a Special Counsel to Make Reconstruction Funds Accountable. As Iraq’s oil production increases, the potential revenue accumulated from oil production should increasingly fund Iraq’s reconstruction, instead of U.S. taxpayer money. Since 2006, Iraq has earned more than $80 billion from oil, and that figure is growing rapidly. Nevertheless, since the beginning of the war, the U.S. has provided roughly the same amount of money as the Iraqi government to rebuild the country (the United States has appropriated roughly $47 billion; the government of Iraq $50 billion). Even as we send billions to Iraq while they earn billions in oil revenues, there are increasing reports that the Iraqi government is not spending its budget allocated for reconstruction. The Comptroller General of the U.S. testified that the capital expenditure rate for the central ministries in Iraq was only 7% as of November 2007. Hillary is committed to ensuring that Iraqi oil revenue is dedicated to reconstruction funding – and that the money is actually spent, so that Iraqi citizens receive basic services, such as electricity and clean drinking water, which are currently lacking for so many. As President, Hillary will appoint a special counsel to investigate where Iraq’s oil profits are going and how reconstruction funds are being spent – or not spent. She will ensure that reconstruction funds are spent wisely before providing the Iraqi government with more.

Combat the Black Market in Oil to Dry Up Funds for the Insurgency. Corruption and stolen oil sold on the black market constitute a critical funding source for the insurgency. As President, Hillary will boost joint U.S.-Iraqi efforts to combat corruption and protect the oil supply. She will direct her Secretary of Defense to plan a nationwide U.S.-Iraqi crackdown on oil black marketers, ensuring that U.S. and Iraqi personnel have the resources and manpower necessary. This effort will be designed to disrupt lines of funding for the insurgency, to increase stability, and to reduce attacks on our troops during the withdrawal. Hillary will direct the U.S. Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction to conduct regular reports on corruption in the oil industry. She will be prepared to withhold portions of aid if the Iraqi government does not show meaningful results in its anti-corruption efforts. Finally, Hillary will double the funding for oil pipeline exclusion zones, which prevent illegal tapping and attacks on pipelines; and she will also provide resources to stop cross-border smuggling of black market oil.

III. A New Regional Diplomatic Initiative

Enlist the International Community to Stabilize the Region. Our allies and friends in the region all have a stake in a stable Iraq. Until now, in part because of the way the Bush Administration has behaved, they have gotten a free pass. No longer. As President, Hillary will have a unique opportunity to reach out to our allies and partners in the region and press them to take greater responsibility for what happens in Iraq. She will hold a major regional stabilization meeting early on in her Presidency. This group will be composed of key allies, other global powers, and all of the states bordering Iraq. The mission of this group will be to develop and implement a strategy to create a stable Iraq. In advance of that meeting, Hillary will confer with our treaty allies as well as our friends in the region to coordinate policy before gathering with the larger group of nations. One of her first international meetings as President will be with these leaders, including Saudi Arabia, the Gulf States, Jordan, and Egypt, as well as our European allies in order to push for greater responsible action towards Iraq, including more assistance. This will send a strong signal of our country’s determination – as we draw down our forces – to ensure that the rest of the world plays its part in stabilizing Iraq. Hillary will then convene a regional stabilization group composed of key allies, other global powers, and all of the states bordering Iraq. The mission of this group will be to develop and implement a strategy to create a stable Iraq.

Provide for Refugees. As our forces redeploy out of Iraq, Hillary will also organize a multi-billion dollar international effort under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to address the needs of Iraqi refugees. The UN will also play a role, helping to deal with the resettlement of refugees and others displaced from their homes, a number which now exceeds four million. With the price of oil at record levels, the government of Iraq now has considerable financial resources available. As President, Hillary will also press the UN to establish a mechanism by which some of those Iraqi funds could be used to feed, clothe, shelter, and otherwise provide for these millions of refugees. Addressing the upheaval caused by this displacement will facilitate a smoother exit and a less risky end to the war.

2008-03-18T11:54:00.003-04:00

Congressman Wexler Awarded Backbone Award

Florida Congressman Honored for Standing Up for the Constitution

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MONDAY, March 18, 9 PM
For more information contact Bill Moyer (206) 356-9980 or Luis Cuevas

On Monday at the Deerfield Democratic Club in Broward County Florida Congressman Robert Wexler, who represents the 19th Congressional District of Florida, was honored with the prestigious Backbone Award. Sheldon Packer and Luis Cuevas of Progressive Democrats of America collaborated with the Backbone Campaign to organize the presentation. Rep. Wexler was very pleased to accept the Award. The large and pleasantly surprised crowd of over 100 persons responded with a standing ovation.

The Award was presented after Wexler's speech to the group. "He was both eloquent and passionate," said Luis Cuevas of Progressive Democrats of America. "He promised to help enact a universal healthcare bill on the first day of the 2009 Congressional session and vowed to continue to push for impeachment hearings and to bring Dick Cheney to justice," said Cuevas. Wexler was nominated for and awarded the Backbone Award for his leadership in the House Judiciary Committee. The award inscription reads:

Backbone Award
Honorable Congressman
Robert Wexler
In Gratitude for Your Leadership in
Defense of the Separation of Powers &
The Supremacy of the Constitution of the United States.

From The Backbone Campaign &
Progressive Democrats of America<br>

Over the past months Representative Wexler has led the charge within Congress and specifically within the House Judiciary Committee to insist that impeachment be put back "on the table" in defense of the Constitution and for the Separation of Powers outlined within it to be re-established.

During a recent hearing with Attorney General Mukasey Rep. Wexler pressed the A.G. asking whether he would enforce a contempt citation against the administration for ignoring Congressional subpoenas. When Mukasey said that he would not, Rep. Wexler challenged him on whether he was the People's lawyer or the President's lawyer. Mukasey avoided the question. Watch the exchange here.

The CSPAN clip linked to the image on the left again demonstrates the kind of bold stands Wexler is taking on the floor of the Congress. "This is the kind of leadership that the Backbone Campaign expects from our Representatives," says Bill Moyer, Executive Director and co-founder of the Backbone Campaign. "We the People have been ahead of congress too many times in the past eight years. Whether is was the Gonzales confirmation, Judge appointments, illegal un-provoked invasions and occupations, domestic spying or any number of issues. It's time Congress catch up. Americans must reestablish the bed-rock of our democracy, the rule of law and the limitations on Executive Power as outlined in the Constitution. Setting a precedent of accountability NOT impunity is the way to do that," concluded Moyer.

About the Backbone Award: The Backbone Campaign provides creative tools to the progressive movement to spark the strategic political engagement of progressives through a media-savvy, culturally rich, and inclusive activist art project. A key part of this project is to honor courageous, progressive elected officials and citizen activists by presenting them with Backbone Awards and Spine Awards. In so doing, we affirm the relationship between representatives and constituents, and the importance of courageous, principled actions taken at politically lonely moments. Our intention is to reward those who rise to the challenge at this crucial historical moment, in support of a broad movement aligned with the principles and positions articulated in our Progressive Platform. View Award Criteria and past recipients here.

2008-03-18T11:51:00.001-04:00

Click here for more information

Read how Ted Kennedy Flip-flopped on Hillary's Work on SCHIP

2008-03-17T07:17:00.000-04:00

Individuals who oppose Hillary Clinton's candidacy for president but previously lauded her role in helping create SCHIP, are now belittling her involvement.

Earlier, her role was very clear. From an October 6, 2007 Associated Press article:

The effort was revived, with Kennedy, Hatch and a coalition of advocacy groups ranging from the Children's Defense Fund to the Girl Scouts lobbying hard. Kennedy made a special appeal to the first lady, who added her pressure anew.

"The children's health program wouldn't be in existence today if we didn't have Hillary pushing for it from the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue," Kennedy told The Associated Press.

President Clinton signed the bill in August 1997.

While Kennedy is widely viewed as the driving force behind the program, by all accounts the former first lady's pressure was crucial.

"She wasn't a legislator, she didn't write the law, and she wasn't the president, so she didn't make the decisions," says Nick Littlefield, then a senior health adviser to Kennedy. "But we relied on her, worked with her and she was pivotal in encouraging the White House to do it."

From an August 11, 2000, New York Times article:

Among her other accomplishments, Mrs. Clinton said she helped to initiate and promote the Children's Health Insurance Program, created by Congress in 1997 to provide $24 billion over five years to states to insure children.

"She was a one-woman army inside the White House to get this done," Mr. Littlefield of the Health, Education and Labor Committee said. He said that he and Senator Kennedy, the Massachusetts Democrat who was the major force behind the bill, enlisted Mrs. Clinton's help in the spring of 1997 when the president became "skittish" about the program. Mr. Littlefield said the Senate majority leader, Trent Lott, was threatening that it was a "deal buster" on the balanced budget agreement that he and Mr. Clinton had reached.

"At that point we went to Mrs. Clinton and said, 'You've got to get the president to come around on this thing,' " Mr. Littlefield said. "And she said, 'Absolutely.' And we very quickly noticed a change. The president was very much on board."

Obama's Changing Story on His Relationship With Rezko

2008-03-17T07:16:00.001-04:00

“Sen. Obama’s campaign is based on words and he is asking the public to base their votes for him on those words. But what we’ve been seeing over the last few weeks, as the media starts looking at Senator Obama’s record more closely, is that those words often seem to change. The latest example of this trend involves Tony Rezko. Throughout this campaign, we’ve heard Senator Obama routinely downplay his relationship with Mr. Rezko even though news accounts make it clear that Senator Obama hasn’t been straightforward when it comes to their relationship.” - Campaign Spokesperson Phil Singer

1.) Senator Obama’s insistence that Mr. Rezko was simply one of "thousands of donors" turned into an admission that this indicted political fixer was someone Senator Obama spoke to on the phone everyday:

April - Obama insists that Rezko is just one of ‘thousands of donors” Moderator: You've promised in your campaign a new kind of politics, but just this week the Chicago Sun-Times reported on questionable ties you have with a donor who was charged last year for demanding kickbacks on Illinois business deals. Aren't you practicing the very same kind of politics that many of the others on this stage have engaged in?
Obama: Well, not all, we have thousands of donors. This donor engaged in some ethical (sic) behavior and I have denounced it. [SC Democratic Debate, 4/26/07]

11 months later, Obama admits he talked daily with Rezko when helping to raise money for Obama’s Campaigns. “Obama said he and Rezko used to meet for breakfast or lunch a few times each year, but they might talk daily when Rezko was helping raise money for Obama's campaigns.” [Chicago Sun Times, 3/15/08]

2.) Senator Obama’s claim that his real estate transaction was unrelated to that of Mr. Rezko turned into an admission that Senator Obama and Tony Rezko did in fact jointly tour both properties together:

November 2006 - Obama vaguely describes Rezko’s purchase of adjacent lot as a coincidence. ‘I don't recall exactly what our conversations were or where I first learned, and I am not clear what the circumstances were where he made a decision that he was interested in the property I may have mentioned to him the name of [a developer and] he may at that point have contacted that person. I'm not clear about that.’ [Chicago Tribune, 11/1/06]

Over a year later, Obama campaign admits that Obama and Rezko toured the property together. Before he bought his South Side mansion in 2005, Sen. Barack Obama took his friend and fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko on a tour of the premises to make sure it was a good deal, Obama's campaign revealed Monday [Chicago Tribune, 2/19/08]

3.) Senator Obama’s claim that "no one had an inkling" about Mr. Rezko’s legal problems at the time they purchased that land turned into an admission that he had in fact known about Mr. Rezko had legal problems at the time of the transactions:

January - Sen. Obama said 'no one had an inkling he was involved in any problems' at the time of his relationship with Rezko. Obama on Rezko: He was somebody who I knew and had been a supporter for many years. He was somebody who had supported a wide range of candidates all throughout Illinois. Nobody had an inkling that he was involved in any problems. [CBS, Chicago Sun-Times, 1/23/08]

Two months later, Obama admits he was aware of Rezko’s legal problems in 2005. After news reports of Rezko's questionable political dealings first emerged in 2005, Obama said he asked his friend about them. Rezko assured him there was nothing wrong. "My instinct was to believe him," he said. [Chicago Sun-Times, 3/15/08]

4.) The Obama campaign’s regular claims that Mr. Rezko only raised $150,000 turned into an admission reported that he in fact had raised at least $100,000 more than had previously been disclosed:

January - Obama campaign says donation of $149,985 to charity encompasses ‘any and all funds that could be reasonably credited to Mr. Rezko.’ Campaign Spokesperson Bill Burton said, “By refunding these donations, the campaign has returned any and all funds that could be reasonably credited to Mr. Rezko's political support." With the latest donations, Obama has returned a total of $149,985 in contributions from Rezko and his associates since Rezko was indicted on federal fraud charges in the fall of 2006. [ABC, 1/30/08]

Two months later, Obama admits that Rezko raised $250,000. In a 90-minute interview with Tribune reporters and editors, Obama disclosed that Rezko had raised more for Obama's earlier political campaigns than previously known, gathering as much as $250,000 for the first three offices he sought. [Chicago Tribune, 3/15/08]

Sen. Bradley Falsely Claims That Sen. Obama Has Revealed 8 Years Of Income Tax Returns, All Earmarks

2008-03-17T07:14:00.000-04:00

Today, Sen. Bill Bradley falsely claimed that "Barack Obama has revealed his income tax returns for the last eight years." In fact, Sen. Obama has released one year. ABC News reports:

But it's not as though all Obama's returns from his entire time as a US Senator are available. Will Obama release all of those returns or, next month, his 2007 tax returns?

That's unclear.

So when the Obama campaign says Clinton should release her returns, it just means for 2006?

Apparently so.

"We've said she should release her tax returns from last year, like we have done," says Obama spox Bill Burton...
As for any pre-2006 or 2007 returns, Burton says he "will keep you posted."

Sen. Bradley also claimed that Sen. Obama has "revealed all of his earmarks - all the earmarks that he sponsored." That's also false. Sen. Obama refuses to release the vast majority of earmarks he requested as a state senator. AP reports:

Sen. Barack Obama is open about the pet projects he's tucked into federal legislation, but it's a different story when it comes to the extra spending he added to state budgets while serving in the Illinois Legislature.

Public records reveal some of the projects he sponsored as a state senator, from literacy programs and park improvements to drill team uniforms and jazz-appreciation events. They add up to more than $6 million.

But that covers just two of Obama's nearly eight years in the Illinois Senate.

While silent about Obama's spending in Illinois, his campaign has criticized Democratic presidential rival Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for withholding similar information about her years in the U.S. Senate.

The list of U.S. Senate earmarks requests Sen. Obama recently released also does not appear to include a number of requests he made jointly with Sen. Durbin.

Hillary and Ireland

2008-03-17T07:12:00.000-04:00

oday, Hillary Clinton joined with Irish-Americans at Saint Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations in Scranton and Pittsburgh. Her visit came on the heels of a meeting with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Shaun Woodward, where she discussed the status of the peace process, the work of the new devolved government, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Northern Ireland.

As President, Hillary is committed to achieving lasting peace and reconciliation and to supporting the Northern Ireland government, building on her 13 years of working for peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland.

“As the 10-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement approaches, I salute the brave and tireless efforts of the parties to the pact, and the contributions of so many citizens to the resolution of the conflict and the achievement of peace,” said Clinton. “As President, my administration will deepen and strengthen ties between the United States and Northern Ireland, and between the people of the United States and those who live on the island of Ireland.”

Hillary’s presidential agenda builds on her long record. She traveled to Northern Ireland seven times between 1995 and 2004, and gave what Northern Irish leader and Nobel Laureate John Hume recently described as “decisive support” to the peace process in Northern Ireland. Her work at the grassroots and behind-the-scenes helped cultivate the conditions necessary for the peace to take hold and last.

In fact, in recent days several people deeply involved in the peace process noted Hillary Clinton’s contributions. For example, in a recent interview in the Irish Times, Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Fein, said, “Senator Clinton played an important role in the peace process…I met the senator on many occasions when she was First Lady, and subsequently when she became a senator for New York State. I always found her to be extremely well informed on the issues.”

In an article published this week in the Irish-American paper, Irish Voice, Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland said, “She made a huge contribution towards lifting the esteem of women in our society by the fact of seeing someone of such high office taking an interest and concern in them. I think the events in Ireland at that time were incredible and remarkable and she certainly played an important part.”

Two More Top Pennsylvania Leaders Endorse Hillary Clinton For President

2008-03-16T09:27:00.003-04:00

Pittsburgh Mayor; Allegheny County Chief Executive Join Clinton Today to Announce Support

PITTSBURGH, PA - Today, Hillary Clinton received the endorsements of two more prominent Pennsylvania leaders, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

"I am honored to have these two incredible Pennsylvania leaders in my corner," said Senator Clinton. "Their leadership and efforts to revitalize Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are commendable. The people of this state need a plan they can count on, results that can rely on, and a champion they can depend on. I will be that President for them."

Dan Onorato grew up on Pittsburgh's North Side, was elected to Pittsburgh City Council in 1991, and re-elected in 1995. In 1999, he successfully ran for Allegheny County Controller and spent four years being a watchdog against wasteful spending and fraud.

"For too long this country has been adrift without the leadership or the vision we need to put us back on track," observed Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. "Hillary Clinton has the experience and the determination to clean up the mess in Washington and deliver results. For Allegheny County and for Pennsylvania, we need her in the White House. I am proud to support her and I'll do whatever it takes to make Hillary Clinton the next President."

Luke Ravenstahl, 28, was elected Mayor of Pittsburgh in November 2007, during a special election held to determine who would serve out the remaining two-year term of the late Mayor Bob O'Connor. The Pittsburgh native, who had served on City Council since 2003, holds the distinction of being the youngest mayor of any major U.S. city.

"As President, Hillary Clinton will be the steward our economy desperately needs and the Commander in Chief we know we can trust," said Mayor Ravenstahl. "I am looking forward to partnering with Hillary when she is president to grow the Pittsburgh economy and create new, good jobs for our residents. I know the she understands the needs of people like us and I know she'll fight for us in Washington."

Hillary in Pennsylvania

2008-03-16T09:27:00.001-04:00

Clinton Offers Relief for Record Gas Prices

2008-03-16T09:25:00.002-04:00

Hillary Clinton will visit a gas station in Pittsburgh to discuss her plan to offer relief from skyrocketing gas prices that are hurting the pocketbooks of families in Pennsylvania and across the country. At the Curran Gulf Gas Station, Hillary will be joined by the owner, Jay Curran, gas station employees, and Janice Hodge, a local resident who has been forced to cut back on other household expenses due to the high cost of gas.

"I think it's time we kicked the oil men out of the White House. Unfortunately, despite a lot of talk about clean energy, Senator Obama voted for Dick Cheney's budget-busting tax breaks for big oil. And Senator McCain opposes eliminating them," said Clinton. "I will provide solutions to offer relief from record gas prices, end our addiction to foreign oil, protect the planet, and create millions of new jobs."

Pennsylvania's average gas price reached an all-time record high of $3.23 this week, and diesel fuel is over $4.00 per gallon in many places - even higher than the records set in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. In Pittsburgh, the price of a gallon of regular gas has been steadily climbing. Today it is $3.27. A month ago, it was $3.03. A year ago, it was $2.58. The typical Pennsylvania driver is paying nearly $1,100 more per year for gas than they did when President Bush took office. Pennsylvania gas prices are $1.81 higher than they were in January of 2001, so the average driver using 600 gallons of gasoline per year is paying $1,086 more on gasoline now than in 2001.

With gas prices setting new records almost every day, Hillary Clinton is committed to making the investments in alternative energy that will end our dependence on foreign oil and lower the cost of energy for Pennsylvania's families. Hillary's plan is below:

Hillary Clinton's Plan to Address the Skyrocketing Costs of Oil by Moving Towards Energy Independence

As President Hillary would lead us on a path, towards clean, renewable energy investments to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by:

Investing $150 Billion in Clean Energy, Including Establishing a $50 Billion Strategic Energy Fund to Demand that Oil Companies Invest in Clean Energy - Last year, Exxon reported the highest profits in the history of the world - $40.6 billion - and the five largest oil companies have pulled in more than $500 billion in profit during the Bush Administration. Yet in 2005, Exxon Mobil's CEO told Congress that his company's investment in alternative energy technologies over the prior decade was "negligible." Hillary would give oil companies a choice: invest more in renewable energy technology or pay a portion of their exorbitant profits into a Strategic Energy Fund. The Strategic Energy Fund would also eliminate oil company tax breaks and make sure that oil companies pay their fair share in royalties when drilling on public lands. This fund would jumpstart a clean energy future by injecting $50 billion over ten years into research, development and deployment of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean coal technology, ethanol and other homegrown biofuels. The Strategic Energy Fund is one element of Senator Clinton's proposal to invest $150 billion in the research, development and deployment of clean energy technologies that will reduce our oil imports and cut global warming pollution.

Increasing Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards to 55 Miles Per Gallon - As president, Hillary would raise fuel economy standards to 40 mpg in 2020 and 55 mpg in 2030. By 2030, these tough standards will save consumers more than $180 billion per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 730 million metric tons. Cars and light trucks account for about 40 percent of the 21 million barrels of oil consumed every day in the United States. As our country and economy have grown, flat fuel economy standards over the last twenty years has meant increasing dependence on foreign oil, and an untenable foreign trade situation in which the United States borrows money from China to send to Saudi Arabia and other oil-rich regimes.

Putting 2,000 "Plug-In" Hybrid School Buses on the Road - Pennsylvania's Nazareth Area School District is a pioneer when it comes to school buses. Along with 14 other communities around the country, they have invested in a new type of school bus - a plug-in hybrid bus - that gets as much as twice the mileage as regular school buses while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by one-third and nitrogen emissions by half. Hybrid school buses use electric power, which is significantly cleaner than diesel fuel. These buses look the same as regular school buses, but are powered by large battery packs. They recover energy as they brake and charge the batteries while the bus is slowing down, a system that is ideal for buses because of their frequent stops. They are charged overnight and between shifts during the day, a process that can be easily managed through the city lots in which school buses are parked each evening. In fact, about one-third of communities already have the infrastructure to plug in school buses, because they rely upon plug-in block heaters to keep the engines warm in the winter. Today, plug-in hybrid buses costs $100,000 more than regular buses, but at higher production volumes, the premium will drop to $40,000 - an amount that is more than made up for through reduced fuel costs over the 15 year lifetime of the bus. As president, Hillary will split the added costs with school districts for the first 2,000 plug-in hybrid buses. This investment will lower the cost for school districts like Nazareth that want to be pioneers.

Accelerating the Production of "Plug-In" Hybrid Electric Cars - Hillary will also work to ensure that Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), hybrid car with powerful batteries that can be plugged into any regular outlet, are available to individual drivers. Half the cars on America's roads are driven 25 miles a day or less, so a plug-in with a 25-mile range battery could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of tens of millions of Americans. A recent study showed that a vehicle powered by electricity releases one-third less global warming pollution into the environment than a gasoline powered vehicle, even if the electricity comes mostly from coal-fired power plants. PHEVs that are recharged using wind or other renewable power would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by much more. PHEVs offer the promise of achieving more than 100 miles per gallon of gasoline consumed; and a flex-fuel PHEV running on E85 can potentially get 500 miles per gallon of gasoline. Hillary would invest in research and stimulate demand for the first commercial PHEVs by:

Investing $2 billion in research and development to reduce the cost and increase the longevity and durability of batteries;
Offering consumers tax credits of up to $10,000 for purchasing a plug-in hybrid; and
Adding 100,000 PHEVs to the federal fleet by 2015.

Increasing production of biofuels to 60 billion gallons by 2030 - Home-grown biofuels can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rapid growth of corn ethanol production capacity in recent years and emerging technology that will enable production of ethanol and other biofuels from a range of biomass sources indicate the potential of biofuels to displace a significant amount of gasoline. To spur increased production of ethanol and other renewable fuels, Hillary would raise the national renewable fuels goal to 60 billion gallons by 2030. "Advanced biofuels," such as cellulosic ethanol, would comprise an increasing share of that target over time. Hillary will set a greenhouse gas emissions target for cellulosic and other advanced biofuels to ensure that they move over time towards a standard of emitting at least 80% less greenhouse gas as compared to gasoline. In addition, she would provide loan guarantees to spur the first two billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol capacity.

Providing Immediate Relief from Upward Pressure on Oil Prices by Freezing Additions to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - Hillary is calling on President Bush to put a one year moratorium on taking oil off the market and putting it into the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The SPR is now 97 percent full, and continuing to fill it at these high prices does not make economic sense.

Calling on the Federal Trade Commission to Investigate Market Manipulation in Wholesale Oil Prices - The energy bill passed last year included new provisions to prevent manipulation in wholesale oil markets, and to empower the Federal Trade Commission to investigate and pursue violations. To ensure that oil companies and traders are not ripping off consumers, Hillary is calling on the FTC to begin investigations using these new powers.

Senators Obama and McCain Stand for Big Oil Companies, Not Pennsylvania Families

As Pennsylvania families are struggling to cope with the rising cost of oil, oil companies are reaping record-high profits. Yet because of the Bush Administration's failure to change course on energy policy, we find ourselves more dependent on foreign oil now than we were before 9/11. Sadly, when Senator Obama had the chance to stand up against Dick Cheney's energy policies, he instead voted yes and helped bring us these huge tax cuts for big oil. Going forward, Senator McCain appears to be offering more of the same:

Senator Obama voted for the 2005 energy bill, which provided billions in tax subsidies and giveaways to big oil. This bill was called the "The Best Energy Bill Corporations Could Buy," by Public Citizen. It provided $6 billion in oil and gas subsidies; $9 billion in coal subsidies; $12 billion in nuclear subsidies; and a host of other oil and gas regulatory rollbacks, including exempting a coalbed methane drilling technique called "hydraulic fracturing," from the Safe Drinking Water Act - an act that could make our drinking water unsafe. Senator Clinton opposed this bill because she believed we ought to be investing in alternative and renewable energy, and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Senator Obama supported this bill. [Vote Number 213, 7/29/05. Final passage on H.R. 6, the conference report for the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Conference report passed, Obama: Voted Aye. Clinton: Voted No.]
As a Presidential candidate, Senator McCain is proposing to cut corporate taxes for oil companies by $4 billion a year. This includes a $1.4 billion tax cut for Exxon, the most profitable company in history. On January 17, Senator McCain proposed cutting the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%. Independent organizations from the Congressional Budget Office to Moody's agree that a corporate rate cut is among the least effective ways to jumpstart our economy. [Moody's Economy.com, "Assessing the Macro Economic Impact of Fiscal Stimulus 2008" January 2008; CBO, "Options for Responding to Short-term Economic Weakness" January 2008]. Indeed, in 2001, Senator McCain himself mocked the idea that corporate tax cuts would provide immediate economic benefit. [Arizona Daily Star, 11/29/01]. This proposal would cost over $100 billion per year, including $4 billion for the five biggest oil companies. Instead of spending this on oil companies, Hillary would take that $4 billion and invest it immediately in creating good, middle class jobs in green sectors of our economy. If we make immediate, emergency investments in green collar job training programs, fast tracked green infrastructure programs and crash weatherization for families' homes, we can put people to work, clean our environment and help pull our economy out of recession.
In the Senate, he has failed to support legislation that would eliminate tens of billions of dollars of oil company tax breaks to fund clean energy technologies. On December 13, Senator McCain failed to show up to vote cast the deciding vote in favor of a bill that would have would have closed $13 billion in tax loopholes for oil companies to pay for clean energy investments and incentives. [Vote Number 425, 12/13/07. Cloture on H.R. 6 (Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007). Cloture Vote Failed 59-40. McCain: Not Voting]

News from the Clinton Camp

2008-03-16T09:25:00.001-04:00

Previewing Today: Hillary heads to the pump in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to discuss the impact of high gas prices and attends a "Solutions for the American Economy” rally at Pittsburgh's Soldiers and Sailors Hall with Governor Ed Rendell.

Endorsement Watch: In Pennsylvania, elected officials today endorse Hillary. Stay tuned.

By the Numbers: In Arkansas, a new University of Central Arkansas poll has Hillary up by 15 over Sen. McCain in a general election match up (51-36). Sen. Obama would lose that same contest by 16 points (43-27). Nationally, new Gallup and NBC/Wall Street Journal polls have Hillary up over Sen. McCain (47-45).

Mark Your Calendars: Hillary has accepted ABC's invitation to debate Sen. Obama in Philadelphia on April 16.

Real Solutions: Hillary continues to work with Congressional Democrats to end the housing crisis. Yesterday, Hillary co-sponsored legislation to expand the Federal Housing Administration’s capacity to guarantee responsible, restructured mortgages. Read more.

On Tap: On Saturday, Hillary will march in St. Patrick's Day parades in Pittsburgh and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Statement from Hillary Clinton on the EPA

2008-03-16T09:24:00.000-04:00

Hillary Clinton put out the following statement in response to reports that President Bush personally intervened to order the EPA to weaken its new limits on ozone:

President Bush opened a new front in his administration's war on science this week. His personal intervention to weaken the Environmental Protection Agency's new limits on ozone proves that he has abandoned even a pretense of scientific integrity in decision-making. His efforts are directly at odds not only with accepted science, but with his government's own arguments before the United States Supreme Court.

This is only the latest in a long series of examples where the Bush administration's perversion of science helps special interests at the expense of public health -- though it is certainly one of the more brazen. I will work with Senate Environment Committee Chair Barbara Boxer to investigate the President's decision and to hold him accountable.

And when I am President, I will end the Bush war on science. And I will work to revise the ozone standard to reflect the available standard and to protect the public health, as the clean air act requires. Months ago, I outlined a detailed agenda to restore scientific integrity to government decision-making. I promised that as President I would issue an executive order to revive the longstanding practice of giving experts a central voice in agency rulemaking and call on agencies to pursue evidence-based decisions, and to direct all department and agency heads to safeguard against instances of political pressure threatening scientific integrity and promote openness and transparency in decision-making.

Hillary: "Every Little Girl...Can Be Anything She Wants Be"

2008-03-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

Dear Supporter,

I am so inspired by all you have done for my campaign. You've made calls, you've volunteered, you've voted, you've given -- and I'm so grateful for all you've done.

And there's one thing in particular that you've done by participating in my campaign that fills me with pride. You've let every little girl in America know that she can be anything she wants to be. I couldn't be more proud.

My campaign has put together an album of some recent photos from the campaign trail in Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. I hope you'll take a look and enjoy!

Thank you for everything,

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Terry McAuliffe

2008-03-13T16:26:00.000-04:00

Want to see what a great start we've gotten off to in Pennsylvania? Folks, the reception Hillary has gotten in the Keystone State has been just incredible. Thousands of people are showing up everywhere she goes, cheering her on and signing up to help Hillary win big on April 22.

But you don't have to take my word for it -- take a look at a recent rally at Temple University in Philadelphia.

People in Pennsylvania want a president who is ready on day one to be Commander-in-Chief and to put our economy back to work for the middle class, and they know Hillary is the woman for the job!

Thanks,

Terry McAuliffe
Chairman, Hillary Clinton for President

An Open Letter from William Jefferson Clinton

2008-03-13T10:58:00.000-04:00

Dear Friend,

It happened after Iowa. It happened again in February. People counted Hillary out. They tried to say the race was over.

But you knew better. You sustained her with your support. You kept the campaign going with your contributions. You made more than a million phone calls. You believed in Hillary when she needed you the most. And in Texas and Ohio, she proved you right.

Thanks to you, this race is neck-and-neck despite the Obama campaign outraising us by $20 million in February. Now we have six weeks to make our case in Pennsylvania.

We know it's a fight. We know our opponent will outspend us. But we cannot let him have a head start in Pennsylvania, the critical next state. Hillary needs your support now -- today -- to make sure we're fighting on a level playing field.

Contribute today to help Hillary win.

You and I know Hillary can win. We have a strategy in place and a clear path to the nomination. All she needs is for you to keep standing up for her every single day.

The road ahead is long, but your dedication will see us through. Back in February, you accomplished something truly amazing for Hillary, with 300,000 of you raising $35 million to fund her campaign.

You kept us competitive even as the Obama campaign outraised us by $20 million -- an advantage they will use as they best can in Pennsylvania.

Now we all face a few weeks before Pennsylvania and all the states that follow. Hillary has to build on her victories in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island. Can you help us sustain that energy over the next six weeks?

Hillary needs your help more than ever. As she proved in Ohio and Texas, where she was outspent by millions but won anyway, you can put her over the top.

So please make a contribution today to help us win in Pennsylvania.

There's no way Hillary would be in the position she is in today without your enthusiastic and dedicated support. I know it, she knows it, and we both tell everyone we know about everything you are doing to help her win.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

Hillary Way Ahead in Pennsylvania

2008-03-12T06:28:00.000-04:00

The new SurveyUSA poll of Pennsylvania gives Hillary Clinton a very healthy lead of 55%-36% for the April 22 primary.

From the internals: Hillary leads in practically all demographics and regions, including even the younger voters, with Obama winning only the black vote. In her weakest region, the Southeastern portion of the state that includes Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs, she's ahead 48%-46%.

Then again, the election is six weeks away, and things will probably get very interesting between now and then. But Barack Obama definitely has a lot of ground to make up if he wants to pull off an upset.

2 Clinton Backers Offer a Way to Stage New Primaries

2008-03-12T06:26:00.000-04:00

Two of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s biggest supporters, who are also two of the Democratic Party’s most successful fund-raisers, have offered to help raise millions of dollars to stage new primaries in Florida and Michigan.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey and Gov. Edward G. Rendell of Pennsylvania said Sunday that they would be willing to raise half the $30 million it would take to run new contests in those two states. Mr. Corzine and Mr. Rendell submitted their proposal to The Washington Post.

The two governors argue that the Democratic National Committee, and not taxpayers in Florida and Michigan, should pay for a re-election in those states.

Democrats have been struggling to find a way to seat the delegates from Michigan and Florida, who were excluded when those states held primaries in January, violating national party rules.

Mrs. Clinton won in both states, though Senator Barack Obama’s name did not appear on the Michigan ballot and neither candidate campaigned actively in Florida. Her supporters at first pressed for the disputed delegates to be seated, but both campaigns and Democratic Party leaders have been searching for an alternative solution.

Talk of the problem dominated the Sunday morning political television programs.

“I think it’s very unlikely that Florida and Michigan, given how close this race is, are going to be seated as is,” said Howard Dean, the Democratic national chairman, on “Face the Nation” on CBS. “But everybody’s going to work very hard to find a compromise within the rules that’s fair to both campaigns that will allow Florida and Michigan in the end to be seated.”

Mr. Rendell raised the fund-raising proposal on “Meet the Press” on NBC as he pressed for re-votes in the two states. Former Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, speaking for the Obama campaign, also appeared on the program and said he would go along.

“We don’t have any problem with that,” Mr. Daschle said.

Open arms for Clinton

2008-03-12T06:25:00.000-04:00

BILL O ’ BOYLE boboyle@timesleader.com

SCRANTON – The Electric City is charged for today’s visit by U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodman Clinton supporter Judie Polkowski, right, of Dickson City, draws up welcome signs along with Mary Ann Sadauskas, of Dunmore, on Sunday at Clinton campaign headquarters in Scranton.

PETE G. WILCOX/THE TIMES LEADER

Times Leader Photo Store

Even the Easter Bunny has given a thumbs-up endorsement of the Democratic presidential candidate.

Clinton will speak at Scranton High School at 6 p.m. today, making the city her first Pennsylvania campaign stop. The senator’s family – the Rodhams – settled in Scranton more than 100 years ago and the former first lady was baptized in Scranton.

A source close to the Clinton campaign said the senator will visit her family’s old neighborhood near Weston Field either prior to, or after her speech. The source said Clinton will go door-to-door in the neighborhood along Diamond Avenue. The Secret Service has issued an order to have Scranton City police clear the area for the senator’s visit, the source said.

Many volunteers were busy making signs and phone calls at Clinton campaign headquarters on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton on Sunday.

Signs read:

“We Love Hillary”

“Electric City Loves Hillary”

“PA is Clinton Country”

“Welcome Back Hillary”

“Ain’t No Party Like a Scranton Party”

“Healthcare For All”

“Bricklayers For Hillary”

“Scranton Teachers Need Hillary”

Doors open at 4:30 p.m. at the high school, located at 63 Mike Munchak Way. Sean Pendrak, field coordinator for the Clinton campaign, said the school holds 2,500 to 3,000 people.

“We will have lots of spillover room,” Pendrak said. “But I advise people to get there early to get a seat.”

Pendrak said Clinton will fly into the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, but he did not know what time.

Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty will serve as master of ceremonies at today’s program. The mayor said he is proud to have his city selected as Clinton’s first Pennsylvania campaign stop.

“Of course we’re very proud to have her here and have our city be the focus of the nation,” Doherty said. “But beyond that, this is a rare opportunity for any city or region to have a presidential candidate that knows your area intimately. She knows the city and its streets. She knows the Hill section and Nay Aug Park. This is not a fake relationship; it’s the real deal.”

Scranton connection

Doherty said Clinton was baptized in the Court Street Methodist Church, the same church her father was buried from and her niece was recently baptized there. The mayor said Hillary and her brothers – Hugh and Tony – still own the family home at Lake Winola.

“She’s one of our own,” Doherty said.

At the Steamtown Mall, shoppers were eager to talk about Clinton’s visit and her candidacy.

“I like her; she’s a smart woman,” said Eliza Burke, of Nanticoke, who was shopping with her husband, Joe. “I like (Barack) Obama too, but Hillary has more experience.”

The Burkes said they go to a lot of political events, like debates, and feel more people – especially younger voters – should get involved with the process.

“I think it’s time for a change,” said Joe Burke. “We always vote for who we think is the best person for the job and we think it’s Hillary.”

The Burkes’ granddaughter was visiting with the Easter Bunny, who gave Clinton a thumbs-up endorsement.

“I’m glad she’s coming here,” said John Marko, of Nanticoke. “I really think she will make an excellent president. She’s the most qualified candidate.”

Homecoming for Hillary

2008-03-12T06:23:00.000-04:00

She never officially lived here, but she sure is loved here.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton blamed the nation’s faltering economy on President Bush taking the country on “a big detour in our destiny” in a 28-minute speech Monday at Scranton High School.

About 3,000 wildly enthusiastic supporters frequently interrupted her, including when she said Mr. Bush squandered a budget surplus left behind by her husband, President Bill Clinton, on the Iraq war and “tax cuts for the wealthiest of this country.”

Comments raise questions about Obama, his advisers - Boston Globe

2008-03-11T06:29:00.000-04:00

But if there was a warning for the Obama campaign, it was not about the dangers of negative campaigning. It was about the importance of having a consistent message and an effective chain of command.

Power was the third Obama adviser to stir up a cloud of dust in recent weeks by apparently substituting his or her own views for Obama's: In addition to the "monster" comment, made to a Scottish newspaper, Power told the BBC that Obama's plan to withdraw all troops from Iraq within 16 months was subject to change once he took office.

Susan Rice, another foreign policy aide, committed the misstep of opining that neither Obama nor Clinton was ready to handle a 3 a.m. phone call announcing a foreign policy crisis. Rice probably meant that no one can be fully prepared for the burdens of the presidency, but John McCain was only too happy to jump on her words and announce that he, at least, feels up to the job.

Perhaps most damaging of all, Austan Goolsbee, a University of Chicago economist advising Obama, apparently sought to reassure Canadian officials in the days leading up to the Ohio primary that the senator wasn't really as critical of the North American Free Trade Agreement as he sounded on the stump. A memo produced by the Canadian consulate in Chicago suggested that Goolsbee felt the heated antitrade rhetoric was "political maneuvering."

The actions of Obama's advisers raise as many questions about Obama as about the advisers.

The first is the obvious one: whether he truly intends to follow through on what he's been saying. For most of the campaign, Obama has gotten good mileage out of the idea that he says what he believes while Clinton's plans are hedged to allow for extra maneuverability. But in Obama's effort to stay to Clinton's left on Iraq and NAFTA, he may have gone further than he wanted, or could deliver.

When Clinton, during the Ohio debate, promised to opt out of the trade deal if Canada and Mexico didn't agree to changes, Obama quickly agreed. He later referred to using "the hammer of potential opt-out" to enhance environmental and labor requirements in NAFTA.

Governor William F. Winter Endorses Hillary Clinton

2008-03-11T06:28:00.000-04:00

Joins Chelsea Clinton in Jackson

Jackson, MS - Mississippi for Hillary today announced the endorsement of former Governor of Mississippi William F. Winter. Governor Winter announced his endorsement to a crowd of over 150 supporters who had gathered for a meeting with Chelsea Clinton on Sunday in Jackson, Mississippi.

"Hillary doesn't need an introduction to Mississippi," said Governor Winter. "I couldn't think of anyone that I am prouder to be supporting than Hillary. I believe Hillary is our best opportunity to provide real leadership in Washington that is going to solve the mistakes made over the past eight years."

"I couldn't be prouder to have the support of my friend, Governor William F. Winter," said Senator Hillary Clinton. "Governor Winter is a dedicated public servant and leader in Mississippi. He is a champion of the best values of the Democratic party."

Governor William F. Winter served as governor of Mississippi from 1980-1984. Prior to that, he served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and Tax Collector of the State of Mississippi as well as State Treasurer and Lieutenant Governor.

Sen. Obama Offers 5th Explanation of NAFTA-Gate

2008-03-11T06:27:00.000-04:00

After days of misleading denials, Sen. Obama has finally acknowledged that a meeting took place between his senior economic advisor and Canadian officials regarding NAFTA. But Sen. Obama now claims that the detailed memo obtained by the AP describing the meeting - and Goolsbee's downplaying of Obama's anti-NAFTA rhetoric - is inaccurate. This is at least the fifth different explanation offered by Sen. Obama and his campaign.

1. 2/27/08 - 'No conversations have taken place' with the Canadian government on NAFTA. "Earlier Thursday, the Obama campaign insisted that no conversations have taken place with any of its senior ranks and representatives of the Canadian government on the NAFTA issue." [CTV, 2/29/08]

2. 2/27/08 - Obama advisor just said 'hello.' "Goolsbee: Canada's consul general in Chicago contacted him ‘at one point to say ‘hello’ because their office is around the corner." [ABC, 2/29/08]

3. 2/28/08 - Rice: 'There had been no contact.' "The Canadian ambassador issued a statement that was absolutely false. There had been no contact. There had been no discussions on NAFTA. So we take the Canadians at their word...period." [MSNBC, Susan Rice, 2/28/08]

4. 2/29/08: Sen. Obama: 'It did not happen.' Anchor: "So, completely inaccurate, did not happen, end of discussion." Sen. Obama: "It did not happen." [WKYC TV, 2/29/08]

5. 3/10/08 - Sen. Obama: The meeting did happen, they did discuss NAFTA, but advisor just said Obama wanted to make NAFTA 'stronger for U.S. workers.' "So here’s what happens. You’ve got one of my economic advisors goes and visits a Canadian embassy and they’re asking him questions and he says, 'Well, Senator Obama isn’t planning to repeal NAFTA, but he wants to amend it to make it stronger for U.S. workers.' The Canadian embassy writes it up as, 'Well, maybe Obama is not as tough on NAFTA as you might think.' And the Clintons start waving this and saying, 'See? Actually, he’s the one.'" [Mississippi Rally, 3/10/08]

Hillary Clinton Statement on All-Time High Oil Prices

2008-03-11T06:26:00.000-04:00

Today's record setting oil prices underscore the stakes in this election. The soaring cost of oil is dragging down our economy and driving up prices on everything from gas at the pump to food on families' tables. Gas is approaching $4 a gallon in some parts of the country and the average American family is spending $2,000 more a year on their energy costs than they were in 2000. Americans need a president who is ready to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fight global warming from day one, not someone who voted to provide new special interest tax breaks and giveaways to big oil companies. My opponent voted for Dick Cheney's 2005 energy bill; I knew it would take us in the wrong direction.

For seven years, the Bush Administration has stood by as the price of oil has skyrocketed, now breaking $107 a barrel. As a result, companies like Exxon are reaping the highest profits in the history of the world-$40.6 billion in 2007 alone-and we are more dependent on foreign oil now than we were before 9/11.

As President, I will create a Strategic Energy Fund that will require big oil companies to reinvest some of their huge windfall profits in clean, renewable technologies. I will reduce the amount of oil we import by two-thirds from projected levels by 2030, or more than 10 million barrels per day. These steps are part of my overall plan to transition to a clean, green economy and create at least 5 million new green collar jobs in America.

Hillary Clinton Statement on February Job Loss

2008-03-10T08:42:00.000-04:00

Today's dismal jobs news should put to rest any doubts that our economy is in deep trouble. We have now seen two straight months of job loss, and the 63,000 decline in February is the worst since March of 2003. This troubling news comes at the end of a week where oil toped $104 a barrel and we learned that home foreclosures hit an all time high in the fourth quarter of 2007.

These are painful reminders that we need a President who is ready to be a steward of our economy, starting on day one. Because behind these statistics, every job lost means there is another family missing a paycheck, another parent worried about providing for their kids, and another family in danger of losing their home.

The time for action is now. While the stimulus measures in the pipeline are important, it's going to take more than tax rebates to avoid a deep economic downturn. We need to immediately extend unemployment insurance and invest at least $5 billion right now in green-collar jobs to help avert a recession. And we need a comprehensive solution to the housing crisis, not more half-measures and hand-wringing. That is why I've called for a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures, a 5-year freeze on interest rates for subprime mortgages and a $30 billion emergency fund to help states handle the crisis in their communities.

Economy

2008-03-10T08:41:00.002-04:00

PARTNER

2008-03-10T08:41:00.001-04:00

MEMO: Obama's Iraq Plan: Just Words

2008-03-10T08:40:00.000-04:00

To: Interested Parties
From: The Clinton Campaign
Date: March 8, 2008
RE: Obama's Iraq Plan: Just Words

Once again, it looks like Senator Obama is telling voters one thing while his campaign says those words should not to be mistaken for serious action.

After months of speeches from Senator Obama promising a hard end date to the Iraq war, his top foreign policy adviser that counseled his campaign during that period is on the record saying that Senator Obama will "not rely on some plan that he's crafted as a presidential candidate or a U.S. Senator."

Voters already have serious questions about whether Senator Obama is ready to be Commander-in-Chief. Now there are questions about whether he's serious about the Iraq plan he's discussed for the last year on the campaign trail.

Senator Obama has made hard end dates about Iraq a centerpiece of his campaign and has repeatedly attacked Senator Clinton for not being clear about her intentions with regard to troop withdrawal.

It turns out those attacks and speeches were just words. And if you can't trust Senator Obama's words, what's left?

This latest incident is part of a larger pattern where Senator Obama doesn't deliver on the promises he makes on the campaign trail -- whether it's his 2004 Senate race or his 2008 White House campaign.

In 2003, Senator Obama said he was for a single payer health system, but now opposes plans that cover every American. He promised to repeal the Patriot Act, but then voted to extend it. He promised to normalize relations with Cuba, but flip-flopped when he started running for president.

In 2008, Senator Obama rails against NAFTA in Ohio while his top economic advisor assures the Canadians his rhetoric is just "political positioning." He promises to opt in to public financing if the GOP nominee does, but then breaks that pledge in real time. He promises to withdraw from Iraq within 16 months, and now his top foreign policy adviser says that he's not relying on the plan.

With a short record to run on, Senator Obama's entire campaign is based on the speeches he makes on the campaign trail. So when he and his advisers dismiss the plans he touts on the stump, it undermines his entire candidacy.

Americans have heard plenty of speeches. It's time they got serious solutions and that's what Hillary is going to deliver when she is President.

Hillary Clinton to visit the old 'hood

2008-03-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

Posted by BRETT LIEBERMAN, Of The Patriot-News March 10, 2008 07:17AM

Categories: Election 2008, Elections, President, U.S. Senate, White House

The six-week slog to Pennsylvania's April 22 primary begins in earnest today when U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton lands in Scranton for the start of a two-day sweep that includes rallies in Harrisburg and Philadelphia on Tuesday.

Even the Easter Bunny is endorsing Clinton, according to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, which notes what we've heard that the Democratic presidential hopeful may visit the old Diamond Avenue neighborhood, where her family lived prior their move to Illinois.

Clinton never lived there herself, but did vacation at the family's cottage on Lake Winola, where brothers Hugh and Tony Rodham still visit each summer.

Demographically, issue-wise and because she's got much of the political establishment on her side, Pennsylvania's widely seen as leaning Clinton's way as John Baer notes as he weighs in on women and Latinos in today's Philadelphia Daily News

Pretty soon the whole gang will be here.

Hillary Open Big Lead in Pennsylvania

2008-03-10T08:36:00.000-04:00

The New York senator has lengthened her lead in Pennsylvania to 52 percent, over Obama's 37 percent, according to a Rasmussen Reports poll conducted last week - a near four-fold increase on the 4-percentage-point lead she had in February.

The campaign is not resting on those numbers ahead of the April 22 primary, however.

"We're going to try to really blanket the state with visits" by Clinton, the former president and their daughter, Chelsea, said Pennsylvania campaign spokesman Mark Nevins. "We anticipate we'll be very aggressive all over the state."

Power: Obama's plan in Iraq relies on "best case scenario"

2008-03-08T11:08:00.000-05:00

In her role as a top foreign policy advisor Samantha Power described Sen. Obama's plan to withdraw combat troops from Iraq within 16 months as a "best case scenario". Power added, "He will, of course, not rely on some plan that he’s crafted as a presidential candidate or a U.S. Senator."

Sen. Obama has repeatedly criticized Hillary for not having a "firm" and "clear" withdrawal deadline:

Sen. Obama: 'Why we would try [Hillary’s] approach as opposed to simply setting a timetable for withdrawal strikes me as a convoluted approach to the problem.' "Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton plans to introduce an amendment repealing the congressional authorization for the war. It would require the president to seek new authority from Congress if he wanted to continue operations past Oct. 11, 2007, five years after initial authorization was given. ‘If you simply repeal the language, then presumably you'd have to reauthorize something. You've got 150,000 troops over there and support personnel,’ Obama told The Associated Press in an interview after a campaign stop in Las Vegas. ‘Why we would try that approach as opposed to simply setting a timetable for withdrawal strikes me as a convoluted approach to the problem,’ he said." [AP, 7/13/07]

Sen. Obama: Sen. Clinton 'hasn't given a firm timetable in terms of executing the withdrawal, and I think that's a problem.' "And in--there is a difference, though, between myself and Senator Clinton on a couple of these issues. Number one, she hasn't given a firm timetable in terms of executing the withdrawal, and I think that's a problem. I think we have to provide certainty to the Iraqi leadership, so that they know that we are serious about changing course." [NBC Meet the Press, 11/11/07]

Sen. Obama: 'Senator Clinton continues to not provide a clear timetable for how she would pull our troops out' of Iraq. "Where Senator Clinton continues to not provide a clear timetable for how she would pull our troops out, so those are all differences we will continue to talk about." [Obama Press Conference Transcript, 11/9/07]

Sen. Obama: ‘I do think it’s important for us to set a date.’ When asked if he could make a commitment for a withdrawal date, Obama said, "I do think it is important for us to set a date. And the reason I think it is important is because if we are going to send a signal to the Iraqis that we are serious, and prompt the Shia, the Sunni and the Kurds to actually come together and negotiate, they have to have clarity about how serious we are. It can't be muddy, it can't be fuzzy. They've got to know that we are serious about this process." [CNN debate, 1/31/08]

Transcript:

STEPHEN SACKUR: Let me stop you just for a moment. You said that he’ll revisit it when he goes to the White House. So what the American public thinks is a commitment to get combat forces out within sixteen months, isn’t a commitment isn’t it?
POWER: You can’t make a commitment in whatever month we’re in now, in March of 2008 about what circumstances are gonna be like in Jan. 2009. We can’t even tell what Bush is up to in terms of troop pauses and so forth. He will of course not rely upon some plan that he’s crafted as a presidential candidate or as a US senator.

He will rely upon a plan, an operational plan that he pulls together, in consultation with people who are on the ground, to whom he doesn’t have daily access now as a result of not being the president.

So to think, I mean it would be the height of ideology, you know, to sort of say, well I said it therefore I’m going to impose it on whatever reality entreats me –

SACKUR: Ok, so the 16 months is negotiable?

POWER: It’s the best case scenario

It’s the best case scenario

POWER: It is –

SACKUR: And of course in Iraq we’ve never seen best case scenario

POWER: We have never seen best case scenario

SACKUR: So we needn’t necessarily take it seriously at all.

POWER: What we can take seriously is that he will try to get US forces out as quickly and as responsibly as possible. And that’s the best case, estimate of what it would take.

Obama aide quits after Clinton 'monster' label

2008-03-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

BARACK Obama's White House ambitions were rocked yesterday when one of his top aides was forced to quit for branding Hillary Clinton "a monster".

Foreign policy adviser Samantha Power resigned after an interview in which she said Senator Clinton would stop at nothing to beat Senator Obama in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Ms Power, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Harvard professor, resigned after her unguarded comments sparked a controversy in the White House race.

Senator Obama, who is vying to be the first African-American US President, has promised his campaign would rise above personal attacks and be about new politics.

The scandal erupted as Senator Clinton's camp sought re-runs of the deadlocked Florida and Michigan primaries.

Ms Power was quoted as saying: "She is a monster, too - that is off the record - she is stooping to anything.

"In Ohio, they are obsessed and Hillary is going to town on it because she knows Ohio's the only place they can win.

WashPost: Hillary Clinton, Through a Lens Wrongly

2008-03-08T11:04:00.000-05:00

By Deborah Tannen

Sunday, March 9, 2008; Page B03

This isn't about Hillary. Well, okay, it is.

But it isn't only about her. It's also about every woman who has ever been underestimated, failed to get credit for work she did or been denied opportunities to do work at which she would have excelled.

With Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential primary victories in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island last week, Democratic voters continue to evaluate her abilities and her chances of winning in a general election -- and are confronting the double bind that women in authority, including Clinton, face: If they speak in ways expected of leaders, they're seen as too aggressive, but if they speak in ways expected of women, they're seen as less confident and competent than they really are.

Companies invite me to speak about my research on women and men at work because they want to make sure that they accurately assess everyone's abilities when deciding whom to promote. Just so, voters need to understand the double bind when deciding who deserves the ultimate promotion to presidential candidate.

BREAKING NEWS: Samantha Power Resigns from the Obama Campaign

2008-03-07T16:29:00.000-05:00

Power, once considered a valuable addition to the Obama foreign policy team, has called Hillary Clinton a "monster" in the press.

Talking Points Memo:

2008-03-07T08:49:00.000-05:00

Today's Gallup tracking poll gives Hillary Clinton a four-point national leader over Barack Obama — the first time in several weeks that she's been able to claim that big a lead. Here are the numbers, compared to yesterday:

Clinton 48% (+3)
Obama 44% (-1)

Obama had been up 48%-43% two days ago, meaning there has been a potentially significant swing of about four or five percent over to Hillary in that short time.

After Texas and Ohio, Obama Campaign Mimics Ken Starr

2008-03-07T08:47:00.000-05:00

"When Senator Obama was confronted with questions over whether he was ready to be Commander-in-Chief and steward of the economy, he chose not to address those questions, but to attack Senator Clinton. I for one do not believe that imitating Ken Starr is the way to win a Democratic primary election for president." – Howard Wolfson, 3/6/06

Citing Wall Street Journal editorial, Obama campaign attacks Hillary on 'cattle futures trading profit.' [Obama campaign memo, 3/5/08]

On ABC This Week, Top Obama strategist references Whitewater. AXELROD: " I honestly -- with all due respect, I would think that the Clinton campaign would be the last person to be wanting to characterize any real estate transaction as unusual, but anyway, George, I'm sorry." [ABC This Week, 3/2/08]

Axelrod: ‘We still don't have the records from the Clinton library.' [Time, 3/5/08]

Obama campaign memo attacks Hillary on tax returns, demands 'accompanying schedules and attachments.' [Obama Campaign Memo, 3/5/08]

Obama advisor grossly distorts Hillary's record on foreign policy

2008-03-07T08:46:00.000-05:00

Send to a Friend »

Distorting Hillary’s record won’t address the doubts voters have about Senator Obama’s readiness to be Commander in Chief. - Campaign Spokesperson Phil Singer

Today on a campaign conference call, Obama aide Greg Craig issued three false attacks on Hillary’s record:

For seven years she aligned herself with Sen. McCain in putting all our eggs in General Musharaf's basket," Craig said. "And she aligned herself with Sen. McCain when they both criticized Barack Obama for taking action against al Qaeda leadership, which has taken safe havens in Pakistan. She aligned herself with Sen. McCain in supporting the Kyl-Lieberman resolution," which many Democrats fear raises the specter of war with Iran.

First: Craig falsely asserted that Hillary aligned herself with McCain and supported General Musharaff. This is incorrect. Hillary actually issued a release calling Musharraf to cancel the state of emergency, and criticized the Bush administration’s failed policies in Pakistan:

Hillary called on General Musharraf to restore Constitution, said Bush Administration's policies had failed. I call on General Musharraf to cancel the state of emergency, restore the Constitution, release arrested opposition leaders, and hold free and fair elections on schedule. The failed policies of the Bush administration are part of the reason we are in this difficult and dangerous position. The policies of this administration have diverted resources and attention from the fight against terrorism on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, while inciting radical elements inside Pakistan. We now find ourselves having to cope with yet another threatening challenge made worse by the failed policies of this President." [Clinton Senate Office press release, 11/5/07]

Hillary criticized Bush Administration for not sending presidential envoy to help in Pakistan and Afghanistan.When asked how to deal with alliances with countries like Pakistan, which is "not a democratic country," Senator Clinton said: "Well, it's a really important question, because we have been supporting Pakistan through President Musharraf now for a number of years. And it is clear that he has not moved toward democracy, but has solidified his rule and become quite anti-democratic, with his removal of the chief justice and many of the other moves that he's taken. At the same time, we depend upon him to try to control the tribal areas out of which come the resurgent Taliban and Al Qaida fighters who cross the border into Afghanistan. Again, this is an area where I think the United States needs to be just focused, like the proverbial laser. [CNN, Manchester Debate, 6/3/07]

Second: Craig distorts Hillary’s criticism of Sen. Obama regarding Al Qaeda. Hillary didn’t criticize Obama for wanting to take action against al Qaeda; she criticized Sen. Obama for recklessly threatening an adversary:

Clinton countered by saying that while U.S. forces might have to pursue action inside Pakistan ‘on the basis of actionable intelligence,’ it was ‘a very big mistake to telegraph that and to destabilize the Musharraf regime, which is fighting for its life against the Islamist extremists who are in bed with al Qaeda and the Taliban.’” [CNN, 8/7/07]

Third: Craig distorts the truth about the Kyl-Lieberman resolution. Hillary aligned herself with Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), a staunch anti-war Bush critic and prominent Obama supporter. Hillary was also one of the earliest and staunchest opponents of Bush’s saber rattling on Iran. She spoke out on the issue back in February, and co-sponsored the Webb bill prohibiting use of funds for military action in Iran without congressional authorization.

Sen. Obama missed the vote Craig is now using to attack Hillary.

Boston Globe: Since triple win, Clinton campaign reports $4 million online boost

2008-03-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - Riding a victory wave, Hillary Clinton has raised $4 million online since Tuesday's presidential primary successes in Ohio, Texas, and Rhode Island, her campaign said yesterday.

An Open Letter from Bill Clinton

2008-03-07T08:44:00.000-05:00

Dear Friend,

Did you feel the race shift?

Those last few days before Hillary's big wins, could you feel the difference? The crowds, the energy, the momentum of the whole race seemed to be shifting in Hillary's direction.

That was you.

You fueled Hillary's stunning comeback, and she and I both know that this campaign would not be where it is today without you. You should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished.

And in the last 24 hours, you did it again, raising an extraordinary $3 million.

We worked too hard to get to this point to do anything except drive towards victory in Pennsylvania and beyond. And doubling the $3 million you just raised -- reaching $6 million in 48 hours -- will make it clear to everyone watching that we're playing to win.

Give Hillary a head start with another $3 million day.

Let me put what you accomplished yesterday in perspective. More than 45,000 of you contributed to Hillary's campaign in the wake of her wins in Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island.

You didn't just make her comeback possible. You are providing the resources it takes to win big races. We need to hit the ground running in Pennsylvania, and thanks to your commitment to Hillary, we are doing exactly that.

No one thought we could compete on the air in Ohio and Texas -- but thanks to you, we did. You are making the impossible possible and meeting every challenge.

That's just what Hillary will do as president, just so long as we keep working with her to win. Can you help put Hillary in the position to win Pennsylvania with your contribution today? Hitting another $3 million goal in 24 hours will give her a big head start.

Contribute now to give Hillary another $3 million day.

I know I speak for Hillary when I tell you that we both know how deep your commitment to her campaign runs. And she is matching that commitment with her effort every day on the campaign trail, because your support deserves nothing less.

Thank you so much for everything you are doing to help Hillary win.

Sincerely,

Bill Clinton

David Gregory Gives Obama A Pass On "I Won Michigan" Slip

2008-03-06T12:18:00.000-05:00

This morning on the "Today" show, David Gregory interviewed Barack Obama about last night's primary results. Gregory challenged Obama by saying, "you have also not demonstrated that you can win some of the big states that'll be important in a general election. California, New York, Ohio." Obama countered immediately, "Well, David, we've won Michigan and Georgia and Illinois and Missouri. We've won twice as many states as Senator Clinton."

The "we've won Missouri" line was likely an example of a very tired Obama making a verbal gaffe — he wasn't even on the ballot in Michigan, which is one of the states the Democratic party sanctioned for moving its primary date up too early by discounting its delegates. But Gregory didn't correct Obama's mistake, leaving the unsavvy "Today" show viewer believing that Michigan is firmly in the Obama column.

Transcript (via Newsbusters):

GREGORY: But Senator you have not demonstrated that you can decisively put the nomination away. You have also not demonstrated that you can win some of the big states that'll be important in a general election. California, New York, Ohio.

OBAMA: Well David we've won Michigan and Georgia and Illinois and Missouri. We've won twice as many states as Senator Clinton. We have more of the popular vote. We've won more primaries, more caucuses. Keep in mind what's happened here. We have won decisively in a whole number of states and you know Senator Clinton and her campaign have tended to cherry pick which states they think are important. But the bottom line is, is that we are in a very strong position. Senator Clinton barely dented the delegate count yesterday. We are going on to Mississippi and Wyoming where we feel confident that we can do well. And this process is gonna ultimately be about who's got the most delegates and we think we'll be in that position.

GREGORY: You just heard Senator Clinton. She said, unequivocally, that's not how the process works. That there are pledged delegates but these superdelegates should be independent. Should be able to vote how they want. So let's be clear on what your position is. If she tries to get the superdelegates to come over to her side, even if she trails in the pledged delegates, would you consider that, in effect, stealing the nomination?

OBAMA: No I don't think it would be stealing the nomination. She can try to persuade the superdelegates to support her. I think that most Democrats are gonna feel like whoever has won the most delegates in these primaries and caucuses will end up being the nominee. That's why we have primaries and caucuses, otherwise the superdelegates could just go into a smoke-filled room and make those decisions.

Obama's New Strategy: Blame the Media!!!

2008-03-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

by Rachel Sklar

Oblame the media! In the wake of Tuesday's game-changing defeats in Texas and Ohio (and hey, Rhode Island), Barack Obama is clearly steamed that the media turned on him. Yesterday in a media avail on his plane, he accused the media of being complicit in Hillary Clinton's "kitchen sink" strategy and allowing themselves to be "persuaded that you had been too hard on her and too soft on me." This, Obama seemed to feel, was clearly an injustice and had resulted in the press' abdication of their duty: "Hopefully now people feel like everything's evened out and we can start actually covering the campaign properly." Oh, snap! Step up, media, you really dropped the ball this time.

Jack Nicholson Exclusive: Actor Talks About Hillary Clinton, Campaign Ad -- 'This Woman Can Do This Job'

2008-03-06T08:47:00.000-05:00

'The only thing I can say is, it's obvious one person is more experienced,' actor says.

By Josh Horowitz

Barack Obama may have Oprah on his side, but he doesn't know Jack ... Nicholson, that is. Hillary Clinton does, and as millions have learned thanks to a recently released viral campaign endorsement, the senator from New York has a little star power on her side, even as some pundits write her 2008 campaign epitaph.

The Nicholson video, a mash-up of memorable moments from the three-time Oscar winner's career, begins with his Joker asking "Who do you trust?" and ends with the actor himself saying that he approves the message, a surprising appearance given his notorious press-shyness. (Nicholson spoke in a rare interview with MTV News last November about "Chinatown" and "Batman.")

MTV News' curiosity was piqued by Nicholson's seemingly sudden involvement in the '08 campaign and reached out to the actor to find out why he chose to make a public splash at this time in support of Clinton. Lo and behold, Nicholson was on the phone hours later, happily talking for the better part of an hour about the woman he wholly believes should be the next commander in chief. Check back Wednesday for the second part of the Nicholson interview, in which he discusses what went wrong and right with the Oscars this year and his personal connection to the death of Heath Ledger. (Check out the second part of the Nicholson interview, in which he discusses what went wrong and right with the Oscars this year and his personal connection to the death of Heath Ledger.)

Jack Nicholson: What put it in your head to give me a call today, Josh?

MTV: A lot of people here at MTV News were talking today about this video endorsement of yours that's suddenly all over the Web.

Nicholson: Yeah, I'm hot in the theaters. [He laughs.]

MTV: So the question is, why now? Why support Hillary in this public way now?

Nicholson: Well, I'm a longtime Clintonite. I guess that's no secret. I'm not a talking-points guy, Josh. I'm a rolling cannonball. I basically do it on my own

Democrats brace for a long battle

2008-03-06T08:45:00.000-05:00

Clinton's victories Texas and Ohio shift the momentum to her.

By Michael Finnegan and Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times Staff Writers
March 6, 2008

WASHINGTON -- With no end in sight, Democrats braced Wednesday for a prolonged and nasty fight for their party's presidential nomination as Barack Obama assailed his reinvigorated rival over taxes and, in a turnabout, her experience in foreign affairs.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, in turn, renewed her assault on Obama's resume and preparedness for the White House, a line of fire that helped produce three back-to-the-wall victories that saved her campaign from extinction Tuesday.

BIG NIGHT FOR HILLARY

2008-03-05T06:17:00.000-05:00

NY Times: Big Wins for Clinton in Texas and Ohio

2008-03-05T06:15:00.000-05:00

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton defeated Senator Barack Obama in the Ohio and Texas primaries on Tuesday, ending a string of defeats and allowing her to soldier on in a Democratic presidential nomination race that now seems unlikely to end any time soon.

Mrs. Clinton also won Rhode Island, while Mr. Obama won in Vermont. But the results mean that Mrs. Clinton won the two states she most needed to keep her candidacy alive. Her victory in Texas was razor thin and came early Wednesday morning after most Americans had gone to bed. But by winning decisively in Ohio earlier in the night, Mrs. Clinton was able to deliver a televised victory speech in time for the late-night news. And the result there allowed her to cast Tuesday as the beginning of a comeback even though she stood a good chance of gaining no ground against Mr. Obama in the hunt for delegates.

COMEBACK!!! Hillary Wing Texas, Ohio, and Rhode Island

2008-03-05T06:12:00.001-05:00

(CNN) -- Sen. Hillary Clinton got her campaign back on track with projected wins in the Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island primaries.

Delegate-rich Texas and Ohio were considered must-wins for her campaign.

Obama, who claimed victory in Vermont, had won 12 straight contests since Super Tuesday on February 5.

Texas also held Democratic caucuses Tuesday, but it was too close to declare a winner.

"For everyone here in Ohio and across America who's been ever been counted out but refused to be knocked out, for everyone who has stumbled but stood right back up, and for everyone who works hard and never gives up -- this one is for you," Clinton said before supporters in Columbus.

"You know what they say," she said. "As Ohio goes, so goes the nation. Well, this nation's coming back and so is this campaign."

Obama congratulated Clinton on her victories but downplayed his losses.

Clinton Takes Obama Head On

2008-03-04T10:28:00.000-05:00

Clinton loaded her speeches with a laundry list of policy promises: to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement; provide universal health coverage; restore manufacturing, with an emphasis on new jobs providing clean energy; get rid of "every single tax break" that rewards companies for sending jobs overseas; abolish the No Child Left Behind program; forgive college debt for students who agree to do public service; reduce gas prices, in part by taking a tougher line with the Saudis; take better care of veterans; begin pulling troops out of Iraq. She boasted of the endorsements she has received from retired admirals and generals, including two former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (both of whom, as it happens, served under her husband). "I've been very specific in this election," she said in a serious understatement.

And she's been equally specific in her blistering critiques of Obama of late. On Monday, after the Associated Press reported that Obama's senior economic adviser had indeed privately told Canadian consular officials not to take the candidate's anti-NAFTA rhetoric all that seriously, Clinton lit into both Obama and the media. She said the alleged communication, which the senior adviser claimed had been misinterpreted, shows the Obama campaign has "done the old wink-wink. Don't pay any attention. This is just political rhetoric." She also suggested the media would be treating this more seriously if she had done it. "With this story, substitute my name for Senator Obama's and just ask yourself."

New Ohio Poll: Clinton Up By About 9 Points

2008-03-04T06:29:00.000-05:00

The University of Cincinnati has released its final Ohio Poll concerning tomorrow's election and a relatively easy win by Clinton is projected:

51.3% Clinton
42.3% Obama
6.0% Edwards
0.4% Other

For this poll, undecided voters were allocated to the candidates they are most likely to support. 624 probably Democratic voter were interviewed between Feb. 28th and March 2nd and the potential sampling error is 3.9%.

This poll contrasts sharply with the Zogby two-day tracking poll that shows the race deadlocked but trending Obama's way.

Talking Points Memo: Hillary Takes Lead in Texas

2008-03-04T06:28:00.000-05:00

By Eric Kleefeld - March 3, 2008, 11:57AM

The new Public Policy Polling (D) survey from Texas shows Hillary Clinton taking a lead here, a possible sign of recovery after polls had put Barack Obama in the lead for the past week. Here are the numbers compared to last week's poll:

Clinton 50% (+2)
Obama 44% (-4)

From the internals: Hillary leads 58%-37% among whites and 67%-30% with Hispanics, while Obama is ahead 78%-13% among a core base of black voters.

From the pollster's analysis: "Barack Obama has tried hard but still seems unable to win over Hispanic voters. That dynamic is what caused him to lose in California, and it looks like recent history may repeat itself tomorrow in Texas."

Meanwhile, the new Rasmussen poll shows Obama ahead in Texas by only a 48%-47% margin, after having previously led by four points.

Clinton faces toughest test, vowing to go on

2008-03-04T06:19:00.000-05:00

TOLEDO, Ohio - Hillary Rodham Clinton steeled herself for a day of political reckoning, defiantly telling reporters yesterday that her campaign is "just warming up" - and suggesting she'll battle on regardless of today's results in Texas and Ohio.

Clinton, who holds a slim lead in the polls in Ohio but trails Barack Obama slightly in Texas, had until recently counted on the March 4 primaries to halt an 11-contest losing streak and narrow Obama's lead among delegates. She offered scaled-back expectations yesterday, refusing to predict what would happen and keeping her benchmark of victory vague.

When asked to define success today in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island, Clinton said: "Winning. Winning. Winning, that's my measure of success - winning." She wouldn't say if that meant winning states or a majority of delegates.

The former first lady, working on about two hours' sleep, began her day offering doughnuts to shift workers at a Chrysler plant here before addressing reporters at a local hotel. From there it was on to Beaumont, Texas, for a rally in an airport hangar, followed by a televised town hall meeting and rally in Austin.

Win in Texas or Ohio could buoy Clinton

2008-03-04T06:17:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - Buoyed by polls showing tight races in today's key primaries, Hillary Clinton is preparing to press ahead with her presidential campaign, even if she wins only one big state.

Clinton trails Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination, and she has no realistic chance of erasing his lead in delegates allocated through primary and caucus contests, including today in Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island.

FactCheck.org: Obama Mailing Misleading

2008-03-04T06:16:00.000-05:00

Barack Obama's campaign is distributing a mailer in Ohio that plays upon anti-NAFTA feelings in the Buckeye State. But the flyer is misleading:

Obama is quoted as saying that "one million jobs have been lost because of NAFTA, including nearly 50,000 jobs here in Ohio." But those figures are highly questionable and from an anti-NAFTA source. Other economic studies have concluded the trade deal resulted in much smaller job losses or even a small net gain.
The mailer quotes Hillary Clinton as saying "NAFTA has been good for New York and America." That quote, however, is taken out of context. She also said in that same news conference that NAFTA was flawed and old trade deals needed to be revisited.

HILLARY SURGING IN TEXAS AND OHIO

2008-03-03T17:32:00.000-05:00

The latest round of polls out today suggest that Hillary Clinton might have some momentum heading into Tuesday's crucial contests in Ohio and Texas.

The Ohio surveys, which were all completed Sunday, indicate that Barack Obama is no longer closing the gap and that Clinton might have rebuilt a double-digit lead. For instance, a SurveyUSA survey of 873 likely voters gives her a 54 percent to 44 percent edge. Meanwhile, a Public Policy Polling survey gives Clinton a 9-percentage-point lead.

The Texas polls, also finished Sunday, suggest that Clinton is catching Obama after he overtook her in recent weeks. The SurveyUSA survey of 840 likely voters gives Obama a 49 percent to 48 percent edge, well within the margin of error. The Public Policy Polling survey says Clinton now leads in Texas.

An Open Letter from Terry McAuliffe

2008-03-03T16:29:00.000-05:00

Over a million people will go to the polls tomorrow in Ohio, Texas, Rhode Island, and Vermont to vote for Hillary, and I hope you know that you helped get them there.

In one incredible month, you've contributed tens of millions of dollars and made more than a million phone calls for Hillary. And in the last 72 hours, 50,000 of you stood up and spoke out by making a contribution to our campaign.

That means we put more ads on the air, knocked on more doors, and reached more voters leading up to tomorrow's primaries. It means we can offer more rides to the polls. You have given us the energy and momentum we need, and our victories are your victories.

We're in our final push to win tomorrow, and you can still lend a hand. You are Hillary's best supporters and her best surrogates, and voters need to hear from you in the final 24 hours!

You can call voters in the March 4 states from your own home by getting on our online calling tool.

Click here to call voters in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Thank you so much for everything you have done to help Hillary win -- it means so much to her to know you are with her all the way.

Sincerely,

Terry McAuliffe
Chairman, Hillary Clinton for President

P.S. Don't forget to tune in tonight to "The Stories of Texas: A Texas-Sized Town Hall" where in the Lone Star State, Hillary will talk to voters and give them a chance to make their voices heard. Tune in at 7:30 p.m. EST to www.hillaryclinton.com.

Clinton suggests she'll stay in the race

2008-03-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

By Mike Glover Associated Press Writer / March 3, 2008

TOLEDO, Ohio—Democratic Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton suggested Monday she'll press on with the campaign after Tuesday's crucial primaries, arguing that momentum is on her side despite 11 straight losses to rival Sen. Barack Obama.

"I'm just getting warmed up," Clinton told reporters, looking ahead to a busy day of campaign events in Ohio and Texas where polls show a close race ahead of Tuesday's primaries.

Clinton's husband, former President Clinton, has asserted that his wife must win both Texas and Ohio to keep her campaign alive. On Friday, Hillary Clinton's advisers recast the stakes, saying if Obama lost any of the four presidential primaries Tuesday -- Rhode Island and Vermont also vote -- it would show Democrats are having second thoughts about him.

Hillary Clinton predicted success on Tuesday and looked ahead to the next big contest -- Pennsylvania on April 22.

"I think I know what's happening and I believe I'm going to do very well tomorrow," she said. "I think that's going to be a very significant message to the country, and then we move on to Pennsylvania and the states coming up."

Clinton and Obama have been waging a tough and competitive race for the party's nomination, but Obama has seized the momentum, reeling off 11 straight wins in primaries and caucuses since Super Tuesday on Feb. 5. Superdelegates, the party's elected leaders and senior officials, also have been moving toward his candidacy.

As for Tuesday, Clinton said, "Obviously it's within the margin of error in both the popular vote and the delegate count. Ohio is the key to winning the presidency and I'm excited about tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it."

Speaking with reporters on her campaign plane, Clinton argued that the competitive primary contest would be good for the party heading into the November elections, a view at odds with some in the party who fear a lengthy, divisive nomination fight would weaken the Democratic candidate.

"Hard-fought primary contests are a part of American politics," said Clinton. "We're going to have a hard-fought contest, we're going to have a unified Democratic Party, we're going to get behind whoever our nominee is and we're going to win in November."

Lacking from Clinton's comments was the traditional confidence assurance of victory.

"I intend to so as well as I can on Tuesday and we'll see what happens after that," she said.

With John McCain as the Republican nominee in waiting, Clinton said she's going to focus on national security, because the former prisoner of war is certain to make that the core issue of the fall campaign.

"This is a wartime election, which Democrats haven't talked enough about in my opinion," said Clinton.

Clinton planned a town hall meeting in Texas later Monday, and had bought television time to broadcast it across the state. She was returning to Ohio on Tuesday to await election returns, but planned to fly out of Ohio after those returns were final.

Paul Krugman: Deliverance or Diversion?

2008-03-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

The trouble is that faith in Mr. Obama’s transformational ability rests on surprisingly little evidence.

Mr. Obama’s ability to attract wildly enthusiastic crowds to rallies is a good omen for the general election; so is his ability to raise large sums. But neither necessarily points to a landslide victory.

Polling numbers aren’t much help: for now, at least, you can find polls telling you anything you want to hear, from the CBS News/New York Times poll giving Mr. Obama a 12-point national advantage over John McCain to the Mason-Dixon poll showing Mr. McCain winning Florida by 10 points.

What we do know is that Mr. Obama has never faced a serious Republican opponent — and that he has not yet faced the hostile media treatment doled out to every Democratic presidential candidate since 1988.

Yes, I know that both the Obama campaign and many reporters deny that he has received more favorable treatment than Hillary Clinton. But they’re kidding, right? Dana Milbank, the Washington Post national political reporter, told the truth back in December: “The press will savage her no matter what ... they really have the knives out for her, there’s no question about it ... Obama gets significantly better coverage.”

If Mr. Obama secures the nomination, the honeymoon will be over as he faces an opponent whom much of the press loves as much as it hates Mrs. Clinton. If Mrs. Clinton can do nothing right, Mr. McCain can do nothing wrong — even when he panders outrageously, he’s forgiven because he looks uncomfortable doing it. Honest.

Clinton hones messages for Ohio voters

2008-03-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

By John McCormick and Rick Pearson |Tribune correspondents

March 3, 2008

WESTERVILLE, Ohio - Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama battled for undecided voters Sunday in a central Ohio suburb with a long history of civic activism, each attempting to strike a resonating message before critical balloting in the next stage of a prolonged Democratic presidential contest.

Clinton traveled to Westerville to intensify efforts to portray the Illinois Democrat a candidate of flowing rhetoric with few accomplishments. Obama replied that the New York Democrat's attempts to depict herself as a foreign policy expert were overblown.

Bill Clinton reaches out to undecided voters at rally in Houston

2008-03-03T08:52:00.000-05:00

Associated Press

Bill Clinton is appealing to undecided voters to support his wife for president, saying she'd leave the country better off at the end of her term.

The appeal came at a rain-drenched rally at a Houston park Sunday before more than 1,200 supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Her husband, the former president, was campaigning through the state for his wife before Tuesday's pivotal primaries in Texas and Ohio.

Polls have shown Hillary Clinton is in a virtual dead heat in Texas with rival Barack. She's campaigning in Ohio Sunday but is scheduled to return to Texas on Monday, when she'll hold a televised town hall meeting in Austin.