Dem Rivals Rap Clinton on Terror Comment

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20070825/D8R7O3580.html

By HOLLY RAMER

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - Democratic rivals criticized Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday for her comment that a terror attack before the election would help the Republicans.

On Thursday, the New York senator told supporters in Concord that she could defeat any Republican nominee, in part because she already knows how her opponents will go after her and because she is good at handling the unexpected.

"There are circumstances beyond our control, and I think I am better able to handle things I have no control over," she said. "It's a horrible prospect to ask yourself 'What if? What if?' But if certain things happen between now and the election, particularly with respect to terrorism, that will automatically give the Republicans an advantage again, no matter how badly they have mishandled it, no matter how much more dangerous they have made the world," she said. "So I think I'm the best of the Democrats to deal with that as well."

Rivals took strong issue with her on Friday.

Talking with reporters in Wolfeboro, former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards said he would focus on keeping America safe - not scoring political points.

FULL story at link.

[EST]

1. Well, contrary to the public views of Edwards, Dodd, and Richardson,

this thoughtful analysis by ms. Clinton actually strikes me as powerful, positive and spot on, reinforcing her positive aspects in my mind. This is surprising, given that I am certainly no Clinton fan, and illustrates that her command of political realities like nothing else she has put out.

[IndianaGreen]

2. How come Hillary didn't attack Bush for fumbling 9-11 after being briefed about bin Laden's attack?

Bush got a full briefing months before 9-11 that bin Laden was planning to attack US. Why didn't Hillary attack Bush for his blunder?

[EST]

7. That's a good question and one she should be asked, as I cannot

presume to know the answer for her. I also can't see where that figures into the discussion she was having. Anything I would come up with would be imaginary, made-up stuff and I would prefer her imaginary, made-up stuff to my own.

[BlueStater]

4. The Republicans would only benefit from another 9/11 if...

...wussy Democrats allow them to frame the debate and refuse to fight back against their bullshit.

[EST]

8. And you expect what?

Republicans benefit from a public assumption that they, daddy-figure like, would somehow be more effective in such a crisis. Just because you and I and a few other like minded individuals, scattered thinly throughout the populace, point out their sheer incompetence and ignorance as well as a lack on their part of any desire to acquire the necessary skills and information to correct these shortcomings, does not mean the general populace recognizes the dichotomy.

The democrats need to get out in front with the framing, as you stated, and it appears to me that Hillary Clinton is doing exactly that. Her comments and their implication will not be totally lost if there is another terrorism crisis.

[maximusveritas]

3. Hillary is playing into the "politics of fear" that Michelle Obama talked about

Like Michelle, I'm tired of that kind of politics.

[Inuca]

6. "politics of fear" - Good point

that's why I think so many are revulsed at this comment. Partly for rational reasons, but partly I would guess an instinctive reaction to being manipulated over and over again in such a way.

[janx]

5. I've long admired Senator Clinton,

but I have to admit, she's is really screwing up.