Hillary CLEARLY best to lead nation: by Steve Schlesinger 2/17 The Capital Times-LINK

[LulaMay]

From The Capital Times, Madison, WI, "your progressive news source"

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/272859



Stephen Schlesinger: Hillary Clinton clearly is best to lead nation

Stephen Schlesinger — 2/17/2008 1:01 pm

In the upcoming Democratic presidential primary, Wisconsin voters are blessed with two candidates who are smart, energetic and forward-looking. Nonetheless, the state's residents have to decide who will be the most qualified starting on the first day in the Oval Office. My choice is Hillary Clinton.

I have had the good fortune to observe Clinton's career while living in New York. Up close, she is an unusually tough and savvy as well as charming political figure. While not as visible as Mayor Rudy Giuliani on 9/11, she showed great mastery in the difficult days after the attacks in helping to bring about the physical and emotional recovery of New York City and gaining federal assistance for ground zero workers exposed to toxic air.

As important, in her eight years in the Senate, she has compiled a strong liberal voting record in the tradition of Wisconsin's great Sens. Bob La Follette and Gaylord Nelson. While she has known defeats (e.g., health care in 1994), she has turned her reversals into legislative prowess on Capitol Hill.

Her work on the Armed Services Committee and her fact-finding visits overseas belie the notion that she has limited foreign policy experience. Her vote for the congressional resolution on Iraq in 2002 was a vote for continued weapons inspection and diplomacy and in opposition to pre-emptive war, as she clearly stated in her Senate floor speech. Today she is trying to prevent the establishment of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq by requiring prior congressional approval for any such outposts.

Of extraordinary importance, she has taken the lead on the most important economic crisis to face our country in decades. She was among the first of the Democratic contenders to propose a bold economic recovery program designed to rescue the nation from recession. Over a month ago, Clinton advocated for $70 billion in emergency spending and a backup of a $40 billion tax rebate should economic conditions worsen. Hers is a direct attempt to help the most threatened people in America -- namely, lower-income families facing foreclosures of their mortgages, those in need of home heating aid, and people who require extended jobless benefits.

Her opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, belatedly came out with his own plan, which seemingly lifts most of his ideas straight out of Clinton's proposal.

On a more specific level, Clinton's recommendations on helping Americans caught in the subprime mortgage mess are far-reaching. She has called for a moratorium on foreclosures, a freezing of interest rates, the use of federal subsidies to help homeowners keep up with payments and restructure loans, and augmented regulation of the financial industry.

Obama has come up with an alternative plan, which, by contrast, does none of these things but tinkers around the edges. He backs a bill against mortgage fraud, supports an average $500 tax credit for homeowners, and endorses additional funding for a limited class of homeowners. His is a tepid response to an enormous tragedy.

In many ways, Clinton is to the left of Obama. She has outlined a program of universal health insurance -- meaning that every person in America would be covered. By contrast, his plan is more restrictive and would leave millions of people uncovered.

Lastly, Clinton is a fighter for change. Obama, on the other hand, is a self-described conciliator. What Democrats want today, however, is a battler, not a mediator. They have suffered enough from the vicious blows of President Bush and the Republicans. What the party needs is a nominee who will take the contest directly to the opposition. Come the fall showdown, a candidacy of "friendly persuasion" is going to be Swift-boated into oblivion.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Who is Stephen Schlesinger?

[Straight Shooter]

5. Democratic party lawyer.

High up in the ranks, but that's about as much as I can glean from a quick search on the 'Net.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Thanks --

[RaleighNCDUer]

45. Is that Democratic Party or DLC?

they're not the same thing, you know.

[LulaMay]

7. OP for The Capital Times, "your progressive news souce", Madison, WI- Here's the link

http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/272859

[rodeodance]

14. my most favorite newspaper.

[rodeodance]

17. Can you put that infor in your OP--good to right from start

[LulaMay]

29. How do I do that?

[LulaMay]

39. Duh, sorry...

click 'edit'.

[Armstead]

111. Here

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-schlesinger/

[saltpoint]

2. We'll see how the rest of the voting goes this week and onward.

She may go on to win.

She may get her butt kicked.

Hard to tell just now.

[TheWraith]

3. Schlesinger: Continued gridlock better for nation than any form of unity.

At least, that's what it comes down to. Another argument that we need to do exactly what the Republicans have done, do nothing but attack and retrench, continue the gridlock, and become just like them.

[ShortnFiery]

12. I'm tired of gridlock.

This is the first time in over five years where my republican brother and I can calmly discuss issues. He respects Obama. I honestly believe that we can BOTH, democratic and republican peoples, reach *some* important compromises and bring our country forward.

Of course the kool aid drinking right wing republicans will "stir things up" but their crazy voices are being muted by McCain's victory.

Yes. We. Can. ---> If we are insightful enough to elect Obama for our President. :-)

[paulk]

13. please explain exactly how the "unity" is to come about.

Obama gets up in front of a crowd of Republican lawmakers, gives one of his uplifting kumbaya speeches, and the Republicans see the error of their ways?

Is that it?

[TheWraith]

79. Though you mock it, actually you're not far off.

Republicans respect Obama even when they radically disagree with him. He compels them to like him. That, along with bringing on board the independents and moderate Republicans, wins us a mandate.

[LulaMay]

88. He compels them to like him? This is the stuff that results in your group being called a cult.

[LulaMay]

89. PS- Hillary ACTUALLY HAS won the respect of many Republicans and worked with them

to get good legislation through the Senate.

Hillary will bring independents along, and keep growing the MASSIVE turnout of women who support her. And the best shot we have at getting some Rethug votes is the estimated 20% of WOMEN who said theyd vote for her.

You need to become more informed before issuing these sorts of opinions.

[jazzjunkysue]

109. You need to be informed about the BCCI scandal, and her war votes.

Before you offer your opinion.

She is part of the coverups. Period. There is no democracy with her. She'll never uncover the stolen elections and the vote rigging. She's part of it all.

Do your own homework before you tell off anyone else.

[Auntie Bush]

104. A mandate to do what?

Some smiles and likeability is going to mean maybe more friendly socializing in the lounge. An all over less hostel atmosphere in Washington will be nice but, I doubt if it will change any Rethug minds on Rethug issues. I'd rather someone who already knows how to DEAL Politically and work with Rethugs. One who has already proven it can be done without infringing on our values...one with experience and political clout!

[paulk]

105. You have some evidence of this "respect"?

outside of Obama's say so? Outside of the one or two bipartisan bills he's worked on?

Do you really think that "compelling someone to like you" is how bills get passed in Congress? These past two years the Republicans set a record for filibstering. They are suddenly going to change their ways because of Obama's force of personality?

Is this sort of thing really what people are basing their vote on?

[mrreowwr_kittty]

4. How does he explain her Kyl-Lieberman vote?

Is that about "continued diplomacy" too?

[zabet]

32. How does Obama explain not voting on Kyl-Lieberman?

http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=110&session=1&vote=00349

[mrreowwr_kittty]

41. Harry Reid (father of Clinton NV Chair Rory Reid) screwed him on the schedule

Obama issued a statement opposing the bill prior to it so I think his intention was pretty clear.

He was against it.

Your candidate voted for it.

Next.

[zabet]

42. Next what?

Someone screwed him on the schedule?
That is as believable as mashing the
wrong button more than once or twice.
It is Obama's job to know when to be
there for important votes and note also
that he has missed more votes than
Hillary has since being a Senator.

[jackson_dem]

44. Really? Can you post that statement? I've never seen it

Why did Obama, when asked abut Iran, in the debate that night mention Kyl-Lieberman? Gravel and Edwards did unprompted. Obama doesn't think what he later would say was a war bill is worth commenting on?

[rodeodance]

61. oh my gawd--Obams is full of excuses.

[Skip Intro]

66. bs - 98 other Senators made it in. But then who rushes back for a "present" vote?

[ErnestoG]

47. How does Hillary explain IWR?

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

6. he wants to give Hillary a 3rd try at healthcare

three's a charm, or 4 more years of waiting for us poor slobs?

[catagory5]

8. here yee here yee

....

[LulaMay]

112. At least she has tried, has experience, learned what to do. She will get us universal care, he wont

[yourguide]

140. she couldnt get it for us

years ago, I live in NY and she hasnt done anything for this state. what makes you think she can get anything done as president, if she hasnt done anything as a popular senator in NY?

[berni_mccoy]

10. She couldn't convince the Democratic Congress to give her plan a floor vote. She has no leadership

ability. Whatsoever. And she has far less experience as an elected politician than Barack (who has 12 years, Clinton has 8).

[ShortnFiery]

19. Leadership is more than Bush's "herd werk" it's presence of mind and team building.

HRC makes it all about "The Clintons and their DLC." :thumbsdown:

[berni_mccoy]

33. What "teams" has she built? Oh, the DLC, yeah, that's right. Lieberman's buddies.

[LulaMay]

113. Try to argue that with the other Senators who know she's one of the best negotiators...

your completely dismissive attitude of her shows you have extreme bias and just simply a bad attitude about her....let me guess, you find her "UNLIKEABLE"?

I bet BINGO.

[MadBadger]

11. I couldnt get past him making excuses for Her War Vote.

[LulaMay]

18. That's too bad, you'd read how she is more liberal than he is. I go nuts that people don't see this

when it's plain as day. His positions are conservative. He doesn't want universal health care, he doesn't care to help people losing their homes. As has been noted, he may give a good speech, but who is he really and what "change" is he talking about bringing about except for having his last name on the ticket rather than hers.

Today he compared his own words to FDR and JFK. I find his penchant for name dropping and comparing himself to great leaders who DID BELIEVE IN MANDATES, LIKE SOCIAL SECURITY truly insulting.

[pocoloco]

26. How liberal was that IWR thingy??

[LulaMay]

31. 1. Her floor speech is clear she was not voting for pre-emptive war 2. Obama didn't have to vote....

so it's been very easy for him to behave "as if" in hindsight.

Everyone in this country was lied to about WMD. A lot of other Dem's people respect here voted yes too.

[RaleighNCDUer]

53. If she was lied to,

why did it take 3 years for her to oppose the war?

Why was she not yelling about Bush lying as the first bombs of Shock and Awe fell?

[rodeodance]

23. Open your mind a bit--

[LulaMay]

25. Her speech from the floor was very clear that she was not voting for a pre-emptive war

[rodeodance]

63. most of their minds are closed when it comes to this issue.

[high density]

15. Even though I do not support Clinton at this moment

It is very nice to read an endorsement that generally tries to give reasons to vote for the candidate instead of against the other. The last paragraph is a bit detached from the others in this regard, but it's still a nice change nonetheless.

[rodeodance]

59. :-)

[rodeodance]

16. Very nice--thanks you

[LulaMay]

20. I thought it was very well written. She IS more liberal than he is, not to mention modest :)

Guess I'm REAL tired of him comparing himself to FDR and JFK.

[ShortnFiery]

22. I'm having a very difficult time labeling HRC and her husbands Leadership in the DLC as "liberal"

in any way, shape or form. :(

[rodeodance]

27. Give it try---

[LulaMay]

34. That's why I posted this. Her plans/stance is far more liberal than his. It's a comparison

people seem to be missing, or ignoring.

[ShortnFiery]

38. So were her husband's promises to gays in the military. Yet, NO delivery: "Don't ask, Don't tell."

:thumbsdown:

[LulaMay]

48. 1. She's running, not him. 2. It was a start and furthered positive discussion and change

I think HRC would be far more likely than Obama to go the needed distance. He has some oddly conservative ideas.

[Major Hogwash]

35. Modesty is like cash for the Hillary campaign - they ran out of it long ago.

And he was not the one comparing himself to FDR, JFK, or MLK.

Those were other people who said that about him.

[LulaMay]

43. I'm referring to Obama comparing himself to FDR and JFK.

I find it disrespectful and yes, immodest.


FDR believed in mandates, ie: government to serve the people... like Social Security.

JFK was an experienced and thoughtful leader with very liberal ideas. Obama is no JFK, politically or otherwise.

[rodeodance]

21. This is great coming from the MADISON, WI--Cap TIMES!!

[LulaMay]

28. Yes! Sorry I forgot to put the link in OP. I noted it above in an early reply.

[oasis]

24. Hillary has my thanks for her willingness to put up with all the bullcrap in

her quest to make America better.:applause:

[Auntie Bush]

30. These are my favorite lines.

"Clinton is a fighter for change. Obama, is a self-described conciliator."

And this: "What Democrats want today, however, is a battler, not a mediator."

And this: "Come the fall showdown, a candidacy of "friendly persuasion" is going to be Swift-boated into oblivion."

All great statements! Thanks for the post! R & R

[rodeodance]

65. short and to the point.

[LulaMay]

70. Mine too! ....and how true....

[Obamaman2008]

36. I Support Obama, But I agree!

I do think that Hillary is the best prepared to handle the daily functions of the White House. She has been there. And she understands the Washington system very well.

But I don't want Hillary as President. I don't. I think she is part of what is wrong with US Politics today. I think we need to invest in someone that is smart enough to do the job, and learn to do it in a way that is better for the people of this country.

I think on day one, or even the first two years are going to be very rocky for Obama, he is going to make HUGE titanic mistakes, and struggle to find answers from a hostile Washington and a country torn by entrenched division. But I would deal with two years of learning to train a good man to do the job, and change Washington. I want to move forward.

[LulaMay]

92. Perhaps you could consider what two rocky years & titanic mistakes could cost us.

[ginnyinWI]

37. But Hillary can't win the Election.

Rasmussen has her losing to McCain, 42% to his 49%. Obama beats McCain, 46 to 44.

Hillary's unfavorable rating is 54%, favorable 44%.

Obama's are reversed: 54% favorable, 44% unfavorable.

We can't lose the election again.

[LulaMay]

40. I don't agree. She would whallop McCain in debates. That's too far ahead to say.

[Recursion]

154. Just like Kerry and Gore did -- people don't watch debates

Hell, I'm a political junkie and I hate debates -- stupid questions requiring sound-byte answers. I prefer a speech, where the candidate gets to actually form an argument longer than 30 seconds.

[rodeodance]

64. yeah yeah

[ErnestoG]

46. Schlesinger - Dem insider. What a surprise.

[LulaMay]

52. Ted Kennedy, Dem Insider. What's your point?

at least Schlesinger lays out WHY he supports HRC. What has Ted Kennedy said about Obama's plans except vague 'promises' his health care plan will be universal somehow?

[ErnestoG]

55. Schelsinger's a playah. Kennedy went out on a limb. Big difference

but I suppose your support of your entitlement candidate will never grok that.

[rodeodance]

60. MASS win was so so SWEET

[LulaMay]

68. Oh how true!

[LulaMay]

67. Obama is glad to accept the Kennedy name for support, while saying 'change', as in 'no dynasty'

Ted Kennedy didn't risk a thing. and in my opinion, he was largely motivated by anger at the idea of being displaced as the Democratic party 'DYNASTY" leader.

Why aren't Obama supporters, or Obama himself, decrying the Kennedy dynasty and Ted's support? Because it's a ridiculous, meaningless charge, that's why. He has been promoting a 'change' that is based on HRC's last name and familial situation, and it means nothing.

[dailykoff]

49. Translation: Hillary CLEARLY best to bomb Iran.

And that is all ye need to know.

[LulaMay]

54. Please.

[dailykoff]

56. $5 million doesn't grow on trees.

It takes a vote to destroy a village.

[rodeodance]

78. senseless blabber

[Zynx]

69. I've heard this so many times with little to no evidence.

This is as lame as the "Obama wants to invade Pakistan" comments.

[Deja Q]

119. I agree.

[Deja Q]

118. Maybe, maybe not. Besides, Scott Ritter has been bleating the last 3 years...

on how Bush would attack Iran by July...

Well, how many more years of "He's ready to do it" will go by before he may or may not be proven right?

Point being, how do you know she intends to do that?

And if Iran continues to defy the UN, or gets nuclear materials and proves their belligerency by building bombs and not power stations (given the oil and gas they've got, WHY do they need nukes for power when their resources are cheaper? Simple economics; simple enough for even me to understand!), how many more sanctions would be given? Never mind their allies, some of them currently helping Iran and suggesting, should things really get out of control, they won't be allies to the UN nations, of which more than the US has stated Iran is of legitimate concern?

[dailykoff]

131. Kyl-Lieberman amendment. It's basically all she's got

and all this guy really cares about.

[Recursion]

155. Iran

given the oil and gas they've got, WHY do they need nukes for power when their resources are cheaper? Simple economics; simple enough for even me to understand!

Apparently not. They want nuclear power so that they can use less of their oil for power generation and sell that oil to Chindia.

Also, I'll add that they have the right to pursue nuclear power under the NPT, and they haven't had a history of attacking their neighbors since about 400 BC.

[MadBadger]

50. He's at odds with the paper's editorial board on this one.

[LulaMay]

58. Newspaper eds are so bought and sold now. Sam Zell owns Tribune...hence the endorsements

from the LA Times and Chicago Tribune. The Times hasn't made such an endorsement since 1972.

Sam Zell is a real estate billionaire from Chicago. His business reaps millions, billions from crap like the mortgage crisis. He buys up property in foreclosures. Most of his political contributions are for Rethugs.

Gee, I wonder why Obama won't create any plan to help people from losing their homes.

[rodeodance]

158. guess he not of the Herd mentality---the Obamabubber's who all think alike .

[hfojvt]

51. ridiculous to compare her to LaFollette and Nelson

she may possibly be a little bit to the left of Obama. I grant that may be possible, but an actual progressive? No way.

"She was among the first of the Democratic contenders to propose a bold economic recovery program designed to rescue the nation from recession. ... Her opponent, Sen. Barack Obama, belatedly came out with his own plan, which seemingly lifts most of his ideas straight out of Clinton's proposal."

That would be funny if it wasn't such a bold-faced lie. It's pretty easy to be "among the first" when there are only 3 contenders. Because 2nd place is pretty close to first, isn't it? Edwards announce his plan on 22 Dec 2007. "Clinton's own plan" much like her healthcare proposal seemed pretty close to Edwards plan. Hers was announce on 11 Jan. 2008.

I suppose Edwards is now a non-issue, but it is kinda strange to see Clinton seemingly copying Edwards and then a Clinton supporter saying that Obama is copying Clinton. Also inaccurate again, since Obama stressed rebate checks more than anything else (which I thought was a tactical mistake as it ceded too much ground to Republicans who love to 'solve' every problem with tax cuts, and aim those tax cuts high.)

[babylonsister]

57. The same Schlesinger who called her savvy? Wrong.

The one who apologized for her IWR vote? Wrong. The same guy who touted her support from the minority community and women? What happened last week?

He is a stalwart fan, but I wonder why?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephen-schlesinger/hillary-not-barack-is-t_b_74919.html

[LulaMay]

71. She is savvy! He hasn't even been tested by the media yet...

What would he do, how would he fare, if he got the nomination?

WE DON'T KNOW, because he's been given such a pass thus far.

She is knocked down daily by the media and is still going strong.

[babylonsister]

72. Oye. Drag your head out of the sand, friend. WE DO KNOW,

pay attention! Are you a DU member? Do some searches. The info is bountiful on DU if you care enough to look for it.

[LulaMay]

73. The media has promoted him tirelessly, while slamming her with rampant sexism

That is obvious if you simply watch TV. So please, don't insult me.

[babylonsister]

74. Whatever the media has done to insult you doesn't take away from

the power and message that is Barack Obama. It's too bad you are so stalwart in your support for her that you can't see that. I'm a 52-yr. old white woman and I can.

[LulaMay]

75. What message? "The power that is Barack Obama"? You sound like a schoolgirl with a crush

sorry, but true. I find it embarrassing.

PS- If you're a woman, the media has insulted you too.

[ShortnFiery]

76. You could cut the hypocrisy with a knife!?!

I am proud to "FIGHT like a Girl." :P




"You sound like a schoolgirl with a crush" :wtf: OVER!!!

Did I mention, You could cut the hypocrisy with a knife!?! :crazy:

[LulaMay]

82. It's consciousness raising to check one another on that Stockholm Syndrome like symptom

.... of spewing ingrained "feminine" adoration of men & machismo (as in: oh men are so powerful and strong)

I hope another woman gives me a shake if I start to sound like that.

[babylonsister]

77. And you sound ignorant if you think the media has had sway on me

because I don't support Clinton. Sure, a woman as prez would be terrific, just not this woman.
Stop being insulting and read up on Obama. You'll be glad you did. Bye now; come back when you've informed yourself.

[LulaMay]

86. Well, I hope you live to see the day if we don't get it this time because of Hillary haters like you

There is no reason to dislike her so, you just buy into the sexist media crud that she's "unlikeable".

I think the truth is that you really don't want a woman for president, because we're being offered a brilliant one here. Who knows when that chance, the chance of a lifetime, will come again?

[Arugula Latte]

115. How condescending can you be?!

LOTS of us liberal, feminist woman do not want Hillary. I personally think she is a weak and deeply flawed candidate. I'd vote for Barbara Boxer in heartbeat. I'm able to distinguish between women -- and men. Some make good candidates, some do not.

"There is no reason to dislike her so." --> Why don't you let us draw our own conclusions from our own research...

[Hill_YesWeWill]

62. umm I don't think the economy is that bad, am I the only one?

of course, I'm not losing a house, but I totally understand the plight right now of homeowners,

I'm just asking, of those who are not facing foreclosure, is it really as bad as they're making it out to be?

[donheld]

80. Yes you are the only one

Looks to me like the majority of America (except bush) knows the economy is crap.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

81. lol, well I agree it's bad, but it's been bad for awhile, I'm just saying

it's not like we entered the great depression around the same time Hillary started losing primaries and caucuses!

[LulaMay]

83. I see what you're saying. It's great she doesn't need a Greenspan manual like McCain!

She will kick his a*s in a debate.

[Yossariant]

84. Excellent, well-written, on point.

:thumbsup:

[LulaMay]

85. I thought so. He said it all very clearly.

[Maribelle]

87. The History of women in politics reflects women wanting and demanding facts...

facts free of rhetoric and confusion.

Women would not have been able to attain the status they hold today if they did not become, at a given point in time, skeptical and unwilling to accept the false statements of too many men.

Sadly, if they have gotten totally fed up with their lesser status just a little sooner in the time-line of United States History, Hillary would perhaps be the third or fourth fully qualified woman to be POTUS, including Eleanor Roosevelt who was every bit as qualified as FDR.

And going back even further than that in the US, who knows?

[LulaMay]

90. Ilike her because she lays out the facts, details of what she believes and will do.

[Maribelle]

91. Exactly. The facts. The details.

I totally agree.

[Iceburg]

98. Always leading, always with facts. K&R/nt

[cooolandrew]

93. The optional plan will only lead to people uncovered if they choose not to take it.

...Barack has made his plan optional as he will work on reducing premiums first rather than forcing people to take the plan. His plan is mandatory for kids but if folks have brought tkids to the world they have obligation to their health. There are no easy solutions to the sub-prime loan crisis. There is no miracle cure.

[LulaMay]

94. Claiming it's wrong to "force people" is a ludicrous defense. Everyone deserves it

[cooolandrew]

97. Can you imagine Republicans going for the idea of mandatory premiums, I can't Reducing cost is ..

...Reducing costs is the prime objective. We have seen hillary not working hard enough in the campaign so why will she work to reduce premium costs. The best plan was Kucinich genuine universal care, what we have left is not that andwith it not being that it shouldn't be mandatory for business to aquire premiums. Although I can see his case for kids as ther is an obligation to their welfare.

Had it been genuine not for profit care I would say yes mandatroy increase in taxes for the government to pay all the health costs for the nation with out a profit been taken.

[LulaMay]

99. Yes, we will have more seats in Congress. Shes masterful at reaching across tthe aisle to get suppor

from Republicans who listen and care (there are some!).

Universal care's time has come, even the insurance companies know it. She will make it happen now. He will abandon it.

Your claim that she hasn't worked hard in her campagin is just ridiculous, and frankly means nothing within your 'argument'.

She has run a great campaign and been on the road and with voters each day. I saw her in LA and she was amazing, a crowd of thousands.

[LulaMay]

95. Also, analysts say her plan will cost less by covering everyone and providing more subsidies.

[LulaMay]

96. Everyone needs to be included for it to be financially workable. Just like Social Security

Her costs will be lower, everyone will be able to afford something under her plan. His plan drives up costs to all because of leaving a segment of the population not covered.

Everyone must be covered for it to work.

We are the ONLY 'civilized' nation in the Western World not to provide health care for all. It's a disgrace.

[cooolandrew]

100. So on the immunity we could trust her to protect privacy and with this we are assured she will...

...lower cost, erm ok I'll take your word. Romeny had the same plan and some struggled hard to pay, this is why Barack has chosen optional, he is dynamic will negotiate and reduce costs in every area as we have seen in the dynamism in camapaign and as he has lowered costs in illinois at state level.

[LulaMay]

101. Did you see her statement on Blue Cross? She IS the one fighting for privacy. I'll try 2 get link

[LulaMay]

102. OK- Here's the link. My doctor got a notice of this from a medical board and credited Hillary with

coming down on Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

She CARES!

http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=5938



2/12/2008
Statement from Hillary Clinton on Blue Cross of California's Efforts to Deny Health Coverage Based on Pre-Existing Conditions

I am outraged by news reports that Blue Cross of California is asking physicians to provide personal medical information about their patients that Blue Cross can use to deny them health insurance coverage. This is a deliberate effort to pressure physicians to betray the sacred trust they have with their patients. It could lead patients to be less forthcoming about critical medical information. And it could further erode the fragmented and inadequate system of health insurance in California and around the country.

This is only the most recent example of how insurance companies spend tens of billions of dollars a year figuring out how to avoid covering people with health insurance. In the current system, insurers profit by cherry picking healthy individuals and avoiding those that may be "expensive," and then trying to avoid paying up once the insured patient actually needs treatment.

My American Health Choices Plan will finally put an end to these discriminatory practices. Insurance companies will no longer be able to deny individuals' coverage because of preexisting conditions or risk factors, or charge exorbitant premiums to screen them out. And individual coverage will be guaranteed, so if you pay your premiums and follow the rules, insurance companies will be required to renew your coverage each year at a price you can afford.

I am running for President to ensure that no American is ever again discriminated against by insurance companies, and that every American has quality affordable health coverage-no one is left out.

[LulaMay]

103. It must be universal, must cover everyone. It is a human right, not a luxury. She does

show how she will pay for it and have costs much lower than his plan. She has started this battle and learned along the way. She will get it done. The insurance companies are already working to be ready for compliance in a national system. We can't drop the ball now!

[cropseydem]

106. Hillary - unpopular with Dems, unpopular with Repugs

She still has Socks...oh wait.

[LulaMay]

107. Is that why she's winning the overall Democratic party vote? Her speeches standing room?

[Arugula Latte]

116. "Her speeches standing room" -- Her crowds are a fraction of Obama's. nt

[LulaMay]

125. That is absolute baloney. She just gave a standing room onspeech , and I saw her in LA for the same

and they didn't have room for everyone, thousands of people, there were many people outside listening to her.

[Arugula Latte]

142. As I said, Hillary's crowds are a fraction of Obama's.

Yes -- they are big crowds by most standards. But not by Obama standards. Case in point: Seattle. Obama draws 20,000. Hillary draws 5,000. Yes, 5,000 is a big crowd. But it is a small fraction of the Obama crowd. One-fourth, to be exact.

Put that in your pipe and smoke it.

[rodeodance]

150. small crowds allow for Q & A approach. Hilliary listens to people. Does little preaching to them

[Arugula Latte]

152. Ha ha ha!

She's a terrible public speaker, so I guess as an excuse, and to avoid the painful contrast with someone who can really communicate with a crowd, they've decided to keep her away from larger groups.

[rodeodance]

157. she is not communicating vague HOPE platitudes--but solutions. Big difference

[jazzjunkysue]

108. I don't give a crap what Stephen Schlesinger says. She's part of the cabal.

Enough, already!

[LulaMay]

110. Is that how you avoid meaningful comment? Why bother posting at all?

[rodeodance]

151. try listening to people outside your Obama bubble once in a while.--it will free you.

[jazzjunkysue]

160. Try noticing that I'm an edwards supporter. And she's part of the cabal.

Because she's proven it for all these months that she hasn't spoken out against the cabal.

[yourguide]

114. so?

And Nixon received heaps of newspaper endorsements as well and we all know how that turned out.

http://backissues.cjrarchives.org/year/91/6/joa.asp

[LulaMay]

120. This isn't about an endorsement. It's an op piece about her plans and goals.

You should read it.

[yourguide]

122. I did read it...

It's not a news piece on clinton, it's a fluff piece. endorsement.

perhaps you should read it.

[LulaMay]

123. I said it's an op. They aren't worthless. He details her platform, programs, her strengths.

If you're not interested in commenting,then don't.

But "so?" isn't any sort of thoughtful reply. If you disagree with what the author says, say why.

Or move on.

[yourguide]

127. Lulu I did say why...

and there were many glowing articles and endorsements like that about Nixon - and again we all know how that turned out.

Fluff pieces mean little. Didnt really even warrant a thread.

[LulaMay]

137. Sure, that's why so many people replied and it's in the top of the Greatest Lists

[yourguide]

139. So many people replied

because the hillbots are desperate for ANY good news.

Lulu, your fluff piece is not going to sway votes or voters, there's no meat, no facts, just the author's editorial OPINION.

My opinion as well as your opinion holds just as much weight.

Again I say so, it doesnt mean much.

[LulaMay]

141. Your opinion doesn't hold much weight at all when not explained. There are facts in his piece.

[yourguide]

143. Lulu

your blind Hillbot faith doesnt hold much weight either.

side note: you claim that Hill will be able to get us universal health care...she couldnt get it done years ago what makes you think she can get it done now?

she's my senator, yet schumer smokes her. She hasnt done sh*t for NY, as a popular senator in this state. what makes you think she can get anything done as president?

[LulaMay]

145. If you have nothing to say now but to call me names, your bus is waiting. It's Lula. Read.

[yourguide]

147. also

How is it Hill can accuse Obama of plagerizing when she outright lied about writing "It takes a Village". It was ghost written by another writer but they refused to give the ghost writer ANY credit and took FULL credit for it.

[LulaMay]

144. PS-It's so rude to call HRC supporters names. I don't do this, nor do most HRC supporters I know.

It's immature and ridiculous.

[yourguide]

146. let's talk issues then

why do you think she can get universal health care done when she couldnt get it done years ago?

why do you think she'd be a great president when she's done a lousy job representing my home state? Schumer has run circles around her.

The bottom line is, she attacks obama on speeches yet the bulk of her speeches seem to turn into nothing more than goose eggs. She CANT GET THE JOB DONE! We know this from experience, I would much rather give someone else a shot.

[LulaMay]

148. I asked you to, and all you did was call me names, so, so long.

[yourguide]

149. HAHAHAHAHA

Typical Hillary supporter, start talking issues...REAL issues and they go run and scamper away.

[LulaMay]

138. and you didn't say why or anything pertinent about what he wrote, just "it's fluff'. How engaging!

[Deja Q]

117. I'm with ya until the pesky I-word

insurance

See, that sounds like a handout to the insurance companies for us to get no change in the insurance we already have. What if we lose our current jobs and are only lucky enough to get jobs that pay only half of what they used to? That won't help anyone get out of recession either.

I wonder what she has to say about building jobs at home, ones that allow people to remain middle class, but she has said things I have agreed with in the past (re: "green jobs", solar panels, et al...)

All that aside, your post makes an excellent case for Candidate Clinton, but thanks to her ties with large offshoring organizations, is it wrong for anybody in the affected industries TO feel worried and queasy?

[LulaMay]

121. She just gave a great speech in WI about building new jobs, solar, green, etc...

and I believe she will get us the best health coverage possible. She is tough, as recently demonstrated this week when she wrote about abuses of Blue Shield harassing doctors for patient information in order to deny them. She complained about it, doctors complained about it, and they have now ceased the practice. My doctor showed me the letter sent to her about it (I think all doctors received it, from the medsical board, AMA?....not sure about that, but it was a fierce letter of which she had a high profile part in).

Nobody in this country is going to get universal coverage with working something out with insurance companies, but she will be the toughest, the best negotiator. I believe she knows exactly what she is going to do to make it happen, building a coalition of doctors and nurses, etc... to take on the insurance and drug comapnies(as shown in the letter my doc got). I see that she has gained even more experience at tough but effective negotiating from her tenure in the Senate. I don't see any commitment from Obama for universal coverage, and every analyst says her plan would cost much less and cover all.

I don't know as much about any offshore organization ties, but right now I think I'd be more worried about Obamas ties to real estate and brokerage firms and doing nothing to stem this tide of people losing homes, and hurting our economy with a mountain of defaulted loans. She will do soemthing about it. He is very silent on the topic, offering just about nothing.

[AX10]

124. I'm with Hillary!

[LulaMay]

126. My whole family is, sons and husband. I voted with my 19 yr old, his 1st time..

it was so exciting and special.

[in_cog_ni_to]

128. THANK YOU, Mr. Schlesinger! This is EXACTLY what I've been saying.

What Democrats want today, however, is a battler, not a mediator. They have suffered enough from the vicious blows of President Bush and the Republicans. What the party needs is a nominee who will take the contest directly to the opposition. Come the fall showdown, a candidacy of "friendly persuasion" is going to be Swift-boated into oblivion.

Hillary is DEFINITELY the most Progressive of these 2 candidates. There's no doubt about it.

:thumbsup: GREAT POST!

[LulaMay]

136. Me too....people need to wake up and see who is the real liberal fighter and who offers nothing.

[rodeodance]

153. This person has awoken: Letter from a young, hip, cynical former Obamamaniac.

If go to website—there are clickable stories/cites within this story.


http://www.slate.com/id/2184536/


It's Not You, It's Me

Letter from a young, hip, cynical former Obamamaniac.
By Dahlia Lithwick
Updated Thursday, Feb. 14, 2008, at 6:43 PM ET


Dear Barack:

I know it's kind of lame to break up with you on Valentine's Day. And on the Internet to boot. But it's also kind of ironic. And that's what I need to tell you. As an ironic, contrarian, so-hip-it-hurts Gen X-er, I just can't love you anymore. I can't like you because … because, well, everyone else does. And suddenly supporting you just seems soooo last week.

Last week, my hip friends were all thronging stadiums and manning phone banks for you. Now they're all blogging against you and downing water and Tylenol like they've just done 12 Obama shooters in 20 minutes and then barfed in the cloakroom.
Click to learn more...

I know this is going to sound strange, but it's not you, Barack, it's me. Really it always was me, but now it's really, really about me. I don't know when we started to feel weird supporting you, but: My friend Hanna thinks it started with that "Yes We Can," video. I mean, last week I was totally crying watching it. Now just thinking about how choked up I got gives me the creeps. I think I felt something at the time, but even if I did, I'm pretty sure I don't want to feel it anymore. Feeling inspired is soooo early-February.

Or maybe it started when everyone began madly posting last week about how you are not the Messiah. And that got me thinking. Then, when commentators started accusing me of being a venomous drone in a "cult of personality," I just needed to get out. I mean cults are soooo 1970s. And cults of personality? So totally first century.

Cult or no cult, this week I just started getting really confused about you. I mean, when people start to say that your strengths are actually weaknesses? That just makes sense, if you really think about it. I mean, what's the point of being such an inspirational speaker if all you can do is give inspirational speeches? Do better, Barack. I mean, do worse!

So I've been thinking a lot about our time together, Barack. Supporting you wholeheartedly was the best damn 14 days of my life. I liked you before liking you was cool. But now it is, so it's not. Know what I mean? At least now I can go back to being flip and cynical and edgy again. I bet you wish you could, too.

But don't be sad! My friend has a Web site: IlikedObamabeforehewascool.com. It's not much of a site, but it sure is funny. As for me, well, I just can't be comfortable liking you now that liking you is like liking an iPhone. Maybe if you can be more of a jerk or play hard to get or something? Maybe you could uninspire some of your fans? Maybe then I could believe in you again. I'm hopeful. Or at least just hopeful enough to still be cool.
………..

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

129. In Your Face Obama!!!!!!!!!

Now THAT's a well written, to the point, factual, logical, not filled with empty rhetoric, article supporting a great candidate. Take THAT Obama!!!!

Go Mama!!!!!

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

130. Oh I Can Just HEAR The Obama Fans Heads Exploding With This One. KABBOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!

Nooooooooooo!!!!!! Facts!!!!! Substance!!!!!!!! Intellect!!!!!! Real Points!!!!!!!! Validity!!!!! Critical thinking ability!!!!! AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH RUN EVERYBODY!!!!! RUN!!!!! QUICK!!!!!! BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!!!!!!! ARRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! KABOOOOOOOMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[thoughtcrime1984]

132. She can'tput together an effective campaign- look how f'ing negative

she always is. I don't want any more toxic personalities in the White House, especially ones that sell out Democrats by conspiring with McCain.

[LulaMay]

156. What has she said negative? She is very positive, with solutions, in speeches, debates

Back it up, your charges that she's "Negative"

[rodeodance]

133. Clinton Appeals to Local [Green Bay Area] Voters on Presidents Day

related--enjoy

http://www.wbay.com/global/story.asp?s=7888186


Clinton Appeals to Local Voters on Presidents Day

Updated: Feb 18, 2008 12:23 PM

The snow only delayed Senator Hillary Clinton's campaign trip to De Pere.

The Democratic presidential hopeful spoke to voters Monday morning at a town hall-style meeting on the campus of St. Norbert College.

She answered questions about the struggling economy, and said it's time to take care of the middle class.

[LulaMay]

135. Very nice! Thank you!

[Cameron27]

134. K&R

[stillrockin]

159. Stephen Schlesinger is a Clinton supporter and

has been blogging on her behalf on Huff Post for a long time.

[Clinton Crusader]

161. K&R!!

[Exilednight]

162. That's a nice article, but shouldn't voters decide?

Isn't this the reason we have elections?