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March 25, 2008
Hillary Clinton’s desperation move on housing hits a slump
Posted: 02:05 PM ET

Beyond the repetitive cable TV news loops of Barack Obama’s clergymen, Hillary Clinton doesn’t have a lot going for her as she faces the fight of her life in Pennsylvania. 

ALT TEXT

She managed to pull out a win among working class whites in Ohio with a populist pitch claiming that she’d opposed the NAFTA agreement that was the centerpiece of her husband’s trade policy.  That particular hat trick is a little harder to repeat in the Keystone state, however, since a Freedom of Information Act Request has now forced her to open up her records as First Lady. These prove that she actually hosted meetings in support of NAFTA at that time. (See David Sirota’s blog post on the subject.)

So instead of exaggerating her opposition to NAFTA, Team Hillary is repeating a tactic they’ve refined better than anybody else – a multi-point public policy program.  We’ve seen Clinton’s multi-point public policy programs for just about every topic you can imagine, and this one seeks to invent a political advantage from the housing crisis. 

This time, however, the policy wonks’ desperation move is just like the troubled mortgages it seeks to address: it’s upside-down, an amalgam of policy prescriptions borrowed from other Democrats, together with others that are already happening anyway, no thanks to Hillary Clinton.  

For instance, Clinton’s team has Xeroxed a proposal by Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and her former opponent, Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT), to expand the Federal Housing Administration’s ability to purchase and restructure mortgages that have, in today’s parlance, “gone underwater.” 

Unsurprisingly, however, this is already being done without Hillary Clinton. The FHA is already trying to get as many homeowners as possible under its umbrella, and it is the loan companies, not the government, that will have to make the call whether to write down the troubled notes. Furthermore, according to a report by David C. John at the Heritage Foundation, the Frank-Dodd approach will not stop foreclosures, even for those who qualify—rather it offers a “government buyout of problem mortgages disguised as a refinancing plan.”

New York’s junior Senator was particularly self-righteous when she demanded that the President form an “emergency working group” to study how to establish “broad restructuring” of the at-risk mortgages.  This, too, is already happening. The HOPE NOW Coalition has been working at restructuring these loans since last fall.  It now includes 90 percent of the sub-prime mortgage servicers, and in less than a year, the industry has already restructured mortgages to save more than 1 million families from foreclosure.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that any policy prescription from Hillary Clinton includes a hefty price tag.  In this case, she proposes an additional $30 billion so local governments and non-profits can buy and re-sell foreclosed properties to low income families or convert them into rental units.  This is on top of the $168 billion stimulus package that was just signed into law (which Clinton claimed contained “nothing” to address the housing crisis).

On this score, she’s wrong on both points.  First, the stimulus package at least increased the limits on FHA loans, — in fact, FHA has pumped almost $50 billion of liquidity into the housing market in just the last six months.  What’s more, Community Development Block Grants already allow the states and local governments to use federal dollars for the purchase, re-sale or rental of foreclosed properties at risk. (As an aside, HOPE NOW has supported a toll-free hotline, 1-888-995-HOPE to provide mortgage counseling in multiple languages.)

At a time when more and more folks have the jitters about the economy and making their mortgage payments, it’s important to separate fact from political theatre. Our role should not be to overcorrect the economy or to make the federal government to a realtor of last resort.

- Leslie Sanchez, spokesman and deputy press secretary at the Republican National Committee during the 2000 presidential campaign, author of “Los Republicanos: Why Hispanics and Republicans Need Each Other.”
 

83 Comments
Filed under: Economy •  Hillary Clinton •  Housing Market •  Leslie Sanchez
83 Comments
Cindy   March 25th, 2008 2:16 pm ET

It is funny that Hillary didn’t know that all of these things that she suggested was already occurring! It seems like she should be up on a subject before making suggestions on how to fix it. She looks mighty dumb traipsing out these ideas that are already in place. Is this how she’d be in the White House!? Makes you wonder how up on everything she really is!

Cynthia, Covington, Ga.

Mary Lou   March 25th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Why does CNN bash Hillary continually?? I think you would find more to bash about if you looked closer at Oboma!!! I’m tired of CNN!!

Ram   March 25th, 2008 2:23 pm ET

Let Hillary list her top ten accomplishments to show that she has that experience she claims to be the commander- in- chief. The truth will come out. She is cooking books & trying to fool people. Trust me she will be attacked & will lose.

April in Texas   March 25th, 2008 2:59 pm ET

This campaign has ruined Hillary in my eyes. I have seen her exagerate on her experience the never ending name calling (yes both camps have) and the constant rule changing to fit her. The other big thing is the dream ticket implications, with the number two offering the number one the VP position. That in itself reminded me of how my younger brother worked when we were growing up. Tons of childish behavior in politics recently have made me say to myself “what are they thinking”.

I don’t really get how she is still in the race after all Bill Clinton said she would have to win Ohio and Texas and well she really didnt win Texas as Obama received more delegates.

If Hillary was truely thinking about the future of America she would back out gracefully and help unite the democratic party before it is to late. This would show others for future elections that she does have the american peoples best interest at heart. We all know she will try to run again in 2012.

As for me, she has slowly proceeded to go backwards as a few weeks ago I would have been happy with either canidate I dont think I could vote for her now.

Now I just have to say ac360 “dude you rock”

Obama 08
Austin Texas

Dina - Philadelphia, PA   March 25th, 2008 3:11 pm ET

All I have to say is “Typical Hillary”. This is just like her claim of having foreign policy experience, NOT!!!! There is no weight to what she is saying, and she had the nerve to accuse Barack Obama of Xeroxing…now she is like John McCain, she doesn’t know what’s going on in the country and has to be told by someone after she puts her foot in her mouth, pppppssssssttttttt. Hillary, they’re already doing that. But she does know how to take credit for things that she had no part in. I guess when the actions that have already been put into place to help the mortgage crisis, finally starts to make a positive impact for people who’s homes are being threatened to go into foreclosure, she will try and take credit for that too! Thank you investigating real issues!

Sonata   March 25th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

What is this trash? This doesn’t sound like something that belongs on Anderson Cooper’s page, given that he is still a respectable journalist.

Christine   March 25th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

Hate Hillary much? She will always be a better candidate than Obama any day. She can also give McCain a run for his money and she may win.

philosopher   March 25th, 2008 3:33 pm ET

tell me why Clitonians fail to realize the truth I don’t have any problem with a woman candidate but this woman is not the one………Women think that this will be their only shot……well all i know if you try and forge this woman on to the democratic card………if you cant be honest I dont care who you are associated with I can’t trust you……Anderson Cooper is into reveiling the truth……………Can America Handle the TRUTH……..I know they can’t……..so what to do now

Paris   March 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Anderson Cooper you need to think hard about why you are in this business.
You are bias and this brings the integrity of your reporting under question.
CNN you are no longer a news agency, you’re part of Obama’s campaign.

Sabina   March 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Hi all,
Obama had this “Hillary housing-PLAN” on his* website 14 months ago….just an fyi…

I guess she had it FAXed to her office…..

meawhile…

Bill: “I DID NOT have sex with that woman”

Hill: [while not having sex back in washington....]
” I got off the plane in Bosnia, dodging incoming fire; they wisked us away, in a rainstorm of bullets…phew! I was coming …to my wits end!!”

Go ahead CNN post it!! :-) Hillbilly is NOT credible!!

Sylvia Barr   March 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Hilary didn’t mis- speak or make a mistake about her experience in Bosnia. Hilary flat out lied! If she got the events mixed up with another event, then she made a mistake, and if she did, tell us which event it was where she had to duck and run for cover form flying bullets. If she cannot provide the actual event, then she out right lied to make herself look better than she is.

Do we want nother liar in the White house?

Sylvia Barr

Betty Ann   March 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

360~
You need to be a LITTLE more discrete about your favoritism to Obama.
You are being too obviously transparent~
Don’t let your bias show so much.
tisk, tisk. . . .

Carol   March 25th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Maybe if we all just ignore her she will go away. It’s worth a try.

Carolyn   March 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

Dear Mary Lou,
I actually believe CNN is an equal opportunity basher. I was a Clinton supporter but have become disenchanted with Bill saying outrageous things (on his wife’s behalf) then whining about how the media treats him when there is back-lash.

Tyler, New Jersey   March 25th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Everyday I watch CNN and I am bitterly disapointed. CNN is biased. Hillary does something good, has actual ideas and what not, she copied. Obama soaks in the sun: Very Presedential. If Obama is to be the nominee is because of the bias media coverage.

AC360, I loved you guys, that is, until you guys became a part of Barack’s Campaign. Just yesterday, one of CNN’s contributors said that Hillary would scare the republicans more: she would fight tooth and nail to win. I think that her ambition is too strong for america to handle. She should be president. All her life she has tried to benefit our nation and she is shunned by the media, while Obama, three years in the Senate and he is some sort of God.

CNN please post this.

cary   March 25th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

That’s exactly what it is -desperate. What’s next? Bailing out investors who “flipped” houses? Will the “government” bail me out of credit card balances in the future too?

Leonard Ballard   March 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

why can’t we have one more debate but modified . each canidate in an isolation room then ask the question everybody has to answer as if they were first not hearing what the other person is saying I think we would get a much better idea of what there thoughts are instead of them fighting or trying to build upon the others ideas.

Michael   March 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I don’t understand what is wrong with America. The Clintons have already served their time. Hillary has nothing more to offer. She has asked that she should be hired based on her resume. But the fact is she bloated and exaggerated it. That is dishonesty. Besides, Bi-Hillary have been inconsistent. Why should you trust them. There was snipper fire at Bosnia, she claimed there was, she championed NAFTA and turned around to oppose it, she had no role in peace agreement in N. Ireland and claimed honour for it.
America wise up.
Fire her and vote for Obama to unite us.

Michael

Michael

Nat S.   March 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

You guys are thoroughly in the tank for Barack Obama, following the proud example of MSNBC. i’s a sad day when I have to tune into Fox News to get “fair and balanced” coverage.”

360 used to pride itself on showing all sides of the story. This Leslie Sanchez is incredibly biased. This is nothing but a bunch of Republican talking points, presented as fact.

Shame on you, Anderson Cooper!

Yolanda   March 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Anderson keep up the good work. I am an Obama supporter to the core and whether it’s good or bad news on him keep reporting. Overall, things are equal and fair here. If it were on the other foot, what would the Hillary supporters have to say then.

The problem we all have with Obama is that we can’t find anything discredited on him personally, it’s always someone he knows personally or his campaign team.

What’s wrong people, never thought a man of color (Bi-racial) could be the real deal????

Adirondack Ed   March 25th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

This action of calling for something to happen that has already happened is so typical of Mrs. Clinton. Here in NYwhen she first came on the scene to tell us that she was going to be our next senator, the cable company had already begun moving fibre optic cable north of Albany. It ran directly along side Route 87-The Northway. Anyone could see the trenches and little flags right at the edge of the road. In her campaign literature, she “promises” that she will bring high speed internet to the North Country-check out the blue pamphlet her campaign handed out. The March after she gets annointed, there is a ceremony in Lake Placid celebrating the arrival of the cable. Hillary stands there and says “see I told you I would bring high speed internet to the North Country.” Even if she dug the holes herself day and night, it couldn’t have happened that fast but she took all credit for it. LIAR, LIAR PANTS ON FIRE, again.

Rob - Ohio   March 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Nothing Hillary does or says isn’t without script or review. Her slips are not slips at all. They are calculated attempts at deception. If she can confuse more voters about her experiences or lack there of, then she wins more votes. It is all about spin over spin, to keep the opposition busy sorting through the mess so that she can attempt to speak about the issues.

By the way, isn’t padding your resume illegal and at the very least immoral?

Speaking about her supposed housing crisis initiative, several others are already putting into action some of the very things she is proposing – nothing like stealing the thunder from the real workers that are trying to solve the issue.

This turns into the same ‘ kitchen sink’ approach she and her campaign have employed since Super Tuesday.

We are down to the 11th hour and the Hillary camp is desperate. According to Bill Clinton, McCain is better suited than Mr. Obama to sit in the big chair.

At what point does the party leadership step in and tell Hillary to go back to her job in New York and leave the real politics to those that have what it takes to succeed?

Her party’s actions have me really looking to Mr. Obama as the only solution to this mess and the salvation of the Democratic Party.

Mr. Obama, we believe in change – we need change, we need to change.

mary   March 25th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Hellooooooo superdelegate please do something, in telling her that she have to step down, for the good of the party and for her. Obviously she is make a fool of her.

Go Obama 08

Arachnae   March 25th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Why on earth is CNN providing a platform for the RNC? Don’t they have their own website?

John   March 25th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Before reading too much into the veracity of statements in this argument, you should note carefully the author of this article and their position and ask yourselves whether this is a news article, or simply more propaganda grinding it’s way through the politico media mill.

xtina   March 25th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

A counterpoint to those who say “the Clintons have nothing more to offer”. Between the two (Obama and Clinton) when you think of that 3:00 am phone call, I don’t think Obama has had the experience being a Junior Senator (or a back-bencher so to speak) to have the judgment and savvy to handle it. In a pinch, Hillary can fall back on Bill. That may give Americans some sense of confidence.

Penny Leonard   March 25th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

How can ANY ONE trust Hillary again?? Miss. “Words are important” Your detailed, harrowing account of your arrival in Bosnia was SPOKEN by HILLARY on 3 occassions on the campaign trail….Would Hillary let Obama get away with “misspoken” words 3 times on his campaign trail??…Hillary said….” I speak a million words a day” and I “misspoke” about Bosnia….now she is saying her plane was re-directed to a safer air field……Which is it….misspoken words…..or….plane redirected??? …..America….is this what you want for President? News Media….right now Bush will not let you show military casts flown home to US….and I suspect Bush will NOT let the News Media speak about certain issues as well…..When traveling in Europe….We see and Hear ALL the NEWS,,,,,America wake up…..We Americans are not allowed to hear and see all the news and we need to insist Transparency….Gov Richardson of New Mexico, who worked for President Clinton, and KNOWS from the Inside out, what they are like to work for……Americans, wake up….you KNOW what your boss is like when you work for him or her…..Gov. Richardson said about Obama…..”There is something special about Obama” ….he is ” a GOOD” man……”WE now have an opportunity and only a “ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY” to make a change. Americans, if you have that opportunity on your job….take it…..vote for a GOOD MAN”, vote Obama……vote for Transparency…..we might not get all the news honestly with Hillary as seen in her Bosnia experience.

b daley   March 25th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

I wonder where he went to church for Easter? Maybe the inevitable is finally setting in for the invisible man and soon his vacation will reach a permanent status. Oh what will the children of the corn do?

I’m surprised they didn’t have a row of flags draped behind this clown.

——————————————————————————–
The world doesn’t need an Afro-Marxist leader!

Lilibeth   March 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Ms. Sanchez, can you please tell us what Mr. Obama’s solution to the economic crisis is? And for that matter Mr. McCain’s solution? Then after that, can you please give an opinion on which solution is the best? At the very least, please tell us all sides of the story. Thank you.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

island hopper   March 25th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I have mixed feelings on the gov’t taking over for failed mortgages. On one I feel pain of people without homes! Anything to keep them under their roof. On the other hand we can’t keep looking up to the Capitol Hill to solve all our problems.

Tamika   March 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

funny how we(myself included) claim CNN is being not being biased when they are bashing our candidates. They did it all last week to mine(and still is)..she can take a little heat now..or get out the kitchen!

onenibble   March 25th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

Hillary has good ideas about the economy and she doesn’t go to Canada like the Obama campaign and explain that they won’t really do what they promised the voters. Hillary knows more about the economy and can accomplish more as president. I don’t know if Obama learned anything about the economy from the Rezco years or not. If he saw Hillary’s speech on the economy he might have picked up a little information.

Kent, Illinois   March 25th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Ya, she will be like a filibuster. She will talk just to talk. She has to bring up topic after topic to create distance from the Bosnia deal. It will probably work. Everyone will be chasing her around jumping on the next headline news she stumps about.

xtina   March 25th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

the American Dream of home ownership shouldn’t be as easy as having a mortgage banker play with the numbers. A bank can’t give you common sense when you sign those papers

Goodheart   March 25th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Hillary is going to crush Obama in Pennsylvania. Not only is she up in the polls, but he’s already admitted he will most likely lose the state.
The is no caucus in Pennyslvania, so he has no chance.

Just mark another important big state in Hillary’s column. By the way, Hillary is at least trying while Obama is lying on the beach somewhere!

allxdreamer   March 25th, 2008 5:58 pm ET

Hillary is not desperate. You just want to label her that way. The fact is Obama nor Hillary can get to the finish line. So neither one can win. So is it so unfair for Hillary to still be campaigning when this primary is not over yet? I don’t think so. Are all your ppl Obama supporters, because all of your articles are negative about Hillary.

Maya   March 25th, 2008 6:23 pm ET

I’m so, so proud of Hillary Clinton for even making it *this* far - having to tackle biased media sources like yourself. She’s so strong to still be in this race.

I don’t think you’re at all objective anymore - as an Australian viewer, I only have CNN or Fox available for a fix of international news, and from here on — I’ll take the latter, as awful as it may be.

allxdreamer   March 25th, 2008 6:33 pm ET

Well Michael: In case you didn’t see or hear, Bill clinton is not running for President, Hillary his wife is. And as in most marriages, husbands and wifes don’t always see things eye to eye. Like Hillary was against Nafta from the start. Nafta was in talks when Regan was President, but that is another story. But in Bill Clinton’s defense, when Bill was President gas was as low as .89 cents a gallon and the U.S. had trillions of dollars. Now gas is 3.00 and 4.00 diesel a gallon and our Country is indebted to China and other countries. So you tell me, was our economy better in the Clinton days or now? Think what you will about the Clintons, but they know how to run this Country. Something Bush, McCain, and Obama have no idea. I hope I answered your question. Thanks.

allxdreamer   March 25th, 2008 6:37 pm ET

I would like to commend all the Hillary Clinton supporters and say thank you. I too am for Hillary and I too know she is the best candidate for the job. Stick to your views and vote for Hillary. Hillary can still get as many delegates as Obama if in all States we just vote for her. WE can do this people!!!

Freedom Rider   March 25th, 2008 6:39 pm ET

Arachnae above is way off mark.

I don’t think cnn is favoring the RNC when just last week Anderson was schmoozing Obama on his private jet.

Ginger   March 25th, 2008 6:48 pm ET

O.K. lets not use the word desperation. So now it’s pick on Hillary day.
It is almost like a Tit for a Tat. Who will be next.
Can we start reporting positive news? I’m sure there is some out there.
What can the news do the help the citizens of Floriday and Michigan.
We know leaving it up to the candidates will not work. Hillary wants the vote Obama does not., check mate.
Why have polititions gotten so lax about citizens right to vote?

Karen   March 25th, 2008 7:03 pm ET

After the near character assassination of Obama by association, Senator Clinton’s supporters complain that the media is reporting about Ms. Cinton’s “mispoken” trip to Bosnia.
Fair is fair … or is it… unfair is unfair?

Donna   March 25th, 2008 7:06 pm ET

If Obama had said that he flew in under sniper fire, Hillary would have tore him to pieces on that. However because she had said it ( I mad a mistake) Why won’t the media let it rest on Rev. Wright. Everyone continue to go over and over the same thing instead of what the American people have said what is on there mind. (like the houseing, insurance,jobs ect.)

Mary Leona   March 25th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

Hillary Clinton said that she misspoke concerning her experience with sniper fire because she was sleep deprived. What would she do if she is sleep deprived while answering the telephone at 3 o’clock in the morning?

Louis Jacinto, Los Angeles, CA   March 25th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Mr. Cooper,

Why has CNN failed to do an indepth look at the sexism in this campaign?

btw, I’m not ready to vote for someone who did not see The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Optixmom (Rochester, NY)   March 25th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Oh yeah, she is sooo desperate. How dare she bring up issues that are important to the American people. I mean really, who cares about Healthcare, the Economy, or Iraq. Maybe it would be more interesting for her to talk about her “typical white” grandmother.

Carol   March 25th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

If Hillary “misspoke” on the Bosnia story, I don’t want her to answer the red phone.

Kathy, Andover   March 25th, 2008 8:16 pm ET

You whining Hillary supporters, would you rather change the subject . . . to maybe Hillary’s foreign policy experience!

WAC   March 25th, 2008 8:20 pm ET

I knew Hillary was dillussional and bi-polar too. Just give her enough time and she will expose herself. Go Hillary!

Lexie   March 25th, 2008 8:25 pm ET

Are we now starting to see the REAL Lying Hillary Clinton? I wish the media would call her Bosnia story just as it it, she lyed. She didn’t over extend her story, she made up a complete different story, she even went into details about ducking bullets, ha ha Hillary you’re a little too early for April fool’s jokes. If she gets into the White House is this just a little hint of what’s to come?

spencer   March 25th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

You people in the media are at it again(bias). Forgive Obama everything, forgive Hillary nothing, I say bull. You need to be fair with all the candidates if your going to be fair with one. Everyone, including the media misspeaks every so often. Give it a rest already. You in the media are making me angry not the candidates. Stop the bull already. Start reporting the stuff that matters. As for the Obama campaign they are to race sensitive. Grow up already and get on with it.

an observer   March 25th, 2008 8:55 pm ET

Obama released his tax returns today. When will Clinton release hers. Can someone tell me who Peter Paul is ?

Nat S.   March 25th, 2008 9:09 pm ET

This really is a disgusting hatchet piece. I can only assume that it was posted to elicit responses.

Hillary Clinton doesn’t have a lot going for her? The “hat trick” is harder to replicate in the Keystone State? She’s winning PA in double digits!

Leslie Sanchez is a Bush shill.

The media bias is disgusting and CNN is no exception.

Tracy   March 25th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

What happened to objective reporting? Hillary Clinton is a talented, smart woman with a great deal of experience. Obama lacks experience and worse he belongs to church that is clearly racist. Of course that is old news to you folks with barely a word about the new pastor’s Easter sermon. I am leaving the Democratic party after 30 years of voting if Obama is the nominee and for the first time in my life I will vote Republican.

bond/ TX   March 25th, 2008 9:10 pm ET

BILLARY IS A BOLD FACED LIAR! I wish someone in the media would call her what she is instead of tiptoeing around saying “misspoke” and “mistake.” Its what the Clintons do best. Now she has Chelsea lying for her as well.

Annie Kate   March 25th, 2008 9:16 pm ET

It seems like to me that the supporters of the candidates do more sniping at each other than the candidates themselves. This election is suppose to bring us together folks - not tear us apart.

If Hilliary and Obama need new issues why don’t they talk about the violence in the middle east this past weekend that raised our death toll to 4,000? What about helping young and old graduates with crippling student loans as they try to start their careers and get a piece of the American dream? For West Virginia, North Carolina, and Kentucky why don’t they educate themselves on the destructive practice of mountain top removal strip mining that destroys some of the oldest mountains in the country to get at just 3% of our coal supply but ruins everyone’s life and what little property they have in the vicinity and pollutes their water? Hilliary was asked about this and didn’t have an answer. What about fixing the US Fish and Wildlife agency back to where you can get species that are endangered on the list - the Washington Post reported on how the Bush administration has made this almost impossible to do.

There are plenty of issues out here - pick one or two. We have all sorts of issues to resolve - large and small. There is still a lot to talk about - lets stop sniping and get started.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Guadalupe   March 25th, 2008 9:34 pm ET

Finally I’m happy to read a very well thought out article that actually addresses in very specific terms an important policy issue that affects our economy. McCain gave a fantastic speech today about this issue — the government should not be bailing out everybody — there are unscrupulous lenders and greedy borrowers who share the blame for many of the ills of the subprime mess — there were many borrowers who did all the right things — saved for a downpayment, improved their credit, and didn’t buy more house than they could afford. As taxpayers, why should the people who played by the rules be paying for those that made poor decisions? As Leslie eloquently explains, Hillary just doesn’t get it that there isn’t a government solution to every problem, throwing money at it and rehashing already existing working groups and ideas and packaging them as her own isn’t the kind of leadership we want or need.

Tammy   March 25th, 2008 9:55 pm ET

Oh my GOD, Did Hillary lie again??????????

Christina Brown   March 25th, 2008 9:56 pm ET

Hillary has 35 years of lies. she can continue to talk about NAFTA all
she wants but the truth is she cannot tell the truth about anything.

Judi Smith   March 25th, 2008 10:15 pm ET

I feel that Hillary was trying to be fair that is why she did not bring up the subject of Obamas peacher until today. He forced her to do this by being the jerk that he is and bringing up her trip. He should have just let it ride as she was doing for the democrate party’s sake. He forced her to bring up this subject again by being the no good person that he is.

Aj FROM STH FLORIDA   March 25th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

The Clintons just confirmed why I switch to an independent. Barack brought me back but lately I am thinking that I am investing in a pitcher when I think we are going to need a BATTER in order to clean up Washington! Now that I think about it the Clintons are going to take themselves out. Houray
ajsthfl

mikeb21   March 25th, 2008 10:17 pm ET

Hey Anderson,

I just watched the panel and it seemed that the man at odds with Joe Klien was a plant from the Hillary camp. I know this is not so but Anderson the people you bring onto your show should either be unbiased or should be stated as to who they are supporting. I found it a good debate but not one that was a little to one sided for Clinton’s campaign.

Bill   March 25th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

Obama lied to the media when he said he never heard ANY incendiary remarks while attending services in his church .. And then gave the race speech in Philly and said Yes he heard those kind of remarks while attending church. OK .. He LIED .. But I feel that Hillary “Misspoke”. get over it.

robert   March 25th, 2008 10:22 pm ET

You have got to be kidding, Hillary will not choose Wright as her pastor that is a choker. We know you can choose your pastor, same goes for your spouse. well???

Kelly Butler   March 25th, 2008 11:02 pm ET

It is amazing the amount of news that is repeated over and over again throughout the day, and is understandable to a certain extent. However, we are represented by a government that is elected by its people….and this government is not only embarrassing but shameless. Why is Bush and Cheney not being held to this day accountable for comments and actions that represent Americans. I for one do NOT want them to represent myself or my four children. The comments and actions by these two are not only misleading but show no concern for the welfare of any living and breathing thing. To me this is news. Our government represents this country, which is every citizen and that by itself in my opinion is an outrage!! The sheep are watching as well as the rest of us, so show them what they need to see, and just maybe it will help them to decide what not to vote for in November…

Fisher   March 25th, 2008 11:04 pm ET

PLEASE NOTE THAT HILLARY USES THE NEWSPAPER–THE PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW–OWNED BY MELLON SCAIFE (THE PERSON SHE ONCE ACCUSED OF RUNNING A ‘VAST RIGHT-WING CONSPIRACY’ AGAINST THE CLINTONS) TO RESURRECT THE WRIGHT CASE AGAINST OBAMA.

Joyce-Houston   March 25th, 2008 11:05 pm ET

The reason why hilliary keep getting bashed because she is always lying she is always acting very erractic behaviour and i guess it must be menopause,schizoeffective disorder or bipolar.
well I guess sometimes she feel like a nut and sometimes she dont.
Peter paul don’t have nothing on hilliary.

Ed K.   March 25th, 2008 11:12 pm ET

Leslie,
I smell a republican.

Debbie   March 25th, 2008 11:22 pm ET

If America really wants a change why vote for a Clinton?? We have had Bush, Clinton, Bush, do we really want another Clinton?? What kind of a change is that?? Seems like the same old same old to me!!

patty schrader   March 25th, 2008 11:23 pm ET

Hillary credited her previous lies about bosnia to sleep deprivation…
This story told by her is clearly a fabrication, not a misspeak, or “honest mistake. Is she someone that hallucinates in the midst of sleep depravation?? OMG what might she “imagine” in the future surely she’ll be sleep deprived next to the red phone.

Kristina, Texas   March 25th, 2008 11:26 pm ET

When are CNN’s anchors and news contributors going to start covering stories without biasing the coverage towards the obvious candidate of their choice–Obama? Do you really think your viewers cannot tell who you are supporting in this presidential election? Did the paradoy on SNL teach you nothing? Come on CNN quick supporting a specific candidate, and start presenting the news in an unbiased fashion. Clinton has been at the forefront of your issue #1 (the economy) since the beginning. She is the only one offering real solutions to the crisis facing the middle class. At least she is offering a plan about the economy. John McCain says he knows nothing about the issue, and Obama is taking a vacation. Must be nice!!!

BILL   March 25th, 2008 11:29 pm ET

We hear a lot of talk of experience, but for the past 7 years, all committees in the House and Senate have been led by Republicans. We have to look at Congressional records and the Federal Register to see what important legislation has been either offered or supported by the Democrats. It seems that Sen. Obama has the lead unless you want to count the naming of Post Offices and recognition days for Sen. Clinton.

Nick Gervay   March 25th, 2008 11:30 pm ET

the way the media plays into this campaign is really troublesome and I find it a real weakness that the Clinton camp doesn’t play the gender card as they should since Hilary is continually attacked for not being perfect - this is real sexism at its core. when I go onto the blogs I see horrible and disgusting references that demean her as a woman.

Any reference to anything black is perceived as ‘racist’ when the overcompensation for white guilt is a subtle form of racism. Obama can continuously play the race card and the victim card and get away with it.

btw, I saw footage the other day of his new pastor who compared Rev. Wright to Jesus and used the word “lynching” in his speech. I found it disgusting and deplorable. but all Barak has to do is make an excuse and say that sounds reasonable.

when oh when is Obama going to talk issues - his weak suit - instead of personal attacks against Clinton. He keeps saying let’s talk the issues to seem like he’s taking the high ground while his supporters compare Bill Clinton to Joe McCarthy.

JR / VA   March 25th, 2008 11:33 pm ET

It is fun to read these comments from Clintonists who accuse CNN and everyone else for lies which are spread by campaign team or directly by HRC. Today she attacked Obama for Rev. Wright even though whole world already knows who spoke about “Americas chickens” Well may be these guys are not reading newspapers or blogs on Internet anymore. More important than her attack seems to me where the attack took place. She firstly came out with Rev. Wright in interview for Right Wing Republican Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Magazine where she went to visit.
The same people who accordance MSNBC were standing behind many nasty attacks against Clintons in past. Isn’t it scary such a connection? I think it is but it shows exactly what HRC is about. She has to win whatever it costs and well republicans have already nice movie for her which is now possible to watch partly on Youtube.
I fear that she is going to win PA by huge margin because of faulty republicans game. I hope I am wrong and Obama wins the nomination.

Nick Gervay   March 25th, 2008 11:38 pm ET

I don’t blame Tracy for saying she would go Republican. The Obama people are so fanatical and mesmerized by his amazing talent at speech making that the issues don’t even seem to matter. Their venom and hatred towards the Clintons, their strategy to disenfranchise voters by insisting that Hilary throw in the towel when she is only less than 200 delegates behind. I don’t see Dick Cheney being called the monster that he is - it’s like all their hatred towards Bush is transferred to the Clintons. Two of the most progressive people to ever be in politics. I lived through the Clinton years and no one except the Republicans was complaining.

Dre in Cali   March 25th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

I am appalled that the Democratic party leaders are allowing this type of conduct to continue day after day. Senator Clinton has endorsed Senator McCain, lied to the American public about a trip to Bosnia, and accused Senator Obama of any and everything in an attempt to represent this Country for the next four years. Let’s be honest, Senator Obama should have done a little damage control long before Fox News pushed the Rev. Wright sermons.

We as mature Americans need to call on the media to report the issues that we are experiencing daily and not the gloom and doom of personal attacks as it relates to this Democratic Presidential campiagn daily.

We deserve better…….

Dre in California

Mad as heck at both Candidates, who need to grow up and conduct themselves like ADULT!

bill Bixler   March 25th, 2008 11:48 pm ET

I have loved and stood behind the Clintons from the very beginning. I was for Hillary initially but after the last two months I have lost respect for both of them and cannot support what they are about.

This race baiting is very upsetting and quite frankly, when you hear the whole Wright sermon in context, there is nothing there that is off the mark.

I don’t like what the candidates are doing to each other but I am confident that the party will pull together and eventually take back the White House. Just look at the primary turnout. It’s been five to ten times that of the republicans. We are in a good position.

Melissa   March 26th, 2008 1:51 am ET

I’m sorry, I just had to say….Tracy if you want to vote Republican, do it… nobody cares. I actually believe that ending the war and bringing our troops home, while salvaging what’s left of our economy is more important than the silly back and forth from Clinton and Obama supporters. I’m actually an Obama supporter and I think that to be attacked for things you didn’t say is just crap, but then Clinton can actually LIE about her so-called “foreign policy experience” and somehow be entitled to a pass on that. It speaks to ler lack of credibility and integrity. However, I would never hand the country over to a republican advertising a 3rd-term of Bush, just because I was too stubborn and selfish to rally behind the Democratic nominee. I think that’s just childish.

dotty   March 26th, 2008 2:00 am ET

Hillary Clinton did not “misspeak” about Bosnia. I am a woman and if I was bombarded with bullets flying all around me. I would definitely have a clear memory of this event. And if I didn’t I am quite sure my daughter would have one being that she was not a baby at the time of this so-called occurence. Hillary outright lied about those events. And the sad part about her fairytales is the fact that everytime she get caught up in a “misspeak” she tries to bring Senator Barack into the picture to take the spotlight off of herself. People are not as stupid as she think they are. Everytime she pulls on of those stunts, everyone is aware of what she is doing and it is not working. She says that Pastor Wright sermon is going to come back to haunt Senator Barack. She should be smart enough to know that that fairytale that she told will come back to haunt her also if she is nominated. When it is time for her to quote her war experiences and they run that clip of her walking calmly off the plane, Senator Mccain and his supporters will have a mighty good laugh. Oh! I forgot she says, well Hillary will you also forget to answer that phone at 3 in the morning when you are comfortable in your bed. When you get caught up in your fairytales, what are you going to do when you have to come face to face with reality. You won’t have Senator Obama around to try to take the heat off of you for your mistakes.

Marvin   March 26th, 2008 2:20 am ET

Perhaps Hillary was referring to one of the many cities in your own back yard and figured..oh well if it happens at home it must have happened in Bosnia. If the american folks are fed this crap while “Rome is burning” ,any wonder things are falling apart??

Lanston Sylvester   March 26th, 2008 2:20 am ET

Hillary and others are stating that they would leave their church if their pastor said anything they diagreed with. No one leaves their synagogue when their rabbi says anything negative about the Jews’ treatment by the Germans; no one leaves their church when a pastor says something disparaging about gays; no one even leaves their church when a pastor demonstrates prejudice and racism. Vice-president Dick Cheney believed Nelson Mandela should have remained in prison and saw him as a threat to the South African Apartheid government. Dick Cheney called F. W. DeKlerk a friend of America during the racist regime of apartheid. Should politicians have left America based on those statments and that position?

john f. brown   March 26th, 2008 2:25 am ET

I became so mad about the egregious comments and insults that Lanny Davis has been spreading about Obama on all the talk shows I decided to send Davis an email to urge him to stop it, in all decency. I soon discovered his law firm has all incoming emails to him blocked.

That leaves him clear to blow nasty attacks against Barack Obama all around the cable news channels and not have to hear from folks like me asking him to stop. I guess it was a stupid idea now that I think about it. He’s not a very decent fellow but he’s smart enough to block off emails from anyone who might disagree with him.

Dre Jones   March 26th, 2008 2:47 am ET

I believe that Hilary Clinton is far from what America needs at this time and in all honesty, who has the true answer to change our falling economy. I was truly happy to here that she was running for the Presidency but soon found myself disappointed, as I watched her act more like a sore loser than a champion. The question of Obama and his pastor has been so over exaggerated, it just shows how America still judges one persons action for the whole race/ political racial profiling. Now would anyone with good sense vote for someone that makes up a vivid story about there service as a first lady and didn’t remember it was recorded!!! Now farther more she doesn’t relate to most of the population, she has never missed a meal in her life and has only attended best of schools. Sounds more to me like a female Bush. Does anyone see the similarities Hilary is not Bill, Bush is not Bush Sr. He dodged the draft/ Bosnia was not hostile, Rezko/White Water just do your homework who has a worst track record, you judge. Hillary in office… would be like putting desperate housewives in office, there will be no solutions just more entertaining drama that could create a fatal blow to America as a whole.

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