"A spokesman said the candidate would make one impromptu stop at a café but otherwise use the rest of the day for “private events.”"

Not to split hairs, but if it is known in advance how can it be impromptu?

The media will report it was impromptu, but everything HRC does is cold/calculated and planned in advance.

The economic boom from the 90s was because of the DOT-COM BUBBLE!

Not the Clintons. When will anybody point that out?

Bill gates was more responsible for the economic boom in the 90s than the Clintons.

Gimme a break.

will the media finally examine obama as closely as it has hillary clinton? when that comparison happens, obama doesn't stand a chance against hillary.

"Will the media finally examine Obama as closely as it has Hillary" - Yeah, go for it! I'm sure Obama can explain his voting record just fine and backup his experience. I would love to hear Hillary explain why her husband won't release private presidential documents relating to Hillary Clinton. Or how about her opinion on the Whitewater scandal that involved her brother AND her husband? The people in Iowa did the right thing by going with Obama. I hope the people in NH do the same. Remember, Obama is about "Change WE CAN BELIEVE in."

"A spokesman said the candidate would make one impromptu stop at a café but otherwise use the rest of the day for “private events.”"

Not to split hairs, but if it is known in advance how can it be impromptu?

For Hillary, the ultimate in calculations, pre-announced is the same as "impromptu." LOL

Well let’s see what created the economic boom of the 90’s? The privatization of the internet which was run by the national science foundation was a large contributor. The tax incentives given by Clinton for early stage investment; and the Clinton promoted well economic empowerment zones. The reduction of our national debt which freed money to be invested helped the economy more than any single other item. I would say Clinton laid the foundation and set up the standards which is all that government can do.

Barack Obama: the audacity of inexperience. This is not a popularity contest, folks. Let's elect a President to do JOB, not a prom king to make us feel good.

Well let’s see what created the economic boom of the 90’s? The privatization of the internet which was run by the national science foundation was a large contributor. The tax incentives given by Clinton for early stage investment; and the Clinton promoted well economic empowerment zones. The reduction of our national debt which freed money to be invested helped the economy more than any single other item. I would say Clinton laid the foundation and set up the standards which is all that government can do.

Jose:

It sounds like you're whinning about Hillary's media annonted front-runner status. What's funnier is I think the Hillary camp has prodded the media more than enough to scrutinize Obama more.

At the end of the day tell me what Senator Clinton has done that makes her more ready to be President than Obama? Please don't site First Lady because I will ask you to point out that constitutional office in the US Constitution.

In other words, what's her record she standing on?

In response to Jose who said "Will the media finally examine obama as closely as it has hillary clinton? When that comparison happens, obama doesn't stand a chance against hillary."

Obama is a novelty candidate of little substance and experience. The media has used him to add interest and controversy to an otherwise dull campaign season, but he lacks broad support in the party and among American in general to even come close to the nomination. And rightfully so. This con man has done absolutely nothing as our U.S. senator except cut deals to enrich himself (e.g. Rezko) and his wife (tell us, Michelle, how you were able to more than triple your salary at the U of Chicago immediately following your husband's being elected?). Now, if we can just get this grifter off of our payroll in Illinois.

I haven't heard any candidate speak on what they will do for Veterans.

If they want fewer Veterans, have fewer wars.

I still do not understand why Clinton thinks she is more qualified and experienced to lead? What qualifications did she offer or gain as First lady? I agree start answering the hard questions but not from just your supporters!

Hmm Monica doesn't think women can be successful without the help of their husbands. You sound like a fat, ignorant hooker. Your envy is really a turn off.

"….and who will be the best able to withstand the Republican attack machine."

I can't get over how ignorant Clinton and her supporters are of how much she is absolutely reviled by many in this country. Republicans who might otherwise stay home on election day due to lackluster candidates will actually get out to vote AGAINST her.

America is not a switching Monarchy. New blood in 08.

When you choose CEO of the company, who would you choose between experienced executive who has couple decades of management skills or some foot soldier/entry level employee without any experiences.
People need to wake up, especially young people who vote for Obama.
Managing big country like USA is not a job for a rookie who think he can tackle the job but has nothing to back it up. Don't get me wrong. I'm not old. I'm in my early 30s. But I can see cleary what an inexpeirence guy like Obama can do so much damage to this great country.
Don't make a big mistake and elect Obama. That action is equal to electing Bush as president.
Obama said he'll bring change. What change he's talking about. Change to the worst? I watch his interview. He's not very smart. He lost debates time and time again. While Hillary can answer questions in an articulate way. She's very intelligent. I was very impressed when she had an interview on CNBC regarding an economy. While I was very disappointed with Obama interview and speech. I would take Hillary over Obama any time of day.

"Obama is a novelty candidate of little substance and experience. The media has used him to add interest and controversy to an otherwise dull campaign season, but he lacks broad support in the party and among American in general to even come close to the nomination. And rightfully so. This con man has done absolutely nothing as our U.S. senator except cut deals to enrich himself (e.g. Rezko) and his wife (tell us, Michelle, how you were able to more than triple your salary at the U of Chicago immediately following your husband's being elected?). Now, if we can just get this grifter off of our payroll in Illinois."

some of the same things said about John F. Kennedy.

This country faces so many very serious issues that can only be confronted by a UNITED constituency. Only Obama has the inspiration and the leadership to heal the country enough for us to get TOGETHER and agree on a way to confront our collective challenges.

HRC will keep us in this damaging 50 / 50 split. As Lincoln said, "..a country divided against itself can not stand!"

Delegate count as of today (not including super delegates):

Obama 16
Clinton 15
Edwards 14

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#IA

Hillary will continue to pick up important numbers of delegates in each state.

When you choose CEO of the company, who would you choose between experienced executive who has couple decades of management skills or some foot soldier/entry level employee without any experiences.

Posted by: Obama is not for me. | January 4, 2008 2:53 PM

Hillary is a one term Senator. What has she accomplished before that?

Us tax-payers have contributed over 10 trillion dollars, since 1964, for the failed war on poverty program instituted dy the dems... Barack would expand that program trillions more.

Keep these tax and spend liberal fools out of The White House!

Paulo

Whom among us has had any presidential experience before he is president? Hm, listen to the slience. None. And did I read somewhere that Hillary said she was a black man too running for president? So does this mean then that former president Clinton is -- gay, and for black men?

Keep these tax and spend liberal fools out of The White House!

Paulo

Posted by: Paulo | January 4, 2008 3:36 PM

We assume your talking about Boy George and little dick?

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Nearly $9 billion of money spent on Iraqi reconstruction is unaccounted for because of inefficiencies and bad management, according to a watchdog report published Sunday.

My apologies to the real Boy George for using his name in vain.

To the Clinton supporter that stated: "Obama is not very smart" I would suggest you take a look at Obama's bio before you start slinging mud.

Obama graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. You may not agree with his policies, but only the worst kind of bigots would question his intellect.

Paulo,

What would you propose? Should we ignore the millions of Americans living below the poverty line? Increase tax breaks for the upper classes? Tell me why we are the only wealthy industrialized nation in the world who cannot provide its citizens with universal health care? Why has the cost of birth control for the poor and students literally trippled in the past year? Why are lightyears behind the rest of the world on environmental protection? Why has our country reached the highest levels of debt in its history in the past few years? To fund a pointless, ill-planned, mismanaged war? That is what your wonderful Republican president has done for our country. We need change, hell we need a damn revolution to turn this country around from the disastrous path it is on. And I think Obama is our best hope for such a change...

In response to Jose who said "Will the media finally examine obama as closely as it has hillary clinton? When that comparison happens, obama doesn't stand a chance against hillary."

Obama is a novelty candidate of little substance and experience. The media has used him to add interest and controversy to an otherwise dull campaign season, but he lacks broad support in the party and among American in general to even come close to the nomination. And rightfully so. This con man has done absolutely nothing as our U.S. senator except cut deals to enrich himself (e.g. Rezko) and his wife (tell us, Michelle, how you were able to more than triple your salary at the U of Chicago immediately following your husband's being elected?). Now, if we can just get this grifter off of our payroll in Illinois.

And these will look bad against the clinton years? Whitewater? His impeachment? the Vince Foster coverup? The Marc Rich pardon? Just to name a few.
Hillary is over. Get used to it.

“It’s a short period of time but it’s enough time: Time for people to say ‘Wait a minute,’” Clinton said. “Number one, Who will be the best president for our country, from day one, walking into the Oval Office….and who will be the best able to withstand the Republican attack machine.”

Hillary, Iowans asked that question on January 3rd. Your are telling your supporters to say "wait a minute" Why wait? FIRED UP...and already gone!!!

Delegate count as of today (not including super delegates):

Obama 16
Clinton 15
Edwards 14

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#IA

Hillary will continue to pick up important numbers of delegates in each state.

Thanks for providing the perspective, Nelsons. The importance of the results in Iowa is, on the merits, vastly overhyped. However, the suggestion that Obama (or Huckabee for that matter) has acquired some sort of important advantage because of a victory in Iowa becomes, because of the hype, a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Paulo,
You seem more desperate than usual. Sorry. Hang in there.

Everyone mentions Obama's relationships and how they benefited from them. So the Clintons have never have benefited from their own relationships in public service? I would rather have a candidate who will try and mediate between parties, rather than accusing which HRC seems to be good at.

Hey Monica

In response to Jose who said "Will the media finally examine obama as closely as it has hillary clinton? When that comparison happens, obama doesn't stand a chance against hillary."

Obama is a novelty candidate of little substance and experience. The media has used him to add interest and controversy to an otherwise dull campaign season, but he lacks broad support in the party and among American in general to even come close to the nomination. And rightfully so. This con man has done absolutely nothing as our U.S. senator except cut deals to enrich himself (e.g. Rezko) and his wife (tell us, Michelle, how you were able to more than triple your salary at the U of Chicago immediately following your husband's being elected?). Now, if we can just get this grifter off of our payroll in Illinois.

YOU USED THE EXACT SAME POST BEFORE THE IOWA PRIMARY, EVERYONE KNOWS OBAMA HAS THE BROADEST SUPPORT OF ANY CANDIDATE IN ANY PARTY....DEAL WITH IT HAHAHAHAHA

Keep these tax and spend liberal fools out of The White House!

Paulo

Posted by: Paulo | January 4, 2008 3:36 PM

I guess you won't be voting for Huckabee then. RINO!!! Good he's creepy!!!

Clinton was a Wal-Mart's Board member.
She was also on the Board of TCBY.
She has also served on the boards of the Children’s Defense fund which she also chaired. Additionally she was on the Arkansas Children’s hospital board.
She co-founded the Arkansas Advocates for Children and families.
She chaired the Arkansas Educational Standards Committee.
She also served as congressional legal counsel.
We can see that she has practical experience in education, in healthcare, and business. She has not promised hope but delivered hope to many. This has been her life’s work. No other candidate is as credible as she is on these issues nor have they done it.

I love how HRC keeps saying she has 35 years experience, but has yet to say what the experience is. My mother has 38 years experience of being a mother, does that mean she should be running for President (God help us is she did!).

In Clinton news the DNC Swamp hasn't yet reported, today her "rainmaker" fundraiser, fugitive Norm Hsu, was sentenced to 3 years in jail for his 1992 fraud conviction. Hsu still faces other charges related to the Clinton fundraising. See http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22506947/

Paulo let me take this for you. I’m a democrat who believes that we need to have sound economic policy. Health care for all is needed but needs to be paid for. If we do not have a strong economy we can’t afford universal health care without sacrificing quality. Now there are places where quality is not as important such as generic vaccines and preventative car which can bring costs down; but it’s still looking at the fact that we are making choices as to where we spend money. Government should set standards and do grand projects that provide tools for all Americans. We need to look at the root causes of poverty and address them. Education, skill retraining, infrastructure, and investment capital are the weapons with which to fight poverty. Hand outs only keep a person dependent, and does not address the causes.

I'm a little tired of this 'experience' argument. Stop touting campaign rhetoric and think about things a little more. --If experience is the determining factor, then people should have been voting for Biden or Dodd, both of whom have a combined experience of 61 YEARS in the Senate. Touting Hillary's (or Obama's) experience compared to them is like listening to grade schoolers bragging about their education in the presence of college graduates.

If Mrs. Clinton had started out with "Hillary Clinton is tired of standing on the sidelines. She has a brain and she's not afraid to use it," I might have considered voting for her. But I'm not convinced by alot of fake appeals to experience that we cannot verify. Obama's performance in the state legislature is a matter of public record, as is Edwards' career as a trial lawyer. They don't have the opportunity to pick and choose what we know about them. Clinton expects us to take her word for it.
Do we really want to teach our daughters that the road to success is on the coattails of an influential man?

I'm a little tired of this 'experience' argument. Stop touting campaign rhetoric and think about things a little more. --If experience is the determining factor, then people should have been voting for Biden or Dodd, both of whom have a combined experience of 61 YEARS in the Senate. Touting Hillary's (or Obama's) experience compared to them is like listening to grade schoolers bragging about their education in the presence of college graduates.

If you want proof of Hillary being qualified, then listen to her speak. She speaks about issues, not some flashy slogan about change that lacks substance. Those of you that don't think that being first lady gives any government experience, pay more attention to requirments of being first lady, first hand knowledge and knowing what to expect by actually being there is priceless experience in itself.

HIL-BILLERY has the most experience at scandals and being able to lie effortlessly and that's all!

Beautifully said Ms. Peacock. Hillary, on her own, without her husband has built her name.

Starting in the 8th grade when she and a friend followed their beliefs that JFK elections were built around fraud, and joined into the vote counting in Chicago to do a "recount". She has proven herself to be a strong, tallented, goal oriented powerhorse.

Her healthcare plan, that the republicans blew out of the water "because her husband had too much power" could have helped millions of people.

She proves herself every day. As most of us women have too. She can do the job and be a powerful leader. She will be respected by the other leaders of the world and she will not back down.

She cares about the people of this country. She has connections and knows how to work within the system.

Go Hillary - If Obama makes it - I'm voting Republican.

Obama not for me wrote:

When you choose CEO of the company, who would you choose between experienced executive who has couple decades of management skills or some foot soldier/entry level employee without any experiences."

Obama is running for Chairman of the Board and not CEO.

Hillary is toast. She just does not get it that she is a re-tread and a thing of the past. People have been energized by Obama like never before, and he excites crowds everywhere he goes. Let's face it, Hillary would be a mid-manager for the IRS or patent lawyer working for some state if she did not marry Bill. She does not have what it takes, no matter what her handlers tell her to do.

Since yesterday, I have three die-hard Republicans say they will vote for Obama if he can beat the Dem's machine candidate, Hillary. This guy is the real deal and I do not see how anyone can stop him now.

No one is more corrupt than the Clintons.
HRC couldn't keep here husband faithful for all of her marriage how does she think she can handle a whole country?
Obama is going to trounce her all the way then loose big to the preacher man from Arkansas.

I’m also getting sick and tired of HRC commenting about her experience. On one hand she doesn’t want to use her HUSBAND’S PRESIDENCY but yet she keeps using it has part of her job experience. She wasn’t president her husband was. Also this belief that she’s the only person equipped to stand up to the Republicans is absurd. Because during her HUSBAND’S PRESIDENCY they stayed in so much turmoil, they were constantly attacked and her husband allowed himself to almost be impeached, she believes this gives her the title of standing up to the Republicans. Someone else listed out all the boards she has sat on. How else should you spend your time when your HUSBAND IS PRESIDENT and your HUSBAND IS GOVERNOR. I’m not trying to make her out to be insignificant, but you can’t have it both ways. On one hand she wants to separate her husbands career from hers, but also use it as her work experience. For those who want to attack Obama for lack of experience you must attack HRC for the same. She was witness to someone else’s experience, that doesn’t make her experienced. Just because I watch someone run a marathon doesn’t mean I can jump up and run one. Someone posed the question who would I hire experience versus lack of experience. I would hire the most intelligent and capable person who’s views were in line with my own.

The tax and spend liberals aren't going to cut it. The warmonger neo-cons aren't going to cut it either. There is only one candidate that has the integrity and principles to stand above the rest:

Ron Paul

...but based on votes since Reagan, I guess integrity and principles don't mean anything to American's anymore.

Hopefully people will say "wait a minute, why would I vote for Clinton?"

I have not made up my mind yet who I would vote for, either Rep. or Dem. I don't party vote, I vote across party lines every election, depending on who the candidates are. I just want to say that I think Hilary has a valid point in saying that if the democratic party wants a win, we need to have the best candidate to beat the republicans, right? I do not think that America will elect Sen. Obama. It doesn't mean that I don't think he would be great, or that I would not vote for him, I just don't think he would win.

Hillary has the experience, guts and brains to lead this country. Obama has the vision, idealism and optimism to lead us into the future. Why not combine both forces. They'd be a force to be reckon with. Hillary still represents the status quo while Obama represents the future. If Obama can truly compile a group of great people and he sticks to his vision, he can do great things. But, if he ends up being like any other politician, then things get dire very quickly. Do we want to take that risk? We know what to expect from Hillary. Do we go for reliability? I really don't know which to choose. Also, Hillary you fumbled badly towards the end because of that gaffe about Obama and him wanting to be president some day and his drug taking. As soon as I heard that, that really was a low blow, beneath even for you. I say, Hillary and Obama together! HILLABAMA or OBALLARY!!!! UNITE!!!

I support Hillary Clinton but I respect Barack Obama. While I am not convinced Obama is seasoned enough to be president, he is undoubtedly intelligent and charismatic enough to be a strong contender. Here’s how I think it all breaks down:

On education—both candidates benefitted from Ivy League educations. Hillary received her law degree from Yale after graduating with honors from Wellesley College. Her post-graduate study on children and medicine at the Yale Child Study Center was probably instrumental in crafting her healthcare plan. Obama attended both Columbia and Harvard Law School. Records show he completed his J.D. degree magna cum laude in 1991. Neither candidate is uneducated or undereducated, as some [misspelled] posts here laughably suggest. Both are highly qualified in terms of intellect.

On experience—it’s quite simple. Hillary’s older so she has more practical experience. And this does include her time as First Lady; we’re not in the 60s, people, where Jackie Kennedy’s main job was to “decorate” the White House and look spectacular in those great tailored suits of hers. (I love my Jackie…please don’t blast me…I’m not diminishing all her other accomplishments…just the image that was de rigueur at that time.) Check out Wikipedia to check the dates and all their accomplishments. These are plain facts.

On negative factors in the past—both candidates have been involved in real estate scandals that could not be substantiated but these incidents do call into question their judgment--Hillary had the Whitewater incident and Barack had the Tony Rezko real estate scandal (http://www.slate.com/id/2155501). So that’s a wash there. (And Republicans are better off not butting in on this topic. There’s way too much material there for a retort.)

On a disturbing similarity to GWB—Wikipedia says Obama “wrote that he used alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine during his teenage years to "push questions of who I was out of my mind". I, for one, cannot imagine Hillary Clinton straying from her goals to indulge in this kind of self-destructive behavior. Obama didn’t have a hard underprivileged youth. I don’t like that he kinda plays the race card here when it’s used to excuse past indiscretions. Tch tch.

On a tangentially related note, neither race nor gender should be a benefit or a hindrance. As many as there are people who are excited at the prospect of having either the first black or first female president, there are bigots out there waiting to cancel out your vote. Any Democrat out there—or Republican for that matter—should be looking at a candidate’s political record, experience, moral character (different from religious zeal, mind you), and positions on key issues that will impact us for years to come.

(And for all the folks who plan to vote for Obama just because he’s a local guy just like us, for crying out loud Obama is NOT from Illinois. He’s HAWIIAN.)

Clinton is a dinosaur from the past that will say whatever she can and take lots of lobbyist money to get elected. We have had enough of the same decisive politics. She has little to show for her time in the Senate other than coddling GW Bush.

Obama brings people together to move forward like he did with legislation to video tape all police confessions as an Illinois State Senator. Let's move forward and create a coalition of independents, democrats and republicans for real change rather than a wayback machine to the 90s. Obama is a leader that attracts a everyone and can lead the US into the 21st century.

Posted by: Paulo | January 4, 2008 3:36 PM

US taxpayers have contributed over $600 billion dollars (all "off budget") since 2002 for the failed "war on terror" instituted by George "Shrub" Bush & Dick "Shoot Friends in The Face" Cheney... all of the Republic Party presidential front-runners would continue this folly that has killed over 4000 American soldiers and wounded over 25,000 American soldiers (so far).

Keep these "NO-tax and spend" Neocon fools out of The White House in 2008!

Don't be foolish. Obama accomplished absolutely nothing for Illinois. If he was President, I don't think he'll make any progress at all. I like the man. I just don't think this is the time to pick a beginner. Unless you believe in beginner's luck?

If you were smart, Hillary is much better! Let's increase our Green energy by 1000%! Take the yoke off the Roman "Oil" Empire. Free yourself. :-)

kimberly,

(And for all the folks who plan to vote for Obama just because he’s a local guy just like us, for crying out loud Obama is NOT from Illinois. He’s HAWIIAN.)

------

Last time I checked, Hawaii is just as much a State as Illinois is. Perhaps the Democrats are onto something with Obama. As a Hillary supporter do you consider Hawaiians "less worthy"? We residents of the State of Hawaii are behind Obama. Bill was a war monger and so is Hillary. No different than the Bushistas.

Hillary Rodman is "ready"???

I look at her CV and am far less impressed with her preparation relative to Obama. I just don't buy that a few years experience at a second rate Arkansas law firm where according to her Wiki page, she billed less than any partner coupled with being Bill Clinton's wife while he was president adds up to all that much.

It's as if Hillary is trying to claim she really was running the country all those years that she was first lady. All i remember of her in any official capacity was the health care debacle which is now a classic case study in "how not to"

Do we go by what someone wants to do or wishes to happen. Or do we go with someone that has shown us what has and can be done.

It is great that an african-american can rise to be a potential presidential candidate. But I agree that in this case-- poor judgement and an audacity is present in Senator Obama. Why did he not wait until he had acquired the experience-- to be big an ego--he has told us what he want to do but where is his track record of what he has done

Visually, Hillary's background is always middle aged white women holding supprotive signs. Visually, Oboma's background is masses of youthful supporters in the forfront, energetically waiving signs. This is a generational shift election, similar to John F. Kennedy's 1960 election. Hillary's core beliefs are obsolete for the new generation.

Dear Dave Lucas--

Of course Hawaiians are worthy! Egad! I guess I wasn't clear in my meaning. Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to "locals" as the peeps in IL who plan to vote for Barack because he's on the home team.

Dear Dave Lucas--

Of course Hawaiians are worthy! Egad! I guess I wasn't clear in my meaning. Sorry for the confusion. I was referring to "locals" as the peeps in IL who plan to vote for Barack because he's on the home team.

As an Australian I hope Hillary wins the Presidency. From this long way off she looks credible, tough, experienced AND offering change WITH the right policies. The rest of the world has to live with your choices. Let it be Hillary. Let Obama stay in school a little longer and he may make your next excellent President. Good luck with sorting it all out.

Quote: "Hillary's core beliefs are obsolete for the new generation.." Wow! Once upon a time experience was valued as wisdom. When core beliefs change that rapidly in any country you'd call it unstable. Maybe that's the problem. And Hillary would be a younger stateswoman on the international scene when she is President. Does Obamism and the laughable public focus on Hillary's wrinkles say something about America's fetish for worship of youth? 'Course it does. I would have thought Americans voted for someone who would deliver good policies - Substance... Please!