Clinton Kicks Off Texas Efforts
EmailABC News’ Kate Snow and Eloise Harper Report: Senator Hillary Clinton is moving on. Big time.
With the Potomac primaries in her rear view mirror, Clinton kicked off her campaign to win Texas’ March 4th primary in grand style and never looked back.
She never even mentioned her Tuesday losses in Virginia or Washington, DC and did not congratulate Obama on his victories.
With one of the biggest crowds she’s seen in weeks, Clinton arrived at the University of Texas El Paso Don Haskins Arena with an entrance fitting for a rock star. The stadium seats twelve thousand and was near capacity.
Unlike most Clinton events, the lights were suddenly put out, cell phones and glow sticks were thrust in the air and U2′s "Where the Streets Have No Name" blared over the loudspeakers. Clinton was highlighted with a spotlight. The crowd of nearly twelve thousand went wild.
A little boy wearing a black mariachi outfit was paraded on stage to present Clinton with a bouquet of flowers and the Senator and the boy waved together as the fans roared their approval.
"Hillary! Hillary!" they chanted.
Clinton was clearly glad to be in front of such a receptive audience after a rough few days.
"You have a saying here in Texas, ‘all hat and no cattle’," Clinton said at one point. "After seven years of George Bush, we need a lot less hat and a lot more cattle."
Clinton delivered her standard speech with a slightly heavier emphasis on immigration reform.
"Of course we’re going to have secure borders," Clinton said. But she also said she wants to "bring people out of the shadows."
"If they meet certain conditions… we’re going to give people a path to citizenship because so many of the people who are here work hard… and deserve a chance at the American dream."
As usual, Clinton criticized Democratic rival Barack Obama for not offering a truly universal health care plan.
"Now is the time when we will achieve this goal. We cannot give up on it. We cannot back down on it. Senator Obama won’t come forward with a universal health care plan. But I have. I will. And with your help we can achieve universal health care in America," she said.
Before the Senator arrived, an all female mariachi band entertained the crowd.
"Que viven las mujeres! Si senor!" yelled the lead singer. "Long live women! Yes sir!"
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Go Hillary! We’ll support you all the way! Nothing would affect my decisions! I wouldn’t look back either. I hope you would have more of such big crowd rallies to get your message out loud! Give WI a shot if possible. I wish you the best on the upcoming debate.
Posted by: snakebaby | February 12, 2008, 10:51 pm 10:51 pm
I admire Hilary for her guts. Go Hilary!
Posted by: Venus Catherine Thomson | February 12, 2008, 11:07 pm 11:07 pm
Hillary Clinton, Welcome to Texas -The Lone Star State- where Ann Richards’ spirit lives on.
Posted by: Angel | February 12, 2008, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
Go Hillary! My boyfriend and his sister and my friends strongly support you! Keep up the good fight!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 12, 2008, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
Go Hillary go
I don’t like Obama universal health care plan either. I will support you all the way Hillary from WI. I will be voting for you on my first Grandson B-day. Nothing is going to change my mind about you.
Posted by: Pat | February 13, 2008, 1:32 am 1:32 am
Clinton delivered her standard speech with a slightly heavier emphasis on immigration reform.
“Of course we’re going to have secure borders,” Clinton said. But she also said she wants to “bring people out of the shadows.”
“If they meet certain conditions… we’re going to give people a path to citizenship because so many of the people who are here work hard… and deserve a chance at the American dream.”
I see she already trying real hard to kiss-up to the good folks in Texi/Mexi.
Posted by: Con | February 13, 2008, 1:32 am 1:32 am
Voice of reasons from Joseph Wilson
“Theodore Roosevelt once commented, “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.”
If he were around today, TR might be speaking of the woman in the arena. Hillary Clinton has been in that arena for a generation. She is one of the few to have defeated the attack machine that is today’s Republican Party and to have emerged stronger. She is deeply knowledgeable about governing; she made herself into a power in the Senate; she is respected by our military; and she never flinches. She has never been intimidated, not by any Republican — not even John McCain.
Barack Obama claims to represent the future, but it should be increasingly evident that he is not the man for this moment, especially with Mr. McCain’s arrival. We’ve seen a preview of that contest already. It was a TKO.”
Posted by: Trent in TX | February 13, 2008, 2:23 am 2:23 am
You can’t run a government from one side of the aisle. You demonize the opponent, you’ll get nothing done come January.
Clap Clap Point Point, “ya’ll”
Posted by: Question | February 13, 2008, 2:35 am 2:35 am
Hillary has 35 years of experience. Yet with all her political experience and connections, she could not run a better and more efficient campaign. If she wins the presidency, I hope she can run our country’s budget better than she has her campaign budget.
Whatever anyone thinks of Obama, it is impressive how he has organized his campaign and how he had the foresight to ask and seek small donations from millions of citizens.
Posted by: Diana | February 13, 2008, 3:47 am 3:47 am
HILLARY NEED TO TALK DIRECTLY TO THE AMERICAN WOMEN AND AMERICAN MEN …
EXPLAINING THAT IS NOT A SIN TO BE A WOMAN FOR PRESIDENT OF OUR COUNTRY..
SHE NEEDS TO ASK MC CAIN AND OBAMA WHAT ARE THE PLANS TO FIX HONESTLY OUR COUNTRY,IN ECONOMY,HEALTH,EDUCATION,INTERNATIONAL TRADE,JOBS,NATIONAL DEBTS,WARS..SHE IS HOLDING TO LONG HER KNOWLEDGE TO BE PRESIDENT..SHE NEEDS TO BE HERSELF,SHE NEEDS TO EDUCATE AMERICAN VOTERS.
Posted by: J.C.T. | February 13, 2008, 4:06 am 4:06 am
I’m neither an Obama or HRC supporter, and am not a member of either party.
I voted for McCain in the 2000 Virginia primary, but never again, somewhat because of his stance on the present war, but primarily due to his response when the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2000 slandered and maligned him in South Carolina and beyond. His basic response-’thank you sir, may I have another’. To be honest, I lost what respect I had for the man.
I am not enamored of Obama, and do not get why so many find him ‘inspirational’. But I do respect him for his early opposition to the war. It’s tipped the scales in his favor.
As for HRC, 1000% I will vote third party of she is the nominee. Here are the reasons why it will be very difficult for me to vote for HRC:
–she did not oppose the war, but tried to rationalize her vote by shoving all the blame on Bush. (She had no power of independent judgment?)
–she supported Kyl/Lieberman, which essentially is the extension of the Bush doctrine into Iran.
–she is a leader in a dem controlled Congress that has caved in and kowtowed to Bush on every significant issue.
–she has yet to publicly condemn Bush for his unlawful expansion of executive branch powers. Nor has she led a fight to end his administration’s spying on US citizens without a warrant.
–if she is elected, and were to be re-elected, there will have been a Bush or Clinton in the White House from 1989-2016. This is not healthy for a democracy. While it ranks last among my concerns, this is a legitimate issue.
Posted by: Prince Roy | February 13, 2008, 5:59 am 5:59 am
Obama is running an impressive campaign. Guess he got the strategy and message right on “day one.”
Fortunately for Clinton, she started with big enough built-in advantages that she can still pull this out, even after several do-over restarts, like we’ve seen.
Posted by: Paul | February 13, 2008, 7:31 am 7:31 am
The US ELECTORAL VOTES map looks like a baseball field with big states with Latino voters like Florida as the 1st base, NY as the 2nd base, and CA as the 3rd base with Hillary Clinton reaching home plate, TEXAS to complete the Latino HOME RUN.
Posted by: Angel | February 13, 2008, 7:49 am 7:49 am
Many of my Repulbican friends in NY told me if they could cross party line to vote, they would vote for obama because hillary was a easy target to beat. The republicans did all kinds of attacks on BARRACK, BARRACK is still there. Most Republicans wish HILLARY wins. He would be a warranty for the Republican to continue the occupancy in the white house for another eight years.
McCain is better than BARRACK. It could be a nice change, if you want one. McCain is a moderate Republican.
Posted by: DC | February 13, 2008, 7:51 am 7:51 am
“I am 100% behind my president” still echoes in my ear. Thats why Hillary is a definite no to me particluarly when I have another candidate who said just the opposite. Think about it.
Posted by: kallespapaz | February 13, 2008, 10:35 am 10:35 am
Welcome to Texas! You GOT my vote in November. Let the Obama supporter keep attacking you because it make you stronger with the voter.
Posted by: CD | February 13, 2008, 11:15 am 11:15 am
this whole myth about hillary having more experience than barack is the most ridiculous thing i’ve heard. she’s barely into her second term as a senator. she never held any elected office before that.
Posted by: jeff | February 13, 2008, 11:17 am 11:17 am
HILLARY ONCE AGAIN DISPLAYS NO CLASS. SHE IS LIKE A SPOILED LITTLE LEAGUER WHO WILL NOT SHAKE HANDS WITH THE OPPOSING TEAM BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEATEN THEM. BARACK OBAMA IS STEADILY EATING INTO HER SUPPOSED STRENGTHS INCLUDING ME AND MY FELLOW LATINOS. I AM CERTAIN THAT TEXAS WILL BE THE PLACE WHERE SHE FINALLY HAS TO EAT HER HAT SANS CATTLE OF COURSE. YESTERDAY PROVED THAT BOTH WHITE MEN AND WOMEN CAN JUMP AND THEY ARE JUMPING ON THE CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN EXPRESS.
Posted by: Hispanic Vet for Obama | February 13, 2008, 11:34 am 11:34 am
I only wish I could vote. I am a British and a very strong supporter of Hilary Clinton.
What angers me is the unfair coverage and commentary by the media between Hilary and Mr Obama. It seems to me that if you were to criticize Mr Obama you run the very real risk of being called racist…total unfair. Hilary in my opinion is strong, intelligent and very capable of standing up to the Republicans or anyone else. She has demonstrated that over and over again. Mr Obama has not. The world is watching how you treat this lady. If America is the “world leader” it touts to be then how can you let this woman be treated so unfairly in the press without jumping up and yelling out loud.In my country we welcome strong capable leadership as we had with Margaret Thatcher. I did not agree with all her policies but she was treated fairly by all.
Posted by: Pauline | February 13, 2008, 11:38 am 11:38 am
Hill, will never vote for you or Bill again. Would be 4 years of utter pain.
Posted by: Dave | February 13, 2008, 11:50 am 11:50 am
Now that Obama has the nomination in the bag, Clinton should withdraw from the race.
Posted by: Tom | February 13, 2008, 11:51 am 11:51 am
Hillary has fired two people so far in this campaign. She has reinvented herself in personality and looks. She ahas had top fund her own campaign when it fell short of money. I guess her comments have come home to roost: “I’m the most qualified from day one to lead this country”. Seems to me that she has made the most mistakes of the two democratic candidates to date. Who is the most qualified? Obama!!
Posted by: Nipper | February 13, 2008, 12:33 pm 12:33 pm
Pauline, spare us. I’m sick of HRC machine playing the gender card and then crying “sexism” when people criticize her. Look above – “Before the Senator arrived, an all female mariachi band entertained the crowd. “Que viven las mujeres! Si senor!” yelled the lead singer. “Long live women! Yes sir!” What if BO had a hip hop group stating “N****s will rule! Yo!” You would have a media lynching. Hillary gets a free pass on gender again and again! It makes me puke, and I’m a woman. Thatcher stood on her own, love her or hate her, she was her own PERSON!
Posted by: My Own Woman | February 13, 2008, 12:34 pm 12:34 pm
Hillary is a smart woman. I am just concern on Hillary running the country.It seems as if Hillary can not run her own campaign. Obama, is a brillant man he started from the ground up. He has put together a brillant team. This is what we need to run the country. Please everyone just look at the facts and not the person. Our country is need for a change.
Posted by: SWilliams | February 13, 2008, 12:42 pm 12:42 pm
HRC is same of the same ol’. Texas can use some change, real change.
Posted by: Noah | February 13, 2008, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
Go Hillary! It’s nice to find a positive piece about her. She deserves it so much. I won’t give up on her. The stakes are too important.
Posted by: Tara | February 13, 2008, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
Keep on fighting, Hillary. I am behind you 1000%. All the best in Texas and Ohio. I am in Michigan and very frustrated that we didn’t get a primary that counted. The little township that I live in northern Michigan had a democratic caucus on Saturday. Can’t wait to hear the results.
Posted by: tonysi11 | February 13, 2008, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
I bet you her deputy mgr bailed because she wouldn’t congratulate BO – bad form, doesn’t show good statesmanship. If she can’t handle this crisis gracefully (and she knew it was coming) how is she going to handle real ones in the WH?
Posted by: My Own Woman | February 13, 2008, 12:52 pm 12:52 pm
Response to Tom:
Why should she withdraw from the race? He is only ahead by a few delegates and there are more states with a big delegate count to do. As usual, ask the path of least resistance (a woman) to step down. You have no idea how disappointed her supporters are going to be. Frankly, if Obama wins the nomination, I am going to have a very very difficult time voting for him. He is being shoved down our throats by the media.
Posted by: tonysi11 | February 13, 2008, 12:53 pm 12:53 pm
Final note to team Hillary – quit attacking team BO along with him. Notice HRC critics overwhelmingly focus their criticism on her, which is fair for any candidate, not those who support her. But BO critics do mostly the opposite: rabid denigration of anyone who dares to support anyone but HRC. “They’re sexist! Reverse racists just voting for ‘their’ man (Black people)! Uninformed fools believing in a pipe dream, etc.” In other words, team HRC itself is very evil and divisive which is why people are increasingly moving on to other candidates, especially populists who supported Edwards before he pulled out. You insult your fellow citizens voting intelligence then expect them to join you in supporting her in the general election. How stupid do you think they are?!? America is tired of the divide-and-conquer tactics of the Republicans, this expensive war that has us despised more with each coming day, with the sensational fear mongering in the media. If Hillary wants to exploit her gender, SHE should present herself as the healer, not BO. But instead we get the Bride of Rove-zilla and her zombie minions. *shiver*
Posted by: My Own Woman | February 13, 2008, 1:02 pm 1:02 pm
The irony of “the streets of no name” playing is incredible. First two lines are “I want to run, I want to hide”. Maybe not the most appropriate song to play to introduce her the night she got clobbered in va,md, and dc.
Posted by: Dave | February 13, 2008, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
I dont care what anyone says. This country needs Hilary! Win Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin ………all the way to the Whitehouse.
Posted by: GoHilGO | February 13, 2008, 1:12 pm 1:12 pm
The irony of “the streets of no name” playing is incredible. First two lines are “I want to run, I want to hide”. Maybe not the most appropriate song to play to introduce her the night she got clobbered in va,md, and dc.
Posted by: Dave | February 13, 2008, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
People will do anything and say anything to prevent a woman from winning the presidency. I have never seen this many groups lining up together. Amazing. Her husband who she stood by and honored her vows now becomes the scapegoat. Good try, but we all know what is going on here.
I am so proud of Hillary. She has already made history. She is clearly the smartest and wins every debate with her opponents and yet the forces of ignorance will push her back no matter what it takes. Any and all attacks are fair game.
Our country makes me sad sometimes.
No matter if she loses I thank her because she has still won by making us all winners and giving hope that a woman can do anything.
My daughter is a big fan of Hillarys. I hope that she can grow up and follow in her footsteps. Hillary is a trailblazer.
Posted by: b123d | February 13, 2008, 1:31 pm 1:31 pm
I’m surprised that the comments here are kinder compared to the other comments ive read against Hillary. The media demonized her and ganged up against her. I believe she is the right person to lead our country and brings us out of the economic problems we have right now.
I also think she is the lucky person just like her husband, Bill Clinton. Let “buy one get one free” by “vote for Hillary Clinton” to get free “Bill Clinton”
Btw, she is not your wife so dont focus your anger towards her.
Posted by: kim | February 13, 2008, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm
The problem with being in denial…having been trounced in MD, VA and DC…is that HRC failed (again) to congratulate Obama on his three victories. Why not say congratulations to Senator Obama and I look forward to a spirited contest in the remaining primaries? How tough is that? Having spent 3 years in TX, I think many Texans will be offended by the shocking lack of courtesy. Grow up.
Posted by: JPatera | February 13, 2008, 2:07 pm 2:07 pm
Hillary supporters are really cruel to her. They do not care about her well-being–her psychological and physical well-being. After the SC defeat, one of her advisers already expressed that concern to media.
When one pays close attention to her gaze during TV interviews and in the pictures, not to mention her shrill during rallies, he/she can detect her fear of political demise. She needs help of loved ones.
Posted by: Mia | February 13, 2008, 2:49 pm 2:49 pm
I was there!!! OMG, I was there! When Clinton showed up, the crowd when wild. I have been to rock concerts before, but the energy that was in the room last night was insane. I have never seen anything like it. All I can say is that last night’s rally was electric. TEXAS IS HILLARY COUNTRY!!!
I will never, for as long as I live, forget last night. That was one amazing experience!
And please, Hillary supporters, if you had experienced what I experienced last night, you would understand that this is not over by a long shot. Hillary is loved by many, and don’t ever forget that. So don’t give up hope.
Posted by: Jessica | February 13, 2008, 2:56 pm 2:56 pm
Texas, know that you are being heavily pandered to. Hillary just gave the finger to seven states in a row, and she would do the same to you if the schedule told her to. She is asking for your support, but it is the corporate establishment that is writing her the checks. They are the ones that will be the beneficiary of her presidency. Think carefully next Tuesday.
Posted by: Judy Nelson | February 13, 2008, 3:03 pm 3:03 pm
I find it baffling that the democratic electorate can be so enamored with Obama, considering that his campaign runs on “empty rhetoric” with absolutely no plans on how he plans to get both sides of the Washington isle to come together. Inspiring words alone will not fill the void the exists now.
Posted by: Steven Shaman | February 13, 2008, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
I find it baffling that the democratic electorate can be so enamored with Obama, considering that his campaign runs on “empty rhetoric” with absolutely no plans on how he intends to get both sides of the Washington isle to come together. Inspiring words alone will not fill the void that exists.
Posted by: Steven Shaman | February 13, 2008, 3:27 pm 3:27 pm
How can Hillary lead a country when she cannot manage her own campaign – short of cash and firing managers. Is that the same experience she hopes to take to washington? Woe to Americans if she wins! This is not about race, colour or creed; but it is about a leader with a right sense of judgement in policies and not how long she has been on earth! And that right leader is OBAMA who will bring unity among Americans. VOTE HIM AND PUT ASIDE RACE AND COLOUR
Posted by: GAL | February 13, 2008, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
THANK YOU KATE SNOW AND ELOISE HARPER!!!FINALLY A WARM POSITIVE COMMENT ABOUT HILLARY CLINTON. SHE HAS BEEN DEMONIZED AND BEDEVILLED AT EVERY TURN AND EVENT. I KNOW SHE CAN WIN TEXAS AND THE REST OF THE IMPORTANT STATES IN MARCH. YOU CAN TURN THE TIDE …WE NEED A WOMAN.
IT IS NOT OVER!!!!
HILLARY FOR PRESIDENT…
Posted by: THANGAMMA | February 13, 2008, 3:32 pm 3:32 pm
Experience Versus Inspiration. which is which. Obama has clearly demeonstrated the effects and how he applies his rhetoric by the way he has run his campaigns. One month ago, it was nearly impossible seeing Obama where he is now, but Clinton with all her 35 years experience could not figure out the counteractive measures to stop the Obama momentum and seall in her own nomonation. Its clear that Obama has the foresight and vision of a leader to take America through the crisis its experiecing and I hope that the dems will use their brains and not their hearts or long time political commitments to throw away this opportunity. Hillary will fight hard, But Obama will prevail. He has the skill, he has the talent to pull thru.
Posted by: Christine Magero | February 13, 2008, 3:44 pm 3:44 pm
Obama all the way! I will never vote for Hillary as president. I’d rather vote McCain.
Posted by: mathnarg | February 13, 2008, 3:53 pm 3:53 pm
TX, WI and OH.. we are counting on you.
Posted by: Hill Supporter | February 13, 2008, 5:08 pm 5:08 pm
Pauline–It’s a good thing that American’s can’t decide who will be the next King of England—because Charles with his homely wife would not be first choice.Nor second or third or even be in the running.These are people who have never worked for a living and had every thing handed to them.Waited on since birth-they feel entitlement.At lease our Presidents have to earn their way and pay by the whole country–not by just Queen’s say so. Carolyn
Posted by: Caeolyn Walker | February 13, 2008, 10:49 pm 10:49 pm
Ok so is ANYONE else a lil bit taken aback by the Obvious measures that hilary Clinton has taken to persuade Latinos of Texas to vote for her?! I mean as if having a Mariachi Group perform (The Mariachi Divas) at your campaign isn’t over the top already she goes and parades a little boy who just Happens to be wearing a mariachi suit around the stage!! I don’t know about anyone else, but being a latina myself, I find that pretty offensive…what about you? P.S I don’t care what politician you are ignorance is a BIG turn off!
Posted by: andrea | February 14, 2008, 12:37 am 12:37 am
How can she be president if she cannot handle her own campaign… A sore looser,,, our country will likely become the Philippines which has a female president but the first gentleman run the Shows,,,,
..
Posted by: juan manuel | February 14, 2008, 2:19 am 2:19 am
Caeolyn Walker – What on EARTH are you talking about? The monarchy in Great Britain has no actual power anymore. It’s the Prime Minister who has the power – the Prime Minister who is ELECTED. Therefore you can’t even think of comparing it to the Presidency. Honestly. As an American I’m ashamed that you know so little about world politics.
Posted by: Jennifer | February 15, 2008, 1:57 am 1:57 am
My view from Australia – The USA has a very poor image in the rest of the world – your in debt to the eye balls to China and other countries around the globe – you are bogged down in wars that you cannot win. YOU NEED a strong leader. The Clinton name is well respected overseas, she is by far the best person for your top job.
Obama is running his campaign on a dream – no substance and no experience. He may be ready in eight years time – he is no Dr Martin Luther King – just another ambition young man with a lot to learn. I took the time to look up his biography – WOW – the Republicans will tear his credibility to shreds. According to Jesse Jackson Jnr it’s all about colour – wrong – it’s all about who is the best person to clean up the mess your present administration has created.
Bush inherited a country and an economy in good shape and he stuffed up big time. Think hard before you vote.
Posted by: Lynette Stapleton | February 15, 2008, 7:26 pm 7:26 pm
Jennifer from australia…you don’t know what’s going on over in this country, Hillary is a robot. Obama is reasonable. worry about your own country!
Posted by: Davis | February 18, 2008, 7:40 pm 7:40 pm