Clinton’s Mea Culpa
EmailABC News’ Eloise Harper reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton came to New Orleans, La., to apologize again to the African American community at Tavis Smiley’s forum at the State of the Black Union Town Hall. Clinton acknowledged the pain in this race, alluding to her husband’s remarks and the offense taken in the community. She said, as she has before, that if President Clinton’s remarks offended anybody then she is sorry. But the timing of Clinton’s visit and creates questions about Clinton’s motivation to come to New Orleans nine days before March forth.
"The high stakes and historic nature of Senator Obama’s candidacy and mine have invested this campaign with an intensity and an excitement seldom seen in the political arena. And as often happens there have been some painful moments, too," Clinton said. "Those of us who have fought together for decades to right wrongs and break barriers cannot allow differences in our choice of who should be elected to undermine our fundamental unity and determination to change course in our country starting in November."
Smiley asked Clinton about this pain and what Clinton was referring to. The Senator did not directly say that it was a reference to her husband’s remarks and their tarnished reputation in the African American community, but alluded to it saying, "I just wanted to acknowledge that because I have lived it, I understand it and I think it is so important that we do take pride and we recognize the historic nature of this choice, but we also believe we will be unified once we have a nominee."
Clinton also made a point to talk about her long relationship with the community.
"I have long and deep relationships. Stephanie Tubbs Jones and I have introduced what has been called the platinum standard of voting reform," she said. "We worked our hearts out together to present that piece of legislation. Shelia Jackson Lee and I labored for four years to get the Congress the Republican Congress to approve a bust of Sojourner Truth, the first African American woman to be honored in the Capitol. I have relationships and friendships and working histories with so many of you, and so does Barack."
Clinton defended her husband, saying, "My husband apologized for slavery. My husband mended so as to avoid ending affirmative action. My husband had in his White House, his cabinet, his administration many of you who I see here.
"We know that when he was president we had a rising tide," she said. "We lifted more people out of poverty than in America’s recent history."
Clinton made that case of her long-term commitment.
"I don’t think that there has been any doubt that I and Bill have been part of that common purpose or struggle our entire adult lives," she said. "It is important to me that I make that abundantly clear."
Senator Clinton faces obstacles in Texas and Ohio, where the black vote could tip the scale for her. Clinton’s extension of the olive branch in New Orleans weeks after her husband’s inflammatory comments were met by some applause in the audience. Clinton repeatedly mentioned that come November, Democrats will have to be united behind their nominee -– signaling to the crowd that whether it is Obama or Clinton, she hopes the community will be able to rally behind either.
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Will the real Hillary please stand. After trashing Obama in Ohio a few hours ago and now this. She has no shame whatsoever.
I am glad that Democrats have already rejected her.
Posted by: diogu | February 23, 2008, 9:08 pm 9:08 pm
Interesting, such mood swings. She seemed extremely reactive this morning when faced with the truth of having held Nafta up previously as an achievement of the Clinton years. And she said she would garnish people’s wages to pay for insurance, which is what mandate (require) means. So why is she this evening trying to manipulate the black community to support her, when she and her husband have been so disrespectful of Senator Obama?
Posted by: lynn | February 23, 2008, 9:15 pm 9:15 pm
Why can’t we trash Obama? Is trashing Obama equal to trashing all african americans? That is called a race card.
Posted by: false hope | February 23, 2008, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
Hillary Clinton is the ONLY choice!!!
Posted by: Heather | February 23, 2008, 9:18 pm 9:18 pm
Because he is black…we can’t attack him on the issues? Sorry. I am sick and tired of having to walk on egg-shells!!! If he is big enough to dish it out–he is big enough to take it!!
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 9:23 pm 9:23 pm
Reply to : diogu
You should be asking.
Will the Real Barack Obama Stand Up.
Clinton accepted the invitation to the New Orleans Black Caucus and Obama was a NO Show.
He couldn’t even vote “present” for this event.
Posted by: Enough | February 23, 2008, 9:24 pm 9:24 pm
Bonny – I agree with you completely. Race shouldn’t matter. But it cuts both ways. If people shouldn’t be bringing up Obama’s race, then I shouldn’t hear or see any more news stories or blog commentaries entitled “Is America Ready For A Black President.” If race does not matter, then that conversation should be moot.
Posted by: Enough With The Race Discussion | February 23, 2008, 9:27 pm 9:27 pm
“SHAME ON YOU, HILARY CLINTON”, for saying some thing yesterday and its contrary today. You supported NAFTA before, and now you blast it in order to get American workers’ votes. You said that you are honored just for sitting with Barack Obama, then you yelled on him, and now you pretend you may support him in case he wins, … YES: SHAME ON YOU!
Posted by: Mark | February 23, 2008, 9:29 pm 9:29 pm
Why shouldn’t there be mandatory healthcare? If people can afford it–they should have to pay for it!! I am tired of paying for their healthcare!!
@ the charity hospital in Baton Rouge you see people getting out of their big Lincoln Navigator’s to go into the E.R. room. They are in the waiting room with their Coach or Dooney&Burke purses playing on their i-phones and polishing their $200 shoes. IT MAKES ME SICK!
I have to pay for their healthcare with premiums going up or by taxes being imposed upon us. They should have to responsible and take care of their families just like I have to.
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 9:31 pm 9:31 pm
I have NEVER believed that, nor do many people I know! It’s about being fair!
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
If some of you took the time to listen to that broadcast on C Span you would of seen the black community did some trashing of their own on how white America treats them.
I listened to Hillary and all she was saying was no matter who wins the nomination we should all unite behind whoever it is because that is the only way to win this election.
I think is was very brave of her to go to this forum because listening to most of the speakers they were not very kind to white America.
The reason for all this support of AA for Obama is because they feel he will make life better for them as he is black, and they feel that they have been denied a lot through the years by white America so he is now the great black hope, and it was transmitted by their speeches.
The media will not give that side of the story but as usual they are quick to only take the Hillary part of the session and make that news. The real news was the fact that most of these people are supporting Obama due to his race and not issues, most of the speeches were pushing the race card to the limit, and the rest was the usual bashing of Hillary and the idolizing of Obama.
After taking in the program for the evening I came to one conclusion that it did not matter if Hillary attended that function or not, the majority of AA there are not going to vote for her no matter what.
Posted by: SJ | February 23, 2008, 9:34 pm 9:34 pm
Did someone miss the fact that the Clintons and their surrogates are the only one who bring up this issue of race and gender constantly?
People prefer OBAMA to HILLARY, not because the one is black and the other is a woman, but because the former talks of hope and the latter is hopeless.
How can one imagine that the only solution she proposes for covering everybody with a healthcare is … to MAKE EVERYBODY PAY, and PUNISH those who cannot pay! Punishing the weakest in society that one pretends to help: Has someone ever heard something such absurd and insensitive?
Posted by: Mark | February 23, 2008, 9:35 pm 9:35 pm
SHE WANTS TO TAKE CREDIT FOR BILL’S PRESIDENCY, THEN SHE MUST TAKE CREDIT FOR NAFTA.
SHE KNEW ABOUT THE MAILERS FOR WEEKS & IS JUST USING IT NOW TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT FROM NAFTA.
Posted by: Right on Day1 | February 23, 2008, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
Mark–you are a better person tham me! I, for one, am sick and tired of the healthcare situation in America! This is about all americans: white or black!
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 9:38 pm 9:38 pm
This whole “black” America, “white” America is such a stupid concept. Black and white Americans have fought side by side in every single war that this nation has ever fought. We wouldn’t even be sitting here typing if it weren’t for the sacrifices made by all of these brave Americans. Not to mention hispanic Americans, asian Americans, etc., etc. And I bet there aren’t too many who have given their lives for “black” America or “white” America. There is only one America. I wish people…of all colors…would get that.
Posted by: One Nation Under God | February 23, 2008, 9:42 pm 9:42 pm
He dissed the forum and its attendees.
If he and his handlers are so confident that they’ve already won and calling for Clinton to concede, then why couldn’t he afford to go to New Orleans to at least thank the attendees for their support and to bear witness to the New Orleans community as they rebuild.
Posted by: twinmom48 | February 23, 2008, 9:43 pm 9:43 pm
We are all sick of the black and white stuff but the problem is on both sides, unfortunately in this election all of a sudden some people are trying to make the Clinton’s look as if they are biggest racist of all time and that is the problem.
Posted by: SJ | February 23, 2008, 9:46 pm 9:46 pm
twinmom48–I agree with you! I believe he didn’t want to be associated with this because he is trying to grab some of Hillary’s supporters!!
I am proud of how Mrs. Clinton responded to this and I say about damn time!!!
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 9:49 pm 9:49 pm
Obama did not attend because he knew fully well what was going to come out of the mouths of people like Gregory, Sharpton Jackson and a few others, so he stayed away.
He needs the white vote so he was not going to attend that forum to be aligned to that kind of talk and let the media open a can of worms on him, he conveniently opted out of it but am sure if he does get the nomination he will not miss another one.
Posted by: SJ | February 23, 2008, 9:51 pm 9:51 pm
Top 100 Blogs in Technorati
I created a snapshot of the top 100 blogs according to Technorati . I’ll be starting with these blogs
Posted by: J.D. Meier's Blog | February 23, 2008, 10:24 pm 10:24 pm
Sorry…I couldn’t get past the misspelling of the word “fourth” at the end of the first paragraph.
Posted by: DisdainLady | February 23, 2008, 10:27 pm 10:27 pm
it was obama that came up with race card first, he accused Hillary first, that means he wants race to be the issue, white folk don’t want to be seen as a racist so white folk shy away from it and are always trying to act like they are so cool. I am white and along with many I know, we beleive what Hillary and Bill said was a truth, obama and the media made it racial. thats his ticket to the whitehouse, cause it sure isn’t for his policies and experience.
Posted by: Diann | February 23, 2008, 10:34 pm 10:34 pm
Instead of attacking Hillary, the real question is where was Obama? I guess he didn’t have to go because he has a GOLDEN TICKET.
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | February 23, 2008, 10:38 pm 10:38 pm
This was another attempt to libel Obama as the black candidate. The plantation work came to an end Hillary. This act of mea culpa is too little and too late. Taking african-americans as granted is over.
Posted by: BKMC | February 23, 2008, 10:42 pm 10:42 pm
Don’t worry Hillary come November we will rally behind Sen. Barack Obama. He has been consistent in his words and actions but you Hillary…..sadly, I’m starting to believe the people who say you’ll do or say anything for a vote.
Sen. Barack Obama was right back then and he’s right now, we should have never taken our eyes off Afganistan and attacked Iraq and Hillary you are as responsible for that as Bush. Hillary still doesn’t “get it” and seriously thought her coronation was a formality.
Of course, now Sen. Clinton is trying to find excuses why she agreed to support “Bushes war” but it’s too late. There is no reason good enough to cause this kind of mistake where death has come to so many Americans and Iraqi, alike.
In the words of the late Molly Ivins, journalist and columnist from Texas in a 2006 article intitled, “I Will Not Support Hillary Clinton for President”:
Quote:
“Sen. Clinton is apparently incapable of taking a clear stand on the war in Iraq, and that alone is enough to disqualify her.”
Your solutions Hillary seem to make bigger problems and more damage to so many lives.
Posted by: Sandra | February 23, 2008, 10:55 pm 10:55 pm
It’s a sad commentary that the Clinton’s are now portrayed as racists. It’s also a shrewd campaign tactic of Obama’s. And the press have been very willing to mischaracterize and take things our of context.
The Clintons have always been at the forefront of civil rights. They have worked to change America.
Bills “fairytale” comments were about Obama’s public statements on the war not about race. Hillary’s comments about LBJ’s contributions to civil rights were accurate and honest. They did not indicate that Dr King was anything less than a hero. She said clearly that it took the champion and the politician to create the law.
As far Bills comparison of Jackson’s campaign to Obama’s the press had been comparing the 2 extensively.
Now when are we going to get the scoop on Rezco. Doesn’t America have the right to know that Obama’s friend and benefactor is going to jail for all kinds of corruption? Doesn’t America have the right to know about this very questionable land deal that benefited Obama and was almost hidden by going through Obama’s wife?
Posted by: J Allen | February 23, 2008, 10:59 pm 10:59 pm
The really sad thing is that if Obama had not gotten into this race, most African Americans (I am one), as the polls showed, would have voted for Hillary Clinton. Listen to them now…
Posted by: LeeLee07 | February 23, 2008, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
I have seen the light. It makes no sense for me to say that blacks supporting Obama is racist. Unless of course I’m willing to say that whites supporting Clinton and McCain is racist. But, that of course would undercut my past arguments. So, I’ll just leave race out of it from now on and stop engaging in the same “race card” playing that I’ve decried on here for an hour now. Thank you all. Goodnight.
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 11:25 pm 11:25 pm
Wow–there is two Bonny’s here tonight! Just sad to see my namesake has such a slanted view on things!!!
Posted by: Bonny | February 23, 2008, 11:27 pm 11:27 pm
Hey Wil, 90% of blacks voted for John Kerry in 2004…and Al Gore in 2000…and Bill Clinton in 1996…and in 1992…and Walter Mondale in 1984. Nobody called blacks racist then. But now because a candidate that most of America loves happens to be black, blacks who vote for him are engaging in racial politics? Were blacks who voted for Alan Keyes engaging in racial politics? What about Harold Ford, Jr.? What about Lynn Swann? Should we just assume that every time a black person votes for a black candidate, it’s “racial politics?”
Funny how Barack Obama is popular, and people can’t accept that he’s popular on his own. It has to be racial politics that are giving him his boost. I don’t know who plays the race card better, Al and Jesse…or people who refuse to believe that a black man may actually be the peoples’ choice to be president.
Posted by: Tyler | February 23, 2008, 11:36 pm 11:36 pm
I don’t care about his color. I care about universal health care. We should all demand that. How is his much better than Clinton’s? I want real answers, not “I agree with everything she just said”. How can I make a choice for him based on that. People are not voting for Clinton because they don’t like her, I don’t want her to be my best friend, I need her to be some one I feel I can rely on.
Posted by: Kay | February 23, 2008, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
Ten million votes for Hillary and over ten million for Obama. Difference of 300,000 in Obama’s favor. In my book almost as many folks don’t agree with you Taylor.
Posted by: Wil | February 23, 2008, 11:41 pm 11:41 pm
I know what to expect with McCain. Too many concerns with Obama.
Posted by: Kay | February 23, 2008, 11:42 pm 11:42 pm
I have healthcare I dont want to pay for someone else’s. Keep the communists off my money, my kids and i NEED IT!!!
Posted by: Dennis | February 23, 2008, 11:44 pm 11:44 pm
Dennis-you are paying for their health care. With higher premiums, higher co-pays, higher taxes.
Posted by: Kay | February 23, 2008, 11:46 pm 11:46 pm
I like McCain and Obama. I guess I’m in the minority because most conservatives seem to think this election is going to be a disaster. I’m not ashamed to say it, though. Both of these men are perfect examples of what is great about America. Patriotism, Equality and Hope for the future.
Too bad they can’t run on the same ticket.
Posted by: Katie | February 23, 2008, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
Dennis, I guess you giving me a loan is out of the question? BTW, you still seeing pinko commies everywhere? You definitely need better health care, and I might add, a far better drug plan.
Posted by: Wil | February 23, 2008, 11:48 pm 11:48 pm
I’m just glad we won’t have this drama in our livingrooms for the next four years.
You know, I wasn’t sexist before this campaign began… Well, that’s not fair. We didn’t see any of this with Elizabeth Dole. Of course we didn’t see much of anything from her. She was the first to try to Fred Thompson strategy. Still, and I hate to say it, but maybe the first female president will have to be a Republican.
Posted by: Paul | February 23, 2008, 11:51 pm 11:51 pm
I was being idealistic. I wasn’t talking about their party affiliations. I was talking about what they each represent.
Posted by: Katie | February 23, 2008, 11:55 pm 11:55 pm
Sorry, Katie, I know exactly what you meant. I do not mean to belittle you in any way. I was being silly, and it certainly is the silly season, don’t you think?
Posted by: Wil | February 23, 2008, 11:58 pm 11:58 pm
Why can’t we criticize Obama? He needs to be questioned as well. He is a politician who happends to be bi-racial. He must be held to the same standards and questioned! He and Michelle Obama need to be questioned on their views on this country. The republicans are digging into their past. Here we go again. Obama is not ready to be president and the Republicans know it, the rest of those who voted for him will soon realize. And yes I am a proud American with color.
Posted by: RJ | February 24, 2008, 12:58 am 12:58 am
Hillary Clinton has spoken about the mailers before, at least her camp has and they told the Obama camp he was misrepresenting Clinton’s proposed policies and misquoting her in regards to NAFTA. It’s been in some of the news blogs. Hillary also mentioned it in one of the debates. Hillary came out to speak about it to the camera’s for the people to know.
Posted by: irma | February 24, 2008, 1:03 am 1:03 am
Hey diogu,
I find your comments highly offensive. Half of Democrats support Hillary, half support Obama. Don’t confuse state counts, election lines, and election rules with Democrats. There’s a long ways to go and a lot of good Democrats haven’t voted. You keep telling them their vote is irrelevant, you’ll find Obama won’t be viable again until 2016.
Posted by: WestCoastMessenger | February 24, 2008, 1:27 am 1:27 am
Those of who are saying blacks voting for Obama are racists, try using some common sense – they are doing so because they are proud of him! When Alaska votes for hillary, or when Hawaii votes for Obama 3 to 1 do you think they are being somehow “stateist” – for lack of a better word. Similarly, blacks are voting for Obama is just because he is a first serious black contender for the white house and it makes them proud. Pride not prejudice, people!
Posted by: RO | February 24, 2008, 3:05 am 3:05 am
Hillary brags about her 35 years experience and brags about the golden 90′s when Bill’s was such a great president but she NOW wants to distance herself from NAFTA because it was NOT one of Bill’s successes during his administration. It’s not right to pick and choose what she wants to take pride in during her husband’s administration. THIS COST PEOPLE IN OHIO JOBS! SHAME OH HILL& BILL!
Posted by: factsyoucantrust | February 24, 2008, 4:56 am 4:56 am
everyone says race , please get off it, this election has showed all you high mightys , that everyone is ok ing the face that Obama who is a pillar of the community did not make time for this forum, and you know shes campaigning herself, and it is he that declined to attend both invitations were sent well in advance, and he chose not to attend and no one should overlook the fact , this is just a ploy to overlook the real need for the black community to hear his inspirational speeches that since he as been caught reading other speeches his speeches are boring you could tell in Houston they were falling and yawning,, so wake up, he is suppose to be a new change, but he is old politics giving in little by little to apease all , and if you dont say his healthplan is republican silly you,, lets see, universal health care well i pay universal medicare and social security, and you know its worth it,, to help those that are need and i dont pay alot so with 300 million americans taking a bit of this out of pay checks for everyone to have good healthcare, he leaves it open for lobbyist of insurance companys to hit those adults not insured, and to mandate children well whose medical can be a bit more due to heart attacks and cancer, universal gets cancer patients what they need, Dr and nurses are tired of insurance companies who are telling them who they can save, and those adults uninsured , it will be the same old same old we will pay mandates for children and none for us, and we will still see the rise of that payment increase for those who do not have, hers will help give governement subsidies for those who can not afford it, we are a military family, and our healthcare is paid, retires pay a deductable but still get healthcare, my child needs specialist for her illness and with out that help of the mandatory insurance for all military , we would have to take welfare of medicaid her in Texas, now texas has an insurance for children but those who still make too much money cannot be insured and insurance is very expensive, so with out Hillarys help in getting insurance for children with low income, think of how much more your premiums will be, does it not make since the more that are paying the less we pay out,, jeese people listen,, im for universal healthcare and i would pay it out of our income in order for me my husband and 5 children and sibblings to have better healthcare,,,
Posted by: vi | February 24, 2008, 4:57 am 4:57 am
Seems the media will “keep hope alive for Clinton”.Tavis asked the question,unless it was planted.Barack said today if he had that string of losses his treatment would be different(article on CNN).The zerox fiasco didnt fly. I guess this will make the morning talk shows…sometimes the media really insult our intelligence.
Posted by: don | February 24, 2008, 6:42 am 6:42 am
This lady has class and anyone who attacks her for this appearance has none.
Hillary ’08
Posted by: s.b. | February 24, 2008, 8:16 am 8:16 am
It’s time the world view the U.S. in a different light. Duh, that might just make us safer! Obama is the only answer.
OBAMA FOR AMERICA ’08!!!
Posted by: Que | February 24, 2008, 8:48 am 8:48 am
Oh my goodness. James sounds like another man afraid of strong women. How sad to use personal attacks rather than show one tiny bit of knowledge about issues. Typical. He really doesn’t deserve a response, but I’m bored.
Posted by: Teddy | February 24, 2008, 9:25 am 9:25 am
It’s time the world view the U.S. in a different light. Duh, that might just make us safer! Obama is the only answer.
OBAMA FOR AMERICA ’08!!!Posted by: Que | Feb 24, 2008 8:48:21 AM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, the bad guys in other countries love it when we elect inexperienced Presidents. If Obama gets the Presidency look for him to be tested right away just like Bush was on 9/11. All I can say is “duck and cover”.
Posted by: Firefighter | February 24, 2008, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
How many African Americans that have worked hard to grow a business are standing around with Hillary’s unpaid bills in their hands? And, she blew that off to reporters.
Has she ever worked a real physical job?
Ever worried about her next meal?
Pay your bills, Hillary. The American people don’t want to pick up the tab for your prance across the US.
Posted by: JB | February 24, 2008, 2:55 pm 2:55 pm
Hillary is the “ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES AND GET IT DONE” candidate. The facts about the election is that Hillary and Obama are almost tied. The news media have made Obama a rock star. This is kinda like blowing up a balloon with hot air, when it pops all the hot air blows away in the wind.
Posted by: onenibble | February 24, 2008, 3:18 pm 3:18 pm
I always want people to understand that, Black or white, who made America what it is, Musically, Sportwise, and Worklabour the answers are yours, one was tested by the common people of the less priviledge and succeeded, came out of dunghill, rose to a level to challenge the mighty, and the mighty is even shaking at the primary, the street tested known what he is saying. Speeches are from the inner mind, it is what you describe you will inscribe. Obama is intelegent, brave and we from other Nations respect American for these. The American respected by us like JF, MX, MLK and others spoke words of HOPE and Futuristics revelations that could bring revolution. Americans should not miss this opportunity. Presently, America is fading away. War is for the warriors, if Americans should vote once again for worriors, then American will face serious down cast, the eagle protect and save her children, though brakes the head of sarpents that is America but eagle do not loose face, focus and it is peaceful that is Obama, Let us try BLACK once and for all. Hillary has tasted it, she was a first lady for God sake, what has she forgotten in the White House that she wants to take. Let her support OBAMA for the sake of America. QED
Posted by: johnsonnigeria | February 25, 2008, 1:00 am 1:00 am