Madeleine Albright responds to Obama's attack on Clinton

[Evergreen Emerald]

Albright's people released this response today:

Hillary Clinton represented American interests and values during her visits to more than 80 countries and her meetings with presidents, prime ministers and leaders of civil society. She has been a dynamic representative even standing up to China by pointing out that women's rights are human rights. Her seven years as a U.S. Senator, including her service on the Armed Services Committee, has further deepened her experience as a dynamic and effective leader for our country. She will be ready from the very first day to lead our nation in a dangerous and complicated world, which is why I am supporting her candidacy.


http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/politics/blog/2007/11/obama_to_hillary_youre_no_albr.html

http://news.aol.com/political-machine/2007/11/27/obama-when-good-put-downs-go-bad

[Skip Intro]

1. Put a link with that and you got the thread of the night! K&R!

Thanks!!!

[Catherine Vincent]

2. Now see what you did, Obama?

Ms. Albright wasn't planning on endorsing anyone yet but now that you brought her into this squabble, she supports Hillary. It's all your fault! :)

[durrrty libby]

45. Ms. Albright has been an advisor and on Hill's team all along

[Evergreen Emerald]

3. thanks. I updated and gave a couple of links

[polichick]

4. Katrina vanden Heuvel (on Hardball) pointed out something I had forgotten...

She mentioned that the speeches Hillary made overseas were much "edgier" and stronger on women's and human rights than those given on this side of the pond ~ I recall hearing parts of those speeches and thought they were great.

[hedgehog]

10. Well, most voters on this side of the pond didn't hear those speeches

so there was little risk of losing votes.

[polichick]

24. There was no risk regarding votes back then...

She was talking about speeches made when Hillary was First Lady ~ I just remember news coverage of events she attended, and some remarks she made.

[peacebird]

Links? please?

[polichick]

29. I don't know if those speeches are online anywhere...

Just recall news coverage that included parts of speeches she made as First Lady, having to do with human rights and women's rights.

[cuke]

5. I used to think Obama was smart

not anymore

[durrrty libby]

8. He stuck his foot in that one too. Just like snot-nosed 10 year olds

are awesome at foreign policy.

[jefferson_dem]

11. Ewww..

Seething with hate.

Bwhahahaha....

[cuke]

14. And the he goes and says "that's not exactly what I said"

when the transcript (and hopefully, the video) shows that it is EXACTLY what he said

[durrrty libby]

19. It was hilarious. I enjoyed it

[Cameron27]

6. K&R

Don't mess with Madeline Albright, he made a big mistake bringing up her name.

[peacebird]

7. HRC can claim her time as a Senator but not her time as the wife of a President

she was NOT in a position that the American people could influence as First Lady. She was not an elected official. She had no power and no official responsibilities. She had no official position beyond "hostess" at WH functions.

For anyone to claim she has "experience" as President is at best grasping at straws.

[durrrty libby]

12. She was there and they weren't. She surely does have the right to claim it

Haters can split all the hairs they want.They are irrelevant

[dionysus]

74. does that mean a janitor at the WH can claim executive experience?

[Captain Hilts]

16. You elect the whole herd. You elected Socks and Chelsea too. All White Houses...

come as a package.

[peacebird]

23. I vote for a candidate, regardless of the spouse or children

The candidate (if they win) can VOTE on legislation, the spouse (or main squeeze) cannot vote on legislation. I do not care where the politician gets their jollies, or which side their bread is buttered on. What I do care about is how they vote.

Socks, Chelsea, Hillary and the sax were NOT on the ballot. Bill was.

[Captain Hilts]

50. So do I. But it's a package that includes aides, drivers, consultants. The whole works. nt

[Evergreen Emerald]

18. You are setting up a straw woman. No one is suggesting that

She is not claiming she has experience "as president." That is not what she is claiming. She says that her time as first lady gave her unique experience that will help her succeed in the job as president.

No official position / not elected is a non-issue. She, and Albright agrees, was extensively involved in foreign affairs. That experience will help her succeed.

[peacebird]

32. she was not involved (extensively or otherwise) in "foreign affairs". She was window dressing.

She was no more considered "seriously" in foreign affairs than any other presidential wife. Actually Jackie Kennedy was a much better emissary in foreign affairs than Hillary was. Jackie was beloved and admired around the world.

[Evergreen Emerald]

35. I believe what Albright says. And she says it was more than window dressing.

[peacebird]

39. iI think Albright remembers who gave her a place in history... Perhaps loyalty clouds her memory....

just saying.....

[durrrty libby]

48. Nice projection but Albright and others disagree

After all, they were there and you weren't

just sayin:eyes:

[Cameron27]

49. Not everyone loses their integrity

because the endorse Hillary Clinton. Too many good and decent Democrats have been taken apart here, just because they support her. I wish it would stop. Perhaps Albright believes what she's said.

[peacebird]

57. perhaps she does. I supported Bill - I regret how blindly I believed him now. NAFTA has

effectively worked to dismantle the middle class. Too much power to the corporations with too little control over workers rights or environmental protections.

I was lulled into happy complacency because I trusted Bill. I was wrong.

If it makes others "happy" I can tell you that my company is now outsourcing, and jobs in my department are being "partnered" (corp speak for outsourcing). I am sorry that I was not paying more attention when Bill was selling us out for corporate gain, but I am paying attention NOW and Hillary is definitely not the answer.

[paulk]

82. what a stupid post.

Yeah, Bill Clinton is responsible for the destruction of the middle class...

He's the cause of your company outsourcing.

Where have you been the last seven years?

You don't think Bush might have had something to do with it?

Ya think???????????

My God.

I can't take this shit anymore.

[ihavenobias]

91. Wait a minute

You can't ONLY blame Bush and pretend Clinton was perfect! In fact, Clinton was far from a model progressive on issues like trade and deregulation. NAFTA, GATT and the FCC Telecom Act of 1996 are perfect examples.

People who give democrats a free ride on EVERYTHING (not saying you necessarily do, just speaking generally) annoy me almost as much as those who give republicans a free pass for everything.

[paulk]

92. there's a big difference between "giving Democrats a free ride"

and blaming the current economic woes on Bill Clinton, as "peacebird" has done.

[ihavenobias]

93. But in fairness

*some* of the economic woes we have today ARE at least partially related to the bad, unregulated trade deals laying the foundation (like Nafta and GATT).

Also, *some* of the awful state of the mainstream media can be attributed to the FCC Telecom Act of 1996.

[paulk]

94. in fairness, I don't see how you can lay the full impact of those

bad trade deals at Bill Clinton's feet. Clinton had a Republican Congress from '94 on, and since then we've had Bush and his rubberstamp Republican Congress. It's not even possible to judge the effect of NAFTA/GATT under those circumstances. NAFTA was also affected by the rise of China and SE Asia with cheap goods and labor.

All of these were mistakes, true, but they were mistakes that I believe would have been fixed under a Democratic administration and Congress.

The real underlying problem with our economy is the inequitable distribution of wealth, a problem exacerbated by the Bush tax cuts. One of the main accomplishments of the Clinton administration was rescinding the Reagan era tax cuts for the wealthy, something that passed without a single Republican vote, I might add. Both the middle class and poor made advances under Clinton, advances that have all been but wiped out since.

Clinton made errors, yes, but you also can't ignore the very real economic accomplishments he had.


------------------

The Telecom act was the biggest mistake Clinton made, IMHO, but even there it's not a problem that couldn't have been fixed once it became apparent what was happening. It's also apparent that it won't be the Republicans who fix it, in fact, under Powell, it's gotten worse. And yes, appointing Powell was another mistake.

[Auntie Bush]

65. So was Hill and Bill

No one was as beloved as Jack & Jackie. Them is pretty tough odds to beat.
So let's play fair. You're saying if she wasn't as "special" as Jackie she has no experience.

Hillary has ALWAYS been interested in politics and she and Bill ALWAYS consulted on everything political. Why do you think Bill said, "When you vote for me...you get two for one?" He knew Hillary would be very much involved and would have something intelligent and thoughtful to add...he trusted her opinion and advice. That doesn't mean he necessarily took it...but he gave her opinion a lot of thought. She's been in the "know" many years before Obama and Michele were even thinking about politics.

I'd also say meeting, dining and conversing with all those world leaders with and without Bill was extremely educational & beneficial to her as a future President and she deserves credit for that. To say she was just a WH hostess it pure delusion at it's worst.

[peacebird]

67. actually I said I have "buyers remorse" over Bill and his pro-corporation bent....

"To say she was just a WH hostess it pure delusion at it's worst."

NAFTA has gutted the middle class. It is a "gift" from the Clintons.

[Auntie Bush]

71. No one could have ever expected the results of NAFTA...except maybe Ross.

NAFTA was a blunder...so was the Bay of Pigs etc. But Clinton had good intentions as Jack did...he thought it would do just the opposite. Maybe it wasn't all his fault. I don't know. Maybe the way bush enacted or took advantage of NAFTA had something to do with it's horrible failure...who knows? Please don't forget Bill did other things (no comment lol) in those 8 years that were good for our country. Think balancing the budget that the Rethugs thrust upon us. He needs credit for that. I think he is a wiser person today looking at the world from a different perspective and could be a great help to Hillary in making important decisions. Also the whole world loves him and he could help mend America's fences/prestige.

[russian33]

75. thanks for that post

it's refreshing hearing a rational explanation of why one can support a person, and yet accept his/her mistakes

[paulk]

83. thank you for injecting some common sense into the

discussion.

A rare commodity on DU these days...

[msongs]

22. being a 10 year old living in a foreign country is more valuable than 8 yrs living in

the white house.

Msongs

[Evergreen Emerald]

38. If you really believe that--you crack me up!

Seriously! I have a bridge to sell you...

[peacebird]

40. and that "bridge" would be named Hillary...?

[jefferson_dem]

9. Not the first time Secy Albright has come to Hillary's rescue... She defended her support for K/L

...while campaigning for her in NH.

From NBC/NJ's Mike Memoli
HOOKSETT, NH -- Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright today said that Hillary Clinton has been "very clear" in stating that she believes President Bush cannot go to war without congressional authorization.

Albright, who was campaigning for Clinton here in New Hampshire, also defended the senator's vote on the Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which her rivals have said warned will be used by Bush as justification for military action. " was one in order to make very clear that the Revolutionary Guard was one of the most extremist groups within Iran and that it was important to sanction them in order to be able to move toward robust diplomacy," Albright said in an interview.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/10/25/431115.aspx

[Cameron27]

13. Yes Albright did defend her on Kyl-Lieberman

which is what Obama should have remembered before he used her to make a point.

[jefferson_dem]

26. Yeah...that makes zero sense.

Obama only refuted Hillary's claim of experience, pointing to Albright's as the *real* face of US foreign policy during the Clinton administration. On the other hand, Albright is endorsing Hillary and defending her support for that fucked-up Amendment. Pick a side.

[Cameron27]

33. Pick a side?

I thought Obama was silly to point his childhood in a foreign country as foreign policy experience. Kyl/Lieberman was unnecessary, but IMO, it wasn't a vote for war.

[Tellurian]

61. What was Obama thinking?

[BeyondGeography]

15. Madeleine's earning her stipend

I hope they at least write the quotes for her.

[cuke]

17. And the Obama campaign is earning it's stupid

[BeyondGeography]

25. As if duelling press releases filled with BS quotes mean anything in the end

:boring:

[cuke]

31. So you think Obama's press releases were bullshit?

I agree!!

and so does Ms Albright

[BeyondGeography]

34. Both sides are slinging it

and all it proves is they're both capable of putting up a good fight.

Next.

[cuke]

89. You're right about Obama's press releases being BS

The man has trouble with the truth

[Evergreen Emerald]

27. I have noticed that anyone who supports Clinton is ridiculed or dismissed on DU

even great leaders like Clark and Albright. It is amazing how negative and divided America is. Everything has become black and white. Albright and Clark must be evil and are lying if they support someone other than their candidate.

Sad days for America. It reminds me of the purple bandaids that the republicans used to minimize the purple hearts that Kerry earned. We have become who we despise.

[BeyondGeography]

53. It's called primary season

both sides and their supporters want to win. If I was a Republican watching this, I wouldn't be so reassured. Cuz once we settle this thing, we will take this energy, which is considerable, and focus our collective guns on the opposition. Doesn't feel that way now, but it will happen.

[cuke]

90. No, it's called hypocrisy

Obama supporters just think primaries justify it

[Auntie Bush]

66. Times have changed. First it was all Dems hating Bush et al

Now it's Dems hating Dems and making enemies of each other. That's really sad. Rethugs usually condemn Dems but we "Eat our own"...as usual. But lately the Thugs are learning from the Dems.

[Captain Hilts]

52. FUNNIEST post of the day! nt

[capi888]

20. Oppsie Obama...

guess he didn't know Madeleine, was supporting Hillary !! I knew that a long time ago!!! I even thought wow a boo boo, when he made that remark. I knew Albright would come back on that remark.

What a sport, politics!!

[AtomicKitten]

21. Obama simply responded to Clinton's attack on his experience -

wondering what Ms. Albright would think about Clinton's claim that she (Clinton) was the face of foreign policy during the 1990s. He has a valid point which may be construed as an attack in the context that the truth hurts sometimes.

[cuke]

28. And Ms Albright pushed it back into Obama's face

How embarrassing for Obama

[Evergreen Emerald]

30. Nice try Atomic Kitten. He was attempting to zing Clinton and to minimize

her foreign policy experience. He screwed up. He showed more inexperience.

[jefferson_dem]

36. Exactly how does Albright leaping to Hillary's defense help establish her "experience" bonifides...

which is what this is all about? Oh, yeah. It only serves to reinforce Hillary's hollow claim of "experience" in the first place.

[Evergreen Emerald]

42. How is that not experience? You know, it is ok to support Obama and still agree that Albright may

just may...have a point. When you are adamantly opposed to anything positive about Clinton and adamantly deny anything negative about Obama--you loose credibility.

"Hillary Clinton represented American interests and values during her visits to more than 80 countries and her meetings with presidents, prime ministers and leaders of civil society. She has been a dynamic representative even standing up to China by pointing out that women's rights are human rights." Madeleine Albright.

[jefferson_dem]

59. We all run the risk of becoming overly *reactionary* in the heat of the season, don't we?

By the way, I don't oppose *everything* Hillary. I'll support the hell out of her as she pursues the position of Senate Majority Leader when the next Congress is seated.

[AtomicKitten]

37. In your opinion, but isn't that what all this is about?

I disagree with your view of how this played out and its implications. In fact, Obama has been very wise to point out Hillary's bloated resume, and always in response to her attacking him.

Well played, Senator Obama.

[Evergreen Emerald]

46. "always in response to her attacking him" now that is funny!

He and Edwards have been attacking her since before the Russert-attack-debate. You remember the one: where Russert gave them the attacks on a silver platter? And then the media, hyped and hyped the downfall of Clinton for weeks, until the polls reflected the lemmings who believed the distortions? Remember? She was attacking the republicans while Obama and Edwards attacked Clinton? Remember?

"always in response to her attacking him." you just have to laugh.

[AtomicKitten]

69. funny thing about opinions

I have mine. I'm not attacking yours and I'm not going to start.

I don't know why people are so personal in discussing politics. I really don't. I have to regroup sometimes so I don't engage, and it occurs to me that I have no idea where all this negative bullshit comes from. It isn't a crime to support another Democrat. I have my reasons and they are good and valid to me, and that's all that matters. I don't engage in crap like haircuts and houses and infidelity and gotcha crap like that. There may be an occasion or two, but the truth is I'm not interested in that sh*t.

What I am interested in is wondering how this election can possibly be anywhere in the ballpark of close. How can that be? And I worry that nobody is going to stop this administration and I'm very, very afraid. That's the kind of stuff I care about.

As to this minor dust-up, the truth is our natural inclination is to take the side of our pony. And then I very quickly realize I don't really care about this minor blip on the election screen. I'm fine with what transpired, think Obama held his own, and so, no harm, no foul.

So, I hope you have a great evening.

[ccpup]

41. not too difficult to do

when your experience consists of "I lived in Indonesia when I was 10". I mean, really? C'mon!

[AtomicKitten]

79. I agree. Come on.

Obama has served in elected office longer than any of the front-runners, and I believe you probably already know that. He has served as a civil rights attorney, has lectured in Constitutional law, and served in the Illinois State Senate for a number of years before being elected to the U.S. Senate.

Here's a hint: When you have to exaggerate to hurt your opponent, it loses all its punch.

[ccpup]

86. this gets kinda difficult to do

when supporters of one candidate trot out a resume and say that all of this counts and then turn around, with respect to other candidates, and say "but it doesn't count with your person"

So, Hillary's Public Service work on behalf of Arkansas' children with regards to Healthcare and education don't count but Obama's work as a civil rights attorney does? His lecturing in Constitutional Law counts, but Hillary's work on the board of a major corporation as well as being voted one of the Top Attorneys in the Country and serving on the Watergate Committee to Impeach Nixon doesn't? Serving as a State Senator counts, but crafting policy that affects all Americans and selling it to the American People as First Lady is not worthy of consideration or mention?

I'm sure you'll come up with some crafty little comment to support your guy and ignore Hillary's obvious achievements but, hey, at least I'm not claiming that "it's Hillary Clinton Country once Hillary Clinton has been there".

[AtomicKitten]

87. I have no further comment other than to remind you of this:

41. not too difficult to do ... when your experience consists of "I lived in Indonesia when I was 10". I mean, really? C'mon!

You grotesquely mischaracterize by understating the snark you have already imparted, and now are criticizing me now for words you have put in my mouth in advance of my actual response.

It appears you don't require my actual input for this conversation.

[ccpup]

88. okay

[zulchzulu]

47. Albright simply wants to enable Hillary Clinton that borrows her husband's resume

Who told Albright to make the call...

[AtomicKitten]

70. that's cool

I have no problem with the candidates using every resource available to them. The Clintons have an arsenal and they are entitled to call in some chips.

I don't know Obama as well but from what I can ascertain he's got some skills. He rolls with the punches and is deliberate in his campaign.

This should be a wild ride. I wish people would do stop being so pissy 24/7 and enjoy the ride. I've got to slap myself back on track frequently, so I certainly understand the predicament.

The GOP is a trip. Did you see where Karl Rove is now trying to say that the 2002 Congress insisted on voting on the IWR and they wanted them to wait? Brilliant political theater. Bravo, sir! Well done.

This election is going to make my head explode. I'm certain of it.

Cheers.

[Auntie Bush]

43. MSM doesn't want to report that kind of nonsense. They would much

rather blabber repeatedly about Zogby's internet poll showing Clinton was behind Obama and all of the Republicans. I'll never have faith in another Zogby poll...even if they say a Dem is certain to beat a Rethug.

That was nice of Madeleine to put out that statement and a damn shame no one noticed.

[hayu_lol]

55. What really surprises me about all this...

is that internet activists have, for the past 7-8 years at least, been right on top of everything that has happened in the world. We shared and argued and fought--sometimes viciously.

We, collectively at least, know what has been going on.

Since most of you will agree to that, then why have not the campaign staffs of all candidates read and participated in sites of their choice? They seem to have ignored our collective wisdom.

All it would take is, depending on one's politics, one good poster from a site of their choice. We have at least a dozen, perhaps several dozen who could do a tremendous job for each candidate.

The same idea could be effectively be used by our Congressional leaders who so far, have their noses buried in the sand bucket. A Congressional liason with the leading websites/boards.

We pay them enough to employ such people. We obviously pay them too much to just do their damn jobs all by themselves.

[zulchzulu]

44. So Hillary met these folks while she was First Lady...and that thing about China!

Hillary stood up to China with human rights issues at the same time that she (by proxy) allowed China to have Most Favored Nation status... wow, now that's experience!

Based on this resume borrowing on Hillary's part, we can only guess at how experienced in foreign policy Laura Bush is.

Face it, Hillary tried to act like the only experience Barack Obama has is when he was a kid in Indonesia. Like any liar, she failed to mention that he has been on the Foreign Relations Committee as well as others and has been in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Albright can endorse Hillary Clinton. That's not exactly a surprise.

[ccpup]

58. Hillary's been on

the Committee on Armed Services since 2003 and Obama's been on the Foreign Relations Committee for ... how long? Oh, that's right. He's been a Senator since 2005. Gotcha. That's a whole lot of experience.

And before you start rattling off a list of countries Obama's "been in", stop and think about the fact that Hillary was the most well-traveled -- and, in some cases, outspoken -- First Lady in history (as well as a well-traveled Senator). I don't know if you want to start counting Obama having been in a country as some kind of "experience" worthy of the WH and have to compare his list to her list, you know?

[dionysus]

76. hillary couldn't carry Eleanor's dirty socks, actually.

n/t

[ccpup]

77. what?

:shrug:

[Catherine Vincent]

60. You're losing it.

Just admit Obama screwed up and move on. :)

[dflprincess]

62. I'd be more impressed if she - or any other American politician

stood up and told the Saudis that women's rights are human rights.

[eridani]

51. But is killing 500,000 Iraqi kids with sanctions still "worth it"? n/t

[zulchzulu]

54. That's lowballing it...

I've seen estimates of over a million dead Iraqis from the Clinton policies on Iraq in the 1990s.

[creeksneakers2]

63. Saddam got them all killed n/t

I believe your count is exaggerated too.

[eridani]

73. That is a huge steaming pile full of horseshit

The most devastating blow was the elimination of 95% of Iraq's electricity generation and water purification capacity by bombing in 1991, a deliberate war crime. The sanctions would not allow any importation of chlorine for water purification, supposedly because of "dual use" for WMD.

http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/2520/

“I would say sanctions made Saddam Hussein stronger, not weaker,” says Denis Halliday, a former U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in Iraq. “They demolished any political opposition. Middle class professionals were so busy trying to make a living or keeping their kids alive, they had no interest in changing the system.”

After 13 months overseeing the Oil-for-Food program, Halliday quit in protest, eventually calling the United Nations policy “genocide.” He was succeeded by Hans Von Sponeck, who lasted two years before he, too, quit in disgust.

[Captain Hilts]

78. Hussein had a choice: and he chose to starve his people. nt

[eridani]

81. More horseshit. They didn't starve--they died of preventable diseases

The deaths were mostly due to water contamination, plus the war crime of deliberately destroying most of the water purification plants. Also lack of medicines which were embargoed as "dual use." WTF did Saddam have to do with either of those things?

Good fucking christ--apologists for imperial mass murder are despicable regardles of party. Some Dems are just as bad as Repukes.

[Evergreen Emerald]

56. Its all Clinton's fault!

[eridani]

68. It's the fault of all who believe that the US has the right to dominate the Middle East

That would include both Bushes and both Clintons.

[creeksneakers2]

64. Great post!

Recommended!

During the 90s all the Hillary haters said she was the diabolical power behind the throne pulling all the strings. Now they say she spent the time in a drug induced coma like Laura Bush.

Hillary was involved in day to day functions of the White House.

[Nedsdag]

72. How correct!

OK, Madeline, we get it! Hillary was the face of U.S. foreign policy during the 1990s.

So that means she was at the forefront during Rwanda, right?

[Wilms]

80. Carlyle Albright???

Thanks. I'll pass.

[Beacool]

84. Way to go Madeleine!!!!

You tell him like it is!!!!

BTW, the speech that Hillary gave in China is ranked as one of the 100 best speeches in America. It's in 35th place.


http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/hillaryclintonbeijingspeech.htm


Hillary was never just another first lady, to try to diminish her accomplishments by pretending that she only performed the traditional duties of her office is disingenuous and quite laughable.

[donheld]

85. Thank you Miss Albright

:)

[BenDavid]

95. Robert Kennedy for HRC...Nough said.

[DURHAM D]

96. I think it is important to remember -

When Hillary lead the delegation to the women's international conference it was against the strong wishes of the then Secretary of State Warren Christopher (later to be replaced by Albright who at that time was at the U.N). Had Hillary not gone to the conference in China Albright would have been leading our delegation.

Hillary and Madeline had to fight against the White House staff, the state department and Warren Christopher to go to China - all the boys pushed Bill hard not to let Hillary attend. Hillary and Madeline thought it important.

I have always assumed that Hillary had a lot to do with Albright's promotion to Secretary of State as the women became mutually supportive as they worked together on international relations.

Women's Rights are Human Rights.

[Skip Intro]

97. Kick for those with short memories