Posted on 11/01/2007 4:16:02 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Hillary Clinton’s top advisers charge that the presidential candidate was unfairly targeted by moderator Tim Russert during Tuesday night’s Democratic debate in Philadelphia.
Russert asked Clinton a number of tough questions during the MSNBC-sponsored debate, including one on Social Security and another on the release of documents from the Bill Clinton administration, as she sought to fend off attacks from her Democratic rivals.
Mark Penn, Clinton’s senior strategist, said: “Russert made it appear that President Clinton had done something new or unusual” in regard to the release of documents.
“I think there will be further clarification.”
Penn and Jonathan Mantz, the campaign’s finance director, told supporters on a conference call after the debate that the Clinton campaign needed more money to fight back after what some observers termed a shaky performance at the debate.
One caller from Oklahoma said the questions put to Hillary “were designed to incite a brawl,” and that Russert’s and fellow moderator Brian Williams’ moderating was “an abdication of journalistic responsibility,” according to The Hill newspaper.
Another caller said Russert “should be shot.”
At one point Russert asked Clinton: “I want to clear something up which goes to the issue of credibility. You were asked at the AARP debate whether or not you would consider taxing, lifting the cap from $97,500, taxing that, raising more money for Social Security. You said, quote, ‘It's a no.’ I asked you the same question in New Hampshire, and you said ‘no.’
“Then you went to Iowa and you went up to Tod Bowman, a teacher, and had a conversation with him saying, ‘I would consider lifting the cap perhaps above $200,000.’ You were overheard by an Associated Press reporter saying that.
“Why do you have one public position and one private position?”
Penn complained: “The other candidates were asked questions like, ‘Is there life in outer space?’” – a reference to Dennis Kucinich being queried about his claim that he had seen a UFO.
The Clinton campaign released a video Wednesday titled “The Politics of Pile On,” showing clips of Hillary’s rivals going after her during the debate, The Hill reported.
But Bill Burton, spokesman for the Barack Obama campaign, said in a memo: “The ‘politics of hope’ doesn’t mean you don’t have to answer tough questions.”
© 2007 Newsmax. All rights reserved.
Boo freakin hoo. This woman must be defeated.
Did Russert “invade Hillary’s space,” or something? I thought she’s the smartest woman in the world.
They should close Fort Marcy Park and put Tim Russert on suicide watch.
Not an impossible scenario, with Hillary involved.
Poor HIllary, I guess she expected to get a free ride because she’s female. The woman wants it both ways, on the one hand she claims to be capable of being president on the other hand, she uses the female card when trying to deflect criticism. If she was a guy, she’d be accused of being a girly man for the whining her campaign is doing.
The Clinton Chinese Mafia War Room is not happy with MSDNC’s Russert. How dare he ask Harpy a semi-real question??
Pray for W and Our Victorious Troops
He Swiftboated her and she didn’t have an answer that she would say out loud.
Correct me if this is incorrect, but a candidate’s rivals are supposed to go after her in a debate, right? If they all agree, what is the point of the debate?
In January 2005 did some of the same to John Kerry - got him to say he will sign a 180.
Campaign call reveals Clinton debate concern
...Another said Russert “should be shot,” before quickly adding that she shouldn’t say that on a conference call.
I added the bold, BTW.
I would advise him to stay far from Fort Marcy Park
If you can’t take the heat, Hillary, then get out.
I am now speaking to Mr. Russert, if his staff are lurking on FR someplace.
Sir, I advise you to take a few simple, but necessary precautions, to wit:
- Install reflective sheeting on your home’s windows, similar to what is installed on limousines, to prevent anyone from seeing the occupants;
- Use an answering service to screen all calls into and out of your residence;
- Install new locks on all exterior doors and windows to your residence, and obtain the services of a reputable alarm system;
- When you drive, be certain you walk completely around your vehicle at least once, and observe the pavement for wires, leaks, or other signs of tampering;
- When you drive to and from work or home, vary your route several times, being certain not to take the same route on successive days;
- Be aware of your surroundings: vehicles that occupy the same spot for several days, or individuals passing your house the same time each day: the same vehicle fololowing you through various intersections, etc.;
These simple precautions will serve you well in future.
Thank you.
Russert didn’t ask a single tough question,,,he just didn’t toss puff balls each time.
Nope, that was Lazio in 2000... He was picking on a lady.
We know how much good that did.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.