A good memory is needed once we have lied,” observed Pierre Corneille, the
17th-century French tragedian. He was right. The complexities involved in
keeping an untruth plausible and consistent are so tortuous that to be
really good at lying demands exceptional recall of what was said when and
where.
But Corneille was writing before the age of YouTube. Nowadays, no amount of
familiarity with memory's labyrinth will save you when there is downloadable
disproof at the click of a mouse button. So Hillary Clinton discovered this
week, when she was caught out in a prize fib about a trip she made to Bosnia
when she was First Lady 12 years ago.
Dilating on her extensive experience of foreign affairs, the New York senator
told a campaign event last week that she vividly remembered how, with the
Balkans still a cauldron of war, she had flown into an airfield under sniper
fire. She had had to dash, head-down from the aircraft, she told the
spellbound audience, to the safety of waiting cars, and the planned
traditional arrival ceremony had been hastily cancelled in the mêlée.
It sounded thrilling - like something out of a Tom Clancy novel. The problem
was, it probably did come out of a Tom Clancy novel. It was pure fiction.
CBS unearthed some news video of the arrival ceremony and it was promptly
disseminated on YouTube. There was Mrs Clinton, serene and smiling,
strolling with her entourage from the plane, head held high, and in no
evident danger from snipers, terrorists, or even the odd slightly miffed
Serb. Seconds later she was being greeted in what looked very much like a
traditional arrival ceremony on the tarmac where a small girl embraced her
and the two chatted warmly for a while. I've been in more physical danger
coming out of the car park at Heathrow.
Confronted with the incontrovertible evidence Mrs Clinton acknowledged this
week that she “misspoke”. Misspeak is an Orwellian term deployed by
politicians to describe what has happened when they have been caught in a
barefaced lie.
The Clintons have a well-formed habit of misspeaking. Bill Clinton, of course,
was always doing it. But his wife has also over the years mastered the art
of misspeaking in what Mark Twain once described as an “experienced,
industrious, ambitious and often quite picturesque” way.
She has misspoken on any number of occasions when the straight truth might
have been very damaging: over her involvement in the various scandals of the
early Clinton years. But alongside these instrumental whoppers, there have
been some befuddlingly pointless little tiddlers too.
For no obvious reason she once claimed her parents named her after Sir Edmund
Hillary, even though she was born more than five years before the
mountaineer's ascent of Everest, when he was known by almost no one outside
New Zealand.
When she ran for New York senator she claimed to have been a lifelong fan of
the New York Yankees even though no one could recall her ever having
expressed the slightest interest in or knowledge of the baseball team.
In fact the facility with which the Clintons misspeak is so pronounced that it
is quite possible they have genuinely forgotten how to tell the plain truth.
There was no real need for Mrs Clinton to make the claim about landing in
sniper fire. But the compulsion to embroider, to dissemble and to
dissimulate is now so entrenched in the synapses of the Clinton brain that
it came to her as naturally as the truth would to a slow-witted innocent.
Someone once noted that the thing about the Clintons is that they will choose
a big lie when a small lie will do, and choose a small lie when the truth
will do. Most of the time they get away with it. But occasionally, an
inconvenient truth, like a blue dress with DNA on it, or some forgotten news
footage, shows up and damns them.
The Bosnia misspeak, unnecessary as it was, revealed much, however. It helped
to expose a much bigger untruth Mrs Clinton has been peddling throughout the
Democratic primary campaign - that her time in the White House means she has
the necessary foreign policy experience to be president.
First Ladies don't acquire real foreign policy experience. We know that Mrs
Clinton did not, as she claimed, play a large role in the Northern Ireland
peace process, that she was not, as she claimed, a key voice in counsels on
the Balkans, and that she did not even have security clearance in the White
House for the most sensitive of conversations about national security.
So the problem with the ripping yarn about the Bosnia snipers is that it
offers hard evidentiary disproof of improbable claims about her role during
the White House years.
With this latest deceit stripped away, there is not much left to Mrs Clinton's
disintegrating campaign for the Democratic nomination. It capped a bad week
for her, a week that might have signalled the end of her hopes.
With a deft speech that was somewhat lacking in complete honesty itself,
Barack Obama last week seemed to have acquitted himself quite well, for now,
of the charge of being an associate of a ranting, anti-American black
preacher. More important, the collapse last week of efforts to schedule a
new vote in Florida and Michigan, two states whose earlier primary votes
have been disqualified, was deadly to Mrs Clinton. It is now virtually
impossible for her to finish ahead of Mr Obama in the delegate count when
the primary season ends in early June.
That really ought to be that. After that final primary in Puerto Rico on June
1, Mr Obama will have won more states, more delegates and more popular votes
than Mrs Clinton. How in those circumstances can Mrs Clinton claim a moral
case for staying in the race?
Her answer is to persuade the party's super-delegates - top party leaders and
elected officials who will have the casting votes - that she is more
electable than Mr Obama, and that they would be doing the party a favour if
they chose her over the wishes of the tens of millions of people who have
voted in the primaries.
They are unlikely to be taken in. They are more likely to view it as another
example of Senator Clinton's misspeaking.
I do not understand why candidates believe that they are going to impress people by making up stories, but some of the Republican candidates make up stories that are as obviously fabricated as their Democrat counterparts- Hillary Cinton's visit to Bosnia was in 1996- If she had been shot at, doesn't she understand that people would remember that?
-These candidates lives are under such scrutiny by both the domestic media as well as foreign presses these days that absolutey everything they do or say will be examined- Had Mitt Romney simply said that he remembers his father watching Dr. M.L. King march on television back in the 1960's and that his father seemed to feel inspired by Dr. King's televised speeches, he might still be in the race today- It was newspaper reporters who called his bluff by pointing out that not one single photo of his father anywhere near Dr. King exists that he admitted that by "march along side with," he'd really meant "watched on television"-
Scott Benowitz, Rye, New York, U.S.A.
Clinton has repeatedly shown mendacity this latest a real lulu yet she still has a large number of supporters. What is wrong with people. I very much doubt that Obama is perfect ,he is a politician but he hasn't yet displayed abject stupidity that seems to be an hallmark of Clintons campaign
alan burden, mijas pueblo, España
Clinton : "There was a poll the other day that said 22 percent of Democrats wanted me to drop out and 22 percent wanted Senator Obama to drop out. And 62 percent said: Let people vote."
It is absurd to ask Clinton to drop out when she has such a clear shot at the nomination. after all, 62 % + 22% + 22% = 106% of the electorate in the remaining 10 contests still has to vote.
gromoso, NY, NY
An old saying comes to mind :-
"You can fool some of the people for some of the time; but you can't fool all of the people for all of the time."
steve, Bournemouth England,
That idea about foreign policy experience is surely useless now. Obama is young - but imagine what his election could do to the belief America is the white, imperialist aggressor, especially in the middle east. Surely worth a gamble?
Ben, York,
Mrs. Clinton, like her husband, believes the White House is her rightful home. She will do anything it takes to get it, including the risk that we will wind up with Bush III. One person asked, so what's wrong with Clinton for president? As New Mexico Governor Richardson said: Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton, What about the rest of us? And I ask, what about the world too? Let's try something new.
Harry
Olympia, WA
harry, olympia, wa
Well said, Gerard. About time some gutsy journalists like you talked the talk.
Barry, Dublin, Ireland
It is or was about money, the Lobbyists of Washington and The Rich Democrats who back Hillary.
The last few weeks we have seen Hillary embellish The Truth or just Lie, but she is only following in the footsteps of husband Bill, how was he able to face the American Public and tell such lies in The White House about his "affair" - it is the Politics of The Past, The Dynasty, who have survived on pure selfish self interest,
Barack Obama is about Change! in the onslaught of personal attacks he has remained Dignified and though e hear claims of he does not have the experience, who says that Age guarantees the right experience!
John B Sheffield, Newton, La
Easterrise 28mar 08 It''s pathetic that Gerard Baker is so limited that he has to make such a long boring write up of the Clinton's and Hillary's "Great Big Lie" of Bosnia. when there are much more consequences to the lies that Barack Obama have been presenting to the American people by pretending he was not aware of the vitriolic sermons of his beloved pastor. What a biased media we have.They are making sure that the American people will be brained washed to their choice,
dcgrabham, Raymondville, USA
Bush lied, and hundreds of thousands have died.
No comparison to Clinton lies.
What about that stupid white man?
F. Summers, NY,
Neither Obama or Clinton can win the nomination without the support of a considerable number of superdelegates. Current polls show that Obama is much more likely to be the Democratic nominee but up to 28 percent of Clinton supporters (including myself), will switch our vote to John McCain to try and stop Obama being elected.
Andre, Machias, Maine/USA
My YouTube evidence would be showing Hillary as lined up at the public rally behind Israel when that country was waging an attack on Jordan recently. Of course, `she was on the right side`. Whoever dare doubt that?
Gaie, London,
The U.S. is politically a wreck, there is no morality in our government. Our supposed Law Makers are breaking the law of government or the laws of morality. Misues of funds, bribes, sex crimes, and lying are common. There is not a month that goes by that another politician is exposed for some illegal or immoral act. Hillary has been described as a "World Class Genius" by her husband. We are supposed to believe him, yet on 4 different occasions this Genius has an imperfect mind, what an embarrassment to be an U.S. citizen. We are constantly making ourselves look foolish in the eyes of the world.
Robert, Elizabethton, Tennessee
It appears to me that there are a lot of parrots and Pavlov dogs around these days.
For all those who don't like Mrs Clinton, could you list your personal reasons why you don't like her other than repeating what others are saying whether it is true or not?
If the US wants a real president, they would be better off to vote for Mrs Clinton. Obama would be a better President after serving as VP to gain some experience before taking that office that has so much power that it can be misused to the detriment of the less powerful.
Joe Bromeo, Ottawa, Canada
The joke of it all is that, unlike the hapless Obama, Hillary really could unite the country. All Americans, black & white, male & female, young & old, rich & poor, left & right, would marvel at her whoppers and look forward to the next one. Why, watching President Hillary's speeches and news conferences could be our other national pastime!
charles, uSA,
You ever listened to Hillary's speeches? They're all "I'm really touched when I speak to bla bla bla...I'm reminded everyday of bla bla bla..." Being silver tongued isn't the be-all and end-all, but she just doesn't sound like she means it.
It's as though she believes she's talking to kids, and can easily pull the wool over the electorate's eyes if her speeches tick the right boxes.
People speak of her commitment and experience...she's boasts that she's been working on resolving the health care situation for 20 years, and it still isn't fixed.
steph, liverpool, england
Ripping yarn! Great wording. Thank you all in Britan for being able to see through the facts that many of the Clinton Yanks cannot. Many of us wish to end the years of hatred and fear in our country. This has come to the point that corporations are run with virtual imunity from criminal predatopry practices and the American citizens that are needed to support these criminals and their companies are so marginalized that we cannot support our families.
We the people of the United States of America are very much trying to change things for the better but we are having trouble getting America to see through all of the Ripping yarns of the past 30 years.
With your support and prayers we can and will make our county and the world a better place for all, as our founders intended.
mark, Greensboro, north carolina, usa
All politicians tell fibs - some tell downright lies as with weapons of mass destruction, and lives are lost. Mrs Clinton's fib over Bosnia hurt nobody but herself. However Mr Baker goes on to state that Barak Obama's speech was "lacking in complete honesty" - is that shorthand for a lie about a much more serious issue of the extent of his association with a man Baker describes as being a ranting anti-American black preacher? Did Mr Obama know what the preacher was ranting about (if not the preacher is not very good at communicating his message), and if he did know why did he not do something about it?
Anthony Hollis, Frinley Green, , Surrey England
In 1966 at Crufts a certain breed of dog was voted Britain's Favourite Dog. A few days later Harold Wilson was photographed outside number 10 with two of them on a lead, with the caption in The Guardian "It is not generally known that the Prime Minister is a dog lover". So whats new?
John Holden, Doncaster, UK
Don't forget the Whitewater Scandal (real estate scandal in the 70's and 80's). Should she be elected, can I move to the UK?
Lisa Boyer, Amarillo, Texas, USA
The hysteria of people who HATE the Clintons is amazing to behold...They seem to foam at the mouth over the smallest of matters., yet regualryl allow much owrse offences to be committed by their own heroes.
As for Hillary Clinton's referring to the fact she faced sniper fire, the fact is that like everyone at the airport that day there was the risk of sniper fire and to allow her daughter t join her and be in that position no doubt weighed heavily on her mind...
Frankly if that is a lie the people who bandy about the term lie with suich regularity ought to look up their dictionary...
I don't like Hillary Clinton and she is obviously les silver tonguied than Barack Obama who always talks in platitudes and appears to have done almost nothing in his entire life in the public domain that is noteworthy...
There have been 3 election contests (2000, 2004 and 2008 where it seems Americans have a DREADFULLY POOR CHOICE. What has happened to democracy?
OK now its all about money!
Nicky, Mayfair London, UK
Do people actually believe ANYTHING Hillary says?
She's full of it.
Samantha, Cincinnati, US/ Ohio
You can always tell when a politician is lying they move theirs lips.The USA needs a president who will be open and honest not only to its people but to the rest of the world and at the moment its Obama
K Dodson, Stornoway, Scotland
Beautifully written commentary, sir!
It is tough to know who will be the better president between Clinton and Obama. Obama is for sure the lesser evil and perhaps the real shining knight. I believe that his goal is to do what is right and will share responsibility for global issues with our allies (and not act unilaterally).
Obama's minister is a grown man and is responsible for himself. Mr. Wright has been inspirational enough to grow his church to 8,000 members and they are not only African American. I agree Rev. Wright seems to be inappropriate at times, but he does not seem to be a liar!
Joyce, Chicago, Il
Cynical citizen, Cburg, USA
"Sure she lied but so what. The Clintons have lied repeatedly to the public for years. Its called Clintonism"
No, sorry to have to correct you, but I think you'll find it's called "politics"
Homer, London,
Will you be publishing Mr. Obama taking credit for passing legislation that did not pass?
Calling himself a Professor while being just an instructor?
Too many to list.
You should cover both instead just Clinton.
Lingam, Fkubberville, USA
Interesting to note that the quotation from Mark Twain is from a short story entitled 'The Private History of a Campaign That Failed'.
simon evans, penryn, cornwall
Jack Nicholson, London, UK
"...why should America give them an unconstitutional third term??"
Why not? They gave Bush an unconstitutional first term
Homer, London,
The mindset of some comments is at best mind boggling. From what I have just read in the running commentary I gather that it is no big deal that she lies. We should still vote for her even though it is a proven fact that on several occasions she has been deceitful to the American people. We should just wink at this disturbing trend. Seriously?? In what other job interview would proof of lying be acceptable? Wake up people. Presidential hopefuls SHOULD need a moral claim to the highest office in the land. Just because it hasn't been the norm doesn't make it an unattainable goal. "Hillary tells one small mistake..." You are utterly insane to call a bald faced lie "one small mistake" ESPECIALLY in light of the fact that this particular lie wasn't in any way necessary. By the way... what exactly HAS she done for New York? What legislation has she passed as Senator? Naming courthouses and congratulating college lacrosse teams HARDLY seems like a "rock solid" core.
Tomas Alvarez, Manhattan, New York
The ability to lie with a straight face is the most important weapon in a politician's armory. Bill Clinton was (and is) a master at it. It is no surprise that his wife is also first-rate. But, equally important is the ability to tell when someone else is lying to you - an ability that President Bush evidently doesn't have.
It appears that Senator Clinton failed to detect falsity on the frequent occasions when her husband lied to her; which, unfortunately, implies that she would not be able to detect lies addressed to her as president. It is this lack, rather than her ability to 'misspeak', that makes her a dubious choice as President.
David Easlea, Philadelphia, USA
At least we have the consolation of knowing that we have a guy in Hillary's place we CAN trust: Mr Obama, who sat over two decades in a church whose pastor is notorious for racial incitement, but who apparently was never present when the man said something really gruesome, and who made that pastor his spiritual adviser as well as pastor to his children.
What a truth-machine.
Ganpat Ram , London , UK
Politicians are liars of course, but the problem with Hillary is, when she lies, she's just plain silly and embarrasing.
Kirsty Y, Hong Kong, China
How can you trust somebody who lies so easily for no reason?
What kind of lies will she come up with when the real pressure is on. Clinton is afraid and clutching at straws, which is a real sign of weakness and I'm embarrassed for her.
US, please vote for Obama, who will make the world and the USA a much safer and humane place to be.
Chris, Preston, UK
The same lie tactics about 'genocide' that worked in Kosovo to justify NATO intervention was not successful in Iraq. The state dept and CIA have been found out. Hilary is just part of the same deception that has gripped American foreign policy for a decade.
Paul, London,
The only one who has talked any sense is Ron Paul. He would be your best president by far.
But he doesn't promise to buy votes so you won't elect him...
Adam, London, UK
Hmmmm. Are we sure that Mrs Clinton and Heather Mills are not related?
Gina, Swindon, UK
I have to agree with Brendan - while the Democrats are embarassing themselves squabbling over the nomination, Mr McCain will just breeze into the White House come November.
susan, glasgow,
It was Bush and his flag waving neo-cons who turned lying into an art form with their, war of lies.
Joe reilly, Spalding, England
If you lie about the little things...
This was almost as brilliant as Gore claiming he invented the internet.
Bemused in America, Baltimore, MD
How do you know when a politician is misspeaking?
When they move their lips. Heaven help us all if someone like Billary Clinton can get to the White House.Still a country that could elect and then, much worse, reelect Dubya is capable of anything!
Barry Obama, Berlin, Germany
She is a liar now, she was a liar yesterday, last year and ten years ago. She has always been a liar. Want her as President??? You must be joking
Hamley, Melbourne, Australia
And how many times has Barack Obama 'misspoke" or LIED?
Lied about the Senate bills he did not work on or institute but grabbed credit for?
Lied about knowing Rev. Wright's Hate America ideology and then backpedaled?
Downplayed his connection with Farrakhan through Wright.
Said one thing about NAFTA but backpedaled in private talks.
NEVER VOTED for the very bills he simultaneously gave fiery speeches on?
Misrepresented his lucrative relationship with Tony Rezco who helped Obama buy the mansion he and wife live in.
Obama has a record of misrepresentation, lying, and exaggerating to suit whatever purpose or point he has at the moment. If caught, he blithely backpedals and brushes it off as "dumb" or "knuckle headed." He downplays it with a saintly wave of his hand, saying, "Let's not focus on those trivialities, let's focus on issues".
Senator Obama's self-serving misrepresentations --also known as lies -- and lack of judgment ARE the issue here in not voting for him.
Barbara, Chicago, USA
How is that the world's richest country, the superpower and the country known for its innovation and drive has thrown up such inadequate human beings as potential presidents and presidents in recent decades? The complex selection process, the crazy constituencies of religion, colour and class
( yes thoise with money and those without) and the obscene level of funding required to simply staying as a candidate for selection all add up to producing Clintons and Obamas after good candidates are left wayside. I do not think that neither
Obama nor Clinton is a presidential material. One misspeaks and the other has questions to answer. After Clinton and Dubya, America deserves better.
Gerry, Manchester,
I wonder if Tami sees the irony in stating that 'white people have got past racism but black people haven't.'
Martin Fox, Leeds, United Kingdom
How can anyone elect as president a 'misspeaker' who claims not only to have settled the world's troubles while 1st lady but also to have vast foreign policy experience gained over teacups and chat with other 1st spouses?
Shirley, Leeds,
Yesterday sections of the american press reported the 'sniper' as taking place place, but not to Hilary Clinton. I take my [metaphorical] hat off to the press. It's a grand example of their power to act as 'crap detectors' .
pentlands40, Edinburgh, UK
Shall we just all be honest for a moment: ALL POLITICIANS LIE. Some things don't change.
Mrs M Merrick, Budapest, Hungary
I voted for President Clinton twice and Mrs. Clinton in the Maryland primaries. I was disappointed with her "sniper" account. It has certainly given conservatives plenty of fuel for their "hate Hillary" machine. So naturally it's all about the sniper and Obama's preacher now. Let's not focus on the fall of the dollar, the deficit, oil prices, America's low international standing, the real estate debacle, and the murderous abyss that Iraq has become. let all Americans join hands and focus on "the sniper" and the preacher.
Mrs. Clinton's track record is clear. She has spent more time fighting for the underdog, the voiceless and the forgotten in one day than many of her opponents have in their lifetimes. That is what I will always remember and respect about her.
Nick Burns, Hampstead, USA/Maryland
Governor Richards said it all when he castigated "the Clintons sense of entitlement to the Presidency". Just who do they think they are? And why should America give them an unconstitutional third term??
Jack Nicholson, London, UK
Why is it everytime Senator Clinton makes an error she is crucified? Even called a monster. But, Senator Obama is praised for going to church. Never to mind this man was his mentor!!
Mary Abee, Charlotte, USA / NC
Hollywood mogul David Geffen was right on the money when he said: "Everybody in politics lies, but they (the Clintons) do it with such ease, it's troubling."
TJ, Seattle, USA
Sure she lied but so what. The Clintons have lied repeatedly to the public for years. Its called Clintonism. But nobody cares anymore in this country. Its happened so many times with this couple that we've come to expect it not from just them, though they do it so excessively, but from all politicians. The determination and lust for power among the two parties is so great and the stakes so high they are willing to say or do anything to get it. Both parties are run by the extremes. The left for the Democrats and the right for the Republicans. And the middle has no where to go. And the amount of money going into these campaigns is obscene. Special interests and their cronies form both sides run this country. As a voter Im ashamed and disgusted but feel helpless. So each election we hold our noses when we go into the voting booth. Disgraceful.
Cynical citizen, Cburg, USA
What about all of Obama's lies? He's told some whoppers as well but no one reports on those now do they? He lies right and left. He lied straight faced to the Ohio voters about NAFTA. He's duped the entire country regarding this ridiculous "new politics" crap. He also lied about how his parents met. He's lied about Reverent Wright and Rezco. Why aren't we calling attention to all of his lies instead of focusing on one Hillary Clinton misspeak in the middle of a tiring campaign. The rest of the "lies" you mention in this article are nonsense. Most of the "lies" you write about are not even backed up with solid, sound examples. The only other lie you can call a Clinton on is the blue dress lie and THAT WAS BILL WHO LIED. He has since paid for it over and over again. I think it's time to get over that. Really. She's the only viable candidate left in the race if you ask me. On one side there is a lying racist, on the other- an old man who doesn't know what he's saying.
Ellie, Dayton, Ohio
Perhaps it's a bit early to put any nails in this particular coffin; as a longtime Democrat, I cannot believe that we have heard the last words on Florida or Michigan.
Senator Clinton's experience comprises years of political engagement and commitment prior to her arrival in the White House: the list of her community involvements and professional honors is long. I've never thought of her experience in Washington and abroad as more, or less, than a kind of political schooling. I do sense what she stands for because, unelected at the time, she elected to work toward universal health care--and now here she is, back with a viable plan.
For the past six years she has served effectively as my state senator. Do you know how she got elected? We in New York still recall the months our senator-to-be spent going from town to town simply listening to people. Listening to her, I hear a rock-bottom solid core.
The Bosnia yarn? Nothing to get your hammer out about.
Jean B. , Brooklyn, New York, USA
To be fair, don't forget that Hilary single-handedly achieved peace in Northern Ireland. That's got to be worth something, eh?
How about a nice medal on her first state visit to the UK, or as she calls it, "England".
jon livesey, Sunnyvale, CA/US
Her deceit and downrights lies are stunning, but then so were her husband's.
"MIs-speak"? How can being in a war-zone dodging bullets be a mis-statement of the truth when it is the polar opposite? DId she forget? Was she dreaming? Was she on drugs? Or does not inhale either?
And let's not forget she told the world she brokered peace in Northern Ireland to which Douglas Trimble responded that she was being "silly". Power-crazed megolamanic more like!
RIchard, London, UK
Surprising that Mark Twain described Clinton's lies, given that he died in 1910.
Very prescient, it seems. Or perhaps Mr. Baker misspoke.
Andrew, London, UK
Remember 2000 when Gore lost to GW Bush in the presidential race? Gore refused to concede. He tried to count and recount the votes until he came up winner. Bush got blamed for that trouble in Florida, but it was Gore who caused it. Therefore the Gore-Lieberman ticket got called "Sore-Loserman". This is the same spirit from Hilary Clinton. I WILL NOT concede, no matter how good it is for the country, for decency, for anything other than me me me and my ambitions. And I will lie like hell if that is what it takes. Nice article.
Char, Moriarty, NM
After all the lies she'd make a great successor to her husband and Bush.
Tom Cody, Banbury, UK
We know her right wing conspiracy theory is another porky from Hillary- Bill did have 'sexual relations with that woman'. Of course she tried to blame it on a right wing devious plot but, ahem, the dress was blue, and so ultimately , was dear Bill.
susan galea, zebbug, malta
Hillary tells one small mistake. Obama is caught in several but that's ok isnt' it? The media is really trying to play this guy up at a cost to the middle class. Hillary would be so much better for the MiddleClass. and she can be trusted a whole lot more than he can. You people don't even know him. YOu're just trying to prove that we've gone beyond race. White people have but black people have not and this will turn out to be a disaster if he is elected.
Tami, Advance, nc
Great article Gerard, I agree with Liza Heider. I actually started out supporting Hillary because I thought, among other things, her ambitions for a new medical system were noble and much needed in the US. This latest 'misspeak' was, in my opinion, a complete jaw dropper. Like a teenager lying to her parents despite the conflicting evidence is odd. Equally however, I am amazed at how the American public have made a bigger deal of this than they did for Obama over the ranting anti-American preacher and virtual Obama family member. Obama's defence was not particularly convincing and yet he seems to have come away almost unscathed. I would also say that Hillary may be grasping at straws to prove she has foreign policy experience but what is Obama's claim in that regard ? That he lived in Indonesia for four years and has some foreign perspective? I wish the Dems could wipe the slate and start again. for them, It is really Hobson's choice now.
Colin Suter, Ottawa, Canada
how could usa have any claim to moral leadership with a peson like hilliary as president? How could any other country take her word at anything?she is a very dangerous person.
ohyllis evans, makawao, hawaii
After Super Tuesday Queen Hilary lost her crown and efforts
by King Bill have not yet enabled the prince of harming to place the glass slipper on Miss Speaks foot.
Meanwhile, back in Demland (Demland not Dreamland) all the superD's are still debating whether anyone else can make the decision for them and are calling it democracy.
Alice in Wonderland is greatly overshadowed by this carcophony of confusion.
Oh that Pennsylvania will spare her further blushes and the Dems further loss of credibility.
They are in great danger of making Bush look purposeful.
keith, Dalsland, Sweden
On this side of the pond, we are genuinely terrified that Sir E. Hillary Clinton might just take your advice an up and quit. That would leave little entertainment beyond our financial meltdown and American Idol. We are praying that she declares a 3rd party candidancy after the Democrats finally dump her this summer. Please keep us in your prayers!
William Allen, Pasadena, California
Great article. Thank you! It amazes me that Bosnia episode has not yet nipped this primary in the bud. What will it take for Mrs. Clinton to face the music that she is behind and is losing and making more of a fool of her self as she continues to march the campaign trail. I have a deep respect for tenancity, but this is over the top.
Liza Heider, San Francisco, United States of America
Clinton's fibbing fits quite nicely into her main criticism of Obama: that his speeches are "just words". It wasnt until the sniper fiasco that this odd complaint started to make sense. While anyone who disagrees with her is just spouting words, with no action to back them up, her speeches are somehow, miraculously, much more than mere words. Her proclamations are as good as actions, due to her vast experience. To take this one step further, even her THOUGHTS are equivalent to actions. She simply has to THINK something to make it so. She dodged sniper fire in Tuzla because that was, in her mind, the only proper way for a courageous First Lady to land in a war torn country. Now, if she can just "think" our recession away.
Wayne Wells, Front Royal VA , USA
Why the author thinks Mrs. Clinton needs a moral claim to the nomination is beyond me. That is most certainly not part of her calculation. From here in America I can tell you the Republicans are buying popcorn (sitting back and watching) and the Democrats are buying Kool-Aid (Jim Jones mass suicide). Please prepare yourselves for President McCain. He does not think much of Iran. Besides, we already in the 'hood.
Brendan, New York, NY
Hillary has an important role to play in this campaign. Her role is to cause as much damage to the party as possible. Hoping the super delegates will support her just to stop the bleeding. She cares nothing about the democratic party , but only herself.
gilesjp, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Well said. Its about time that she got caught. It makes one wonder if ther is a chance that her "right wing" conspiracy theory is as illusory as her "sniper fire" yarn.
olivio fatigati, toronto, canada