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Rivals Reacts to Teary Clinton

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January 07, 2008 2:42 PM

ABC News' David Muir, Raelyn Johnson and Sunlen Miller Report:  Former Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., on the tail end of his 36-hour campaigning marathon in New Hampshire on day before the primary vote, reacted to rival Sen. Hillary Clinton's emotional moment Monday.

Edwards offered little sympathy and pounced on the opportunity to question Clinton's ability to endure the stresses of the presidency.

"I think what we need in a commander-in-chief is strength and resolve, and presidential campaigns are tough business, but being president of the United States is also tough business," Edwards told reporters Laconia, New Hampshire.

Earlier in the day, Clinton became emotional when speaking to a group of voters in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

"My question is very personal, how do you do it?" asked Marianne Pernold Young, a freelance photographer from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Getting emotional, Clinton said, "It's not easy, and I couldn't do it if I didn't passionately believe it was the right thing to do. You know, I have so many opportunities from this country just don't want to see us fall backwards," she said.

Watch the video HERE.

Her voice breaking and tears in her eyes, she said, "You know, this is very personal for me. It's not just political it's not just public. I see what's happening, and we have to reverse it."

Edwards jumped on the chance to express his readiness to face the strenuous demands of the presidency: "What I know is I'm prepared for that and I'm in this fight for the middle class and the future of this country for the long haul, through the conventions, straight to the White House."

However, in an interview with ABC News' David Muir, Elizabeth Edwards offered more compassion than her husband.  She noted that everyone on the campaign trail can relate to how grueling the task can be.  In the end, Elizabeth Edwards did not pass on the political opportunity and added that voters will decide whether or not they want to see watery eyes.

Later, at another campaign stop, Edwards appeared to adopt his wife's more sympathetic tone.

"These campaigns are very grueling," he said, "they're tough and difficult affairs, running for president is a tough process."

During a campaign stop at Jake's Coffee in New London, New Hampshire, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., was also asked to comment about Clinton's teary moment.

"I didn't see what happened," he said, but added, "I know this process is a grind. So that's not something I care to comment on."

Obama was asked if Clinton should drop out if he wins the Granite State primary tomorrow.

"I would never presume to say anything like that. Look, we've had one caucus, and this would be one primary. And right now Im just focused on tomorrow. We've got to get our voters out," he said.

"It would be such a shame after seeing the great turnout in Iowa, if we weren't working as hard as we could to make sure that story continues. Because I think that's the biggest story out of Iowa: 18 to 30 year olds voting at the same rate as seniors, doubling caucus turnout. That transcends any individual candidate, if that happens we're changing the political landscape," Obama said.

January 7, 2008 in Clinton, Hillary, Edwards, John, Obama, Barack, Vote 2008: Democrats | Permalink | User Comments (267)

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Everything, and I mean everything, about the Clintons is contrived. Hillary never gave a damn for the people like Billy Dale, whom she ran a bus over, because he, as the head of the White House Travel Office, was simply in her way. She never gave a damn about the women she tried to destroy after they'd had an affair with her predator husband and went public about it. She's always been cruel in her dealing with others. Spare me the crocodile tears.

Posted by: Dennis | Jan 7, 2008 2:52:59 PM

If you for one second believe those tears are real...you are going to be sent to Iraq, hog tied and beat to a pulp. A few days ago she was saying how Iowa didn't know what they were doing and caucusing is a sham.. now this ... come one Hillary, GET "REAL"!

Posted by: Lawrence | Jan 7, 2008 2:56:19 PM

Obama doesn't even have the emotional strength to quit smoking cigarettes. How strong can the guy be? Hillary tearing up is nothing.

Posted by: Robert | Jan 7, 2008 2:58:09 PM

Do you remember who ran against Joe Lieberman? Do you remember President Mc Govern and Kerry? Do you remember President Mike or Walter? Do you remember President to much to the left of the democratic center?

Do you remember how happy you were under President Reagan, Bush I, Bush 2, & Nixon.

If you believe in the tooth fairy, I'm sure that you think that Joe Lieberman lost, that Mc Govern became president, and that we currently are enjoying President Kerry's second term.

Is Obama smart? Yes! Is Obama a nice guy? Yes! Wouldn't you just love to have a beer or a glass of port with Barack? Yes!!! How about a beer with George?

Don't you just love the US under President no-experience Bush? Bush I was much better - he had experience. It's really going great here - isn't it?

Lets be honest - who is going to win from John Mc Cain or Romney? An Obama, an Edwards or a Clinton? Many republicans would gladly vote for Hill - if only Bill would be her one of her top advisors (and Rubin).

Let us elect someone who really can win and bring about as much change as a president possibly can (very little). Let's elect a Clinton. If not Bill, lets make it Hill.

Posted by: frank francis | Jan 7, 2008 3:00:51 PM

I don't think it was phony.

She's tired, she spent years planning to run, she thinks she's entitled to the nomination, and it's all falling apart. That has to be very tough.

Posted by: Jason | Jan 7, 2008 3:23:32 PM

frank francis: Barack Obama is a world-wise, intelligent and capable person. George W. Bush is a halfwit and an ignorant buffoon. Your comparison is way off the mark.

Posted by: Mark F | Jan 7, 2008 3:25:02 PM

Senator Clinton has spine and backbone or she would not be a US Senator.
When she draws clear distinctions between her position and those of her opponents, she is a bitch. When Edwards does that, he is strong.
When Bush tears up at an event, it is just fine, no conclusions drawn, no derogatory comments.
She was was asked a question about how she does it, how does she keep going on, faced with the withering criticism and vitriol she gets everyday. She is a patriotic American, she has passions as does any individual. She is a public servant who has spent her life doing good for others.
She got emotional because someone recognized how hard she is working and how tiresome it is, and so it hit her at that moment that someone cared enough to ask. Have a little compassion. I am so tired of all the hate out there for Senator Clinton. If Obama is going to unite the country how in the world is he going to get rid of all the hate in the hearts of so many people toward a public servant that he will be working with, and undoubtedly be taking lessons from?
I guess he will have to learn to walk on water too, besides learning how to work with special interest Congress and special interest Supreme Court and special interest NAACP and special interest Unions and special interest AARP members, and special interest environmentalists, and special interest MoveOn.org members. All those groups of real Americans are lobbyist - they lobby their Congresspeople to get what they want. I am a member of most of those private organizations, so I am a special interest. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of Obama and Edwards putting me down.
Unit-er...right. Uh huh uh huh.

Posted by: junebug | Jan 7, 2008 3:25:53 PM

Senator Clinton has spine and backbone or she would not be a US Senator.
When she draws clear distinctions between her position and those of her opponents, she is a bitch. When Edwards does that, he is strong.
When Bush tears up at an event, it is just fine, no conclusions drawn, no derogatory comments.
She was was asked a question about how she does it, how does she keep going on, faced with the withering criticism and vitriol she gets everyday. She is a patriotic American, she has passions as does any individual. She is a public servant who has spent her life doing good for others.
She got emotional because someone recognized how hard she is working and how tiresome it is, and so it hit her at that moment that someone cared enough to ask. Have a little compassion. I am so tired of all the hate out there for Senator Clinton. If Obama is going to unite the country how in the world is he going to get rid of all the hate in the hearts of so many people toward a public servant that he will be working with, and undoubtedly be taking lessons from?
I guess he will have to learn to walk on water too, besides learning how to work with special interest Congress and special interest Supreme Court and special interest NAACP and special interest Unions and special interest AARP members, and special interest environmentalists, and special interest MoveOn.org members. All those groups of real Americans are lobbyist - they lobby their Congresspeople to get what they want. I am a member of most of those private organizations, so I am a special interest. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired of Obama and Edwards putting me down.
Unit-er...right. Uh huh uh huh.

Posted by: junebug | Jan 7, 2008 3:26:01 PM

What a sad pathetic joke John Edwards has turned into. To think I once supported him.

CU

Posted by: CU | Jan 7, 2008 3:26:13 PM

Re: "What a sad pathetic joke John Edwards has turned into. To think I once supported him."

And I still support Edwards. What he said may sound cruel; but if there is a terrorist attack before the election the 'soccer moms' won't vote for Hillary or anyone who gets teary-eyed.

Not fair, but it's true.

Posted by: Brian | Jan 7, 2008 3:32:44 PM

Edward's criticism is correct, but come one people... We all know Edwards cries like a little girl behind the scenes all the time. Ha!

Posted by: coloradorocket123 | Jan 7, 2008 3:33:05 PM

What a jerk comment by Edwards. Showing his true colors...

Posted by: Scott | Jan 7, 2008 3:33:11 PM

How stupid do the Clintons really believe the electorate is? They have sunk to their lowest. Enough already....get off the national stage!

Posted by: BILL G | Jan 7, 2008 3:35:04 PM

And the Academy Award goes to.....Hillary Clinton!

Posted by: Suzanne G | Jan 7, 2008 3:35:50 PM

junebug, you hit the nail on the head. I am sick and tired of the Clinton hate (and the Bush hate). She may or may not be your chosen candidate, but she deserves, like anyone else, a basic level of respect.

As for Edwards jumping on it, that is rather lame of him.

Posted by: tufty | Jan 7, 2008 3:35:55 PM

The real Hillary Clinton was the one who lost her temper at the debate on Sat night. This is all phony nonsense.

Posted by: Marian Wright | Jan 7, 2008 3:37:15 PM

This is one component of a woman president that some people may have overlooked or not have considered. The fairer sex is more emotional. Women more often show their emotion through tears. We are not used to presidential candidates tearing up. I'm sure to many, showing ones emotions like that doesn't seem "presidential". When Gore lost in 2000 did we see him publicly show despair? When Kerry lost a close election did we see him break down?

JadedSage
www.jadedsage.com

Posted by: JadedSage | Jan 7, 2008 3:37:32 PM

What a petulant little child. Hillary, that is.

Posted by: Bob | Jan 7, 2008 3:38:03 PM

As a certified girlie-man, in Schwartenegger's memorable definition, Edwards certainly tries to portray himself as manly. Where is Rielle, in her gated third trimester, and what does she have to say about the Silk Pony's manhood?

Posted by: daveinboca | Jan 7, 2008 3:38:31 PM

Sometimes I wonder where you folks live, when you say things like "many Republicans would gladly vote for Hillary." Are we even on the same planet? As every poll has confirmed, her negative ratings are sky high, especially - but not entirely - among Republicans. Regarding her tearing up, that won't hurt her. Do you really think that people are worried Hillary Clinton is not tough enough? Hillary Clinton? Come on, this will just humanize her to many people (but I certainly don't think it was contrived, either - I'm not a complete conspiracy nut-job). But Edwards response might well lose him some female voters, if he has any. He came across as a complete jerk, but then that's his campaign theme, I guess. Do you think people are MORE likely to vote for candidates they dislike? Why do you imagine Obama has had this huge swell of support, anyway? All of the Democratic candidates agree about the issues. But people actually LIKE Obama. If you actually want to win this election - for a change - then he's the one to support.

Posted by: WCG | Jan 7, 2008 3:38:52 PM

I wish someone would ask Edwards how he expects the nation to support him for president this year when he could not even convince voters in his home state to support him for VP in 2000? His failure to call N.C., and Gore's failure to carry Tenn., helped elect George Bush. It's enough to make anyone cry!

Posted by: EC | Jan 7, 2008 3:40:28 PM

Pernold-Young is a plant.

This is from Marianne Pernold-Young's professional website: " . . . For our fifth Photo Gallery we proudly present a previously unpublished collection of scenes by Marianne Pernold-Young of Portsmouth. Born in Vienna, Marianne came to the USA at the age of ten. She began her professional photo career in 1972 as a Washington, DC freelancer and chronicled the campaign of President Jimmy Carter . . . "

Posted by: bryan scott | Jan 7, 2008 3:41:05 PM

jerk.

Posted by: BenMurphyNYC | Jan 7, 2008 3:45:19 PM

NOTE: You can tell which posts are from the Hillary operatives (and make no mistake, they're all over these boards), by they way the formatting is messed up. They are furiously cutting and pasting their spin spam everywhere.

For example: Mark F and Junebug exactly the same post.

It's over folks... your time has past. Your brand of politics has been rejected, and it's time for a new generation.

Posted by: o-town | Jan 7, 2008 3:47:00 PM

Apparently Edwards doesn't want any women voting for him....

What a jerk.

Seriously...its no wonder we've never had a woman president, when jerks like Edwards are considered viable Democratic candidates. This guy is supposed to be a liberal!

Who's the desperate one now?

Posted by: erin | Jan 7, 2008 3:49:14 PM

EC - Good call.

Posted by: BenMurphyNYC | Jan 7, 2008 3:53:04 PM

that from THIS guy

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2AE847UXu3Q

What a joke. I think Edwards has jumped the shark here. The official end of the Edwards campaign. I guess he probably doesn't get emotion at all, he is the one running for President when his wife is dying.

Posted by: katie | Jan 7, 2008 3:53:59 PM

In this case, Hillary has been undone, over time, by Hillary herself.

She's spent so long running for President (17 years) doing whatever publicly and privately to achieve power and hold onto it, a truly unbiased person would have to conclude no one has been introduced to the "real" Hillary, other than her "inner circle".

So, unless you fervently support her or cannot stand her, no one can truly tell if the tears were real or a last-minute desperate ploy for the women's vote that's going to Obama.

Posted by: Rob | Jan 7, 2008 3:56:26 PM

junebug is right. imagine how it feels to have spent most of your life fighting for progressive causes, facing a constant double standard as a strong woman, and then having to listen to John Edwards (who accomplished nothing in his time in the Senate)describe himself as an agent of "change" while dismissing you as the "status quo." His remarks also betray his sexism. Bush tears up all the time and I have never heard Edwards challenge him on that basis. HRC may not win and she has her faults but she is not the phony monster that the right wing spin machine has portrayed. She is a public servant.

Posted by: new yorker | Jan 7, 2008 3:56:31 PM

Anyone who cannot see thru this act is blinder than a blind bat. $20 says it was a planted question. And c'mon folks, for this little charade to just spontaneously occur a day before the NH primary???

Obviously planned and faker than fake. I think NH voters will see this as the pathetic ruse that it was, and it's more likely to hurt her than help her.

Hillary - Yesterday's Gone!

Posted by: squeenter squillo | Jan 7, 2008 3:59:45 PM

Who's Hillary????????

Posted by: | Jan 7, 2008 4:07:31 PM

Mark F and Junebug do not have exactly the same post. Mark F supports Obama. And Junebug double-posted, 8 seconds apart.

Sigs are at the bottom. Mine is FSE.

Posted by: FSE | Jan 7, 2008 4:07:49 PM

Edwards sure has shown his true colors the past several days. Claiming .3% victory over Hillary is a mandate she drop out of the race, kissing on Obama's rear on Saturday after he spent the last week stomping him into the mud, and now calling Hillary, in essence, "a crybaby". He sounds like a clinging, selfish child now to whoever is in 1st place. It's also sad that his populist message runs so afoul with his $107 million in earnings.

Edwards had my sympathies and possibly my vote at the beginning of this contest, but no more. If Hillary's rivals cheer now that she is weak, Edwards' and, to some extent, Obama's 'gang up' and 'bully' mentalities doesn't sound much like change that will be good for women, let alone this country.

Posted by: Michael | Jan 7, 2008 4:08:00 PM

To Marion Wright:
You are correct. The HRC we saw at the debate Saturday is the real Hillary. But so is the Hillary we saw today. If you, Marion, had ever worked so hard for so long on someone else's behalf, you,too, may become angry when your record is distorted. And if your temperment meter wasn't frozen on"hate and cynicism", you may come to understand that passion often involves tears. That was true of every man who has ever held the office of President and it will no doubt be true of the next occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
As for Edwards, I support him no more. He has shown that his capacity to be compassionate wanes when it involves a competitor and there is nothing more callous than that.

Posted by: Nickal | Jan 7, 2008 4:08:30 PM

To Marion Wright:
You are correct. The HRC we saw at the debate Saturday is the real Hillary. But so is the Hillary we saw today. If you, Marion, had ever worked so hard for so long on someone else's behalf, you,too, may become angry when your record is distorted. And if your temperment meter wasn't frozen on"hate and cynicism", you may come to understand that passion often involves tears. That was true of every man who has ever held the office of President and it will no doubt be true of the next occupant at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
As for Edwards, I support him no more. He has shown that his capacity to be compassionate wanes when it involves a competitor and there is nothing more callous than that.

Posted by: Nickal | Jan 7, 2008 4:08:32 PM

Count how many times the word jerk is used to describe Edwards on this page! funny! When did he become so venomous - he's the only Democrat running a negative campaign.

Posted by: BenMurphyNYC | Jan 7, 2008 4:09:31 PM

John Edwards said he didn't have anything to say. He's right for once. He doesn't have anything to say so he should shut the **** up.

I was waiting for his wife to weigh in and she didn't disappoint with her "teary eyes" remark.

Posted by: Sally | Jan 7, 2008 4:13:22 PM

Up to now, I have always admired John Edwards as genuine and sincere. However, his comments today on Clinton's "tears" were incredibly insensitive and inappropriate. What is this, the dark ages??? Tears and crying do not make a person weak. So what if she cried? Big deal! Focus on the more important factors in this campaign like the Economy, healthcare, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the overall negative opinion the rest of the world seems to feel for the United States. We have serious issues and you're all going on about some tears. Let's keep our eye on the ball.

Posted by: Duane | Jan 7, 2008 4:14:40 PM

John Edwards said he didn't have anything to say. He's right for once. He doesn't have anything to say so he should shut the **** up.

I was waiting for his wife to weigh in and she didn't disappoint with her (ha) sympathetic "watery eyes" remark.

These two deserve each other.

Posted by: Sally | Jan 7, 2008 4:15:41 PM

Can't say it often enough but I do apologize for the duplicate post.

Posted by: Sally | Jan 7, 2008 4:17:08 PM

The Obama we saw today is the real Obama, too. Kudos to him for refusing to be pulled into going negative on Hillary. He is a decent, qualified statesman. He deserves to be president of the United States.

Posted by: katharine | Jan 7, 2008 4:17:41 PM

If you want to know whether Hillary Clinton is tough enough to lead the nation to change, don't look at whether her eyes are wet or not. Look and listen to how many Republican pundits -- on TV and in print -- gleefully tried to put a toe tag on her after Iowa. The latest being Bill Kristol in the new issue of TIME. That's the status quo, folks! She is the candidate the GOP fears most -- and with good reason. She can take the punches and win!

Posted by: EC | Jan 7, 2008 4:19:58 PM

C'mon folks. I don't think for a minute that these tears were contrived for a minute. Imagine it from her perspective:

Hillary is on the verge on losign EVERYTHING she has dreamed about fpor the last 40 years. It can't be easy to be bested in such an ironic fashion. I mean Obama is beating her utilizing very nearly the same playbook her own HUSBAND used to vanquish the status quo in 1992.

I'd cry too.

Posted by: Rob | Jan 7, 2008 4:21:58 PM

Obama reacted graciously; Edwards did not.

Posted by: Joe | Jan 7, 2008 4:22:18 PM

I don't think that she's too weak or too spineless. I think she's completely calculating. That question was totally pointed. The person even said it was a "Personal question", which she then used in her response to get a good soundbite. That question was probably fed and that person placed in the audience so Hillary could have her emotional moment before the primary. Why the press won't call shenanigans on it yet is alarming. But seriously, totally staged.

Posted by: Christian | Jan 7, 2008 4:24:19 PM

Katerine...honestly, now... the only reason they are declaring her dead is because they HAVE to.

These are the folks that have been propping and talking her up in order to try to GET her to the nomination. She is the one the righties so desperately want! Up until late last week, they had been doing everything in their power to keep her relevant. Her negatives are SOOO High, that eithe Edwards or Obama would make a tougher challenge for the GOP candidate. The right knows it, and is probably on the verge of tears themselves!

Posted by: Rob | Jan 7, 2008 4:25:13 PM

ha..rob. you wish. The republicans are downright gleeful that Clinton is struggling. There is nothing they'd love more than facing Obama (who's never faced a serious republican candidate in his life) in particular if he's up against McCain.

Posted by: ladydem | Jan 7, 2008 4:29:37 PM

I sure am glad that Clinton got his 2 terms in among the crooked and dolt headed republican garbage, that has come close to burying everything this country used to stand for, but can't produce any evidence of lately. Hillary knows full well exactly who the vast right wing conspiracy is and was...Sen.Jesse belle Helms and Sen.Lauch "looks like a pig and was a pig farmer" faircloth, the "lumpy" rutherford institute, a Judge David Sentelle, etal who gleaned the inside knowledge of the affair from ms lindy hop tripp and then set up a lawsuit to depose our sitting President and evoked the lie about Monica which they used to try and destroy Clinton. They almost succeeded in destroying our country because of that and their moron bushbaby the Lesser. I vote Democratic always so if Hillary got it fine, Kucinich i wish it was, and Obama-Edwards would make a good duo. I voted for a republican once for CESS POOL SUPERVISOR because they fit the job description so well. Other than that post I would leave them alone for the next decade or 3...

Posted by: daddyblue | Jan 7, 2008 4:33:33 PM

Don't...stop...thinking about tomorrow! Obama rolls! Time to learn how to bake cookies me lady.

Posted by: Jim | Jan 7, 2008 4:35:48 PM

Obama's response was classy. Edwards--not so much.

Posted by: Vaughan | Jan 7, 2008 4:40:07 PM

The woman is totally exhausted; her nerves are frayed. This is understandable. Whether you vote for her or not (and I am not) - one can understand and sympathize with how difficult this campaign is. Additionally, the Clinton expectations have not been met - so there is (again understandable) disappointment as well as fatigue. She doesn't deserve criticism for reacting to this personal question.

Posted by: Hope | Jan 7, 2008 4:49:46 PM

Hillary just had her Ed Muskie moment. She's pulling out all the stops trying to make herself look real and has feelings like normal people. And how about Bill taking a cell phone call from Hillary during a speech? These people are too much. Hopefully, they'll just fade away after New Hamshire and they'll both become a bad distant memory.

Posted by: Ray, Concord, Ohio | Jan 7, 2008 4:50:18 PM

Does anyone else wonder why there's no video of Edwards? The quote of him sounds like any generic quote any of the candidates might have said. Was it directly in response to the topic of Hillary crying? If so, Edwards was being an ass. But given how much the MSM, especially ABC/Disney, hates Edwards, it wouldn't surprise me if this quote was taken out of context in an effort to make him look bad.

Posted by: Victory | Jan 7, 2008 4:52:42 PM


The more she harps on her mystical 35 years experience, the more annoyed I get as a working woman. The more she brings cheating husbands on stage with her to offer support, the more irritated I get , period. (It's Mayor Villar - he no longer has the right to Raigosa.)

Every great heart surgeon has to have his FIRST heart operation.

While Obama hasn't held the reins of the presidency before, neither had Bill Clinton. The **only** person in the last 30 years with ANY qualifications to be president was George Bush Sr., being that he was Vice President and head of the CIA, not to mention special US liaison to China. THE ONLY ONE.

This is the Post-Feminist age. We women vote for the candidate - not their religion, not their race, not their gender. If anyone deserved to be President based on gender, it would have been Geraldine Ferraro.

And yes, Edwards is annoying me too. Transparently angling for that VP slot. Ugh. Even Hillary is more palatable than Edwards.

I thought Obama answered the 'tears' inquiry quite well.

Posted by: AMS | Jan 7, 2008 4:56:29 PM

I doubt the tears are phony. This is an extremely stressful situation for all of them. That's why she lost her cool a little bit in the last debate too. You throw all of the stress of constant campaigning and top it off with losing in Iowa and losing badly in the NH polls and frustrations can bubble over a bit. I am far from a Clinton fan and have no intention of voting for her under any circumstance, but you have to cut the candidates a litte slack for not being at their best in every single momemt.

And if they were phony, Obama didn't rise to the bait.

Posted by: Steve | Jan 7, 2008 4:57:07 PM

Clinton is trying to soften her image.
Edwards is the heartless lawyer I thought he was, Obama showed some class and a lot of smarts by not commenting. Note that she did not answer the question. 5 will get you 10 the person who asked was a plant.

Posted by: Lous | Jan 7, 2008 4:58:32 PM

'sigh' More disgusting piling on by the Obama mob. Keep it up guys. You may well succeed in alienating many Dems from your guy in the GE with your cruelty. Obama is so much more classy than his supporters.

Calculating? I WANT a calculating president. Who wouldnt? I dont want to have a beer with him/her, and I certainly dont want to be their friend. I want a thoroughly determined and calculating person in these tough times who isnt going to waste our time trying to get the right wing to join us in Kumbaya and who can negotiate with people who hate us and not waste time trying to get THEM to join us in Kumbaya.

"Time to learn how to bake cookies me lady" This kind of cruel misogynistic comment is what will turn boomer women away from your mob and your candidate. The fact is you cant deal with a woman as President.

Posted by: Jammer | Jan 7, 2008 5:02:01 PM

My, My...from all the piling on over Edward's comments RE the Hillary tears, one would think that he actually caused those tears.

As for whether his remarks showed a lack of sympathy and gallantry, so WHAT?
I do not know that his remarks showed any lack of qualification for the job he is seeking...if some of you who are excoriating his behavior can prove that he has shown a lack of qualifications as Prez by his comments, please list them.

Posted by: SeeDee | Jan 7, 2008 5:03:32 PM

Fake.

Spare us the crocodile tears Hilary.

Posted by: dada | Jan 7, 2008 5:04:48 PM

When I read the post about Obama being a smoker, I thought, "Yuck." But then I realized, it might be a good thing for him afterall. It might just keep the female political groupies/interns from wanting to smooch with him.

Posted by: Paula | Jan 7, 2008 5:06:28 PM

The same stunt was pulled in Iowa a week before the vote, when they announced she was going to show her human side. I think she's about ready for the nuthouse now.

Posted by: julianbook | Jan 7, 2008 5:07:36 PM

I wouldn't think less of Hillary for crying in public, but her phony tears finished my uncertainty. If she was so overcome by emotion, how come she just recited her usual talking points into a microphone? She did not appear to be trying to overcome her emotions - those "tears" were a premeditated attempt to look more human, less ambitious. Just like her "cackle" - the reason it sounded like a cackle and not a genuine laugh was because it was an act, that's why she did it over and over on several different shows the same weekend. I will vote for Edwards who is genuinely concerned about doing good for the American people, not just obsessed with a power-grab.

Posted by: Wendy | Jan 7, 2008 5:08:37 PM

I'm also putting my money on that being a plant, and I agree, she's trying to soften her image and regain the women's vote.

Her being emotional and showing her human side is just about the only thing that's going to help her with women, although men of course are going to react really negatively towards any show of emotion on her part.

I disagree with a previous poster, if a man almost cried they would lose support, within a week. Remember Dean? He didn't even cry, his scream was just a little too high pitched making him seem effeminate.

Posted by: Erin | Jan 7, 2008 5:08:50 PM

For Edwards and the rest of you tough guys. I choke up and get tears when the eagle flys into Yankee stadium. What do you think of that? Truth is, you never know what will trigger those tears of pride. Only a fool would compare a moment like Mrs. Clintons to a terrorist attack. Whatever else is going to happen in NH, it will nail Edwards' coffin and mouth shut.

Posted by: WilliamG | Jan 7, 2008 5:20:35 PM

ERIN, just a moment in history about Howard Deans scream...the fine network you post on here today the ABC chaps took the audio recording of Deans scream out of the loud room and context it was delivered in and gave it a new life in order to embarass and hurt Howard Dean. That is the truth and the truth is that ABC and others have learned they can guide your choice for most anything, a product or a candidate, and they practice their ability daily. How hard do you fall for it, is the real question before us? ready for a landslide because the ABC chaps and other assorted MAINSCREAMS hate a landslide. I say give it to them like they have never had to comment on before and watch them shrink like wilted lettuce in pancake face for the glare of the TV lights...

Posted by: daddyblue | Jan 7, 2008 5:23:26 PM

"Many republicans would gladly vote for Hill - if only Bill would be her one of her top advisors (and Rubin)."

Some people are living in a fantasy world. I'm a Republican living in New York, where Hillary is supposed to be popular, and I've yet to even meet a Democrat who would vote for Hillary, let alone a Republican who can so much as tolerate her. And Bill being a top adviser is supposed to make us vote for her even *more* enthusiastically? Haha. That really might be one of the funniest things I've ever read.

Posted by: tom9d | Jan 7, 2008 5:25:05 PM

Edwards would cry over a bad haircut. By the way he was really cheated on that $400.00 job. Clintons are an easy read just took some people longer than others but everyone sees through them. They are poor losers but still wouldn't be caught crying, temper tantrums maybe, throwing fits and objects yes. Taking their anger out on others yes. Getting revenge, inflicting injury maybe death all the above. NO tears. Just my humble opinion.

Posted by: del | Jan 7, 2008 5:31:43 PM

JOHN EDWARDS How could you criticize Hillary's tears~~I saw you crying when you were talking about your son's death~~there are many reasons for crying, depending on the circumstances it is at times difficult to control.
I almost feel like crying when I see what has happened to this country in the past 7 years~~and if the wrong person is elected again, OBAMA, I might cry or start packing to move out of the country.
Grace

Posted by: grace | Jan 7, 2008 5:32:12 PM

Remember the Bill Clinton video at the Ron Brown funeral? He was laughing when he spied the camera and in midstep manufactured and wiped away a tear for the camera. Bill and Hillary are both thoroughly corrupt, dishonest, cynical manipulators.

Posted by: taxplan | Jan 7, 2008 5:34:14 PM

Just another arrow in the GOP's quiver should Hillary get the Dem nomination.

Although I think Hillary could be a capable president, there is NO WAY she stands a chance against the GOP slime machine.

Posted by: Stax | Jan 7, 2008 5:36:09 PM

It is over now. Obama will win the nomination and the election. Bye bye Hillary and bye bye Bush.

Posted by: mark w | Jan 7, 2008 5:37:29 PM

In Arkansas we endured years of the Clintons. Bill, the consummate politician, was ingenuous enough, but at least he was tolerable if not shallow.

His mean-spirited, ultra liberal, venomous wife, is quite another character. My guess and sincere HOPE was that her popularity would decline as people saw more and more the real Hillary. It's exceptionally scary and not ripe for prime time America.

Posted by: Arkie | Jan 7, 2008 5:37:42 PM

to Grace Edwards was crying over the loss of a son, not losing votes. Yes there are different reasons for crying. But just because you're losing a race isn't one of them. Sounds to me like little hilly is getting as much sympathy over this as she has ever given.

Posted by: del | Jan 7, 2008 5:38:43 PM

Comments like "How stupid do the Clintons really believe the electorate is? They have sunk to their lowest. Enough already....get off the national stage!" only show how stupid the electorate really is, with the ultimate proof being who was elected not just once (sort of) but twice in the last two Presidential elections. The amount of ignorant hostility in this supposed Age of Information, regarding the Clintons, things like global warming, the war in Iraq (w/civilian casualties now around the 1 mil mark, not that anyone seems to believe this), and so on may well be a serious head scratcher for future historians.

Posted by: BC | Jan 7, 2008 5:42:31 PM

She can kiss her candidacy goodbye. If she cries when she loses the first leg of the election and is about to lose the second leg, then how will she face the many tough, difficult, complicated issues that a president has to face regularly? How will such an emotionally fragile person make good decisions in the heat of the moment? No one wants a president who cries when things get tough. A wimp does not make a good leader. Emotional toughness and mental fortitude are essential for the job.

Posted by: Bob | Jan 7, 2008 5:43:42 PM

people need to make up their minds. One moment they're going after Hilary because she's more masculine than what is acceptable for a woman and then the moment she shows any emotion, dear ole Mr.Edwards and others jump all over the opportunity to say that she is not strong enough to fill the position. Not to mention that through this comment, these people also implicate that they believe women in general can't stand up to the strains of the job.

Please drop the thin mask veiling your sexism and realize that not only are women leaders here, but also we aren't going away any time soon...nor should we.

Posted by: Natalie Holtzinger | Jan 7, 2008 5:46:38 PM

Who cares that she cried? Have you never cried? The difference is that she's running for office and folks in that category live under different rules.

I have no love for her, but the fact is that she broke the rules. Maybe we ought to re-write the rules. On the other hand, I want a person in the presidency who will stand up to what's right for US . . . who won't become an emotional case in a crisis. Keep the tears for Bill, honey. They just make me angry.

The person I'm listening to is Edwards. He's hitting the nail on the head. The middle class that rose up after WWII is dwindling and I'm one of them. Are you? Edwards will give us back the middle class America we used to have.

Listen to the words, not the tears.

I love you all.

Posted by: MrMax | Jan 7, 2008 5:47:24 PM

Thanks again ABC. You don't cover Edwards much but when you do, you never miss a chance to whack him.

Let me see if I have this right...after 36 hours of campaigning with little to no sleep you ask Edwards to show sympathy for Hillary knowing full well that her campaign attacked him and the families he had at his event yesterday. Nice. Real nice. Was this payback because your reporters resented having to travel with him for another 36 hour campaign? Under the circumstances I thought Edwards answered this dumb question pretty well.

Posted by: pmorlan | Jan 7, 2008 5:48:03 PM

Hillary,

"HAVE NO FEAR"

"LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH, CRY and DANCE IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT."

remember this; "PEOPLE LAUGH AT THINGS THEY DO NOT HAVE THE INTELLIGENCE TO UNDERSTAND." Sigmund Freud

GRACE

Posted by: grace | Jan 7, 2008 5:50:43 PM

It's a twofer for the news media that is deciding Obama is the candidate - Hillary as weak, and Edwards as a jerk. Too bad the reality of this story probably shows that none of it is true, but we'll never get that.

Posted by: PSoTD | Jan 7, 2008 5:52:31 PM