Clinton Calls on Bush to Boycott Olympic Opening Ceremony

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Clinton Calls on Bush to Boycott Olympic Opening Ceremony

April 07, 2008 1:19 PM

ABC News' Eloise Harper Reports: Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., is calling on President George W. Bush to boycott the opening ceremony at the Olympics this summer.

First reported on the Drudge Report, Clinton's call for a boycott specifically cites China's reaction to recent violence in Tibet and inaction in Darfur.

"The violent clashes in Tibet and the failure of the Chinese government to use its full leverage with Sudan to stop the genocide in Darfur are opportunities for Presidential leadership," Clinton said in a written statement.

"These events underscore why I believe the Bush administration has been wrong to downplay human rights in its policy towards China. At this time, and in light of recent events, I believe President Bush should not plan on attending the opening ceremonies in Beijing, absent major changes by the Chinese government."

Set to begin on August 8, 2008, the Beijing Olympics have been surrounded by controversy ever since the International Olympic Committee awarded China the Games.

The harsh crackdown by the communist nation against recent protests in Tibet have only intensified calls for boycott.

Clinton did not call for an outright boycott of the Olympics in general, targeting only the Opening Ceremony.

"Americans will stand strong in support of freedom of religious and political expression and human rights. Americans will also stand strong and root for the success of American athletes who have worked hard and earned the right to compete in the Olympic Games of 2008," she said.

Clinton's call makes her the first presidential candidate to call for an outright boycott of the opening ceremonies although other prominent U.S. politicians including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have urged Bush to consider such action.

"I think boycotting the opening ceremony, which really gives respect to the Chinese government, is something that should be kept on the table," Pelosi, D-Calif., told "Good Morning America" co-anchor Robin Roberts in a recent interview. "I think the president might want to rethink this later, depending on what other heads of state do."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced she will not attend the Olympic Games. Pelosi, meanwhile, has been outspoken in support of Tibet, the site of recent crackdowns on human rights demonstrators by the Chinese government.

In her interview with "GMA", the Speaker continued to denounce China's rule over Tibet and expressed regret that the communist nation would play host to the summer games.

"I don't think China should have gotten the Olympic Games to begin with," Pelosi told GMA. "I had a resolution in the Congress which was very popular, and bipartisan support on it. But they did get them with the promise that they would open up more and have better respect for human rights and freedom of expression. They have not honored that."

April 7, 2008 in Bush, George W., Romney, Mitt, Tancredo, Tom | Permalink | User Comments (215)

User Comments

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Bush should NOT skip the Olympic opening. The Olympics are supposed to be a non-political event to celebrate the youth of he world, not a stage for a political platform.

Posted by: jbate | Apr 7, 2008 1:44:21 PM

While I applaud all efforts to get Bush to forego the opening ceremonies, I seriously doubt he will heed the calls. After all, he's going to the Olympics because he's a 'sports fan'. If anyone had doubts about whether he 'gets it', this statement should have lain them to rest.

What really rankles me is that the IOC bought into China's promises of reform! China should have been allowed to host an Olympics only AFTER they had shown several years of steady improvement in human rights and civil liberties, NOT on the promise to do so.

Posted by: Bob | Apr 7, 2008 1:44:23 PM

I find it so interesting that Obama supporters are so cynical. Why? I don't see Hillary supporters bashing Obama anywhere near the level vice versa. Are you scared of something? Are you worried that she is always the first one to come out against something? Are you afraid that she always has the ideas and leadership first. That's not taking a poll thats standing for something you believe in. Human Right's are important and should be respected by all.

Hillary 08

Posted by: Michael | Apr 7, 2008 1:45:05 PM

All she is doing is pandering to the orientla vote!, lets be honest here!

Yes Bush should Boycott but all she is doing is giving her 2 cents worth, which I want back, just a loan to her campaign. She is drumming for the Votes only - typical politics - lets get back to the issues - such as her constant lying

Posted by: ron | Apr 7, 2008 1:45:35 PM

Politics should not be projected into the Olympics or other international sporting events. There are other avenues ie the UN to voice these concerns. rwe

Posted by: Robert Enquist | Apr 7, 2008 1:46:21 PM

No Jim Rod I see a lot of people who like to linger on meaningless scandals forced on us by consevatives to dishonor two people who have dedicated there lives to make this country a better place for ALL Americans.

Posted by: Tom NYC | Apr 7, 2008 1:49:14 PM

I think all first term Senators should stay out of world affairs until they have more experience in the political arena.

Posted by: Tom | Apr 7, 2008 1:49:40 PM

Don' do mean to tell me you believe Hillary had no idea of what was going on with China? She did not know SHE got contributions from China interests? Wow, you have been washed over the side of the boat. This is a lady who is professing she has 11 years of experience? And you say she new nothing? She is the SGT. Schulzts (miss spell) of the democatric party (I KNOW NOTHING!! NOTHING!!) but please vote for me?? Wow Don, Good luck to you and your followers.

Posted by: Jim Rod | Apr 7, 2008 1:50:54 PM

Hurry, hurry Hillary!! Change the subject of your lies and millions. You are loosing and you might as well admit it. Goodbye Hillary.

Posted by: Let's Change Subject | Apr 7, 2008 1:52:20 PM

Enough is enough! Why must everything be politicized. The Olympics were founded in Greece as a means of generating good will and showcasing athletic talent. Greek city states put aside differences during these games. Stop turning them into a political spectacle. It's bad enough that countries use it to promote their "superiority". Perhaps all athletes should compete under the Olympic flag rather than the flag of their nation.

Posted by: SC | Apr 7, 2008 1:52:59 PM

Although I protest China's actions in Tibet and handling of Darfur I don't think we should penalize our atheletes for the actions of another nation...especially actions that are not direct towards us. There are other ways for us to make our voices heard.

Protest Yes, Boycott No

I'm an Obama supporter.

Posted by: JohnCz | Apr 7, 2008 1:53:53 PM

Arm twisting tactics won't work with China or any country anymore. Let's grow up. We need to change course on how we deal with other countries.

Posted by: Daniel | Apr 7, 2008 1:54:31 PM

Hillary is the ultimate in Johnny come lately's. Does this women ever have an original idea? Maybe one before the poll numbers come out?

Either way this is a catch 22 for Bush. If he doesn't boycott it, he'll be criticized for not having any sympathy for the Tibetans. If he does boycott, he will be criticized for antagonizing the Liberals surrogate masters.

Posted by: Nobel_manbearpig | Apr 7, 2008 1:56:52 PM

who cares... so the strongest thing you can bring up today on China and the treatment is to boycott the Olympics...

Is this supposed to be some commanding leadership stance. Calling for another official not to go to a sports activity.

That is the big protest and leadership stance on China.

and why today? ...how about when this all started happening. How about soon after this all started happening.

Oh that's right ...time to stand up for something because the timing is right and helps her campaign redirect focus.

If you really want to "call" for something make it about a little more than just "the President not going to some opening ceremony"...

Posted by: dl | Apr 7, 2008 1:56:54 PM

Posted by: Tom NYC | Apr 7, 2008 1:57:18 PM

Be careful in agreeing with Hilary too quickly. If it backfires she will change he mind and blame it on you!

Maybe Obama will open his mouth, breathe, and China will stop their human rights violations.

Posted by: Rochelle | Apr 7, 2008 1:59:16 PM

Let's see, Clinton and her remaining staff (those few who HAVEN'T been fired yet) sat around this weekend and decided they MUST change the focus since the last 2 weeks have been a disaster for her campaign as she has made monumental judgement errors).
"Let's talk about the weather"... "no, how about global warming", "yea! yea!!!", "no, how about let's talk about electric cars should be given more R&D grants", "Cool!", "No, let's talk about AIDS", "No, overdone", "Let's discuss how rich I am", "that would be another disaster". "Oh OH OH!! I KNOW!, let's put out a statement saying that you America needs an HONEST politician! Our flock will BUY THAT ONE!!!". "Hmmm. no"

Ok, Ok, "First thing Monday morning, I will put out a press statement that will SHOCK the world. This one will surely take the heat off me, at least at ABC "news"... " I CALL ON PRESIDENT BUSH TO BOYCOTT THE OPENING CEREMONIES". Ok, that should do it, everyone back to their telemarketing...

Posted by: Jeff | Apr 7, 2008 1:59:52 PM

I hereby call on Hillary Clinton to
Mind Your Own Business!
You are Not the President yet and
You Never Will Be!
Typical of the Lowlife Clintons, Always
Playing Politics! Get Lost Hillary!

Posted by: reaganfan | Apr 7, 2008 2:01:23 PM

I see mostly Hillary bashing on the China/Tibet Olympic opening ceremonies issue. OK. Then suppose all you Obama supporters write in here and outline Obama's stance on this issue. Anyone?

Posted by: Dogsoldier | Apr 7, 2008 2:01:50 PM

Ya know I'm so proud of HRC for speaking her mind. There's no voting present or pressing the wrong button for this Senator. And if you want to talk lies Obama has 68 and counting... or are you not opening your eyes?

Posted by: Bacio83 | Apr 7, 2008 2:02:36 PM

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