Hillary Clinton on Principles & Values Democratic Jr Senator (NY)

Sub-sections under Principles & Values:
• Bill Clinton
• Campaign Themes
• Past Elections
• Personal Background
• Voting Record
• Other issues under Principles & Values

Owes opportunity for presidency to generations of women

A: Well, when I was growing up I didn't think I would run for president, but I could not be standing here without the women's movement, without generations of women who broke down barriers, the civil rights movement that gave women and people of color the feeling that they were really part of the American dream. So I owe the opportunity that I have here today to many people; some of whom are known to history and many who aren't. But more personally, I owe it to my mother, who never got a chance to go to college, who had a very difficult childhood, but who gave me a belief that I could do whatever I set my mind to.

Sought pastoral guidance on doubts about capital punishment

The topic had long provided Bill with a good issue to help position himself a moderate. Jones discussed this issue with Hillary when Gov. Clinton was once considering whether to commute a capital sentence. Hillary "agonized" over the decision, and consulted Jones. Jones told her, "I believe there is such a thing as punitive justice; that's part of the whole concept of justice. And I think some people have forfeited their right to life because of the heinous deed that they've committed." In response, says Jones, Hillary told him, "Well, I think I agree with you."

However, says Jones, it was evident that Hillary "was struggling with the question of could she conscientiously as a Christian say that. There was uncertainty. I attribute that to her faith."

Strong identification with Eleanor Roosevelt

On 2/21/93, Hillary mentioned imaginary discussions: "I thought about all the conversations I've had in my head with Mrs. Roosevelt this year," saying she had asked Eleanor questions like, "How did you put up with this?"

To many people, it was fitting that Hillary identified with Eleanor. In April 1995, Jean Houston proposed that Mrs. Clinton "search further and dig deeper" for her connections to Mrs. Roosevelt. Houston had Hillary close her eyes, and envision herself in a room with Eleanor, a room where she was free to talk about whatever she wanted.

Pundits ridiculed Hillary; quoting Eleanor was great, but communing with her "spirit" was something else entirely.

1963: called Saul Alinsky "great seducer" of young minds

Hillary would later describe Alinsky as a "great seducer" of young minds. In truth, Jones's goal in introducing his acolytes to Alinsky could not have been all that religious, since Alinsky was a well-known and committed agnostic Jew. Hillary was among those taken in, so intrigued and impressed by Alinsky that she would later write her college thesis on his strategies.

DC home, "Whitehaven", became center of "Hillaryland"

To buy a house, she needed a few million dollars. She & Bill had already stretched by paying $1.7 million for a home in Chappaqua. Bill was poised to make lots of money. But in early 2001, the couple was still saddled with significant legal debts of more than $5 million.

In January, 2001, Hillary signed a book contract to tell her story. She was paid an advance of $8 million. Two weeks later, Hillary and Bill paid $2,850,000 to buy a colonial in northwest Washington. The house is named Whitehaven.

In 2006, Whitehaven served as a presidential campaign salon. Immediately after her reelection as senator, Hillary hosted political leaders from NH and IA in her home.

1974: Studied Nixon's White House for impeachment committee

They presented proposed articles of impeachment on July 19, 1974, and the House Judiciary Committee approved three of the articles, citing abuse of power, obstruction of justice, and contempt of Congress. Nixon resigned less than a month later.

Despite critics, fervent believer in public service

Reaches out to conservatives but voting record is liberal

If it is not her voting record, what justification is there to call her a centrist? Much of it comes from her willingness to reach out to Republicans. While First Lady, Hillary paired with conservative congressman Tom DeLay on legislation that would remove barriers to adoption. The publicity was excellent and Hillary obviously did not forget the advantages. She took up the practice as senator.

Bill Clinton assessed that while America may be ready for a woman president, he believed that woman would most likely be a Republican in the mold of Margaret Thatcher. So the makeover continued. The goal: to recreate Hillary into America's Margaret Thatcher by 2008.

Prefers role as knowledgeable expert to role of visionary

Hillary is always well informed; there is no question about this. However, Hillary has no vision--so she compensates by knowing the facts. She is a learner, a plodder, a regurgitator, and a follower. Someone else has to take the information and turn it into action or ideas for the future. So, she falls back into the role in which she can compete with the best of them--consummate student.

At her core, Hillary is an idealistic activist

Hillary was once a passionate liberal, a left wing devotee, a radical feminist, & an antiwar activist. Now, 40 years later, the idealism that once had a claim on her heart seems all but gone.

Ideals create a passion for something good, & drive you to be part of a cause bigger than yourself. Hillary's early aspirations offered a place of comfort, a sense of belonging. I wonder if Hillary has regrets as she looks back at the wide-eyed liberal & remembers all the passion that flowed through her veins, all the excitement of the cause. I wonder if she regrets trading it all in for fame & power.

Hillary is the same today as she was yesterday. It is not from lack of trying--the makeover team has been working overtime to sweeten & soften her--but they have not laid a glove on her true nature.

Biggest mistakes: mishandling healthcare; believing in WMDs

A: Well, I don't have enough time to tell you all the mistakes I've made in the last many years. Certainly, the mistakes I made around health care were deeply troubling to me and interfered with our ability to get our message out. And, you know, believing the president when he said he would go to the United Nations and put inspectors into Iraq to determine whether they had WMD.

Op-Ed: positioning herself as voice of reason & centrism

But Hillary's newfound centrism focuses only on issues at the margins. She may attack sex on TV or call for more values in public life, but when the chips are down, she votes like a solid liberal, backing her party more than 90% of the time.

Supported teacher tests & China women despite unpopularity

CLINTON: Well, I’ll give you two. You know, back in 1983 - when I was probably the first person in the country who said that we should test teachers - that was extremely unpopular, and it caused quite an uproar. But it was the right thing to do, and I still believe today that we should be testing new teachers and raising standards for our teachers. And then in 1995, when I went to China to speak on behalf of women’s rights, there were many people, inside and outside our own government, people literally around the world, who said I shouldn’t go, that I shouldn’t make a speech, that I shouldn’t criticize the Chinese government.

1969: Humanness goes beyond acquisitiveness

Opposed numerous Bush cabinet & court appointees

• Samuel Alito (as Supreme Court justice): "a decade of progress would fall prey to his radical ideology, jeopardizing civil liberties and the fundamental right to privacy."
• John Ashcroft (as Attorney General): Clinton charged that Ashcroft would "encourage racists in our society who are quick to believe the worst when they see someone of color," and that "Ashcroft engaged in judicial pofiling."
• Michael Chertoff (as assistant Attorney General): Clinton cast the only NO vote in 2001 and 2003, but voted in his favor when Bush appointed him to become director of Homeland Security in 2004.
• Alberto Gonzales (as Attorney General)
• Porter Goss (as director of the CIA)
• Mike Leavitt (as adminitrator of the EPA)
• Gale Norton (as Secretary of the Interior)

Decried 1980s materialism & excesses of corporate America

I thought Bill was a pretty good president; now I'm running

A: I thought Bill was a pretty good president. And from my perspective, you know, the values that he acted on, on behalf of our country, both at home and abroad, are ones that stand the test of time. But look, I'm running on my own. I'm going to the people on my own. I think I know how to find common ground and how to stand my ground. And on all the issues that matter to America in the 21st century, I wish we could turn the clock back, but we can't. And we need to start with leadership that can deliver results and get us back to the values that make America great.

Bill & I started a conversation 36 years ago & never stopped

A: Well, I have always said that my husband and I started a conversation 36 years ago and it never stopped. So I was certainly involved in talking about a lot of what went on in terms of the president's decisions. But I know very well that the president makes the decision. Everyone in the White House is there because of one person--the president--including the spouse of the president. Ultimately, the president has to sift through everything that is recommended and make her decision. What I believe is that it is the ultimate responsibility of a president to seek out a broad cross- section of advisers who will have different points of view and provide different perspectives, and that's what I intend to do, and that is certainly what my husband did as well.

Judge me on my merits, not as Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton

CLINTON: Well, I think it is a problem that Bush was elected in 2000. I actually thought somebody else was elected in that election, but... Obviously, I am running on my own merits, but I am very proud of my husband's record as president. You know what is great about this is look at this stage and look at the diversity you have here in the Democratic Party. Any one of us would be a better president than our current president or the future Republican nominee. So I'm looking forward to making my case to the people of this country, & I hope they will judge me on my merits.

GRAVEL: The Democratic Party used to stand for the ordinary working man. But the Clintons and the DLC sold out the Democratic Party to Wall Street. Look at where all the money is being raised right now. It's the hedge funds, it's Wall Street bankers.

Dealt with Bill's infidelity with counseling& Book of Psalms

Hillary's pastor in Little Rock, Dr. Ed Matthews, says that Hillary was very much in personal crisis, suffering a broken heart, and sought solace in the Book of Psalms. Bill eventually agreed to meet with Dr. Matthews and Hillary for counseling.

Endured Monicagate through faith and inward spirituality

Nonetheless, she turned inward. Her press secretary stated, "Clearly this is not the best day in Mrs. Clinton's life. This is a time she relies on her strong religious faith." Hillary elaborated, announcing, "I'm not sure I would have gotten through it without my faith."

There were in fact spiritual sources that Hillary tapped at this time, taking guidance from certain ministers. One such was civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.

Secret "20-Year Project" with Bill to revolutionize Dems

While their plan was hatched together, Hillary had her own ideas about what it would take to achieve victory. She concluded that if she had any chance of winning the ultimate prize of her life, she would need to pursue it her way. That meant, among other things, carefully crafting a persona and a narrative to present to the American public that knew both so much and so little about her.

1986: Attacked for accepting state fee with Bill as governor

These arguments resonated. In the eyes of the voters, the relationship became a non-issue. But previously undisclosed law firm records show that Hillary didn't ask the firm to segregate her share of the state business until two months after White's unsuccessful attack. Hillary eventually rectified the situation by repaying her share of past state fees "in any year Bill served as Governor," which she calculated at $12,235.83.

1998: "Conspiracy" infuriated Starr; resonated with public

The First Lady's highly charged phrase to describe the Clinton enemies--"a vast right wing conspiracy"--infuriated the men and women working in Ken Starr's office, to whom the word "conspiracy" connoted criminal activity on their part. Starr took the unusual step of releasing a statement describing Hillary's allegation as "nonsense."

But the First Lady's invocation reached its intended audience. One week later, a poll showed that 59% believed that "Clinton's political enemies are conspiring to bring down his presidency."

Whitewater deal: the only "stupid dumb thing we ever did"

Right before Super Tuesday, 1992, the New York Times published an article that disclosed the real estate partnership between the McDougals and the Clintons, the connections to the failed savings and loan, and the existence of Hillary's name on her law firm's filings on behalf of the savings & loan before state regulators.

The piece raised questions about a governor being in business with someone whose company was regulated by the state, and the governor's wife being involved in representing that business partner before state regulators that the governor had appointed. The article also reported that McDougal's savings and loan had been subsidizing the unsuccessful real estate venture with the Clintons.

Clinton aides emphasized that Whitewater never made the Clintons any money.

Changed name from Rodham because many were offended

Hillary saw clearly that if his political career was going to be rebuilt, it would have to happen in Arkansas, not Washington. The fact that Hillary used her maiden name was increasingly perceived as an issue in the Clinton camp. A few months after the election, Hillary heard a pitch from Vernon Jordan, "You are in the South. And in the South, you are not Hillary Rodham, you're Mrs. Clinton." Hillary did not argue.

"I learned the hard way that some voters were offended by the fact that I kept my maiden name." She changed her name to Hillary Rodham Clinton. Whatever Hillary may have personally felt as a feminist who came of age in the 1960s, her devotion to Bill's ambitions--which also meant her ambitions--outweighed all else.

The comeback worked, and by 1983, Bill and Hillary were once again living in the governor's mansion.

Tolerating Bill's foibles echoes mom's Methodist forgiveness

Hillary and Bill's difficult but enduring marriage is perhaps explained in the context of the marriage of her parents, dominated by the humiliating, withholding figure of her father, whom she managed to idealize, while rationalizing his cruelty and indifference to the pain he caused. Hillary somehow found a way to focus on what her father was able to give, not what was denied.

As she later did with her husband, Hillary took an almost biblical view in her forgiveness of her father's actions: "Love the sinner, hate the sin." The lesson came directly from Hugh Rodham: "He used to say all the time, 'I will always love you but I won't always like what you do,'" said Hillary.

1978: "Name issue" of Rodham raised in Bill's first race

Clinton's opponents criticized him for having a wife with a career--a lawyer to boot--who was so independent-minded that she wouldn't take her husband's name. The "name issue" would become one of the most talked-about issues of the campaign.

[After the election], Hillary usually introduced herself as "Hillary--Governor Clinton's wife," but formal invitations were in the name of "Gov. Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham."

1980: Synthesized basic principles into "New Dem" concept

1982 campaign: served as Bill's de facto campaign director

The 1982 campaign became the model for their political future, with Hillary assuming a far more direct, hands-on role in terms of policy, strategy, scheduling, and hiring staff for the campaign. She wasn't the campaign chairman in name, but she was the campaign director in fact.

Hillary was never bashful about telling you when she thought you made a mistake. Bill Clinton would never tell you that. He was the good guy. Hillary was the one that laid the law down.

Whitewater deal: maybe conflict-of-interest; but not illegal

After 6 years of investigation, $52 million, and the Senate trial of a president, the special prosecutor was forced to acknowledge that there had been no violation of law by either Hillary or Bill surrounding the land transaction (or in the Travel Office affair for that matter). The allegation that stuck was that Bill Clinton lied about sex.

In Arkansas and Washington, subject to unprecedented vitriol

Yet there can be no question that the Clintons had invited unusual scrutiny by their impassioned promises of probity to voters in the campaign of 1992, and an unwavering inaugural theme that stressed the ethical reform they said they were bringing to Washington. There was something of an implicit challenge in their manner.

Hillary & Bill had had plenty of foretastes--in their years in Arkansas and during the presidential campaign, of the vitriol and determination of their enemies. And who should have known better than the new president's wife that Nixon's excesses and resignation had incubated a new investigative era? The 1992 presidential campaign had made clear that Hillary, as much as her husband, was a moving target for legions who wished them ill.

Replay of "2 for price of 1" has big pluses & big minuses

If Republicans are digging up dirt on Bill, they will hold it until Hillary is nominated, then drop it. If this happened, it could destroy Hillary's hopes of returning to the White House.

For the purpose of Hillary's campaign, Bill and Hillary may well be inseparable--"two for the price of one," as she claimed many years ago.

Democrats know that the 08 election is theirs to lose. They are motivated to give Americans a nominee for whom they can vote with confidence. No matter how strong Bill is in the polls, if the party fears his personal affairs will again spill into the tabloids, they will work away from Hillary.

Proud of Bill Clinton's record as president

A: I want to run a very positive campaign, and I sure don't want Democrats to be engaging in the politics of personal destruction. I think we should stay focused on what we're going to do for America. And you know, I believe Bill Clinton was a good president, and I'm very proud of the record of his two terms.

Case for Bill's impeachment was unjustified constitutionally

Starr appointed himself prosecutor, judge and jury in his zeal to impeach Bill Clinton. And the more I believed Starr was abusing his power, the more I sympathized with Bill--at least politically. Privately, I was still working on forgiving Bill, but my fury at those who had deliberately sabotaged him helped me on that score.

Although the case for impeachment was both unpopular and unjustified under the constitutional standard, I assumed that the House Republicans would pursue it if they thought they could.

Monica investigation abused process to undermine presidency

I expected that, ultimately, the intern story would be a footnote in tabloid history. But I knew, too, that the political danger was real. A nuisance civil action had metastasized into a criminal investigation by Ken Starr. It appeared that the questions in the Paula Jones deposition were designed solely to trap the President into charges of perjury, which might then justify a demand for his resignation or impeachment.

In my view, the prosecutors were undermining the office of the Presidency and abusing their authority in an effort to win back the political power they had lost at the ballot box.

Loves Bill despite affairs; not just "Stand By Your Man"

The interviewer started with questions about our relationship, adulter & divorce. Bill acknowledged that he had caused pain in our marriage.

Q: You seem to have reached some sort of an understanding or an arrangement.

Bill: You're looking at two people who love each other. This is not an arrangement or an understanding. This is a marriage.

Hillary: I'm not sitting here, some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette. I'm sitting here because I love him and I respect him and I honor what we've been through together. If that's not enough for people, then heck, don't vote for him.

1992: Meant "active partner" with "buy one get one free"

The "buy one, get one free" comment was a reminder to Bill and me that our remarks might be taken out of context because news reporters did not have the time or space to provide the text of an entire conversation. Simplicity and brevity were essential to reporters.

Meant "women work conflict" with "stay home & bake cookies"

I could have said, "Look, short of abandoning my law firm partnership and staying home, there was nothing more I could have done to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest."

My aides suggested that I talk to reporters a second time. On the spot, I had a press conference. It had little effect. Thirteen minutes after I answered the question, a story ran on the AP wire. CNN quickly aired one too.

It turned into a story about my alleged callousness towards stay-at-home-mothers. Republicans labeled me the "ideological leader of a Clinton-Clinton Administration that would push a radical-feminist agenda."

Hillaryland meant active & influential First Lady staff

Vince Foster's suicide spurred conspiracy theories galore

[A friend] conducted a search for a suicide note on the night but found nothing. According to subsequent testimony, he discovered Vince had stored personal files in his office, including files that had to do with the land deal called Whitewater. These files were transferred to our private attorney in Washington. Since Vince's office was never a crime scene, these actions were legal. But they would soon spawn a cottage industry of conspiracy theorists trying to prove that Vince was murdered to cover up what he "knew about Whitewater."

Those rumors should have ended with the official report ruling his death a suicide and with the sheet of notepaper found in Vince's briefcase: "I was not meant for a job in the spotlight of Washington. Here ruining people is considered sport...The public will never believe the innocence of the Clintons."

Not involved in pardons, neither with husband nor brother

Although she demanded he return the money, Clinton said she has not spoken with her brother at all since the news broke. “I knew nothing about my brother’s involvement in these pardons,“ she said. ”I love my brother, but. I’m very disappointed and I’m very disturbed.“ Rodham’s lawyer said he had returned most of the fees to both clemency clients. She added that she had no role in any of her husband’s 11th-hour pardons.

The disclosures opened up a new area for congressional investigators, who were already looking into a controversy over former President Clinton’s pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich and his business partner.

“Vast right wing conspiracy”

Stands by her man despite “pain in marriage”

Hillary’s choice: Co-president or White House wife?

It sounded like her own internal debate. What would be Hillary’s choice? Who to be? Hillary Rodham, co-president? Hillary Clinton, White House wife? Or Hillary Roosevelt? Her core vision of herself as a policy maker had been shaken by the outright rejection of her health care reform plan. Hillary consoled herself with her favorite quote from ER: “To undo mistakes is always harder than not to create them, but we seldom have foresight. Therefore, we have no choice but to try to correct our past mistakes.”

Never left Bill because they were a team

Not some little woman standing by her man

Running to continue work I've done for 35 years

We have a lot of work to do. And whoever holds up his or her hand to take the oath of office on January 20th 2009 will have to begin immediately to repair the damage that has been done by the Bush/Cheney administration, but more importantly to restore pride in our country again.

I'm running for president to make it clear that we will make progress together and I hope that I can earn your support.

Bring your brooms & vacuum cleaners; we got to clean up DC

There's going to be a lot of repair work to do, and I'm going to ask people to come to Washington. Bring your brooms. Bring your vacuum cleaners. We've got to clean the place out and get to work together.

If you want a winner to take on right wing, I'm your girl

For 15 years I have stood up against the right-wing machine, and I've come out stronger. So if you want a winner who knows how to take them on, I'm your girl.

After 35 years of experience, ready to lead on day one

KUCINICH: The new doctrine that I'm going to promote throughout this campaign is that we'll use the science of human relations and diplomacy to settle your differences without committing the young men and women to war, unless it's absolutely necessary.

CLINTON: We are united for change. We cannot take another four or eight years of Republican leadership that has been so disastrous for our country. The issue is: Which of us is ready to lead on day one? I have 35 years of being an instrument and agent of change, before I was ever a public official. And during the time that I've been privileged to serve as first lady and now as senator, I've worked to bring people together, to find common ground where we can, and then to stand our ground where we can't.

OBAMA: We don't just need a change in political parties in Washington. We've got to have a change in attitudes of those who are representing the people.

I consider myself a modern American progressive

A: You know, it is a word that originally meant that you were for freedom, for the freedom to achieve, that you were willing to stand against big power and on behalf of the individual. Unfortunately, in the last 30, 40 years, it has been turned up on its head & it's been made to seem as though it is a word that describes big government, totally contrary to what its meaning was in the 19th & early 20th century. I prefer the word "progressive," which has a real American meaning, going back to the progressive era at the beginning of the 20th century. I consider myself a modern American progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms, who believes that we are better as a society when we're working together and when we find ways to help those who may not have all the advantages in life get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family.

Maybe, finally, break that hardest of all glass ceilings

A: Well, I couldn't run as anything other than a woman. I am proud to be running as a woman. And I'm excited that I may be able, finally, to break that hardest of all glass ceilings. But, obviously, I'm not running because I'm a woman. I'm running because I think I'm the most qualified and experienced person to hit the ground running in January 2009. And I trust the American people to make a decision that is not about me or my gender, or about Barack or his race or about Bill & his ethnicity, but about what is best for you & your family. We have big challenges and big needs in our country. We're going to need experienced and strong leadership in order to start handling all of the problems that we have here at home and around the world. And when I'm inaugurated, I think it's going to send a great message to a lot of little girls and boys around the world.

The politics of meaning: individuality is part of society

"Why is there this undercurrent of discontent? This sense that somehow economic growth & prosperity, political democracy & freedom are not enough? That we collectively lack, at some core level, meaning in our individual lives & meaning collectively? We are, I think, in a crisis of meaning. What does it mean in today's world to pursue not only vocations, to be part of institutions, but to be human?

We need a new politics of meaning. We need a new definition of civil society which answers the unanswerable questions, as to how we can have a society that fills us up again and makes us feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves."

Amalgam politics: make labels irrelevant

To a degree her plea was valid, but it was also disingenuous, as she could have candidly admitted that she was not a conservative Republican. This trend would continue throughout Hillary's career, as she consistently lunged for the rhetorical middle and tried to frame herself as a moderate.

When it is suggested that she sounds as though she's trying to come up with a sort of unified-field theory of life, she says, excitedly, "That's right, that's exactly right!" The First Lady was seeking a way to marry conservatism and liberalism, capitalism and state-ism, to join together the myriad state, religious, social, economic, and class problems into one idea that could be addressed by her theory.

New progressive vision for the 21st century

What we need is a new progressive vision for the 21st century. We have to do that by setting big goals for our country.
1. Let's start by cleaning up the government, replacing this culture of corruption and cronyism with a culture of competence and caring again.
2. Let's finally do something about the growing economic inequality that is tearing our country apart. [We currently have] the highest concentration of wealth in a very small number of people since 1929, which was not a good year for America. So let's close that gap.
3. Let's make sure every single American has the most fundamental benefit there is. It is not a privilege, it is a right--quality affordable health care for every single man, woman and child in America.
4. Let's recommit ourselves to the idea that every young person in America has the right to a high-quality education, from pre- school all the way through college.
5. [Let's stand] up for science and supporting scientists --to retain our economic lead in the world.

A mind conservative and a heart liberal

No description of the adult Hillary--a mind conservative & a heart liberal--has so succinctly defined her. The question Jones asked was in the context of the civil rights movement. The experience of blacks in America touched something fundamental in Hillary. She supported Martin Luther King's nonviolent philosophy

The event that galvanized Hillary's more militant instincts was King's assassination. She had met him in 1962, shaken his hand, sat spellbound as he preached.

Wellesley students threatened to go on a hunger strike if the college did not recruit more black faculty and students. Hillary proposed a solution that avoided a clash: she would work as a go-between to find a compromise. Indeed, the college began to recruit minority faculty and students. Hillary's response had been in character.

Message of candidacy: hardworking experienced collaborator

Hillary's message is clear, and extremely controlled. It reads: Hillary Clinton is a hardworking, effective moderate who can collaborate with even the most conservative Republicans on joint, highly visible projects. She is supportive of the military, capable in foreign affairs, and fighting to keep pornography and violence away from children. She is experienced. She spent 8 years in the White House. She is independent of her husband, although very married, and she is serious. She is NOT--repeat, NOT--a liberal.

New Democrat: individual responsibility and community

1998: Unforeseen turning point when Moynihan resigned

The Moynihan seat had in fact been on the Clintons' radar for months. Shortly after the midterm election, Hillary signaled that interest by inviting a group of friends to have dinner and talk about her prospects.

Rove is obsessed with me because I take them on & beat them

A: Well, I don't think Karl Rove's going to endorse me. That becomes more and more obvious. But I find it interesting he's so obsessed with me. And I think the reason is because we know how to win. I have been fighting against these people for longer than anybody else up here. I've taken them on and we've beaten them. The idea that you're going to escape the Republican attack machine and not have high negatives by the time they're through with you, I think, is just missing what's been going on in American politics for the last 20 years. And the reason why we're going to win is because we have a better vision for America, we know how to bring about change, and I know how to beat them.

2000: campaigned heavily in African-American churches

Hillary appeared behind the podium [at one church in Harlem]: "She's gonna win," declares the pastor. "And we are going to come out in droves for her." Nobody doubted that black voters prefered Hillary over Rick Lazio. But black turnout is unreliable.

Source: God and Hillary Clinton, by Paul Kengor, p.194-204 Jul 18, 2007

1996: Enthusiastic crowd at DNC got her "bitten by the bug"

Nearly 20,000 delegates, guests, and media were in the arena. Millions were watching at home. Whey Hillary took the stage, she was nervous, but the crowd greeted her with a wall of enthusiastic noise. She began by speaking about Chelsea, then went on to rebut Dole's critique of her book, It Takes A Village. The crowd roared its approval. Afterward, Hillary felt as if she had truly connected with her audience. For so long, she had stood alongside the object of the audience's affection. Now she was the one they were applauding. It was a rush like none other. "I knew then she was bitten by the bug," one friend recalled. "I could tell she wanted to hear those cheers again and again."

Critics call it "extreme makeover" but admit its success

No part of Hillary was designated off-limits. For 6 years Hillary has been under the knife, so to speak, as experts tried to transform her from that spirited and divisive left-wing media darling into a more serious national figure--moderate in temperament, style, politics, and tone.

The question is: Has it worked? Is the 2008 edition of Hillary more likely to be president than the earlier versions? The answer is an unqualified yes. Whether she needed a makeover is doubtful. Bottom line: Hillary is the woman to beat if you are running for president in 2008.

HILLPAC donated to 30 Senate & Governor candidates

U.S. Senate
• Daniel Akaka (HI)
• Sherrod Brown (OH)
• Robert Byrd (WV)
• Tom Carper (DE)
• Jack Carter (NV)
• Bob Casey (PA)
• Dianne Feinstein (CA)
• Harold Ford (TN)
• Edward Kennedy (MA)
• Amy Klobuchar (MN)
• Ned Lamont (CT)
• Robert Menendez (NJ)
• Bill Nelson (FL)
• Jim Pederson (AZ)
• Barbara Ann Radnofsky (TX)
• Bernie Sanders (VT)
• Debbie Stabenow (MI)
• Jim Webb (VA)
• Sheldon Whitehouse (RI)

Governors
• John Baldacci (ME)
• Rod Blagojevich (IL)
• Chet Culver (IA)
• Ted Kulongoski (OR)
• John Lynch (NH)
• Tommy Moore (SC)
• Scudder Parker (VT)
• Ed Rendell (PA)
• Bill Richardson (NM)
• Kathleen Sebelius (KS)
• Ted Strickland (OH)

HILLPAC focus: electing Congressional Democratic majority

U.S. House
• Mike Arcuri (NY-24)
• Melissa Bean (IL-8)
• Leonard Boswell (IA-3)
• Darcy Burner (WA-8)
• Francine Busby (CA-50)
• Joe Courtney (CT-2)
• John Cranley (OH-1)
• Tammy Duckworth (IL-6)
• Judy Feder (VA-10)
• Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20)
• Tessa Hafen (NV-3)
• Baron Hill (IN-9)
• Mary Jo Killroy (OH-15)
• Ron Klein (FL-22)
• Patricia Madrid (NM-1)
• Eric Massa (NY-29)
• Doris Matsui (CA-5)
• Lois Murphy (PA-6)
• Patrick Murphy (PA-8)
• John Salazar (CO-3)
• Joseph Sestak (PA-7)
• Betty Sutton (OH-13)
• Peter Welch (VT-0)

Fined $35,000 for under-reporting expenses in 2000

But staging the gala relied on over $1.1 million of in-kind contributions--goods & services given free of charge. Of this amount, Clinton's staff only reported about $400,000 to the FEC, even though it was legally obligated to report the entire amount [which had the effect of converting soft money to hard money].

Clinton's national fundraising director was indicted on 4 charges in 2002 for "under-reporting" the cost of the 2000 gala. He was eventually acquitted of two charges and the court dismissed the other two. Despite the acquittal, however, the FEC determined that contributions were under-reported, and the joint fundraising committee was fined $35,000.

House of Representatives has been run like a plantation

Clinton made her comments during a speech on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. "When you look at the way the House of Representatives has been run like a plantation, and you know what I'm talking about," she told a crowd at a church in Harlem . "It has been run in a way so that nobody with a contrary view has had a chance to present legislation, to make an argument, to be heard."

Her Senate opponent, John Spencer, said yesterday, "Sen. Clinton's racially motivated comments are shameful & deserved to be repudiated. Sen. Clinton has forgotten the New York tradition of senators like Robert Kennedy & Pat Moynihan, who brought people of different races and cultures together. Sen. Clinton is now dividing people based on race to try to help herself politically."

Experience and choices as a woman will make me good senator

CLINTON: I have worked to make sure women had the choices that were right for them. I’ve made my choices. We have a family that means a lot to us. Many of my experiences will give me insights into what I can do to be a good senator. I’ve had experience balancing family and work. I’ve had to worry about making sure that my parents were well taken care of, as well as taking care of my daughter. The choices that I’ve made are right for me. I can’t talk about anybody else’s choice. I can only say that mine are rooted in my religious faith, in my strong sense of family, and in what I believe is right and important. I want to be sure that there’s a voice in the Senate that reminds us that we’re still threatened with the right to choose that might disappear if the wrong person is elected president, the wrong people are elected to the Senate. I think my experience as a woman will make me the kind of senator who really understands what’s at stake.

National experience & ability to get along will serve NY

End divisional politics

I believe in prayer; I'm dependent on my faith

A: I don't pretend to understand the wisdom and the power of God. I do believe in prayer. And I have relied on prayer consistently throughout my life. I like to say that, if I had not been a praying person before I got to the White House, after having been there for just a few days I would've become one. So I am very dependent on my faith, & prayer is a big part of that

Sincere Christian & lifelong member of religious left

Early character development: standing up to a bully

The next time Hillary was confronted by the brat, who had been encouraged by a pack of boys, the Rodham girl shocked everyone by punching Suzy, knocking her off her feet. The boys stood there, mouths agape, as the stunned tyrant fell to the ground. The triumphant Hillary sprinted back to her house.

It was an important moment for Hillary and one that Dorothy would later come to recognize as crucial to the development of her daughter's character. The altercation with Suzy changed the way Hillary interacted with everyone--especially the boys. Dorothy Rodham said: "Boys responded well to Hillary. She just took charge, and they let her."

Old-fashioned Methodist; reads Book of Resolutions & Bible

The piece began by noting that Mrs. Clinton had been called many things. Yet, long before she was a Democrat, a lawyer, or a Clinton, wrote Woodward, Hillary Rodham was a Methodist. Woodward noted that she talked like a Methodist, thought like one, and even desired to reform society like a well-schooled Methodist churchwoman. "I am, she affirmed, an old-fashioned Methodist."

Mrs. Clinton said she kept a copy of The Book of Resolutions of the United Methodist Church, along with the Bible. She told Woodward, "I think that the Methodist Church, for a period of time, became too socially concerned, too involved in the social gospel, and did not pay enough attention to questions of personal salvation and individual faith." This was odd coming from Hillary, who took Methodism's social gospel more to heart than any other religious teaching.

Pre-Wellesley, confident her conservatism wouldn't change

Hillary's high school government teachers warned her that college would likely change her conservative politics. "You're going to Wellesley, and you're going to become a liberal and a Democrat." Hillary blanched and replied, "I'm smart, I know where I stand on the issues. And that's not going to change."

In the mid-1960s, student activism, spurred by growing disenchantment with the war in Vietnam and racism at home, was beginning its ascent. Wellesley was beginning to change too, though more tentatively than other campuses. Hillary's class would accelerate the transformation of Wellesley from a genteel island to a campus with much more in common with the "beatnik" Harvard Square vibe.

1969: Entered law school as "vehicle for social change"

For Hillary, Yale Law School presented itself as the perfect venue to accomplish such goals. Yale was in the throes of a revolution in the American legal profession and also in the way the institution dealt with social and cultural change.

Hillary was one of 27 women entered Yale Law School in 1969--barely more than 10%, though as Hillary observed, "It was a breakthrough at the time and meant that women would no longer be token students at Yale."

As Goldwater Girl in 1960s, canvassed Chicago slums

Childhood of parsimonious parents; favored equal opportunity

Dorothy and Hugh Rodham, despite the undertow of tension in their marriage, intended to convey to their children an inheritance secured by old fashioned values. They believed that with discipline, hard work, encouragement, and education, a child could pursue any dream. Hillary would not be limited in opportunity or skills by the fact that she was a girl.

Father a rock-ribbed Republican but ran for office as Dem

Dorothy was basically a Democrat. Hugh was a self-described rock-ribbed conservative Republican of the Taft-Goldwater school who despised labor unions, opposed government aid, and fulminated against high taxes. In 1947, he ran for alderman in Chicago as a Democratic-leaning independent. He wanted to become part of the Democratic machine then being assembled by Richard Daley. He was swamped in the election by the candidate on the regular Democratic line. Some family members believe the experience contributed to his strident disdain of Democrats. Every four years, during the Republican National Convention, he would instruct his children to watch on television; when the Democrats convened, he ordered the set turned off.

Has a Jewish step-grandfather

The role of Rosenberg in the life of Hillary has always been clouded. The first time Hillary mentioned her step grandfather publicly was in 1999, during her Senate campaign in NY. "I have nothing but fond memories of Max Rosenberg," Hillary said. In Living History she wrote only that he was Jewish.

Staff attorney on Watergate/Nixon impeachment investigation

Hillary's first responsibility was to collate procedural information about previous impeachment proceedings, both American and English, from which the concept had been borrowed.

Hillary was one of three women on the staff of 44 lawyers. Like her colleagues, she worked 12 to 18-hour days. The rules forbade staff from making personal notes or keeping diaries or talking outside the office to any nonstaff about the inquiry.

Taught at AR Law School using "all business" style

"If you were unprepared, she would rip you pretty good, but not in an unfair way," recalled one student. "She made you think, she challenged you. If you asked you a question about a case and you gave an answer, then came another question. Whereas in Bill Clinton's classes, it was more laid-back."

Bill was regarded as the easiest grader in the law school. Hillary's exams were tough, & her grading commensurate with what she expected serious law students to know. There was little doubt she was the better teacher. But his was the more interesting class, because of the passion & knowledge with which he addressed legal questions that related to everyday events.

Suffers from endometriosis; Chelsea's conception difficult

Hillary suffered from a condition called endometriosis, which often makes conception difficult, can cause infertility, and frequently results in extreme pain during & after intercourse. She had told two friends (both women) that she feared the condition might prevent her from conceiving a child. Some doctors believed endometriosis could cause miscarriage. It is not clear whether the condition preceded her marriage--which seems possible, given when she mentioned it to the women--and at what point Bill learned of it. Many women don't learn they have the malady until they experience difficulty getting pregnant.

Just before they were to [visit the fertility specialist], Hillary learned she was pregnant. Hillary and Bill radiated excitement, and relief.

Family myth: named after Everest's Sir Edmund Hillary

Charming personal anecdote--but pure fabrication. Hillary was six when Edmund made it up that mountain. Prior to that, her "namesake" was a quiet beekeeper living in New Zealand. Not likely her mom named her after a beekeeper.

In spite of being literally impossible, Hillary didn't correct it until she was ready to run for president. In October 2006 her campaign spokesman admitted the story was a hoax, or in her words, a "sweet family story her mother shared to inspire greatness in her daughter."

Has one Jewish step-grandfather

My mom could not live my life; father could not imagine it

My mother and grandmothers could never have lived my life; my father and my grandfathers could never have imagined it. But they bestowed on my the promise of American, which made my life and my choices possible.

Mother, Dorothy, offended by mistreatment of any human being

My mother was offended by the mistreatment of any human being, especially children. She understood from personal experience that many children--through no fault of their own--were disadvantaged. and discriminated against from birth. She hated self-righteousness and pretensions of moral superiority and impressed on my brothers and me that we were no better or worse than anyone else. As a child in California, she had watched the Japanese Americans in her school endure blatant discrimination and daily taunts from the Anglo students.

Father, Hugh, focused on self-reliance & personal initiative

My father could not stand waste. Like so many who grew up in the Depression, his fear of poverty colored his life. To this day, I put uneaten olives back in the jar, wrap up the tiniest pieces of cheese and feel guilty when I throw anything away.

AuH2O: Supported Goldwater on basis of individual rights

My ninth-grade history teacher, Paul Carlson, encouraged me to read Senator Barry Goldwater's book, The Conscience of a Conservative. I liked Goldwater because he was an individualist who swam against the political tide. Years later, I admired his outspoken support of individual rights, which he considered consistent with his old-fashioned conservative principles: "Don't raise hell about the gays, the blacks, and the Mexicans. Free people have a right to do as they damn please." When Goldwater learned I had supported him in 1964, he sent the White House a case of barbecue fixings and invited me to see him. I went to his home in 1996 and spent a wonderful hour talking to him and his wife, Susan.

1976: Organized Indiana for Carter-Mondale campaign

With Bill's election assured, we both felt free to get involved in Carter's campaign when he became the Democratic nominee. Carter's staff asked Bill to head the campaign in Arkansas and me to be the field coordinator in Indiana. Indiana was a heavily Republican state, but Carter thought his Southern roots and farming background might appeal. I thought it was a long shot, but I was game to try.

Even though Carter did not carry Indiana, I was thrilled that he won the national election.

1980: Bill practiced Lamaze, but Chelsea delivered Caesarian

As my due date drew near, my doctor said I couldn't travel, which meant I missed the White House dinner for Governors. Bill got back on Wednesday, Feb. 27, in time for my water to break.

After we arrived at the hospital, it became clear I would have to have a caesarian. Bill requested that the hospital permit him to accompany me in the operating room, which was unprecedented. Soon, the policy was changed to permit fathers in the room during caesarians.

Our daughter's birth was the most miraculous event in my life. Chelsea arrived on Feb. 27, 1980. Chelsea has heard us tell stories about her childhood many time. She knows she was named after Joni Mitchell's song, "Chelsea Morning," which Bill and I heard as we strolled around Chelsea in London.

Voted with Democratic Party 96.7% of 304 votes.

Hillary's paradox: she's not as liberal as people think

A: There are ten or twelve plausible candidates for the Democratic nomination for the President, some of whom we haven't really thought about yet. It could be Mark Warner, from Virginia, or Evan Bayh, from Indiana. Each person has a reason that he-and they're all men-would be a better alternative nationally to Hillary Clinton. What's bubbling beneath the surface right now is a feeling that Hillary Clinton could certainly capture the nomination, but she is not the best person to run for the Presidency. This goes back to the paradox of Hillary Clinton: she is a moderate figure-she's never actually been as liberal as people think. But by 2008 the country will have had sixteen or seventeen years of knowing Hillary, and people's ideas about her are fairly fixed. If only because of the amount of money she's raised, she's formidable, and she's in the way of all of these other guys

Voted NO on confirming Samuel Alito as Supreme Court Justice.

Voted NO on confirming John Roberts for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

Rated 100% by the AU, indicating support of church-state separation.

OnTheIssues.org interprets the 2006 AU scores as follows:

• 0%- 20%: opposition to church-state separation (approx. 232 members)
• 21%- 79%: mixed record on church-state separation (approx. 79 members)
• 80%-100%: support of church-state separation (approx. 153 members)

Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU) is a religious liberty watchdog group based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, the organization educates Americans about the importance of church-state separation in safeguarding religious freedom. AU is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to preserving the constitutional principle of church-state separation as the only way to ensure religious freedom for all Americans.

Americans United is a national organization with members in all 50 states. We are headquartered in Washington, D.C., and led by the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director. AU has more than 75,000 members from all over the country. They include people from all walks of life and from various faith communities, as well as those who profess no particular faith. We are funded by donations from our members and others who support church-state separation. We do not seek, nor would we accept, government funding.

Member of Democratic Leadership Council.

Mission

Who We Are

Since its inception, the DLC has championed policies from spurring private sector economic growth, fiscal discipline and community policing to work based welfare reform, expanded international trade, and national service. Throughout the 90’s, innovative, New Democrat policies implemented by former DLC Chairman President Bill Clinton have helped produce the longest period of sustained economic growth in our history, the lowest unemployment in a generation, 22 million new jobs, cut the welfare rolls in half, reduced the crime rate for seven straight years, balanced the budget and streamlined the federal bureaucracy to its smallest size since the Kennedy administration.

Now, the DLC is promoting new ideas -- such as a second generation of environmental protection and new economy and technology development strategies -- that is distinctly different from traditional liberalism and conservatism to build the next generation of America’s leaders.