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Hillary Ducking Sniper Fire
A firefight has erupted over "Sinbad-gate," or the differing accounts of Senator Hillary Clinton's trip to Bosnia in 1996 with the "Star Search"-winning comic and singer Sheryl Crow. On the Clinton conference call yesterday, for the first time, Howard Wolfson admitted Hillary "...might possibly have misspoken."
As reported here last night, Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor released a statement pointing out that inaccuracies in prepared remarks are not misstatements, but rather "misleading." Then, at today's conference call, Phil Singer referred the first question on this to yesterday's transcript. I followed up:
TC: On the subject of Bosnia, you referred the last questioner to yesterday's transcript, but following that call, the Ob...Following today's call, I contacted the Obama campaign for a response. A spokesman said they would be releasing a statement shortly.
Phil Singer: The Obama campaign was mistaken. Those were not prepared remarks.
Then, the real fun started. Now, there's video of Chelsea fielding a question on the incident:
Link: sevenload.com
The Clinton campaign points out that the remarks on the website are "as delivered" as opposed to prepared remarks, but did not offer to release the prepared remarks. The Obama campaign then released a memo entitled, "First time in 12 years she misspoke?", excerpted below:
TODAY on KDKA Pittsburgh radio: "You know I have written about this and described it in many different settings and I did misspeak the other day. ... and last week, you know, for the first time in 12 or so years I misspoke." http://www.kdkaradio.com/pages/22441.php?contentType=34&contentId=592Why does any of this matter? I'll get to that in a minute. The Clinton campaign shot back with this memo, entitled,"JUST EMBELLISHED WORDS: SENATOR OBAMA'S RECORD OF EXAGGERATIONS & MISSTATEMENTS". Love the use of all caps. Then, in response to Hillary's remarks today about Pastor Wright, the Obama campaign launched another barrage:
Really? Below are four instances where Hillary Clinton misremembers sniper fire upon her arrival in Bosnia. (With some video of her reading her remarks.)
MARCH 17: Clinton: "There Was No Greeting Ceremony, And We Basically Were Told To Run To Our Cars. Now, That Is What Happened." [CNN, 3/1708]
MARCH 17: "I Remember Landing Under Sniper Fire. There Was Supposed To Be Some Kind Of A Greeting Ceremony At The Airport, But Instead We Just Ran With Our Heads Down To Get Into Vehicles To Get To Our Base." [Clinton speech (remarks as delivered), 3/17/08]
FEBRUARY 29: Clinton Said That The Welcoming Ceremony In Bosnia "Had To Be Moved Inside Because Of Sniper Fire." [NYT, 3/1/08] VIDEO
DECEMBER 29: .... So, we landed in one of those corkscrew landings and ran out because they said there might be sniper fire. I don't remember anybody offering me tea on the tarmac...." [CNN, 1/1/08]
"After originally refusing to play politics with this issue, it's disappointing to see Hillary Clinton's campaign sink to this low in a transparent effort to distract attention away from the story she made up about dodging sniper fire in Bosnia. The truth is, Barack Obama has already spoken out against his pastor's offensive comments and addressed the issue of race in America with a deeply personal and uncommonly honest speech. The American people deserve better than tired political games that do nothing to solve the larger challenges facing this country," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton.Is this starting to remind anyone of that scene from "The Naked Gun" where Leslie Nielsen is crouched behind a garbage can having a gunfight with a bad guy several feet away?
Why is this a big deal? Honestly, the incident itself is of limited significance. Hillary's recollection is likely an amalgam of the actual events and her own anxieties at going to what was undeniably a dangerous place, head filled with sobering precautions from military personnel. Although the video of the greeting doesn't appear to be dangerous, I think we all remember the famous video from Iraq of the TV reporter delivering the news as a huge explosion goes off behind her. In a warzone, even a peaceful scene is fraught with danger.
Thus, in terms of Senator Clinton's mis-recollections of the event, it is understandable. Over the passage of time, certain details of traumatic events can become distorted. I was the victim of an armed robbery once, and one of the perps wore glasses, so when I think of the incident now, I picture the guy with giant, Darrel Porter-style specs on.
The point is, what she did was brave, and she doesn't deserve to be mocked by Sinbad for it. Unfortunately, in the age of Youtube, you've really got to get your mnemonic ducks in a row. It's enough to make Hillary wish Al Gore had never invented the internet.
The reason this has become a big deal, in my view, is her campaign's ham-handed response to it. On it's face, it is a quick, amusing little "Gotcha!" If you just say, "Well, yeah, I was scared, maybe it grew some in my mind...", there would be a few petty Clinton-bashers who would harp on it, but that's it.
Instead, Clinton's strategists have denied and avoided the question. On Saturday's conference call, before the video surfaces, they simply stood by Hillary's account. By yesterday, the video had surfaced, and still, the first time the question was asked, Howard Wolfson responded by reading 5 or 6 different news reports from that time. He responded to several follow-ups by comparing Senator Clinton to Eleanor Roosevelt and quoting those news accounts, in what was obviously a prepared defense, never addressing the issue of sniper fire.
The thing about reporters is, they don't like it when you ignore their questions. After the umpteenth attempt, Wolfson finally relented that she "...might have, possibly, misspoken."
If a candidate gets overly cagey or defensive about a question like this, it sets off alarms. Ickes responded almost angrily to two Bosnia questions today, referring the first to yesterday's transcript, and cutting me off halfway through mine. Now, The Hill is reporting that the Clinton campaign is in "Lockdown mode" over this story.
The press smells blood on this. This Presidential campaign has been a series of fireworks shows for the media. Just as the embers of the Reverend Wright story cool and drift to earth, along comes Sinbad and Sheryl Crow, and an imaginary production of "Full Metal Jacket" starring Hillary Clinton.
It's a big deal because sometimes when you play "Gotcha!", as the late, lamented Omar Little would say, "You get got."
Update: See David Knowles' story for Hillary's latest statement on this. How quickly would this thing have died if she had just said this from the start?
Here's the original video again, followed by another video from 2/29/08:
Recent Comments
(Page 1 of 6)jpgoodrow6:25PMMar 25th 2008
I AM FAR MORE CONCERNED WITH OBAMA LIES ABOUT REZKO donating nearly a QUARTER OF A MILLION DOLLARS in illegal campaign contributions to Obama, while Obama claimed it was only $150K than I am with Clinton's tax returns.
And why does the media cover-up every Obama scandal while headlining and swift boating Clinton's every move??
tfitz10176:26PMMar 25th 2008
A little nicer about this than I have been but that's ok.
She used this as a 'set piece' to demonstrate what a take charge involved first lady she was. How could they have thought that the video wouldn't turn up? How, even if her memories have gotten all shmooshed together, could a light have not gone on when she remembered that chelsea, sheryl crow, and sinbad for gods sake, were all along for the trip?
If we want a gal that has landed in some hot lzs, how about nancy sinatra. She'd do the 'boots' song in a minefield if they asked her to!
The whole thing of the video puzzles me. Are they crazy? They make way too much money to be considered stupid. I lost sound on the chelsea video. Just one mans opinion but I've always thought chelsea was kinda cute. Now it appears she has visited the same surgeon as mom with those cheekbones. At least she didn't have her eyebrows pinned up like moms.
This is all very weird.
CARLA6:26PMMar 25th 2008
I THINK AMERICANS NEED TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT CLINTON'S SO CALLED EXPERIENCE. SHE HAD NO CLEARANCE TO DO SOME OF THE THINGS SHE CLAIM TO HAVE DONE...AND WHY IS SO MUCH BLACKED OUT ON HER FIRST LADY PAPERS. WHAT IS IT THAT HILL IS HIDING? CLINTON WILL DO ANYTHING TO WIN...ANYTHING!!!! SHE IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHAT WE DON'T NEED AS PRESIDENT!!! SAME OLD CLINTON TRICKS!!! YOU CAN'T WIN CLINTON...TRY GOING HOME AND CONTROLING THAT UGLY MAN OF YOURS
tfitz10176:28PMMar 25th 2008
jpgoodrow, none of what you said is true. Just keep on firing charges if you like but repeating them over and over does not make them true. $250k is clinton chum change BTW. You realize this, don't you?
Chaz6:33PMMar 25th 2008
I can understand if someone "Misspoke" once about a certain event, but not 4 separate times. Sorry Hilary.
ptyson6:35PMMar 25th 2008
While people are talking about Obama and Rezko, what about Hillary and Whitewater....Hmmm?
mrbline6:37PMMar 25th 2008
Mr Christopher,
I agree. This was a mole hill, if indeed it was misspoken, but when used as an example of being battle ready it becomes a bit more serious. Is it serious enough to put a campaign in "lockdown?" It shouldn't be, and that is where the real story lies.
Being an unfortunate casualty of an economy spiraling downward, I have had a rare opportunity to watch all of this unfold in the media, and frankly it scares me how jaws are made of glass in supposedly seasoned and vetted candidates. If the behavior in the primaries (this isn't even "the show")is unprofessional now, what will it be come January 20,2009?
Maybe Jerry Springer should moderate the petty mess the DNC has allowed to happen.
fsgeiger6:37PMMar 25th 2008
she stretches the truth when she feels it will benefit her and hurt someone else. she will stop at nothing and stoop as low as she can to crawl in the white house thankfully obama has stopped her
Sheila6:39PMMar 25th 2008
Hillary was caught in a lie. Let's tell it like it is. She lied to exaggerate her experience. It is one of several lies as it seems her schedules indicate she wasn't involved in negotiations and other presidential responsibilities as she claimed. A lie is a lie. Stop it Hillary. Stop lying and stop attacking other people's character to build yourself up. Its not appealing and will not garnish votes. I am very dissappointed in you and President Clinton and I voted for him twice. You will not get my vote.
Hako6:40PMMar 25th 2008
It was many years ago, and Hillary has been to many, many countries. I don't know how much I would remember with clarity. I have already gotten confused over the details of my vacation last year. That said, the story may have gotten better in her memory, or confused with another incident. Andrea Mitchell was there, and reported that they were informed there was sniper fire in the nearby hills. The airplane took an alternate route, and the ceremony was moved indoors.
All in all, it's a tempest in a teacup. The Obama people are trying to make a mountain out of a dirt clod. She WAS there.....visiting the troops. That's what really matters to me.
tfitz10176:46PMMar 25th 2008
Yeah Hako, but was she in these many countries with Sinbad and Sheryl Crow? I can't believe the state dept. allowed them to take Sinbad into the dangerous area. Where could we find another light skin black guy who doesn't curse in public and makes us feel safe?
There. I made an Obama joke!
fsgeiger6:50PMMar 25th 2008
hey hako no one forgets sniper fire only a liar would make up a story like that to get publicity. she is just like bill remember " i did not have sex with that woman"
sdennis6:58PMMar 25th 2008
I've heard an acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. Looks like neither does a walnut. Hillary and Bill's daughter evidently can't remember her own trip and has to rely on what Mom says. She's as bad as the rest of her family. If Hillary doesn't know when she's in actual danger, how is supposed to know if the country is in real danger or something she just imaginged?. This scares me. The country needs someone who can look at a situation with clearity and not emotional panic.
LKLEX7:05PMMar 25th 2008
Anyone who truly supports the principle of EQUALITY OF RIGHTS ought to ask why Hillary Clinton should even be eligible to be elected President and serve as Commander-in-Chief. Because of her sex, she was exempt from the most onerous burden of citizenship and was never required to register for the draft. Tens of thousands of her male contemporaries were not nearly as fortunate, many perishing in the hellhole of Vietnam. Since being elected to the US Senate, Ms. Clinton has done NOTHING to end male-only Selective Service registration -- the most egregious extant sex discrimination under federal law. She did, however, vote to send AMERICAN SOLDIERS TO IRAQ, thousands of whom (nearly all male) have since been killed. I have little doubt that if elected President, Ms. Clinton (THE LEADING RECIPIENT OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DEFENSE CONTRACTORS) will readily send MEN -- like expendable drones -- to fight and die to protect and preserve HER freedom. A vote for Hillary Clinton is a vote for HYPOCRISY...and SEXISM.
suzanne7:07PMMar 25th 2008
Tommy, Tommy ,Tommy, how did I know it was going to be on your blog?
OK... lets get this straight we are wondering if Hillary Clinton took sniper fire in Bosnia during an extremely dangerous time in that country or
if Obama has enough sun screen on as he lays in the sun on the nude beach in St. Thomas?
Has Barack Obama ever been to any war zone?
Has he ever been to Bosnia?
I am really just curious? I really don't know.
brazen7:09PMMar 25th 2008
stop giving Hillary a free pass. this incident should let everyone know what she is; a LIAR. she has never been on any plane that landed anywhere that bullets were flying. this was a prepared statement she wanted to put out there to show how brave and capable she is. hopefully the media will not let it go as a slight misspoken remark. whoa, gotta get out of here now before the snipers start firing again.
dave perry7:14PMMar 25th 2008
No, Hillary, you didn't make a mistake. You lied.
jpgoodrow7:15PMMar 25th 2008
I HAVE YET TO SEE OBAMA DEMONSTRATE ENOUGH LEADERSHIP to be trusted to dog-sit much less lead our nation. His supporters can bury theri nhead at his growing scandals if they wish, and McCain will be the next president.
Obama's Plagiarism, Rezko ethical lapses, NAFTA lies and hypocrisy, a wife who has never been proud of her country until Obama yet wants to be First Lady, Farrakhan, Rev. Wright...
A good Preacher does not a President make.
Hillary '08
Because America Needs A President, Not A Preacher
dave perry7:17PMMar 25th 2008
Clinton will get out of this relatively unscathed because she is unapologetic. Obama would have hemmed and hawed, because he would have been embarrassed (and rightfully so). Clinton knows how to play the game. Hopefully, her lies and dirty tricks will catch up with her.
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David S.6:20PMMar 25th 2008
What all this comes down to is the Democratic party is tearing itself apart. A few more months of this endless ugly fighting, and we are going to be finished as a party for some time.
All we will succeed in doing is handing the White House to another Republican in November - one who will obvioulsy continue the policies of Bush. No, most Americans don't want that, but what else are we Democrats offering the voters? Hell, I am a Democrat, and can honestly say McCain right now is the most civilized candidate.