Who's
afraid of Hillary?
THE frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, Rudolph Giuliani,
has attacked Hillary Clinton’s attempts to represent herself as a new “Iron
Lady” by accusing her of surrendering to the hard left over the Iraq war.
Giuliani flies into London this week to give the inaugural Margaret Thatcher
lecture, organised by the Atlantic Bridge think tank. He will be awarded the
Margaret Thatcher medal of freedom by the original Iron Lady, 81, who is
revered by American conservatives.
The former New York mayor has accused Clinton of pandering to left-wing
Democrats by casting doubt on the testimony of General David Petraeus, the
commander of American forces in Iraq, on the progress of the US troop surge.
“I don’t think Margaret Thatcher would impugn the integrity of a commanding
general in a time of war, as Hillary Clinton did, or require an army to give
a schedule of their retreat to the enemy, as the Democrats are suggesting,”
said Giuliani.
He went on the offensive against Clinton after she said Petraeus’s report
required “the willing suspension of disbelief”. He won praise from
Republicans by claiming she was echoing MoveOn.org, a left-wing group, which
attacked General “Betray Us” in a full-page advertisement in The New York
Times for “cooking the books” on behalf of the White House.
Giuliani took out his own full-page advertisement on Friday, accusing Clinton
of “spewing political venom” against a decorated soldier committed to
defending America.
When Clinton launched her presidential bid, Terry McAuliffe, her campaign
chairman, said she would be as tough as Thatcher on national security. But
the New York senator has been under pressure from Barack Obama and other
Democratic rivals over her Senate vote in favour of authorising the Iraq
war. She refused to condemn MoveOn.org, despite widespread criticism of its
advert.
Leon Panetta, Bill Clinton’s former White House chief of staff and a member of
the Iraq Study Group, set up last year to advise on strategy, said Democrats
should “certainly dissociate themselves” from MoveOn.org’s attack on
Petraeus.
But Panetta also claimed “Hillary is more like Thatcher” than Giuliani. “Women
who have been leaders in recent history have been pretty tough ladies and
that certainly fits Hillary Clinton. They have to be tough on national
security in order to survive the kind of attacks that the Rudy Giulianis
will bring against them.”
“America’s mayor”, as Giuliani was called after the September 11 terror
strikes of 2001, has galvanised Republicans with his attacks on Clinton when
he is under pressure from Fred Thompson, the latest entrant to the 2008
presidential race. Giuliani contends that he is the only candidate able to
defeat Clinton by challenging her across America. Thompson, the former
senator for Tennessee and a Hollywood actor, is picking up strong support
from social conservatives in the South.
Addressing voters in Atlanta, Georgia, last week, Giuliani said: “I’m the only
Republican who can carry out a 50-state campaign. If we nominate one of the
other candidates, the Democrats can run a 20-25 state campaign against us.”
Giuliani vowed to make New York, New Jersey, California, Oregon and
Connecticut competitive for Republicans for the first time in years. He also
brushed off criticism that he is too socially liberal on issues such as
abortion and gun control to be acceptable to the Republican party base.
“It is an extreme asset to be the candidate with the most experience in this
race. I’m running against three Democrats who have never run a city, never
run a state and never run a business,” Giuliani said.
The polls support his contention that he is the best placed candidate to
defeat Clinton. Nevertheless, she has not only opened a formidable lead
against Obama, her nearest Democratic rival, but is also moving ahead of her
Republican opponents. The latest polls show the former first lady cruising
ahead of Giuliani by 48% to 44% and crushing Thompson by 51% to 42%.
But Giuliani’s fightback has given Republicans heart. In the current issue of
The Weekly Standard, a neoconservative magazine, Matthew Connetti writes
that Giuliani’s bold “politics of confrontation” against Clinton “emphasises
to conservatives that he is on their side”.
George Will, a leading conservative commentator, claimed last week Thompson
would be like “new Coke” when it launched in 1985. “Then the question was:
is this product necessary? A similar question stumped Thompson the day he
plunged [into the White House race].”
Will has described Giuliani’s conservatism as having “the flavour of Margaret
Thatcher’s, of whom it was said she could not pass a government institution
without swatting it with her handbag”.
Thompson beat Giuliani to a meeting with Thatcher last summer. The baroness’s
blessing is eagerly sought by Republican candidates, who regard her as an
earthly representative of the late President Ronald Reagan. Unlike the other
candidates, however, Giuliani was awarded an honorary knighthood by the
Queen in 2002 for his steadfastness during the 9/11 attacks.
Anthony Carbonetti, Giuliani’s senior policy adviser, said Giuliani would
emphasise the “common goals” shared by Britain and America in his lecture.
“We’ve both been attacked and our freedoms are linked. This is a fight we
need to win.”
See clips of Giuliani v Clinton clash at
Giuliani's campaign site
Other
clips of the Giuliani campaign can be seen
The polls support his contention that he is the best placed candidate to defeat Clinton. Nevertheless, she has not only opened a formidable lead against Obama, her nearest Democratic rival, but is also moving ahead of her Republican opponents. The latest polls show the former first lady cruising ahead of Giuliani by 48% to 44% and crushing Thompson by 51% to 42%.
This proves that Giuliani is a joke, just like Margaret Thatcher was. Giuliani has no position on any policy other then "I was mayer on 9/11". The only reason he is attacking Clinton is because he is running scared...just like he always has.
Devin Leonard, Albuquerque, NM., USA
peaceful Tom...what a lovely chocolate box you live in.....sweet!!! Can I come to your party too! I wish life was so easy!
Like it or not we are linked to the US.... remember Tony poodle?
What you seem to forget is what happens over the pond impacts on us too!
sm, london, england
Fred in 2008 is the only answer. Hillary or Obama, wow what a choice. Kinda like , "would you like a punch in the left eye or the right eye" Wake up folks!!
Dano, Cambridge, ON,
...by saying ''decorated soldier committed to defending America'' did he mean soldier in Iraq? :-) No soldier in Iraq is defending America. They attacked Iraq for the oil. Nothing to do with defending America...
Peter , Manchester, UK
Interesting how Giuliani calls 70% percent of Americans "Left". Who does he think will vote for him?
jojo, Seattle,
I am a conservative republican who believes no issue is more urgent than that of the state sponsored murder we have going on in our country called abortion. If Giuliani gets the nomination, I can't in good conscience cast a vote for him no matter who he's running against. I know of many who feel the same way. Giuliani would fare much better as a democrat.
Kyle Barnhill, Nacogdoches, USA / Texas
is there a new rule of journalism that says any/all/every criticism of HRC must be labeled an "attack"? it is not by accident - attack is a code word that her strategist continually use to deflect critics and avoid addressing the issues raised. The compliant press uses attack in nearly all columns about HRC. Pearl Harbor & Sep 11 were attacks. Not one column accused her of attacking the general. She makes snide comments daily & never are they called attacks...most are called responses to attacks. Victimology is not a strong suit.
Tom Green, Winnetka, IL USA
It's odd Giuliani should be saying Clinton is not the "iron lady". Every time the Republicans get in trouble over this crazy Iraq war, they always bleat "Hillary voted for it", and try to hide behind her skirts.
JIm, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
Hillary is just the same as her husband; say anything to get elected, scandal after scandal involving money only to be cleaned up by the liberal left press, then take the credit for the conservative measures to preserve our economy by giving away tax money milked off those who work hard to buy herself votes. Go ahead and install the turnstill at the Lincoln Bedrom, the Clintons are back and selling tickets again!
Roger, Atlanta , GA
go rudy
gman, gray, me
American politics are best left to the Americans
Peaceful Tom, Bershire, UK
Politics of guilt by assumed association won't work this time.
Dennis, Des Moines, USA Iowa
It looks more and more like the Dems are going to be stupid enough to run Hillary Clinton and that excites me so. If that happens, the media will be able to do NOTHING to discourage conservatives from going to the polls. Clinton haters? Darn right we are, millions and millions of us who retch at the thought of them back in the White House. Thinking Democrats should be very worried. Those dirtbags will never occupy the oval office again. Sensible Americans will see to that.
James Price, Montgomery, USA/ Alabama
Both Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Giuliani are members of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and thus, are not to be trusted with the sovereignty of the United States; the CFR is aimed toward one world government, much like the Tavistock Institute and the RIIA. The only candidate for U.S. president with a speck of decency and humanity (and humility) is Congressman Ron Paul. If you are not familiar with his views, then Google Ron Paul. He is the best chance we have; otherwise we are sunk as a sovereign nation.
zenpiper, New York, New York, U.S.A.
An 'iron lady' must be tough on terrorism. the clinton 'do nothing' policy which ignored all the terrorists attacks during their disgraceful years in the White House and led to 9-11 should not be ignored. The clinton's emboldened the terrorists and will do so again because they don't have a backbone or the necesssary guts to confront terrorism!! She's no iron lady...she's a lady full of hot air!
fl jones, riverside, usa/ca
Love what Guilliani had to say. He is correct and Hillary is a shrill, self absorbed, power hungry, embarrassment. Hillary is nothing like Thatcher. The two names should never even be mentioned in the same sentence. Hillary hates the military, hates capitalism and has openly stated that she wishes to turn the US into a socialist nation. She will destroy the economy, significantly weaken the military, and her actions will encourage and enable serious terrorist attacks (just like her husband).
Tom Simpson, Atlanta, GA, USA
Both Guuliani and Clinton will only bring more of the same. We as a people and a nation need help-and change. Vote Ron Paul
John, Boise, ID
From my perspective Maggie Thatcher was the one who kicked the slackers out of the house and said get to work, take some risks. She was the "Iron lady" who delivered a swift message tpo the "Nanny State" and also said to the Argentinian generals-"Don' t try to solve your domestic problems by coming after the Falkland Islands. Hillary wants to build up a "Nanny" state in a country that used to pride itself in self reliance and wants to send a signal that the US has no fight in it.
Tom, New York,
For the 1st time, I'm watching a presidential race from afar. Nothing changes. Same old personal attacks lacking in honesty and filled with attempts to get us off the real subject.
Guiliani appears to have learned the Karl Rove "Slit their Throats" policies so common to recent Republican candidates who lack real issues. Now he's hiding behind Thatcher? What are HER policies for the U.S.A.? And who cares? I'd like to know what HIS policies are, and how much money he's made off the victims of 9/11. Why doesn't he talk about THOSE little bits he's adept at avoiding?
Charles Goldstein, johannesburg, south africa
Rudy is the person of the time and needs be elected President. Mrs. Clinton on the other hand has no leadership skills. She doesn't take a stand until she takes a poll. Pandering to the left will make her unacceptable to most Americians and emphacize her camelon characteristics. SHE AIN'T NO MARGARET THATCHER by a long shot.. Try Madame Dafarge on her as it fits. Rudy has the forthrightness and the leadersip skills for the US in these dangerous times.
Skylark, new york, NEW YORK
the new “Iron Ladyâ€.......yet she will not appear on Fox News.
Unbelievable.
J.T. Anderson, atlanta,
Ghouliani is only a front runner because the mainstream media say so. Looking more closely, particularly at the straw polls conducted in various states, would show that Ron Paul has tremendous grass roots support. I've been following the debates for some time now and cannot help but admire Paul's integrity, intelligence & commitment to fundamental values that America was created under.
I wish there were politicians like him here.
Paul Knight, Dundee, Scotland
Amazing... Rudy "freedom is about authority" Giuliani wins a medal of freedom!
Sam, Chicago, USA
Thompson is my preferred candidate but I'll take Rudy the RINO before I'd settle for Hitlary or Husseini Oblahma
Steve Reeves, Fredericksburg, TX
How soon the slimy administration of the Clintons is forgotten. Corruption, abuse of women, stolen/lost files, campaign laws violated, mysterous people dying left/right, and on and on.
And not to mention the socialization of the company and the ruining of the Health Care System.
Also...........I'd like to hear more about Hilarry's military service .....or......about the companies, cities, or states where she has been the executive. Unqualifed and unfit!
Larry, Atlanta, GA
Thatcher is "iron" on her principles. The only thing "lady" clinton is "iron" on is her pure-bred ambition. Her principles (if any exist) have been, and will be again, subverted her quest for power.
T Como, Church Point , LA
Two words...RON PAUL!
Joe Six-Pack, Houston, TX, USA
yes she is not margaret tacher she is right wing cliton is progreive strong women
mesno, Ottawa, canada
From a conservative's POV, Guilani is too progressive, regardless of what he says; whereas Thompson is truly the conservative's candidate. Also, having participated in many American polls, I can assure you that the devious way the questions are worded, there is little room for the conservative voter to express their opinions. Is it any surprise that one of the most highly respected pollsters wrongly forecast Bush to be defeated? And that isn't a first for that particular pollster. The bottom line: don't believe the hype out there!
J. Frank Nelson, Oneida Cty, NY -- USA
It does not speek well of candidates that try to have their cake and eat it too.
Hillary's attempt to be the "Iron Lady" while belittling the General she voted to confirm speaks volumnes about her opportunism.
I need a more principled leader with real positions on matters of national interest who does not grand stand.
Bob, Arlington,
Hillary doesn't have to surrender to the hard left - she IS the hard left!
Steve, Dallas, Texas
Giuliani is a tough guy, but practical. Mama Red Hillary is a phoney.
Kennard Collier, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
It is time for ALL Republicans and Independents to unite behind Giuliiani for the good of the party and the country. That is the ONLY real chance of beating Hilariy Clinton and serving the national interest. No other Republican at the moment has his wide appeal or his reputation for toughness in the critical hour
of attack from terror and IReligious Fascism..
Dr. Minoo Adenwalla, Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Hillary was right to challenge what General Petraeus reported to Congress and she should show how tough she really is by standing firm on what she said.
In fact, she should turn the issue back on Rudy Guiliani and say that if he isn't tough enough to look a general in the eye and challenge him (or her) when the facts don't jibe with a report, then he isn't tough enough to be President. After all, Americans do not elect Presidents to do the bidding of generals. Civilians must make policy and be willing to call out a general if they are not providing a fair assessment of a critical situation.
Most importantly, Hillary should say what it was about his presentation that she did not believe. What about his case required "the willing suspension of disbelief?" By articulating that specifically, she will move the issue from the general's integrity to the facts and gain the upper ground.
Paul F., Alexandria, USA / Virginia
Hillary is no "Iron Lady". She sounds, however, like a tin horn. Have you heard her nasty, strident voice lately?
Patrick Curry, Irvine, CA
Rudy Giuliani is hard as nails, wiped out crime in NYC while mayor. If Rudy Giuliani was incharge of this city he would go down hard on the street gangs here in London. I hope he wins the Republican Nomination. Would love to see him in London, anywhere u know where he will be ?
Ian, London, UK
Who in the World has heard of Giuliani before 911? He has no moral or political authority to be the next President. We American do not need anybody from the Republican party. Republicans are a danger to Americans.
Robin Cook, dayton, HO
It is particularly galling that Guiliani would fault Clinton for impugning the integrity of a decorated war hero in light of the assaults on John Kerry by the "Swift Boat veterans" during the campaign for the last US presidential election.
jude Ziliak, London,
Hillary is a complete and total boor, who is pretending to be something she is not. She is a socialist that will be the US in to the same shape that most of Europe is. She thinks the American people are dumb, as she seems to say whatever each separate group of listeneners want to hear. God help the USA if she is elected, and God help the rest of the world. She is bad news, and hardly the "iron lady" she is trying to portray.
William Goodman, El Paso, TX, USA
H. Clinton should either say moveon.org is right in the current campaign against the American Military, or say that moveon.org is wrong. There is no middle, yes or no. Certainly knows the difference between yes and no. The norm is for political pro's such as the former first lady forming a committee to study and another committee to study the study and so on and so on. She should answer yes or no or drop her plans to run for President of the United States.
Bob White, Piedmont, Oklahoma
Neither of the Clinton's have ever taken responsibility for anything. It is always someone elses fault. If she is inaugurated, terrorists will celebrate and prepare to terror bomb America's cities. I just hope they start with Democrat sanctuary cities. A few million dead liberals might wake up America--but I doubt it.
Howard, Mandeville, USA/La
The only thing Hillary & Thatcher have in common is they're both women. Hillary has sold her soul to the looney left in order to win the nomination.
FYI...Poll numbers at this point mean absolutely nothing...I firmly believe that Fred Thompson can beat Hillary (her negative numbers are at about 50%!). And yes Giuliani would beta her too, although I don't see him winning the GOP nomination...
Dennis, Tennessee, USA
Let's see....Hillary has'nt got the guts to face tough questions from a Fox News Debate format but we're suppose to believe that she can handle Iraq, North Korea, Syria, China's military build-up, etc. Pleeeeezzzz!!!!!
Phil Jensen, rapid city, S. D.
If elected, she'll be only the second US president in history who does not have any convictions whatsoever that are not related to polling data. (Hint: the first one was impeached by the House, disbarred and found in contempt of a court)
Mike, Los Angeles, CA
Miss Hillary is ONLY tough on people that threaten Miss Hillary.Her attack machine,mostly retreads from her "husband's" terms,are relentless,have no boundaries,no scruples.Her spinelessness in regards to the ultra-pink, moveon crowd,shows her true colors.When she has visited Iraq,soldiers had to be FORCED to dine with her,ordered to be anywhere near her,mostly.Yeh,a few chick-types in uniform were willy,REMF types.No warriors can stand the sight of her.Her DOCUMENTED LOATHING of the military forces can not be painted over by words.Only her deeds speak-and they speak volumes of a haridan that is power-mad and money grubbing.I pray the USA is spared this dreadful creature.I LOVED Thatcher,and she is no Thatcher.Lady Thatcher is an icon of foritude,courage and all that is great about the UK.
George H.Hill, St.Augustine, Florida
It just goes to show the republican slime machine is just getting warmed up to and ready to engage in gutter poliics.They do this because they know there weak and recycled on all the issues that concern Americans today.Its amazing how threatend the party leaders are of Hillary Clinton and all the other presidental democratic candidates.As well they should be,Hillary is a amazing leader with skills and intelligence the nation is now craving for the next leader of te free world.If elected president,in my opinion Hillary will go down in history as one of the best and brightest leaders of modern contemperary times.She will make america proud!!!
catina bustos, thornton, colorado
Go RUDY!!
You cleaned up NYC, made it better than Disneyland. Bad guys better leave town!
Dana, canandaigua, NY
Yea, Giulini is a real tough guy. Ask about how he got out of getting drafted by claiming he had a vital job in the US attorneys office reviewing draft cases, DUH?????? He's quite the loser and a dud in as a man!
Frank, Amherst, United States
Hitlerliary klintinov is nothing but a dispicable animal not worthy of stepping over or stepping on. Like a bug, squashed in the street.
Americans hate her and her husband.
we love Rudy, our next President.
Margaret Wilkinson, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Goed that Hillary an iron lady is, Mr.Guillani,then she'll be a tough Mrs. US President of America!!!Fantastic news.
Caroline, Tilburg, The Netherlands
The statement from the article: "The latest polls show the former first lady cruising ahead of Giuliani by 48% to 44%..." could be rephrased more accurately as, "Guiliani and Clinton are effectively tied within the margin of polling error."
kevin o kane, cedar falls, ia, usa